Transcript Highlights:

• I know my area could have used some extra help in absorbing some of that.
• us and our people and our jobs, and better use. ...and our jobs and better use, more efficient use of
• Whether it be the hundreds of thousands of railroad ties that we have used to build this nation with
• Members of our trans communities now may not be able to use public bathrooms without fear of being misidentified
• It’s no longer set aside for the use of women.

Summary: The House approved the journal from the prior day and received Senate messages on House Joint Resolutions 173 and 174, along with committee reports recommending passage of several measures, including House Bill 2180, House Bill 1870, House Bill 2596, House Bill 1866, House Bill 2536, House Bill 2855, and House Joint Resolution 115. The chamber then took up a series of Senate amendments and third-reading bills, with members frequently debating fiscal impacts, constitutional issues, and policy details. House Bill 2180, dealing with notice procedures for blind pension recipients and allowing electronic opt-in, was adopted and finally passed by overwhelming votes after supporters said it would save the state money and better accommodate blind and rural Missourians. House Bill 1870, updating bankruptcy exemptions and garnishment procedures, also cleared the House despite some opposition over a minor Senate wording change. The House refused to adopt Senate changes to House Bill 2596 and requested a conference committee, while House Bill 1866, concerning peace officer licensing and school protection officers, had Senate amendments concurred in and was finally passed. The chamber then passed House Joint Resolution 115, which would place before voters a property tax exemption for 100% service-connected disabled veterans and their spouses; debate centered on whether the measure would shift tax burdens to others, but supporters emphasized veterans’ sacrifice and the small number affected. Other bills passed included House Bill 1736 on park sales tax funds for stormwater and flood mitigation, House Bill 1887 and related bills on AI/truth-in-advertising issues, House Bill 2855 lowering workers’ compensation assessment rates, House Bill 1906 allowing more flexible tax payment schedules, House Bill 2297 on fence responsibilities for livestock, House Bill 2142/2058 revising the Missouri Film Program, House Bill 3004 on hardwood industry labeling, House Bill 2536 defining male and female by biological sex for certain government facilities, and House Bill 2151 raising income thresholds for a workforce-related program. Several of these passed on divided votes, with House Bill 2536 and House Joint Resolution 115 drawing especially sharp partisan and policy debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Probably start out with the best part of the day for those of us in ag, and that it is raining across
• Can you kind of give us an update on what happened yesterday and kind of fill us in? Sure, you bet.
• all of us as adults as well.
• Can you just tell us kind of your thoughts on that?
• They use that for a lot of long. Term planning.

Transcript Highlights:

• So thank you for joining us this morning to continue our oversight of the implementation of the IIJA.
• We have some of those stakeholders with us today.
• This results in an end-of-the-fiscal-year scramble as states seek to put that amount of funding to use
• And a lot of those asphalt . . . asphalt plants use binder from Canada.
• This is exactly the type of project which those of us who negotiated the bipartisan infrastructure law

Committee: Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Keywords: Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, IIJA, bipartisan infrastructure, funding flexibility, NEPA, environmental reviews, bureaucratic delays, federal funding, infrastructure investment

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, discussing the ongoing implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Chairman Capito highlighted the bipartisan nature of the legislation and the necessity of refining existing provisions to ensure effective delivery of transportation projects. Notable emphasis was placed on the need for flexibility in funding to address inflation impacts and delays caused by bureaucratic hurdles, especially relating to environmental reviews under NEPA. Witnesses from state transportation agencies provided valuable insights into real-world challenges faced in project execution, ultimately underscoring the importance of continuous federal support for infrastructure development. The discussion also touched on the broader implications of federal funding freezes by the previous administration, which have reportedly hindered several ongoing and planned projects. This issue raised significant concern among committee members, who urged the need for reliable funding and the removal of unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that could cause delays in project implementation. The meeting concluded with a commitment from the members to work collaboratively to overcome these challenges and ensure a smooth path forward for critical infrastructure investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you willing to add any of the rest of us? You're recognized. Thank you.
• And it has to be the useful life of the project. The useful life extends eight years.
• The useful life of a road is much greater, much longer than eight years.
• There are 31 of them that are using this to keep their school system alive.
• There are 31 of them that are using this to keep their school system alive.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on March 20, 2025, and first approved HB 4025, creating the Duke Farm Stewardship District in Lee County, on a 17-0 vote. The committee then advanced HJR 1215, which proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt agricultural tangible personal property from property tax, after extended debate about the fiscal impact on counties, especially rural and fiscally constrained ones; it passed 16-1. HB 411 also passed unanimously after an amendment, extending affordable housing tax exemption treatment to certain nonprofit projects on leased land, including Habitat for Humanity projects. The committee likewise approved CS/HB 669, allowing local governments to purchase certain unrated bonds, and CS/HB 4017, codifying the Vermont Drainage District charter in Charlotte County, both without opposition. The committee also approved HJR 1039, which would let the Legislature prevent assessed-value increases for homestead properties that are improved to mitigate flood damage, and the related implementing bill HB 1041; both passed 17-0. Public testimony on these items included some opposition to the flood-related amendment, but no floor debate changed the outcome. The final major item was CS/HB 1221 by Rep. Miller, which would require local option taxes to be renewed by voter referendum every eight years, with longer terms allowed for bonded projects. That bill drew the most extensive testimony and debate, with counties, tourism groups, and local officials warning about impacts on tourism funding, infrastructure, schools, and public safety, while supporters argued for taxpayer accountability and periodic review. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably on a 13-4 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• And with us today, we have the following members of the Joint Committee.
• And with us today, we have the following members of the Joint Committee from the House: Vice Chair Meghan
• Adjust this down for those of us who are height-challenged.
• It simply sets... so first of all, it would allow HPC to determine the value of a drug using cost of.
• It simply sets, so first of all, it would allow HPC to determine the value of a drug using cost of It

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Health Care Financing

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing on a broad set of health care bills focused on cost, market oversight, pharmaceutical access, transparency, hospital closures, and pharmacy access. Chairs John Lawn and Cindy Friedman opened by emphasizing recent health care reforms and the need for further action on the drug supply chain, PBMs, private equity, and affordability. The committee heard testimony on several measures, including a Betsy Lehman Center bill to make technical changes and create a permanent trust account for federal and private funding, and bills on hospital profits and fairness, hospital closures and health planning, pharmacy deserts, and health care market oversight and pharmaceutical access. No votes were taken during the hearing. On the hospital profits bill, physicians and labor advocates strongly supported capping hospital CEO compensation at 50 times the lowest-paid worker, requiring greater financial transparency, and directing penalties from high-margin public hospitals into a Medicaid reimbursement fund. Testifiers argued that executive pay is excessive while frontline staff and safety-net services are under strain. Committee members raised concerns about unintended consequences, including whether hospitals might shift workers to contract status or lose executive talent, and whether the bill would actually direct money to the safety net. Supporters responded that the measure is one piece of a larger effort and that the bill’s Medicaid reimbursement provisions would help underserved hospitals. Testimony on market oversight and pharmaceutical access centered on rising health care and drug costs, PBM practices, and the proposal to give the Health Policy Commission authority to set upper payment limits for certain drugs. Consumer advocates, disability advocates, an independent pharmacist, the Attorney General’s office, and others supported stronger oversight, citing premium increases, affordability problems, and the impact of high drug prices on patients and community pharmacies. Pharma and some industry witnesses opposed parts of the bill, warning that upper payment limits could disrupt access, create legal issues, and fail to address the broader supply chain. The committee also heard support for stronger hospital closure notice and public hearing requirements, and for a pharmacy deserts bill aimed at identifying and addressing closures like the one in Roxbury that affected thousands of patients.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in this case, if the bank isn't aware of the use of customer securities without approval or consent
• Not a lot of people use them, but they're out there. And you're right.
• Not a lot of people use them, but they're out there. And you're right.
• But one thing I've noticed was some of the emails that have come in, no doubt, to all of us, it's kind
• And so a lot of people open up to us very quickly in this field.

Committee: House Business

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair: ...watching us on TV. A lot of bills, water bills today.
• Chair: Oscar Anderson of US Think CRL waives in support.
• Unfortunately, Representative Lopez didn't bother asking those of us who do know.
• Using the example that you gave made me think of a DirecTV box, right? Okay.
• All of us are sewered. We've all managed not to lose our houses.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's Florida PTA is let us say the conference and we do appreciate the opportunity for members of had
• And this bill allows us to meet the needs of those children that might not have as much parent engagement
• I think it is a great opportunity for all of us to work together for the health and safety of our kids
• With the first time my grandmother told us the story that have 4 of her siblings had that before we were
• This bill is the epitome of informed parental choice and that's all we're asking for us to make sure

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> could uh give us the highlights uh of could uh give us the highlights uh of the<00:05:09.759><c>
• Sales in use tax of which 83% uh goes to Sales in use tax of which 83% uh goes to the<00:44:07.920><c
• of how land use can you give an example of how land use and<00:58:49.400><c> your</c><00:58:49.559><
• This, uh, is to allow us to maximize the use of federal dollars.
• This, uh, is to allow us to maximize the use of federal dollars.

Bills: HF5

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• A BIOFEEDBACK DEVICE MAY NOT BE USED WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF A PARENT OR GUARDIAN.
• Jacques: FOR THOSE OF US WHO AREN'T PARENTS, DON'T WORK IN A SCHOOL, WALK US BACK.
• BUT DESPITE NINE VICTIMS NONE OF US CAN FORWARD BECAUSE WE WERE SCARED OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF THAT.
• A LOT OF US MAY THINK AND BELIEVE EVERYBODY DON'T SEE IT THE SAME.
• WE HAVE OTHER AVENUES IF A CHILD IS HAVING ANY TYPE OF MISTREATMENT THEY CAN GO TO USE.

Committee: House Education & Employment Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• And unfortunately, some of this is very difficult to decide. So there's two RSs before us.
• The issue is kids that are in large school districts that use IDLA classes so they can take a lot of
• Eight of them are rural districts that rely on these programs, that use them effectively.
• And the dollar amount is supposed to shock and awe us because of the context of the budget.
• I know the language of the bill would potentially open up that some of these funds could be used for

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• By authorizing the use of electronic systems, the bill would streamline program administration, reduce
• an option of using paper records.
• The snuff of having an enterprise-level LMS, they can still use paper records.
• Existing law prescribes the use of a skilled and trained workforce on a variety of high-risk construction
• critical facilities, we should use a workforce that's trained to meet that level of precision.

Summary: The committee heard and later voted on six labor-related bills. SB 1059 would modernize the Employment Training Panel by allowing electronic record-keeping, digital attendance documentation, and updated training terminology; supporters said it would reduce paperwork and better match current workforce training practices, while no opposition appeared. SB 966 would make permanent 2017 refinery process safety protections, including worker participation in safety reviews and stop-work authority; refinery workers and unions supported it as a safeguard against rollback, while the Western States Petroleum Association opposed it, arguing it conflicted with a settlement and could be preempted by federal labor law. SB 1024 would provide 26 weeks of paid postpartum and recovery leave for firefighters who give birth and require return to the prior position; supporters said it would improve retention and equity in a male-dominated profession, and there was no opposition. The committee also heard SB 1316, which would strengthen wage theft and workplace safety enforcement by allowing renewal of labor commissioner liens, limiting employers’ late use of records, and requiring Cal/OSHA to report complaints and citations data annually. Supporters said the bill would help workers collect judgments and address long backlogs; there was no opposition, and the bill passed 4-0 on call before the full committee vote. SB 1185 would apply skilled-and-trained workforce requirements to pharmaceutical facility construction and maintenance; supporters from the building trades said these projects require specialized precision to protect public health and supply chains, while contractors opposed the bill as an unnecessary expansion of public-work-style mandates into private projects. Finally, SB 1227 would create apprenticeship pathways into Department of Industrial Relations enforcement jobs, including Cal/OSHA and the Labor Commissioner’s office, to address staffing shortages and backlogs. The author and supporters said apprenticeships could help fill vacancies while preserving the civil service merit principle and creating opportunities for displaced workers; there was no opposition. After discussion and roll calls, the committee reported all six bills out of committee, with SB 966, SB 1024, SB 1059, SB 1185, and SB 1227 sent to Appropriations, and SB 1316 sent to Judiciary.

Transcript Highlights:

• By authorizing the use of electronic systems, the bill would streamline program administration and reduce
• The days of requiring wet signatures on daily paper rosters stored in banker boxes should be behind us
• Sure, and one part of clarity, Chairwoman, is that an applicant could have an option of using paper records
• The snuff of having an enterprise-level LMS, they can still use paper records.
• Existing law prescribes the use of a skilled and trained workforce on a variety of high-risk construction

Committee: Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement

Summary: The committee heard several labor and workforce bills. SB 1059 would modernize the Employment Training Panel by allowing electronic record-keeping, digital attendance documentation, and updated training terminology; supporters said it would reduce paperwork and better match current training systems, while no opposition appeared. SB 966 would codify refinery process safety protections adopted in 2017 after the 2012 Chevron Richmond fire, including worker participation in safety proceedings, anonymous hazard reporting, access to safety information, and stop-work authority; labor supported it, while the Western States Petroleum Association opposed it as conflicting with a 2024 settlement and potentially preempted by federal labor law. SB 1024 would provide 26 weeks of paid postpartum and recovery leave for firefighters who give birth, with job restoration and no requirement to use sick or vacation time first; firefighters and labor groups strongly supported it, and the committee discussed staffing and operational coverage concerns, but no opposition testified. The committee also heard SB 1316, which would strengthen wage theft enforcement by allowing Labor Commissioner liens to be renewed, limiting employers’ late use of records, and requiring Cal/OSHA to report complaints and citations data annually. Supporters said the bill would help workers actually collect wages after long delays and prevent employers from hiding records; it passed the committee on a 5-0 vote. SB 1185 would apply skilled and trained workforce requirements to pharmaceutical facility construction and maintenance, with supporters arguing these facilities require high precision to protect public health and supply chains; construction industry opponents said the bill was an unnecessary expansion of state mandates into private projects. SB 1227 would create apprenticeship pathways into DIR enforcement jobs, including Cal/OSHA and Labor Commissioner roles, to address staffing shortages and improve labor law enforcement; supporters emphasized vacancies and backlogs, and the bill was framed as a way to build a merit-based pipeline into state service. After hearing testimony, the committee took final votes on all six bills once the full membership returned. SB 966, SB 1024, SB 1059, SB 1185, and SB 1227 were all reported out of committee, and SB 1316 was also passed and sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The recorded final votes were unanimous or near-unanimous in favor, with the bills advancing on 4-1 or 5-0 votes depending on the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any one of us who's worked in a school and has had to be subject to uh bad professional development knows
• The same thing applies on the lower right-hand um little box, uh, monitoring intentional use of at-risk
• And can they use that long term planning to forecast some of their needs?
• Chair, I hope I got us mostly back on schedule, maybe even ahead of time. Thank you, John.
• How is that justified that everyone gets 850,000 when Navajo has the vast majority of students? Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• us in the direction of That would move us in the direction of uh<00:18:49.360><c> competitive</c><00:
• It's used for projects, a redistribution of wealth.
• So, as you noted, we—two of us here on finance, or three of us, excuse me, worked hard on the language
• So, plastic doesn't, you know, two layers of plastic doesn't protect us from all of that.
• </c> has a lifespan beyond any of us. has a lifespan beyond any of us.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• So, there are interim assessments that they use, and again, one part of the original bill was for us
• So, there are interim assessments that they use, and again, one part of the original bill was for us
• So, there are interim assessments that they use, and again, one part of the original bill was for us
• again, the ethical use and effective instruction of AI.
• </c> conflict of interest that would justify conflict of interest that would justify looking<01:20:39.360

Summary: The Education Assessment & Accountability Review Subcommittee approved the minutes from its October 14 and November 4 meetings and also approved the Office of Education Accountability report analyzing student discipline data in Kentucky schools. The main presentation came from KDE Commissioner Dr. Robby Fletcher on implementation of House Bill 257, which he said has two major parts: selection of a statewide college entrance exam through a new procurement process, and development of locally designed indicators of quality for accountability. On the college exam, Fletcher explained that the state had to reopen procurement after Senate Bill 197, with the RFP released May 21, vendor questions handled through the Finance and Administration Cabinet, proposals due June 22, and scoring and review expected in July and August, with a vendor decision not likely until October. He emphasized that the exam is a norm-referenced college-readiness measure, not a test of Kentucky academic standards, which are assessed by the KSA. Members asked about the science requirement in statute, the possibility of multiple vendors or district choice, and whether the CLT could participate; Fletcher said vendors must address science in the RFP, multiple vendors could be possible, and any vendor could submit a proposal if it meets the rubric. He also noted that ACT and SAT differ in structure, that either can meet college-readiness benchmarks, and that there were no major complaints about the SAT during its first year of use. The second major topic was the locally developed indicators of quality under House Bill 257. Fletcher said these are intended to let districts measure themselves against their own goals rather than compare districts statewide, while still aligning with Kentucky standards. He described examples such as achievement, growth, student well-being, safety, fiscal responsibility, civics, internships, apprenticeships, project-based learning, and defenses of learning. He said districts may use local assessments such as MAP, STAR, and I-Ready alongside state data, and that local models should be developed with families, community members, and workforce partners. He added that KDE is providing technical assistance, has applied for a federal CGSA grant, and will use a one-time $15,000 cost offset for districts implementing local accountability models, with a superintendent webcast planned for August.

Transcript Highlights:

• And unfortunately, the excessive use of force is a problem at all levels of law enforcement.
• The use of force is already extensively regulated by statute and case law.
• And using less lethal force in those situations is always the first option when we have to use force.
• the threat that's presented, have to use some type of less lethal force to protect the public.
• on the use of these weapons of war for protests.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Summary: The committee first heard SB 1056 by Senator Grayson, which would require courts to issue protective orders for sexually explicit material involving adult victims in criminal cases and limit copying or dissemination of that material. The author and survivors Aaron Quinn and Denise Haskins-Quinn testified that the bill is meant to prevent revictimization and protect privacy while preserving defendants’ access to discovery. Opposition from public defenders and criminal defense groups argued the bill was too vague, could interfere with defense preparation, and inappropriately modeled adult-material protections on child sexual abuse material. After committee amendments narrowing the bill’s scope and clarifying access, SB 1056 passed out of committee to Appropriations on a due-pass-as-amended vote, with some members voting aye and the bill kept on call. The committee then took up SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez, which would restrict law enforcement use of flashbang devices for crowd control and ban their use in immigration enforcement. Supporters, including the author, the mayor of Huntington Park, and advocacy groups, described injuries and fear caused by flashbangs and explosive breaching devices, especially in protests and immigration operations. Law enforcement organizations opposed the bill, saying the definitions were vague, the restrictions could hinder officers in fast-moving situations, and the immigration-enforcement language could conflict with existing task-force arrangements. Members discussed possible amendments to clarify definitions and exigent circumstances, but the bill was ultimately moved due pass to Appropriations and then failed on the roll call, with only one aye and several no votes. Next, SB 1070 by Senator Grove proposed making intentional disruptions of worship services a wobbler offense, allowing felony charges for more serious conduct. The author and faith leaders said the bill was needed to deter coordinated disruptions at houses of worship and protect religious freedom. Opponents, including the Friends Committee on Legislation, ACLU California Action, and public defender groups, argued the measure would criminalize speech, raise constitutional concerns, and impose excessive penalties for conduct that should be addressed through existing law or restorative justice. Several committee members also objected to elevating the offense to a felony, and the bill failed on a due-pass vote, though a motion to reconsider was granted. The committee also heard SB 1130 by Senator Reyes, which would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses by restricting covert recording in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy and limiting devices or technologies that disable recording indicators. Supporters said the bill responds to rapidly advancing wearable technology and surreptitious filming, while opponents from tech and business groups warned it could create liability for manufacturers and be too broad. After committee amendments reduced penalties, removed manufacturer provisions from the criminal section, and shifted them to civil enforcement, SB 1130 passed out of committee to Rules on a due-pass-as-amended vote, with some support and one no vote. Finally, Senator Troy presented SCA 2, a constitutional amendment to bar governors from pardoning themselves or immediate family members; with no opposition testimony, members briefly discussed the proposal, and the transcript ends before any final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> for each one of us in this body for each one of us in this body and<03:58:24.880><c> every</c><03
• </c> of a bill to preclude us of a bill to preclude us agreeing agreeing agreeing to<03:58:38.400><c>
• ><c> US</c><04:02:12.680><c> Secret</c> pay uh the members of the US Secret pay uh the members of the
• </c> of forced labor. of forced labor.
• </c> use of the workforce we already have. use of the workforce we already have.

Transcript Highlights:

• And unfortunately, the excessive use of force is a problem at all levels of law enforcement.
• The use of force is already extensively regulated by statute and case law.
• use force.
• the threat that's presented itself, have to use some type of less-lethal force to protect the public
• thing for all of us.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• And unfortunately, the excessive use of force is a problem at all levels of law enforcement.
• The use of force is already extensively regulated by statute and case law.
• use force.
• the threat that's presented itself, have to use some type of less-lethal force to protect the public
• positive thing for all of us.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Public Safety met on March 24, 2006, first as a subcommittee until a quorum was reached. The committee heard several bills in file order, beginning with SB 1056 by Senator Grayson, which would require protective orders for sexually explicit material involving adult victims in criminal cases. The author and survivor witnesses argued the bill would prevent unnecessary copying and dissemination of highly sensitive evidence while preserving defendants’ access to discovery; public defenders and criminal defense groups opposed it as vague, overbroad, and potentially harmful to due process. After committee amendments were accepted, SB 1056 passed on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations, with the bill held on call. The committee then heard SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez, which would restrict law enforcement use of flashbang devices for crowd control and ban their use in immigration enforcement. Supporters described serious injuries and community fear from recent deployments, while sheriffs’ and police groups objected that the bill was vague, could limit necessary tactics, and might conflict with existing law and task-force operations. Members raised concerns about overuse of force but also about drafting details and exceptions for exigent circumstances; the bill was moved on a due pass motion to Appropriations and held on call. Next, SB 1070 by Senator Grove sought to make intentional disruptions of worship services a wobbler offense, allowing felony charges in more serious cases. Faith leaders and supporters said the bill was needed to deter coordinated disruptions and protect religious exercise, while opponents, including civil liberties and public defender groups, argued it would criminalize speech, raise constitutional concerns, and impose excessive penalties for conduct better addressed through existing law or restorative justice. After extended debate, the committee rejected the bill on a roll call vote, and the motion to reconsider was granted without objection. The committee also heard SB 1130 by Senator Reyes, which would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses by restricting surreptitious recording in places with a reasonable expectation of privacy and limiting technologies that disable recording indicators. Supporters said the bill addressed a growing privacy threat, while industry groups warned it could create liability for manufacturers and businesses and needed tighter definitions. After committee amendments reducing penalties and removing manufacturer provisions from the criminal code, SB 1130 passed as amended to Rules, with the bill held on call. Finally, the committee heard SCA 2 by Senator Troy, a constitutional amendment to bar governors from pardoning themselves or immediate family members. Supporters framed it as an accountability measure, while some members objected that it addressed a hypothetical problem and could unnecessarily restrict legitimate clemency. The transcript ends during the roll call on SCA 2, with the vote in progress.