Video & Transcript : 'Legislative Appropriations Request' :
Page 249 of 500
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- . request. request.
- </c> must be provided to staff on request. must be provided to staff on request.
- Without objection, the bill will be special ordered at the appropriate time for the next legislative
- time for the next uh appropriate time for the next uh next<01:57:42.000><c> legislative</c><01:57:42.480
- </c> the the legislation. the the legislation.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, this is a cleanup bill that was requested by the Texas Workforce Commission.
- Uh, consideration and respectfully request passage of the Senate Bill 2603. Thank you, members.
- While maintaining the intent of last session's legislation, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good.
- In 2023, House Bill 1 appropriated over $400 million in the Texas budget for the Alamo plan.
- This legislation is designed.
Committee:
Senate Economic Development
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/20/2026 - Senate Natural Resources and House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- Gov, so I think that's appropriate.
- Our department currently has 145 appropriated positions.
- When would that time be appropriate, sir?
- There is a roll call vote and a request in a second.
- There is a roll call vote and a request in a second.
Summary:
The committee first heard an Auditor General presentation on the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board’s sunset review. The audit found the board generally met some licensing requirements, but it did not timely investigate and resolve 49 of 159 complaints in fiscal year 2024, and it did not fully comply with conflict-of-interest disclosure and filing requirements. The Auditor General also noted the board lacked a formal process to verify continuing education compliance. The board’s executive director said the agency had already corrected some conflict-of-interest issues, was working to improve complaint handling, and would implement all 21 recommendations. A veterinarian representing the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association supported the board and said the profession is also working to address the shortage of large-animal veterinarians. The committee then voted to recommend continuation of the board for eight years, until July 1, 2034.
The committee next received the Auditor General’s sunset review of the Arizona State Land Department. The audit identified three major problem areas: the department had not updated its required five-year disposition plan for state trust land since 2011, it had not adjusted agricultural rental rates to reflect market conditions for many years, and it had not consistently inspected mineral-related leases and permits before releasing reclamation bonds. The Auditor General said these issues risked lower returns for trust beneficiaries, lost revenue, and public safety hazards, and made 18 recommendations in the performance audit plus 34 additional recommendations in the sunset review. The department agreed to implement or partially implement nearly all recommendations and said it had begun a mass appraisal process.
State Land Commissioner Robin Zahid then testified that the department was making operational improvements, including rulemaking updates, stakeholder outreach on water-use policy, a new customer-service status bar, and process changes for land sales and mining applications. She defended the decision not to renew the Fondomonte leases in a transportation basin, citing the high value of groundwater and the trust’s fiduciary duty. Members questioned her about agricultural lease water charges, the status of a water policy framework and addendum, the lack of a formal expedited review process, the Fondomonte reimbursement payments for improvements, and the department’s handling of a high-profile land auction tied to the Coyotes arena proposal. Several members also asked for follow-up information on pending residential housing applications, acreage, administrative fees, and third-party contractors.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband Mar 31st, 2025
S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband
Transcript Highlights:
- If we cannot agree on a formula, then maybe the FCC is the most appropriate solution.
- And we believe that the PUC is the appropriate agency to serve as the umpire.
- Cost allocation would be appropriate, would it not?
- To the state of Texas, we've not gone through any mediation or request for that.
- Yes, unless they attach without requesting and without permission.
Committee:
House S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- approximately 45,000 requests reported in just 2024.
- policy conversation with a more appropriate starting point.
- You vote no on this legislation today and continue this policy conversation with a more appropriate starting
- Thank you for this legislation.
- It just seems so much more appropriate than menopause.
Summary:
The committee heard a long agenda of bills, with most measures drawing support from industry, professional, local government, and advocacy witnesses, and several receiving committee amendments before moving forward. AB 8 on hemp and cannabis drew the most extensive debate: supporters said it would close loopholes around intoxicating hemp products, strengthen enforcement, and bring THC products into the regulated cannabis supply chain; opponents, including small cannabis farmers and environmental groups, warned it could undermine Proposition 64’s closed-loop system, harm California cultivators, and reduce tax revenues for youth, environmental, and law enforcement programs. The author said the bill was intended to protect consumers and children and to work further with stakeholders. AB 476 on copper theft was presented as a public safety and infrastructure bill to tighten reporting, documentation, and penalties for scrap metal theft; supporters from cities, utilities, broadband, and recycling-related groups described major losses and outages from copper theft, and the remaining opposition moved to neutral after amendments, with the bill advancing with committee support.
The committee also heard AB 985, which would allow nationally certified anesthesiologist assistants to practice under direct supervision of licensed anesthesiologists to address anesthesia workforce shortages. Supporters, including the California Society of Anesthesiologists, medical groups, students, and patients, said it would expand access and bring California in line with other states; nurse anesthesiology groups expressed concerns and sought further clarification, but there was no formal opposition at the hearing. AB 506, aimed at online pet sales, would void contracts that fail to disclose an animal’s origin or veterinary records or that require non-refundable deposits; animal welfare groups said it would curb puppy mill pipelines and deceptive online sales, and there was no opposition. AB 876, on certified registered nurse anesthetists, generated the sharpest health care policy dispute: supporters said it would codify existing practice and clarify CRNA duties, while physicians and medical associations argued it would expand scope too far and reduce patient safety. After a roll call, AB 876 passed the committee 9-0, as amended, to Appropriations.
Other bills advanced with broad support after amendments. AB 432, the Menopause Equity Act, would require continuing medical education on menopause-related care for certain physicians; the author and medical experts said the bill addresses widespread gaps in menopause treatment and research, while CMA and ACOG opposed the mandate as an inappropriate CME requirement, though they agreed the underlying problem is real. The bill passed on call, as amended, to Health. AB 759 would allow eligible architectural candidates to use the title “architect in training” to encourage completion of licensure and improve diversity in the profession; it passed unanimously, as amended, to Appropriations. AB 967 would create an optional expedited licensure fee for out-of-state physicians to reduce delays in bringing doctors into California’s workforce; supporters said it would help address shortages and improve patient access, and the bill was presented with support from medical stakeholders.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- legislation.
- We would request this legislation be amended to ...to ensure a stable allowance market.
- We would request this legislation be amended to direct the Department of Ecology to adjust the allowance
- And you may not know, but I'm not. ...this legislation.
- This legislation would help us have some credibility.
Committee:
House Finance
Keywords:
coal-fired plant, preferential treatment, energy policy, electric generation, regulatory reform, 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
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee. (2-9-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> just don't have the appropriate tools. just don't have the appropriate tools.
- </c> comment is um is that the legislation comment is um is that the legislation took<00:35:38.560><c
- </c> language contained in the legislation. language contained in the legislation.
- </c> Baker on the tobacco uh, 21 legislation. Baker on the tobacco uh, 21 legislation.
- </c> Jenny Gilbert, legislative liaison. Jenny Gilbert, legislative liaison.
Keywords:
0:00 – Meeting start/roll call
0:10 - Roll call/approval of minutes
1:43 - Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Medicaid Services
27:40 - Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
55:54 - Board of Veterinary Examiners
1:33:15 - Testimony in support of 804 KAR 13:010E, 020E, 030E and 040E.
1:49:04 - Education Professional Standards Board
1:49:58 - Attorney General, Office of Regulatory Relief
1:52:18 - Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA)
1:54:28 - Board of Nursing
1:56:44 - Board of Occupational Therapy
1:57:37 - Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy
1:58:58 - Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
1:59:50 - Economic Development Finance Authority
2:01:34 - Department of Corrections
2:02:37 - Department of Juvenile Justice
2:04:02 - Department for Employment Services, Unemployment Insurance
2:04:57 - Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Public Health, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes and then took up Department for Medicaid Services regulations 907 KAR 23:010 and related rules. DMS explained that one regulation would establish a beneficiary advisory council and another would remove language barring coverage of GLP-1 drugs for obesity-related use. The department said coverage would still be limited by prior authorization and clinical criteria, with use tied to underlying chronic conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, and that the pharmacy and therapeutics committee would help set the detailed standards. Members discussed the potential health benefits, but several raised concerns about cost, timing, and whether the legislature and the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board should review the policy first. DMS said the drugs are already on the formulary, that current Medicaid users with diabetes are already covered, and that the fiscal impact was estimated using current utilization, rebates, and expected savings; the department also said it would only cover the drugs if subject to rebates. The committee then voted 5-1 to find 907 KAR 23:010 deficient.
The committee next considered several emergency regulations from the Public Protection Cabinet’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control implementing SB 100. The rules covered tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product licensing, including the application form, denial standards, and transitional licensing. ABC counsel said the department had received about 5,500 applications and issued nearly 5,000 licenses, with additional provisional licenses issued to avoid interruption in sales after the law’s effective date. He said some applications remained pending because inspections and photographs revealed possible unauthorized nicotine vapor products, and the department was seeking documentation before approval. A staff amendment was adopted without objection before the ABC presentation continued.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- She is an IT consultant for our legislative website and will be observing the legislative process.
- Um, what legislative day is this? I think... oh, the seventh. Seventh legislative day, yes sir.
- the next legislative day.
- Gentlemen, I've got a request for co-sponsors. Okay, we have a request for co-sponsors. Mr.
- That's what the legislation is that we're offering. Okay, um, are we appropriating funds for this?
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health Apr 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We're requesting three positions in budget year and ongoing.
- We're requesting three positions in budget year and ongoing.
- My name is Will Owens with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
- It was legislation was authorized in 2021.
- Mark Newton with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
Summary:
The hearing opened with remarks from the chair and members about recent federal cuts to public health, mental health, family planning, and Title X funding, with strong concern about the impact on California programs and providers. The committee then turned to the Department of State Hospitals, which presented its 2025-26 budget proposal of $3.4 billion, including new positions, capital improvements, and funding tied to increased patient costs and incompetent-to-stand-trial services. DSH reported major progress in reducing the IST waitlist and wait times, said it had met the court’s 28-day treatment benchmark for those without extenuating circumstances, and described workforce recruitment and retention efforts such as residency programs, fellowships, outreach, and hiring streamlining. Members asked about future IST referral trends, SB 1323’s effect on diversion and community treatment, and workforce lessons in high-cost regions; public comment urged reconsideration of county IST growth cap methodology in light of new criminal justice initiatives.
The committee next received an informational overview of Proposition 1 and its changes to behavioral health funding and governance. The Legislative Analyst’s Office explained that Prop. 1 restructured county MHSA funding buckets, expanded the Commission for Behavioral Health, shifted prevention and early intervention responsibilities, and authorized a $6.4 billion bond, including $4.4 billion for behavioral health facilities through BHCIP. DHCS said it had released guidance for county integrated plans and was receiving extensive public comment. Members focused on BHCIP application requirements, especially letters of support and tribal projects, and raised concerns about whether DHCS’s implementation matched statutory intent. DHCS said it had authority to set application requirements and that tribal entities were treated differently because of sovereignty and funding structure.
DHCS then updated the committee on BHCIP, the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program, and related bond implementation. The department said BHCIP had awarded about $1.7 billion across five rounds, with more than 130 projects and 223 distinct facilities funded, and that it was preparing to award the new bond funds after receiving nearly $8 billion in applications. The LAO’s assessment found that more than half of awards served at least 80% Medi-Cal enrollees, but also raised concerns that the regional allocation model could reinforce inequities, that the program had not sufficiently addressed the highest-need regions such as the southern San Joaquin Valley, and that smaller counties and less launch-ready applicants faced barriers. For bridge housing, DHCS said more than $1.1 billion had been awarded, serving over 5,000 people and supporting more than 2,000 operational beds, but the Governor’s budget proposes to eliminate Round 4 funding as the administration weighs other statewide investments and Proposition 1 implementation workload. Public commenters and members urged more accountability, better regional equity, stronger labor and community involvement, and caution about funding for for-profit psychiatric facilities.
Finally, the committee heard on the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative. CalHHS and DHCS described CYBHI as a broad prevention- and equity-focused effort with more than 1,300 organizations funded, over $2.1 billion awarded, and multiple work streams spanning schools, community programs, workforce, and digital supports. DHCS highlighted school-based services, the fee schedule rollout, and digital platforms BrightLife Kids and Soluna, which it said are reaching users statewide and providing low-barrier access to coaching and support. Members and public commenters raised concerns about delays in school fee schedule implementation, the large share of funding going to digital tools, the need for more in-person services, and whether the initiative is sufficiently tracking outcomes and equity impacts. No formal votes were taken during the hearing.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Appropriate time. Okay. Now would be the appropriate time. I see no questions.
- Well, so the first state to pass legislation, where this policy started, they immediately passed legislation
- It came about a great piece of legislation, right?
- I would request that— I would request that when that negotiation happens, we do it in a way that prioritizes
- We bring to y'all; y'all bring legislation.
Committee:
Senate Finance
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee met on May 18, 2026, with eight members present and began by noting the state’s projected REC budget deficit and the need to consider fiscal impacts carefully. The committee first advanced HB 12, which extends the $250,000 surviving spouse benefit to reserve officers killed in the line of duty. Members noted the bill is prospective and that it draws from the same capped fund as other related bills, but it was reported favorable without opposition. The committee also adopted an amendment and reported HB 874 favorable as amended; the bill allows colleges, technical schools, the Louisiana Bar Association, and additional credentials to be added to LA Wallet, with the amendment changing mandatory language to permissive language. HB 951 was then reported favorable, creating an employer-facing workforce unit within Louisiana Works, to be funded through repurposed state and federal funds and existing staff, with a floor amendment expected to rename the unit. The committee also reported HB 979 favorable with amendments after reducing the proposed increase in survivor benefits because members learned several bills were drawing from the same $5 million fund, and HB 1193 favorable as amended, after striking a section that would have extended IDIQ authority to supply contracts for CPR.
The committee then heard HB 909, which would require commercial payers to cover behavioral health crisis services. Representative Spell and LDH officials said the measure is intended to support crisis response centers and steer patients away from emergency rooms when appropriate, and they testified that it should be cost-neutral or absorbed within existing funding. Despite concerns raised by Senator Andrews about premiums, the bill was reported favorable after discussion of its potential savings and a possible pilot in Acadiana. HB 222, requiring Medicaid to cover dental procedures when needed to complete another medically covered procedure, was also reported favorable; LDH said it would absorb the cost within its existing budget and draw down federal matching funds. HB 291, which prevents health plans from penalizing hospitals when an out-of-network physician is involved in an otherwise covered hospital service, generated extensive debate over a disputed fiscal note and the No Surprises Act. OGB officials said any network “leakage” could cost the plan money, while supporters argued the policy is preventative and that the fiscal estimates were speculative. The committee adopted amendment 3941 to exempt OGB from the bill, then reported HB 291 favorable as amended.
Later, the committee took up HB 145, which expands the authority of the law enforcement and firefighter survivor benefit board to cover extraordinary medical and dental expenses. Because members learned it also draws from the same fund as HB 12 and HB 979, an amendment reduced the amount from $50,000 to $25,000, and the bill was reported favorable as amended. HB 430, a local bill for Lafayette to continue paying health insurance costs for surviving families of fallen officers until Medicare eligibility, was reported favorable. Finally, HB 821, which establishes the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools within the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement Administration and transfers related duties from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, was introduced and discussed as a move with a one-time general fund expenditure already included in HB 1. The committee then adjourned.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Children, Youth and Family Services REVISED: HB3637 - Added Feb 18th, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Children, Youth and Family Services
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a request bill from the OCCY, the Oklahoma Commission of Children and Youth.
- Nothing in this legislation prevents an individual municipality from...
- And that's really what this legislation is saying.
- And Vice Chairman Pae came up with a much more unique description—appropriate.
- If it gets out of here, it's appropriate standards and not minimum.
Bills:
HB3131 , HB3380 , HB3502 , HB3552 , HB3849 , HB3886 , HB3907 , HB4201 , HB4302 , HB3448 , HB3409 , HB4095 , HB3637
Committee:
House Children, Youth and Family Services
Keywords:
homelessness, shelter standards, safety, accountability, state funding, local governance, regulation, Oklahoma Homeless Shelter Safety and Accountability Act, foster care, child welfare, Department of Human Services, educational opportunities, employment support, technology in child welfare, faith-based organizations, self-sufficiency, financial literacy, HB3502, Oklahoma, children's code
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 10th, 2026 at 12:22 pm
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And then a legislative leadership fellow, that's Aggie.
- And then a legislative leadership fellow, that's Aggie.
- And this request went through the unified budget process.
- We go to our business introduction of legislation.
- Introduction of legislation. The reader will read.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Education Policy and Administration (03/10/2025)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> our legislative our legislative work<01:03:59.640><c> finally</c><01:04:00.640><c> we</c><01:04:
- </c> will close by saying that legislation will close by saying that legislation regarding<01:04:54.079
- </c><01:06:52.119><c> of</c> in the past the legislative history of in the past the legislative history
- I might decide is more age appropriate I might decide is more age appropriate<04:04:24.520><c> for</
- </c><04:08:44.720><c> for</c> talking about age appropriateness for talking about age appropriateness
Committee:
House Education Policy and Administration
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 749, which would require high schools to provide at least one hour of instruction on the nature and history of communism. The prime sponsor said the bill was prompted by concerns that students lack basic historical knowledge about communism and its effects, and argued that a short, flexible requirement could be embedded in an existing course without creating a new full class. He described communism as a totalitarian ideology and cited historical examples including the Soviet Union, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Cold War, and current events involving Russia, Ukraine, and Taiwan as reasons students should understand the topic.
Members asked whether the subject is already covered in current social studies standards, whether one hour is enough, and whether the bill would apply to public, private, parochial, and charter schools. The sponsor said he did not believe communism is specifically required in current standards, that he would prefer a full course but was proposing a minimal requirement, and that he intended the bill to apply broadly to schools under the Department of Education’s umbrella, though he acknowledged the wording may need clarification for charter schools. He also said the proposal was both reactive and proactive, based on anecdotal concerns and his teaching experience.
A second supporter testified that he was born in the Soviet Union and favored the bill, but suggested the instruction should emphasize critical thinking and explain both why communism can appeal to some people and why it can have harmful consequences. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- That was their request. To meet with them quarterly, that was their request.
- Furthermore, this legislation addresses critical operational needs.
- This bill is not contingent on any state appropriation.
- That is the request. Okay. So, Mr.
- House Memorial 43 requests the Legislative Education Study Committee and the Public Education Department
Committee:
House House Education
Keywords:
teacher residency, Teacher Residency Act, public schools, teacher preparation, educator pipeline, teacher recruitment, teacher retention, student teachers, apprenticeship, co-teaching, mentor teachers, residency stipend, teacher salary, level one teacher, charter schools, school districts, New Mexico education, teacher workforce, principal stipend, cohort model
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Capitol Interpretive Exhibits and Wayfinding Subcommittee, May 7, 2026
Capitol Interpretive Exhibits and Wayfinding Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:15:01.199><c> news</c> conferences, legislative news conferences, legislative news conferences
- c> though,</c> appropriations committee room though, appropriations committee room though, the<00:18:
- </c><01:21:10.719><c> conference</c> request request for other conference request request for other conference
- It has received funding from the 250th task force and then a legislative appropriation this past year
- </c> legislative members? legislative members?
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Health and Public Affairs Feb 1st, 2026 at 01:15 pm
Senate Health & Public Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- of the proposed legislation with other states?
- So, it's just a right to request.
- We didn't add appropriation to this because...
- It's a Democrat legislator. Six, four.
- We're legislators.
Committee:
Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs
Keywords:
sexual crimes, statute of limitations, criminal justice, victim rights, child abuse, individualized treatment, investigational treatment, health care, life-threatening illness, patient rights, physician recommendation, informed consent, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, child protection, prosecution, crime amendments, SB30, induced abortion, abortion reporting
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
November 18, 2025 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- It's we received over over 1.5 million request from companies for takeout that we've approved.
- We have that's a takeout request approval.
- Former revise one that will add additional credits were appropriate for meeting the code.
- So I would get pose any legislation that like try to take out or the national take a process.
- Thank you that that's exactly what we were requesting last year. So no, not at all.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the staff director for the Legislative Education Committee. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- And for FY25, the Legislature appropriated $4.17 billion to the state.
- And so they all wait while you're deciding on that appropriation.
- You may see a piece of legislation essentially required.
- If RPSPs are the stand-alone research and public service project requests, Requests that come through
Committee:
Senate Senate Finance
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Radioactive and Hazardous Materials May 29th, 2025
Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul Estock, I'm a staff attorney with Legislative counsel Service, um.
- Um, again, I feel like after this last legislative session that, um, my request for, um, appropriations
- , so is that non-reverting that special appropriation?
- And um obviously we appropriated $20 million to NMEB to do some cleanup.
- So I'm just wondering like with the appropriations we've given you.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Apr 7th, 2025 at 01:00 pm
North Dakota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, I request that the remarks of Representative Hawley be printed in the journal.
- HB 1300 starts the clock on calculating legislative term limits to January 1, 2023.
- that if term limits were to pass, it would apply to that legislator they just voted for.
- And so if we defeat this, the only thing that. for legislators.
- I move to suspend House Rule 329, Section 4 for three legislative days.
Summary:
The North Dakota House convened with prayer, roll call, and recognition of guests and student visitors, then moved through a long calendar of resolutions and bills. Early in the session, members honored Mandan High School’s e-sports team for state championships and recognized House Minority Leader Zachary Ista’s birthday. The House then passed HCR 3037 unanimously, urging mandatory reporting requirements for public officials, after committee support and remarks emphasizing accountability in public office.
The chamber then considered numerous Senate amendments and final-passage votes on bills covering ambulance service grants (HB 1597), Public Service Commission records and open meetings (HB 1110 and HB 1063), squatter/trespass law (HB 1305), nonconforming structures in local governments (HB 1500), academic tenure policy (HB 1437), retirement eligibility for correctional officers and state radio dispatchers (HB 1274 and HB 1419), a Medicaid dental study (HB 1567), above-ground fuel storage tank regulation (HB 1058), gaming site authorization procedures (HB 1615), an oil extraction tax incentive outside the Bakken and Three Forks formations (HB 1483), and simple assault protections for hospital workers (HB 1341). Most of these measures passed, though HB 1231, which would have created a study on early discontinuation of sex offender registration, failed on final passage.
A major point of debate was Senate Bill 2354, which would restrict student use of personal electronic devices during the school day in public and nonpublic schools, with exceptions for medical and special education needs and annual reporting on impacts. Supporters argued it would improve focus, behavior, and mental health, while opponents raised concerns about private-school regulation, logistics, liability, and duplication with a similar bill. The House passed SB 2354, and also passed SB 2112, which temporarily authorizes the Life Skills and Transition Center to serve certain non-eligible youth in crisis, despite objections that the facility should remain focused on developmental disabilities and concerns about repeating past institutional problems. The House also debated and rejected HB 1300 on legislative term limits after extensive discussion about whether the Senate’s date change altered the effect of the voter-approved measure. The session ended with announcements, committee notices, and adjournment until April 8, 2025.