Video & Transcript : 'Washington State University' :
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ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Health Care Committee Feb 12th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Transcript Highlights:
- In Washington, Pacific Northwest University School of Dental Medicine was established, In Washington,
- In testimony provided to the Washington State House Health Care and Wellness Committee, the university
- In addition, testimony to the Washington State Senate Committee on Health and Long-Term Care noted the
- state had been losing dentists through retirement and relocation, and the university was created to
- Additionally, the university received a $12 million grant from Delta Dental of Washington.
Summary:
The committee met to review the history and current treatment of North Dakota health insurance mandates, with presentations from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, Sanford Health Plan, the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and the Insurance Department. The discussion focused on how mandates apply differently to fully insured, self-funded, ACA, Medicaid, and PERS plans; how the state’s benchmark plan and federal essential health benefits affect coverage; and how the existing process requires cost-benefit analysis and, for certain measures, a PERS pilot period before broader application. Presenters also reviewed the long list of existing state mandates, including provider, beneficiary, and coverage requirements, and noted that many were enacted decades ago and have not been revisited despite changes in medical evidence and treatment options.
Witnesses from the carriers argued that mandates should be reviewed periodically because some are outdated, can create unintended costs, and may not align with current medical guidance. Examples cited included PSA screening, off-label drug coverage, prior authorization rules, step therapy, and cost-sharing provisions for mental health and substance use treatment. They emphasized that carriers often cover services without a mandate when supported by clinical evidence, and that mandates can shift costs to employers and employees, especially in the fully insured small-group market. They also suggested possible policy improvements such as clearer mandate definitions, better transparency around cost-benefit analyses, a regular 10-year review of mandates, and more timely submission of proposals through the interim process.
PERS and the Insurance Department highlighted a recurring tension over what counts as a mandate and when a measure triggers the state’s defrayal obligation under federal law. PERS described its interim committee process, the April 1 deadline for fiscal-impact proposals, and the limited pilot program used for certain measures, noting that only a few bills have gone through the full pilot process. The Insurance Department explained that it views new benefit mandates through the lens of the ACA benchmark plan and essential health benefits, distinguishing true new benefits, such as infertility coverage, from changes to existing benefits, such as telehealth or insulin cost-sharing caps. No votes were taken on policy changes; the meeting was informational, with members asking questions about costs, applicability, transparency, and whether a periodic mandate review should be established.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Nineteen - Wednesday, February 11 - Afternoon Session -
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- apply to universities.
- But the university does have one.
- Kinnis Stern and state...
- Is that being reported to the state? It gets reported to the state.
- We've seen it happen in other states.
Summary:
The House first established a quorum after introductions of special guests, then moved to bills for perfection. House Bill 2016, concerning anti-Semitism in Missouri schools, colleges, and universities, drew extensive debate. The sponsor said the bill would require educational institutions to adopt non-discriminatory policies protecting Jewish students from harassment and intimidation, use the IHRA definition as a guide, and preserve First Amendment rights. A Pulaski County member offered and secured adoption of an amendment clarifying that protected political, religious, and expressive speech would not be reported, cataloged, or used to create records. Supporters said the bill was needed because of rising anti-Semitic incidents and student safety concerns; opponents argued it singled out one group, could chill discussion of Israel and Palestine, and created a reporting hierarchy. The chamber ultimately adopted the amendment and then ordered the bill perfected and printed.
House Bill 2384, a housing and building-code measure, was then taken up. The sponsor said it was aimed at reducing housing costs by rolling back energy-code mandates to 2009 standards, setting clearer permitting timelines, and allowing certain multifamily buildings to use a single staircase. Supporters framed it as a response to Missouri’s housing shortage and rising home prices, while opponents criticized the bill as preempting local control, especially in Kansas City and other municipalities that had adopted newer codes. A Pulaski County amendment was adopted to reduce the number of required hard copies of municipal ordinance books when ordinances are available online. After debate over energy efficiency, safety, and local authority, the House moved the previous question, then adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed.
House Bill 1766, dealing with personal property tax and Hancock limitations, was also perfected and printed. The sponsor said the bill would treat personal property tax growth more like real property under Hancock-style limits, arguing that rapid increases in vehicle values had created windfalls for political subdivisions. Members questioned whether the change would reduce local revenue needed for schools and other services, while supporters said it would protect taxpayers and still allow growth. The House then took up House Joint Resolution 154, which would place a Medicaid work requirement in the Missouri Constitution by mirroring federal policy. The sponsor said it would require able-bodied adults ages 19 to 64 to work, volunteer, attend school, or participate in a work program for 80 hours a month to remain eligible. Opponents raised concerns about administrative burden, documentation requirements, and the impact on vulnerable recipients, while supporters argued the measure should be made permanent through the constitution. The transcript cuts off during that debate, before final action on the resolution is shown.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Mar 17th, 2026
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions
Transcript Highlights:
- We are a rent-burdened state.
- We are a rent-burdened state.
- When we moved to Massachusetts, I worked eight years at Bridgewater State University and four years at
- Northeastern University.
- It should be a universal right.
Bills:
H5008
Keywords:
rent control, housing stability, tenants rights, affordability crisis, consumer protection
Summary:
The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-21, House Bill 508, an act to protect tenants by limiting rent increases. The chair explained the ballot process under Article 48 and outlined the hearing structure. The first witness, a Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies researcher, described Massachusetts’ worsening rental affordability, explained how rent regulation policies are typically designed, and reviewed research suggesting rent regulation can slow rent growth and improve tenant stability, while also noting concerns about reduced supply, quality, and implementation details. She compared the proposal to other state and local rent-stabilization laws and said the measure would cap increases at the lower of CPI or 5%, exempt certain housing types, and apply to new tenants as well as current tenants because it would not allow vacancy decontrol.
Supporters of the petition argued that rent stabilization is needed to address displacement and immediate affordability pressures while broader housing production continues. The proponent from Homes for All Massachusetts said the policy is a grassroots response to corporate rent hikes and cited examples of tenants facing steep increases. A tenant from Arlington described a long dispute after a building was purchased by an investment firm and rents were raised sharply, saying the experience showed how rent increases can function as eviction. A union leader said high rents are forcing workers out of the communities they serve, and two experts testified that rent stabilization can reduce displacement and provide broad, immediate benefits. Committee members asked about the proposal’s exemptions, the 10-year new-construction carveout, vacancy decontrol, and whether the policy could discourage development; supporters said the bill targets large landlords, preserves room for small owners, and should be viewed as a complement to new housing production.
Opponents, including small property owners, a chamber of commerce representative, a union official, and a landlord, argued the measure would hurt small landlords, reduce investment, and slow housing production. They said operating costs such as taxes, insurance, and maintenance rise faster than the proposed cap, and warned that capping rents would lower property values and tax revenues. Several opponents emphasized that many housing providers are not large corporations but local “mom-and-pop” owners, and one said the proposal would discourage pension funds and other investors from financing new projects. Committee members pressed opponents on what alternatives they would support for affordability, and opponents pointed to increased housing production and other housing policies instead of rent control. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Our neighbors at North Dakota State University, Michigan State, Kansas State, and Illinois have all made
- ><c> Michigan</c><00:14:29.360><c> State,</c> Dakota State University, Michigan State, Dakota State University
- I'm here State Colleges and University.
- in the United States, behind the State University of New York, the City University of New York, and the
- State colleges and Minnesota State colleges and universities<00:30:40.480><c> are</c><00:30:40.640><
Bills:
HF3220
Keywords:
school safety, school security, emergency access, law enforcement access, master key box, secure key box, entry device, school grants, education finance, Department of Education, charter schools, school districts, cooperative units, appropriation cancellation, one-time appropriation, school safety plan, emergency preparedness, public safety, school building security, 1183
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, December 15, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><02:45:23.120><c> of</c><02:45:23.279><c> Washington,</c> gentleman from the state of Washington,
- This legislation proposes Utah State University as the host university, which would partner with local
- This legislation proposes Utah State University as the host university, which would partner with local
- This legislation proposes Utah State University as the host university, which would partner with local
- Utah State University as the host university, which would partner with local, state, and federal agencies
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Care & Wellness Jan 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is London-Bree Love, and I'm here on behalf of the Washington State Psychological Association
- My name is London-Bree Love and I'm here on behalf of the Washington State Psychological Association.
- Claire Bruticoe, and I'm here to testify on behalf of the Washington State Psychiatric Association.
- Prior to that, I received my PhD in computer science from the University of Washington.
- Thriving Together NCW serves some of the most rural parts of Washington state.
Summary:
The House Health Care & Wellness Committee held public hearings on HB 2564 and HB 2599, then moved into executive session on several bills. HB 2599, which would restrict the use of AI in therapy and psychotherapy services, drew strong support from the prime sponsor, mental health professional groups, a privacy advocate, and an AI ethics researcher, all of whom warned that chatbots can mislead users, encourage delusions or self-harm, and lack licensure, accountability, and confidentiality protections. Several witnesses from health systems and telehealth organizations supported the bill’s intent but asked for narrower definitions and amendments to avoid unintended impacts on clinician-supervised tools, screening questionnaires, scribes, and other legitimate uses of AI. No vote was taken on HB 2599 during the hearing.
HB 2564, which would give the Health Benefit Exchange authority to adopt market-factor certification criteria for exchange plans, was presented as a way to address affordability, bare counties, and plan duplication. Supporters included the Exchange, consumer advocates, rural and tribal representatives, navigators, and some individual consumers, who said the bill could improve access, preserve bronze plan availability, and help stabilize the market in counties with too few carriers. Opponents from health plans, Regence, Premier, and insurance producer groups argued the bill would expand exchange authority without clear standards, could reduce competition and carrier participation, and might conflict with existing OIC filing and confidentiality processes; the OIC supported the bill but requested an amendment on rate disclosure timing. The committee then moved to executive session and later reported out HB 1784, HB 2242, HB 2384, and HB 2505 with due pass recommendations, while deferring action on HB 1809 and HB 2261.
In executive session, the committee adopted a substitute for HB 1784 on certified medical assistants by an 18-0 vote, adopted one amendment and passed a substitute for HB 2242 on preventive services and immunization recommendations by an 11-7 vote, and passed a substitute for HB 2384 on actuarial reviews for continuing care retirement communities by a 16-2 vote. It also adopted an amendment and passed a substitute for HB 2505 on limited adult family home licensure exemptions for certain foster family situations by an 18-0 vote. The meeting adjourned after those actions.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, May 7, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In 1961, Jim began college at Memphis State University, which is now the University of Memphis.
- </c><00:10:57.279><c> University,</c> college at Memphis State University, college at Memphis State University
- And here the people in Washington are talking about encouraging more state and local taxes.
- The chart next to me was compiled by George Washington University.
- </c> compiled by George Washington compiled by George Washington University.<08:44:24.160><c> uh</c><
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 9 Feb 16th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Jagger is a junior from Miami, a 2025 sweepstakes band state champion, wants to attend George Washington
- University to study polysci.
- Jagger is a junior from Miami, a 2025 sweepstakes band state champion, wants to attend George Washington
- University to study polysci.
- 2025 academic state champion.
Summary:
The House convened, the clerk called the roll, and members proceeded through the day’s ceremonial order of business, including prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and introductions. Chaplain Ronnie Wilson delivered the invocation, and Representative Shaw introduced Veteran of the Week Edward Marion Green of Chandler, a Navy veteran and chaplain’s assistant who was honored with a House citation. Mr. Green’s family and friends were recognized on the floor, and he led the chamber in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The House also featured several special presentations. Representative Culver promoted Tahlequah’s Red Fern Festival and introduced the festival court. Representative Duel introduced psychologist Dr. Sherry Fleming, highlighting her work in higher education and transitional services for students with disabilities. Representative May introduced nurse Alyssa Jones of Broken Arrow, emphasizing her work in rural health care. Representative Hill introduced the week’s pages, recognizing a group of high-achieving students from across Oklahoma.
Additional announcements included Speaker Pro Tem Moore welcoming his family to the chamber and Representative Harris recognizing them as well. Representative Patskowski announced an agriculture committee meeting. No legislation was debated or voted on in the transcript; the only formal action was the reassignment of measures according to the majority floor leader’s list, followed by adjournment until the next day at 9:30 a.m.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda May 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- “We've worked with the universities.
- I am the State Historian for the Idaho State Historical Society, and I am helping lead the State Task
- And I am helping lead the State Task Force.
- And I am helping lead the state task force.
- The biggest one is the Great American State Fair.
Summary:
The America 250 and Idaho Advisory Council approved the April 20, 2026 minutes and received a financial update showing $68,267.67 unobligated in the commemorative fund, $440,710 spent to date, and $205,852.93 in celebration grants already dispersed, with about $35,000 still to be sent out. The committee also approved a motion to reallocate $10,000 from project coordinator travel expenses to cover the final cost overrun for the Declaration of Independence production.
Treasurer Ellsworth gave an extensive update on America 250 activities across Idaho, highlighting ambassador outreach, school and community events, the service challenge, the Liberty Bell quarter-drive fundraising effort, the Liberty Quilt, and the rollout of “Revolutionary Spud” community to-go packs, coloring books, and storybooks. Members praised the strong participation by schools and youth, and discussed how local officials and legislators can help promote events and fundraising. The committee also heard that the signature collection for the declaration display is complete.
Secretary McGrane reported that planning for Fourth of July events is accelerating, including the Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance, parade logistics, Capitol decorations, the Foundation and Freedom Tour, and volunteer needs. Director Gallimore updated the committee on state agency efforts such as a new America 250 license plate, oral history collection, the Move 250 campaign, the Initial Point celebration, and upcoming arts and heritage programming. Federal and national updates covered the Congressional Caucus, the Our American Story oral history project, America’s Block Party, the Great American State Fair, and a student art contest. The Idaho Lottery previewed an America 250 scratch ticket going on sale next Monday, and Senate staff reported progress on the Capitol for the Day event. The committee set its next meeting for May 26 in the afternoon and then adjourned.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- In the 21st century in Washington State, no one should die of extreme heat.
- In the 21st century in Washington State, no one should die of extreme heat.
- In the 21st century in Washington State, no one should die of extreme heat.
- It's people in the state of Washington. And if there are loopholes, let's close them.
- Our members provide more than 360,000 units of housing in Washington State.
Keywords:
land bank, land banking authority, affordable housing, housing crisis, housing supply, public corporation, public housing authority, nonprofit housing, tax-foreclosed property, blight remediation, redevelopment, anti-displacement, equity, redlining, racial segregation, deed restriction, affordability covenant, property tax exemption, excise tax exemption, predevelopment
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Nancy Nimi, and I serve as president of Framingham State University, the first public university
- Framingham State and our sister state universities are equity engines for our students.
- State universities are mission-driven to do the work of inclusion.
- We'll have a system impact for just our state universities.
- Have you received any correspondence from Washington? Oh, yes. All of the state universities.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held an informational hearing on “Protecting Equity in Higher Education” and emphasized that no bills were being heard. Members and witnesses focused on the effects of recent federal actions on DEI, admissions, financial aid, student loans, international students, and campus equity efforts in Massachusetts. Opening remarks from the co-chairs and the chair of Higher Education highlighted Massachusetts’ investments in free community college, expanded financial aid, and early college programs, while warning that federal policy changes could undermine those gains.
Testimony from BU law professor Jonathan Feingold argued that many DEI practices remain legally defensible after Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, and that the decision did not end all race-conscious or equity-oriented efforts. He said the Trump administration’s anti-DEI actions and funding threats were legally suspect and had created confusion and a chilling effect. Bahar Akman-in-Boden of the Hildreth Institute testified that proposed federal cuts to TRIO, Gear Up, Pell Grants, SEOG, work-study, and student loan programs would disproportionately harm low-income, first-generation, Black, Latino, and other underserved students, and urged the state to prepare hold-harmless and advising supports using Fair Share revenue.
Commissioner Noe Ortega described Massachusetts’ long history of equity in higher education and said the state has expanded aid, success programs, and early college, but still has work to do on attainment and completion. He said the state responded to SFFA by creating ACARE and continuing to defend equity practices, while also warning that federal disruptions and “dear colleague” letters have created uncertainty. In the second panel, state university leaders and campus officials said federal threats to Pell, DEI grants, Medicaid, and international student policies could affect access, campus operations, and the economy; they stressed that most state university graduates stay in Massachusetts and that institutions are continuing their equity practices despite federal pressure. Roxbury Community College’s president said RCC remains committed to open access and inclusion, noted enrollment growth, and said executive orders do not change existing law or the college’s obligations.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nominations of Elise Stefanik, of New York, to be the Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations, with the rank and status of Ambassador, and the Representative of the United States of Americ Jan 30th, 2025 at 09:25 am
Foreign Relations Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I know he will operate the State Department as the United States government's expert agency on fighting
- I think the other piece that's there is to go back into your home states and talk to the public universities
- It is a policy that is backed both by the party and the state, and that party and state organizations
- I know you try to influence me back in my home state and my staff here in Washington, D.C.
- influence that targets people within a state, and how much of the goal it is to influence state and local
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Jan 28th, 2026 at 11:02 am
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Western New Mexico University leads the state in designating education and training programs specific
- Before medical school, she earned her bachelor's in science and biology at New Mexico State University
- Luna is a sophomore at New Mexico State University, where she's majoring in political science.
- Ethan is a freshman at New Mexico State University. If you could stand.
- Ethan is a freshman at New Mexico State University, majoring in mechanical engineering. Go Aggies.
Keywords:
nurses, health care workers, healthcare workers, frontline workers, hospital staff, clinicians, allied health professionals, support staff, public health, workforce shortage, nursing shortage, safe staffing, patient safety, rural health care, frontier communities, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, substance abuse, health care memorial
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Budget request for the colleges and universities, which consists of Boise State University, Idaho State
- University, Lewis-Clark State College, and the University of Idaho.
- I might just add that Boise State University would receive $2,684,500; Idaho State University, $2,108,200
- ; Lewis-Clark State College, $481,500; and the University of Idaho, $2,266,800.
- University of Idaho.
Summary:
The committee took up a series of JFAC budget items, beginning with health education programs. Members approved an FY 2027 increase of $900,000 and 2.5 FTP for psychiatry, family medicine, OB fellowship, child psychiatry, and veterinary education slots. They then adopted language to shift funding for the family medicine OB fellowship to the rural health transformation program if those funds become available before July 1, 2026, with the general fund then redirected to undergraduate medical education seats under H 368. The language drew debate about whether rural health money should be reserved for rural facilities and whether the provision would preempt a future committee’s role, but it ultimately passed.
The committee next approved the Office of the State Board of Education budget, including Canvas LMS renewal, transfer of risk managers to institutions, and a federal post-secondary improvement grant, with a net increase of $4,487,900 and a reduction of four FTP. For colleges and universities, a substitute motion to add general fund support for an additional rescission restoration and other items failed, and the original motion passed instead, providing a smaller increase. Community colleges received a one-time general fund increase of $1,123,200 after the committee rejected a substitute that would have only reduced Canvas costs. Career Technical Education was addressed twice: first, the committee approved $957,600 one-time from the Career Ready Students Fund to restore a prior rescission in secondary programs; later, it approved $1,877,300 one-time from the same fund for secondary CTE programs after rejecting a substitute that would have used ongoing general fund support.
The Department of Administration budget included utilities, Medicaid procurement staffing, training, document services, IT hardware, and a rescission correction. The committee rejected the main motion after concerns were raised about staffing for a large Medicaid managed care contract, but then approved the Permanent Building Fund budget, including $890,100 for design of a National Guard Readiness Center in Bonneville County and $71.6 million for replacement items and maintenance projects. Standard language and reporting language for that fund were adopted by unanimous consent. Finally, the State Lottery received approval for $25,800 in dedicated funds for replacement computers used in scratch-game design. The committee adjourned after announcing future work group meetings and upcoming budget agenda items.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 27th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It ensures that the golden state remains.
- And finally, this bill requires that the state that the Board of State and Community Corrections prioritize
- We know that it is not Washington that's bailing out California, California has been bailing out Washington
- We are the largest donor state by many orders of magnitude.
- Hard-working Californians are paying taxes that folks in Washington are sending to other states.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, January 13, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- United States and the globe should not United States and the globe should not have.
- States of America.
- And today I rise to recognize one of those wonderful things: the Eastern Washington University Adaptive
- Our state song Mexico. Our state song Mexico toos<02:15:27.280><c> boral.
- </c> Howard University founded our sorority. Howard University founded our sorority.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, August 22, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Captioning made possible by the National Captioning Institute, Inc., in cooperation with the United States
- The Clerk: The Speaker's Rooms, Washington, DC, August 22, 2025, I hereby appoint the Honorable Jennifer
- Guest Chaplain, Monsignor Stephen Rossetti, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC.
- UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA, WASHINGTON, DC.
- I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 4th, 2026
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We gather today in service to the people of Washington State, called to do our duty to our communities
- Speaker, as you know, protection of religious belief is guaranteed under our Washington State Constitution
- This is something that is used in all of our correctional facilities in Washington State when somebody
- The PREA, Prison Rape Elimination Act, passed in 2003, along with current Washington State laws on strip
- One's working conditions is something that Washington State has cherished.
Summary:
The House convened, established a quorum, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard a prayer from a Scouting America leader. After caucuses and routine introduction and committee-report actions, the chamber took up House Bill 1604, dealing with standards for strip searches in local jails and related correctional procedures. Supporters said the bill would align local jails with existing federal law and provide clearer standards for staff and administrators; opponents argued it would create liability, staffing, and operational problems, and force female officers into unwanted searches of male inmates.
A series of amendments were debated and mostly rejected. Failed amendments sought to add liability protections, require same-sex searches, create religious accommodations for staff, broaden exigent circumstances, limit how often an inmate could change gender identity, and allow staff to decline searches or delay them when no appropriate staff were available. One amendment changing the implementation date from 2025 to 2026 was adopted. The final striking amendment was also defeated.
The bill was then advanced to third reading and final passage as Engrossed House Bill 1604. In closing debate, supporters emphasized public safety, dignity, and compliance with federal standards, while opponents repeated concerns about consent, staffing, and jail administration. The House passed the bill 56-39, with three excused, and the floor session ended afterward.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Thirty Three - Thursday, March 5
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- because the state wasn't going to participate.
- because the state wasn't going to participate.
- We want that to be conveyed across the state.
- gentleman from Washington.
- She reminded us how the State Tax Commission traveled the state with us.
Summary:
The Missouri House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal 117-1, and held several points of personal privilege and guest introductions. Members recognized Women Legislators of Missouri for raising $100,000 for scholarships, honored fallen officer James Anthony Mitchell, Sr. with a moment of silence, welcomed the Blair Oaks state championship football team, visiting students from Bakersfield, Kirbyville, and Raymondville, hospital representatives promoting healthy eating, a former member of the House, and several interns.
The chamber then took up committee reports and a supplemental budget measure, House Bill 2014. The budget chairman explained the Senate substitute made limited changes, including removing funding for the capital commission and a D.C. promotional event, restoring $600,000 for an agriculture fee fund, and adding $14 million for tobacco settlement shortfalls. He also noted major funding for MoDOT, disaster relief, and rural health care. The House adopted the Senate substitute 135-14 and finally passed the bill 137-13.
Members next debated and passed House Bill 2559, the Raines Act, which would require more legislative review of rules with fiscal impacts; supporters framed it as reining in bureaucracy, while opponents said it would add delay and another layer of government. It passed 103-44. The House also passed House Bill 2710 on school accountability and A-F report cards for schools and districts after extensive debate over transparency, local control, and whether the bill would unfairly label schools; it passed 96-53. Other bills passed included HB 2404/2172 on repurposing unused school buildings (91-54), HB 1797 on alternative CPA licensure pathways (142-0), HB 1786 increasing Highway Patrol vehicle revolving fund spending authority (139-4), HB 2105 on water/sewer billing transparency for tenants (129-9), HB 2397 giving water district boards flexibility on dissolution thresholds and ballot language (130-15), HB 2108 conveying land to address a Jefferson City viaduct/emergency access issue (143-1), HB 2818 allowing St. Joseph to annex an airport it has owned since 1942 (137-8), and HB 1980 expanding peer review protections to emergency medical professionals, which was introduced and discussed near the end of the transcript.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- I work for a year in Washington, D.C., at Howard University, and I participated in the teachers' retirement
- As it was stated, HB 25 is very simple.
- For the last 10 years, it's been 10 years since the COLA has been given to state employees in the State
- He does the other part of the state employees.
- State Police did it a few times in the past.
Summary:
The Retirement Committee met on March 26, 2026, with a quorum present. House Bill 24 was voluntarily deferred at the start of the meeting. The committee then heard House Bill 20, which would have allowed retired teachers to return to work under superintendent discretion while drawing retirement benefits. Representative Bagley argued the bill would help address teacher shortages by letting districts hire experienced certified teachers, while Representative Taylor raised broader concerns about how returning retirees are treated. After discussion, HB 20 was voluntarily deferred.
The committee next considered House Bill 25, a technical update to the Teachers’ Retirement System to conform with changes in the Internal Revenue Code, including benefit commencement and surviving spouse election provisions. Catherine Whitney of TRSL said the bill is routine compliance legislation reviewed periodically by the system’s tax attorney. An amendment was adopted, and HB 25 was reported favorably as amended. House Bill 23, a cost-of-living adjustment bill for LASERS retirees, was also amended to raise the benefit cap from $80,000 to $81,201 and then reported favorably as amended.
House Bill 42 proposed a phased retirement program for higher education employees in the Teachers’ Retirement System, allowing partial retirement and part-time work with partial benefits. Bacala said it was intended to help retain talent at universities and was based on prior task force recommendations; an amendment was adopted to set the participation framework for universities, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. House Bill 32, a LASERS cleanup bill addressing disability retiree restoration, administrative errors, and benefit calculations, was described by LASERS as technical in nature and was reported favorably. House Bill 13, a State Police Retirement System reamortization bill, was amended to adjust timing and technical provisions and then reported favorably as amended.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 41 on the Firefighters’ Retirement System board makeup. A new amendment package replaced earlier amendments and would eliminate term limits, expand elected active-member seats from two to five, remove chief association appointments, and require vacancies to be filled by election. Supporters described it as a compromise intended to better represent the system’s active members, while the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association objected that chiefs had been left out of the negotiations and said they provide important budget and governance expertise. Despite the opposition, the committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 41 favorably as amended.