Transcript Highlights:

• The current certification framework supports that work.
• I support what CID has.
• At this time in my career, I support what CCIDC has done over the years, and I hope you will support
• Those support staff, those support assistants that are educated and trained is what audiology really
• So those support staff, those support assistants that are educated and trained is what audiology really

Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate business committees held a sunset review hearing for five California regulatory entities: the Respiratory Care Board, the California Council for Interior Design Certification, the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board, the Board of Occupational Therapy, and the Board of Naturopathic Medicine. Each board or council described its licensing, enforcement, modernization, and consumer-protection work since the last review, and committee members focused on workforce access, transparency, fee authority, and whether current regulatory structures are appropriately tailored to public safety. For the Respiratory Care Board, the main issue was a proposal to move toward a bachelor’s degree requirement for licensure. Board representatives said the change would better align education with the complexity of care and could help the profession’s long-term status and reimbursement prospects, but Assembly Member Addis and others raised concerns about rural access, staffing shortages, and added barriers to entry. Public commenters, including respiratory therapists, families, and congregate living health facility operators, strongly opposed the degree mandate and urged continued use of LVNs for certain respiratory tasks in community settings. The board also discussed its ongoing work on LVN respiratory care issues, updated suctioning guidance, digitized licensing and enforcement systems, and fee cleanup language. The interior design item drew the most debate. CCIDC leaders defended the current title-act certification model, arguing it establishes competency without evidence of public harm and avoids the disruption a full licensure system could cause. Several committee members questioned the lack of enforcement authority, the private nonprofit structure, Bagley-Keene compliance, and whether certification meaningfully improves plan acceptance or public safety. Public testimony was split: supporters said the system works and preserves flexibility, while opponents argued the model lacks accountability, creates confusion, and does not reliably prevent plan-check denials or protect the public. The speech-language pathology/audiology board reported major modernization gains, including a new online licensure system, faster processing, continuing education audits, and updated supervision and advertising rules; it also received support for creating a new audiology assistant license category, while a consumer group urged more public members, proactive inspections, and faster discipline. The occupational therapy board reported growth, improved enforcement and licensing performance, and a need for additional fee authority to address rising costs, while public testimony supported reducing advanced practice hand therapy training hours. The final naturopathic medicine item began at the end of the transcript, but no substantive discussion was captured before the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Strongly support this bill.
• Strongly support this bill.
• I am excited to support this legislation.
• I'm here to strongly support SB 5436.
• I'm proudly in support of this bill.

Summary: The committee heard briefings and testimony on several bills, with members repeatedly noting limited time and that some measures were already familiar from prior hearings. Second Substitute Senate Bill 5880 would allow cities and counties to use ISO/IEC-accredited private toxicology labs for blood or breath testing, accept private donations for that purpose, and reimburse the State Patrol for evidence transport costs. Senator Wagoner said the bill is a temporary fix for a major toxicology backlog that delays justice; prosecutors, police chiefs, and the Seattle City Attorney supported it as a way to relieve the backlog, while defense representatives said it would not solve the problem and raised due process concerns about out-of-state labs and access to witnesses. Members discussed possible amendments on in-state/out-of-state labs and litigation logistics, and the bill was set for executive action the following Tuesday. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5436 would create a gross misdemeanor for willfully or recklessly interfering with access to or from a place of worship or disrupting religious services through obstruction, trespass, repeated calls or electronic communications, or threats. Senator Solomon said the bill responds to rising intolerance and is modeled on protections for health care facilities; supporters from the Anti-Defamation League, Faith Action Network, Jewish and Sikh community organizations described harassment, threats, and security costs at houses of worship. Defense and law enforcement groups raised concerns about overbreadth, possible impacts on peaceful protest, and unintended effects on law enforcement or immigration enforcement, and asked for clarifying amendments. The sponsor said he was open to changes, and the committee indicated it would continue working on the bill before executive action next Tuesday. Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5105 would expand child sexual abuse material offenses to cover digitally created or altered obscene depictions, even when the minor is not identifiable, extend the statute of limitations for those felony offenses from three to ten years, and broaden sexual exploitation of a minor to include knowingly causing a minor who is unconscious or unaware to be photographed or part of a live performance. Supporters including the Attorney General’s Office, prosecutors, and sheriffs’ chiefs said the bill is needed to address AI and other technology that can evade current law and to keep pace with rapidly changing digital abuse material. Opponents from the defense bar and the Sentencing Guidelines Commission argued the bill may still be overbroad and raise First Amendment problems under Ashcroft v. Free Speech Coalition, especially where no actual minor is identified. The committee also heard and then quickly acted on other bills: Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5268, requiring one year of community custody for unlawful possession of a firearm, was amended and reported out due pass as amended; Engrossed Senate Bill 5272, addressing penalties for violence against referees and school volunteers, was reported out due pass; and Engrossed Senate Bill 5286, concerning reimbursement for costs in cities with state psychiatric hospitals, was also reported out due pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• I support...
• I support. therapist in Sonomish County. I support House Bill 6296.
• I am here in support of Senate Bill 6296.
• We support providing help to those who need help.
• King County also provided support.

Summary: The committee began with Senate Bill 5962 on spring blade knives, first suspending the five-day notice requirement. Staff explained the bill would remove spring blade knives from the list of dangerous weapons while keeping restrictions on carrying them in schools, child care, and other protected locations. Proponents, including Knife Rights and the prime sponsor Sen. T’wina Nobles, described the measure as a modernization and cleanup bill that would reduce confusion and support lawful use and manufacturing; one testifier strongly objected to the bill’s added location-based restrictions. Public testimony was overwhelmingly in support, and the hearing then moved on without a vote. Senate Bill 6105 would raise the wage exemption from garnishment for medical debt judgments from 30 to 60 times the state minimum wage, while keeping the 80% disposable earnings exemption and adding notice requirements identifying the debt as medical. Sen. Marko Liias said the bill is intended to protect low-wage workers from severe financial hardship and reduce incentives to work off the books. Supporters from patient, consumer, AARP, and anti-poverty groups said medical debt is often unexpected and garnishment can destabilize families; opponents from collectors and trade groups argued the bill was too broad, lacked stakeholder input, could hurt providers, and should define medical debt more clearly. The hearing closed with no action taken. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6203, which would clarify that out-of-state convictions can include foreign-country convictions for offender scoring if obtained with sufficient due process safeguards. The sponsor, Sen. Matt Boehnke, said the bill closes a gap in sentencing law; prosecutors supported the concept and suggested simplifying the language, while the Sentencing Guidelines Commission, defense attorneys, and public defense opposed it, citing undefined standards, difficulty verifying foreign convictions, and due process concerns. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6296 on involuntary treatment, which would expand who may petition for detention, change rules for assisted outpatient treatment and police assistance, require firearm surrender compliance procedures, and make other ITA changes. The sponsor and several providers and family members supported the bill as a needed modernization, while DCRs, disability advocates, behavioral health organizations, hospitals, and others raised concerns about due process, implementation, rural transport, capacity, and unintended consequences. No votes were taken on either bill during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your great support, assistance.
• I'm here in support of HB 14.
• I'm here in support of HB 14.
• It needs support, and it's what state is going to step up to support this?
• It needs support, and it's what state is going to step up to support this?

Bills: HB132 , HB 11 , HB14 , HB132 , HB1584 , HB1606 , HB5061 , HB 1041 , HB2286

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: nuclear energy, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, energy policy, regulation repeal, state energy strategy, licensing, reciprocity, regulation, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, interstate agreements, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, HB 132, Texas Government Code Chapter 418, Public Information Act, confidential records, homeland security, foreign adversary, terrorism

Summary: The committee first took up pending business and quickly reported several measures favorably, including HB 12, SB 1361, SB 1705, SB 1749, SB 1897, SB 2344, SB 2566, HB 3809, and HB 4215, with most sent to the Local and Uncontested Calendar. HB 12’s substitute clarified a limited midterm review of regulatory agencies tied to Sunset Commission recommendations. SB 2696’s substitute changed med spa regulation from a license to a certificate, with training instead of an exam, plus background checks, continuing education, and two-year renewals. HB 3809 dealt with battery energy storage decommissioning and recycling, and HB 4215 was reported without a substitute. SB 1978, concerning interconnection of electric facilities in ERCOT and federal jurisdiction concerns, was reported out on a 5-3 vote after debate, but then the chair later announced the bill was withdrawn and left pending subject to the call of the chair. HB 1899 was also reported favorably, with one nay. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 14, the advanced nuclear energy bill. Senator Schwertner described it as creating a Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, a nuclear permitting coordinator, a development fund, a completion grant program, and a workforce development program. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including representatives from Fermi America, Dow/X-energy, CPS Energy, Paragon Energy Solutions, Bridge to Nuclear, Aalo Atomics, and the Texas Association of Business, argued that Texas should lead in advanced nuclear, citing future baseload demand, data centers, industrial power needs, supply-chain development, and long-term energy diversification. Opponents, including Public Citizen, Texas Nuclear Watchdogs, Sierra Club, and individual citizens, argued the bill would subsidize unproven, expensive technology, create grants rather than loans, and expose taxpayers to major risk while doing little to meet near-term energy needs. Several members questioned whether the state should fund projects that may not produce grid power for years, and whether the bill’s grant structure and new office were justified. The committee also heard HB 5061, which Senator Schwertner said would prohibit unethical surveillance and misuse of confidential information by state contractors, create a confidential reporting system through the State Auditor’s Office, authorize Texas Rangers investigations, protect whistleblowers, and impose penalties including contract termination, fines, and contracting bans. No public testimony was offered, and the bill was left pending. HB 132, sponsored by Senator Hughes, would extend confidentiality protections for sensitive information to hostile acts by foreign adversaries; it was also left pending after no testimony. HB 1584 was then laid out, with Senator Schwertner explaining it would require utilities to maintain and update priority restoration lists for critical facilities after Hurricane Beryl exposed communication failures, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Hawaii good timing testifying in support Hawaii good timing testifying in support yes<00:15:34.399
• Up next, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, likewise testifying in support.
• Support? Yes, Chair Garrett, Vice Chair Amato. Thank you very much.
• </c> Hawaii likewise testifying and support Hawaii likewise testifying and support good<00:21:37.640>
• So I urge you to oppose this bill and support better opportunities. Thank you.

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met on March 14, 2025, and heard five University of Hawaii-related bills. SB 741 would create an external audit committee for the UH system and Board of Regents; UH and UHPA opposed it, saying existing internal and external audits already provide robust oversight, and the committee later recommended deferring the bill indefinitely as duplicative. SB 1252 SD2 would create a dementia training program for health care providers; the Alzheimer’s Association and other supporters said broader training is needed across the care workforce, while the university discussed using JABSOM as a coordinator. The committee deferred the bill to March 19 for an HD1 reflecting JABSOM’s suggestions and removing the appropriations/FTE language. SB 1502 SD1 would fund faculty positions, student programs, and facilities at UH Manoa and West Oahu for defense-sector workforce development. UH and Chamber of Commerce Hawaii supported the measure, describing a pipeline for students into intelligence, cybersecurity, and related fields, while one individual opposed it as too closely tied to military contracting and urged investment in other sectors instead. The committee amended the bill to remove FTE references and advanced it; the vote to pass with amendments was adopted, with several members voting aye and some excused. SB 1530 would require performance-based allocation of UH general funds and efficiency reporting. UH and the Attorney General’s office raised concerns, saying the bill’s metrics would apply across the entire general fund budget and were not practical as drafted; the committee also noted opposition from the Budget and Finance Department and individuals. SB 1624 SD1 would restrict RIM funds to renewing, improving, or modernizing existing facilities and require annual reports. UH opposed the bill and explained that RIM is a lump-sum approach used to address deferred maintenance and capital needs, with Board of Regents approval and quarterly reporting already in place; the Attorney General suggested constitutional amendments. The transcript ends during discussion of SB 1624, with no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ensure that VA's infrastructure can support its mission and so much more.
• I appreciate strong support of the VFW.
• I want to say very enthusiastically I support the goals of the GARD Act.
• I really appreciate your strong support, your organization's strong support for the National.
• It's a benefit of being in a very supportive community, sir.

Committee: Senate Senate Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: veteran services, Secretary Collins, healthcare provisions, contract cancellations, transparency, accountability, committee meeting, legislation

Summary: During this committee meeting, various bills were discussed with a specific focus on veteran services and healthcare provisions. Notably, the cancellation of critical contracts under Secretary Collins sparked significant debate, with representatives emphasizing the adverse impact on veteran care. The meeting featured testimonies from veterans and stakeholders who expressed their concerns regarding the potential fallout of these cancellations, demonstrating the urgency of transparency and accountability in management decisions. Discussions also delved into various legislative proposals aimed at improving services for veterans amidst these challenges.

Transcript Highlights:

• We stand in full support of Senate Bill 29.
• I’m grateful to speak in support of SB 29 on behalf of our members and supporters.
• All of them stand in support of this bill.
• Again, we appreciate this and we stand in support of it. We stand in support of it.
• I'm not going to be able to support it.

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• They’re here in support of House Bill 348 and Senate Bill 220. Mr. Girardi. Hi, how are you?
• I’m here today to express strong support for House Bill 348 and Senate Bill 220.
• I’m testifying today in support of House Bill 348 by Chairman Chan and Senate Bill 220 by...
• their support.
• The MBTA respectfully asks for your support of House Bill 407 and S. 277.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure opened its first hearing of the session with remarks from Chair Chan and Senate Co-Chair Pavel Payano, who emphasized consumer affordability and professional licensure reform. The chairs also reviewed public testimony rules, noting the hearing was recorded, testimony would be public, and speakers should avoid including sensitive personal information. The committee then heard testimony on several bills carried over from prior sessions and new proposals, with each witness generally speaking in support of the measure they addressed. On self-storage, Joe Doherty of the Self Storage Association supported House Bill 340 and Senate Bill 236, saying the bills would clarify abandonment procedures, allow electronic delivery and signatures for rental agreements, and address situations where a renter fails to return a signed contract after a facility sale, while preserving existing consumer protections. On housing and fair housing education, Nicholas Pelletier and counsel Justin Davidson of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors supported House Bill 343 and Senate Bill 232, which would require fair housing education for real estate licensees; they said fair housing training is already part of MAR’s programs but is not required for all licensees, and Pelletier described a personal example of discriminatory treatment in a rental application. Senators asked whether other states have similar requirements and requested follow-up information. The committee also heard strong support for House Bill 348 and Senate Bill 220 on licensure of applied behavior analysts from Dr. Pauli Gidej of MABA and Dr. Charlie Newfield of Beacon ABA Services. They argued that a dedicated board would improve oversight, speed licensing, and help reduce delays that affect access to autism services, noting the growing number of practitioners and the strain on families waiting for care. Later, Robert Mellion of the Massachusetts Package Stores Association testified for House Bill 390, which would expand alcohol license suspension penalties to all business activity for certain retailers; members questioned the impact on grocery and big-box stores, the difference between suspending alcohol sales versus closing an entire store, and whether fines in lieu of suspension would be sufficient. The committee also heard testimony in favor of House Bill 407 and Senate Bill 277 to license veterinary technicians, with witnesses saying standardized education and licensure would improve animal safety, clarify scope of practice, and better distinguish technicians from assistants. Finally, Craig Orlin of Honda supported House Bill 474 and Senate Bill 291, which would use RMV contacts to notify drivers of open safety recalls and require recall completion as part of registration renewal; he said the bills could improve recall completion rates and address the large number of unrepaired vehicles on the road. At the end of the hearing, the chair noted several bills that did not receive testimony that day, invited written submissions by email, and announced the committee would reconvene in about two weeks. Representative McKenna moved to adjourn, Representative Keefe seconded, and the committee voted to close the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Supports community organizations.
• I'm supportive of the bill. Thank you.
• I am here in support of Senator Mosley.
• Anybody here to testify in support? Anybody here testify in support? Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman.
• I'll support a bill.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It has the support of the entire town of Groton.
• It also has the support of DCR, Support of the entire town of Groton.
• I support Bill H. 4700 and H. 5076.
• On Cape Cod, Sierra Club members and supporters have been working to build support for these petitions
• On behalf of our Massachusetts supporters, I submit the following testimony and strong support of H.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a late-file hearing focused mainly on coastal access and wildlife protection bills, rodenticide restrictions, and a conservation land use bill. Chair Barbara House opened with technical notes and hearing rules, then Rep. Scarsdale testified for H. 5113, which would name an accessible trail in Groton the Marion Stoddard Riverwalk in honor of the environmental advocate who helped restore the Nashua River. Groton Trails Committee chair Paul Fung also supported the bill, describing the trail, educational signage, and DCR’s involvement. Rep. Sweezey then presented a package of Duxbury beach bills—H. 5141, H. 5140, and H. 5139—aimed at revising shorebird protections, creating parity among beaches, and requiring regular review of outdated recreational-use guidelines. He said the bills were developed with local and agency input to balance conservation and beach access, though he acknowledged some initial concerns from wildlife officials about the language in H. 5141. The committee also heard extensive testimony on local home-rule petitions to restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides and other pesticides. Supporters included Grafton resident Shannon Phelan, Mass Audubon’s Heather Packard, Sen. Ford, Billerica resident William Jubin, Manchester-by-the-Sea resident Anne Harris, and Animal Defenders International’s Drew McCormick. They argued the poisons cause secondary poisoning in owls, hawks, eagles, and other wildlife, can harm pets and livestock, and are increasingly ineffective; several speakers urged local authority because statewide action has been slow. Opponents included Molly Moran of the New England Pest Management Association, who argued regulation should remain at the state level through MDAR to avoid a patchwork of local rules and noted the agency is already reviewing the issue. Additional testimony from Stephanie Ellis, Laura Kelly, Chris Powicki, Cecily Miller, and others supported Eastham and Truro pesticide-reduction petitions, citing wildlife losses, groundwater concerns, and the need for local control. Finally, the committee heard S. 2961 from Dighton town counsel Matthew Costa, which would authorize use of a small portion of conservation land for public way purposes tied to replacement of the Pleasant Street Bridge. Costa said the easements are needed for safety improvements, including a wider bridge deck, sidewalk, guardrail replacement, and erosion controls, and that the affected conservation area is limited and of little natural-resource value. The hearing ended after testimony on these bills, with no votes taken during the session and the committee adjourning at the close of testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to have the trained, best support advocates for our children.
• also taking them to get some support through local agencies.
• We have a lot of churches that do support us.
• At Christmastime, we have churches that do support us. We have churches that do support us.
• us christmas time we have churches that do support us at christmas time we have churches that do support

Summary: The Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee reviewed the Judicial Branch budget, beginning with the Court Operations division. Legislative staff outlined the branch’s structure, recent spending trends, technology upgrades funded with ARPA dollars, and FY26/FY27 budget changes, including judicial compensation increases, added judges in several districts, and a late request for $800,700 from a dedicated fund to cover senior magistrate retirement and purchase-of-service costs. Court officials explained that the retirement request was driven by an unusual number of magistrate retirements announced too late to include in the original budget, and they also described the impact of declining federal support and the need to shift some treatment-court and technology costs to other funding sources. Members asked about the holdback, the court’s cloud and network modernization, the purpose of senior judge purchase-of-service payments, and the effect of treatment courts on public safety and incarceration; no vote was taken. The committee then heard the Second Judicial District CASA/Guardian ad Litem request for $77,900 in general funds. The program said the money would support a trainer/recruiter/data supervisor position, required office and record space, annual financial review, and liability insurance, citing rural service needs, declining VOCA and grant funding, and the need to recruit and support volunteers across a large district. The executive director described the program’s statutory role in child protection cases and said fundraising now covers about 30% of the budget, taking time away from direct services. Members asked about the decline in VOCA funds, the number of children served, and examples of the program’s impact; the director gave a detailed success story about helping a family reunify. The hearing ended with no recorded appropriation action, and the chair adjourned the meeting until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• the region counties to support the transportation district.
• We have a letter of support as well from Montgomery County Judge Mark Keogh.
• And so I do urge your support for this bill. Alright, thank you very much.
• I'm here in support of Senator West's bill.
• Committee, thank you for your time and consideration and support of this.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation heard a series of memorial and honorary designation bills, including SB 876 naming the Crescent Bypass the Bob Cornett Parkway, HB 2523 renaming part of State Highway 48 for Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia, HB 2457 naming a portion of US 287 the Molly Mullins Mile, HB 2763 naming a TxDOT facility for Eduardo Eddie Garcia Jr., HB 3135 creating specialty license plates for retired firefighters, HB 2415 naming part of FM 969 for Senior Police Officer Louis Andy Taylor, HB 2143 naming part of FM 1097 for Army Specialist Joey Lynn, HB 767 naming part of SH 249 for Colonel Paul P. Mendez, HB 2198 naming part of Highway 34 for Officer Jacob Candenosa, SB 1230 naming part of FM 10 for Deputy Sheriff Chris Dickerson, SB 2515 naming part of Loop 323 for fire chief Jimmy Wayne Seaton, SB 2688 naming part of US 281 for the McIlroy family, and SB 2790 naming part of US 67 for Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. Most of these bills were presented by senators on behalf of House authors and were supported by family members, local officials, or law enforcement groups, with testimony emphasizing public service, sacrifice, and roadway safety. The committee also heard SB 2799, which would create new criminal penalties for reckless driving that causes bodily injury or serious bodily injury; the sponsor and a Montgomery County prosecutor said the bill would fill a gap between misdemeanor reckless driving and aggravated assault and give prosecutors more proportional charging options. A separate policy bill, HB 1672, was described as removing an administrative delay in DPS motor carrier enforcement, and HB 3012 would eliminate a $3 administration fee for driving courses. After public testimony, the committee voted to report each listed bill favorably to the full Senate, generally by a 6-0 roll call, and recommended them for the local and uncontested calendar; all bills were left pending until the final vote, then reported out and the committee recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we are meeting for the Workforce Support Subcommittee.
• So examples of some of the supports that our provider members provide are things like residential supports
• , day program supports, employment, transportation, clinical supports, and that's across the Commonwealth
• , and supported employment.
• Community-based day supports dropped to 14%.

Summary: The Workforce Support Subcommittee of the Status of Persons with Disabilities met, approved the prior November minutes, and heard a presentation from the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP) on its 2025 workforce metrics survey. ADDP described its membership and the survey’s scope, which covers community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and brain injury. The presenters said 102 of 132 members responded, and reported that overall vacancy rates improved for the third straight year, falling from 19% in 2024 to 15% in 2025, with declines across all program types. However, they emphasized that nearly 4,000 positions remain unfilled, licensed practical nurse and clinician vacancies remain especially high, and almost 1,800 people are still waiting for day services. ADDP also highlighted a new survey question on health insurance costs, reporting that nearly 90% of respondents saw premium increases averaging 11%, which providers said limits their ability to offer competitive wages and benefits. Members and commissioners discussed the significance of the data, the need to balance survey length with useful trend information, and the impact of immigration and workforce availability on provider staffing. ADDP said it plans to repeat the survey in the fall and continue monitoring these pressures. The subcommittee then elected Rachel Caprillion and Leo Sarkisian as co-chairs by voice vote. Members discussed possible speakers for the next meeting, including state and out-of-state workforce experts, JVS, Josh Cutler or his office, Juan Vega, Human Services Research Institute, and NASDDDS, with an emphasis on training, turnover, apprenticeships, and broader workforce supports. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was seconded and approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Otherwise, we appreciate your support today. Thank you. Thank you.
• Any additional folks wish to express support in the room? Any witnesses in opposition?
• This is a fantastic bill supported by our firefighters. The costs are negligible.
• Any witnesses in support? Witnesses in opposition? Good.
• Here with me to support this bill is Sandra Barrero from SEIU California. Thank you.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I do not support SB 5.
• Um, I absolutely support this bill. I'm happy that the state ethics commission um supports it.
• So I do not support SB5 um if I could.
• </c><00:16:40.639><c> of</c> ethics commission, we are in support of ethics commission, we are in support
• </c> state ethics commission um supports it. state ethics commission um supports it.

Committee: House Legislative Management

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 5 and SB 1545. SB 5 drew opposition from the Department of the Attorney General, which said the bill conflicted with two sections of the state constitution. A member of the public also opposed SB 5, arguing that representatives should be elected by the people and urging the committee not to pass the measure. After discussion, the committee deferred SB 5, citing the deputy attorney general’s view that it was unconstitutional. The committee then heard SB 1545, which concerns nepotism rules and good-cause exceptions. The State Ethics Commission testified in support, saying the bill would create a clearer, more transparent central process for good-cause exceptions and noting that several exceptions had already been publicly filed. A public testifier also supported the bill but questioned why the judiciary appeared to be excluded from its coverage. After a brief recess, the committee decided to amend SB 1545 by striking the exemption for the legislature and judiciary and changing the effective date to the House defective date. The committee then voted to pass SB 1545 with amendments. The chair, vice chair, and Representatives Ichiyama and Morikawa voted aye; Representative Matsumoto was excused, and the recommendation was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Support of ACR 9, thank you. Thank you, Assemblymember Crowell.
• So I ask all of you to join us today in supporting ACR 9.
• I rise today in support of ACR 9.
• I'm heartened to hear the bipartisan support for this resolution.
• So I'm glad that we have the bipartisan support in this room.

Transcript Highlights:

• We must continue to support policies that support our number one industry so that the future of farming
• I rise in support of H.R. 99.
• I rise in strong support of S.J.R. 7.
• You've supported policies that have increased our prices astronomically, and you've supported tax after
• Today I rise in support of SJR 7.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a delayed quorum call, then moved through routine procedural actions, including unanimous-consent requests on guest seating and committee referrals. A motion by Assembly Member DeMaio to withdraw AB 2624 from committee failed on a roll call vote, 14-44. The chamber also heard multiple guest introductions and held an Armenian Genocide Remembrance ceremony with a prayer, pledge, and moment of silence. The main floor action centered on H.R. 97, commemorating the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Assembly Member Schultz and numerous colleagues spoke in support, emphasizing historical recognition, solidarity with Armenian Californians, and opposition to denial. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added. Later, H.R. 99 recognizing California Agriculture Day also drew extensive support from members highlighting the state’s agricultural economy, farmworkers, and the need for continued investment in agriculture; it was adopted by voice vote after 65 co-authors were added. Several bills were also considered and passed: AB 1838 on contractor wage-and-hour disclosure for public works bids, AB 1562 authorizing counties to randomly select poll workers, AB 2297 standardizing restitution rules in diversion programs, AB 1659 improving school re-enrollment support for justice-impacted youth, AB 1974 creating an optional temporary firearm storage program for law enforcement, AB 2402 updating health studio fee rules, and AB 1607 extending the Maddy Emergency Medical Services Fund. AB 1607 drew sharp opposition over fee funding and broader policy concerns, but passed 66-1. The Assembly also adopted ACR 129 establishing a sister-state relationship with Lagos State, Nigeria, and considered a Senate joint resolution on tariffs, with members split over whether tariffs or state policies were the main driver of higher costs; the transcript ends during debate on that resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we have any others in support? Mr. Kelly. Do we have any others in support?
• Are you for support? Yes, Mr. Chairman, testifying support. Heath Clarkston.
• Are you for support? Yes, Mr. Chairman, testifying support. Heath Clarkston.
• Seeing none, is there any other support?
• Are you for support? Yes, Mr. Chairman, testifying support. Heath Clarkston.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1142, which would clarify the Secretary of State’s authority to issue certificates of good standing to series LLCs and make each series searchable on the Secretary of State’s website. The sponsor said the bill was needed to preserve a long-standing practice and keep Missouri business-friendly, and witnesses from the Missouri Chamber and a law firm supported it as a simple clarification. No opposition was presented, and the hearing concluded without a vote in the transcript. The committee then took up House Bill 3347, sponsored by Rep. Murphy, which had two parts: one establishing requirements for political subdivisions entering contingency-fee legal contracts, and another addressing a Kansas City ordinance restricting sales of small liquor bottles in certain areas. Supporters of the legal-contract portion argued that local governments should coordinate with the Attorney General on contingency-fee cases involving statewide issues, citing opioid, PFAS, environmental, and other multi-jurisdictional litigation as examples where attorney fees and fragmented local action created delays and inefficiencies. Opponents, including the Missouri Municipal League, Missouri Association of Counties, and private attorneys, argued the bill would add bureaucracy, delay cases, undermine local control, and potentially freeze out smaller communities; they also raised concerns about vague language, a 45-day review period, and retroactive effects on existing contracts. On the alcohol portion, industry witnesses supported the amendment, saying the Kansas City proposal was discriminatory, unsupported by data, and would hurt retailers and tax revenue. After the hearing, the committee moved into executive session and unanimously voted House Committee Substitute for Senate Bills 907, 1154, and 1272 do pass and do pass with consent, after adopting a technical substitute. The transcript then returned to HB 3347, where testimony continued on both the legal-contract and alcohol provisions, but no final committee vote on HB 3347 appears in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I am standing in support of this bill and I ask you guys to support. Thank you.
• I support this bill.
• I support your bill.
• I support this bill.
• I support your bill.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by roll call vote, 135-1. Members then observed a moment of silence for a constituent killed in a roadway tragedy, and several members introduced guests, including family members, veterans, students, and a child celebrating his birthday on the dais. The chamber then considered a series of bills. HB 2944, dealing with automatic continuation of a senior property tax freeze without annual reapplication, passed 145-0. HB 2230/2978, addressing school instructional methods by limiting excessive screen-based instruction and promoting cursive writing, passed 143-10 after extended debate over technology use in elementary schools. HB 1825, removing sheriffs and prosecutors from county salary commissions with a Boone County carve-out, passed 152-0. HB 1840, creating a Purple Alert system for missing individuals with developmental disabilities, passed 153-0, and its emergency clause was adopted 143-8. HB 1623, allowing emergency suspension or restriction of licenses for massage therapists and chiropractors, passed 103-48. HB 3279, moving the Community Service Commission to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, passed 151-0. HB 2508, clarifying certificates of good standing for series LLCs and making them searchable, passed 152-0. HB 1963, allowing social workers to supervise after three years of practice, passed 151-0. HB 2408, removing the appropriation cap for grants serving the deaf-blind community, was perfected and printed. HB 3113, requiring Narcan in public buildings, designating October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month, and expanding school-law enforcement prevention efforts, was perfected and printed after discussion about funding and Narcan shelf life. HB 3000, fixing signature requirements for local audits based on population at the start of petitioning and adding a fire district surplus-sale amendment, was perfected and printed as amended. HB 2898, reviving and refining land bank authority and Chapter 141 judicial foreclosure tools, was perfected and printed after debate about neighborhood cleanup and title clearing. HB 1740, renamed Melanie’s Law, increasing penalties for intoxicated driving and strengthening ignition interlock requirements, was perfected and printed following emotional testimony from members and the sponsor’s explanation of the bill’s origins. At the end of the session, the House moved to announcements, including committee meetings and a fish fry notice. A member also issued a correction and apology regarding an earlier false report about Willie McGee. The House then adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Where students get the appropriate community-type support that they need.
• President, for your support. I want to thank you, Chair Hooper, for your leadership.
• How much federal COVID response money are we still using to support our state budget?
• Does that come with funding support for staff for those judges as well? Sure, I go to you.
• Does that come with funding support for staff for those judges as well? Sure, I go to you.

Keywords: 999, senate, all