Video & Transcript : 'Department governance' :

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 2/23/26

Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:13:33.440><c> of</c> prohibited by our current Department of prohibited by our current Department
  • </c><00:53:59.119><c> So</c> the department to have to do it. So the department to have to do it.
  • Departments are short staffed and officers are overworked.
  • Departments are short across the state.
  • . departments. departments.
Bills: HF3429 , HF3418 , HF3431 , HF1597
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Health Care & Wellness Feb 18th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Health Care & Wellness

Transcript Highlights:
  • of Social and Health Services, and the Department of Labor and Industries.
  • Since 2018, the Department of Health has been an approved accrediting body.
  • This is Department of Health request legislation that will allow the Department of Health to continue
  • This is Department of Health request legislation that will allow the Department of Health to continue
  • Any questions for the department? All right, thanks a lot.
Bills: SB5915 , SB5988 , SB6025 , SJM8002
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CPC Public Hearing - Thu Feb 12, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Consumer Protection & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • Department<00:26:37.440><c> of</c><00:26:37.920><c> Corrections</c><00:26:38.560><c> and</c> Department
  • Department Department of Corrections. Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't hear you. Yes.
  • Our department is in strong support.
  • Department of Health. &gt;&gt; Yeah, thank you. Department of Health.
  • ><c> Natural</c><01:24:54.040><c> Resources</c> Department of Land and Natural Resources Department of
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2614, which would require merchants selling cosmetics to accept returns of newer unopened goods within specified time frames and expand signage requirements for return and refund policies. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection strongly supported the bill, citing updated figures of 180 cosmetic complaints from 2020 to 2025, 54 still under investigation, 148 referred to class action litigation, and more than $1.3 million in consumer losses. Members questioned whether the bill was needed given the pending lawsuit and whether bad actors would comply, while the office responded that clearer signage would improve consumer awareness and could reduce complaints without limiting other remedies. No vote was taken. The committee then heard HB 1660 HD1, which would allow counties to require contractors to disclose wage, benefit, hour, and employment-status information and to deny, revoke, or suspend permits for certain labor-law violations. DLIR, the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, Operating Engineers Local 3, and Pacific Resource Partnership testified in support, arguing the measure would help deter cheating contractors, protect law-abiding employers, and keep bad actors from undercutting wages and taxes. One member raised concerns about possible delays to affordable housing projects and whether owners should be held responsible for contractors’ misconduct; supporters replied that compliance is a minimum standard, that county action would be discretionary rather than automatic, and that the bill would not bar counties from working with affordable housing developers. No action was reported. Finally, the committee took up HB 1704, adopting the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to allow telepsychology and temporary in-person practice across state lines. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the State Health Planning and Development Agency, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans supported the measure, saying it would help fill major staffing gaps, especially for forensic evaluations and services in rural and neighbor-island communities. The Board of Psychology raised concerns about the compact’s scope, the need for a study focused specifically on psychologists, background-check requirements, possible loss of regulatory authority and revenue, and the need to update older statutory provisions. Hawaii Association for Justice opposed the immunity language in the compact, and Shawn Scanlon opposed the bill, arguing it could weaken cultural responsiveness and local control and suggesting the state instead improve temporary licensing and other in-state pathways. The committee also questioned the Department of Corrections about its vacancies and whether telehealth could be filled by local providers; no vote was taken in the excerpt.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/09/2026 - Senate Military Affairs and Border Security

Military Affairs and Border Security

Transcript Highlights:
  • and the state of Arizona government.
  • and the state of Arizona government.
  • Sometimes government is not the answer.
  • And that's the government.
  • That is a fact, and that is a matter of what the Department of Transportation, the Federal Department
Bills: SB1232 , SB1421 , SB1505 , SB1511 , SB1520 , SB1803
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Labor & Workplace Standards Jan 27th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Labor & Workplace Standards

Transcript Highlights:
  • Tammy Fellon, on behalf of the Department of Labor and Industries.
  • the department faces.
  • the department faces.
  • In governance terms, that is a red flag.
  • I'm the government affairs director for ABC of Western Washington.
Bills: HB2513 , HB2524 , HB2611
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Public Service Jan 27th, 2026

Joint Committee on Public Service

Transcript Highlights:
  • As a captain in the Lawrence Fire Department and someone who has spent his career in public service,
  • As a captain in the Lawrence Fire Department and someone who spent his career in public service, I've
  • intermittent, or call service performed by public safety personnel employed by the City of Salem Police Department
  • and Fire Department who have become members of the Salem Retirement System on or before February 11,
  • and Fire Department who have become members of the Salem Retirement System system on or before February
Bills: S2907 , H4890 , H4909 , H4879 , H4846 , H4848 , H3924 , H4740 , H4741 , H4267 , H4799 , S2750
DE

Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Executive Committee Meeting Jun 24th, 2026

Executive

Transcript Highlights:
  • I've also served eight years at the United States Department of Agriculture as an undersecretary and
  • Provide certainty to farmers and local governments and ensure that legislation is not intended to affect
  • The Department of Agriculture is in favor of this bill, to my knowledge, and it was voted on in the House
  • us, I would like to introduce Milton Melendez, who is a relatively new chief of planning at the Department
  • Employee report the failure to respond to the Department of Labor.
Bills: HB371
Committee: Senate Executive
Summary: The Senate Executive Committee met in hybrid format, approved the minutes from its June 17 and June 18 meetings, and considered several nominations and bills. The committee heard testimony from Michael T. Skeuse for the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission and Jay Eric Fearwald for the University of Delaware Board of Trustees; both nominees described their backgrounds and qualifications, and no objections were raised. The committee then moved to legislation focused largely on property tax reassessment and related school-tax issues, along with a technical constitutional corrections bill, an agricultural lands preservation cleanup bill, and a child-safety/service-letter bill. A major portion of the meeting centered on Senate Bill 350, which would create a third multifamily residential tax classification at 1.2 times the residential rate. Supporters argued apartments are housing and should not be taxed as commercial property, emphasizing relief for renters and fairness after reassessment. Opponents, including county and school officials, warned the bill would reduce local revenues, complicate tax administration, and create unintended consequences for counties, municipalities, school districts, and agriculture. Similar themes carried into House Bill 462, which would make the split-rate school tax structure permanent and lower the nonresidential cap to 1.85, and House Bill 463, which would align New Castle County senior school-tax exemptions with county exemption rules; both bills drew discussion about shifting burdens, fiscal impacts, and timing. The committee also heard House Substitute 1 for House Bill 320, a technical corrections bill to the Delaware Constitution, with one public commenter objecting to charter-related changes being included in a correction bill. House Bill 371, which removes the requirement for county farmland preservation advisory boards under the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Act, was presented as a streamlining measure and had support from the Department of Agriculture and public comment in favor. House Bill 438, expanding service-letter requirements to a broader set of child-serving facilities and requiring reporting when employers fail to respond, was described as a cleanup bill closing a safety loophole. After public comment and committee discussion, the meeting ended with a motion and unanimous adjournment; no recorded votes on the bills were taken in the transcript.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Feb 23rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • The program authorizes DNR to use suppression funding to assist local fire departments during the initial
  • In the substitute bill, it directs the Department of Fish and Wildlife to obtain a water discharge permit
  • We have Katie Raines, the director of food system initiatives with the Washington State Department of
  • We have a work session from the Washington State Department of Agriculture, local farms, workers, and
  • We have Katie Raines, the director of food system initiatives with the Washington State Department of
Bills: HB2104 , HB2223 , HB2348 , HB2554 , HB2619
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:59:37.440><c> of</c> unit of analysis in Department of unit of analysis in Department of Corrections
  • </c><01:00:00.960><c> of</c> you you've worked with the department of you you've worked with the department
  • And with that, I think we're going to move on to the Department of Corrections, please.
  • Um, we actually have those listed on the Department of Corrections website.
  • </c><01:06:20.880><c> of</c> those listed on the Department of those listed on the Department of Corrections
Summary: The committee received an update on Kentucky’s statewide emergency responder voice system (SERVS) and the supporting microwave network, known as KYeS. Michael Brandon Marshall, the state’s statewide interoperability coordinator, explained that the project began as a replacement for Kentucky State Police’s radio system and has expanded into a statewide public-safety trunked radio system. He reviewed work completed in phases 1 and 2, including upgrades to existing tower sites, construction of new sites, installation of generators and DC power plants, and replacement of microwave routers and stations. He said the microwave upgrade is a separate but necessary part of the project and that the remaining microwave work on existing sites is expected to be finished in 2026, with roughly 20 more sites likely to move from blue to green by the next monthly report if conditions allow. Members pressed Marshall on the pace of deployment and the lack of coverage in parts of Eastern Kentucky. Senator Thomas said the coverage map was especially unfavorable to counties from Whitley and McCreary up to Lewis County and asked when that gap would be fixed. Marshall said the eastern buildout is planned, but those areas have not yet been funded; he estimated that by the end of 2026 the areas around Posts 14, 8, and 11 should be live, while other eastern post areas would remain unbuilt until additional funding is provided. He said the decision to start in Western Kentucky was technical rather than political, based on terrain and the relative ease of building coverage over flatter ground. Senator Wheeler asked whether newer low-orbit satellite systems such as Starlink could reduce the need for tower construction. Marshall said satellite technology could be a useful tool, especially for outdoor or disaster-response communications, but it cannot replace terrestrial radio for public safety because responders often work indoors and need reliable penetration through buildings. He also noted that lower-frequency spectrum such as 700 MHz is better suited for that purpose. Representative Smith asked about contracting and delays; Marshall said the Finance Cabinet’s DECA manages the construction contracts, while his office helps define the scope of work and reviews whether it is adequately met. The committee indicated it will continue to receive monthly updates on the project.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/25

Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • FERC is the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, so we're regulated by the federal government.
  • <00:30:58.000><c> by</c><00:30:58.120><c> the</c><00:30:58.200><c> federal</c><00:30:58.880><c> government
  • </c><00:30:59.880><c> everything</c> by by the federal government everything by by the federal government
  • FERC is the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, so we're regulated by the federal government.
  • He added that the Minnesota Department of Commerce is actually leading the effort as administrator, and
Bills: HF75
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations Feb 26th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • And is that conducted by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families?
  • And is that conducted by the Department of Children and Youth and Families?
  • And since 2018, the Department of Health has been a federally approved accrediting body.
  • For the Department of Labor and Industries, $385,000...
  • I'm the government affairs director for the Washington...
Bills: HB2689 , SB5832 , SB5922 , SB5944 , SB5988 , SB6151
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Feb 25th, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • All right, members, the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
  • It moved the storm debris responsibility to the Department of Management Services.
  • I'm Sean Golder, Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Florida.
  • Members, Department of Financial Services agency bill.
  • This is called the Local Government Financial Report.
Bills: S0598 , S0934 , S1260 , S1300 , S1452 , S1510 , S1566 , S1580 , S1668 , S7034
Summary: The committee first took up appointments, recommending confirmation of James Patrick Grambling and Brian J. Aungst on a single favorable vote. It then heard and approved several committee bills, including CS/CS/SB 1260 on building code inspections, which directs the Department of Management Services to contract with private providers for plan review and inspections; CS/SB 1668 on NICA, which updates benefits, oversight, funding, and immunity language; SB 1300 on a workforce/CDL training program for selected nonviolent inmates; CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral and cemetery services; CS/SB 1580 on illegal gaming enforcement; CS/SB 934 on Florida Keys affordable housing tax exemptions; and CS/CS/SB 1452, an agency bill updating DFS programs and licensing rules. Each of those bills was reported favorably after committee debate and, in several cases, amendments were adopted. The committee spent substantial time on CS/CS/SB 1510, the DEP package, which reorganizes environmental rulemaking and land acquisition authority, expands septic-to-sewer and nutrient-reduction requirements in sensitive areas, updates stormwater and resilience provisions, and revises related permitting and grant programs. Two amendments were adopted, including one adding solar-energy and stormwater-related provisions and another removing septic disclosure reporting language. Testimony included support from DEP and concerns from environmental advocates about septic timelines and implementation. The bill was ultimately reported favorably. The committee also considered CS/CS/SB 1566 on local government budget transparency, requiring counties and municipalities to post budgets and related materials online for extended periods in a standardized format. The League of Cities opposed the bill as an unfunded mandate, while the sponsor argued it would improve taxpayer access and accountability; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 7034, a rule ratification for minimum flows and levels for the lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers and priority springs, with testimony focused on the proposed Water First restoration strategy, conservation measures, and concerns about water quality, funding, and local opposition. The transcript ends during closing remarks on that ratification bill, before a final vote is shown.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Feb 25th, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Sean Golden: I'm Sean Golden, Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Florida.
  • Alex Cronan, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, is waiving in support.
  • Senate Bill 1566 improves local government transparency.
  • It's a Local Government Financial Report.
  • This is done throughout the state with various utilities and local governments.
Bills: S0598 , S0934 , S1260 , S1300 , S1452 , S1510 , S1566 , S1580 , S1668 , S7034
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism REVISED Feb 17th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism

Transcript Highlights:
  • The responsibility for the healthcare workforce is now housed with the Department of Commerce, which
  • done on developing a pipeline and retaining healthcare workforce folks in Oklahoma is now with the Department
  • Essentially, what this would do is allow the State Department of Tourism and Recreation, and this is
  • This allows a department of tourism to have some more flexibility, especially for our made-in-Oklahoma
  • This is going to establish a program within the Department of Commerce to provide competitive grants
Bills: SB1307 , SB1425 , SB1826 , SB1365 , SB1696
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Commerce and Tourism Feb 4th, 2026

Commerce and Tourism

Transcript Highlights:
  • Preemptions were pushed under the governing philosophy that government should not tell businesses how
  • Government should not tell businesses how to operate.
  • We should not weaponize government funding so that the government can control private businesses.
  • there is taxpayer money involved, government money involved, the government can now tell a private business
  • Remember that governing philosophy.
Bills: S0198 , S0422 , S1236 , S1356 , S1456 , S1722
Summary: The committee first postponed SB 1456, then heard SB 1236, which would condition state economic development incentives on employers using secret-ballot union elections and prohibit neutrality agreements. The sponsor argued the bill protects workers from coercion and applies only to companies receiving taxpayer-funded incentives; opponents said it was government interference, likely to hurt contractors, apprenticeships, and business growth, and raised concerns about federal preemption and Attorney General enforcement. After debate, the committee reported SB 1236 favorably on a recorded vote. The committee then considered CS/SB 198, a measure to regulate cryptocurrency kiosks by requiring operator registration, fraud warnings, transaction limits, blockchain analytics, receipts, and refund protections for certain first-time transactions tied to fraud. Supporters from the banking industry, AARP, and others said the bill would help stop scams that are targeting seniors and vulnerable adults; one industry witness supported the bill but suggested narrowing the limits for existing users and shortening the new-customer period. The committee reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee took up CS/SB 1356 on dog breeding, pet sales, and breeder registration. The sponsor said the bill is intended to curb puppy mills, improve animal welfare, and add consumer protections, while an amendment removed state oversight of local animal shelters. Pet store representatives supported much of the bill but objected to the three-day waiting period for financed purchases, expanded reimbursement, and unfair trade practice penalties; others argued the bill would add red tape and litigation. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard SB 1722 on app stores and minors, which would require age verification, parental consent for minors, app-content disclosures, and enforcement by the Department of Legal Affairs. Supporters said the bill would help parents protect children online; opponents warned it could force collection of sensitive personal data, create privacy and constitutional problems, and duplicate existing parental tools. Members debated the balance between child safety and privacy, and the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 422 on ADS-B aviation data, which would bar use of ADS-B information to calculate certain landing or access fees; an amendment added departures to the restriction. Pilots supported the bill as a safety and privacy measure, while airport representatives opposed it as undermining airport finances and shifting costs. The amendment was adopted, and the hearing on the bill began with testimony from both sides.
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee Jan 21st, 2026

Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • email in my inbox from someone I'd never heard of before, and I clicked on it, and it said, "The Department
  • That's the first time I've ever got an email from Department of War.
  • Department of War endorses this bill." Department of War endorses this bill."
  • got an that's the first time I've ever got an email<00:08:51.040><c> from</c><00:08:51.279><c> Department
  • </c><00:08:52.000><c> So,</c> email from Department of War. So, email from Department of War.
Bills: SB147 , SB158 , SB163 , SB147 , SB158 , SB163
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/25

Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • um you know I board in state government um you know I I<00:31:11.840><c> think</c><00:31:12.080><c>
  • He said he would like more parameters in the bill language so the department would have guidance, and
  • He said he would want more parameters in the bill language so the department would have guidance, and
  • He said he would want more parameters in the bill language so the department would have guidance, and
  • He said he would want more parameters in the bill language so the department would have guidance, and
Bills: HF1621 , HF1701 , HF1796 , HF1676 , HF40 , HF1428 , HF1540
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/19/25

Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:57:45.520><c> of</c> have uh might be for the department of have uh might be for the department
  • Is the department another system?
  • </c> that the department receives reports on? that the department receives reports on?
  • </c> Representative West, the, um, department Representative West, the, um, department receives,<00:59
  • </c> reported as optional, and the department reported as optional, and the department does<00:59:35.440
Bills: HF2362 , HF2136 , HF1316 , HF2009 , HF1918 , HF1614
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 12th, 2025

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • It kind of touches on every aspect of the department.
  • I was working for the Harris County Sheriff's Department.
  • But I would, the, again, the current administrative code, uh, Department of Public Safety.
  • The Department of Justice Fund's nickname. So they are there with a host.
  • I think it just allows... flexibility within departments to train that curriculum.
Bills: HB214 , HB626 , HB647 , HB658 , HB668 , HB674 , HB908 , HB214
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives Mar 30th, 2026

Louisiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • and state government.
  • statutory entities made a part of that department.
  • House Bill 758, relative to Department of Environmental Quality fees, fee structures set by the department
  • It had provisions from the Department of Health.
  • It has provisions under the Department of Health?
Bills: HR72 , HR73 , HR74 , HR75 , HR76 , HR77 , HR78 , HR79 , HR80 , HR81 , HR82 , HR83 , HCR36 , HCR37 , HCR38 , HCR39 , HCR40 , HCR41 , HB368 , HB433 , HB1017 , HB1018 , HB1019 , HB1020 , HB1021 , HB1022 , HB1023 , HB1024 , HB1025 , HB1026 , HB1027 , HB1028 , HB1029 , HB1030 , HB1031 , HB1032 , HB1033 , HB1034 , HB1035 , HB1036 , HB1037 , HB1038 , HB1039 , HB1040 , HB1041 , HB1042 , HB1043 , HB1044 , HB1045 , HB1046 , HB1047 , HB1048 , HB1049 , HB1050 , HB1051 , HB1052 , HB1053 , HB1054 , HB1055 , HB1056 , HB1057 , HB1058 , HB1059 , HB1060 , HB1061 , HB1062 , HB1063 , HB1064 , HB1065 , HB1066 , HB1067 , HB1068 , HB1069 , HB1070 , HB1071 , HB1072 , HB1073 , HB1074 , HB1075 , HB1076 , HB1077 , HB1078 , HB1079 , HB1080 , HB1081 , HB1082 , HB1083 , HB1084 , HR70 , HR71 , HCR35 , HB31 , HB326 , HB1013 , HB1014 , HB1015 , HB1016 , SB192 , SB196 , SB198 , SB203 , SB204 , SB214 , SB216 , SB257 , SB291 , SB383 , HB13 , HB23 , HB25 , HB32 , HB41 , HB42 , HB90 , HB120 , HB121 , HB122 , HB127 , HB138 , HB139 , HB141 , HB179 , HB187 , HB213 , HB247 , HB286 , HB332 , HB344 , HB357 , HB367 , HB370 , HB462 , HB505 , HB527 , HB537 , HB605 , HB680 , HB681 , HB725 , HB780 , HB782 , HB847 , HB892 , HB911 , HB916 , HB1012 , HR15 , HR20 , HCR14 , HB53 , HB57 , HB64 , HB102 , HB106 , HB111 , HB137 , HB152 , HB155 , HB177 , HB238 , HB256 , HB258 , HB337 , HB359 , HB363 , HB386 , HB434 , HB546 , HB557 , HB584 , HB661 , HB697 , HB726 , HB727 , HB747 , HB756 , HB758 , HB759 , HB765 , HB767 , HB825 , HB858 , HB930 , HB941 , HB957 , HB964 , HB58 , HB69 , HB93 , HB166 , HB199 , HB201 , HB202 , HB218 , HB223 , HB224 , HB231 , HB235 , HB246 , HB338 , HB349 , HB352 , HB379 , HB405 , HB429 , HB535 , HB547 , HB577 , HB588 , HB626 , HB636 , HB652 , HB653 , HB669 , HB688 , HB691 , HB721 , HB738 , HB806 , HB851 , HB857 , HB861 , HB889 , HB904 , HB907 , HB908 , HB929 , HB1009 , HB868 , HB119 , HB140 , HB739 , HB842 , HB875 , HB919 , HB61 , HB185 , HB233 , HB613 , HB848 , HB52 , HB228 , HB289 , HB735 , HB796 , HB722 , HB284 , HB301 , HB827 , HB953 , HB901 , HB9 , HB46 , HB193 , HB400 , HB436 , HB468 , HB570 , HB582 , HB733 , HB746 , HB923 , HB952
Summary: The House met on March 26, 2026, established a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a large number of introductions, resolutions, and committee reports. The chamber recognized Women of the Storm on its 20th anniversary, honored Saint-Amant FFA for winning a national coastal restoration championship, and later recognized Elevate Louisiana. The House also received Senate bills on topics including freshwater fishing limits, bridge preservation, emergency medical services, ambulance reimbursement, eye care coverage, and other matters, and introduced numerous House resolutions and bills covering education, ethics, transportation, elections, public records, criminal law, and appropriations. Several measures were referred to committees or were allowed to lie over, while some resolutions were adopted without objection. The House then considered and passed a series of bills, many by wide margins. Criminal justice and public safety measures included HB 53, adding illegal gambling as a RICO predicate offense; HB 57, allowing courts to consider criminal histories when issuing temporary restraining orders; HB 64, authorizing magistrates to recall arrest warrants; HB 102, creating second-degree cruelty to the elderly and persons with infirmities; HB 106, requiring written parental consent before melatonin is administered to children; HB 137, strengthening penalties and school notification procedures for terroristic threats against schools; HB 152, updating controlled dangerous substances schedules; HB 155, restricting drone use near the Capitol; HB 177, allowing retired court reporters to return on contract; and HB 727, allowing burning of certain untreated construction lumber and wood mats. Members also approved HB 11, adding associate degrees to sentence-diminution eligibility, and HB 726, increasing penalties for abandoning vessels, with discussion noting the need for future funding to remove derelict boats. Education and workforce-related bills also advanced, including HB 238, easing ethics restrictions so former school board members who are certified teachers or school psychologists can return to work sooner; HB 256, clarifying mandatory reporter training for school employees; HB 363, allowing virtual-school students to participate in extracurricular activities and athletics at their resident public school; HB 386, allowing locally authorized charter schools to operate as their own LEA under local rules; HB 434, giving superintendents more authority over probationary school bus employees; HB 557, defining long-term care pharmacies; and HB 584, ending the practice of giving foster children trash bags for belongings and providing proper luggage instead. The House also passed HB 661, expanding nepotism exceptions for certain lower-paid school positions such as paraprofessionals, custodians, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers, and HB 697, recreating the Department of Environmental Quality through 2030. Most bills passed unanimously or with strong bipartisan support, though HB 137 on school threats drew significant debate over parental liability and juvenile intervention before passing 71-26.