Transcript Highlights:

• It focuses on the whole person and the importance of healthy decision-making for future life outcomes
• Federal grants Children ages 12 to 14.
• It is not a healthy message to say that abortion and condoms are acceptable solutions. Is that it?
• We should be telling them it's healthy to wait.
• We wrestle against principalities and powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age.

Bills: SB166, HB365, HB272, HB232, HB234, SB278, SB277

Keywords: Ten Commandments, public education, displays, funding, Alabama law, STEM, science education, technology education, engineering education, math education, workforce development, career pathways, Alabama STEM Council, Department of Workforce, education policy, higher education, community colleges, K-12 education, teacher pipeline, STEM careers

Transcript Highlights:

• the bill does is that it prevents retailers and pharmacies from asking for identification to prove age
• , knowing that there is no age-verification law in California.
• Despite the fact that there are no age requirements for condom or contraceptive purchases, students in
• I also disagree that if an individual gets pregnant at that age, they won't be successful.
• Gets pregnant at that age, they won't be successful.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard several Senate bills focused on student health, access, equity, and career preparation. SB 608 by Sen. Menjivar would expand access to condoms and related sexual health resources for students in grades 7–12 and direct the Department of Education to align with the California Healthy Youth Act. Supporters argued the bill would help address high STI rates among youth and remove barriers to access, while opponents raised concerns about parental authority, local control, and encouraging early sexual activity. The bill was approved on a 6-1 vote and sent to the Health Committee. SB 965 by Sen. Blakespear would prohibit libraries from requiring a parent to be physically present for a 16- or 17-year-old to obtain a library card, while still allowing libraries to require parental consent or signature. Supporters said the current rule creates unnecessary barriers for teens and school research projects, and the California Library Association said it was now neutral after amendments. The committee passed the bill 6-0 to Appropriations. SB 998 by Sen. Gonzalez would define and expand the duties of discrimination prevention coordinators in the state’s Office of Civil Rights, including adding a disability coordinator and deputy coordinators focused on anti-Black, anti-Asian, anti-Latino, and anti-Native American discrimination. Testimony emphasized the need to address rising hate incidents and discrimination in schools, especially for Black, LGBTQ+, AAPI, and other marginalized students. The bill was approved and sent to Judiciary with amendments to be processed there. SB 845 by Sen. Perez, which expands work-based learning and youth apprenticeship opportunities, also received broad support from education, workforce, and industry groups and passed unanimously to Labor and Employment. The committee also approved a consent calendar of additional bills and adjourned after all items were acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Green Amendment creates a substantial right of the people to a clean, safe, and healthy environment
• Healthy ecosystems are essential for maintaining biodiversity, clean water, and air quality.
• And we also changed healthy; we added healthy native flora, fauna, and ecosystem.
• and then it says healthy native flora, fauna, and ecosystems.
• Climate and a healthy environment.

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, this bill would create a Healthy and Sustainable Schools Office that would then kind of
• Thank you. ...solidarity principle of a healthy environment and a green future.
• I see people who are about my age. It's getting harder to do.
• People in this room, but I look around and I see people who are about my age.
• I've wanted to install solar panels and heat pumps in my home for ages because I know...

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a broad set of energy efficiency, building decarbonization, school modernization, and lighting bills. Testimony generally came from municipal leaders, labor unions, environmental groups, and advocates who supported measures such as H. 3529/S. 2294 on building energy and decarbonization, H. 3577/S. 2286 on a zero-carbon renovation fund, H. 3476/S. 2275 on healthy and sustainable schools, H. 3565 on Mass Save zero-carbon assessments, H. 3477 on clean lighting and appliance efficiency standards, and the Dark Sky bills on outdoor lighting. Supporters argued these bills would cut emissions, lower utility bills, improve indoor air quality and school conditions, and direct resources to environmental justice, gateway, and low-income communities. Witnesses emphasized that Massachusetts’ older building stock and school facilities need major upgrades, and that state funding and financing tools are needed to close gaps left by declining federal support. Mayors, labor leaders, and environmental advocates said the proposals would create local jobs, expand apprenticeships, and help municipalities and schools undertake retrofits, ventilation improvements, heat pump installations, and other decarbonization work. Several speakers also defended Mass Save as highly cost-effective while urging new funding sources beyond ratepayer bills for larger-scale building upgrades. One representative asked about the difference between current Mass Save audits and proposed zero-carbon assessments, and the sponsor explained the new assessments would include heat pumps, solar, storage, wiring upgrades, and rate-structure guidance. There was also testimony on the Dark Sky bill, with astronomers and museum representatives arguing that better-shielded, downward-facing lighting would reduce energy waste, protect wildlife and human health, and preserve night skies without compromising safety. Committee members raised concerns about pedestrian safety and whether education might be enough instead of legislation; supporters responded that the bill follows established lighting standards and targets only unnecessary glare and skyward light. On the school bill, an open-shop contractor group opposed the measure, arguing its PLA and apprenticeship requirements would restrict bidding and reduce competition, while labor organizations strongly supported the workforce standards and prevailing wage provisions. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee heard extensive testimony and several members asked clarifying questions, but the transcript does not show any final action or disposition on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• the best food possible, and so we focus on bringing opportunities to bring dairy as well as other healthy
• We really push that all foods fit in a healthy diet and a balanced diet.
• free dietitians that can go and speak to high school teams virtually and teach them how to eat a healthy
• cows and healthy land and a healthy community in the future.
• I'm the president of Ag in the Classroom, and so we work with Ag in the Classroom extensively and make

Summary: The Senate Agricultural Committee approved minutes from February 26 and March 3, 2026, then heard three House bills. House Bill 630 would move existing administrative-rule language on airborne control permits for predatory animals into statute without changing policy; the sponsor said the permits are free, limited to private property, and used for livestock, wildlife, or domestic animal protection rather than sport hunting. House Bill 631 would similarly codify current rule language on certificates of free sale for Idaho products, with the fee capped at $100 per certificate. Both bills drew no opposing testimony and were sent to the floor with due pass recommendations. The committee also heard House Bill 826 on the Idaho Honey Commission. The sponsor said the bill shifts regulatory authority from the commission to the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, cleans up code, and reflects current practice under an existing memorandum of understanding. Testimony from the Idaho Honey Industry Association supported the bill, emphasizing the importance of the honey sector and noting that hobbyist beekeepers are not affected. Members asked about hobbyist thresholds, pesticide-related bee registration, and penalties; the sponsor and department explained that hobbyists remain exempt from commission funding, bee site registration is handled elsewhere in department rules, and the $10,000 penalty already exists while the misdemeanor provision is being removed. The committee passed the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. After the bills, Dairy West gave a presentation on its regional checkoff program covering Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Utah. Speakers described producer-funded promotion, research, school nutrition, sports sponsorships, retail promotion, farmer relations, sustainability outreach, and export development. They said Idaho remains the largest dairy-producing state in the region, with major exports to Mexico, Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, and emerging markets elsewhere. In response to questions, they said the industry relies heavily on immigrant labor and that the organization is not a lobbying group. The committee took no action on the presentation and adjourned after the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the second highest, highest number of people are age 64, and the second highest age is 63, and the
• , moving the Medicare age down to age 60 or 55.
• If you only had a small, young, healthy group, it is beneficial to do that.
• I think they may even be able to encourage people to be healthy.
• On the utilization side, you know, we have an aging population.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , uh, healthy choice program.
• </c> this mandate to promote healthy food? this mandate to promote healthy food?
• retirement age.
• </c> a lot of boxes for our aging state. a lot of boxes for our aging state.
• I mean, we are all aging. You reality. I mean, we are all aging.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're minors, and then they would be aged out by the time they come out...
• They're still minors and then they would be aged out by the time they come out.
• So the students kind of learn, you know, farm to table, you know, healthy cooking, healthy eating.
• So the students kind of learn, you know, farm to table, you know, healthy cooking, healthy eating.
• Healthy eating, and it's been a huge success. So I support this program. Thank you. Okay.

Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard a presentation from Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne on school safety, academic improvement, career and technical education, ESA oversight, and teacher pay. Horne argued that students cannot learn if schools are unsafe and urged more funding for school police officers, described efforts to expand Project Momentum and tutoring, supported keeping cell phones out of classrooms, promoted the Student Industry Partnership, and called for renewing Proposition 123 with more money directed to teacher raises. In response to a question, he said the department is using AI tools, residency checks, and investigators to monitor ESA fraud and abuse. The committee then considered SB 1074, which would require written certification from a principal or administrator before a student removed for discipline could return to class. Horne and the sponsor said the bill would support teachers and improve accountability, while the Arizona Education Association opposed it as unnecessary, punitive, and potentially inconsistent with existing practice and FERPA concerns. After debate, the committee voted 4-3 to give SB 1074 a do pass recommendation. Members also heard SB 1327, as amended, requiring public universities to adopt and post research security policies and report on foreign grants and security practices. ABOR and a national security advocate supported the measure as a way to strengthen protections against foreign adversary influence, and the committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and advanced the bill 5-2. The committee then approved SB 1475, which bars students convicted of certain serious offenses from participating in school-sponsored interscholastic activities, 4-3 after discussion about second chances, counseling, and whether the bill was too punitive. Finally, the committee advanced SB 1582 and SB 1583, both related to school safety interoperability funding and fund administration, with technical discussion about correcting bill language and returning unspent monies to the fund. It also approved SB 1598, which appropriates $500,000 for grants to school districts and charter schools to create community gardens; supporters described the gardens as hands-on learning spaces that teach science, nutrition, and teamwork and can also serve as calming spaces for students. The committee adjourned after the last vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• In California, there are approximately 151,000 adults between the ages of 86 and 90.
• With me here to testify is Amber King with Leading Age California.
• And the bill is narrowly tailored for older seniors age 86 and up.
• The bill is still on call. narrowly tailored for older seniors age 86 and up.
• Nearly 65,000 of them are over age 65.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several tax and revenue measures, beginning with SB 1329 on solar property tax assessment. The author and solar industry witnesses argued the bill would create a uniform statewide method, provide certainty for developers, and exclude tax credits and other intangibles from valuation; county assessors and several counties opposed it, saying it would reduce assessed value and depart from market-based appraisal. The bill was moved to Appropriations on a 2-0 vote and placed on call. The committee also heard SB 1406 to close the “Montana tax loophole” used to avoid California vehicle taxes, with support from the California Teachers Association and no registered opposition; it passed 2-0 and was placed on call. SB 984, conforming California law to the federal tipped-income deduction, drew support from the restaurant industry, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, and enrolled agents, and passed 3-0 to Appropriations, on call. Later, the committee considered wildfire- and energy-related tax credits. SB 1084 would create a fire-safe home tax credit for home hardening and defensible space improvements; supporters said it would reduce wildfire losses and insurance costs, and it passed 3-0 on call. SB 1118 would provide credits for backup generators and solar battery systems in high fire-threat areas; the author framed it as a resilience measure for households and small businesses, but members raised concerns about cost, diesel use, and whether the credit would reach lower-income households. The bill was moved 1-0 and placed on call, with the chair and other members noting unresolved budget and policy concerns. SB 1424, expanding a partial sales tax exemption to zero-emission vehicle refueling equipment, received support from hydrogen and electric transportation groups and passed 4-0 on call. The committee also advanced SB 1249, a senior tax deduction for taxpayers ages 86 to 90, with support from LeadingAge California and senior advocates; members noted it was narrowly targeted and passed 4-0 on call. SB 1113, conforming California tax law to the federal tonnage tax regime for U.S.-flag international shipping companies, drew support from maritime industry groups and opposition from ILWU over the fiscal impact; it passed 4-0 on call. SB 1137, the Medical Expense Deduction Act, would allow a targeted deduction for medical expenses for lower-income taxpayers; supporters said it would help families facing high out-of-pocket costs, and it passed 4-0 on call. Finally, SB 1415 would extend a partial welfare property tax exemption to mixed-income housing that includes moderate-income units; supporters said it would help finance “missing middle” housing, while assessors and housing stakeholders requested amendments and guardrails. The bill was also moved forward on a committee vote and placed on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• In California, there are approximately 151,000 adults between the ages of 86 and 90.
• In 2022 alone, 39.3% of Californians age 85 and above live 200%...
• At the age of 85 and above, live 200% below the federal poverty line.
• age 86 and up.
• Nearly 65,000 of them are over age 65.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We all have the right to be healthy in our communities.
• We agree with you that residents living near wells should be kept safe and healthy.
• This leaves entire communities without a nearby option for fresh, healthy food.
• I was incarcerated from the age of 15 until I was 32, and policy saved my life.
• We're in an age of technology.

Summary: The committee heard several immigration-, health-, food access-, and tribal-rights-related bills. AB 1725 would require disclosure of oil wells near homes and sensitive sites and stronger methane monitoring; supporters described health and safety harms in communities near wells, while apartment, realtor, building, and chamber representatives opposed or sought amendments, arguing the bill should better target the responsible industry and fit existing disclosure processes. AB 1650 would require privately rented or leased vehicles used by government agencies for enforcement to be clearly identifiable and equipped with safety lighting; supporters, including immigrant-rights advocates and local officials, said unmarked vehicles create fear and confusion during ICE operations, while the chamber sought clarification and noted exemptions for ordinary undercover law enforcement. AB 1857 would prohibit grocery restrictive covenants that keep new supermarkets from opening after a store closes, with supporters framing it as a food-access and anti-hunger measure; grocers and retailers raised concerns but said amendments addressed many issues, and the committee moved the bill forward as amended to Appropriations on a recorded vote, with all members present voting aye except one absent member and the bill placed on call. The committee also heard AB 1876, which would codify federal health-care nondiscrimination protections in state law. Supporters from Equality California, Disability Rights California, Planned Parenthood, and other health groups said it would preserve coverage protections for LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, and other protected classes amid federal rollbacks; opponents argued it would entrench gender-affirming-care standards and criticized the underlying medical framework. The bill passed to Appropriations on a recorded vote, with most members voting aye and one no vote, and was placed on call. AB 1908 would allow public entities to use judgment obligation bonds to finance self-funded victim compensation funds; Los Angeles County said the bill would fill a financing gap for faster compensation, and the committee advanced it on a recorded vote and placed it on call. AB 1881, the California Indian Freedom Act of 2026, would protect California tribes’ access to sacred sites and traditional practices on state public lands and require meaningful consultation; it drew extensive support from tribal leaders and Native organizations, while cities, counties, utilities, builders, and business groups were opposed unless amended, largely seeking clarification and narrowing. The bill was amended to focus on state public lands and passed to Appropriations on a recorded vote, then placed on call. Later, AB 2465 would bar businesses that profit from private detention facilities or contract with immigration-enforcement agencies from receiving state grants, loans, or tax credits and create an immigrant resilience fund. Supporters said the state should not subsidize businesses tied to immigration raids and detention; opponents, including the chamber, bankers, and contractors, raised vagueness and scope concerns, especially over what contracts would be covered. Members said they supported the concept but wanted the bill tightened, and it passed to Revenue and Taxation on a recorded vote with one no vote and was placed on call. The committee then heard AB 2662, which would create a formal state process to monitor and report on federal immigration enforcement actions and their impacts; supporters from legal aid and health centers said raids have chilled access to work, schools, clinics, and naturalization, and the bill was presented as a modest accountability measure. The transcript cuts off before any vote on AB 2662. The committee also approved a consent calendar of several bills and resolutions, sending some to Appropriations and others to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• ones under the age of three.
• We need to protect healthy workplaces, including schools.
• And on the... heat-related age-adjusted rates for death.
• The Parcientes, or the users of the water, are aging, and the infrastructure itself is aging rapidly.
• It makes it very difficult to maintain a healthy cattle population. maintain a healthy cattle population

Transcript Highlights:

• that honors exceptional teens for their service, academic performance, and dedication to living a healthy
• that honors exceptional teens for their service, academic performance, and dedication to living a healthy
• Anthony is a 16-year-old junior at Buena High High School. a healthy lifestyle.
• They are completely focused on the civic health, especially of girls and women across all ages.
• They are completely focused on the civic health, especially of girls and women across all ages.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First, regarding the proposed funding for the Healthy School Food Pathways Program, we recommend rejecting
• NextGen California supports the Governor's proposed $14.3 million in ongoing funding for the Healthy
• I'm here in support of the Governor's proposed funding of $14.3 million ongoing funds for the Healthy
• I'm also a graduate of the Healthy School Food Pathways Fellowship Program.
• I'm also a graduate of the Healthy School Food Pathways Fellowship Program.

Summary: The committee heard an overview of the California Community Colleges budget proposal, including Proposition 98 funding, a 2.41% COLA for apportionments, enrollment growth funding, repayment of an apportionment deferral, and one-time investments for a student support block grant and deferred maintenance. The Department of Finance described the Governor’s package as providing significant new resources, while the LAO recommended prioritizing COLA and enrollment growth within available funds but raised concerns about some smaller proposals, including making the Healthy School Food Pathways Program ongoing and adding more funding for credit for prior learning before outcomes are known. The Chancellor’s Office supported the COLA, enrollment growth, and one-time investments, and said current projections suggest enrollment growth closer to 3%, with about $85 million to $90 million in ongoing costs if fully funded. Members focused heavily on enrollment growth, the 10% district cap, and whether the state should continue funding growth in the current year and budget year. The Chancellor’s Office said some districts, especially in the Inland Empire and Central Valley, are growing rapidly and that about seven districts are above the cap, with roughly 1,563 FTES and about $30 million in ongoing costs tied to that issue. Members also discussed hold-harmless districts and whether declining campuses should be required to produce turnaround or right-sizing plans. The Chancellor’s Office said districts are already having local conversations and that state funding provides time to adjust, but no formal plan requirement was proposed. The committee then took up common course numbering, where the Chancellor’s Office said all 115 community colleges have implemented the first phase and more than 550,000 students enrolled in the first six commonly numbered courses. The office argued that CCN improves clarity but does not yet guarantee that credits will transfer with full value across UC and CSU, because articulation is still handled campus by campus and can require more than 3,500 separate reviews. Members expressed concern that students can still be forced to retake courses such as calculus or ethnic studies even when they have the same common number, and urged the systems to develop a stronger statewide articulation mechanism tied to outcomes and transparency. The item was left open. Finally, the committee heard the Governor’s proposal to make Calbright College’s funding ongoing at $53.1 million. The LAO recommended instead transitioning Calbright to the student-centered funding formula, with one-time bridge funding in the meantime, arguing the Governor’s proposal lacks a clear enrollment-based rationale and performance expectations. Calbright’s leadership defended the college’s competency-based, flexible model for adult learners, citing more than 6,800 students served, over 2,200 certificates awarded, and wage gains for graduates; they said enrollment is expected to grow from about 7,000 students now to roughly 8,000 to 9,000 next year and around 10,000 over the next couple of years. Members pressed for clearer enrollment and funding data before deciding how Calbright should be funded going forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• We all have the right to be healthy in our communities.
• We agree with you that residents living near wells should be kept safe and healthy.
• In some cases, Access to affordable, healthy food.
• This leaves entire communities without a nearby option for fresh, healthy food.
• I just think this is so—we're in an age of technology.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I was commissioner when we brought the Healthy Incentive Program on.
• We think this is a really, really smart investment to be able to promote healthy children, healthy families
• in January, but they might be aging into December.
• I had a question about age 22 being the cutoff for funding.
• Does the age, aging... Aging. A vote is a high. Increase the number. All right.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from Senate Chair Robyn Kennedy and House Chair Chynah Tyler, who emphasized that the fiscal year 2026 hearing was focused on the Health and Human Services budget, asked members to keep questions budget-related, and noted that no public testimony would be taken. They also highlighted the choice of Doherty Memorial High School as the venue to showcase Worcester’s investment in career and technical education. Committee members then introduced themselves before the first panel, the Executive Office of Veterans Services and the state veterans homes, began testimony. Secretary John Santiago said the governor’s FY26 proposal would support implementation of the HERO Act, which he said is now about 95% implemented, including higher disabled veteran annuities, expanded behavioral health benefits, and other service expansions. He described efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, including nearly $20 million in ARPA-funded housing and outreach initiatives, and said the agency has delivered more than 100,000 supportive services to nearly 8,500 veterans. Leaders from the Chelsea and Holyoke veterans homes reported on staffing, quality measures, electronic medical records, and major construction projects at both facilities, including a new Chelsea campus and the new Holyoke home. Members asked about funding transfers, geographic equity in access to the homes, outreach to women veterans and veterans of color, suicide prevention, Gold Star family support, and the impact of federal uncertainty; Santiago said the homes are now licensed and certified, that the current budget is sufficient, and that the agency is expanding engagement and data collection. The second panel, the Office of the Veteran Advocate, testified that its FY26 request is about $3.3 million, up from the current $2 million, to cover staffing, a larger office, and higher technology costs. Veteran Advocate Bob Notch said the office is a new independent oversight agency created in 2022 to examine systems, coordinate with local veteran service officers, and investigate fatalities or serious harm involving veterans in state care. He said the office’s work depends on research, data, and collaboration with other agencies, and that current funding is only enough for minimum operations. In response to questions, Notch and Deputy Commissioner David O’Callaghan discussed the difficulty of tracking veteran suicides, the need for better data across agencies, and the office’s role as an oversight body rather than a direct service provider. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:54.120><c> when</c> was prompted uh to put in her age when was prompted uh to put in her age
• </c> It appears as though she intentionally put in an adult age, so she vaulted the age gate and pursued
• It was sort of alluded to in terms of age verification.
• </c> educated, um, joyful, and healthy. educated, um, joyful, and healthy.
• And AG Lopez, she strongly people.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bluegrass Ag Tech awards challenge grants, and these are to promising ag tech startups that are helping
• The Bluegrass Ag Tech Development Corp. was established as a coordinating body.
• to keep our best and brightest here in the Commonwealth, in the ag tech industry.
• Um, we want to make sure again to launch Kentucky as a national leader for ag tech.
• So again, we want to continue to spur farmer adoption and ag tech across the state.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met and approved the August 21, 2025 minutes. The main presentation came from Brandon Reid of the Kentucky Office of Agriculture Policy, who reported that implementation of the Kentucky Agriculture Economic Development Board created by Senate Bill 28 and House Joint Resolution 31 is ahead of schedule. He said the board has been appointed and has met several times, has adopted guidelines and an application process, and has launched its application on the KDA website. He also noted new staffing, including a project manager, and said the office is already working on projects, though some are confidential because of coordination with the Economic Development Cabinet and nondisclosure agreements. Members praised the effort and emphasized the importance of having agriculture represented in economic development work. Reid also described ongoing outreach by Commissioner Jonathan Shell, including farmer appreciation and classroom visits across the state. The committee then heard from Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton and Bluegrass Ag Tech Development Corp. executive director Jacob Ball about the Bluegrass Ag Tech Development Corp., a public-private partnership involving Lexington-Fayette, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the University of Kentucky, and Altech. They said the organization aims to make Kentucky a national and international hub for ag tech, and that it has already awarded challenge grants to startups. Ball explained that the program focuses on animal protein, nutrition, sustainability, mid-size farm solutions, and Kentucky traditions such as distilling and equine. He reported that two rounds of grants have totaled $925,000, with the first round’s seven companies leveraging that into nearly $7 million in follow-on investment, supporting 56.5 Kentucky jobs and creating more than a dozen new jobs. The presentation also highlighted statewide outreach, including applications and engagement from counties across Kentucky, and the goal of expanding participation in eastern Kentucky. Members expressed support for both initiatives and discussed the value of agriculture-specific expertise in economic development. Reid said the Department of Agriculture and the Economic Development Cabinet maintain regular communication and that the new board gives agriculture a seat at the table for future site and industry recruitment efforts. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• the municipality should be, dictating when, if there was a large family that had kids around the same age
• One of the things that stood out to me on the bill as we got it, it's crossed out 'safe and healthy,'
• and I can't figure out why anyone would cross out 'safe and healthy.'
• </c> uh this Avenue to pursue a a healthy uh this Avenue to pursue a a healthy life<00:37:17.359><c>
• Would you be at all open to an amendment that would add in 'safe and healthy' back into it?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• age of 11.
• We often do age verification. We do age verification for alcohol.
• We do age verification for marijuana.
• The essence of age verification is proving your age without disclosing your identity.
• That'll give you an estimate of your age within one or two years of the actual age.

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2112, which would require commercial entities, including some social media companies, to use age verification before allowing access to websites where more than one-third of the material is sexual content harmful to minors. Staff explained that the bill would require reasonable age verification methods, prohibit retention of identifying information, exempt bona fide news and public-interest sites, and authorize the Attorney General to enforce the law through civil penalties. The bill would also require warning notices on landing pages and advertisements, with content to be developed by the Department of Health. Prime sponsor Representative Mari Leavitt said the bill is intended to protect children from harmful online sexual content and argued that parental controls are not sufficient. She cited pediatric and public-health concerns, said the bill is modeled on laws upheld elsewhere, and emphasized that the measure is aimed at commercial entities rather than school-based sharing or general adult access. Supportive testimony from parents, clinicians, and advocates described early exposure to pornography, mental health harms, and the need to place responsibility on platforms rather than families alone. Opposition testimony focused on privacy, free speech, enforcement, and scope. Several witnesses argued that age verification systems create data-security risks even if data is not retained, that the bill’s definitions and one-third threshold are vague and could sweep in LGBTQ, health, educational, or artistic content, and that enforcement would be difficult against out-of-state websites. Some opponents said the law would push users to less-compliant sites and would not effectively protect children. A technology industry witness said the bill is narrow and comparable to carding for alcohol or tobacco, while a Free Speech Coalition representative said the law is ineffective in practice and offered to discuss amendments. No vote was taken during the hearing.