Transcript Highlights:

• So you're the city employees. You don't have any further city employees? No.
• But that's the only other employee we have.
• And you said there was one other employee. Does that employee get mileage per the IRS, but...
• Whether it's employee, does that employee get mileage per the IRS mileage rate, or how are they coming
• And I want the state to look at the whole—I mean, you guys look at the whole state.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Summary: The committee approved the prior minutes and then received a series of audit and compliance updates. Staff reported on delinquent private water and sewer reports, delinquent 2013-2023 water reports, and several municipal accounting code noncompliance cases. Denning and Gum Springs were recommended to be removed from the 60-day clock after staff visits showed improved records, while Fargo, Lead Hill, Almy, Jericho, Haynes, Biggers, Gilmore, and Holly Grove were discussed for repeat findings involving missing audits, poor bookkeeping, unpaid or misapplied street funds, deficit balances, and other accounting deficiencies. Several of these entities were given additional time or had reports filed without objection, while others were deferred for later review. Fargo’s mayor said the town had been understaffed and was working to improve its accounting systems; the committee voted to defer the matter to the August meeting. Lead Hill’s mayor described efforts to complete overdue water audits and improve office procedures, and the committee also postponed action for 60 days. Almy’s mayor and recorder-treasurer were present, and the committee placed the town on the 60-day clock for repeat accounting issues. Biggers and Gilmore both acknowledged long-running audit problems and said they were working with auditors and the IRS; their reports were filed. Holly Grove’s treasurer said she had only recently taken the position, and that report was filed as well. The committee spent considerable time on the street-fund misuse cases for Jericho and Haynes. Jericho was found to have exceeded the statutory threshold tied to fines and costs, with staff noting the town had since become current on its repayment plan; the committee deferred the report to September. Haynes was also behind on its repayment plan for street funds, with staff saying the town had recently made up the shortfall and was current as of the meeting, but the committee still deferred the report to September. Members and staff also discussed how the speed-trap law is applied, whether certain fines and costs count toward the threshold, and the role of the prosecuting attorney in deciding whether to take further action. The committee then reviewed a special report on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District, which had six findings involving board approval of payroll and contracts, credit card documentation, vehicle and cell phone use, competitive bidding, electronic funds controls, and unusually high advertising spending. District Director Craig Douglas said the board had delegated some authority, that receipts were missing during a temporary staffing gap, and that advertising was needed to educate the public; he also defended the sale of trailers and other equipment as a way to exit the trailer business. Several members questioned the explanations and the low resale value of equipment, but the committee ultimately deferred the report to September. The meeting also included a recognition of accounting students interning with audit staff and a final set of actions on deferred water and sewer reports: 11 were filed, seven were deferred for lack of proper responses, and a private report on Shannon Hills Water, Sewer, and Fire Department was noted as involving misappropriation by an office manager and inadequate internal controls.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's referred to the committee on natural resources and energy. state lands used for hunting and state
• lands used for hunting and state lands used for hunting and fishing. fishing. fishing.
• S295, an act relating to group membership in the state employees retirement system. referred to 290.
• </c><00:12:58.399><c> employees</c> S295, an act relating to group membership in the state employees
• Listen to the first reading of the bill. >> S295, an act relating to group membership in the state employees

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a process for our state employees, and normally, you know, and it... employees, and normally,
• employees versus education employees.
• But in this situation, we have something for our state employees if they are injured on the job, but
• And then, the good news is, again, when we compare to the state health employees, you know there...
• I don't know if that's to make it consistent with the state employees' situation, but that's something

Bills: SJR 1 , SB 9 , SB 40 , SJR 36 , SJR 1 , SJR 5 , SB 9 , SB 40 , SR 61 , SR 91 , SR 97 , SR 103 , SR 104 , SR 112 , SR 115 , SR 116 , SCR 16 , SB 26 , SB 26

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1623 is an update to the state charter for state-regulated credit unions.
• Businesses in our state have choices about how they work with their employees, individually and collectively
• Businesses in our state have choices about how they work with their employees, individually and collectively
• major employer in our state whose prescription drug costs to cover its employees is $26.5 million a
• states.

Bills: SB65 , SB248 , SB330 , SB378 , SB844 , SB1330 , SB1410 , SB1475 , SB1476 , SB1565 , SB1618 , SB1623 , SJR39 , SJR47 , SB2084 , SB1655 , SB1679 , SB2174 , SB1775 , SB1873 , SB1204 , SB1884 , SB1916 , SB1937 , SB1447 , SB1500 , SB2007 , SB2074 , SB1944 , SB2018 , SB1984 , SB2026 , SB2045 , SB2049 , SB2062 , SB2112 , SB2118 , SB2127 , SB2134 , SB2135 , SB2139 , SB2154 , SB1195

Summary: The Senate first considered Senate Bill 1623, a measure updating the state charter for state-regulated credit unions to make them more competitive with federal credit unions. Two amendments were adopted: one changing certain board authority language from “shall” to “may,” and another restoring the title. Supporters said the bill was the product of years of negotiation with bankers and credit unions and would not affect national banks; after questions about membership expansion and census-tract service areas, the bill passed 44-0. The chamber then took up Senate Joint Resolution 39, which would send to voters a constitutional amendment lowering annual caps on assessed-value growth for homestead and agricultural property from 3% to 1%, and for other property from 5% to 3%. Proponents argued it would slow property-tax growth, help seniors and fixed-income homeowners stay in their homes, and not reduce government revenue but only slow future growth; opponents warned it would reduce local revenue growth for schools, counties, infrastructure, and bonding capacity, and would disproportionately benefit higher-value property owners. The resolution passed 38-8, and the special-election referral also passed 38-8. Senate Joint Resolution 47, which would place current voter ID requirements into the Constitution, also advanced and passed 39-8, with the special-election provision passing by the same margin. Supporters said it simply constitutionalized existing law requiring proof of identity and would preserve election security; critics said Oklahoma already has voter ID rules, the measure was unnecessary, and the language could create uncertainty for absentee voters and future changes. Debate also touched on provisional ballots, military and overseas voting, and whether the measure would make future adjustments harder. Later, Senate Bill 2084 passed 35-7 and as an emergency measure. The bill limits wrongful-termination settlements for faculty members at higher education institutions to two times annual salary, including pay and accrued benefits. Supporters said it would provide certainty for universities and regents; questions focused on tenure, free-speech claims, and how the cap would interact with existing tort limits. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1655 unanimously to allow Oklahoma Complete Health’s Children’s Specialty Program to contact adoptive parents and offer continued voluntary services for post-adoption children, and Senate Bill 1679 was introduced as the “Preserving Oklahoma Values Act,” aimed at codifying adherence to the U.S. and Oklahoma Constitutions and rejecting foreign law, with debate beginning over its enforcement and scope.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 561, by the State Affairs Committee, regarding State Affairs.
• House Bill 575, by the State Affairs Committee, regarding the State Controller.
• House Bill 561, by the State Affairs Committee, regarding State Affairs.
• We are a law-and-order state. We follow laws in the state.
• Or what about a disgruntled employee? This is a right-to-work state. We can fire people at will.

Transcript Highlights:

• States. States.
• . state. state.
• State employees in those unions received step increases and a cost-of-living adjustment.
• State<01:07:14.200><c> employees</c><01:07:14.680><c> in</c><01:07:14.840><c> those</c><01:07:15.080>
• <c> unions</c><01:07:15.440><c> received</c> State employees in those unions received State employees

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> hurting employees. hurting employees.
• He argued that, just like the state does not regulate federal employees here, it does not pay federal
• You heard from fewer employee employees.
• </c> the state government. the state government.
• If there's 15 employees, per employee.

Transcript Highlights:

• violations of state and federal laws.
• I'd like to know which other state industries the state scrutinizes the same way they do firearms vendors
• Please state your name, organization, and position.
• on behalf of their employees.
• State your name and who you're with.

Summary: The Assembly Public Safety Committee met to consider several bills, with six measures approved on consent, including bills on background checks, female offender prison facilities, a juvenile justice hunger survey, protective orders and firearms, a youth offender camp pilot, and peace officer behavioral health training. AB 710 and AB 848 were pulled by the authors. The committee also took up AB 458, AB 394, AB 1094, AB 1092, and AB 1036, with extensive testimony on each. AB 458, by Assembly Member Stephanie, would require state agencies purchasing firearms, ammunition, or accessories to vet vendors for compliance with firearms laws and procurement standards. Supporters, including Brady and the California Police Chiefs Association, said taxpayer funds should not go to dealers with serious violations; opponents argued the bill added burdens and vague standards. The committee approved the bill as amended and sent it to Appropriations. AB 394, by Assembly Member Wilson, would expand protections for transit workers and riders by broadening enhanced battery penalties, clarifying who may seek temporary restraining orders in the transit context, and making those orders system-wide. Transit agencies, labor groups, and law enforcement supported the bill, while public defender and civil liberties groups raised concerns about vagueness, duration, and impacts on access to transit. The committee passed AB 394 to Judiciary as amended. AB 1094, by Assembly Member Baines, would raise the minimum parole eligibility term for child torture convictions involving a child under 14 in the perpetrator’s care or custody from seven years to 20 years. Prosecutors, sheriffs, and police groups supported the bill, citing the severity of the abuse and the need to protect child victims; opponents argued the parole system already screens for risk and that harsher sentences do not improve public safety. The committee approved the bill as amended to Appropriations. AB 1092, by Assembly Member Castillo, would extend concealed carry weapon license renewals from two years to four years; supporters said it would reduce costs and administrative burdens, while the chair and others opposed it as unnecessary. The committee ultimately voted the bill down. AB 1036, by Assembly Member Schultz, would expand post-conviction discovery access for people convicted of felonies with sentences of one year or more, including Brady materials and jury selection notes. Innocence organizations and defense groups supported it, while district attorneys opposed the broader discovery obligations; the committee passed it to Appropriations as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• So even if the employee was the only one there, it could be that the business still has liability or
• One of the main cost drivers of affordability for people in Washington State to be insured.
• We never had that in the state of Washington before.
• in civil lawsuits this responsibility is only one of and their employees in civil lawsuits.
• We never had that in the state of Washington before.

Summary: The House Consumer Protection & Business Committee held a public hearing on a bill concerning indemnification of commercial liquor servers. Staff explained that under current law, both licensed retailers and individual servers can face administrative penalties and civil liability if they sell alcohol to someone apparently under the influence, and the bill would require the retailer to pay the server’s defense costs and any civil judgment, while preserving existing administrative penalties and causes of action against the retailer. Members asked about how the current penalty structure works, whether the bill would change administrative enforcement, and how liability would apply in situations involving a lone server or multiple establishments; staff said the bill did not specifically address those scenarios. The prime sponsor said the bill was intended to protect lower-paid servers from losing everything in civil lawsuits when they were not the ones who violated the law, while still holding accountable those who actually break the rules. She emphasized that the bill was meant to start a broader conversation and that the term “indemnification” was used as a placeholder for the policy concept. Members raised questions about whether the retailer’s insurance would cover judgments, how the proposal would interact with existing liability rules, and whether cannabis service would be included; the sponsor said cannabis was not currently covered but might be if treated like alcohol in the future. A representative of the Washington Hospitality Association testified that liquor liability insurance is increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain, with fewer insurers, higher premiums, and some businesses unable to get coverage. The association said the bill would not materially change current law because licensees already defend themselves and employees in civil suits, but it would not stop servers from being named in lawsuits, which can still harm workers’ backgrounds and future employment. The association argued the larger problem is lawsuit abuse and urged broader reforms to damages, demand rules, and joint-and-several liability. The hearing ended with the committee closing public testimony on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> state and federal laws. state and federal laws.
• Relating to revolving door restrictions for state employees.
• This measure prohibits new state employees from taking official action on matters they worked on before
• Senate Bill 2245, House Draft 1 relating to revolving door restrictions for state employees.
• </c> restrictions for state employees. restrictions for state employees.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee began with resolutions HCR 93 and HR 85, which ask the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, in collaboration with the Department of the Attorney General, to form a working group and report on ways to strengthen protections for survivors of image-based sexual abuse. The Attorney General’s office said it could support the effort as legal counsel to the commission but preferred not to be an active working-group member, and suggested the Legislative Reference Bureau could instead conduct a nationwide study for stakeholders. The Commission on the Status of Women supported the resolutions but urged broader scope to include prevention and intervention, expanded stakeholder membership, keeping the Attorney General involved, and adjusting the report deadline. Testimony in support also came from the Emoa Alliance, which emphasized the prevalence and harms of image-based abuse and the need for stronger protections. Members asked questions about current criminal and civil remedies, reporting barriers, and whether the commission could administer the effort without the Attorney General; no votes were taken on the resolutions during the excerpted discussion. The committee then heard HCR 113 and HR 106, supporting the Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group’s request for more resources and a timeline extension to fiscal year 2026-2027. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs testified in support, saying Native Hawaiian culture, traditional knowledge, and cultural expressions are increasingly being commercialized and exploited without adequate protection, and that the working group needs more time, resources, and community consultation to complete its work. The committee noted six supporters and no opposition or comments. The hearing also covered HCR 193 and HR 183, which would establish a court security and Department of Law Enforcement capacity working group to address staffing shortages and the use of private security at state courts. The Judiciary supported the intent, asked that the working group supplement rather than replace its budget request, and proposed allowing the chair to add members with relevant experience. In response to questions, Judiciary said it has requested $3.25 million for armed private security, which it said would cover about 18 contracted individuals, though with significant company overhead. The committee then moved through several bills: SB 2667, which restricts certain commercial vehicles and trailers from the far-left lane on multi-lane roads, received support from the Department of Transportation; SB 2851, which allows deaf vehicle owners to register a deafness designation for law enforcement access, drew testimony in support; SB 2521, which updates emergency vehicle rules and exempts EMS personnel from CDL requirements, received testimony from Honolulu Emergency Services; and SB 2466, which would make the Chief Elections Officer terminable only for cause, drew support from the League of Women Voters and opposition from Hawaiian Islands Republican Women, who argued the change could reduce accountability and create election disruptions if litigation over termination occurs.

Transcript Highlights:

• EMPLOYEES GET PAID ABOUT HALF AS MUCH AS A COUNTY EMPLOYEE FOR ROUGHLY THE SAME AMOUNT OF WORK.
• ARE THE COUNTY EMPLOYEES IN THE COUNTY BUDGETS GOING UP MUCH FASTER THAN THE STATE BUDGET?
• I HAVE 1,110 EMPLOYEES AND 190 UNFILLED POSITIONS.
• THE STATE ATTORNEY'S $3.33 OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDERS GET $1.67.
• MILITARY PERSONNEL DON'T GET OVER TIME LIKE FDC EMPLOYEES.

Transcript Highlights:

• and persons incarcerated inside our state correctional facilities. ...of employees and persons incarcerated
• Additionally, antitrust law recognizes that states have authority to pass laws that further state policy
• AB 1340 meets the legal requirements of the state action immunity doctrine because it furthers state
• So there's a required two-part test for the state action immunity: one, it must further state policy;
• throughout the state.

Committee: House Labor and Employment

Summary: The committee heard several labor and employment bills, with most of the discussion focused on worker protections, collective bargaining, and reentry programs. AB 1424, by Assemblymember Rodriguez, would require climate resiliency measures in CDCR facilities and direct Cal/OSHA to propose extreme-temperature rules for correctional workplaces. Supporters, including NELP, WorkSafe, and formerly incarcerated workers, described dangerous heat conditions in prisons and argued incarcerated workers deserve the same health and safety protections as other workers. There was no opposition, and the bill passed on a due-pass motion to Appropriations with one no vote. AB 1340, by Assemblymembers Wix and Berman, would give rideshare drivers the choice to unionize and collectively bargain. Supporters, including many drivers and labor organizations, said drivers face low pay, deactivations without due process, and lack basic protections; a UC Berkeley researcher cited data showing very low net earnings. Opponents from TechNet, Uber, Lyft, and business groups argued the bill conflicts with Proposition 22 and could raise costs and reduce service. After committee debate over legal authority and state-action immunity, the bill passed to Appropriations with bipartisan support. AB 288 would authorize PERB to act when the NLRB cannot timely resolve labor claims, in response to federal labor board dysfunction. Supporters said California must protect workers’ organizing rights if federal remedies are unavailable, while the Chamber of Commerce raised preemption and enforcement concerns. The bill passed to Appropriations. AB 746, a prison cooperative program bill, would let incarcerated people form worker cooperatives and direct a share of earnings to a Green Reentry Cooperative Reserve; it passed to Public Safety with no opposition. AB 1104, on commercial solar projects, drew mixed testimony: supporters said it would clarify that private solar customers are not “awarding bodies” and would help reverse a steep drop in commercial solar applications, while opponents warned about over-the-fence power sales and unclear scope. The bill was held after committee members requested further clarification. AB 858, extending hospitality worker recall rights after declared emergencies, drew strong labor support and business opposition; the committee voted it out to Appropriations, but it remained on call after a no vote from one member.

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment states that the use of artificial intelligence and automated decision system or school
• surveillance technology by a school district, public school employee, or contractor of these entities
• One, a school employee, school contractor, or a law enforcement officer makes a determination that an
• auditor, and instead requires ESD employees to report to the state auditor any known or suspected fraud
• auditor, and instead requires ESD employees to report to the state auditor any known or suspected fraud

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• of conduct to the state courts.
• </c><00:10:42.680><c> just</c> that represent the entire State not just that represent the entire State
• </c> Minnesota and over the years state Minnesota and over the years state legislators<00:57:57.880><
• </c> projects with state projects with state agencies<00:59:55.559><c> um</c><00:59:55.760><c> or</c>
• </c> to an employee based on the employees to an employee based on the employees pregnancy<01:15:06.960

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this would be state employees, retirees, New Mexico Albuquerque public school insurance.
• Right now, with this change, if a state employee, for an example, has a complaint, and the PBM is not
• We heard from 20 other states.
• No, states local control. States local control. Madam Chair, Senator, tell me again.
• Because you think you can get it done at the state and it'll probably pass here at the state.

Bills: SB20 , SB53 , SB86 , SB96 , SB129

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Keywords: prior authorization, pharmacy benefits manager, PBM, health insurer, prescription drugs, step therapy, formulary, auto-adjudication, electronic portal, appeals, medical necessity, serious mental illness, mental health, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, substance use disorder, addiction treatment, cancer, autoimmune disorder

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not a right-to-work state.
• So many of you are aware of the Missouri State Teachers Association and the NEA.
• But most districts view it as a basic employee convenience.
• But most districts view it as a basic employee convenience.
• we know public employees cannot strike, but also they cannot picket.

Committee: House Legislative Review

Summary: The Committee on Legislative Review met with five members present and took up two public hearings: House Bill 369 and House Bill 3465. On HB 369, Representative Simmons said the bill would let school employees join or leave teachers’ unions at any time and would prohibit school districts from automatically deducting union dues from paychecks, citing the Janus decision and arguing members should pay directly rather than through payroll deduction. Committee members questioned why the bill was needed, whether unions and school districts had been consulted, whether current law already allows opt-in/opt-out at any time, and whether the bill would affect other payroll deductions. Opposition testimony from Missouri NEA, Missouri State Teachers Association, and the Missouri AFL-CIO said the bill was unnecessary, targeted unions, could create administrative burdens, and might raise constitutional concerns; they emphasized that payroll deduction is already voluntary and that members can cancel membership at any time. No vote was taken on HB 369 during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 3465, a severability bill sponsored by Representative Keithley. He explained that it would create a broader severability standard so that if part of a legislative act is found unconstitutional, the rest could remain in effect unless there is clear and convincing evidence the legislature would not have passed the act without the invalid provision. He said the bill is intended to give courts clearer guidance and preserve the remainder of legislation when possible. Questions from members focused on how this differs from existing severability law and whether it would improperly direct the courts; Keithley responded that it clarifies legislative intent and applies to procedural as well as substantive constitutional issues. Supporters, including Campaign Life Missouri, said the bill would apply to bills, joint resolutions, and concurrent resolutions and would give courts a clearer standard. There was no opposition testimony on HB 3465, and the hearing concluded with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said that would have been ASE, MAPE, and any other state employee contracts that Minnesota State utilizes
• ><c> you</c> other state employee contracts that you other state employee contracts that you utilize<
• </c><01:15:58.880><c> employee</c> pattern and then all the state employee pattern and then all the state
• ><c> you</c><01:16:05.880><c> do</c> the state employee contracts and you do the state employee contracts
• <c> than</c><01:42:27.199><c> a</c> state employees choose rather than a state employees choose rather

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Where state employees, federal employees, and employees of medium-sized to large companies have many
• In comparison, just to let you know how blessed we are as state employees, we have PERS and we also have
• </c> let you know how blessed we are as state let you know how blessed we are as state employees,<00:
• As you know, the state of Mississippi, we have our own state song, we have a state flag, we have a state
• </c> our state. Yes. our state. Yes.

Committee: Joint Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Cloud University, Portland State University, West Texas A&M, UCLA, and San Diego State University.
• Of the 54 employees that are currently attending the new employee training, how many have participated
• Madam Chair, Representative, those employees at the receiving center go through all of the new employee
• We had the state plan submitted.
• Maybe they are because we're a state Senator Trujillo: agency, but I feel like the state auditor is the

Transcript Highlights:

• the State Treasurer.
• Now, kind of looking at the State Investment Board and State Treasurer, they have some duties related
• So the State Investment Board The State Investment Board is responsible for investing the funds in the
• The other thing is we've stated—you stated this before—a seven-year smoothing period.
• Medical expenses are a negotiated instrument between the state and employers and employees, and the state

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy