Transcript Highlights:

• Substitute Senate Bill 5874 relates to the quarterly report... Yes.
• Substitute Senate Bill 5874 relates to the quarterly report sent by employers to the Employment Security
• Allison Ryan, staff to the committee, and engrossed second substitute Senate Bill 5847 relates to workers
• We've been working in good faith with interested parties to address concerns related to implementation
• that explicitly states that if a conflict exists between an executive order, rule, or agency policy relating

Bills: SB5944

Keywords: language access, collective bargaining, labor relations, employment rights, worker protections, 904, all

Summary: The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee heard several bills related to employment standards, workers’ compensation, prevailing wage, collective bargaining, and public-sector labor rights. Substitute Senate Bill 5874 would let the Employment Security Department waive penalties for minor or inadvertent errors in quarterly employer wage reports, including software-related mistakes. Senator McEwen said the bill is intended to relieve small businesses from fines tied to administrative reporting errors, and the committee closed the public hearing without opposition testimony. The committee then heard Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5847, which would expand workers’ compensation medical treatment options by allowing injured workers more flexibility in choosing providers, prohibiting employers from requiring treatment from a specific provider, and setting timelines for utilization review. Supporters said the bill would improve access to care and reduce delays, while business groups opposed it as weakening the provider network and increasing costs. L&I said it could implement the bill with a technical fix and noted that fiscal impacts were still being updated. The committee also heard Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5061, which would require annual prevailing wage updates on public works projects, with exemptions for residential construction and small works roster projects. Labor groups supported the bill as protecting wages on long projects, while contractors opposed it unless change-order protections were added for large unexpected wage increases; L&I requested a delayed effective date to accommodate IT changes. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5944, which would allow language access providers to bargain over compensation for missed or canceled appointments and clarify that collective bargaining agreements prevail over conflicting agency rules or policies, but not statutes. Testimony was supportive, with union representatives saying the bill would make bargaining consistent across agencies and help retain interpreters. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5972 would extend interest arbitration rights to correctional employees in city and county jails regardless of county population, and Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6302 would require L&I to investigate possible misclassification when three or more independent contractors perform the same type of covered finishing work on a public works project. The correctional arbitration bill drew support from labor and opposition from counties and a city over costs and budget impacts, while the misclassification bill drew broad support from labor and contractor groups as a targeted enforcement tool. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• She has worked extensively throughout her career in strategic roles relating to Latin America and the
• -France relations are secure and prosperous for both the American and French people.
• support for the Alliance for Development and Democracy. that sought closer political and economic relations
• Last year, we celebrated 100 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Ireland.
• And something very related I'm going to go to Charlie and to Mr. Walsh as well on this one.

Keywords: diplomatic nominations, foreign policy, ambassadors, U.S.-European relations, Bilateral relationships, security, trade

Summary: The meeting focused primarily on diplomatic nominations, featuring discussions about the implications of these roles on U.S. foreign policy. Notable was the introduction of nominees for key ambassadorial positions, including ambassadors to the Dominican Republic, France, and the Netherlands. Senator Shaheen emphasized the importance of U.S.-European relations, particularly in light of current global challenges, while other members voiced their concerns regarding the nominees’ qualifications and the impact on bilateral relationships. Public support for these nominations was evident, as was the committee's commitment to fostering stronger connections with allied nations, particularly in addressing security and trade issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• To clarify, the two measures are only related, and both make it easier to build smaller homes.
• 40 Y which aims to encourage the productions of smaller homes to clarify the two measures are only related
• Another question related to infrastructure is that some communities have water and sewer service, but
• The first is current land use laws, procedures, and challenges related to the creation of single-family
• Without strong levels of internal migration, Massachusetts faces a declining population.

Bills: H5009

Keywords: collective bargaining, worker rights, labor relations, public counsel services, state employees, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• colleagues have sent several letters requesting information on Department of Government Efficiency related
• detailed witness declarations of the four Treasury employees that are involved in pending legal cases related
• In that role, I advised the Secretary on all domestic and international matters that impacted the economy
• what I met privately with respect to very dark economic storm clouds that are on the horizon that relate
• Just a reminder to folks, President Nixon's White House counsel once complained in an internal memo that

Keywords: nomination, Deputy Secretary of Treasury, economic policy, inflation, tariffs, tribal nations, government relations

Summary: The meeting convened to consider the nomination of Mike Falkender for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. During the session, multiple members voiced concerns regarding current economic policies under the Trump administration, particularly around inflation, tariffs, and the impact on small businesses. Discussions frequently centered on the administration's approach to tariffs and taxation, and how these factors contribute to the rising cost of living and potential job losses. Additionally, the importance of bolstering government-to-government relationships with tribal nations was emphasized, highlighting the need for specialized offices focused on tribal affairs within the Treasury Department.

Transcript Highlights:

• She has multiple master's degrees and holds a Ph.D. in international relations from Columbia University
• Members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and staff.
• While studying international relations at Colgate University, I was profoundly inspired by one of former
• With anything that's related to Communist China?
• We teamed up to pass the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and legislation related to Hong Kong, related

Keywords: committee meeting, bill discussions, nomination, David Perdue, Monica Crawley, U.S.-China relations, foreign policy

Summary: The meeting of the committee was marked by significant discussions regarding various bills, including HB22 and SB5. A notable moment was the introduction of nominees Senator David Perdue and Ms. Monica Crawley, which led to discussions on the implications of their roles, particularly in relation to U.S.-China relations and foreign policy. Members exchanged views on the nominees' qualifications, emphasizing the importance of leadership in foreign diplomacy. Additionally, the committee heard testimonies from several witnesses both supporting and opposing certain bills, showcasing the diverse perspectives present.

Bills: HB176, HB180, HB176, HB180, HB333, HCR35

Keywords: tax, ad valorem, voter-approval, local government finance, property tax, repeal, tax rates, school finance, tax reduction, compressed tax rate, education, funding, HB 176, Texas border security, interstate compact, Government Code Chapter 794, Texas-Mexico border, border enforcement, immigration enforcement, ICE 287(g)

Transcript Highlights:

• We show you registered as Luis Bazan on behalf of the Bar International Bridge and for yourself, and
• The City of Pharr owns and runs the Pharr International Bridge, one of 28 ports of entry along the Texas-Mexico
• The city and the county own and operate the Roma International Bridge, a 24-hour bridge that sees more
• Development Corporation to purchase and develop a 300-acre industrial park near the Roma Miguel Aleman International
• It commemorates the 46th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act and celebrates Governor Abbott's leadership

Bills: HCR108, HCR127

Keywords: Tomato Suspension Agreement, trade, Mexico, Texas economy, agriculture, import tariffs, job preservation, Taiwan, U.S. relations, economic cooperation, sister-state, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the hotel is a pretty good one, and I've heard that one a lot, but there are other—because it does relate
• By exempting all housing-related transactions, this bill would threaten the ability of renters, homebuyers
• And also, um, ...trial capacity in the state and also make some changes to the internal review board
• They're self-funded agencies, so they'll be able to take care of that internally through those fees.
• They're self-funded agencies, so they'll be able to take care of that internally through those fees.

Bills: HCR66, HB387, HB617, HB797, HB950, HB975, HB1186, HB1222, HB1223, HB1228, HB1256

Keywords: economic development, rural communities, infrastructure, workforce training, Louisiana Economic Development, engineering, land surveying, construction, state fire marshal, plan review, hidden fees, junk fees, drip pricing, price transparency, mandatory fees, surcharges, consumer protection, unfair trade practices, advertising disclosures, total price

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee met on April 20, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then heard a series of bills and resolutions. It first advanced H. CR 66, which directs Louisiana Economic Development, working with the Governor’s Office of Rural Development, to study rural parish economic assets, infrastructure, workforce, and development opportunities. The committee also moved HB 387, a clarification allowing the fire marshal to review architectural and engineering plans equally, and HB 1223, which seeks to promote clinical trials in Louisiana by having LED market the state’s research capacity and by adjusting internal review board procedures. HB 1228, a cleanup bill for hearing aid dealers that updates definitions, contracts, testing periods, licensing, and related requirements, was also reported favorably, as was HB 950, which would create an elderly consumer perception program through the Office of Elderly Affairs to help seniors recognize scams and fraud. The committee spent the most time on HB 617, a broad “hidden fees” consumer transparency bill. The author and supporters said it would require mandatory fees to be included in upfront pricing so consumers can make informed choices, while opponents from grocery, restaurant, hotel, housing, retail, and business groups argued the bill was vague, overly broad, and likely to create compliance burdens and litigation risk. Housing advocates objected to the bill’s housing exemption, warning it could weaken renters’ ability to bring claims over undisclosed fees. After extensive debate over variable pricing, sales taxes, enforcement, and the scope of the bill, Senator Morris moved to defer HB 617, and the committee agreed without objection. The committee also heard HB 797, which would create a “Bayou Gold” certification program for certain gold vendors and transactional gold products. The sponsor said the program would encourage vendors to keep gold insured, segregated, and closer to Louisiana consumers, with the Treasury administering the certification through participant fees. Several senators and an outside witness raised concerns that the state seal could be mistaken for an endorsement, could create liability or consumer confusion, and would favor a narrow set of vendors. Despite opposition, the committee reported HB 797 favorably, with members noting it still had to go to Finance. Later, the committee advanced HB 1186, which would create a more uniform statewide building code and licensing system for inspectors, add disciplinary authority, and impose a small permit fee to support the program, and HB 1222, which would let LED develop a grocery initiative to address food deserts and food insecurity. The meeting concluded with the committee hearing HB 1256 on abandoned digital assets, which would require dormant digital assets to be held in original form for three years so owners can reclaim them.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this bill includes provisions addressing criminal history-derived information related to criminal
• It related to recalls of judges, and it was there.
• He had worked with a number of other scholars related to proposals for state regulations.
• Scholars related to proposals for state regulations and how those are administered.
• Involved related to notifying users, potential users related to those regulations.

Bills: HR9, HB709, HB1011, HB1057, HB1186, HB1245, HB1247, SB49, SB425, SB479

Keywords: human rights, individual liberties, Magna Carta, constitutionalism, free speech, Uniform Construction Code, building code, construction code, inspector licensing, building inspectors, plans examiners, public inspector, private inspector, private inspector company, building official, code enforcement, Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Commission, state fire marshal, International Building Code, International Residential Code

Transcript Highlights:

• You'll look at the comparison side by side: non-residents and international tuition dependence.
• Wolf Amendment, NASA-related constraints. Under the Wolf Amendment, there's ITAR issues.
• That's an internal fraud issue. That's not even private industry.
• That's internal to the organization. issue. That's not even private industry.
• That's internal to the organization.

Bills: SB1003, SB1060, SB1134, SB1275, SB1327, SB1429, SB1618, SB1634, SB1654, SB1803, SCR1002, SCR1005, SCR1023, SCR1027

Keywords: election, canvass, certification, ballot tabulation, write-in candidates, registration, voting procedures, voter registration, temporary absence, absentee voting, residency, military voters, overseas voters, election law, Arizona Revised Statutes, political signs, campaign materials, public safety, municipal regulation, veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• Provisions related to membership of the board are modified.
• And then the piece related to the board itself and...
• Substitute House Bill 2355 relates to domestic workers.
• Second Substitute House Bill 2105 relates to immigrant workers.
• I'm here. added to the laws related sprinkler fitting.

Bills: HB1347, HB2091, HB2264

Keywords: education, funding, student loans, affordability, higher education, public employers, employee information, bargaining representatives, labor relations, union representation, unemployment insurance, benefits, employment, layoffs, workforce reduction, 904, all

Summary: The committee heard and took action on several labor, licensing, and workplace bills. House Bill 1347 on cannabis testing labs drew testimony from the sponsor, industry representatives, and LCB/WSDA-related stakeholders. Supporters said the bill would reduce duplication by having LCB rely on WSDA accreditation for initial lab certification, while some witnesses said the bill still needed amendment language to clearly assign authority and avoid overlapping oversight. No vote was taken on HB 1347 during the portion provided, but the sponsor committed to work on clarifying amendments with agencies and stakeholders. The committee then heard House Bill 2229 on the Professional Engineers Registration Act, House Bill 2091 on providing employee information to exclusive bargaining representatives under the Personnel System Reform Act, and House Bill 2264 on unemployment insurance for workers in employer-initiated layoffs or reductions in force. Testimony on HB 2229 focused on board membership changes, pro tem appointments, and updating licensing rules; the bill’s sponsor and the Engineers Board said it modernizes qualifications without changing licensure standards. HB 2091 drew support from labor groups and opposition from Washington Policy Center, with supporters saying it simply aligns state agencies with existing disclosure rules and opponents raising privacy concerns. HB 2264 was supported as a clarification that workers who opt into a layoff or separation program should still qualify for unemployment benefits; one testifier described being denied benefits despite participating in a company reduction-in-force program in good faith. In executive action, the committee voted do pass on Substitute House Bills 2492, 2107, 2151, 2355, and Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2471, and sent them onward, with HB 2105 sent to Ways and Means. Members discussed concerns about private rights of action in HB 2355 and about notice timing and enforcement in HB 2105, but the majority supported the bills. The committee also heard and advanced Substitute House Bill 2472 on fire sprinkler work, with supporters saying local fire officials need clearer enforcement tools and proof-of-licensure authority. Finally, Second Substitute House Bill 2345 on paid leave contributions was presented as a technical fix to align the state paid family and medical leave program with IRS guidance; labor and employer witnesses supported it as a way to avoid higher tax liability and more costly implementation. The longest public hearing was on Second Substitute House Bill 1128, which would create a Child Care Workforce Standards Board to make recommendations on child care worker staffing, retention, and compensation. Child care workers and parents testified in support, citing burnout, low pay, and staffing shortages, while many providers and industry groups opposed it as duplicative of existing workgroups and costly without direct funding for wage increases or higher subsidy rates.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill provides a narrow and temporary public exemption for communications related to legal strategy
• The Public Employees Relations Commission, PERC, is a small, independent, quasi-judicial agency with
• The Public Employees Relations Commission, Perk, is a small, independent, quasi-judicial agency with
• Thank you, because it kind of relates to that.
• First, the single subject issue: although the bill is titled as relating to the Public Employees Relations

Bills: S0332, S0464, S0576, S0830, S0964, S0984, S1096, S1296, S1298, S1612, S1656

Keywords: public records, public meetings, property rights, transcripts, settlement negotiations, Veterans Day, K-12 schools, holiday observance, education, Florida statutes, cybersecurity, local government, grant program, data-sharing, Florida Digital Service, ransomware protection, county administrators, city managers, exemption, privacy

Summary: The committee first heard a committee substitute for SB 332, which creates a narrow public meetings and public records exemption for certain pre-suit settlement communications in Bert Harris claims involving local governments and private property rights. The sponsor said the change is intended to allow confidential legal strategy and negotiation during the 90-day pre-suit period while keeping settlements and outcomes public. The strike-all amendment was adopted, supportive testimony was waived in, and the bill was reported favorably. Members then approved several other measures, including SB 464 requiring K-12 schools to formally observe Veterans Day as a school holiday; SB 984 on firefighter cancer benefits and prevention, which was amended to add a statement of important state interest and reported favorably after testimony from firefighters both supporting the bill and urging a longer benefit window; SB 576 on local government cybersecurity, which was amended to route the program through the Florida Digital Service and strengthen state-local coordination; SB 964 clarifying how certain gift and honoraria disclosures are filed with the Commission on Ethics; SB 1612 requiring local governments to accept electronic payments with a delayed effective date; SB 830 creating public records exemptions for certain local government administrators and their families; SB 1096 clarifying the filing deadline for employment discrimination complaints; and SB 1656 designating the SS American Victory as Florida’s official state flagship. All were reported favorably. The committee also considered a slate of appointments, including a separate vote on Jeffrey Aaron to the Public Employees Relations Commission, which was recommended favorably after Senator Polsky objected to the appointment and cited concerns about political ties and prior work. The remaining appointees on tabs 12 through 30 were also recommended favorably. After a recess, the committee took up SB 1296 on the Public Employees Relations Commission, as substituted by a committee PCS. The PCS would change union certification and recertification rules, require stronger showing-of-interest and voting thresholds, limit paid union leave in some cases, require equal access to employer communication spaces, and speed up impasse procedures for state-funded salary increases. The bill drew extensive testimony, with supporters arguing it would improve accountability, transparency, and taxpayer fairness, and opponents—many of them teachers, bus drivers, and other public employees—saying it would weaken collective bargaining, burden workers, and function as union busting. Members raised constitutional concerns about the single-subject rule and collective bargaining protections, and debate was ongoing at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• So number five is a court record maintained in relation to a civil protection order is open to inspection
• of the three bills into one rather than having so many different ones that have different things related

Bills: HB1455

Keywords: tribal consultation, Indian Affairs Commission, tribal governments, tribal sovereignty, state-tribal relations, Native American, tribal nations, consultation requirement, legislative process, jurisdiction, sovereignty, North Dakota tribes, government-to-government consultation, tribal chairpersons, 908, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up House Bill 1489, and Victoria Christian from Legislative Council reviewed the latest 3003 version. She explained that the bill was revised to clarify language about individuals who are or were in a dating relationship, to incorporate provisions from related Senate bills, and to narrow confidentiality and hearing provisions to domestic violence and sexual assault protection order cases. She also noted a clarification on page 12 regarding certification of certain individuals under Supreme Court rules rather than by the Supreme Court itself. Members discussed the consolidation of multiple related bills into one measure. Senator Myrdal moved Amendment 3.03 to engross House Bill 1489, and the motion passed. Senator Myrdal then moved a do pass recommendation on House Bill 1489 as amended, seconded by Senator Luick. The committee voted in favor of the amended bill by roll call, with all members present voting yes, and the motion carried. Chair Larson then asked for a member to carry the bill to the floor, and it was agreed that the bill would be carried. The committee also discussed its remaining workload and planned to clear the rest of its calendar the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• Relating to the review of legislative measures by the Indian Affairs Commission and tribal consultation
• Another avenue is obviously the state and tribal relations committee, which is a legislative committee
• Another avenue is obviously the state and tribal relations committee, which is a legislative committee
• next section, the city shall reimburse the judge for necessary travel expenses, meals, lodging, relating
• Relating to hearings on petitions to seal a criminal record.

Bills: HB1455

Keywords: tribal consultation, Indian Affairs Commission, tribal governments, tribal sovereignty, state-tribal relations, Native American, tribal nations, consultation requirement, legislative process, jurisdiction, sovereignty, North Dakota tribes, government-to-government consultation, tribal chairpersons, 908, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first heard House Bill 1455, which would require the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission to review introduced legislation for tribal implications and conduct consultation with affected tribes. Rep. Collette Brown said the bill was intended to formalize and strengthen tribal consultation, and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe representative Ross Bell testified in support. Brad Hawk, executive director of the Indian Affairs Commission, testified neutrally, saying the office already does much of this work but that the bill would add structure; several senators raised concerns about duplication, possible future staffing costs, and whether the bill was necessary. The committee amended the bill to replace “each measure” with “all legislation,” then passed a do-not-pass recommendation on HB 1455 by recorded vote, with Sen. Luick designated as carrier. The committee then took up House Bill 1032, dealing with municipal courts, appeals, and judge qualifications. Legislative Council and court staff walked through proposed amendments, including making municipal courts courts of record on a delayed effective date, clarifying appeal procedures, and adding standards for municipal judges. Members discussed whether to use the term “ethical standards” or “judicial conduct”; after questions about definitions and enforcement, the committee settled on replacing the language with “judicial conduct” in the amended bill. The committee adopted the amendments and then passed HB 1032 as amended on a do-pass vote, with Sen. Cory to carry. Later, the committee heard House Bill 1263, which would make it easier for people with criminal records to seek sealing after a denial by allowing an appeal and reducing the waiting period for a new petition from three years to one year. Rep. Nels Christensen, Christopher Davis, Travis Fink, and Brad Peterson all supported the bill’s goal of giving people a better path to rehabilitation and employment. The main point of disagreement was whether to keep the statutory presumption that the benefit to the petitioner must outweigh the presumption of openness of criminal records; several witnesses urged removing that language, while others said it was part of the compromise that created the current law. The committee closed the hearing without taking final action and said it would review the House discussion before deciding later.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are certified by our accrediting member, Assistance Dogs International.
• 30.720><c> Dogs</c> Our accrediting member assistance Dogs Our accrediting member assistance Dogs International
• 32.679><c> there</c><00:29:32.880><c> they</c><00:29:33.039><c> do</c><00:29:33.240><c> have</c> International
• um from there they do have International um from there they do have to<00:29:33.559><c> submit</c><00

Bills: HF958, HF688, HF702

Keywords: mental health, behavioral health, psychiatric care, collaborative care model, healthcare funding, service dog, service animal, service dog in training, assistance dog, guide dog, disability rights, housing accommodations, fair housing, landlord, rental housing, homeowners association, HOA, Minnesota human services, accessible housing, reasonable accommodation

Transcript Highlights:

• This committee does not want or need to be exposed to internal family squabbles when it comes to this
• This committee does not want or need to be exposed to internal family squabbles when it comes to this
• The other thing the International Code Council has just done in relation to the energy code, because
• You know, when you're involved in international trade and such, and we all like that. I like that.
• When you're involved in international trade and such, and we all like that. I like that, too.

Bills: HB1163, HB1168, HR252, HR253, HCR103, HCR108, SB80, SB131, SB251, SB254, SB279, SB384, SB414, SB468, SB469, SB496

Keywords: fireworks, retail sales, fire safety, legislation, holiday celebrations, construction standards, precast concrete, DOTD, building regulations, minimum requirements, public projects, private projects, consumer protection, credit card fees, cash transactions, rounding practices, transparency, low-income, economic impact, residential construction

Transcript Highlights:

• I didn't know anything with the Brotherhood is related to CAIR.
• And it seems like Islamophobia is the rage—anything related to Islam.
• NGOs operating in international hotspots three ways.
• NGOs operating in international hotspots three ways.
• period post-9/11, we studied trans-state actors in international politics.

Bills: HB2009, HB2022, HCM2001, HCM2002, HCM2004, HCR2001, HM2001, HM2004

Keywords: campaign contributions, foreign contributions, constitutional amendments, public disclosure, Arizona Revised Statutes, elections, voter registration, provisional ballots, primary election, voter participation, Muslim Brotherhood, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, national security, Islamist extremism, Congress, Arizona, domestic security, CAIR, terrorist organization

Bills: HF958, HF688, HF702

Keywords: mental health, behavioral health, psychiatric care, collaborative care model, healthcare funding, service dog, service animal, service dog in training, assistance dog, guide dog, disability rights, housing accommodations, fair housing, landlord, rental housing, homeowners association, HOA, Minnesota human services, accessible housing, reasonable accommodation

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members of the committee, Second Substitute House Bill 2479 is an act relating to the recovery
• Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2303 relates to prohibiting employers from microchipping employees.
• Substitute House Bill 1066 relates to a data dashboard tracking use of regulated substances.
• House Bill 1347 relates to cannabis testing labs.
• Second Substitute House Bill 1701 relates to liquor licensees on the same property.

Bills: HB1526, HB1069, HB1347, HB2091, HB2264

Keywords: liquor license, snack bar, state regulations, alcohol sales, business licensing, collective bargaining, retirement benefits, employee rights, public sector, supplemental benefits, education, funding, student loans, affordability, higher education, public employers, employee information, bargaining representatives, labor relations, union representation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several labor, cannabis, liquor, and workplace bills. Second Substitute House Bill 2479 on recovering unpaid wages would create a wage recovery program at L&I, funded by civil penalties, to provide limited advance payments to low-wage workers facing immediate economic harm while wage complaints are still being investigated; supporters said it would speed relief for workers and improve enforcement, while the sponsor emphasized it was a consensus product of labor, employer, legal services, and academic stakeholders. Engrossed House Bill 1941 would allow licensed cannabis producers to form agricultural cooperatives, with a striking amendment limiting any cooperative to three producer licenses; supporters argued cannabis producers should have the same cooperative tools as other agricultural sectors, while some testimony urged future changes to prepare for possible interstate commerce. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2476 would expand spirits, beer, and wine theater licenses from 120 to 200 seats per screen and add youth-safety controls, and House Bill 1526 would allow snack bar licensees to sell wine by the glass; both drew support from industry witnesses, with LCB noting the small number of affected licenses and flagging a fee-update issue for HB 1526. The committee also heard extensive testimony on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1155, which would void and unenforce non-compete agreements and broaden limits on non-solicitation agreements. Labor and worker advocates strongly supported the bill as a way to improve worker mobility and prevent abusive litigation, while business, banking, and some health-care witnesses raised concerns about protecting investments, confidential information, and physician practice stability, asking for narrower exemptions for senior executives and certain health-care settings. Other bills heard included Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2303, which would prohibit employers from requesting, requiring, or coercing microchip implants in employees; and Substitute House Bill 2405, a PTSD treatment pilot for workers’ compensation claimants, which L&I said could improve outcomes and potentially reduce long-term system costs. In executive action, the committee advanced several bills. It adopted a Saldaña striking amendment and a narrower amendment to House Bill 1069, limiting supplemental retirement bargaining to Department of Corrections employees, and sent the bill to Ways and Means. The committee also adopted a striking amendment to House Bill 1347 on cannabis testing labs and moved it to Rules, and passed Second Substitute House Bill 1701, House Bill 291, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2229, House Bill 2264, Substitute House Bill 2472, and Second Substitute House Bill 2345. A King striking amendment to Second Substitute House Bill 1128 on the child care workforce standards board was not adopted, but the underlying bill was advanced to Rules. The chair announced that the committee’s final day of executive action would be the next day, with a later start time.

Bills: HCR77, HCR102, HR559

Keywords: COFA, Compact of Free Association, Palau, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, COFA islanders, Texas House resolution, commemorative resolution, COFA Day, March 18 2025, Pacific Islands, insular affairs, U.S. territories, federal benefits, SNAP, TANF, FEMA, in-state tuition, veterans, Indo-Pacific