Video & Transcript : 'instrumentality' :
Page 17 of 156
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 18th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Carol Saul has been instrumental in building numerous nonprofit organizations, including the Bay Area
- press three option for 988 suicide hotlines, specifically taking away an option that has been instrumental
- called press 3 option for 988 suicide hotlines, specifically taking away an option that has been instrumental
- The option has been instrumental for youth, LGBTQ, or questioning youth, who want to make sure they have
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call and opened with a prayer and pledge, then held a ceremonial observance for Jewish American Heritage Month. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 195 by Assembly Member Gabriel was presented with extensive remarks from members of multiple caucuses highlighting Jewish Californians’ contributions, the importance of solidarity amid rising antisemitism, and themes of tikkun olam and tzedakah. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 67 co-authors were added, and the chamber then recognized 14 honorees for their service in public life, philanthropy, media, faith leadership, education, and civic engagement.
The floor also featured guest introductions and a procedural vote on Assembly Constitutional Amendment 9 by Assembly Member Borrero, which would add affordability as a required consideration in CPUC rate-making, remove telecommunications from the commission’s portfolio, create an office of broadband, and expand legislative appointments. The amendment was adopted. The Assembly then moved through a long third-reading file, passing measures including AB 1697 delaying implementation of a 2025 employment law, AB 2322 on stormwater permit definitions, AB 1653 on hearing-illness education, AB 2274 closing a loophole involving secrecy in trafficking cases, AB 2512 on Anaheim Angels naming language tied to a land exemption, AB 1956 prioritizing young men and boys in suicide prevention, and AB 2273 addressing prosecutorial handling of a local sexual abuse case.
Additional bills passed included AB 1809 extending job order contracting for school and community college districts, AB 1970 banning step therapy for serious mental illness and substance use disorder medications, AB 1973 expanding practice authority for advanced practice clinicians, AB 2055 updating vessel law, and AB 2059 narrowing CEQA vehicle-mile-traveled mitigation for certain rural highway projects. The Assembly also adopted ACR 186 designating May 2026 as California Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being Month and H.R. 11 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia after a lengthy debate that included support from several caucuses and some disagreement over the resolution’s framing of current threats to LGBTQ+ communities.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, there is a set of technical amendments with this instrument. Okay, I'll offer them.
- Chairman, there is a set of technical amendments with this instrument. I'll offer up the set.
- Chairman, there is a set of technical amendments with this instrument.
- Chairman, there is a set of technical amendments with this instrument. Mr.
Committee:
House Health and Welfare
Summary:
The House Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 12 and considered a wide range of health, social services, and licensing measures. Early in the meeting, the committee reported favorably HCR 98, which asks the Louisiana Department of Health to study whether SNAP recipients should be allowed to use benefits for grocery delivery fees. The author said the proposal would not change SNAP rules directly, but would examine access issues for elderly, disabled, rural, and transportation-limited residents. The committee also advanced SB 273, a hospice patient-protection bill requiring documentation of hydration, nutrition, and care decisions in inpatient licensed facilities where hospice is provided, with LDH oversight and enforcement authority; members discussed how responsibility is shared between facilities and outside hospice providers, and adopted technical amendments.
The committee then approved SB 415, creating the Empower Louisiana Food Purchase Program, a privately funded charitable food-card program intended to let nonprofits distribute food-only cards to people in need. Members and the author discussed whether the cards would be reloadable, which retailers could accept them, and whether prepared foods could be included; LDH said the program could use all SNAP-authorized retailers, and the bill was reported favorably with amendments. SB 437, a cleanup bill for judicially referred residential substance abuse treatment facilities, was also reported favorably with amendments after LDH clarified that facilities providing treatment must be licensed, while residences only housing individuals would not be. SB 451, updating newborn hearing screening terminology and reporting requirements, was reported favorably after testimony that the bill would strengthen early detection and follow-up for deaf or hard-of-hearing children.
Later, the committee advanced SB 426, which modernizes the addictive disorder regulatory authority and creates a formal peer support specialist licensing pathway. Supporters said the bill would strengthen the behavioral health workforce, improve accountability, and create a progression from peer support to higher credentials; the committee adopted technical and transition amendments and reported the bill favorably with amendments. SB 236, requiring LDH annual reviews and reports on kidney disease treatment services in Medicaid, was also reported favorably with amendments. Additional measures approved included SB 39, allowing provisional licenses for massage therapy graduates; SB 190, which tightens oversight of poor-performing nursing facilities in the CMS Special Focus Facility Program and sets an 18-month improvement timeline; SB 124, allowing hospitals within the same health system to share peer review records without waiving privilege; HR 174, urging study of fenbendazole as a possible cancer treatment; SB 270, allowing terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana in health care facilities; SB 359, changing terms for certain Morehouse Parish hospital district commissioners; and HR 194, requesting de-identified school visual acuity screening data for research. The committee adjourned after reporting all measures favorably, several with amendments.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, there is a set of technical amendments with this instrument. Okay, I'll offer them.
- Chairman, there is a set of technical amendments with this instrument. I'll offer up the set.
- Chairman, there is a set of technical amendments with this instrument.
- Chairman, there is a set of technical amendments with this instrument. Mr.
Bills:
HR174 , HR194 , HCR98 , SB39 , SB124 , SB190 , SB236 , SB270 , SB273 , SB359 , SB415 , SB426 , SB437 , SB451
Committee:
House Health and Welfare
Keywords:
fenbendazole, cancer treatment, public health, FDA, clinical trials, patient safety, visual acuity, student health, de-identified data, longitudinal analysis, education policy, SNAP, food stamps, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, grocery delivery, delivery fees, service charges, online grocery, food access, food insecurity
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, there is a set of technical amendments with this instrument.
- Chairman, there is a set of technical amendments with this instrument.
- Chairman, there is a set of technical amendments with this instrument. Okay, read them in.
- Chairman, there is a set of technical amendments with this instrument. Okay, read a minute.
Committee:
House Health and Welfare
Summary:
The House Committee on Health and Welfare met on April 28 with a quorum and took up several Senate bills, beginning with SB 113 on the local health care provider participation program in Calcasieu Parish. The committee adopted a technical amendment and heard that the bill would shift the local sponsor from the parish to the city if needed by a June 1 deadline. After brief discussion and no opposition, SB 113 was reported favorably with amendments.
The committee then approved SB 23, which exempts certain assisted living facilities licensed by LDH from the definition of food service establishment, and SB 150, which would allow LDH to scan and electronically store vital records supporting documents and return originals to citizens. SB 221 also advanced after testimony that it would allow EMS providers to be reimbursed by Medicaid for emergency responses where treatment is provided on scene but the patient is not transported. Members discussed that the bill could reduce unnecessary ER use and likely would require some rulemaking, but it was reported favorably.
A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 404, a broad vision benefit plan reform bill. Supporters, including optometrists, said the measure would improve transparency, patient choice, and access to eye care by limiting restrictive plan practices; opponents from the vision care plan industry argued it was an unprecedented, provider-driven overhaul that could raise costs and reduce flexibility. After extensive testimony and an agreed amendment clarifying network participation, the committee reported SB 404 favorably with amendments. The committee also reported SB 32 favorably with amendments after emotional testimony from parents and advocates about perinatal bereavement care, cooling devices, and training for hospitals to give grieving families more time and dignity after infant loss.
Finally, the committee heard SB 43, which would create a psychedelic-assisted therapy initiative within LDH for clinical research and treatment involving ibogaine and psilocybin, with testimony from veterans, researchers, and advocates describing potential benefits for PTSD, substance use, and traumatic brain injury. The bill was reported favorably with amendments and set to pass a courtesy sheet. The committee then began SB 253, a bill regulating peptides and compounding pharmacies, adopted technical amendments clarifying provider liability, and continued discussion as the transcript ended.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, there is a set of technical amendments with this instrument.
- Chairman, there is a set of technical amendments with this instrument.
- Chairman, there is a set of technical amendments with this instrument.
- Chairman, there is a set of technical amendments with this instrument. Okay, read them in.
Committee:
House Health and Welfare
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works Apr 21st, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Public Works
Transcript Highlights:
- all those years, all those terms, and you could have designed and shepherded every one of these instruments
- all those years, all those terms, and you could have designed and shepherded every one of these instruments
- But I will tell you, there are other instruments working their way through the process that are very
- We also have other instruments that are working through the process that you could take a look at.
Bills:
HCR32 , HB493 , HB679 , HB745 , HB896 , HB1000 , HB1024 , HB1050 , HB1159 , HB1172 , HB1173 , HB1207 , HB1208 , HB1218
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee met on April 21 and considered a series of transportation, licensing, tolling, and public safety measures. It reported favorably House Bill 745, extending special permits for tandem loads hauling containers to and from port facilities; House Bill 1000, a DOTD cleanup bill that clarifies Highway Priority Program reporting and raises the letter-bid contract threshold from $1 million to $3 million; and House Bill 1050, which clarifies commercial driver’s license rules, including age and intrastate/interstate driving limits. The committee also approved House Bill 1172 naming a portion of U.S. Highway 165 in Oberlin the Coulin Brooks Manuel Memorial Highway, House Bill 1218 naming a portion of Louisiana Highway 1090 the Lewis Pat Miramon Memorial Highway, House Concurrent Resolution 32 urging backup motors for the St. Claude Avenue Bridge, and House Bill 1207 on public contracting standards and competition in public bidding.
A major portion of the meeting focused on House Bill 896, which responds to tolling issues at the Belle Chasse bridge project. The bill would require toll signage, local toll customer service centers, dispute procedures, and limits on administrative fees, with amendments addressing effective dates, in-person assistance, appeal deadlines, law-enforcement exemptions, and limits on certain charges. The author and witnesses described high administrative fees, long travel distances to customer service locations, and problems with toll bills, while committee members noted the issue was complex and ongoing. The committee reported the bill favorably as amended.
The committee also heard House Bill 1159, allowing Jefferson Parish municipalities to use automated speed enforcement devices again under local control. Supporters from Gretna, Westwego, Harahan, and Kenner said photo enforcement reduced crashes, improved safety, and helped limited police resources, while opponents were not emphasized in the transcript. After discussion about whether the measure should be voluntarily or involuntarily deferred, the committee ultimately deferred the bill. House Bill 493, which would prohibit expropriation by the Amite River Basin Drainage and Water Conservation District in East Feliciana and St. Helena Parishes, drew extensive testimony about reservoir fears and local opposition; the committee voluntarily deferred it. House Bill 679, as substituted, created a driver’s license designation for people with brain injuries and required related law-enforcement training; witnesses described personal experiences with brain injury and the need for officers to recognize communication and behavioral effects, and the committee reported the substitute favorably. House Bill 1173, which waives late fees for certain reinstatement-relief payment plans for driver’s licenses, was also reported favorably, and House Bill 1024 creating a Louisiana Democratic Party prestige plate was approved as well.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- statute says, they're the one that turns the check from a draft or a warrant into a negotiable instrument
- And so that becomes very instrumental because of those county funds. So that's our concern.
- statute says, they're the one that turns the check from a draft or a warrant into a negotiable instrument
- And so that becomes very instrumental because of those county funds. Thank you.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Thirty Two - Wednesday, March 4 - Afternoon Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Do you know what instrument they use in order to do that?
- Do you know what the instrument that they use in order to do that with?
- but you wouldn't be notified through that process either because your name didn't appear on that instrument
- Hopefully we can add the language to take away the number one operating instrument that affects the home
Summary:
The House met after a quorum call and several members introduced job shadows, interns, and 4-H guests. Once 93 members were present, the chamber moved to House Bills for Perfection. House Bill 1707 was taken up first and amended with a title change; sponsors said it would stop the Department of Revenue from taxing credit card processing fees charged to vendors. Members described it as a small-business measure, and the bill was ordered perfected and printed as amended.
The House then considered House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2819, which would authorize rounding cash sales to the nearest five cents in light of the penny’s elimination. Supporters said it would give businesses clear authority to round and avoid compliance problems or lawsuits. The substitute was adopted and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2103 followed, a property-fraud and notary-fraud bill that would require warning signs in recorder offices, increase penalties for false filings and notary-related fraud, and raise fines for notary seal vendors. Supporters said it was aimed at deterring deed fraud and protecting homeowners; some members questioned whether it went far enough or whether it could burden honest notaries. The substitute was adopted and the bill was ordered perfected and printed.
House Bill 1800, dealing with the Hancock Amendment inflationary growth factor for property tax assessments, drew the most debate. An amendment changed the title and another amendment lowered the cap on revenue growth from 5% to 3% when inflation exceeds that level. Supporters argued it would help taxpayers keep more of their money; opponents warned it would reduce funding for schools, fire districts, ambulance districts, libraries, and community colleges and could force more frequent ballot measures. The amendment and the bill were both adopted, and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2600, which would create a clearer process for ambulance district consolidation and improve rural EMS access, was also amended to preserve county commission authority over subdistricts, allow at-large districts in some cases, require voter approval for mergers, and tighten timing and election procedures. Members said the changes would help struggling ambulance districts while keeping local control, and the substitute was adopted and ordered perfected and printed. The House then adjourned after announcements about upcoming committee meetings and events.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Governor, legislative leaders honor Melissa and Mark Hortman 2/17/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It begins, "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace." She was so smart, so talented.
- </c><00:22:47.200><c> make</c><00:22:47.520><c> me</c><00:22:47.919><c> an</c><00:22:48.240><c> instrument
- </c><00:22:49.120><c> of</c> begins, "Lord, make me an instrument of begins, "Lord, make me an instrument
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Apr 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- For me, there's the intent, and then there's the instrument, and you can have the same instrument that
- has a nefarious, malicious, legal, illicit use, or you could use an otherwise illicit instrument for
- thank you, Senator Burton and Senator Pizzo for your comments. you know, use an otherwise illicit instrument
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 80, the Parks Preservation Act, which would define state park purposes around conservation-based recreation and public access, prohibit uses such as golf courses, tennis courts, pickleball courts, ball fields, and hotels, require more public notice and advisory input on land management changes, and mandate reporting on park spending and maintenance backlogs. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with conservation groups, youth advocates, and other members of the public backing stronger protections for state parks. The bill was reported favorably.
Members then approved SB 200, directing DEP to develop a statewide waste reduction and recycling plan, and CS for SB 496, which clarifies that timeshare facilities are governed by Chapter 721 and only need annual board meetings. CS for CS for SB 1404, dealing with illegal gambling, was amended to add reporting requirements, tighten penalties, preempt local gambling legalization, and create a process for vetting certain machines and veteran-service-organization gaming questions; the bill drew significant concern from veterans groups and others over vague machine definitions and the need for clearer standards, but it was still reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 622 to allow pari-mutuel permit holders to lease facilities across horse-racing classes.
The committee next approved CS for CS for SB 712 after adopting a strike-all and amendment that covered synthetic turf rules, change-order timelines, public works scoring, elevator and alarm contractor issues, mass timber code updates, pool and spa contractor scope changes, spaceport building-code exemptions, and solar/energy-storage inspection provisions. Support came from timber, construction, and industry groups, while pool contractors objected to parts of the scope changes. The committee also reported favorably CS for CS for SB 1742, a major condominium reform bill that pauses reserve funding after milestone inspections, expands financial flexibility, adds disclosure and conflict-of-interest rules, and increases data collection and oversight; members from both parties praised the sponsor’s work on condo issues.
Finally, the committee approved SB 1574 on renewable natural gas infrastructure and SB 1580 authorizing DEP coastal resiliency public-private partnerships. It also passed CS for SB 1760, which requires certain public officials and agency leaders to meet Florida residency or proximity requirements. The last bill, SB 820, would codify the Office of Faith and Community in the Governor’s office; while supporters said it would permanently support faith-based and community organizations and improve coordination, several senators raised concerns about church-state separation, the office’s ties to Hope Florida, and whether codifying it could make the program more political. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- AND WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT HOW WE PRIORITIZE USING INFORMATION THIS SYSTEM CALLED THE DETENTION RISK INSTRUMENT
- THESE ARE VALIDATED TOOLS AND INSTRUMENTS WE ARE USING.
- PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE FLORIDA UNIVERSITY THAT WORKS WITH US OFTEN TIMES IN HOW WE VALIDATE THESE TOOLS AND INSTRUMENTS
- Wright: YOUR DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN HELPING US WITH THAT.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- 2003 session, the reorganization happened and we all worked together, and she had been a vocal instrument
- worked together and she had been a vocal worked together and she had been a vocal instrument instrument
- instrument for<00:36:54.320><c> women</c> for women for women and<00:36:55.760><c> for</c><00:36:55.960
- And Daryl Huff asked the question, Senator Hirono, who was instrumental in getting it passed, talked
Bills:
HB20 , HB276 , HB644 , HB812 , HB816 , HB916 , HB1131 , HB1247 , HB1518 , HB1525 , HB1537 , HB1541 , HB1546 , HB1553 , HB1562 , HB1565 , HB1566 , HB1576 , HB1577 , HB1591 , HB1605 , HB1612 , HB1613 , HB1614 , HB1618 , HB1620 , HB1650 , HB1656 , HB1658 , HB1661 , HB1664 , HB1668 , HB1676 , HB1707 , HB1711 , HB1713 , HB1715 , HB1718 , HB1727 , HB1749 , HB1756 , HB1774 , HB1776 , HB1801 , HB1802 , HB1805 , HB1813 , HB1815 , HB1831 , HB1838 , HB1853 , HB1854 , HB1859 , HB1863 , HB1871 , HB1872 , HB1918 , HB1920 , HB1952 , HB1965 , HB1966 , HB1967 , HB1969 , HB1972 , HB1973 , HB1974 , HB1975 , HB1980 , HB1985 , HB2005 , HB2023 , HB2031 , HB2033 , HB2062 , HB2113 , HB2114 , HB2116 , HB2138 , HB2139 , HB2156 , HB2158 , HB2159 , HB2171 , HB2208 , HB2268 , HB2270 , HB2272 , HB2273 , HB2276 , HB2289 , HB2310 , HB2315 , HB2335 , HB2338 , HB2339 , HB2340 , HB2343 , HB2361 , HB2384 , HB2387 , SB2338 , SB2431 , SB2438 , SB2593 , SB2907 , SB2671 , SB2321 , SB3084 , SB2401 , SB3033 , SB2972 , SB3032 , SB2806 , SB3014 , SB2108 , SB2981 , SB2973 , SB2423 , SB2078 , SB2322 , SB2397 , SB2896 , SB2088 , SB2347 , SB2408 , SB2970 , SB2851 , SB2713 , SB2697 , SB2312 , SB2192 , SB2363 , SB2530 , SB3028 , SB2024 , SB3007 , SB2599 , SB2596 , SB2662 , SB2930 , SB3334 , SB2378 , SB3019 , SB3231 , SB2240 , SB2372 , SB2175 , SB2046 , SB2298 , SB2922 , SB2835 , SB3263 , SB2174 , SB2128 , SB2006 , SB2489 , SB3134 , SB2982 , SB2425 , SB2849 , SB2797 , SB2795 , SB2575 , SB2521 , SB2765 , SB2386 , SB2852 , SB2022 , SB2117 , SB2277 , SB2387 , SB2688 , SB2885 , SB3132 , SB3219 , SB2169 , SB2591 , SB2090 , SB2983 , SB888 , SB3249 , SB2611 , SB2429 , SB2463 , SB3154 , SB3131 , SB3152 , SB3315 , SB2448 , SB2054 , SB2140 , SB2520 , SB2377 , SB2986 , SB2010 , SB2189 , SB2026 , SB3010 , SB2818 , SB2002
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, Texas 496 Texas Instruments has been here over 50 years, relating to our tech background.
- November 2021, Texas Instruments announced the new Sherman plant for advanced wafer processing.
- November 21, Texas Instruments announced the new Sherman plant for advanced wafer processing.
- Texas Instruments is planning on opening their new facility this year, with the potential to be a $30
- We don't make— We don't have the margins that Samsung's or Texas Instruments have, right?
Committee:
House Environmental Regulation
Keywords:
rock crushing, permits, air quality, environmental monitoring, aggregate production, seismicity, public meeting, land use, SB 1758, cement kiln, portland cement, aggregate production operation, aggregate quarry, semiconductor wafer manufacturing, chip fabrication, semiconductor plant, vibration, seismic disturbance, liability limitation, TCEQ
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 2203, relating to certification of discovery issues in TCEQ contested cases referred to SOAH. The chair noted the House had already passed the companion HB 3249, then moved SB 2203 without amendments. The motion prevailed on a 5-0 vote, and the bill was reported favorably to the full House.
The committee then heard SB 1898, which would prohibit the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam for testing and training, while still allowing it in emergency firefighting. The sponsor described PFAS as “forever chemicals” and said the bill would protect firefighters, water supplies, and public health. Testimony in support came from Environment Texas, which cited contamination concerns and noted other states and federal actions restricting PFAS foams. No one testified against the bill, and after closing testimony the committee left SB 1898 pending.
The remainder of the hearing focused on SB 1758, a Grayson County pilot program aimed at addressing potential conflicts between Global Wafers’ semiconductor wafer facility and a proposed Black Mountain Cement/aggregate operation. Supporters, including Global Wafers, Grayson County officials, and manufacturing groups, argued that vibration from mining or blasting could threaten a major national-security semiconductor investment and that an independent BEG study was needed to set safe parameters. Opponents from Black Mountain Cement and related industry groups argued the bill would improperly interfere with a lawful permitting process, pick winners and losers, and harm Texas’ pro-business climate; they also said they had already revised operations and removed blast mining. The discussion included extensive questioning about geology, vibration, the permitting timeline, and whether the issue was really about mining rather than the air permit. No vote was taken on SB 1758 in the portion provided.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services Apr 30th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- While Senate Bill. 704, which you heard last week, focused on hearing instrument fitters and dispensers
- Commission on Licensing and Regulation to consult. only with a relevant advisory board on hearing instrument
- mandating it to consult both the Speech-Language Pathologist-Audiologist Advisory Board and the Hearing Instrument
- requirement. that only physicians specializing in ear diseases may authorize the purchase of hearing instruments
- any licensed physician to sign the authorization statement, thereby increasing access to hearing instruments
Bills:
HB136 , HB451 , SB425 , SB466 , SB905 , SB1986 , SB2311 , SB2450 , SB2805 , SB2826 , SB2919 , SB3001 , HB136
Committee:
Senate Health & Human Services
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Local Government Apr 22nd, 2026
Local Government, Elections and Pensions
Transcript Highlights:
- Charles, the director back then—his name escapes me at the moment—but he was very instrumental in driving
- So he was very instrumental in amplifying what the representative from the St.
Summary:
The Committee on Local Government held a public hearing on Senate Substitute No. 2 for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1023, sponsored by Senator Justin Brown. The bill would expand the existing authority for certain public library districts to ask voters for a sales tax, with provisions to reduce or eliminate property tax levies in some cases. Brown explained that the bill includes special carve-outs for St. Charles County, where any sales tax would be paired with a dollar-for-dollar property tax rollback over a three-year phase-out, and for Cass and Johnson counties, where the sales tax cap would be 0.33% and property tax levies would be eliminated. The bill also allows circuit courts to collect a civil case filing surcharge of up to $15 for law library maintenance.
Supporters testified that the measure would give libraries more flexible and diversified funding options, similar to other local taxing entities. Library officials from Scenic Regional, St. Charles City-County, Marshall Public Library, and Kansas City Public Library said most library revenue still comes from property taxes and argued that the bill would let local voters decide whether to shift some or all funding to sales tax. They described needs such as expanding services, building new branches, renovating facilities, and protecting voter-approved taxes from uncertainty tied to county reclassification litigation. The Missouri Library Association said the bill serves as a safeguard amid broader discussions about property tax reform.
There was no opposition testimony. Committee members raised questions about the fairness of shifting library funding to sales tax, especially for nonresidents who may not use the services, and about how the St. Charles amendment would work. Several members spoke in support of libraries and the bill, while one member criticized the tone of the sponsor’s response to questioning. At the close of the hearing, the chair announced the committee would executive the bill on Monday and then adjourned the meeting.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- They're considered high hazard medical instruments and they require strict clinical oversight.
- Medical issues are surgical instruments that cut or destroy tissue.
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to be an instrument in the hands of Idaho education for kids that need better than what the system
- And I want to be an instrument in the committee's hands, if possible.
Committee:
Senate Education
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 9th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- May we somehow be guided to be instruments of peace.
- They were instrumental in founding San Francisco's Chinese Hospital as well.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Developent Apr 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- going to make sure that the developer provides a surety bond or or some type of other financial instrument
- Surety bonds are one of the most serious and secure instruments in our financial system.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee Mar 5th, 2025
Finance and Taxation General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- Like he explained, it just defines financial instruments for the purposes of this section.
- It addresses some of those concerns that we had, and it also defines that instruments offered through
Committee:
Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund
Keywords:
income tax, CHOOSE Act, education funding, ABLE account, tax credits, poverty threshold, legislative funding, HB89, Medicaid, pregnant women, pregnancy, prenatal care, ambulatory prenatal care, presumptive eligibility, temporary Medicaid coverage, Alabama Medicaid Agency, maternal health, low-income women, health coverage, eligibility determination