Transcript Highlights:

• Florida Memorial University shares an undeniable historical bond with St. Augustine.
• That bond was never broken. It is a legacy of perseverance that continues to inspire.
• be here would be if there's, because if you go down further in the bill, it talks about if there's bonding

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met and considered a series of bills on trust law, homestead property assessments, emergency preparedness, utility service restrictions, Black history museum planning, historic preservation, firefighter benefits, and community redevelopment agencies. Several measures were presented as technical or policy updates, including CS/SB 262 on trust code clarifications, SJR 174 and SB 176 on limiting homestead assessment increases for flood-mitigation elevations, SB 608 renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in Florida statutes, SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, SB 582 increasing penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings, SB 1202 extending health insurance premium benefits to firefighters permanently disabled during training, and SB 1242 phasing out CRAs and restricting new projects. SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response also advanced after a strike-all amendment that added FEMA reimbursement streamlining, mutual aid coordination, and other disaster-response provisions. SB 1128 on building permits for single-family dwellings was amended to clarify local review authority and professional liability protections before passage. The committee heard substantial testimony on SB 466, which implements the Black History Task Force’s recommendation to locate the Florida Museum of Black History in St. Johns County/St. Augustine. Supporters emphasized the area’s civil rights and Black history significance, the task force process, and the backing of Florida Memorial University and local leaders; one witness opposed the bill and urged a feasibility study and consideration of other sites. SB 1242 drew the most sustained debate, with supporters arguing many CRAs have outlived their purpose and opponents warning the bill would eliminate a valuable local economic development tool, harm affordable housing projects, and create uncertainty for phased developments and existing projects. SB 1002 also drew opposition testimony from advocates who warned of broad unintended consequences for municipal utilities and local energy choices, while the sponsor said the bill was intended to resolve a specific legal misunderstanding. Votes were taken on each measure, and all of the bills considered were reported favorably by the committee. The committee adopted the amendment to CS/SB 262, the strike-all amendment to SB 180, and the amendment to SB 1128 before final passage. Several senators requested to be recorded on specific tabs after the meeting, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law in relation to direct state agencies to adopt a waste

Committee: Senate Procurement And Contracts

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Procurement and Contracts met for its second meeting of the 2026 session, with Chair Jeremy Zellner noting a quorum and welcoming members. The committee took up a series of procurement- and contracting-related bills, including measures on reciprocal MWBE certification, liability and design professionals, minority and women participation in state contracts, waste diversion planning by state agencies, breaking public contracts into smaller sizes to increase small business participation, expanded construction mentorship opportunities, service-disabled veteran-owned business participation goals, and contract fee/requirements for agreements between state agencies and nonprofit organizations. The discussion in the transcript was brief, with no substantive debate recorded. Members generally moved each bill and seconded the motions, and the chair called for votes. Most bills were reported out of committee either to the calendar or to finance, with members voting in favor and a few recorded as “without rec” or individual ayes noted. No bills were defeated. At the end of the meeting, the chair reminded members to complete their voting sheets and then entertained a motion to adjourn. The committee approved adjournment and the meeting concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't alter eligibility standards or expand or restrict any environmental coverage.

Summary: The House Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee met with a quorum and considered three bills. House Bill 593, which had already been heard, was moved by Representative Redmond and approved for a due pass recommendation to the floor without discussion. House Bill 714, sponsored by Representative Vander Woude, would repeal Chapter 58 and reorganize hazardous waste siting provisions into Chapter 44, Title 39, consolidating and updating language from an older, unused framework. He said the bill was developed with DEQ and stakeholders to remove duplicative provisions and reflect current practice. Roy Gehrin, representing Republic Services, testified in support and said the company worked closely with DEQ and other stakeholders on the legislation. The committee then voted to send HB 714 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Senate Bill 1265, presented by Representative Scott, was described as a code cleanup bill related to the Petroleum Clean Water Trust Fund Act. She said it removes expired historical distribution language, obsolete cross-references, and other outdated provisions without changing funding percentages or eligibility standards. Representative Thompson moved the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and the committee approved that motion. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't alter eligibility standards or expand or restrict any environmental coverage.

Committee: House Environment, Energy and Technology

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, Control Section 20 reappropriated lease revenue bond authority for the construction phase
• mentioned in the agenda, we did approve an augmentation request of $3.125 million in lease revenue bond
• The Senate’s budget plan contains $3 billion in lease revenue bonds, because we know new…” “Lease revenue
• bonds, because we know new courthouses and improved space areas are desperately required because we
• We're probably going to have to do a tax initiative or general bond or something.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the fund, the $2.3 billion, is entirely stocks and bonds and some cash.
• Right now, that's 50% stocks, 48% bonds, and 2% cash.
• So, the stock or the bond increases in value, but importantly not realized, because realizing, selling
• </c><01:09:05.880><c> in</c><01:09:06.080><c> stocks</c><01:09:06.560><c> and</c><01:09:06.680><c> bonds
• ,</c><01:09:07.000><c> the</c> for returns in stocks and bonds, the for returns in stocks and bonds,

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are so many projects throughout the state that need resources here through the bonding bill.
• ><c> the</c> There are so many projects throughout the state that need resources here through the bonding
• We need eight Republican votes to pass a bonding bill, and I think, of all of the committees, especially
• that goal of really working towards that goal of getting<00:42:44.920><c> a</c><00:42:45.040><c> bonding
• Bill done I think this getting a bonding Bill done I think this committee<00:42:47.400><c> makes</c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• influenced</c><00:10:43.600><c> by</c> diagnosis was influenced by diagnosis was influenced by environmental
• 10:45.920><c> I'm</c><00:10:46.160><c> 67</c><00:10:47.000><c> now</c><00:10:47.240><c> and</c> environmental
• I'm 67 now and environmental exposure.
• He's the environmental health policy lead at the Michael J.
• <00:40:45.240><c> Protection</c><00:40:45.720><c> Agency,</c> Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1891, appropriation, Environmental Quality Department of.
• </c> Environmental Quality Department of. Environmental Quality Department of.
• So that's an explanation of the Department of Environmental Quality.
• </c><01:54:58.800><c> Um</c> Department of Environmental Quality.
• Um Department of Environmental Quality.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 12 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in support of this measure and offer a friendly amendment to distinguish environmental health
• We are in support of this measure and offer a friendly amendment to distinguish environmental health
• We are in support of this measure and offer a friendly amendment to distinguish environmental health
• We are in support of this measure and offer a friendly amendment to distinguish environmental health
• Carla, Hawaii amendment to distinguish environmental amendment to distinguish environmental health<00

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on bills addressing tobacco/vape enforcement, psychology licensure, hospital price transparency, prior authorization, and medical cannabis. The chair opened by explaining the one-minute testimony limit and that written testimony had been reviewed. For SB 2175 on disposable electronic smoking devices, the Department of Health said the bill’s placement in litter-control law was not a good fit because disposable e-cigarettes contain hazardous materials like lithium and nicotine, but it supported the intent and pointed to a related measure. Public health and tobacco-control advocates strongly supported the bill, citing youth use, toxic waste, battery fires, and the need to tighten definitions and remove exemptions; a long list of organizations and individuals were noted in support, with no opposition mentioned. For SB 2410, which would create a state directory and enforcement tools for authorized e-cigarette products, the Attorney General’s office strongly supported the measure and said it would help enforce the FDA-authorized list of products through certification, inspections, and civil penalties. The Department of Health said thousands of illegal products remain on the market and cited youth usage rates, while public health groups also supported the bill. One tobacco industry-related witness was noted in opposition. SB 2080, the psychology interjurisdictional compact, drew support from the Department of Corrections, which said it had severe staffing shortages and that the compact would help fill gaps, especially for forensic psychology and neighbor island facilities. Some committee members raised concerns about whether the compact would loosen licensure standards and reduce licensing revenue, and the Board of Psychology was said to be meeting and had not taken a formal position; testimony also noted the need for resources if the compact were adopted. The committee also heard SB 2276 on surgical assistance, with DCCA in opposition and a supporter from the field, but little discussion followed. SB 2277 on hospital price transparency drew support from consumer and patient advocates, who argued that clearer pricing would reduce medical debt and help patients shop for care; DCCA and the Department of Health offered comments, with the department suggesting an alternative enforcement model using outside review entities and noting that implementation would require significant staffing and funding. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, saying federal transparency rules already cover the issue and state law could create duplication. SB 2282 on prior authorization received comments from insurers and providers; HMSA asked that the bill be set aside pending the report of the prior authorization working group created by Act 151, while the Hawaii Medical Association said prior authorization is a major burden but deferred to regulators on resources. Finally, SB 2413 on medical cannabis was supported by the Office of Medical Cannabis and others, who said the bill would close a patient-access gap by allowing viable seed sales; one witness suggested clarifying jurisdictional language and allowing dispensaries to sell seeds to each other. The committee then began SB 2425 on health insurance, where an addiction treatment provider testified that insurers’ refusal to honor assignment-of-benefits payments can delay reimbursement and create relapse risk for patients, but the transcript cuts off before further action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And also biosecurity protects environmental health, such as native forest, watershed, and endangered
• to</c><00:23:50.159><c> protect</c> And also biocurity to protect And also biocurity to protect environmental
• <00:23:51.679><c> health</c> environmental health environmental health such<00:23:53.440><c> as</c><00
• We have an economic analysis and environmental impact and so on.
• </c> a economic analysis and environmental a economic analysis and environmental impact<01:43:57.280>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing from the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment focused on the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s update on Hawaii’s biosecurity framework, especially implementation of Act 231 (2024) and Act 236 (2025). Chairs Corey Chun and Mike Gabbard opened the meeting by framing the briefing as an update on investments to fight invasive species and improve statewide evaluation and coordination. Department leaders Sharon Her and Richard Kim described historic legislative and executive investments that have allowed the department to rebuild and modernize biosecurity infrastructure to better prevent, detect, control, and eradicate invasive species. The presentation emphasized the importance of biosecurity to Hawaii’s agriculture, economy, environment, and public well-being, citing threats such as rapid ohia death, little fire ant, coconut rhinoceros beetle, brown tree snake, and red imported fire ant. Staff explained the state’s layered approach—pre-border, border, and post-border—and compared it to New Zealand’s model, stressing that Hawaii must act as a “net, not a wall” and that prevention before entry is far more cost-effective than response after establishment. They also outlined agency roles across the system, including agriculture, natural resources, health, transportation, enforcement, and university partners, and noted that Act 231 strengthened authority over high-risk imports, offshore treatment, compliance agreements, and pest management plans, while Act 236 renamed the department and clarified statewide biosecurity coordination. Jonathan Ho then walked through specific program areas and progress. He said pre-border risk analysis is being supported by Act 231 funding and a university contract, while offshore compliance and treatment efforts have improved substantially, including Christmas tree inspections from Oregon and Washington and airline declaration systems that provide advance passenger information. For border work, he highlighted inspections, surveillance, detector dogs, and port monitoring. For post-border response and readiness, he discussed the invasive pest hotline and dashboard, trace-forward/trace-back and diagnostics, preparedness for future threats, and the need to build stronger internal capacity. He also described a developing transitional facilities program authorized by Act 236, modeled on New Zealand’s certified facilities system, and said the department has already begun outreach to industry groups such as the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• they want to use this whether<01:12:48.960><c> it's</c><01:12:49.280><c> for</c><01:12:49.600><c> environmental
• </c><01:12:50.320><c> purposes</c> whether it's for environmental purposes whether it's for environmental
• JobsOhio, the economic development arm of the state, put in 2.9 million to do the environmental studies
• million to do of the state put in 2.9 million to do the<01:28:08.719><c> uh</c><01:28:08.880><c> environmental
• </c> the uh environmental studies we needed. the uh environmental studies we needed.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force approved the October 14, 2025 meeting minutes and then heard a presentation from Austin Kaylor of WSP on alternative aviation fuels. Kaylor described an ongoing feasibility study focused on Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and the other four commercial airports in Kentucky, with an eye toward both near-term use of alternative aviation fuel in existing supply chains and longer-term in-state production using local feedstocks. He said Kentucky’s current jet fuel use at the five airports is about 609 million gallons annually and could approach 1 billion gallons by 2050, and he outlined potential feedstocks such as soybeans, corn, and waste oils, along with existing logistics assets like river terminals, trucking, rail, and some pipelines. He also discussed federal and state policy support, including renewable fuel credits and the recent 45Z tax credit extension, and said the study suggests significant economic-development potential if Kentucky can leverage existing infrastructure and incentives. Members asked about the cost of sustainable aviation fuel, whether taxpayers would be subsidizing it, and whether food crops would be diverted from food use. Kaylor responded that the market is increasingly using second-generation and waste-based feedstocks, that federal incentives can cover much of the price differential, and that SAF is a direct substitute for conventional jet fuel with some efficiency benefits. He said demand comes from both U.S. and foreign carriers, including major U.S. airlines that have made emissions-reduction commitments. Members also raised the possibility of locating production in Appalachia to create jobs closer to feedstock sources; Kaylor said that approach has worked in other states and could fit Kentucky’s logistics network. The committee then heard from Leif Elder of the Utah Department of Transportation, who introduced himself and said he would discuss advanced air mobility legislation in Utah. The transcript cuts off before his substantive presentation, and no further votes or actions were recorded after the question-and-answer discussion on alternative aviation fuels.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> food</c><00:09:28.399><c> and</c> extension uh our EG food and extension uh our EG food and environmental
• :29.360><c> I</c><00:09:29.640><c> es</c><00:09:29.880><c> systems</c><00:09:30.880><c> uh</c> environmental
• science I es systems uh environmental science I es systems uh working<00:09:31.399><c> with</c><00:09
• natural resources but also<01:19:45.400><c> that</c><01:19:45.600><c> the</c><01:19:45.800><c> environmental
• </c><01:19:46.360><c> stewardship</c> also that the environmental stewardship also that the environmental

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in 1872 by the state of Minnesota and is a research and service arm of the School of Earth and Environmental
• </c> arm of the school of Earth environmental arm of the school of Earth environmental Sciences<00:53
• remediation staff, and MDA pesticide and fertilizers division, as well as many private-sector environmental
• c> consulting</c><00:55:05.040><c> firms</c><00:55:05.480><c> and</c><00:55:05.680><c> the</c> environmental
• consulting firms and the environmental consulting firms and the general<00:55:06.559><c> public</c><

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we have Bianca Isaki from the Hawaiʻi Environmental Alliance, a nonprofit in Honolulu, opposing
• Next, we have Bianca Isaki from the Hawaiʻi Environmental Alliance, a nonprofit in Honolulu, opposing
• <00:15:41.279><c> Hawaiian</c> isaki um from kaha the Hawaiian isaki um from kaha the Hawaiian environmental
• Alliance we're a nonprofit environmental Alliance we're a nonprofit in<00:15:43.839><c> Honolulu</c>
• until the environmental review process is complete.

Committee: House Water & Land

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 347 relating to goats. The Department of Land and Natural Resources offered comments and said its Division of Forestry and Wildlife was available to answer questions. Testimony on the bill was largely opposed, with speakers arguing it would amount to a “free-for-all” rather than game management and urging deferral. DLNR responded that bag limits can be adjusted by area and game management unit under adaptive management rules, and that hunters typically take out their catch. No vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 1278, on which DLNR testified in support. The record in the excerpt does not include discussion of the bill’s substance beyond the department’s support, and no action or vote is shown. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on HB 144, relating to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority and proposed exemptions from Sunshine Law requirements during the transition period. The authority’s vice chair testified that the body is a startup agency with a complex transition from the University and needs to be able to discuss strategic planning, operational formation, and other day-to-day matters with more than two members present. Opponents, including the Public First Law Center, Hawaiʻi Environmental Alliance, and community members, argued the bill would cut the public out of the deliberative process, allow decisions to be hashed out in private, and set a poor transparency precedent. One testifier also raised cultural and environmental concerns about Mauna Kea. Committee members questioned whether existing law and narrower guardrails could address the authority’s concerns, and the authority said it had already proposed a narrower alternative but the bill returned in similar form. The excerpt ends before any final committee action on HB 144 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• But so next session in January, we’ll be asking the Legislature for approval to go out for a revenue bond
• next session in January, we'll be asking the legit, we'll be asking approval to go out for revenue bond
• We'll be asking approval to go out for a revenue bond to build a new dorm on campus for our students.
• beds and so we're looking at next session we'll be asking all of you for permission for approval to bond

Committee: Joint Higher Education Institutions Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But so next session in January, we’ll be asking the legislature for approval to go out for a revenue bond
• next session in January, we'll be asking the legit, we'll be asking approval to go out for revenue bond
• We’ll be asking approval to go out for a revenue bond to build a new dorm on campus for our students.
• We'll be asking all of you for approval to bond out for a new dorm. So how do we grow?

Summary: The committee reconvened at North Dakota State College of Science for a presentation from President Dr. Flanagan and college leaders about NDSCS’s mission, enrollment growth, workforce training, and facilities needs. Flanagan highlighted student success in national competitions, strong placement and retention, growing enrollment, and new or expanding programs in aviation maintenance, fire science, dental hygiene, community health worker training, surgical technology, HVAC/plumbing, and precision agriculture. He also emphasized the college’s partnerships with industry, including John Deere, Fargo Jet Center, Sanford, and Comdel Innovation, and said NDSCS plans to seek approval next session for a revenue bond to build a new dorm and to remodel the library into academic and allied health space. Allied health dean Deb Smith testified that her division is at capacity and needs a simulation center, more lab and classroom space, and expanded dental and OTA facilities to meet demand and accreditation needs. Committee members questioned Flanagan and staff about workforce shortages, especially faculty pay, and whether the college can staff additional growth. Flanagan said the biggest challenge is recruiting instructors because industry pays more, but noted some health care and adjunct hiring is possible because of schedule flexibility and benefits. He also discussed shifting resources away from lower-demand programs like power sports toward higher-demand areas such as automotive and aviation maintenance. Members also asked about the college’s identity as a technical institution, with Flanagan arguing North Dakota would benefit from a more defined tech-school system. The committee then received a University System presentation from Jamie Wilkie on the cost of delivering dual credit. Wilkie explained the methodology used to allocate direct and overhead costs across subsidized and unsubsidized dual credit, noting that dual credit and early entry account for about 5.9% of total credit hours and 2.7% of formula funding. The analysis showed subsidized dual credit tuition revenue of about $5.5 million and unsubsidized revenue of about $2.9 million, with some institutions showing margins and others losses depending on the model. Members discussed whether K-12 funding should also be reflected, how payments to high schools and teachers are structured, and whether tuition-free dual credit would require replacing both tuition revenue and the current dual credit scholarship. No votes were taken; the committee simply received the presentations and discussed the findings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, California requires reverse performance and payment bonds on nearly all public works projects.
• These bonds typically cover 100% of the contract value and provide protections that far exceed what retention
• Performance bonds protect project owners by guaranteeing completion even if the contractor fails to fulfill
• Payment bonds ensure that subcontractors and suppliers are paid, significantly reducing the risk of liens

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with extensive testimony and debate. AB 2507 by Assembly Member Wynn would strengthen state consultation with federally recognized tribal governments by requiring clearer tribal liaison roles, a tribal advisory committee, and more consistent early engagement across agencies. Support came from Wilton Rancheria and the California Tribal Business Alliance, with members praising the bill as improving respect, coordination, and outcomes for tribes. AB 2024, also by Wynn, would require the Outdoor Advertising Act permitting process to reach a determination on submitted applications, aimed at reducing delays and uncertainty; it drew support from the outdoor advertising industry and the California Association of Realtors, with members describing it as a technical cleanup measure. Both bills were later moved to Appropriations, along with a consent calendar of several other measures. AB 1585 by Assembly Member Connolly would require wine labeled as American to be made from 100% American-grown grapes, aligning the federal “American” label with California’s existing 100% state-origin standard. Supporters, including California wine grape growers, family wineries, consumer advocates, and several local agricultural groups, argued the bill would improve truth in labeling and help struggling growers. Opponents from major wine companies and industry groups warned it could reduce flexibility, create labeling complications, and limit the ability to list varietal and vintage on some blended wines. After a lengthy debate over labeling standards, consumer expectations, and impacts on interstate wine sales, the committee passed the bill to Appropriations. AB 1605 by Assembly Member Ransom would allow judges to place a no-alcohol-sales notice on the licenses of repeat or serious DUI offenders, restricting their ability to purchase alcohol as a preventive measure. Supporters, including the California Police Chiefs Association, the Safe California Roads Coalition, and the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, said the bill would give courts another tool to reduce recidivism and save lives. Retailers and restaurant representatives raised concerns about implementation and ID-checking burdens, but the bill was amended and passed to Appropriations. AB 2211 by Assembly Member Hoover, which would allow craft distillers to operate a second tasting room, also advanced with support from the California Distillers Association. Finally, AB 1578 by Assembly Member Jackson, presented by Assembly Member Solache, would require anti-hate speech training for local and state elected officials; it drew strong opposition over First Amendment and definitional concerns, and members pressed for a clearer definition of hate speech before further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• And what this bill does, it has to do with bond elections.
• It says that if a bond election contest is not filed within 30 days after the official announcement of
• all conditions of this state election law must be deemed to have been complied with in issues of the bond
• Deemed to have been complied with in issues of the bond.

Summary: The chamber first established a quorum, then moved through House Bills for Perfection. The first major measure discussed was House Bill 305, which would set policies for reconsideration of library materials in public and school libraries, require appeals processes, and prohibit tracking or retaining personalized user data, especially for minors. Supporters framed it as a local-control and parental-rights bill that largely codifies existing library practices, while some members raised concerns about the privacy language and whether materials should be removed during reconsideration. After discussion, the House adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed. Members then took up House Bills 2366 and 2511, a bipartisan construction-industry bill aimed at combating illegal labor and off-the-books hiring. The bill would give the Attorney General more investigative authority, including subpoena power, require complaints to be made by affidavit, and impose stronger penalties on violators. Supporters said it would protect law-abiding contractors and workers and level the playing field, while some members asked about possible overreach and whether the bill could be used against businesses unfairly. The substitute was adopted and the bills were ordered perfected and printed. House Bill 2409 followed, proposing child care tax credits for contributions to providers, employer assistance, and provider expansion; it was presented as a response to Missouri’s child care shortage and workforce challenges. Members from both parties largely supported it as an economic and family policy, though one member noted the bill’s fiscal cost and contrasted it with recent budget cuts to child care subsidies. The House adopted the substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed. The chamber also considered House Bill 1885, which makes changes to the Missouri Clean Water Commission by adjusting membership qualifications and conflict-of-interest rules to make appointments easier while adding recusal procedures. Members said the changes would help fill vacancies and bring in knowledgeable members, and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. House Bill 2658 addressed telephony laws, expanding the no-call list to any phone subscriber, adding anti-spoofing provisions, and creating penalties for caller ID spoofing; an amendment adding misdemeanor penalties for spoofing was adopted, and the bill was then perfected and printed. House Bill 1919 would require more employers to file certain tax withholding documents electronically, aligning state practice with IRS rules; it passed with support and was ordered perfected and printed. Finally, House Bill 1871, an omnibus elections bill, proposed several election administration changes, including electronic receipt of notices, shifting filing deadlines away from holidays, expanding testing windows for voting equipment, protecting the confidentiality of the permanently disabled voter list, requiring tax compliance for certain local candidates, and tightening write-in candidate rules. A key amendment removed an expansion of no-excuse absentee voting to keep the fiscal note at zero; that amendment was debated at length and then adopted before the bill moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Third offense within seven years, you're on bond, if you're on community corrections, if you're wearing
• seven<00:13:12.800><c> years,</c><00:13:13.440><c> you're</c><00:13:13.600><c> on</c><00:13:13.839><c> bond
• ,</c><00:13:14.560><c> if</c><00:13:14.720><c> you're</c> seven years, you're on bond, if you're seven
• years, you're on bond, if you're on<00:13:15.279><c> community</c><00:13:15.600><c> corrections,</c>

Bills: HB227 , HB454 , SB323 , HB266 , SB52 , SB53 , SB296 , HB37 , HB429 , HB93 , HB249 , HB328 , HB111 , HB132 , HB26 , SB261 , HB227 , HB454 , SB323 , HB266 , SB52 , SB53 , SB296 , HB37 , HB429 , HB93 , HB249 , HB328 , HB111 , HB132 , HB26 , SB261

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: firefighter benefits, occupational disease, line of duty, disability pension, death benefits, retirement benefits, hypertension, heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer presumption, HIV, hepatitis, municipal firefighters, state firefighters, fire districts, workers' compensation, public safety employees, post-retirement benefits, benefit eligibility cutoff, occupational illness