Transcript Highlights:

• The enforcement arm for 811 is the local municipalities and law enforcement.
• If you take just a house in the past four years, a lot of it has to do with the energy code and things
• It was amended to say that the building code enforcement officers don't enforce that.
• It was amended to say that the building code enforcement officers don't enforce that.
• Code.

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and the chair noting it was the committee’s last meeting of the session. The committee first considered Senate Bill 254, which would prohibit certain excess debit card surcharges and authorize enforcement by the Attorney General. After adopting technical amendments and a committee amendment requiring written notice before a private right of action, the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up Senate Bill 80 on broadband administration fees and GUMBO program closeout. Members questioned the proposed increase in administrative and contractor fees, the timing of project completion, and how withheld reimbursements would work for utility damage. After adopting several amendments, including cleanup language and a provision to restore the reimbursement process, the bill was reported favorably as amended, though the Louisiana Telecommunications Association voiced concerns about the withholding language and lack of a clearer fault-determination process. The committee next considered Senate Bill 469, updating the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law. Technical amendments were adopted, along with amendments clarifying that the bill’s 30-day notice to utility owner-operators is separate from existing GUMBO notice requirements and creating a rapid dispute-resolution process involving the Office of Broadband, the utility operator, and the local governing authority. Testimony from broadband and municipal stakeholders emphasized the need for quicker responses to excavation damage and better enforcement, while some witnesses raised concerns about the late amendment and the need for clearer recourse and standards. The bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 468, dealing with fuel rewards programs and fuel discount limits, was also amended to allow such discounts while capping them at $1 below the advertised price; it was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 131, concerning attorney’s fees and costs in professional licensing disciplinary proceedings, drew testimony from a cosmetology board representative and the Pelican Institute. Supporters argued the bill would curb incentives for boards to generate revenue through enforcement and give licensees a fairer opportunity to resolve cases; board testimony noted that some boards already have fee caps and that enforcement actions are relatively limited. After adopting an amendment clarifying when a licensee is the prevailing party, the bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 251 on critical infrastructure protection also received technical amendments and several substantive changes, including adding ports and airports to the definition of critical infrastructure, clarifying “significant access,” adding a knowledge requirement, and adjusting exemptions and enforcement timing; it was reported favorably as amended after testimony from State Armor representatives about foreign adversary threats. Finally, House Resolution 253 was introduced to create a task force to study how post-2005 building code additions and inspection requirements affect residential construction costs, with the sponsor explaining the goal was to gather industry input and return recommendations next session.

Transcript Highlights:

• I come from about 10, 15 years of building code enforcement background.
• As a code enforcement official, I always took the approach to not tell As a code enforcement official
• So if a local code official who's responsible for enforcing the code needs some help interpreting code
• and Uniform Plumbing Code, and House Bill 1734 was passed, where the I-codes, or the International Code
• In 1994, they switched their housing code from prescriptive to performance.

Summary: The committee heard first from Ferndale city officials and a representative of FutureWise on annexation planning. Ferndale described its “annexation blueprint” or phased annexation plan as a way to tie urban growth area planning, capital facilities, and eventual annexation together earlier in the process. Speakers argued that counties often allow incremental development in urban growth areas without city-level standards, impact fees, or coordinated infrastructure planning, which can leave cities and taxpayers with higher future costs and make annexation less likely. Members raised questions about fire districts, county revenue loss, and whether annexation incentives or interlocal revenue-sharing agreements could help. FutureWise supported requiring annexation phasing in countywide planning policies, using pre-annexation agreements, and applying city standards in urban growth areas to make annexation more predictable and less contentious. The committee then received a primer and update from the State Building Code Council (SBCC). Staff explained the council’s composition, standing committees, technical advisory groups, and rulemaking process, including normal, expedited, and emergency rulemaking. They described the ongoing 2024 code cycle and the separate work underway on Senate Bill 5491 and related legislation concerning single-stair residential buildings and multiplex housing. Members discussed how the legislature can better direct the SBCC, the difference between prescriptive and performance-based code approaches, and the importance of involving technical experts early. The SBCC also addressed concerns about the wildfire urban interface code, noting that problems arose when code language and maps were developed on different timelines and applied to urban areas in ways that were not anticipated. Several members asked about regional differences, especially energy code impacts in eastern Washington and the role of natural gas. SBCC representatives said the council can use climate zones and appendices for some regional variation, but statewide statutory targets still constrain the energy code. They emphasized that the council is largely reactive to legislative direction and public proposals, and that clearer legislative intent would help avoid ambiguity in future code development. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• my house, my barn, whatever.
• So we're not trying to impede law enforcement.
• And it refers back to—I forget the code section—but 61 on our trespass code refers back to that for posting
• And oftentimes, law enforcement... ...and oftentimes the law enforcement community would be interested
• So you're thinking that law enforcement should...

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this is about code enforcement officers.
• Right now, code enforcement officers in training have to work under the supervision of a registered code
• Members, this is about code enforcement officers.
• Right now, code enforcement officers in training have to work under the supervision of a registered code
• So this bill would amend the Occupations Code to allow code enforcement officers in training to perform

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum, an invocation, and routine business including dispensing with the previous day’s journal, receiving a House message on HB 104/HJR 34, and a gubernatorial message naming two appointees to the Texas Real Estate Commission. The chamber also adopted several resolutions recognizing Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day, Golf Day in Texas, Cindy Ramos-Davidson, and the 50th anniversary of the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District. Members then adopted memorial resolutions honoring fallen first responders, including Deputy Jesse Ray Perez and Deputy Melissa Pollard, and the Senate agreed to adjourn in their memory. The Senate considered and passed several bills. SB 2199 increased penalties for loading overweight vehicles transporting hazardous materials; SB 1959 adjusted permit factors for the North Texas Groundwater Conservation District; SB 1376 changed supervision rules for code enforcement officer trainees; SB 2595 created a new offense for harassing, intimidating, or threatening someone while concealing identity with a mask or similar headgear; SB 1012 authorized sale or lease of certain surplus state property in Austin; SB 2245 revised bonded title procedures; SB 2605 created a municipal housing authority asset commission; SB 3044 expanded and adjusted the board of the Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District; SB 628 clarified county fire code enforcement authority through interlocal agreements; SB 2778 raised the spending threshold for emergency services district employees; SB 3039 addressed public higher education transfer issues; and SB 2523 allowed release from municipal extraterritorial jurisdiction by petition. Most of these bills were passed to engrossment, the three-day rule was suspended, and final passage was completed, often by wide margins. The chamber also took up SB 1844, which would require cities to provide services before expanding taxing areas into limited-purpose jurisdictions; a floor amendment narrowed the bill, and it was passed to engrossment. SB 2284 clarified municipal and county authority over firearms, airguns, archery equipment, and related items, and was passed despite opposition. SB 2529, dealing with the vote threshold for taxing units to adopt higher tax rates or issue tax bonds, prompted extended debate over voter approval and representative decision-making; after questions, the bill was passed to engrossment and held. At the end of the session, the Senate recessed for 20 minutes and announced it would meet as the Caucus of the Whole.

Transcript Highlights:

• State state law allows for counties to contract with cities to enforce a fire code.
• State law does not, though, currently allow for counties to contract with ESDs to enforce a fire code
• The cooperation and efficiency in our fire code enforcement process while respecting the autonomy of
• Travis County adopted and began enforcing a fire code in 2005.
• House Bill 1701 will allow counties and emergency services districts to work together on fire code enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 445, with House Amendment 1 and Act 2, amends Title 26 and Title 29 of the Delaware Code relating
• House Bill 344, with House Amendment 1, an act to amend Title 15 to 29 of the Delaware Code relating
• House Bill 444, with House Amendment 1, an act to amend Title 15 of the Delaware Code relating to the
• House Bill 444, with House Amendment 1, an act to amend Title 15 of the Delaware Code relating to the
• House Bill 458, with House Amendment 1, an act to amend Title 16 of the Delaware Code relating to backflow

Summary: The Senate received communications from the House on numerous measures, including several bills and resolutions passed with amendments, committee reports on bills such as large energy use facilities, campaign finance, voting rights, and appropriations, and a list of pre-file legislation. The chamber then moved through a long floor session with confirmations, bill readings, and roll-call votes, ultimately confirming the nomination of Morgan T. Zern to the Delaware Supreme Court by a 21-0 vote. Among the major policy items considered were property tax and school tax measures tied to the statewide reassessment. The Senate passed House Bill 460, clarifying monthly municipal permit-data reporting to New Castle County; House Bill 461, granting temporary authority for New Castle County school districts to reset school tax rates for one cycle; and House Bill 462, making the split school tax rate permanent with a lower nonresidential cap. Members discussed the fiscal effects at length, including testimony from a school district finance officer that HB 461 would allow revenue-neutral rate setting and offset the fiscal note on HB 462. The Senate also passed House Bill 365 creating a Delaware Indigenous Affairs Commission, House Bill 458 on backflow requirements for low-hazard buildings, Senate Bill 27 establishing the Office of New Americans with a sunset and interagency coordination, and Senate Bill 315 on the Delaware Technical Innovation Program. The chamber also approved Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 300, a firearms dealer regulation bill, after extensive debate over amendments, confidentiality, background checks, and the balance between public safety and burdens on lawful dealers. Several members raised constitutional and practical objections, while supporters argued the bill would reduce trafficking, straw purchases, and theft from dealers. In addition, the Senate passed House Bill 305 creating a diabetes wellness pilot program, with supporters emphasizing the state’s diabetes burden and the program’s federal funding, and House Concurrent Resolution 157, which asks the State Lottery Office to report on iLottery’s impact on small businesses. Senate Bill 325, a fire prevention/background-check bill, was laid on the table after concerns about a late House amendment and requests for more time to consult stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• who are enforcing the code have the who are enforcing the code have the resources<00:32:08.040><
• support to municipalities and local code support to municipalities and local code enforcement<00
• <00:45:41.680> enforcement<00:45:42.160> officials code enforcement officials code enforcement
• <00:45:51.840> enforcement<00:45:52.359> would<00:45:52.480> be code enforcement
• > been to enforce the code that had been to enforce the code that had been adopted<00:51:27.600

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for law enforcement agencies.
• every complaint against the licensee or not enforce any complaints at all or unfortunately, or not enforce
• You have a code to strong statewide to you, bill, to a code in to inspect to it, too.
• If we change it every 3 years and have a new code, you see to the code.
• In that regard, the building code changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 832 is now before the House and seeks to amend the Code of Virginia. that the landowners
• House Bill 650 relates to prohibiting certain acts in furtherance of federal immigration enforcement
• House Bill 1476 relates to law enforcement civilian oversight bodies, closed meetings, and disclosure
• House Bill 1492 addresses the unlawful impersonation of a federal law enforcement officer.
• Speaker, House Bill 1492 addresses the unlawful impersonation of a federal law enforcement officer.

Keywords: March 11, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• enforcement program to supersede an existing locally established municipal code enforcement program.
• Even allowing code enforcement officers from a different jurisdiction to come in to enforce codes that
• enforcement program to supersede an existing locally established municipal code enforcement program.
• Even allowing code enforcement officers from a different jurisdiction to come in to enforce codes that
• Even allowing code enforcement officers from a different jurisdiction to come in to enforce codes that

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, and then took up several bills on the calendar. Measures passed included an Executive Law bill on Calendar 370, a Public Housing Law bill by Senator May, an Executive Law bill by Senator Skoufis, a Penal Law bill by Senator Skoufis, a Civil Rights Law bill by Senator Gounardes, a Social Services Law bill by Senator Addabbo, and a Public Health Law bill by Senator Baskin. One bill on Calendar 600 drew floor remarks from Senator Rhoads, who argued it represented state overreach into local code enforcement and raised home rule and constitutional concerns; despite those objections, the bill passed with a recorded negative vote list. Another bill on Calendar 610 also passed without noted debate, and several measures were adopted by 52-0 style roll calls. The chamber then received amendments to several third-reading bills and convened the Rules Committee, which reported and had accepted a government support bill. The Senate also took up a supplemental appropriations bill, identified as a budget extender, after accepting a message of necessity and appropriation. Senator O’Mara questioned the sponsor about the extender, which added $3.4 billion to prior extensions for a cumulative $7.4 billion, was described as predominantly Medicaid spending with some funds for salaries and services, and would carry the state only until Thursday. O’Mara criticized the lack of progress on the remaining budget bills, the limited transparency around unresolved issues, and the absence of a message of necessity in advance. During the budget discussion, the sponsor said the holdup involved publicly discussed non-budgetary issues, noted that no specific CLCPA language had been presented as a full bill, and said there were no table targets or conference committee schedules yet. After debate closed, the Senate restored the extender to the non-controversial calendar, passed it, and then adjourned until Wednesday, April 15 at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days designated as legislative days.

Transcript Highlights:

• We cannot enforce that. What kindness. We cannot enforce that.
• the code of conduct. the code of conduct.
• The New Hampshire Department of Education enforces the code of conduct that outlines violations of these
• The New Hampshire Department of Education enforces the code of conduct that outlines violations of these
• The New Hampshire Department of Education enforces the code of conduct that outlines violations of these

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please introduce yourself. the second item on the agenda is House the second item on the agenda is House
• you the last item on the agenda is House you the last item on the agenda is House Bill<00:08:56.800
• <00:09:43.040> Bill thank you Mr chairman uh House Bill thank you Mr chairman uh House Bill
• Help me understand how this doesn't let law enforcement or agencies enforce the Open Records Act.
• Help me understand how this doesn't let law enforcement or agencies enforce the Open Records Act.

Keywords: This meeting will take place upon Recess of the Senate Chambers. There is not an exact time for this meeting therefore a placeholder time for the live stream has been set for 12:30PM est. Meeting Start: 00:03 Attendance Roll Call: 00:12 HB 321 (Rep. Johnson): 00:49 HB 340 (Rep. Hampton): 05:10 HB 520 (Rep. Fugate): 08:55 Adjournment: 32:26, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government considered three bills. House Bill 321, sponsored by Rep. DJ Johnson and supported by the Kentucky League of Cities and the Kentucky Realtor Association, was amended by committee substitute and adopted unanimously. As amended, it extends training deadlines for planning commission and board of adjustment members and adds required training on how planning and zoning policies affect housing supply and accessibility. The committee substitute also limits appeals of final board of adjustment actions to persons or entities claiming injury who own real estate in the same zone as the affected property. The bill passed 8-0, and a title amendment was adopted. House Bill 340, sponsored by Rep. Tony Hampton with support from law enforcement and federal security representatives, would create a new section of KRS Chapter 13 to require criminal justice agencies to provide criminal history records for federal suitability or fitness background checks and allow a $25 fee for records requests reimbursed by the federal government. It also conforms juvenile records law to the new process. The committee approved the bill 9-0 with no opposition. House Bill 520, sponsored by Rep. Chris Fugate and backed by the Kentucky Sheriff's Association, Kentucky Police Chiefs Association, and Kentucky League of Cities, generated the most debate. The bill and committee substitute would exempt certain open police investigation records from disclosure under the Open Records Act when an agency says release could harm an investigation or reveal informants or witnesses. Several senators raised concerns that the “could” standard was too broad and could weaken transparency, while supporters argued it was needed to protect ongoing investigations, witnesses, and officers. The committee initially failed the bill 6-4, then after additional vote changes and discussion, reconsidered it and advanced the amended bill with favorable expression 6-4 to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• I make those decisions in our house, and we have regulation through all... ...sorts of code on food and
• House Bill 3553 amends Section 9.42 of the Texas Penal Code to modify the justification for the use of
• House Bill 2177 seeks to conform Texas law to federal law and provide law enforcement with these tools
• House Bill 2492 makes critical revisions to Article 17.291 of the Code of Criminal Procedure by changing
• that House Bill 2492 gives more than a consistent and enforceable framework for responding to family

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2777 by Representative Rose, which would bar the death penalty for defendants who can prove by clear and convincing evidence that they had schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and active psychotic symptoms at the time of the offense. Rose said the bill would still hold defendants accountable through life without parole, would save money by avoiding lengthy capital litigation, and would address cases where severe mental illness was not adequately considered. Supporters from NAMI Texas, the Catholic bishops, and a forensic psychologist said the bill is narrowly tailored, consistent with neuroscience and moral principles, and would prevent executions of people whose psychosis substantially impaired reality testing. Committee members questioned how the bill interacts with existing competency and insanity law, whether the diagnosis is sufficiently defined, and whether the statute requires active psychosis at the time of the offense. An opponent argued the death penalty should remain available for juries to decide in all cases. The bill was left pending. The committee then heard House Bill 1221 by Representative Lozano, which would raise the cap on pretrial intervention program fees from $500 to $1,200. Lozano and a district attorney witness said the increase is needed because program costs have risen and the fees help make diversion programs self-sustaining, allowing first-time or low-level offenders to complete rehabilitation and potentially obtain expunction. Opponents from the Texas Fair Defense Project argued the higher fee could make diversion unaffordable for indigent defendants and undermine an important alternative to incarceration, especially where related supervision and monitoring costs already add up. Members discussed whether the fee applies only to PTI participants, how payment plans and waivers work, and whether ability to pay should be addressed more explicitly. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1738 by Representative Jones, which would repeal Penal Code Section 21.06 and related Health and Safety Code references concerning homosexual conduct. Jones said the law is unconstitutional under Lawrence v. Texas, remains harmful on the books, and has led to confusion and unnecessary costs even though it is unenforceable. Supporters said the bill simply removes outdated language and protects civil liberties, while opponents from Texas Values argued the statute still serves as a statement that homosexual conduct is unacceptable and should remain as a warning, even if unenforceable. Members debated whether the law’s remaining language is merely symbolic or still harmful, and whether other criminal statutes already cover conduct such as prostitution, incest, and offenses involving minors. The bill was left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 310, an act to amend Title 30 of the Delaware Code relating to business tax credits and deductions
• House substitute number 1 for House Bill number 233 with House Amendment 1, House Amendment 1, House
• 1, House Substitute 1 for House Bill 356, House Bill 424, House Substitute 1 for House Bill 439, House
• House Substitute 1 for House Bill 358, an act to amend Title 14 of the Delaware Code relating to student
• This is a bipartisan House-Senate measure updating Code 1325 of Title 11 to better protect animals and

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What was the Century Code reference you gave? 12.1?
• North Dakota Century Code 12.1 contains perjury, false statements, false reports to law enforcement,
• We looked at code from other states.
• Amendment 25.137.0.0204 on the Gross House Bill 1613.
• I move a due pass on House Bill 1499.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard House Bill 1582, a study bill on false accusations and false reports of a crime. The sponsor argued the issue is broad but important, citing concerns about weaponized accusations in custody, civil, and political disputes and saying the study should gather statistics on how often these offenses are charged and prosecuted. Testimony in support came from the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents and the North Dakota Association for Justice, both describing cases where false domestic-violence allegations or false reports caused arrests, jail time, and court burdens, while noting the difficulty of finding statistics or examples of prosecutions. Members questioned the bill’s scope, and the committee amended it to narrow the study to North Dakota Century Code Chapter 12.1 before giving it a do pass recommendation by roll call vote. The committee then took up House Bill 1613, which addresses autonomous vehicles, robots, and law enforcement use of technology. The sponsor explained the amendment was intended to create definitions for autonomous, remote, lethal, and less-than-lethal systems, while preserving current law enforcement tools such as body cameras, license plate readers, and other cameras, and requiring warrants or use-of-force policies in certain situations. Testimony and discussion focused on ensuring humans remain involved in decisions to deploy weapons, limiting autonomous use of lethal force, and clarifying how drones and other devices could be used for surveillance or emergency response. After discussion of concerns from law enforcement, technology, and other stakeholders, the committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended by roll call vote. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1499, which would make home addresses and telephone numbers of federal judges, magistrate judges, and U.S. Supreme Court justices confidential under state open-records law. The sponsor and the Attorney General’s office said the bill would extend protections already given to state judges and other justice-system employees, noting increased threats to judges and explaining that federal law does not fully protect these records in state files. With no opposition offered, the committee gave the bill a do pass recommendation and then adjourned after noting it had completed action on all 122 bills before it, with only two conference committees remaining.

Transcript Highlights:

• codes are a subset of building codes. codes. codes.
• winds up in the position of energy code winds up in the position of energy code enforcer enforcer
• and implements arbitrary rules for energy building code when we haven't even figured out the enforcement
• when we haven't even figured out code when we haven't even figured out the<01:48:12.440> enforcement
• We have heard concerns today that building codes can add $17,500 to a house.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House first suspended the rules briefly to make announcements, including welcoming former representative Doug Gage to the gallery. It then returned to House Bill 211 on data brokers and personal information, where the Appropriations Committee explained a $50,000 appropriation to the Secretary of State for a consultant-led study on an accessible deletion mechanism for consumers to delete personal data held by data brokers, with interim and final reports due in 2027 and 2028. The committee reported a 9-0-2 vote in favor, and the House agreed to the Commerce and Economic Development Committee’s amendment and ordered third reading. Floor debate on H. 211 focused heavily on the bill’s deletion and exemption framework. Supporters argued the bill is needed to give Vermonters meaningful control over their data and to prevent data brokers from commingling information for unrelated uses. Opponents warned the bill could conflict with existing federal frameworks such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Gramm-Leach-Bliley, and the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act, and could make credit, banking, insurance, fraud prevention, and identity verification harder. In response, the sponsor said the bill uses use-case-based exemptions rather than broad entity-level exemptions, noted testimony from banks, insurers, a data broker, a former data broker employee, and the Attorney General, and said no constitutional concerns were raised. The House ultimately adopted the amendment and advanced the bill. After H. 211, the House moved to House Bill 577, establishing the Vermont Prescription Drug Discount Card Program. Committee reports from Health Care, Ways and Means, and Appropriations were read into the record, and the Colchester member described the bill as a way to lower prescription drug costs by joining the multi-state Array Rx program. The bill would let any Vermont resident obtain a free discount card for FDA-approved prescription drugs, with claimed savings up to 80% on generics and 20% on brand-name drugs. The House then proceeded to second reading on H. 577.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have our own law enforcement officers.
• We implemented House Bill 161.
• We created our own code using Navajo words.
• It's all up here, the entire code.
• We had Code Talkers from Utah.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's House Bill 310 under an act to amend Title 18 of the Delaware Code. Excuse me, we did that.
• House Bill 310, like I said, an act to amend Title 30 of the Delaware Code relating to... they're the
• That's House Bill 310 under an act to amend Title 18 of Delaware Code. Excuse me, we did that.
• House Bill 310, like I said, an act to amend Title 30 of the Delaware Code relating to House Bill 310
• Of House Bill 310.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, but much of the meeting focused on House Bill 306, which would require disclosure when a consumer is interacting with a chatbot rather than a human. Sponsor Senator Townsend described it as a consumer protection measure and said the bill is meant to keep pace with rapidly changing AI technology. Committee members and witnesses raised concerns about the bill’s enforcement structure, especially private rights of action and penalties that could apply even without actual consumer harm. The Department of Justice said the bill would apply where the conduct has a Delaware nexus, and that the disclosure requirement is the key consumer protection. Industry witnesses and chambers of commerce opposed the bill as drafted, arguing it would create broad compliance burdens and expose businesses to excessive litigation risk without a harm requirement or clearer safe harbor language. Earlier in the meeting, the committee discussed House Bill 429, which would update Delaware’s step therapy exception process to include biosimilars and interchangeable biologics. Senator Poore and supporters from Highmark and the Department of Insurance said the bill would modernize insurance law, improve access to effective treatments, and reduce costs; they cited national savings from biosimilars and said the bill has agency support. Members asked about Delaware-specific savings, patient switching, and how the process would work, but no vote was taken during the discussion. The committee also heard House Bill 310, which would exclude large data centers from Blue Collar Jobs Act tax credits; the sponsor said the bill is intended to ensure large energy users contribute more to state and local revenues, while supporters and opponents debated competitiveness and community impacts. House Bill 406, on allowing insureds to choose their auto repair shop, and Senate Bill 347, a cleanup bill related to medical debt collection and personal property levies, were also presented without opposition in the hearing. House Bill 253, concerning who may receive letters testamentary or of administration, was described as a cleanup to align statute with existing practice. The committee approved the meeting minutes, but the transcript does not show final votes on the bills discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Engrossed House Bill 1541 with Senate amendments.
• body-worn cameras, law enforcement in-car cameras, Law enforcement body-worn cameras, law enforcement
• the North Dakota Century Code relating to law enforcement use of a robot.
• law enforcement.
• Senator Thomas: Madam President, House Bill 1448 is taking a bill introduced by a House representative

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call showing 46 members present. It then took up multiple House messages and amendments, appointing conference committees on several measures, including SB 2007, SCR 4007, SB 2374, SB 233, and House bills 1029, 1218, and 1022. The chamber also considered a series of House bills on the sixth and 14th orders, often adopting committee amendments before final passage or, in some cases, rejecting the bill outright. Among the major policy items, the Senate passed HB 1524 on regional planning council grants, HB 1143 increasing a food bank appropriation to $10 million, HB 1126 modernizing cosmetology licensing and inspections, HB 1542 making student applications for admission exempt records, HB 1613 regulating law enforcement use of robots, HB 1582 directing a study on false reports and accusations, HB 1214 revising school transportation funding, HB 1448 creating a study on advanced technologies, HB 1280 on drainage project voting rules, HB 1499 protecting records related to federal judges, and several Senate bills returned from the House, including SB 2221, SB 2117, SB 2198, SB 2120, and SB 2214. The Senate also adopted amendments to HB 1541 on septic systems before rejecting it on final passage. Several high-profile bills failed after debate. HB 1566, dealing with kratom regulation, saw an amendment to convert it to a study fail on a 21-25 vote, after which the chamber laid the bill over for one legislative day rather than take final action. HB 1283, which would have eliminated cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams in the state employee plan, was defeated 22-24 after extensive debate over cost, precedent, and insurance impacts. HB 1527, requiring Holocaust education in statute, also failed 22-24, with supporters emphasizing the importance of the subject and opponents arguing curriculum belongs in standards rather than statute. The Senate adjourned after announcements, scheduling its next meeting for Monday, April 14, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:38:27.599> are which local building codes are which local building codes are enforcable
• codes become enforcable after that these codes become enforcable after after<01:38:53.760> adoption
• uh I built my house in 2008 and n Code uh I built my house in 2008 and n and<01:57:39.480> it
• building code enforcement, and building code appeals, and find a home for those in 155A.
• of the 21 energy code for for houses of the 21 energy code for for houses commissioning<05:19:13.160>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 216, which Representative Carol Maguire described as a fix to a workers’ compensation/retirement “glitch.” The bill would remove the current limit that only one year of workers’ compensation time can be credited as retirement service time. Maguire argued the limit is arbitrary and affects only a very small number of grievously injured workers, while committee members asked about the fiscal impact, available data, and whether the change could affect workers’ compensation rates or incentives. Mark Kavar of the New Hampshire Retirement System said Labor could not provide data on how many people exceed a year on weekly indemnity benefits, so the fiscal note used a conservative estimate that could be scaled down; he also explained that workers’ comp is not earnable compensation, which is why service credit stops after a year, and noted that many long-term cases move into disability retirement or lump-sum settlements. The committee closed the hearing, entered executive session, and voted ought to pass on HB 216 by a 13-0 roll call, sending it to consent and noting it would also go to Finance. The committee then acted on House Bill 85, adopting Amendment 0037 and then voting ought to pass as amended by another 13-0 roll call. The bill was described as allowing second-year respiratory therapy students to work under supervision using the skills they have already learned, with support from the Hospital Association and no opposition noted. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 267, the animal chiropractors bill. Members said the bill had been approved previously but was vetoed because of a defect; the problem has now been corrected, and the bill is intended to reduce delays caused by requiring veterinary referrals before chiropractors can treat animals. The committee voted ought to pass 13-0 and placed the bill on consent.