Transcript Highlights:

• It will guide us as we work to identify systemic failings and, more importantly, to design and implement
• We've got people in our system. We can contact and we have contact information.
• What we are seeing on the ground does not match the systems that are being described.
• I don't have a lot of faith in that system, and so I think that the state needs a third way.
• Don't have a lot of faith in the capitalist system. I do have more faith in our government.

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee held an outcomes review of AB 238, the wildfire mortgage forbearance law, focused on how the law has worked for survivors of the Eaton and Palisades fires. Chair Valencia and Assemblymember Harabedian said the hearing was intended to hear directly from survivors, assess whether the law is being implemented as intended, and identify fixes. Several survivors described losing homes, facing long rebuild timelines, and struggling with insurers, housing costs, and mortgage servicers. Many said they encountered confusion, inconsistent information, requests for financial documentation, lump-sum repayment demands, credit reporting problems, or loan modifications that they viewed as undermining the law’s purpose. Some urged clearer consumer education, a consumer bill of rights, and an extension of forbearance relief; one witness specifically advocated for AB 1847 to extend forbearance to 36 months. DFPI Chief Deputy Commissioner Suzanne Martindale said the department had received about 300 wildfire-related consumer complaints, mostly about mortgage forbearance, and that more than 91% had been resolved in the consumer’s favor. She said the department works with both state-licensed and federally regulated institutions, but its authority is limited when national banks are involved, so it often uses outreach and direct contact with lenders and federal partners to resolve complaints. She also described recurring complaint themes such as difficulty obtaining forbearance, customer-service breakdowns, withholding of insurance funds, and non-interest-bearing impound accounts. Committee members pressed DFPI on which institutions were noncompliant, what enforcement tools were available, and how much data the state could collect and make public. Representatives of the California Bankers Association and California Mortgage Bankers Association said lenders had provided early disaster relief and were working to comply with AB 238, but emphasized that mortgage servicing is constrained by federal law, investor requirements, and secondary-market guidelines. They argued that forbearance is temporary relief, not forgiveness, and warned that extending it without a clear repayment path can create future payment shock or larger debt burdens. They also said many servicers use disaster protocols tied to federal declarations and that clearer communication is needed. In response to committee concerns, the mortgage bankers said they would continue working with the Legislature and federal agencies, but could not promise changes beyond investor and agency rules. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this bill will repeal the current statute 49-967 related to airbag systems, adding the new version
• Supplemental restraint systems, counterfeit components, and non-functional airbag to ensure clarity in
• There are systems available currently to facilitate that.
• Finally, the bill is designed to operate entirely within the existing system and funding.
• It simply provides clarity and guidance within the current system. Mr. President, debate is open.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That all happens outside because the system is so skewed against the inventor.
• So this is a different system. And, Mr.
• So I I can see it university system.
• ><c> the</c><00:17:59.679><c> system</c><00:18:00.080><c> actually</c> compared to what the system actually
• So this is a a different system. escape. So this is a a different system. And<00:18:07.280><c> Mr.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If there's no compromise to be had, it doesn't go into the system.
• We're going to have to get new verification systems.
• The system doesn't recognize that.
• I would argue once the system is in place.
• Is it going to be a perfect system? No, it's a man-made system.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House first established a quorum after introductions of special guests, then moved to bills for perfection. House Bill 2016, concerning anti-Semitism in Missouri schools, colleges, and universities, drew extensive debate. The sponsor said the bill would require educational institutions to adopt non-discriminatory policies protecting Jewish students from harassment and intimidation, use the IHRA definition as a guide, and preserve First Amendment rights. A Pulaski County member offered and secured adoption of an amendment clarifying that protected political, religious, and expressive speech would not be reported, cataloged, or used to create records. Supporters said the bill was needed because of rising anti-Semitic incidents and student safety concerns; opponents argued it singled out one group, could chill discussion of Israel and Palestine, and created a reporting hierarchy. The chamber ultimately adopted the amendment and then ordered the bill perfected and printed. House Bill 2384, a housing and building-code measure, was then taken up. The sponsor said it was aimed at reducing housing costs by rolling back energy-code mandates to 2009 standards, setting clearer permitting timelines, and allowing certain multifamily buildings to use a single staircase. Supporters framed it as a response to Missouri’s housing shortage and rising home prices, while opponents criticized the bill as preempting local control, especially in Kansas City and other municipalities that had adopted newer codes. A Pulaski County amendment was adopted to reduce the number of required hard copies of municipal ordinance books when ordinances are available online. After debate over energy efficiency, safety, and local authority, the House moved the previous question, then adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed. House Bill 1766, dealing with personal property tax and Hancock limitations, was also perfected and printed. The sponsor said the bill would treat personal property tax growth more like real property under Hancock-style limits, arguing that rapid increases in vehicle values had created windfalls for political subdivisions. Members questioned whether the change would reduce local revenue needed for schools and other services, while supporters said it would protect taxpayers and still allow growth. The House then took up House Joint Resolution 154, which would place a Medicaid work requirement in the Missouri Constitution by mirroring federal policy. The sponsor said it would require able-bodied adults ages 19 to 64 to work, volunteer, attend school, or participate in a work program for 80 hours a month to remain eligible. Opponents raised concerns about administrative burden, documentation requirements, and the impact on vulnerable recipients, while supporters argued the measure should be made permanent through the constitution. The transcript cuts off during that debate, before final action on the resolution is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• This was a systems project. This is an additional construction funding request.
• You know, they have system needs too. Have structural needs, so it will identify those elements.
• Get a better flagging system earlier on. And I think that this is a challenge for the council.
• Some of those systems expired.
• not represented here, or we're having additional issues with our roofing system or HVACs.

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• And I would point out that the state credit system is probably the closest thing we have to a one-stop
• To a single rating and ranking system that's agreed upon by all of those agencies.
• Our statutory mandates cover a broad range of responsibilities from promoting systems and...
• Cal ICH also manages the Homeless Data Integration System, or HDIS.
• It is the first statewide system of its kind in California and across the nation.

Summary: The Assembly Subcommittee on State Administration held a budget hearing focused heavily on housing, homelessness, and related administrative proposals. HCD reported that California housing production has increased, with 2023 completions up 13% from 2022 and entitlement and construction timelines improving, while members and advocates criticized the Governor’s January budget for zeroing out or sharply reducing several housing programs. Public testimony urged funding for affordable housing production, preservation, youth housing, CalHome, LIHTC, HAP, and related programs, and several speakers argued the state should not pull back after recent progress. A major policy item was trailer bill language to allow HCD to access “excess equity” in existing affordable housing projects and recycle those funds into new or preserved housing. HCD and the LAO said the proposal could unlock tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, but members wanted guardrails and clearer statutory direction to ensure the funds stay within the intended housing purposes. The committee also discussed encampment resolution funding; HCD said the proposal would shift expenditure deadlines to the date of award rather than appropriation, while the LAO raised concerns about limited outcome data and urged the Legislature to use upcoming reporting before deciding on future funding. The hearing also covered HCD trailer bills to consolidate default reserve funds into a centralized continuously appropriated account and to clarify reporting requirements for early rounds of the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program. HCD requested funding to implement chaptered legislation, including a new tribal housing program and reporting-related bills, and also sought extensions for certain reappropriations, including Homekey and REAP 2 deadlines. Public commenters and regional agencies supported flexibility for REAP 2 timing and other housing-related adjustments. Finally, the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency presented the Governor’s reorganization proposal to split the current agency into a Housing and Homelessness Agency and a Consumer Protection Agency. The administration said the change would improve focus, efficiency, and coordination, but the LAO and several members questioned whether it would truly save money or improve accountability, especially given the need for new leadership, possible staffing changes, and the fact that the plan had not yet been formally submitted for review. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• background in criminal litigation, coupled with your first-hand view of a world weaponized legal system
• Blanch's legal acumen and personal experience within the justice system.
• November 5th, when the American people rejected this gross abuse of our justice system.
• I was there to witness a true perversion of our legal system.
• It's a Catholic health care system with six hospitals. Private equity purchased Stewart in 2010.

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: nominations, Deputy Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice, Todd Blanch, Gail Slater, confirmation hearing

Summary: The meeting focused on the nominations of Todd Blanch and Gail Slater for the positions of Deputy Attorney General and Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust, respectively. The committee considered the qualifications of both nominees, with opening statements provided by the nominees themselves. There was an evident emphasis on the rigorous vetting process that nominees undergo before their selection, highlighting the importance of the roles within the Department of Justice. Members of the committee engaged in a structured question-and-answer session to further evaluate the nominees' capabilities and fit for the positions they were nominated for, with each member allotted seven minutes to pose questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've not had any issues with getting cooperation from the EMS systems in our area, and some of those
• Gaps as far as the EMS system is concerned? Yep.
• Do you believe the current MOU system as it exists interrupts the delivery of care to certain areas?
• I do not see 911 systems being akin to... ...medics.
• There, if the MOU system is meeting the demand effectively, then is that amendment necessary?

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Local Government heard testimony on Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 975, which dealt with community paramedic/mobile integrated health services and related jurisdictional issues. Supporters, including representatives from Caldwell County Ambulance, Osage Ambulance District, and Cox Health EMS, described community paramedic programs as effective in rural and regional care, reducing Medicaid costs, helping frequent ER users, supporting early hospital discharges, and filling gaps in underserved areas. A representative of the Missouri State Council of Firefighters opposed the jurisdictional changes added in the Senate, saying the organization supported the underlying bill but wanted the community paramedic language clarified so services could continue without conflict between service areas. Committee members asked about MOUs, service-area boundaries, and whether the Senate amendment was necessary, but no vote was taken and testimony was closed. The committee then took up House Bill 3496, sponsored by Representative Reedy, which would update county official salary schedules and assessed valuation ranges that have been in place for about 45 years. Reedy and Missouri Association of Counties Executive Director Steve Hobbs said the bill was the product of a multi-year task force effort and was intended to preserve local control while modernizing minimum salary schedules to reflect current county valuations and economic conditions. Members discussed how the bill would interact with existing salary-setting practices, annual training requirements, and prior legislation, and noted concerns about public misunderstanding when county commissions set salaries above the base schedule. Support for HB 3496 came from the Missouri Association of Counties and Warren County Presiding Commissioner Joe Gildon, who said he approved of the bill. There was no opposition or informational testimony on HB 3496, and the chair closed the public hearing and adjourned the meeting after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the way the bill is written, retailers are not required to update their point-of-sale systems.
• Also, unified multi-year systems help deliver a higher quality of system and interoperability between
• counties and PSAP centers. quality of system and interoperability between counties and PSAP centers,
• Also, unified multi-year systems help deliver a higher quality of system and interoperability between
• counties and PSAP centers. quality of system and interoperability between counties and PSAP centers,

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Arizona HB 2960 represents an important step in supporting veterans who enter the criminal justice system
• and the Department of Veterans' Services so we can follow through their journey with the justice system
• What happens is when a veteran is going through the system, if they are a veteran, and the prosecutor
• , going through the system.
• We put the data in the HMIS system. And so right then we would be able to flag those veterans.

Summary: The Military Affairs and Border Security Committee heard two veterans-focused bills. HB 2960 would create a Veterans Specialty Court grant program and fund to help cities and counties start, expand, and improve veterans treatment courts, with the Administrative Office of the Courts overseeing best practices, data collection, and reporting. It would also require the Department of Corrections to identify incarcerated veterans and share monthly information with the Department of Veterans’ Services so veterans do not lose contact with benefits and support services. The sponsor and a veteran testifying in support described the bill as a way to address underlying issues such as PTSD, substance use, and reintegration challenges through diversion and treatment rather than punishment. The committee also heard HB 2620, which would appropriate $300,000 annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services for grants to large emergency shelters serving homeless veterans, including Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS). Supporters said the funding would allow shelters to hire dedicated veteran case managers, provide flexible assistance, and move veterans more quickly into permanent housing. A CASS representative and a veteran who had stayed there testified in favor, describing the shelter’s veteran-specific services and the importance of stable, trauma-informed case management. Both bills received strong support from committee members, many of whom spoke personally about veterans treatment courts and homelessness services. HB 2960 was approved on a 6-0 vote with one member not voting, and HB 2620 was also approved 6-0 with one member not voting, each receiving a do-pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• In particular, our public school system.
• working group that met monthly 2023 to 2024 involving stakeholders at all levels of our educational system
• That come up regularly for folks working in our public education system.
• Everybody involved in the system, parents, students, school administrators, teachers, everybody wanted
• Time out doesn't mean go sit in the corner for 10, Minutes in our educational system.

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We created a system—a Wild West system—of obtaining cannabis products with zero... ...zero age limit.
• tiered regulated system—like we have in alcohol, where you have package stores disseminating this product
• All of these synthetically and semi-synthetically derived cannabinoids are banned in our medical system
• On this side of the column here, it's a completely unregulated... ...regulated system over here.
• . system, and how cannabinoids can really benefit what's going on in our bodies.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, if you remember, two years ago, we gave them $45 million of ARPA funds to convert their system over
• to a new system.
• The last time they had a new system was in 1977, my first legislative session.
• A large portion of them will go away once that system is in place.
• The governor, Job Service, that we have to come up with a different type of funding system here.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to consider three measures, beginning with Senate Bill 2016 for Job Service. Testimony described Job Service’s workforce, unemployment insurance, and labor market functions, its long-term reduction in FTEs and budget, and its reliance on federal funding that does not keep pace with inflation. The bill included funding for an additional FTE for the H-2A housing inspection program, continued support for the JP3 offender placement pilot, and one-time funding for IT and mainframe costs tied to a system modernization effort. The committee approved the bill 20-0, with Representative Swiontek named as carrier. The committee then discussed Senate Bill 2305, which would allow family members to be paid as caregivers for certain young people with disabilities instead of only licensed outside providers. Members noted the specialized, 24-hour nature of the care, workforce shortages, waiting lists, and the potential to avoid more expensive institutional care. Questions focused on how the program would be structured, including certification requirements and whether it would remain a pilot or become part of the broader human services budget. The committee passed the bill 20-0, with Representative Roar as carrier and Representative Nelson available as backup. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 2024 for the Department of Environmental Quality. The House change was limited to increased special-fund support for water and wastewater operator certification testing to expand availability, while the Senate version already included added FTEs for emerging contaminants and fuel inspection work. Members discussed federal funding uncertainty, including IIJA and ARPA-related concerns, but the department said its major projects, including the new laboratory, were not currently in jeopardy. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended 22-0, with Representative Berg as carrier.

Transcript Highlights:

• Follow-up briefly: with the private partnership piece, how will that pour back into the state park system
• they be clearly identified so they could be used within Burnside, or are they spread back into the system
• > back</c><00:05:07.840><c> into</c><00:05:08.080><c> the</c> out back into the out back into the system
• 10.759><c> there</c><00:05:10.960><c> there</c><00:05:11.080><c> will</c><00:05:11.240><c> be</c> system
• so Senator there there will be system so Senator there there will be fees<00:05:11.800><c> that</c><

Keywords: This meeting will take place upon Recess of the Senate Chambers. There is not an exact time for this meeting therefore a placeholder time for the live stream has been set for 1:00PM est. Meeting Start 00:00 Roll Call 00:17 HB 114 Discussion 00:38 HB 114 Vote 01:56 HB 808 Discussion 02:24 HB 808 Vote 06:30, 958, all

Summary: The Standing Committee on Economic Development, Labor, and Tourism met with a quorum and first considered House Bill 114, sponsored by Representative Truett. He explained that the bill clarifies the recreational use statute by expressly adding rock climbing, bouldering, and rappelling, removing liability for landowners who give permission for those activities on their property. After no questions, the committee voted unanimously in favor and reported the bill to the floor with a favorable expression. The committee then took up House Bill 808, sponsored by Representative Ken Upchurch, which would establish the Burnside Island Development Authority to promote recreation and tourism at General Burnside Island State Park in Pulaski County. Testimony described the authority as a public-private partnership entity that could develop lodging, restaurant, and recreational facilities, with potential for significant tourism and economic development. Members asked about expected economic impact and how revenues would be used; witnesses said direct fees would go back to the authority for the bill’s purposes, and referenced a feasibility study suggesting substantial private investment and indirect tax benefits. Several senators expressed support but also raised questions about whether the proposal had been fully reviewed by Appropriations and Revenue and about the governor’s potential response. The committee ultimately voted to report House Bill 808 favorably to the floor, with Senator Boswell requesting his vote be recorded. The meeting then moved toward adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> which can be expected with data systems, which can be expected with data systems, but<00:41:34.240
• This is a systemic failure.
• </c> current system is failing to provide. current system is failing to provide.
• Uh, so, they far uh pay uh in more into the system than they cost the system.
• </c> individuals actually pay into the system individuals actually pay into the system because<03:41:

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My point being, you can't save your data, you're not going to get the system updates, you're basically
• We have built one of the most rigorous testing systems in the country.
• California has invested years in building the system.
• after system shows that they protect their own.
• When this drug was first came up in our system... committee members.

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They tell me, like, oh, this system is the most secure system in the world.
• And then you're like, oh, how is the system functioning? Oh, not good, not good.
• We're like, oh, trust the system. I don't trust the system. Guess what? I don't. No.
• I think it encourages people to become legal under the system.
• This deals with updating statutory references to statewide court automation systems.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the House Journal by a 125-0 roll call vote. Members then spent a large portion of the morning recognizing special guests, interns, students, and constituents, including school groups, interns, a Savannah Bananas player, and several birthday and personal privilege announcements. On legislation, the House agreed to conference on Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1421. The chamber then took up Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1000, a bipartisan measure to reauthorize the Missouri Tourism Supplemental Revenue Fund and continue support for the Division of Tourism and Missouri Film Office. Supporters from both parties emphasized tourism’s economic importance statewide; the bill passed 136-6. The House next debated House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1020, an omnibus Department of Revenue bill covering fee office contracting, vehicle registration penalties, Real ID document retention, and other DOR changes. The body adopted an amendment lowering late registration penalties, making document retention opt-in, and restoring a five-year plate option, followed by a second amendment removing cosmetic damage as a basis for rejecting rebuilt-vehicle inspections. The bill then passed 130-10. Later, the House began debate on a combined judiciary/civil legislation bill involving insurance assignment-of-benefits restrictions, anti-SLAPP protections, workers’ compensation and court administration changes, and expungement-related funding; members adopted a title change and several amendments, including one to make attorney-fee awards more even in anti-SLAPP motions, while also debating a proposed St. Louis police legal expense fund amendment and whether it had been properly vetted.

Transcript Highlights:

• And how do we also address the core constitutional principles to have a balanced system?
• And that's just not the way our legal system works.
• the reporting by many entities, including CalMatters, on the gaps that currently exist within the system
• My involvement with the justice system started when I was 15 years old.
• I had no other support system. I was first-gen. My parents didn't speak English.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Summary: The committee met as a subcommittee until a quorum was established, then heard several public safety and criminal justice bills. SB 907 by Senator Archuleta proposed five DUI-related changes: requiring Watson advisements when DUI charges are pled down, allowing consecutive sentencing discretion for multiple deaths in one crash, adding enhancements for repeat felony DUI offenders, increasing penalties for hit-and-run by drivers with recent DUI history, and treating gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated as violent felonies. The author and supporters, including prosecutors, law enforcement, and victims’ family members, argued the bill would close loopholes and increase accountability. Opponents, including criminal defense and civil liberties groups, raised concerns about overbreadth, legal doctrine, and the violent felony designation. Committee members generally supported moving the bill but urged further changes, especially on the violent felony and consecutive sentencing provisions. SB 907 was passed as amended to the Senate Appropriations Committee and kept on call. The committee then heard SB 1015, which would create new offenses aimed at online exploitation networks that use minors to coerce, recruit, or extort other minors, including through intimate images and AI-generated images. The author, sheriff’s officials, and district attorneys described rapidly growing online abuse networks and argued current laws do not clearly reach adults who use minors as intermediaries or minors who participate in coercive extortion schemes. Opponents said existing criminal statutes already cover much of the conduct and argued the bill could unnecessarily criminalize youth behavior instead of focusing on platforms and prevention. Members expressed concern about the harms to children and the need to address evolving online threats, while also noting the bill’s juvenile provisions. SB 1015 was passed as amended to Appropriations and kept on call. SB 1285, also by Senator Durazo, would clarify that juvenile record dismissal under Welfare and Institutions Code section 782 is a general dismissal statute and that dismissal and record sealing are separate processes. Supporters said the bill would preserve the rehabilitative purpose of juvenile court and help youth avoid lasting collateral consequences in employment, licensing, and military service. There was no opposition after PORAC withdrew its objection, and the committee approved the bill to the floor on a unanimous roll call, keeping it on call for absent members. SB 1342, another Durazo bill, would fix implementation problems in California’s automatic record clearance laws by addressing outdated pending charges, requiring local court records to match DOJ clearance records, and creating a way for people to obtain proof of relief. It drew broad support and no opposition, and was passed to Appropriations, with one no vote from Senator Seyarto. Finally, the committee heard SB 1330 by Senator Aitken, which would extend enhanced penalties for assault or battery to utility workers performing their duties. The author and utility worker witnesses described increasing threats and assaults, including a recent shooting at a work crew, and said the bill would help protect workers who maintain essential water, gas, and electric services. The bill drew strong support from labor, utilities, and local government representatives. The transcript ends during public testimony on SB 1330, before any committee vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:29:52.400><c> and</c><00:29:52.520><c> also</c> Teachers' Retirement System and also Teachers
• In the Teachers' Retirement System, we go with the governor's recommendation as we do throughout the
• In the Teachers' Retirement System, we go with the governor's recommendation as we do throughout the
• In the Teachers' Retirement System, we go with the governor's recommendation as we do throughout the
• Also authorize a $151 million capital project for the overhaul of the CHRIS system.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're pulling a system.
• Is that the QR code a part of our new system that will be?
• So it’s not the expense, but it’s pretty much an honor system.
• So it’s, I guess, an honor system? It’s very well an honor system, but they’re fine if...”
• “It’s very well an honor system, but they’re fine if... Okay.

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on March 16 and first disposed of several local bills without controversy. House Bills 590, 679, and 873 were voluntarily deferred. HB 503, allowing certain utility terrain vehicles and golf carts in Golden Meadow, was amended and reported. HB 720, clarifying tacit dedication and public access to waterways and related access points, was reported favorably. HB 856, expanding indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting authority for DOTD and the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction, was amended and reported. HB 487, increasing penalties for drivers who run red lights by using shoulders or turn lanes to pass stopped traffic, was amended and reported. HB 846, prohibiting obscured or covered license plates, was reported favorably. HB 733 and HB 875, both dealing with OMV reinstatement fees and lapses of insurance, were reported with amendments after discussion of audit findings and fee timing. HB 707, moving liquefied petroleum gas commission functions to Agriculture, was amended and reported. HB 693, creating legislator district signs, was amended and then voluntarily deferred. HB 777, requiring a driver's license renewal knowledge exam, was amended and voluntarily deferred for further work with the department. HB 746, concerning oversized trucking permits issued by local governments, was introduced but not advanced, with the author signaling a desire to work on the issue further rather than force a vote. Several bills drew extended debate over safety, enforcement, and government overreach. HB 309, which would have penalized pedestrians for looking at cell phones while crossing crosswalks, was amended from a criminal offense to a $25 civil fine but then voluntarily deferred after members raised concerns about enforceability, tourism, free will, and whether the bill targeted the right party. HB 695, requiring permits and QR-code documentation for consensual non-commercial towing of multiple connected vehicles, was heavily questioned over how it would work in practice, whether it applied to single or multiple vehicles, and how out-of-state travelers would know about the requirement; the committee asked the author to work with OMV and State Police and voluntarily returned the bill to the calendar. HB 868, removing the farm exemption from trailer safety-chain and attachment requirements after a fatal accident involving a trailer separation, was amended and reported despite concerns from members and the Agriculture Commissioner about impacts on older farm equipment and the need to preserve flexibility for agricultural operations. The committee also heard testimony from law enforcement, the auditor’s office, the Department of Transportation and Development, the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, and industry groups. Chiefs of police supported the red-light and license-plate bills as common-sense public safety measures, while the Legislative Auditor explained that the OMV fee bills were intended to align Louisiana’s reinstatement fees and grace periods more closely with other states and with audit recommendations. DOTD and the secretary supported the procurement bill as a tool to speed construction and maintenance work. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain supported the propane commission bill and urged caution on the farm trailer safety bill so that older and specialized equipment would not be unintentionally burdened.