Video & Transcript : 'Chapter 32' :
Page 244 of 500
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- That would be referenced in Chapter 267.
- That would be referenced in Chapter 267.
- Senator, this would not conflict with Chapter 381, which is our public health chapter, or analogous state
- Chapter 283, sorry, I'm sorry, 683. My apologies.
- Chapter 267 covers Black history.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a lengthy special order calendar. Early business included unanimous passage of CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, with supporters describing it as a way to expand access to debate programs statewide, create a Hall of Fame, support public-private partnerships, and train coaches. The bill drew broad bipartisan praise for teaching civics, critical thinking, and conflict resolution, and passed 37-0 after adoption of a delete-all amendment. The Senate also passed SB 1072 on an anti-Semitism task force after clarifying amendment language stating the bill does not restrict criticism of Israel and is consistent with First Amendment protections; members emphasized rising anti-Semitic incidents and the need for recommendations on prevention, law enforcement training, and community relations.
The chamber then approved CS/CS/SB 1230 / HB 1019 on PFAS chemicals, phasing out firefighting foam containing PFAS, requiring reporting and biosolid testing, and authorizing DEP rulemaking, assistance, and enforcement; the bill was described as protecting firefighters and water supplies and was dedicated in memory of former firefighter Joe Casello. Senators also passed SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 186 on student health and safety and seizure response training in schools, SB 598 updating funeral and cemetery regulation, SB 990 creating protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 modernizing nonprofit corporation law, SB 560 streamlining child welfare and foster care medication procedures, SB 684 on electronic signatures for total-loss vehicles and vessels, and SB 778 on forensic services for certain defendants. Most of these bills were taken up with identical House companions, no amendments, and unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
The most extended and contentious debate centered on SB 1134 regarding official actions of local governments and DEI-related activities. Sponsor Senator Yarbrough argued the bill would stop counties and cities from funding or promoting discriminatory or indoctrinating DEI practices, citing examples from several local governments. Multiple amendments were offered, including proposals to narrow the bill to spending, add an intent requirement for penalties, and broaden exceptions for holidays and observances; these amendments were debated at length but were not adopted. The sponsor did accept some clarifying changes, including language protecting certain nonprofit services, heritage resources, and the Pulse Memorial, and he answered questions about Black History Month and at-risk youth services. The transcript ends while the Senate is still working through the amendment process on SB 1134, with no final vote on the underlying bill shown in the excerpt.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Energy, Utilities and Communications
Transcript Highlights:
- In 2026, customers were getting a bill credit of between $32 and $46.
- Good morning, Matt Easley, on behalf of the California chapters of the Associated General Contractors
- Michelle Conallis expressing support on behalf of the Climate Reality Project, Silicon Valley Chapter
- and Green Latinos. ...supporting support on behalf of the Climate Reality Project, Silicon Valley Chapter
- Good afternoon, Matt Easley, on behalf of the California chapters of the Associated General Contractors
Committee:
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications
Summary:
The committee heard several energy, water, and utility bills. SB 919 by Senator Grayson would extend the biomethane monetary incentive program through 2030 and authorize additional funding to support renewable natural gas projects by reducing interconnection costs. Supporters said high interconnection costs and the current tax treatment are major barriers to methane reduction projects; opponents, including TURN and environmental groups, raised ratepayer cost concerns and objected to rate-basing and additional public funding. The author said amended language would remove the rate-basing provisions and instead urge the CPUC to act quickly on its pending decision.
SB 931 by Senator Laird would reauthorize the Community Impact Mitigation Program for the Diablo Canyon plant through 2030 to continue funding local emergency preparedness, fire protection, public safety, and school district costs. The County of San Luis Obispo and labor groups supported the bill, while TURN opposed it as a statewide ratepayer subsidy that could be funded from existing PG&E revenues instead of higher rates. Members discussed the bill in the context of the 2022 Diablo Canyon extension deal and the possibility of a future longer extension.
SB 1215 by Senator Cortese would direct the CPUC to set deployment targets for EV charging in multifamily housing and evaluate progress, with amendments aimed at affordability and limiting system upgrade costs. Supporters said renters are largely locked out of home charging and that prior utility programs proved cost-effective; no opposition testified. SB 1359 by Senator Stern would require more deliberate CPUC review before major gas system investments, emphasizing electrification and non-pipeline alternatives. Gas utilities and several industry groups opposed it, arguing it could undermine the obligation to serve, create safety and reliability risks, and change the regulatory compact.
The committee also heard SB 1125 by Senator Menjivar, presented by Senator Gonzalez, which would establish a statewide low-income water rate assistance program upon appropriation. Water agencies, environmental groups, and local governments supported the measure, while one member expressed concern that it lacked a funding source and could not overcome Proposition 218 limits; the bill was moved to Appropriations and the roll was left open. Finally, SB 1098 by Senator Perez would restrict the use of long-running memorandum and balancing accounts by investor-owned utilities, require exceptional circumstances for new accounts, and add sunset and cost-sharing requirements. Consumer advocates and large energy users supported tighter oversight, while the utilities and business groups opposed the bill as too rigid and potentially harmful to flexibility for wildfire, emergency, and safety-related costs.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Fiscal Policy Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, we'll go to tab 32.
- Kenya Corrie, National Waste and Recycling Association, Florida Chapter, waiving in support.
- So revisions in this bill clarify that Chapter 721, Florida Statutes, which govern timeshares and have
- The department is proposing changes to several sections of Chapter 943 to remove obsolete statutes and
- We have Bobby Smith, representing the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, waving in support. of Chapter
Summary:
The committee met and first reported favorably CS for SB 1782, which creates a new offense for dangerous excessive speeding, with support noted from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida PBA. It also reported favorably CS for SB 306, which addresses Medicaid managed care provider network access by requiring after-hours and holiday appointment availability and a minimum level of primary care participation. CS for SB 716, imposing mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders or predators, and CS for SB 1084, expanding protections against non-consensual dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, were also approved.
The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 1604, a corrections package that would require prepayment of court costs for certain inmate lawsuits, shorten the limitations period for confinement-condition claims, allow consecutive sentencing in some cases, and revise mental health treatment procedures in correctional settings. Members discussed constitutional concerns and access-to-courts issues, but the bill was reported favorably. CS for CS for SB 1804, which creates a capital offense for trafficking a child 12 or younger or a mentally incapacitated person for sexual exploitation, drew extensive debate and opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Floridaans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty; despite objections about constitutionality and ethics, it was reported favorably.
The committee also approved CS for SB 1838, expanding protections for court officials against tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for CS for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which creates a statewide VTE registry and requires blood clot screening and training in hospitals and care facilities. Members and public witnesses spoke in strong support of the blood clot bill, including family members and survivors. Finally, the committee reported favorably CS for SB 1252, directing FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database, CS for SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or eluding law enforcement and allowing vehicle impoundment, CS for SB 490, expanding off-duty concealed carry eligibility for correctional officers and correctional probation officers, and CS for SB 572, the Pam Rock Act on dangerous dogs, which was amended to refine enclosure, confiscation, euthanasia, and insurance requirements.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- And that's under Part 8, C, of Chapter 20, the laws of 2015.
- And as much chapter 233.3.2 is the law of 204th.
- Inaction, then Chapter 519, the law is 2024.
- In fact, Chapter 490, the laws of 20-1. New 17.
- In Chapter 1-5-2, the laws of 2020. Moved by Senator Gonzalez, second Mr.
Committee:
Senate Rules
Summary:
The Committee on Rules met and considered a long list of Senate bills, most of them identified only by number and sponsor. For each measure, the chair called for a vote, and the committee repeatedly reported the bills without recorded opposition. The topics referenced in the transcript included amendments to the Highway Law, Mental Hygiene Law, General Business Law, Uniform City Court Act, Local Finance Law, Retirement and Social Security Law, Village Law, Real Property Tax Law, and various chapters of prior laws, along with several authorization and technical amendment bills.
Several bills were moved and seconded by different senators, including Griffo, Stec, Myrie, Bailey, Comrie, Mayer, Liu, Gallivan, González, Helming, Dabab, and others. The transcript suggests the committee was processing both new legislation and chapter amendments/repealers, but the audio is garbled and many bill titles are unclear. No testimony or substantive debate is reflected in the record beyond the motions and calls for votes.
In each instance, the committee asked whether members were in favor or opposed, and the bills were reported. No roll-call vote counts, amendments adopted during the meeting, or negative votes were clearly recorded in the transcript.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Chapter 259, relating to amusement ride and trampoline court safety.
- House Bill 2594, amending Title 16, Chapter 14, Article 3, and Title 11, Chapter 1, Arizona Revised Statutes
- House Bill 2594, amending Title 16, Chapter 14, Article 3, and Title 11, Chapter 1, Arizona Revised Statutes
- House Bill 2756, amending Title 30, A.R.S., by adding Chapter 2 and repealing Title 30, Chapter 20, Article
- Title 41, Chapter 12, Article 3.1, relating to fingerprint clearance cards.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- .<00:32:02.000><c> And</c><00:32:02.159><c> in</c><00:32:02.320><c> doing</c><00:32:02.480><c> that,<
- parents</c> do.<00:32:17.840><c> Today,</c><00:32:18.080><c> we</c><00:32:18.320><c> have</c><00:32:
- ><c> the</c><00:32:22.880><c> foundation</c><00:32:23.679><c> of</c><00:32:23.919><c> this</c><00:32:
- :32:47.760><c> ask</c><06:32:48.000><c> you</c><06:32:48.160><c> to</c><06:32:48.320><c> do</c><06:32
- 06:32:49.600><c> you</c><06:32:49.760><c> to</c><06:32:49.840><c> do</c><06:32:50.000><c> a</c><06:32
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 25 Mar 18th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 30 of the General Laws, chapter 17 of the Acts of 2018.
- Section 40, Section 2, DDD, DDD of Chapter 29 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 official
- That's 1.2% for Chapter 90 for road miles, with 92% to the T.
- Of this funding, $200 million was distributed to all municipalities based on the standard Chapter 90
- 70 and Chapter 90 money.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- the Environment, Energy and Technology Committee, is an act relating to hazardous waste, repealing Chapter
- 14 by Environment, Energy and Technology Committee, an act relating to hazardous waste, repealing Chapter
- House Bill 714: An act relating to hazardous waste, repealing Chapter 58, Title 39, Idaho Code, relating
- Amending Chapter 44, Title 39, Idaho Code, by the addition of a new section 39-4433, Idaho Code, to require
- Amending Chapter 44, Title 39, Idaho Code, by the addition of a new section 39-4437, Idaho Code, to provide
Summary:
The House convened with 69 members present, approved the previous journal, and received a substitute appointment notice for Kenneth Zakin to temporarily serve in Legislative District 3, Seat B. It also received an enrolled Senate bill for the Speaker’s signature and a large batch of committee reports and bill referrals, including several new bills and resolutions being printed or sent to standing committees. House Joint Memorial 15 and House Resolution 24 were sent for printing, and multiple bills were introduced and referred, including measures on hazardous waste, libraries, transportation funding, motor vehicle registration, campaign finance, elections, building codes, and taxation.
The chamber then considered and passed several bills on third reading. House Bill 528, concerning self-directed and directed blood donation, passed 52-17. House Bill 521, which moves fingerprinting authority for certain non-criminal-justice private entities into a new code section, passed 69-0. House Bill 498, allowing the Legislature to hire private counsel for offensive litigation, passed 61-8. House Bill 539, tightening rules around temporary administrative rules and related review requirements, passed 67-2. House Bill 516, correcting a leftover reference in the parental rights and education law, passed 59-10 after debate over its effect on existing education restrictions. House Bill 522, addressing drone incursions near prisons and related penalties, passed 62-7. House Bill 635, requiring the Education Professional Standards Commission to report possible criminal conduct to law enforcement, passed 66-8. House Bill 594, codifying a court decision on distribution of penalties and interest from late tax payments to subjurisdictions, passed 69-0. House Bill 610, preserving homeowners exemptions for Idahoans serving religious or community missions when they intend to return, passed 48-20.
Other business included holding House Bill 639 and House Joint Memorial 12 on the third reading calendar, and announcing that House Bill 620, 532, 629, 503, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 115 had been reported out of committee earlier in the day. The House also heard announcements about the Simplot Games, Idaho Food Bank, Whammy Kids, an Energy Caucus meeting, Idaho School Board Association lunch, and girls’ state basketball tickets. The House adjourned until 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Committee, is an act relating to child care licensing, providing legislative findings, and amending Chapter
- Idaho Code, to establish provisions regarding the Department's quality of care oversight; amending Chapter
- and Welfare Committee, is an act relating to foster care, providing legislative intent, amending Chapter
- Amending Chapter 12, Title 39, Idaho Code, by the addition of a new section 39-12-25, Idaho Code, to
- Amending Chapter 27, Title 22, Idaho Code, with addition of a new section 22, 27, 21, Idaho Code, to
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- What it's doing is allowing properties that are in the Chapter 100 bond program, which means that the
- Sometimes they use the Chapter 100 bonds, and so they would also fall into this category.
- Any Chapter 100-owned property that way would be included in the bonding capacity then. Right.
- That's true, but all the properties in Chapter 100s are not in there forever.
- Most of the Chapter 100s are usually 10 years, to where it goes in increments of what's paid.
Committee:
House Legislative Review
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- The third part of the taxation framework does not apply to agreements authorized under Chapter 100.
- I just had a question about the exemption for Chapter 100 agreements authorized under Chapter 100, if
- Just I want to follow up on Representative Thomas' question about Chapter 100.
- Thomas's question about Chapter 100.
- So on your first question of Chapter 100, this is a tool that the counties have currently.
Committee:
House Utilities
Summary:
The Committee on Utilities first took up House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2762, 2816, and 2402, a solar-energy measure. The committee substitute combined the bills’ titles and focused on three main areas: a taxation framework for solar projects, setback requirements from occupied dwellings and property lines, and a decommissioning/bonding framework for project cleanup. Supporters said the bill would create baseline rules for a growing industry, protect neighboring landowners, and ensure land is restored after projects end. Members asked about Chapter 100 agreements, the setback distances, county rulemaking authority, and how reclamation and bonding would work. The committee adopted the amendment, rolled it into a new substitute, and then voted the substitute do pass by 18 ayes and 2 noes.
The committee then heard House Bill 2248, which would change Missouri’s economic development electric rate structure and close a loophole that could allow data centers under 75 megawatts to receive reduced rates. The sponsor and utility witnesses said the bill would make incentives more predictable by replacing a variable formula with a fixed discount for qualifying new industrial projects, while still requiring customers to pay full cost to serve and meet load-factor and other requirements. Witnesses from Evergy, Ameren Missouri, the Missouri Chamber, and Ford discussed the value of incentives for manufacturing, the difference between new load and retention of existing large users, and whether the bill should also address retention discounts. No action was taken on the bill during the hearing.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 903, which would expand critical infrastructure protections. The bill adds wireline and broadband facilities to the definition of critical infrastructure, increases penalties for damaging or tampering with such facilities, and creates an offense for unauthorized possession of certain stolen materials such as copper and related telecom materials. The sponsor and witnesses from AT&T, Verizon, cable, railroad, electric cooperative, recycling, municipal utility, and chamber groups said the measure responds to rising theft and vandalism, including copper theft and fiber cuts that disrupt 911 and other services. Members asked about scrap dealers, fiber versus copper, trespassing concerns, and whether harsher penalties would deter theft. The hearing concluded without a vote, and the committee adjourned after testimony.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, next bill, please: House Bill 2621, an act amending Title 15, Chapter 7, Article 4, relating to
- 1, and amending Title 40, Chapter 2, Article 1, relating to public utilities.
- House Bill 2192, an act amending Title 20, Chapter 3, Article 2, Section 6.2, relating to employment.
- House Bill 2756: an act amending Title 30, repealing Title 30, Chapter 2, and amending Title 40, Chapter
- House Bill 2121: an act amending Title 23, Chapter 2, Article 6.2, relating to employment.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Press Conference 3/31/25
Transcript Highlights:
- That's really chapter two, which could be a very interesting chapter in the whole process because, you
- So we now have is really chapter one.
- that to the floor for debate chapter that that's<00:02:15.040><c> really</c><00:02:15.440><c> chapter
- :02:18.160><c> whole</c> a very interesting chapter in the whole a very interesting chapter in the whole
- But then really chapter 3 and together.
Summary:
House Democratic leaders and House Republican leaders announced a compromise set of budget targets reached Friday night, describing it as a numbers-only deal that leaves policy issues aside. They said the targets are the first step in the budget process: House committee chairs will write bills to fit the targets, those bills will go to Ways and Means, and later leaders will negotiate global targets with the governor and Senate. Leaders emphasized that the agreement reflects compromise rather than either party’s ideal budget, and that they will continue talks with Governor Walz and the Senate over the next several weeks.
The speakers highlighted what was not included in the deal, saying it does not target paid family and medical leave, earned sick and safe time, reproductive rights, or universal school meals. They said the House priorities that did make it in include housing, education, pensions, public safety, and transportation. On education, they said the compromise provides $40 million in new money in the first biennium for the READ Act and no cuts in either biennium, contrasting that with larger cuts in the governor’s and Senate proposals. They also said schools could still choose to fund unemployment insurance for school workers from existing resources, though it was not earmarked in the targets.
Leaders said the agreement leaves room for committee chairs to make choices within the targets, including in health and human services, where they described the target as a reduction in projected growth rather than a cut to existing appropriations. They said the budget plan sets aside discretionary inflation adjustments in the first biennium while preserving inflation indexing for items like the K-12 formula. They also said the deal improves the state’s long-term balance, with a projected $1.6 billion balance in the first biennium and a $1.3 billion deficit in the second, and that the House’s numbers do not include the same revenue assumptions as the governor’s and Senate’s plans.
In questions, leaders said conference committees will require majority support from both House and Senate conferees, and that the House will send equal numbers of Democratic and Republican conferees. They said the bonding bill size is still under discussion, but the adopted numbers would allow for roughly a $700 million general obligation bill. They also said large state spending for professional sports facilities is likely over, and explained that the press conference was held without Republican leaders for logistical reasons after the deal was reached late Friday.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Today we have before us House File 12, and it is written to amend Chapter 121.
- It is written to amend Chapter 121a in statute, and even a Minnesota court has identified Chapter 120a
- in statute as Minnesota's Title IX Chapter.
- The chapter is Athletic Programs, Sex Discrimination.
- This chapter is Minnesota's Title IX chapter. 4 sub 3A actually reads: It is not an unfair discriminatory
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:32:08.320><c> 10%</c><00:32:08.799><c> of</c><00:32:09.039><c> income</c><00:32:09.679><c> or
- </c><00:32:18.640><c> do</c><00:32:18.799><c> it</c><00:32:18.960><c> one</c><00:32:19.200><c> way.
- A couple of others<00:32:20.960><c> have</c><00:32:21.120><c> run</c><00:32:21.279><c> into</c><00:32
- </c><00:32:26.559><c> bill</c><00:32:26.799><c> simply</c><00:32:27.200><c> tries</c><00:32:27.440><c
- 01:32:09.840><c> and</c><01:32:10.080><c> what</c><01:32:10.320><c> it</c><01:32:10.480><c> does.
Committee:
House Housing
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 25 Mar 18th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 30 of the General Laws, Chapter 17 of the Acts of 2018.
- Section 40, Section 2, DDD, DDD of Chapter 29 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 official
- That's 1.2% for Chapter 90 for road miles, with 92% to the T.
- Of this funding, $200 million was distributed to all municipalities based on the standard Chapter 90
- 70 and Chapter 90 money.
Summary:
The House convened with the Pledge of Allegiance, received and placed on file the resignation letter of Rep. Vanna Howard of Lowell, and adopted several routine committee reports. These included extensions of reporting deadlines for the Healthcare Financing and Public Health committees, concurrence with Senate petitions sent to Housing and Public Safety and Homeland Security, and suspension of Joint Rule 12 for a petition concerning children involved with DCF. The chamber also adopted a resolution commending the Admetek Foundation on Prostate Cancer Awareness Day.
The main business was House No. 5264, a fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill totaling about $1.8 billion. House leaders described the bill as using Fair Share surtax surplus funds for transportation and education, addressing MBTA reserves, safety and infrastructure, special education circuit breaker costs, early education and childcare, and other deficiencies such as GIC costs, sheriff deficiencies, heating assistance, and World Cup-related expenses. Members also discussed the bill’s tax conformity provisions responding to federal tax changes, with supporters arguing the bill would reduce a projected revenue shortfall and preserve competitiveness while delaying some conformity changes.
The House considered several amendments to the supplemental bill. Amendment 43, which would have redirected $100 million of Fair Share funds to a per-capita municipal distribution for roads and schools, drew debate over equity and rural road needs but was rejected on a roll call, 25-128. A consolidated amendment was then adopted on a roll call, 148-0, and the bill itself was passed to be engrossed on a roll call, 150-3. The House also adopted an amendment setting the next day’s meeting time and then adjourned to meet the following day at 11 a.m. in informal session.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So House Bill 714 repeals all of Chapter 58, and I know that was some of our discussion that we had.
- All of Chapter 58.
- So that's why we repealed all of Chapter 58, and they've gone through and moved Repealed all of Chapter
- 58, and they've gone through and moved that into Chapter 44 and Title 39.
- It's just taking stuff out of Chapter 58 and moving it into Chapter 44, Title 39.
Summary:
The House Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee met with a quorum and considered three bills. House Bill 593, which had already been heard, was moved by Representative Redmond and approved for a due pass recommendation to the floor without discussion.
House Bill 714, sponsored by Representative Vander Woude, would repeal Chapter 58 and reorganize hazardous waste siting provisions into Chapter 44, Title 39, consolidating and updating language from an older, unused framework. He said the bill was developed with DEQ and stakeholders to remove duplicative provisions and reflect current practice. Roy Gehrin, representing Republic Services, testified in support and said the company worked closely with DEQ and other stakeholders on the legislation. The committee then voted to send HB 714 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Senate Bill 1265, presented by Representative Scott, was described as a code cleanup bill related to the Petroleum Clean Water Trust Fund Act. She said it removes expired historical distribution language, obsolete cross-references, and other outdated provisions without changing funding percentages or eligibility standards. Representative Thompson moved the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and the committee approved that motion. The meeting then adjourned.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- So House Bill 714 repeals all of Chapter 58, and I know that was some of our discussion that we had.
- It repeals all of Chapter 58.
- That's why we repealed all of Chapter 58, and they've gone through and moved They repealed all of Chapter
- 58, and they've gone through and moved that into Chapter 44 and Title 39.
- It's just taking stuff out of Chapter 58 and moving it into Chapter 44, Title 39.
Committee:
House Environment, Energy and Technology
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Professional Registration and Licensing Feb 18th, 2026
Professional Registration and Licensing
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative, I think in that chapter...
- is Chapter 327.”
- So this bill, as well as the other bill, is directed to Chapter 324.
- So this bill, as well as the other bill, is directed to Chapter 324.
- Chapter 324 covers the following professions.
Summary:
The Committee on Professional Registration and Licensing met in executive session and first approved House Bill 1963 by a 16-0 vote, then later revisited it and again voted do pass by consent, 19-0. The committee also approved a House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3129 by a 14-0 vote with two present, after discussion that the substitute clarified the use of the term “physician assistant” and required practice under Missouri statute.
In public hearing, House Bill 2300 was presented as a workforce bill creating a temporary two-year Missouri licensing path for experienced out-of-state workers whose prior states did not license their occupation. Supporters said it would help workers in fields such as makeup artistry and interior design enter the Missouri workforce without starting over, while still requiring passage of Missouri exams and excluding applicants with disciplinary issues. Some members raised concerns about the bill’s broad reach into Chapter 324 professions and whether it should be narrowed to avoid affecting highly regulated fields.
House Bill 1813 was then heard as a narrower “carve-out” for the Board of Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Landscape Architects. The sponsor and the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers said it would correct unintended consequences of a 2020 reciprocity law that had allowed some applicants who did not meet Missouri’s education or experience standards to be licensed; they cited data showing a significant number of reciprocity licenses issued since 2020. Opponents argued the bill would create barriers to work and give the board too much discretion, while supporters said it was needed to protect public safety and restore Missouri’s standards.
Finally, House Bill 2649 was heard to extend reciprocity to licenses from the United Kingdom. The sponsor said it was intended to strengthen Missouri’s relationship with the U.K. and help workers with U.K. credentials, but members and witnesses quickly noted that because the bill used Chapter 324 language, it could affect many professions, including medical fields. The Missouri State Medical Association opposed the bill unless health care professions were carved out, and committee members expressed confusion about the scope before the hearing concluded with no further action on the bill.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Education K-16 Jan 28th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, the average of 74 school choice plans in America today across 32 states represents less than
- Senator Creighton, first off, you've mentioned repeatedly the 32 states that have already implemented
- From 74 school choice programs currently across America, 39 states—no, 32 states—there is an average
- From 74 school choice programs currently across America, 39 states, no, 32 states, there is an average
- Do you feel that there would be 32 states in America offering expanded school choice if those types of
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Several senators emphasized support for public education, teacher pay and safety, parental choice, and the combined K-16 jurisdiction of the committee. The chair also reviewed hearing procedures, including public testimony registration and time limits.
The main item was Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, laid out by Chairman Creighton. He described the bill as an education savings account program intended to expand school choice, with a $200 million universal eligibility pool and an additional $800 million targeted to students with disabilities and lower-income families. He said the bill includes anti-fraud safeguards, criminal background checks for vendors, reporting requirements, data protections, and annual testing for participating students, while not imposing STAAR on private schools or homeschoolers. He also said the bill removes a prior hold-harmless provision for public schools and is separate from public school funding and teacher pay legislation.
Members questioned the bill’s income threshold, lottery and priority structure, treatment of homeschoolers, microschools, charter schools, religious freedom protections, citizenship/lawful presence language, cybersecurity, open records, and disability-related issues, including whether 504 students and foster children should be included. Creighton said the bill is designed to prioritize former public school students with disabilities or lower incomes, while also allowing universal eligibility within the program’s first funding tier, and that the Comptroller would oversee vendor screening and cybersecurity rules. He said the bill does not direct curriculum or interfere with religious beliefs and that amendments may be offered later on citizenship and other issues. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, starting with EdChoice representative Robert Inlow, who testified in support of SB 2 and cited national growth in school choice programs and studies he said show positive effects for students and public schools.