Transcript Highlights:

• through the last nine months, basically, of touring the state with some of our AI assets and trying to learn
• Chairman said all worked very, very hard over the past several months learning about the steps we've
• over the past several months learning over the past several months learning about about about I<
• 41.520> for<00:04:41.680> a machine-based system that can for a machine-based system that
• > and<00:04:51.680> human-based systems use machine and human-based systems use machine and

Keywords: AIR Task Force - Room 409, 13 January, 2026; 3:00 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The January meeting of the AIR Task Force focused on reviewing a draft report on artificial intelligence and discussing how to move forward with future work. Ted Booth and Matthew Holmes explained that the report is intended to lay a foundation by describing AI-related challenges, what Mississippi has already done, and possible steps for future reports, since the task force will continue meeting in coming years. Members were invited to suggest edits and improvements, including on how the group communicates by email and how to keep the process efficient given everyone’s schedules. A major topic was whether the task force should recommend a statutory definition of artificial intelligence. The chair said a bill needed to be filed quickly and asked members to review the definition on page five of the report. Booth read the definition, which tracks federal language describing a machine-based system that makes predictions, recommendations, or decisions using machine and human inputs. Members generally agreed the definition was solid and noted that it could be amended later as the field evolves. The task force also discussed the broader legislative approach to AI. Members said the issue is fluid and that they do not want to regulate too early or duplicate existing law. They noted that current criminal statutes, including recent changes related to morphed images, appear to cover AI-related crimes for now, and the attorney general’s office reported no current loopholes or need for tweaks. Homeland Security likewise had no recommendations for new legislation. The chair said the report would be submitted to leadership if there were no objections, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I direct the Secretary to close the machine for tally. Ayes 26, noes 14. Machine for tally.
• Seeing none, I direct the Secretary of the machine to open the machine. Please record your vote.
• Seeing none, there is a machine vote. I direct the Secretary to open the machine.
• Seeing none, I direct the Secretary of the machine to open the machine. Please record your vote.
• The Secretary will open the machine for a vote... The Secretary will open the machine for a vote.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Clock the machine. Record the vote. 17 Clock the machine. Record the vote. 17 Clock the machine.
• The clerk on lock machine. The BIR. The clerk on lock machine. The BIR. The clerk on lock machine.
• The clerk want the machine. The B. The clerk want the machine. The B. The clerk want the machine.
• Clerk will lock the machine. Record the the machine. Record the the machine.
• Lock the machine. Record the voted? Lock the machine. Record the voted? Lock the machine.

Bills: SB 1, HB 500, SB 1, HB 1400, HB 1094, HB 365, HB 1109, HB 647, HB 500

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, state budget, mental health funding, education funding, infrastructure improvements, public safety, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• Please close the machine. Please close the machine.
• Please close the machine. Please close the machine.
• Please close the machine. Please close the machine.
• Please close the machine. Please close the machine.
• close the machine. close the machine.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, and approved the journal from April 10, 2026. After a brief opening that included the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, the chamber moved into third reading. The first item was House Bill 1348, concerning use of money from the broadband infrastructure cash fund, which passed on final passage. The House then took up a series of bills dealing largely with education funding and program changes, including House Bills 1349 through 1358, covering prevention services in early childhood, school food programs, Healthy School Meals for All funding, Colorado reading and social studies assessment changes, repeal or phase-out of several teacher and school-related programs, and the Colorado Academic Accelerator Grant Program. Most of these measures were adopted, with some receiving notable no votes but still passing. The chamber also considered House Bill 1359, which would credit money from removal of natural resources on public school lands to the state public school fund, and House Bill 1360, concerning the affordable housing financing fund. HB 1360 drew extended debate. Supporters argued it was consistent with Prop. 123 and TABOR-related funding rules, while opponents said it would divert money from the general fund, exceed what voters authorized, and create a precedent for using reserve-like funds to cover budget shortfalls. Despite the opposition, HB 1360 passed after a member changed a vote from yes to no. The House then adopted House Bills 1361 and 1362, repealing the pay for success contracts program and the Decarbonization Tax Credits Administration Cash Fund, respectively. The final major item was House Bill 1363, which temporarily reduces the general fund reserve. This bill prompted the strongest opposition, with members arguing that the state was using a rainy day fund to cover self-inflicted budget problems, relying on future money, and failing to address underlying spending growth. Supporters of the bill said the reserve reduction was necessary to balance the budget and reflected difficult choices by the Joint Budget Committee. The bill nonetheless passed, and the House completed action on the listed third-reading calendar items.

Transcript Highlights:

• that their machines are processed by vetted employees.
• that their machines are processed by vetted employees.
• in the software code of the machines in the software code of the machines that<01:06:30.359>
• It's like when you have a machine town or machine location, you'll see small changes.
• I said I'd learn every time.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the machine. Those opposed, nay.
• call machine is open for your voting.
• And the machine. Those opposed, nay.
• call machine is open for your voting.
• Those opposed, on roll call machine.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened with 98 members present, declared a quorum, approved the prior journal, and received Senate concurrence requests on Senate Bills 263, 281, and 324. The chamber then moved through second readings and committee reports on a range of measures, including education, agriculture, banking and insurance, judiciary, licensing, and task force resolutions. Among the reported bills were measures on KEES scholarships for non-certified schools, a residential safe room rebate program, dual credit scholarships, impeding a first responder, motor vehicles, tallow-based cosmetic products, animal health emergencies, mortgage loan income limits, deferred deposit fees, child protection, Attorney General operations, corrections operations, school leadership, school transportation, advanced mathematics coursework, and task forces on charitable gaming and early childhood education governance. The House passed House Bill 642, a Teachers' Retirement System housekeeping bill, after adopting House Committee Substitute 1. The sponsor said the bill updates survivor benefit documentation, raises the daily earnings limit for retired members returning to work from $170 to $200, removes an unused early-return provision, reinstates a pension waiver program, clarifies benefit tier calculations using an earlier participation date in another state system, and allows a parent member to manage payments for a disabled child without a court order. Members asked about substitute teaching limits, retirement penalties, budget impact, and a removed provision involving index funds; the sponsor said he would follow up on the day limits and stated he did not believe the bill would add to unfunded liability. The bill passed 96-0. The House also passed House Bill 780 on recording commissioner’s deeds, after adopting a floor amendment that removed fines and penalties. The bill allows a city to petition circuit court if a deed is not recorded within 30 business days, and the court may compel filing and award costs and attorney’s fees. Members discussed whether the bill effectively created a lawsuit-based enforcement mechanism rather than a fine, and supporters said it would help local governments identify responsible property owners and address code enforcement and public safety issues. The bill passed 96-0. House Bill 541, concerning peace officers, also passed after a committee substitute; the sponsor said it cleans up Kentucky Law Enforcement Council procedures, strengthens certification standards, clarifies revocation language, and reflects input from law enforcement groups. It passed 95-0. House Bill 195, the Kentucky Urban Youth Agriculture Initiative, passed after a committee substitute and floor amendment. The substitute added Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension alongside UK Cooperative Extension, and the floor amendment changed the pilot’s implementation date to January 1, 2027 and adjusted the program’s term timing. Supporters said the bill would expand urban agriculture education, connect youth to food systems and career pathways, and help students in urban counties learn practical agricultural skills; it passed 97-0. The House then took up House Bill 794 on financial exploitation, which expands protections to all adults age 65 and older, adds felony penalties for knowingly, wantonly, or recklessly exploiting those adults, allows the attorney general to seek extradition from another state, and requires investment advisers to complete three hours of continuing education on financial exploitation. Members cited real-world scam experiences and urged stronger penalties, but the bill passed 96-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is for educational adequacy as well as for the LEARNS Act.
• Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Thank you.
• Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Is everyone voted? Cast up the ballot.
• Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
• Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Cast up the ballot.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, granted leave to Representative Jack Ladyman, and received committee reports from the Joint Budget Committee recommending passage of several bills, including House Bill 1034 with Amendment 1. The chamber also recognized numerous guests, including state troopers of the day, the doctor and nurse of the day, several constituent groups, and students from the Arkansas School for Math, Science, and the Arts. The House adopted House Resolution 1034, supporting Arkansas poultry producers in the Illinois River watershed and urging good-faith negotiations, by a vote of 97-0. It also adopted House Concurrent Memorial Resolution 1001, honoring Bishop Kenneth Liddell Robinson, Sr., by a vote of 98-0. Members then took up multiple budget amendments and appropriations, with Representative Johnson explaining amendments to bills covering education, public safety, agriculture, county jail reimbursement, drug task force funding, pregnancy help organizations, tire recycling fees, and other appropriations; the amendments were adopted. On the budget calendar, the House passed a batch of general appropriation bills and several supplemental and reappropriation bills, including House Bills 1006, 1086, 1087, 1088, 1094, 1084, and 1097. House Bill 1053, an appropriation for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, failed 71-19-8. House Bill 1098, a reappropriation for the Department of Parks and Heritage, was defeated after Representative Henley spoke against it and the final vote was 0-85-4. The House then adjourned until 11 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk of machines, members, vote to machine. Speaker Pro Tem, yes. Vote to machine, members.
• The clerk will open the machine. Members, please vote your machine. Members, vote your machine.
• The clerk will open the machine. Members, vote your machine. Members, vote your machine.
• The clerk will open the machine. Members, please vote your machine. Members, vote your machines.
• The clerk will open the machine. Members, vote your machines. Members, vote your machines.

Bills: HB410, HR310, HR314, HR316, HR317, HR321, HR275, HR276, HR279, HR282, HR286, HR289, HR292, HR295, HR302, HR319, HR307, HR273, SCR59, SCR61, SCR62, SCR68, SCR69, SCR70, SCR54, SCR55, SCR64, SCR75, HCR32, HB776, HB42, HB119, HB159, HB302, HB1017, HB1028, SB217, SB283, HB953, SB208, HR74, HB998, HB901, HR20, HCR65, HCR71, HCR98, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB646, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1191, HB1240, HB1255, SB82, SB89, SB97, SB123, SB237, HB36, HB74, HB75, HB258, HB259, HB414, HB459, HB784, HB848, HB956, HB1095, HB1220, HB1252, SB469, SB479

Keywords: recording, privacy, notification, direct conversation, law enforcement, first responder, penalties, oil and gas, orphan wells, inactive wells, shut-in wells, marginal wells, plugging and abandonment, well decommissioning, site remediation, site restoration, Oilfield Site Restoration, OSR program, financial security, bonding

Transcript Highlights:

• HOPEFULLY I LEARNED IT WILL ENOUGH. FOLLOWING UP ON MR.
• IT USES MACHINE LEARNING. A FORM OF AI.
• THE ONGOING PROCESS INCLUDES DEVELOPMENTS IN FIELDS LIKE MACHINE LEARNING, USE OF DATA, FIELDS THAT WERE
• AS THIS IS A TOPIC THAT WE ARE STILL LEARNING A LOT ABOUT.
• A LOT IF THAT IS LEARNING TO GET BETTER.

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will unlock the machine and the members will record their presence.
• I noticed that there is a cut of roughly $97 million to early learning.
• I noticed that there is a cut of roughly 97 million to early learning.
• The clerk will unlock the machine, and the members will proceed to vote.
• The clerk will unlock the machine, and the members will proceed to vote.

Summary: The House met on the final day of session, swore in Representatives Boyles and Hodgers, and observed a moment of silence for the Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as for Representative Rosenwald’s father. The chamber then moved into final budget work, with leaders outlining the plan to take up H.J.R. 5019, HB 7031, HB 5017, HB 5015, and then the general appropriations act once the Senate transmitted it. H.J.R. 5019, a proposed constitutional amendment to expand the budget stabilization fund, was explained and amended to raise the rainy day fund cap, require annual deposits, and allow withdrawals for critical state needs by a two-thirds vote; it passed 100-1. The House then adopted the conference report on HB 7031, the tax package. The bill repeals the business rent tax and aviation fuel tax, delays the natural gas fuel tax, creates or expands several sales tax holidays and exemptions, including permanent exemptions for disaster-preparedness items, hunting/fishing/camping items, and ammunition and firearms-related purchases, and makes changes to property, corporate income, local tax, and economic development provisions. Members debated the removal of recurring housing trust fund and transit-related revenue streams, the new ammunition exemption, and the data center tax changes; supporters argued the package reduces taxes and preserves annual budget flexibility, while opponents raised concerns about housing, transportation, and gun violence. The conference report passed 93-7. HB 5017, creating a debt reduction program funded by a recurring transfer to retire state bonds early, passed unanimously. HB 5015, the state group insurance conforming bill, which directs DMS to develop a formulary management plan and codifies the administrative health insurance assessment, also passed. The House then began explanation and questions on the fiscal year 2025-26 general appropriations act, described as a $115.1 billion budget that is down $3.8 billion from the current year and includes more than $12 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs summarized major spending areas, including pre-K-12 funding increases, health care funding for Medicaid, KidCare, nursing homes, opioid treatment, and mental health, transportation and economic development funding, environmental and water projects, higher education, state administration, justice, and information technology. Questions focused on school vouchers, inflationary pressures on school districts, and the adequacy of funding for housing, transportation, and other priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will prepare the machine. Has every member voted? The clerk will close the machine.
• The clerk will prepare the machine. Has every member voted? The clerk will close the machine.
• The clerk will prepare the machine. All those opposed, no. The clerk will prepare the machine.
• The clerk will prepare the machine. All those opposed vote no. The clerk prepared the machine.
• The clerk will prepare the machine. All those opposed vote nay. The clerk will prepare the machine.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and numerous guest introductions, including students, coaches, visitors from West Virginia universities, and representatives of Hunger Free West Virginia and Mountaineer Food Bank. The chamber also recognized Hunger Free West Virginia Day and heard remarks highlighting food insecurity efforts and a company working on pharmaceutical manufacturing and sickle-cell treatments. Senate Resolution 60 honoring Hunger Free West Virginia Day was adopted, while Senate Resolution 61 urging reversal of Obergefell was held over and Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 on the Southern West Virginia water crisis was referred to the Rules Committee. The Senate concurred in House amendments and passed several measures, including Senate Bill 467 on enforcement of Purple Heart parking spaces and Senate Bill 712 on cattle guards on certain public roads, with both made effective from passage. The body also passed Senate Bill 844, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Human Services, and Senate Bill 87, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Commerce, both with immediate effectiveness. In addition, the Senate advanced a large number of House bills and committee substitutes on first or second reading, including measures on government organization, judiciary, transportation, workforce, and health-related topics. On third reading, the Senate passed a series of bills covering a wide range of policy areas. These included the Blue Envelope Program for drivers with autism, dementia, or developmental disabilities; coverage for scalp cooling systems during chemotherapy; expanded sex-offender registration for certain offenses; child welfare clothing allowances; school personnel misconduct reporting; age verification for online sexual content; free Gold Star license plates for parents; sanitarian training and licensure changes; sheriff hiring authority; organ donor registration through voter registration; a Cold Case Task Force; abandoned vehicle title procedures; continuing education in nutrition for physicians; special plate rules; gift card fraud crimes; protections for athletic officials; school personnel reassignment rules; Homeland Security administrative updates; pharmacy benefit manager regulation; the VAPE Safety Act after a strike-and-insert amendment; parole supervision fee increases; partial service credit for disabled troopers; state property valuation reporting changes; and quarterly Hope Scholarship payments. Most of these bills passed overwhelmingly, often 34-0, with a few narrower votes such as the organ donor bill passing 30-4 and the school personnel movement bill passing 33-1.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill is filed for its article of the machine.
• Clerk, the machine starts down the roll call. Thank you.
• Clerk, the machine starts down the roll call. They'll pass.
• Clerk, start the machine. Roll call is now in progress.
• Clerk, start the machine. Roll call is now in progress. Kerbs, aye.

Bills: SB1290, SB1530, SB1847, HR1050, SB169, SB1377, SB1990, SB1991, SB1778, SB1579, SB1992, SB3, SB2028, SB1928, SB2127, SB2117, SB1439, SB1930, SB330, SB1191, SB2110, SB2134, SB2069, SB2095, SB1613, SB1246, SB1976, SB1346, SB1509, SB2071, SB259, SB1314

Keywords: 2-1-1 services, revolving fund, Department of Human Services, crisis pregnancy, abortion, legal funding, research funding, development rebate, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, tax incentives, higher education partnerships, Medicaid, ADvantage Waiver, home-based services, eligibility criteria, healthcare, senior services, Taiwan, Oklahoma, sister-state relationship

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will open the machine. Members, please vote your machine. Members, vote your machine.
• The clerk will open the machine. Members, vote your machines. Members, vote your machine.
• Madam Clerk, machine. Members, vote. Machine, members. Vote machine, members. Gloria, yes.
• Madam Clerk, machines, members, voting machines. Vote machine members. Green, yes."
• Members, vote your machines and your machines only.

Bills: SCR59, SCR70, HR275, HR279, HR282, HR289, HR307, HCR112, SCR61, SCR62, SCR64, SB121, HR310, HR314, HR316, HR317, HR321, HCR117, SCR5, SCR29, SCR33, SCR37, SCR63, SCR30, SCR40, SCR65, HCR3, HCR49, HCR66, HCR67, HB54, HB137, HB321, HB368, HB386, HB414, HB431, HB552, HB555, HB578, HB590, HB593, HB618, HB638, HB670, HB692, HB707, HB708, HB715, HB718, HB732, HB741, HB748, HB776, HB796, HB807, HB822, HB848, HB856, HB887, HB888, HB917, HB921, HB1082, HB1243, HB1246, HB1, HB2, HB42, HB45, HB71, HB79, HB126, HB133, HB159, HB213, HB218, HB222, HB289, HB291, HB312, HB313, HB324, HB352, HB383, HB398, HB403, HB429, HB457, HB459, HB549, HB571, HB579, HB591, HB608, HB616, HB624, HB766, HB769, HB783, HB804, HB864, HB874, HB909, HB951, HB971, HB983, HB1005, HB1017, HB1051, HB1056, HB1126, HB1186, HB1193, HB1223, HB1224, HB1235, HB1249, SB259, SB295, SB312, SB348, SB444, SB485, SB441, SB149, HB359, SB29, SB43, SB78, HB463, HB998, SB197, SB268, SB123, SB276, SB326, SB80, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HCR98, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB646, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1191, HB1240, HB1255, SB82, SB89, SB97, SB479, HB74, HB119, HB134, HB210, HB258, HB468, HB784, HB870, HB953, HB956, HB1117, HB1236, SB42, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB341, SB379, SB382, SB387, SB401, SB449, SB487

Keywords: Major Richard Star Act, veterans, military retirement, disability compensation, VA benefits, combat-wounded, medically retired, military retirees, service members, veterans benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, concurrent receipt, retirement offset, combat-related disability, bipartisan support, memorial resolution, Congressional memorial, Louisiana delegation, Richard Star

Summary: The House convened with a quorum and opened with prayer by Archbishop Checchio, the pledge, and the national anthem. Members also used personal privilege to recognize visiting officials, university leaders, grocers, Governor’s Fellows, and several special guests and honorees, including Grambling State University for its 125th anniversary, Tiger Athletics, and the Tiger Marching Band, as well as CASA volunteers and advocates. The chamber adopted a number of ceremonial resolutions and made several conference committee appointments and committee discharge motions. The floor then took up a series of Senate and House resolutions, many of which were adopted without objection or after brief debate. These included resolutions creating or studying task forces on topics such as homeowner catastrophe claims and insurance-related litigation, the Louisiana-Ireland Trade Commission, informed consent laws, fiscal note procedures, K-12 student success pathways, and military funding alignment. Members also adopted resolutions on domestic violence protective-order access, flood risk mapping, seismic activity in North Louisiana, illegal dumping enforcement, toll signage and customer service, and other local or commemorative matters. Several Senate resolutions were temporarily returned to the calendar, while others were adopted by recorded vote, including SCR 29, SCR 33, SCR 37, SCR 63, SCR 30, SCR 65, and SCR 40. The House then considered Senate Bill 259, which authorizes an online application process for civil protection orders and restraining orders for domestic violence victims; it passed 93-0. Senate Bill 312, dealing with public-sector labor organizations and dues/withdrawal procedures, prompted extended debate focused on whether the bill unfairly singled out teachers’ unions and whether teachers already have the ability to opt out; the bill ultimately passed 60-38. Senate Bill 348, allowing the City of St. George to contract for administrative assistance in motor-vehicle crash response, passed 84-9 after questions about citations, reports, and the role of third parties. Senate Bill 485, concerning St. George’s municipal fiscal authority and insurance premium taxes, passed 91-0 after an amendment removed new public facility charge authority. The House also debated Senate Bill 197, which would reduce the number of judges on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal from 12 to 10 based on a workload and population study by the National Center for State Courts. Supporters cited the circuit’s smaller population and lower per-judge workload, while questions focused on the study’s publication and whether it actually recommended a reduction. The transcript ends during that debate, before final disposition is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And listening to what some learning.
• 09:10.880> is<00:09:11.640> absolutely learning marketable skills is absolutely learning
• But so is learning how to education.
• <00:09:20.560> and<00:09:20.800> strengthen learn, how to build and strengthen learn
• <00:09:58.480> because learn for the sake of learning because learn for the sake of learning

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I've learned so much and met so many amazing people.
• Meanwhile, we were creating a machine, or at least we were looking at a machine at a place called Bueller
• They're a huge industrial... baking facility, baking machines in Austria.
• 210% tariff on the machine. because tariffs are stackable.
• Go learn a little more elsewhere, right? Because you have to explore what's out there.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , classrooms and toward student learning, classrooms and toward student learning, I<00:09:38.480>
• were intended for student learning. were intended for student learning.
• machines and the voting machines machines and the voting machines themselves.<01:12:36.159> Is
• Voting machine setting.
• So do the machines have the lot.

Keywords: Discussion of BR 25 (2026 RS) 04:15 Presentation on voting systems by ES&S 48:14 Presentation on voting systems by Hart InterCivic and Harp Enterprises 01:13:07, 958, all

Summary: The committee met to approve the October 21 minutes and then took up BR 25 for the 2026 regular session, a proposal relating to prohibited uses of tax dollars and public resources. The sponsors said the bill is intended to strengthen existing law by adding civil and criminal penalties for taxpayer-funded advocacy on ballot questions, especially in light of controversies during the 2024 election over school officials and districts using public resources to oppose a constitutional amendment. They also described related concerns about school districts hiring third-party lobbyists and public relations firms, particularly in Fayette County, and said the proposal was meant to keep tax dollars focused on public services rather than political persuasion. Committee members raised several concerns about scope and drafting. Some asked whether the bill should specifically mention schools, school boards, and school employees, and the sponsors said they would add that language. Others questioned whether the measure would also affect local government lobbying through groups like KLC and KCO, and the sponsors said they intended to focus narrowly on schools while exempting certain advocacy organizations and internal government lobbyists. Members also asked whether public employees could still speak as private individuals, and the sponsors said yes. Several members suggested splitting the lobbying and ballot-advocacy issues into separate bills, and the sponsors said they would consider that. Members also pressed for clarification on how the bill would apply in practice, including whether it would cover legal challenges to petition drives or only advocacy after a question is on the ballot. Counsel for the sponsors said the bill would not cover some petition-related litigation as drafted, though they believed it should. The sponsors and supporters argued the proposal was needed to give the existing prohibition real enforcement, while some members warned that the language could unintentionally limit legitimate public representation or be too broad if not carefully drafted. No final vote was taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will prepare the machine. Does every member vote? So the clerk closed the machine.
• The clerk will prepare the machine. Thank you. No, the clerk will prepare the machine.
• The clerk will prepare the machine. All those opposed vote nay. The clerk will prepare the machine.
• The clerk will prepare the machine.
• The clerk will prepare the machine. All those opposed vote nay. The clerk will prepare the machine.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and numerous guest introductions, including students, community leaders, food bank representatives, and visitors connected to Hunger Free West Virginia Day. A resolution recognizing March 10, 2026, as Hunger Free West Virginia Day was adopted, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 on the Southern West Virginia water crisis was referred to the Rules Committee. The chamber also heard remarks highlighting Hunger Free West Virginia’s work and a West Virginia company, Unigen, developing pharmaceutical manufacturing in the state. The Senate concurred with House amendments and passed several measures, including Senate Bill 467 on enforcement of Purple Heart parking spaces, Senate Bill 712 on cattle guards on certain public roads, and Senate Bill 781, a supplemental appropriation measure that was also made effective from passage. The chamber then adopted and passed Senate Bill 844, a large supplemental appropriation to the Department of Human Services, and Senate Bill 87, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Commerce, both effective from passage. Other third-reading bills passed included the Blue Envelope Program for drivers with autism, dementia, or intellectual and developmental disabilities; coverage for scalp cooling systems during chemotherapy; expansion of sex-offender registration to include solicitation of a minor and non-consensual disclosure of private images; child safety reporting requirements for school personnel; age-verification requirements for websites hosting harmful sexual material; free Gold Star parent vehicle registration; online training and updated standards for sanitarians; sheriff hiring authority; organ donor registration through voter registration; a Cold Case Task Force; abandoned vehicle title procedures; nutrition continuing education for physicians; special plate rules; gift card fraud offenses; protections for athletic officials; in-year school personnel movement; administrative services powers; pharmacy benefit manager regulation; vape shop regulation; reduced parole supervision fees; disability service credit for certain troopers; property valuation reporting changes; and quarterly Hope Scholarship payments. The Senate also advanced a large number of House bills and committee substitutes on second reading, including supplemental appropriations and measures on mental health examinations, dog registration rules, juvenile jurisdiction on military installations, military interpersonal violence, kinship care subsidies, a statewide prevention plan, contraband smuggling into federal prisons, forestry equipment levy treatment, and Commerce Department rules for microgrid districts and high-impact data centers. Several committee amendments were adopted, and many bills were advanced to third reading without objection. No executive communications were reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk, one lock machine and the members will vote. Clerk, lock the machine.
• Clerk, on the lock machine. The members will vote. Clerk, lock machine.
• Clerk will unlock the machine. Clerk will unlock the machine.
• Clerk, unlock the machine and the members will vote. Park the machine.
• Clerk, unlock the machine and the members will vote. Lock the machine.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• other than the machines?
• , running the machines.
• machines?
• Well, if it's 50 machines on any number of machines, he's just doing a complete.
• I learned, I just learned with his testimony.

Bills: SB 28, SB 687, SJR 34, SCR 9, SB 523, SB 62, SB 847, SB 706, SB 869, SB 890, SB 992

Keywords: lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, SB 687, land surveyor, land surveying, surveying services, construction contract, anti-indemnity, indemnity, hold harmless, defense obligation, standard of care, professional negligence, civil practice and remedies code, local government code, governmental agency, public contracts

Summary: The meeting was a crucial session for discussing several important bills including SB992, which aims to establish a clear time frame for the Attorney General's approval on outside legal counsel for state agencies. Senator Nichols presented the bill, emphasizing its necessity for timely responses to ensure efficient legal processing. Another notable discussion centered around SB523, which seeks to allow parole and probation officers to use a business address on their driver's licenses for safety and security purposes. This bill passed favorably out of the committee, with public testimony supporting the need for such provisions due to the risks these officers face.

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will unlock the machine and the members will record their presence.
• The clerk will lock the machine and announce the presence of a quorum.
• The clerk will unlock the machine. The members will proceed to vote.
• The clerk will lock the machine and announce the vote. Members voted.
• The clerk will lock the machine and announce the vote.

Keywords: 998, house, all