Transcript Highlights:

• to item 22 from the airport district requesting approval to enter into an amended local service agreement
• The airport district is requesting to enter into an amended local services agreement with the East Baton
• to item 22 from the airport district requesting approval to enter into an amended local service agreement
• noted in Item 20, where the airport district is requesting to enter into an amended local services agreement
• Under the agreement, the authority will own the facilities for 20 years beginning after project completion

Summary: The State Bond Commission met on May 21, established a quorum, approved the April 16 minutes, and then considered a long agenda of bond, refunding, and election-related requests. Items 3 through 10 were election propositions for the November 3 ballot involving ad valorem taxes, parcel fees, and charter amendments for purposes such as fire protection, agricultural centers, neighborhood security, recreation, aging services, drainage, and roads and bridges; staff said they met technical and legal requirements, and the commission approved them. The commission also approved several local financings, including water and sewer projects, fire district equipment and facility improvements, school board and parish bonds, and refunding transactions for the East Baton Rouge City-Parish and St. James Parish School Board. A retroactive approval request from the City of Kenner related to a CEA with GMB Basketball LLC was discussed; staff made no recommendation because it was retroactive, but noted it appeared to be an oversight, and item 22, the related airport district agreement, was approved. The commission approved additional financing for the Louisiana Housing Corporation’s Federal City Building 10 affordable housing project, a preliminary approval for the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority’s Petro Tower redevelopment in Shreveport, and two Louisiana Public Facilities Authority projects: Southern University’s Scott’s Bluff student housing project and the Crescent City Schools project for Harriet Tubman Charter School. During discussion of the Crescent City Schools financing, a commissioner asked about the use of MFP funds; staff explained that lease payments would be the repayment source and that MFP dollars are generally split between educational expenses and facilities costs, with the school’s typical split around 72% instructional and 28% administrative/facilities-related. Both items were approved. The commission then received six cost-of-issuance reports for previously approved bond issues, with various fee adjustments but no motions required. It also reviewed a debt schedule update and adopted Resolution No. 2 authorizing up to $425 million in general obligation refunding bonds to refund Series 2016 bonds and tender other outstanding bonds for savings, with pricing tentatively set for June 16 and closing for June 30. In other business, the commission heard a brief public comment from New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morrell thanking the commission for helping place a charter amendment on the ballot to improve New Orleans budgeting transparency and oversight. The meeting ended after monthly reports were noted and no further business was raised.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a memorandum of agreement with both UConn and Goodwin, so the students actually cycle through
• So we have a sharing agreement right now, and it's in place until 2027.
• So the good news is we have a sharing agreement. So they've tailored your comments that way.
• Yeah, I don't have the exact number in front of me, but it's the sharing agreement.
• responsible for in full yeah it's I don't have the exact number in front of me but it's the sharing agreements

Summary: The Finance Advisory Committee approved the minutes of its April 2 meeting and then took up three budget transfers. The first, FAC 2026-6 for the Office of the State Treasurer, moved $75,000 from personal services to other expenses to pay for consultant help applying for federal energy credits under the Inflation Reduction Act’s direct pay provisions. Treasurer’s office staff said the agency had one open position and several others pending posting, and members discussed how the transfer related to vacant positions and the committee’s budget display. The second item, FAC 2026-7 for the Office of the State Controller, transferred $700,000 from personal services to other expenses to cover higher Core-CT software maintenance and licensing costs. Comptroller staff said the office had 21 open positions, most in Core-CT, and explained that the system, implemented in 2003, receives regular quarterly and monthly updates from Oracle. Members also discussed how the system serves payroll, HR, purchasing, accounting, and related functions for many state agencies, including UConn and the Board of Regents. The final item, FAC 2026-8 for the Department of Veterans Affairs, transferred $700,000 from personal services, the veterans opportunity pilot, and headstones accounts to other expenses for year-end operational needs. Commissioner Ron Welch said most vacancies were in the skilled nursing facility, food service, and physical plant, with staffing challenges especially for nurses and aides. He also explained that the veterans opportunity pilot never fully launched, that the Institutional General Welfare Fund has been depleted and the agency now relies more on general fund support, and that the department faces rising food, utility, and pharmaceutical costs, including a federal VA reimbursement change that will leave the state responsible for medication costs by 2027. All three transfers were approved, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:02:26.440><c> believe</c><00:02:26.720><c> we're</c><00:02:26.840><c> in</c><00:02:26.920><c> agreement
• </c><00:02:27.320><c> in</c> Yes, and I believe we're in agreement on the CD.
• On this one, chair, we do have an agreement on the CD as previously discussed.
• </c><00:02:56.920><c> an</c> On this one, chair, we do have an On this one, chair, we do have an agreement
• 57.560><c> the</c><00:02:57.720><c> CD</c><00:02:58.280><c> as</c><00:02:58.480><c> previously</c> Agreement

Bills: HB2241 , HB1163 , HB1514 , HB1696 , HB2021 , SB2135 , SB2466 , SB2727 , SB3082 , SB3097 , SB2861 , SCR100 , SB3096 , SB99 , SB2138 , HB2289 , HB2319 , HB1711 , HB2270 , SB3138 , SB3076 , HB1642 , HB2338 , HB2171 , HB1785 , SB2881 , HB2505 , SB2552 , HB1518 , HB1815 , SB3125 , SB3234 , SCR162 , SB2614 , SB3118 , SB2053 , SB2494 , SB2851 , SB3073 , HB1678 , HB1721 , HB2475 , HB2246 , HB1667 , HB1516 , SB2532 , SB3131 , SB3154 , HB2297 , HB1737 , SB2143 , SB2398 , SB2623 , HB1740 , HB1920 , HB1682 , SB2153 , SB3140 , HB2158 , HB1718 , HB2207 , HB1801 , SB3229 , SB2338 , SB3069 , SB2600 , HB2300 , HB1800 , HB1960 , SB2999 , SB2060 , SB2866 , SB2239 , HB1741 , HB1713 , HB2023 , HB2417 , SB2877 , SB2598 , SB2921 , SB2645 , HB2547 , HB2275 , HB2452 , HB2329 , HB2339 , HB1838 , HB1509 , HB1661 , HB2271 , HB2272 , HB2344 , HB1888 , HB1707 , SB2340 , HB2474 , HB1576 , HB1853 , HB1804 , HB1854 , HB2095 , HB2050 , HB472 , SB3215 , SB2247 , SB2400 , HB1618 , HB1802 , HB1969 , HB1541 , HB2310 , HB2498 , HB2443 , HB2218 , HB649 , HB2104 , HB1710 , SB2802 , HB1973 , HB1974 , HB1894 , HB1891 , HB1890 , SB177 , SB2101 , SB3320 , SB2487 , HB2429 , HB1870 , HB1839 , HB2583 , HB1391 , HB2094 , SB2671 , SB2673 , SB2892 , SB2057 , SB3245 , HB306 , HB2592 , SB3157 , SB3204 , SB3324 , SB2580 , SB2074 , SB411 , SB3025 , SB2934 , SB2567 , SB2125 , SB3238 , SB2367 , SB2599 , SB3007 , SB2001 , SB2756 , SB3029

Transcript Highlights:

• on its website a list of all sister city and sister state affiliations, along with copies of all agreements
• It prohibits a linkage institute from entering into an agreement or participating in activities with
• It prohibits those institutions from entering into any agreement with a foreign country of concern or
• coming from a foreign country of concern, that company would not be able to enter into a business agreement
• coming from a foreign country of concern, that company would not be able to enter into a business agreement

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 1178, the Foreign Interference Restriction and Enforcement Act. Senator Grohl explained that the bill expands state restrictions and disclosure requirements related to foreign countries of concern and designated foreign terrorist organizations, including foreign-agent registration, gift bans for public officials, ethics training, procurement limits for IT and critical infrastructure, restrictions on sister-city/sister-state affiliations, changes to linkage institutes and in-state tuition provisions, and new criminal penalties for certain offenses committed to benefit foreign governments or terrorist organizations. Senator Polsky raised questions about higher education, election technology, federal FARA overlap, and whether the bill would affect candidates or events involving CARE; the sponsor responded that the bill focuses on foreign countries of concern, ownership/control, and gifts, and does not prohibit speaking at events. An amendment clarifying definitions, willful violations, and ethics-training content was adopted, and after supportive testimony from Kelly Curry and Robert Pierce, the committee reported CS for SB 1178 favorably. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1622, which provides a one-time waiver of the automatic fine for a late-filed financial disclosure if the filing is made before the maximum fine accrues and the filer has not previously received such a waiver or accrued the maximum fine in prior years. Carrie Stillman of the Commission on Ethics testified that the bill supports transparency and makes the fine and appeals process more efficient, noting it was a commission recommendation. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee held confirmation hearings on appointments in Tabs 3 through 26. No senator requested separate votes on any appointee, no public testimony was offered, and the block of appointments was approved and recommended favorably to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have an agreement in place that has been brought by all the parties to help provide some certainty
• This is something where there is a broad agreement about by all of the people involved, and it's important
• ><c> broad</c> This is something where there is a broad This is something where there is a broad agreement
• :09.440><c> all</c><00:02:09.679><c> of</c><00:02:09.840><c> the</c><00:02:10.000><c> people</c> agreement
• about by all of the people agreement about by all of the people involved<00:02:11.200><c> and</c><00

Committee: House Rules and Legislative Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• that you've seen before from the House and Senate, this includes approving collective bargaining agreements
• Some of the larger items I will mention are, in addition to the Consumer Directed Employer Agreement
• and the Adult Family Home Agreement, there is a bridge rate funded one-time for assisted living facilities
• On the add side, there's funding for the collective bargaining agreement related to child care enhancements
• On the ad side, there's funding for the collective bargaining agreement related to child care enhancements

Summary: The conference committee met on Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5167, the state operating budget, and received a detailed staff briefing on the proposed conference report. Staff explained how to read the comparison documents, the four-year balanced-budget outlook, and the main resource assumptions, including use of the March 2025 revenue forecast, exclusion of the statutory 4.5% growth assumption, revenue legislation totaling about $8.7 billion, numerous fund transfers, and reversion assumptions. They also noted the proposal does not include a temporary salary reduction or furloughs. The briefing highlighted major policy areas and their net five-year impacts, including increases for state and higher education employee compensation, K-12 education, long-term care and developmental disabilities, corrections, information technology, and other policy items. It also described net reductions in behavioral health, children/youth/families, higher education, natural resources, other human services, and health care/public health, with many of the changes tied to delayed programs, rate adjustments, fund shifts, and savings options from Governor Ferguson. The committee then heard member comments, with supporters emphasizing K-12 funding and fiscal responsibility, and Senator Gildon opposing the process and the closed-door nature of the budget development. A motion was made and seconded to recommend adoption of the conference report and pass the bill. The roll call showed one member voting do not recommend, one member excused, and the remaining members recommending adoption. By vote of the committee, the conference report was adopted, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• we will have robust conversations once we have the ability to sort of, uh, the chair has come to agreement
• 05:14.720><c> to</c> to sort of, uh, the chair has come to to sort of, uh, the chair has come to agreement
• 15.680><c> know</c><00:05:15.840><c> where</c><00:05:16.000><c> we're</c><00:05:16.080><c> at</c> agreement
• and and know where we're at agreement and and know where we're at with<00:05:16.560><c> everything</
• We'd love if it is, but we're just going to have to see exactly what that is based on agreement.

Bills: HF2440

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

Transcript Highlights:

• I agree. ...consistent with those agreements. I'm going to be would add it.
• And I hope that we can all come to agreement that the more data we have, the more we can perfect this
• You know what the point... to agreement that the more data we have, the more we can perfect this bill
• And I think that is something that I think we could come to an agreement on.
• Written custodial agreements that clearly establish customer property rights and annual audits.

Committee: House Banking and Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• And in the process, North Dakota adjusted their legislation to provide for these agreements.
• No agreements have been made, so I’m not aware of any cost.
• But I’m not aware of any ramifications that would affect existing agreements because nothing has been
• I guess it does, the language that’s there doesn’t really even have anything that provides for agreements
• So you could sell a licensing agreement with DOD.

Committee: Joint Government Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• controlled drugs is not permitted to pharmacists in the state of New Hampshire because there's no agreement
• :29:30.720><c> And</c><00:29:31.040><c> if</c><00:29:31.440><c> we</c><00:29:31.880><c> were</c> agreement
• And if we were agreement with the DEA.
• </c> non-disclosure agreements non-disclosure agreements and<01:12:59.760><c> so</c><01:13:00.000><c>
• Because the chair has already indicated, and several of the witnesses are shaking their heads in agreement

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• This language and this agreement is in state statute, and it is also in the use agreement contract between
• Per our agreement, the Vikings pay all of our game-day expenses to play our games in U.S.
• We would love to be in a position to maintain this building and this agreement.
• </c> investment as part of this agreement investment as part of this agreement between<00:47:21.680><
• Uh finally, I just and this agreement.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• The city of Jericho was granted a payment agreement less than 10% allowed by the law.
• Following terms of the agreement were not properly executed.
• The agreement was not formally renewed on an annual basis.
• In any way, the quorum court and the judge now, we've redone an interlocal agreement with the city.
• And I have a copy of the interlocal agreement with me if you wish to look at it.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Summary: The committee approved the February 12 minutes and then received updates on delinquent municipal water and sewer reports, noting substantial progress in bringing cities back into compliance. Several items were deferred at the request of local officials, including Fargo’s municipal accounting code report, Jericho’s misuse of street funds matter, Biggers, Holly Grove, Gilmore, and several private water and sewer reports lacking proper responses. The committee also filed a number of reports with no questions or with resolved findings. A lengthy portion of the meeting focused on repeat audit findings and management responses. The City of Strong’s mayor described corrective steps on undeposited funds, improper use of solid waste funds, unsupported spending, IRS payroll tax issues, accounting controls, restricted fund transfers, and budget overruns; the committee commended the city’s efforts and filed the report. Calhoun County’s report, involving improper county spending for an appreciation banquet and altered receipts in the collector’s office, was also filed after discussion about educating local officials on constitutional spending limits. Other reports filed included Salem, Briarcliffe, Compton Water Association, and Montgomery County Regional Public Water Authority, while several private water reports were deferred or referred to prosecutors and the Attorney General. The committee reviewed a major regional solid waste management districts report, with significant findings for Pulaski County and Faulkner County involving unapproved payroll items, missing documentation, vehicle and cell phone use, lack of competitive bids, and weak internal controls; Benton County had fewer issues, and several districts had no findings. On motion, the Pulaski County report was deferred so district representatives could answer questions. The committee also heard from Nevada County, where unauthorized withdrawals and interlocal landfill agreement problems were discussed; the county judge said the issues were being corrected, and the report was filed. Later, the committee heard from the City of Grubbs about long-standing IRS debt and from Cross County Rural Water System about overdue audit posting and water quality problems; both witnesses described corrective efforts and ongoing funding or infrastructure projects, and the committee filed the reports after extensive discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• If the parties are unable to come to an agreement within 90 days of the permit being submitted, the county
• One amendment made sure that any current obligations or current operating agreements will be in place
• may at times prohibit permanent supportive housing or may require additional permits, licenses, agreements
• So that has been a desire on the operating agreement side.
• expectations. ...are not currently authorized to have these sort of funding agreements expectations,

Bills: HB2304 , SGA9280 , SGA9281

Committee: Senate Housing

Keywords: condominium, housing, warranty, property rights, construction

Transcript Highlights:

• But each time, they work out an agreement, a home agreement, in which they have.
• They work out an agreement, a home agreement, in which they have to be able to show that they have electric
• But each time, they work out an agreement, a home agreement, in which they have. they work out an agreement
• , a home agreement in which they have to be able to show that they have electric, that they have Wi-Fi
• If they can go out and they sign an agreement and the judges go along with it, the lawyers go along with

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Transcript Highlights:

• or unrecorded instrument to prohibit the use of the real property for a specific use under that agreement
• House Bill 2294 would prohibit these types of agreements that impose negative use restrictions on real
• for existing restrictions, the bill is prospective only, and the prohibition would not apply to an agreement
• Under the relocation exception, the prohibition would not apply to an agreement imposing a negative use
• Under the relocation exception, the prohibition would not apply to an agreement imposing a negative use

Bills: HB2229 , HB2274 , HB2294 , HB1269 , HB1078

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

Keywords: professional engineers, registration act, licensing, engineering practice, state regulations, email regulation, commercial communications, consumer protection, data privacy, electronic mail, consumer access, real property, food security, medicine access, restriction, pawnbroker, fees, interest rates, financial regulation, pet insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• just a brief explanation of what our voluntary disclosure program is and the voluntary disclosure agreements
• that we offer to taxpayers, and then talk about the expanded voluntary disclosure agreement that we
• So just briefly, what is a voluntary disclosure agreement?
• So then, looking at an investment income expanded voluntary disclosure agreement, this is available to
• So then, looking at an investment income expanded voluntary disclosure agreement, this is available to

Committee: House Finance

Summary: The House Finance Committee held a work session that began with welcoming new member Rep. Janice Zahn, who introduced herself as representing the 41st Legislative District. The committee then received a Department of Revenue update on the Antio-related legislation. DOR explained the Washington Supreme Court’s Antio decision on the B&O deduction for investment income, the department’s post-decision guidance, and the 2025 legislative changes in HB 2081 and SB 5167, including an expanded voluntary disclosure agreement for entities with unreported investment income. DOR said the expanded program offers broader penalty and interest relief and applies to both registered and unregistered businesses, but participation has been minimal so far because additional implementation questions remain unresolved. The committee next heard the annual update on the Working Families Tax Credit. DOR reported record participation in 2025, with about $205 million refunded through the first 10 months and a major increase in applications after TurboTax integrated the credit. Officials said the program reached more than 409,000 children this year, but demographic response rates fell because TurboTax did not present optional demographic questions. DOR also discussed outreach efforts, the end of funding for community outreach partners after 2025, and challenges including fraud involving third-party preparers, turnover in eligible households, immigration-related reluctance among ITIN holders, data-sharing barriers, and difficulty verifying self-employment income. Members asked about fraud remedies, and DOR said it can pursue recipients for fraudulent refunds and may work with law enforcement, but the statute does not provide direct penalties against preparers. The final DOR presentation covered implementation of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5814, which expanded retail sales tax to certain services effective October 1. DOR described its outreach and guidance process, including 16 listening sessions, an online survey, a centralized guidance page, special notices, and about 95,000 direct taxpayer contacts. Officials said ruling requests surged sharply around the effective date, especially for live presentations, advertising, and software/IT services, and formal rulemaking is expected after the 2026 session. Committee members questioned whether the fiscal note anticipated impacts on schools and nonprofits and whether the department’s estimates should be revisited. The committee then heard stakeholder testimony from Expedia, T-Mobile, and the Construction Industry Training Council, followed by Clover Park School District and Seattle Theatre Group/Inspire Washington. Witnesses argued that SB 5814 creates complexity, uncertainty, and competitive disadvantages for Washington businesses and nonprofits, especially for digital advertising, IT, training, and live presentation services. School and nonprofit representatives said the tax raises costs for education, apprenticeship, arts, and cultural programming, with Clover Park warning of a roughly $1.2 million annual hit to special education-related contracted services. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair saying the committee would continue working on SB 5814 issues in the next legislative session.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, after signing this agreement, the supervising physician has no further obligations.
• So they sign an agreement, and then they go about their life.
• The company I worked for had one, had them sign my agreement, and I've never met him to this day.
• So they sign an agreement, and then they go about their life.
• One, had them signed my agreement, and I've never met him to this day.

Summary: The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee heard and advanced several health care bills. HB 909, joining the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, was presented with a strike-all amendment and reported favorably as amended by a 13-0 vote. HB 911, the related public records exemption protecting certain biological information, was also adopted and reported favorably as amended by a 14-0 vote. CS for HB 597, allowing schools to procure and administer glucagon for students with diabetes under trained personnel, passed unanimously 14-0 after a technical amendment. HB 519, aligning state law with federal language on controlled substances administered by paramedics, passed as amended 14-0. The committee then took up HB 919 on nursing education programs. Sponsor Rep. Overdorf argued the bill would create accountability for underperforming nursing schools by requiring remediation, tuition refunds in the lowest-performing programs, and public reporting of passage rates. Supporters said it would improve quality and protect students from debt without licensure success, while opponents from private nursing schools warned it could close programs and reduce nurse supply. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably 15-0. HB 1553, which would require health care providers to submit identified uterine fibroid data so the Department of Health can implement the research database previously authorized by law, passed unanimously 15-0. The final bill, HB 883, would allow psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners to practice autonomously; supporters said it would expand access to mental health care, especially in rural and underserved areas, while opponents raised concerns about quality and physician oversight. After lengthy testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably 14-3.

Transcript Highlights:

• So for the first time—oh, and I'm sorry, back to—we have two other agreements that, since we didn't know
• In relation to what Peter said about the articulation agreement in the Central Florida chapter, we...
• Yeah, in relation to what Peter said about the articulation agreement, in the Central Florida chapter
• I had a question about the local education agreements.
• And do the reimbursements, are those standard across the state or do they differ based on the agreements

Summary: The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee met to discuss apprenticeship education and workforce development, with panelists from Santa Fe College, the Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association, ABC East Coast/ABC Institute, and Piper Fire Protection. Members heard that apprenticeships are growing in Florida, with panelists emphasizing that these programs offer paid, tuition-free training, progressive wage increases, and strong job placement in high-demand fields such as HVAC, electrical, fire protection, and construction. Panelists also described efforts to expand into new areas like accounting, cybersecurity, network infrastructure, and surgical technology, while stressing the importance of aligning programs with employer demand. A major topic was funding and reimbursement. Panelists said the current model is complicated and often leaves providers with only a portion of the funds appropriated for apprentices, with one provider saying reimbursement can be as low as 44% and others describing caps, contract delays, and inconsistent CareerSource support. They argued that more of the money should reach training providers, that small businesses need more support to participate, and that transparency and contract reform could help expand enrollment and improve program quality. Several also raised barriers such as instructor approval rules, paperwork, and facility costs. Members asked about admission criteria, program costs, employer incentives, outreach to high school students, and whether apprenticeships should have greater access to other funding sources. Panelists said the main requirements are being employed and willing to work and learn, and that outreach through schools, career fairs, community partnerships, and public awareness campaigns is essential. They also discussed articulation agreements that can provide college credit for apprenticeship training and suggested statewide credit recognition and possible direct funding to providers as policy improvements. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with the subcommittee adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• defer to DAGS and the department to work out any issues related to hoteling or space needs or lease agreements
• /c><00:05:42.880><c> or</c><00:05:43.440><c> uh</c><00:05:43.560><c> lease</c><00:05:43.960><c> agreements
• </c><00:05:44.479><c> or</c> space needs or uh lease agreements or space needs or uh lease agreements
• </c><00:09:48.000><c> is</c><00:09:48.200><c> based</c><00:09:48.480><c> on</c> apprenticeship agreement
• is based on apprenticeship agreement is based on Apprentice<00:09:50.279><c> trades</c><00:09:50.680

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Summary: The committee met for joint decision-making on several measures related to elections, telework, procurement, hiring, public records, and public meetings. On Senate Bill 444, testimony was largely opposed or in comment, and the chairs said the bill raised real issues that needed more time; they deferred it for the year. Senate Bill 1091 on telework and space allocation drew support and discussion about DAGS’ role versus the Department of Human Resources; the committee agreed to amend it in a Senate Draft 1 to remove reference to OE, add a DAGS management analyst position, change “positions” to “allocations,” limit the assessment to executive branch departments in DAGS-managed or DAGS-leased facilities, and add a defective date, then passed it with amendments. Senate Bill 1057 on apprenticeship-related bid incentives received mixed testimony, including support from labor and opposition from some contractor groups, and was passed as a Senate Draft 1 with technical amendments and a defective date. Senate Bill 1065 on skills-based hiring, which would bar bachelor’s degree requirements for most state jobs with exemptions, had support from the Comptroller and outside groups and was passed with technical amendments and a defective date. The committee also took up several procurement and accountability measures. Senate Bill 92 on emergency medical response/defibrillators was deferred indefinitely because a pilot project is already underway in the Capitol building and the committee wants to use that information before expanding. Senate Bill 1175 on a past-performance procurement database was amended to add general fund appropriations and committee-report language about funding needs, then passed. Senate Bill 1587 on retainage was heavily amended to define total project budget, revise retainage language, leave key percentage and day limits blank for further review, limit application to contracts executed after January 1, 2026, and add a defective date; it passed as amended. Senate Bill 1543 on government accountability was amended to incorporate procurement officer changes and add language ensuring inherent government functions are not delegated to contractors, then passed. Senate Bill 1255 on government records was amended to clarify that records used in performing a government function are public records subject to UIPA, add contractor recordkeeping/access requirements, protect certain confidential contract information, and add a defective date; it passed. Additional measures were either deferred or advanced with amendments. Senate Bill 1513 on appropriations was deferred to a time certain on February 11. Senate Bill 1616 on care centers was converted into a feasibility study and passed with a defective date. Senate Bill 74 on state construction projects was deferred indefinitely due to concerns it could slow projects and duplicate another measure. Senate Bill 125 on state organizations and administrations was amended to codify Administrative Directive 19-02, with a note about a possible title issue, and passed. Senate Bill 786 on government records was deferred to February 11 for further amendment work. Senate Bill 1611 on government positions was amended by removing section two and passed. Senate Bill 1637 was deferred for the year after testimony indicated the action could already be done. Senate Bill 1651 on public meetings was amended to require board packets by the third business day before a meeting, remove the word “full,” and adjust notice language, then passed. Senate Bill 1617 on public meetings was deferred because the Office of Information Practices reported no complaints. Senate Bill 1253 on boards and commissions was deferred indefinitely due to no testimony. Senate Bill 1031 on advisory referendums was deferred to February 11 for possible amendments. Senate Bill 1306 on a procurement automation special fund was amended to align procurement statutes and add the School Facilities Authority executive director as a chief procurement officer, then passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when acting within the scope of the agreement, well if they're not to the project yet, they're not
• acting within the scope of the agreement.
• If they're done with the project and they're gone, they're not acting within the scope of the agreement
• Within the scope of the agreement. So I don't have a problem with him having immunity.

Committee: House Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight

Summary: The Committee on Transportation met with a quorum and took up House Bill 2926 in executive session. Members discussed an amendment clarifying the bill’s intent regarding tort and sovereign immunity for private contractors and subcontractors working on MoDOT projects, particularly to limit liability when they are not yet on site or have finished work, while still allowing claims for negligent or reckless acts. Several members raised concerns about how the language would apply in practice, including to design flaws, on-site work, and the scope of immunity, and others noted it mirrors federal contractor protections and would still leave disputes to the courts. The committee adopted amendment 0.02H, then rolled it into a new substitute and adopted the substitute. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2926 was then moved do pass and approved by a roll call vote of 8 ayes, 1 no, and 3 present. Representative Woods voted no, while several members voted aye and others were recorded present or absent. The committee then adjourned.