Transcript Highlights:

• through 26, 6. 16, 18 through 20, 22 through 26, 28, 30 through 32, 34 through 37, 40, 41, 45, 46, 49
• The second part of this section of Public Safety and Judiciary, the issues are 15, 27, 38, 49, 42 through
• transportation section are 3, 4, 6 through 11, 16 through 19, 21, 23, 27 through 43, 45 through 47, 49

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation met with a quorum present and took up a vote-only agenda on a large set of budget issues across corrections, public safety, judiciary, labor, and transportation. One public commenter, Edward Hasbrook of the Identity Project, opposed the DMV state-to-state Real ID proposal, arguing that uploading driver data to the AMVA/Spex database would expose Californians’ information to federal and out-of-state access and should be removed from the budget for fuller consideration. The committee then voted on multiple grouped items in Part A, Part B, and Part C, generally adopting staff recommendations. Most votes passed with either unanimous support or two-to-one margins, with Senator Seyarto occasionally voting no or not voting. The actions were described as reflecting the Senate’s budget plan and were intended to be folded into the broader budget agreement. In closing comments, the chair and members highlighted several issues they want to continue pursuing in negotiations, including privacy and security concerns with the Real ID state-to-state system, rehabilitation and reentry programming, workforce training, and expansion of the Wildfire Mitigation Grant Program. Senator DeRazzo also emphasized support for justice-system programs, public defenders, trauma recovery centers, and workforce initiatives, while Senator Seyarto stressed transportation funding, court capacity for Prop. 36 implementation, and broader workforce and business development. The chair thanked public participants, staff, consultants, sergeants, and the Department of Finance and LAO, and the subcommittee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Supreme Court had a base of $49 million per year.
• Madam Chair, the Supreme Court had a base of $49 million per year, and to that we added on line 6 an
• On line 49, the tax court came in with a base of $2.271 million.

Bills: HF2300

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe House Second Reading 49 amends that footnote.
• Moving on to the Department of Family Services, section 49, pardon me.
• Moving on to the Department of Family Services, section 49, pardon me.
• Finally, Senate Third Reading 49, Docstadutter, added $1.5 million general fund for digital permitting
• reading 49 docstadutter added $1.5 million<00:34:54.320><c> general</c><00:34:54.639><c> fund</c><00

Bills: SF0032 , SF0010 , SF0001 , HB0001

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• They've got that in process, but unfortunately 49 states do not have this in statute, so it's our effort
• They've got that in process, but unfortunately 49 states do not have this in statute, so it's our effort
• They've got that in process, but unfortunately 49 states do not have this in statute, so it's our effort
• 32.080><c> process</c><00:25:33.080><c> but</c><00:25:33.440><c> unfortunately</c><00:25:34.360><c> 49
• </c> that in process but unfortunately 49 that in process but unfortunately 49 states<00:25:36.000><c

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met with a quorum and first heard Senate Bill 20, sponsored by Senator Matt Nunn, which would bar state agencies from adopting administrative regulations with implementation and compliance costs above $500,000 over a two-year period unless an exception applies. Nunn said the bill is intended to increase legislative oversight, reduce burdensome regulation, and preserve agency authority for routine rules, with exceptions for emergency actions, loss of federal funds, express legislative authorization, and health facility/service matters. Senators asked about the definition of “major economic impact,” whether broader societal costs were considered, and how the legislature could respond quickly to year-round agency rulemaking; Nunn said the bill is meant to force those larger policy choices into the legislative process. Several members voiced concern that the threshold was too low and could tie agencies’ hands, while others supported the bill as a check on regulation. The committee voted to report SB 20 favorably, with some members voting no or passing. The committee then took up Senate Bill 127, sponsored by Senator Shelley Frommeyer, concerning real estate license reciprocity. Frommeyer and representatives from Perry Real Estate College explained that the bill would codify Kentucky’s current education and licensing standards for out-of-state real estate licensees, rather than relying on bilateral agreements that can be terminated by other states. They said the measure was prompted by the end of reciprocal agreements with states such as Ohio and West Virginia, which left students and licensees uncertain, and argued that codifying the standards would provide stability, help military spouses, and support Kentucky’s real estate industry. Senators questioned whether a compact would be better, whether the bill would disadvantage Kentucky licensees seeking to practice elsewhere, and whether it would weaken Kentucky’s leverage in future negotiations. Supporters said the bill only fixes Kentucky’s side of the process and could encourage other states to adopt similar standards; opponents worried it was unilateral and might not produce reciprocity from other states. The committee ultimately reported SB 127 favorably, with several members explaining yes, no, or pass votes, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• rower vote thank you representative Ray rower uh<00:48:58.680><c> next</c><00:48:59.200><c> uh</c><00:49
• :00.000><c> uh</c><00:49:00.440><c> member</c><00:49:01.040><c> representative</c> uh next uh uh member
• representative uh next uh uh member representative Nash<00:49:03.079><c> thank</c><00:49:03.240><c>
• you</c><00:49:03.319><c> Mr</c><00:49:03.520><c> chair</c><00:49:03.960><c> I</c><00:49:04.240><c> uh
• </c><00:49:04.400><c> have</c><00:49:04.480><c> a</c> Representative Nash said, “Thank you, Mr.

Summary: The committee heard House File 1987, the Minnesota Starter Home Act, and first adopted the A1 author’s amendment, which made minor cleanup changes, removed sections two and three, adjusted ADU language, and tweaked density language. The bill authors described the measure as a bipartisan effort to address Minnesota’s housing shortage by allowing more starter homes, duplexes, townhomes, and accessory dwelling units, while also limiting some local zoning barriers and preserving city protections in certain sensitive areas. They emphasized that the state has a large housing gap, rising home prices, and that the bill is intended as one part of a broader housing package. Supportive testimony came from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Housing First Minnesota, Habitat for Humanity, AARP Minnesota, and Americans for Prosperity. These witnesses argued that workforce and starter-home shortages are hurting families, employers, and economic growth; that restrictive zoning and lengthy approval processes raise costs; and that more middle housing and ADUs would expand options for older adults, caregivers, working families, and people seeking homeownership. Several supporters said the bill would reduce regulatory barriers, lower development costs, and help communities add needed housing supply. Opposition or cautionary testimony came from city and municipal representatives, including officials from Cambridge, Eagan, and Mankato, as well as the League of Minnesota Cities and related groups. They argued that local governments already are approving substantial housing growth and need flexibility to manage zoning, parking, infrastructure, stormwater, and community input. They warned the bill could weaken local control, remove practical standards, and create unintended impacts such as more rental conversion in some neighborhoods or development without adequate infrastructure. No final vote on the bill itself was shown in the transcript beyond adoption of the A1 amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• :43.119><c> the</c><00:49:43.359><c> diverse</c><00:49:44.079><c> identities</c><00:49:44.960><c> in<
• <00:49:46.240><c> is</c><00:49:46.480><c> one</c><00:49:46.640><c> of</c><00:49:46.720><c> the</c><00
• ><c> as</c><00:49:49.839><c> nations</c><00:49:50.720><c> torn</c><00:49:51.599><c> by</c><00:49:52.160
• </c><00:49:54.000><c> Is</c><00:49:54.160><c> that</c><00:49:54.400><c> correct?
• I<00:49:58.000><c> understand</c><00:49:58.480><c> that</c><00:49:58.800><c> the</c><00:49:59.280><c>

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation by Rabbi Ari Goldstein, whose remarks were journalized at the request of the senator from District 33. The chamber then recognized the doctor of the day, Dr. Maryann Lamont, for her 50 years in medicine and her work in neurology and stroke care, and also thanked a legislative aide, Samantha Briggs, who is leaving for law school. The presiding officer noted a quorum was present and moved into the day’s floor work. The Senate handled several messages and committee reports, including a conference committee appointment on Senate Bill 18, which concerns provisional social work licensure. In Finance, the chamber advanced Senate Bill 246 on Health Services Cost Review Commission member terms, Senate Bill 370 on acupuncture board revisions, Senate Bill 564 creating a Division of Data Protection in the Attorney General’s office and a related work group, Senate Bill 782 on telecommunications infrastructure protections, Senate Bill 808 on health insurance provider panel requirements, Senate Bill 849 on agricultural equipment warranties, Senate Bill 867 on the Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission, and Senate Bill 982 on mutual insurance holding companies converting back to mutual insurers. Most of these bills were reported favorably with technical or conforming amendments, which were adopted without objection, and each was ordered printed for third reading. The committee also considered several House bills with Senate cross-files or identical measures. These included House Bill 118 on money transmitter licensing, House Bills 339 and 512 on Anne Arundel County Board of License Commissioners compensation, House Bill 1100 on telecommunications infrastructure protections, House Bill 1395 on agricultural equipment warranties, House Bill 1473 creating Maryland’s Future Board, House Bill 226 on Department of Disabilities housing programs, House Bill 278 codifying the Longevity Ready Maryland plan, and House Bill 746 on collaborative care model coverage and cost-sharing limits. In each case, the committee reports were adopted, amendments were approved where offered, and the bills were advanced to third reading or passed for third reading, with no recorded opposition on the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• the program leverages<00:49:01.359><c> state</c><00:49:01.520><c> and</c><00:49:01.640><c> federal</
• c><00:49:01.920><c> dollars</c><00:49:02.160><c> to</c> leverages state and federal dollars to leverages
• state and federal dollars to help<00:49:02.440><c> pay</c><00:49:02.559><c> for</c><00:49:02.680><c>
• the</c><00:49:02.799><c> high</c><00:49:03.000><c> cost</c><00:49:03.200><c> claims</c><00:49:03.520
• ><c> of</c><00:49:03.640><c> the</c> The program leverages state and federal dollars to help pay for

Bills: HF837

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:00.640><c> There's</c><00:49:00.960><c> also</c><00:49:01.280><c> a</c> get your presentation
• There's also a a<00:49:01.839><c> one</c><00:49:02.079><c> pager</c><00:49:02.480><c> with</c><00:49:
• 02.640><c> us</c><00:49:02.800><c> as</c><00:49:02.960><c> well</c><00:49:03.119><c> and</c><00:49:03.280
• well and again I members<00:49:04.079><c> of</c><00:49:04.160><c> the</c><00:49:04.319><c> public</c>
• <00:49:04.559><c> I</c><00:49:04.720><c> believe</c><00:49:04.800><c> these</c> Members of the public

Bills: HF1316 , HF4369

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• .<01:49:52.800><c> So,</c><01:49:53.040><c> I</c><01:49:53.280><c> just</c><01:49:53.440><c> want</c>
• <01:49:53.600><c> to</c><01:49:53.760><c> remind</c><01:49:54.000><c> the</c> &gt;&gt; Represent.
• So, I just want to remind the chair,<01:49:55.040><c> I'm</c><01:49:55.280><c> sure</c><01:49:55.440>
• <c> she's</c><01:49:55.760><c> familiar</c><01:49:56.159><c> with</c> chair, I'm sure she's familiar
• 01:49:58.560><c> who</c><01:49:58.960><c> are</c><01:49:59.199><c> in</c><01:49:59.440><c> domestic</

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 49 is necessary.
• I'm here to speak in support of AB 49.
• Is there anyone else here in support of AB 49?
• So, item 3, AB 49, we're at Succi. I'll move the call on item 3, AB 49.
• If we can move the call on AB 49, Muratsuchi, that's item 3.

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on reproductive access, child safety online, immigration enforcement in schools, privacy, reparations, and AI transparency. AB 54, AB 1137, AB 49, AB 82, AB 1355, AB 62, and AB 853 were all presented with testimony from authors, state agencies, advocates, and industry representatives. Supporters generally framed the measures as protecting access to care, shielding vulnerable communities, improving online safety for children, limiting government or commercial misuse of sensitive data, addressing historical harms, and increasing transparency around AI-generated content. Opponents raised concerns about safety, constitutional issues, implementation burdens, privacy, law enforcement access, and the impact on existing industry practices or state privacy law. AB 54 would protect medication abortion access and shield providers and others from liability related to transporting and administering abortion medication; it passed to Appropriations, with one no vote. AB 1137 would strengthen reporting and audit requirements for child sexual abuse material on social media platforms, allowing broader reporting and public third-party audits; it passed unanimously to Appropriations. AB 49 would restrict immigration enforcement activity at California public schools and require warrants and school approval before such actions on campus; it passed to Appropriations with one no vote and one member not voting. AB 82 would protect health data and expand Safe at Home and related confidentiality protections for gender-affirming care providers and patients; it passed to Appropriations. AB 1355, the California Location Privacy Act, would restrict collection, use, and sale of precise location data; after extensive debate over privacy, security, and law enforcement concerns, it passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 62, addressing restitution for families displaced by racially biased eminent domain, also passed to Appropriations. AB 853, requiring more provenance transparency for AI-generated and authentic content on platforms and devices, passed to Appropriations after discussion of technical feasibility and First Amendment concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02.280><c> dollars</c><00:49:03.000><c> in</c><00:49:03.119><c> the</c><00:49:03.319><c> hands</c><00
• :49:03.760><c> of</c><00:49:04.040><c> folks</c><00:49:04.760><c> who</c> Representative Schultz: Put
• :55.520><c> currently</c><00:49:56.400><c> this</c><00:49:56.839><c> program</c><00:49:57.280><c> just
• ><c> on</c><00:49:58.000><c> January</c><00:49:58.440><c> 1st</c><00:49:59.160><c> so</c><00:49:59.359
• ><c> to</c><00:49:59.599><c> say</c><00:49:59.920><c> that</c> started on January 1st so to say that

Bills: HF10 , HF27

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, the stats are 30 in support, 49 in opposition, and zero comments. Members, questions?
• Seeing none, the stats are 30 in support, 49 in opposition, and zero comments. Members, questions?
• Seeing none, the stats are 30 in support, 49 in opposition, and zero comments. Members, questions?
• :57.000><c> especially</c><00:49:57.440><c> dangerous</c><00:49:57.799><c> for</c><00:49:58.040><c> victims
• <c> because</c><00:49:59.400><c> the</c><00:49:59.559><c> degree</c><00:49:59.839><c> of</c><00:50:00.040

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard several election-related bills first. SB 51, a comprehensive public financing bill for candidates, drew strong support in testimony but also concerns from the Campaign Spending Commission that the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund has only about $2.2 million, far short of what would be needed, and that the program could not realistically start in 2026 because of staffing and system changes; the commission asked for a start date no earlier than 2028. SB 118, which would create a full-time investigator position at the Campaign Spending Commission, was supported by the commission, which said it has lacked staff growth since 1995 and that an investigator is needed to handle investigations instead of having the commission’s attorney do that work. SB 255, a housekeeping bill on excess cash campaign contributions, was supported by the commission and several county officials and would require excess cash contributions over the limit to be returned within 30 days or turned over to the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund. SB 345, which would expand the current partial public financing program, was supported by the commission but drew questions because it would still allow private fundraising; the commission said that under its assumptions the bill would provide more total public funds than SB 51, with a maximum of a little over $20 million versus a little over $15 million for SB 51. Testimony counts were reported as 125 support/48 oppose for SB 51, 26 support/0 oppose for SB 118, 30 support/49 oppose for SB 255, and 30 support/49 oppose for SB 345. The committee then discussed SB 176 on recount thresholds. The Office of Elections said it would stand on written testimony, and the East Hawaii Republican Party was listed but not present. The Office of Elections explained in response to questions that the bill’s recount trigger would be based on the final election-day count, not the early 6 a.m. tabulation, because the initial count is not complete until later in the day and cured ballots are counted later; the office said it does not want to begin recounts before all election-day ballots are counted. The reported testimony count was 4 support, 50 oppose, and 2 comments. Finally, the committee heard SB 260, the Judiciary’s biennial budget bill. Judiciary staff requested about $6.17 million in FY 2026 and $6.25 million in FY 2027 for operations, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $11.9 million for capital improvements. The Judiciary said the request would support specialty courts such as Women’s Court, Truancy Court, and DWI Court, a new Wahiawa District Court unit, an additional district court judge in Kona, cybersecurity, the Criminal Justice Research Institute, and facility projects including South Kohala design work and a Kauai chiller replacement. Civil legal services providers, including Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii, Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, the Legal Clinic, Kuikahi Mediation Center, the Domestic Violence Action Center, the Hawaii State Bar Association, and the Hawaii Access to Justice Commission, all supported the bill but asked for an additional $1 million for the civil legal services line item, saying demand is high and the funding is spread across more providers than before. The Judiciary clarified that some of its requested positions would support Wahiawa and Women’s Court, and that the civil legal services funding goes to organizations serving low-income residents on issues such as immigration, domestic violence, evictions, and foreclosures. The committee also briefly took up SB 279 on fentanyl possession thresholds, where the prosecuting attorney’s office supported the bill and said fentanyl is already driving overdose deaths and that the proposed thresholds target distribution-level quantities rather than personal use.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.000><c> you</c><00:49:00.160><c> off</c> Okay.
• We have never tried to get you off this<00:49:00.559><c> committee.
• </c> &gt;&gt; I'm<00:49:06.480><c> serious.</c> &gt;&gt; I'm serious. &gt;&gt; I'm serious.
• &gt;&gt; Like<00:49:07.200><c> I</c><00:49:07.359><c> was</c><00:49:07.440><c> at</c><00:49:07.680><c
• > church,</c><00:49:07.920><c> too.

Bills: SB8 , SB22 , SB137 , HB295 , HB2 , HB343 , HB220 , HB303 , HB81 , SB8 , SB22 , SB137 , HB295 , HB2 , HB343 , HB220 , HB303 , HB81

Committee: House State Government

Keywords: emergency management, public funds, educational materials, state legislation, disaster response, uniformity, state laws, legislative commission, appointments, government structure, resilience, natural disasters, risk management, Alabama Resilience Council, Chief Resilience Officer, state planning, environmental protection, community preparedness, Alabama Office of Civic Engagement, Alabama Office of Minority Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• um Rel to uh schools supplying themselves<00:48:59.319><c> with</c><00:48:59.520><c> Bronco</c><00:49
• :00.400><c> dilators</c><00:49:01.400><c> I</c><00:49:01.599><c> know</c> themselves with Bronco dilators
• I know themselves with Bronco dilators I know that<00:49:02.240><c> there</c><00:49:02.400><c> needs
• </c><00:49:02.599><c> to</c><00:49:02.720><c> be</c><00:49:02.920><c> further</c> That there needs to

Committee: House Health

Summary: The House Committee on Health heard testimony on several measures. On HB 1233 relating to storm water management, the Attorney General’s office said the state may need to share costs with counties for any new inspection or regulatory program. Testifiers strongly supported the bill, including the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association and a community member who described her daughter’s death in a poorly maintained detention pond and urged statewide inspections and a comprehensive approach. A member asked the Attorney General about the cost-sharing issue, and the office said state appropriations would be needed if counties are required to take on new duties. The committee then heard HB 245 on student heat exposure safety. The Department of Education, Department of Health, and the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the measure. A physician testifying for the Climate Change and Health Working Group described children’s vulnerability to heat and cited examples from other states that adopted stronger heat guidelines after school heat deaths. The Department of Education said it could do the feasibility study without additional funding and preferred to wait for the study before deciding on equipment needs. The Attorney General’s office later testified on HB 903, authorizing schools to maintain bronchodilators, supporting the concept but warning that the bill’s definition of school was broad and that DOE may not have jurisdiction over all covered entities; it suggested changing “protocol” to “guidelines” and involving the Public Charter School Commission. On HB 1314 relating to youth mental health, the Department of Education testified in opposition, though no additional testimony was offered. The committee also heard HB 1334 on meat donation, with DLNR and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supporting the measure. HB 799 on health care drew support from HMSA and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, while the Department of Health said it supported the intent but wanted amendments, including limiting the bill to Maui, adding a sunset, and requiring a study of quality and access impacts. On HB 952 relating to Parkinson’s disease research, the Department of Health said the proposal would require additional appropriations and staffing and suggested a public-private partnership approach; the Hawaii Parkinson Association, Queen’s clinicians, and other supporters testified that a registry would help identify the number of patients and improve care. Finally, SHPDA strongly supported HB 1431 establishing an oral health task force, saying the state lacks sufficient dental oversight and that both keiki and kūpuna need better access to services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is this not also the same language in Title 49 dealing the specific language basically says that they
• And in Title 49, that's what we're trying to correct.
• And in Title 49, that's what we're trying to correct.
• ><00:13:02.320><c> that's</c><00:13:02.560><c> what</c><00:13:02.800><c> we're</c> in stat uh title 49
• , that's what we're in stat uh title 49, that's what we're trying<00:13:03.200><c> to</c><00:13:03.360

Committee: Joint Ports and Marine Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Dibble, I wonder if CFR 49 labels this as the program itself.
• where it says, is consistent with what's in the federal legislation, and that's how it's written in 49
• wonder</c><00:19:24.080><c> uh</c><00:19:24.679><c> if</c><00:19:24.960><c> CFR</c><00:19:26.039><c> 49
• and</c><00:20:25.760><c> the</c><00:20:26.200><c> second</c><00:20:27.200><c> component</c> written 49
• CFR and the second component written 49 CFR and the second component where<00:20:27.840><c> it</c><00

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• President, there are 49 aye, zero nay. Have received a constitutional majority.
• President, there are 49 aye, zero nay.
• President, there are 49 ayes, zero nays.
• President, there are 49 ayes, zero nays. I have received a constitutional majority.
• President, there are 49 ayes, zero nays. I have received a constitutional majority.

Bills: SB5223 , SB6071 , SB5966 , SB6061 , SB6016 , SB5973 , SB5053 , SB5249 , SB5899 , SB6190 , SB5574 , SB5873 , SB5924 , SB6263 , SB6282 , SB5950 , SB6074 , SB6096 , SB5609 , SB5901 , SB5943 , SB5975 , SJM8016 , SB5907 , SB6031 , SB6155 , SB6158 , SB6227 , SB5947 , SB6085 , SB6234 , SB6274 , SB5909 , SB6044 , SB6239 , SB6045 , SB6089 , SB6170 , SB5954 , SB5762 , SB6032 , SB6066 , SB6082 , SB6164 , SB6176 , SB6319 , SB6308 , SB6200 , SB6080 , SJM8014 , SB6177 , SB6052 , SB6182 , SB5828 , SB6335 , SB6017 , SB5470 , SB5990 , SB5046 , SB5387 , SB5637 , SB5647 , SB5839 , SB5888 , SB5962 , SB6018 , SB6037 , SB6047 , SB6078 , SB6130 , SB6147 , SB6151 , SB6197 , SB6220 , SB6256 , SB6311 , SB6343

Summary: The Senate convened with all members present, heard a prayer and pledge, approved the prior day’s journal, and then moved through committee reports and House messages. Several bills were referred to committees, including low-income energy assistance and real property use restrictions. The chamber then took up a series of gubernatorial appointments, confirming Apollonio P. Hernandez to the University of Washington Board of Regents, Violet M. Frolov to the Central Washington University Board of Trustees, and Monica U. to the Washington Student Achievement Council, each after sponsor remarks and roll-call votes. The Senate also recessed briefly for caucuses and later resumed floor action on bills. On final passage, the Senate approved SB 6220 on nonprofit housing property tax exemptions for temporary community use, SB 5947 creating the Washington Health Care Board, ESSB 631 on safe pedestrian passage during construction, ESSB 6066 establishing crash prevention zones, SB 6044 recognizing Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, SB 5899 allowing qualified chiropractors to treat non-human animals under a licensing framework, SB 6151 dedicating environmental program fee accounts, ESSB 6200 allowing renters and mobile home occupants to install portable cooling devices with safeguards, SB 5901 adjusting school construction assistance for on-base schools, and SB 6080 governing federal detention contracts with county and municipal jails. Most of these bills passed with strong bipartisan support, though SB 5947, SB 5924, SB 6200, and SB 6080 drew notable opposition from some senators who raised concerns about cost, scope, safety, or implementation. The Senate also adopted amendments to several measures, including technical or stakeholder-driven changes to SB 5947, ESSB 631, ESSB 6066, SB 5899, and ESSB 6200. SB 5924, expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice, passed after a lengthy debate over access to care, professional training, and the role of collaborative drug therapy agreements; supporters framed it as a response to provider shortages, while opponents argued it moved too quickly or needed more study. SB 6080, concerning jail contracts for federal detainees, saw failed amendments seeking an attorney general opinion and a good-faith extension, before passing on a 30-19 vote. The meeting ended with a personal privilege statement marking Lunar New Year and a motion to recess for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any terms that could be added to those lines 46 through 49 that you do...
• Is there any terms that could be added to those lines 46 through 49 that you'd be more comfortable with
• And that's why I'm wondering about the language in subsection two, lines 46 through 49.
• If there's any suggestions could be provided here today or to... ...through 49, if there's any suggestions
• there's a lot of scholarship about all of these parity laws being unconstitutional, but they exist in 49

Committee: House Financial Institutions

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on House Bill 2116, which drew comments about children’s education and an amendment offered by Representative Hinman. Hinman explained the amendment would phase out the Missouri tax subtraction for contributions to non-Missouri 529 plans for new users beginning January 1, 2027, while allowing existing users to continue. The committee adopted the amendment, rolled it into a substitute, and then voted the House Committee substitute do pass by a vote of 11 yeas, 3 nays, and 1 present. Hinman also noted concerns from the investment community about the absence of an advisor-sold 529 option and urged the department to work toward restoring it. In public hearing, Representative Lane Roberts presented House Bill 1870, a garnishment and exemption update that would modernize long-outdated exemption amounts, tie some amounts to CPI adjustments, increase the homestead exemption, and create new procedures for garnishment of financial institution account funds. The Missouri Bankers Association supported the bill, saying it was the product of extensive work with stakeholders and would improve efficiency and reduce legal risk for banks, while also protecting debtors’ rights. Questions focused on joint accounts, business accounts, and notice to account holders; a private attorney speaking in opposition argued the bill could improperly shift burdens onto non-debtor account holders and raised concerns about tenancy by the entirety, corporate accounts, and equitable garnishment. Representative Castile then presented House Bill 2586, which would lower the minimum credit union membership share from $25 to $1 and allow credit union board and committee meetings and voting by electronic means. The Missouri Credit Union Association supported the bill, saying it would improve access for members who need the $25 and help boards meet despite weather or distance, while also aligning state law more closely with federal practice. Finally, Representative Oehlerking presented House Bill 3107, the “Safe Harbor” bill, which would shield financial institutions from civil liability under state law when they act in good faith reliance on written guidance from regulators, while excluding fraud, intentional misconduct, willful wrongdoing, and gross negligence. Credit union and banking representatives supported the measure as a defense against costly litigation based on compliance with required forms and guidance, while an opposing attorney argued the bill relied on nonpublic agency guidance, raised separation-of-powers concerns, and could leave consumers without recourse; witnesses also discussed possible examples such as overdraft fee litigation and the need for any guidance to be public and reviewable.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any terms that could be added to those lines 46 through 49 that you do?
• Is there any terms that could be added to those lines 46 through 49 that you'd be more comfortable with
• And that's why I'm wondering about the language in subsection two, lines 46 through 49.
• If there's any suggestions could be provided here today or to... ...through 49, if there's any suggestions
• there's a lot of scholarship about all of these parity laws being unconstitutional, but they exist in 49

Committee: House Financial Institutions

Transcript Highlights:

• President, there are 49 yeas, zero nays.
• President, there are 49 yeas, zero nays.
• President, there are 49 yeas, 0 nays.
• President, there are 49 yeas, zero nays.
• President, there are 49 yeas, 0 nays.

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, the pledge, prayer, and recognition of guests from the Sikh Coalition and Kalsa Gramath Center. Members then approved the journal and moved through committee reports and resolutions, including Senate Resolution 8678 honoring the Chimicum High School Marching Band for being selected to represent Washington in the 2026 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. The resolution was adopted unanimously, and the band and its supporters were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then confirmed two gubernatorial appointments to major health agencies. Ryan Moran was confirmed as Director of the Health Care Authority by a 49-0 vote, with supporters citing his Medicaid and health system experience and ability to provide stable leadership. Dennis Worsham was also confirmed as Secretary of Health by a 49-0 vote, with senators highlighting his long public health career, statewide outreach, and work on HIV/AIDS and community health. On legislation, the Senate passed Senate Bill 6011, expanding Court of Appeals bailiff authority to conduct threat assessments, and Senate Bill 5831, creating the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act. Senate Bill 6188, which expands Labor and Industries’ authority to update asbestos training and certification rules, passed 38-19 after an amendment to limit the bill to federal standards was rejected. Substitute Senate Bill 5917, concerning access to abortion medications through the Department of Corrections pharmacy, passed 32-17 after several Republican amendments were defeated. The Senate also passed In Gross Senate Bill 6024 on developmental disability services confidentiality and Substitute Senate Bill 6091 on prohibiting real estate brokers from marketing residential properties in exclusive private listings. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5840, adjusting campaign finance expenditure reporting deadlines, passed 46-3. After completing the day’s business, the Senate recessed for caucus and lunch until 1:15 p.m.