Transcript Highlights:

• And all we did in this set of testing is to prove that either the systems had a current rate of return
• But we do test all that.
• We test... ...actual experiences and all those assumptions that are set, we test how many people died
• Our liability experience in the plan, so testing actual...
• We're testing it compared to Louisiana experience. There's a lot going on there.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Public Retirement System Actuarial Committee met on February 23, 2026, approved the December 18, 2025 minutes, and heard no public comment. The committee then reviewed actuarial valuation reports and, for most systems, accompanying experience studies. The actuaries reported generally favorable investment and demographic experience across the systems, with funded ratios improving and employer contribution rates declining in several plans. They also explained the role of funding deposit accounts, frozen unfunded liabilities in some plans, and how recent legislative changes, especially the move to five-year DROP periods in some systems, affected assumptions and costs. For the Louisiana Clerk of Court Retirement Relief Fund, the committee adopted the valuation and experience study, recognizing a fiscal 2027 minimum recommended employer rate of 14.75%. For the District Attorney’s Retirement System, it adopted the valuation and experience study and recognized a fiscal 2027 minimum rate of 3.00%. For the Firefighters’ Retirement System, the committee adopted the valuation and experience study, recognized a fiscal 2027 minimum rate of 25.5%, and noted that DROP balances left on deposit will earn the market rate of return of 11.7%. The committee also adopted the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System valuation for both Plan A and Plan B, recognizing fiscal 2027 minimum rates of 20.75% and 8.75%, respectively. It adopted the Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System valuation and experience study, recognizing a fiscal 2027 minimum rate of 26.5%, a DROP crediting rate of 7.4%, and a policy range up to 29.35% for future contributions. For the Registrars of Voters Employees’ Retirement System, the committee adopted the valuation and experience study, recognized a fiscal 2027 minimum rate of 0%, and noted a $207,683 allocation to the Member Supplemental Savings Fund for fiscal 2026. Finally, it adopted the Sheriff’s Pension and Relief Fund valuation and experience study, recognizing a fiscal 2027 minimum rate of 7.75%. All motions passed without objection, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The second change is on page 5, line 17, after 'test,' we're adding: investor-owned electric utilities
• may calculate the benefit of avoided utility greenhouse gas emissions beyond the utility cost test to
• Madam Chair and committee, what a UCT test is, and I'm going to explain that in a moment.
• The PRC has indicated that the current statute, which identifies the utility cost tests as a test that
• must be utilized... ...statute, which identifies the utility cost tests as a test that must be utilized

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• school district or charter school to administer the statewide assessment in the form of a written test
• to the methods that enable a school to administer the statewide assessment in the form of a written test
• no information about how much this will actually cost school districts and charters to buy written tests
• to the methods that enable a school to administer the statewide assessment in the form of a written test
• no information about how much this will actually cost school districts and charters to buy written tests

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long minority calendar covering a wide range of bills, with sponsors giving brief descriptions and members frequently raising concerns about constitutionality, cost, federal preemption, and policy impacts. Topics included medical intervention and vaccination/mask prohibitions, state treasurer investment rules, vacant state positions reporting, shooting range closure limits, congressional term limits, audit penalties, cellphone use while driving, procurement restrictions tied to China, air ambulance regulation, hospital immigration-status reporting, SNAP purchase restrictions, school assessment changes, school contract transparency, religious excusals from school, student contact information, fitness reporting, and several property tax, water, and agriculture measures. Members also discussed bills on AI-generated sexual material consent verification, DEI liability, hate-crime sentencing, commercial driver forfeiture tied to immigration status, speed-limiting devices for repeat speeding offenses, PFAS firefighting foam, name changes for sex offenders, abortion-inducing drugs, prisoner transition services, sexual extortion penalties, solar radiation management bans, and cultivated-cell food labeling and sales bans. Several bills drew explicit opposition or requests to pull them from consent, especially those affecting abortion access, immigration-related hospital reporting, school testing, religious release programs, DEI policies, and cultivated-cell foods. Members noted that some measures appeared duplicative, overly broad, or likely unconstitutional, and in multiple cases referenced prior vetoes or prior-year versions of the same bills. Supportive comments were also made on selected bills, including the PFAS foam prohibition, the assistive technology study committee, the digital goods consumer protection bill, and the prisoner transition services extension. The caucus also considered water and infrastructure measures, including brackish groundwater funding and studies, water augmentation authority bonds, Pima County water rates, groundwater transport rules, and HOA drought watering limits. Toward the end, members reviewed election-related memorials and resolutions, including a proposal to limit voting centers, a memorial urging withdrawal from the United Nations, and another urging defunding the IMF; all three were noted as being on consent and were pulled for further discussion. The meeting closed with announcements, including a note about a local missing-person concern and a caucus recognition program called the Affordable Arizona Award.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Senator Wright, do you know if UTVs are crash tested like cars are? Senator Wright?
• They are not crash tested like motorcycles are not crash tested, like UTVs are not crash tested, Vespas
• are not crash tested, and they're all legal to be on our roads at any, in any road.
• UTV manufacturers design, test, and sell UTVs for off-highway use only.
• UTV manufacturers design, test, and sell UTVs for off-highway use only.

Bills: S0216 , S0246 , S0356 , S0388 , S0470 , S0488 , S0490 , S0528 , S0584 , S0594

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Keywords: reemployment assistance, fraud prevention, eligibility verification, Department of Commerce, benefit disqualification, specialty license plate, specialty plates, motor vehicle registration, license plate fees, annual use fees, Florida DHSMV, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, deauthorization, financial reporting, nonprofit organizations, college license plates, university license plates, veterans plates, law enforcement plates, Fraternal Order of Police

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered ten bills, beginning with SB 594 on local housing assistance plans. Senator Burton explained that the bill would make residents of mobile home parks and manufactured housing communities eligible for SHIP rental assistance and, in some cases, repair or rehabilitation funds, recognizing that many own their homes but rent the lot. Supporters from AARP and the Federation of Manufactured Homeowners said the bill would help seniors and low-income residents remain housed. The bill was reported favorably by a roll call vote. Members then approved two Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles measures: SB 488, the agency package updating Florida’s motor fuel tax compliance with IFTA, allowing online filing and private license plate agencies to act as agents, raising the crash-damage reporting threshold, expanding email communications, and updating tank vehicle compliance; and SB 490, a related public records exemption for email addresses collected for renewal notices. Both were reported favorably without opposition. The committee also passed SB 246, creating a specialty license plate for the UFC Foundation, despite concerns raised that the foundation is based out of state and that the plate was politically motivated; the bill was approved on a split vote. The committee gave favorable reports to SB 216 on reemployment assistance eligibility, which would tighten job-search requirements, require more frequent eligibility verification, and add reporting on fraudulent claims. The bill drew substantial opposition from labor and policy advocates who argued it would add barriers for unemployed workers, especially in rural and skilled-trades jobs, and that the state’s unemployment system remains difficult to navigate. Supporters said the bill was aimed at fraud prevention and ensuring claimants remain eligible. SB 356 on utility terrain vehicles generated extensive debate over safety, local control, and whether UTVs should be allowed on certain roads; supporters emphasized rural utility and law enforcement benefits, while opponents cited manufacturer warnings and crash risks. The sponsor ultimately temporarily postponed the bill. The committee also reported favorably SB 528 on manufacturing, which expands the Department of Commerce’s manufacturing responsibilities, codifies the chief manufacturing officer position, and creates workforce development grant support; SB 584 on commercial driving schools, which authorizes DHSMV agreements with county tax collectors to help enforce school regulation; and SB 388, which raises the annual use fee for the Florida Wildflower specialty plate from $15 to $25 to support the Florida Wildflower Foundation. The final bill, SB 470 on the Fraternal Order of Police specialty plate, was introduced as a measure to broaden eligibility for the existing plate and stabilize funding for law enforcement memorial efforts, but no final action on that bill was reached in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2279 is not necessary due to existing rigorous federal testing requirements for pesticides.
• EPA subjects all new pesticide products to rigorous human health and environmental review and testing
• Many of these tests take several months and years to complete and represent an investment of millions
• The policy was field-tested in the 2025 pilot.
• The bill represents a It is refined, it is tested, and it is effective.

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard public testimony on House Bill 2279, which would require the Department of Agriculture to create a program and criteria to evaluate PFAS chemicals in fertilizers and pesticides. The prime sponsor argued PFAS are persistent “forever chemicals” that are entering soil, water, wildlife, and people, and said Washington should begin acting now rather than waiting for federal action. WSDA said the bill is implementable but would require rulemaking, ongoing staff resources, and likely a 12-month extension to complete stakeholder engagement; it also noted the bill should be clarified to address all pesticides, not just new ones. Agricultural and industry witnesses opposed the bill as duplicative of EPA review and warned it could reduce product availability and put Washington farmers at a competitive disadvantage, while environmental advocates supported it as a needed food-safety and environmental measure. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then heard House Bill 2463, which would expand the Washington Commodity Donation Program and create a Farm to Food Pantry Program to help hunger-relief organizations buy Washington-grown food directly from farmers. The sponsor said the bill is part of a broader state response to reduced federal food-security support and is intended to keep families fed by strengthening local food purchasing. Testimony was largely supportive from food banks, food hubs, farmers, AARP, and hunger-relief groups, who said the programs help move surplus produce, dairy, protein, and other products to people in need while supporting local farms and reducing waste. Several witnesses, however, raised concerns about language limiting participation to organizations that “solely” function for food sourcing, saying it could exclude many existing regional organizations and reduce resilience; one tribal representative also requested an amendment to include tribally owned small-scale farms. No action was taken on HB 2463 during the hearing. After the hearings, the committee went into caucus and then held executive session only on House Bill 1941, which authorizes licensed cannabis producers to form agricultural associations for collective processing, handling, and marketing. Supporters said it would help smaller cannabis producers cooperate and prepare for possible federal changes, while opponents argued it was premature given marijuana’s federal status and too broad in scope. The committee approved HB 1941 on a 6-5 vote and reported it out of committee with a do-pass recommendation. House Bill 2238 was deferred to the following day for further review of amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Following last year's passage of House Bill 5066, they also submit what we call officer-tested loads.
• We originally used the 140- to 150-gigawatt level load, but we wanted to test it at lower levels in case
• We used originally the 140, 150 gigawatt level load, but we wanted to test it at lower levels in case
• ASSE certification of test assemblies would not only meet TCEQ standards, but exceed them.
• And then the FTC report has been a well-tested vehicle for proving identity theft.

Bills: SB438 , SB512 , SB647 , SB648 , SB1495 , SB2121 , SB2145 , SB2154 , SB2167 , SB2184 , SB2211 , SB2268 , SB2349 , SB2443 , SB2629 , SB2702 , SB2902

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: SB 438, Texas, State Office of Administrative Hearings, SOAH, administrative law judge, ALJ, public information act, open records, confidentiality, privacy, home address, home telephone number, emergency contact information, social security number, family members, Government Code 552.117, Government Code 552.1175, Tax Code 25.025, public records, government transparency

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and took up several pending bills, voting favorably on SB 1612, SB 2717, SB 1468, SB 1642, and SB 1789. SB 1612 was reported favorably with objections to the local and contested calendar, while SB 2717, SB 1468, SB 1642, and SB 1789 were reported favorably, with SB 1642 and SB 1789 sent to the floor. SB 2717 would create the Texas Energy Efficiency Council; SB 1642 would add an executive director to the Texas Department of Insurance structure; and SB 1789 would establish pole standards and clarify PUC authority and remedies. The committee also heard an ERCOT update from CEO Pablo Vegas on the updated long-term load forecast, which showed a much higher unadjusted growth projection driven largely by data centers. ERCOT described an adjusted forecast using historical delays and lower realized build rates, and members discussed reliability, generation timelines, and the importance of SB 6 for demand response and flexibility. The committee then heard and left pending SB 2629, which would allow condominium and property owners’ association meetings and voting by electronic means; SB 2702, which would let nationally certified professionals test backflow prevention assemblies without a separate TCEQ license; SB 2167, which would let TDLR pause new license applications tied to human trafficking emergency orders or pending SOAH cases; SB 2349, which would exempt short-term leases and certain leasebacks from flood disclosure requirements; SB 2121, which would tighten the data broker registry law; and SB 2443, which would authorize TDLR electronic delivery of notices and other documents. Testimony generally supported these bills as cleanup, modernization, or workforce-streamlining measures, with some members expressing caution about electronic meetings and emphasizing in-person accountability. The committee also heard SB 2902 on coerced debt and identity theft, with testimony from a law professor and family violence advocates supporting stronger protections for survivors and suggesting a police report as an additional proof option. SB 512, a refiled bill restricting money transmission license holders from fining users for terms-of-service violations, also received supportive testimony and was left pending. Later, the committee heard SB 2145 on allowing certain TIF boards to meet virtually in narrow circumstances, SB 2268 on extending Texas Energy Fund loan deadlines in some cases, SB 1495 creating an EV supply equipment advisory board, SB 2154 regulating delivery network companies under a statewide framework, SB 2184 lowering the age for pyrotechnic operator and fireworks display permits from 21 to 18, SB 2211 on combining data centers, power generation, and produced-water desalination projects, and SB 647 on title theft protections and clerk authority to refuse fraudulent filings. Most of these bills were left pending after brief testimony and questions, with members focusing on reliability, regulation, and safeguards against fraud.

Transcript Highlights:

• One increases institute and also creates a pilot project program excuse me that will provide testing
• genetic testing upon birth at some medical centers across Florida that are associated, particularly with
• So that parents will have access to testing for rare diseases at the time their child is born.
• And I know that we are moving the standard arise tests options that meet those standards. >> Does does
• I'm tired of hearing that the numbers don't and has there aren't enough tests to want the expense of

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Testing, testing? Testing? Okay, test. Test, test. Test, test? Now there we go. That's better.
• The enforcement team, which was under the Department of Consumer Affairs, and the cannabis testing lab
• in the cannabis marketplace from seed to sale, including cultivation, distribution, manufacturing, testing
• high-potency intoxicants sold in gas stations, online, and smoke shops without age verification, testing

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration held an informational hearing on budget issues for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and the California Arts Council. The chair noted there would be no votes. CalVet gave an overview of its programs serving veterans and families, including transition assistance, county veterans service officers, education approvals, housing and homelessness programs, home loans, long-term care homes, and state veterans cemeteries. Members asked about future long-term care needs for aging veterans, staffing and recruitment challenges at veterans homes, and the Yountville steam infrastructure replacement project, for which CalVet sought a $38.8 million reappropriation and said federal reimbursement was expected. CalVet also discussed the role of county veterans service officers in helping veterans file claims and avoid predatory unaccredited representatives. The Department of Cannabis Control described its regulatory role from seed to sale and requested one position to implement SB 1064’s combined activities license. Members and public witnesses focused heavily on the illicit cannabis market, enforcement staffing, and the impact of taxes and fees on the legal market. DCC said it had roughly 87 enforcement positions with about a 15% vacancy rate and more than 200 compliance staff. Its economist presented the 2024 cannabis market report, which found licensed production and retail quantity were up, but retail value and prices were down, with an estimated 11.4 million pounds of illicit production and about 60% of California consumption still coming from the illicit market. Industry witnesses argued the legal market is in crisis, urged repeal of the scheduled excise tax increase, stronger enforcement against illicit cannabis and hemp-derived intoxicants, and expanded retail access. The Department of Consumer Affairs briefly presented nine budget proposals, including a $2.6 million ongoing request to maintain a business modernization system for several boards and bureaus. The Commission on the Status of Women and Girls described its work on economic and educational equity, health care, violence prevention, student rights, and archival and outreach projects, and said its budget request would convert limited-term positions to permanent. A member urged the commission to narrow its priorities toward current issues such as affordability, child care, and women’s health. The California Arts Council outlined its role as the state’s only statewide arts funder and requested restoration of $5 million in local assistance; supporters testified that the funding would leverage additional local investment and help sustain arts access, especially in rural communities. The hearing ended after the non-presentation items were noted and no further public comment was offered.

Transcript Highlights:

• The division had to update the rate table in EFS Mod, conduct testing to make sure the rates were correct
• Do you think similarly that the test at the end of the CDA course, which is currently only offered in
• I think not just the CDA side of it, but also with our licensing side of it, those in-person tests have
• field and be specialized I think it would transform our field do you think similarly that the the test
• I think not just the CDA side of it, but also with our licensing side of it, those in-person tests have

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and focused on School Readiness, specifically the new provider reimbursement rates and the School Readiness Plus program. The chair gave an overview of how School Readiness is funded and administered, noting that the Legislature now sets county-based reimbursement rates using market and cost data, and that School Readiness Plus was created to help families who would otherwise fall off the subsidy “cliff” at 85% of state median income by extending assistance up to 100% of state median income. Panelists from the Children’s Forum, the Association of Early Learning Coalitions, and the Division of Early Learning described the programs as major workforce and family-support tools that help parents stay employed and help providers recruit and retain qualified staff. Testimony emphasized that higher reimbursement rates increase parental choice, help providers cover rising child care costs, and support better staffing and lower turnover. The panel also said School Readiness Plus is easing the pressure on families to turn down raises or promotions for fear of losing child care assistance, though uptake is still early because the program only began in late 2024 and is only available to current School Readiness families at redetermination. The Division of Early Learning reported about 275 children enrolled in School Readiness Plus as of March 10, with expenditures of about $161,420 through January 2025, and said participation is increasing. Members asked about the federal-state funding split, wait lists, reverted funds, coalition accountability, county-based rate differences, and whether the entrance eligibility threshold should be raised or shifted to state median income. The panel said roughly 70% of School Readiness funding is federal, about 4% has typically reverted in recent years, and the wait list is around 12,000 children, with reasons including income ineligibility, lack of available seats, and funding limits. They argued that raising the entrance threshold would expand access but would require additional funding, and they also discussed the need to reduce workforce barriers such as in-person testing and training requirements. The meeting ended with no formal action beyond the presentation and member discussion, and the subcommittee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And lastly, thank you for the rejection of the asset tests. Good morning, Madam Chair and members.
• Also thank you for the rejection of the additional PACE cuts, the asset tests, and the increased premium
• We are here to express our very strong appreciation of your rejection of the Medi-Cal asset test reversion
• In addition, we're here to support the changes or the rejection to the Medi-Cal asset tests and also
• proposal to push implementation for the elimination of dental as well as monthly premiums and asset test

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Human Services held its final hearing on the budget, with the chair framing the Senate’s plan as a counterproposal that rejected major cuts and preserved revenues. Public comment was overwhelmingly supportive of the subcommittee’s actions, especially on Medi-Cal, IHSS, PACE, behavioral health, child care, CalFresh outreach, immigrant legal services, and long-term care. Testimony from disability, aging, county, health plan, provider, labor, and advocacy groups urged the committee to keep rejecting asset tests, immigrant coverage reductions, IHSS cost shifts, PACE rate cuts, and behavioral health reductions, while supporting mobile crisis, 988, Title IV-E workforce funding, and the “Be Home Soon California” proposal to expand home- and community-based care. Several speakers also pressed for additional or related funding and policy changes, including county alternatives for people losing Medi-Cal under federal HR1-related changes, more support for public hospitals and indigent care, CalFresh and Cal Food investments, child care slots and COLAs, dental rate cut delays, and expanded immigration legal and food assistance. Others thanked the committee for restoring or preserving funding for behavioral health innovation and advocacy grants, public health IT and disease investigation, diaper banks, hearing aids for children, and distressed hospital loans. The committee also heard concerns about fee-for-service shifts, outpatient dialysis coverage, and other implementation details, with some groups asking for trailer bill language or guardrails. After public comment, the subcommittee took three votes on large blocks of budget items. The first block of consent items passed 3-0, the second block passed 2-1, and the final block passed 2-0, with the chair announcing that the items were approved and out of committee. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We began expanding the use of the sun tracks, testing facility to conduct research and development of
• transportation solutions, including testing environments for surface transportation.
• Florida will create the nation's first am real test bed to further test and develop a in technology in
• And so that includes testing and development of rules and regs.
• We also have to consider cybersecurity and other technology, including ground brown, whether test ground

Transcript Highlights:

• So here they are prepared for the test. They've completed their schoolwork there.
• While they're in trade school, that test and all those examination questions are fresh on their mind.
• So this bill allows them to go ahead and test while it's fresh on their mind.
• So this bill allows them to go ahead and test while it's fresh on their mind, but they still have to
• work for a year in the trade to be able to be a journeyman, but they don't have to sit for the test again

Summary: The committee took up several business and commerce measures, beginning with HB 2970, which would change Oklahoma’s state fossil from Saurophaganax to Sauroposeidon because the former has been identified as a chimera. The author and members discussed the dinosaur’s size, its discovery in Oklahoma, and the tourism and educational value of highlighting the state’s prehistoric resources. The bill received a do pass recommendation and was reported out of committee by a 15-1 vote. Members then advanced HB 3338, a pool industry regulation bill, and HB 3443, which increases permit fees for oversized and overweight loads to fund weigh station improvements. HB 3443 was described as an inflation adjustment to fees that had not changed since 2008 and as an industry-supported idea; it passed 14-2. HB 3800, described as a cleanup bill from last session, and HB 3818, a home and auto savings account bill with the tax portion removed to avoid a fiscal impact, both received favorable committee action, with HB 3818 passing 17-0. HB 3783, the endorsed plumbers apprentice bill, drew the most discussion. Supporters said it would let trade school graduates take the exam sooner and better align training with workforce needs, while the union pipefitters and plumbers were said to oppose it. The author outlined possible amendments, including minimum training hours and a penalty for unlicensed work, and then laid the bill over until Thursday so amendments could be finalized. The chair also laid over HB 2471 for further amendment and discussion with the Workforce Commission before the committee’s final meeting later in the week.

Transcript Highlights:

• And where it's implemented already, how do we ensure the integrity of the system and monitor it and test
• In terms of the testing question, very good question.
• in the appendix that first, these electronic table games must show certification by an independent testing
• But then the tribe and the state enter into an agreement that outlines what that field testing will look
• At that point, then field testing is lifted.

Summary: The State Government and Tribal Relations Committee held a public hearing on July 10 at 8:30 a.m. on a proposed amendment to the Lummi Nation’s tribal-state gaming compact. Washington State Gambling Commission Director Tina Griffin and Tribal Relations Advisor Johnny Bray outlined the compact process under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and explained that the amendment had reached tentative agreement after negotiations with the Lummi Nation. Lummi Vice Chair Terence Adams and Councilperson Vindeen Washington described the amendment as the tribe’s sixth compact amendment and said it would expand gaming opportunities while supporting tribal governmental services, infrastructure, and jobs. The main changes discussed were authorization for electronic table games, extension of credit to customers, higher wagering limits, and the possibility of a second gaming facility. Committee members asked several questions about how credit limits would be set, how electronic table games work, whether online gaming was included, and how the systems would be tested and monitored. Witnesses said online gaming is not authorized by this amendment, that electronic table games must be certified by an independent lab and tested under state-tribal procedures, and that higher-limit tables could go up to $5,000 with no more than 25% of tables at those limits. Lummi representatives said credit policies would be developed responsibly after approval and that the tribe already uses strong internal controls. The Gambling Commission said seven tribes currently operate electronic table games and 13 tribes have adopted the limitations appendix related to credit and wager limits. The hearing was informational and part of the required public review before the commission’s later vote that morning on whether to forward the amendment to the governor or send it back for further negotiations. No vote was taken by the committee during this hearing, and the chair closed the meeting after thanking the presenters.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE THINK IS AS IMPORTANT AS WELL AS AGE RESTRICTION BUT WE FEEL THAT YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE PRODUCT TESTING
• I LOVE THAT ADVERTISING, TESTING, FANTASTIC BUT THE AREA I WOULD LIKE TO LOOK AT HIS SYNTAX.
• IT ENSURES A PATIENT WHO MEETS THOSE TESTS OR DIAGNOSTIC MAMMOGRAMS TO RULE OUT OR CONFIRM THE NEED FOR
• ONE OUT OF 100 TESTS THAT ARE CONDUCTED IS A MAN SO IT'S NOT JUST WOMEN.
• WAS BLESSED AND FORTUNATE TO BE ABLE TO COME UP WITH THE OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS TO GET THOSE ADDITIONAL TESTS

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:29.200><c> project</c><00:04:29.960><c> that</c><00:04:30.400><c> uh,</c><00:04:30.520><c> tested
• </c> funded pilot project that uh, tested funded pilot project that uh, tested master<00:04:31.560><c
• and implement methods to expand test and implement methods to expand mattress<00:13:00.440><c> and</
• Educators test, and the test equipment and all of the consumable supplies are 100% funded through this
• > test</c><00:47:43.600><c> equipment</c> Educators test and the test equipment Educators test and the

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Or there could be a limit, or it could be a balancing test of what kind of post it is.
• One is that we continue to leave it up to the ethics advisors to do this sort of balancing test about
• The other ones, we could kind of do the balancing tests and all of that, but this is so big.
• Well, and I guess that's where that's where I guess I'm coming... ...balancing tests and all of that.
• I think what it is violative of the way we've looked at before, right, with the balancing test.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The meeting focused on ethics guidance for legislators’ official newsletters and social media posts about a major tax bill that has since become a ballot measure. Members and staff debated whether existing board guidance, which allowed comments on legislation previously before the legislature, should also apply to social media and to the current biennium rather than only the immediately preceding session. Several members argued that legislators should be able to state how they voted on the bill and discuss it as part of their legislative record, while others stressed that using state resources to advocate for or against a ballot measure is prohibited and that posts could become an indirect appeal to voters. The discussion also covered whether there should be a bright-line cutoff tied to the primary election date, after which official communications should stop discussing the bill if it is now a ballot measure. Staff and members raised concerns about tone, tenor, and proximity to the election, and whether official social media, caucus communications, and newsletters should be treated differently. One motion to extend the prior rule to the full biennium and apply it to social media failed. A second motion then passed establishing the primary date as a date certain for monitoring these discussions, with the understanding that official communications should be more limited after that point. Members noted that personal social media and campaign resources remain separate from official legislative resources. The meeting then moved toward adjournment of the public portion, with no public testimony offered, before a brief break and executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Or there could be a limit, or it could be a balancing test of what kind of post it is.
• One is that we continue to leave it up to the ethics advisors to do this sort of balancing test about
• The other ones, we could kind of do the balancing tests and all of that, but this is so big.
• Well, and I guess that's where that's where I guess I'm coming... ...balancing tests and all of that.
• I think what it is violative of is the way we've looked at it before, right, with the balancing test.

Summary: The meeting focused on whether legislators and legislative staff may use official resources, including newsletters and social media, to comment on a bill that has since become a ballot measure. Members discussed older ethics guidance allowing comments on legislation previously before the legislature, but questioned whether that rule still applies to modern social media posts and to ballot measures, especially when the language is strong or could be seen as an indirect appeal to voters. Several members argued that once a bill becomes a ballot measure, using state resources to advocate for or against it is prohibited, while others emphasized the importance of allowing officials to explain their votes and speak to their legislative record. The group debated possible guardrails, including whether comments should be limited to the bill itself, whether tone and timing should matter, and whether the rule should apply only to members not subject to election-year restrictions. One motion proposed extending the prior ethics guidance from the immediately preceding legislative session to the full biennium and applying it to social media, but that motion failed. Members then shifted toward a brighter-line approach tied to the primary election date, with discussion that after the primary officials should not use state resources to talk about a bill that became a ballot measure or is subject to ballot challenge. A second motion to use the primary date as the cutoff for monitoring these discussions was made, seconded, and passed. The chair then noted that officials are still free to speak on personal or campaign accounts, and to respond to questions, but the board’s guidance would help distinguish permissible official communications from campaign-like advocacy. The meeting then moved toward adjournment of the public portion, with no public testimony offered.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, we don't currently require schools to administer the ACT test or SAT test, right?
• I mean, we don't currently require schools to administer the ACT test or SAT test, right? Right.
• So, at the high school where I worked, we had testing day, and students chose ACT, WorkKeys, ASVAB, on
• At ACT, we always say you don't take the test, you're providing the data because we do have a lot of
• I mentioned those three tests, the workplace documentation, applied math, and graphic literacy.

Committee: House Elementary and Secondary Education

Summary: The Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education met in executive session and first took up House Concurrent Resolution 31. A committee substitute was adopted after the sponsor explained revisions to the proposed civics and patriotism work group, including clearer qualifications, DESE’s role in producing seals, recognition levels for gold/silver/bronze, and a special recognition letter for students entering military service. Ranking member Steinhoff supported the substitute, saying the changes improved implementation and likely reduced fiscal impact. The substitute was then passed do pass, and the committee later corrected the recorded vote on HCR 31 from 15-0 to 16-0. The committee then considered a combined substitute for House Bills 21, 26, and 2197, focused on building-level administrator evaluations and nonrenewal procedures. The substitute required administrators to be evaluated at least once per contract year, required written notice of renewal or nonrenewal by March 1, and gave nonrenewed administrators the right to request written reasons and a closed-door hearing before the school board. Members discussed the removal of earlier language that would have created automatic renewal if deadlines were missed and the decision not to create tenure for principals. Concerns were raised about whether the hearing right gave administrators more protection than other employees, but sponsors said the intent was to ensure annual evaluations and transparency without granting tenure. The committee adopted an amendment, rolled it into a new substitute, and passed the substitute do pass by a 17-0 vote. After leaving executive session, the committee heard House Bill 3489 from Representative Hurlbert. The bill, patterned after Arkansas legislation, would expand access to workforce development assessments such as WorkKeys and allow up to nine hours of college credit for demonstrated workplace skills as recommended by the American Council on Education. Testimony from ACT, the Missouri Chamber, and DESE supported the goal of elevating career readiness, noting employer demand for skilled workers, existing use of WorkKeys in Missouri, and its role in career and technical education and accountability systems. Members asked about the bill’s relationship to the governor’s workforce executive order, whether the language should be mandatory or permissive, and how the credits would transfer. The hearing on HB 3489 concluded without a vote, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, we don't currently require schools to administer the ACT test or SAT test, right? Right.
• I mean, we don't currently require schools to administer the ACT test or SAT test, right? Right.
• So at the high school where I worked, we had testing day, and students chose ACT, WorkKeys, ASVAB, on
• At ACT, we always say you don't take the test, you're providing the data because we do have a lot of
• I mentioned those three tests: the workplace documentation, applied math, and graphic literacy.

Committee: House Elementary and Secondary Education

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I used to own a milk testing lab. My son owns it now. But we do not do any testing for pay.
• We do the testing for butterfat, somatic cell, protein, and solid non-fat, but we do not do any of the
• testing on the pay scale.
• does is allow the Department of Ag, between the buyers and the sellers, to expand what they might test
• Part of this has come up because there have been some concerns about bacteria testing and whether a buyer

Summary: The House convened with 64 members present, approved the previous journal, and received several communications, including substitute appointments and messages from the Governor and Senate. Committee reports moved a number of bills forward, and the House also received and referred several newly introduced bills covering manufactured homes, land use, execution procedures, highway districts, dental hygiene, physician assistants, Medicaid, immunization and medical mandates, child welfare terminology, and elections. The House also advanced engrossed bills and placed others on second or third reading calendars. On third reading, the House passed House Bill 711, which creates an alternative authorization pathway for school principals and superintendents with mentoring requirements, and House Bill 658, which lets counties appoint cemetery district board members when all vacancies occur and requires county maintenance until a board is seated. It also passed House Bill 661 on county waste disposal contracting, House Bill 715 on city library director hiring and termination with city council approval, House Bill 662 on dairy testing and payment rules, House Bill 687 restricting state AI contracts from incorporating DEI principles, House Bill 665 revising an Appaloosa horse specialty plate program, House Bill 666 requiring new Idaho residents to obtain a license and vehicle registration within 30 days, House Bill 712 creating a voluntary state seal of excellence in civics, House Bill 762 giving charter schools priority options for foster children and military families in lotteries, House Bill 777 updating the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, and House Bill 688 making knowing installation or sale of counterfeit airbags a misdemeanor. Most of these bills passed with clear majorities, though HB 715, HB 687, HB 666, HB 762, and HB 688 drew notable opposition. Debate centered on school administrator qualifications, local control over libraries and cemeteries, AI procurement standards, military family access to charter schools, and the scope of the counterfeit airbag bill. Members raised concerns about whether alternative administrator pathways could weaken preparation standards, whether the AI bill could affect procurement or proprietary systems, and whether the airbag bill might unintentionally criminalize sales of used vehicles with nonfunctioning airbags; supporters framed each measure as a targeted response to practical problems. One member declared a Rule 80 conflict on the airbag bill because a family member works in the field. The House also adopted a motion to hold remaining third-reading bills for one legislative day, enrolled HCR 28, referred HCR 31 for printing, and adjourned until 10:30 a.m. the next day.