Transcript Highlights:

• So, and I think that's a little outside the scope of the bill, but, you know, that kind of a notice thing
• I just noticed... Thank you. Representative Glorioso, I just noticed this.

Committee: House Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• Thursday, April 2nd, 2026, in Room 225, with a public notice being posted on the legislature's website
• And this requests each state agency to provide the affected persons with written notice of certain information
• If anything happens, we'll post a notice of a reconvene to discuss those issues.

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions related to state facilities and agency procedures. SCR 177/SR 172 asked the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) to convene a cooperative working group to address state projects requiring county permitting; DAGS supported the measure, and it was adopted unanimously. SCR 37/SR 36 requested a study on the costs and benefits of creating an Office of the State Architect; DAGS offered comments, but the chair deferred the resolution, citing a similar bill and lack of funding for a study. The committee then considered SCR 86/SR 77, which would require bi-level lighting in newly constructed state buildings and facilities beginning in 2028. DAGS and the State Energy Office provided comments, while DLNR, Citizens Climate Lobby, and Climate Future Forum testified in support. The committee amended the measure to apply to state buildings and facilities with designs finalized on or after January 1, 2028, and adopted it. SCR 122/SR 114, which would require written notice before final administrative action affecting protected liberty or property interests, drew comments from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and written comments from DOE, but was deferred due to limited support and time constraints. In the joint GVO/HHS portion, the committee heard SCR 87/SR 79, encouraging the state to examine requiring AEDs in all state-owned buildings and to pursue existing AED programs. The State Health Planning and Development Agency, DOE, the American Heart Association, the Department of Health, an individual testifier, and DAGS all supported the measure; DAGS also described ongoing installation and training efforts in its facilities. The measure was adopted without amendment by both committees, with members noting broad support and no reservations.

Transcript Highlights:

• You might notice there's a teeny little fiscal note. To get some understanding.
• You may notice there's a teeny little fiscal note, and I say so be it.
• That's a real reality, and my three-year-old daughter notices it.

Committee: House Children and Families

Transcript Highlights:

• You might notice there's a teeny little fiscal note.
• You may notice there's a teeny little fiscal note, and I say so be it.
• That's a real reality, and my three-year-old daughter notices it.

Committee: House Children and Families

Summary: The Committee on Children and Families met with a quorum and first took up several bills for executive action. House Bill 2418, the Loy Voka Assistance Bill, was amended with a technical substitute correcting a statutory section reference and then voted do pass by a 12-0 roll call. House Bill 1819, the child care facilities bill, received an amendment, was rolled into a substitute, and was also voted do pass unanimously. House Bill 3077, the Schmidt social media curriculum bill, was revised through a committee substitute that shifted oversight from DESE to local school boards, narrowed and clarified language, changed references from “curriculum” to “instructional material,” and lowered the grade level from 6 to 3; it then passed 13-0. The committee then heard House Bill 3451 from Representative Sites, which would require the Department of Social Services to audio- or video-record face-to-face child abuse or neglect assessment interviews, securely store the recordings, and retain them for at least five years. Supporters, including Representative Proudie, said the bill would reduce trauma to children, preserve evidence, and would not create major costs because recording equipment is already available; no one testified in opposition or for informational purposes. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3534 and House Bill 2342, presented by Representatives Proudie and Jones, to require new or updated public playgrounds and playground surfaces built by the state or political subdivisions to meet accessibility standards. Testimony in favor came from children and parents describing barriers posed by wood chips, gravel, and inaccessible equipment, and emphasizing the importance of inclusive play and the availability of grant funding for surfacing improvements. Committee members generally supported the concept, asked about scope and retrofitting, and the sponsors clarified the bills apply prospectively to public projects; there was no opposition testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• They've agreed to come on, frankly, rather short notice. I appreciate that.
• I mean, the federal officials all get noticed, right? ICE, no, and you meet with the FBI.
• I mean, the federal officials all get noticed, right, when someone's brought into local custody.

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• in the county or regional planning process and coordinate with local jurisdictions upon receipt of notice
• speak for the sponsor, but I think the proponents are looking for a way to make sure that there is notice
• speak for the sponsor, but I think the proponents are looking for a way to make sure that there is notice

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Just please restate, because when I was reviewing the bill, I did notice that in here, so I want to just
• make sure I'm giving you an accurate answer. ...reviewing the bill, I did notice that in here, so I
• Of course, when you get asked, all of a sudden, you get but... reviewing the bill, I did notice that

Bills: SB1307 , SB1425 , SB1826 , SB1365 , SB1696

Committee: Senate Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism

Summary: The Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism Committee heard a presentation from Tourism Director Amy Blackburn on the Oklahoma Tourism spring 2026 marketing campaign. She described the agency’s new advertising contractor, spending plans split between in-state and out-of-state markets, and campaign themes centered on Route 66, state parks, fishing, Western heritage, and spring travel. She said the campaign’s goal is to increase visitation, bookings, park revenue, and traffic to TravelOK.com, and noted the use of data tools to track marketing performance. The committee then considered several Senate bills. SB 1307, by Sen. Daniels, would remove language that could bar religious organizations from receiving neutral public benefits or grants; it passed 7-1 after questions about church-state concerns. SB 1425, also by Sen. Daniels, repealed an obsolete healthcare workforce assistance board/program and passed 9-0. SB 1826, by Sen. Reinhart, removed the sunset on the Oklahoma Local Development and Enterprise Zone Incentive Leverage Act; members discussed reporting and oversight, and it passed 7-1. SB 1365, by Sen. Fricks, was amended to add an emergency clause and to raise from $25,000 to $75,000 the threshold for Tourism Department retail purchases exempt from the Central Purchasing Act, with testimony that it would help stock gift shops and support local vendors; it passed 8-0. SB 1696, by Sen. Coleman, created a Commerce Department grant program to help cities and counties recruit new residents through local incentives advertised on MakeMyMove.com; members raised concerns about sunsets, audits, and overlap with other incentives, and the bill passed 5-3.

Transcript Highlights:

• I notice it also includes garage keepers.
• I noticed it did not make it... ...that was one of the proposals.
• I noticed it did not make it into their legislation, which passed.

Bills: HB3765 , HB4324 , HB3678 , HB4170 , HB3495 , HB3040 , HB3062 , HB4140 , HB4106 , HB4109 , HB4104 , HB3581

Committee: House Criminal Judiciary

Summary: The committee considered a series of criminal justice bills, many of them focused on penalties for theft, public safety, and offenses involving foreign ownership or riot-related conduct. House Bill 3765, as amended, increased the punishment from two to five years for certain felony conduct involving unlawfully acquired foreign land ownership, and was reported do pass. House Bill 4324, a prosecutor-initiated resentencing bill, was also reported do pass after brief explanation and no opposition. Other bills approved included HB 3678, expanding the definition of public officials to cover municipal and public school board members for purposes of harassment/intimidation protections; HB 417, increasing penalties for theft causing environmental damage from crude oil or gasoline; HB 3495, criminalizing straw purchases of land for foreign nationals; HB 3040, expanding “zone of safety” protections for children by adding places like skating rinks, youth recreation centers, pools, arcades, amusement parks, and water parks; HB 362, extending firearm-carry authority to retired municipal judges; HB 4140, creating a uniform felony penalty for firearm theft and possession of stolen firearms; HB 4106, lowering the grand larceny threshold to $900 and adding penalties for repeat petty larceny; HB 4109, creating a duty to report certain crime-related evidence and circumstances at hospitals and other facilities; and HB 4104, restructuring peeping-tom/voyeurism offenses and sex-offender registration consequences. Several of these bills were amended before passage, including HB 4106 and HB 4104, and HB 3581 was taken up later with a committee substitute and amendment before discussion of its riot-related provisions. The committee also laid over HB 3497 and HB 4142, and adjourned after reporting the remaining bills out with mostly unanimous or near-unanimous votes, typically do pass or do pass as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I noticed the handout on your desk.
• Senator Murphy with a... noticed uh the hand out on your desk uh noticed uh the hand out on your desk

Transcript Highlights:

• It's part of your TRIM notice that you see that the water management districts assess a slight fee there
• You'll notice in the section below that we also give them the option for bond—I'm sorry, for a, well,
• revenue beyond what the state and the feds give, and that they get through the taxing on the TRIM notices

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met to hear a panel discussion on implementation of Senate Bill 64 (2021), which requires elimination of non-beneficial wastewater discharges to surface waters by 2032. Department of Environmental Protection staff reported that utility plans have been approved, about 570 million gallons per day are expected to be eliminated under the plans, and roughly 176 million gallons per day have already been eliminated. The department emphasized ongoing annual reporting, continued coordination with utilities, and the need for projects such as reuse, indirect potable reuse, wet-weather backup discharges, groundwater recharge, and other beneficial uses to meet the law’s 90% reuse requirement in applicable cases. Representatives from Flagler Beach, Atlantic Beach, JEA, and Hillsborough County described how the law affects different utilities. Smaller and coastal systems said they face major cost, space, salinity, and infrastructure constraints, with limited reuse opportunities and expensive alternatives such as deep well injection or regional transfer. Larger systems described substantial capital programs already underway, including public access reuse, indirect potable reuse, regional recharge projects, and saltwater intrusion barrier wells, with costs ranging from tens of millions to billions of dollars. Members and witnesses discussed the need for flexibility, regional solutions, and case-by-case permitting, and the Florida Rural Water Association asked the committee to consider hardship provisions and funding or exemption adjustments for smaller systems. The committee then took up SPB 7002, a proposed bill by the Environment and Natural Resources Committee relating to water management districts. Senator Broder explained that the bill would increase transparency, improve planning and budgeting oversight, create a gift ban, support local referendum authority for certain ad valorem funding, and provide record-level funding for Everglades restoration. After a question from Senator Smith about whether the ad valorem language was expansive or restrictive, Senator Broder said it would add a new funding tool for districts. The committee adopted a motion to submit SPB 7002 as a committee bill, and it was reported favorably by roll call vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• You will notice under object class 370 we do have a refund on there.
• Back in June of 2024, I noticed we had an overcharge for storage fees at our record center.
• date<00:05:01.240><c> and</c><00:05:02.120><c> you</c><00:05:02.320><c> will</c><00:05:02.680><c> notice

Summary: The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission met on January 14, 2025, with a quorum present in person and by Zoom. The commission swore in new member Representative Jeff Greer, with Judge Willhoit administering the oath. Members then approved the minutes from the November 19, 2024 meeting without changes. Staff reported that the commission remained within budget for the year to date, noting a refund related to an earlier overcharge for record center storage fees. The commission approved the financial report. Emily also introduced new general counsel Steven Pum, who began work on December 16 and is handling financial disclosures and informal staff opinions. Staff gave updates on recent training, including the December 3 new legislator orientation and the January 8 current issues seminar, which featured former U.S. Attorney David Devillers discussing the House Bill 6 scandal. Donita reported on technology and communications improvements, including the new Zoom-capable conference room setup and the Constant Contact email system now being used for newsletters and reminder emails to employers, lobbyists, and the media. She said both systems were working well, and that the office was busy with financial and lobbyist forms. The commission noted that several informal opinions were available in the binder and could be discussed in closed session if needed. The members then voted to enter executive session under KRS 61.810(1)(c) and (k) to discuss confidential complaints and informal opinions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We wanted to make sure they were on board, and they received a notice from us to provide an overview
• workforce supports update because Andrew Vivald has moved on from the commission, but I hope you all notice
• So in addition to the new destruction notification procedures, DDS will need to update our notice of
• And again, this provides potentially affected individuals notice under the new law of what DDS's disclosure

Summary: The Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly virtual meeting and approved the September minutes. Chair Denise Garlick opened with updates on the commission’s first “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Needham, reporting strong attendance, a large resource fair, and mostly positive survey feedback. Commissioners said the event was valuable for connecting advocates, providers, and people with disabilities, while also noting lessons learned about accessibility, timing, and the need for more networking time and advance materials. The chair said the commission is planning future forums in other regions, including possible sites in Lowell, Northampton, and the South Shore. A major item was the new advisory council. Oz Osmondahar and Eman described the outreach and screening process, which drew roughly 60 nominations and emphasized lived experience, sector expertise, geographic diversity, and connections to broader networks. The council will serve as strategic advisors and thought partners, meet twice a year, and hold its first in-person orientation on January 30 at the State House Members Lounge. Commissioners were encouraged to stay engaged with the council and use it to strengthen commission and subcommittee work. Subcommittee reports covered employment, workforce supports, and long-term services and supports/health equity. The Disability Employment Subcommittee reported collaboration with SEED, a presentation at the Employment Matters Conference, a discussion with a disability employee resource group, and upcoming work with CED and veterans advocates. The Workforce Supports Subcommittee heard from the MassHealth Policy Commission’s Behavioral Health Workforce Center about workforce data gaps and an upcoming needs assessment, and plans to host ADDP on 2025 workforce metrics. The long-term services and supports committee discussed the Housing Navigator program, barriers to accessible housing, and concerns about how federal cuts could affect disability services and health equity. The commission also heard from DDS Deputy General Counsel Erin Brown and Associate Commissioner Chris Klaskin on a new law expanding access to records from former state institutions, including new notification and privacy procedures and a forthcoming regulatory process with public input. Commissioners welcomed the law as a step toward transparency and dignity. Amen gave an executive director update on the annual report, recent collaboration with the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Office of the Veteran Advocate, a national state-employer practice group, and the IDD/Autism Alliance working group. The meeting also included a moment of reflection for disability activist Alice Wong, a commissioner announcement about Work Without Limits’ virtual career fair, and adjournment after a motion and second were approved unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• I noticed that we've got, we're given $17.9 million out in grants, but I'm just looking at where the
• I noticed that we've got, we're given $17.9 million out in grants, but I'm just looking at where the
• We notice that this is for legal fees. Why would we have outside legal fees?
• And we can get you the notice of intent on that, Jody, that spells out what that criteria is.

Committee: All ALC-PEER

Summary: The committee met to review a large slate of fiscal year 2026 and 2027 appropriation, transfer, and continuation requests across multiple sections. Early items included temporary appropriations for agencies such as Health, DHS, Education, Public Safety, State Police, Emergency Management, Aeronautics, Military, Economic Development, and Game and Fish, covering items like maternal health outreach, energy assistance repayments, Wynne High School tornado rebuilding, senior food services, cybersecurity, crime victim reparations, aviation grants, conservation incentives, and emergency tower maintenance. Members asked questions on several items, including DHS aging carry-forward funds and Treasury custodial banking fees tied to COVID-era balances; the committee also approved a disclosure by the chair on the Game and Fish-related item before voting to approve the section. The committee then approved continuation requests, CARES Act and ARPA reallocations, and federal grant appropriations. Notable discussion included the Boonville developmental disability project, ALIGN program reallocations at several universities, a small business technical assistance grant at UA Little Rock, and a Department of Public Safety highway safety grant, for which members requested more detail on operating expenses and professional fees. Additional approvals covered a transfer to the Merit Teacher Incentive program, restricted reserve fund transfers for military medical command and university projects, and a state central services deduction held at 2%. The Department of Commerce also received approval for a reallocation of positions and spending authority tied to its organizational realignment. Later sections included shared technology and higher education transfers, cash fund appropriations for school Medicaid reimbursements, corrections, youth mental health, narcotics detection canines, bike safety equipment, a state motor pool pilot, and law enforcement safety costs. The committee also reviewed budget classification transfers, including a Governor’s Office legal fee transfer related to a California lawsuit, and heard explanations about E-Rate reimbursements affecting the Office of State Technology. Members asked about VOCA funding levels for crime victim services and about the National Security Grant Program for nonprofits and faith-based organizations; officials said federal funding had declined from prior highs but appeared to have stabilized, and that the nonprofit security grant is an annual federal program. The meeting concluded with review of pay plan requests, DHS overtime funding for child protection caseloads, and a year-end adjustment request allowing DFA to make up to $1 million in transfers to close the books, after which the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• which would require a local agency, political subdivision, or elections official to provide written notice
• right here in California have made it clear that existing law does not give state officials adequate notice
• Adequate notice or legal standing to respond quickly when election materials are seized or subpoenaed
• AB 2135 makes improvements to the facility-initiated discharge notices residents receive in nursing homes

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 6, 2026, with a quorum present and began by approving a large consent calendar of bills on two unanimous-support motions. The committee then heard a series of individual bills, with authors and sponsors generally describing low or absorbable state costs and asking for aye votes. Topics included AI/digital safety education for students (AB 1792), hepatitis C treatment access (AB 1843), rent-now-pay-later consumer protections (AB 2350), retirement information for community college faculty (AB 2417), cannabis regulation changes including tribal commerce, drive-through sales, and beverage labeling (AB 2506, AB 2697, AB 2532), emergency equipment training for law enforcement volunteers (AB 1913), cannery law modernization (AB 2706), child care planning in local governments (AB 1914), EV charger permitting fees (AB 1820), election-record notice requirements (AB 1664), nursing home discharge notices (AB 2135), a San Diego energization-delay pilot (AB 2518), mental health training for school coaches (AB 1665), and education governance and oversight changes (AB 2117). Several bills were described as committee or sponsor measures with technical or clarifying changes, including AB 2780, AB 2615, AB 2121, and AB 2771. Testimony was largely supportive, often from sponsor groups, industry representatives, labor, or advocacy organizations. Notable support included TechNet for AB 1792, the California State Sheriffs’ Association for AB 1913, California Dairies and food manufacturers for AB 2706, the Low Income Investment Fund for AB 1914, EV and environmental groups for AB 1820, the Attorney General’s Office for AB 1664, long-term care ombudsman advocates for AB 2135, and the California State Association of Psychiatrists for the cannabis and mental-health-related bills. Some bills drew limited opposition or “opposed unless amended” positions, including AB 2350, AB 1820, and AB 2506, while AB 2697 and AB 2532 were presented as efforts to support the legal cannabis market and consumer safety. The committee also heard a presentation-only item, AB 2541, creating a lowrider specialty license plate, which drew enthusiastic bipartisan comments and co-author requests from members. Most bills were reported out with due pass recommendations, many on roll call and several with specific members not voting or voting no. AB 1664 was reported out as due pass as amended and placed on call before later being moved out on a B roll call. AB 2350 and AB 1914 were also later reported out from call on B roll calls, with AB 1914 noted as passing despite some Republican no votes. The suspense calendar was then deemed approved without individual action, and the meeting concluded after a brief public comment period in which members of the public voiced positions on unrelated bills, including support for AB 2497, AB 1729, AB 2189, AB 1575, AB 2170, and opposition to AB 1603, AB 2447, AB 2411, AB 2492, and AB 1952.

Transcript Highlights:

• which would require a local agency, political subdivision, or elections official to provide written notice
• right here in California have made it clear that existing law does not give state officials adequate notice
• Adequate notice or legal standing to respond quickly when election materials are seized or subpoenaed
• AB 2135 makes improvements to the facility-initiated discharge notices residents receive in nursing homes

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• that gold standard, and I think with our security and stuff that we're bringing here it's getting noticed
• across the country, so folks are taking notice.
• that gold standard, and I think with our security and stuff that we're bringing here it's getting noticed
• across the country, so folks are taking notice.

Summary: The Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security met on April 20, 2026, with a quorum present and adopted the January 13, 2026 minutes. The chair thanked the State Patrol, sergeants-at-arms, and capital security officers for their work during the session, and noted that the committee’s earlier recommendations were reflected in Governor’s Executive Order 2602, including weapon screening at the State Capitol. The chair also said the committee’s annual report included recommendations for bonding, policy, and budget changes, and expressed hope the legislature would act on them. Department of Public Safety and State Patrol officials reported that implementation of weapon screening had gone well overall and said they were continuing to gather feedback for improvements. Colonel Bogayevich said that since the start of session, 121,598 people had been screened at the Capitol’s entrances, 548 permits were verified, and 52 prohibited items were turned away. Examples of prohibited items included knives, a camping/marshmallow skewer, and a screwdriver; no firearms were found in the Capitol building. She also said the busiest day produced a wait of about 15 to 17 minutes, and that staffing was adjusted to handle larger groups such as school tours. The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms reported that 49,277 people had come through Senate screening as of the previous Friday, including 196 concealed carry permits, and that 2,359 people had entered the West Gallery to observe Senate proceedings. He also said some Senate building access doors had been reduced to direct traffic and that an audit of key card access had begun. The House Deputy Chief Sergeant-at-Arms reported about 1,400 people had been screened for the House gallery, and noted that an NCSL visitor from Oregon would shadow House security staff to learn from Minnesota’s approach. Members from both bodies praised the professionalism of security staff and said the added trooper presence made members and the public feel safer. No members of the public signed up to testify, so the public comment period closed without testimony. The meeting adjourned after the chair reiterated that the goal of the security measures was to allow visitors, members, and public servants to participate safely.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee on Finance, having had under consideration HB 2289 relating to truth and taxation bond notices
• Committee on Finance, having had under consideration HB 2289 relating to truth and taxation bond notices
• Committee on Finance, having had under consideration HB 2289 relating to truth and taxation bond notices
• Committee on Finance, having had under consideration HB 2289 relating to truth and taxation bond notices

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a light April Fools proclamation directing the sergeant-at-arms to wear a silk top hat for the day. The chamber then agreed to the House request to adjourn from April 2 to April 7, and messages from the House were received, including transmission of some bills to the Governor. The body also briefly recognized visitors from the Arizona Psychiatric Society and the nominee to lead the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs. In Committee of the Whole, the Senate considered several bills. On the first calendar, it advanced HB 2120 on property tax exemptions and disability determinations, HB 2174 on insurance business and modeling data, HB 2289 on truth-in-taxation bond notices, HB 2861 on marital/postnuptial agreements, and HB 2903 on banks and financial institutions. On the second calendar, it advanced HB 208 on school libraries, HB 2040 on public educational institutions and adoption information, HB 2075 on school employee contracts, HB 2203 on public school reporting requirements, HB 2255 on school employee training, HB 2383 on school property leases and housing development, and HB 2903 again as amended. Several floor amendments were debated, including a successful hostile amendment to HB 2075 that was later rejected, and committee amendments to other bills were adopted. The Senate then took third-reading votes on multiple bills. HB 257, HB 2131, HB 2223, HB 2264, HB 2857, HB 2120, HB 2174, HB 2289, HB 2861, HB 2903, HB 2008, HB 2040, HB 2075, HB 2203, HB 2255, and HB 2383 all passed, with recorded roll-call votes and several members explaining their opposition or support. HB 2255 passed with the required three-quarters vote. The chamber also adopted the Committee of the Whole reports and transmitted the bills as appropriate. Before adjournment, Senator Miranda read a proclamation recognizing Farm Workers Day, and Senator Tothley offered a statement and moment of silence in memory of Passion Swartz, urging review of turquoise alert practices. The Senate then voted to adjourn until Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• modernizes job posting requirements by allowing electronic and social media postings in place of physical notices
• The policy shall also state that within 24 hours of receiving the notice of the report, the county superintendent
• A year after she was taken out of her school when a teacher noticed that something was wrong, a red flag
• When a teacher noticed that something was wrong, a red flag.

Summary: The Senate considered and passed a series of House bills and one constitutional resolution, with several measures receiving title amendments and some taking effect immediately or on a specified date. Early action included moving House Bill 5438, concerning the foundation allowance for instructional programs, to the foot of third-reading bills. House Bill 5441, reforming the state personnel system, was amended with a Judiciary strike-and-insert technical fix, then passed 28-6 and was set to take effect July 1, 2026. House Bill 5462 on mine subsidence insurance passed unanimously, with a title amendment adopted. House Bill 5484, creating felony offenses related to denying medical treatment to sexual offense victims, also passed unanimously with a title amendment. House Bill 5515 modernizing workers’ compensation statutes passed unanimously with a title amendment, and House Bill 5527 establishing licensure and regulation for wellness reimbursement programs passed unanimously. House Bill 5528, protecting personal residential information of certain public officials, passed unanimously with a title amendment. The most extended debate centered on House Bill 5537, an education-related bill that was amended to add a child-protection provision later referred to as “Rayleigh’s law.” The amendment would bar approval of home instruction requests in certain child abuse or neglect cases until the Department of Human Services confirms the investigation is unfounded, closed, or not substantiated, or until 10 days pass without a response. Senators argued the measure was intended to protect children and not target homeschooling. After a point of order, the chair initially ruled the amended language not germane; that ruling was challenged and ultimately overruled by a 24-7 vote, allowing the amendment to remain. The bill then passed 24-7, and a title amendment was adopted. Other measures passed with little or no opposition. House Bill 5582 removed the sunset on the TANF applicant drug-screening program and passed 28-3 after a technical committee amendment. House Bill 5687 reduced the metallurgical coal severance tax over time and adjusted oil and gas tax allocations, passing 31-3. Several supplemental appropriations also passed and were made effective from passage, including funds for Homeland Security/corrections, the Adjutant General, Health, the State Road Fund, and Tourism/Culture and History. The Senate also adopted House Joint Resolution 42, which would place on the ballot a constitutional amendment increasing the homestead exemption from $20,000 to $40,000 and allowing future changes by general law. In second reading, the Senate advanced bills on workforce training reimbursements, aerospace and advanced manufacturing incentives, portable benefit accounts, literacy and science-of-reading training, school aid formula changes, and wedding venue regulation, with amendments adopted on several of them before advancement to third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we have unfortunately noticed what we believe are unintended consequences.
• But as 2025 progresses and now 2026, five years as time flies by, we have noticed the numbers and we
• What I'd like to do is, regarding this bill, direct your attention to the bill summary, and you'll notice
• And if you also skip down to lines 46 and 47, you'll notice we're inserting the word 'jurisdiction' as

Committee: House Professional Registration and Licensing

Transcript Highlights:

• On the hearing notice, it had two bills specifically: House Bill 2255.
• So my notice bill just addresses drinks, I guess. So my notice bill just addresses drinks, I guess.
• Yeah, I noticed your amendment you were talking about.

Committee: House Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first met in executive session and took up House Bill 2699, which concerns offenses involving the judiciary. The committee adopted a House Committee substitute and two amendments: one adding circuit clerks, deputy circuit clerks, court administrators, division clerks, and municipal clerks, and another adding court reporters who are active participants in courtroom activities. The substitute bill was then voted do pass by a roll call of six ayes, two noes, and two present; one member stated a personal interest and voted present. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2848, the so-called “mask intimidation” bill sponsored by Representative Dolan. The bill would create a Class C misdemeanor for intentionally harassing, intimidating, or threatening another person while concealing one’s identity with a mask or similar covering, with exceptions for legitimate uses such as medical, religious, holiday, and First Amendment-related activity. Supporters, including the Anti-Defamation League, said the bill would address masked intimidation by extremist groups and protect targeted communities; there was no opposition testimony. A public hearing followed on House Bill 2765, sponsored by Representative Justice, which would regulate intoxicating hemp beverages through a framework modeled on alcohol’s three-tier system. The bill would set licensing, testing, labeling, packaging, age-21 sales restrictions, and THC limits, and assign oversight to the Department of Health and Senior Services and the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. Support came from the Missouri Beer Wholesalers Association, Hemp Beverage Alliance, Missouri Petroleum and Convenience Association, Torch Drinks, Total Wine, and others, who argued the bill would create needed guardrails, keep products away from minors, and preserve a regulated retail market; some witnesses also urged broader regulation of other hemp-derived products. There was no opposition testimony, and the committee concluded its hearing without taking final action on HB 2765.