Transcript Highlights:

• distillers to use when a wholesaler violates the payment terms set out in their contracts or letters of agreement
• wholesaler must pay the invoice amount according to the agreed payment terms of a contract or letter of agreement
• committee's substitute requires that payments be paid according to their contracts or contractual agreements

Bills: SB8, SB650, SB667, SB779, SB1349, SB1355, SB1378, SB1585, SB1721, SB2312

Keywords: immigration enforcement, ICE agreements, sheriff grants, law enforcement, county jail, federal immigration law, China, Chinese-affiliated entities, Chinese military companies, People's Republic of China, Chinese Communist Party, divestment, state pension funds, public retirement systems, Teacher Retirement System, Employees Retirement System, Permanent School Fund, Texas Comptroller, foreign investment, national security

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs resumed consideration of several pending bills, first taking up Senate Bills 667, 1349, 1585, and 2312. After inviting testimony had already been heard, no members of the public came forward to testify on any of those measures, and the committee closed public testimony and left all four bills pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1355, which Senator Parker explained as a committee substitute aimed at helping Texas distillers recover unpaid invoices from wholesalers. The substitute would require distillers to invoice at the time of purchase, send a demand letter if payment terms are violated, and allow complaints to be filed with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, which could determine an appropriate penalty based on the facts. Natasha Dehart of Bent Distilling Company testified in support, describing serious cash-flow problems and unpaid invoices from a Texas wholesaler that had forced layoffs, late vendor payments, and operational strain. No one testified against the bill, and it was left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1378, a narrowly tailored local bill for a Carrollton facility recently acquired by Sazerac that employs more than 1,000 Texans. Senator Parker said the bill would create a limited exemption to avoid forcing the company to shut down or move because of current permit restrictions, while preserving the three-tier system and preventing the company from selling wine to itself. A Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission resource witness said the bill was drafted so it would not open the door to broader industry changes. Mason Moreland testified against the bill as filed, arguing it gave special treatment to one company and failed to address broader problems in the wine industry, including direct-to-consumer sales and permit issues. After questions from senators, public testimony closed and SB 1378 was left pending. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Another example we have is cooperative agreements between Ecology and the water users group to limit
• So to give you one example of that within the merger bill that Amanda just mentioned, separating the
• impacts from the merger provisions from the COLA provisions.
• Merger is a combining of the assets and liabilities of two or more plans into one big plan.
• For the merger bill 5085, there are no expected impacts since the funds stay within the CTF.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a work session covering the state revenue outlook, caseload forecasts, wildfire costs, budget balance, tort liability, water supply, and pension policy. The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council reported modest near-term U.S. growth, no near-term Washington employment growth in 2026, continued personal income growth, and elevated inflation, with tariffs and federal policy cited as major risks. Revenue forecasts were slightly improved for the current biennium by about $105 million but down about $185 million for the next biennium. Members asked about income inequality and housing permits; staff said personal income is an aggregate measure and housing production remains below long-term needs. The Caseload Forecast Council then reported that most forecasts were unchanged or only slightly changed, but several programs increased, including Washington College Grant, Working Connections, aged/blind/disabled cash grants, nursing homes, home and community services, and developmental disabilities personal care. The largest policy-driven change was in Medicaid low-income adult caseloads, where federal H.R. 1 was projected to reduce coverage substantially through narrower eligibility, community engagement requirements, and shorter eligibility periods. The committee also heard a wildfire funding update and a 2025 fire season review. Staff explained that the state budgets $93 million annually for suppression and uses supplemental appropriations for costs above that level, with an estimated state supplemental need of about $139 million for the current year. Department of Natural Resources officials said 2025 fire activity remained below the 10-year average in acres burned, but fires were more complex and closer to communities, contributing to higher residence loss. They described expanded use of aircraft, firefighters from other states, corrections crews, and the Arcadia 20 hand crew, and said the state did not need National Guard ground support this year. A budget preview then showed that the near general fund outlook had worsened after vetoes, lapses, and forecast changes, and that maintenance-level costs alone would leave a projected negative balance by fiscal year 2027 and about $4.3 billion by fiscal year 2029, before any policy decisions. Jason Seams, the state risk manager, reported a sharp rise in tort claim costs, with indemnity expenses nearly doubling from fiscal year 2023 to 2025 and DCYF accounting for most of the increase. He said the state self-insurance liability account has run deficits for four straight biennia and is now facing nearly $600 million in deficits, driven largely by a surge in DCYF claims, especially juvenile rehabilitation and long-running sex abuse cases. Members asked about the role of old claims, comparisons with other states, excess insurance, and whether more Attorney General staff could reduce special assistant attorney general costs. The committee then shifted to water policy, hearing from tribal leaders, Ecology, and the Washington Water Trust. Tribal witnesses emphasized overappropriation, declining flows, climate impacts, and the need for legislative oversight and tribal participation in water policy. Ecology described major projects in the Odessa sub-area, Yakima Basin, and Dungeness, along with the need for storage, recharge, conservation, and policy changes to support water supply development. The Washington Water Trust argued that climate change is reducing summer flows and that the state needs more funding, enforcement, and long-term commitment to restore instream flows. The final item was a pension update on LEOFF 1 surplus assets; staff reviewed two 2025 bills that would have merged or restructured the plan and used surplus assets, but neither passed, and instead the budget directed the Select Committee on Pension Policy to study the issue and report back.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's part of a global education agreement with the Senate to increase teacher pay by $2,000 by increasing
• So even though they are tied together in agreement, this strikes it from being tied together in the statutory
• So, yes, it is a verbal agreement as well as, I mean, So, yes, it is a verbal agreement as well as, I
• the majority caucus had a press conference with the governor last week talking about the budget agreement
• , this was part of the budget agreement we discussed, was a $25 million increase to the Parental Choice

Bills: SB169, SB201, SB1290, SB1377, SB1991, SB2060

Keywords: longevity pay, state employees, Oklahoma government, salary increase, emergency declaration, minimum salary, education funding, teacher compensation, Oklahoma education, salary schedule, 2-1-1 services, revolving fund, Department of Human Services, crisis pregnancy, abortion, legal funding, foster care, duffel bags, personal belongings, children's welfare

Summary: The committee took up several Senate bills and adopted multiple amendments, including a contested amendment process on Senate Bill 201. An objection was raised that an amendment had not been filed by the prior-day deadline under Rule 76C, but the chair ruled the objection not well taken, citing the chair’s authority to waive the timing requirement. The amendment to the amendment, offered by Speaker Hilbert, deleted Section 2 of the bill, removing statutory language that tied the teacher-pay measure to House Bill 3705 and the broader budget agreement. Members discussed that the underlying agreement still linked the measures politically, including a $25 million increase to the Parental Choice Tax Credit and a $2,000 increase to the minimum salary schedule for teachers. After clarification that the bill applied to certified personnel except for positions listed in the amendment, SB 201 passed the committee 29-0. The committee then approved Senate Bill 1290, which strengthens the 211 hotline system by clarifying oversight, improving coordination and service delivery, addressing access gaps, and supporting better funding and emergency responsiveness. Senate Bill 169 also passed after amendment; it increases longevity pay for state employees by 50% for designated years of service beginning in fiscal year 2027. Senate Bill 1377, which requires DHS to provide duffel bags to children in foster care as part of the budget, passed after members asked whether the bags would remain the child’s property and whether the bags would be standardized; the sponsor said the bags would belong to the child but did not know the procurement details. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1991, described as an OMES/Oklahoma cleanup bill that consolidates existing functionality and revenues under a common umbrella without changing the substantive sources or purposes of the funds. After a question confirming it was only a cleanup measure, the bill passed 29-0. Senate Bill 2060 was laid over until the next day, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> district mergers. district mergers.
• What we tried to do instead was remove disincentives to mergers.
• Is the merger support funding a reimbursement or an outlay?
• Um, is merger support a reimbursement or an outlay from the state?
• ,</c> anticipated in the bill around mergers, anticipated in the bill around mergers, which<00:28:50.000

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So think about a merger, acquisition, expansion into new markets to amend the documents, uh, and they
• So think about a merger, incorporation.
• timeline for which those agreements need to be signed.
• One of those was a requirement to have this buyer agency agreement signed before showing a home.
• </c><00:15:11.120><c> signed</c> have this buyer agency agreement signed have this buyer agency agreement

Keywords: Business and Financial Institutions - Room 210; 28 January, 2026: 2:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislature has given us original jurisdiction to hear petitions to vacate settlement agreements.
• These settlement agreements can come at any time in any decade, and that original jurisdiction carries
• The legislature has given us original jurisdiction to hear petitions to vacate settlement agreements.
• These settlement agreements can come at any time in any decade, and that original jurisdiction carries
• </c><00:36:25.760><c> process</c> relatively new unit merger process relatively new unit merger process

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, in terms of the merger, um, I think that this is a needed piece of legislation.
• Um, in terms of the merger, um, I think that this is a needed piece of legislation.
• Um, in terms of the merger, um, I think that this is a needed piece of legislation.
• Um, in terms of the merger, um, I think that this is a needed piece of legislation.
• Um, in terms of the merger, um, I think that this is a needed piece of legislation.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We believe the investment and partnership in the proposed agreement will provide the financial resources
• As far as the merger agreement itself goes, it's anticipated to close if it's approved by the end of
• However, the agreement does contemplate that it could be extended. by the end of the year.
• However, the agreement does contemplate that it could be extended out into March of 2027, which would
• case, it's very possible that it may reject this merger, in which case this study will be available

Bills: HB303, SB96, HM6

Keywords: public utility, certificate of public convenience and necessity, certificate of need, Public Regulation Commission, PRC, utility regulation, ratemaking, energy storage, battery storage, grid reliability, renewable energy, transmission, distribution, generation plant, utility expansion, service territory, mutual domestic water consumer association, economic development department, clean energy, fossil fuel reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• once the foundation formula is in, details around school construction, and recommended groupings of merger
• construction, uh recommended<00:02:36.240><c> groupings</c><00:02:36.840><c> of</c><00:02:37.040><c> merger
• </c> recommended groupings of merger recommended groupings of merger committees<00:02:37.920><c> among
• clear affirmative act signifying a consumer's freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous agreement
• to allow the processing of agreement to allow the processing of personal<00:10:40.320><c> data</c><00

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We believe the investment and partnership in the proposed agreement will provide financial resources
• As far as the merger agreement itself goes, it's anticipated to close if it's approved by the end of
• However, the agreement does contemplate that it could be extended... By the end of the year.
• However, the agreement does contemplate that it could be extended out into March of 2027, which would
• case, it's very possible that it may reject this merger, in which case this study will be available

Summary: The committee first took up SB 96, which would reduce local zoning, fee, parking, HOA, and sprinkler-related barriers for child care operators and home-based child care facilities. The sponsor and the Early Childhood Education and Care Department said the bill is intended to expand child care access, especially in rural areas and child care deserts, while maintaining safety standards. Firefighters, child care advocates, and other supporters testified in favor, while one member objected to the bill’s limits on local control. The committee asked about “stacking spaces” and parking rules, then approved SB 96 on a 7-4 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 303, as amended, dealing with utility construction and certificate of convenience and necessity timing. Utility representatives from El Paso Electric, Xcel Energy, and PNM, along with consumer and energy groups, supported the bill, saying it would let utilities begin construction before the CCN process is complete, with the utility bearing the risk and no cost recovery if approval is later denied. Members questioned impacts on ratepayers, PRC oversight, co-ops, and the bill’s policy rationale. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed HB 303 as amended unanimously, 11-0. Finally, the committee heard House Memorial 6, as substituted, which asked for a study of private equity involvement in critical utilities and whether the state should consider a direct equity stake in utilities. Supporters argued the memorial would provide independent data before major ownership decisions, citing concerns about private equity acquisitions and the need to protect ratepayers and public interests. Opponents, including utility and business representatives, argued the PRC already has authority and expertise, warned about due process and conflict-of-interest concerns, and said the memorial could create uncertainty for investment. After extensive debate, the committee first tabled the committee substitute and then tabled HM 6 itself on an 8-3 vote, ending consideration of the memorial.

Transcript Highlights:

• This piece of legislation is around the issue that we're seeing with the mergers of hospitals, providers
• We know that these mergers and these acquisitions are important to ensure some services are remaining
• And what we need to do is monitor these mergers to ensure that we're protecting Washingtonians and that
• Acquisitions, mergers, acquisitions, corporate transactions.
• In this broad agreement for what the good member just mentioned, I urge your support of this bill as

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1065, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2134, HB2140, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2219, HB2245, HB2283, HB2343, HB2406, HB2501, HB2574, HB1544, HB1834, HB2156, HB2188, HB2206, HB2478, HJM4012, HB1104, HB1152, HB1254, HB1443, HB1982, HB2006, HB2179, HB2203, HB2297, HB2322, HB2329, HB2379, HB2388, HB2399, HB2462, HB2464, HB2495, HB2544, HB2551, HB2636, HB2192, HB2251, HB2262, HB2266, HB2298, HB2320, HB2323, HB2351, HB2401, HB2405, HB2442, HB2523, HB2593, HB2632, HB2661, HB1496, HB1898, HB2095, HB2157, HB2225, HB2274, HB2311, HB2325, HB2333, HB2476, HB2508, HB2552, HB1343, HB1634, HB1707, HB1906, HB1909, HB2196, HB2244, HB2339, HB2361, HB2384, HB2389, HB2410, HB2468, HB2475, HB2521, HB2548, HB2619, HB2637, HB2720

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, offered the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, approved the prior day’s minutes, and adopted House Resolution 4691 recognizing Presidents’ Day. Supporters of the resolution praised presidential leadership and civic ideals, while one member used the occasion to note the historical harms and contradictions of figures such as Washington, Lincoln, and FDR. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and the House also recognized visiting former legislators and Black leaders in the chamber. The chamber then took up several bills, often suspending the rules to move measures directly to third reading. Second Substitute House Bill 1923, creating a local option for passenger-only ferry districts, passed 84-11 after debate over ferry reliability, local control, and possible tax “stacking.” Substitute House Bill 2475, requiring language-accessible public programs and services, passed 62-33 amid support for access and safety and opposition over unfunded mandates, overregulation, and concerns about technology and assimilation. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2508, clarifying the Office of Independent Investigations’ authority, passed 90-6 after a technical amendment; supporters said it would improve police accountability processes, while some noted remaining concerns about investigations. House Bill 2464, requiring reporting and law-enforcement response data for incidents at private detention facilities, passed 58-38, with supporters emphasizing transparency and critics calling it political and questioning the agency chosen to collect the data. Substitute House Bill 2203, creating reckless interference with emergency barricades, passed 94-2 after testimony about flood rescues and the need for stronger deterrence. Second Substitute House Bill 2384, increasing oversight of continuing care retirement communities, passed 78-14; supporters cited senior protections and solvency, while opponents worried about duplicative costs. Second Substitute House Bill 2333, allowing certain campaign funds to be used for security and related protections for elected officials and candidates, passed 71-21 after debate over political violence and concerns about self-dealing. Second Substitute House Bill 1909, creating a Court Unification Task Force, passed 56-36, with supporters citing inconsistent court administration and opponents defending local control. The House also passed Second Substitute House Bill 1906 on water system rate transparency and consumer protection, 91-1; Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548 on health care market standards and mergers, 53-38; Substitute House Bill 2405 establishing a PTSD pilot program with early treatment and return-to-work provisions, 90-1; and Substitute House Bill 2323 creating a Blue Envelope Program for autistic and neurodiverse drivers during traffic stops, 92-1. Throughout the day, members frequently split along lines of transparency, consumer protection, public safety, local control, and concerns about mandates or regulatory burden.

Transcript Highlights:

• to include interest exchanges and to provide for parent-subsidiary mergers, replaces existing provisions
• It also requires a corporation to maintain in its records certain shareholder agreements and removes
• It authorizes a qualifying locality to enter into an agreement with an electric utility to place new
• The bill requires any such agreement to provide that the locality pay the utility.
• The bill requires any such agreement to provide that the locality pay the utility its full additional

Keywords: House Room A, General Assembly Building, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, these amendments permit the parties to include in a merger agreement a provision that allows the
• </c><01:32:59.280><c> agreement</c><01:32:59.840><c> a</c> to include in a merger agreement a to include
• in a merger agreement a provision<01:33:00.400><c> that</c><01:33:00.639><c> allows</c><01:33:01.040
• </c><01:33:09.960><c> agreement</c><01:33:10.960><c> such</c> has breached the merger agreement such
• has breached the merger agreement such as<01:33:11.280><c> a</c><01:33:11.440><c> failure</c><01:33:11.760

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• agreement, barring Trey from ever speaking about his abuse and the camp's role in it.
• The use of NDAs and settlement agreements is essentially lawful hush money.
• </c><00:21:35.840><c> that</c> ended with a settlement agreement that ended with a settlement agreement
• c> essentially</c> settlement agreements is essentially settlement agreements is essentially lawful<00
• It does outline that agreement.

Bills: HB63, HB19, HB80, HB41, HB20, HB60, HB100, HB71, HB91, HB93, HB63, HB19, HB80, HB41, HB20, HB60, HB100, HB71, HB91, HB93

Keywords: paternity, child custody, joint custody, parental rights, family law, domestic violence, shared parenting, Ebony Alert, missing youth, public safety, law enforcement, racial equity, human trafficking, victim restitution, civil action, criminal prosecution, labor servitude, sexual servitude, class A felony, class B felony

Transcript Highlights:

• I talked about collaborative practice agreements, and the collaborative practice agreement is between
• 47.760><c> the</c> practice agreements and the practice agreements and the collaborative<02:39:48.240
• ,</c> the collaborative practice agreement, the collaborative practice agreement, there<03:30:37.800>
• Um, I give them a lot of credit. jobs type merger. Everyone just they do jobs type merger.
• </c> delivery efficiencies for the merger. delivery efficiencies for the merger.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not I'm not talking about merger.
• 44.640><c> about</c><00:11:44.959><c> stripping</c> mergers.
• Um, was acquired in that first merger.
• </c> and we also primarily conduct our merger and we also primarily conduct our merger reviews<00:23:
• </c> Right now, when we conduct a merger Right now, when we conduct a merger investigation, investigation

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 5092 directs REES to enter into agreements with Texas Tech University to... undertake research
• the institution of higher education shall offer the affected student one diploma from before the merger
• The section applies only if the student graduates within six years from the date of the merger. or the
• However, with an impending merger, acquisitions, or name change, there is uncertainty regarding the institution
• Since the merger was announced, the UTHealth administration shared with us the ways the merger would

Bills: HB 1105, HB1527, HB1787, HB1972, HB2081, HB3296, HB3976, HB4071, HB4234, HB4438, HB4701, HB5092, HB5150, HB5180, HB5265, HB5333, HJR203

Keywords: tuition exemption, paramedics, higher education, laboratory fees, emergency medical services, peace officers, criminal justice, law enforcement, degree programs, public institutions, HB 1787, HPV, human papillomavirus, college health, university health, student health, public health education, prevention program, screening, early detection

Transcript Highlights:

• There's been mergers and mergers and mergers.
• Since that merger fell apart, and I'm not being political name-calling, but...
• Since that merger fell apart, and I'm not being political name-calling, but during the Biden administration
• operates, the, all of these parts, basically not one can gouge another, but they all have to be in agreement

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on April 2, 2025, with a quorum present and took up four bills. The committee first heard HB 4041, which would create the Corkscrew Grove Stewardship District in Collier County to finance and maintain infrastructure such as transportation, utilities, and stormwater systems without changing county regulatory authority. The bill drew no opposition, was reported favorably, and passed 14-0. The committee then considered HB 1485, which repeals Florida’s aviation fuel tax provisions. The sponsor argued the change would simplify the tax code, attract airline investment, and support lower fares and more routes. Members raised concerns about the estimated recurring $22.8 million impact on the State Transportation Trust Fund and $2 million on general revenue, and airport representatives warned of reduced grant and development funding, especially for general aviation and municipal airports. Supporters said the change would increase competition and fuel sales in Florida. The bill was reported favorably on a 12-5 vote. Next, the committee heard HB 999, which would recognize gold and silver as legal tender, allow electronic debit access to bullion accounts, and remove tax burdens on transactions involving precious metals. The sponsor and supporters described the bill as a way to protect purchasing power and provide an alternative parallel to the dollar, while opponents and some members raised concerns about consumer protections, predatory practices, privacy, and the role of the Office of Financial Regulation in rulemaking. After extensive testimony, the bill was reported favorably 19-0. Finally, the committee considered PCB WMC 25-01, which would reduce the state sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25% and also lower several related taxes, including the business rent tax, nonresidential electricity tax, mobile home sales tax, and coin-operated amusement machine tax. The proposal was estimated to reduce revenue by about $5.5 billion annually. Members discussed impacts on the budget, education funding, and whether savings would reach consumers, while supporters emphasized relief for Floridians and business competitiveness. The bill passed unanimously 19-0 and was reported favorably. The chair then noted a prior procedural apology on the record, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• and clarifying non-solicitation agreements.
• This amendment clarifies the definition of non-solicitation agreement.
• This amendment clarifies the definition of non-solicitation agreement.
• non-competition agreements.
• There are other tools available, non-disclosure agreements and non-solicitation agreements, so for that

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2340, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624, SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2353, HB2431, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB2104, HB2624, HB2510, HB1347, HB1759, HB1983, HB2120, HB2264, HB2338, HB2385, HB2436, HB2495, HB2521, HB2604, HB2610, HB2675

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Transcript Highlights:

• The CBC and RSA have come together with this resolution asking for this merger.
• The CBC and RSA have come together with this resolution asking for this merger.
• The CBC and RSA have come together with this resolution asking for this merger.
• Well, the agreements can last up to 30 years.
• So how was 30 years arrived at, and why do we need a 30-year agreement?

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the previous day’s journal by a 122-0 vote, and numerous introductions of special guests, including Special Olympics participants, occupational therapy and social work students and professionals, teachers, social workers, local officials, and community groups visiting for Hill Day and other advocacy events. Members also made announcements about committee meetings before the chamber recessed until 2 p.m. On the floor, House Bill 2974 was perfected and printed with little debate. Supporters said it would codify telehealth access in Missouri’s licensure reciprocity framework, helping seniors and rural residents continue to receive care. House Bill 2934, a bipartisan St. Louis convention center governance measure, also advanced after adoption of an amendment changing governor-appointed board seats to two city, two county, and one at-large member. The bill would merge existing entities managing the convention center and Dome, create a new board structure, and authorize a convention district tax framework and related financing rules; members discussed local control, revenue use, and the length of agreements under the bill. House Bill 2057, a technical fix for Osage Beach entertainment district authority, was adopted and perfected and printed. Supporters said it corrects an error from a prior bill and would allow Osage Beach to create an entertainment district similar to those in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Branson to support tourism and economic development. The chamber also took up House Bill 1839 and related bills on age verification for pornographic websites. Proponents argued the measure is needed to protect minors from online pornography and exploitation, citing the Supreme Court’s upholding of a similar Texas law and Missouri’s existing attorney general enforcement efforts; opponents raised privacy, enforcement, and unintended-consequences concerns, including whether less-scrupulous sites could become more accessible. After a motion for the previous question, the House adopted the committee substitute and perfected and printed House Bill 1839 by a 104-16 vote with 20 present.