Transcript Highlights:

• for sale to keep it in ag. Members, that is the bill. Are there questions on the amendment?
• It may be open to all kinds of international ag companies.
• This doesn't get better with age.
• Is there any mechanism? To be put on the ballot?
• Yes, so we added to the bill a mechanism.

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Summary: The committee first took up CS for CS for CS for SB 462 on transportation, adopting a substitute amendment that would require counties receiving transportation surtax proceeds to report how the money is used, prohibit certain airport fees tied to collegiate flight training, create a Sarasota-Manatee Airport Authority pilot program, and fund a traffic signal modernization program with $10 million annually from the State Transportation Trust Fund. The amendment also removed several provisions from the bill, including a sales tax transfer to the trust fund, a bid protest-related contracting requirement, and repeal of the Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council. A late-filed amendment was tabled, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard CS for CS for SB 628, “Lucy's Law,” on boating safety, which would strengthen penalties for leaving the scene of a vessel accident and reckless vessel operation. Lucy’s parents gave emotional testimony in support, describing the fatal 2022 boating crash and urging stronger accountability. The sponsor withdrew pending amendments, and the bill was reported favorably. CS for CS for SB 700, the Florida Farm Bill, was next; the strike-all amendment covered a broad range of agriculture-related changes, including water fluoridation restrictions, labeling rules, drone restrictions over farmland, disaster recovery programs, an honest services registry, FFA-related provisions, and agricultural land preservation. Testimony included support from agricultural and gun-rights groups, opposition from banking, dental, and local-government advocates, and a lengthy public debate over fluoridation and financial discrimination. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 796 on general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems was reported favorably with little debate. The committee then took up CS for SB 1618 on K-12 education, adopting a delete-all amendment that combined a wide range of education provisions, including VPK flexibility, agriculture education, financial literacy, reading intervention requirements, teacher assignment reporting, restrictions on spending public funds on political or social activism, postsecondary and workforce-related changes, and other school and college system updates. Several speakers opposed the activism-related funding restriction, while the sponsor said the bill was intended to keep publicly funded schools focused on education; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered SB 7016 on initiative petitions, adopting a strike-all amendment that would sharply tighten petition circulation rules and increase penalties. The proposal would require circulators to be Florida residents and U.S. citizens, impose training and registration requirements, shorten petition submission deadlines, require more identifying information on petition forms, limit sponsors to one amendment per election cycle, and create new enforcement and investigation triggers, including a 25% invalid-signature threshold. Sponsors argued the changes were needed to address fraud and protect the integrity of constitutional amendment petitions, while senators raised concerns about due process, public-records issues, burdens on volunteers, and the impact on voters and sponsors. The bill was not reported in the portion provided, and the discussion remained ongoing at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that's, it's the funding mechanism here that I have a problem with, not the package.
• So that's the first part: I don't like the funding mechanism.
• It has been stated that the ag sector has already met It has been stated that the ag sector has already
• When the sky looks clear, unseen methane still leaks from aging wells throughout the basin.
• I've heard about the coming ice age. Oh, my gosh.

Bills: SB12 , SB36 , SB92 , SB120 , SB133 , SB151 , SB18 , SB96

Committee: Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Keywords: tax credit, physician, healthcare, income tax, rural health, quantum technology, infrastructure, economic development, New Mexico, corporate tax, research and development, innovation, affordable housing, gross receipts tax, tax deduction, construction materials, multifamily housing, low income, journalism, local news

Transcript Highlights:

• But appeals, the other side is in the AG's office, and the AG does so many things other than criminal
• There's no mechanism in state have that.
• It is separate and apart from MRT, and it's a statewide funding mechanism.
• ,</c><01:15:16.880><c> we</c> as this program continues to age, we as this program continues to age,
• Um there is no funding mechanism.

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary heard testimony from the Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) on attorney compensation and alternatives to incarceration. Because the committee lacked a quorum, the chair skipped formal roll call and minutes approval, then invited DPA Public Advocate Damon Preston, Deputy Public Advocate Melanie Lowe, and alternative sentencing worker Cena/Tina Mills to present. Preston said DPA is fully state-funded, has 698 funded positions, and was near full staffing with 673 filled positions and 42 new law graduates expected to join in August. He argued that DPA’s resources lag behind those of prosecutors, noting that local prosecutorial offices receive substantially more total funding and have additional revenue sources beyond the state budget. Preston focused on salary disparities and turnover. He said DPA trial-office attorneys total about $26 million in salaries, compared with about $41.9 million for prosecutors on publicly listed state funding, and estimated that more than 100 additional prosecutors are paid through other sources, bringing total prosecutor compensation to a little over $50 million versus DPA’s $26 million. He said starting DPA attorney pay is $58,200, experienced attorney pay averages about $73,000, and that these levels are too low given law school debt and the state’s constitutional obligation to provide defense counsel. He also said DPA attorney turnover is about 20%, median service time before separation was 15 months in 2024, and exit interviews often cite salary as the main reason for leaving. He gave examples of former DPA attorneys moving to prosecutor offices for raises ranging from 12% to 50%. Committee members asked about how often defendants are represented by private counsel versus DPA and how that affects workload. Preston said a 2017 study found about 50% of misdemeanor cases and about 75% of circuit court cases were handled by DPA, with DPA handling most of the most labor-intensive cases. He said DPA will step aside when a defendant hires private counsel or is found ineligible, and he acknowledged the system historically erred by denying counsel in some cases, though he said the current concern is whether DPA is now appointed too broadly. Members requested updated trend data on appointments over the past decade. Preston also described DPA’s pay scale and said the agency’s compensation structure makes retention difficult. Mills then described DPA’s alternative sentencing worker program, which she said has operated for about 20 years and has received national recognition. She shared a case example involving a client named Patrick, who faced a prison sentence on a possession charge and was referred to a horse-based treatment and certification program in Shelbyville. She said the client wanted treatment and a fresh start, a bed became available, and she and the client’s attorney presented an alternative sentencing plan to the court. The presentation was interrupted briefly by a technical issue, but the testimony continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• But 52% of all Missourians have something past working age, Missouri. Working age. Excuse me.
• And this is working age. I want to be clear about that.
• Again, that performance can provide a mechanism for that.
• This component provides a mechanism for the legislature to come in and say, we want to invest in this
• Again, if we can provide incentives for institutions to do that, then this is the mechanism.

Committee: House Joint Committee on Education

Transcript Highlights:

• sure others will testify to this fact, and if they don't, then you can ask them, is that our average age
• It is, I guess, the money in the long run, but it's their funding mechanism that allows them to make
• And people who are generous will gladly throw into that if we could figure out that way, that mechanism
• Missourians age 65 or older already fish or hunt for free.
• So, well above the age, the current MDC rules already accommodate free hunting and fishing opportunities

Committee: House Conservation and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now in the state of Missouri, and I'm sure others will testify to this fact, our average age of
• It is, I guess, the money in the long run, but it's their funding mechanism that allows them to make
• And people who are generous will gladly throw into that if we could figure out that way, that mechanism
• Missourians age 65 or older already fish or hunt for free.
• the youngest living veteran who was drafted into military service is over 70 today, so well above the age

Committee: House Conservation and Natural Resources

Summary: The Committee on Conservation and Natural Resources heard House Bill 2202, sponsored by Rep. Don Mayhew, which would allow active-duty military personnel, 100% disabled veterans, and youth during youth hunt seasons to receive certain hunting permits at no cost. Mayhew argued the bill would help recruit younger hunters, support military members and disabled veterans, and would not threaten conservation funding because the conservation fund has maintained substantial balances. Committee members questioned the bill’s fiscal impact, possible constitutional issues, effects on Pittman-Robertson federal reimbursements, and whether the bill duplicated existing Missouri Department of Conservation exemptions. Some members supported the concept of honoring veterans but suggested other funding mechanisms or clarifying language, and MDC said it would revise the fiscal note after misreading some figures. Testimony on HB 2202 was mostly opposed or informational. An Army veteran testified against the bill, saying current MDC rules already provide significant exemptions for veterans, active-duty personnel, and seniors, and warning the bill could reduce revenue and federal matching funds. MDC Deputy Director Aaron Jeffreys said the department already offers numerous veteran and military exemptions and supports veteran hunts through partnerships with NGOs, but also explained the agency’s fund balance is being used for major capital projects and is expected to decline. Several members and the sponsor debated whether conservation revenues are being held in reserve unnecessarily or are needed for ongoing projects and future obligations. The committee then heard House Bill 1734, sponsored by Rep. Colin Wellenkamp, which would create a Soil Erosion Control Fund Act to help homeowners associations finance erosion mitigation projects through assessments, state fund allocations, and matching local or grant dollars. Wellenkamp and supporters said erosion and flooding are causing major property damage, especially in water-rich and river-adjacent areas, and that the bill would give communities a practical tool to address problems that are too expensive for cities or counties to solve alone. Members from affected districts described severe flooding and erosion impacts, and the sponsor said the bill includes safeguards such as HOA nonprofit status, homeowner approval, and repayment terms to protect taxpayers. HB 1734 drew broad support from witnesses including the Community Associations Institute, a stream restoration business, the Missouri Municipal League, the Sierra Club, the Nature Conservancy of Missouri, and a St. Charles County lobbyist. Supporters said the proposal would help stabilize land, protect homes and property values, improve habitat and water quality, and reduce long-term public costs. No witnesses testified in opposition, and the hearing on HB 1734 concluded with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> So, there is a mechanism.
• </c> these performance mechanisms, right? these performance mechanisms, right?
• People want good information age.
• &gt;&gt; That<01:01:59.520><c> ages</c><01:01:59.920><c> me.</c> &gt;&gt; That ages me.
• &gt;&gt; That ages me.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• We certainly, in this day and age, do not want to, in essence, make parody, political parody, illegal
• We certainly, in this day and age, do not want to, in essence, make parity, political parity, illegal
• These AI toys are marketed to kids age three. I don't know.
• In addition, the age-appropriate design code ...from unknown harm.
• In addition, the age-appropriate design code, which was unanimously passed by this body in 2022, was

Committee: Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• The Climax Springs FFA chapter just broke ground on a brand-new state-of-the-art agriculture mechanics
• And at a young age, they have a very high emotional depth and sensitivity.
• Babies survive all types of abortions at all gestational ages. Human beings are tough.
• Of course, depending on their age, the parent would have to know.
• There's interventions that can take place with fetuses past the gestational age of viability to where

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal, and a long series of special guest introductions recognizing interns, community leaders, FFA officers, library advocates, park and recreation professionals, and others. Members also used points of personal privilege to honor Black History Month and the legacy of William Clay Sr. The chamber then moved into first reading of several bills, including measures on University of Missouri curators, personal property assessment lists, and state department spending. The main floor action centered on House Bill 1757, which would require universal screening of third-graders for gifted education using flexible screening methods and would help ensure students who qualify are identified regardless of zip code or family resources. Supporters argued the bill would close gaps in gifted identification and expand access, while questions focused on funding, screening methods, and whether the bill would create an unfunded mandate. The House adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed. Members then debated the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, presented as House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1667 and 2294. Supporters said the bill would require medical care for infants who survive an abortion attempt and impose civil and criminal penalties for knowingly harming such a child. Opponents argued the bill was duplicative of existing law, could criminalize medical providers, and would worsen Missouri’s maternal care shortages. The debate included extended questioning about the bill’s standards, scope, and enforcement, but no final vote on the born-alive measure was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there a whistleblower mechanism for this type of thing? Thank you.
• The AG is also tasked with enforcing state laws.
• The AG is also tasked with enforcing state laws.
• My husband and I adopted my daughter at age eight.
• And that's the intent here, but there has to be a mechanism to start that intent.

Committee: House House Government Committee of Reference

Summary: The special committee on government convened to discuss child welfare reform, with members framing the meeting as a response to Arizona Auditor General findings and broader concerns about the Department of Child Safety (DCS). The chair emphasized that the committee’s goal was to improve accountability, oversight, and child-centered practices rather than assign blame, and said bills advanced from the committee would move to the floor. Roll was taken, and the committee then heard testimony on several bills focused on foster care and DCS operations. HB 2611 was heard first. The bill would require termination of a group foster home employee who tests positive on a drug screen, establish screening and safety requirements for group homes, expand foster youth rights, and include designated advocates on family/service teams. An amendment was adopted that changed the drug-testing language to require removal from child contact pending confirmatory review rather than automatic termination, and to require testing after certain incidents. Supporters, including foster youth and former foster youth, described unsafe conditions in group homes, bullying, drug use by staff, inadequate training, and the need for posted rights, mental health services, and stronger accountability. Some members raised questions about the amendment, drug-testing procedures, backup staffing, and contracting authority, but the amendment passed and HB 2611 was given a do pass recommendation by a 5-1-1 vote. The committee next considered HB 2035, which would add extended family members to the search, notification, and placement process when a child enters custody and create a presumption that placement with relatives or significant adults is in the child’s best interest. Testimony strongly favored kinship placement, with speakers arguing that children do better with familiar caregivers and that current practice often fails to locate or prioritize relatives. Several witnesses described tragic cases, including the death of Zariah Finley Dodd, to argue that repeated placements and congregate care increase risk. Some members questioned whether the bill duplicated existing law and asked for clarification on differences from prior legislation; the sponsor said the bill strengthens existing policy and adds written documentation requirements. HB 2035 was ultimately given a do pass recommendation by a 4-2 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 4049, which would authorize DCS to employ legal counsel and incur legal expenses, along with an amendment that would require independent representation or review in certain cases involving credible allegations against DCS or its agents. The sponsor and several witnesses argued that the Attorney General’s office has a structural conflict when representing DCS, and that independent counsel would better ensure honesty and accountability in court proceedings. Others cautioned that keeping representation within the Attorney General’s office preserves consistency, oversight, and existing checks and balances. Discussion continued on the structure of legal representation for DCS, but the transcript ends before a final vote on HB 4049 is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're trying to repair the aging and deteriorating environment.
• The workforce is aging as we move forward. These are specialized jobs.
• And this includes the ag sector, manufacturing, and more. more critically, our energy sector and the
• Fixing our aging, deteriorating drinking water system. will cost just about $74 billion and repairing
• Water projects to build new infrastructure and to replace aging infrastructure and TRWA is great.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• The exact mechanism may well change, but that's the vision.
• I think the new standard is redefining it, but there is an age requirement inside the bill.
• And we would have a mechanism, you know, I don't know how these things work, but a mechanism to promote
• It does not matter what race, what gender, what age, everyone is affected.
• And in this day and age, we need to be able to do this.

Summary: The committee heard and acted on several bills. SB 479 by Senator Arreguín would allow Berkeley, Long Beach, and Pasadena, as local health jurisdictions, to use multidisciplinary homeless response teams and share specified information across departments; supporters said it would improve coordination and services for unsheltered residents, and the bill passed 9-0 to Appropriations. SB 46 by Senator Umberg would direct the Secretary of State to keep constitutionally ineligible presidential candidates off the California ballot, including anyone who has already served two terms; supporters argued it was a constitutional enforcement measure, while Senator Niello questioned whether it was needed, and it passed 6-1 to Appropriations. SB 99 by Senator Blakespear would improve coordination between military and civilian systems by requiring courts and law enforcement to account for military protective orders and notify military authorities of possible violations; the Department of Defense supported it, while the ACLU raised due process concerns, and it passed 6-0 to Appropriations. SB 719 by Senator Cabaldon would extend the sunset on state reporting about high-risk automated decision systems from 2029 to 2032, and it passed 6-0 to Appropriations. SB 300 by Senator Padilla would strengthen California’s new AI chatbot law by requiring operators to prevent minors from being exposed to sexually explicit material; supporters said the existing law was insufficient, while industry groups warned against expanding a brand-new regime before it had been tested, and it passed 9-0 to Appropriations. SB 381 by Senator Wahab would allow adult adoptees, and descendants of adoptees, to obtain original birth certificates and create a nonbinding contact preference form for birth parents; supporters described health, identity, and dignity concerns, while some members raised privacy concerns, and it passed 13-0 to the Senate Health Committee. SB 33 by Senator Cortese would eliminate the sunset on the public works contractor claim-resolution process, with supporters saying it reduces litigation and speeds payment, and it passed 10-0 to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• know are our backbone of, you know, many of our local different industries, like in my community, the ag
• Beyond that, the usual mechanisms for supporting the university are gratefully appreciated because we
• Less important than smoothing out the financing mechanisms, but more important than other recommendations
• time, claims, while there was a deadline to file claims that only applied to certain victims based on age
• , they have up to age 40 to file.

Transcript Highlights:

• authority, would normally go through the Disaster Response Emergency Operations Account funding mechanism
• Generally speaking, this is going to allow us to more broadly use the jury or mechanism.
• Yasmin Pellet with Justice in Aging.
• Yesterday, we sent a letter with 125 other organizations representing aging and disability that we are
• As you know, about half of every homeless person in the state is over the age of 50.

Committee: Assembly Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Learners Who are 16 and 17 years of age Learners Who are 16 and 17 years of age programs<00:46:19.040
• I started roofing at the age of 16, working summers throughout high school and beyond.
• What are the mechanisms that you found that brought you to UJama Place?
• really serves what is the mechanism um really serves what is the mechanism um that<01:08:53.440><c> has
• </c> about just under 10% of working age about just under 10% of working age adults<01:20:58.239><c>

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I was a career changer at the age of 30 when I decided to pursue a master's degree in elementary and
• First, it prohibits the most dangerous practices, including mechanical, chemical, and prone restraint
• What are we doing to help the age? Restrain them. But what are we doing to help the teacher?
• About funding mechanisms for big projects in New Mexico higher education, and it seems like higher ed
• Is there a mechanism for phasing this that is not such a big chunk all at once? Thank you, Mr.

Bills: HB30 , HB120 , HJR1 , SB210 , SB306

Committee: Senate House Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee began with announcements about likely upcoming meetings and a reminder that public testimony could be limited if bills drew large crowds. Members also introduced student shadows and briefly recognized them. The committee then took up House Bill 30, which would revise the Teacher Residency Act to strengthen teacher recruitment and retention by tying resident stipends more closely to minimum level-one teacher salaries, increasing support for residents who already hold bachelor’s degrees, and giving residents more flexibility to complete their service in any public school rather than only the sponsoring district. The sponsor and supporters from educator preparation programs, unions, and advocacy groups said the bill would make residency programs more sustainable, help rural districts, and improve teacher preparation. The bill received support from the Public Education Department and several education organizations, and the committee voted due pass. The committee next heard House Bill 120, as amended, which would clarify and limit the use of restraint and seclusion in schools. The sponsor explained that the bill came from a task force and is intended to clarify existing law rather than create a new mandate, with clearer definitions, stronger documentation, family notification, and limits on dangerous practices such as prone, mechanical, or chemical restraint. Supporters included PED, the special education ombuds office, disability rights advocates, teachers’ unions, parents, and civil rights groups, who emphasized student safety, trauma prevention, and better training for staff. One opposition witness from the school superintendents’ association argued the bill could add burdens and that more time was needed to implement current law. Committee members raised concerns about protecting teachers and aides during violent incidents; sponsors responded that the bill is meant to give staff clearer guidance and emergency-response tools, not replace disciplinary procedures. The committee voted due pass. House Joint Resolution 1, a constitutional amendment to create nominating commissions for university regents, was then presented. The sponsor said the goal is to reduce purely political appointments by having nonpartisan commissions recommend regent candidates, while also changing how student regents are selected so students have a direct voice rather than the university president choosing the student regent. AFT New Mexico supported the measure, citing concerns about donor or insider appointments and backing student representation. Committee members questioned how many commissions would be created, who would appoint their members, and how many names would be sent to the governor; the sponsor said those details would be set later in enabling legislation. The committee approved the resolution on a due pass vote, sending it onward in the process. The committee also quickly passed Senate Bill 306, which would align state higher education accreditation language with federal terminology by removing the distinction between regionally and non-regionally accredited institutions and changing reporting and fee requirements for smaller private institutions. Finally, Senate Bill 210, an appropriation for athletic and related facilities at New Mexico Highlands University, drew the most debate. Supporters said the university’s athletic facilities are outdated and inadequate, especially for women’s soccer and track, and that the project would help student-athletes and Title IX compliance. Committee members questioned the $80 million request, noting that only $3 million was currently in the budget for the three Division II schools and expressing concern about priorities amid other education funding needs. The sponsor and university president said the project could be phased and that private fundraising is also being pursued. Despite reservations and some no votes, the committee ultimately voted due pass. The chair closed by reminding members to plan on meeting Monday at 9 a.m. and said the committee was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The council will have technical and legal assistance from the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and
• ,</c><00:09:16.880><c> and</c><00:09:17.000><c> Independent</c> Disabilities, Aging, and Independent
• Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living Living Living uh<00:09:19.000><c> and</c><00:09:19.120><c
• for the implementation of a mechanism for the implementation of a universal<00:34:59.360><c> primary
• </c> not be found to be the best mechanism. not be found to be the best mechanism.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 179, through its phase-out mechanism, primarily benefits small and medium-sized businesses.
• , as this mechanism has elements that take into account ability to pay.
• </c> mechanisms, as this mechanism has mechanisms, as this mechanism has elements<00:43:43.160><c> that
• And I hope and believe that when we look back at the next ag census for this period, that we've again
• He also will be speaking about the ag provisions. Welcome to the committee, Mr. Peterson.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• When I talk about age 5445, I know you're talking about some random spot on the map.
• When I talk about age 5445, I know you're talking about some random spot on the map.
• We just don't have the mechanism to allow these businesses to come into our city.
• We just don't have the mechanism to allow these businesses to come into our city.
• 51 14 age 51 30 age 54 25 age 54 45 age 54 65 age 54 61 one.

Bills: S3082 , S3090 , H5425 , H5130 , H5114

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Keywords: animal telehealth, veterinary telemedicine, veterinary telehealth, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, animal health, pet care, companion animal, livestock, remote veterinary care, synchronous audio-video, telemedicine, prescription drugs, antimicrobial drugs, controlled substances, xylazine, compounding pharmacy, veterinary practice, Massachusetts Controlled Substances Act, animal owner

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> creates yet another transfer mechanism creates yet another transfer mechanism between<00:38:27.280
• </c> then they have a means and a mechanism then they have a means and a mechanism to<01:33:35.040><c
• </c> have a requirement in the bill for ages have a requirement in the bill for ages 5<01:38:24.560><
• We're just expanding the age limit.
• To be able to treat a age of five.