Transcript Highlights:

• to disabled veterans and, in some cases, their surviving spouses.
• veterans... ...of much more concerned disabled veterans, veterans with a number of disabilities not
• always associated with PTSD but other types of disabilities that require medical attention.
• But this bill does address workers' compensation and occupational disease disablement.
• The federal... ...compensation and occupational disease disablement.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee began by rolling House Bill 132 at the sponsor’s request because amendment language was still being worked on. The committee then proceeded without quorum as a subcommittee until additional members arrived. House Bill 285, as amended, was heard first. The bill was described as a cleanup measure to clarify New Mexico’s disabled veterans property tax exemption, including that it applies to a veteran’s primary residence and how it works for properties with multiple owners. Testimony from New Mexico counties, the Tax and Revenue Department, and the Department of Veterans Services supported the bill, saying it would reduce confusion for assessors and help veterans access the exemption. One member raised broader concerns about housing insecurity among unhoused and renting veterans and asked for interim data on how many veterans would actually benefit, but the committee noted those issues were outside the bill’s scope. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed HB 285 as amended with a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 128, which updates the state’s occupational disease and disablement law for firefighters by expanding the list of covered cancers and related conditions, aligning the state law with newer research and recent federal changes, and standardizing the employment period to five years. The sponsor and supporters said the bill reflects current science, removes outdated age limits for some cancers, and makes it easier for firefighters to receive workers’ compensation without having to prove causation case by case. Firefighters and union representatives gave emotional testimony about personal cancer diagnoses and the burden of fighting insurers while undergoing treatment. The Workers’ Compensation Administration, labor groups, and trial lawyers all supported the measure. Committee members asked about the federal model, the five-year threshold, the impact on rural jurisdictions, and why women’s cancers were not previously included; witnesses explained that the changes reflect updated data and the underrepresentation of women in the fire service. Dr. Dan Wu, speaking online, said firefighter cancer is an epidemic and argued the science supports the bill. The committee then adopted the motion and passed HB 128 with a do pass recommendation before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're number two and Disabilities.
• Disabilities. Disabilities. >> Thank<00:31:27.520> you. >> Thank you.
• Intellectual Disabilities. Intellectual Disabilities.
• I'm the division director for developmental and intellectual disabilities division within the Department
• for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. >> Would you just raise your right

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved a motion and then deferred a large batch of 246 contracts totaling about $187.8 million until the April 2026 meeting. It then moved through the agenda and reviewed several pulled items, beginning with four Attorney General contingent-fee contracts. Committee members questioned why the contracts were new, what the $20 million maximums meant, and how the fees would work; the AG’s office explained they were new awards from a September RFP, that the $20 million was an outside estimate tied to a full recovery, and that one contract would require a $380 million recovery to pay out the maximum. The committee voted to consider those contracts reviewed without objection. The Department of Highways then explained an “alternative delivery support” contract, describing it as a procurement method different from the usual design-bid-build model and noting it can help with innovation, speed, timeliness, or cost reduction. After that explanation, the committee again voted to consider the contract reviewed without objection. The Kentucky Horse Park/Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation presented eight legal services contracts; members focused on differing hourly rates and retroactive approval. The corporation said it had selected four firms through an RFP to maintain flexibility and avoid conflicts, would use in-house counsel first, and did not expect to use the maximum rates. Senator Thomas argued the committee’s statutory hourly rate cap is outdated and should be revisited. The committee then approved the contracts. One Transportation Office of the Secretary contract was deferred to the April meeting, consistent with the agency’s prior request. The committee then reviewed Cabinet for Health and Family Services items from the Department of Community Based Services: three contract amendments and one memorandum of agreement. Members asked about funding sources, service outcomes, and whether the programs reduce future need; the agency said one amendment was a $55,000 increase offset by reductions elsewhere, that the total contract amount with the agency did not change, and that follow-up data show over 90% of children remain in the home after services. The committee approved those items. Finally, the committee reviewed a LIHEAP contract amendment from the Division of Family Support, which the agency said used federal funds, not state general funds, to add newly appropriated federal money for low-income home energy assistance and crisis heating support. Members asked about future funding and were told that continuation depends on Congress. The committee approved that item. It then began reviewing Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities memoranda of agreement tied to Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center staffing; members asked for a count of personnel, and the agency said it would provide that information, after which the discussion continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• stand<00:14:00.079> on<00:14:00.360> written<00:14:00.680> testimony Perman
• Kaz stand on written testimony Perman Kaz stand on written testimony offering<00:14:01.600> comments
• Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities: Thank you, Chair, Vice Chair, committee members.
• Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities: Thank you, Chair, Vice Chair, committee members.
• Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities: Thank you, Chair, Vice Chair, committee members.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 553 on biomarker testing coverage, HB 556 on colorectal cancer screening access, and later HB 712 on 340B drug pricing. For HB 553, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, patient advocates Natalie Heyman and Susan Hirano, a surgical oncologist, and the American Lung Association strongly supported the bill, arguing that biomarker testing should be covered when ordered by a doctor and guided by current evidence. DHS and several insurers offered comments and requested amendments, with DHS saying it appreciated the intent but wanted changes. The committees then voted to pass HB 553 with amendments, including a House draft and a defective date of July 1, 3000; both the House Health and Human Services and Homelessness committees adopted the recommendation unanimously. For HB 556, testimony focused on closing gaps in colorectal cancer screening, especially for uninsured and underinsured patients who can get stool-based screening but then cannot access follow-up colonoscopies. Community Clinic of Maui, ACS CAN, and the American Cancer Society supported the bill, with ACS CAN urging a program similar to the breast and cervical cancer control program and offering amendments. DHS requested that the program and appropriation not conflict with executive budget priorities, and the committees noted technical amendments, a defective date, a blank appropriation amount, and corrections changing Medicare references to Medicaid. HB 556 was also passed with amendments by both committees. The hearing then moved to HB 712 on 340B drug pricing and contract pharmacies. The Department of Health and the Attorney General’s office expressed concern that the bill would require the state to regulate private commercial activity and said the department lacked the expertise and resources to implement it as written, suggesting it might belong in a different statutory section. In contrast, PhRMA opposed the bill, while Hawaii Pacific Health and Hawaii Island Community Health Center supported it, saying 340B savings are important for hospital services and patient access to low-cost medications, especially where manufacturers have restricted shipments to contract pharmacies. No vote on HB 712 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The ability to name representatives from an assistive technology nonprofit and a disability nonprofit
• , software, or implement used to increase access to ordinary life for people who need it in the disability
• Ordinary life for people who need it in the disability community who need those sorts of technologies
• So it's uh implied in with disabilities.
• >> Chair recognize representative partial. >> Chair recognize representative partial.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These families carry a profound and permanent burden, and this measure acknowledges that their loved
• These bills expand the current law to include utility and disabled vehicles.
• However, in recent years, 20 states have expanded the law to include disabled vehicles.
• These bills expand the current law to include utility and disabled vehicles.
• Daniel now has a permanent facial scar from the incident. Fortunately, he survived.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on a broad package of traffic and roadway safety bills, with repeated emphasis on work zone safety, the Move Over law, automated enforcement, and protections for pedestrians, cyclists, and roadside workers. MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver strongly supported a bill allowing MassDOT vehicles to use blue flashing lights in limited work-zone settings, arguing that blue lights reliably slow drivers and could help address a rise in work-zone crashes and fatalities. District Attorney Marion Ryan, State Police representatives, and police association leaders supported a separate Move Over bill that would raise penalties for repeat violations and add an education component, citing officers and workers killed or injured roadside and saying the goal is deterrence and safer driver behavior rather than revenue. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to automated enforcement bills for speed and red-light violations, including proposals for school zones, work zones, and broader local options. Senator Brownsberger and Senator Jalen argued that automated enforcement is needed because speeding and red-light running remain common while police traffic enforcement has declined, and they described the bills as civil, opt-in tools that issue tickets to vehicles rather than drivers. Supporters from WalkMass, T4MA, Safe Roads Alliance, MassBike, Medford officials, and other advocates cited fatal pedestrian crashes, neighborhood speeding, and the need to protect vulnerable road users, while also pointing to privacy and equity safeguards in the bills such as limits on photographs, data retention rules, public reporting, and local approval processes. Several local and advocacy witnesses backed targeted camera programs. Senator Lovely and Representative Cruz supported a Salem school-zone camera bill, describing repeated violations around schools and buses. Medford officials and school-safety advocates supported a similar statewide camera bill, citing recent pedestrian deaths and dangerous cut-through traffic. AAA Northeast and the Massachusetts Aggregate and Asphalt Pavement Association also supported targeted enforcement in work zones and school zones, while urging public education and warning periods. Some witnesses raised concerns about the color of lights for highway workers, with State Police representatives preferring green over blue to avoid confusion with law enforcement, and committee members asked about constitutional issues, surchargeability, and possible targeting concerns. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. ...program and a child with disabilities. I also...
• solidified and a permanent solidified and a permanent solution<02:12:28.119> so<02:12:28.480
• health related Firearms disabilities health related Firearms disabilities having<02:20:05.720>
• <02:29:53.439> provision this relief from disability provision this relief from disability
• > to disability walking disability forgets to disability walking disability forgets to put<02:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:51.600> or<00:10:51.839> prejudice >> without partiality or prejudice
• >> without partiality or prejudice >> without<00:10:52.720> partiality<00:10:53.360
• > or<00:10:53.600> prejudice >> without partiality or prejudice >> without
• <00:40:47.040> or<00:40:47.280> prejudice >> without partiality or prejudice
• >> without partiality or prejudice >> without<00:40:48.320> partiality<00:40:49.040

Keywords: House streaming session for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened for the first day of session and first elected Delegate Luke Clippinger as Speaker Pro Tem. Members nominated and seconded him with remarks praising his leadership, work on Judiciary Committee issues, and ability to mentor colleagues. Nominations were then closed, the House voted by voice, and Clippinger was sworn in. The chamber then opened nominations for Speaker of the House. Multiple members spoke in support of Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk, highlighting her personal story, legal background, public service, and committee leadership. Speakers emphasized her work on major policy areas including education, police reform, racial and economic justice, reproductive freedom, and support for historically Black colleges and universities. One member from the minority party also seconded the nomination, saying she had been inclusive and respectful in committee work and legislative process. After nominations were closed, the House voted by voice and elected Peña-Melnyk Speaker of the House of Delegates. She was sworn in and thanked members for their support, reflecting on the diversity in the chamber and the significance of the moment. In her remarks, she also praised outgoing Speaker Adrienne Jones and recognized family members, dignitaries, and colleagues in attendance.

Transcript Highlights:

• the choices, I think it's a really important component to helping families become whole and have permanency
• manage insulin needs, reducing stress and health care costs for individuals with developmental disabilities
• compelling reasons for this bill is that this bill would allow individuals with developmental disabilities
• manage insulin needs, reducing stress and health care costs for individuals with developmental disabilities
• My son has physical and intellectual disabilities.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and took up several bills. SB 894, relating to faith-based content in batterers’ intervention programs, was explained as allowing certified programs to offer voluntary faith-based components alongside existing models. Members raised questions about how faith would be defined, whether participation would be optional, and how all faiths would be included. An amendment was adopted clarifying that faith-based activities may be offered but not required and removing language directing DCF to repeal a rule. After supportive testimony from faith-based advocates and some debate, the committee reported the bill favorably, with Senators Harrell and Garcia later recording affirmative votes. The committee then considered SB 1240 on substance abuse and mental health care, which would assign state oversight of the 988 Lifeline, remove the annual needs assessment barrier for medication-assisted treatment licensing, and require annual continuing education for forensic evaluators. An amendment with technical conforming changes and two substantive clarifications was adopted. Members expressed support for expanded access to behavioral health services, and the bill was reported favorably. Later, the chair presented SB 1736, which would allow direct support professionals and relatives to administer insulin in group home settings for individuals with developmental disabilities. After an amendment clarifying sliding scale insulin and related medication administration, the committee heard testimony from family advocates describing how the bill would prevent unnecessary institutionalization and reduce costs. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 1286, which clarifies that allowing children to engage in unsupervised activities such as biking or playing outside does not by itself constitute neglect unless reckless or dangerous. After brief support testimony, that bill was also reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sixty-five percent of those are seniors, over the age of 62, or persons with disabilities.
• made um in this to see permanently made um in this Administration<00:13:55.440> through<00:13
• Uh, 65% are seniors or people with disabilities, and uh 35% are families.
• or both and either elderly or disabled or both and if<00:21:36.679> we<00:21:36.840> control
• on fixed income folks with disabilities on fixed income folks with disabilities and<01:09:48.640

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention heard presentations focused on public housing and related funding needs, with testimony from Minnesota NAHRO and several local housing authorities. Melissa Taphorn described the role of housing authorities statewide, including public housing, vouchers, CDBG/HOME funds, Bridges, and HEAT, and emphasized that public housing serves over 36,000 low-income Minnesotans, many of whom are seniors, people with disabilities, or children. She said federal operating and capital funds are insufficient, creating deferred maintenance backlogs, and noted that Minnesota’s public housing capital needs over a five-year period were about $500 million, with nearly $200 million unmet. She also discussed federal uncertainty, including a recent HUD funding freeze notice, possible changes to fair housing requirements, RAD repositioning options, and Build America, Buy America costs. Committee members asked about tenant rent calculations and the populations served. Testimony clarified that public housing residents generally pay 30% of monthly income, with utility allowances factored in, and that the average tenant rent in Minnesota is about $399. Members also heard that about 65% of public housing households are seniors or people with disabilities, while about 35% are families. The committee then heard examples of how state POP grants have been used to preserve public housing stock. Kurt Kina of the Red Wing HRA described multiple POP-funded projects that replaced windows, upgraded heating and cooling, and modernized electrical systems in a 100-resident high-rise, saying the work was essential to keep the building viable. Louise Siba of the St. Paul PHA testified that St. Paul’s authority serves nearly 22,000 people through more than 4,200 public housing units and over 5,200 vouchers, with most townhomes and high-rises serving elderly or disabled residents. She said St. Paul PHA has received nearly $16 million in POP funding since 2012, including about $8.5 million last year, and that those funds enabled major life-safety and modernization projects such as the Denan Terrace renovation and boiler, plumbing, and interior upgrades in high-rises. Jill Keers of the Duluth HRA described a broader set of housing programs, including vouchers, rehab loans, emergency repair funds, construction training, and development. She said Duluth HRA is adding 128 housing units between 2023 and 2025, including mixed-income rentals, senior housing, and family townhomes, and stressed that state investment through POP and other programs is necessary to keep housing affordable and safe.

Transcript Highlights:

• has a mental health disability or other has a mental health disability or other disability<02:13
• That would be kids whose parents have significant disabilities and qualified for disability insurance
• That would be kids whose parents have significant disabilities and qualified for disability insurance
• That would be kids whose parents have significant disabilities and qualified for disability insurance
• or because you have a disability.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session opened with routine announcements, including new and absent members, a tribute to former chair Rep. Jess Edwards, and an explanation that Division 3 is advisory and will make recommendations to full Finance. Chair Mooney also distributed a self-created index to the budget binder and reviewed the committee’s options under House Rule 45. Members discussed scheduling a future visit to the Veterans Home in Tilton, with several October dates unavailable, and the chair said she would circulate possible dates. The committee also reviewed the second-year budget context and sources of funding, including surplus monies, existing and new revenue streams, grants, reappropriations, and the rainy day fund. The committee then took up several retained bills and repeatedly heard that their substance had already been addressed in the budget. House Bill 519, funding the Waypoint Youth and Young Adult Shelter, was moved ITL and passed 10-0. House Bill 547, county reimbursement funds, was also moved ITL and passed 10-0 after members noted the reimbursement had been included in HB 2. House Bill 570, repealing the prescription drug affordability board, was moved ITL and passed 10-0, with minority members saying they still believed the board had value but acknowledging the repeal had already occurred in HB 2. House Bill 704, concerning caregiver respite and senior volunteer programs, received the most discussion. Mr. Ripple explained that most items were already funded or suspended in the budget, leaving only the senior volunteer grant program unfunded. Chair Mooney offered amendment 2963H to fund the RSVP program at $180,000 for one year, contingent on surplus funds, and DHHS witnesses explained that RSVP is a federally funded AmeriCorps program that would be added to existing state licensing structures. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was reported ought to pass as amended on a 10-0 vote. The committee then heard House Bill 751, which would require licensure of outpatient substance use disorder treatment facilities and create an ombudsman-related complaint process. DHHS witnesses said the bill had been narrowed substantially from an earlier certification model with multiple positions and IT costs to a licensing model using existing department infrastructure, reducing the fiscal note to $211,000 for one position. They also said the ombudsman section was no longer needed because licensed facilities would fall under existing oversight. Members questioned how many facilities exist and whether licensing fees would cover costs; DHHS said it did not know the full provider landscape and that licensing revenue across the board does not cover the department’s costs. Rep. Daniels then proposed amendment 2964H to form a study committee because of the remaining questions and lack of a clear revenue stream, and the committee was still discussing that amendment when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am an attorney currently with Disability Rights Connecticut.
• > Rights currently with Disability Rights currently with Disability Rights Connecticut.<00:09:
• They have um been in the disabilities.
• <01:39:38.800> resource address the lack of a permanent resource address the lack of a permanent
• <01:43:17.920> paired<01:43:18.560> with is a permanent home paired with is a permanent

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• um and are not lawful permanent um and are not lawful permanent residents,<00:30:22.920> Cuban
• The next proposal reduces disability grants or eliminates disability grants.
• funding to people with disabilities funding to people with disabilities again. again. again.
• backs of people with disabilities. backs of people with disabilities.
• services to disabled and elders. services to disabled and elders.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The term permanent employee We updated the definition of eligible employee.
• The term permanent employee was replaced with regular and probationary employee.
• We replaced the term permanent employee with regular and probationary employee.
• We replaced the term permanent employee with regular and probationary employee.
• and total disability to comply with state law and the enactment of House Bills 1274 and 1419.

Summary: The committee approved the March 12, 2026 minutes and granted the Board of Medicine an extension of time to implement rule changes tied to House Bill 1620/1622, which concern North Dakota’s entry into the physician assistant licensure compact. The Board said it is waiting on compact rules, especially fee structures, before finalizing its own rules. The committee then took up extensive Office of Management and Budget personnel rule revisions, covering salary administration, recruitment, leave policies, funeral leave, service awards, appeals, and shared leave. OMB said the changes modernize HR practices and implement recent legislation, including new hire leave and enhanced annual leave for hard-to-fill positions; the committee raised concerns about the subjectivity and fairness of the hard-to-fill leave provisions, but no action was taken against the rules. The North Dakota Lottery presented emergency and regular rule changes, including updates tied to the Millionaire for Life game and miscellaneous clarifications. The Board of Examiners for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology described rule updates that add speech-language pathology assistants to the rules, ease continuing education requirements for out-of-state applicants, expand temporary licensure, and clarify supervision standards. The State Electrical Board reviewed numerous code updates, including changes to electrical and fire alarm standards, receptacle labeling, countertop receptacles, and a major new conveyance/elevator inspection program added by the Legislature; the board said it is preparing to begin inspections by August 1. The Industrial Commission’s Geological Survey Division presented new rules implementing House Bill 1459 on critical minerals in coal-bearing formations, including permit, reporting, confidentiality, and royalty-related provisions. The committee asked about confidentiality of exploration data and drilling depth. The Public Employees Retirement System outlined rule changes implementing several bills affecting defined benefit, public safety, defined contribution, insurance, deferred compensation, and retiree health credit programs, and noted possible future proposals to add state EMS or create a LOSAP-style plan. The Department of Health and Human Services presented substance use disorder voucher rules implementing House Bill 1012, including allowing individuals to apply directly and setting reimbursement procedures; the rules were expected to have a $250,000 general fund impact already included in the budget. The longest discussion involved the Gaming Commission rules. Members questioned whether the commission had authority to raise poker tournament buy-ins from $300 to $1,500, viewing it as an expansion of gaming rather than a mere clarification. After debate, the committee voted to void that specific rule section for lack of statutory authority. The rest of the gaming rules covered higher raffle limits from House Bill 1192, the change from “bar” to “alcoholic beverage establishment,” veterans’ organization proceeds, credit ticket voucher kiosks, online raffles, and advertising restrictions; the presenter said several public comments led to revisions or withdrawals of proposed language. The meeting ended with discussion of upcoming Ethics Commission travel-reporting rules and scheduling the next committee meeting in September.

Transcript Highlights:

• been designed to address, for example, children with co-occurring developmental or intellectual disabilities

Bills: HB1937, HB2153, HB3674, HB2978, HB3885, HB3671, HB3261, HB3021, HB3029, HB4274, HB3701, HB3076, HB2299, HB3852, HB3244, HB3345, HB3114, HB3764, HB4144, HB3304, HB2939, HB4227, HB3262, HB2941, HB3498, HB4343, HB4425, HB3386, HB3087, HB3062, HB3431, HB4141, HB3581, HB4237, HB2960, HB3645, HB3648, HB3974, HB3045, SCR18, HCR1024, SJR39, SJR49, HB4486, SB1130, SB1131, SB1132, SB1133, SB1134, SB1142, HB1823, HB4476, HB3378, HB3880, HB3031, HB3369, HB3429, HB3657, HB4215, HB3624, HB1170

Keywords: HB1937, Oklahoma schools, student communications, electronic communication, digital communication, parent notification, legal guardian, school personnel, teachers, coaches, administrators, charter schools, public schools, administrative leave, corroborated report, investigation, employee file, discipline, termination, school board

Transcript Highlights:

• first pure, then peaceful, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality

Bills: SB1636, SB1584, SB1730, SB1255, SB1627, SB137, SB2062, SB1470, SB1284, SB1632, SB1594, SB2045, SB1251, SB1884, SB1250, SB1630, SB1262, SB1374, SB1292, SB1432, SB1199, SB1790, SB1481, SB1614, SB1734, SB1437, SB1489, SB1718, SB1778, SB1327, SB1372, SB1403, SB1937, SB277, SB2131, SB1749, SB1348, SB1469, SB2018, SB1931, SB1530, SB2155, SB2030, SB1926, SB2170, SB2151, SB2166, SB1213, SB1381, SB1824, SB1876, SB1728, SB1582, SB1286, SB1386, SB1708, SB1618, SB2106, SB1471, SB2139, SB2154, SB1619, SCR15, HB2786, HB2787, SB1525, SB2011, SB2159

Keywords: cold case, unsolved homicide, violent crime, case file review, law enforcement, police records, victim family, immediate family member, designated person, forensic testing, witness reinterview, investigative leads, cold case unit, unsolved murder, public safety, Title 21, Oklahoma statutes, sexual assault, evidence kits, DNA testing

Transcript Highlights:

• weapons in certain facilities or residents providing services to individuals with an intellectual disability
• or developmental disability or for the Committee on Homeland Security Public Safety and Veterans Affairs
• relating to the insurable interests of certain persons providing it to care to individuals with disabilities
• Parking for certain individuals with disabilities referred to the Committee on Transportation.
• Hinojosa relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 521 by Gehan relating to accommodating voters with a disability, creating a criminal offense.
• HB 522 by Vasut relating to the ability of voters with certain disabilities to cast a secret ballot.
• HB 521 by Gehan relating to accommodating voters with a disability, creating a criminal offense, referred
• HB 522 by VESA, relating to the ability of voters with certain disabilities to cast a secret ballot.
• consecutive sentences for more than one criminal offense or injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled

Summary: The House met for first reading and referral of a large number of bills and joint resolutions, with no substantive debate on the measures themselves. The filings covered a broad range of topics, including agency rulemaking and regulatory deference, occupational licensing reciprocity, business entities, eviction procedures, higher education, public education, health care, elections and voting procedures, criminal justice, property tax and appraisal issues, transportation, agriculture, energy, and local government authority. Several proposals also addressed constitutional amendments on matters such as Medicaid expansion, property tax limits, quorum and special-session rules, voting citizenship proof, parental rights, reproductive autonomy, and state funding allocations. Many of the measures focused on education, public health, and election administration. Examples included bills on financial literacy in schools, school nurses and librarians, student meal debt policies, suicide prevention notices, menstrual products, and community-based learning programs, as well as election-related bills on voter registration, disability access, ballot corrections, political advertising, and voting equipment or procedures. Other notable bills dealt with housing and property issues, including evictions, homestead tax exemptions, and land ownership, along with criminal justice measures involving sentencing, juror challenges, trafficking-related nondisclosure, and firearm reporting or transfer restrictions. The House also referred a set of resolutions to the Local and Consent Calendars Committee. At the end of the proceedings, Mr. Bell moved that the House adjourn until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday in memory of James Edward Cook of Eustace, Texas. There was no objection, and the House adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Most of those were partial appointments.
• I'm a board member of UCSA, the UC Student Association, and their disability justice officer.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several measures, beginning with SCA 5, Senator Cortese’s proposal to create an Equalization Reserve Account to help reduce long-standing per-pupil funding disparities between basic aid and non-basic aid school districts. Supporters, including education leaders and school employees, argued the measure would provide a stable, long-term funding source to improve student services and staffing. Charter school representatives opposed the bill, saying it excluded charter schools from the benefits and could raise equal protection concerns. Senator Cortese responded that the bill only addresses district funding and does not alter charter funding formulas. After quorum was established, SCA 5 was approved and sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard S.J.R. 18, a resolution by Senator McNerney condemning the Citizens United decision and urging limits on corporate influence in elections. The author argued that corporate and dark money have overwhelmed campaign finance and weakened public trust. There was no formal witness testimony in support or opposition, and members discussed the resolution’s symbolic nature and its relationship to free speech and campaign finance rules. The resolution was adopted and referred onward. The committee then took up ACA 7, Assembly Member Jackson’s constitutional amendment to clarify Proposition 209 and allow more race-conscious tools in education to address racial equity gaps. Supporters said current law prevents targeted, evidence-based interventions and that the measure would help close persistent disparities; opponents argued it would weaken Prop. 209, invite discrimination, and likely fail at the ballot or in court. After extensive debate, the measure was approved as amended and sent to Appropriations. The committee next heard ACA 18, which would add a second student voting seat to the University of California Board of Regents, ensuring both undergraduate and graduate student representation. The author and student regent witnesses said the UC board is the only major higher education governing board in California with just one student vote, and that more student representation would improve decision-making and reflect the student body. The measure drew support from student organizations and was approved. Finally, AJR 29 was heard, opposing a federal executive order affecting vote-by-mail administration and defending California’s mail voting system as safe and secure. The author said the order would improperly interfere with state election administration. The resolution was adopted. Items 3 and 4 on consent were also approved, and the committee adjourned after all agenda items were acted upon.

Transcript Highlights:

• attorneys serve about 200 low-income Minnesotans each year with legal needs related to housing, family, disability
• That being said, I've had one child whom I sent off to college just on a barely partial scholarship.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can cause permanent infertility, leaving survivors
• His on-duty accident left him with numerous long-term disabilities, including traumatic brain injury.
• His on-duty accident left him with numerous long-term disabilities, including traumatic brain injury.
• Kristen McIntosh was 17 at the time of the crash and sustained permanent injuries to her neck, back,
• Leah was 13 at the time of the crash and sustained permanent injuries to her lower back, right knee,

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum present and took up a long agenda of House and Senate bills, many of them conforming or “orphan” measures that were amended with delete-all or strike-all amendments to place them in conference posture. Among those reported favorably were HB 5015 on the State Group Insurance Program, HB 5009 creating the Florida Accountability Office, HB 5013 on state-funded property reinsurance, HB 5201 on state financial accounting, HB 5203 on the Capitol Center, and HB 5501 on documentary stamp tax distributions. The committee also approved SB 1292 on public records exemptions for certain email addresses, SB 1290 on highway safety and motor vehicle agency changes, SB 26 on an uncontested claims settlement, SB 176 and SJR 174 on homestead property assessment for flood-mitigation improvements, and SB 1122 on Florida Virtual School procedures. Several substantive bills drew discussion. SB 924, covering fertility preservation services for cancer patients under the state health plan, received supportive comments from members and was reported favorably. SB 1160 expanded health insurance premium coverage for law enforcement officers and their families when catastrophic injury or death occurs in the line of duty or during official training, and it also passed. HB 1662, the Department of Transportation package, established or revised programs involving the Florida Transportation Academy, transportation research, rural transit, airport and seaport accountability, advanced air mobility, landscaping, and HOV lane changes; it was amended after testimony from the Florida Airports Council about landing-fee language and questions from members about AAM and HOV lane implementation, then reported favorably. The committee also heard and approved SB 600, which codifies a statewide manufacturing office and creates a Florida manufacturing promotional campaign and grant framework, and SB 602, the fee bill tied to that campaign. That pair prompted the most extensive debate, with members asking about grant structure, eligibility, oversight, and whether the program could become a “slush fund”; the sponsor and Florida Makes said the program is aimed at small manufacturers, would be subject to rulemaking, and is intended to support training and modernization. SB 602 passed on a mostly party-line vote with Senator Pizzo voting no. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional votes on selected bills, and the committee adjourned without further business.