Video & Transcript : 'Hubert H. Humphrey' :
Page 34 of 269
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Tougher and tougher, you're going, ha-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h.
- the Veterans and Armed Forces Committee now stands adjourned. tougher and tougher, you're going, ha-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h
Summary:
The Veterans and Armed Forces Committee heard presentations from three organizations focused on veteran support and mental health. Dogs for Our Brave described its service-dog program for veterans with mobility limitations and PTSD, emphasizing the dogs’ daily assistance with tasks like retrieving items, opening doors, bracing, and getting help, as well as the emotional benefits for veterans and their families. The group said each dog costs about $50,000 to train, with total lifetime support for a veteran-dog team estimated at $75,000 to $125,000, and noted it serves veterans nationwide from a St. Louis base. Committee members asked about fundraising, expansion, and what happens to a dog if a veteran dies; the organization said it relies mainly on private donations and grants, is moving into a larger facility that will increase capacity, and would try to repurpose a dog when appropriate, with family wishes considered first.
Dalton Schmidt of Warriors’ Hoof Haven outlined a newer, free program for combat veterans and their families centered on horses, farming, outdoor recreation, and community outreach. He said the group is based near Thomas Hill Lake in Huntsville on 13 acres and is building activities such as horse handling and riding, meat chicken and produce farming, fishing, kayaking, jet skis, boats, firewood delivery, food bundles, and farm-tool lending. He said the organization funds its work through grants, donations, and sponsors, and that its goal is to reduce financial barriers and get veterans back into the community. Members asked about fundraising and the venison-for-vets effort, which Schmidt said is run by Truman VA and is supported by his group through incentives and outreach.
Brian Nooner, founder of the Mental Health Huddle and a commissioner with the Department of Mental Health, gave a personal account of his own depression, anxiety, PTSD, and isolation after a serious fall and a prolonged COVID-related recovery. He said his experience led him to create the Mental Health Huddle to encourage people to seek help, reduce stigma, identify triggers, avoid one-way relationships, and find hope through faith, family, or other supports. He stressed that he is not a medical professional but a patient sharing resources and said the effort is aimed at making help free and confidential. Committee members thanked him for his testimony and courage, and the chair adjourned the committee after the presentations.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development
Transcript Highlights:
- We encourage the committee to give H-2094, S-1300, H-2162, S-1318, H-2093, and S-1343 a favorable report
- We encourage the committee to give H-2094, S-1300, H-2162, S-1318, H-2093, and S-1343 a favorable report
- I’m proud to offer testimony in my strong... ...support of S-1343 and H. 2093.
- I'm here in support of H. 2093 and S. 1343.
- We're here to testify on H. 2093 and S. 1343. Hello.
Summary:
The hearing focused on several labor-related bills, especially proposals to give legislative employees the right to organize and collectively bargain, close a prevailing wage loophole for off-site prefabrication work, and strengthen enforcement against wage theft. Committee chairs opened the hearing by explaining the hybrid format and asking witnesses to keep testimony brief. Multiple legislators testified in support of the legislative staff union bill, saying staff deserve the same bargaining rights as other public employees and that unionization would improve pay, benefits, retention, and workplace dignity. Witnesses also discussed how the bill would likely be structured, with separate House and Senate bargaining arrangements or locals, and emphasized that it would only create the option to unionize, not require it.
A second major topic was the prevailing wage bill addressing off-site fabrication and prefabrication in construction. Union leaders, contractors, and workers described how more work is being shifted from job sites into shops, especially in sheet metal, HVAC, electrical, and pipefitting work, and argued that the law should treat that work the same as on-site construction when it is part of a public project. They said the current loophole lets some contractors underbid by paying lower wages off-site, while responsible contractors already pay prevailing wages in their shops. Supporters argued the bill would protect workers, preserve apprenticeship and training standards, improve safety and quality, and make enforcement easier through certified payroll and clearer definitions.
The committee also heard testimony on wage theft legislation. Representative Dan Donahue, the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division, AFL-CIO representatives, and carpenters’ union witnesses described wage theft, misclassification, labor brokers, and tax fraud as widespread problems that hurt workers, honest contractors, and public revenues. They supported giving the Attorney General stronger enforcement tools, adding contractor accountability up the subcontracting chain, and protecting workers from retaliation and from delays that can cause claims to expire. A separate witness supported a bill to extend the statute of limitations for Wage Act cases while AG investigations are pending, and another supported changes to help hospital workers enforce timely payment rights. No votes were taken during the hearing; witnesses repeatedly asked for favorable reports on the bills.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-07 - 11:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The eyes have it, and we passed H.277 in concurrence with proposal of amendment. We now have H.385.
- And we've passed H.385.
- The eyes have it, and we passed H.739 in concurrence with proposal of amendment. We now have H.952.
- /c><00:15:11.760><c> 952</c> Uh we will postpone action on H 952 Uh we will postpone action on H 952
- ><c> [laughter]</c> about uh uh H [laughter] about uh uh H [laughter] 8<00:16:34.639><c> 8116</c><00:
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Feb 24th, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Environment & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- It is a striking amendment, H-36-2-6. It is a striking amendment, H-36-2-6.1, by Rep. Doglio.
- I move adoption of the striking amendment that is H-3626.1. ...of the striking amendment that is H-3626.1
- I move adoption of the striking amendment H-3645.1.
- Madam Chair, I move adoption of the striking amendment H-3627.1. H-3627.1.
- The striking amendment H-3627.1 has been moved and seconded.
Bills:
SB6291
Keywords:
SB6291, on-site wastewater treatment, onsite wastewater treatment, septic system, sewage treatment, wastewater inspection, environmental health, local board of health, public health, professional engineer, land surveyor, certificate of competency, inspection standards, design review, supervised practice, certification, licensing, RCW 18.88A, Washington State, 904
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It is a striking amendment, H-36-2-6. ...in the EBB. It is a striking amendment, H-36-2-6, by Rep.
- I move adoption of the striking amendment that is H-3626.1." "...of the striking amendment that is H-
- The striking amendment H-3626.1 has been moved and seconded."
- I move adoption of the striking amendment H-3645.1.
- Madam Chair, I move adoption of the striking amendment H-3627.1. H-3627.1.
Summary:
The Environment and Energy committee met to executive three bills. SB 6291 would extend from two to four years the period a non-certified person may review designs and inspect on-site wastewater treatment systems under supervision of a certified individual; the committee adopted a striking amendment making a technical correction to the definition of an on-site wastewater treatment system and then passed the bill 18-0 with three excused. ESB 6246 concerns no-cost allowance allocations for emissions-intensive, trade-exposed facilities under the Climate Commitment Act; the striking amendment added an Ecology-contracted independent third-party report due in 2028 on emissions and job leakage, revised reporting and disclosure provisions, required unaffiliated licensed professional engineers for certain assessments, and clarified penalty language. Members discussed leakage, third-party review, and costs to industry, and the bill passed 11-7 with three excused after the amendment was adopted.
The committee also took up ESSB 5975, which sets lead standards for certain cookware and adjusts the Safer Products for Washington process. Members described the bill as the result of multiple years of negotiation balancing public health concerns about lead exposure with industry concerns, and noted the striking amendment set specific 2030 and 2034 standards for pots and pans. After brief supportive discussion, the committee adopted the striker and passed the bill 18-0 with three excused.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- We are going to begin with, by accepting testimony on H.
- Well, actually, we have a sign if she has going to say on H. 345, which, no, I apologize, H. 3534, and
- H. 3534 and S. 2255 is essentially an issue of fairness and consumer protection.
- I'm speaking in support of the Municipal Voices Bill, S. 2248, H. 346.
- Utility Lobbying Bill, and H. 3534, S. 2255, the ratepayer protections bill.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several energy-related bills, with the main focus on H. 3534/S. 2255, which would ban or sharply restrict residential third-party electric suppliers, and on related reform proposals. Supporters included the Attorney General’s office, municipal and regional planning officials, environmental justice groups, consumer advocates, and city officials from Boston and Chelsea. They argued that the residential competitive supply market has produced higher bills, deceptive sales tactics, auto-renewals into higher rates, and disproportionate harm to low-income residents, seniors, communities of color, and people with limited English. Witnesses cited AG reports estimating hundreds of millions of dollars in overcharges over time, described door-to-door and storefront marketing abuses, and said municipal aggregation programs have saved residents money while offering more stable rates. Several supporters said the Legislature should either ban residential competitive supply or adopt strong guardrails such as ending automatic renewals, banning incentive-based commissions, and capping rates relative to basic service.
Opponents or industry representatives from the Retail Energy Advancement League, Vistra, and Constellation argued that the market can provide savings, longer-term price stability, and value-added products such as renewable options and time-of-use offerings. They said Massachusetts has already improved consumer protections through DPU proceedings, that complaints are relatively few compared with the size of the market, and that a ban would eliminate consumer choice. They also defended direct sales and commissions as normal features of a retail market, while saying they would support additional protections, licensing, bonding, and stronger oversight of bad actors. Committee members pressed both sides on whether the market truly saves money, whether automatic renewals should be banned, and whether the AG’s proposed reforms would be enough.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 3972, a bill to extend utility shutoff protections during extreme heat, with Rep. Mindy Domb arguing that Massachusetts should treat extreme heat like extreme cold and protect customers facing financial hardship. Rep. Barrett also testified for H. 3450, a municipal broadband/right-of-way bill, arguing that communities need easier and cheaper access to utility poles and public rights of way to build municipal broadband. In addition, Senate Majority Leader Creem testified for S. 2239, which would bar utilities from recovering ratepayer funds for lobbying, promotions, trade association dues, and similar expenses. No votes were taken during the hearing.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> H.790, an act relating to fiscal year 2026 budget adjustments.
- The ayes have it, and we will message our actions on H.790 to the House forthwith.
- H.516, an act relating to approval of amendments to the charter of the town of Essex.
- And we're now on H.516.
- H.516, an act relating to approval of amendments to the charter of the town of Essex.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Apr 7th, 2026
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Kilcoyne was on H. 4826. It's now before you guys.
- H. 5116. Thank you. Thank you all for your testimony, and Rep.
- I’m testifying today in support of Bill H. 5116.
- So I'm testifying today to urge this committee to support H. 5244.
- So I'm testifying today to urge this committee to support H. 5244.
Keywords:
homelessness, homeless, unsheltered, unhoused, shelter rights, anti-camping, anti-loitering, public space, public land, encampment, sleeping in public, life-sustaining activities, right to rest, right to sleep, vehicle dwelling, RV living, tiny home, civil rights, municipal liability, affirmative defense
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Civil Rights & Judiciary Jan 16th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Civil Rights & Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- There are two proposed substitutes, H-2777.
- Substitute H-2776 by Representative Abell makes two revisions.
- The second proposed substitute is H-2937, also by Representative Abell.
- I think that just to identify the H draft number for the record, I move that proposed sub H-2937.1 be
- That proposed sub H-2937.1 be reported out of committee with a due pass recommendation on HB 2158.
Keywords:
corporate filings, secretary of state, business entity filings, annual reports, foreign corporation, domestic corporation, nonprofit corporation, registered agent, trademark assignment, charities division, entity registration, foreign registration, ministerial filing duty, filing refusal, international student exchange, exchange visitor placement organization, doing business in Washington, remote worker, branch campus, notary certification
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm speaking in support of this bill, S. 2114 and H. 3422.
- Construction moratorium S-2214 H 3422.
- S. 2114 / H. 3422.
- That is the testimony on S. 2153, H. 3306. The next one is...
- The next one is S. 2184, H. 3326, H. 3430, an act designating Wally Day as a state holiday in Massachusetts
Summary:
The committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a hybrid hearing covering public construction, business regulations, and honorary designations, with most of the discussion focused on two matters: a five-year moratorium on new jail and prison construction (S. 2114/H. 3422) and a bill designating June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day (S. 2152/H. 3305). The chair emphasized that the hearing was public, testimony would be recorded, and speakers should generally keep remarks to three minutes. Senator Comerford introduced the prison moratorium bill, saying it would pause new construction while allowing renovations, and Senator Friedman introduced the Tourette awareness bill and a separate Tuskegee Airmen commemoration measure, asking for favorable action on both honorary designations.
A large portion of the hearing featured remote testimony from incarcerated people at MCI Framingham and MCI Shirley in support of the prison moratorium. Witnesses repeatedly argued that Massachusetts does not need a new women’s prison, that the incarcerated population is declining, and that funds would be better spent on mental health care, addiction treatment, vocational training, pre-release programming, housing, and repairs to existing facilities. Several speakers described poor conditions, limited programming, and the need to address trauma, domestic violence, and substance use as root causes of incarceration. One committee member responded to testimony by noting that incarceration numbers are going down, that the state is working on housing and workforce opportunities for people returning home, and that the committee wants to expand pathways to employment and reentry.
The Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day bill drew testimony from the bill’s young sponsor, Owen Rosenthal, his parents, medical professionals, and advocates. They described Tourette syndrome as a misunderstood neurodevelopmental condition, said awareness would reduce stigma and improve diagnosis and support, and cited the need for education in schools, workplaces, and the medical community. The Tourette Association of America supported the bill, noting underdiagnosis, co-occurring conditions, pain, and mental health risks associated with Tourette syndrome. Committee members praised the youth advocates and asked that written testimony be submitted electronically. The hearing ended without any recorded votes or final committee action in the transcript provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Health Care Financing Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Health Care Financing
Transcript Highlights:
- First on H-72, which has had a House counterpart of 1-377.
- Bills H-1370 and S-867 will do that.
- H-1370 proposes meaningful measures without unnecessary burden.
- My comments in H-1370 align directly with that report.
- And with H-1370, we have Dr.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing on a large docket focused on primary care, workforce development, and medical debt. Chairs Cindy Friedman and John Lawn outlined hearing procedures and noted that testimony would be taken on 17 matters. The committee first heard testimony on bills to establish a community health center nurse practitioner residency program and to strengthen mental health centers. Senator Keenan, Rep. Keefe, and health center leaders described the Worcester nurse practitioner residency as a successful pipeline and retention strategy, citing workforce shortages, training needs in community health centers, and the cost of the program. Rep. O’Day also supported the mental health centers bill, saying it would raise payment rates, improve reimbursement for behavioral health services, and help clinics retain staff and expand access.
The committee then took testimony on bills to address medical debt through hospital financial assistance reform. The Attorney General’s Office, Health Care for All, Health Law Advocates, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and individual patients supported the measure, arguing that hospital financial assistance policies are inconsistent, hard to find, and difficult to navigate. Witnesses said the bill would standardize eligibility criteria, create a uniform application, improve notice requirements, and expand access to discounted care up to 400% of the federal poverty level. Several personal stories described medical bills being sent to collections, confusion over insurance billing, and the burden of debt on low-income and chronically ill patients. Committee members asked about hospital concerns, the role of the health safety net, and whether the bill addressed root causes of medical debt; testimony emphasized that the proposal was meant to improve transparency and access rather than replace broader insurance reforms.
The hearing also focused heavily on “Primary Care for You” legislation, H. 1370 and S. 867, which would increase primary care investment and create a new payment model. Rep. Haggerty, physicians, a patient, community health center leaders, and the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers described a primary care crisis marked by low reimbursement, staffing shortages, long waits, burnout, and difficulty recruiting clinicians. Supporters said the bills would shift spending toward preventive, team-based care, improve access and equity, and reduce long-term costs. The Massachusetts Association of Health Plans said it was directionally supportive of increased primary care investment but warned that any new spending must stay within the cost growth benchmark and preserve existing contracting structures. The hearing ended with additional testimony on a community health center workforce and loan repayment grant bill from Rep. Stanley, and with further discussion from Dr. Alan Garo about the need for payment reform in primary care.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:12:39.760><c> to</c><00:12:39.880><c> criminal</c> H. 171, an act relating to criminal H. 171
- </c> H.<00:13:10.280><c> 519,</c><00:13:10.594><c> [snorts]</c> H. 519, [snorts] H. 519, [snorts] an<
- </c> H.<00:13:25.760><c> 536,</c> H. 536, H. 536, an<00:13:27.520><c> act</c><00:13:27.720><c> relating
- </c><00:15:04.760><c> to</c><00:15:04.880><c> firearms</c> H. 606, an act relating to firearms H. 606
- </c><00:16:00.280><c> to</c><00:16:00.400><c> creating</c> H. 775, an act relating to creating H. 775
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-03-19 - 11:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:08:35.320><c> to</c><00:08:35.440><c> terminating</c> H. 542 an act relating to terminating H
- </c> We<00:08:47.600><c> have</c><00:08:47.760><c> H.
- >> H. 5674 >> H. 5674 H.<00:09:22.880><c> 674</c><00:09:23.800><c> an</c><00:09:23.880><c
- 07.400><c> act</c><00:10:07.600><c> relating</c> H.
- [clears throat] 762, an act relating H.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- This is H-3718.2.
- It is H-3730.1 by Representative Street.
- I move striking amendment H-3718.2. Amendment H-3718.2 has been moved and seconded.
- I move amendment H-AR 442. Amendment H-AR 442 has been moved and seconded.
- I move amendment H-3730.1. Amendment H-3730.1 has been moved and seconded.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Finance Mar 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This is H-3718.2.
- I move striking amendment H-3718.2. Amendment H-3718.2 has been moved and seconded.
- I move amendment H-442. Amendment H-442 has been moved and seconded.
- I move adoption of amendment H-448. Amendment H-448 has been moved and seconded.
- I move amendment H-3730.1. Amendment H-3730.1 has been moved and seconded.
Summary:
House Finance met in executive session on March 2 and reviewed a series of tax and property-tax bills. Staff described measures including removing acreage limits for nonprofit public assembly hall property tax exemptions (ESSB 5252), extending timber tax distributions to certain school districts (SB 5994), expanding housing-related local sales tax uses (SB 6027), updating Department of Revenue tax administration provisions (ESSB 6113), consolidating the state property tax levy and expanding senior/disabled exemptions (ESSB 6162), extending disaster-related property tax relief (SB 6343), rolling back 2025 estate tax changes (SB 6347), adding tribes to the Conservation Futures Program (SB 6097), and extending a hazardous substance tax exemption for agricultural crop protection products (SB 6244). Members also discussed several amendments, including changes to rental assistance, library and school tax treatment, veterans’ income definitions and application assistance, estate-tax exemption and CPI language, and reporting requirements for conservation futures land acquisitions.
The committee adopted some amendments and rejected others. HRA 440 was adopted to allow rental assistance as an eligible use of the local sales tax revenue for all jurisdictions rather than only Snohomish County. On ESSB 6113, the committee adopted the striking amendment H-3718.2 but rejected amendments to exempt investigative services, live presentations for schools and nonprofits, and library-related exemptions. On ESSB 6162, amendments to modernize veterans’ benefit language, require DOR application assistance, and lower the levy rate were all rejected. On SB 6347, the committee adopted an amendment restoring the estate tax exclusion amount to 2.193 million and changing the CPI reference, while the broader bill was later reported out as amended. On SB 6097, an amendment requiring county reporting on conservation futures acquisitions was rejected.
The committee then voted to report several bills out with do pass recommendations: ESSB 5252, SB 5994, ESSB 6027 as amended, ESSB 6113 as amended, ESSB 6162, SB 6343, SB 6097, and SB 6244. SB 6347 was reported out with a do pass as amended recommendation after the adopted amendment. Members generally framed the bills as providing tax relief, clarifying tax administration, supporting housing and schools, or extending existing exemptions, while some members raised concerns about fiscal impact, tax burden shifts, and the need for more accountability or broader policy changes. The meeting concluded with thanks to staff and adjournment.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development May 12th, 2026
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- this work being done in our crawfish industry and allow these jobs and duties to qualify under the H-
- In a crawfish industry, an H-2A, non-skilled, doesn't have those caps.
- You have to be an H-2B when the H-2A worker who's doing all these other things with more skills can't
- A lot of those employers will just turn right to the H-2B program. They're going to.
- A lot of those employers will just turn right to the H-2B program.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development met on May 12, 2026, approved the April 28 minutes, and heard extensive testimony on House Concurrent Resolution 77, which urges federal action to address labor shortages affecting Louisiana’s crawfish industry and other seasonal employers. Representative Butler, Commissioner Strain, industry representatives, landscapers, nursery operators, and Farm Bureau supporters argued that H-2A/H-2B visa limits and processing delays are hurting crawfish processors, landscapers, nurseries, and related businesses, causing lost production, higher costs, and broader economic harm. Members emphasized that the workers discussed are legal guest workers, not illegal immigration, and several senators voiced support. HCR 77 was reported favorably, with a motion to co-author also noted.
The committee then considered House Bill 81 on property rights and accountability for violations. Representative Boyer presented the bill, but Senator Long asked that it be voluntarily deferred so he could work on possible amendments and improve the measure before it advances. The author agreed, and the bill was deferred.
The committee also heard and acted on several bills related to agricultural policy and food systems. House Bill 512, concerning cell-cultured meat, was presented as a measure to protect livestock producers and allow continued research while prohibiting the product; after questions about research and labeling, it was reported favorably. House Bill 717, a labeling companion measure for cell-cultured meat, was also reported favorably. House Bill 1194, which would direct the LSU AgCenter to study food deserts and develop a plan, drew concern from the AgCenter over capacity and funding; members agreed to report it without action so it could be recommitted to finance and worked on further. Finally, House Bill 663, revising the membership of the Delta Economic Research and Sustainability District board, was presented on behalf of the absent author and reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Civil Rights & Judiciary Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Proposed substitute H-3070.1 by Representative ...
- Proposed substitute H-3070.1 by Representative Farivar makes several changes to the underlying bill.
- Amendment H-465 by Representative Walsh exempts drivers of an emergency vehicle from the presumption
- Amendment H-337 by Representative Jacobson adds a provision that restricts joint liability for state
- H-31-45 by Representative Jacobson.
Summary:
The Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee heard and acted on five bills. House Bill 2548, dealing with hospital and provider material change transactions, was presented with a proposed substitute that added disclosure requirements, quarterly AG website notices, filing fees, and nonprofit-related notice provisions while removing several original enforcement sections. Members debated the 25% ownership threshold and concerns about market effects, but the substitute passed 7-6 with a due pass recommendation.
House Bill 2453 would allow board-certified psychiatric pharmacists to sign certain involuntary commitment and treatment-related petitions and opinions. Members said the bill was intended to expand access to treatment while preserving court decision-making authority, and it passed 8-5. House Bill 2640, addressing unauthorized UCC filings, would let the Department of Licensing refuse or terminate filings made to harass or defraud debtors; members described it as a Department of Licensing request bill, and it also passed 8-5.
The committee then considered House Bill 2095 on vulnerable users of public ways. The proposed substitute created a rebuttable presumption of negligence against drivers, expanded protected areas, excluded motorcycles from the definition, and adjusted damages and education provisions. Members adopted several amendments, including an emergency-vehicle exemption and a reporting clarification, but rejected amendments that would have removed attorney fees, limited joint liability, or replaced the presumption with a direct civil action. The substitute passed 8-5. House Bill 2386, which removes statutory garnishment answer forms and directs the Washington Pattern Forms Committee to develop a form, passed 12-1. Finally, House Bill 2239, authorizing family burial grounds on private land, passed unanimously after a substitute added setbacks from water sources, local remediation procedures, burial reporting requirements, relocation permits, and seller disclosure language.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- In H. 727, we have taken a bold, proactive approach.
- H. 727 also requires that any data center sign a contract with the utility.
- H. 727 ensures that strict and rigorous review.
- They were warranted when we initially passed H. 727 and they remain warranted on this question.
- H. 727 equips Vermont to deal with this specific potential development.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Civil Rights & Judiciary Jan 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There are two proposed substitutes, H-2776…” “H-2776 by Representative Abel makes two revisions.
- The second proposed substitute is H-2937, also by Representative Abel.
- There is one proposed substitute in the bill, H-2959 by Representative Tye, which makes two revisions
- I think that just to identify the H draft number for the record, I move that proposed sub H-2937.1 be
- That proposed sub H-2937.1 be reported out of committee with a due pass recommendation on HB 2158—oh
Summary:
The Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2248, described by the prime sponsor and Secretary of State staff as a technical cleanup and clarification measure affecting several Secretary of State programs. The bill would redirect portions of annual business filing fees over $50 into the Secretary of State’s revolving fund, require initial reports from nonprofit corporations and limited liability partnerships, clarify that employing a remote worker in Washington does not by itself constitute doing business in the state, remove a requirement to issue a new trademark certificate to an assignee, create reinstatement procedures for terminated international student exchange placement organizations, and limit certain notarization authentication practices. The sponsor and agency witness said the bill does not change policy or raise fees, but improves clarity and aligns statute with current practice. A committee member asked about trademark transfers, and staff said the bill would not affect public tracking of ownership changes. No vote was taken on HB 2248 during the hearing.
The committee then moved into executive session on House Bill 2178 and House Bill 2158. For HB 2178, staff said the proposed substitute would remove a two-year extension for courts of limited jurisdiction to implement electronic submission of protection order petitions and would place into statute the treasurer’s authority to distribute appropriated local fiscal officer collection grant funds to county clerks, while repealing AOC’s role in administering those grants. Members generally supported the substitute, though one member voted no without recommendation, citing concern about how the Administrative Office of the Courts would comply with earlier legislation after removal of a section from the original draft. The committee approved the substitute and reported HB 2178 out with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 10 ayes, 2 nays, and 1 excused.
For HB 2158, staff explained that the bill updates the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts to address remote notarization of tangible records, with proposed substitute H-2937.1 narrowing the procedure to one acceptable method for confirming the record and adding the word “tangible” for clarity. Supporters said the substitute incorporated helpful technical changes from the Court Reporters Association and added a two-year delay to allow the Department of Licensing time for rulemaking. The committee approved the substitute unanimously and reported HB 2158 out with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 12 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 excused.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-20 - 10:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We've received H 642 back from the House.
- Now have H 915 for reference.
- >> H 931, an act relating to miscellaneous >> H 931, an act relating to miscellaneous changes
- /c><00:09:34.560><c> 937,</c> which brings us to H 937, which brings us to H 937, which<00:09:37.160>
- H H<01:10:36.160><c> H</c><01:10:36.840><c> A</c><01:10:37.800><c> H</c><01:10:38.320><c> A</c><01:10