Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1099 relates to defamation claims and creates an... Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Senate Bill 1099 relates to defamation claims and creates an entirely new statute that provides the elements
• for bringing a defamation tort claim in Arizona courts.
• is to ensure that the bill avoids any anti-abrogation issues in the elements that it lays out for claims
• We are also giving a special look at the portion of the bill that applies to claims of defamation involving

Summary: The Rules Committee considered several Senate bills for constitutional and proper-form review. Senate Bill 1099, on defamation claims and internet publication limitations, drew concern from the Rules Office about possible anti-abrogation and First Amendment issues, but it was still recommended by a 4-2 vote. Senate Bill 1148, governing attorney licensure and bar membership, was flagged for separation-of-powers concerns because it would direct how the Arizona Supreme Court licenses attorneys and conflict with Supreme Court Rule 32, yet it was also recommended by a 4-2 vote. The committee then reviewed Senate Bill 1435 and Senate Bill 1567, both dealing with sexually explicit materials and minors in schools, libraries, and government settings. The Rules Office said both bills raised vagueness and First Amendment concerns, especially around the term “facilitate” and broad definitions of sexually explicit material, but noted those issues could likely be addressed by amendment. Members asked about the state’s interest in protecting minors and whether narrowing language could cure the constitutional problems. SB 1435 was recommended by a 4-2 vote, and SB 1567 was recommended by a 5-2 vote. After correcting the recorded vote on SB 1099, the committee took up a mass motion covering many additional Senate bills. The Rules Office said each measure in the motion was constitutional and in proper form, and the committee approved the mass motion by a 7-0 vote with one absent. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will be evaluating how the weapon screening process works and we'll make adjustments as needed to
• We will be evaluating how the weapon screening process works and we'll make adjustments as needed to
• as needed to ensure adjustments as needed to ensure screening<00:03:15.599><c> is</c><00:03:15.760><
• are needed to improve adjustments are needed to improve efficiency<00:08:14.400><c> or</c><00:08:14.639
• Again this is we may have to adjust.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson and State Patrol Colonel Christina Bogey announced that weapon screening will begin Tuesday at the Minnesota State Capitol at the start of the 2026 legislative session. They said the change is based on an independent security assessment and the Axtell report’s top recommendation, and framed it as an added layer of protection rather than a weapons ban or a change in state law. Both emphasized that the Capitol will remain open, accessible, and welcoming while reducing preventable risks, citing heightened threats to public officials and the recent murders and shootings involving Minnesota lawmakers and their families. Bogey outlined the screening plan: visitors will use four public access points, with the south ground-level entrance as the primary entry, while other exterior doors will not be open for public entry. She said the process should take only seconds for most people, with bags going through separate scanners and additional screening only if needed. The Capitol will close to the general public at 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, though accommodations will be made when hearings or floor sessions run later. She also said the entrances and screening areas are ADA accessible and that staff will be available to help guide visitors. In questions, officials said prohibited items are defined by statute and administrative rules and referred reporters to the State Patrol website for the full list. They confirmed that lawful permit-to-carry holders may still bring firearms, but must declare the permit, show government ID, and go through screening; elected officials are exempt, while staff are not. They also said the State Patrol will fund the rollout from its own budget, with costs to be evaluated over time, and that tunnel key-card access will be restricted to everyone. The briefing ended with a plan to demonstrate the screening equipment upstairs.

Transcript Highlights:

• ... ...along the way, you know, prioritize and adjust.
• But we still knew that we need to make an adjustment.
• So if we adjust that based on population and also adjust it for current prices, what you see in 2005,
• for prices and population adjustment.
• Inflation adjusted, it takes it up to $2,500 per person spending.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, so that's our triggers that we've put in place, basically saying, hey, adjusted for inflation,
• After the revenue for each fiscal year is adjusted... ...and 2026.
• After the revenue for each fiscal year is adjusted for inflation. Could you explain that, please?
• After the revenue for each fiscal year is adjusted. and 2026.
• After the revenue for each fiscal year is adjusted for inflation. Could you explain that, please?

Summary: The Missouri House met with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior House journal, and numerous guest introductions, including a tribute to Harris-Stowe State University President Dr. Latanya Collins-Smith during Women’s History Month. The chamber then took up House Committee Substitute for House Joint Resolutions 173 and 174, which would place on the ballot a constitutional change to gradually eliminate Missouri’s individual income tax and allow the legislature to broaden the sales tax base to services if needed. The sponsor and supporters framed the proposal as a long-term tax reform that would let Missourians keep more of their earnings, spur economic growth, and ultimately let voters decide the state’s tax structure. Supporters argued that no-income-tax states have stronger growth, more business relocation, and better population trends, and said the resolution includes triggers and revenue-neutral safeguards, including protections for school funding and local governments. Several members said the measure is only a referral to the voters, not an immediate tax change, and emphasized that the plan is designed to phase out the income tax only as state growth allows. Opponents countered that the measure would ultimately require a large sales tax increase on goods and services, shifting the burden onto working families, seniors, renters, and low-income Missourians, while threatening public schools, services, and tax-credit-supported nonprofits. They also criticized the ballot language as misleading and warned that the fiscal impact could be as high as an $8.5 billion revenue loss. Members debated comparisons to Tennessee, Texas, Florida, Washington, Oregon, and Kansas, with supporters citing those states as evidence that lower or no income taxes can attract growth, while opponents said Missouri’s economy, tourism, and budget structure are not comparable and that the Kansas example shows the risks of tax-cut experiments. The sponsor and several allies repeatedly stressed that the proposal is a constitutional amendment for voters to decide, not a final legislative tax hike, and said the plan is different from Kansas because it uses triggers and a defined path to zero. The transcript does not show a final vote on the resolution in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• cap, which again is expected to be at 1,800 first before making adjustments to LME.
• Um, so I'd like to see that adjustment come first in a surplus and then any adjustments to LME.
• Um, so I'd like to see that adjustment come first in a surplus and then any adjustments to LME.
• ><c> adjustments</c><00:12:40.959><c> to</c><00:12:41.040><c> Lam.
• </c> then any adjustments to Lam. then any adjustments to Lam.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Under current law, the Government Claims Under current law, the Government Claims Act<00:04:40.000
• This page addresses two procedural issues under the governmental claims act.
• Attorney fees under the governmental claims act are generally not awarded.
• </c> that could prevent legitimate claims that could prevent legitimate claims from<00:09:34.240><c>
• that are appropriate, then governmental claims can certainly be brought as well.

Bills: SF0035 , SF0090 , SF0072

Committee: House Education

Keywords: education, cell phones, smart devices, school policy, student conduct, school property, rental fees, youth activities, education policy, Wyoming legislature, teacher licensure, teacher mobility, interstate compact, education compact, licensure reciprocity, reciprocal certification, teacher certification, professional teaching standards board, out-of-state teachers, military spouse

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Myers relative to workers' compensation to establish an all-workers' compensation medical claims
• What were the claims amount? What was actually paid on each claim? What was the timing of that?
• That means your claim is over. That means you get zero benefits.
• But then we have the claims database. It's there, and we're going to be going into session...
• Then we have the claims database.

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 408 by Senator Myers, a major workers’ compensation overhaul centered on creating an all-claims medical database, requiring electronic reporting and billing, and modernizing fee schedule and claims data collection. Myers said the bill was designed to improve transparency, reduce disputes, address outliers and abuse, and help injured workers return to work faster. The committee adopted technical amendments, then considered a large amendment set combining portions of House bills 780 and 1101, which added preliminary determination procedures, fraud language, temporary total disability and supplemental earnings benefit changes, and a fallback deadline for the department to establish a fee schedule if no agreement is reached by 2029. Several members and witnesses objected that the amendments were dropped late and would turn SB 408 into an omnibus bill; supporters argued the package was the best chance for comprehensive reform. After debate, the committee adopted the amendments and reported SB 408 favorably as amended. Testimony on SB 408 was sharply divided. Supporters, including some providers and injured-worker advocates, said the bill’s core value was transparency through the database and that the system needed modernization and a better fee schedule. Opponents argued the added amendments would burden pro se claimants, expand litigation, and weaken injured workers’ rights, especially through fraud and preliminary hearing provisions. Committee members also questioned whether the combined package was germane and whether it should be allowed to move as a single reform measure. Louisiana Workforce Commission staff explained the timeline for data collection, electronic billing, dispute rules, and eventual fee schedule rulemaking, and said the department could execute the law as amended. The committee then turned to House Bill 585 by Representative Chasson, concerning workplace violence and safety plans for small-box discount retailers. The bill was revised through a substitute that required covered retailers to develop and submit a written workforce safety plan, or submit an existing plan if one already existed. Representative Glorioso raised concerns that requiring a written safety plan could create new civil liability under Louisiana’s assumption-of-duty doctrine and increase litigation and insurance costs. Chasson responded that the intent was simply to encourage safety planning and that businesses already had such plans. The committee discussed possible narrowing language, but the transcript ends before a final disposition on HB 585 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so you shouldn't ban the use of AI in the other parts of reviewing a claim.
• So, for example, it takes hundreds of dollars to review a claim.
• It would actually cost them $250 in person time to review that claim.
• They have spent as little as 1.2 seconds on medical claims and making denials.
• </c> on medical claims and making denials. on medical claims and making denials.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Like DHS is still doing investigations into questionable claims, into allegations of fraud.
• else, the the claims and all that<00:24:09.160><c> stuff</c><00:24:09.400><c> will</c><00:24:09.520>
• </c><00:26:42.440><c> So,</c><00:26:43.080><c> if</c> claims that have been submitted."
• So, if claims that have been submitted."
• we submit are sure that the claims we submit are matching<00:26:54.640><c> the</c><00:26:54.760><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, paid out on 40 claims out of this fund, which...
• Thank you. 40 claims out of this fund, which he had no legal recourse to do, Mr. Chair.
• Well, there's claims that happen. You just mentioned them. I don't know the claims.
• I don't know the claims, but if you have issues with that, you could strike that whole section.
• But no taxpayer should be responsible for a corporate claim within a hospital or a doctor's claim.

Bills: SB132 , SB241

Committee: Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: SB132, DOIT, Department of Information Technology, software replacement, equipment replacement, technology funding, revolving fund, capital equipment, enterprise services, state IT budgeting, software budgeting, amortization, depreciation, State Treasurer, Department of Finance and Administration, New Mexico, information technology, IT infrastructure, fund accounting, legislative appropriation

Summary: The committee first heard HB 158 as amended, which would require state agencies receiving appropriations from the Grow Fund to submit accountability and evaluation plans to the State Budget Division and the Legislative Finance Committee. LFC staff said the bill would put existing practice into statute and formalize agency reporting and evaluation responsibilities. The bill drew no opposition testimony, and after questions about whether agencies or LFC would do the evaluations, it passed on a 9-0 due pass vote. HB 255, the Public Safety Workforce Building Program, was then presented as a bipartisan measure to consolidate public safety workforce funding into a competitive grant program for local law enforcement, fire, detention, and public attorney offices. The sponsor said it would not require a new appropriation. There was no opposition testimony, and the committee approved it on a 9-0 due pass vote. The committee then took up SB 309, which would replace the lottery’s 30% return requirement with a fixed floor return for several fiscal years, with a reversion to the current law if the floor is not met. Lottery officials and supporters argued the change would let the lottery offer more competitive prizes, including higher-value scratchers, and potentially increase scholarship revenue; opponents, including Think New Mexico and a nursing student, warned it could cap long-term growth and reduce scholarship funding. After extended debate, the bill passed on a 7-2 due pass vote. Later, SB 79, creating a statewide mosquito-borne disease prevention program through the Department of Health, was presented by its sponsor as a response to West Nile virus and warmer winters. Testimony from the sponsor and the state entomologist emphasized rising mosquito risk and the need for county grants and statewide coordination. Although the committee initially moved to table the bill because funding had already been included in the budget, that motion failed and the bill ultimately received a due pass vote. The committee also heard HB 295, which would create a centralized accessibility reporting position in the Department of Health; after testimony for and against, an amendment stripping the appropriation was adopted, and the bill passed 5-3. The committee then heard HB 124, establishing an Office of New Americans within Workforce Solutions to coordinate workforce integration for immigrants with lawful status. Supporters described barriers faced by immigrant workers and the need for bilingual training and centralized assistance, while the sponsor said the office would have no first-year budget impact. The bill passed 6-4. Finally, the committee considered SB 273 and SB 274, both involving state financial support for affected entities and the Patient Compensation Fund. SB 273, which would provide temporary state assistance to communities affected by economic disruption, passed after debate about precedent and economic recovery. SB 274, which sought repayment from the Patient Compensation Fund for prior state infusions, drew opposition from hospitals and physicians who warned of higher surcharges and questioned the timing and legality; discussion continued around the committee substitute and the fund’s statutory restrictions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposal also includes provisional language to provide the Bureau with flexibility to adjust its
• And we'll start with the student-centered funding formula cost-of-living adjustment.
• So if there's—when will you see the adjustment later into the year?
• So we're ready to adjust if the enrollment increases and there's adjustments? Yes.
• A lot of the things that he presented are adjustments to reflect actual costs.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• However, if there is a claim that a signature was improperly obtained or a card was not, in fact, signed
• And I would say that we, like, if there were a claim... Sure, sure.
• And I would say that we, like, if there were a claim, I mean, I think a signature would be presumed to
• And we regularly receive claims from workers who are organizing themselves at their own workplaces or
• We get claims like, 'We don't have water, we don't have shade, we were being sexually harassed,' or it

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 804 by Representative Guyman is an act to be entitled 30 relative to claims for damages caused
• , and creates penalties for payers who fail to report required data or fail to timely pay medical claims
• A clarifying... ...merely by education and experience in the medical subject matter on the claim.
• Code of Criminal Procedure relative to post-conviction relief to provide relative to unexhausted claims
• Code of Criminal Procedure relative to post-conviction relief to provide relative to unexhausted claims

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And as we know, these lawsuits can have substantial claims attached to them.
• But then, at the same time, these suits can still, or claims can be brought to our attention, and there
• But then, at the same time, these suits can still, or claims can be brought to our attention, and there
• And it takes one wildfire claim, a substantial wildfire claim, to wipe it out.
• I think does have the benefit of moving these claims as quickly as we can.

Committee: House House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• she spoke so authoritatively on the legal strength of the case when she was, according to her own claim
• And we've just heard in the Budget Committee, the OMB director claimed that it was rigged.
• She claimed there was a peaceful transfer of power in 2021, part of the effort to erase January 6.
• Ash Patel claimed, "I don't believe he has an enemies list," except that Patel had posted the list to
• Bondi claimed to be unfamiliar with the 14th Amendment and the Citizenship Clause within it.

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• have different speed limits and what have you going through certain areas of it, but everybody has adjustment
• from that date to bring an action against them. >> No, sir, because this does not cover fraudulent claims
• So what claims does it cover?
• >> Uh, this would be in case if there was a claim that they made an error on the appraisal. >> Okay.
• Absolutely. claim that uh they made an error on the claim that uh they made an error on the &gt;&gt;

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer and the pledge, then established a quorum with 27 senators present. The body excused absent senators, approved the previous day’s journal, and allowed bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The Senate also welcomed guests in the gallery, including Auburn University McCarter School of Building Science students and retired MPD Sergeant Martin Bean. The chamber received multiple House messages and gubernatorial confirmations, referring several local bills and appointments to the appropriate committees. Committee reports included favorable action on Senate Bills 298 and 91 from County and Municipal Government, and House Bills 297, 365, and 436 from Local Legislation. The Senate adopted several resolutions, including recognitions for Tharptown Baptist Church, Tuskegee University Day, Dr. Bradley Heim, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, McGill-Toolen Catholic High School volleyball, and a special order calendar resolution setting priority bills for the 15th legislative day. On local bills, the Senate advanced and gave final passage to a series of county and municipal measures, including SB 301 (Perry County), SB 314 (Morgan County), SB 295 (Montgomery County), SB 312 (Marshall County), HB 371 (Pike County constitutional amendment), HB 386 (Elmore County), HB 330 (Etowah County), HB 409 (City of Alabaster), HB 408 (Shelby County), SB 299 (Barbour County), HB 416 (Cleburne County), and HB 421 (Lawrence County constitutional amendment). HB 337 on Madison County was carried over. The Senate also adopted a resolution honoring Alabama’s record-breaking economic development year, citing major investments and job creation, and heard a lengthy Black History recognition segment on W.E.B. Du Bois, Patricia Roberts Harris, Langston Hughes, and Maya Angelou. The main policy discussion centered on Senate Bill 240 regarding parole hearings, with the sponsor explaining it would allow the Pardons and Parole Board to hear from inmates and victims by phone or video to reduce travel burdens and improve access. The sponsor said an amendment was being worked on and moved to carry the bill over to the call of the chair, while another senator raised questions about whether inmates currently have an in-person opportunity to speak and whether board members would be able to question participants remotely.

Transcript Highlights:

• Every session we adjust because the programs that we run are based on focus and program so that we can
• This carries the Health Committee's Minnesota Care Adjustment, Medical Assistance, and the Behavioral
• And so under this bill, the inflationary adjustments would be adjusted every two years. workers with
• a cap of 2% per year or 4% per adjustment.
• At that income level, the TEFRA fees are set at 4.5% of adjusted gross income, and then they increase

Transcript Highlights:

• Twice a year we find ourselves adjusting our clocks. shifting an hour of daylight forward in the spring
• For parents, especially those with young children, adjusting to the time change is no simple task.
• And a difficult adjustment period that can last for weeks.
• And so we adjust to that.
• If you reverse it, then we're adjusting eight months of our calendar. Thank you, sir. Dr.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: daylight saving time, Sunshine Protection Act, health impacts, clock change, legislative discussion

Summary: The committee meeting was dedicated to discussing significant legislative topics, focusing particularly on the implications of daylight saving time (DST). Senator Scott advocated for the Sunshine Protection Act, which aims to eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes and keep daylight saving time year-round. He emphasized the negative health impacts associated with DST, including increased risks of heart attacks and accidents immediately following the time changes. Various witnesses provided personal testimonies and expert opinions, highlighting the confusion and health disruptions caused by the current time change practices.

Transcript Highlights:

• have some additional spending in general fund, very modest and very small amounts, the operating adjustments
• have some additional spending in general fund, very modest and very small amounts, the operating adjustments
• have some additional spending in general fund, very modest and very small amounts, the operating adjustments
• Uh, I just would like to challenge a little bit of what Senator Johnson Stewart uh claimed to be fact
• </c><03:25:37.920><c> to</c><03:25:38.160><c> be</c> Senator Johnson Stewart uh claimed to be Senator

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Turning to the next page lottery Commission the cost adjustment you see here has three components and
• is concerned with lottery sales estimates, and this is adopted, the one technical Adjustment concerning
• Item 1, cost of Cost adjustment associated with the motor vehicle crime prevention authority is adopted
• There are two technical adjustments associated with the agency's capital budget, which are adopted.
• There are three technical adjustments which are adopted.

Bills: SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all