Transcript Highlights:

• THE FIRST MAKES IT A VIOLATION.
• UPON FINDING PROBABLE CAUSE BY THE ETHICS COMMISSION A PERSON WHO VIOLATES THIS PROVISION IS SUBJECT
• CHAIRMAN THIS DEALS WITH FINES IMPOSED BY THE COMMISSION ON ETHICS OR ANY VIOLATION OF THE FLORIDA CODE
• ARE PUBLIC OFFICIALS WHO HAVE BEEN FINE FOR VIOLENT AND THE FLORIDA CODE OF ETHICS AND WHO HAVING VIOLATED
• THE FINE FROM THE VIOLATORS PUBLIC PAYCHECK UNTIL A FINE IS PAID.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if we do this today, you're still violating. It's a federal charge that you're violating.
• So if we do this today, you're still violating. It's a federal charge that you're violating.
• So if we do this today, you're still violating. It's a federal charge that you're violating.
• ...we do this today, you're still violating. It's a federal charge that you're violating.
• I say a violation as a violation >> Okay.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Courts have found such violations as well.
• constitutional right has been violated constitutional right has been violated by<00:04:49.360>
• <00:05:21.919> of of the widespread violations of of the widespread violations of constitutional
• <00:05:28.240> as Courts have s found such violations as Courts have s found such violations
• This constitutional rights are violated.

Bills: HF3477, HF3480, HF3781, HF3357, HF3737, HF3664, HF3621

Keywords: civil rights, law enforcement, federal collaboration, accountability, state law, immigration enforcement, economic impact, Operation Metro Surge, study, appropriation, local government, Legislative Commission on Legislative Security, legislator security, elected official security, staff security, statehouse security, capitol security, legislative district safety, political violence prevention, threat assessment

Summary: The committee first attempted to approve minutes from February 24 and March 3, but members identified multiple spelling errors in names, so approval was held and the motion withdrawn. The committee then took up House File 3477, a bill by Representative Long proposing a civil remedy for constitutional violations by government actors, including federal actors. An author’s amendment (A4) was adopted to remove a subdivision and clarify retroactivity. In discussion, members raised concerns about Supremacy Clause and immigration-related issues; the author responded that the bill applies evenly to state and federal actors and is meant to enforce constitutional rights, not immigration law. After debate, the motion to re-refer the bill to the general register failed on a 6-7 vote, with one member excused. The committee next heard House File 3480, authored by Representative Howard, which would commission an independent economic impact study of Operation Metro Surge. An A2 amendment was adopted to add a dollar amount for the study and clarify timing. Representative Howard said the study would help the legislature understand statewide impacts and noted reported harm to businesses, child care, schools, and local governments. Testimony in support came from Laura Santiago, reading a statement from Christopher Gomez of Willmar, who described ICE agents entering his family’s restaurant, the detention and deportation of family members, and resulting business losses. Rachel Ser, Minneapolis emergency management director, cited a preliminary city assessment estimating major impacts including food insecurity, lost wages, business revenue losses, hotel cancellations, and rental assistance needs. Some members questioned the cost and usefulness of the study, while others said suburban and greater Minnesota communities also wanted the data. The transcript ends during continued discussion of the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• More people will now be able to file complaints and bring attention to potential violations of the law
• More people will now be able to file complaints and bring attention to potential violations of the law
• it is not limited to a select violated it is not limited to a select few<00:03:23.879> currently<
• data access it entities are violating data access it creates<00:05:14.479> an<00:05:14.800>
• <00:51:50.319> of discrimination and other violations of discrimination and other violations

Bills: HF414, HF768, HF359

Keywords: data practices, filing fee, government transparency, complaints, public access, free speech, human rights, censorship, protected speech, Minnesota Department of Human Rights, real property, partition, eminent domain, transfer on death deeds, property rights, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:54.680> a about conduct of member who violates a about conduct of member who violates
• In addition to violating our norms, these actions violate the public trust and bring the House into dishonor
• And my work ethics stands for itself. about true ethics violations that I about true ethics violations
• So, under those exact same premises, is that not worthy of an ethics committee violation?
• violation? I I don't think that that is. violation? I I don't think that that is.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• There's wording that indicates a person shall not be in violation of this section if he or she is under
• Or are we kind of violating the terms of what a church is meant to be?
• Or are we kind of violating the terms of what a church is meant to be?
• Or are we kind of violating the terms of what a church is meant to be?
• Or are we kind of violating the terms of what a church is meant to be?

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of them says it was very traumatizing and I felt very violated.
• ID checks are a violation of individual freedom in public spaces.
• ID checks are a violation of individual freedom in public spaces.
• Deciding how I get to present is a violation of my civil and First Amendment rights.
• Privacy violations and harassment will rise for everyone.

Bills: SB240, SB1183, SB1184, SB1577, SB2043, SB2051, SCR42, SJR68

Keywords: biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1183, by Senator Creighton, which would require Lone Star Cards used for SNAP and TANF benefits to display the recipient’s name and photo, add fraud-reporting information, and require HHSC to track replacement-card requests. Creighton argued the bill would reduce fraud and protect taxpayer dollars, citing Texas SNAP theft and overpayment data. HHSC testified that photo IDs on the card are technically possible and explained how authorized secondary users are added. Dr. Amber O’Connor of Every Texan testified against the bill, saying SNAP fraud is a small share of expenditures, that the proposal would be costly and ineffective, and that federal rules limit mandatory photo requirements. Public testimony closed and SB 1183 was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1184, also by Senator Creighton, which would lower from 20 years to 10 years the minimum age of collectible wine that Texas collectors may sell to permitted restaurants. Supporters said the change would help Texas restaurants access desirable vintages, keep collectible wine in-state, and align with market demand; invited witnesses from the wine industry testified in favor. No opposition was heard, public testimony closed, and SB 1184 was left pending. Next, Senator Birdwell laid out Senate Bill 2051 and Senate Joint Resolution 68, both aimed at revising Texas impeachment procedures in response to issues identified during the 2023 impeachment process. The measures would clarify constitutional and statutory impeachment authority, require sworn testimony, extend review periods for House members, address conflicts of interest and presiding officers, require cost reporting, and modify rules for impeaching the governor or lieutenant governor. A committee substitute added protections for the accused, longer review periods, and a fallback presiding-officer option. Witnesses generally supported stronger accountability but raised questions about whether the language should also cover retired or visiting judges. Both measures were left pending after testimony. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1577, which would expand Texas Motor Speedway’s alcohol sales authority to include distilled spirits and remove certain event and concession limits; the Speedway’s representative supported the bill and it was left pending. Later, the committee heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 42 and Senate Bill 240, which would recognize only two sexes and restrict access to sex-designated private spaces in public facilities based on biological sex. Supporters argued the measures were needed to protect women’s privacy and safety, including in schools and shelters, while opponents warned about enforcement problems, privacy concerns, and impacts on transgender Texans and others who do not fit stereotypical sex traits. After extensive testimony, both measures were left pending. The committee then took up multiple pending bills and reported several favorably, including SB 511, SB 33, SB 510, SB 871, SB 2024, SB 2166, SJR 27, SJR 40, SB 1313, SB 1314, SB 1316, SB 1541, SB 2420, SB 1999, SB 2309, SB 1860, and SB 2429, with some also certified for the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• I felt violated. My privacy was taken away.
• This is a violation of the rights of women and children and must be addressed.
• Could a person be found and violated?
• I'm a Christian, and this violates- tenets of my faith.
• The commission had written rules that violated 466.

Bills: SB29, SB406, SB447, SB875, SB893, SB1033, SB1346, SB1362, SB1539, SCR22, SB 29

Keywords: business organization, internal management, corporate governance, partnerships, liability reduction, birth certificate, biological sex, gender identity, health and safety, sex assignment, SB 875, Texas, independent school district, ISD, school board trustee, superintendent, campus administrator, electioneering, political signs, early voting

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the sort of gross violation of privacy I expect as a response to this legislation.
• They're anti-science, and they would result in severe privacy violations for all Texans.
• I.D. checks are. violation of individual freedom in public spaces.
• Deciding how I get to present is a violation of my civil. and first amendment rights.
• my civil rights to be violated. for others to be civil, to experience civil rights violations and discrimination

Bills: SB240, SB1183, SB1184, SB1577, SB2043, SB2051, SCR42, SJR68

Keywords: biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposed text requires an agency to cure the violation.
• It requires violation.
• I.D. checks are. violation of individual freedom in public spaces.
• Deciding how I get to present is a violation of my civil. and first amendment rights.
• my civil rights to be violated. for others to be civil, to experience civil rights violations and discrimination

Bills: SB240, SB1183, SB1184, SB1577, SB2043, SB2051, SCR42, SJR68

Keywords: biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• So right there you have a violation of constitutional rights.
• So the very state itself would be in violation of its own law. Right.
• It still is a violation of the First Amendment.
• Because we look at this as a violation of life.
• It doesn't violate the First Amendment rights at all. So let's talk reality.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for enhanced penalties for certain violations.
• violations.
• violations.
• violations.
• It deals with the maximum penalties imposed by violations of parish ordinances.

Bills: HR188, HR189, HR190, HR191, HR179, HR180, HR181, HR182, HR183, HR185, HR186, HR187, HCR75, HCR76, HCR77, HCR78, HCR79, SCR24, SCR36, SCR39, SB64, SB107, SB152, SB185, SB217, SB232, SB278, SB290, SB294, SB320, SB321, SB419, SB424, SB436, SB440, SB468, SB470, SB476, SB482, SB489, HCR32, SCR11, HB12, HB42, HB205, HB222, HB267, HB324, HB325, HB350, HB478, HB610, HB617, HB679, HB745, HB749, HB797, HB807, HB821, HB896, HB979, HB992, HB1000, HB1024, HB1050, HB1166, HB1172, HB1173, HB1193, HB1207, HB1218, HB1223, SB256, SB180, HR1, HR17, HCR5, HCR4, HCR47, HB59, HB74, HB159, HB330, HB364, HB414, HB458, HB525, HB568, HB786, HB1008, HB1033, HB1034, HB1041, HB1062, HB1070, HB1079, HB1112, HB1118, HB1139, HB1151, HB1176, HB1182, HB1196, HB1214, HB1241, HB87, HB115, HB162, HB368, HB433, HB441, HB447, HB466, HB481, HB741, HB1242, HB362, HB893, HB990, HB1007, HB1153, HB1243, SB162, SB349, SB350, SB382, SB383, SB127, SB244, HB615, HB864, HB1103, HB1175, HB31, HB225, HB608, HB664, HB897, HB977, HB1003, HB1160, HB1180, HB911, HB306, HB366, HB1161, HB1230, HB181, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB393, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB772, HB773, HB996, HB1035, HB1058, HB1082, HB1113, HB1189, HB1234, HB1240

Keywords: hunting dogs, field trials, working dogs, dog training, greyhound protection, Farm Bill, federal overreach, sportsmen, sportswomen, wildlife management, conservation, rural communities, Louisiana hunting, hunting tradition, animal welfare, dog breeders, dog owners, outdoor recreation, Kathy Taylor, musical achievements

Transcript Highlights:

• They inform the judges of violations that occur in the community.
• If someone violates a court order while on probation and they violate the law, why is a court order while
• have the opportunity to make decisions based on those violations.
• Does everybody who violates every condition of release get held?
• As to what are we doing wrong when we're violating someone's civil rights?

Transcript Highlights:

• So inherently there’s not a violation, or the violation would come from a proclamation that specifically
• So inherently there’s not a violation, or the violation would come from a proclamation that specifically
• <00:43:13.760> by constitutional rights being violated by constitutional rights being violated
• <00:43:45.920> violation<00:43:46.400> would<00:43:46.560> come a violation
• or the violation would come a violation or the violation would come from<00:43:46.920> would<00

Bills: SB2109, SB2151

Keywords: emergency preparedness, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, multilingual resources, American Sign Language, public education, community resilience, disaster response, emergency management, governor powers, legislative oversight, public safety, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Public Safety met on March 20, 2026, and the chair opened by noting severe rain and flooding conditions in Hawaii and said the committee would proceed with the hearing but defer decision-making until the next meeting on March 25. The first measure discussed was SB 2109, an omnibus bill on emergency preparedness communications. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from state agencies and advocacy groups such as the Disability and Communications Access Board, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Legal Clinic, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and others. Supporters emphasized the need for funding and planning for multilingual emergency materials and language access, citing current evacuation notices that were not available in languages such as Ilokano or Tongan. The chair stated that action on SB 2109 would be deferred until March 25. The committee then heard SB 2151, relating to emergency management and changes to the governor’s emergency authority. Testimony was mixed but heavily focused on concerns about executive power. Earthjustice supported the bill with amendments, saying it should narrow extraordinary emergency powers, add definitions for emergency and disaster, preserve transparency under the Uniform Information Practices Act, and lower the legislative threshold to terminate an emergency proclamation from two-thirds to a simple majority. Other supporters, including the League of Women Voters of Hawaii and some individuals, also backed reform. Opponents, including Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and numerous individuals, argued the bill still gave the governor too much power, used overly broad disaster definitions, and did not sufficiently protect constitutional rights; several urged major amendments or repeal of portions of Chapter 127A. Some opponents specifically objected to the two-thirds termination standard and to provisions they said could enable compulsory immunizations or other mandates. Members questioned Earthjustice about whether the bill would suspend constitutional rights. Earthjustice responded that the bill would not authorize constitutional violations, but would allow suspension of laws enacted by the legislature, and pointed to existing statutory procedures for individuals to challenge emergency proclamations. The witness described a Mauna Kea case in which a three-judge panel granted relief to an individual under the current statute, and explained that the process could potentially affect a broader proclamation if allowed to run to completion. The hearing continued with additional testimony and questions, but no final vote or committee action on SB 2151 was taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2073 protects victims by increasing penalties for violations of protective orders or bond
• The offender shot the parolee, and he violated his parole conditions over 50 times.
• I was violated, but the law didn't see it that way because I was intoxicated.
• I was violated, but the law didn't see it that way because I was intoxicated.
• Her vulnerability was met with unimaginable violation.

Bills: HB75, HB108

Keywords: building standards, youth camps, floodplains, safety regulations, environmental policies, drainage utilities, flood management, land use regulation, county authority, drainage fees

Summary: The committee heard a series of criminal justice and public safety bills, with most measures focused on tougher penalties, victim protections, and procedural changes. Bills discussed included HB 75, requiring magistrates to make written findings when denying probable cause despite believing an arrestee committed an offense; HB 413, limiting pretrial detention so it cannot exceed the maximum jail term for the charged offense, with competency-related exceptions; HB 1422, expanding sexual assault survivor protections and increasing penalties for certain sexual offenses and voyeurism; HB 2073, increasing penalties for violating protective orders or bond conditions while armed; HB 2593, raising indecent assault penalties against elderly or disabled victims; HB 108, enhancing punishment when body armor is used during violent crimes; HB 3816, expanding cruelty-to-livestock offenses to include unlawful controlled-substance administration; HB 2854, requiring parole officers to notify hospitals or law enforcement when violent parolees visit hospital premises; HB 1871, increasing punishment for attempted capital murder of a peace officer and making such offenders ineligible for parole; HB 3463, clarifying notice methods in theft-of-service cases; HB 2348, allowing video-recorded depositions of elderly or disabled witnesses; HB 2594, expanding venue options for cybercrime and digital theft prosecutions; HB 2761, clarifying that children cannot be deemed to consent to prostitution-related offenses; HB 3185, authorizing administrative subpoenas in cybercrime investigations; HB 2017, increasing penalties for certain intoxication manslaughter cases involving undocumented immigrants with prior DWI convictions; HB 2306, making certain trafficking offenses ineligible for parole; HB 1607, allowing a rear-only license plate when a vehicle lacks a front bracket; HB 1828, creating a legislative leave pool for TDCJ correctional officers; and HB 3664, requiring prospective grand jurors to complete training and proposing additional changes to grand jury procedure in a future substitute. The committee also took up HB 3073, the Summer Willis Act, which would clarify consent in sexual assault law and address intoxication-related incapacity; the committee substitute narrowed the language to situations where the perpetrator knows the other person cannot consent because of intoxication or impairment, while removing withdrawal-of-consent and “reasonably should know” language from the House version. Several bills were laid out with committee substitutes adopted, including HB 3463, HB 2594, HB 3073, and HB 3073’s substitute, and most bills were left pending after no invited or public testimony or after hearing testimony. Public testimony was especially extensive on HB 3073, with survivors, advocates, and prosecutors supporting broader consent language, while some prosecutors said the substitute was an improvement but still favored the House version’s broader protections. HB 3664 drew significant opposition from district attorneys, who argued that mandatory transcription or recording of grand jury testimony would be costly, chill grand juror questioning, and complicate timely presentations; concerns were also raised about new-evidence requirements and grand jury shopping. No final votes were taken on the bills discussed in the transcript, and the committee recessed partway through to return to the floor before continuing its hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, we try to work with any potential violations. So typically we'll do an investigation.
• Trent, can you tell me what the amount of the fine or the penalty of the violation...
• If anybody violates them, hundreds, thousands? What are we talking about?
• the groundwater code, the maximum is $10,000 per day. ...that the violation is in effect.
• But if so, and to clarify, it would just be effective to the date of the violation.

Bills: SB1137, SB1200, SB1419, SB1447, SB1560, SCM1004

Keywords: underground utilities, utility locating, dig safe, call before you dig, 811, excavation safety, damage prevention, one-call center, locate request, white lining, large project coordination, buried infrastructure, subsurface utilities, utility marking, locator wire, locator strip, interactive positive response system, landlord duties, apartment community, mobile home park

Summary: The committee heard several water and energy-related measures. SB 1200, as amended, addressed Arizona Department of Water Resources treatment of certain “conduit lakes” in active management areas, allowing some existing lake systems to continue using groundwater mixed with effluent for irrigation or landscaping purposes. ADWR testified in opposition to the amendment’s policy implications and enforcement concerns, while HOA, homebuilder, and resident witnesses argued the bill would grandfather existing communities, avoid costly system redesigns, and reflect prior agency practice. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and then passed SB 1200 on a 6-3 vote. SB 1419, dealing with residential rooftop solar installations, was amended to add consumer-protection and disclosure requirements, including roof inspection and installation standards, clearer contract disclosures, and contractor responsibilities. County and industry witnesses said the bill was the product of a lengthy stakeholder process aimed at addressing misleading sales practices and installation problems, though some technical issues were still to be resolved on the floor. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1419 on a 6-1 vote with two members present and one absent. SB 1447, which extends Pinal AMA groundwater withdrawal fee provisions and related fund deadlines, was supported by irrigation and agricultural interests as a way to finance local infrastructure and conservation during Colorado River uncertainty; it passed 7-1 with one present and one absent. SB 1560 raised the maximum single loan amount from the Water Supply Development Revolving Fund from $3 million to $20 million. WIFA said the current cap was too low for larger rural water projects and that the change would better match demand without harming the fund’s revolving nature; the bill passed 8-1 with one absent. The committee also approved SCM 1004, urging Congress to clearly define EPA powers and duties, despite some members saying it was unnecessary or backward-looking; it passed 6-2 with one absent. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we go in to inspect a facility and we find a violation there, we cite the facility for that violation
• by having packaging or food coloring that would be in violation of the new laws.
• Those are pretty clear violations for us as regulators.
• If they put a cartoon animal on here, that's clearly a violation.
• If they put a celebrity's likeness on there, that's also a clear violation.

Bills: HB294, SB40, SB43, SB35

Keywords: cannabis, cannabis packaging, cannabis labeling, cannabis regulation, Cannabis Control Division, adulterated cannabis, artificial color additive, food dye, youth appeal, minor appeal, child-resistant packaging, black-and-white packaging, edibles, product labeling, consumer protection, marijuana, hemp, dispensary, licensed cannabis business, cannabis manufacturer

Transcript Highlights:

• penalties in their laws for violations. penalties in their laws for violations.
• <00:54:00.960> this<00:54:02.000> um you violate this um you violate this um this<00
• Uh so violation of this of this statute.
• > severe HIPPO violations can trigger severe HIPPO violations can trigger severe civil<01:01:30.480
• services of you know that might violate services of you know that might violate your<01:43:06.320

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Second reading of the bill, an act relative to violation of regulation regarding hot work processes,
• And Madam Speaker, the bill before us also has enhanced penalties for those who are found in violation
• It would establish a definition of criminal negligence for repeated reckless and knowing violations of
• Madam Speaker, this isn't a bill that violates or this isn't a bill that punishes somebody for a good
• of this hot work safety requirements. for violations of this hut work safety requirements.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House began with routine ceremonial business, including the Pledge of Allegiance, adoption of several congratulatory resolutions, and suspension of Joint Rule 12 to send two petitions to committee. It then took up a supplemental fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill (H. 5393 / H. 5493), which Ways and Means reported at about $227.3 million for items including snow and ice costs, no-cost calls, substance use services, homeless programs, and technical changes related to lottery revenue and other outside sections. The bill was advanced through second and third reading and later passed to be engrossed after a roll call vote. The chamber also passed to engrossment a land transfer bill for the Town of Marion (H. 5388) and a Bolton alcohol licensing bill (S. 2628, as amended). The House also enacted two local bills: one further regulating special meetings of the Holyoke City Council and one amending the charter of the town of Reading. A major floor debate centered on S. 2726, an act regarding free expression, which was framed by supporters as a response to book challenges and censorship in public and school libraries. Supporters, including Representatives Garballey and Moran, argued the bill would protect librarians, require reporting of book challenges, preserve age-appropriate access to materials, and keep challenged books on shelves during review; opponents raised concerns about parental rights and local control. Several amendments were offered and rejected, including one that would have removed a criminal-law protection for librarians and educators, and another that would have shifted school review authority more directly to elected school committees. Two amendments were adopted: one clarifying that challenged material is considered in its entirety, and another narrowing who may initiate certain complaints to parents or guardians of a student in the school. The bill ultimately passed to be engrossed by a large roll call vote. The House also debated and passed H. 5491 / S. 1646, implementing recommendations of the Walsh Kennedy Commission on hot work safety after the 2014 Beacon Street fire. Supporters said the bill would require certification for hot work, strengthen penalties for repeated or reckless violations, and improve public notification and enforcement to prevent future tragedies; the bill passed to be engrossed unanimously or near-unanimously after roll call. In addition, the chamber advanced a local land transfer for the Yankee Doodle Bike Path in Billerica and a bill concerning ownership and maintenance of culverts and dams in Town Line Brook and Lindenbrook. The session included several recesses, quorum checks, and recognition of guests, including Danvers High School graduates, a former state representative, and WGBH representatives for Public Media Awareness Day.

Transcript Highlights:

• they occurred within the two years preceding an existing violation.
• Unless they have a violation.” “Correct.”
• Any private employer who knowingly violates provisions…” “Any private employer who knowingly violates
• So have I violated the committee amendment at that point?
• So have I violated the committee amendment at that point if it's just three days? Yes. Okay.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate considered and passed several measures, beginning with House Bill 4245, a Department of Revenue rules bundle covering 27 rules from six agencies. The Senate adopted an amendment changing two lottery rules and one tax rule related to pre-need cemetery companies, then passed the bill 30-1, adopted a title amendment, and made it effective from passage. The chamber also adopted a group of interim study resolutions, including studies on school finance transparency, divorce grounds, the Southern West Virginia water crisis, athletic trainer access in public secondary schools, the Eastern gray fox population, upland game bird stamps, and the PSC. Members then passed House Bill 5381, which reworked the Office of Energy’s role to develop a comprehensive energy development policy and grid stabilization plan, moved coalfield community development under that office, and expanded energy development planning authority. House Bill 5412, the Future Ready Education Act, was amended to require annual vocational and agricultural offerings unless not viable, and to require K-5 literacy teachers to complete science-of-reading training by the 2028-29 school year; it passed 33-0. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 845 on supplemental appropriations and the civil contingency fund, concurring in a House amendment that reappropriated funds and increased the fund from $15 million to $25 million, and made it effective from passage. A major floor debate centered on House Bill 4198, the E-Verify Safe Harbor Act. Senators discussed whether to require employers to use E-Verify, with one amendment narrowing the mandate to public employers and creating a permissive option for private employers, while preserving penalties for unauthorized hiring and recordkeeping violations. After debate over small-business impacts and federal-state law conflicts, the Senate adopted the amendment as amended, passed the bill 31-3, and amended the title. The chamber also passed House Bill 5453 to modify the school aid funding formula by adding weighted enrollment for certain special education students and adjusting staffing-related provisions, and House Bill 4004 creating the Recharge West Virginia training reimbursement program, which was passed and made effective from passage. Later, the Senate resolved several House amendment disputes by concurring in or receding from amendments on bills including House Bill 4009 on portable benefits, Senate Bill 587, Senate Bill 164 on long-term substitute teachers, House Bill 4606 on pretrial release for certain felonies, House Bill 4010, House Bill 5438, and House Bill 4765. Most of these measures passed with broad support, and several were made effective July 1, 2026 or from passage. The session concluded with the Senate adjourning sine die.