Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:27:08.080><c> one</c> um and and I will I think section one um and and I will I think section
• The language I use in this bill is from RSA 41, sections B and C.
• section succeeded.
• of RSA that is a reminder to those operating in this section of law.
• </c> those operating in this section of law. those operating in this section of law.

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee convened for a day of public hearings on nine bills, with plans to later execute several early bills and possibly additional measures under House Rule 44. Chair Diane Pauer outlined time limits for sponsors and testimony, announced a lunch break around noon, and noted substitute members would be arriving later. The first hearing was on House Bill 1107, which would allow municipal budget committees to have one to three alternate members. Representative Valon, the prime sponsor, said the bill was intended to help towns like Epping deal with quorum problems during the compressed budget season and noted that alternates are common on other local boards. The New Hampshire Municipal Association testified in support, saying the bill would increase flexibility and help fill seats. Committee members raised concerns about whether alternates should be elected, how they would be selected, whether they would be sufficiently informed to vote, and whether the bill’s one-year term language and rescission provisions were clear. The sponsor and NHMA said the process would be consistent with other local boards, that alternates would typically be appointed after elections, and that they would follow up on possible statutory clarification. The hearing closed with six remote supporters, one paper supporter, and no opposition reported. The committee then heard House Bill 1118, sponsored by Representative Colby, which would raise the daily amount municipal employees may hold before remitting funds to the treasurer from the current $1,500 limit to $3,500. Colby said the existing thresholds are outdated, have not been updated in about 20 years, and create burdens for smaller towns that must make frequent bank deposits, sometimes far from town offices. She said the bill would improve efficiency and allow staff to focus more on serving residents, while still allowing municipalities to keep lower limits if they choose. Members asked about how the remittance process works in practice, what amounts municipalities typically collect, and whether the change reflected a broader trend of updating cash-handling thresholds. The sponsor explained that the bill only changes the dollar thresholds in the relevant statutes and does not require municipalities to adopt the higher limit. The transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1118 is reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• You can see that in section three, and it's in section three that brings the judicial branch into the
• see that in section three and it's<00:09:26.720><c> in</c><00:09:26.959><c> section</c><00:09:27.200
• The food our food protection section.
• Uh believe in our immunization section.
• Uh this draws to is section 467 of HB2.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:06:27.360><c> that</c> pupil um and then the next sections that pupil um and then the next sections
• Generally, section that proposes it is section 18 of HB 2. Oh, in the budget, it is also on 1075.
• that proposes it is generally section that proposes it is section<00:49:30.079><c> 18</c><00:49:30.599
• So for those watching at home, I believe it's Section 120 on page 54 of HB 2.
• </c> house bill to um perhaps some sections house bill to um perhaps some sections that<05:13:15.080>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division II committee heard a Department of Education budget presentation from Commissioner Frank Edelblut and CFO Tammy Valen-cour. The department outlined its organizational structure and emphasized that it functions largely as a flow-through agency for school funding. The commissioner reviewed general fund and Education Trust Fund items, including state aid, dropout prevention, special education, building aid, lease aid, charter schools, Education Freedom Accounts, and the district adequacy calculation. He also highlighted the public school infrastructure fund, saying the state has invested well over $50 million in school safety since 2018 for measures such as access controls, locks, and window film, and argued that safety spending should be ongoing rather than reactive. Members asked about the variability in the school infrastructure line, special education aid, and the Discovery Education learning platform. Edelblut explained that some safety funding had come from one-time surplus appropriations rather than the agency line, and said special education aid was underappropriated because districts submitted more invoices than expected; he said the governor added $16 million to address the shortfall. He also described CTE renovation funding, noting four projects were initially proposed but only Jaffrey and Milford were still moving forward, with local votes required and the state covering 75% of costs. He said Milford’s project was omitted from the governor’s budget by oversight. The department also reviewed enrollment trends, noting public school enrollment has fallen from about 230,000 students in 2002 to about 185,000 today. Edelblut clarified that charter students are not eligible for Education Freedom Accounts, while EFA students attending non-public schools are counted as EFA students. He described several one-time surplus-funded initiatives, including Student Clearinghouse, MTSSB work, civics curriculum development, computer science education, and adult education. He also discussed a $4 million CTE tuition and transportation grant, saying it was kept as a competitive grant rather than a formula grant to avoid creating an ongoing maintenance-of-effort commitment that could jeopardize federal Perkins funding. In the final portion, Edelblut identified prioritized needs in the department’s budget, especially funding for a state administrator for assessment to support the legislatively required civics assessment, and additional support for the Discovery Education platform. He said every school in the state is using the platform and cited more than 1.5 million educator engagements, while a member raised concerns about mixed reviews and uneven district awareness of the program. No votes or formal actions were taken during the presentation and question period.

Transcript Highlights:

• It repeals these sections as obsolete.
• </c> It repeals these sections as obsolete. It repeals these sections as obsolete.
• </c> section 16 5A-52 provides section 16 5A-52 provides basis<06:17:49.880><c> for</c><06:17:50.040>
• </c><07:30:52.840><c> 41-23-2</c> as defined in section 41-23-2 as defined in section 41-23-2 12<07:30
• </c> precedent to uh section C1. precedent to uh section C1.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then adopted a resolution honoring Dr. Todd Freeman, Superintendent of Vestavia Hills City Schools, as Alabama Superintendent of the Year. Senators praised his leadership in public education and noted the recognition was especially meaningful as one of the last such honors in the current chamber. The Senate also adopted a resolution commending the 2026 Alabama Law Institute Senate interns for their service, and members offered personal remarks thanking the interns and encouraging them to remain and contribute to Alabama in the future. The chamber then took up several conference committee and House messages. The Senate concurred in the conference report on Senate Bill 341 after extended remarks, and later concurred in the conference report on Senate Bill 32, described as a veterans-related bill that would make benefits automatic for those under the federal poverty level and allow cities and counties to opt in for veterans above that level. The Senate also received House amendments to Senate Bill 199, concerning sex offenders, and voted to non-concur and send the bill to conference, naming conferees. In resolutions from the Rules Committee, the Senate adopted an amended House Joint Resolution 198 establishing the Alabama Mental Health Task Force. It also adopted House Joint Resolution 326, which recognizes the need for a north-south transportation route in East Alabama. Throughout the meeting, senators made extended floor remarks about slowing down on legislation, focusing on rural hospitals and other priorities, and the importance of treating children, seniors, and low-income residents fairly.

Transcript Highlights:

• act um adding section five a sunset act um adding section five a sunset Clause<04:08:45.080><c> this<
• </c><04:08:52.000><c> 6</c> pursuant to section 6 pursuant to section 6 E-8<04:08:54.520><c> 6</c><04
• </c><04:10:11.359><c> 201h</c> the bill it talks about uh section 201h the bill it talks about uh section
• The State of Hawaiʻi's Constitution, Article I, Section 10, and Section 14 gives greater protections
• Article 1 Section 10 and section<04:54:29.520><c> 14</c><04:54:30.440><c> gives</c><04:54:30.920><c>

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, that subsection uh, section 5.
• Regarding attached versus detached in this first section, this is just a simple clerical update.
• ,</c><01:15:15.840><c> um,</c> versus detach in this first section, um, versus detach in this first section
• </c><05:09:48.718><c> This</c><05:09:48.958><c> is</c> covered in the prior section.
• This is covered in the prior section.

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on HB 1065, a housing bill that would clarify when multifamily and mixed-use housing may be allowed on commercially zoned land, define infrastructure standards, and preserve municipal discretion over where such development can occur. Prime sponsor Representative David Priest said the bill is intended to help address the housing shortage by using already developed commercial areas without overriding local planning. The New Hampshire Municipal Association, through Brody Dees, said it supports the bill and views it as a priority, but noted it is still discussing related language with stakeholders and wants clearer definitions for multifamily development, infrastructure, and adaptive reuse while preserving local control over commercial land use. Testimony was mixed. Ivy Van, a certified planner, opposed the bill because she said the infrastructure language is too restrictive and could exclude properties served by private utilities or septic systems. Chris Freeman, a housing provider, was generally supportive but recommended technical changes, arguing the infrastructure definition may be too broad and that the adaptive reuse language could unintentionally block useful building modifications. He said the bill should be clarified so it does not discourage reuse projects. The committee then moved to discussion of an accessory dwelling unit bill, with Representative Turkot describing changes that would shift some ADU approvals from a matter of right to conditional use or special exception, allow municipalities more control over attached versus detached units, set parking standards tied to single-family dwellings, and adjust size limits. He argued the bill would restore local discretion and prevent ADUs from becoming primarily rental units. Representative Reed pushed back, saying detached ADUs can help meet housing needs and provide opportunities for small landlords, while other members questioned how the bill would affect existing detached structures and breezeways. No votes were taken in the excerpt, and the chair also noted a recess and time limits for later testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• The sections 22 through 26, which is the truth and labeling...
• So there was a section in here regarding nest-run eggs at 55 degrees.
• c> put</c><05:06:24.878><c> your</c> First section is simply put your First section is simply put your
• </c> the fact that it's only three sections the fact that it's only three sections all<05:09:18.878><
• ><c> are</c><05:09:20.000><c> required</c> all three sections of which are required all three sections

Committee: House Environment and Agriculture

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker Mariano of Quincy, reports that a precept be issued by the Speaker under the provisions of Section
• Speaker Mariano of Quincy, reports that a precept be issued by the Speaker under the provisions of Section

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several routine matters reported by the Committee on Rules. It adopted a resolution filed by Representative Pacheco honoring Partners for Youth with Disabilities on its 40th anniversary after suspending the rules. The House also adopted an order from Speaker Mariano setting Tuesday, June 10, 2025, as the date for the special election to fill the vacancy in the Third Bristol District, again after a motion to suspend the rules. Members then observed a moment of silent tribute for James Richardson of Shelburne, recognizing his long service as an elected assessor and tree warden and his contributions to the community. The House subsequently adopted an order to adjourn and reconvene on Thursday at 11 a.m. The session ended with a motion to adjourn, which was approved, and the House stood adjourned to meet Thursday next at 11 a.m. in an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• disapproval of certain items and reductions of certain items, and also recommending amendments of certain sections
• The items and reductions of certain items, and also recommendations of amendments of certain sections

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House received a gubernatorial message returning the fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill (House No. 4244) with disapprovals, reductions, and recommended amendments. The message was filed as House No. 4250, and the portions concerning disapprovals and reductions were referred to the Committee on Ways and Means under Joint Rule 30, with the remaining matter referred to the Committee on Bills and Third Reading. The House also considered a committee-reported resolution congratulating Fire Chief Brian C. Hickey on his retirement from the Town of Webster Fire Department. After suspension of the rules, the resolution was adopted. In addition, the House took up House No. 972, authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to supply water to the Linfield Center Water District in Linfield. The House suspended Rule 7A, ordered the bill to a third reading, and advanced it accordingly. Finally, the House adopted an order to adjourn when it next adjourned until Monday at 11 a.m. Mr. Jones of North Reading then moved immediate adjournment, and the House adjourned to meet Monday next at 11 a.m. in an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The concern is that they may not conform to that provision of Article 4, Part 2, Section 20.
• has a provision in it where it withholds the counties from the expenditure limitation of Article 9, Section

Summary: The committee considered a mass motion declaring House Bills 4154, 4155, 4156, 4157, 4158, 4159, 4161, 4162, 4163, 4165, 4166, 4169, and Senate Bill 1630 constitutional and in proper form. Tim Fleming of the Rules Office said all of the measures were either budget bills or, in the case of SB 1630, separately reviewed and found constitutional and in proper form. He said the budget package was substantially constitutional and in proper form, but repeated several cautions about common issues in budget bills, including footnotes or directives that may go beyond appropriations, conditions placed on appropriations that could raise separation-of-powers concerns, and nonprofit funding that could implicate the gift clause or special legislation concerns. He also noted a provision in the health bill limiting counties from the expenditure limitation of Article 9, Section 20, which he said is not enforceable. After brief discussion and no further questions, the committee voted on the motion. The vote was 8 ayes and 0 nays, and the measures were recommended as constitutional and in proper form.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're seeking a specific amendment in Education Code Section 60642.7.
• This section defines policy on appropriate use in two main areas: permitted instructional uses and strict
• But if the questions that I had were in reference to a specific Ed Code section concerning alignment,
• as well as some other specific... ...with the framework, as well as some other specific Ed Code sections
• the statewide data system, relocate contractor fingerprinting requirements to the appropriate code sections

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll call the Budget Section Leadership Division meeting to order and ask the clerk to take the roll.
• There had been some discussions about different lines of credit, and in here we do actually include a section
• well as the deferred admissions, and we will be receiving a report from DOCR at the September budget section
• well as the deferred admissions and we will be receiving a report from DOCR at the September budget section
• Also in that section, there is an update on the Grand Forks Air Force Base Elementary School Project.

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes before hearing a series of informational updates. The Petroleum Council reported that North Dakota oil production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with activity shifting northward in the Bakken as technology improves and three- and four-mile laterals boost well performance. The presentation also discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, the importance of pipelines and other linear infrastructure, and enhanced oil recovery pilot projects supported by state and federal funding. Members asked questions about gas production taxes, natural gas liquids, and the outlook for drilling rigs and future production. The Office of State Tax Commissioner then reviewed the federal “big beautiful bill” and its estimated effect on North Dakota individual and business income tax collections. Staff explained that most of the individual income tax impact comes from the permanent increase in the standard deduction, while temporary provisions such as senior deductions, tip and overtime exclusions, and auto loan interest deductions have smaller or limited-term effects. They also noted that business tax changes, especially depreciation and expensing provisions, create a larger near-term cash impact, and that some FY25 collections likely reflected one-time oil field transactions that may have inflated the baseline used in earlier estimates. OMB provided updates on major capital projects and facility funding. For Capitol grounds improvements, officials described plans for 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding upgrades, public seating, lighting, tree management, and possible restroom and lobby reconfiguration, while also noting the governor’s residence security project and the discovery of human remains on the Capitol grounds. OMB and its consultants also reported on the state facility maintenance fund, including window replacement, boiler work, roof and foundation repairs, and a new facility conditions assessment covering more state buildings. Updates were also given on the new state hospital in Jamestown, the Minot state office building, and the use of federal state fiscal recovery funds, including possible future reallocations to the Department of Corrections. Finally, Legislative Council staff summarized the interim compliance report on legislative intent and trust fund activity, highlighting the status of lines of credit, Bank of North Dakota profit transfers, the statewide litigation pool, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, corrections planning, HHS program updates, and a likely future general fund request for the unemployment insurance modernization project. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes; the meeting was primarily informational, with members asking clarifying questions throughout.

Transcript Highlights:

• The hearing will be divided into four sections.
• The court concluded that both Article 2, Section 17 of the Washington Constitution and the constitutional
• And you can see the language in Article 2, Section 17.
• other existing provision of the law or directly impact current municipal or agency RAOs, other than a section
• reach out to different health care providers when things like this happen, especially when there's a Section

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with committee chairs explaining the Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions’ role under Article 48 and outlining the process for initiative petition 25-14, H5-004, an act to improve access to public records. The first panel consisted of subject-matter experts. William Clark of the National Conference of State Legislatures gave an overview of public records laws across states, noting that all states have some form of open-records law but that exemptions for legislatures vary widely. He discussed common legislative exemptions, legislative privilege, and court cases showing that outcomes often turn on specific constitutional and statutory language. Rebecca Murray, General Counsel for the Secretary of the Commonwealth, described Massachusetts public records trends, saying state agency requests and appeals have risen sharply since the 2017 law update, with 2025 setting a record for appeals. She said the initiative would extend the public records law to the General Court and the Governor’s Office and add exemptions specific to those offices, while also noting resource concerns from the growing volume of requests and appeals.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 53 of the Climate Act establishes a cumulative impact analysis provision, which requires applicants
• meet The bill is specifically for large-scale gas expansions that meet the threshold of Chapter 164, Section
• But I am most concerned about sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9 that would undercut the administration's
• the climate crisis and may expose the Commonwealth to lawsuits questioning compliance with these sections
• I also oppose Section 80 that would raise energy costs for all ratepayers because of the incredibly high

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of late-file energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on battery storage siting, gas system expansion, propane consumer protections, gas workforce safety, and a Taunton home-rule petition on water rates for manufactured housing communities. Representative Sweeney urged support for H. 4689 and H. 4690, which would impose a moratorium and setback requirements for lithium battery storage facilities, citing fire risk, proximity to homes, and environmental concerns. Several local officials and residents from Oakham, Tewksbury, and other communities described proposed battery projects near homes, schools, wetlands, and conservation land, while industry and clean-energy advocates argued the bills would effectively block storage development and conflict with state energy goals and existing fire-safety standards. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2290/H. 3547, a bill to prevent gas expansion near environmental justice communities, from environmental justice advocates, municipal officials, and clean-energy groups. Testimony emphasized rising gas bills, the cost of new pipelines, methane and health impacts, and the need to avoid locking in long-term gas infrastructure costs. Witnesses also discussed related bills on gas workforce safety, gas shut-off valves, and gas meter replacement plans, with labor representatives supporting safety-focused measures and opposing changes they said would weaken inspections, while consumer and environmental advocates argued that some utility replacement practices are unnecessarily expensive and should be reined in to reduce ratepayer costs. Other testimony included support for H. 3518 on propane gas ratepayer protections, with the witness arguing for clearer contract terms and website price disclosure, and support for S. 2652, which would authorize Taunton to create a separate water billing rate for manufactured housing communities because residents there are effectively paying higher water costs through rent due to a single master meter. No committee votes or final actions were taken during the hearing, and members mostly asked brief clarifying questions or made no comment after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is basically the section that is fundamentally unchanged, so if after seven days the animal has
• This is basically the section that is fundamentally unchanged, so if after seven days the animal has
• that</c><01:39:57.679><c> is</c><01:39:58.080><c> fundamentally</c><01:39:58.800><c> un</c> um the section
• that is fundamentally un um the section that is fundamentally un unchanged<01:40:00.000><c> that</c>
• Lost it here.<01:41:24.000><c> Um</c> different<01:41:30.080><c> section.

Committee: House Environment and Agriculture

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you look in, I think it's, I was looking at it earlier, I think in 253 in another section, they refer
• This bill creates a statutory framework for the complex litigation section program in the 19th Judicial
• Cases that are referred to this section go through a formal evaluation process that has been established
• He's on the First Circuit now, and the judge is Judge Tarvel Smith, who is in charge of this section
• otherwise not impede, but can create congestion within dockets by allocating it to this specific section

Committee: Senate Judiciary A

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, with that, we're going to start Section B. You're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Members, this is Section C, still page 75. I'm good with either way.
• So we're divided into basically two different sections.
• All right, members, that takes us to Section D, the governor's letters.
• And on page two of the letter is a request to amend their Racing Commission casino gaming section appropriation

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Summary: The committee first received a report on the executive protection detail, which was filed without questions. Members were then given a long advance list of House and Senate bills ready for consideration, followed by several amendment requests from agencies. The committee adopted amendments for the Auditor of State to increase special deputy expense allowance, the Administrative Office of the Courts for court interpreters and substitute court reporters, and several other items including local sales tax refunds, county property tax redistribution, and local law enforcement funding. It also held one amendment on House Bill 1034 and moved a Northwest Arkansas Community College cash fund increase tied to tornado-related campus repairs. The committee then considered a series of member amendments and appropriation items, including increases for the Public Defender Commission and deputy prosecuting attorneys to cover higher bar license fees, and a $12 million federal appropriation-only item. A lengthy discussion followed on a proposal from Senator Wallace and Representative Tosh to fund a pilot program for prison cell-phone detection/jamming technology at two correctional facilities. Sponsors and Department of Corrections officials said the system would target illegal contraband phones, would be procured through an RFP, and would be a two-year pilot; members raised questions about legality, cost, scope, data, and whether the department should use existing budget authority. The committee ultimately advanced the item by motion. The committee also took up an amendment from Senator Caldwell for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, seeking a $4 million appropriation increase. Testimony emphasized that the division’s extension offices and research functions are underfunded, that salaries are not competitive, and that the request would help with staffing and flexibility; other members questioned why the division needed more appropriation authority when it already had room under current limits and noted that the request exceeded the higher education board’s recommendation. The amendment was adopted after extended debate. Finally, the committee began acting on governor’s letters, adopting amendments for a $150 million increase to the homestead property tax credit, a $23,000 reallocation for the Insurance Department’s conference costs, $100,000 for property appraisal review work, $1.5 million for career and technical education professional development, $300,000 for DFA regulatory federal spending, $5 million for Inspector General fraud investigations, a consolidation of appraiser/abstractor/home inspector appropriations, deletion of a completed Fort Chaffee readiness center appropriation, and a revised reappropriation for corrections capital projects that would add special language restricting use of the $73.7 million prison-expansion reappropriation. The committee also heard a summary of a supplemental appropriations package involving fund transfers for pregnancy resource centers, senior centers, assistance grants, used tires, and UAMS pregnancy/stroke programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can always revisit as we go through the different sections, right? Let us do them in pieces.
• conversation breakout search sections you<00:23:19.560><c> guys</c><00:23:19.720><c> should</c><00:23
• through We can always revisit as we go through the<00:23:58.240><c> different</c><00:23:58.720><c> sections
• </c><00:23:59.840><c> But,</c><00:24:00.720><c> so</c> the different sections, right?
• But, so the different sections, right?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Housing, Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, and later Water, Land, Culture and the Arts and Housing, heard several resolutions related to affordable housing and the East Kapolei transit-oriented development area. SCR 48 and SR 47 proposed declaring that affordable housing credits are perpetual until redeemed, and testimony from DHHL, OPSD, and NAIOP Hawaii supported clarifying that intent. The committees voted to pass SCR 48 and SR 47 unamended. The committees then considered SCR 107 and SR 101, which were amended to make clear the resolution applies only to the City and County of Honolulu and will be carried out in collaboration with the Department of Housing and Land Management and the Department of Planning and Permitting. Those measures were recommended for passage with amendments and adopted by the committees. In the later joint hearing, SCR 68 and SR 63 addressed the East Kapolei TOD project, urging DLNR to transfer certain parcels to HHFDC and urging HHFDC to work with HCDA on the non-housing portions of the project. Testimony from DLNR, HHFDC, HCDA, and DHHL focused on the balance between housing and revenue-generating or light industrial uses, the need for an EIS and market study, and the possibility of MOAs to memorialize agreements. After discussion, the committees amended the resolutions to prioritize rental housing as well as for-sale housing and to require MOAs before the board, then passed SCR 68 and SR 63 with amendments by unanimous votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, if you look up on page three, up at line four, we already include in current law space or section
• President, I'm just curious on page E, section C, that is added there which are the minimal requirements
• That section, I believe is to help physicians determine their compensation.
• Referenced here, paragraph 3, section 567.4A, and it says that the minimum requirements that they would
• page one On page eight, lines 9 and 10, as previously distributed, and by renumbering subsequent sections

Bills: SB1521 , SB372 , SB1232 , SB1307 , SB1338 , SB1390 , SB1451 , SB1463 , SB1558 , SB1567 , SB1595 , SB1621 , SB1734 , SB1749 , SB1827 , SB1833 , SB1991 , SB1992 , SB63 , SB2063 , SB2180 , SB1198 , SB80

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, chatbot, conversational AI, companion AI, AI companion, virtual companion, chatbot regulation, minor safety, child online safety, parental controls, content moderation, self-harm, suicidal ideation, crisis intervention, mental health claims, romantic AI, emotional dependence, app store

Transcript Highlights:

• simply added the aggravated offense and ensures that the joint and several liability imposed by this section
• This is contained in the rulemaking section of the bill.
• Senator Tarr moved to amend the amendment on page 9, section 118, lines 40 through 44, by striking out
• Government and Finance on measurable outcomes to be improved for the pilot program referenced in this section
• The principal amount of the bonds issued under the new sections may not exceed $150 million for a term

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on March 11, 2026, with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and numerous guest and page introductions, including school groups, prayer caucus visitors, and advocates for Home Family Education Day and Women in Blue Day. The chamber then took up committee reports and a large number of House bills, most of them on third reading, along with several resolutions and referrals. Senate Resolution 62, designating March 12, 2026, as West Virginia Athletic Trainers Day, was adopted after remarks emphasizing the value of athletic trainers in preventing injuries and tragedies in school sports. Several other resolutions and concurrent resolutions were referred to the Committee on Rules or laid over under the rules. The Senate passed a wide range of bills addressing economic development, public safety, health, licensing, and state administration. Measures approved included bills on the West Virginia Collaboratory at Marshall University, the Business Ready Sites program, volunteer fire company spending authority, the Load Forecast Accountability Act, funeral service licensure, work zone fines, biennial business reporting, correctional officer retirement law, the Right to Try Act, quick claim deed tax exemptions, an ibogaine drug-development grant program, aggravated vehicular homicide sentencing, 529 savings plan definitions, opportunity zones, barber apprenticeship, municipal and county hotel occupancy fund uses, criminal-record licensing standards, intimate image disclosure remedies, executor training materials, contempt penalties, PEIA treatment flexibility, PANS/PANDAS information, the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, capitation rate review expansions, convention and visitors bureau board membership, peer support services, cosmetology licensure compacts, natural resource police retirement, DNR fee indexing, ALS care services, the Neighborhood Investment Program, oil and gas well plugging and carbon capture-related provisions, DUI technical changes, abuse intervention program terminology, and a youth summer employment and career readiness program. Most bills passed overwhelmingly, with a few closer votes, including the Load Forecast Accountability Act and the DNR fee-indexing bill. Several bills were amended on the floor, including title amendments and strike-and-insert changes. The Senate also debated the work zone penalty bill, with supporters citing worker safety and fatalities and opponents arguing the bill increased fines too much without requiring removal of outdated work-zone signs. On the energy-related load forecast bill, senators discussed the inclusion of provisions from Senate Bill 420 and concerns about coal plant utilization and utility impacts. After debate, the Senate adopted amendments and passed the bill. In most cases, after passage the Senate ordered the bills communicated to the House, and for a few measures it also adopted title amendments or made bills effective from passage or on a specified date.