Video & Transcript Research : 'Ex Parte Charrette'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 1 - 03/13/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- parts of the problem.<00:23:15.360><c> All</c><00:23:15.600><c> parts,</c><00:23:16.720><c> not</c><
- Then there is an ex parte process for that order to be issued, where the petitioner, as I say, most of
- parte basis by a judge.
- I missed the first part of it.
- I I missed the first part of it. again? I I missed the first part of it.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty Nine - Wednesday, May 13
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, if it's part time, does that mean part time during the day? They come in the morning?
- I think age plays a part. I think sex plays a part. I have an unlimited time, sir, but...
- That's the underlying part of the bill.
- I'm very supportive of this part.
- I'm not talking about the born alive part.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the prior day by a 123-0 roll call vote. Members then used personal privilege remarks to recognize National Police Week and honor fallen officers, and several members offered farewell tributes to departing colleagues and interns. The chamber also introduced a number of special guests, including the Hallsville FFA Barbecue Contest Team, Mizzou wheelchair basketball players, school groups, interns, and a visiting alderwoman and former representative.
The House received Senate messages and committee reports on several bills, then took up House Bill 1839, along with related bills 2921 and 3015, concerning online age verification for certain adult content and related matters. After a brief explanation that the Senate amendment was a technical fix, the House concurred in Senate Amendment 1 by 104-30 and then finally passed the combined bill package by 112-25. The chamber also adopted and then finally passed the conference committee report on House Bill 2596, which was described as a small-business health insurance measure that modernizes pooled plan language and includes a contraception coverage provision expanding private insurance coverage from a six-month to a 12-month supply; the report was adopted 120-26 and the bill was finally passed 119-27.
The most extended debate centered on Senate Bill 905, which would create the Missouri Ranger training program and allow school districts, if they choose, to place specially trained armed rangers on campus with narrow arrest powers. Supporters argued it would give districts a voluntary, locally controlled, and potentially low-cost option to improve school safety, especially where school resource officers are unavailable or response times are long. Opponents said schools already have other options, warned about liability, funding, training, and the lack of child-development or mental-health components, and argued that more armed personnel would make schools feel more like prisons and would not address the root causes of school violence. The transcript ends during continued questioning and debate on SB 905, before any final vote is shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House environment, natural resources committee considers HF1425 3/11/25
Transcript Highlights:
- law to me is apart it doesn't work the law to me is real<00:02:33.959><c> clear</c><00:02:35.080><c> ex
- super clear a trade it has real clear ex super clear a trade it has to<00:02:38.560><c> be</c><00:02
- </c><00:08:24.440><c> of</c><00:08:24.560><c> the</c><00:08:24.720><c> rural</c> an important part of
- the rural an important part of the rural economy<00:08:27.280><c> but</c><00:08:27.440><c> the</c><00
- </c><00:26:13.960><c> that</c> don't understand this this part that don't understand this this part that
Summary:
The committee took up HF 1425, which would prohibit the sale of state-owned school trust lands in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to the federal government and instead require a land trade. Representative Skraba argued the federal wilderness law requires an exchange, not a sale, and said the state should trade Boundary Waters school trust lands for federal lands elsewhere, citing potential benefits for logging, mining, and school trust revenue. He said the current proposed sale price was too low and moved to lay the bill over for possible inclusion in a future bill. Later, he withdrew a DE1 amendment and instead moved to re-refer the bill to the Education Finance Committee, but that motion failed.
Testimony was largely opposed to the bill. Aaron Vandal of the Office of School Trust Lands said the exchange option was no longer viable, that the lands have produced no revenue for education for decades, and that selling them is the trust’s last opportunity to generate returns for schoolchildren. Bob Meyer of the DNR supported Vandal’s position and said the agency could not negotiate mineral rights in the way suggested. Aon Clems of the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy and Amanda Hefner of Save the Boundary Waters both opposed HF 1425, though they emphasized different reasons: Clems argued a sale best fulfills the state’s fiduciary duty to maximize long-term returns for education, while Hefner said a sale would harm public education funding, align with the trust’s original purpose, and help consolidate federal ownership in the wilderness.
Members then questioned the valuation and the practical differences between a sale and an exchange. Representative Jacob challenged the low per-acre price and asked about the federal government’s set-aside amount, while Representative Fischer asked how the appraisal was determined. DNR lands and minerals director Joe Henderson explained the valuation came from an independent appraiser, was based on the wilderness restrictions and lack of development potential, and was from a 2020 appraisal that is now being updated. Representative Schultz supported the sale approach and said the state should not transfer the land at such a low price. The committee did not advance the bill to the Education Finance Committee.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Feb 25, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The first part of your question about whether it's low or high: it's relative.
- The first part of your question about whether it's low or high: it's relative.
- The first part of your question about whether it's low or high: it's relative.
- Certainly, the first part of your question about whether it's low or high: it's relative.
- I've been looking at this issue for the better part of the last 8 to 10 years.
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 302, which would repeal the requirement that a provider-patient relationship for medical cannabis certification be established in person first. The Department of Health said it supported the House Draft 2 version as a way to expand patient access, and several testifiers from the medical cannabis community and dispensary industry supported the bill, especially for patients on outer islands or those unable to travel. One witness asked that earlier language removed in committee be restored to further improve access. Representative Shimizu asked whether follow-up in-person visits would still occur, and DOH responded that this varies by provider, with some continuing in-person care and others moving to telehealth for chronic conditions.
The committee then took up House Bill 712, relating to the federal 340B drug pricing program and contract pharmacies. The Office of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General’s office both said they supported the bill’s purpose but wanted it clarified and possibly moved into a standalone chapter rather than chapter 481B. Supporters, including Hawaii Pacific Health and the Queen’s Health Systems, said the bill is needed to protect safety-net funding and access to discounted drugs, citing large financial benefits from 340B and losses caused by manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies. PhRMA opposed the bill, arguing the issue is not access to discounts but accountability and transparency in how contract pharmacies distribute benefits, and said it was willing to discuss amendments. Members asked follow-up questions about whether there was data showing misuse; PhRMA said it did not have numbers, while hospital witnesses said the program is federally audited and used appropriately in Hawaii.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1482, HD1, which would tighten hemp and controlled-substance definitions to exclude Schedule I cannabinoids from manufactured hemp products and clarify the treatment of artificially derived cannabis. The Department of Health supported the measure, saying it adds clarity to existing prohibitions. Kūre Hawaii and other supporters said it would close loopholes involving Delta-8 and similar products. An individual testifier urged stronger language to also cover compounds such as HHC, THCA, THCP, and THCO. In response to questions about enforcement against mislabeled hemp products, DOH explained that THC percentages are relative to product weight, that some products can remain under the hemp threshold while still containing significant THC, and that hemp flower is already prohibited from direct retail sale, though enforcement can be complicated and involves both administrative and criminal authorities.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Feb 5th, 2026 at 08:31 am
House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- And we're effectively acting as an ex post facto insurer of the dollar. ...acting as an ex post facto
- It's a big part of fishing and it's driving a big part of our economy, our outdoor economy.
- Yes, because I do like the big part of this bill.
- money in part to take care of, um, uh, uranium mines.
- Behind the act, I think, for the most part, has been accomplished, at least for the most part.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Health Care Financing Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Health Care Financing
Transcript Highlights:
- assistance program, and pays other co-pays for Medicare Parts A and B.
- This is part of a larger crisis.
- Being part of youth mobile crisis intervention every day, I...
- I was part of a pilot project in the state of New Jersey where I went down every month and was part of
- I went down every month and was part of the resident councils.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing focused largely on senior long-term care issues, family caregiving, post-acute care access, and direct care workforce pay. Testimony strongly supported bills to raise the personal needs allowance for nursing home and rest home residents (including H. 1411, S. 482, and related bills), with speakers from Mass Senior Action, Dignity Alliance, nursing home residents, providers, and former state officials arguing that the current $72.80 monthly allowance has been unchanged since 2008 and is inadequate for basic items like clothing, toiletries, haircuts, and transportation. Witnesses also backed bills to increase MassHealth asset and income limits for seniors and to stop counting life insurance as cash, describing the current rules as outdated and harmful to low-income elders.
The committee also heard testimony on bills allowing family members, including spouses and guardians, to be paid caregivers (H. 1394/S. 886), with supporters saying this would help families keep loved ones at home and reduce reliance on costly institutional care. Another set of bills (H. 1412/S. 903) drew support from a physician who said clearer MassHealth communication and improved post-acute care determination processes would help reduce delays and backlogs for patients awaiting skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or other post-acute placement. Several speakers emphasized that better home- and community-based care can prevent hospital readmissions and support independence.
A major portion of the hearing focused on S. 877, which would establish an enhanced care worker minimum wage of $25 per hour, indexed to inflation, for certain home care and human services workers. Union representatives and direct care workers from SEIU Local 509, 1199 SEIU, and the AFL-CIO described severe staffing shortages, burnout, low wages, and high turnover across home care, mental health, disability services, and crisis response. They argued that higher pay is necessary to recruit and retain workers and to stabilize services for vulnerable residents. Committee members asked about costs, comparisons with other states, and whether non-wage incentives could help, but witnesses repeatedly said wages were the central issue. The hearing concluded after all registered testimony was heard, with the committee noting it would continue accepting written testimony and then adjourning.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Mar 11th, 2026
Communications and Conveyance
Transcript Highlights:
- As a commissioner, I am subject to statutory ex parte and Bagley-Keene restrictions and, in addition,
- County, an unconnected part of L.A.
- So now... ...will be able to sign up and become a part of the pilot.
- We're not going to be doing our part.
- We have ex parte rules about communications with different parties to our proceedings and appearances
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- But the biggest part of that, when you go past your...
- And I think that's one of the biggest parts of this.
- But people and employees are an important part of our providing local services.
- And so that's where part of this comes in.
- Chairman, you being an ex-mayor, you brought up something I hadn't thought about.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jul 27th, 2026
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- Stella Raeus, Representative Fourth Exes. Thank you.
- Well, that relate to the state, so we have Plymouth Thanksgiving Day Parade happens as part of that,
- I’ve only been part of this for a year and eight months in these discussions, but a lot of what we do
- But it really is the tough part: the ease of use.
- Do you know that it's part... I'm not fully aware of how they feel about it.
Summary:
The State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Committee held a hearing on House Bill 5592 and Senate Bills 3187 and 3189, with no in-person testimony offered. The main testimony came from Representative Michelle Badger, who spoke in support of HB 5592 and SB 3187, both tied to Pilgrim Memorial Park in Plymouth. She explained that the bills would authorize a 99-year lease of the park to the town of Plymouth while keeping state ownership and oversight, giving the town more certainty to invest in maintenance and improvements and to manage events more efficiently.
Representative Badger described the park as a heavily used public and historic waterfront space that hosts the Thanksgiving parade, the Waterfront Festival, weekly summer concerts, and other community events. Committee members asked about the relationship to DCR, whether the arrangement involved Article 97 or land disposition issues, and how any revenue from events would be handled. Badger said the goal was to preserve green space, improve ease of use, and avoid repeated disputes over access and management, while major changes would still require state approval.
Several members expressed support for the proposal and noted the importance of the park to Plymouth and the region. No votes were taken during the hearing, and after testimony and questions were completed, the chair closed the hearing.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Fiscal Committee (04/17/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- So, I guess it's a two-part question. So, I guess it's a two-part question.
- </c><00:19:52.040><c> of</c> planning on that was no longer part of planning on that was no longer part
- I'll take that in two parts.
- </c><01:03:31.240><c> there</c><01:03:31.400><c> were</c> As part of the audit, there were As part of
- </c> my ex. The memorial is on the 22nd. my ex. The memorial is on the 22nd.
Summary:
The committee first approved the March 20 minutes and then adopted the remainder of the consent calendar, after removing two items for separate discussion. On item 26071, members questioned a $95,000 DoubleTree Manchester contract for a two-day conference. Department staff said the hotel was the only bidder, the conference typically draws more than 500 attendees, most of the cost is food offset by registration fees, and attendees pay their own lodging except for presenters. The committee then approved the item.
On item 26068, members asked for clearer reporting on remaining federal funds in continuing items. DHHS said about $10.3 million remained as of February 28, 2026, and agreed to provide the original award amounts and a reconciliation later. The committee approved the item. The committee then took up a DHHS transfer item for the developmental disability system, where officials said projected costs had risen because of delayed pandemic-era billings, new individuals entering the system, and higher individual service budgets. They said the budget was built on older assumptions, that carryforward funds had fallen from about $94 million to $72 million, and that the transfer would not affect lapse because it shifts general funds while federal Medicaid funds are accepted in return. The item was adopted.
The committee also approved a hiring request and then a late Corrections item tied to overtime and recruitment. Corrections officials said the department is about 50% staffed for corrections officers, typical overtime is an eight-hour shift, inmate populations are beginning to rise again, and the department is using academy blitzes, out-of-state recruiting, targeted advertising, and a $10,000 sign-on bonus paid after academy completion and one year of service. Senator Gray said the late item was intended to help reduce a larger request expected in June, and the committee adopted the item.
Finally, members questioned DHHS item 26074 on the New Hampshire Care Connection system and its interoperability with provider and managed care systems. DHHS said the system already has SMART on FHIR integration, single sign-on, and deeper integration options, and that managed care organizations are working with the contractor on use cases and data exchange. Officials said the project has been multi-phase, including the 988 crisis-response migration, privacy/security work, a provider network of more than 100 organizations, and a searchable resource portal managed by Granite United Way. They said the closed-referral solution is funded largely with Medicaid federal funds and is planned to continue in the base budget, not the rural health grant. The discussion ended without further action noted in the excerpt.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- most assuredly in finding missing people, missing children, kidnapped victims, and those that are part
- Do we want it as part of the law as someone trying to be legal by registering their vehicle?
- So why, every year, I always say, why do you have the waiver of the 200 bucks as part of this?
- But getting to know people who live in other parts of the state who have a more diverse culture...
- Well, in my part of the world, I'm maybe... Can you think, have you traveled the state, don't you?
Summary:
The Transportation Committee heard testimony on several bills. House Bill 1732, the License Plate Modernization Act, would prohibit license plate covers or frames that obstruct visibility to the naked eye or law enforcement image-capturing equipment. The sponsor argued the bill is needed to help police combat stolen vehicles, trafficking, and other crimes by preventing the use of tinted or reflective covers. Some members supported the goal but raised concerns about surveillance, civil liberties, and whether the bill would burden lawful drivers or create more traffic stops; one witness opposed the bill as too restrictive and said it could be used as another excuse for stops, while another supported it as a way to stop people hiding expired tags and other violations. No vote was taken, and the hearing was closed after testimony.
House Bill 1853 would let counties, cities, and villages designate local roads as memorial roads for fallen law enforcement, emergency personnel, or military members, while also repealing several older road-related statutes. Members discussed whether the bill conflicted with existing memorial highway sign rules and whether families or local governments would still have to pay for signs. Testimony generally supported the repeal of obsolete provisions, though one witness urged caution about adding more signs and maintenance burdens. The hearing then moved to House Bill 2145, which would allow rural businesses to place directional signs on the opposite side of a two-lane highway if they own the land and business there. Supporters said the change would help small businesses with limited sight lines, while opponents argued the existing sign rules and fee structure help with inspection, safety, and fairness. No action was taken on either bill.
House Bill 1798 would require the written portion of the driver’s exam to be administered only in English and without translators. The sponsor said the bill would align the non-commercial test with the CDL requirement and ensure drivers can read Missouri road signs and instructions. Members on both sides debated whether the bill would improve safety or instead discourage licensing and insurance among non-English speakers; several questioned whether there was evidence that language access caused crashes, while others argued that Missouri signs and laws are in English and drivers should be tested accordingly. The Department of Revenue clarified it issues licenses but does not administer the tests, which are handled by the Highway Patrol. The committee heard testimony, but no vote was taken before adjournment.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services Mar 11th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Federal law requires states to attempt to conduct an... ex parte or renewal, automatic renewal of persons
- Yeah, right, you know, just one of the things on ex parte rate you know, what it means for fraud, waste
- parte?
- I call it part of the Food Freedom Act.
- I'm also a part.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 4/3/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Part of these appropriations went to the Department of Natural Resources.
- Again, part of it goes to DNR. About half of the first-year money was awarded.
- </c><00:25:39.279><c> of</c> bill goes to met Council Again part of bill goes to met Council Again part
- So in my part of the state, southeast Minnesota, this has already gone through.
- Paul Regional Water Services, in addition to all those cities, are all part of this working group.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Fish and Game and Marine Resources (02/05/2025)
Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- We are 16 full-time and one part-time employee, and hundreds of part-time volunteers who help us do our
- We are not a part of New Hampshire Fish and Game.
- We are not a part of New Hampshire Fish and Game.
- </c> oh and oh by the way I'm closing the ex oh and oh by the way I'm closing the ex exec<03:03:08.960
- </c> reasons but she definitely um feels part reasons but she definitely um feels part of<04:04:26.159
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, I think, and this is not part of the bill, but a lot of times we see states also adding
- It just might codify that system, that requirement, that communication that is being done as part of
- >> Right.<00:31:20.880><c> Ex</c><00:31:21.520><c> Exactly.</c><00:31:22.320><c> Yeah.
- Ex Exactly. Yeah. >> Right. Ex Exactly. Yeah.
- </c> uh a huge construction bill that's part uh a huge construction bill that's part of<00:34:12.320>
Keywords:
protective orders, military, law enforcement, judicial coordination, victim safety, community safety, federal military installations, disaster response, emergency services, state funding, transportation department, public safety, Hawaii, education, high school diploma, veterans, wartime practices, armed services, HB1518, Hawaii SNAP
Summary:
The committee opened by announcing that it would hear testimony but would not take decisions on the day’s bills, with action deferred to a later decision-making agenda. The first measure, HB 2264, would require notification to military security forces when a protective order is issued involving a military-affiliated person. Support came from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii National Guard, and DBEDT’s Military Affairs office, all emphasizing better coordination and faster notice to help protect victims and support command oversight. Family Court Judge Jesse Hall supported the intent but asked for deferral, explaining that a prior fax-and-email notification system had broken down and that the military had not re-engaged with the court. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the bill but recommended narrowing it so it applies only when the respondent is actually marked as military-connected and delaying the effective date to January 1, 2027 to allow implementation. In questions, members discussed the current breakdown in communication, the number of military-marked TROs statewide, and whether the bill would be necessary if the old system were restored; the military witness said she would try to reestablish contact with the court.
The committee then took up HB 2336, which would authorize the Department of Transportation to enter into agreements with the U.S. Department of Defense for services at federal military installations and charge an administrative fee. DOT and the Military Affairs office supported the measure, describing it as a way to speed projects, combine state and federal resources, and strengthen infrastructure that also supports disaster response and the economy. Members questioned why the bill was needed if similar arrangements had existed before, and whether Title 23 federal highway funds could be used; DOT responded that the bill would help expedite projects and supplement, not supplant, federal funding, while each project would still require review of the appropriate funding source. The committee also heard HB 2298, which would allow the Department of Education to award high school diplomas to qualified people whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii Office of Veterans Affairs, and DOE supported the bill, and DOE said implementation would have only a minimal printing cost.
Finally, the committee heard HB 1518, which would require DHS, upon obtaining a federal waiver, to create a pre-release SNAP application process for inmates nearing release by January 1, 2028. DHS said it was already working on a pilot and stood on its testimony; the County of Hawaii, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the measure, arguing it would improve reentry outcomes and would not cost the state additional money. No votes or final committee actions were taken on any of the bills during this meeting.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (10/22/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Um the uh part about is a policy choice.
- In other words, we don't have to create a new one, but we're supposed to use ex parte, which basically
- parte evidence of such exemption. >> And I might put it in the ex parte first. >> Okay. >> May I proceed
- Under Roman numeral 5, to specify that ex parte evidence records is allowable under certain circumstances
- </c> would be part of that review process. would be part of that review process.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We do have As part of a strike, all we're getting.
- At first, we have Christian Minor with Ripple Ex RP waiving in support.
- This amendment has two parts.
- So since I can't understand where it's coming from, I can't be behind that part.
- Christian Minor with Rep Ex RP is waiving in support. Is there any further public testimony?
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/22/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, the first part clarifies Education.
- We'll close the exe >> Bony. Thank you.
- </c> because that's not this part of the law. because that's not this part of the law.
- </c><02:00:45.840><c> I</c> part of that priority group anymore.
- I part of that priority group anymore.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 24, 2026 - 08:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- And part of that goal is to increase supply, I'm assuming.
- And part of that goal is to increase supply, I'm assuming.
- So I get what you're saying, and I understand that part.
- But does this language basically mean That part.
- And has not been able to accomplish any part of its goal.
Summary:
The committee took up a long agenda of land use, public records, infrastructure, and local-government bills. The most debated measures were CS for CS for HB 399 and CS for HB 979, both sponsored by Rep. Borrero, which sought to streamline development approvals and reduce local-government barriers. HB 399 would require simple-majority approval for certain land development applications, mandate local definitions of compatibility, and add provisions affecting destination resorts, manufactured housing, historic properties, and a study of urban development boundaries. HB 979 would allow administrative rezoning of environmentally damaged five-acre-or-larger parcels in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties for residential use if adjacent to neighborhoods. Supporters argued both bills would increase housing supply, encourage cleanup of contaminated land, and lower costs; opponents argued they preempt local decision-making, weaken voter-approved growth controls, and do not guarantee affordability. Both bills were amended and then reported favorably, with HB 399 passing 16-10 and HB 979 passing after debate.
The committee also approved CS for HB 437, a public records bill by Rep. Andrade, on a 25-0 vote. The bill requires agencies to respond to public records requests within three days by producing the records, citing why they cannot, or giving a good-faith estimate of time and cost; it also limits agencies from later relying on exemptions not previously raised. Proponents said the measure addresses long delays and nonresponses by agencies, while school district representatives warned the timeline could be difficult for large, complex requests. The committee adopted the bill and sent it favorably.
Several local and special district bills were also approved. CS for CS for HB 1103 would help local governments coordinate with FWC on derelict vessels and anchoring issues and passed unanimously. CS for HB 1245, dealing with biosolids regulation, also passed unanimously. CS for HB 4081 to expand the East Point Water and Sewer District passed 25-0. CS for HB 4103, creating a state special district for the Apalachicola water and sewer system, passed 25-1 after testimony from city officials who argued the city had improved its water system and should retain a role. CS for HB 4105, expanding the Port St. Joe Port Authority into a multi-county regional board, passed 23-3 despite opposition from residents concerned about infrastructure, environmental impacts, and local control. The committee also began consideration of PCS for CS for HB 433, an agriculture-related bill with changes to surplus lands and other provisions, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- So the reasonable suspicion part, that's dangerous because what is, The reasonable suspicion part, that's
- So I think that part is very, very dangerous.
- So red flags can be triggered by a spouse, a boyfriend, an ex.
- So she's unaware because it's ex parte. So she loses her firearms.
- We missed that part. Sure. I'm sorry.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first went into executive session, where House Bills 3012, 2997, and 3058 were combined into a House committee substitute and then voted do pass by a 17-0 roll call. House Bill 2868 was set aside for further work on a substitute. The committee then moved into public hearings, beginning with House Bill 1740, “Melanie’s Law,” which would increase penalties for intoxicated driving cases involving injury or death and expand ignition interlock requirements, including for high-BAC offenders. The sponsor and family members of victims described the bill as a response to fatal crashes involving loved ones, while law enforcement, MoDOT, prosecutors, and MADD supported the measure as a prevention tool and cited data on recidivism and fatal crashes. Members asked about BAC thresholds, whether the bill would cover drug impairment, fiscal impacts, and the relationship to existing sentencing and parole rules. No vote was taken on HB 1740 during the hearing.
The committee also heard House Bills 3049 and 368, described by the sponsors as technical cleanup bills to resolve conflicts in Missouri’s sex offender registry statutes after court rulings and to reorganize and clarify the law. A prosecutor testified in support, and members discussed registry tiers, age-of-consent issues, and how the changes might affect people whose offenses were tied to older laws or unusual fact patterns. The bills were presented as consistency and cleanup measures, and no opposition testimony was offered.
Next, House Bill 2311 was heard, proposing to raise the age of consent to 18 and reduce the close-in-age exception from four years to three. The sponsor said the change was intended to align the law with recent marriage-age changes and avoid mixed signals. Members raised concerns about criminalizing high-school relationships and about consistency with existing law, but there was no testimony in opposition or a vote.
Finally, House Bill 3105, a revised Second Amendment Preservation Act-style bill, was heard. The sponsor said it would remove unconstitutional language from the prior law, bar state and local officials from knowingly violating law-abiding citizens’ firearm rights, and preserve cooperation with federal law enforcement. Supporters, including sheriffs, argued it protects constitutional rights while allowing officers to act against dangerous criminals and people in crisis. Opponents, including gun-rights advocates, argued the bill still lacked a meaningful deterrent to federal overreach and raised concerns about vague language such as “danger to self or others,” which they said could function like a red-flag law and be misused. The hearing ended without a vote on HB 3105.