Transcript Highlights:

• Relating to the public education and public school finance, referred to the Committee on Public Education
• on Public Education.
• Refer to the Committee on Public Education.
• Refer to the Committee on Public Education. H.J.
• Higher Education, in front of the Committee on Higher Education, H-A-R-3-20, that's Enderholt, suspending

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• His parents described him as a good man who wanted to make a difference in this world.
• Education to assist veterans. We could do that.
• For parents, the cost is already insane.
• The result: fewer providers, fewer slots, and higher prices for parents.
• Parents, we're just trying to get by on a daily basis by being parents, let alone having to think about

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for Alex Prettie, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several visiting groups in the gallery, including UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute fellows and community college representatives. The body approved the Senate journals and then confirmed two gubernatorial appointments: Dr. Hernando Garsohn as Chief Medical Officer at the Emergency Medical Services Authority and Stephanie Weldon as Deputy Director of the Office of Health Equity at the Department of Public Health, both by 39-0 votes. The chamber then took up a series of third-reading bills. Measures that passed included SB 799 on the South Bay Regional Housing Trust, SB 33 on public contracts and contractor payment claims, SB 222 to streamline permitting for heat pump installations, SB 300 to strengthen protections for minors in AI chatbot interactions, SB 457 on community land trusts and affordable housing, SB 479 allowing certain cities to share information in homeless response teams, SB 719 extending a reporting sunset on automated decision systems, SB 722 protecting mobile home park residents from demolition-related displacement, SB 832 updating the Upper Los Angeles River working group, SB 342 on contractor license lapse rules, SB 490 on inspections of unlicensed treatment facilities, SB 828 requiring better state-local permit verification after the Esparto fireworks tragedy, SB 849 barring physician license renewal after specified sexual misconduct, SB 742 addressing decommissioned electrical lines and wildfire risk, SB 96 on over-amplified streaming and digital ads, SB 677 as a technical cleanup to last year’s housing law, and SB 58 on hydrogen sulfide monitoring and public health. Most of these bills passed unanimously or with overwhelming support; SB 222 and SB 677 drew some no votes but still passed. The most extended debate centered on SB 694, which would align California law with federal VA accreditation rules for those assisting veterans with benefits claims and impose penalties for unauthorized claims assistance and data access. Supporters argued it would protect veterans from predatory “claim shark” practices and ensure only accredited providers charge fees; opponents said it would reduce veterans’ choice and could limit access to needed help. After a motion to pull the bill from Rules and take it up immediately passed 29-9, the Senate approved SB 694 on a 29-10 vote. The session concluded with unanimous approval of the consent calendar and adjournment until January 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• In full support of the bill, rural employment opportunities are limited by education opportunities.
• We show you registered as Brittany Williams on behalf of Collegiate Education for the bill.
• Education to Employment Partners testifying for the bill. Is that correct? That is correct.
• I am the executive director for Education to Employment Partners.
• Many re-enrolled in education, earned industry certifications, and entered the workforce.

Committee: House S/C on Workforce

Summary: The subcommittee heard testimony on a broad agenda of workforce, labor, and workers’ compensation bills. HB 4676 would require political subdivision workers’ compensation networks to follow the same notice, access, and complaint rules as certified TDI networks; supporters said public employees and first responders deserve equal access to care, while municipal risk pool representatives opposed added regulation and said existing 504 networks already perform well. HB 4479 would create a rural workforce development grant program at TWC to support college-and-career readiness and local workforce alignment, and HB 3844 would define “opportunity youth” in state law to improve data, coordination, and access to services for disconnected young Texans; both drew strong support from rural, education, and chamber witnesses. HB 5545 would clarify federal tax treatment for wage-replacement benefits in non-subscriber injury benefit plans, with proponents calling it a win for employers and injured workers. HB 5118 would direct TWC and DIR to study AI and automated employment decision tools in hiring, including bias and oversight concerns. HB 1667 would move existing PTSD workers’ compensation language into a broader Labor Code chapter so more first responders, including state and campus officers, could qualify for benefits; supporters called it a technical fix to extend coverage more evenly across agencies. The committee also heard several first-responder and workers’ compensation bills. HB 2369 would speed up claims handling for injured first responders by allowing a single medical evaluation, giving carriers 60 days to accept or deny a claim, and letting workers seek treatment while disputes proceed; law enforcement supporters said it would help injured officers return to work faster, while opponents warned it would revive extent-of-injury waiver problems and increase litigation. HB 4483 would reclassify certain workers’ compensation maintenance taxes as surcharges to reduce retaliatory taxes imposed by other states on Texas-domiciled carriers, and HB 875, as revised by committee substitute, would create a small-project exception to municipal workers’ compensation and bonding requirements for certain low-value construction contracts in small cities; both were presented as cost-saving measures for Texas employers and local governments. HB 4415 would extend anti-retaliation protections for workers’ compensation claimants from first responders to all public employees and expressly waive sovereign immunity for those claims, with supporters describing it as closing a loophole that leaves public workers without the same remedy available in the private sector. The committee also took testimony on HB 5400, which would expand remedies for sexual harassment victims by removing the requirement to first file an administrative charge, extending the filing deadline from 300 days to two years, clarifying retaliation, and eliminating current damages caps. Supporters, including employment lawyers and a parent of a victim, said the current deadlines and caps prevent many survivors from obtaining counsel or full relief, especially younger workers and those in small workplaces or franchises. Across the agenda, witnesses repeatedly emphasized access to care, fair treatment for injured workers, rural workforce development, and stronger protections for vulnerable employees. After each bill was laid out and testimony heard, the chair generally closed the public hearing and left the bill pending; no final votes were taken, and the subcommittee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 832 referred to the Education Committee.
• House Bill 846 by Education Committee, an act relating to education, amending Section 33-1027, Idaho
• Senate Bill 1227 by Education Committee, regarding education.
• And then third, we want to make sure parental rights are protected, so it references the Idaho Parental
• And then third, we want to make sure parental rights are protected, so it references the Idaho Parental

Summary: The House opened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the journal and received messages from the governor and Senate. Several committee reports were read, including referrals of newly printed bills and memorials, and the House moved a number of measures to second reading, general orders, or committee calendars. The chamber also advanced multiple bills through first reading and referral, including measures on health insurance prior authorization, budget limits, homestead exemption, Medicaid presumptive eligibility, student enrollment counseling, water districts, and rat control. In Committee of the Whole, members considered House Bill 717 on motor vehicles, Senate Bill 1227 on artificial intelligence in K-12 education, House Bill 668 on child custody interference, House Bill 750 on programmable money, and House Bill 747 on abatement districts. Amendments were adopted to HB 717, HB 1227, HB 668, and HB 750, and the committee reported those bills back without recommendation as amended; HB 530, HB 627, HB 598, and HB 747 were reported as progress. The House adopted the committee report, sending HB 717, HB 668, and HB 750 to engrossing and placing SB 1227 on the first reading calendar. On third reading, House Bill 659 passed 41-27 after extensive debate over requiring local law enforcement agencies to seek ICE 287(g) agreements and whether the bill imposed an unfunded mandate or would improve immigration enforcement and public safety. House Bill 674, dealing with telephone service discontinuance after FCC approval, passed 65-1 with four abstentions. The House also passed HB 566, HB 568, HB 774, SB 1244, and SB 1265, largely as code-cleanup or repeal measures, and held several bills on the calendar until the following Monday. The chamber then began debate on Senate Bill 1331, a 2026 budget rescission bill that would impose across-the-board holdbacks except for certain areas such as K-12, corrections, state police, and Medicaid. Supporters argued it was needed to maintain a structurally balanced budget, preserve fiscal discipline, and set a baseline for later add-backs; opponents said it was an unfunded, blunt cut that would harm vulnerable populations, reduce services, and rely on a process they viewed as constitutionally and practically flawed. Debate continued at length, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> that enhances the image of educators. that enhances the image of educators.
• Education Report Card. Whereas Dr. Education Report Card. Whereas Dr.
• </c> and others regarding education. and others regarding education.
• We need to educate our educated society. But every profession can ask for that.
• We all had to be educated standing here. We all had to be educated by<02:50:38.520><c> someone.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then quickly handled routine business including excusing absent senators, adopting the prior journal, and recognizing several guests in the gallery. The chamber also paused to honor Dr. Mark Sullivan, superintendent of Birmingham City Schools, with a Senate resolution commending him as the Alabama Education Association’s 2025-26 outstanding superintendent of the year. Senator Smitherman and Dr. Sullivan both spoke, with Sullivan highlighting Birmingham’s academic gains, reduced failing schools, and lower chronic absenteeism. The Senate then processed a series of House messages and confirmations. It concurred in SB 288 on agriculture authorities and SB 317 on the Alabama Commission on the Evaluation of Services, but non-concurred and sent SB 174 on natural resources and SB 32 on solid waste collection fees to conference. The chamber confirmed numerous appointments, including Rex Jones, William Donahue, Jim Massey, Jason Windham, Alexander Atwater, Charles Dean, Steve McKinnon, Bonnie Temple, Shaniqua Johnson-Enam, Dwayne Jenkins, Troy Skipworth, Gloria Watts, Tracy Doughty, Kevin Ball, Joe D. Briggs, Josh Bryant, Dylan Turk, David R. Pruitt III, and Carol Smitherman, with most confirmations passing on near-unanimous rolls. Committee reports advanced several House bills, including favorable reports on HB 224, 591, 614, 609, 444, 248, 611, 622, 92, and 556, with HB 248 amended. The Senate also adopted a resolution honoring the University of Alabama women’s wheelchair basketball team for winning the 2026 national championship, and another resolution recognizing the seriousness of the national debt and urging Congress to establish regular budget order. A resolution honoring retired Brigadier General Vandiver H. Carter as the 2026 Marion Military Institute Alumnus of the Year and a resolution commending John R. Cooper were also adopted. In local legislation, the Senate passed HB 635 for Choctaw County, HB 639 for Escambia County, SB 10 for Tuscaloosa County, HB 315 for class one municipalities after adopting a committee substitute and a friendly amendment, and HB 404 for class one municipalities. Finally, the Committee on Rules reported and the Senate adopted a special order calendar for the next legislative day, listing a wide range of bills for priority consideration, including measures on solar power facilities, homestead exemptions, education, guardianships, tax increment districts, legal tender, college tuition, crime victims compensation, motor vehicles, entertainment industry issues, campus chaplains, tax abatements, alcoholic beverage producers, data privacy, constables, insurance, municipal audits, income tax, public high schools, taxation, state health planning, and University of Alabama matters.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's all within the school State Board of Education, or State Department of Education, sorry.
• So last year on the Education Committee, we were Chairman, so last year on the Education Committee we
• And I told him about how complicated education was, that the language inside education is literally Pig
• And then the bureaucracy of education is so complicated that no one in their lifetime who's not an educator
• I'll take the blame as an educator.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What I find is that we teach in the daytime, but those librarians also, after hours, become parents to
• and educational programs to ensure that we don't leave any student behind.
• The young men and women at the C's gain practical skills, educational advancement, and certifications
• center and modernizing career technical education facilities.
• center, and modernizing career technical education facilities.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took up several floor recognitions and resolutions. Senators also welcomed guests including California Conservation Corps members, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo agriculture leadership students, and College of San Mateo championship athletes. The chamber approved the journals, stricken items from the daily file, and referred SCR 112 back to the Assembly floor. The main legislative actions were on two resolutions and two gubernatorial appointments. SR 81 by Senator Pérez, designating March 2, 2026 as Read Across America Day, was supported by Senators Choi and Rubio, emphasizing literacy, libraries, and reading access; it passed 37-0. SCR 125 by Senator Wahab, recognizing Ramadan, was supported by Senator Becker and adopted unanimously, 37-0. The Senate also confirmed Dr. Chris Thayer as director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and Dr. Gina Castro Rodriguez to the Board of State and Community Corrections, both by 29-0 votes. Much of the remainder of the session consisted of adjournments in memory. Senators honored Stephen Cassidy, former San Leandro school board member and mayor; John Joseph Zoria, a San Jose farmer and community figure; Crystal Schoenfelder, a workers’ compensation attorney and advocate; and Belinda Baraghani, a prominent Latina political strategist and community leader. The session ended with remarks about Ramadan’s themes of empathy and community, and the Senate recessed with the next floor session scheduled for March 5, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• When I took office less than a year ago, I heard from parents, teachers, and small business owners who
• When I took office less than a year ago, I heard from parents, teachers, and small When I took office
• less than a year ago, I heard from parents, teachers, and small business owners who were witnessing
• . who provides a strong street outreach and prevention and education.
• I'm a city council member, also a previous educator in the City of Pomona.

Summary: The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety held an informational hearing in Pomona on sex work-related crimes and efforts to combat human trafficking. The chair and Assembly Member Michelle Rodriguez framed the issue as a major public safety and victim-protection concern, referencing the repeal of the loitering law in SB 357 and the recent enactment of AB 379, which targets buyers of sex rather than sex workers. The hearing was organized into three panels: data and research, policing and anti-trafficking efforts, and courtroom/prosecution impacts. In the first panel, the California Department of Justice presented arrest and conviction data for the repealed loitering statute, noting overall declines from 2019 to 2022 but also explaining that the data did not distinguish clearly between people selling sex, people loitering to sell, and people purchasing sex. USC law professor Hannah Gary summarized a 2021 report finding that law enforcement stings and raids often lack transparency, disproportionately harm Black women, minors, LGBTQ+ people, and undocumented migrants, and rarely achieve the stated goals of protecting victims, prosecuting traffickers, or preventing trafficking. The ACLU of Southern California argued that criminalization of sex work is discriminatory and historically used to police women and people of color, and that laws aimed at buyers still harm sex workers and can increase immigration consequences. Committee members asked about data collection, racial disparities, and whether the new law could worsen profiling; the panelists urged public health approaches, better data, and more survivor services. The second panel featured the California DOJ human trafficking coordinator, Pomona Police Chief Mike Ellis, and survivor advocate Jess Torres of Rising Worldwide. DOJ described its regional trafficking teams, task forces, victim services, and prosecutions, emphasizing a victim-centered and trauma-informed approach. Chief Ellis said SB 357 limited police intervention and contributed to visible open-air prostitution near schools and other sensitive locations, citing complaints from residents and a reported drop in juvenile rescues in Pomona after the law changed; he supported AB 63-style enforcement with safeguards and service referrals. Torres, speaking as a survivor, argued that anti-trafficking policy must be survivor-led, that many youth in the sex trade are boys or LGBTQ youth, and that criminalization and street enforcement often worsen harm and displacement rather than solving the underlying problems. In the final panel, a Riverside County deputy district attorney said AB 63 could help law enforcement make earlier contact with potential victims and identify traffickers, while stressing the need for training, documentation, and oversight. A Los Angeles County public defender argued that prosecuting trafficked people reinforces traffickers’ control, creates lifelong barriers, and retraumatizes survivors, and pointed to diversion programs as a better model. The Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking began its testimony by describing its survivor services and crisis response work. The hearing ended without any vote or formal action, but with committee members and witnesses continuing to debate the balance between enforcement, data collection, and survivor-centered services.

Transcript Highlights:

• James just kind of pops out of the anteroom like the TA people do in education.
• Education and finance to vote a certain way.
• Guaranteed income helped me to get an education.
• I was fortunate enough to have my parents— Many people don't have that safety net.
• By spreading out the sales period, they can better educate ...to educate consumers on safe usage and

Bills: SB434 , SB844 , SB898 , SB1177 , SB1214 , SB1454 , SB1920 , SB1927 , SB1935 , SB1965 , SB2010 , SB2046 , SB2068 , SB2073 , SB2183 , SB2260 , SB3034 , SB907

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: SB 434, Harris County Hospital District, hospital district police, peace officers, commissioned officers, law enforcement authority, Health and Safety Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, public safety, hospital security, county hospital district, local government, Texas criminal procedure, district police, armed security, SB 898, low income housing tax credits, LIHTC, affordable housing, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1288, by the Education Committee, an act relating to education, to establish
• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1289, by the Education Committee, an act relating to education, to establish
• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1290, by the Education Committee, an act relating to education, to establish
• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1291, by the Education Committee, an act relating to education, relating to
• training, to revise provisions regarding foster parent training.

Summary: The Senate convened with 32 members present, a quorum established, and opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The journal was approved as corrected, and the chamber received committee reports and House messages. Several bills were advanced: Senate bills 1261, 1262, 1265, and 1266 were reported out of committee for second reading, and House Bill 504 was also reported out. The Senate also received House bills 520, 579, 580, 581, and 583 for introduction, and Senate Bill 1225 and House Joint Memorial 10 were processed for enrollment and transmittal. The Senate introduced a large group of new bills, including measures on kratom consumer protections, direct-to-consumer agricultural commerce, dietitian licensure compact participation, occupational licensing and homeschool diploma equivalency, veteran benefits consumer protections, highway and right-of-way procedures, education funding and scholarship limits, school social access for homeschool students, foster parent training, public benefits verification, hearing loss screening, criminal trespass of a church, and conversational AI safety. The chamber then moved several bills to third reading, including Senate Bills 1240, 1248, 1249, and 1251, after second-reading action on additional bills such as 1250, 1246, 1247, 1254, 1255, 1256, and 1264. On final passage, Senate Bill 1240, a comprehensive overhaul of Idaho’s guardianship and conservatorship laws, received strong support after debate emphasizing added protections, alternatives to full guardianship, and a delayed implementation date of January 1, 2027; it passed 32-0 with three absent and excused. Senate Bill 1248, eliminating the old county capital crimes defense fund after the state took over public defense, also passed 32-0. Senate Bill 1249, a code cleanup measure updating an outdated time-zone reference, passed 32-0. Senate Bill 1251, clarifying the Attorney General’s civil enforcement authority to seek injunctions and declaratory relief, passed 30-3 with two absent. All passed bills were transmitted to the House. During miscellaneous business, senators announced upcoming events including the University of Idaho 4-H Know Your Government program, a birthday acknowledgment for Senator Shippee, and a memorial service for deceased senators scheduled for Monday, along with an afternoon session for bill introductions. The Senate then adjourned until 10 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this issue, for those of you who aren't on Education Committee, is a very wonky education issue related
• </c> those of you who aren't on Education those of you who aren't on Education Committee,<01:48:22.400
• </c> Committee, is a very wonky education Committee, is a very wonky education issue<01:48:25.840><c>
• From the Education Committee, House Bill 490, an act relating to employment at public postsecondary education
• From the Education Committee, House Bill 490, an act relating to employment at public postsecondary education

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> parents were alive. parents were alive.
• I move House Bill 1321 in the Education Committee report. >> To the education report.
• </c> parents have been through. parents have been through.
• </c> with a master agreement as an educator. with a master agreement as an educator.
• </c> they try to be parents. they try to be parents.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with 58 members present and seven excused, establishing a quorum, and approved the April 15, 2026 journal as corrected. The chamber then moved through announcements recognizing visiting railroad workers, LIUNA Local 720, Colorado West Christian Schools, Religious Freedom Day, and several school and community groups, along with birthday acknowledgments and committee schedule notices. The House also adopted a motion to remove House Bill 1245 from special orders and returned it to the general orders second reading calendar, and set House Bills 1290, 1312, and 1321 as special orders. The House adopted Senate Joint Resolution 18, recognizing Nowruz and expressing support for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Iranian people, including the Women, Life, Freedom movement. Supporters described Nowruz as a holiday of renewal and resilience and tied the resolution to solidarity with Iranian communities. Representative Zokaie also spoke at length about the personal impact of war on Iranian families and urged a vote. The resolution passed 59-2 with four excused. The chamber then considered several bills in committee report. House Bill 1290, concerning assault and clarifying sentencing, was amended in Judiciary to remove the medical professional provision and passed after testimony emphasizing strangulation as a serious warning sign in domestic violence cases; it then passed the House. House Bill 1312, dealing with peace officer participation, POST Board composition, academy training, and related grants, was amended for clarity and passed the Judiciary report and then the bill. House Bill 1321, modifying the School Security Disbursement Program, had the Education Committee report defeated, but amendments were adopted to broaden eligible service providers and adjust funding language; the bill then passed as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Together, they're the parents of two beautiful children. Dr.
• Voter education, advocacy, health, healthy and safe communities.
• I want to thank and recognize the educators, organizers, and students speaking up for their neighbors
• You know, in a 100-student population, you probably know every kid and every parent knows every kid.
• You probably know every kid and every parent knows every kid.

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum, an invocation, and routine motions to excuse Senator King and dispense with the reading of the previous journal. Members then took up several ceremonial resolutions and recognitions, including honoring Duncanville High School’s boys basketball state championship, recognizing the city of Palestine, welcoming the Texas African American Lawyers Foundation and Barbara Jordan Leadership Institute, acknowledging the Cibolo Chamber of Commerce, and designating Texas County Treasurer’s Day and Mesquite Day. A memorial resolution for Clyde Vance Dunham of Waco was adopted, with multiple senators speaking in tribute to his long legal career and community service; the Senate agreed to adjourn in his memory. The chamber then considered a series of bills, most of which were advanced on expedited motions. Senate Bill 1948, concerning fire prevention standards for certain agricultural facilities, passed after suspension of the rules and the three-day rule. Senate Bill 1394, updating weight and tire-load rules for ready-mix concrete trucks, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 1814, creating an electronic database to provide information to certain veterans, also passed unanimously. Senate Bill 241, tightening enforcement of the public camping ban and authorizing state enforcement and reimbursement mechanisms, drew questions about impacts on unhoused people but ultimately passed. Senate Bill 1147, withdrawing Texas from the Interstate Mining Compact, passed unanimously. The Senate also passed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 921 on Medicaid ex parte renewals after a narrower vote, and Senate Bill 609, requiring school districts and charter schools to comply with legally required policies, after rejecting an amendment by Senators Menendez and Perry that would have added a good-faith/resource-limitation safeguard for districts. Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 660, requiring bollards or similar barriers near certain hospital emergency rooms, passed with rural exemptions and exceptions for existing protections. Senate Bill 2155, a cleanup bill returning veterinary board authority from TDLR to the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, passed with amendments. Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1209 on election dates and Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1396 prohibiting national sex education standards in public schools also passed. The Senate then received first-reading bills and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• be cut 11%. 11% equals up to $276 million for the Department of Education, and that's our kids.
• Twenty-five percent of the households here in Hawaii are led by a single parent.
• Twenty-five percent of the households here in Hawaii are led by a single parent.
• Twenty-five percent of the households here in Hawaii are led by a single parent.
• Twenty-five percent of the households here in Hawaii are led by a single parent.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered three measures on the 1 p.m. agenda. SB 817, relating to out-of-state offices, drew support from DBEDT and several community groups, with questions focused on the requested funding, staffing level, whether the office would expand broadly, and whether the Philippines was being singled out. SB 1578, relating to international affairs, received support from DBEDT and the Attorney General, with the chair noting the bill was intended to help DBEDT analyze Hawaii’s international partnerships and plan next steps. SB 1639, establishing Hawaii Beach Day, had limited testimony and was moved along without substantive debate. SB 582, relating to DBEDT, was also heard with support from state agencies and a few individuals, and was described as a vehicle for organizational and funding changes affecting the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, including moving some positions and programming to general funds and narrowing the works-of-art special fund's uses. The committees then took up recommendations. All three measures were advanced with amendments: SB 817 was amended to include technical changes and a defective effective date of July 1, 2025; SB 1578 was amended to address the Attorney General’s concerns, make the commission subject to Senate confirmation, and add technical changes and a defective date; and SB 582 was amended to incorporate provisions from SB 1577, clarify SFCA authority over performing arts, shift SFCA positions and programming to general funds, restrict the works-of-art special fund, and add a defective date. Each committee voted to adopt the chair’s recommendations, with no reservations or no votes noted in the Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee and only Senator Dela Cruz voting no on SB 817 there; in the Economic Development and Tourism committee, SB 817 passed with Senator Kim in reservation and Senator Awa voting no, while SB 1578 and SB 582 passed with Senator Awa voting no. The later 10:00 a.m. agenda hearing focused on SB 1589, relating to the stadium development special fund, and SB 1629, relating to taxation. On SB 1589, the Attorney General asked for clarification of section 3, particularly the proviso about remaining monies lapsing to the general fund if the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District is terminated before completion; the interim stadium manager explained the bill would allow spending of $49.5 million already in the special fund for consultant, construction management, quality assurance, and contingency costs. On SB 1629, testimony was sharply divided: supporters, including film industry and business representatives, said the measure would support local film production, restore prior GET treatment, and help attract studio development; opponents argued the bill was vague, overly favorable to a specific project, and lacked oversight and accountability. The hearing ended with extensive questioning about whether the bill was effectively tailored to a particular studio project and how it related to other film tax credit measures, but no final committee action on SB 1589 or SB 1629 was included in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• he really educated us in this geoengineering, weather modification, and cloud seeding.
• Oh, well, my parents died of Alzheimer's.
• Parents died of Alzheimer's.
• My parents are John and Debbie Stinson.
• Five feet away from your parents' property? Yeah.

Committee: House Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs

Summary: The committee first took up several executive-session items and voted H.J.R. 189 do pass by a roll call of 11 ayes, 1 no, and 1 present. It then adopted a committee substitute for House Bill 2139, with the substitute removing specific references to Sharia law and broadening the language to apply to foreign law generally; the committee then voted the House Committee Substitute for HB 2139 and HB 2175 do pass by 10 ayes and 2 noes. The committee also adopted a substitute for House Bill 3051 that removed manufacturer language and focused the bill on car dealers and the Department of Revenue, then voted that House Committee Substitute do pass by 7 ayes, 5 noes, and 1 present. Later, the committee adopted an amendment and substitute for House Bill 2908 and HB 2990 and voted that combined committee substitute do pass by 13 ayes and 1 no. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to House Bills 2388 and 2656, which would ban geoengineering, weather modification, and cloud seeding in Missouri. Sponsors and supporters argued the bills were needed to stop pollution, protect air, water, soil, agriculture, and public health, and to mirror laws or proposals in other states such as Tennessee, Florida, and Louisiana. Testimony from supporters included claims that these practices are already occurring, that federal and private actors are involved, and that the bills would provide a needed state-level prohibition and deterrent. Several witnesses also argued that weather modification and geoengineering raise consent, environmental, and health concerns, while a Missouri Farm Bureau representative said the organization opposes unregulated commercial weather modification as a proactive measure. The committee also heard extensive testimony on a solar-energy bill, House Bill 2478, presented as a vehicle for a committee substitute focused on safety issues around solar farms. The sponsor said the substitute would likely address setbacks, fire safety, alarms or notification systems, soil testing, and liability/decommissioning concerns, while trying to balance landowner rights with neighboring property owners’ safety. Witnesses in support raised concerns about fire risk, toxic materials, runoff, and the loss of agricultural land, and some urged stronger civil liability provisions. Committee members questioned whether the bill should be handled at the county level, whether existing legal recourse already exists for damaged neighbors, and which provisions would remain in the substitute. No final vote on HB 2478 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• distribution of those funds will be as follows: 50% will go to Health and Welfare, 25% will go to public education
• , both of those for the purpose of education and cessation, and 25% will go to the general fund.
• education both of those for the purpose of education cessation and 25% will go to the general fund and
• Their parents are helping them stay off of cigarettes.
• It's not unheard of for parents to be buying these things for their kids, to keep them away from the

Summary: The House Revenue and Taxation Committee met on March 12, 2026, and took up three RS drafts for introduction only. RS 33573, by Representative Raymond, would create a permitting and licensing framework for vape and alternative nicotine products, define those products, require out-of-state sellers to post a bond, allow permit denial for fraud or felony-related issues, establish contraband rules, and impose a modest tax with revenues split among Health and Welfare, public education for cessation/education, and the general fund. Supporters said the bill was the product of years of stakeholder work and was intended to address youth vaping and black-market sales; opponents, including Representative Barbieri, argued it would overregulate a cessation product and could amount to double taxation. The committee voted to introduce the bill, with some nays recorded. RS 33664, by Representative Raybould, proposed a state property tax tied to occupancy, aimed at returning funds to counties and cities for law enforcement, fire, EMS, infrastructure, and property tax reduction. Several members said they were willing to introduce it for discussion but did not support a statewide property tax as a policy matter. The committee voted to introduce the draft. RS 33659, also by Representative Raybould, would tighten homestead exemption verification by requiring the Idaho ID address to match the claimed property address, allowing an Idaho income tax return as an alternative for those without a state ID, and clarifying that applicants cannot claim a similar exemption in another state unless they are on active military service or a religious mission. The sponsor said counties would handle verification and could check other state records when needed. The committee voted to introduce this draft as well, and then adjourned with a meeting scheduled for the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• approved, Hillsborough County will join the majority of counties as the 39th county which will allow parents
• to decide who the CEO of their children's education should be.
• Will voters receive any type of education as far as what the qualifications of our superintendent should
• This is for the voters of Hillsborough County to decide who they want to see their children's education
• Representative Owen: We as the parents would like to choose. So with that, I close.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Annunciation parents were unambiguous in their calls. They want an assault weapons ban.
• The Annunciation parents were unambiguous in their calls. They want an assault weapons ban.
• They haven't spoken with those parents. They haven't met with them. They don't care to.
• >> Well, the parents I've spoken with understand what the legislature is.
• I mean, are you enunciation parents?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• participating organizations include the Domestic Violence Action Center, Institute for Human Services, Parents
• Institute for Violence Action Center, Institute for Human<00:05:26.560><c> Services,</c><00:05:27.440><c> Parents
• </c><00:05:27.840><c> and</c><00:05:28.000><c> Children</c> Human Services, Parents and Children Human
• Services, Parents and Children Together,<00:05:29.120><c> the</c><00:05:29.280><c> Salvation</c><00:
• wasn't here on Friday, I'd like to again, from the rostrum, thank Senator Kedani for an outstanding Education

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Social Security, not the parent, not the Social Security, not the parent, not the child.<01:37:12.639
• And I think that with parent and I.
• Um, where the parent and sometimes it's the non-custodial parent is asked, you know, you're asked by
• Um, where the parent and sometimes it's the non-custodial parent is asked, you know, you're asked by
• , or kids whose parents died.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session opened with routine announcements, including new and absent members, a tribute to former chair Rep. Jess Edwards, and an explanation that Division 3 is advisory and will make recommendations to full Finance. Chair Mooney also distributed a self-created index to the budget binder and reviewed the committee’s options under House Rule 45. Members discussed scheduling a future visit to the Veterans Home in Tilton, with several October dates unavailable, and the chair said she would circulate possible dates. The committee also reviewed the second-year budget context and sources of funding, including surplus monies, existing and new revenue streams, grants, reappropriations, and the rainy day fund. The committee then took up several retained bills and repeatedly heard that their substance had already been addressed in the budget. House Bill 519, funding the Waypoint Youth and Young Adult Shelter, was moved ITL and passed 10-0. House Bill 547, county reimbursement funds, was also moved ITL and passed 10-0 after members noted the reimbursement had been included in HB 2. House Bill 570, repealing the prescription drug affordability board, was moved ITL and passed 10-0, with minority members saying they still believed the board had value but acknowledging the repeal had already occurred in HB 2. House Bill 704, concerning caregiver respite and senior volunteer programs, received the most discussion. Mr. Ripple explained that most items were already funded or suspended in the budget, leaving only the senior volunteer grant program unfunded. Chair Mooney offered amendment 2963H to fund the RSVP program at $180,000 for one year, contingent on surplus funds, and DHHS witnesses explained that RSVP is a federally funded AmeriCorps program that would be added to existing state licensing structures. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was reported ought to pass as amended on a 10-0 vote. The committee then heard House Bill 751, which would require licensure of outpatient substance use disorder treatment facilities and create an ombudsman-related complaint process. DHHS witnesses said the bill had been narrowed substantially from an earlier certification model with multiple positions and IT costs to a licensing model using existing department infrastructure, reducing the fiscal note to $211,000 for one position. They also said the ombudsman section was no longer needed because licensed facilities would fall under existing oversight. Members questioned how many facilities exist and whether licensing fees would cover costs; DHHS said it did not know the full provider landscape and that licensing revenue across the board does not cover the department’s costs. Rep. Daniels then proposed amendment 2964H to form a study committee because of the remaining questions and lack of a clear revenue stream, and the committee was still discussing that amendment when the transcript ended.