Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Latz, would you like to have an opening statement?
• 02.560><c> opening</c> Latz, would you like to have a opening Latz, would you like to have a opening statement
• statement? statement?
• <00:55:53.599><c> related</c><00:55:54.240><c> to</c><00:55:54.480><c> restorative</c> statements related
• to restorative statements related to restorative practices.<00:55:56.319><c> The</c><00:55:56.640><c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, statements of financial interest required by statute had not been filed by some commissioners
• ><c> additionally</c> during the audit period additionally during the audit period additionally statements
• interest statements of financial interest required<00:45:48.800><c> by</c><00:45:49.000><c> Statute<
• </c><01:04:52.079><c> that</c><01:04:52.720><c> the</c><01:04:52.880><c> house</c> uh make a statement
• that the house uh make a statement that the house Judiciary<01:04:54.039><c> Committee</c><01:04:54.440

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on February 21 and first approved the January 30 minutes and the consent calendar, with item 2540 removed by the Department of Education and item 25057 set aside for discussion. The committee then took up FIS 25057, a Department of Transportation request tied to a federal grant for building information modeling and related data standardization across DOT systems. Transportation officials explained that the $2.405 million consultant-heavy request would connect surveying, design, construction, and asset management systems, improve efficiency and long-term asset tracking, and help the department catch up with other states. Several senators questioned the lack of immediate, quantifiable budget savings and the reliance on consultants, but the item was ultimately adopted. The committee next approved FIS 25054 for the Department of Health and Human Services after questioning a $16 million shortfall in the Children’s Health Insurance Program. DHHS explained the variance as a budgeting and accounting issue tied to separating CHIP from Medicaid managed care, pandemic-era continuous enrollment, and the new federal requirement for 12 months of continuous coverage for children. Members also approved a Cannon Mountain fee item, where park officials described a proposed price freeze for early-bird passes, a new in-season tier, and modest increases in off-season pricing, while noting operating cost pressures, strong snow conditions, and favorable customer value ratings. That item was adopted unanimously. The committee also approved the Department of Corrections item after discussion of staffing, retirement eligibility, overtime, and recidivism. Commissioner Helen Hanks said retirement-eligible staff had declined slightly, recruitment was improving, overtime hours were down, one housing floor had been closed because of lower population, and the department had reduced reincarceration by 8% over seven years, which she said produced substantial savings. The item was adopted. During informational items, the committee heard a Legislative Budget Assistant performance audit of the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights. The audit found the commission inefficient and ineffective in processing complaints, with average case closure taking 840 days, significant backlogs dating back decades, expired administrative rules, weak management controls, disorganized and outdated procedures, unreliable data, and unresolved prior audit findings. The audit included 25 recommendations, two of which may require legislative action. Commission staff said they appreciated the recommendations and expected the additional resources from the prior budget cycle to help address the backlog and improve transparency and efficiency.

Transcript Highlights:

• So since they established the education, they then released a statement in 2022, a position paper, stating
• So since they established the education, they then released a statement in 2022, a position paper, stating
• So since they established the education, they then released a statement in 2022, a position paper, stating
• I’ve got a document here from the National Society of Professional Engineers and their policy statement
• </c><00:52:36.319><c> uh</c> Engineers and their policy statement uh Engineers and their policy statement

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 46, which would allow lottery winners of $1 million or more to remain anonymous. After brief discussion and a motion with a second, the committee approved the bill unanimously and sent it to the House floor. Members then heard House Bill 54, a workforce and education measure aimed at aligning dual credit and project-based learning with licensed construction trades and other high-demand careers. The sponsor and witness said the bill is intended to help students meet both education and on-the-job training requirements, address labor shortages, and speed entry into the trades. Several members raised concerns about possible abuse of internships, the need for input from unions and other trade groups, and the amount of authority left to the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction to write regulations. The sponsor said the bill does not replace current hands-on training requirements and expressed willingness to continue discussions. The committee passed the bill, with some members explaining their votes as conditional or in hopes of further amendments. The committee also approved House Bill 261, which would let retired CPAs provide certain uncompensated services, such as nonprofit work, while retaining their CPA designation, and would create a retirement-based CPE waiver for those limited services. A question from Representative Donworth focused on how retired CPAs would disclose their status to nonprofits; the board representative said retired status is noted in board records, but there is currently no separate requirement governing use of the CPA designation. The bill passed. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 262, which would remove restrictions on small CPA firm names after an owner dies or retires. The sponsor said Kentucky is an outlier because current law requires the remaining owner to change the firm name. The bill passed unanimously. After that, the chair turned the gavel over to the vice chair and began presenting House Bill 306, which would change engineering education requirements for licensure, especially to help Eastern Kentucky University fire protection engineering technology graduates qualify for licensure in Kentucky rather than leaving the state. The sponsor and witnesses explained that the bill would not change the rest of the PE licensure pathway, only the education component, and said most other states already allow this route. Members noted that engineers may have concerns and encouraged continued discussions before the bill advances further.

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise to read a statement and request that it be put under the journal.
• what I just read... ...precisely how I feel about what I just read to put in the journal as in my statement

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through introductions of guests and several ceremonial recognitions. Guests included a local justice of the peace, the doctor of the day, McDonald’s representatives visiting for the All-American Games, and AFL-CIO members at the Capitol. Senators also read proclamations recognizing Lobo Week in support of the Mexican gray wolf and McDonald’s All-American Games Week, highlighting the economic and charitable impact of McDonald’s in Arizona and the importance of wolf recovery efforts. During floor business, Senator Gonzalez submitted a statement criticizing Senate rules as undemocratic and unconstitutional, particularly in relation to House Bill 2072 and broader chamber procedures. The Senate then took up a motion by Senator Mesnard to reconsider House Bill 2874, which had previously passed third reading. After a division vote, the motion to reconsider passed 16-12. House Bill 2874, relating to campaign contributions and expenses, was then brought back for third reading. Senator Gonzalez spoke against the emergency clause, arguing there was no emergency and objecting to the bill’s reconsideration process. The Senate voted to pass HB 2874 on reconsideration without the emergency clause and ordered it transmitted to the House. The chamber also noted that Senate Bills 1125 and 1415 had been transmitted to the governor, announced upcoming caucus and committee meetings, and adjourned until Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I think it's in the statement of purpose. In the statement of purpose, we put that in.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this isn’t a question; it’s more just a statement.
• I'll take the floor statements for each of these measures.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THE PROPOSED BILL PROVIDES FOR THE INCLUSION OF THE FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT ON THE PETITION FORM AS
• SENATOR GRALL, I REALIZE WE ARE REACTING TO YOUR STATEMENT WHEN YOU READ WITH THE BILL WAS ALL ABOUT

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> time that we just make a statement time that we just make a statement saying<01:32:16.560><c> we
• </c><01:49:47.679><c> that</c> asking you to make a statement that asking you to make a statement that
• Um, I have some prepared statements.
• Can I ask um can I prepared statements.
• </c> opportunity for debate, but a statement opportunity for debate, but a statement of<02:38:20.080>

Committee: House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The question here is: where is the boundary of these statements?
• Is that number now based on these whereas statements?
• Why would you approve these statements?
• Why would you approve these statements? They need to be elaborated on. There’s more going on.
• I wanted to drill just a little bit into the statement you made regarding the severe rain and weather

Committee: House State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the statement about we'd have to, I mean, basically it sounded like you were saying that there'd
• That's a specious statement to be sure, because wholesalers also have other customers, and other customers
• So my question is, if your statement were to be true, then the state itself and the smalls would have
• So I have a statement or some information from the National Beer Wholesalers Association.
• So that's my statement. Rep. Miller, then Rep. Butz, then Rep. Mansur. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, other disciplines that might be carried out was the statement at that time is why Congress
• And, you know, other disciplines that might be carried out was the statement at that time is why Congress
• so, again, that is really the main crux of why we're opposed, and just going to kind of echo the statements
• There was a statement that that hamburger was exempt from these rules, and yet I have seen Certified
• But what the statement was by previous testimony was that we think those individuals, ...by previous

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Summary: The committee first took up executive action on Senate Bill 890. Members explained that the House committee substitute combined provisions from related bills, changed the title to accommodate an amendment, and restored language that had been unintentionally repealed in section 217.550. The amendment was adopted, the substitute was adopted, and the House Committee Substitute for SB 890 was voted do pass by a roll call of 11 ayes and 1 no. The committee then heard Senate Bill 945 from Senator Carla May, which would raise the civil filing surcharge in the city of St. Louis from $15 to up to $20 to support the law library and related court services. Senator May and a representative of the Law Library Association of St. Louis testified that the surcharge had not been raised since 1996, that costs had increased, and that the increase would help maintain legal research resources and public access. Questions focused on whether the amount was sufficient and what other funding sources existed; there was no opposition testimony. Finally, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 29, which urges Congress to restore mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork. The sponsor and supporters argued that consumers should know where meat comes from, that independent cattle producers are harmed by consolidation in the packing industry, and that voluntary labeling is inadequate. Opponents from the Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Chamber of Commerce, and Missouri Pork Association argued that mandatory labeling adds regulatory burden, is not supported by consumer purchasing data, and should remain voluntary. The hearing included extensive testimony from cattle producers and consumers, but no vote on HCR 29 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, other disciplines that might be carried out was the statement at that time is why Congress
• so, again, that is really the main crux of why we're opposed and just want to kind of echo the statements
• There was a statement that that hamburger was exempt from these rules, and yet I have seen Certified
• There was a statement that that hamburger was exempt from these rules, and yet I have seen Certified
• Well, I know, but what the statement was by previous testimony was that we think those individuals testified

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That’s right, and that’s why in my opening statement I called it a two-tiered tax system.
• And I would agree with your statement, except for one caveat.
• You know, these are the two things we need to hit, kind of like the mission statement bullet points.
• Okay, ma'am, you want to make a statement? We do that. Further questions?
• We'll let you make a quick statement. Sure.

Bills: HB214 , HB217 , HB253 , HB411 , HB440 , HB514 , HB515 , HB543 , HB614 , HB620 , HB658 , HB812 , HB898 , HB961

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: property tax, blighted properties, urban rehabilitation, tax exemption, local government, financial incentives, blighted property, derelict property, property tax exemption, local redevelopment plans, rehabilitation standards, ad valorem tax, community development, income tax, tax repeal, individuals, estates, trusts, tax reduction, state revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• You look at our mission statement. We’ve made it really short now. But we’re open to everyone.
• However, committee staff will be reading their statement for today to make sure that we have it in the
• Committee staff will be reading their statement for today to make sure that we have it in the record.
• And so I'll ask Latifah Alexander to read their statement.
• of the Select Committee on Racism, Hate, and Xenophobia for allowing CARE California to submit a statement

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm looking at the revenue impact statement.
• So let's be clear that the fiscal impact statement some of you have read is about a different bill, not
• current administration and the frequency with which they're issuing administrative orders and also statements
• whether or not, if from from my experience in the private sector, currently, we are receiving a few statements
• So, I think, would it be in our statements, would we be in agreement that there are some times where

Bills: SB1627 , SB227 , SB366 , SB1193 , SB1433 , SB1450 , SB1481 , SB1749 , SB1810 , SB1812 , SB1921 , SB1948 , SB2044 , SB2178 , SB169 , SB1877 , HB1409 , SB1266 , SB1432

Keywords: criminal code cleanup, duplicate statutes, statutory consolidation, repealer bill, emergency clause, Title 21 crimes, Title 47 DUI, child abuse reporting, child neglect, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, sex offenses, rape, stalking, domestic abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, sex trafficking, gang-related offense, eluding police

Transcript Highlights:

• And some of the things that he made statements to, I’m still puzzled as to whether or not they’re crossing
• Would you please come to the table, introduce yourself for the record, and then you may make your statement
• Introduce yourself for the record, and then you may give your statement. Thank you. Thank you.
• Do you have a prepared statement? I do. You're welcome to present.
• Do you have a prepared statement? I do. You're welcome to present.

Committee: All ALC-CLAIMS REVIEW/LITIGATION REPORTS OVERSIGHT

Summary: The committee first reviewed several wage-claim and labor-related litigation reports from the Department of Labor and Licensing. Members questioned the department’s authority and jurisdiction, whether it was acting like a court, and why it sought attorney’s fees and costs. Department staff explained that the claims arose under the Arkansas Minimum Wage Act and related labor statutes, that the department investigates small wage claims and can file suit when informal resolution fails, and that filing fees are waived by statute though service costs may be incurred. The committee reviewed individual cases, including one where the employer had not proven cash payments, another that had already been paid and dismissed, and a third where service could not yet be completed. The committee then voted to review or batch-file the labor items. The University of Arkansas System then reported on three pending lawsuits under the litigation-notification statute. One case involving a tenured professor alleging age and race discrimination had already been resolved and dismissed after the university re-engaged in discussions about a position. A second case involving a former employee alleging ADA and FMLA retaliation was moving forward after partial dismissal and an answer denying liability. A third case involved a former vendor employee alleging retaliation tied to a parking ticket; members asked about individual-capacity exposure for a university police sergeant, and counsel explained that punitive damages could potentially create personal exposure. The committee reviewed each report. The Department of Finance and Administration presented a proposed tax settlement reducing a sales-and-use tax assessment from about $48,000 to $20,000, with interest and penalties waived, and the committee approved it. The Claims Commission then presented several claims and settlements, including an unpaid salary differential for the Department of Health, reissued warrants, unpaid bills for DHS, and multiple negotiated settlements involving UAMS, Arkansas State Police, and ARDOT; these were generally approved or batched for approval. The most extensive discussion involved a settlement between the Teacher Retirement System and Tetronics International Limited in liquidation, arising from losses tied to the failed Blue Oak project; members questioned the company’s liquidation status, the prior investment loss, and why the matter was settling for $65,000, and the committee ultimately affirmed the settlement. The committee also heard a disputed tax-sale claim involving the Commissioner of State Lands, where a claimant argued that excess proceeds from a 2009 tax sale should have gone to her family rather than escheating to the county. After testimony from the claimant and counsel, members debated sovereign immunity, heirship, and whether the committee could or should award the $4,200 overage. The motion was amended and then replaced with a motion to hold the matter over for further review in a future joint session, which passed. Finally, the committee considered an appeal by Andrew Simpson challenging dismissal of his claim against the Arkansas Court of Appeals; after Simpson and court staff explained the underlying dispute, the committee reviewed the dismissal and the matter was held over for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the report that I believe, or the statement that you're referring to... in their journey to self-sufficiency
• So the report that, I believe, or the statement that you're referring. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Based on that information, the department then put forward the statement that you mentioned.
• is we have the report that I mentioned that has those required elements that led us to make the statement
• Is that a fair statement?

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Summary: The committee first considered the confirmation of Dr. John Lattell to the Florida Board of Medicine. In questioning, senators focused heavily on his views on abortion, vaccines, ivermectin, hormonal birth control, and the role of CDC/FDA guidance in board discipline cases. Dr. Lattell said the board should apply Florida statutes, described himself as strongly pro-life and skeptical of some federal health guidance, and said he would be sympathetic when judging fellow physicians because of his own experience in practice. Supporters praised his medical background, military service, and family medicine experience, while opponents argued his stated views could affect his ability to fairly discipline other doctors. The committee voted 5-2 to recommend confirmation, with Senators Polsky and Rouson voting no. The committee then took up the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families. Hatch outlined her background at DCF and APD and described department priorities including streamlining services, improving child welfare and behavioral health systems, expanding peer support, and reducing SNAP error rates. Members asked detailed questions about Hope Florida, the number and role of Hope Navigators, agency responsiveness on bill analyses, and accountability for community-based care contractors. Hatch said Hope Florida is a partnership-based navigation effort aimed at self-sufficiency, that 143 Hope Navigators are in place, and that the department is working to improve transparency and oversight through contracts, audits, and a proposed funding model. Senators also pressed Hatch on the Hope Florida Foundation’s compliance history and on forensic audits of community-based care agencies, especially Northwest Florida Health Network. Hatch said the foundation is now in compliance and under audit, and that the contractor had completed corrective actions and was operating within current accountability limits. She said DCF had not yet conducted new forensic audits under her tenure but was preparing another round and was considering using contracted-services dollars to support that work. The discussion ended with continued questioning on oversight, staffing, and whether the agency could provide more formal bill analyses going forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a huge statement.
• Is there any statement you would like to make before we begin? I would. Okay. Good morning, Mr.
• Is there any statement you would like to make before we begin? I would. Okay. Good morning, Mr.
• Would you like to make a statement first? Sure, I can.
• Would you like to make a statement? There’s no question, so it’s up to you.”

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee began a series of House Appropriations budget hearings focused on the fiscal year 2026-2027 executive budget, the preamble, and the executive department. Staff presented revenue and spending trends showing projected declines in revenues alongside increasing expenditures, with members emphasizing the need for a standstill budget and additional efficiencies. The House Fiscal Division also reviewed the FY25 surplus and FY26 excess, the constitutional uses of surplus funds, and the overall FY27 budget structure, including the distinction between discretionary and non-discretionary spending. The commissioner of administration described the administration’s use of one-time money, efficiency reviews, and budget reductions, while members asked about revenue forecasts, the motor vehicle sales tax dedication, corporate tax changes, and the impact of federal policy changes on state costs, especially SNAP and Medicaid administration. The committee then moved through several executive department agencies. The Division of Administration presentation covered its budget, vacancies, debt service, and reductions tied to statewide adjustments and efficiency measures. GOSEP’s functions were described as transferred into the Department of Military Affairs under Act 262 of 2025, and military officials outlined the new combined structure, emergency response duties, overseas deployments, youth programs, and concerns about future federal funding. The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority reviewed its largely dedicated funding and explained that large apparent balances reflect long-term project planning and multi-year capital work. The Office of the State Inspector General presented a budget increase for consulting services tied to the governor’s DOGE-style efficiency initiative, and the inspector general said the effort had identified nearly $1 billion in savings across the executive branch, largely through eligibility reviews in Medicaid and SNAP and implementation of prior audit recommendations. Members raised questions throughout about how budget figures were calculated, why some totals appeared to rise while state general fund support fell, and how federal changes would affect state agencies. There were also questions about the transition of GOSEP into Military Affairs, the status of school safety centers, and whether the new structure would change local emergency responsibilities. No formal votes or amendments were taken during the portion provided; the meeting consisted of presentations, explanations, and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• To inquire and make a statement. Please proceed. So I'm really conflicted about this in many ways.
• in time does any of these steps that they get to take to volunteer information, to talk, to give statements
• And I've literally wanted justice, which goes back to my original statement.
• And part of that, my public statement from the beginning is, I'm an innocent man, but I would rather
• Fingerprints, first a statement: fingerprints are not you. Fingerprints are your fingerprints.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and adopted a House committee substitute for House Bill 2587, then voted the substitute do pass on an 18-0 roll call. The sponsor said the bill was updated to mirror federal law and included an emergency clause, with supporters noting it was intended to align Missouri law ahead of the FIFA World Cup and related public safety concerns. The committee also briefly took up House Bill 2055 and voted it do pass 18-0 before moving on to public hearings. The main public hearing was on House Bill 2868, which would expand Missouri DNA collection to all felony arrests rather than the current narrower list of qualifying offenses. Representative Parker argued the change would help solve crimes and exonerate the innocent, citing Maryland v. King and examples from other states. Committee members raised concerns about juvenile language, privacy, the presumption of innocence, retention and destruction of samples, access to CODIS, and whether the bill should be limited to violent or higher-level felonies. Supporters, including victim Ashley Spence and other advocates, described how arrest-stage DNA collection helped identify a serial rapist and solve cold cases, while opponents Joshua Kieser and others argued the bill was overbroad, could be used as a fishing expedition, and should not apply before conviction. Missouri State Highway Patrol staff testified that the bill would add nearly 14,000 arrestees annually, could aid about 731 investigations each year, and would reduce confusion in current collection practices. The hearing also included detailed testimony about wrongful convictions, expungement safeguards, identical twins, and the difference between arrest, charge, and conviction. Several members said they supported the goal of helping victims but wanted narrower language or stronger guardrails, especially for nonviolent felonies. The hearing on HB 2868 was then closed, and the committee began hearing House Bills 3012, 2997, and 3058, with the bill sponsors introducing themselves as the next items up.

Transcript Highlights:

• think we agree with most of the proponents of the bill, but we... ...are challenged in aligning the statements
• If you're going to be reading the statement of another, just introduce yourself however you want to introduce
• I'm reading a statement by Ali.
• And you're reading the statement by Ramona. Is that correct? Yes. Please go ahead.
• And I think one of you is reading a statement by somebody else. Yeah, go ahead.

Bills: HB1591 , HB2209 , HB2403 , HB2526

Committee: House Community Safety

Keywords: domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, survivor protections, legal remedies, defendants, theft, robbery, sentencing enhancements, criminal justice, property crimes, failure to register, registration requirements, public safety, law enforcement, prostitution, public health, criminal justice reform, community safety, 904