Transcript Highlights:

• We welcome that diversity of ideas. We welcome open debate. We welcome that diversity of ideas.
• It was an open marketplace of ideas.
• While I don't think any, I think higher ed should be a marketplace of ideas.
• It should have all ideas. It should celebrate all ideas.
• It should be a marketplace of ideas. It should have all ideas.

Bills: S1570, S1376

Keywords: missing persons, special needs, autism, search-and-rescue, Florida, voluntary program, funding, genetic counseling, education grants, state universities, faculty recruitment, student financial assistance

Summary: The committee heard and approved two bills before moving to a long confirmation agenda. SB 1570, by Sen. Gates, would restore Project Leo, a previously sunset program that helps locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination between CARD centers and local sheriffs; it was praised as a proven tool for families and first responders and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1376, by Sen. Burgess, would create grants to support genetic counseling education and help address Florida’s shortage of genetic counselors; testimony noted the state’s limited supply of licensed counselors and the need to expand clinical training, and the bill also passed favorably. The committee then considered a block of reappointments to university and college boards of trustees, including institutions such as UWF, Broward College, Chipola College, FIU, Pasco-Hernando, Polk State, St. Petersburg, Valencia, FAMU, FAU, UCF, FSU, New College, UNF, USF, and others. No one requested separate votes on the reappointments, and the block was confirmed unanimously for recommendation to the next committee. A series of new appointees then appeared and largely emphasized workforce training, nursing, military support, and local economic development at their institutions. Witnesses included appointees to Pensacola State, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, UNF, FIU, UWF, Valencia, the College of the Florida Keys, and others; several highlighted strong NCLEX pass rates, dual enrollment, and partnerships with employers or military communities. One nominee, Florida Poly reappointment Ilya Shapiro, faced pointed questioning from Sen. Bracey Davis about past comments regarding race and the Supreme Court; he said his remarks were about hiring criteria, not a specific justice, and reiterated opposition to race- or sex-based selection. The committee also briefly struggled to reach Sherry Young by phone before hearing her testimony for Chipola College, where she said she wanted to give back as an alumna and nurse practitioner. Most new appointees were recommended for confirmation in a block, while Thomas Zachary Smith of UWF was pulled for separate consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so the idea.
• So that's the idea. That's the idea, so that the agency...
• So that's the idea. We want to make it clear that the.
• And so the idea is checks and balances. Of course, we trust them.
• Here's our ideas on how we think we can improve next time. potential legislative ideas, that's not going

Bills: SB5, SB11, SB12, SB9, SB42, SB15, SB5, SB11, SB12, SCR1

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes, election law enforcement, criminal prosecution, Election Code, Government Code Chapter 402, local prosecutors, county attorney, district attorney, grand jury, probable cause reports, state election offenses, voter fraud, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• But if we do something like this, which I think it's a great idea, yeah, in a certain extent, but I think
• think<00:27:58.240> it's<00:27:58.360> a<00:27:58.480> great<00:27:58.720> idea
• <00:27:59.120> yeah<00:27:59.640> in<00:27:59.760> a think it's a great idea
• yeah in a think it's a great idea yeah in a certain<00:28:00.279> extent<00:28:01.120> but
• is to we need to and it's not the idea is to offer<00:29:13.120> a<00:29:13.399> pathway

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 345, which would establish ʻōpae ʻula as the state shrimp. The Department of Land and Natural Resources and Kua Ulu Aumo testified in strong support, saying the designation could help protect endemic shrimp in anchialine pools and increase public education and awareness. In response to questions, DLNR said it would use existing education programs, press releases, and partnerships for statewide outreach and was not seeking a separate appropriation for that purpose. Members then took up SCR 132 and SR 111, which encourage adoption of recommendations from the UN Global Plastics Treaty and the Rapa Nui Summit Declaration on climate justice and sustainable development. Greenpeace Hawaii supported the measures, arguing that plastic production is tied to fossil fuel interests and that microplastics pose serious health and environmental risks. The committee later adopted the measures with amendments, including a change from “waste hierarchy” to “zero waste hierarchy” and technical edits. The final measures, SCR 157 and SR 127, urged the state to adopt and implement the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. DLNR testified that it had only just reviewed the resolution but stood on its written testimony. The committee passed SCR 157 and SR 127 as is. The meeting also included a separate hearing on SCR 89 and SR 72, which would create a University of Hawaiʻi Community College pathway for meat processing. The Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the idea, citing workforce needs and local protein supply, while several members raised concerns about whether a formal educational pathway or degree requirement might unnecessarily limit entry into the field; discussion focused on whether the proposal should be more vocational and whether there is enough data on workforce demand. No final vote on those measures was shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this idea of hiring a diverse workforce is not anything new and fashionable.
• I work at a metal manufacturing company, and the idea of adding different alloys together, you could
• So I’m going to just invite you to comment on the idea that we can actually be stronger as a state if
• And that really colored my idea of people that are disenfranchised in this country.
• And that really colored my idea of people that are disenfranchised in this country.

Bills: SB1013, SB1023

Keywords: merit-based hiring, public employees, non-discrimination, employment practices, Arizona Revised Statutes, optometrists, eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions, healthcare, vision care, 1182, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1023, which would require optometrists to conduct eye exams according to the standard of care in the community at a recommended one-year interval, while allowing eyeglass prescriptions to be extended up to two years or shortened based on risk factors. The sponsor described it as a compromise between a longer prescription period and existing practice, and the Arizona Optometric Association supported the bill as codifying best practice and clarifying the standard. The committee moved the bill and gave SB 1023 a do pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1013, a merit-based public hiring bill that would prohibit state and local public employers from using policies or practices that base hiring on race, ethnicity, sex, or national origin, while preserving compliance with anti-discrimination laws. An amendment was offered to clarify that the bill would not limit voluntary veterans’ preference employment policies, and the committee adopted that amendment. Supporters argued the bill would ensure public jobs are awarded based on qualifications and protect taxpayers; opponents argued it could undermine diversity efforts and that the veterans language was unnecessary or awkwardly drafted. After testimony from supporters and debate over the amendment and the bill’s effect on diversity, veterans’ preferences, and prior criminal history in hiring, the committee voted on SB 1013 as amended. The bill received a due pass as amended recommendation on a 4-3 vote, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't like that idea for a lot of reasons, but I won't bog down the conversation here because I like
• your idea about sort of creating a smaller working group to try to figure out a good solution.
• And the idea that we're not going to have it for five years is probably very realistic, but very.
• I've seen a lot of signage that I think would work, but I like Shauna's idea of doing a little research
• But really, the idea is to upgrade the chairs in the entire building.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I write bills every year, and sometimes I'm just planning the idea for the appropriate time.
• Senator, you know, talking about the budget, one idea that has been floated to help balance it is rooting
• and sometimes I'm just planning the idea and sometimes I'm just planning the idea for<00:04:01.680
• <00:04:44.240> that<00:04:44.400> has<00:04:44.560> been the budget, one idea
• Hopefully they fall in love with the idea of working in a rural setting versus a metro setting.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But they just give people an idea of what we think the future might be for a bill of this sort.
• /c><00:05:11.840> give<00:05:12.200> people<00:05:12.680> an<00:05:12.880> idea
• <00:05:13.400> of But, they just give people an idea of But, they just give people an idea
• But, amongst other issues with that idea But, amongst other issues with that idea was<00:06:02.360
• , has a lot of interesting ideas, has a lot of interesting ideas, none<00:06:26.919> of<00

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I don't think as a public safety matter that's not a good idea.
• <00:25:06.640> Uh not a good idea. Uh not a good idea.
• Uh, but I have a pretty good idea. It's probably more than a lot of us think it would.
• Uh but uh I have a pretty good<00:29:30.320> idea.
• It's probably more than a lot good idea.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, you know, if you like some creative ideas from me, I am full of them.
• So, you know, if you like some creative ideas from me, I am full of them.
• And at least just having an idea of... Qualifications.
• I think it is a wonderful idea to get the students engaged.
• I think it is a wonderful idea to get the students engaged.

Summary: The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee heard three bills. HB 919 on nursing education programs would tighten accountability for nursing schools with low NCLEX pass rates by shortening the probation period, requiring remediation plans, mandating free remediation for students who fail, and requiring tuition reimbursement for programs with very low pass rates. The sponsor argued Florida’s nursing pass rates are unacceptably low and that stronger consequences are needed; opponents warned the bill could shut down programs, worsen the nursing shortage, and unfairly target private schools, while supporters said it would protect students and improve outcomes. After debate, the bill was reported favorably by a vote of 18-0. The committee then heard PCS for HB 1261, the “Smart Living Act,” a student-driven proposal from Jefferson High School in Hillsborough County to expand personal financial literacy and practical life-skills instruction in high school. Students and school officials testified that the bill would better prepare graduates for adulthood by covering topics such as budgeting, credit, loans, FAFSA, resumes, interviews, and basic household skills. Members praised the students’ work and the bill’s practical focus, and the PCS was reported favorably 18-0. Finally, the committee considered HB 809, which would exempt school social workers from educator certification requirements for general and subject-area knowledge. Supporters from Lee and Broward counties said the current testing requirement is unrelated to social work, creates financial and recruitment barriers, and has contributed to staffing shortages. Members from both parties supported the measure as a simple way to remove an obstacle to hiring and retaining school social workers. HB 809 was also reported favorably by a vote of 18-0, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• objects to the idea objects to the idea if<00:33:22.559> whatever<00:33:23.200> version
• So, um, that's my argument for countywide. um is a good idea and right now the head um is a good idea
• And this might be to say a joint commission going forward is a good idea or not a good idea.
• Well, I guess the idea is if Kawas >> Yeah.
• The idea of like doing more, um, uh, you know, it has to be done, but it's very, very, I guess the idea

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting focused on reviewing and amending draft minutes and then discussing a draft report on SAU consolidation and school administration efficiency. Members first corrected a disputed statement in the minutes about who starts charter schools, and agreed to mark it as disputed. They also noted a donation figure mentioned in the meeting but not reflected in the notes, and then approved the minutes as amended. The committee then reviewed supporting materials, including a Census Bureau education spending table and a 1993 report on eliminating SAUs. The chair argued New Hampshire ranks very high in administrative spending and used that as evidence for reducing administrative costs. Other members pushed back, noting that education costs are largely borne locally and that the committee should stay focused on its charge. Several members also objected to characterizations of SAU boards and to relying heavily on an old report or on the School District Governance Association’s proposal. The draft report itself drew repeated edits. Members objected to language suggesting the testimony from associations was simply that change was not needed, and proposed more neutral wording about concerns over the impacts of changes. There was also disagreement over a proposed model in which a county-level school administrator would be elected; some members said that would be inappropriate and premature, while others argued the committee had not yet fully developed a consolidation model. The discussion ended with a call from some members for more time and for a future joint legislative committee to continue refining any proposal before legislation is introduced.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I know Senator Abeler put forth an idea, a multi-pronged approach.
• Um, one idea our care here in the state.
• Yeah, I think everybody has their own ideas.
• Do we have any idea yet of how much it could cost to upgrade the system?
• Do we have any idea yet of how much it could cost to upgrade the system?

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The program focused on two major Senate efforts: emergency support for Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) and modernization of the state’s human services software systems. On HCMC, Senator Rich Draheim said the hospital is a critical level-one trauma center and a key part of Minnesota’s safety net, warning that its closure would overwhelm the rest of the system. He argued the state should prioritize stabilizing HCMC and other hospitals rather than expanding programs that he считает are not adequately fixed, and he opposed raising taxes such as Hennepin County’s sales tax to fund the hospital, saying property-tax and cost-of-living pressures are already too high. The Senate’s Health and Human Services Supplemental Budget Bill includes a one-time $150 million appropriation to stabilize HCMC, with accountability and reporting requirements. The segment also noted DFL Senator Ann Rest’s bipartisan Senate File 4986, which would direct Hennepin County sales tax revenues to HCMC after certain county obligations are met. Draheim and others emphasized that HCMC’s finances are strained by uncompensated care and low reimbursement rates, and that rural and metro hospitals alike are under pressure. The second half of the program highlighted Senate File 4719, sponsored by Senator Melissa Wicklund, to create a Human Services Systems Steering Committee. Wicklund said outdated, siloed Department of Human Services systems slow access to SNAP, medical assistance, and other basic-needs programs, create errors and inefficiencies, and make fraud harder to detect. She said the committee would bring counties, state agencies, and IT officials together to prioritize modernization. She also said the upgrades would be expensive, citing a child welfare system replacement estimated at nearly $80 million, but noted federal matching funds are available and that failing to modernize could lead to penalties. Wicklund also discussed a longer-term bill, Senate File 5020, to create an IT funding account and planning process for future system upgrades.

Transcript Highlights:

• So my question is, is this bill still a good idea if it's not working in tandem?
• I might be biased, but yes, I think it is still a good idea.
• I like the idea where you're going.
• But I think it is a priority, and I think we have to do something, so I'm open for ideas.
• <01:14:50.920> were some of those uh scalability ideas were some of those uh scalability ideas

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And part of the idea that... Second. Moved and seconded. All in favor say aye. Aye. It's approved.
• And part of the idea that... ...and part of the idea is that higher ed is looking at it.
• But right now, I have no idea how loud I'm talking.
• The idea is not necessarily cost, but how do you give the resources to go above and beyond and start
• I like the idea, don't get me wrong.

Summary: The committee met to discuss higher education funding and capital building policy. Members first heard an update from NDUS Deputy Commissioner Lisa Johnson on low-producing academic programs. She described a proposed board policy using a five-year rolling window and thresholds of fewer than 10 undergraduate graduates or fewer than 5 graduate graduates, with programs flagged for three consecutive review periods going to the board. Possible outcomes would include continuation, continuation with modifications, inactivation, or termination. Members asked about how the review would account for program costs, service to other students, workforce demand, and the difference between inactivation and termination. Johnson said the board would consider broader factors and that campuses already do detailed program analysis. Several members also asked about cost savings and staffing impacts from program terminations, and Johnson said the board would try to provide more information later. The committee then received a report on the Capital Building Fund from Jamie Wilkie. He reviewed the program’s history, matching requirements, and recent uses, noting that about $334 million in state and matching dollars has been invested overall, with most going to deferred maintenance and extraordinary repairs. Members discussed whether the program is reducing deferred maintenance and requested updated systemwide data on deferred maintenance and campus space utilization. Wilkie said the board is considering a new study to update deferred maintenance figures, which are based on information more than 12 years old. He also reported that several institutions have used current biennium funds for projects such as residence hall renovations, health sciences housing, generators, and building repairs. Later, the committee began a detailed walkthrough of a draft bill that would replace the current higher education funding formula with an FTE-based model and also revise the capital building fund structure. The draft would use fall enrollment FTEs, add completion incentives for degrees in in-demand fields, and create a separate research funding component for UND and NDSU tied to doctoral completions and external research expenditures. Members raised concerns about the use of older data in the formula, the treatment of waivers, the weighting of professional and health sciences programs, and the use of CIP codes to define CTE and education incentives. The bill draft would also combine capital building fund tiers, broaden eligible uses for deferred maintenance and legislatively authorized projects, change matching requirements, repeal the old formula chapter and the capital pool, and transfer funds from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund into the capital building fund. No final votes were taken during the portion provided; the meeting was primarily discussion and review.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, fees are a legitimate idea. A fee for service is a legitimate idea.
• If it's a good idea today, it will be a good idea tomorrow.
• But this idea is harmful. It's unions. But this idea is harmful.
• <04:22:07.840> I<04:22:08.080> just idea. It might be a good idea. I just idea.
• good idea. good idea.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a color guard presentation by Colorado Military Academy cadets and the pledge led by Olivia and Owen Curry. After roll call established a quorum, members approved the journal of Friday, March 6, 2026, as corrected. Several committees then announced upcoming hearings, including Agriculture, Water, and Natural Resources; State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs; and Finance. The chamber then took up House Joint Resolution 1020, designating March 8, 2026, as International Women’s Day in Colorado. The resolution praised women’s contributions across history and society, highlighted Colorado’s early adoption of women’s suffrage, and recognized trailblazing women in the General Assembly. Sponsors and supporters spoke at length about women’s leadership, economic and civic contributions, and the need to continue advancing equality. The resolution also drew recognition of women and advocacy organizations present in the chamber. Representative Bradley and other Republican members criticized the resolution as partisan and said Republican women were not included in drafting or sponsoring it. They argued the measure should have been more inclusive and should have better reflected women’s roles in the home and the broader bipartisan history of women’s history observances. Bradley announced she would vote no. In response, Representative Ricks said an amendment would be accepted from the minority caucus to address concerns about traditional roles of women, and he moved Amendment L002 for consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I don't come to the issue of, oh, that's a great idea. Let's go there first.
• So I don't come to the issue of, oh, that's a great idea. Let's go there first.
• <00:14:57.600> that I don't believe that these ideas that I don't believe that these ideas
• So, I think the idea that and not do it?
• I mean, the idea that this is I've seen.

Keywords: Concurrent meeting of the House Standing Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amendments, and Intergovernmental Affairs and the House Standing Committee on State Government. Title of video has been shortened due to YouTube length restrictions. Discussion of HCR 45: 00:04:14, 958, all

Summary: The joint meeting of the House Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and the House State Government Committee was called to consider House Concurrent Resolution 45, sponsored by Representative Jason Petri. The resolution would support calling for a federal balanced budget amendment through the Article V process. Petri argued that Kentucky’s own constitutional balanced-budget requirement shows the value of fiscal restraint, and he said decades of federal deficit spending and rising debt make a constitutional amendment necessary. Governor Ron DeSantis and Lauren Ends of the National Campaign for a Balanced Budget Amendment also testified in support, emphasizing the growth of federal debt, the risk of a future debt crisis, and the view that Congress is unlikely to solve the problem on its own. Members asked about the mechanics and risks of an Article V convention, including whether the convention’s “sole purpose” language would be enforceable and whether a convention could become a “runaway” process. DeSantis and Ends said states can impose guardrails on delegates, including criminal penalties and delegate-limitation laws, and noted that any proposed amendment would still require ratification by 38 states. They also said that if Congress chose to draft the amendment itself in response to state pressure, that would be acceptable. One witness said 18 states have passed faithful-delegate or delegate-limitation laws. Representative Callaway asked what would happen if the debt issue is not addressed. Witnesses responded that continued borrowing could lead to economic dislocation, higher interest costs, and a debt crisis that would crowd out other federal spending. They said the current debt burden is already more than $100,000 per U.S. citizen and roughly $300,000 per taxpayer, and that a balanced budget amendment would be a first step toward stopping the growth of debt before any long-term paydown could occur. The transcript provided does not show a final vote or other committee action on the resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh additional ideas that are in here.
• <00:10:09.920> that working together on some ideas that working together on some ideas that
• So, this idea of state's profile.
• This is one of those ideas that's building for the future.
• I like the public input idea tremendously, local input.

Bills: SF0025, SF0027, SF0043, SF0066

Keywords: landowner licenses, hunting, wildlife management, quota hunt areas, game and fish commission, game management, hunting regulations, black bear, tracking dogs, wildlife conservation, conservation, contracting, supervisor, funding, districts, hunting licenses, donated licenses, life-threatening illness, vision impairment, nonprofit organizations

Transcript Highlights:

• I think in recent years there's been excellent ideas brought to the table.
• I think in recent years there's been excellent ideas brought to the table.
• I think in recent years there's been excellent ideas brought to the table.
• in as that you would bring a new idea in as example?
• I guess that would be a good idea. That's okay.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the idea is to recycle. Otherwise, it's biodegradable.
• So, the idea is to recycle. Otherwise, it's biodegradable.
• So, the idea is to recycle. Otherwise, it's biodegradable.
• So, looking at Cal 304, this is a great idea. Um, I love this."
• "This is a great idea.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:28:10.960> that digital asset space was this idea that digital asset space was this idea
• uh certainly no pun intended is the idea uh certainly no pun intended is the idea of<00:42:21.280
• Um uh this idea of and so forth.
• there could potentially be a big idea there could potentially be a big idea here.<01:44:16.239><
• explain that to us. if you have ideas explain that to us. if you have ideas for<02:13:20.639>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission met to review stable tokens, real-world asset tokenization, and blockchain-based trust, approved the agenda and December 12 minutes, and heard a presentation from Anchorage Digital after postponing a planned Bitco presentation because of its IPO quiet period. Anchorage’s Melinda Delos, Joe Mioli, and Kevin Wasaki introduced the firm, describing it as a global digital assets platform and the first crypto-native institution in the U.S. to receive a federal banking charter. They said their approach emphasizes security, regulated custody and trading services, and responsible innovation for institutional clients, banks, states, and sovereigns. The presentation focused on post-Genius Act momentum in the stablecoin market. Anchorage said the law provided regulatory clarity and helped spur activity with major clients, including Athena, Tether, and Western Union. The speakers highlighted Western Union’s planned stablecoin as especially significant because it reflects adoption by a long-established traditional payments company, and they said the project illustrates how stablecoins can support programmable, real-time, interoperable payments. They also noted that Anchorage is providing issuance infrastructure for the Western Union project. The commission and presenters also discussed government uses of tokenized assets, including reserve legislation, digital assets for tax collection and fees, and a Marshall Islands initiative to use a tokenized sovereign bond for direct citizen payments. In response to a question, Anchorage said it would follow up on which states are using digital assets for revenue collection, mentioning Louisiana and Pennsylvania as examples. The banking discussion centered on remittances, instant payments, and interbank settlement, with Anchorage arguing that stablecoins can reduce settlement time, fees, and foreign exchange risk while improving traceability and auditability.

Transcript Highlights:

• our ideas to be valued. our ideas to be valued.
• The idea that a lot of us don't put those ideas forward is because we're worried that it's not going
• 13.800> um but the idea that um but the idea that um that<00:05:14.880> a<00:05:14.919>
• that a lot of us don't put those ideas that a lot of us don't put those ideas forward<00:05:17.960
• support general support for that idea support general support for that idea altogether.<01:07:32.560

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by former member Jason Lorber, who spoke humorously about the difference between asking questions and making statements, urging members to be direct and add value in deliberation. The chamber then took up several resolutions: JRH 11, urging Congress to enact the National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2025, was read and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development; JRS 51, setting weekend adjournment for May 1, 2026, was adopted in concurrence; and H.C.R. 261 was read, recognizing May 2026 as Older Americans Month and designating May 6, 2026 as Age Strong Vermont Day. Members also used announcements to welcome guests and highlight events, including the Age Strong Vermont initiative, a former member’s return, visitors connected to psychedelic medicine advocacy, an art social, fisheries and trout-in-the-classroom guests, a legislative intern, and a reminder about the May 16 NAMI walk. The House then took up Senate Bill 230, an omnibus labor measure relating to fair employment practices. The committee explanation described technical clarifications to parental and family leave for full-time teachers, expansion of protections for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, removal of outdated statutory language on mandatory retirement for tenured faculty, and clarification that elected and appointed municipal officers are not employees for minimum wage and overtime purposes. The main new policy in section 3B would prohibit non-compete agreements for non-exempt employees, with an exception for collective bargaining agreements, and would restrict certain non-compete and related clauses in health care provider contracts while preserving continuity of care and excluding non-clinical business support services. The committee reported extensive testimony and voted 11-0-0 to recommend the bill favorably with amendment; the House agreed to propose the amendment to the Senate and ordered third reading. The House also began consideration of Senate Bill 179, updating Vermont’s Uniform Disclaimer of Property Interests Act. The committee presentation explained that the bill would eliminate the current 9-month deadline for disclaimers, reflecting changes in federal tax law and the much larger modern estate and gift tax exclusion, and would modernize the statute in several ways. Proposed changes include clearer rules for jointly held property, allowing pre-death disclaimers, authorizing trustees and parents in limited circumstances to disclaim on behalf of trusts or minor children, permitting disclaimers by proxy for infirm persons, clarifying partial disclaimers and entity disclaimers, improving delivery rules for non-real-estate property, and specifying that a disclaimer is not a transfer for transfer-tax purposes. The bill was described as a response to outdated law in light of an impending large intergenerational wealth transfer, and the House proceeded with second reading discussion.