Transcript Highlights:

• . ...electrical and utility infrastructures and things like that.
• we've been noticing about the Attorney General.
• is injured if the Attorney General files a public nuisance action.
• simple question is yes, especially with this Attorney General, but any Attorney General that may want
• The simple question is yes, especially with this Attorney General, but any Attorney General that may

Summary: The Land, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee heard several measures focused largely on foreign land ownership, historic preservation administration, and limits on the Attorney General’s nuisance-enforcement authority. HCM 2005, which urges Congress to study restrictions on foreign governments from communist or authoritarian countries owning property, drew debate over a proposed amendment to add fascist governments; that amendment failed, and the memorial then received a do pass recommendation. HB 2171, a related bill prohibiting sales or leases of Arizona real property to persons acting for China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea and assigning enforcement duties to state and county agencies, also passed after members debated whether it duplicated existing law and raised constitutional concerns. HB 2790, which would change reporting and administrative structure for the State Historic Preservation Office and appropriate $1 million, received testimony from Arizona State Parks and Trails and the Arizona Preservation Foundation; supporters said it would improve autonomy and efficiency, while others warned about internal inconsistencies and federal funding implications. It was approved on a 5-3 vote. The committee then considered three bills aimed at curbing the Attorney General’s public nuisance actions. HB 2168 would require county board of supervisors consent before the AG could bring a nuisance case in Superior Court; supporters said it would add local control and protect rural industries, while opponents argued it would hinder statewide enforcement and protect large foreign corporations. HB 2169 would make the AG liable for defamation per se if a nuisance action lacks a reasonable basis and is publicized; HB 2167 went further, creating damages, attorney-fee, lost-profit, and treble-damages liability payable from the AG’s operating fund. In testimony, supporters said the bills were needed to check what they described as aggressive or unfair nuisance litigation against rural businesses and water users, while opponents said the measures would chill legitimate enforcement and accountability. All three bills passed on 5-3 votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:37:24.720><c> general</c><00:37:25.079><c> Elise</c> committee Deputy attorney general Elise
• </c> lot on the infrastructure and Facilities lot on the infrastructure and Facilities to<00:41:52.480
• Small slaughterhouse facility on a rural island and put in that for one facility?
• </c> resiliency and infrastructure facilities resiliency and infrastructure facilities so<00:45:45.960
• </c> the committee CA Deputy attorney general the committee CA Deputy attorney general providing<01:09

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The cost is $786 million General Fund in the budget year, growing to $1.5 billion General Fund ongoing
• redirected to offset state general fund costs and Cowork's grants.
• We have a skilled nursing facility.
• So, yes, we had $28 million General Fund for the operational cost.
• There's an increased General Fund cost because of H.R. 1, but then there's a General Fund savings because

Summary: The subcommittee heard an extended briefing on the impacts of H.R. 1 on Medi-Cal and CalFresh, followed by testimony from the Legislative Analyst’s Office and county officials. DHCS described major Medi-Cal changes in H.R. 1, including work/community engagement requirements, six-month redeterminations, reduced federal matching for some emergency services, narrower immigrant eligibility, reduced retroactive coverage, and limits on provider taxes and directed payments. CDSS outlined CalFresh changes, especially the expanded able-bodied adults without dependents time limit, reduced exemptions and waivers, and the new federal-state-county administrative cost split. Both departments emphasized implementation plans, automation, outreach, and county coordination, while acknowledging significant expected coverage losses and administrative burden. The LAO and an independent policy expert discussed how H.R. 1 could increase demand on county indigent care systems and public hospitals as people lose Medi-Cal. They reviewed the history of county indigent care, 1991 realignment, and AB 85, explaining that counties already rely on a patchwork of funding and that current realignment revenues are often used for public health rather than indigent care. They warned that counties may face large increases in uninsured residents, with wide variation in how counties respond, and raised concerns about equity, financing, and whether a more standardized state-county program should be created. Committee members pressed witnesses on county funding, exemptions, homelessness, older adults, undocumented residents, and the effect of administrative burden versus true ineligibility. County representatives from Los Angeles, Santa Clara, Tulare, and San Bernardino described the expected local impacts and asked for additional state support. They said H.R. 1 would drive major losses in Medi-Cal and CalFresh enrollment, increase uncompensated care, strain eligibility staff, and worsen homelessness and food insecurity. Several counties urged the Legislature to fund eligibility workers, preserve enrollment, and consider a CalFresh match waiver; Santa Clara and San Bernardino also cited local tax measures and staffing reductions already underway. No formal vote or committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Here again, we're trailing states in our general area and throughout the nation.
• In this particular instance, generate.
• panels for electric cars and upselling when somebody didn't need something.
• </c><00:51:08.480><c> He</c> electrical needs they might have. He electrical needs they might have.
• And I do have a next generation. And I do have a follow-up<01:13:50.400><c> question.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call: 00:00:28 Strengthening Kentucky's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: 00:02:45 Entrepreneur Led Economic Development: Kentucky’s Path Forward: 00:31:45, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They talked about electricity bills that arrive and feel like mortgage payments.
• Not for our constituents, not for our state, not for the next generation.
• Our ancestors embraced it, made it their own, created homes and housing for generations to generations
• Our ancestors embraced it, made it their own, created homes and housing for generations to generations
• So some of our homes had three to five generations living in them.

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee 4 met to hear an information-only agenda focused on homelessness. The chair and vice chair opened with remarks about affordability, accountability, and the need for flexible but effective state responses. The committee then heard an update from Dr. Ryan Finnegan of UC Berkeley’s Turner Center on homelessness trends, data limitations, and program impacts. He said homelessness remains high, with 2024 point-in-time counts showing about 187,000 people experiencing homelessness statewide, though unsheltered homelessness has declined somewhat as shelter capacity expanded. He emphasized that California’s high housing costs and shortage of affordable housing are the main drivers, while also noting persistent racial disparities, high chronic homelessness, and the importance of coordinated housing, health, and social services. He also warned that cuts or changes to federal programs and state funding streams like HAP could threaten progress. Members questioned Dr. Finnegan about the 9% decline in unsheltered homelessness, the timing and methodology of point-in-time counts, how to interpret trends over time, and the role of policy changes such as Housing First, Proposition 47, and Martin v. Boise. He explained that the 9% figure came from 30 continuums of care that had completed 2025 counts, and that HUD’s eventual statewide number would likely differ because not all regions counted that year. He also discussed how different funding sources are layered in local programs, including HAP, local funds, philanthropic support, federal funds, and CalAIM reimbursements. Several members stressed the need for clearer, more comparable measures of effectiveness and outcomes, including whether programs reduce long-term homelessness and move people toward self-sufficiency. The committee then heard from the California Interagency Council on Homelessness on statewide data systems, especially the Homeless Data Integration System (HDIS). Staff described HDIS as the first state-level integrated homelessness data system, built from local HMIS data and used to track demographics, services, outcomes, and program performance across all 44 continuums of care. They said HDIS has enabled statewide dashboards, system performance measures, and new accountability tools under AB 977 and AB 799. Cal ICH also said HAP Round 4 was highly cost-effective under the State Auditor’s methodology, estimating a cost of about $9,172 per person permanently housed, and that new AB 799 dashboards are intended to provide clearer public reporting on outcomes, fiscal data, and progress toward statewide goals. Members asked about measuring self-sufficiency, identifying the best local partners, detecting fraud, and whether the new dashboards will allow better comparisons among program types and funding uses. No votes were taken, and the one scheduled vote was postponed.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> them with their revenue generation them with their revenue generation and<00:53:00.520><c> reducing
• </c><00:58:12.680><c> fund</c> program is funded from the general fund program is funded from the general
• The county also has a role of supporting the hospital around facilities and providing facility preservation
• <01:06:51.400><c> and</c><01:06:51.520><c> providing</c><01:06:51.880><c> facility</c> facilities and
• providing facility facilities and providing facility preservation<01:06:53.320><c> and</c><01:06:53.520

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• for the House to join me in thanking Gene for his years of service to Como Connect and the Como Electric
• The SEMO Electric Board, they keep the lights on and the fiber optics running: Mr.
• Today's event is organized by the Missouri Park and Rec Association, which hopes to provide the General
• Congressman Clay broke barriers and opened doors, not just for himself, but for generations to come.
• And we're generally okay with that.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• references the site development grants, and it adds language to include energy sources, for instance electricity
• /c><00:08:22.639><c> instance</c> uh energy sources for instance uh energy sources for instance electricity
• 24.240><c> gas</c><00:08:25.360><c> uh</c><00:08:25.680><c> servicing</c><00:08:26.400><c> an</c> electricity
• and gas uh servicing an electricity and gas uh servicing an industrial<00:08:27.199><c> site</c><00:

Keywords: Finance - Room 216, 3 March, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lucie has a general fund reserve balance of 20%.
• The special assessment for fire and EMS, on top of what we pay for in general out of the general fund
• Our reserve policy is 25%, or three months, for the general fund, and our general fund is 34%.
• Our reserve policy is 25% or three months for the general fund. and our general fund is. reserve policy
• is 25% or three months for the general fund, and our general fund is 34%.

Summary: The Select Committee on Property Taxes heard first from city representatives through the Florida League of Cities, who argued that property taxes are a stable local revenue source that funds core services such as police, fire, parks, public works, and stormwater work. Casey Cook emphasized that cities are optional governments with widely different tax bases and service levels, that exemptions shift the burden to fewer taxpayers, and that transparency already exists through TRIM notices, public budgets, and local hearings. Sarah Campbell of Fernandina Beach, T. Michael Stavris of Winter Haven, and Stephen O’Kee of Port St. Lucie described their budget processes, the share of general-fund revenue coming from property taxes, reserve policies, debt and capital planning, and the impact of inflation, minimum wage increases, and personnel costs. They all said local governments need predictable revenue and that any property tax changes would require careful consideration of replacement funding or service reductions. Members questioned the city panel about whether homebuyers are clearly informed about city versus county taxes and services, the role of HOAs, how many lobbyists cities employ, reserve levels, average salaries, and whether utility revenues are used only for utility purposes. The panel said TRIM notices, realtor listings, and city websites provide tax information; HOAs generally do not provide emergency services; lobbyists help local governments track Tallahassee legislation; reserves vary by city and fund; and utility revenues are generally restricted, though some cities use limited transfers. Members also asked about revenue replacement if ad valorem taxes were reduced or eliminated, and the panel said options would likely include user fees, service cuts, or other local revenue shifts. The chair also asked about public safety consolidation, and the response was that such decisions are local and may shift costs rather than create true savings. The committee then heard from county representatives after an overview by the Florida Association of Counties’ Davin Suggs, who framed counties as shared partners with the state and emphasized the gap between rising market values and the shrinking share of taxable value after exemptions and assessment limits. He said counties face a mismatch between revenue based on taxable value and expenses driven by real-world costs, and noted that most counties either held millage steady or lowered it without reaching rollback rates. He also highlighted that property taxes are only one part of county revenue, with charges for services and intergovernmental revenue often larger in some counties, and that public safety at the county level includes more than law enforcement, such as EMS, emergency management, inspections, and corrections. Deborah Manzo of Okeechobee County described a fiscally constrained rural county with limited staff, a county-supported airport, heavy reliance on property taxes for the general fund, and major cost pressures from inflation, insurance, retirement, and state and federal mandates. She said the county lowered millage slightly over recent years but still depends on multiple revenue sources and special assessments, and she flagged Medicaid, medical examiner costs, and possible firefighter workweek changes as significant concerns. Bay County Administrator Mark McQueen said his county’s budget is shaped by Hurricane Michael recovery, non-discretionary obligations, and rapid growth; he described ongoing FEMA reimbursement delays, substantial borrowing to cover disaster costs, and continuing interest expenses while the county waits for reimbursement. The county panel was still in progress when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Print 4927B, Ramos, an act to amend the General Business Law.
• Senate Print 8451B, Fahy, an act to amend the General Business Law.
• Senate Print 9567B, Ryan, an act to amend the General Business Law. ...to amend the General Business
• Harckham, an act to amend the General Municipal Law.
• Senate Print 10261, Webb, an act to amend the General Municipal Law.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the journal, and then moved through a large number of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills for third reading. The chamber also received and accepted a Finance Committee report on nominations for Kathleen Mosier as Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Terrence O’Leary as Commissioner of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and John Kagia as Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management. All three nominees were confirmed, with Mosier and O’Leary confirmed unanimously and Kagia confirmed 57-1, with Senator Walczyk voting no. The Senate adopted previously approved resolutions recognizing June 2026 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and mourning the death of Susan Irene Wright of Harlem. Senators Brisport and Bottcher spoke at length in support of Pride Month, emphasizing LGBTQ+ history, resilience, and ongoing threats to the trans community. On the Susan Wright resolution, Senators Cleare, Bailey, and Bottcher praised her community leadership, philanthropy, and family legacy, and Assembly Member Jordan Wright was recognized in the chamber. The body then considered and passed many bills on the calendar, including measures on insurance, environmental conservation, public health, education, business law, labor, social services, highway law, and local tax exemptions. Several bills drew brief explanations of vote, including a measure to end higher insurance premiums for widows, a bill to prohibit correctional facilities from denying visitation because of menstrual products or IUDs, and a Medicaid-related bill to expand access to blood pressure monitors for pregnant people. Most bills passed with broad support, though some had notable opposition from a small group of senators. Late in the session, the Senate took up a proposed constitutional amendment on redistricting. Senator Stewart-Cousins sponsored the measure, and Senator Walczyk questioned it extensively, arguing voters had previously approved an independent redistricting process and objecting to changes that would remove the Legislature’s two-thirds map-approval requirement and alter the commission’s role. The sponsor said the changes were needed in response to aggressive partisan redistricting in other states and would still require voter ratification in future sessions. The transcript ends during that debate, with no final vote on the amendment shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also wanted to drive distinction in terms of NDSU in general.
• or athletics in general?
• students and first-generation families that don't have experience navigating higher education.
• Generally, there are no students enrolled in those programs.
• But it's generally a way of getting there.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• declaration, a little more than a month, August 29, 1776, after a crushing defeat on Long Island, General
• regarding apportionment of the highway distribution account, to remove a provision regarding fees on electric
• regarding apportionment of the highway distribution account, to remove a provision regarding fees on electric
• adjustments that include personal benefit costs, contract inflation, statewide cost allocation, and a general
• … For the entire budget, the full-time positions would be 1,161, with $89,944,700 coming from the general

Summary: The Senate convened with 31 members present, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the corrected journal. The body then moved through routine orders, including referral of memorials and resolutions and reports from standing committees. Among the items reported were several bills printed or enrolled, House bills referred to Senate committees, and messages from the House transmitting additional bills and memorials for referral. A major floor item was Senate Concurrent Resolution 121, which called for modernizing Idaho’s public school funding formula. Supporters argued the current formula is outdated, overly focused on inputs and adults rather than students, and should be redesigned to give local school leaders more flexibility and better outcomes. The resolution was adopted and transmitted to the House. The Senate also adopted SCR 123 recognizing 2026 as the Year of Rangeland and Pastoralists, SR 118 supporting development of a state plan for kinship caregivers, SCR 124 supporting wildlife crossings to reduce collisions and protect wildlife migration, and SR 119 approving certain administrative rules from the Department of Agriculture and Idaho Hops Growers Commission, with one seed-related rule exception. The Senate adopted SJM 114 urging Congress to address problems in college athletics created by name, image, and likeness rules and transfer/agent issues. It then passed SB 1350, which authorizes optional cash rounding to the nearest five cents when pennies are unavailable; the bill passed 24-9 after debate over whether the change could lead toward broader cashless practices. The chamber also passed SB 1373, the fiscal year 2027 appropriations bill for economic development and related agencies, after extended debate over across-the-board budget cuts, especially the impact on the state public defender system and constitutional indigent defense obligations. The Senate concluded with announcements and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• or damaged facilities or were displaced by the Eaton Fire.
• We can't just talk about revenue generation or cuts.
• It's just based on the availability of General Fund.
• So generally speaking, everybody... Yeah, sure.
• at that facility.

Summary: The hearing began with opening remarks on the Governor’s May Revision for child care and human services, with committee members and advocates stressing that the budget should not be balanced on the backs of low-income families, children, and providers. Legislative members and public witnesses strongly opposed the proposed suspension of the child care COLA, reductions to the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program, and the lack of codified rate reform tied to the alternative methodology. Several speakers also urged more support for providers affected by the Eaton fire and other disasters, and called for child care to be funded at the true cost of care and for additional slots to be restored. Administration, LAO, and Department of Education staff described the child care proposal as maintaining existing funding levels while adding administrative resources to prepare for federally required prospective payment changes and single-rate reform. The administration said the May Revision would suspend the 2025–26 COLA and reduce Bridge Program funding to align with utilization, while the LAO raised questions about the size and purpose of the proposed rate-reform and prospective-payment funding and recommended rejecting a Department of Technology exemption. CDE supported continued early education investments but said it would need additional resources if prospective pay were extended to state preschool, and it objected to a proposed reallocation of preschool funds for inclusive education grants. The committee then moved to the IHSS portion of the May Revision. DSS outlined five major proposals: capping provider work hours at 50 per week, eliminating IHSS for undocumented adults age 19 and older, shifting certain Community First Choice reassessment penalties to counties, reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test as a conforming IHSS reduction, and automating the termination of IHSS when Medi-Cal eligibility ends. DSS also discussed funding to implement a federal HCBS access rule and a separate reassessment of IHSS administrative methodology that found counties would need additional administrative funding. Finance said the proposals were intended to slow program growth and improve sustainability, while the LAO said it was still analyzing the package and raised concerns about implementation, county workload, and the potential loss of services. Committee members and public commenters criticized the IHSS cuts, especially the overtime cap and the elimination of services for undocumented adults and people affected by the asset test. Advocates argued that IHSS workers and recipients depend on these services, that county administration is already underfunded, and that the proposals could destabilize vulnerable consumers. The chair closed by saying the committee would continue to fight for child care and would not pause on child care, and the meeting recessed before moving on to the remaining May Revision items.

Transcript Highlights:

• Generator, and you're asking retired police officers to spend more time generating revenues for municipalities
• I have a general question.
• I have a general question.
• </c> this move is necessary it was generated this move is necessary it was generated purely<02:12:34.599
• </c> administrative rules but um the general administrative rules but um the general cost<02:18:07.319

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 702, which would change how extra or special duty pay for retired police officers is treated for retirement and work-limit purposes. Supporters argued the bill would let retirees work more special-duty hours, helping municipalities fill traffic-detail and similar assignments without added state cost, and said it would not prohibit retirees from working but would simply stop those hours from counting toward the return-to-work threshold. Opponents argued the change would be inconsistent with the retirement system’s 2011 reforms, could increase pension liabilities, and would treat the same compensation differently for active employees and retirees. Members also discussed whether the bill would affect current and future retirees, the role of municipalities, and whether the policy amounted to “policing for profit.” The subcommittee ultimately voted 3-2 to recommend inexpedient to legislate (ITL) on HB 702, sending it to the full committee with that recommendation. The committee then discussed House Bill 581, which would create a Group Three retirement plan for new state employees hired after the bill’s effective date. The chair outlined a housekeeping amendment to delay implementation, moving the effective date to January 1, 2026, and noted a sponsor amendment addressing health insurance group inclusion and medical and surgical benefits so those benefits would not be put at risk for the new group. Testimony and discussion focused on the shift from defined benefit to defined contribution, with supporters citing Michigan examples and arguing the bill would help recruit and retain employees while giving them more flexibility. Opponents said the change could weaken retirement security and increase unfunded liability, though supporters responded that the bill still requires employer contributions toward accrued liability and is intended to keep the state on track to pay off its unfunded liability by 2039. The transcript ends with continued discussion of the bill and no final vote shown on HB 581.

Transcript Highlights:

• So based on those risks that are assigned values, that is utilized to generate a specific number.
• What are we getting off of the general public and what are we getting off of DMAP?
• My hunch would be... ...getting off of the general public and what are we getting off of DMAP?
• It tops, everything, people with no electricity, no water.
• It tops, everything, people with no electricity, no water.

Summary: The task force met to review chronic wasting disease (CWD) developments and related management actions. After adopting an amended agenda and approving prior minutes, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries presented an update on the new CWD control area expansion triggered by a positive deer sample from Richard K. Yancey Wildlife Management Area in Concordia Parish. Staff explained the emergency declaration, the enhanced mitigation zone and buffer zone rules, baiting and feeding restrictions, carcass transport limits, and the taxidermy waiver process. Members asked about where the deer may have been exposed, how sampling and surveillance are targeted, how the control area boundaries were drawn, and how the department tracks harvest and sample data. LDWF said the disease appears to be at low prevalence, that the emergency declaration lasts 180 days unless changed, and that a formal notice of intent will follow; the commission may act on the emergency and later rulemaking in time for the next hunting season. The committee also heard from the National Deer Association, which stated that CWD is the most serious long-term threat to wild deer and deer hunting and urged hunters, landowners, scientists, and agencies to work together to slow its spread. The task force then discussed its legislatively assigned report under H.R. ACR 75, with staff outlining five required areas: testing and tracking practices, information sharing and public notification, monitoring captive and wild herds, containment protocols, and needed regulatory updates. Members clarified the timing for recommendations and noted the report is due before the 2027 session, though recommendations can be made earlier. Later, LDWF staff provided retail sales figures showing significant declines in corn and rice bran sales in late 2025 compared with the prior year, attributing the drop to the baiting restrictions in CWD areas and noting impacts on small businesses and local economies. Members discussed the need to present harvest, sample, and DMAP data separately and in map form, while also cautioning that detailed property-level data could create legal or economic concerns; LDWF said it can stratify data by parish, public/private land, and DMAP status without identifying individual hunters or properties. The meeting ended with a public comment thanking Governor Landry for assistance after an ice storm, and the task force adjourned with the next meeting date to be announced.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> long-term care facilities, long-term care facilities, um,<01:16:57.840><c> in</c><01:16:58.159>
• . facility. facility. and<01:24:49.199><c> we</c><01:24:49.360><c> would</c><01:24:49.520><c> be</c><
• ,</c> restrict buyers on types of facilities, restrict buyers on types of facilities, u<01:32:39.360>
• </c><02:10:14.480><c> Um</c> transferred to the general fund. Um transferred to the general fund.
• </c> be on the Senate floor and um a general be on the Senate floor and um a general if<02:26:31.120>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, first we have the Department of the Attorney General.
• </c><02:07:01.760><c> makeup</c> in terms of I guess the general makeup in terms of I guess the general
• Hawaiian Electric in support.
• Mahalo. million from the general funds for this million from the general funds for this fiscal<02:27:
• </c><02:35:19.120><c> well</c> you uh I think in general well you uh I think in general well uh<02:35

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They cannot administer general anesthesia.
• The second call was to Research Hospital, which is kind of in that general area.
• Different electric company and just kept getting my pension.
• The House Committee on General Laws will now come to order.
• Generally, they're entitled to some type of hearing somewhere. Okay.

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and adopted a House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2300 by a unanimous roll call vote of 18-0. The substitute combined a number of previously approved professional registration items, including emergency suspension authority, chiropractic and massage therapy provisions, accountant regulations, the athletic trainer compact, social worker regulations, a speech-language pathologist fix, telehealth, nonprofit pharmacies, and the physician assistant compact. Members noted that work was still ongoing on bell bondsman language before the committee moved into public hearing. The main public hearing was on House Bill 2897, which would expand optometrists’ authority to perform certain laser and in-office procedures. Representative Farnan and optometry supporters argued the bill is about patient access, especially in rural areas, and said it would allow three laser procedures—YAG capsulotomy, laser trabeculoplasty, and laser iridotomy—plus clarify other already-performed office procedures, while still excluding major surgeries such as cataract surgery, LASIK, and corneal transplants. Supporters said optometrists already receive relevant training, that a 32-hour certification course would serve as a safeguard, and that patients often face long waits or long travel times for care. Opponents, including ophthalmologists, argued the bill would blur the line between optometry and surgery, create safety risks, and rely on insufficient training and ambiguous language. They cited complications from laser procedures, questioned emergency care claims, and said optometrists should not be regulated as surgeons unless placed under the State Board of Healing Arts. No vote was taken on HB 2897, and the chair recessed the hearing for later continuation. The Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education then took up House Bill 3239 and adopted Amendment 0.01H, which capped the program at $4 million to keep it from becoming an open-ended cost. The committee then adopted the House Committee Substitute and voted the bill do pass by 11-7. The committee also combined House Bills 2913 and 3228 into one substitute and voted that combined measure do pass by 19-0. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2195, which would create the Missouri Integrated Safe Driving Program and encourage school districts to incorporate driver-safety content into existing courses without adding a fiscal note or mandating a standalone driver’s ed class. Sponsor Representative Reedy and supporters from AAA Missouri and the Missouri Driver Education Coalition said the bill would address teen crash rates, improve access to driver education, and help schools use existing curriculum time more flexibly. The hearing remained in discussion with testimony continuing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The only thing that hasn't passed yet is the independent inspector general that Senator Augustine has
• only thing that hasn't passed yet is the independent<00:09:32.000><c> inspector</c><00:09:32.560><c> general
• </c><00:09:33.120><c> that</c> independent inspector general that independent inspector general that
• state's roadways, water<00:14:17.760><c> systems,</c><00:14:18.320><c> and</c><00:14:18.639><c> electrical
• </c><00:14:19.120><c> grids</c> water systems, and electrical grids water systems, and electrical grids

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> federal agencies often and and generally federal agencies often and and generally do<01:05:08.799
• Um we have a facilities committee.
• Um, as for the General Court.
• It the general flag. um placement.
• , if you will, the new the generation, if you will, the new the younger<05:30:30.320><c> generation</

Keywords: 1191, senate, all