Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Muñoz has a certificate of recognition with 10 city guests.
• So we'll read the certificate for Grants, but not for Grant.
• I'm pleased to co-sponsor the certificate.
• There's been a request to have the reader read the certificate.
• We're on the certificate right now.

Transcript Highlights:

• That online certification form that our Quality Assurance Department at MassAbility put together sits
• That online certification form that our Quality Assurance Department at Massability put together sits
• Our mandate from the governor was to do the certification process.
• And we can be lean on us for the application for certification. Yeah. Hi, Joe. This is Jimen.
• They just wanted to verify from us that we provide the certification.

Summary: The Employment Subcommittee of the Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities met on May 18 and approved the prior meeting minutes. The group heard first about the Massachusetts Disability Employment Tax Credit from MassAbility staff, who explained that the credit offers employers an incentive for hiring workers with disabilities, that the certification process is designed to be simple and largely self-attesting, and that outreach is being done through MassAbility’s website, business relations team, flyers, and a dedicated email address. Members asked about employer filing, available data, and whether credits can be carried forward; the presenter said the Department of Revenue handles implementation questions and that the program had recently resulted in its first company receiving the credit, though broader employer uptake remains limited. The subcommittee then heard from Scott Pitt of the Office of the Veteran Advocate, who described the new independent agency’s role in helping veterans access timely services, investigating problems, and improving coordination across state systems. He focused on veterans’ disability ratings, the fact that VA disability does not necessarily prevent work, and the importance of discharge status for access to benefits such as the GI Bill and state programs. He also highlighted vocational rehabilitation, housing and caregiver supports, and the office’s work on professional licensure barriers, especially in nursing, where Massachusetts is exploring whether military training can be recognized more directly. Members discussed other states’ approaches, the need for more data, and possible connections to workforce and nursing stakeholders. In the final portion of the meeting, members discussed a lengthy policy brief and the subcommittee’s future work. They identified two main areas of interest: the “benefit cliff” and youth/young adult pathways into employment, including apprenticeships. Members agreed the brief should be revisited at the August 31 meeting and that they may need a more structured format, such as a spreadsheet or landscape map, to organize the information. The chair emphasized that the commission can collect and share information and develop a white paper for appointing authorities, but cannot lobby or legislate, and invited members interested in the benefit cliff work to join follow-up discussions. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill addresses selective certification.
• This bill addresses selective certification.
• For example, we may use selective certification to hire a senior administrative assistant with knowledge
• Without selective certification, if candidates in the first three ranks do not possess the necessary
• And I know that having worked with certification before locally, we amended it because it really turned

Committee: Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 519 is unanimously recommended for certification. Recommended for certification.
• Senate Bill 875 is unanimously recommended for certification.
• Senate Bill 1228 is unanimously recommended for certification.
• Senate Bill 1350 is unanimously recommended for certification.
• Senate Bill 1535 is unanimously recommended for certification. ...for certification.

Bills: SB209 , SB529 , SB1265 , SB1592 , SB1728 , SCR37 , SCR38

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> persons to obtain birth certificates persons to obtain birth certificates that<01:02:08.960><c>
• If an adult certificate sufficient.
• If an adult changes<01:07:34.319><c> birth</c><01:07:34.559><c> certificate,</c> changes birth certificate
• </c> employer uh requires a birth certificate employer uh requires a birth certificate as<01:08:04.319
• ,</c> their gender on a birth certificate, their gender on a birth certificate, does<01:08:37.279><c>

Bills: SB2211 , SB2025 , SB2038 , SB2050 , SB2051 , SB2090

Committee: House Health

Summary: The House Committee on Health held its first hearing of the session and opened with housekeeping notes, introductions of members, and an explanation that the agenda would be taken out of order to accommodate a sign language interpreter. The committee first heard HB 469, relating to parking for disabled persons. Testimony from the Disability and Communications Access Board and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the bill, explaining that a travel placard would help people with disabilities who must travel interisland or to the mainland for medical care. Members asked about emergency travel, misuse prevention, and how to distinguish the travel placard from existing disabled parking placards; witnesses said the bill would need to be tied to administrative rules, and agreed the placard should clearly show an expiration date and likely be a different color. No vote was taken. The committee then heard HB 218, relating to hospital surgical smoke. The Department of Health supported the measure, and the Healthcare Association of Hawaii supported it with amendments, saying hospitals already follow existing standards but that any new policy should account for different procedures and provider safety. A committee member questioned the proposed amendment language and whether it was too flexible; the witness explained the intent was to allow case-by-case application because some procedures generate only brief exposure. Members also asked what surgical smoke is, and the witness explained it is produced when electrical or cauterizing tools are used on tissue and creates vapor or fumes. The bill remained under discussion with no final action reported. The committee next took up HB 814, which would fund a public information campaign and related services on cannabis use among youth. The Department of the Attorney General said the bill should be amended to clarify whether the funding would be used for contracts or grants and to include proper grant standards if grants are intended. The Department of Health supported the bill and said the funds would expand prevention, treatment, recovery, and public education efforts, including social media outreach, PSAs, and school-based youth services. Multiple organizations and individuals testified in support, emphasizing the harms of youth cannabis use and the need for prevention and treatment resources. Members asked what the department currently does, whether it is fulfilling existing law on science-based cannabis information, and what kinds of treatment would be provided; the department said services would mainly be intensive outpatient, outpatient, counseling, and related youth-focused supports. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• A death certificate is for burial.
• A death certificate is for burial.
• A death certificate is for burial.
• And yes, a birth certificate would be appropriate, but with a birth certificate, you would need a death
• certificate.

Bills: SB111 , SB128 , SB203 , SB205 , SB261 , SB317 , SB393 , SB397 , SB466 , SB510 , SB582 , SB705 , SB731 , SB748 , SB801 , SB867 , SB876 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1250 , SB1285 , SB1310 , SB1400 , SB1444 , SB1483 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1581 , SB1608 , SB1698 , SB1723 , SB1730 , SB1835 , SB1858 , SB1903 , SB1946 , SB1950 , SB1986 , SB2017 , SB2043 , SB2056 , SB2058 , SB2063 , SB2082 , SB2105 , SB2133 , SB2137 , SB2177 , SB2203 , SB2260 , SB2311 , SB2334 , SB2344 , SB2403 , SB2417 , SB2446 , SB2519 , SB2522 , SB2532 , SB2600 , SB2611 , SB2619 , SB2637 , SB2688 , SB2717 , SB2764 , SB2785 , SB2790 , SB2794 , SB2841 , SB2847 , SB2857 , SB2878 , SB2891 , SB2943 , SB2955 , SB2972 , SB2995 , SB3037 , SB3057 , SB3059 , HJR2 , HB26 , HB206 , HB334 , HB451 , HB517 , HB554 , HB 1109 , HB2081 , HB2756 , HB3204 , HB3809 , SJR3 , SB5 , SB72 , SB509 , SB616 , SB963 , SB985 , SB1025 , SB1080 , SB1143 , SB1172 , SB1245 , SB1267 , SB1271 , SB1273 , SB1355 , SB1422 , SB1759 , SB1786 , SB2361 , SB17 , SB314 , SB455 , SB761 , SB1023 , SB1968 , SB2122 , SB2371 , SB2420 , SB2544 , SB1 , SB260 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1359 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2972 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB2891 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB2532 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB2203 , SB1285 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB1723 , SB1858 , SB1946 , SB2009 , SB2177 , SB2460 , SB2785 , SB867 , SB1608 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB705 , SB748 , SB2680 , SB2994 , SB2747 , SB1950 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB3059 , SB2637 , SB2334 , SB1861 , SB2043 , SB1367 , SB2857 , SB128 , SB3058 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2311 , SB1986 , SB2565 , SB2943 , SB1888 , SB2417 , SB3048 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3056 , SB3043 , SB3037 , SB3050 , SB3063 , SB3047 , SB3035 , SB2446 , SB466 , SB2611 , SB2794 , SB2105 , SB2017 , SB1790 , SB1778 , SB1730 , SB2995 , SB2847 , SB205 , SB2619 , SB1903 , SB203 , SB3061 , SB1581 , SB2600 , SB2799 , SB2790 , SB2688 , SB2515 , SB1230 , SB876 , SB2522 , SB2639 , SB2137 , SB2519 , SB2403 , SB2459 , SB3051 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB2764 , SB2878 , SB1884 , SB111 , SB582 , SB2617 , SB1835 , SB2751 , SB2063 , SB1400 , SB2058 , SB2260 , SB2928 , SB1310 , SB2566 , SB2344 , SB1897 , SB1749 , SB1361 , SB2549 , SB2553 , HJR2 , HJR1 , HB 1109 , HB517 , HB 1130 , HB1689 , HB2884 , HB1393 , HB2559 , HB26 , HB2756 , HB3204 , HB3012 , HB1327 , HB451 , HB 109 , HB206 , HB 1238 , HB2890 , HB9 , HB2081 , HB4215 , HB2970 , HB37 , HB1899 , HB3809 , HB334 , HB554 , HB1593 , HB2607 , HB3526 , HB3810 , HB5092 , HB388 , HB2809 , HB 1151 , HB913 , SB2919 , SB1782 , SB1705 , SB2696 , SB1944 , SB2215 , SB644 , HB3307 , HB879 , HB 116 , HB 12 , HB2703 , HB1610 , HB1615 , HB1620 , HB30 , HB21 , HCR7 , HCR75 , HCR86 , HCR92 , HCR93 , HCR126

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Pastor Tedrick Woods, followed by routine chamber actions including excusing Senator Gutierrez and receiving House messages that the House had passed HB 21 and HB 49. Senators also recognized advocates visiting the gallery on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis awareness and introduced the Doctor of the Day. The chamber adopted several resolutions, including HCR 66, by voice vote. The Senate then took up and passed a series of measures, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. Among the bills finally passed were HJR 2, which would prohibit state death taxes; HB 206, limiting counties from requiring cash bonds for pipeline construction; HB 517, barring property owners associations from fining homeowners for discolored vegetation during watering restrictions; HB 2756, requiring TDCJ correctional officers to receive de-escalation and behavioral health training; HB 451, expanding screening for commercial sexual exploitation risk among children in DFPS and TJJD custody; SB 705, cleaning up the air conditioning and refrigeration contractors advisory board; SB 2017, creating an offense for burnouts and wheelies; SB 1858, expanding body armor grant eligibility to ISDs; SB 1400, directing a study on transfer-student outcomes for community college funding; SB 2764, requiring notice to manufactured home buyers about converting homes to real property; SB 748, a licensing cleanup bill on laser hair removal; SB 2519, restricting certain ad valorem tax uses and bonds after amendment; SB 2878, the courts bill with amendments on Brazoria County courts and youth diversion provisions; SB 466, allowing families to request fetal death certificates at any gestational age; SB 1608, requiring timely physical exams for inpatient mental health admissions; SB 1730, limiting civil damages claims arising from certain uses of force or deadly force; SB 2417, clarifying Attorney General antitrust investigation work product and discovery rules; and SB 1946, creating a family violence, criminal homicide prevention task force. The Senate also passed HB 3204, renaming and updating the Polytechnic College at Sam Houston State University, and SB 1986, requiring opioid warning labels. Several bills drew brief debate or amendments. Senators discussed broader HOA reform while considering HB 517, and SB 2203 on TCEQ discovery procedures was amended to require party motions, set a 15-day expiration for certified issues, and limit hearing abatement. SB 2017 was amended to change the mens rea language from knowingly to intentional. SB 2519 was narrowed by amendment to a forward-looking policy statement separating maintenance-and-operation taxes from debt-service taxes. SB 2878 also received amendments to reduce the number of new Brazoria County courts and add youth diversion and crisis-response provisions. SB 466 prompted a floor debate over whether fetal death certificates are appropriate for pre-20-week losses, with supporters emphasizing family closure and opponents arguing the document has no estate-related purpose. SB 1730 also prompted questions about the relationship between criminal findings and civil liability in self-defense cases. The session concluded with additional House and Senate measures being signed in the presence of the Senate and continued consideration of SB 2177, a grant program to help local law enforcement solve violent and sexual offenses.

Transcript Highlights:

• If I could volunteer to get that certification, I would gladly do it.
• Because there is a difference in milk that's even though the certification representative of U.
• from master certification in grants administration, of fantastic... ...certifications from master certification
• So the career rating is industry certifications.
• So assessments and certifications become a major portion of what we're talking about.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its October 27 meeting and then heard testimony from Clinton Ballard of Milk and Honey Hill Farm about the impact of Act 698 on raw dairy producers. Ballard said the law allowed his farm to expand from one cow to 12, serve about 150 families, increase sales by roughly $50,000, and sell about $10,000 in raw cheese and other products through retail outlets. He argued the law improved farm income, food security, and local supply, and he asked for an optional state inspection/certification path for raw milk producers so they could access USDA grants and other opportunities available to licensed dairies. Committee members asked about herd management, safety practices, bee production, market channels, and whether such certification should remain voluntary; Ballard said he follows Grade A-style sanitation, chills milk quickly, removes sick cows from production, and supports optional training or inspection but not mandatory regulation. Members also raised food safety concerns, especially for children and pregnant women, and Ballard responded that raw milk producers rely on cleanliness, rapid cooling, consumer feedback, and truth in labeling. He said the health department currently inspects commercial dairies but not raw milk producers who do not sell through a cooperative, and he believed state inspection would help producers distinguish themselves and qualify for funding without changing interstate rules. Several members discussed the balance between consumer choice, safety, and possible “mission creep” if the state created a certification system. The committee then heard a lengthy presentation from Terence Bolden of TLB Enterprises on hydroponic and container farming as a response to food insecurity and food deserts. Bolden described a three-year workforce and career-technical program built around retrofitted shipping containers, drones, robotics, agribusiness, and AI, with partnerships involving schools, universities, Farm Bureau, UAPB, the Little Rock School District, and other entities. He said the model could create year-round local food production, support school cafeterias and community markets, and generate jobs and economic impact, estimating at least four jobs per container and potentially significant regional economic benefits. Members asked about costs, target communities, energy needs, crop types, and implementation timelines; Bolden said the first containers for school sites could be in place by late summer or early fall, with pilot projects already underway in Arkansas and Orlando. The meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• certificate issued by the State Bureau of Vital Statistics... ...a certificate of birth abroad by the
• United States Department of State, a certificate of naturalization, a certificate of citizenship, a
• baptismal certificate from a church.
• concerning the birth certificate from them?
• She did not have the delayed birth certificate that my grandfather had.

Bills: HR118 , HR196 , HR237 , HR285 , HCR85 , HB442 , HB443 , SCR5 , SCR29 , SCR33 , SCR63 , SB25 , SB202 , SB319

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Keywords: water utility, tax credit, excessive rates, residential service, subcommittee, fallen trees, property damage, insurance, property values, hurricanes, storm damage, local government, homeowners, risk management, committee study, census, military population, Department of Defense, representation, federal funding

Transcript Highlights:

• , a residential sprinkler fitter certificate, or a trainee-level sprinkler fitter certificate.
• The bill requires a contractor or fitter to produce evidence of a license or certificate upon request
• The bill also empowers local fire code officials to request proof of fire sprinkler certification.
• But RCWs do not allow us, as AHJs, to require contractors to show us their level of certification on
• We're also concerned about card check certification without secret ballot elections.

Summary: The House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee heard public testimony on several bills. HB 2151 would update factory-built housing and commercial structure rules by directing L&I to consider newer national standards and allowing inspections by qualified third-party agencies without requiring a contract; the sponsor and L&I said it would save time and money and help lower costs for manufactured housing. HB 2372 would change workers’ compensation time-loss calculations so injured workers receive 100% of the employer’s monthly health care contribution unless the employer keeps paying it; supporters said this would better protect injured workers and their families, while a small-business representative opposed the bill and suggested direct payment to insurers instead, and L&I noted implementation costs and timing concerns. HB 2355, the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, would create standalone protections for domestic workers covering wages, written agreements, notice before termination or severance, anti-harassment and anti-retaliation rules, and discrimination protections, while also extending minimum wage/overtime/sick leave coverage to some domestic workers; testimony from workers, advocates, Seattle officials, and the sponsor emphasized wage theft, insecurity, and the need for statewide standards, while L&I said technical clarifications and funding would be needed. HB 2409 would establish a collective bargaining framework for agricultural workers under PERC, with procedures for representation elections, mediation, and interest arbitration; supporters framed it as a long-overdue extension of bargaining rights and dignity to farmworkers, while growers and farm bureau representatives warned it could disrupt harvests, harm farms, and affect the food supply. HB 2472 would strengthen enforcement of fire sprinkler licensing and certification by allowing local fire code officials to request proof of credentials and issue stop-work orders; labor, fire marshals, and industry groups supported it as a public safety measure, while the building industry raised a drafting concern about the term “residential sprinkler.” No votes or final committee actions were taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> in and then to submit the certificate in and then to submit the certificate saying<01:10:36.840>
• </c><01:12:11.840><c> of</c> if we were to request a certificate of if we were to request a certificate
• </c> certificate of compliance requested. certificate of compliance requested.
• </c> to provide certificates of compliance. to provide certificates of compliance.
• </c> certificate we want. certificate we want.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and consent calendar, then moved through several Department of Health and Human Services Medicaid-related rules. Rule 25-220 from the Department of Energy was postponed until June so stakeholders would have more time to review revised language. Rule 25-240, involving Medicaid income verification and deductible provisions for medically needy applicants, was adopted after staff noted the cited sections had expired but the agency said it had continued operating under federal law and the state plan; the agency also said it had begun rulemaking on the cited provision. Rules 25-265 and 2633 were also adopted, with staff explaining that although parts of the rules had expired, the agency had continued implementing the policies through the Medicaid state plan, billing manuals, and related rules. The most extended discussion centered on rule 25-304 from the Bureau of Aging and Adult Services, which covers case management services for the CFI program. Staff and the agency explained that the amended conditional approval request clarified how case management agencies indicate staffing capacity, how telehealth decisions are evaluated, and that the department—not the case management agencies—sets the timeline for accepting or denying cases. The agency said the rule is intended to ensure participants are not pushed into telehealth when they do not want it or cannot use it, while leaving technical and clinical telehealth decisions to the provider. A case management provider testified in opposition to parts of the rule, arguing that the committee should not require agencies to admit unverified patients, that reimbursement-rate issues belong in legislation, that the quality-management section duplicates existing licensure oversight, and that the telehealth language improperly gives case managers authority over how other licensed providers deliver services. Committee members questioned whether the telehealth language was simply allowing case managers to determine whether telehealth fits a person’s care plan, and agency representatives responded that this was the intent. No final vote on rule 25-304 is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mahalo for your support. certification practices across Hawaii certification practices across Hawaii
• </c><00:15:21.839><c> and</c> the requirements for certification and the requirements for certification
• Chair recommends to define U or T visa certification as a certification of a form required by federal
• </c><01:55:02.800><c> a</c> certification as a certification of a certification as a certification of
• </c> to complete the certification. to complete the certification.

Bills: HB1838 , HB1870 , HB2445 , HB2540 , HB1886 , HB1839 , HB2269 , HB1939 , HB2037 , HB1635 , HB1941 , HB1576 , HB2568 , HB2267 , HB2590 , HB2266 , HB2597 , HB2499 , HB2500 , HB2502 , HB2607 , HB2137 , HB2357 , HB1782

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Summary: The committee opened testimony on House Bill 1838, relating to visas. Testifiers from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, the legal clinic, the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the ACLU, CARES, and immigrant-rights groups strongly supported the bill, saying it would bring Hawaii into compliance with federal law, standardize and speed up certification for U and T visa applicants, and better protect survivors of crime and trafficking. Supporters emphasized that delays in certification can leave eligible survivors waiting years for federal visa access and can undermine public safety by discouraging victims from reporting crimes. The chair announced there were 103 testimonies in support and one in opposition, and the committee then moved on without taking a vote on the bill in the hearing. The committee next heard House Bill 1870, concerning protected locations and immigration enforcement. Testimony from the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, ACLU of Hawaii, educators, students, and community advocates supported limiting immigration enforcement at schools and other essential-service sites, arguing that families should be able to access education, health care, shelters, libraries, and social services without fear. The Department of Education said it had already issued guidance in March 2025 for how staff should respond when law enforcement comes onto campus, and the Public Charter School Commission noted implementation would need to occur at the school level. Testifiers said the bill would create standardized protocols and protect students and families from fear and disruption; the chair reported 142 testimonies in support, one in opposition, and five comments. The committee then took up House Bill 2445, relating to student safety and law enforcement on campus. The Department of Education again said it had already rolled out statewide guidance and described its process for staff to notify administration, verify law enforcement identification and purpose, and route matters through the complex area superintendent and attorney general, while noting emergencies would be handled differently. A committee member questioned whether the procedures were sufficiently standardized and whether staff were trained for unusual situations. Student and community testifiers supported the bill, saying schools should remain safe havens and that clear procedures are needed if federal immigration enforcement appears on campus. The Department of Law Enforcement testified in opposition to parts of the measure, raising concerns about masking requirements, vehicle markings, officer safety, doxxing, retaliation, costs, and possible supremacy-clause conflicts, and suggested more exemptions and a compromise approach. The chair reported 106 testimonies in support, two comments, and no opposition for the bill before moving on to the next measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• They will hire them, but with certifications.
• Without those certifications, they will not be hired by Cal Fire.
• They will hire them, but with certifications.
• without those certifications they will The one thing that is missing is the certifications.
• You get a certificate for demonstrated capabilities.

Summary: The committee met on April 14, 2006, but began without a quorum and repeatedly recessed while members were summoned. The hearing covered several public safety and criminal justice bills, with testimony largely focused on juvenile justice, mental health, property fraud, prostitution/trafficking, and child exploitation. SB 1157 (Archuleta) would create a framework for less restrictive juvenile probation placements by directing the Judicial Council to develop rules of court; supporters argued it would add needed safety, staffing, background check, zoning, and notice standards, while opponents said it would impose rigid standards on a diverse set of placements and that the Judicial Council was the wrong body to set substantive program rules. The bill drew support from county probation and local government groups and opposition from youth defense and public defender organizations. SB 1012 (Smallwood-Cuevas), the Fire Camp to Career Act, would connect incarcerated fire camp participants to apprenticeships and recognize their training toward eligibility. The author and supporters from labor, fire-related workforce programs, and formerly incarcerated workers said the bill would turn emergency-response service into real career pathways and reduce recidivism; committee members generally supported the concept, with one member emphasizing that certification should still require demonstrated skill. SB 1306 (Cortese) would align state law with federal exemptions for certain low-concentration GBL chemical mixtures used in semiconductor manufacturing and research. Supporters said the bill would remove unnecessary regulatory burdens without affecting pure GBL or public safety, and members described it as a practical competitiveness measure. SB 1401 (Stern) would align felony incompetent-to-stand-trial procedures with existing misdemeanor procedures by adding timeframes, information-sharing provisions, and conservatorship referral tools. Supporters, including a district attorney representative and a family member, said it would help ensure timely treatment and prevent people from being released without care; opponents, including Disability Rights California and public defender groups, argued it would expand court control, weaken confidentiality, and increase conservatorship referrals. The committee approved SB 1401 on a due-pass motion to Appropriations. SB 1027 (Strickland), as amended, would create a task force to study street prostitution and human trafficking, with amendments adding survivor-focused language, a prevalence study, broader membership, and more time for the task force; it passed as amended to the Governmental Organization Committee. The consent calendar, including SB 962, SB 1001, SB 1100, and SB 1211, was approved. Later, SB 1307 (Jones) was heard to speed up clearing fraudulent or forged real estate documents from the record; supporters said it would let courts void false deeds more efficiently without replacing quiet title actions, and the bill passed as amended to the Senate Floor. Finally, SB 1276 (Rubio), the In Child Exploitation Act, was presented to clarify that knowingly viewing livestreamed or AI-generated sexual exploitation of a child is a crime; the author and witnesses from prosecution and forensic nursing said the law must keep pace with technology and close loopholes that let offenders avoid accountability.

Transcript Highlights:

• certificate issued by the State Bureau of Vital Statistics, a certificate of birth abroad by the United
• States Department of State, a certificate of naturalization, a certificate of citizenship, a Social
• baptismal certificate from a church.
• concerning the birth certificate from them?
• And so you're going to have to have the certified birth certificate.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 319, which would tighten and standardize voter identification rules at polling places. Senator Presley and Secretary of State Nancy Landry said the bill replaces the current “generally recognized” photo ID standard with a specific list of acceptable IDs, removes the affidavit-only option, and allows voters without a photo ID to cast a conditional paper ballot at the registrar of voters office or during early voting if they later provide approved documentation within two days after the election. Supporters argued the bill improves consistency, election integrity, and poll-worker guidance while still preserving access through alternative documents and free state IDs; opponents warned it could create confusion and burden seniors, students, homeless voters, and others without easy access to the required documents. After debate, the committee reported SB 319 favorably by a 7-2 vote. The committee then approved Senate Bill 202, which adds one day of compensated meeting time for parish boards of election supervisors in certain elections, and Senate Bill 25, which revises the compensation schedule for registrars of voters and related staff. SB 25 was amended to remove outdated step references and make conforming technical changes, and supporters said the pay structure has not been updated since 2007 despite increased duties and workload. The committee also adopted and reported favorably Senate Concurrent Resolution 29, creating a legislative study committee on water quality in the Chafalalaya Basin, and House Concurrent Resolution 85, creating a task force on illegal dumping, both with technical amendments. In addition, the committee advanced Senate Concurrent Resolution 63, which asks the legislative auditor to review how fiscal notes are prepared during session, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 33, which creates a work-based learning coordination task force to improve alignment among education, workforce, and employer partners. SCR 33 was amended to change the appointing authority for two members. The committee also approved Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, establishing the Louisiana-Ireland Trade Commission, and House Resolution 196, which creates a study committee on the impact of fallen trees on residential property and insurance issues. Several of these measures were supported by agency representatives or outside groups, and the committee adopted technical amendments where needed before reporting the bills and resolutions favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and you mentioned that there is a cost associated with birth certificates and passports.
• , certificate, certificate, things<00:02:20.320><c> that</c><00:02:20.560><c> not</c><00:02:20.800><c
• Um and you certificates and passports.
• I'm going to have certificate anymore.
• Um, there are errors birth certificate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Research is clear that teacher preparation, certification, experience, and stability matter for student
• The number of candidates pursuing certification tripled when the program went into effect in 2022.
• I'll be providing an overview of the investment in the National Board Certification Program.
• by providing a $25,000 incentive to candidates who have earned their certification.
• to candidates for maintaining their National Board Certification.

Transcript Highlights:

• Project choice fees generally cover pay increase for specific certifications.
• dollar Certification, but if, for whatever reason, they no longer maintain that certification, that
• Other things would include your post-certifications.
• So once you receive your advanced certificate or your intermediate certificate... ...your post-certifications
• So once you receive your advanced certificate or your intermediate certificate, those are things that

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee reviewed the Idaho State Police budget, including the Division of Idaho State Police, POST Academy, and the Brand Inspection Division. Legislative analyst Noah Peterson outlined funding sources, staffing levels, recent budget enhancements, and the fiscal year 2027 requests. For the state police division, the main new request was a $12.6 million commissioned officer pay plan tied to a proposed increase in the vehicle registration “project choice” fee from $3 to $12, along with a $500,000 federal grant increase for commercial vehicle safety, a $551,500 mobile live-scan pilot, and $3.2 million in replacement items. Peterson and Colonel Gardner explained that the pay plan is intended to make ISP compensation more competitive and to fund base pay in a way that allows future CEC increases to apply to the full salary rather than only part of it. Colonel Gardner gave extensive testimony on staffing shortages, vacancy patterns in districts such as Lewiston and Idaho Falls, and the difficulty of retaining trained troopers after three to five years when other agencies offer higher pay. He said the agency is using overtime, reduced travel, and strategic deployment to cover gaps, but warned that vacancies are affecting public safety and that the proposed pay plan is needed to stabilize staffing. Committee members questioned the size of the fee increase, the sustainability of the plan, and the effect on trooper pay. Gardner said the request was based on what is needed to sustain the plan for about 10 years and emphasized that commissioned officers and troopers are the same group in this context. The committee also heard that a trooper injured in a fentanyl seizure the day before was receiving medical evaluation, and members expressed support for ISP personnel. The committee then reviewed POST, where Peterson said the academy has 31 FTP and no ongoing fiscal year 2027 enhancement requests beyond $324,100 for replacement items. Administrator Brad Johnson explained that POST’s basic academy costs about $10,700 per student for a 14-week course, while ISP’s internal trooper training and first-year costs are much higher because they include equipment, wages, room and board, and other expenses. He said students sign a two-year repayment agreement if they leave the profession after training. Members asked about agency-run academies, college programs, and whether the training model could be extended, and Johnson said POST remains the only accredited academy in Idaho and has received top national accreditation scores. Finally, the Brand Inspection Division budget was reviewed. Peterson said the division is funded by the State Brand Board Fund and has no new ongoing requests for fiscal year 2027, only $288,100 in replacement items, including six trucks and computer equipment. Brand Inspector Cody Burlisle said most inspectors are POST-certified and perform both regulatory inspections and law-enforcement duties. Committee members praised the division for keeping vehicles in service for high mileage and for helping livestock producers during gathers and inspections. The meeting ended with instructions for members to attend work groups and a reminder that votes on transfers, rescissions, and reductions would occur later in the week, followed by adjournment until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The exit exam is not the same thing as the NCLEX exam, which is a national certification.
• It'd be like requiring each of you to take the teacher's certification test.
• And that, again, With their temporary certificate when we hire them.
• Right now we have 19 social workers on temporary certificates.
• I'm a big supporter. on temporary certificates.

Summary: The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee heard three bills. HB 919 on nursing education programs would tighten accountability for nursing schools with low NCLEX pass rates by shortening the probation period, requiring remediation plans, mandating free remediation for students who fail, and requiring tuition reimbursement for programs with very low pass rates. The sponsor argued Florida’s nursing pass rates are unacceptably low and that stronger consequences are needed; opponents warned the bill could shut down programs, worsen the nursing shortage, and unfairly target private schools, while supporters said it would protect students and improve outcomes. After debate, the bill was reported favorably by a vote of 18-0. The committee then heard PCS for HB 1261, the “Smart Living Act,” a student-driven proposal from Jefferson High School in Hillsborough County to expand personal financial literacy and practical life-skills instruction in high school. Students and school officials testified that the bill would better prepare graduates for adulthood by covering topics such as budgeting, credit, loans, FAFSA, resumes, interviews, and basic household skills. Members praised the students’ work and the bill’s practical focus, and the PCS was reported favorably 18-0. Finally, the committee considered HB 809, which would exempt school social workers from educator certification requirements for general and subject-area knowledge. Supporters from Lee and Broward counties said the current testing requirement is unrelated to social work, creates financial and recruitment barriers, and has contributed to staffing shortages. Members from both parties supported the measure as a simple way to remove an obstacle to hiring and retaining school social workers. HB 809 was also reported favorably by a vote of 18-0, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:04.560><c> for</c> principles and certifications for principles and certifications for certain
• welds are not up to that certification, we could be exposing both businesses, in the case of schools
• , if those welds are not up certification, if those welds are not up to<00:10:27.760><c> that</c><00:
• 10:28.000><c> certification,</c><00:10:29.200><c> we</c><00:10:29.440><c> could</c><00:10:29.600><c>
• be</c> to that certification, we could be to that certification, we could be exposing<00:10:30.399><c

Committee: Senate Licensing & Occupations

Transcript Highlights:

• The approval process asks for a third-party certification agency, or it could be a state agency like
• They call it type certification.
• They call it type certification. So if a level certification. They call it type certification.
• And it is on them to do, you know, not only the development, but also the auditing and the certification
• because in Not only the development, but also the auditing and the certification, because they don't

Summary: The committee held its first official work session with member and staff introductions, then received an update from the State Building Code Council on the current three-year code cycle and several legislatively directed code changes. Council staff said the council is moving toward CR-102 rulemaking and final adoption in the spring, with legislative mandates nearing completion on minimum dwelling unit size, emergency shelters, single-exit stairs for buildings up to six stories and 24 units, and sixplexes in the residential code. Members asked about how technical advisory groups are selected, and staff explained that the council advertises seats, reviews applications and recommendations, and approves members in public meetings, typically including firefighters, engineers, architects, and other subject-matter experts. A major portion of the meeting focused on the single-stair and sixplex work and on how fire safety, egress, and local service levels are being considered. Council representatives said the single-stair proposal includes emergency escape and rescue openings on all levels and is intended to provide more options for safe egress while reducing building footprint and cost. They emphasized that the recommendations are still entering the public rulemaking process and that cost-benefit considerations were part of the legislative intent. Members also raised questions about whether self-rescue devices or other builder options could be codified, and council staff said such ideas are considered through the advisory process, though not all become required code provisions. The second half of the session covered performance-based codes, prompted by a bill referred to as HB 2381. Todd Byrd explained the difference between prescriptive codes, which specify exact solutions, and performance-based codes, which set outcomes and allow designers and manufacturers more flexibility in how to meet them. He described the bill as a narrow proposal for low-rise residential buildings up to 24 units and under the high-rise threshold, with third-party or state certification and local jurisdiction approval still required. He cited international examples, especially Japan and Sweden, where performance-based approaches supported innovation and prefabrication, and said such systems can lower costs while maintaining safety. Members discussed seismic safety, builder participation, embodied carbon, and energy-code interactions, and council staff said the proposal could help align material, energy, and design optimization without changing the existing energy code. The committee took no vote and adjourned after the informational presentation and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• And why this is important is we can do a 100% pre-certification audit of every race from president to
• It's significant to do it pre-certification because once you certify an election, the courts are more
• You had mentioned the pre-certification audit.
• And can you tell us how many counties already are doing the pre-certification audits?
• go to court, but can that potentially hold up the election based on this pre-certification?

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Summary: The Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and heard a presentation from the Florida Commission on Ethics on several proposed legislative changes. The commission asked for changes to the Whistleblower Act to better cover ethics complaints, a public records exemption for commissioners’ and staff members’ sensitive personal information, an expanded gift-disclosure family definition to include foster relationships, and a first-time waiver of fines for late financial disclosure filers. Staff also requested technical fixes, including treating a timely postmarked appeal as filed on time, clarifying Form 6 filing requirements for appointees to elected seats, extending ethics-training requirements to municipal appointees filling unexpired terms, and clarifying where Form 10 gift disclosures are filed. Commission staff reported high electronic filing compliance rates, the rollout of automated fines, and an average of 92 days for completed preliminary investigations in 2025. They also updated the committee on two federal court challenges involving the in-office lobbying ban and the Form 6 requirement for elected municipal officers. The committee then heard from Secretary of State Cord Byrd, who outlined preparations for the 2026 election cycle and several policy proposals. He discussed work with new supervisors of elections, ongoing election-crimes enforcement, cooperation with federal agencies on citizenship verification, and data-sharing agreements with other states. Byrd also proposed a statewide pre-certification audit system with grants for smaller counties, a more streamlined process for checking voter citizenship status after registration, and a modernization fix for voter records affected by randomized driver’s license numbers. Members asked about special elections, election-crimes investigations, returning-citizen voting determinations, chain-of-custody procedures, and interstate data-sharing agreements. Byrd said special election timing is controlled by the governor, the elections-crimes office investigates but does not arrest, returning-citizen applications are resolved within 90 days, and he is confident in current chain-of-custody practices. The committee also considered gubernatorial nominations. By unanimous vote, members approved a block of nominees, then separately took up Joshua Kellum’s nomination to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The committee heard sworn public testimony from Robin Blevins, who urged rejection of Kellum’s appointment and criticized his background and past involvement in FWC-related advocacy. After brief discussion, the committee voted unanimously to approve Kellum’s nomination as well.