Video & Transcript : 'feedback mechanisms' :
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MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Professional Registration and Licensing Feb 18th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Professional Registration and Licensing
Transcript Highlights:
- Missouri is going to require you to have differential equations and fluid mechanics and all the classes
- that would... ...with mechanics and all the classes that would equip you to be a professional engineer
- First witness in favor of. with mechanics and all the classes that would equip you to be a professional
- — I don’t think you’re learning how to build a bridge from practice; you’re learning it from the mechanics
- “How to build a bridge, not from practice, or learning it from the mechanics that you learn in school
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Labor & Workplace Standards Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- For a bit of background, employers are required to pay laborers, workers, and mechanics on public works
- Senate Bill 5061 provides that contracts must update the hourly rates for laborers, workers, or mechanics
- Starting with some background, state law requires employers to pay laborers, workers, and mechanics on
- However, independent contractors are not considered laborers, workers, and mechanics, and are effectively
- State law requires employers to pay laborers, workers, and mechanics on public works contracts at least
Summary:
The committee heard public testimony on several labor-related bills. On Substitute Senate Bill 5874, staff and Senator McEwen described a proposal to let the Employment Security Department waive penalties for minor quarterly reporting errors by employers, especially inadvertent electronic filing issues involving occupational codes and job titles. No one testified in opposition, and the public hearing was closed.
The committee then heard extensive testimony on Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5847, which would expand injured workers’ access to medical providers, allow medically appropriate departures from L&I treatment rules, prohibit employers from requiring treatment from a specific provider, and set timelines for utilization review. Supporters, including workers’ advocates and union representatives, said the bill would improve access to care and reduce delays, while business groups opposed it as weakening the provider network and raised concerns about costs and claim duration. L&I said it could implement the bill with a technical fix and noted that the fiscal note was still being updated. A previously adopted claims-manager staffing amendment was discussed but not included in the version heard.
On Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5061, the committee heard testimony on requiring public works contracts to update prevailing wage rates annually rather than freezing them at bid time. Labor groups supported the bill as protecting workers from wage erosion on long projects, while contractor groups opposed it unless amended to allow change orders for wage increases above 5 percent, citing unpredictable jumps in prevailing wage rates and added risk for small contractors. L&I requested a delayed effective date to July 1, 2028 because of IT changes. The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 5944, which would make missed or canceled appointment payments bargained economic compensation for language access providers, and on Substitute Senate Bill 5972, which would extend interest arbitration rights to correctional employees in city and county jails regardless of county population. Labor groups supported both bills; counties and a city representative opposed 5972 over cost concerns and asked for fiscal safeguards.
Finally, the committee heard Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6302, which would require L&I to investigate possible misclassification when three or more independent contractors are used for the same type of finishing work on a public works project. Labor and contractor groups both supported the amended version, saying it targets misclassification without banning legitimate independent contractors. The hearing ended after testimony, with no votes or final committee actions taken during the meeting.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee Nov 7th, 2025
Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- Would that be the mechanism to force that?
- And I'm going to paraphrase: feeding of children is required by law, and SNAP is the mechanism for doing
- Cover the SNAP benefits, but having a mechanism, this committee is set to make a recommendation to have
- It's almost like we need to set up some sort of mechanism so that we are positioned to move rapidly when
- We want to make sure there are mechanisms set up so that the proper agencies can, I like the word nimble
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 27, 2025 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there any mechanism to ensure that if there are savings, which I assume there would be, that they're
- preempt the municipalities and the school districts, but you're going to allow them to put whatever mechanism
- And for those reasons, and the reason that this bill doesn't have a mechanism to really track how this
- benefit would be used— ...that this bill doesn't have a mechanism to really track how this benefit would
- This bill solely provides a mechanism to provide the public infrastructure associated with any approved
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee met on March 27, 2025 and first considered HJR 1257 and its implementing bill, HB 1259, which would create two $25,000 property tax exemptions and an assessment cap for long-term rental properties owned by Floridians who also have a homestead in the state. Supporters argued the measure would increase long-term rental supply and help Florida residents, while opponents from counties and cities warned of a large revenue loss, potential tax shifts to businesses, and weak guardrails against abuse. Members raised concerns about wealthy owners holding many condos, possible family-member workarounds, and whether savings would actually reach tenants. The committee adopted an amendment to the implementing bill, then reported both measures favorably after party-line-leaning debate and recorded votes.
The committee then unanimously reported HB 761, which limits deferred ad valorem and non-ad valorem tax relief to properties with a just value of $1 million or less and raises the minimum tax certificate sale amount from $250 to $500. Members also unanimously approved CS/HB 733 on brownfields, which expands and clarifies the state brownfields program, and two Osceola/Sunbridge local bills, CS/HB 4043 and HB 4059, dealing with special district infrastructure and district boundary expansion subject to voter approval. HB 995 on Areas of Critical State Concern, focused largely on the Florida Keys, was amended to remove the ad valorem tax exemption portion and to adjust the growth cap from 500 to 825 units, then was reported favorably.
Later, the committee approved HB 6021, which repeals sales tax on all bullion purchases of gold, silver, and platinum, with supporters calling it a sound-money measure and critics asking about future revenue effects if related legal-tender legislation passes. Finally, the committee passed HB 1339, which excludes wind-damage mitigation improvements from assessed value for property tax purposes, after adopting a clarifying amendment about secondary water barriers. Throughout the meeting, most bills were reported favorably, often after brief debate and with little or no public testimony beyond support or opposition from affected local-government and industry groups.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Feb 12th, 2025
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- What this amendment does is provide an additional funding mechanism. It'll be voluntary.
- Mississippi has a similar funding mechanism for a program there.
- So this provides a funding mechanism for what you're trying to do for these... what you're trying to
- I think that's a great idea—an ongoing funding mechanism like that to help fund these.
- for having a COLA that we... mechanism for having a COLA that we would have to approve every year.
Committee:
House Ways and Means Education
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Feb 5th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- vessel is beached or grounded in a way that it cannot be removed by its own propulsion and needs mechanical
- In this way, it provides us a mechanism to talk to these owners as they start to struggle with maintaining
- So this is all of the mechanics and the plumbers and the... process.
- So this is all of the, this is the mechanics and the plumbers and the Take care of these facilities.
- So this is all of the mechanics and the plumbers and the electricians and the people who provide the
Summary:
The committee heard three informational presentations. First, Lieutenant Rob Rowe of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission discussed derelict vessel removal, explaining the legal definition of derelict and at-risk vessels, the causes of vessel abandonment, and the impact of recent hurricanes on the number of cases. He said FWC has nearly 1,000 active derelict vessel cases, with 576 ready for removal, and described the agency’s use of ARPA funds, grants to local governments, contractor lists, and the V-TIP vessel turn-in program to speed removals and prevent vessels from becoming derelict. Senators asked about how to expedite removals, insurance coverage, due process timelines, and storage challenges; Rowe said the 21-day process is constrained by constitutional due process and that more staffing and prevention funding would help.
Next, Stephen Fielder of the Department of Financial Services presented on the My Safe Florida Home program, which provides grants for homeowners to harden homes before storms. He reviewed program eligibility, grant types, reimbursement averages, and performance data, and said the program has received $633 million in appropriations overall. He noted that the program is outsourced to private vendors, has low administrative overhead, and has processed large numbers of inspections and reimbursements. Senators questioned contractor requirements, permits, overhead costs, and whether the program should be brought in-house; Fielder said permits are required before reimbursement, contractor licensing is verified, and the department is considering several administrative clarifications, including townhome roof work, inspection expiration, and whether grants should be limited per person or per home. A retired educator also testified in support of more assistance for homeowners facing insurance problems.
Finally, Tom Berger of the Department of Management Services outlined the Florida Facilities Pool and the state’s real estate development and management work. He described the bonded facility program, the state’s 112 managed facilities, lease administration, parking contracts, maintenance operations, and more than $1 billion in active construction projects. He highlighted major projects such as the Emergency Operations Center, Capitol complex upgrades, a new visitor screening center, and facilities for other agencies including veterans’ services, juvenile justice, and the courts. Senators asked about lease terms, appropriation language, vacancy in leased space, and whether the state uses a uniform lease form; Berger said the lease document is standardized and that agencies determine their space needs. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment by motion.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/26
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- So, um, that's why we tabled it, and now we have that feedback from MDH, and that's why we have moved
- I did have a lot of feedback in district and a couple of things that one of the ... these bills today
- I did have um a lot<00:59:48.960><c> of</c><00:59:49.599><c> uh</c><00:59:49.760><c> feedback</c><00:
- > in</c><00:59:51.040><c> district</c><00:59:51.599><c> and</c><00:59:52.400><c> a</c> lot of uh feedback
- uh in district and a lot of uh feedback uh in district and a couple<00:59:52.720><c> of</c><00:59:52.880
Committee:
House Health Finance and Policy
Keywords:
hospital moratorium, hospital construction, bed capacity, hospital expansion, health care facilities, hospital licensing, safety-net hospital, level I trauma center, Ramsey County, Minnesota health law, hospital beds, new hospital exception, certificate of need, inpatient capacity, emergency care, trauma services, health system regulation, state moratorium, hospital modernization, health infrastructure
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- mentioned that it is a bipartisan bill, which is why I think you're getting constructive, good-faith feedback
- 31.840><c> faith</c> you're getting constructive good faith you're getting constructive good faith feedback
- 32.800><c> you</c><01:13:32.960><c> are</c><01:13:33.199><c> because</c><01:13:33.360><c> it's</c> feedback
- as much as you are because it's feedback as much as you are because it's it's<01:13:33.840><c> a</c>
- So, just some feedback for you.
Committee:
Senate Education Policy
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I just was going to say that's really helpful feedback. So thank you. Appreciate that.
- I just was going to say that's really helpful feedback. So thank you. Appreciate that.
- I just was going to say that's really<00:26:48.159><c> helpful</c><00:26:48.640><c> feedback.
- </c> really helpful feedback. U so thank you. really helpful feedback. U so thank you.
Committee:
Senate Taxes
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - Part 2 - 04/02/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- These are just some of the feedback from our program.
- understand how to work with others and their colleagues, to be coached by an esports coach, and take feedback
- digital movement that’s happening. coached by Esports coach and take coached by Esports coach and take feedback
- c> they're</c><01:55:23.639><c> good</c><01:55:23.920><c> employees</c><01:55:24.800><c> and</c> feedback
- so they're good employees and feedback so they're good employees and so<01:55:25.079><c> we</c><01:55
Committee:
Senate Jobs and Economic Development
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Thu Apr 9, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- Requires the PUC to establish a water carrier inflationary cost index automatic adjustment mechanism
- Requires the PUC to establish a water carrier inflationary cost index automatic adjustment mechanism
- </c><01:14:05.840><c> that</c><01:14:06.000><c> would</c><01:14:06.120><c> have</c> index a mechanism
- water carrier inflationary cost index mechanism.
- </c> mechanism for maritime fee changes. mechanism for maritime fee changes.
Committee:
House Consumer Protection & Commerce
Keywords:
SB3302, homemade food products, farm kitchens, home kitchens, Department of Health, DOH, food safety, food labeling, value-added agriculture, small farms, agricultural land, commercial food establishment permit, cottage food, direct-to-consumer sales, local food systems, Hawaii Revised Statutes, chapter 91, farm-to-table, food processing, public health regulation
Summary:
The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on April 9, 2026, and heard testimony on several measures. SB 3302 SD1 HD1, dealing with homemade food products, would require the Department of Health to adopt rules for farm kitchens producing homemade food products that are no more stringent than rules for home kitchens. The Department of Health said it supported the bill with technical amendments, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Grassroot Institute of Hawaii also supported it. No opposition was heard.
A lengthy discussion focused on SB 2061 SD2 HD1, which concerns a 99-year leasehold residential condominium project and HCDA’s rules for sales, income restrictions, and buyback pricing. HCDA supported the bill and said the House draft clarified unclear provisions and would help move the project to pre-sales. Testimony and committee questions centered on whether the project should remain owner-occupied in perpetuity or allow investor purchases after an initial sales period. HCDA explained that the bill was revised to make the project feasible in the market, that 60% of units would be income-restricted for buyers at or below 140% of area median income, and that the remaining units could be sold without owner-occupancy restrictions. Some members and testifiers expressed concern that the bill had shifted away from the original owner-occupancy vision and could become an investment property model, while others argued the changes were necessary for the project to pencil out and compete with fee-simple developments. No vote was taken during the discussion shown.
The committee also heard SB 2050 SD1 HD1, which would allow chiropractic students in accredited programs to engage in clinical practice beginning July 1, 2028. The Hawaii Board of Chiropractic and the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association supported the measure, and one testifier described personal experience with student chiropractic care in California. Members questioned why the board requested delaying implementation until 2030, and the board said it needed more time to develop rules because it meets only a few times a year and rulemaking is lengthy. Finally, SB 2102 SD2 HD1, on industrial hemp in commercial feed, was introduced; the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity offered comments, the Department of Health raised concerns about regulating pet food and possible jurisdictional conflict, and a farmer testifying in support suggested narrowing the bill to federally approved livestock feed rather than pet food.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Mechanical pencils have alternatives of regular wood pencils as well as plastic mechanical pencils.
- Uh mechanical pencils have exemption.
- So, well as plastic mechanical pencils.
- pencils specifically pencils mechanical pencils specifically high-end<01:30:35.520><c> mechanical</c
- </c> exemptions only for ink pens, mechanical exemptions only for ink pens, mechanical pencils,<01:43
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 118 Part 2 May 12th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, this amendment asked for that we put in place basically a mechanism that we could claw back.
- So an overrefund mechanism, which might sound crazy because we've talked about overrefund mechanisms
- on other bills, but in this case, an overrefund mechanism would say that we actually would claw it back
- that should there be a um um an overrefund or should there, we've gone over it, that there is a mechanism
- That would have been general fund because we don't have any overrefund mechanism and because everything's
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It provides a mechanism for the legislature through the pro tem and the speaker, the governor, or the
- So it applies to those provisions that don't have a mechanism already in place. Okay.
- There are other mechanisms; this isn't the one to provide enforcement.
- for that particular violation that can also be raised by a... ...specific enforcement mechanism for
- I worry about the partisanship nature of the reporting mechanism in 7-1703 because, boy, when you have
Summary:
The committee first considered RS-33841, a draft related to Idaho’s library/obscenity laws and pending litigation. Senator Todd Lakey said the proposal, developed with the Attorney General’s office, would update definitions such as “adolescent youth” and “harmful to minors,” clarify what is and is not obscene, and strengthen the law’s defensibility. After a brief question about Mason’s Manual and active litigation, the committee voted to send the RS to print.
The committee then heard House Bill 896, a civil enforcement measure aimed at public officials who allegedly violate state law. Lakey said it would allow specified state or local leaders to request Attorney General review, provide notice and a chance to cure, and, for willful violations, allow a court to bar an official from office for up to five years. Testimony from city and county representatives and sheriffs raised concerns about local control, possible weaponization, partisan referrals, administrative burden, and the disqualification provision. Supporters said it was about accountability and enforcing the law. The committee voted to send HB 896 to the floor with a due pass recommendation; Senators Wintrow and Ruchti were recorded as voting no.
Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 1442, which would require reporting on refugee resettlement services, prohibit certain assistance to people unlawfully present, and require law enforcement to verify and record immigration status for arrested individuals. Senator Kelly Anthon said the bill was about transparency and accountability and that the reporting would compile existing information. Sheriffs and county representatives testified that much of the data is already collected, but they objected to wording they said could require reporting on people merely investigated or detained, create duplicate reporting, impose administrative burdens, and risk liability. Some senators also questioned the refugee-related provisions and the funding-withholding enforcement language. The committee ultimately voted to send SB 1442 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, with Senators Shippee, Ruchti, and Wintrow recorded as voting no.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- It provides a mechanism for the legislature through the pro tem and the speaker, the governor, or the
- So it applies to those provisions that don't have a mechanism already in place. Okay.
- There are other mechanisms that this isn't the one to provide enforcement.
- And then there are many sections that do provide a specific enforcement mechanism for that particular
- And some of that, we've been placing the enforcement mechanisms in the hands of the people to sue their
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Rules
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Feb 26th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is very simply an accountability mechanism.
- This is simply an accountability mechanism.
- And if that limit was exceeded, then it would result in a refund mechanism, either a tax credit or a
- So we created this pass-through entity mechanism.
- Through the entity mechanism, where actually it's a net positive for us because we give 90% credit back
Summary:
The Senate considered and amended House 4769, a major higher education bond bill titled an act to build resilient infrastructure to generate higher education transformation (the BRIGHT Act). Members adopted a series of amendments funding deferred maintenance and capital projects at public colleges and universities, including MassBay Community College (HVAC and window replacement), Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Springfield Technical Community College, Cape Cod Community College, Worcester State University, Quinsigamond Community College, Roxbury Community College, UMass Boston, Middlesex Community College, Salem State University, Berkshire Community College, and MCLA. Several amendments were rejected, including proposals related to a sustainable hand hygiene program, board membership, and some other institutional or policy changes, while a number of amendments were held or withdrawn. The bill ultimately advanced through third reading and was passed to be engrossed by a unanimous roll call, with senators emphasizing the need to address deferred maintenance and modernize higher education facilities statewide.
A major floor debate centered on an amendment by Senator Tarr to dedicate $300 million of Fair Share surtax revenue to K-12 education. Supporters argued that many school districts face rising costs, minimum aid, and an outdated Chapter 70 formula, and that the amendment would create a marker for future reform. Opponents said the Commonwealth already dedicates substantial surtax and other funding to K-12 education and that the amendment was not the right vehicle. After a roll call, the amendment was rejected. The Senate also rejected several Tarr amendments on fiscal safeguards, equity analysis, bond covenant requirements, and Chapter 62F taxpayer protections, while adopting others related to UMass Gloucester Marine Station housing and coastal erosion work, and to modernizing Massachusetts State College Building Authority bonding and office-location rules.
The chamber also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Bolton Police Chief Luke Hamburger, who was remembered for his service, leadership, and community ties. Before adjournment, senators took brief statements on other issues, including a call for greater awareness of rare diseases and the need for improved access to diagnosis and treatment. The Senate also approved extension orders giving committees additional time to report on pending environmental and municipal bills, and it set its next meeting for Monday at 11:00 a.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Supportive housing provider grant funding 2/25/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um it's going to add in some kind of uh reporting mechanisms and some fraud mechanisms just to kind of
- Um but that's basically what uh the amendment does. reporting me mechanisms and some some reporting me
- mechanisms and some some fraud<00:01:20.880><c> mechanisms</c><00:01:21.439><c> just</c><00:01:21.600
- ><c> to</c><00:01:21.759><c> kind</c><00:01:21.840><c> of</c><00:01:21.920><c> make</c> fraud mechanisms
- just to kind of make fraud mechanisms just to kind of make sure<00:01:22.240><c> that</c><00:01:22.640
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 18th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- And so that's why me, as a Southwood resident, opposes the mechanism that we are using to get justice
- So we agree with the intent behind the bill, but we disagree with the mechanism that's being used and
- Balfour Declaration, actually worked in Ireland to suppress murder and execute people as a fear mechanism
- . ...to suppress murder and execute people as a fear mechanism.
- to suppress murder and execute people as a fear. to suppress murder and execute people as a fear mechanism
Keywords:
foreclosure, court clerks, budget management, judicial sales, Florida statutes, bail bonds, pretrial release, forfeiture, criminal justice, bond conditions, surety, attorney fees, litigation costs, court jurisdiction, equitable awards, financial resources, domestic violence, protective injunctions, electronic monitoring, enhanced penalties
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Feb 10th, 2026 at 06:49 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- So, Madam Chair and Representative, there are a variety of mechanisms that schools and school districts
- There are a variety of mechanisms that schools and school districts use.
- So there's a variety of different mechanisms that folks use, and there isn't one solution.
- He will speak to the efficacy of the program and any mechanics that relate around the apprentice program
- Madam Chair, members of the committee, Jason Espinosa, speaking on behalf of the Mechanical Contractors
Summary:
The House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee met with a quorum and first addressed a point of order over whether HB 270 could be heard after being taken up earlier in the Transportation Committee. The chair ruled the bill could proceed because it was assigned to this committee and had been properly noticed. The committee then heard HB 280, which would create a three-year pilot program to support paid student internships through grants administered by the Department of Workforce Solutions. Supporters said the bill would help fund internships, mentoring, and transportation, and could improve workforce development, graduation outcomes, and pathways into apprenticeships or higher education. Members asked about administrative costs, student selection, rural and tribal access, payment mechanisms, and whether public entities, land grants, and dual credit could be included. The bill sponsor and witnesses said the program would likely serve about 100 students, use a sliding-scale matching model, and allow local flexibility in program design. The committee voted due pass on HB 280.
The committee then heard House Memorial 46, honoring the Hurley family and especially Major General Patrick Hurley and his son Wilson Hurley for military service and artistic contributions in New Mexico. The memorial was presented as a tribute to a family of heroes, and members expressed support. The committee voted due pass on the memorial.
Finally, the committee heard HB 270, which would amend the Public Works Apprentice and Training Act to require contributions to apprenticeship and training programs on most public works projects, including road and utility work, while exempting trades without approved programs. Sponsors said the bill would close loopholes, broaden participation, and strengthen the workforce pipeline. Opposition came from asphalt, contractor, and utility groups, which argued the bill would raise costs, duplicate existing training programs, and create access problems for nonunion and geographically distant contractors. Supporters from mechanical contractors, building trades, and labor groups said the bill would improve workforce development and keep training dollars in New Mexico. After debate over the earlier Transportation Committee action and the bill’s cost impacts, the committee voted due pass on HB 270 by a 5-3 roll call.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- The speaker asked what mechanism exists to keep up with the proliferation of smaller websites and said
- And I'm trying, I want to kind of understand the mechanics of how you make a determination that you can
- There's really no mechanism in there that. Does that question make sense? Yes, it makes sense.
- There's really no mechanism in there that would say, other than maybe a licensing mechanism, you know
- There's really no mechanism in there that would say, other than maybe a licensing mechanism, you know
Committee:
House Children and Families
Summary:
The Committee on Children and Families heard public testimony on House Bills 1839, 2921, and 3015, all aimed at requiring age verification for access to online pornography. The sponsors argued the bills are needed to protect children from early exposure, exploitation, sextortion, and related harms, and said the measures mirror laws in other states and recent Texas litigation. Supporters, including the Missouri Children’s Trust Fund, pediatric sexual assault nurse examiners, child advocacy groups, the Missouri Catholic Conference, and the Attorney General’s office, testified that pornography contributes to child sexual abuse risk, addiction, and unhealthy sexual development. Committee members asked about privacy protections, enforcement, penalties, and whether third-party verification or website-based verification would be used; the Attorney General’s office said identifying information should not be retained and that enforcement would occur through court action. No one testified in opposition, and the hearing concluded with the bills remaining under consideration, with a committee substitute to follow for one portion of the legislation.
The committee then heard House Bill 2610, which would use the state legal expense fund to cover claims and judgments involving foster care, case management, and residential service providers under contract with the state. Representative Murphy and supporters said the private insurance market for these providers has become unstable and unaffordable, with some agencies facing large premium increases, repeated denials, or inability to find coverage at all. Testimony from the Missouri Coalition for Children, Missouri Alliance for Children and Families, Family Forward, and the Attorney General’s office described the issue as a market failure that could force providers to close and disrupt services for foster children. The Attorney General’s office explained how legal expense fund coverage would work, noted that it can cover negligence and intentional acts for covered entities, and said the bill would shift risk to the state in the absence of adequate private insurance. No opposition was offered.
Finally, Representative Terry briefly presented House Bill 24, describing it as the same as Representative Dolan’s grandparents’ bill and emphasizing that grandparents should have first consideration for custody if a child’s parents are unable to care for them. No testimony was offered on the bill. The committee then moved into executive session and voted do pass on House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1696, House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2505 and 24, and House Bill 1772, each by unanimous 14-0 votes. The meeting then adjourned.