Transcript Highlights:

• to make sure that if you get called to serve, whether it's training or deployment, that you have a job
• I think that a lot of JPs are doing a good job; a lot of them need help, too. Okay, Mr.
• And I'm sure you're doing a great job training them, but we're addressing issues that obviously seem
• to be components that enable them to do a good job.
• They have to begin a way forward to actually do a job they're empowered to do. Mr.

Committee: House House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first took up HB 2663, which expands military leave protections by aligning state law language with federal military orders and clarifying that state and non-state employees called to service or training are covered. Representative Pena said the bill was intended to remove confusion and had no material impact on benefits. After brief supportive discussion, the committee voted 7-0 to give HB 2663 a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard HB 2976, a bill establishing due process requirements before state or county entities can alter a justice of the peace’s statutory authority and clarifying the limits of administrative control over justice courts. Representative Hernandez and two Pima County justices of the peace testified in support, describing administrative orders that had removed local control without notice, findings, or a clear path to restoration. Leanna Garcia of the Arizona Supreme Court opposed the bill, arguing it conflicted with the Constitution’s grant of administrative supervision to the Supreme Court and that the court already uses complaint-driven oversight, education, and intervention when needed. After extensive debate over constitutional authority, due process, and the role of elected JPs, the committee voted 6-1 to recommend HB 2976 do pass. Next, the committee considered HB 2406, which directs the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services to study veterans’ awareness of available state, local, and federal benefits and report recommendations to improve outreach. Supporters said many veterans do not know the full range of benefits and that the study could identify gaps in awareness and help guide future outreach. Members questioned what exactly would be studied and whether a study was necessary, but several said the testimony clarified the bill’s purpose. The committee approved HB 2406 with a 5-1-1 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 2226, which requires courts at initial appearance to ask whether a defendant is a veteran so eligible cases can be referred to veterans programs or treatment/diversion options. Testimony in support said the inquiry would help identify veterans early and connect them to services at no cost. A member raised a Fifth Amendment concern that veteran status could be incriminating in some cases; the bill’s supporter agreed to an amendment clarifying that the answer could not be used against the defendant in later proceedings. The transcript ends during discussion of that proposed amendment, before a final committee vote on HB 2226 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill sponsor did a great job explaining the bill.
• Good job. Next bill. Please move the next bill. I'll give this to 21.29.
• I moved to Arizona in 2015 and took a job with the House majority policy staff.
• They just need to get the job done. They need to stop complaining. They ran for office.
• They signed up for this job. They just need to do it until it's done.

Committee: House Government

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to do a great job. Things are getting better.' The... We're going to do a great job.
• And this, like, being in charge of CYFD sounds like a full-time job to me.
• And if it's not a full-time job, then you're really relying on that superintendent.
• We were talking about difficult jobs. I've always thought... We were talking about difficult jobs.
• And your job depends on keeping the support of a majority of those people.

Committee: House House Judiciary

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislation is critical for the retention and creation of jobs within California.
• It's a false choice for anyone to say that California has to choose between retaining and growing jobs
• But it is my job, and I'm going to continue to do my job.
• But it is my job, and I'm going to continue to do my job.
• And yes, I hope that California voters and residents, ...do my job.

Summary: The Assembly met on June 4, 2025, first establishing a quorum and then moving through a long budget and concurrence session. After procedural motions, the house took up several budget trailer bills and related measures presented by Assembly Member Gabriel. SB 103, a technical budget cleanup bill addressing the Public School System Stabilization Account, a CDCR shortfall, and Middle Class Scholarship funding, passed 52-16. SB 120 on child care and preschool funding passed 65-1; SB 124 on natural resources and wildfire response passed 69-1; SB 127 on climate change and zero-emission transportation passed 53-17; SB 128 on transportation and DMV/LA Olympics implementation passed 53-17; SB 132 on taxation, veterans, wildfire settlements, film tax credits, and housing passed 64-1; SB 141 on cannabis enforcement and illicit market suppression passed 71-1; and SB 142 extending the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program passed 68-1 on both urgency and the measure. The Assembly also approved a motion to re-refer several bills to committees and later suspended rules to take up Senate-amended bills without reference to file. The chamber then considered AB 102, the main budget bill reflecting the final three-party agreement with the Governor. Supporters said it balanced compassion and fiscal responsibility while preserving housing, health care, child care, education, wildfire resilience, and public safety funding. Opponents criticized it for unsustainable spending, insufficient Prop. 36 funding, and other omissions. After extended debate, the Assembly concurred in the Senate amendments by a 55-16 vote and sent the bill to the Governor. The Assembly then concurred in Senate amendments to AB 116 on health care, AB 118 on human services, AB 121 on TK-12 education, AB 123 on higher education, AB 134 on public safety, AB 136 on courts, AB 137 on general government, and AB 143 on developmental services, with each bill passing on largely party-line or broad bipartisan votes. Debate on AB 116 focused on Medi-Cal, HIV program backfills, pharmacy benefit managers, and health care cuts; opponents objected to funding for undocumented immigrants and to hospice prior authorization. AB 118 drew support for child welfare, CalFresh disaster readiness, and CalWORKs simplification. AB 121 emphasized record K-12 funding and a $1.7 billion block grant. AB 123 extended the Golden State Teacher Grant Program and supported higher education and fire-impacted career technical education. AB 134 updated CDCR and tribal policing provisions, AB 136 streamlined court reporting and funded courthouse facilities, AB 137 made technical budget adjustments and fee changes, and AB 143 made developmental services reforms while preserving the state’s entitlement commitment. The final item shown was AB 470 on telecommunications, which was presented and discussed as a transition away from copper landlines toward fiber and modern networks, with supporters emphasizing public benefits and labor concerns, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Teleactivity for my industry means jobs—jobs that are directly related to the filming, as well as all
• It promotes jobs, economic activity, and it helps us to tell the story.
• And the agency, though, in my view, does a very good job of tracking all things economic.
• That takes millions of dollars and many jobs away from our communities.
• This has a huge impact on long-term jobs for the people in the region.

Bills: HB4568 , HB5458 , HB4543 , HB2703 , HB3728 , HCR113 , HCR126

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Keywords: film industry, incentives, grants, Texas, moving image, economic development, production companies, content standards, HB 5458, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, chronic wasting disease, CWD, cervids, deer, elk, moose, wildlife management, game animals, disease management

Transcript Highlights:

• advanced manufacturing and cyber security to build a stronger diversified economy, create high wage job
• advanced manufacturing and cyber security to build a stronger diversified economy, create high wage job
• advanced manufacturing and cyber security to build a stronger diversified economy, create high wage job
• opportunities, and position Hawaii job opportunities, and position Hawaii as<00:15:50.320><c> a</c><
• </c> economy and create high wage job economy and create high wage job opportunities<00:26:53.039><c>

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committees on Economic Development and Tourism and on Transportation, Culture, and the Arts heard HCR 142, which urges the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Department of Transportation to expand the airport greetings program to display art in all neighbor island airports. Testimony from CARES supported the measure, emphasizing that public art and youth art competitions help educate keiki, strengthen cultural understanding, and support economic development through Hawaii’s creative industries. No one testified in opposition, and members raised no questions. Both committees recommended passage of HCR 142 unamended. The measure was adopted by voice vote in each committee, with some members excused. Later, the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard HTR 102, which concerns translating the real estate salesperson exam into Japanese for timeshare-related sales. Supporters, including DBEDT and ARDA Hawaii, argued the change would help Japanese-speaking applicants, improve workforce recruitment, and support Hawaii’s timeshare industry and Japanese visitor market. A representative from APAC Hawaii supported the idea but suggested considering additional languages such as Korean, Chinese, and Filipino. Some senators questioned whether the proposal adequately addressed continuing education and long-term English proficiency, and the Real Estate Commission explained it does not currently issue a limited timeshare salesperson license and that the proposal would not restrict licensees from selling other real estate products. The committee also heard HCR 156, which asks the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to increase its focus on advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity to support economic diversification, high-wage jobs, innovation, and national security. HTDC and the Hawaii Military Affairs Council supported the resolution, citing the recent federal discontinuation of the local Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, Innovate Hawaii, and the loss of related staff positions as reasons to reinforce state support. Testimony and discussion stressed cybersecurity, supply-chain resilience, automation, and the need to sustain manufacturing momentum in Hawaii. Both HTR 102 and HCR 156 were recommended for passage as is and were adopted by the committee, with some members excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need them, and we need them to do their job.
• And they're just sitting there not able to do their job.
• Our job, though, is the FAA oversight.
• This is not their day job. It is your day job.
• That's your job.

Committees: Senate Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation , Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: aviation safety, midair collision, American Airlines Flight 5342, Army Black Hawk helicopter, NTSB, FAA, ADS-B technology, safety protocols

Summary: The meeting focused on the discussions surrounding the tragic midair collision involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter, which resulted in the loss of 67 lives. Testimonies were provided by key figures including NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy and FAA Acting Administrator Chris Richelieu. The committee expressed grave concerns regarding the existing safety protocols, questioning why the FAA failed to act on numerous warnings and data indicating potential collision risks. Members emphasized the need for urgent reforms in aviation safety to prevent such tragedies in the future. Specific highlights included the recognition of the importance of ADS-B out technology and concerns about the operational practices of military helicopters in controlled airspaces.

Transcript Highlights:

• And cheers to the staff analysis because you guys did a fantastic job on that. And I apologize.
• It's complex, and cheers to the staff analysis because you guys did a fantastic job on that.
• A retroactive contract after a job is done, just because the intent of the bill may say that...
• Good job. Members, we have 20 minutes left. We have one bill with a couple of speakers.
• Good job. Members, we have 20 minutes left. We have one bill with a couple of speakers.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Tourism

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It creates jobs, boosts our economy, and protects our grid.
• The jobs, do you have them from the Texas Workforce Commission?
• So, it keeps the jobs in Texas.
• Thank you. ...potential revenue and jobs.
• A lot of these jobs in the workforce will need to be found.

Bills: HB3619 , HB3652 , HB4572 , HB4891 , HB4941 , HB5103 , HB5105 , HB5106 , HB5224 , HB5600

Committee: House Energy Resources

Keywords: surface estate, well plugging, Railroad Commission, landowner rights, liability, strategic reserve, gas supply, petroleum products, disaster response, Railroad Commission of Texas, energy security, emergency planning, oil and gas waste, environmental regulation, waste management, mining pits, groundwater monitoring, regulation, commercial disposal facilities, environmental standards

Transcript Highlights:

• And for a while, for a season, one of my jobs was taking care of two autistic brothers.
• Job training, educational, mental health, addiction treatment.
• So we want them to be in the best form that they can, where they're prepared to hold a job.
• Well, when they're in Rough Rider Industries, they learn a job skill, and they get a job when they get
• Rough Rider Industries provides a job skills training program that has demonstrated positive.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. Representative Hoverson offered remarks recognizing World Autism Day, and the House then handled conference committee motions on several bills, including House Bills 1460 and 1248 and Senate Bills 2262, 2070, 2294, and 2297, with the Speaker appointing members to each conference committee. The chamber also set aside Senate Bill 2200 for re-referral to Appropriations and moved to amendments on Senate Bill 2128, which was the main subject of the day. Senate Bill 2128, a major criminal justice and corrections bill, drew extensive debate over truth-in-sentencing, mandatory minimums, parole, transitional facilities, work release, electronic monitoring, and the fiscal impact of longer incarceration. Division A of the amendments removed mandatory minimums for resisting arrest and felony simple assault while keeping consecutive-sentence language; supporters said this preserved judicial discretion and reduced costs, while opponents argued it weakened public safety. Division A was adopted 70-23. Division B proposed broader changes to preserve transitional programming, add penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring and escape, limit some work-release restrictions, create a parole board study, and fund electronic monitoring with a $600,000 appropriation. Supporters framed it as a compromise that balanced rehabilitation and public safety; opponents said it undercut the bill’s intent and left dangerous offenders with too much access to transitional release. Division B failed on a 46-46 tie. The House then took up the bill itself, with the Judiciary Committee reporting a do-not-pass recommendation as amended, and debate continued over whether the amended bill should advance, with members split between concerns about victims and public safety versus rehabilitation, prison capacity, and recidivism.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are the jobs kind of marketed to young people. Summer job. It's active. It's outdoors.
• These are the jobs kind of removal.
• Summer job. marketed to young people. Summer job.
• He basically hated the job and quit only after a few days.
• He was only his third day on the job when he was sent out into the the job when he was sent out into

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• A person who knows how to use artificial intelligence is going to replace your job.
• that have historically... ...attempt to have AI tools perform jobs that have historically been performed
• As AI tool adoption has expanded, its impact on human workers and jobs has grown.
• As AI tool adoption has expanded, its impact on human workers and jobs has grown.
• As AI tool adoption has expanded, its impact on human workers and jobs has grown, and the need to enact

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard two Senate measures focused on artificial intelligence in higher education. SCR 82 by Senator Niello would encourage the California higher education segments to convene a work group and share best practices on AI use, including how to address academic integrity and student use of AI in coursework. Supportive comments emphasized the need for intersegmental coordination and faculty/student engagement, while the Faculty Association for California Community Colleges raised concerns about preserving faculty purview, academic freedom, and governance differences at the community college level. The resolution was adopted and re-referred to the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection on an 8-0 vote. The committee also heard SB 928 by Senator Cervantes, which would establish guardrails for AI use at CSU by requiring that faculty employee positions be filled by humans who meet CSU minimum qualifications and that instructors of record be human faculty for credit and non-credit instruction. The author and supporters, including the California Faculty Association, Teamsters California, the California Federation of Labor Unions, and the State Building and Construction Trades Council, argued the bill is needed to prevent AI from replacing faculty and to preserve the human role in teaching and student support. Members asked for clarification that the bill would not apply to classified, administrative, or clerical employees, and the author’s office said the definition was intended to mirror CSU faculty classifications and bargaining language. Both measures received unanimous support from the committee after discussion. SB 928 was passed to the Assembly Floor on a 10-0 vote, with several members requesting to be added as coauthors. The consent calendar, which included SB 308, SB 892, and SB 968, was also approved unanimously, and the committee adjourned after announcing its next hearing date.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the biggest thing has been the stress of the job.
• But the biggest thing has been the stress of the job.
• People are saying, or leaving saying, “I love the job.
• Anytime I have a job opening, if I have one resume, I'm lucky.
• Anytime I have a job opening, if I have one resume, I'm lucky.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Governor’s Advisory and Review Commission on Assistant District Attorneys met to consider whether additional state-funded assistant district attorney positions should be approved. Louisiana District Attorneys Association Executive Director Zach Daniels presented a report proposing a formula that combines objective factors such as population, violent and sex crime caseloads, civil body representation, and courthouse coverage with subjective input from district attorneys about local needs. He said the combined approach supported a statewide request of 120 to 164 additional assistant district attorney positions, with the commission focusing on the higher end of that range in the report packet. Several district attorneys described staffing shortages and funding pressures in their districts. Colin Sims of the 22nd Judicial District said fast growth in St. Tammany, a long period without added warrants, and recent funding cuts had left his office under strain, especially with felony and sex crime caseloads. Hillar Moore of East Baton Rouge said his office was significantly understaffed, could not fill all existing warrants because of salary and benefit costs, and was asking for 25 positions instead of the formula’s 23 due to a homicide backlog and difficulty recruiting lawyers at current pay levels. James Stewart of Caddo Parish said his office was losing attorneys to higher-paying public offices, handling a heavy homicide and felony trial load, and needed both more warrants and higher salaries to remain competitive. Commission members asked about split warrants and recruitment challenges. Moore said split warrants were not a major issue for his office, while Sims said his office had no split warrants. Daniels said the association wanted the commission to approve the requested positions and continue working with the legislature on funding. The commission then adopted a motion to recommend 164 additional assistant district attorney positions, with members noting that the recommendation would not remove legislative discretion. The meeting then adjourned unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the biggest thing has been the stress of the job. People have...
• But the biggest thing has been the stress of the job.
• People are saying, or leaving saying, 'I love the job.
• Anytime I have a job opening, if I have one resume, I'm lucky.
• Anytime I have a job opening, if I have one resume, I'm lucky.

Summary: The Governor’s Advisory and Review Commission on Assistant District Attorneys met to consider whether additional state-funded assistant district attorney positions should be approved. Louisiana District Attorneys’ Association Executive Director Zach Daniels presented a report proposing a more objective formula for allocating warrants, based on factors such as population, violent and sex crime caseloads, civil body representation, and courthouse logistics, while also incorporating subjective input from district attorneys about local needs. He said the combined approach suggested a statewide need of between 120 and 164 additional warrants, and emphasized that Louisiana’s crime rates and office workloads justify more staffing. Several district attorneys testified in support of additional positions and higher warrant funding. Colin Sims of the 22nd Judicial District said St. Tammany has grown rapidly, has not received an additional warrant in nearly 20 years, and faces major funding cuts and heavy felony and sex-crime caseloads. Hillar Moore of East Baton Rouge said his office is significantly understaffed, has lost many lawyers to higher-paying public-sector jobs, and needs more assistants and a higher warrant amount to remain competitive; he asked for 25 additional positions and an increase in the warrant value from $50,000 to $60,000. James Stewart of the First Judicial District described similar recruitment and retention problems, high homicide and felony trial volumes, and rising office costs. Commission members asked about split warrants and whether offices still use them; the district attorneys said the practice is limited or not used in their offices, and that statewide usage was unclear. After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to approve the recommendation for 164 additional assistant district attorney positions, based on the chart in the packet. The commission voted unanimously in favor, then adjourned. The action was described as a recommendation for legislative consideration rather than a final funding decision.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Ian, you've just done such a great job as a new staff person, so we're really, really glad to have
• The goal of this bill should be avoiding job losses and retaining industry and keeping the industries
• how much more global warming would happen because we export these important industries and lose the jobs
• in places that we've had decades of job loss.
• in places that we've had decades of job loss.

Bills: HB2416 , HB2537 , HB2575 , HB2322

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: waste management, energy, climate action, environmental regulations, fair treatment, renewable energy, sustainability, emissions, climate commitment act, environmental regulation, trade regulation, facility compliance, reporting obligations, energy laws, compliance, business impact, alternative fuel, carbon reduction, aviation, energy production

Transcript Highlights:

• Also remember one of the most important things they said was always floss before a job interview, which
• I'm Nicole Swanson, the director of the Anoka County Job Training Center.
• things they said was always floss before things they said was always floss before a<00:01:53.360><c> job
• :54.079><c> which</c><00:01:54.640><c> oh</c><00:01:55.119><c> good</c><00:01:55.439><c> good</c> a job
• interview which oh good good a job interview which oh good good advice<00:01:56.000><c> there</c><00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• In this case, you see job creation and job maintenance, investment in particular industries, and competitiveness
• In this case, you see job creation and job maintenance, investment in particular industries, and competitiveness
• In this case, you see job creation and job maintenance, investment in particular industries, and competitiveness
• In this case, you see job creation and job maintenance, investment in particular industries, and competitiveness
• In this case, you see job creation and job maintenance, investment in particular industries, and competitiveness

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The PSC does a fine job.
• We have the PSC, which does their job to protect ratepayers in need.
• We have the PSC, which does their job to protect ratepayers in need.
• Some of them take their jobs with them.
• SOME OF THEM TAKE THEIR JOBS WITH THEM.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of utility and public service bills and resolutions. A resolution sponsored by Senator Scarcella-Spanton designating April 9, 2026, as Yellow Ribbon Day was adopted after remarks honoring veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The chamber then moved through several Public Service Law measures focused on utility affordability, consumer protections, and PSC procedures, with some bills laid aside and others advanced. Among the bills passed were measures by Senators Mayer, Cleare, Hinchey, Comrie, and Parker. Debate on the Mayer bill centered on limiting utility expenses and fees recoverable in rate cases; supporters said it was part of a broader package to reform PSC practices, while opponents argued it would not lower current bills and had been softened from earlier versions. The Webb bill creating a residential utility usage monitoring program drew extended debate over whether it would meaningfully reduce costs, who would pay for the program, and whether it could lead to government monitoring of household usage; supporters said it would give consumers more control and transparency, while critics said it would not lower rates. The Gonzalez bill, which would add consumer protections during PSC investigations and delay shutoffs in certain circumstances, also passed after questions about whether it applied to rate cases, with the sponsor saying rate cases were explicitly excluded. Several members explained their votes, with supporters emphasizing affordability, transparency, and consumer protection, and opponents arguing the package would not address immediate rate relief and could burden ratepayers or encourage nonpayment. Senator Tedisco and others criticized PSC appointments and state energy policy, while Democratic sponsors argued the bills were part of a longer-term effort to reform utility regulation and address climate and affordability concerns. The chamber restored multiple bills to the non-controversial calendar before final votes, and the recorded results showed passage of the major utility bills by substantial margins, along with one amendment appeal being ruled nongermane and rejected.

Transcript Highlights:

• infrastructure, and planned environmental and economic benefits of the... ...delivery of housing, jobs
• CNWS is a 10,000-construction-job and 16,000-permanent-job-creating project, consistent with priorities
• CNWS is a 10,000-construction-job and 16,000-permanent-job-creating project, consistent with priorities
• It includes a project labor agreement with building trades and carpenters, ensuring quality jobs with
• and affordable housing. ...so that it can deliver both good-paying jobs and affordable housing, but

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a jobs bill for the people of Missouri, all the people of Missouri.
• We want the construction jobs to build those plants. We want the jobs to operate those plants.
• We want the jobs to operate those plants.
• They're cheap, they're easy, they provide jobs, they provide energy.
• If it is an animal control officer testifying in that animal case, that's their job.

Summary: The House first approved the previous day’s journal by roll call vote, 112-2, and then spent time on numerous guest introductions and recognitions. Guests included former Rep. Bill E. Kidd, students and school officials from several districts, pharmacy students, community and labor representatives, Alliance for Life members, Link community partners, and the student who led the Pledge of Allegiance. A personal privilege announcement also recognized a legislator’s son’s birthday. The main floor debate centered on House Committee Substitute for House Bills 21, 22, and 1626, the Missouri Nuclear Clean Power Act. Supporters argued the bill would remove a roadblock to small modular nuclear reactors by allowing construction work in progress (CWIP), lower long-term electricity costs, attract industry, and help Missouri meet future baseload demand, especially for data centers and other large users. Opponents said the measure would shift risk and cost overruns to ratepayers, cited past nuclear cost overruns and safety concerns, and argued Missouri voters had previously rejected such financing. After extended debate and several inquiries, the House adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bills perfected and printed. The chamber then perfected and printed House Bill 1881, which would make xylazine a Schedule III controlled substance. The sponsor and supporters said the drug is a dangerous animal tranquilizer increasingly used in illicit fentanyl mixtures, while the bill preserves legitimate veterinary and agricultural uses. Members from both rural and urban districts supported the measure, and the House adopted an amendment clarifying penalties for knowingly starving an animal and false reporting in animal abuse cases. Finally, the House took up House Bill 2292, which would encourage cross-reporting among agencies handling child, elder, and companion animal abuse. The sponsor said abuse in one area often correlates with abuse in the others and that the bill would use existing agencies rather than create a new department. An amendment was also offered to strengthen elder-abuse investigations by allowing post-certified investigators in the Department of Health and Senior Services to assist law enforcement and obtain records. The discussion emphasized protecting vulnerable Missourians and improving coordination among investigators and local police.