Video & Transcript : 'State Building Code Council' :

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WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Feb 26th, 2026

Washington Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is how we build safety for workers in this state. This is how we do it.
  • An act relating to scissors stair regulations in the State Building Code, adding a new section to chapter
  • What it does is it directs the Building Code Council of Washington... This is one such bill.
  • What it does is it directs the Building Code Council of Washington State to come up with recommendations
  • It requires the Building Code Council to come up with some guidelines for implementing these in designs
Summary: The Senate opened with ceremonial remarks, approved the previous day’s journal, and then moved through introductions, committee referrals, and caucus breaks. A resolution recognizing Ramadan, Senate Resolution 8680, was adopted after remarks from Senator Trudeau emphasizing charity, self-reflection, and restraint, and several members spoke in support of religious inclusion and community recognition. The chamber then took up several bills on final passage. House Bill 2304, expanding warranty options to encourage more condominium construction, passed overwhelmingly. Substitute House Bill 2492, requiring behavioral health and wellness training in construction apprenticeships, also passed after supporters cited high rates of mental health struggles and suicides in the trades. Substitute House Bill 2228, directing work on scissors stairs to improve housing efficiency, passed as well, as did Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1541, which revises the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee to add more military and veteran experience. The most extended debate centered on Substitute House Bill 2355, the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights. Supporters argued it would provide basic labor protections, written agreements, minimum wage, and remedies for domestic workers, while opponents warned it would burden families, independent contractors, and small jobs with contracts, notice requirements, and private lawsuits. Several proposed amendments to narrow coverage or remove the private right of action were rejected, and the bill ultimately passed 28–20. The Senate also passed House Bill 2155 on nursing title use in the context of AI, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2242 on preventive services and state health guidance, Substitute House Bill 2269 on middle housing in unincorporated areas, and Engrossed House Bill 1501 on HOA/unit-owner inquiries after adopting a committee striking amendment. The Senate adjourned until the next morning.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Rules Jan 30th, 2026 at 09:10 am

Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • Most of the time, they are elected from around the state.
  • of Education with the authority to appoint a state school superintendent and to operate the State Department
  • Across the country, states use many different education governance structures, yet 49 states still outperform
  • the state, there is broad support for going back to a state superintendent of schools, regardless of
  • , we beat the surrounding states.
Bills: SB104, SJR3, SM3
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 4/10/25

State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:03:59.360><c> on</c> director of the Minnesota Council on director of the Minnesota Council on
  • </c> position because the council position because the council successfully<00:04:48.400><c> raised</
  • Um, for those who may not know, the state government finance budget bill funds the offices of the state
  • constitutional officers, the legislature, over 30 state agencies, boards, commissions, and councils,
  • </c> effectively in the state of Minnesota. effectively in the state of Minnesota.
Bills: HF2783
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 4/8/25

State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Secretary of State is on line 3.24. The State Board of Investment is on line 3.28.
  • The state governor appropriation.
  • Secretary of State is on line 313.
  • Additionally, I hope you will include policy language to establish the state building renewable energy
  • </c> the Minnesota State Board of Investment. the Minnesota State Board of Investment.
Bills: HF2783
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Chamber Meeting Feb 12th, 2026 at 04:58 pm

New Mexico House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • so my concern is I feel like this language in here, This language in here turns the onus from the state
  • House Bill 96, as amended, creates a working group to study the ability for the state of New Mexico to
  • This is Dan Crouch from New Space Nexus, one of the certified aerospace incubators in the state.
  • This is Dan Crouch from New Space Nexus, one of the certified aerospace incubators in the state.
  • Your House State Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee will meet tomorrow morning at 8:30
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Chamber Meeting Part 2 Feb 12th, 2026 at 12:58 pm

New Mexico House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • to build the home.
  • owe the state.
  • Madam Speaker and gentlemen, what we know is that in other states it's cheaper to build.
  • In our state, it is more expensive to build. There's a GRT affordable housing tax credit, right?
  • more homes across the state. build more homes across the state.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Chamber Meeting Feb 12th, 2026 at 11:20 am

New Mexico House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Fini Dair and the Cala, Spir, um, also the president of our state, a terrorist war, 12, 20, San Thakee
  • Thank you, ma'am. ...and used the law of the act ground to uncanny ass and tuning the opening of a new state
  • She helped build our higher energy. Dr.
  • The Gulf War of State, New Mexico, was in the Mexico Convention, the Hallam.
  • Because it earned the ship with the law and say the district of the state.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Chamber Meeting Part 2 Feb 12th, 2026

New Mexico House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • of the state.
  • Madam Speaker and gentlemen, what we know is that in other states it's cheaper to build.
  • And gentlemen, what we know is that in other states, it's cheaper to build.
  • In our state, it is more expensive to build. There's a GRT affordable housing tax credit, right?
  • state.
Summary: The House spent much of the meeting on recognitions and tributes, including remarks supporting New Mexico’s dairy industry, honoring Gadsden Independent School District educators and students, recognizing Broadband Day at the Capitol, and celebrating the retirement of Representative Susan Herrera. Members from both parties praised Herrera’s long public-service career, especially her work on water, acequias, land grants, rural communities, modernization, early childhood, and predatory lending reform. Herrera thanked colleagues and said she was leaving to spend more time with family, grandchildren, and personal pursuits. The chamber also received a Senate message on House amendments to Senate Bill 3, with the Senate concurring in most items and asking the House to recede from two provisions. Committee reports were then adopted on a series of bills and resolutions, including House Bills 99, 206, 213, 250, 267, 270, 322, and 323; Senate Bills 17, 48, 55, 104, and 193; House Joint Resolution 5; and House Memorial 39. Most reports were adopted without objection, while some bills were advanced with committee substitutes or referrals to other committees. On third reading, the House passed several measures. House Bill 63, funding New Mexico Finance Authority water projects, passed 66-0; House Bill 64, appropriating about $13.25 million for PPRF-related funds, passed 67-0; House Bill 285, refining the disabled veteran property tax exemption, passed 67-0; House Bill 165, expanding C-PACE economic development uses, passed 67-0; House Bill 184, consolidating legacy fund investment accounts, passed 67-0; and House Bill 200, appropriating $10 million for the New Homes for New Mexico starter-home program, was debated at length and then passed. House Bill 291, the tax cleanup bill, drew a failed floor amendment that was tabled 41-24 before the bill passed 59-8. The debate on HB 200 focused on whether the program would help smaller builders and rural communities, while the HB 291 amendment debate centered on adding broader tax provisions and concerns about fiscal impact and policy scope.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Chamber Meeting Feb 12th, 2026

New Mexico House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • so my concern is I feel like this language in here, This language in here turns the onus from the state
  • House Bill 96, as amended, creates a working group to study the ability for the state of New Mexico to
  • This is Dan Crouch from New Space Nexus, one of the certified aerospace incubators in the state.
  • This is Dan Crouch from New Space Nexus, one of the certified aerospace incubators in the state.
  • . ...to ensure that there is representation on the working group for all points of view around the state
Summary: The House resumed third reading after a brief evacuation caused by a fire alarm, which members later said was triggered by a faulty sensor in the print shop. The chamber then completed final passage on three bills. House Bill 111 passed 51-3 after debate in which a member from Lee objected that the bill’s language shifted the burden onto landowners and water right owners to prove innocence. House Bill 96, as amended, passed 61-0 after a friendly floor amendment added minority leader appointments to the proposed space commission working group and set the working group to dissolve on December 31, 2026. House Bill 108, as amended, passed 63-1; it made technical changes to soil and water conservation districts, including clarifying district definitions, director appointment procedures, and tax procedures.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Senate May 25th, 2026

Louisiana Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Bless this great state, bless this chamber, the senators here with civility and understanding.
  • This bill extends an existing exemption from the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code to additional
  • property to provide for preference of in-state auctioneers.
  • You know, there are some states that have... ...there are some states that have a different area in law
  • State, Louisiana.
Bills: SR145, SR146, SR147, SR148, SCR78, SCR12, HB302, HB221, HCR58, HB59, HB89, HB153, HB243, HB335, HB342, HB350, HB407, HB451, HB513, HB595, HB682, HB688, HB690, HB730, HB762, HB802, HB816, HB940, HB944, HB1003, HB1011, HB1029, HB1053, HB1058, HB1062, HB1064, HB1079, HB1084, HB1098, HB1161, HB1189, HB1203, HB1215, HB1247, HB1248, HB1251, HB1253, HB1257, HB1258, SCR3, SB393, SB401, SB415, SB426, SB435, SB487, SB488, SB523, SB56, SB163, SB341, SB504, SB322, SR125, SCR54, SCR59, SCR9, SCR58, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR27, HCR28, HCR66, HCR67, HCR72, HCR5, HCR32, HCR49, HCR50, HCR53, HCR60, HCR62, HCR64, HCR68, HCR78, HCR81, HCR86, HCR97, HCR102, HCR31, HCR47, HCR3, HB1095, HB1096, HB1103, HB1129, HB1154, HB1166, HB1195, HB1230, HB316, HB511, HB799, HB1039, HB12, HB66, HB145, HB167, HB196, HB213, HB218, HB222, HB256, HB291, HB326, HB352, HB401, HB430, HB433, HB434, HB448, HB456, HB476, HB481, HB487, HB492, HB549, HB579, HB608, HB621, HB624, HB626, HB632, HB637, HB656, HB722, HB745, HB804, HB818, HB821, HB833, HB864, HB867, HB874, HB893, HB909, HB951, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB979, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1005, HB1007, HB1024, HB1032, HB1038, HB1050, HB1051, HB1056, HB1059, HB1077, HB1080, HB1081, HB1086, HB1108, HB1112, HB1153, HB1172, HB1173, HB1175, HB1192, HB1193, HB1204, HB1218, HB1242, HB1244, HB1249, HB1252, HB1254, HB1, HB2, HB3, HB42, HB45, HB71, HB79, HB158, HB160, HB169, HB227, HB251, HB289, HB312, HB313, HB314, HB330, HB383, HB394, HB410, HB429, HB769, HB971, HB983, HB1017, HB1126, HB1234, HB1235, HB17, HB27, HB36, HB41, HB47, HB73, HB126, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB166, HB205, HB211, HB226, HB259, HB271, HB308, HB310, HB324, HB337, HB351, HB399, HB403, HB571, HB712, HB723, HB726, HB740, HB750, HB759, HB812, HB844, HB966, HB1006, HB1009, HB1018, HB1036, HB1107, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB379, SB382, SB387, SB441, SB449, HB74, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB956, HB1117, SB149
Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, received a Memorial Day guest minister introduction and prayer, and then moved through journal and legislative bureau matters. The chamber adopted or advanced several Senate resolutions, including SR 149 directing DOTD to study hazards from increased Norfolk Southern rail activity at the Alabo Street Wharf, SR 153 commending a Miss St. Tammany Parish Fair Queen, SR 154 asking LDH to study the in-home skilled nursing market, and SR 145 recreating the task force on protecting Louisiana critical infrastructure from foreign adversaries. It also adopted SCR 78 designating Bonfuca Museum and Research Center Day at the Capitol, and later adopted SCR 54 and SCR 59 memorializing Congress on the Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission and Comite River Diversion Canal flood-risk map review, respectively. The Senate also considered a large number of House bills and Senate bills on concurrence or final passage, with most passing overwhelmingly. Topics included education and school policy, health care, criminal justice, natural resources, transportation, insurance, and local government. Among the measures discussed were bills on adolescent literacy, vocational training in graduation plans, special education due process, school crisis plans, autism therapy accommodations during the school day, Medicaid dental coverage, workers’ compensation procedures, prior authorization for certain generic drugs, boiler inspection authority, money transmission licensing, and alternative power sources for nursing facilities. Several bills drew brief explanations from sponsors about technical corrections or policy clarifications, while a few were returned to the calendar or recommitted to committee. A few measures prompted more substantial debate. Senate Bill 456 on workers’ compensation generated extended discussion over whether employers should be allowed to file actions to investigate questionable claims without first cutting off benefits; supporters framed it as a transparency measure, while opponents argued it would increase litigation and disadvantage injured workers. The bill ultimately passed 20-17. Senate Bill 401 on the Prescription Drug Affordability Board had House amendments rejected, and Senate Bill 487 on charitable gaming premises rental agreements also had House amendments rejected. Other bills, including SB 393, SB 415, SB 426, SB 435, SB 488, SB 523, and SB 163, had House amendments concurred in, while HB 1095, HB 1103, HB 1129, HB 1166, HB 1195, HB 220, HB 316, HB 511, HB 799, HB 12, HB 66, HB 145, HB 167, HB 196, HB 213, HB 218, HB 222, HB 256, HB 291, HB 326, HB 352, HB 430, HB 433, HB 434, HB 448, HB 456, and HB 1039 were among the House bills finally passed, many by wide margins.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Senate May 25th, 2026

Louisiana Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill extends existing exemption from the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code to additional
  • Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code to additional industries in order to support economic growth
  • property to provide for preference of in-state auctioneers.
  • The bill builds on literacy standards and reforms.
  • You know, there are some states that have... ...there are some states that have a different area in law
Bills: SR145, SR146, SR147, SR148, SCR78, SCR12, HB302, HB221, HCR58, HB59, HB89, HB153, HB243, HB335, HB342, HB350, HB407, HB451, HB513, HB595, HB682, HB688, HB690, HB730, HB762, HB802, HB816, HB940, HB944, HB1003, HB1011, HB1029, HB1053, HB1058, HB1062, HB1064, HB1079, HB1084, HB1098, HB1161, HB1189, HB1203, HB1215, HB1247, HB1248, HB1251, HB1253, HB1257, HB1258, SCR3, SB393, SB401, SB415, SB426, SB435, SB487, SB488, SB523, SB56, SB163, SB341, SB504, SB322, SR125, SCR54, SCR59, SCR9, SCR58, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR27, HCR28, HCR66, HCR67, HCR72, HCR5, HCR32, HCR49, HCR50, HCR53, HCR60, HCR62, HCR64, HCR68, HCR78, HCR81, HCR86, HCR97, HCR102, HCR31, HCR47, HCR3, HB1095, HB1096, HB1103, HB1129, HB1154, HB1166, HB1195, HB1230, HB316, HB511, HB799, HB1039, HB12, HB66, HB145, HB167, HB196, HB213, HB218, HB222, HB256, HB291, HB326, HB352, HB401, HB430, HB433, HB434, HB448, HB456, HB476, HB481, HB487, HB492, HB549, HB579, HB608, HB621, HB624, HB626, HB632, HB637, HB656, HB722, HB745, HB804, HB818, HB821, HB833, HB864, HB867, HB874, HB893, HB909, HB951, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB979, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1005, HB1007, HB1024, HB1032, HB1038, HB1050, HB1051, HB1056, HB1059, HB1077, HB1080, HB1081, HB1086, HB1108, HB1112, HB1153, HB1172, HB1173, HB1175, HB1192, HB1193, HB1204, HB1218, HB1242, HB1244, HB1249, HB1252, HB1254, HB1, HB2, HB3, HB42, HB45, HB71, HB79, HB158, HB160, HB169, HB227, HB251, HB289, HB312, HB313, HB314, HB330, HB383, HB394, HB410, HB429, HB769, HB971, HB983, HB1017, HB1126, HB1234, HB1235, HB17, HB27, HB36, HB41, HB47, HB73, HB126, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB166, HB205, HB211, HB226, HB259, HB271, HB308, HB310, HB324, HB337, HB351, HB399, HB403, HB571, HB712, HB723, HB726, HB740, HB750, HB759, HB812, HB844, HB966, HB1006, HB1009, HB1018, HB1036, HB1107, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB379, SB382, SB387, SB441, SB449, HB74, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB956, HB1117, SB149
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Veterans and Military Affairs Apr 9th, 2026

Veterans and Military Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • being that we have removed the language about a person in the Guard that's also a civilian of the state
  • being that we have removed the language about a person in the guard that's also a civilian of the state
  • This bill would allow that all state agencies, boards, commissions, departments, or any entity within
  • concerned about increasing temp employees and increasing folks who aren't getting benefits on the state
  • make sure that we're fully staffed and that we can provide them the best service possible for the state
Bills: HB3940, HB3078, HB3043
Summary: The committee took up three Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs-related House bills. House Bill 3940 was presented as a modernization and cleanup of Guard retirement-related provisions, with a confusing pay language removed; members noted it was similar to prior versions and that any fiscal impact would not occur until after 2027. After brief questions, the bill was advanced unanimously, 7-0. House Bill 3078 would allow state agencies and executive-branch entities to add voluntary donation options to payment forms so people could contribute to the ODVA Revolving Fund when paying for items such as licenses, registrations, and tax forms. Members clarified the donations would be extra, strictly voluntary, and not tied to tax proceeds. The bill passed 7-0. House Bill 3043 would authorize ODVA to hire PRN/as-needed staff as seasonal employees under defined limits to help staff veterans homes. Supporters said it would improve flexibility and staffing during peak periods, while the minority leader raised concerns about expanding temporary employment and reducing access to stable, benefit-eligible jobs. The bill passed 5-2. The committee then laid over another item pending Senator Woods’ availability and adjourned.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Ways & Means Feb 27th, 2026 at 02:30 pm

Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill will empower the State Department of Agriculture to convene our state agencies and community
  • I am the Vice President of AFSCME, Washington State Council of County and City Employees, and a member
  • I am the Vice President of AFSCME, Washington State Council of County and City Employees, and a member
  • I'm currently serving as a state archivist under the Office of the Secretary of State.
  • Education to support the council.
Bills: HB2521, HB2249, HB1796
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Tourism Feb 12th, 2026

Tourism

Transcript Highlights:
  • So currently we already have a state fossil. So how is this going to work in with that, please?
  • , and this isn't mandatory, as a matter of fact, and the reason why it is, is because in 2000, the state
  • So essentially, it's a non-existent state fossil at this particular point. Very good.
  • , and this isn't mandatory, as a matter of fact, and the reason why it is, is because in 2000, the state
  • So essentially, it's a non-existent state fossil at this particular point. Very good.
Bills: HB3880, HB3263, HB2970
Summary: The Tourism Committee met for its first meeting and considered three bills. House Bill 3880, presented by Representative Cantrell, would clarify that the Tourism Department’s in-house sales team handles advertising and sponsorships across publications, digital platforms, conferences, and events; members asked about how the work is currently divided between the department and Oklahoma Today magazine, and the bill passed 5-0. House Bill 3263, by Representative George, would designate the morel mushroom as the state mushroom; after light discussion, including a joking request for a tourism-related debut event, it also passed 5-0. Representative Rosecrans presented House Bill 2970, which would change the state fossil designation from Sorofaganax maximus to Soro Poseidon-Protelis because the current fossil has been reclassified and is no longer considered a valid species. Members asked about the science behind the change and whether the new fossil was a plant-eater; Rosecrans explained it is a sauropod and emphasized its tourism value because fossils are found in Oklahoma’s panhandle and southeast. The bill passed 5-0. After the votes, Rosecrans noted the reconstruction of the fossil is at the Sam Noble Museum in Norman and invited the committee to tour it. The chair announced that the Tourism Department would meet with the committee the following week at 10:00 a.m., and the meeting adjourned.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Apr 8th, 2026

Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's another busy day in the State House. It's another busy day in the State House.
  • Okay, this is a hybrid hearing that is being live streamed on the State Legislature's website.
  • My name is Alan Genevieve, And all our state legislators.
  • From the state has responded or even reacted to this concern.
  • And we have the same issues as was previously stated in all of these hill towns.
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Tourism Committee Feb 11th, 2026

Tourism

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, it, you know, like if you do the self-checkout, code goes off and the person has to... >> I'm talking
  • Uh, it, you know, like if you do the self-checkout, code goes off and the person has to... >> I'm talking
  • do the Uh, it, you know, like if you do the selfch<00:05:45.199><c> checkout,</c><00:05:45.759><c> code
  • goes</c><00:05:46.320><c> off</c><00:05:46.479><c> and</c><00:05:46.639><c> the</c> selfch checkout, code
  • goes off and the selfch checkout, code goes off and the and<00:05:47.199><c> the</c><00:05:47.520><c
Bills: HB393, HB61, SB234, SB234
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources Feb 5th, 2026 at 09:02 am

House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • state.
  • In doing so, they invested significantly in the state to build recycling networks that included pipeline
  • Why isn't it just the state of New Mexico?
  • Why isn't it just the state in New Mexico? Madam Chair.
  • and grape relationships across the state.
Bills: HM45, HB276, HB300
DE

Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Education Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • relating to school building safety.
  • many states are moving in that direction.
  • many states are moving in that direction.
  • When those national rankings come out and we are compared to other states, and other states don't have
  • I don’t foresee any school district putting a beverage in the code.
Bills: SB293, SB279, SB293, SB279
Summary: The House Education Committee met and first heard Senate Bill 293, the Youth Camp Licensing Act, which would amend child care licensing rules for youth camps. The sponsor said the bill, with amendments, would remove accreditation language, clarify shelter requirements for outdoor camps, and eliminate limits that had restricted the number of children camps could serve, especially for families using purchase-of-care assistance. YMCA and school representatives testified in support, saying the measure would expand access to safe, affordable summer care for low-income working families. The committee voted to release the bill. The committee then approved Senate Bill 328, which would require the Department of Education’s school facility evaluation instrument to be established by regulation and to include lead-based paint hazards in the standard of good repair. The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Advisory Committee supported the bill, explaining that lead had not been included in the original evaluation tool and that the new language would improve transparency and public comment. Senate Bill 318, updating the Delaware State Education Association special license plate program, also passed after DSEA testified that proceeds support scholarships for educators and students pursuing education careers. House Bill 443, dealing with background checks for education volunteers and mentors, passed as well. The sponsor said it would allow DOE to continue receiving wrapback reports for mentors in the state mentoring program and ensure state and federal criminal background checks remain in place. The committee also released Senate Joint Resolution 15, which directs DOE to reevaluate Delaware’s use of the SAT, modernize the accountability framework, and develop additional measures of student achievement and readiness; supporters argued the SAT does not capture career and technical pathways or other indicators of success. House Bill 459, which prohibits the sale of energy drinks on public middle and high school campuses during school hours or events, passed after discussion focused on whether the bill would affect possession versus sale and whether it could lead to student discipline; DOE said the bill only bans sales, and the sponsor said an amendment would clarify intent. Finally, House Concurrent Resolution 137 passed, directing DOE to review math instruction and MTSS supports statewide; testimony emphasized low math proficiency and the need for stronger, more coherent interventions. The committee also began hearing Senate Bill 279 on occupational therapist salary placement, with discussion centered on aligning OT compensation with other specialist roles and broader salary regulation updates, though the transcript cuts off before final action is shown.
DE

Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Health & Human Development Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026

Health & Human Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • For low hazard buildings, For low hazard buildings, backflow preventers and inspections can be costly
  • The 72 hours comes from, as was stated, existing Delaware state law.
  • I think this comes up a lot in this building where I think this comes up a lot in this building where
  • And finally, states such as...
  • It’s about building relationships.
Bills: SB274, SB301, SB249
Summary: The committee heard and advanced several measures related to health care, public health, and patient protections. House Concurrent Resolution 148, urging a statewide educational strategy on menopause, was presented as a workplace awareness measure and received supportive comments from members before being released. Senate Bill 274, updating Delaware’s MOST program to POLST and clarifying capacity determinations and documentation for end-of-life orders, also drew supportive testimony from medical and nursing groups and was released. House Bill 458, limiting local backflow preventer requirements for certain low-hazard buildings, was presented as a cost-relief measure for homeowners and small businesses; DHSS expressed concerns but said it was willing to work on amendments and a sunset provision, and the bill was released. Senate Joint Resolution 18, designating August 31, 2026 as International Overdose Awareness Day and ordering flags at half-staff, was released after brief supportive remarks. The committee then considered Senate Bill 339, a technical correction to the advance health care directive form clarifying that an agent’s authority for voluntary mental health admission cannot exceed 72 hours, consistent with existing law. Members asked detailed questions about how the 72-hour limit works and whether it applies to voluntary directives; the sponsor and a Disability Rights Delaware witness explained that the bill only aligns the form with current statute and does not expand authority. The bill was released. House Bill 301, requiring hospitals to create discharge plans for pregnant patients discharged while showing signs of labor, prompted extensive discussion. The sponsor and supporters said it would improve safety, transportation planning, and aftercare, while some members noted Delaware hospitals already do much of this work and questioned whether codifying it was necessary; supporters emphasized maternal mortality disparities and the need for guardrails. The bill was released. Senate Bill 196, creating ownership disclosure requirements for long-term care facilities and resident notice rules after ownership transfers, was presented as a transparency measure for seniors and families and was released after supportive testimony from the Delaware Nurses Association and elder-care advocates. Senate Bill 320, expanding pharmacists’ independent prescriptive authority for certain non-controlled medications and allowing opioid use disorder medications under standing order, with added malpractice reporting requirements in Senate Amendment 2, was supported by pharmacists and nurse practitioners as an access-to-care measure and was released. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 161, establishing a unified licensing and oversight framework for adult behavioral health providers under DSAM, was presented as a patient-protection measure; providers supported the goal but cautioned that regulations must be workable, and the substitute was released. Senate Joint Resolution 19, directing DHSS to study strategies to reduce health care costs, was released with a note reflecting concerns about broadening the analysis to include additional cost drivers and alternatives. Finally, Senate Bill 249 with Senate Amendment 2, modernizing harm-reduction programs and paraphernalia laws, generated the most extended debate: supporters framed it as life-saving public health policy, while opponents raised concerns about needle litter, community impacts, and whether the approach facilitates addiction. Despite the objections, the bill was released.