Video & Transcript : 'staff equity' :
Page 375 of 500
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Staff and the chair for their collaboration on this bill.
- I really appreciate the support from the chair and committee staff.
- It's very personal to our staff.
- It's very personal to our staff. It's very personal to me. It's very personal to our staff.
- Good morning, members and staff. Nice to see you all.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 2/17/25
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:12:40.199><c> within</c> Grant M that Grant making staff within Grant M that Grant making staff
- </c><00:22:37.120><c> have</c> 2024 nearly 300 State staff have 2024 nearly 300 State staff have attended
- Christensen and her staff to beef up their staff, create the training resources.
- </c><00:32:45.360><c> uh</c> her staff to beef up their staff uh her staff to beef up their staff uh
- to eight staff in the office now.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget REVISED: Agenda added Apr 6th, 2026
Appropriations and Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, staff, please read the amendment to the amendment presented by the Speaker. Mr.
- I'll ask staff to please open the queue. Call bill, Chad, aye. Miller, aye.
- I'll ask staff to please open the queue.
- Staff. Kane, aye. Chair's preparing to close the queue. Shriver, Caldwell, would you care to vote?
- Seeing no need for debate, staff please open the vote. Declare the vote.
Keywords:
longevity pay, state employees, Oklahoma government, salary increase, emergency declaration, minimum salary, education funding, teacher compensation, Oklahoma education, salary schedule, 2-1-1 services, revolving fund, Department of Human Services, crisis pregnancy, abortion, legal funding, foster care, duffel bags, personal belongings, children's welfare
Summary:
The committee took up several Senate bills and adopted multiple amendments, including a contested amendment process on Senate Bill 201. An objection was raised that an amendment had not been filed by the prior-day deadline under Rule 76C, but the chair ruled the objection not well taken, citing the chair’s authority to waive the timing requirement. The amendment to the amendment, offered by Speaker Hilbert, deleted Section 2 of the bill, removing statutory language that tied the teacher-pay measure to House Bill 3705 and the broader budget agreement. Members discussed that the underlying agreement still linked the measures politically, including a $25 million increase to the Parental Choice Tax Credit and a $2,000 increase to the minimum salary schedule for teachers. After clarification that the bill applied to certified personnel except for positions listed in the amendment, SB 201 passed the committee 29-0.
The committee then approved Senate Bill 1290, which strengthens the 211 hotline system by clarifying oversight, improving coordination and service delivery, addressing access gaps, and supporting better funding and emergency responsiveness. Senate Bill 169 also passed after amendment; it increases longevity pay for state employees by 50% for designated years of service beginning in fiscal year 2027. Senate Bill 1377, which requires DHS to provide duffel bags to children in foster care as part of the budget, passed after members asked whether the bags would remain the child’s property and whether the bags would be standardized; the sponsor said the bags would belong to the child but did not know the procurement details.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1991, described as an OMES/Oklahoma cleanup bill that consolidates existing functionality and revenues under a common umbrella without changing the substantive sources or purposes of the funds. After a question confirming it was only a cleanup measure, the bill passed 29-0. Senate Bill 2060 was laid over until the next day, and the meeting adjourned.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget Feb 17th, 2026
Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing no call for questions, debate, I'll ask staff, please open the queue. Staff: More on.
- Seeing no call for questions, debate, I'll ask staff, please open the queue. Staff: Moore, aye.
- OPCN has dedicated compliance staff who review every invoice daily before payment.
- Seeing no call for debate, I'll ask the staff to please open the queue for voting.
- Seeing no call for debate, I'll ask the staff to please open the queue for voting.
Keywords:
mental health, substance abuse, appropriation, state funding, emergency declaration, healthcare, State Department of Health, childbirth program, emergency funding
Summary:
The committee first considered House Bill 2786, with Representative Stinson presenting a PCS as the working draft. He explained the bill as supplemental funding for the Department of Mental Health to close out its 2025 budget and pay obligations the department had fallen short on. The committee moved quickly to a do pass vote, and the bill was reported out 31-0 with no nays.
The committee then took up House Bill 2787, with Representative West presenting a PCS as the working draft. She described the bill as a one-time $2 million supplemental for previously established costs tied to the Choosing Childbirth Program, saying the funding was needed to avoid a lapse in services for nearly 4,000 mothers and babies until the Oklahoma Pregnancy Care Network can re-enter bidding in 2028. She emphasized oversight and transparency measures, including provider vetting, invoice review, annual evaluations, and a reported 97% of expenses going to client services.
Members raised concerns about accountability, transparency, and why the funding should come from state general revenue rather than private sources, noting prior audits and news reports. Representative West said the network is a 501(c)(3), uses private dollars as well, and that the program is a public-private partnership already established by law. She also said she would share the 2025 tax return information with the committee. The committee then voted to report HB 2787 out do pass by a vote of 26-5, and adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee Jun 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a quorum, so I'd like the committee staff to establish a quorum real quick, and then we'll finish
- We have a quorum so I'd like the committee staff to establish a core Thank you so much for your testimony
- We have a quorum, so I'd like the committee staff to establish a quorum real quick, and then we'll finish
- Thank you to my entire staff for coming and offering their support to this bill on my first hearing.
- This building is nothing without our amazing staff. So thank you. Any in opposition?
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care met without an initial quorum and heard four Senate bills focused on older adults and people with disabilities. SB 837 by Senator Reyes would require Aging and Disability Resource Connection programs to provide disaster and emergency preparedness education tailored to older adults and people with disabilities. Supporters, including the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers and the California Commission on Aging, cited recent wildfire deaths and the need for better evacuation planning and preparedness. The bill passed on a due pass motion and was re-referred to the Committee on Emergency Management.
SB 971 by Senator Choi would create a Healthy Aging Community Partnerships Program to encourage voluntary local partnerships, including with community colleges and other entities, to support social connection, technology help, caregiver resources, and other healthy aging activities. Supporters said it would promote independence and prevent isolation at no mandated cost, while one member questioned whether the bill addressed a current legal gap and whether public health departments should be involved. The committee approved the bill on a due pass motion and re-referred it to the Committee on Health.
SB 1261 by Senator Laird would allow Aging and Disability Resource Connections to continue operating for one to two years during transitions when an area agency on aging or independent living center operator changes, preventing service disruptions. Testimony from Access Central Coast and the California Association of Area Agencies on Aging emphasized the importance of continuity for thousands of clients. The committee passed the bill and re-referred it to the Committee on Appropriations. SB 991 by Senator Menjivar, presented by Assemblymember Gonzalez, would require the Department of Social Services to classify substantiated abuse in residential care facilities for the elderly by specific abuse type rather than a broad residents’ rights category. Ombudsman advocates argued this would improve transparency and accountability; members also discussed whether similar protections should extend to younger adults in other licensed settings. The bill passed on a due pass motion and was re-referred to the Committee on Human Services.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Jan 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Greg Vogel, committee staff.
- Greg Vogel, committee staff.
- Any other questions for staff? Okay. I see our prime sponsor is here.
- For the record, Danielle Kreech, staff to the committee.
- Staff did a great job giving a little bit of background on the bill.
Summary:
The Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee met on January 16, 2026, and took executive action on four measures before moving to public hearings on two bills. The committee held Senate Bill 5842 for further discussion, then considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406, Senate Bill 5825, Senate Bill 5863, and Senate Bill 5840. SCR 8406 would reestablish the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health and was advanced unanimously to the Rules Committee. SB 5825, which authorizes the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts, grants, and endowments, was amended with a technical change and then advanced. SB 5863, extending the moratorium on destruction of Lakeland Village records and addressing access to certain historical records, also advanced without opposition. SB 5840, which changes campaign finance expenditure reporting schedules, was amended to adjust the implementation date to January 1, 2028 and then advanced after the committee waived the amendment publishing rule due to the short session timeline.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 5827, sponsored by Senator Gildon, which would allow veterans to use a pre-discharge certification to claim civil service preference before receiving a DD-214. Staff explained the bill and clarified that the underlying qualifying discharge categories would remain unchanged. Senator Gildon said the bill was prompted by a constituent who could not access preference points before leaving active duty, and the Veterans Legislative Coalition testified in strong support. The hearing record noted 40 people signed in in favor and two opposed.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 5968, sponsored by Senator Krishna Dawson, which would codify and expand the governor’s executive order on permitting and licensing timelines, require agencies to publish processing deadlines, phase in coverage of all credentials by 2030, and authorize fee refunds if deadlines are missed. The sponsor and staff said the bill is intended to improve predictability, accountability, and customer service, while agency flexibility would remain through OIRA. Support testimony came from the governor’s office, cosmetology, labor, construction trades, ports, business, and the Department of Health, all emphasizing delays’ impacts on jobs, projects, and access to care. The Department of Health reported substantial recent reductions in licensing times and said it lacked authority to issue refunds without the bill. The hearing closed with 26 people signed in, including supporters and opponents.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 15, 2025 - 01:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- So then our staff worked the but they felt like it was a hard time reaching the timeline.
- So then our staff worked the phones, and they worked the phones hard.
- Our staff are all coordinating.
- Is it multiple staff who look through them?
- We worked with the House budget staff.
Summary:
The Human Services Subcommittee met to receive an update from the new director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities on implementation of House Bill 1103. The director said APD is working to update the funding algorithm through a contracted study due November 15, 2025, expand transparency on its website, launch an online crisis application by the end of 2025, improve client choice in qualified organizations and waiver support coordinators, and coordinate with AHCA on the managed care pilot and Florida HealthFinder listings for APD providers. He also said APD is working on family resource materials, a monthly newsletter, and stronger transition planning with DCF.
Members asked about whether the new algorithm would include transportation and what services might change, but the director said the replacement model is still being developed and any new methodology would be implemented through rulemaking. Questions also focused on Family Care Councils, including the statewide council’s membership and appointment process; the director said the statute sets the process and APD is helping councils recruit and organize. On transparency, members praised the website improvements and asked for more interactive data tools. The director said APD would consider suggestions and continue expanding public reporting.
The committee also discussed eligibility and waiver notices, including concerns about outdated language in APD letters and how autism cases are reviewed. The director said clinicians and behavioral analysts review cases and asked to see the specific letter. On the pre-enrollment list, the chair asked about the wait list, and the director said APD recently sent 5,612 service offers to people on the list and is working to better distinguish those who truly need services from those who do not. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> that existing agency functions and staff that existing agency functions and staff are<00:02:27.360
- </c><00:03:33.360><c> that</c> of the uh members uh and staff that of the uh members uh and staff that
- </c> be supported um by a director and staff. be supported um by a director and staff.
- We've been meeting on Tuesday staff.
- Um but to be brief on the staff.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Media Availability on Passage of Senate Resolution 69 - 03/25/26
Transcript Highlights:
- I just, you know, on the piece on staff, I want to say I think we have so much respect for our staff,
- We have amazing staff here who are, I think, excited to see our kids, and I can hold the baby for you
- We shouldn't have to put staff in that position. This rule was important for that reason.
- Our staff doesn't have that same restriction. We can give them time off.
- > that</c><00:07:49.040><c> same</c> Our staff doesn't have that same Our staff doesn't have that same
Summary:
Senators discussed and celebrated a rule change allowing infants and young children on the Senate floor, along with related accommodations for parents. Speakers described the change as historic and long overdue, saying it would make the institution more family-friendly and help elected officials balance parenting with legislative duties. Several senators recounted personal experiences with being removed from the floor, breastfeeding challenges caused by the old rules, and the importance of being able to keep working without forcing staff to serve as child care.
The discussion emphasized that the change received broad bipartisan support, including from many younger parents, and that the final version also included an amendment allowing staff to bring children if needed. Senators said the rule applies specifically to the Senate floor, not other parts of the Capitol, and argued that staff should not be put in the position of caring for lawmakers’ children. They also noted that the rules are temporary and could be changed again, but expressed confidence the new policy would work and would not be rolled back.
The conversation then shifted to the chamber’s schedule. Leaders said the Chavez bill was taken up and placed on general orders for debate the next day, alongside a Senator Port bill and two small bills being moved in both bodies. They said most of the week would be spent working in committees before the deadline, and that the Chavez name repeal could be sent to the governor’s desk well before the cutoff date.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Care & Wellness Feb 25th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Health Care & Wellness
Transcript Highlights:
- Hearing and seeing none, staff will announce the vote. Mr.
- Hearing and seeing none, staff will announce the vote. Mr.
- Hearing and seeing none, staff will announce a vote. Mr.
- Hearing and seeing none, staff will announce the vote.
- So a quick round of applause for our staff, please.
Bills:
SB5877
Keywords:
anesthesiology, medical personnel, surcharges, licensing, healthcare regulations, 904, all
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Care & Wellness Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Hearing and seeing none, staff will announce the vote. Mr.
- Hearing and seeing none, staff will announce the vote. Mr.
- Hearing and seeing none, staff will announce the vote. Mr.
- Hearing and seeing none, staff will announce a vote. Mr.
- So a quick round of applause for our staff, please.
Summary:
The Health Care and Wellness Committee heard executive action on seven bills, with discussion focused on prior authorization, the 340B drug pricing program, biosimilars, HIV drug coverage, exchange certification criteria, and hearing/speech board authority. Members also considered several amendments, including a date change to prior authorization reporting in SB 5395, a large striking amendment and multiple policy amendments on SB 5981, and market-criteria amendments on SB 6210. Testimony and debate centered on transparency, administrative costs, rural access, patient care spending, market stability, and the balance between state authority and federal law.
SB 5395 on prior authorization received Amendment 247, which moved the carrier reporting deadline to the Office of Insurance Commissioner from January 1, 2027 to October 1, 2026, and was then reported out with a due pass recommendation. SB 5981 on 340B drug pricing adopted a striking amendment creating reporting and fee structures, but rejected amendments that would have removed filing fees, required 90% of revenues to go to direct patient care, limited additional contract pharmacies to rural or underserved areas, or delayed the bill’s effective date; the bill then passed out of committee 11-7. Supporters emphasized transparency and safety-net funding, while opponents raised concerns about federal preemption, litigation, costs, and administrative burden.
SB 5594 on biosimilar substitution, SB 5877 on certified anesthesiology assistants and the physician health program, and SB 6183 on coverage of FDA-approved HIV antiviral drugs without utilization management all advanced with broad support and due pass recommendations. SB 6210 on health benefit exchange market factor criteria adopted a striking amendment but rejected amendments that would have limited updates to every two years, narrowly defined “meaningfully different,” or changed implementation timelines; it also passed 11-7. SB 6226 on the Board of Speech and Hearing adopted Amendment 313 to expand standards-of-care authority for hearing aid fitting and dispensing, then passed 17-1 after debate about patient safety, tele-audiology, and access to care.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- assigned to assist in... ...district has a soil and water conservation field staff assigned to assist
- we assisted 2,980 landowners in their conservation efforts and delivered 13,489 hours of commission staff
- Staff expended an additional 2,791 hours providing technical assistance to landowners participating in
- commitment to listening and responding to district supervisors and staff.
- They're going to be supported by, give or take, 70 mostly part-time staff members who if you look at
Summary:
The Senate Agricultural Committee began with a visit from a BYU-Idaho agribusiness class, whose students and faculty were welcomed and briefly introduced themselves. The committee then took up a rule docket, 02-0601-2501, and approved it with an exception: section 112, new subsections 01 through 05, which incorporated documents by reference without a specific date. The committee adopted findings that this was inconsistent with the Idaho Administrative Procedures Act and directed the agency to return with a compliant rule in the future.
The committee next considered RS 33272, presented by Senator Tammy Nichols, which would create standards for kratom products. Nichols said the proposal was intended to preserve lawful access to natural leaf kratom while prohibiting adulterated, synthetic, or artificially enhanced products, requiring limited third-party testing, setting an age restriction, clarifying supply-chain responsibilities, and establishing penalties without creating new licensing or fees. The committee voted to send the RS to print. Senator Todd Lakey then presented RS 33226, the Idaho Direct to Consumer Act, which would reduce regulation on small-scale homemade food and non-alcoholic drink sales made directly from producer to consumer, preempt more restrictive local rules, and include labeling and record-keeping requirements, including for certain direct meat sales. The committee voted to send that RS to print as well.
The Idaho Department of Water Resources, speaking in its role with the Soil and Water Conservation Commission, gave an agency update on conservation district support, CREP, WACPA, and related programs. Officials reported on district funding distributions, landowner assistance, conservation acres served, and performance measures, and discussed budget requests including a proposed miscellaneous revenue fund and additional appropriations to address future CREP matching needs. In response to a question, the department said WACPA was not included in the governor’s budget. The Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts then presented on the value of locally led conservation districts, emphasizing volunteer governance, the return on state investment, education efforts, and local projects such as flood recovery and rangeland fire protection. Committee members asked about EPA coordination, and presenters said working through state agencies and local districts remained preferable and generally effective. The meeting concluded after the presentations and questions.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- And staff, let's get a briefing on the amendments before us. All right.
- For the record, Ryan Giannini, staff counsel to this committee.
- Tim Ford, staff with the committee, and before you is Senate Bill 6086.
- For the record, Maya Eita, staff counsel to this committee.
- I do want to take a minute and really thank our staff for exceptional work.
Keywords:
Attorney General, civil investigative demand, CID, subpoena-like demand, investigative authority, consumer protection, civil enforcement, pre-suit investigation, document production, interrogatories, deposition, oral testimony, confidentiality, trade secrets, judicial review, enforcement action, Washington RCW, law enforcement powers, government transparency, due process
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- For the record, Jim Morishima, staff to the committee.
- Any further questions for staff right now? All right. Seeing none...
- I apologize for being late when they were doing staff briefing.
- So just a quick question for staff.
- And this may be a question for staff.
Keywords:
seniors, independent living, ombudsman, elderly support, continuing care retirement communities, common interest communities, restrictions, property rights, homeowners association, community governance, housing finance, affordable housing, housing commission, state agency, financial assistance, 904, all
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the staff coordinator for the committee.
- And so I was just going to introduce the staff that are here.
- She's an attorney that also staffs the Agner Committee.
- Chair, you would like to introduce the caucus staff as well?
- And we do, unless I get this wrong, we've trained caucus staff, we've trained committee staff, and L.A.s
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Jan 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the staff coordinator for the committee.
- And so I was just going to introduce the staff that are here.
- She's an attorney that also staffs the Agner Committee.
- Chair, you would like to introduce the caucus staff as well?
- And we do, unless I get this wrong, we've trained caucus staff, committee staff, and L.A.s have been
Summary:
The Transportation Committee met for an organizational session and received a presentation from Washington State Department of Transportation and Washington State Ferries staff on recovery from the December atmospheric river storms. Committee members were introduced, and staff outlined a new process for submitting proviso and project requests through an online app, with members directed to work through their caucus policy staff. The chair also announced caucus meetings and noted staff changes for the session.
WSDOT and WSF described emergency response operations, including statewide activations, damage assessment, and the use of emergency declarations to speed repairs. Staff explained how they pursue federal reimbursement through FHWA Emergency Relief and, separately, FEMA for debris removal, while noting that permanent repairs still require environmental clearances. They reported more than 50 emergency work orders, 16 emergency contracts, about 107 road sites closed at one point, and an initial damage estimate of roughly $30 million.
Examples of storm damage and recovery included US 2 near Skykomish and Tumwater Canyon, US 12 near Naches, Highway 410, Highway 42 near Mount Baker, I-90 shoulder damage, and a major US 101 slope failure near Forks that will require longer-term geotechnical work. Members asked about environmental permitting, bridge impacts, flood coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers, and whether emergency declarations allow broader actions; staff said the declaration mainly speeds stabilization and contracting, does not change tolling authority, and does not waive environmental requirements. No votes were taken.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Dec 2nd, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Park staff conduct burns on a regular basis, and it's important for our land management activities.
- About $500,000 was allocated to our staff. Personal protective equipment for our staff.
- In addition to hosting land manager reviews on WMAs, FWC staff are also participating as team members
- Research, management, and planning staff work together to produce scientifically supported strategies
- Research, management, and planning staff work together to produce scientifically supported strategies
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources convened with a quorum present and took up SB 302 by Senator Garcia, which would promote nature-based solutions for coastal resilience. Garcia said the bill would direct DEP to adopt statewide guidelines, encourage local restoration projects through existing grant programs, streamline permitting for green and hybrid infrastructure, support workforce training, and require a study on flood-risk and insurance benefits. Senator Harrell asked about implementation, existing statutory authority, and possible fiscal impacts. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying that hybrid infrastructure need only combine green and gray elements, not prove superiority over either alone.
The committee heard supportive testimony on SB 302 from Katie Bauman of Surfrider Foundation, who said nature-based approaches such as dunes, wetlands, and mangroves are cost-effective and protective, and several organizations waived in support, including the Environmental Defense Fund of Florida, the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association, and 1,000 Friends of Florida. Senator Harrell said she supported the concept but remained concerned about the breadth of rulemaking and the fiscal implications of workforce funding. After closing remarks from Garcia, the committee voted to report CS for SB 302 favorably.
The remainder of the meeting consisted of informational presentations on land management. Brian Bradner of DEP reviewed Florida State Parks management, including prescribed fire, invasive species removal, hydrologic restoration, cultural resource preservation, visitor use, and budgeted land-management activities. Melissa Tucker of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission described wildlife management areas, emphasizing habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, ranch infrastructure, public access, and the economic value of the system. Rick Dolan of the Florida Forest Service outlined state forest management funded through a $20 million appropriation, including road and facility work, recreation upgrades, invasive species control, reforestation, habitat restoration, prescribed burning, and boundary marking. Senators praised the agencies’ work and noted the ongoing cost of managing state lands. The committee then adjourned without further action.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Public Works and Highways (04/01/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Sheay and the staff for cranking out papers forever and getting them to us?
- Sheay and his staff, without whom we couldn't have the guidance on this.
- Sheay and the staff for cranking out Mr.
- Sheay and the staff for cranking out papers<00:18:41.600><c> for</c><00:18:42.400><c> ever</c><00:18:
- Sheay and his staff without go to Mr.
Summary:
The committee met in executive session on HB 25, the capital improvements appropriations bill. Representative Jack moved ought to pass and also offered Amendment 1455H. Discussion focused largely on several capital items and, in particular, a disputed freight rail public-private partnership. Representative Kazinski opposed the rail subsidy, arguing it favored connected private interests and reflected excessive spending, while Representatives Clutier and others defended the rail funding as a public-private partnership that supports rail maintenance, reduces truck traffic, protects roads and bridges, improves safety, and benefits the environment. Representative Jack explained that the amendment was intended to appropriate enough money to cover bids rather than a fixed purchase price.
The committee then voted on Amendment 1455H, which passed 17-1. After that, the committee voted on HB 25A, the bill as amended, and it also passed 17-1. Representative Kazinski indicated he would vote no and was asked whether he wanted to write a minority report; he agreed to do so. The chair noted the bill could not go on the consent calendar and would need further discussion.
After completing the bill, the chair announced the committee had one Senate bill expected later, with a due date of May 29, and said the committee would take next Tuesday off and schedule the Senate bill when convenient. Members also discussed an upcoming community college system lunch at the Lakes Region campus, thanked staff for their work on the bill, and noted the committee had brought HB 25 in about $10.5 million under the governor’s request.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Dismang, yeah, I just have a question for the commissioner staff. Staff.
- But again, I mean, you can ask staff, do they have a plan, but members voted twice.
- I'm going to provide those to Bureau staff.
- We have historically lost 10 staff, hired 10 staff a month, right? Or 15.
- For some reason, I mean, they need continuity of staff that are there.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- We just want to expand that out to classified staff or any staff on the school staff.
- So the certified staff, are they certified, how are they certified?
- educated staff that...
- This is not a mandatory thing for officers or for our staff, correct? No, it's an elective.
- And you have to know your staff and know who could and couldn't do something like that.
Summary:
The Committee on General Laws met with a quorum and first went into executive session on House Bill 2774, the Jeff Knight bill concerning gas-powered leaf blowers. An amendment was adopted to exempt the city of Clayton, Missouri, allowing it to ban gas-powered leaf blowers if it chooses. The committee then rolled the amendment into a House Committee Substitute and voted the substitute do pass by 12 yeas and 0 nays.
The committee next took up House Bill 2176 by Representative Perkins and voted it do pass by 8 yeas and 4 nays. After that, the committee held a public hearing on House Bill 1730, sponsored by Representative Koslow, which would treat Missouri-made firearm suppressors that remain in-state as outside federal Commerce Clause oversight. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill would protect hearing, reduce federal burdens, and not increase crime; members raised concerns about concealment and public safety, but no opposition testimony was offered and the hearing closed.
The final public hearing was on House Bill 2504 by Representative Elliott, which would expand who may be designated as school protection officers to include additional school personnel, such as classified staff, if they volunteer, complete required training, and are approved through local school board and state processes. Supporters, including a school superintendent, security trainer, law enforcement officer, and public advocate, said the bill would improve response times in rural districts that cannot afford school resource officers and emphasized the extensive training and vetting already required. Opponents or skeptical members questioned whether adding more armed personnel in schools was the right response to school violence, but no formal opposition testimony was presented before the committee adjourned.