Transcript Highlights:

• She has a very interesting career and really will be a tremendous source of advice for us, and the council's
• be a tremendous uh and really will be a tremendous source<00:04:23.480><c> of</c><00:04:23.600><c> advice
• 24.280><c> for</c><00:04:24.520><c> us</c><00:04:24.880><c> and</c><00:04:25.440><c> the</c> source of advice
• for us and the source of advice for us and the council's<00:04:25.920><c> looking</c><00:04:26.160><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard several governor’s message nominations for health-related boards and commissions. Kanwardeep Kaleka was considered for the Substance Abuse Kauai Service Area Board; he said his work as a psychiatrist and family physician on Kauai motivates him to improve mental health and addiction services. Kunani Dryer was considered for the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances; he emphasized 26 years of personal recovery, harm reduction experience, and representation of rural, LGBTQIA+, and Native Hawaiian communities. Olivia Kim was considered for the Center for Nursing Advisory Board; testimony highlighted her experience in nursing leadership, long-term care, and LPN workforce issues. Trisha Lynn Yamashita was considered for the Kauai Subarea Health Planning Council; she described her hospice leadership, public health and palliative care background, and focus on data-informed, community-centered planning. Emily Dong was considered for the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel Wastewater Treatment Plants; she stressed wastewater’s public health importance and the need to strengthen the operator workforce pipeline. Testimony in support came from the Department of Health and several organizations and individuals, including the Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition, Hina Mauka, the Kauai mayor, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and others. Committee members generally praised the nominees’ credentials and community ties, and repeatedly noted the value of lived experience, rural perspective, and workforce expertise. One nominee, Olivia Kim, was not present and was deferred to a later meeting for decision-making. At the end of the hearing, the committee took up the governor’s messages and recommended advise and consent for GM707, GM537, GM545, GM724, and GM790, with Senator Fevella excused and no objections recorded. GM662 was deferred to Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 3:20 p.m. in Room 225 because the nominee could not attend. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• his experience inside politics and government. and from the private sector to offer his very sage advice
• as the Chief Compliance Officer. for UTA, and we had an employee that presented a request for some advice
• Richard's given her advice. That's good.
• And then here is my step. statement that was attached to it and had no... explanation, and so his advice

Keywords: Texas Ethics Commission, HB18, SB12, political contributions, civil penalties, Attorney General, criminal election offenses, legislation

Summary: In the latest meeting of the Texas Ethics Commission, significant discussions centered around newly passed legislation, specifically HB18 and SB12. HB18 introduces a civil penalty for members who accept political contributions while absent from the state, addressing potential obstructions to legislative actions. Senators and commissioners engaged in an in-depth dialogue about the implications of this bill, with many expressing concerns regarding enforcement and compliance. In contrast, SB12 expands the jurisdiction of the Attorney General to prosecute criminal election offenses, further tightening the oversight of election activities. The meeting concluded with acknowledgement of the efforts put forth by previous commission chairs, highlighting their contributions to the commission's success.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 2, Clause 2 of the Constitution provides the Senate with advice and consent power.
• Advice and consent should not be empty words. There is no colorable argument. Mr.
• Donahue should survive any advice and consent process based on his qualifications.
• The EPA General Counsel is the chief legal advisor to EPA and provides legal advice on environmental

Keywords: presidential nominations, EPA, environmental policy, Fish and Wildlife, committee meeting

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the presidential nominations of Brigadier General Brian Nesvick as Director of Fish and Wildlife and Jess Kramer and Sean Donahue as assistant administrators at the EPA. Each nominee presented their qualifications and experiences in their respective fields, with an emphasis on their commitment to uphold the laws passed by Congress. The discussion highlighted the nominees' dedication to addressing environmental issues and their proactive stances on regulatory matters. After deliberation, votes were held to report the nominations favorably, despite some members voicing concerns regarding their qualifications and potential conflicts with environmental interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• So my advice to the body is don't forget your constituents.
• </c><00:57:01.320><c> Um</c> have some advice to the body. Um have some advice to the body.
• </c> My advice to young people My advice to young people or<00:59:41.800><c> new</c><00:59:42.400><c>
• And so, as I give you advice, reinforce the people back home. They need it.
• We've got to be conscious of that. uh give you advice um uh give you advice um reinforce<03:33:37.600

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And just wanted to ask advice from other third-grade teachers.
• What advice would you give to those teachers who will have these students potentially being held... .
• And just wanted to ask advice from other third-grade teachers.
• What advice would you give to those teachers who will have these students potentially being held... .
• If you could share some great advice, I'll address that.

Summary: The committee approved the March 9 and 10 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Arkansas Department of Education on the Arkansas Excellence in Teaching Fellowship, featuring three third-grade teachers from Cabot, Poyen, and Drew Central who are also teacher merit pay recipients. The teachers described the fellowship as a year-long Zoom-based collaboration with about 23 educators statewide, focused on sharing classroom strategies, data use, and professional support. Members asked about the teachers’ experience, how they share what they learn with their districts, the range of grades represented in the fellowship, and the relationship between the fellowship and merit pay. The teachers emphasized building relationships with students, using data to drive instruction, early intervention, and collaboration across grade levels, while the secretary said the program is intended to identify and elevate high-performing teachers and spread their practices. A major portion of the discussion focused on third-grade reading, retention, and the new ATLAS testing system. Teachers and the secretary said students are screened and progress monitored throughout the year, families are notified early if students are at risk, and schools are using interventions, tutoring, and individualized reading plans. They said ATLAS results are now available much faster than in the past, often within 24 hours or a few days, allowing teachers and parents to respond quickly. Members asked about the impact of poverty, trauma, foster care, DHS involvement, IEPs, and critical shortage areas; teachers said relationship-building, small-group instruction, and coordination with counselors and special education staff are key. The secretary said the fellowship is a small subset of a broader merit pay program, that participation was voluntary, and that the state is trying to build a coherent system with literacy coaches, high-impact tutoring, and clearer standards rather than teaching to the test. Members also discussed broader policy issues, including the need for more positive public messaging about public education, teacher input in decision-making, and support for early childhood education. Several legislators asked whether the state should expand funding for early learning and whether more literacy or academic coaches are needed in districts that improve and then lose eligibility for state support. The secretary said the state has committed literacy coaches to D and F schools and is still working through how to sustain support as schools improve. He also said the administration would look at data and return on investment before supporting additional funding, and he encouraged legislators to help recruit eligible teachers into future fellowship cohorts. After the teacher panel concluded, the committee moved on to the adequacy resource allocation study, where Bureau of Legislative Research staff began a presentation on state and local education funding sources, categorical funds, and district spending patterns.

Transcript Highlights:

• And he approved it, and everyone who was involved in it said that they took the advice of counsel.
• But I went to your office and you gave me all the advice and she said, “I'll never forget it.
• And then John, I've always appreciated your advice. And heaven knows we had our differences.
• You've given me great advice along the way.
• And I just value so much the advice you've given me through all of this.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We hope this committee would consider having advice and consent of the Senate for the person appointed
• consider having advice and consent of<00:59:49.520><c> the</c><00:59:49.680><c> senate</c><00:59:50.079
• I think with your guidance and your advice, we would definitely heed what you’re saying in terms of the
• </c><01:15:28.800><c> and</c><01:15:29.120><c> and</c><01:15:29.320><c> your</c><01:15:29.679><c> advice
• </c><01:15:30.159><c> we</c> your guidance and and your advice we your guidance and and your advice we

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What advice will you give to them?
• What advice would you give to President Trump with regard to how to keep the United States safe from
• What advice would you give to President Trump with regard to how to posture appropriately to protect
• advice regardless of what you think he might want to hear.
• American troops also rely on Judge Advocate General's Corps for legal advice.

Keywords: defense, geopolitical tensions, military readiness, China, Russia, U.S. military, Indo-Pacific, alliance, procurement

Summary: The meeting focused on critical defense and security matters, particularly concerning the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving China and Russia. There were discussions surrounding U.S. military readiness, with significant emphasis on the potential threats posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region. Members expressed concerns about America's military capabilities in relation to the growing Chinese fleet and the importance of maintaining strong alliances with nations like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Additionally, the notion of prioritizing the defense industrial base was highlighted, emphasizing the need for effective procurement and modernization efforts to counter adversarial threats. Furthermore, notable commentary included a reference to President Zelensky's remarks regarding peace negotiations with Ukraine, expressing a willingness for further cooperation with the U.S.

Transcript Highlights:

• numbers need to come up and they need to be based on services provided would be my two pieces of advice
• <c> two</c><01:40:17.080><c> pieces</c><01:40:17.400><c> of</c> my two pieces of my two pieces of advice
• <01:40:19.280><c> thank</c><01:40:19.440><c> you</c><01:40:19.599><c> very</c> advice thank you very
• advice thank you very much<01:40:21.320><c> any</c><01:40:21.639><c> questions</c><01:40:22.480><c> yes
• There's one other change in this bill, which requires that the remittance be in four payments through

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on HB 563, which would revise the education funding formula for pupils receiving special education services by replacing the current single special education amount with three differentiated categories. Representative Rick Ladd, the prime sponsor, said the bill largely tracks a House-passed version from the prior session with minor figure adjustments, and explained that the proposal uses projected FY26 amounts for three categories based on time in general education versus more intensive placements. He also noted that the bill does not address catastrophic aid directly, but that special education aid, CAT aid, and proration all remain issues for later work sessions. Ladd and supporters argued that weighted categories better reflect actual costs and are more sustainable than treating all IEPs the same. Representative Margaret Drye said the approach was one of the best ideas from the education funding subcommittee and urged the committee to support differentiated aid. Representative Ames asked how the category amounts were derived, and Ladd said Category A follows the FY26 base, Category B is a higher weight, and Category C is a still higher weight for more intensive services, though he acknowledged the exact multipliers were developed earlier and could be revisited. He also said the committee would continue discussing whether the weights are appropriate and how they interact with CAT aid. Testimony from Bonnie Dunham strongly opposed the bill. She argued that funding based on placement rather than actual service need would create incentives to move students into more restrictive settings, could stigmatize children with labels such as "Category C," and would undermine the least restrictive environment requirements under federal special education law. She described her son’s experience in inclusive settings as beneficial and said the bill would have penalized the district for serving him there. In response to questions, she said schools and parents should base funding on the child’s actual needs and costs, not on placement, and urged the committee to recommend the bill inexpedient to legislate.

Transcript Highlights:

• . out for some continuing advice.
• </c> for the advice. for the advice.
• Chair, we got four. >> Madam Chair, may I offer the chair some advice?
• Chair, we got four. >> Madam Chair, may I offer the chair some advice?
• Chair, we got four. >> Madam Chair, may I offer the chair some advice?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So that is to switch that to: shall provide advice on the inclusion of instruction... ...switch that
• to: shall provide advice on the inclusion of instruction and assessment of cursive writing and reading
• Such advice shall include recommendations for a related model policy on cursive.
• So is the shall provide advice on the inclusion of instruction, assessment, cursive writing, and all
• eyes on it, especially education eyes, and for them to come up with their own opinion, their own advice

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you all for taking the time to drive all this way to come testify and give us your sage advice.
• Thank you all very much, and thank you for taking the time to give us your advice and counsel.
• Thank you all very much, and thank you for taking the time to give us your advice and counsel.
• While this mandate ensures that testing is conducted early, the law does not include the advice of a
• While this mandate ensures a testing is conducted early, the law does not include the advice of a subject

Bills: SB552, SB1099, SB1124, SB1208, SB1372, SB1506, SB1667, SB1804, SB1806, SB1870, SB1936, SB1937, SB2180, SB2405, SB2569, SB2570, SB1646

Keywords: community supervision, criminal justice, illegal alien, deferred adjudication, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, SB 1099, undocumented immigrant, unauthorized immigrant, immigration status, felony sentencing enhancement, criminal penalty increase, Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, affirmative finding, judgment finding, deportation, public safety, immigration enforcement, sentencing reform, felony offense

Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice heard testimony on several bills dealing with criminal discovery, crime lab access, controlled substances, community supervision, interference with officers, oilfield theft, and copper theft. On SB 1124, witnesses split over whether the bill clarified discovery law after the Heath decision or rolled back the Michael Morton Act; opponents argued it narrowed disclosure and shifted responsibility away from prosecutors, while supporters said it restored balance, limited harsh sanctions, and preserved exculpatory-disclosure duties. The committee later voted 4-0 to report SB 1124 favorably and place it on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also heard and later reported favorably SB 1372, which resolves a statutory conflict over access to the DPS crime lab portal, and SB 1936, which changes how LSD “abuse units” are defined for testing and charging purposes; both were sent to the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1937, which would require a subject-matter expert from the testing lab to participate in pretrial meetings in capital cases involving biological evidence, was also reported favorably and placed on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then heard SB 552, which would make people defined in the bill as “illegal aliens” ineligible for judge-ordered or jury-recommended community supervision, including deferred adjudication. Supporters said the bill would prevent state-funded early release of people who entered or remained in the country unlawfully, while county officials and immigration advocates warned it would be overbroad, difficult to administer, and costly to local jails and taxpayers. Despite those concerns, the committee voted to report SB 552 favorably, and Senator Huffman requested it be taken to the floor. On SB 1208, which increases interference with a peace officer or public official from a Class B misdemeanor to a state jail felony, law enforcement witnesses said repeat “auditors” and similar actors were creating dangerous confrontations and needed stronger deterrence; opponents argued the bill would chill protected filming and protest activity. The committee voted to report SB 1208 favorably and place it on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also took testimony on SB 1806, a committee substitute addressing oilfield theft and related crimes. Supporters from law enforcement and the oil and gas industry said organized theft of crude, equipment, and related materials is a growing problem and that the bill would strengthen penalties, allow seizure and sale of stolen product, and improve inspection and forensic tools. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably, with placement on the local and uncontested calendar. Finally, the committee heard SB 1646, which targets copper theft and fiber vandalism by increasing penalties, requiring reporting and recordkeeping for certain purchases, and adding training and enforcement tools. Telecommunications, law enforcement, and emergency-network witnesses supported the bill as necessary to protect 9-1-1 and critical infrastructure, while metal recyclers warned the bill could overregulate legitimate businesses and sweep too broadly. The committee later voted to report the committee substitute for SB 1646 favorably as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• what a case is about, not what the jury heard, but what a case is actually about, and give you your advice
• expended from those cities, counties, the school district, or from the state itself, that's good advice
• Using those special masters and following their advice because they're able to look at everything, not
• I think that process, if you follow the advice of those special masters and you don't restrict their
• end of the day, your judgment as to how and when and how much money to be spent will... ...be good advice

Summary: The subcommittee first heard HB 6507, a claims bill for Marcus Button, who suffered severe permanent injuries in a 2006 school bus crash. Representative Andrade explained that a jury awarded Button more than $2 million in 2009, but only a small amount was paid under sovereign immunity limits. He said Pasco County later reached a settlement with Button, but believed it lacked legal authority to pay without legislative approval. The bill would give the county that authority. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed unanimously, 18-0. The committee then took up HB 301, which would substantially revise Florida’s sovereign immunity framework. Representative McFarland said the bill would raise liability caps for state and local governments from $200,000/$300,000 to $1 million/$3 million, with a later increase in 2030, align statutes of limitations with private suits, allow governments to settle above the caps without a claims bill, and prevent insurance policies from conditioning payment on legislative approval. She framed the bill as a way to reduce the need for the claims bill process and provide faster redress to injured people. Testimony on HB 301 was sharply divided. Local governments, school districts, counties, cities, hospital groups, and insurance representatives opposed the bill, arguing the higher caps would sharply increase insurance and taxpayer costs, especially for small or fiscally constrained entities, and that the claims bill process and special masters provide useful review and leverage. Supporters, including the Florida Justice Association and several members, argued the current system is too slow and political, leaves seriously injured people waiting years for compensation, and should be modernized to better hold government accountable. No vote was taken on HB 301 in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• new section 41-141, amending section 41-641 of that statute, repealing section 21-321, it was an advice
• section 14-11-11th as an advice amendment amendment by last 202 chapter 311, chapter 2, 137, relating
• in section 41 30 11 30 11 as advice as you meaning section 41 30 11 11 section 10 by law 22 22 chapter
• My advice to explain my vote? Yes, go ahead.
• The committee on rules and rural advice recommends that the bill do pass, signed C. Farnsworth.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We can to our advice as far as the workforce goes. Um, at least have one seat.
• </c> advice as far as the workforce goes. advice as far as the workforce goes.
• , also the management of a grant program, a new fund that they can then provide funding to at the advice
• </c><00:36:28.240><c> But</c><00:36:28.400><c> with</c><00:36:28.520><c> a</c> at the advice of, right
• But with a at the advice of, right?

Bills: SB2580, SB2578, SB2259, SB3084, SB2816, SB2928, SB2075, SB3322, SB2377, SB2436, SB2835, SB3248

Keywords: SB2580, Hawaii film tax credit, motion picture tax credit, digital media credit, film production incentive, income tax credit, general excise tax exemption, DBEDT, DOTAX, local hires, local workforce, film industry, movie production, television production, streaming platform, streaming series, loan-out companies, motion picture project employer, qualified production, qualified production costs

Summary: The committee opened by reviewing hearing procedures and then took up SB 2580, which concerns Hawaii’s film production tax credit and related incentives. Testimony was strongly supportive overall, with witnesses saying the measure would help attract productions, extend the sunset date, include streaming platforms, and strengthen the state’s competitiveness. Several supporters asked for cleanup language on grant administration, tax credit management, local-hire uplifts, and limits on third-party audit requirements for smaller productions. The state film office said the bill was generally strong but suggested clarifying language and noted that DBEDT and DOTAX already provide oversight of the current credit. No vote was taken in the transcript, but the bill drew broad support with a few comments and one opposition noted later in the hearing. The committee then heard SB 2578 SD1, a measure to create a film commission and related grant structure. Testifiers said the proposal would formalize industry input, improve accountability, and help the state compete globally, but they also raised concerns about how a new grant program would interact with the existing tax credit system. The film office said the grant program and tax credit should be separated operationally, that the advisory structure should include industry voices and possibly union representation, and that county film commissioner language may need technical adjustment. A testifier also suggested a Hawaii film museum and related tourism opportunities. The measure was described as having 42 supporters, one opposition, and five comments, with no final action shown. The committee next considered SB 2259, a dementia training measure. Supporters, including the bill’s drafter and the Alzheimer’s Association, described personal caregiving experiences and said free dementia training could help workers and families. Suggested amendments focused on clarifying the relationship between EOA and DBED and allowing retraining every two years because of workforce turnover. DBED said the bill is worthwhile but is not really an economic development initiative, and it should align with existing dementia programs and be easy for businesses to use, preferably online. The committee then moved to SB 3084 SD1, which HTDC said would expand its R&D matching program beyond SBIR to other federal research grants because of uncertainty at the federal level; the transcript ends as testimony begins, with no vote or final action recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the department, but people from other states who work on the national issue and can help give advice
• /c><00:39:43.599><c> can</c><00:39:43.760><c> help</c><00:39:44.000><c> give</c><00:39:44.160><c> advice
• </c> nationally and can help give advice nationally and can help give advice about<00:39:44.720><c> how
• </c><00:40:04.640><c> There</c><00:40:04.880><c> is</c><00:40:05.040><c> a</c> we need some advice there
• There is a we need some advice there.

Bills: HB644, HB1802, HB1569, HB1619, HB1620, HB1730, HB1749

Keywords: PFAS, single-use plastics, environmental health, food ware, pollution reduction, HB1802, conservation banking, conservation bank, mitigation banking, compensatory mitigation, incidental take permit, incidental take license, habitat conservation plan, HCP, DLNR, BLNR, Board of Land and Natural Resources, endangered species recovery committee, threatened species, endangered species

Summary: The committee heard several environmental and energy bills, beginning with HB 644 on single-use plastics. DLNR and DOH supported the measure, and environmental advocates said it would reduce plastic waste in oceans and landfills. Testifiers urged the bill to avoid weakening existing county ordinances, and some supported delaying implementation to use up inventory, while Upstream opposed compostable-plastic exemptions and urged prompt passage. Committee members asked whether reusable and refillable foodware could be added to the PFAS prohibition, and Upstream said that would be consistent with the bill’s goals. The committee then took up HB 1802 on conservation mitigation banks, HB 1569 on microfiber filters for newly manufactured washing machines, and HB 1619 on electric vehicle infrastructure. HB 1802 drew mostly agency testimony from DLNR, with opposition testimony noted from environmental groups, and members discussed whether suggested amendments would address concerns. HB 1569 received limited testimony, with support from the Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and opposition from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. HB 1619 was supported by the PUC, Hawaiian Electric, the Department of Transportation, and several advocacy groups; Earthjustice said the bill was needed to address a widening EV charging shortfall and described the funding increase as relatively small compared with the benefits. The committee also heard HB 1620, which would increase the barrel tax to fund the EV charging rebate program. The State Energy Office and PUC offered comments, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed the special-fund approach and said the bill should also address the non-petroleum fossil-fuel portion of the barrel tax. Earthjustice and youth transportation advocates supported the measure, and the chair asked for information on unused hydrogen fueling subaccount funds; PUC said no hydrogen program funds had been deployed and estimated the balance was likely around $2 million, with exact figures to be provided later. Finally, the committee heard HB 1730 on wastewater systems, which would create a wastewater technical advisory group and fund positions at DOH. DLNR, DOH, OPSD, UH, and several environmental groups supported the bill, emphasizing cesspool pollution, affordability, and the need for more staffing and technical assistance. Testifiers suggested amendments to create a separate cesspool conversion implementation working group and debated the size and composition of the advisory group, including whether to include outside engineers and whether SHIP should be on the panel. No votes were taken during the hearing segment provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• them paid played a huge role<00:03:34.159><c> in</c><00:03:34.879><c> giving</c><00:03:35.280><c> advice
• and helping us to role in giving advice and helping us to craft<00:03:37.360><c> the</c><00:03:37.599
• So hats off to taking some Democrats' advice and improving that part of the bill here and the proposal
• So hats off to taking<00:08:00.400><c> some</c><00:08:00.560><c> Democrats</c><00:08:01.120><c> advice
• </c><00:08:01.440><c> and</c> taking some Democrats advice and taking some Democrats advice and improving

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So when I read the 100 feet and wireless communication advice, you automatically believe that this was
• So when I read the 100 feet and wireless communication advice, you automatically believe that this was
• Here's the advice you get from TxDOT when you go to their website: three bullet points.
• TechS dot when you go to their advice, three bullet points.
• Here's the advice you get from TechSdot when you go to their advice. Three bullet points.

Bills: HB1968, HB2279, HB2739, HB2803, HB3909, HB3918, HB4253, HB4475, HB5115, HB5430

Keywords: election services, contracting, political subdivisions, county elections, election code, voter registration, citizenship status, election law, cancellation, disqualification, Texas Election Code, voter identification, registration, election integrity, identification documents, election, watcher, polling place, removal, Texas Elections Code

Summary: The committee first voted out two previously heard Senate bills without amendment: SB 688, relating to the date of the meeting of presidential electors, and SB 914, relating to authorizing certain cities to change the date of their general election for officers. Both motions passed on 8-0 votes with one member absent. The committee then heard HB 3909, which would change the current prohibition on wireless device use from a 100-foot boundary around a voting station to only inside the room where voting is taking place, with a committee substitute also adding state-prescribed signage. The author and supporters said the change would reduce confusion and make enforcement easier for election workers, while opponents argued the existing 100-foot rule helps prevent electioneering, recording, and possible technical interference with election equipment. The bill was left pending. Members also heard HB 1968, which would repeal a provision that requires counties to provide election services to certain political subdivisions in odd-numbered years but not even-numbered years, making county-provided election services consistent across years. Supporters said it would improve consistency for smaller cities and school districts, while opponents warned it could strain county equipment and staffing during heavy election cycles. The bill was left pending. HB 2279 would require voter registrars to remove a person from the rolls if the person swears under oath during jury service that they are not a U.S. citizen; supporters said this would streamline removal of ineligible voters, while opponents raised concerns about mistaken identity and loss of due process. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard HB 2803, which would require a presiding judge to give a poll watcher a signed statement explaining any removal from service. Supporters said this would improve documentation and accountability, and one witness asked for clarification that improper removal would remain a criminal offense; the author said he would consider a floor amendment and further discussion. The committee also heard HB 4253, which would create a more uniform voter-roll maintenance process based on inactivity, sending confirmation notices to voters who have not voted in the prior 25 months and eventually removing those who do not respond after multiple election cycles. Supporters said it would clean up outdated records and help keep voters registered where they actually live, while opponents argued it could wrongly remove eligible voters who simply do not vote regularly. HB 4253 was left pending as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• sponsor responded that the task force has not been able to be fully staffed because of the Senate advice
• So it's kind of out of the norm to have advice and consent of the Senate for a task force of this size
• So that's kind of the goal with moving away from the advice and consent to the Senate.
• So that's kind of the goal with moving away from the advice and consent to the Senate.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Mental Health heard testimony on three bills. Senate Bill 1019, sponsored by Sen. Crawford, would raise the amount district and municipal hospitals may invest from 25% to 50% of non-operating funds and allow municipal hospitals in third-class cities to operate in areas where district and county hospitals operate. The sponsor and a hospital representative said it would improve returns and access, especially for rural health care, and there was no opposition or committee vote recorded. House Bill 2606, sponsored by Rep. Caton, would require patient consent before health care providers or medical entities sell or disclose health records for marketing or research, create a private right of action with damages and attorney’s fees, and include an amendment requested by the Secretary of State to allow use of records 50 years after a patient’s death. Supporters argued the bill restores patient ownership and privacy, citing HIPAA gaps, Minnesota’s privacy law, and concerns about health information exchanges, hacking, and unauthorized sharing. Opponents from the Missouri Hospital Association, Missouri State Medical Association, Washington University, and the Missouri Ambulance Association warned it could delay care, burden providers and researchers, interfere with quality improvement and de-identified data uses, and create unintended consequences; the Secretary of State’s office also sought changes to preserve archival and genealogy access. House Bill 1638, sponsored by Rep. Overcast, would extend the Alzheimer’s State Plan Task Force to 2033, add a member from licensed assisted living facilities, create staggered terms, remove Senate confirmation requirements, and require updated reports every five years. The sponsor said the task force has been delayed by appointment problems and needs to be fully staffed to continue its work. The Alzheimer’s Association supported the bill, and no opposition was heard before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Comprehensive consulting services on a variety of weather-related events within the state, including advice
• 00:10:00.640><c> state</c><00:10:01.040><c> including</c><00:10:02.000><c> uh</c><00:10:02.240><c> advice
• </c><00:10:02.800><c> and</c> within the state including uh advice and within the state including uh
• advice and education. education. education.

Keywords: 924, joint, all