Transcript Highlights:

• It actually Is that this legislation that's before you does nothing to advance public health.
• You just go in and change the number 18, anywhere in legislation, to 21.
• We're prohibiting that with this legislation, right? Right? I believe so.
• We're prohibiting that with this legislation, right? I believe so. That's then, okay.
• I am the Health and Mental Health Legislative Policy Fellow with MOST Policy Initiative.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Commerce Committee reconvened and continued its hearing on House Bill 2085, a measure to establish statewide preemption over the sale of tobacco, vape, and nicotine products. Supporters, including representatives of vape stores, grocers, convenience stores, and petroleum marketers, argued the bill would prevent a patchwork of local ordinances, protect small businesses, and create consistent statewide rules for retailers. Several supporters said federal Tobacco 21 rules already control underage sales, and that local bans or flavor restrictions would hurt businesses and push sales to neighboring jurisdictions. Opponents, including the Missouri Public Health Association and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, said local tobacco regulation has helped prevent youth smoking and that the bill could invite litigation over existing ordinances and limit future public health regulation. Committee members repeatedly questioned whether the bill would affect zoning authority or local decisions about where vape shops can locate, especially near schools and child care facilities. The sponsor, Representative Keithley, said the bill was intended to preempt only state standards on the sale and retail regulation of tobacco products, not local zoning, and emphasized that local governments would remain free to regulate zoning. Much of the hearing focused on the bill’s language, especially whether it required a 21-and-over purchase age or merely allowed local jurisdictions that already use 21 to keep doing so. The sponsor explained that the bill was designed to preserve local 21 ordinances without forcing all localities to change from 18 to 21, while still setting statewide standards for sale-related rules. An informational witness from MOST Policy Initiative described health risks of vaping, including nicotine addiction and youth appeal from flavored products, and noted that Missouri does not currently impose a special tax on vapor products. The committee took no vote and adjourned after concluding testimony on HB 2085.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the first meeting of the Ways and Means Committee for the 2026 legislative session.
• This is my 43rd legislative session.
• So in one legislative session, you did two-thirds what it took 12 years to accumulate before.
• Obviously, it's in the minority in this legislative session.
• Legislative staff visited.

Bills: SB6003

Keywords: capital budget, funding, infrastructure, state projects, budget allocation, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
• Assembly Rule 88 is reserved for a failure of our legislative process.
• But because of our legislative process, this body as a whole may never be able to consider that bill
• I mean, it's like page one in the Legislative Counsel Digest.
• And that's where we, as legislators, need to come in to fix those areas.

Summary: The Assembly met with a quorum after a roll call and prayer, then moved through routine business and a lengthy floor debate centered on AB 379, a bill dealing with protections for minors and human trafficking victims. Assembly Member DeMaio first sought to bring the bill up without Public Safety Committee amendments, arguing the committee had gutted the bill and removed felony language for purchasing 16- and 17-year-olds for sex. The body instead adopted a substitute motion to take up Assembly Member Schultz’s floor amendments to AB 379, and the bill became the focus of intense debate over whether the amended language would still adequately protect minors or instead weaken penalties and create a lower standard for 16- and 17-year-olds. Supporters of the amendments, including Schultz, Petri-Norris, Mark Gonzalez, Krell, Wynn, and others, said the changes were intended to strengthen and clarify the law, protect trafficking survivors, and preserve prosecutorial effectiveness while avoiding misinformation about existing law. Opponents, including DeMaio, Gallagher, Dixon, Macedo, Castillo, and others, argued the amendments watered down the bill, failed to restore the original felony treatment for buyers of 16- and 17-year-olds, and amounted to political maneuvering rather than real protection. The chamber also briefly considered a motion to table the amendments, which failed, and an appeal of a ruling on decorum, which was rejected. After debate, the Assembly adopted Schultz’s amendments to AB 379 by a 55-21 vote and then rereferred the bill to the Appropriations Committee. The chamber also handled several procedural items, including re-referrals of other bills, consent calendar actions, and a series of unanimous consent votes on numerous bills and resolutions. The session ended with announcements of committee meetings and the next floor session, followed by adjournment until Monday, May 5 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to thank Senator Jones for this legislation.
• Chair, for hearing this legislation today.
• I'm supportive of this bill and I want legislation like this to pass.
• I'm supportive of this bill and I want legislation like this to pass.
• And Senator Gallo, thank you for bringing the piece of legislation. It is a problem.

Summary: The committee first reviewed the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget proposal for transportation, tourism, and economic development, which totals about $18 billion and includes major funding for the Department of Transportation work program, Visit Florida, affordable housing, library/cultural/historical initiatives, National Guard tuition assistance, and Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles needs. Members approved staff technical adjustments and then adopted the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee then heard and approved CS/SB 666, which creates a specialty license plate for the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association, with proceeds supporting scholarships and school academic, athletic, and arts programs. CS/SB 1318, the hands-free driving bill, drew extensive testimony from the sponsor, law enforcement, advocates, and victims’ families. Supporters argued it would create a clearer, easier-to-enforce prohibition on holding a wireless device while driving and help reduce crashes and deaths; some senators raised concerns about enforcement, privacy, and impacts on drivers with older vehicles, but the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1408, designating memorial highways for Tampa Police Officer Jesse Madsen and Charlotte County Sergeant Elio Diaz, and SB 1516, which would create the International Aerospace Innovation Fund administered by Space Florida to support partnerships between Florida and international aerospace companies. Both bills had supportive testimony and no opposition noted. The meeting ended with adjournment after the final votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Caitlin O'Neill with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• My name is Orlando Sanchez with the legislative analyst's office.
• And make sure that those are consistent with its legislative priorities.
• Legislative Analysis Offices, and Orlando Zavala, Legislative Analyst Office.
• Kaitlyn O'Neill, Legislative...

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As legislators, we should not be deciding who represents 22,000 voters; voters already have done that
• As there was no quorum, I know that legislative pay is set by the Constitution and Minnesota statute,
• we should not precedent as legislators we should not be<00:04:33.320><c> deciding</c><00:04:33.759><
• Legislative sessions are always bumpy.
• </c> they don't have you know legislative they don't have you know legislative sessions<00:16:16.759>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• . legislation. legislation.
• So I just that isn't in legislation.
• When you legislation specific to PT.
• ><c> area</c><04:35:33.279><c> for</c> legislation is a prime area for legislation is a prime area for
• &gt;&gt; General PBM legislation. So some states &gt;&gt; General PBM legislation.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of</c><00:05:49.840><c> a</c><00:05:50.080><c> grieving</c> legislation on behalf of a grieving legislation
• This piece of legislation is clots.
• > the</c><00:10:10.000><c> Department</c> legislative affairs for the Department legislative affairs
• Expanding access to legislation.
• </c> careful legislative attention. careful legislative attention.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Language that impugned the motive of legislators who were doing exactly what legislators are supposed
• And I'm proud to be a co-sponsor of this legislation to support the small... of this legislation to support
• Um, serving as a legislator has been an incredible honor, legislator has been an incredible honor, but
• Being a legislator has really Being a legislator has really changed me.
• There's a fair amount of crying in legislating.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If not, so be considered the reading of the journal from the prior legislative day.
• </c> on this particular piece of legislation on this particular piece of legislation uh<00:17:01.000>
• Just last month the legislators<00:32:22.120><c> collaborative,</c><00:32:22.800><c> which</c> Legislators
• </c><00:43:29.560><c> related</c> the feasibility of legislation related the feasibility of legislation
• Legislative Audits. Legislative Audits.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, April 6, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• was closely aligned to the federal legislation, we would be able to pivot, and that would minimize,
• and we did a beautiful bill legislation and we did a sidebyside<00:05:13.840><c> comparison</c><00:05
• Um what that the federal legislation.
• </c> the federal legislation, we would be the federal legislation, we would be able<00:06:21.120><c>
• </c> legislation the core of the legislation legislation the core of the legislation requires<00:20:44.320

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a member of DBHDID on the legislative work group that I facilitate.
• </c><00:30:29.279><c> Governor</c> upcoming legislative session.
• Governor upcoming legislative session.
• and working with our state legislators to perhaps move forward and progress in this area.
• of the legislation that we need to address.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:03 Roll Call: 00:00:09 Agency Updates: 00:01:44 Juvenile Justice Advisory Board Update: 00:03:36 Department of Juvenile Justice Update: 00:23:10, 958, all

Summary: The Juvenile Justice Oversight Council approved the minutes from its November 8, 2024 meeting and welcomed new member Representative Nick Wilson. The council also heard an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on a school attendance awareness campaign aimed at reducing truancy referrals to court, and a member requested a future, more detailed presentation on truancy trends. The council then received an update from the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board from Dr. David Frink and Elsie Berger. They described the board’s membership, meeting schedule, public access, annual report and three-year plan, and its role in helping Kentucky remain compliant with federal juvenile justice requirements so the state can receive Title II funding. They said the board reviews grant applications for community-based services, substance use, and early intervention programs, with about $584,000 in federal funds this year and a little over $600,000 expected next year. Members asked about participation, board vacancies, and how to engage with the board, and the presenters emphasized the importance of statewide representation and community input. The Department of Juvenile Justice then provided a broader update through Commissioner Randy White and Deputy Secretary Mona Wamik. White said DJJ is under an ongoing U.S. Department of Justice investigation focused on conditions in detention facilities, including use of force, isolation, abuse, mental health care, and special education, and said the department has cooperated with repeated information requests and site visits. He also reviewed recent legislative and administrative changes, including 2023 Senate Bill 162, regional detention planning, facility segregation requirements, staffing and salary investments, improved staffing levels, reduced mental health vacancies, and training efforts related to security threat groups. He said DJJ has made progress but continues to work on staffing, safety, and facility improvements.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is national legislation you're making today. This is a national issue. Emily was 23.
• But the reality is, is that... ...the reality is that this is groundbreaking legislation.
• It's not—legislation is full of intent, right? We know that.
• This is the third year in a row I'm running this legislation.
• This was, and is, a broadly supported piece of legislation across our state.

Summary: The committee took up a series of criminal justice, health, and public safety bills, with several measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations and mostly no opposition. CS for SB 1782 on dangerous excessive speeding, CS for SB 306 on Medicaid provider network access, CS for SB 716 on mandatory minimums for certain sexual offenses by registered offenders, CS for SB 1084 on intimate image dissemination and digitally forged images, and CS for CS for SB 1604 on corrections-related litigation and sentencing changes all passed the committee. Members also approved CS for SB 1838, which increases protections for court officials from tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for SB 1252, which directs FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database. CS for SB 468 on fleeing or eluding, CS for SB 490 on off-duty concealed carry for certain officers, and CS for SB 890 on blood clot screening and treatment also received favorable votes, with SB 890 drawing supportive testimony from the bill sponsor, medical and patient advocates, and family members affected by blood clots. The most extensive debate centered on CS for CS for SB 1804, which would create a capital offense for adults trafficking children under 12 or mentally incapacitated persons for sexual exploitation. Senator Martin defended the bill as a response to especially heinous crimes and argued it fit within constitutional punishment principles, while several members raised concerns about the Eighth Amendment, the risk of lengthy and costly litigation, and the possibility of retraumatizing victims. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in opposition, citing moral objections, due process concerns, and constitutional precedent; the bill nevertheless was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 572, the “Pam Rock Act,” which tightens dangerous-dog rules, adds enclosure, microchip, insurance, and penalty requirements, and allows stronger enforcement actions after serious attacks. The Rock family and animal control supporters testified in favor, describing the bill as a response to fatal dog attacks and urging stronger accountability for owners. For SB 572, members discussed insurance requirements, the role of local authorities in classifying dangerous dogs, and whether the bill would affect ordinary pet insurance or only liability coverage after a serious attack. The sponsor said the measure is not breed-specific and is aimed at dogs that have already caused significant harm. The committee also heard testimony from family members of Pam Rock and other victims, along with supporters from animal control and sheriff’s offices. All of the bills taken up in the meeting that were voted on were reported favorably, and no roll-call votes failed.

Transcript Highlights:

• prior to the start of the legislative session, similar to other DOE reports.
• </c><00:26:58.399><c> of</c> days prior to the start of the legisl of days prior to the start of the
• </c> along because in the eling legislation along because in the eling legislation for<00:45:30.200><
• legislative regular session.
• </c> prior to the start of the legislation prior to the start of the legislation legislative legislative

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All prior state legislation banning PFOS in products bans PFAS as a class.
• All prior state legislation banning PFOS in products bans PFAS as a class.
• We also have Andrea Ventura, legislative and policy director with Clean Water Action.
• Jim Lindberg, on behalf of the Friends Committee on Legislation of California, in support.
• The legislator has invested in a voucher program, and those funds have been utilized.

Summary: The committee heard AB 1603, which would restrict new PFAS pesticides from being registered in California and add transparency requirements for pesticide use reporting. The author and supporters argued PFAS are persistent, harmful chemicals that contaminate water, soil, and food, and said the bill would reduce future contamination and public health costs. Supporters included environmental and public health groups, water agencies, nurses, teachers, and local governments. Agricultural and chemical industry groups opposed the bill’s registration ban, arguing California already has strong pesticide review, that the measure could limit future safer formulations, and that it could raise costs and reduce farmers’ access to pest-control tools. Committee members raised questions about affordability, water contamination, and the role of state versus federal regulators; the author said the bill was needed because existing regulation is too slow and incomplete. No vote was taken because the committee lacked a quorum. The committee then heard AB 2635, the Just Transition for Landscapers Act, which would create voucher programs and other support for landscapers transitioning from gas-powered to electric equipment, while limiting penalties and adding privacy protections. The author and supporters said many landscapers are low-wage immigrant workers who cannot afford the upfront cost of electric equipment and should not be punished for complying with local air-quality rules. Air district representatives and other opponents said the bill could be too prescriptive, could divert limited air district resources, and could create administrative and language-assistance burdens; one air district moved to neutral after amendments. Committee members discussed the health benefits of electric equipment and the need to avoid placing penalties on workers. The bill was held pending a quorum. The committee also heard AB 1732, which would extend CEQA streamlining to public university and community college housing projects. The author, UC student representatives, and the University of California said the bill would help address student housing insecurity and speed construction on already planned campus sites. There was no opposition. The committee then took up AB 1744, the Clear Labels, Clear Seas Act, which would prohibit sunscreen products marketed as reef safe or reef friendly from containing certain chemicals that harm marine ecosystems. The author said the bill is a transparency measure, not a ban, and the committee expressed support; no opposition appeared. Additional bills discussed included AB 2152, which would streamline CEQA review for fire station projects and was supported by firefighters and local governments but opposed by contractors over a project labor agreement requirement; AB 2231, which would streamline two hospital projects in Santa Clara and Emeryville and drew broad support with no opposition; AB 2410, which would create temporary CEQA and Coastal Act exemptions for wildfire fuel-reduction projects and drew support from counties, cities, utilities, and fire officials but opposition from Sierra Club California over the breadth of the exemptions; and AB 2234, which would update geothermal exploratory project rules to reflect newer technologies, supported by clean power advocates and opposed or opposed-unless-amended by utility groups concerned about impacts on existing geothermal operations. Several of these measures were discussed with amendments, but votes were deferred where a quorum was not yet present.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today's hearing is on heating fuels and late-file legislation.
• And we've passed this to council and also, with the support of our legislative delegation, have had it
• And that's why we've filed for this legislation with the General Court.
• I'm a legislative manager with 350 Mass and a Boston resident.
• This legislation would make the timeline more flexible, potentially reducing gas rates.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of late-file energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on battery storage siting, gas system expansion, propane consumer protections, gas workforce safety, and a Taunton home-rule petition on water rates for manufactured housing communities. Representative Sweeney urged support for H. 4689 and H. 4690, which would impose a moratorium and setback requirements for lithium battery storage facilities, citing fire risk, proximity to homes, and environmental concerns. Several local officials and residents from Oakham, Tewksbury, and other communities described proposed battery projects near homes, schools, wetlands, and conservation land, while industry and clean-energy advocates argued the bills would effectively block storage development and conflict with state energy goals and existing fire-safety standards. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2290/H. 3547, a bill to prevent gas expansion near environmental justice communities, from environmental justice advocates, municipal officials, and clean-energy groups. Testimony emphasized rising gas bills, the cost of new pipelines, methane and health impacts, and the need to avoid locking in long-term gas infrastructure costs. Witnesses also discussed related bills on gas workforce safety, gas shut-off valves, and gas meter replacement plans, with labor representatives supporting safety-focused measures and opposing changes they said would weaken inspections, while consumer and environmental advocates argued that some utility replacement practices are unnecessarily expensive and should be reined in to reduce ratepayer costs. Other testimony included support for H. 3518 on propane gas ratepayer protections, with the witness arguing for clearer contract terms and website price disclosure, and support for S. 2652, which would authorize Taunton to create a separate water billing rate for manufactured housing communities because residents there are effectively paying higher water costs through rent due to a single master meter. No committee votes or final actions were taken during the hearing, and members mostly asked brief clarifying questions or made no comment after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation and support our nation's timber
• I am proud to support this legislation...
• I am proud to support this legislation that holds fraudsters accountable, and I urge my colleagues to
• This legislation honors their This legislation honors their sacrifices, their achievements, and their
• Legislation I was proud to co-sponsor and lead in the legislature and here in Congress.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, June 11, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm really honored to stand and say that you have made me a better legislator.
• In my opinion, this is the most meaningful piece of legislation that I have heard.
• But that bill that day was a second-best piece of legislation to come to this floor.
• For you guys to vote for this one as the best piece of legislation to come this year.
• This is probably the most important piece of legislation we'll face this year. We craft laws.

Bills: HB1168

Keywords: abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, methotrexate, pro-life, pro-choice, reproductive health, unborn child, trafficking, felony, contraception, pharmacist, pharmacy, Title 63, Oklahoma statutes, abortion pill, drug distribution, criminal penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• As legislators, you expect results, and you should.
• But as legislators, I know that you also expect accountability.
• And that was testified to in committee: 'legislative interference.'
• That was only legislators. We asked all of the stakeholders to... That was only legislators.
• There were only legislators appointed. There were ten legislators appointed.

Summary: The committee heard several higher education and K-12 bills centered on TOPS, school accountability, and curriculum alignment. It first welcomed University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s new president, Ramesh Kuluru, who spoke about student success, workforce alignment, and the university’s financial recovery. The committee then adopted amendments and reported HR 17 favorably, directing a study of TOPS return on investment with the Board of Regents, Louisiana Works, LED, and the Blanco Public Policy Center. Testimony from business and policy groups supported the study as a way to assess whether state financial aid is producing workforce and retention outcomes. Members then considered HB 385 by Rep. Bamberg, which would require repayment of TOPS awards under certain circumstances when students lose eligibility, with exemptions for hardship and a pathway into LCTCS or career-technical programs. The bill drew strong debate over whether merit scholarships should ever be repaid; opponents argued TOPS is earned for the semester and should only be lost going forward, while supporters emphasized taxpayer accountability. After amendments, the committee narrowly approved the bill by roll call vote, with Chair Schlegel casting the deciding yes to report it favorably as amended. The committee also unanimously reported HB 1058 favorably, which requires the Board of Regents to maintain a uniform data system for state financial assistance; independent colleges and business groups supported the measure as a way to improve accountability and analysis. The committee next heard HB 406 by Speaker Pro Tem Johnson, which asks the Department of Education to study the feasibility of moving oversight of interscholastic athletics to a more accountable model after a legislative study found widespread complaints about the private LHSAA’s transparency and consistency. Supporters said the bill is a cautious step toward reform and a possible 2028–2029 transition, while an LHSAA representative defended current audits and governance and opposed the premise of the bill. Despite objections, the committee reported HB 406 favorably. It then heard HB 787 by Rep. McMakin, as substituted, which would exempt non-public high school students from the TOPS computer science requirement; BESE and the Department of Education opposed the bill, saying it would separate diploma and TOPS requirements and create scheduling confusion, while Catholic school representatives said the requirement conflicts with their theology curriculum. McMakin asked to defer the bill for two weeks. Finally, the committee unanimously reported HB 1059 favorably, which aligns TOPS math requirements with BESE’s integrated math pathways, and began hearing HB 1021 by Rep. Egan on repayment of certain TOPS awards, though the transcript cuts off before that bill was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And basically what it would be would be the legislation.
• Legislators would have to approve it first, then the auditor, then the governor.
• And again, that's the purpose of the legislation: legislators, the auditor, and the governor to approve
• We had no opposition on this piece of legislation. I don't remember? Yes, it did.
• I mean, we can't cover every single case in legislation.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous day’s journal by roll call vote, 127-2. Members then used points of personal privilege and guest introductions to recognize a new grandchild, President Thomas Jefferson’s birthday, Artemis II and Missouri’s role in space manufacturing, Line Worker Appreciation Day, a visiting mayor, and a former representative. The chamber then moved into third reading and perfection business. Several bills were passed. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2740, creating a pediatric disease task force in the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, passed 139-1 after supporters described it as a limited, accountable way to coordinate research and report on outcomes. House Bill 2422, which raises a county filing fee to support the Department of Agriculture’s Land Survey Program, passed 131-6 after members said the program could not continue on the current fee. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 311, moving bail bond oversight under the Board of Private Investigators and Fire Investigators, passed 112-22. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3009, allowing nonprofit pharmacies to provide medications during emergencies, passed 133-6. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2474, authorizing progressive design-build project delivery for public construction, and House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3076, clarifying that common agricultural practices are exempt from non-point source permitting under clean water law, were both ordered perfected and printed. House Joint Resolution 159, which would modernize the state treasurer’s constitutional investment authority, drew the most debate. The sponsor argued it would update outdated restrictions, allow safer investment options, and generate an estimated $15.1 million without raising taxes. An amendment adding legislative, governor, and auditor approval for changes to the investment policy was adopted. Supporters called the proposal conservative and bipartisan, while opponents warned the language was too broad and could reopen questions about risky investments or conflict-of-interest issues. After debate, the House adopted the committee substitute and ordered the resolution perfected and printed. The chamber also took up House Bill 2436, dealing with animal impoundment, return of animals when no charges are filed or a defendant is found innocent, and related animal neglect provisions. Members adopted a title amendment, then adopted an amendment creating penalties for malicious false reports of animal abuse and another amendment modernizing neglect and abandonment offenses, including provisions on adequate care and control and higher penalties for repeat or harmful conduct. Debate centered on whether the bill was necessary, how to define malicious reporting, and concerns from animal welfare groups versus law enforcement and agricultural interests. The bill remained under consideration as the transcript ended.