Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:43.080><c> So,</c> um appropriation section begins. So, um appropriation section begins.
• ><c> for</c><00:08:45.120><c> Chair</c> there is an appropriation for Chair there is an appropriation
• ,</c> Uh this was brought to the judiciary, Uh this was brought to the judiciary, and<01:00:31.120><c
• This was not part of what left our committee in Judiciary.
• This was not part of what left our committee in Judiciary.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 876, by the Appropriations Committee, is an act relating to appropriations to the State Board
• House Bill 877, by the Appropriations Committee, is an act relating to the appropriation to the Division
• Providing for continuous appropriation authority for Idaho Public Television, appropriating and transferring
• House Bill 877 by Appropriations Committee and Act relating to the appropriation to the Division of House
• Bill 877 by Appropriations Committee and Act relating to the Appropriation to the Division of Vocational

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House opened with roll call, prayer, and approval of the journal, then received messages from the Governor and Senate, including notice that the Governor had signed House Bills 512, 518, and 551, and that several Senate measures were transmitted for first reading. Committee reports moved a number of bills and resolutions through the process, including appropriations, business, resources, and judiciary measures, with several bills sent to second reading, general orders, or committee referral. The House also introduced a large batch of new bills covering budget, education, taxation, nicotine products, county law, and other topics. On the floor, the House passed a series of bills, many by wide margins, including code-cleanup and deregulation measures such as House Bills 773, 798, 799, and 1275, as well as policy bills on bankruptcy exemptions (HB 775), podiatry board consolidation (HB 787), interior designer certification (HB 790), daycare licensing cleanup (HB 758), polling place use at schools (HB 831), Medicaid and RESHAB budget reductions and reporting (HB 863), and a rules resolution (HR 26). The House also passed Senate bills dealing with appointed officials (SB 1261), crime-related restitution and publicity rights (SB 1232 as amended), DNA collection for certain misdemeanors (SB 1226), daycare distance rules for sex offenders (SB 1239), a major guardianship and conservatorship rewrite (SB 1240), retirement return-to-work provisions (SB 1276), and a natural resources maintenance budget (SB 1363). The most extended debate came on Senate Concurrent Resolutions 117 and 118 concerning water projects and cloud seeding. Supporters argued the resolutions recognized the importance of managed aquifer recharge, snowpack, and agricultural water supply, while opponents raised concerns about cloud seeding’s health, environmental, and transparency issues and called for more third-party data. Despite that opposition, both resolutions passed. The House also passed SCR 116 on statewide water concerns. The day ended with announcements, committee meeting notices, and a recess, followed by additional committee reports after reconvening.

Transcript Highlights:

• Appropriating additional money...
• Is it appropriate to ask the Senator from 14 to yield to a question? It's appropriate if he yields.
• In the House of Representatives, Household 942 by Appropriations Committee, an act relating to the appropriation
• appropriation to the Department of Fish and Game, appropriating additional money to the Department of
• appropriation to the Department of Correction, appropriating additional money to the Department of Correction

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, approved the journal, and moved through messages and committee reports before taking up several bills on third reading. Early actions included transmitting enrolled bills to the House, filing gubernatorial and House messages, and introducing new appropriation bills. The chamber then debated and passed Senate Bill 1420, which creates a long-term funding source for medical education by dedicating 1% of certain insurance premium tax revenue beginning in 2028; the bill passed 18-16. Senate Bill 1430, revising firearms preemption enforcement and adding penalties and remedies against local laws, rules, executive orders, or policies that conflict with state firearms law, also passed, 31-3. Senate Bill 1432, the Health and Welfare indirect support budget, passed 23-11, and Senate Bill 1433, the Medicaid enhancement budget, passed 20-15 after extensive debate over rising costs, federal-state funding shares, and the effects of House Bill 345 and federal policy changes. Senate Bill 1434, the Welfare division budget, passed 24-10, and Senate Bill 1437, an appropriation for Idaho State Police tied to DNA collection for sexual battery and domestic violence offenses, passed as well. Senate Bill 1439, which delays a school facilities model report deadline to 2027, passed unanimously. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1264 as amended, creating a rural health transformation account and oversight committee for federal rural health funds, after debate over legislative control versus executive administration of the funds; it passed 25-10. The latter part of the meeting focused heavily on Senate Bill 1418, the Kratom Consumer Protection and Safety Act. Supporters described kratom as a legal botanical product that needs consumer protections, age limits, labeling, manufacturing standards, and restrictions on synthetic or highly concentrated 7-OH products, citing concerns from physicians, law enforcement, and addiction specialists. Opponents argued the bill could amount to de facto legalization, questioned the lack of input from the State Board of Pharmacy, raised concerns about warrantless inspections, and urged either a full ban or further study. The debate remained ongoing in the transcript, with multiple senators asking questions and offering contrasting views on regulation versus prohibition.

Transcript Highlights:

• And now the Judiciary Amendment, please.
• The question before you is the adoption of the Judiciary Amendment to SB 1004.
• And now the Appropriations Amendment, Madam Chair, I recommend that the Appropriations Amendment be adopted
• And now the Appropriations Amendment, Madam Chair, I recommend that the Appropriations Amendment be adopted
• Clarify some things we've been working on since we had it in Appropriations. Thank you.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• appropriations to the constitutional officers, appropriating monies to the Office of the Attorney General
• House Bill 867 by appropriation...
• House Bill 867, by the Appropriations Committee, an act relating to appropriations to general government
• House Bill 869, by the Appropriations Committee, an act relating to the appropriation to the Commission
• House Bill 870, by the Appropriations Committee, an act relating to the appropriation to the Office of

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House convened with 63 members present, approved the journal, and received messages from the governor and Senate. The governor reported signing House Bill 624, while the Senate transmitted enrolled Senate Bill 1332 for the Speaker’s signature, sent Senate Bill 1361 to the House, and returned several House bills that had passed the Senate or failed there. Standing committee reports also moved a number of bills forward, including appropriations, health, revenue, agriculture, and re-referrals of misdirected bills. House Joint Memorial 19, calling for elimination of the U.S. Department of Education, was referred for printing. The main floor debate centered on House Bill 822, the “Pediatric Secretive Transitions Parental Rights Act,” which would require schools, child care providers, and certain health and behavioral providers to notify parents when a minor requests help with social transitioning and would authorize injunctive, declaratory, compensatory relief and potential penalties up to $100,000. Supporters argued the bill protects parental rights and prevents schools from withholding important information from parents. Opponents argued the bill is vague, could chill teachers, coaches, child care providers, and medical professionals, and may drive needed workers out of Idaho; they also raised concerns about the size of the penalty, committee procedure, and confusion over whether notice goes to a parent, parents, or a guardian. The sponsor responded that the bill only applies when a child requests help facilitating a transition and said the measure would withstand legal challenge. House Bill 822 passed the House by a vote of 59-9 with two abstentions and two excused, and the title was approved. The House then suspended Rule 27 by a 57-11 vote to prevent a minority report on the bill from being printed in the journal, prompting objections from minority members about procedural fairness. The House also advanced a large set of new bills to printing and second reading, including several FY 2027 appropriations bills, election-related bills, and a youth service organizations bill, and filed a number of second-reading bills for third reading. The chamber then held announcements, including committee meeting notices, before adjourning until March 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Judiciary. HB 2046 — Notification. Judiciary. HB 2047 — Order restricted trespass.
• HB 2053 — Appropriations. Natural Resources, Energy and Water and Appropriations.
• HB 2066 — Appropriation and technology. Rural Economic Development and Appropriations.
• HB 2072 — Appropriation and Rural Economic Development and Appropriations.
• HB 2116 — Appropriations. Natural Resources, Energy and Water and Appropriations.

Summary: The House convened for opening-day proceedings with prayers in English and Spanish, the Pledge of Allegiance, and musical performances, then recorded attendance and welcomed the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Jason Jameson. The Speaker introduced numerous guests and dignitaries, including statewide officials, university presidents, former lawmakers, and family members, and delivered remarks about Arizona’s history, the importance of civility, and the role of state government in protecting residents from federal overreach. Coaches Kenny Dillingham and Tommy Lloyd also addressed the chamber, speaking about leadership, talent development, and the ways sports can unite and inspire Arizona communities. The House then took up organizational business. Members adopted proposed changes to Rule 9 and then adopted the amended rules for the 57th Legislature, Second Regular Session. The chamber also agreed to read bills by number and short title only, declared an emergency for that purpose, and announced the creation of two new standing committees: Artificial Intelligence and Innovation, chaired by Representative Justin Wilmeth, and Rural Economic Development, chaired by Representative Teresa Martinez. A House Organizational Committee was appointed to notify the Senate that the House was organized and ready for business and to inform the Governor that the Legislature was ready to receive her message. The remainder of the session was largely devoted to points of personal privilege, with members introducing family, constituents, local officials, educators, veterans, business leaders, and advocacy groups. Several members highlighted issues they intend to work on this session, including affordability, water security, deed fraud, education, health care, rural development, and veterans’ issues. The House later recessed to accommodate the joint organizational proceedings with the Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Judiciary will not come to order. Madam Secretary, please call the roll.
• The amendment simply changes the shalls to may in the appropriate section.
• I think that's appropriate in certain circumstances.
• That is typically a general revenue appropriation. through core costs, fees, or surcharges.
• as a whole is for general revenue appropriations for these purposes.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1369 will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee.
• Senate Bill 1373 will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee for printing.
• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1260 by the Judiciary and Rules Committee.
• Such monies may be requested by the director and appropriated by the legislature.
• Such monies may be requested by the director and appropriated by the legislature.

Summary: The Senate convened with 32 members present, heard prayer and the Pledge, approved the prior journal, and received communications including the designation of Steve Kaiser as a substitute senator for District 15. The chamber also made several committee report referrals and introductions before moving into floor action on memorials and bills. The Senate adopted Senate Joint Memorials 110, 111, and 113. SJM 110 urged federal action to restore sugar import safeguards to protect Idaho sugar beet growers and rural jobs. SJM 111 reaffirmed Idaho’s position that public lands should remain in public hands and opposed transfer or sale of federal lands, with debate focusing on stewardship, access, and the cost of state management. SJM 113 supported the concept of Treasury bonds redeemable in gold as a way to test dollar credibility and address inflation. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 116, described as a cleanup of rules related to sales and use taxes and lodging taxes. On legislation, House Bill 624 passed the Senate 32-0 and was returned to the House; supporters said it updates Idaho’s virtual learning and Idaho Home Learning Academy framework with added oversight, transparency, and contract controls, while preserving the program. Senate Bill 1305 passed on a voice/roll-call consent vote and would let water district users, by resolution, charge water-right transfer costs to the person transacting the property rather than spreading them across all users. Senate Bill 1271, as amended, passed 28-3; it declares invasive rats a public health and safety nuisance and directs the Department of Agriculture to assess the problem and coordinate a response, with legislative approval required for any funding. The Senate then handled first- and second-reading referrals, held a few announcements, and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Committee on Appropriations. Committee on Appropriations.
• </c> to ensure that they are appropriately to ensure that they are appropriately tailored<00:19:32.760
• They are with the chair of judiciary.
• </c> the Committee on Judiciary. the Committee on Judiciary.
• Listen to the Judiciary and Finance.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• relating to the duties of District Attorney of the 70th Judicial District refer to the Committee on Judiciary
• A statutory probate court judge referred the Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence HB 1929 by
• Refer to the Committee on Judiciary and civil jurisprudence HB 1970.
• HB 500 by bonding relates to making supplemental appropriations and reductions in appropriations giving
• direction and adjustment authority regarding appropriations refer the Committee on Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 876 by the Appropriations Committee, an act relating to appropriations to the State Board
• House Bill 877 by the Appropriations Committee, an act relating to the appropriation to the Division
• House Bill 877 by the Appropriations Committee, an act relating to the appropriation to the Division
• as appropriately as according to the plans.
• House Appropriations Committee will meet. Clerk me read.

Summary: The House convened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge, and approval of the journal, then received gubernatorial and Senate messages and a series of committee reports. Committee actions included printing, referral, or placement on calendars for numerous measures, including budget bills, education, tax, health, and code-cleanup legislation. The House also introduced a large slate of new bills and resolutions, many of them referred to committees for printing or further consideration. On the floor, the House passed several bills and resolutions, often after brief explanations and little or no debate. Measures approved included House Bills 773, 775, 787, 790, 758, 798, 799, 831, and 863; House Resolution 26; Senate Bills 1261, 1232 as amended, 1226, 1239, 1240, 1291, 1273, 1274, 1275, 1276, and 1363; and Senate Concurrent Resolutions 116, 117, and 118. Topics ranged from code cleanup and deregulation to bankruptcy exemptions, podiatry board consolidation, daycare licensing, elections and polling locations, Medicaid budget reductions, guardianship and conservatorship reform, DNA collection for certain misdemeanors, sex offender residency rules near daycares, AI policy in K-12 education, and a maintenance budget for natural resources. A notable portion of the debate centered on Senate Concurrent Resolutions 117 and 118 concerning water projects and cloud seeding. Supporters argued these projects are essential to Idaho agriculture, aquifer recharge, and water supply, while opponents raised concerns about insufficient independent data, environmental and health effects, transparency, and public consent. Despite those objections, both resolutions passed. The House also heard announcements recognizing visitors, upcoming committee meetings, and the Idaho Vandals’ athletic success, and it recessed with plans to return later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Joint Resolution 103 will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee for printing.
• The Senate is in the ninth order. 1257 will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee.
• The Judiciary and Rules Committee reports out Senate Bill 1239 and recommend that it do pass.
• House Bill 518 will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee.
• Is there further business appropriate in the 15th order? Mr. President. Senator Den Hartog. Mr.

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, and proceeded through routine orders of business. The journal for the previous day was approved as corrected, and the chamber briefly noted that no substantive work would occur in the 10th or 13th orders. In petitions and memorials, Senate Joint Resolution 103 was introduced, proposing a constitutional amendment related to state trust lands and directing the required publication and ballot statement procedures. Committee reports were received on several measures. The Judiciary and Rules Committee reported Senate Bills 1252 through 1257 as correctly printed, with referrals made to Finance, Health and Welfare, and Judiciary and Rules. The Resources and Environment Committee reported Senate Concurrent Resolution 115 with a do-pass recommendation, and the Judiciary and Rules Committee reported Senate Bill 1239 with a do-pass recommendation. The committee also recommended confirmation of Michael Kennedy to the Idaho Judicial Council. The Education Committee reported Senate Bill 1234 as correctly printed and sent it to second reading. In messages from the House, the Senate received House Bills 515, 511, 518, and 504, along with House Joint Memorials 9 and 10, and referred them to the appropriate committees. During first reading, Senate Bills 1258, 1259, and 1260 were introduced, addressing liquor licensing for distilleries, juvenile corrections arrest authority, and immigration enforcement provisions. In miscellaneous business, Senator Harris announced a majority caucus after adjournment, Senator Wintrow welcomed American Heart Association students and thanked senators who attended a lengthy Medicaid forum, and the Senate adjourned until 11 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> our community a win for the Judiciary our community a win for the Judiciary the<01:40:43.239><c>
• and appropriates funds.
• <02:29:50.800><c> may</c><02:29:50.920><c> enter</c> Judiciary may enter Judiciary may enter into<02:
• I meant to ask, is someone from Judiciary here that could answer the question how much Appropriations
• I meant to ask, is someone from Judiciary here that could answer the question how much Appropriations

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 1324, which would require the Judiciary to contract for legal services for residential tenants in landlord-tenant disputes and allow attorneys, paralegals, and law students to provide those services, with an appropriation. The Department of the Attorney General recommended removing reference to Hawaii Public Housing Authority tenants because HPHA eviction proceedings are administrative and could conflict with the bill. Hawaii Appleseed and other testifiers strongly supported the measure, citing studies showing much higher tenant retention when counsel is available, and suggested adding notice of the right to counsel at key points such as rent increases, eviction notices, and lease signing. The committee adopted amendments, including the Attorney General’s suggested change and a technical amendment, and passed the bill out with a recommendation to move it forward; members voted aye, with one member voting with reservations and several excused. The committee then heard House Bill 126 on property forfeiture, which would increase transparency and accountability in civil asset forfeiture by clarifying covered property, changing disposition rules, and removing language requiring liberal construction of the forfeiture act. The Attorney General said forfeiture remains an important law enforcement tool and that the bill would not impair its use. The Office of the Public Defender supported the measure but argued civil forfeiture is broadly problematic because many people cannot meaningfully challenge it and are not entitled to counsel. Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill, saying forfeiture is useful in fighting illegal activity and that added procedures would delay enforcement and reduce operational funding from forfeiture proceeds. Community Alliance on Prisons, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and other supporters urged reform or abolition of civil forfeiture, citing transparency concerns and the risk of abuse. No vote on HB 126 was taken in the portion provided. The final measure discussed was House Bill 166, which would require the state to defend professionally licensed or certified state employees in certain civil actions, allow employees to hire their own counsel at their own expense, and set a process for the Attorney General to transfer or withdraw representation if the state declines to defend. Testimony from the Hawaii Association for Justice and labor representatives was in strong support, describing the bill as a negotiated clarification that balances employee protections with accountability and noting it had passed previously but died in conference. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on HB 166.

Transcript Highlights:

• Was the judiciary requested? That's a good question, Representative. I think the judiciary was.
• Now, who determines whether an IEP is appropriate or not?
• This statute does have language saying subject to appropriations.
• And so they say, go to the Appropriations Committee.
• If we appropriated it from opioid last year, what did you use them for?

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President, your Committee on Appropriations and Senate Bill 1317, appropriation for the Coordinated Reentry
• President, your Committee on Appropriations and Senate Bill 1461, appropriation for the allied health
• Senate Bill 1585, an act appropriating monies relating to sex offender monitoring.
• That's why we had the $200,000 appropriation for this board last year.
• Senate Bill 1827, relating to appropriating monies for aviation.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a recorded quorum, and approval of the prior journal. Members then introduced several guest groups in the gallery, including the City of Maricopa Youth Council, students from Alpha School in Scottsdale, a student shadowing Sen. Gonzalez, Gilbert EduPrize students, InterWest Energy Alliance representatives, and Kingman city leaders. The chamber adopted a proposed amendment to Senate Rule 7A and then adopted the rules of the 57th Legislature, and the Senate also approved a motion to request House consent to adjourn after Wednesday, March 11, until Monday, March 16. A large number of bills were introduced on first reading, and standing committee reports were ordered entered without being read aloud. The Senate then took up numerous third-reading measures. Bills passed included SB 1654 (elections funding), SB 1711 (school safety/age-appropriate information), SB 1743 (campaign contribution address privacy), SB 1747 (assistive technology content), SB 1212 (health insurance reimbursement rules), SB 1284 (moving violations), SB 1336 (State Land Department-related changes), SB 1365 (property tax exemptions/veterans park discounts), SB 1655 (juror summoning/poll worker recruitment), SB 1662 (probation), SB 1803 (veterans’ services), SB 1818 (vehicle statutes), SB 1494 and SB 1497 (school insurance-related changes), SB 1503 (pension benefit plans), SB 1584 (Department of Corrections staffing), SB 1632 (Department of Economic Security), SB 1723 (bail), SB 1206 (insurance claims on reconsideration), and SB 1827 (aviation appropriations on reconsideration). SB 1134 on political signs initially failed, but the Senate later reconsidered and passed it. SB 1544 (probation) and SB 1585 (sex offender monitoring funding) failed. Several votes were close, and members offered explanations for both support and opposition on issues such as election administration, campaign privacy, health care incentives, veterans’ claims assistance, and criminal justice policy. The chamber then resolved into the Committee of the Whole for a long series of bills, adopting committee and floor amendments and recommending do pass on SB 1009, SB 1050, SB 1054, SB 1071, SB 1086, SB 1317, SB 1461, and SB 1672. Testimony in committee focused on topics including high school training standards, veterans’ state park passes, local measures, Arizona Rangers oversight, AHCCCS reimbursement and workforce issues, reentry programming, allied health workforce development, and anti-psychotic drug access. Later, the Committee of the Whole also considered SB 1173, SB 1234, SB 1295, and SB 1611. SB 1173 drew debate over whether additional fingerprint/background checks were needed for AHCCCS providers; SB 1234 and SB 1295 addressed juvenile court representation and inmate medical release; and SB 1611, on the American Indian Health Program, prompted extensive discussion about fraud in the program, tribal consultation, and whether the program should be moved out of AHCCCS. The committee adopted amendments and advanced these bills with do pass recommendations, while members on SB 1611 emphasized both the need for reform and concerns about consultation with Arizona tribes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we'll start an in-depth review of Article 4, the judiciary.
• or other legislative appropriation decisions.
• year 25, as well as the... ...based on the appropriations made in fiscal year 25, as well as the appropriations
• to fund that appropriation.
• At the request of the Judicial Compensation Commission, the appropriation request for the judiciary section

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee convened for its first hearing of the 89th regular session, confirmed a quorum, adopted committee rules by a 15-0 vote, and began review of Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-27. Chair Huffman outlined the committee’s organization, introduced staff, and described the budget as conservative and focused on one-time investments. She highlighted major SB 1 priorities including property tax relief, full funding for public education formulas, teacher pay, school safety, border security, Medicaid growth, dementia research, energy and water infrastructure, transportation, wildfire suppression, and other capital and public safety needs. Comptroller Glenn Hager presented the biennial revenue estimate, saying the state has $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending in 2026-27, with a projected $23.8 billion ending balance from the current biennium. He cautioned that revenue growth is returning to more normal levels and that lawmakers should avoid committing short-term surpluses to ongoing expenses. He also explained that the Economic Stabilization Fund is projected to hit its constitutional cap, meaning an estimated $5.6 billion in severance tax and related revenue would remain in general revenue in the upcoming biennium rather than flow into the fund. Senators discussed whether to raise or rename the fund and the implications of keeping more severance-tax revenue in general revenue. The Legislative Budget Board then gave an overview of SB 1 and the budget’s major funding changes. LBB staff explained that the bill is essentially flat at $332.9 billion in all funds, but includes large method-of-finance shifts and major property tax relief. They detailed how prior property tax relief enacted in the 88th Legislature grew from an estimated $18 billion to $22.7 billion because of higher property values and hold-harmless provisions, and said SB 1 continues that relief with a total of $51 billion in ongoing and new property tax support. Members asked extensive questions about the automatic growth in school tax compression, the constitutional homestead exemption, COVID-era federal funding, Medicaid assumptions, and the sunset of the non-homestead circuit breaker. No additional votes or final budget actions were taken beyond adoption of the committee rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• Get it to the Judiciary Committee where they can work out the data practices things.
• Get it to the Judiciary Committee where they can work out the data practices things.
• Get it to the Judiciary Committee where they can work out the data practices things.
• Get it to the Judiciary Committee where they can work out the data practices things.
• </c> and linking appropriately. and linking appropriately.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Judiciary will not come to order. Madam Secretary, please call the roll.
• The amendment simply changes the shalls to may in the appropriate section.
• I think that's appropriate in certain circumstances.
• That is typically a general revenue appropriation. Through court costs, fees, or surcharges.
• as a whole is for general revenue appropriations for these purposes.

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met with a quorum, announced that House Bills 3304, 2777, and 3054 would not be heard that day, and then moved into executive session. In executive session, the committee considered House Bill 1910, which concerns child maintenance/child support obligations for certain persons convicted of DWIs. Representative Davis offered an amendment changing mandatory language from “shall” to “may” to preserve judicial discretion; the amendment was adopted 5-2 with one present. The committee then adopted a substitute and voted the House Committee substitute for HB 1910 do pass 7-0 with one present. The committee next took up House Bill 3116, a civil jurisprudence bill. An amendment was adopted to incorporate provisions from three previously heard bills: HB 1711 (Uniform Deposition Act), HB 1713 (allowing circuit courts to dissolve LLCs), and HB 3072 (workers’ compensation changes). The committee rolled the amendment into a substitute and voted the House Committee substitute for HB 3116 do pass 8-0. The committee also considered House Bill 3289 on court operations. An amendment was adopted to add treatment court administrators in certain circuits, subject to appropriations, then rolled into a substitute. The House Committee substitute for HB 3289 was voted do pass 8-0. In public hearing, Representative Dolan presented House Bill 3443, which would raise the court automation fee from $7 to $10 and add a CPI-based annual adjustment. Supporters from the Judicial Conference of Missouri said the fee has not been updated since the 1990s, that court automation costs continue to rise, and that the surcharge covers only a portion of the system’s expenses; they also noted that salaries are generally funded through general revenue rather than fees. Committee members asked about the new fee amount, what the revenue would support, and the collection-rate assumptions in the fiscal note. No opposition testimony was offered. Representative Parker then presented House Bill 2865, which would remove the statutory cap of $75 per hour for attorney’s fees in certain agency/licensure proceedings and replace it with “reasonable” fees. He and supporters said the current rate has not been updated since 1989 and is too low to attract attorneys for cases involving licensed professionals defending their licenses. Testimony in favor came from a private attorney who practices in this area, the Missouri Bar, and another supporter who said the bill would improve representation for Missouri licensees. No opposition testimony was presented, and the hearing on HB 2865 was concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, um, I have a Judiciary—are you anybody from Judiciary? Just a quick question.
• Members, um, I have a Judiciary—are you anybody from Judiciary? Just a quick question.
• Members, um, I have a Judiciary—are you anybody from Judiciary? Just a quick question.
• Members, um, I have a Judiciary—are you anybody from Judiciary? Just a quick question.
• Members, um, I have a Judiciary—are you anybody from Judiciary? Just a quick question.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 559 is referred to the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee for enrolling.
• House Bills 602 and 603 referred to the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee.
• House Bills 602 and 603 referred to the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee.
• House Bill 540 by Judiciary Rules Administration Committee regarding Public Records Act.
• House Bill 541 by Judiciary Rules Administration Committee regarding enticing a child.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the House Journal. It received Senate messages and committee reports, including enrollment of House Bill 559 and printing/referrals for several new bills. The House also advanced Senate Bill 1225 as amended from the Education Committee to the second-reading calendar. During first reading, the House introduced several measures, including bills on restroom and changing-room access and privacy, school facilities cooperative funding, tax exemptions, prior authorization reform in health insurance, and other topics. On third reading, the House passed House Bill 512 on land surveyor licensure and an open-book Idaho law exam, House Bill 502 on forest products commission rules, Senate Joint Memorial 107 supporting the Delamar Mine Project and permitting efforts, House Bill 494 moving background-check rules into statute, House Bill 531 updating epinephrine administration language in schools, House Bill 542 addressing social media addiction and parental consent for minors, House Bill 500 updating traffic rules for electric-assisted bicycles, House Bill 533 eliminating the vehicle registration sticker requirement, and House Bill 555 rewriting the solid waste code to place primary regulatory authority with DEQ. House Bill 552 was returned to committee at the chairman’s request. Debate centered on several bills. Supporters of House Bill 542 argued it targeted addictive platform design rather than content and sought to protect children, while opponents objected to the private right of action. House Bill 555 drew questions about DEQ contracting with health districts and whether the rewrite affected federal water regulations; supporters said it did not alter federal Clean Water Act requirements. House Bill 494 also prompted questions about how the background-check provisions were being relocated. Most bills passed with broad support, though House Bill 494 passed narrowly, 36-33, and House Bill 542 passed 62-7. The House then received enrolled House Bill 559 for delivery to the governor, made announcements, and adjourned until the next day.