Video & Transcript Research : 'Underground Damage Prevention Program'
Page 165 of 500
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Conservation Feb 14th, 2026 at 09:07 am
Senate Conservation
Transcript Highlights:
- And we've put in place a technical assistance provider program that, among other things, allows small
- We hope that this will stop violations sooner and will prevent continued damage to our already stressed
- the suit for actual damages from another water user like Project Jupiter.
- But for damages, any private citizen, any farmer can pursue a damages claim.
- Any private citizen, any farmer can pursue a damages claim against anyone else.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- :10:43.680>
buildings extensive damage to roofs, buildings extensive damage to roofs, buildings - There was substantial damage to windows. There was substantial damage to athletic facilities.
- the scale and nature of the damage the scale and nature of the damage to<00:12:07.360>
our - nonredit certification programs. nonredit certification programs.
- site repurposing program. site repurposing program.
Summary:
The committee opened with quorum and decorum reminders, then approved the minutes from February 26, 2026. Members briefly set aside a planned follow-up on GO students from Minnesota State after being told the questions had been fully answered, and moved on to Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College’s storm damage presentation.
Bemidji State President John Hoffman and facilities staff described the June 21 derecho that hit Bemidji, causing widespread roof, window, tree, and infrastructure damage across both campuses and the surrounding community. Hoffman said the institutions were already recovering from pandemic-era enrollment and budget losses, but had improved new student enrollment, retention, fundraising, and deficits before the storm. He emphasized that the campuses were well insured, but that restoring the tree canopy and campus character would take far longer than repairing buildings. Facilities worker Brent Steinmets gave a personal account of the storm response and cleanup, describing days of chainsaw work, debris removal, window repairs, and stump grinding, and noting that many employees were also dealing with damage at their own homes.
Members asked what kind of funding request was being made, and Hoffman said Chair Duran was preparing a bill tied to the storm damage and reforestation needs, while alumni had already raised more than $80,000 through a “Replanting Our Roots” campaign. He said the institutions had spent about $50,000 in deductible costs and another $25,000 in unreimbursable overtime, and had hired a landscape architect to plan reforestation. Members also asked about enrollment growth and staffing reductions; Hoffman said overall enrollment was up a little more than 2% since fall 2022, new student enrollment had risen 17%, NTC headcount was up 75%, and the campuses had reduced about 30% of instructional faculty and close to 30% of overall employees while reorganizing programs and administration. Discussion also focused on preserving liberal arts and applied liberal arts offerings, with Hoffman saying the institutions were emphasizing critical thinking, communication, citizenship, interdisciplinarity, and human intelligence alongside workforce training. No vote was taken on the storm-related funding proposal during the meeting.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 26, 2026 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- funds in the Contractor-Operated Institute's Inmate Welfare Trust Fund to support inmate reentry programs
- these locations throughout the state where we have a privatized contractor operating the actual programs
- Reintegration programs funded by these sources is very positive, so I thank you for this.
- It also exempts a PBM that exclusively serves a PACE program, which is a program of all-inclusive care
- The state process is broken, and what's happening is that providers are opting out of the program.
MO
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services (Part I) Feb 26th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So thank you, and members, Senate Bill 314 is about the school lunch... program.
- That are forcing schools to stop their free lunch or free breakfast programs.
- The bill just states that they need to have the program.
- To qualify for the reduced meal price program in Texas, they would have to comply.
- , and not just preventable but reversible, account for 90% of these costs.
Keywords:
attorney ad litem, indigent parents, parent-child relationship, legal representation, Texas Family Code, court procedures, nutrition, health standards, food labeling, education, dietary guidelines, medical education, food safety, school meals, child nutrition, food additives, public health, 1185, senate, all
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- His death was entirely preventable.
- It has prevented better oversight of medical procedures.
- This bill does not prevent litigation.
- The current law does not prevent litigation; it prevents litigation from non-economic damages.
- to the courts exists for those economic damages.
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard three bills. SB 514, by Senator Harrell, clarified that medical quality review committees used by managing entities are treated like other medical review committees for purposes of civil liability and public records protections. The committee adopted a Harrell amendment removing the word “malpractice” from the title, heard support from the Florida Hospital Association, Florida Association of Managing Entities, and Florida Smart Justice Alliance, and then voted 11-0 to report the bill favorably.
The committee then took up SB 734, by Senator Yarborough, which would repeal the current wrongful death exception that bars certain parents and adult children from recovering non-economic damages in medical negligence cases. The bill drew extensive testimony from families describing deaths they said were caused by medical negligence and from supporters including AARP and the Florida Justice Association, while opponents from the health care, insurance, and business sectors argued it would raise malpractice premiums, increase litigation, worsen physician shortages, and reduce access to care. After debate, the committee voted 9-2 to report the bill favorably.
Finally, SB 538, by Senator Bradley, was presented as the state courts legislative package. It updates court operations by clarifying duty judge requirements, removing a location limit on duty hearings, repealing a cap on arbitrator compensation in court-ordered non-binding arbitration, and allowing alternative judicial authentication of oaths and acknowledgments when a court seal is unavailable. The bill received supportive waiver forms from the Florida Bar ADR section and several judges, and was reported favorably on an 11-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 10, 2025 - 08:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- We've hired plenty of people through these programs.
- That prevents gouging in situations where workers often have no alternative.
- It's very easy to sue over money damages when you're talking about people's kids.
- If you do file that frivolous claims, that the judge can put damages on you for filing those claims.
- But maybe if we can sue for damages here, we can prevent that in the future. Great bill.
Summary:
The Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee heard and voted on four bills. HB 587 on self-storage spaces would let rental agreements include an alternate contact person and allow default notices to be published online instead of only in newspapers, while keeping existing notice timelines and servicemember protections. Newspaper and press witnesses opposed the online-notice change, arguing it could reduce public reach and transparency, especially in rural areas; the sponsor said newspapers could still be used and the bill was only adding another option. The committee adopted an amendment changing the effective date to October 1, 2025, and then reported the bill favorably 12-2.
HB 6033 would repeal the Florida Labor Pool Act. The sponsor argued the act duplicates other state and federal protections, while opponents said it contains unique safeguards for day laborers, including limits on fees, transportation charges, and deductions, and a private right of action. Testimony from labor advocates and workers warned repeal would reduce protections for vulnerable workers; the sponsor and supporters said other laws already cover the issues. The committee reported the bill favorably 11-3.
HB 897, dealing with timeshare plan management, was presented as a clarification of conflicts created by recent condominium legislation and would require faster records responses, more disclosure of contracts, and clearer remedies for mismanagement. Support came from industry groups, and the bill passed unanimously, 14-0. The final measure, PCS for HB 1385, created a civil remedy for parental abduction or unlawful withholding of a child in violation of a timesharing order. Family law attorneys opposed it over concerns about added litigation, child involvement, and overlap with existing remedies, while the sponsors and supporters said it would provide needed deterrence and compensation in serious cases. The committee adopted the PCS and reported it favorably 13-0.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs Apr 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So this is not like a work release program where they could be paid for.
- Do you all have a work release program? You don't?
- So this is not like a work release program where they could be paid for.
- Do you all have a work release program? You don't?
- But they do not issue it; it's the local authority that issues the program.
Summary:
The House Municipal Committee met and first advanced HB 990 by Rep. Lyons, which would extend existing lien/privilege authority for unpaid utility service charges and user fees to parishes, sewerage districts, and waterworks districts, including Jefferson Parish. Lyons explained it was intended to address master-metered multifamily properties and align Jefferson Parish with other parishes. After questions about tenant impacts and administrative burden, the bill was reported favorably without objection.
The committee then heard HB 1087 by Rep. Adams, authorizing the City of Zachary to use inmate labor to cut grass at a private cemetery known as the Zachary Public Cemetery. Members raised concerns about using unpaid prison labor on private property, whether the cemetery was abandoned, and whether the bill should be narrowed. The author and city representative explained the city already contracts with DCI for inmate work and that the bill was meant to clarify legality. The motion to advance was withdrawn, and the bill was voluntarily deferred to a later meeting for further work.
Several other bills were advanced, including HB 893 by Rep. Knox on the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board, HB 1007 creating the Foeberg Nouveau-Marine Improvement District in Orleans Parish, and HB 1153 by Rep. Coates establishing a clearer local burn-ban framework with amendments on notice, lifting bans, and penalties. The committee also considered HB 1215 by Rep. Baham on the disposition of removed historical statues and monuments; after amendments and extensive questions about costs, coordination with the lieutenant governor’s office, and local zoning authority, the bill was voluntarily deferred. Later, HB 362 and HB 484 by Rep. Newell were handled, with HB 362 advanced and HB 484 deferred after confusion over a proposed amendment to the New Orleans Regional Business Park board. Several other bills and resolutions were announced as deferred or not heard, and the committee adjourned after scheduling a larger agenda for the next meeting.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 20, 2025 - 11:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- This House Joint Resolution proposes a constitutional that are at risk of flood damage.
- that help sustain those programs to ensure that if you dial 911, there is.
- There are state tax programs right now that are not being used appropriately. And so...
- I don't have any concerns that these valuable programs will continue.
- I do have concerns about programs that are not doing what they were intended that live on forever.
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.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, December 4, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- to a school program should be evaluated. to a school program should be evaluated.
- Language programs in schools that do not Language programs in schools that do not partner<00:47:52.079
- prevent and delay new construction. prevent and delay new construction.
- Visitors can explore programming.
- pervasive in this program. pervasive in this program.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary (11-5-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Apple Red Legal Aid, which programs.
- And the four legal aid programs came And the four legal aid programs came together<00:07:24.880>
to - those pictures um of where the damage those pictures um of where the damage went<00:10:40.320>
an important program for for our office. an important program for for our office. - >> hundreds for each of the program. Okay. >> hundreds for each of the program.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard presentations from the Legal Aid Network of Kentucky, including Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, Kentucky Legal Aid, AppalRed Legal Aid, and the Legal Aid Society in Louisville. The presenters explained that the four nonprofit programs provide civil legal services in all 120 counties, focusing on low-income clients and matters such as domestic violence, family law, housing, expungement, public benefits, and veterans’ issues. They emphasized that they do not handle criminal defense cases and described statewide efforts such as the kyjustice.org website and Project Renew, which helps people in recovery with legal issues that affect stability, employment, housing, and family reunification.
Each organization highlighted regional service challenges and examples of casework. Legal Aid of the Bluegrass described its 33-county service area, its mobile “justice bus,” and expungement work for people in recovery. Kentucky Legal Aid focused on disaster response after the December 2021 tornadoes, including insurance disputes and contractor fraud, and said it has continued to handle repeated FEMA-declared disasters. AppalRed described serving 37 rural counties with limited attorneys, the shortage of lawyers in “rural legal deserts,” and its disaster-response work after flooding and tornadoes, including FEMA appeals clinics and volunteer attorney support. The Legal Aid Society described its Louisville-area veteran services, including Social Security and VA disability cases, veterans treatment court referrals, and homeless outreach.
Committee members praised the organizations’ work and noted the importance of their services. In response to questions about funding, the presenters said their support comes from a mix of Legal Services Corporation funds, state appropriations, federal grants such as VOCA, VAWA, and HUD, United Way, and foundation funding. They stressed that many grants are restricted, while state funding is more flexible and useful for emergencies and day-to-day operations. The presenters said current funding does not fully meet demand and requested an increase in the General Assembly’s appropriation from $500,000 per year to $1 million per year, or $2 million over the biennium.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- This kind of program is modeled after a program that exists in New Hampshire called Green Snow Pro.
- This kind of program is modeled after a program that exists in New Hampshire called Green Snow Pro.
- um snowplow program. So um that's it. um snowplow program. So um that's it.
- voluntary program? voluntary program?
- [clears throat] to support the program. [clears throat] to support the program.
NJ
New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Appropriations Jun 28th, 2026
Senate Budget and Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- or the successor dual-use solar energy program may participate in the community solar energy program
- The dual-use solar energy pilot program or the successor dual-use solar energy permanent program can
- with all applicable solar energy program requirements while participating in both programs.
- I don't have the program and how the program is being... but these are all federal dollars that are going
- , coupons, and other cost-saving programs.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- In 2018, our school was struck by an EF1 tornado and we sustained some minor damage.
- A storm shelter would not have prevented this damage, and I believe it is the intent of these shelters
- A storm shelter would not have prevented this damage, and I believe it is the intent of these shelters
- education program education program which<00:19:46.880>
serves <00:19:47.320>our <00 - ,<00:26:46.360>
student including academic programming, student including academic programming
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Transportation Committee Jun 23rd, 2026
Joint Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We also heard that programs are stood up not only by the team charged with administering the programs
- Staff capacity can also be a bit of a constraint along this program life cycle, both from the program
- on an existing program or a new program altogether, and whether a program is working with existing recipients
- We saw that in some programs that were built on legacy programs that predated the CCA.
- What is the program goal here?
Summary:
The committee began with member introductions, then heard a presentation on a draft final report studying alternative funding mechanisms for sidewalks and related pedestrian infrastructure. Consultants said current local funding sources are insufficient, with most jurisdictions unable to complete planned sidewalk networks within 50 years. They evaluated four options: a sidewalk utility fee, a modified transportation benefit district sales tax, a new real estate excise tax option, and expanded stormwater fee use for ADA sidewalk ramps. The consultants recommended authorizing the modified TBD sales tax and new REET option, considering a sidewalk utility despite legal uncertainty, broadening any authorization to all pedestrian improvements, and not pursuing the stormwater fee option. Members asked about legal authority, fairness, revenue adequacy, and whether jurisdictions had been consulted; the presenters said state enabling legislation would likely be needed for a sidewalk utility and that fairness could be defined either by direct benefit or by need.
The committee then received an update on the 2025 assessment of city transportation funding needs. The consultants reported that city transportation revenues have grown in some local and federal categories since 2019, but state revenues have remained relatively flat and smaller cities are especially affected by declining fuel tax revenues and limited tax bases. They estimated annual city transportation needs at $4.25 billion, average annual spending at $1.89 billion, and a funding gap of $2.37 billion, larger than in the prior study because of updated data, inclusion of system improvements, and higher preservation costs. Draft recommendations focused on reducing costs and improving efficiency, preserving and increasing state support, and expanding local funding options, including preservation-first spending, a permanent federal fund exchange program, streamlined review processes, better coordination with WSDOT, possible property tax flexibility, and exploration of new local tools. Members raised questions about design standards, the role of density and transit, federal compliance, and whether the report would identify specific consolidation or process changes.
The committee also heard a project update on evaluating zero-emission vehicle and electrification programs funded by the Climate Commitment Act. Consultants said they had reviewed roughly 23 programs and projects across seven agencies and were now evaluating options to improve delivery, including process improvements, reorganizing programs, or consolidating governance and administrative functions. Early findings highlighted staffing shortages, duplication and variation across agencies, differing levels of risk, and the challenge of coordinating climate priorities across agencies with other core missions. Members asked about program outcomes, administrative costs, whether some programs should have exit strategies, and how to strengthen the EV Coordinating Council. Finally, WSDOT provided an implementation update on its new public-private partnership authority under SB 5801, saying work is underway to prepare governance, legal, policy, and organizational structures ahead of the January 1, 2027 effective date.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Agriculture Committee Apr 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This first allocation from this program provided over $23 million in 2022.
- For many kids, school meals in this program are their only meal of the day.
- The resolution also notes the Local Food Purchase Assistance program.
- about the value of school nutrition programs.
- they live in than the dollars spent on the programs.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Agriculture met with an initial quorum delay, then heard four items: AJR 6 on protecting federal funding for the Local Food for Schools and Child Care program, AB 732 on abandoned agricultural land, AB 1042 on honeybee health, and consent item AB 1506. The chair reviewed hearing procedures and public comment rules before moving through the file in order.
AJR 6, authored by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry, urged federal officials to preserve funding for local food programs that connect California farmers with school meals and food banks. Supporters, including a farm owner and a school nutrition director, said the program benefits children’s nutrition, helps small farms, and strengthens local economies. There was no opposition, and the committee members who were present voted to adopt the resolution; later absent members were added, bringing it to eight votes and sending it out.
AB 732, by Assemblymember Macedo, would give county agricultural commissioners a faster enforcement tool against abandoned or neglected orchards and vineyards by allowing civil penalties instead of relying only on liens. Testimony from growers and a county agricultural commissioner described pest infestations, economic losses, and high abatement costs tied to neglected land, and the bill was presented as a response to SGMA-related fallowing and low commodity prices. The committee voted due pass to the Judiciary Committee, and after absent members were added it also reached eight votes.
AB 1042, by Assemblymember Ransom, proposed a Managed Honeybee Health Program with grants, research, technical assistance, and an expanded advisory committee to support pollinators essential to California crops. Witnesses from the fresh fruit and beekeeping sectors emphasized that bee declines threaten crop production and the broader agricultural economy. The committee voted due pass to Appropriations, and the bill ultimately received eight votes. The consent calendar item, AB 1506, was also approved and sent to Appropriations.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- I like the thought of a tiered program.
- but into that bachelor's program and on into the master's program, which is what they actually have
- An SLP associate program would be vital to filling those needs. ...program would be vital to filling
- We have a cancer program and a Parkinson's support program where we give products directly to these folks
- Children are damaged in the way this...
Keywords:
speech-language pathology, licensure, clinical supervision, educational qualifications, healthcare assistant, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, THC, delta-8, delta-9, delta-10, consumable hemp products, psychoactive cannabinoids, cannabinoid regulation, hemp licensing, ABC Board, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, retail hemp sales, wholesale hemp distribution, hemp tax
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So when the program changed significantly, did many banks drop out of the program? Senator Girl.
- Did many banks drop out of the program? Senator Grohl. Thank you.
- I'm concerned about this program overall, to be quite honest with you.
- I'm concerned about this program overall, to be quite honest with you.
- It requires the department to establish a statewide mapping program.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions and moments of silence recognizing recent tragedies and public figures, including students affected by the FSU shooting, John Thrasher, Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, and conservation and youth groups visiting the chamber. The body also adopted Senate Resolution 1878 honoring Coach Abdur-Rahim and Senate Resolution 1892 recognizing Florida Wildlife Corridor Week.
The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar, passing several bills with little or no opposition. Measures approved included child care and early learning provider regulation updates (SB 738, 37-0), false reporting/swatting penalties and cost recovery (SB 726, 38-0), health care billing and collection protections/medical debt (SB 656, 38-0), hazardous walking conditions for schoolchildren (SB 650, 38-0), young adult housing support for foster and homeless students (SB 584, 38-0), the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program disclosure bill (SB 508, 37-1), trust fund interest for court-approved purposes after a debated amendment (SB 498, 28-10), transportation and traffic-safety changes including school bus camera hearings and micromobility rules (SB 462, 37-0), public records exemptions for AHCA investigators and JQC/appellate court clerks (SB 342, 34-4; SB 302, 35-3; SB 300, 35-3), municipal water and sewer utility rate fairness for Miami Gardens/North Miami Beach (SB 202/HB 11, 36-2), motor vehicle offenses involving obscured plates and impersonation (SB 44/HB 253, 36-0), trespass at large-scale ticketed events and law-enforcement-controlled sites (SB 1828/HB 1447, 35-1), patient refund of overpayments (SB 1808, 37-0), stem cell therapy standards (SB 1768, 37-0), insulin administration by direct support professionals and relatives (SB 1736/HB 1567, 38-0), and pre-arranged transportation services/rideshare impersonation (SB 1696/HB 1525, 37-0). Several bills were temporarily postponed, including cardiac emergencies, chemicals and consumer products, motor vehicle manufacturers and franchise dealers, and education.
Debate centered most heavily on the trust fund interest bill, with supporters arguing it would stabilize funding and better reflect market rates, and opponents warning it would sharply reduce legal aid funding and hurt access to justice. The transportation bill also drew extensive questions and amendments, including removal of a speed-limit increase, changes to school bus infraction hearing procedures, micromobility regulation, and flood-wake enforcement. The municipal water bill prompted constitutional and fairness concerns, while the public records bills were defended as necessary to protect investigators and court personnel from doxing and harassment. Most measures ultimately passed with strong bipartisan support, though the scholarship disclosure bill and trust fund interest bill drew the most visible dissent.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Working Group on Omnibus Taxes Bill - Part 1 - 05/22/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh that's what these small program.
- Um SFIA is a program that the lives.
- purchase because of the SFIA program. purchase because of the SFIA program.
- <01:00:40.960>
they're species, knowing how damaging they're species, knowing how damaging - homelessness among children. preventing homelessness aid to counties. preventing homelessness aid to
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 13th, 2026 at 01:31 pm
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That's why we've got the three-and-a-half-year implementation program.
- Those people may not be prevented from...
- Those people may not be prevented from...
- This bill defines a wellness reimbursement program.
- Current law ends the program on December 31 of this year.
Summary:
The Senate considered and passed a series of House bills on third reading, with several title amendments and a few effective-date motions adopted. Early in the session, members passed HB 4452 removing acreage limits on land owned by church or religious trustees, HB 4577 creating reciprocal driver’s license recognition agreements with Ireland and Japan, HB 4588 authorizing West Virginia participation in a federal tax credit scholarship program, and HB 4592 requiring higher education institutions to create coordinated campus safety maps. HB 4602 was amended to align with a prior Senate child welfare pilot program, and members discussed its projected cost and implementation timeline before passing it. HB 4603 created a pre-adjudicatory alternative disposition process in abuse and neglect cases, and HB 4606 narrowed bail rules by requiring consideration of residency and community ties while prohibiting personal recognizance bonds for violent felony offenses after an adopted amendment.
The Senate also passed HB 4710 changing the party-registration deadline for candidates from 60 to 180 days before an election, with debate over its impact on independents, and made it effective January 1, 2027. HB 4712, known as Bailey’s Law, increased penalties for DUI causing death and related conduct, with emotional testimony from members about the victim and similar tragedies. HB 4765 established a pay raise for teachers, school personnel, and state police and added a market-pay enhancement system based on county cost-of-living differences; an amendment to the amendment capped county differentials and guaranteed at least a 1% increase in every county. HB 4865 created an optional program for high school and homeschool students to serve as election official trainees, and HB 4869 established narrow guaranteed-issue rights for Medicare supplement policies.
Later bills included HB 4995, which strengthened video/audio recording rules in special education classrooms and was passed, then reconsidered and passed again; HB 4996 creating a new crime for making threats of violence against schools or children; HB 5048 guaranteeing virtual instruction for foster children in temporary placement; HB 5065 adding recordkeeping and geolocation requirements for hotel marketplace facilitators to ensure proper hotel tax remittance; and HB 5074 reallocating medical cannabis fund revenues to child protection, homeless services, research, law enforcement, and other purposes. The Senate also passed HB 5101, the Joanna Phillips Domestic Violence Prevention Act, which increased penalties for domestic violence offenses and adjusted bail provisions, after amending it to conform with the earlier bail bill. Additional measures passed included HB 5166 requiring notice before political committees are fined for filing violations and allowing limited extensions, HB 5168 directing $12 million in lottery funds to EMS first responders and county EMS support, HB 5182 authorizing certain state treasurer security personnel to carry concealed firearms, HB 5212 streamlining higher-education financial aid rules, HB 5214 allowing court-ordered drug testing of parents before reunification in abuse and neglect cases, HB 5353 regulating virtual currency kiosks with licensing, disclosures, and transaction limits, and HB 5366 exempting J-LAP records from FOIA to protect confidentiality for lawyers and judges seeking assistance. Most bills passed with strong bipartisan support, though HB 5074 and HB 5353 drew some dissenting votes.