Video & Transcript Research : 'codified laws'
Page 19 of 500
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- What it will do is codify the child care assistance program, and it will create stability.
- This is, as Chairman Muñoz said, codifying.
- Chairman and Senator, under federal law, any child with a disability is required to have care.
- So this covers that under the federal law, up to 18. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- It's exciting to be able to watch New Mexico codify this and make this happen.
Keywords:
higher education, research funding, federal funding, New Mexico, appropriation, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool, pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Children's Code, early childhood education and care department
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Corrections and Public Institutions Jan 12th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Corrections and Public Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- Most have more than 25 years of previous law enforcement experience.
- Department of Justice as a law enforcement agent.
- It also allows them to legally receive and share law enforcement-sensitive information with other law
- Why do we need to make this law? So the big part of this is communications.
- What this is doing is just codifying it into law to make sure that that policy continues on.
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- Law. Law.
- Mississippi's office has operated this program since 1962, but it's never been codified into law.
- Mississippi's office has operated this program since 1962, but it's never been codified into law.
- into law.
- This is a voluntary codified into law.
Summary:
The committee considered several House bills, most of them already passed by the Senate or previously vetted in other committees. House Bill 1075 would expand access for low-income housing authorities and related entities to participate in insurance pooling arrangements, with the sponsor explaining it would help lower insurance costs as housing funding structures shift toward public-private partnerships. House Bill 565, renamed “Jill’s Law,” would advance biomarker testing and related Medicaid/prior authorization conforming changes; House Bill 856 would remove a repealer from the state’s anti-step-therapy law after hearings found the cost impact negligible; and House Bill 939 would extend the repealer on the volunteer firefighters’ Length of Service Award Program, which was described as needing ongoing funding to retain and recruit volunteers.
The committee also heard House Bill 1019, which would expand health coverage options for small businesses, professionals, and self-employed people through access to regulated trade association self-funded group health plans. House Bill 1117 would create a transparency requirement for dental insurance by reporting premium-to-services information to the insurance commissioner and making it available in a portal; the sponsor said the Dental Association supports it. House Bill 1332 would require insurance examinations to meet National Association of Insurance Commissioners standards and best practices, and a member said he would vote present but the bill was said not to affect existing continuing education rules.
Finally, House Bill 1713 would codify Mississippi Military Department authority to oversee state-sponsored life insurance for National Guard members, with the Adjutant General designated as state sponsor; it was described as voluntary, already operating since 1962, and without a fiscal note because it is paid for by guardsmen. Each bill received a motion to do pass or title sufficient to pass, was approved without opposition or with only a present vote noted on one bill, and the committee then voted to rise and report.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Apr 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Last year, we made substantial needed revisions to the condominium laws, which inadvertently created
- This bill provides reinforcements to law enforcement agencies statewide.
- It adds law enforcement officers and clarify, Constitutional Prohibition on dual office holding.
- It just codifies an important office.
- It codifies this office into state law, making it a permanent division within the Executive Office of
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
Transcript Highlights:
- And these are current legislative statutes that are now enacted in law.
- AND THESE ARE CURRENT LEGISLATIVE 71 STATUTES THAT ARE NOW ENACTED IN LAW.
- I would like to—you are codifying specifically because I am an educator.
- Kristen: Florida law already protects religious expression in schools.
- For example, the AG, our chief law enforcement officer, who should know the law and support the Cabinet
Summary:
The Education and Employment Committee met with a quorum and considered four measures. HB 409, which would require K-12 schools to observe Veterans Day, was presented briefly with no public testimony or debate and passed 18-0. The committee then took up HJR 583, a proposed constitutional amendment to codify religious liberty and expression in schools. Supporters argued it would strengthen existing protections and give voters the final say, while opponents from parent, atheist, interfaith, and church groups warned it could privilege dominant faiths, create coercion or confusion in schools, and reduce flexibility for districts. After extended debate, the resolution passed 18-1, with Rep. Harris voting no.
The committee next heard CS/HB 453, which would allow students to substitute participation in Special Olympics for a PE credit and marching band for PE and arts credit under certain conditions. The sponsor and supporters said the bill recognizes the physical demands of these activities and would benefit students with disabilities and band students; school district and PTA representatives waived in support. The bill passed unanimously, 19-0. Finally, HB 127, requiring cursive writing instruction in grades 2 through 5, was presented as a literacy and heritage measure. Supporters said it would help students read historical documents and strengthen handwriting skills, while questions focused on grading, retention, and applicability to charter schools. It passed 17-0. The committee then adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/10/2026 - House Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Transcript Highlights:
- not obtain a CEC in compliance with this act to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws
- And so what this would do really just is codify something that should be in a rule or should be in a
- So codifying in rule versus statute is very different, and you mentioned a few statutes, but I didn't
- I guess just a comment: so we're codifying existing statute, we're codifying a policy that has been applied
- And so, as was said, this codifies in statute our substantive policy statement about area of impact.
Keywords:
groundwater, water conservation, Arizona water resources, drought management, water quality, irrigation, active management area, domestic use, stock watering, water rights, small modular reactors, energy regulation, environmental compatibility, utility construction, agricultural use, industrial users, water storage, recovery well, Arizona Revised Statutes, water management
Summary:
The Committee on Natural Resources, Energy and Water held a brief meeting and considered several water and energy measures. Senate Bill 1202, which would require the Arizona Department of Water Resources director to include additional information about each groundwater basin in the five-year water supply and demand assessment, was described as similar to a bill vetoed in a prior session. After a motion for a do pass recommendation, the committee approved it on a 6-3 vote with one absence.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 1418, which limits county regulation of small modular nuclear reactors in certain circumstances, expands the definition of “plant” for siting purposes, and allows replacement of existing thermal units with SMRs without a new certificate of environmental compatibility in specified cases. Members noted that parts of the bill were similar to previously vetoed measures. The committee passed the bill 6-3 with one absence, with some members explaining their votes and one member saying they would support it for now but might reconsider on the floor.
Senate Concurrent Memorial 1007 urged Congress to divest the Bureau of Indian Affairs of the San Carlos Irrigation Project Electric System and fund a system study and improvements. Supporters said the system is old, unreliable, and difficult for the federal government to manage, and that local public power entities could do a better job if divestiture were authorized. The memorial passed unanimously, 9-0 with one absence. Finally, Senate Bill 1785, which would codify a one-mile area-of-impact safe harbor for certain recovered stored water wells unless a separate hydrologic study is submitted, received testimony from a water attorney and an ADWR representative describing it as a codification of long-standing department policy. The committee passed SB 1785 on a do pass recommendation by a 9-3 vote with one absence.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Children and Family Law (01/15/2026)
Children and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- So that was SB 417, which for the first time codified, made into law, considerations that judges must
- So that was SB 417, which for the first time codified, made into law, considerations that judges must
- So that was SB 417, which for the first time codified, made into law, considerations that judges must
- So that was SB 417, which for the first time codified, made into law, considerations that judges must
- So that was SB 417, which for the first time codified, made into law, considerations that judges must
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- to law.
- And then sometimes somebody elected wants to pass a law about what's codified.
- That we're going to codify this into law. So what if they just change the rules?
- The law, explain to me what the law was before the rule, how the rule changed the law, and how this would
- Again, I'm trying to keep to the law. Keep to the law.
Bills:
HB3000, HB2622, HB2283, HB541, HB1776, HB1803, HB1669, HB2588, HB220, HB3415, HB50, HB1314, HB 107, HB220, HB50, HB107
Keywords:
ambulance service, rural healthcare, grants, financial assistance, qualified counties, mental health, patient transport, female attendants, security measures, healthcare regulation, epinephrine, anaphylaxis, health care, school safety, training, emergency response, direct patient care, healthcare, physicians, medical services
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- made with Aniah's Law. made with Aniah's Law.
- Because it's, you know, once we make a law, it's a law.
- There's also the opportunity still under the current law for non-Aniah's Law and Aniah's Law felonies
- federal law. federal law.
- with this law? with this law?
Bills:
SB118, SB203, HB420, HB414, HB363, HB405, HB261, HB263, HB327, HB348, HB228, HB282, SB273, HB7, SB296, SB199, SB47, SB204, HB80, HB11, HB192
Keywords:
bail, offenses, constitutional amendment, criminal justice, law enforcement, public safety, dental insurance, medical loss ratio, premium regulation, insurance commissioner, rebate, consumer protection, Baldwin County, local bill, education funding, school tax, privilege license tax, county tax revenue, municipal school board, Baldwin County Board of Education
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- The author said, “I’m proud to present AB 1647, which codifies existing California case law to protect
- It simply codifies long-standing California Supreme Court precedent and case law.
- I think there's a lot of case law that many folks would like to codify in statute. ...a lot of case law
- that case law is not codified in state statute.
- We'd like to codify these two cases. There's no greater standing of law, statute versus case law.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Apr 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- state law.
- It only codifies existing standards the state is already enforcing in full effect.
- AB 2011 attempts to codify an unsettled federal rule.
- We are moving forward to avoid losing the tools needed to enforce these laws.
- California often codifies federal standards to protect consumers, and this is no different.
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 8, 2026, with a quorum established and 59 bills listed for consideration. The committee first approved two consent calendars: several bills were sent to the Assembly floor on a due-pass basis, and a smaller set was approved due-pass but not eligible for the floor consent calendar. The proposed suspense calendar was then deemed approved without individual debate on those measures.
The committee heard several bills in regular order. AB 1977, sponsored by the Secretary of State, would clean up and clarify the Online Notarization Act to support implementation by 2030; it drew no opposition and was approved. AB 2011 would codify existing federal mental health parity standards into state law; supporters said it would preserve enforcement authority, while health plans opposed it as premature given federal uncertainty and possible premium impacts; the bill was placed on the B roll call. AB 1673 would give county fish and game commissions more flexibility to use certain revenues for wildlife conflict prevention, and it advanced on an A roll call. AB 2233 would allow unused authorized ABA therapy hours for children with autism to be made up within the authorization period; supporters emphasized access and continuity of care, while insurers warned of higher costs and reduced utilization safeguards; it advanced on an A roll call. AB 1660, as amended, would give courts more flexibility in cases involving financial institutions and public guardians/conservators, with supporters saying it could save counties time and money; it was approved due-pass as amended.
During general public comment, speakers voiced support for AB 2081 and AB 1667, and opposition to AB 1777. After public comment and final vote recording for absent members, the committee adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Correct, the repealers are repealing the codified law, so it's rewritten with new numbering.
- This is the 11th bill in the Legislative Council's ongoing project to codify the local laws that govern
- Eventually, each local law that governs a special district will be codified in this form and will be
- We had water districts from 1910 that weren't codified, and they were in the session laws I...
- A General Code update bill has been prepared each interim to non-substantively codify laws.
Bills:
HB 1181, HB3704, HB1363, HB1610, HB1615, HB1620, HB3223, HB1317, HB2884, HB2176, HB4027, HB1664, HB933, HB2613, HB3353, HB2086, HB4101, HB3441, HB4145, HB3455
Keywords:
judiciary, judges, justices, retired, legal assignments, judicial conduct, notary public, criminal offense, education requirements, official documents, record retention, implicit bias, bias training, judicial training, judge education, court personnel, continuing legal education, CLE, state bar, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- It simply is modifying 217 to codify as the chief talked about. by 2017 to codify as the chief talked
- You have a number of custody laws.
- You have a number of custody laws.
- and Boston University School of Law, commercial law.
- In broad strokes, fraudulent transfer law is ancient law, and initially fraudulent transfer law looked
Summary:
The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing on a wide range of state, probate, and family bills, with chairs Edwards and Day outlining strict testimony limits and accepting written testimony. Early testimony focused on H. 1911/S. 1138, which would clarify that a durable power of attorney may create a trust if that authority is expressly granted; sponsors and elder law advocates said the bill would resolve uncertainty created by the Barbetti decision and align Massachusetts with other states.
A major portion of the hearing centered on S. 1102, a proposal to establish medical panels in Probate and Family Court. Supporters, including attorneys, parents, physicians, and advocates, said neutral three-doctor panels would help judges resolve disputed medical issues in guardianship and custody cases involving children, elders, and people with disabilities. Testifiers described cases where medical treatment was blocked or contested by one parent or guardian, arguing the panels would provide impartial expertise and protect vulnerable people. The committee also heard support for bills addressing disability discrimination in family court, military parents’ custody rights, and a shared parenting bill, H. 1710, which drew strong opposition from domestic violence advocates and others who said a 50-50 presumption could harm survivors and children.
The committee also took testimony on several probate and court-administration measures. Senator Lovely supported a bill on nominee trust partition, and Senator Comerford and probate officials backed legislation to codify additional registry staff positions and modernize registry operations. Other bills discussed included foster care liability insurance, with providers warning that rising premiums and loss of coverage could force program closures; health care proxy storage and activation; access to decedents’ email accounts; uniform trust decanting; the Uniform Voidable Transactions Act; heirs’ property partition protections; a constitutional right to health care; alimony-related reforms; child-centered family law; and a right of disposition for funeral arrangements. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee repeatedly invited written testimony and follow-up questions.
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- >> that's the draft drafting to to codify >> that's the draft drafting to to codify
- And this is the meat labeling law.
- And this is the meat labeling law.
- And this is the meat labeling law.
- And this is the meat labeling law.
Summary:
The committee first discussed a bill codifying herd-share/custom slaughter practices for small livestock producers. The sponsor proposed amending the bill to change “sale and/or purchase” to “deposit” and to allow pricing by live weight, dressed weight, or final weight. Members raised concerns that allowing payment by dressed weight could trigger federal USDA inspection requirements and conflict with existing federal rules. After discussion, the committee agreed to keep only the first change, striking “purchase” and inserting “deposit,” and to leave the weight-pricing language unchanged. The sponsor then withdrew the broader amendment, and the bill was reported out with a title-sufficient do-pass motion.
The committee next took up a bill authorizing Mississippi State University Extension to assist poultry farmers with management plans, citing delays caused by short staffing at NRCS and DEQ. Members asked whether the extension service was comfortable with the role and were told the assistance would be voluntary and not mandatory. The bill was reported out on a title-sufficient do-pass motion. The committee also approved a bill to allow crawfish farms to be licensed, and a bill on district livestock shows that would let the northeast district show be held at any facility within the county rather than only at the Verona livestock center, which the sponsor said was no longer suitable for the children involved.
The committee then considered a meat-labeling bill making technical amendments to last year’s law on cultured meat and related products. After an initial vote was set aside because of a communications problem, the committee reconsidered the bill and adopted an amendment changing a funding reference from “special” to “general fund.” The bill was then reported out as amended. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2631, creating a voluntary Mississippi Grain Indemnity Act to protect grain producers if elevators or buyers fail financially. The sponsor said the program would be funded by a per-bushel assessment, capped at $25 million, with possible state seed money still under discussion. Members asked about the source of any additional funds and the history of recent grain failures, and the bill was then moved forward on a title-sufficient do-pass motion.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Jun 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The word in the law now is institute.
- The word in the law now is institute.
- justifies codifying and expanding the timeline of the Governor's emergency proclamation.
- It basically codifies Outdoors for All.
- My name is Melanie Law, and I'm here on behalf of E2 in support of SB 1213.
Summary:
The committee heard a series of Senate bills on environmental, climate, recycling, wildfire, outdoor access, and clean transportation policy. SB 958 would clarify CEQA treatment of impacts tied solely to increased building height, and SB 1230 would increase penalties and create CalRecycle support tools for repeat commercial illegal dumping. SB 1341 would revise how processing fees are calculated for bag-in-a-box wine under California’s recycling program. All three measures received due-pass recommendations to Appropriations, with roll calls showing majority support and the bills left open for absent members.
Members then took up SB 1300, which would create a more permanent legislative role in California’s international climate cooperation and establish a climate secretariat at UC; SB 1370, which would codify and streamline wildfire fuel-reduction permitting with added safeguards, geographic and size limits, and pesticide-related amendments; and SB 1260/1268, which would codify the Outdoors for All initiative and the Deputy Secretary for Access position at the Natural Resources Agency. Each drew support from environmental, utility, business, and local-government witnesses, while SB 1370 also drew opposition from environmental and advocacy groups concerned about reduced CEQA review and herbicide use. The committee discussed amendments at length, especially on SB 1370, and all three measures advanced with due-pass recommendations.
The committee also heard SB 1213, the Clean Truck Transparency Act, requiring baseline pricing disclosure for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission trucks tied to state incentives and directing agencies to explore alternative financing. Support came from clean-air, business, and environmental groups, and the trucking/manufacturing opposition moved to neutral after amendments; the bill advanced on a due-pass vote. Finally, SB 1075, the Clean Air Promise, sought to strengthen AB 617 implementation and clarify community emission reduction planning, but it generated substantial opposition from air districts, business groups, and others over enforceability, funding, and the distinction between formal SERPs and community L-SERPs. The author described additional pending amendments to narrow L-SERP provisions, and the bill also received a due-pass recommendation to Appropriations.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Jun 29th, 2026
Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- The word in the law now is institute.
- And I lawed a lot of forestry goals, and there's great to have biodiversity goals.
- It basically codifies Outdoors for All.
- My name is Melanie Law, and I'm here on behalf of E2 in support of SB 1213.
- My name is Melanie Law, and I'm here on behalf of E2 in support of SB 1213.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 1, 2025 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill codifies the foundational elements of the Hope Florida plan into state law.
- the transformative Hope Florida program into our state law.
- Vital legislation that seeks to codify the transformative Hope Florida program into our state law.
- Because right now there are laws regarding how they need to be spaced.
- It codifies current DCF policy into law.
Summary:
The Human Services Subcommittee met with a full agenda and reported all measures favorably. The committee first heard HB 1327, which would codify the Hope Florida program in state law, and HB 1329, the related public-records exemption for Hope Florida participants; both bills drew questions about oversight, duplication of services, staffing, and data privacy, and both passed 17-0 after an amendment to HB 1329. The committee then approved HB 391, allowing certified batterers intervention programs to include optional faith-based content while remaining grounded in required therapeutic models; an amendment clarified that participation in faith-based components must be strictly voluntary. Supporters argued the bill restores choice and access, while opponents raised concerns about church-state separation and uneven availability of secular alternatives; the bill passed 17-0.
Members also advanced HB 1065, creating an Alzheimer’s disease awareness initiative through the Department of Elder Affairs, with broad support from members who shared personal experiences and emphasized early detection and public education. HB 1163, dealing with recovery residences, passed 12-5 after debate over local zoning authority, home rule, and whether the bill would help or hinder placement of level four recovery homes near urban cores. Several members said they supported recovery housing in principle but wanted more clarity on task force findings and local impacts before fully backing the measure.
The committee next approved HB 969, which shifts evaluation of school district mental health assistance programs to OPAGA and requires reports on outcomes and effectiveness; members stressed the need to know whether substantial mental health funding is improving student outcomes. HB 1191, which decriminalizes allowing children to travel to school, play outdoors, or stay home for reasonable periods and codifies current DCF policy, passed 16-0 with support framed around parental rights and child development. Finally, HB 1207, the Tristan Murphy Act, passed 15-0 and would expand mental health diversion and treatment options, including training for first responders, a forensic hospital diversion pilot, a behavioral health data repository, and additional evaluation requirements before inmate work assignments. The meeting adjourned after all agenda bills were reported favorably.
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- And as you know, with education laws, we have 180 days.
- This bill ensures this goal by simply codifying already standard practice standards by Michigan utilities
- . simply codifying already standard practice standards by Michigan utilities that concludes my testimony
- That 15-foot rule is already what their right-of-way is, so that's just codifying 15 feet is... ...the
- Yeah, so I hear here snickering a little bit when way is so that's just a codifying of 15 feet is well
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Energy and Environment met with 13 members present, approved the June 4, 2026 minutes, and took up Senate Bill 947, which concerns dam registration, inspections, and related enforcement. The committee discussed a substitute that made technical changes and implementation adjustments, including lower registration fees for counties with multiple dams, extending registration validity from five to ten years, allowing conditional permits, giving EGLE flexibility to modify deficiency schedules, and adding provisions related to inspection reports and low-hazard dam evaluations. Members also raised an unresolved issue involving FERC preemption and hydroelectric dams; the chair and EGLE said that issue would continue to be worked on, likely through the floor process. Public testimony cards were read in support from a range of environmental and policy groups and individuals. The committee adopted the S-1 substitute 13-0 and then reported SB 947 to the floor on an 8-3 vote with two passes.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 627, which also had been heard previously. No additional questions were raised, and testimony cards were read in support from several organizations, including the Michigan Environmental Council, Sierra Club, the Michigan Conservative Energy Forum, and the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. The committee voted to report SB 627 to the floor with the recommendation that it pass, and the bill was reported on an 11-1 vote with one pass.
Finally, the committee took testimony only on House Bill 4361, sponsored by Representative Green, which would direct the Public Service Commission to create a rule allowing utilities broader vegetation management within rights-of-way to improve grid reliability. Representative Green and Thumb Electric Cooperative’s Kevin Mazur testified that the bill would reduce outages, improve safety, and align statutory standards with existing utility practices. Several senators raised concerns that the language was too broad and could allow extensive tree removal, harming property owners, local control, tree canopy, and environmental and health interests; others said utilities already have similar authority and emphasized reliability and homeowner coordination. The committee did not take action on HB 4361 and adjourned after reading in testimony cards from utilities, environmental groups, and others both supporting and opposing the bill.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't think we need to attempt to recodify a federal law, something buried in our U.S.
- <00:08:35.839>
for bear arms should also be be codified for bear arms should also be be codified - And quite frankly, if you're running for election law, I do election law. I do family law, Senator.
- do election law.
- I do family law, do election law.
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- So, if the senators would look at line 52, we're just codifying including bulk purchasing for the reasons
- If the senators would look at line 52, we're just codifying including bulk purchasing for the reasons
- And in their effort to dispose of those buildings, uh, they have run into some problems in state law
- The first is the reverter clause, which is in state law.
- run into some problems uh in state law run into some problems uh in state law that<00:04:55.199>
Summary:
The committee took up several education-related bills. Senate Bill 2281, a repealer bill extending to July 1, 2029, would allow career and technical education grants to school districts to be used for additional purposes already in statute, including purchasing equipment for programs leading to qualifying industry standards. The bill was explained briefly, no questions were raised, and it was approved by voice vote.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 2485, a department-requested bill dealing with charter school qualifications. It would clarify that charter schools are exempt from certain requirements if the program did not receive Department of Education grant funding, while adding some requirements back to the authorizer board. The bill was adopted without objection. Senate Bill 2494, also explained by Senator McMahon, would codify bulk purchasing authority for the state's regional education service agencies. An amendment was adopted to replace references to “RESA” and “ESA” with the full statutory terms for consistency, and the bill passed as amended.
Finally, Senate Bill 2515, sponsored by Senator Blount, addressed state law governing the sale of closed school buildings, especially in light of Jackson Public Schools closing more than 20 buildings due to declining enrollment. The bill would reduce the effect of reverter clauses that can discourage buyers and would set deadlines for charter schools’ first right of refusal on closed school properties: interest must be expressed within six months and a lease or purchase completed within 12 months unless extended by agreement. An amendment reflecting those changes was adopted, a question was raised about whether the bill affected buildings on 16-section land, and the sponsor said it would not change land ownership. The committee then voted to do pass the bill as amended, and the meeting ended with notice of one more meeting planned for Tuesday and a motion for a rising report.