Video & Transcript Research : 'wildfire mitigation'
Page 149 of 263
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- To see how we've also mitigated, like we haven't before, or like you all have before, the.
- What is done here, which is commendable and wonderful, gets mitigated by one of two things, either by
Keywords:
property tax, homestead exemption, school funding, state aid, constitutional amendment, SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- These funds go towards a new salt road mitigation fund, which is maintained and managed by DES to provide
- towards a new um salt road uh mitigation towards a new um salt road uh mitigation fund<02:46:37.439
- You know, we're the tax committee, and I wonder if the fee increase is the appropriate way to mitigate
- program at dees and I'm salt mitigation program at dees and I'm wondering<02:51:27.760>
is <02 - <03:26:56.000>
the ways to, as I said before, mitigate the ways to, as I said before, mitigate
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1596, which would raise New Hampshire’s cigarette excise tax from $1.78 per pack to about $2.80, using an inflation-based adjustment since the rate was last set in 2008. Representative Jerry Stringham, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure would keep New Hampshire competitive with neighboring states, generate revenue, and help offset other budget pressures. He also described the bill as repealing an income-based premium charge in Medicaid/CHIP-related programs and restoring cuts to the University System of New Hampshire, arguing that the combined package would still leave the state in a positive fiscal position. He said the tobacco tax increase would likely have some cessation effect but would remain low relative to other New England states, and he cited prior testimony from health groups supporting a larger increase.
Members questioned the sponsor about how the new rate was calculated, the prior tobacco tax reduction and restoration, whether tobacco companies would absorb or pass on the tax, and the fiscal note’s estimates for Medicaid premium revenue and UNH funding. Stringham said he used Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation data, that the earlier 10-cent reduction did not produce the expected sales increase, and that the current bill would eliminate the premium charges now in the budget. He later clarified that the Department of Medicaid Services had updated the revenue estimate, but said the bill still showed a surplus overall. He also said the federal government already imposes a $1-per-pack tax and that New Hampshire would remain below neighboring states even after the increase.
Two public witnesses testified in opposition to the tax increase. Anna Bettincourt, a tobacco category manager, argued that higher tobacco taxes would unfairly target smokers, reduce New Hampshire’s tax advantage, and likely shift purchases to other states or illicit markets rather than reduce use. She said tobacco companies generally do not lower prices and that Massachusetts’ flavor restrictions had not eliminated sales. In response to questions, she maintained that a smaller increase would still be harmful and that enforcement problems make bans ineffective. The sponsor and some members countered that smokers impose higher health costs and that tobacco taxes are a policy tool for both revenue and public health. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Banking and Insurance. (3-24-26)
Banking & Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- The issue with postponing that is there are also obligations in every policy to mitigate damage.
- The issue with postponing that is there are also obligations in every policy to mitigate damage.
- 29.880>
to are also obligations in every policy to are also obligations in every policy to mitigate - 31.760>
you <00:24:31.920>are <00:24:32.080>cleaning <00:24:32.520>up mitigate - If you are cleaning up mitigate damage.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- It directs the FHFC to establish and oversee the vacancy relief and risk mitigation trust fund, as well
- documentation, and verifying claims to ensure proper local administration of the vacancy relief and risk mitigation
- documentation, and verifying claims to ensure proper local administration of the vacancy relief and risk mitigation
- vacancy relief trust fund to hold a vacant dwelling for a veteran up to 45 days and to the risk mitigation
- Senate Bill 1604 creates the vacancy relief and risk mitigation trust fund within the Florida Housing
Keywords:
child welfare, negligence, settlement, injury compensation, Department of Children and Families, motorcycle accident, compensation, Department of Transportation, legal claim, autism, autism spectrum disorder, ASD, special education, exceptional student education, ESE, teacher preparation, educator certification, micro-credential, loan forgiveness, student loan repayment
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee met and considered a large agenda of bills, reporting several measures favorably. Early action included SB 6, a settled claim bill involving the Department of Children and Families and the estate of Leila Estrada and Sapphire Williams, which was approved for $3.8 million. The committee also passed a cybersecurity internships bill creating a Department of Commerce program with Cyber Florida, and SB 532, which lets clerks of court retain the full amount of certain excess revenue and clarifies foreclosure-sale procedures. Veterans housing measures, CS for CS for SB 1602 and SB 1604, were approved to create a pilot program and a related trust fund for vacancy relief and risk mitigation for veteran housing. The committee also favorably reported SB 1110 on Medicaid and insurance coverage for orthotics and prosthetics, with emotional testimony from a student and family describing the high cost and importance of activity-specific prosthetics.
Members also approved CS for CS for SB 1012 after adopting an amendment that removed inmate emergency and specialty medical service compensation provisions while retaining changes to the contractor-operated institutions inmate welfare trust fund. Another bill, CS for CS for SB 1614, was narrowed by a delete-all amendment to focus on limiting the use of excess fees for new building construction by local governments. All of these measures were reported favorably after brief debate, with some support testimony submitted in writing or waived.
The most extensive discussion centered on CS for CS for SB 17, a major Medicaid and public assistance overhaul. The bill would create a Joint Legislative Committee on Medicaid Oversight, allow the Legislature to retain its own actuary, tighten Medicaid program oversight, update encounter-data reporting, set performance standards for managed care plans, revise pharmacy benefit manager rules, and require DCF to implement SNAP fraud-reduction and payment-accuracy reforms, including photo IDs on EBT cards and updated work requirements. It also would direct agencies to seek federal waivers for Medicaid work requirements for able-bodied adults and expanded behavioral health services. After lengthy questioning and testimony, the committee adopted amendments adding a transitional medical benefits glide path for people who gain employment and later lose Medicaid eligibility, and exempting hospice patients with six months or less to live. Supporters argued the bill would improve accountability, reduce fraud, and save money, while opponents warned it would create administrative burdens, increase paperwork, and cause eligible people to lose coverage or food assistance. The committee ultimately reported the bill favorably as amended.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- However, the state will be poorer in the future if these state grant reductions are not mitigated because
- However, the state will be poorer in the future if these state grant reductions are not mitigated because
- reductions future if these state grant reductions are<01:10:57.040>
not <01:10:57.280>mitigated - are not mitigated are not mitigated because<01:10:59.360>
many <01:10:59.760>potential
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 8, February 18, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- agency has uh submitted will it has every indication that that'll be approved that would prohibit and mitigate
- agency has submitted will, it has every indication that that'll be approved, that would prohibit and mitigate
- agency has submitted will, it has every indication that that'll be approved, that would prohibit and mitigate
- It's not their fault. mitigate that problem um to where sugary mitigate that problem um to where sugary
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (04/24/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- look to other safety mechanisms, multiple means of egress, external staircases, other things to mitigate
- 01:00:27.280>
to external staircases, other things to external staircases, other things to mitigate - <01:00:31.280>
Uh mitigate um health life safety risk. - Uh mitigate um health life safety risk.
- 20:37.920>
When <01:20:38.239>developing When developing recommendations for risk mitigation
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 94, which would prohibit municipal amendments to the state building code and move New Hampshire toward a more uniform statewide code. Senator McConi and several supporters, including the Josiah Barlo Center for Public Policy, the State Fire Marshal, the Associated General Contractors of New Hampshire, and the New Hampshire Homebuilders Association, argued that local variations create confusion, raise housing costs, and make compliance harder for builders operating in multiple towns. The Fire Marshal said the goal is a single state building and fire code with only limited administrative amendments at the local level, not technical changes, and noted that municipalities could still seek exceptions through the Building Code Review Board if needed. The chair explained that a similar House bill was already moving forward with fire code and administrative amendment language, and members agreed that retaining SB 94 would avoid conflicting bills. The committee then voted to retain SB 94 by roll call, 13-0, with no minority report.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 30, which would designate the Virginia opossum as New Hampshire’s state marsupial. Senator Fenton presented the bill as a light-hearted measure inspired by Chesterfield School fourth graders, who had submitted written testimony and supported the idea. Members discussed the bill in a humorous but mostly supportive way, with one member objecting that it trivialized the legislature, while others said it could help engage students in the legislative process. The committee voted ought to pass on SB 30, 11-2, and agreed to place it on consent with no minority report.
Later, the committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 95, concerning youth camp cabins and state fire/building codes. Senator McConi said the bill would exempt new residential cabins in youth recreation camps from sprinkler requirements and allow them to omit electrical, mechanical, or plumbing systems, while requiring any such systems that are present to comply with state code. He said the measure was intended to resolve recurring interpretation problems that have caused expense and uncertainty for camp owners, and he praised work with the Fire Marshal’s office to reach a workable compromise. Representative Schmidt asked about cabin sizes and whether larger cabins with multiple occupants would still be safe; the senator explained that camps typically use counselors, drills, and supervision, and that the people behind him could answer more detailed questions. The transcript cuts off before the hearing concludes or any vote is taken on SB 95.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HRE, WTL-HRE, HRE-LBT Public Hearings 03-18-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So we are trying to be creative in identifying how we can potentially mitigate the impact to students
- Thank you. uh also sending in testimony in support uh climate change mitigation commission uh office
- > testimony uh in support uh climate testimony uh in support uh climate change<01:05:17.680>
mitigation - <01:05:18.400>
commission change mitigation commission change mitigation commission uh<01:
Summary:
The committee heard three University of Hawaiʻi-related measures. HB 718 HD1 would appropriate funds for faculty and staff positions at the John A. Burns School of Medicine in cardiovascular, law, biology, tropical medicine, quantitative health/biostatistics, and environmental health and safety. Testimony was in support, including from university representatives and others who submitted written testimony. Members asked whether the positions were additional and how they would affect enrollment; the university said the hires would teach medical students and conduct biomedical research, helping increase the class size to about 77 and eventually 80, and noted a workforce paper requested by the committee would be provided soon.
The committee then discussed SB 1170 HD1, which would grant resident tuition at any UH campus to certain graduates of Hawaiʻi high schools enrolling in undergraduate programs. UH supported the bill and said it had adjusted its testimony in response to prior committee concerns. Members focused on the proposed four-year window, asking why that timeframe was chosen and whether the change was needed at all. UH explained that four years would allow students who left the state to return and still complete an undergraduate degree or prepare for graduate school, and said the bill would help students who come back after one or two years but otherwise would have to wait a year to reestablish residency under current rules. UH also said it was discussing possible administrative rule changes as an alternative if the bill did not pass.
Finally, the committee heard HB 1300 HD1, which would fund a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center pilot study on cancer disparities among Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, and people living near landfills in Nanakuli, focusing on social determinants of health, lifestyle, environmental exposures, and resilience factors. Testimony from researchers and advocates strongly supported the measure, saying the study could help explain cancer disparities and support future research funding. Members questioned the cost, the reliance on future federal or foundation funding, and the practical outcome of the study. The Cancer Center said the pilot would cost about $500,000 per year for two years, with later funding sought from federal, nonprofit, or private sources; it said the study would produce longitudinal data that could help identify at-risk groups and provide evidence for policy decisions, though members expressed concern that the project needed a clearer end goal and stronger case for public investment.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 73 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- petitions: the joint petition of Hadley-Luddy and Julian Sierra relative to funding, housing, and mitigating
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several procedural matters. It adopted a Rules Committee report extending the reporting deadline for the Committee on Aging and Independence to December 3, 2025. The House also concurred in Senate referrals and suspended Joint Rule 12 on multiple petitions, including a proposal on education reporting for out-of-home placement students, a petition on applied behavioral analysis reimbursement rates, seasonal communities and housing-related petitions, and a witness intimidation petition.
The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling then reported a slate of local bills for consideration, including measures on South Boston park and field space, memorial markers for fallen officers in Milton and Canton, sustainable water resource funds, charter changes for Millis and Cambridge, a Hanson local licensing matter, a Haverhill Board of Health membership increase, and the Cambridge Employment and Job Training Trust. The House suspended Rule 7A, took second readings, and ordered these bills to a third reading.
Later, the House considered and passed to be engrossed three bills on third reading: a Melrose senior citizen property tax exemption, a new charter for the City of Cambridge, and a Maynard alcohol license bill. The session concluded with adoption of an adjournment order setting the next meeting for Thursday at 11 a.m., and the House adjourned accordingly.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- No, I think it will actually mitigate some of the strain on the court system. Okay, thank you.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1067, the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, an anti-SLAPP measure intended to protect Missourians from meritless lawsuits that chill First Amendment activity. Senator Mike Henderson, the bill sponsor, said it would cover speech on matters of public concern, including social media and political speech, and would let defendants seek an early ruling so they are not forced through lengthy, expensive litigation. In response to questions, he said the bill would not eliminate defamation or slander claims and would likely reduce strain on the courts by allowing quicker dismissal of weak cases.
Supporters testified that the bill would protect journalists, broadcasters, and the public from frivolous suits aimed at silencing speech. The Missouri Press Association, the Institute for Free Speech, the Missouri Broadcasters Association, and Missouri Right to Life all spoke in favor. The Institute for Free Speech witness noted the bill is a companion to House Bill 2666 and said similar language has repeatedly received strong bipartisan support in Missouri and has been adopted in 36 states. Committee members asked about examples, the scope of protected speech, and whether expedited procedures would burden courts or disadvantage plaintiffs.
No witnesses spoke in opposition. After the public testimony, the chair closed the hearing on SB 1067 and adjourned the Judiciary Committee.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Mar 5, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, that is a concern, but we do feel with proper planning that can be mitigated.
- proper planning that can be mitigated. proper planning that can be mitigated.
- At the state level, our pesticides branch is the regulatory agency to ensure that any mitigation measures
- <00:25:43.039>
measures ensure that um any mitigation measures ensure that um any mitigation - The department's proposed amendment is intended to mitigate any unintentional violation of the EPA's
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 1531, HD1, which would require the governor or county mayors to provide American Sign Language interpreters during official emergency announcements broadcast on television or the internet, ensure the interpreter is visible, and provide a primary pool feed with picture-in-picture so rebroadcasters would not need to add the feature themselves. Testimony from the Disability and Communication Access Board and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities strongly supported the bill, emphasizing effective communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing residents and noting that interpreter placement and size can make broadcasts inaccessible. The council requested an effective date of July 1, 2027 to allow implementation time. Members raised concerns about interpreter availability and emergency logistics on Hawaiʻi Island, but the chair moved to pass the bill with amendments reflecting the picture-in-picture recommendation and the later effective date. The committee adopted the motion, with several members voting aye and others voting with reservations.
The committee then heard House Bill 1880, HD2, which would prohibit, beginning January 1, 2027, the use or application of pesticides containing 1,3-dichloropropene, such as Telone. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity explained that pesticides are already regulated at both the federal and state levels, with EPA risk assessments and state enforcement of label restrictions, reporting, and school-buffer requirements. The Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the bill, citing cancer and respiratory risks and arguing that safer alternatives exist. In opposition, Dole Food and the Hawaii Farm Bureau said Telone is important for controlling nematodes in pineapple production, that it is applied underground under EPA conditions, and that no comparable registered alternative exists for pineapple; they also said the bill’s 2027 start date is too short for growers to adjust. A representative from the Y Alliance for Progressive Action and Support supported the measure, citing statewide usage data and concerns about drift and chronic health impacts. Committee members questioned both sides about drift monitoring, groundwater impacts, alternative methods, and whether a transition period or research into resistant varieties could reduce reliance on the chemical.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And this issue before us seeks to mitigate a loophole where firefighter Troy was diagnosed at a point
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted several congratulatory resolutions, including one honoring Thomas Dayhill on his 100th birthday. The chamber also took up a petition and bill to promote safety of dogs in kennels; after suspending the applicable rules, the matter was referred to the Municipalities and Regional Government Committee. In addition, the Senate advanced a House bill establishing a sick leave bank for a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office employee, ordering it to a third reading after suspending the rules.
The Senate later welcomed the Hingham girls crew team, recognizing them as the 2025 Massachusetts Public School Rowing Association Spring State Champions. The introduction highlighted the team’s season, including early-morning practices, weather-related cancellations, and their championship performance in difficult conditions, and members were invited to congratulate the athletes.
The Committee on Ways and Means reported a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill, Senate No. 2529, with direct appropriations of $532,508. The Senate adopted an order setting the bill for second reading on June 18, 2025, with amendments due electronically by June 16, and providing for immediate third reading after amendment. The Senate also adopted a resolution designating August 9 and 10, 2025 as a sales tax holiday, and referred a petition concerning accidental death benefits for the surviving spouse of former Boston firefighter Matthew M. Troy to the Committee on Public Service after suspending Joint Rule 12. The chamber then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th 1st C.S.
89th Legislative Session - First Called Session Jul 24th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We're trying to do everything we can to find ways to help possibly mitigate this from happening in the
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation and pledges, and approved a series of member excuses for absences without objection. The main business of the meeting was a memorial recognition focused on the deadly Kerr County flooding and related damage in nearby counties, with members expressing sympathy for the victims and gratitude for first responders, volunteers, churches, nonprofits, and neighbors who have been assisting affected families.
Representative Virdell reported that 108 people had been recovered dead in Kerr County, with 2 still missing, and said recovery and rebuilding would take years. He thanked colleagues for their support and said efforts were underway to find ways to help prevent a similar tragedy in the future. Representative Tross Claire echoed those remarks, describing widespread home destruction, the lack of flood insurance for many residents, and ongoing volunteer opportunities, including work in Burnet County through the Arc of Highland Lakes.
No legislation was debated or voted on during the session. After the memorial remarks and a moment of silence, the House adjourned on motion of Mr. King until 10:00 a.m. Monday.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Governmental Organization Committee May 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And under the new compact, we've established an impact mitigation fund to support local law enforcement
Summary:
The Assembly Governmental Organization Committee held an informational hearing on a tribal-state gaming compact between the State of California and the Big Sandy Rancheria of Western Mono Indians. Chair Blanca Rubio explained that no formal vote would be taken because the Legislature cannot amend the compact; SB 49 by Senator Grove is the ratification bill that would later come before the Assembly floor. The hearing focused on the compact’s background, including two amendments to extend an existing 1999 gaming compact while the new agreement was finalized.
Matthew Lee from the Governor’s Office said the new compact is substantially similar to prior compacts but was revised to address the federal Department of the Interior’s earlier disapproval. He explained that the compact now includes CEQA exemptions and an explicit exclusivity provision that Interior had wanted to see in the compact itself. He also described standard terms such as worker protections, revenue sharing with the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund, reimbursement of state regulatory costs, local government distributions, and authorization for up to 3,000 gaming devices at up to two facilities.
Big Sandy Rancheria Chairwoman Elizabeth Hutchins testified in support of SB 49, saying the compact is important to the tribe’s long-term economic development, self-sufficiency, and ability to provide services to members. She noted the tribe’s ties to the Fresno area and said the new compact includes an impact mitigation fund to support local law enforcement, emergency services, and neighboring jurisdictions. No committee questions were raised, there was no public comment, and the chair adjourned the hearing.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (03/04/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I think you recall in my testimony that there are a variety of mitigation efforts I could repeat them
- I think you recall in my testimony that there are a variety of mitigation efforts I could repeat them
- I think you recall in my testimony that there are a variety of mitigation efforts I could repeat them
- I think you recall in my testimony that there are a variety of mitigation efforts I could repeat them
- I think you recall in my testimony that there are a variety of mitigation efforts I could repeat them
Summary:
The committee met in a work session on several environmental bills, beginning with HP 152, which would prohibit the sale and use of adhesive-based rodent traps. Members discussed whether the bill should be amended to allow professional pest control use while restricting retail sales to the public. Testimony and member comments focused on animal welfare concerns, the relative humaneness and effectiveness of glue traps versus snap traps, consumer education, enforcement difficulties, and whether the bill should instead be limited to professionals. No vote was taken on HP 152 during the discussion.
The committee then turned to HB 171, establishing a moratorium on new landfill permits. Representative Gruber distributed an amendment shortening the proposed moratorium from five years to three years as a compromise. Members supporting the moratorium said it would give the Department of Environmental Services time to update rules and reflect recent landfill-siting reforms, while opponents argued that three years was too long, could tie the hands of a future legislature, and might be difficult to pass in the Senate. Others noted the House, Senate, and governor had each discussed different lengths of moratorium, making the bill a likely bargaining position in later negotiations.
Throughout the landfill discussion, members emphasized that the three-year version was intended as a middle ground between a one-year proposal associated with the governor and a six-year Senate bill. Several members said the moratorium reflected years of bipartisan work on solid waste and landfill policy and would help create time for new rules to take effect. The transcript provided does not show a final committee vote or other action on HB 171 during this segment.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- These measures offer the hope that we might mitigate that and address it, and I hope that we will move
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee and floor matters. The Committee on Rules reported two municipal property tax relief bills, Senate Nos. 1933 and 1935, and both were referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. Senator Tarr emphasized the urgency of advancing the bills, describing them as measures to address property tax shocks and provide relief through a rebate or credit mechanism.
The Senate then enacted House No. 3916, authorizing Westfield to set an age limit for original appointment as a police officer, and took a brief recess to sign the bill. On third reading, the Senate passed to be engrossed Senate No. 24, amending the charter of the town of Sandwich, after accepting a committee report recommending a new draft, Senate No. 2859. It also passed to be engrossed House No. 4173, further regulating appointments to the Acton Memorial Library, and House No. 4031, increasing the age limit for retired police officers serving as special police officers in Weston, after adopting an amendment offered by Senator Barrett.
The Senate also considered House No. 3912, increasing the Marblehead Board of Health from three to five members, which had been returned by the Governor with a recommended amendment under Article 56. The Senate suspended its rules, adopted the Governor’s amendment, and returned the bill to the House for reenactment. Finally, a House petition concerning a special commission on perimenopause and menopause care was referred to the Committee on Public Health, and the Senate adopted an order to adjourn until Monday at 11:00 a.m.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Administrative Rules REVISED: Links Added Apr 28th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Administrative Rules
Transcript Highlights:
- trying to think of all the people that we've met with and Trying to figure out if there's a way to mitigate
Keywords:
administrative rules, rule approval, joint resolution, Oklahoma Register, Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, Corporation Commission, Department of Environmental Quality, Liquified Petroleum Gas Board, water resources, wildlife conservation, tourism, zoning commission, energy regulation, agricultural regulation, agency rules, permanent rules, state agencies, Oklahoma Legislature, business and commerce, professional licensing
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Apr 28th, 2026
Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence
Transcript Highlights:
- No, I think it will actually mitigate some of the strain on the court system. Okay. Thank you.
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 1067, a Uniform Public Expression Protection Act intended to deter meritless lawsuits that chill free speech, often referred to as SLAPP suits. Senator Mike Henderson explained that the bill is based on a model from the Uniform Law Commission and would apply broadly to speech on matters of public concern, including political speech and social media, while preserving defamation and other legitimate claims. He said the bill gives defendants an immediate right to appeal anti-SLAPP rulings and requires plaintiffs to show early that their case has merit. Committee members asked about when the bill would apply, whether it would affect government-related speech, and whether expedited procedures would burden the courts; Henderson responded that it should reduce strain by allowing quicker dismissal of weak cases.
Witnesses testified in support of the bill. Doug Cruz of the Missouri Press Association said journalists and the public are frequent targets of expensive, meritless lawsuits meant to suppress reporting and speech. James Harris of the Institute for Free Speech said the bill is the companion to House Bill 2666 and noted similar versions have passed committee and the House in prior sessions with strong bipartisan support; he described the bill as allowing an earlier petition to the judge rather than waiting until the end of discovery. Michael Henderson, for the Missouri Broadcasters Association, and Susan Klein, for Missouri Right to Life, also spoke in favor. No one testified in opposition, and the chair closed the hearing and adjourned the Judiciary Committee.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 20, March 5, 2026-PM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But finally, how can we mitigate the impact of doing that?
- ,<00:50:25.359>
how <00:50:25.599>can <00:50:25.760>we <00:50:25.920>mitigate - <00:50:26.319>
the But finally, how can we mitigate the But finally, how can we mitigate the - And then we mitigate the counties.
- And then we mitigate the impact<00:55:26.240>
of <00:55:27.520>getting <00:55:27.839>
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We have the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission via Laram in support.
- Uh we have um climate change mitigation Uh we have um climate change mitigation and<01:22:19.520>
- We see this as a resiliency effort as well as one that will help mitigate the impacts from HR1 and the
- We see this as a resiliency effort as well as one that will help mitigate the impacts from HR1 and the
- We see this as a resiliency effort as well as one that will help mitigate the impacts from HR1 and the
Bills:
HB1853, HB1591, HB1961, HB1854, HB1965, HB1962, HB1959, HB2505, HB2576, HB1801, HB1804, HB1864, HB2319, HB2314, HB2115
Keywords:
HB1853, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, cognitive impairment, memory care, memory clinic, Hanai Memory Network, Executive Office on Aging, aging services, kupuna, caregiver support, long-term care, elder care, geriatrics, public health, dementia screening, care coordination, referral network, neighbor islands, rural health
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 2047, relating to pharmacy benefit managers. The Insurance Division said the bill would require new enforcement resources and estimated an appropriation of about $1.5 million and five positions. Kaiser Permanente asked for an amendment to exclude HMOs from the definition of third-party PBMs, saying the bill should not interfere with integrated care models. PCMA and the Hawaii Pharmacist Association supported narrowing amendments, with pharmacists objecting to section 3 and warning the bill as amended could create major operational burdens and a significant general fund cost. No vote was taken in the portion provided, and the chair moved on to the next measure after questions.
The committee then took up SB 2080, which would allow Hawaii to join the psychology interjurisdictional compact. Supporters, including DCR, the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, the Grassroot Institute, and others, said the compact would expand access to psychology services, especially for people in rural areas or those needing continuity of care while traveling. Opponents, including the Board of Psychology and a Shamanad University psychology professor, raised concerns about client safety, crisis-response procedures, enforcement costs, FBI background checks, and possible loss of state control over training and specialization standards. The board said Hawaii’s current 1,900-hour internship/postdoc requirement is higher than the compact’s standard and that the state is still implementing a separate provisional licensing law that may address some access issues. The discussion focused on whether the compact would meaningfully reduce shortages and whether Hawaii should instead pursue changes within its existing licensing system.
Finally, the committee heard SB 2277 on hospital price transparency. The Office of Consumer Protection initially noted the bill could require significant staffing, but later testimony from SHIP suggested the measure could be handled more simply by working with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii and publicly posting violations. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, arguing hospitals already must comply with federal CMS transparency rules and that adding state requirements would increase costs and legal exposure, especially if violations were treated as unfair or deceptive trade practices. Steve Fenberg testified in support, saying the bill would simply codify existing federal requirements in state law and that he was open to amendments removing state enforcement and the unfair trade practice language. No final action was taken in the excerpt provided.