Transcript Highlights:

• And we ask that, with only the armor that you can provide, you wrap the men and women of our state and
• on behalf of you and me, and the entire Senate and the entire House, and that is an incredible blessing
• And the entire Senate and the entire House. And that is an incredible blessing.
• and debate programs.
• We have blocked jailbreak policies and ensured that our state and... ...and they have received it.

Summary: The transcript is of a Florida Legislature joint session convened to receive the Governor’s annual message. After the House and Senate were received, a committee was appointed to notify the Governor that the joint session was ready, and the Governor and First Lady were introduced. The Senate President presided, a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance were offered, and the joint session then recessed to await the Governor’s arrival. Governor Ron DeSantis delivered a lengthy address reviewing his administration’s record over the past seven years. He highlighted fiscal restraint, larger reserves and rainy-day funds, debt reduction, tax cuts, business and job growth, school choice expansion, education reforms, higher teacher pay, civics initiatives, environmental restoration efforts in the Everglades, hurricane response improvements, public safety and immigration enforcement, and opposition to DEI and other ideological policies. He also urged lawmakers to send him bills on issues such as eliminating DEI in local governments, further restricting illegal immigration, expanding Second Amendment rights, and addressing what he described as the creep of Sharia law. The Governor additionally called for property tax relief through the constitutional amendment process and for legislation emphasizing informed consent in medical decision-making. He warned about risks posed by artificial intelligence and said new technologies should align with American values. No substantive votes were taken on policy matters during the session; after the Governor’s remarks, the joint session adopted a motion to dissolve.

Transcript Highlights:

• on behalf of you and I, and the entire Senate and the entire House.
• And the entire Senate and the entire House. That is an incredible blessing.
• And you look around the country right now, and there's no doubt Ourselves.
• and debate programs.
• We have blocked jailbreak policies and ensured that our state and... ...and they have received it.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• early to support the count and redistricting process that follows.
• The Massachusetts Voter Table and its membership should be prioritized and well-funded early to support
• And I think it's really important that we're out early and out...
• And I think it's really important that we're out early, and I just know that that's just going to be
• At the Voter Table, we do regrants and we give them 60% up front early on in the year, and it's because

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on the Census

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on the Census held an early planning hearing on how Massachusetts can maximize participation in the 2030 census, with Chair Will Brownsberger and Vice Chair Rebecca Rausch emphasizing the need to start well in advance. The first panel, made up of leaders from the Massachusetts Voter Table, MassVOTE, MIRA, and MESA, stressed that grassroots community organizations are trusted messengers and should be funded early to do multilingual outreach, training, and direct assistance in hard-to-count communities. They described lessons from 2020, including the shift to internet response, reduced federal census infrastructure, the importance of coordinated statewide networks, and the need to begin messaging several years before Census Day because building trust and staffing outreach takes time. Panelists repeatedly warned that immigrant communities are facing heightened fear because of federal immigration enforcement and the possibility of a citizenship question or other federal changes, making census participation more difficult. They said 2020 funding arrived too late to fully staff and train outreach teams before the pandemic, and argued that future resources should be deployed earlier and more flexibly. In response to committee questions, they estimated Massachusetts should invest roughly $8 million to $10 million or more in state census outreach, with one proposed model of about $3 million to $5 million at the start, additional funding in the middle years, and a larger final push closer to 2030. They also suggested that funding should support communications infrastructure, translation, social media and ethnic media outreach, and possibly a permanent complete count structure or trust fund to preserve institutional knowledge. A second panel from Common Cause Massachusetts and the ACLU of Massachusetts echoed the call for stronger, earlier investment and stronger privacy protections. They urged the legislature to expand existing census line items, consider a trust fund or other dedicated funding stream, and coordinate census outreach with other state programs that already work through trusted community messengers. The ACLU testimony focused on racial inequities in census counts and warned that federal efforts to exclude non-citizens or add a citizenship question would deepen distrust and undercount immigrant communities. Committee members asked about the 2020 overcount/undercount results, funding levels, timing of grant distribution, and whether census outreach should be routed through the Secretary of the Commonwealth or other state mechanisms; no votes were taken, and the hearing moved on to a later panel on immigrant-community outreach.

Transcript Highlights:

• We would look at educational programs, statewide events and activities and celebrations that we would
• called the Veterans and Piping Program.
• Properly tested and inspected and maintained backflow prevention devices are essential to safe water
• Who needs a backflow system and then, obviously, prevention?
• </c><01:26:15.520><c> manager</c> Lockach and and their program manager Lockach and and their program

Committee: Joint Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Funding for that program has been from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• programs and initiatives.
• And Glorietta in September where we had a number of programs and resources and education available, and
• Our current program services continue to seek enhancements and sustainability of these services and programs
• support Alzheimer's and dementia across our programs and divisions.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• And then she said, 'N never in program."
• program modernization and flexibility.
• </c> program modernization and flexibility. program modernization and flexibility.
• And so what it is that early on, right?
• Um this is an opioid prevention and Um this is an opioid prevention and education<01:59:38.800><c> grant

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so AB 1705 is really a preventative measure to make sure people in California are protected from
• And I wanted to make sure I understood that clearly. Preventing purchasers from using a gift card.
• I just want to start early. No, I appreciate that, and we will wait. We are patient people.
• And if I, if I may, Madam Vice Chair. Absolutely. Yeah. So the letter, again, these, it is early.
• For the opt-in programs, you know, you might have a breakfast. And there is a... ...programs.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with the main discussion focused on AB 1705, AB 1898, AB 2076, and AB 2564. AB 1705 would require pornographic websites and uploaders to certify consent and age before sexually explicit content is posted, including AI-generated nude images, and would allow civil actions by nonconsenting individuals or minors depicted in the material. Supporters, including child advocacy, women’s groups, district attorneys, and university women’s organizations, said it would help combat nonconsensual sexual imagery and revenge pornography; there was no opposition testimony, and the bill drew favorable comments from members. AB 1898 would require employers to give workers advance notice before using AI-powered tools to surveil or manage employees, including disclosure of the purpose, data collected, decisions affected, and general locations of use. Labor groups and privacy advocates supported the measure as a transparency and worker-protection bill, while business and industry groups opposed it, arguing the definitions were too broad, the notice requirements could expose proprietary or security-sensitive information, and the private right of action could lead to litigation and overbroad compliance burdens. Members raised cybersecurity and scope concerns, and the author said the bill had already been narrowed and would continue to be refined, but the committee ultimately took a roll call and advanced the bill on a vote, leaving it on call for absent members. AB 2076 would add nitrous oxide to the list of products subject to online age verification under the Parents’ Accountability and Child Protection Act and increase penalties for large sellers that fail to comply. The author and supporters, including a parent, a deputy district attorney, narcotics officers, Children Now, labor, and the Children’s Advocacy Institute, described rising youth access, health harms, and online sales loopholes. Some opposition groups said they appreciated the amendments but remained concerned about other provisions. Members questioned the bill’s gift-card restrictions and whether they would unnecessarily limit adult purchasing choices; the author and committee staff explained the restriction was aimed at anonymous purchases of the most dangerous items. The bill passed on a 7-0 vote and was left on call for absent members. AB 2564 would prohibit “surveillance pricing,” or using personal data to set individualized prices, while preserving certain transparent discounts and loyalty programs. The author and supporters from Consumer Reports, TechEquity, labor, and privacy groups argued the bill would prevent discriminatory pricing and protect consumers from opaque data-driven price manipulation. Retail, chamber, and industry opponents said the bill was too broad, could chill legitimate discounts and promotions, created compliance and litigation risks, and contained vague definitions. Members discussed the balance between consumer protection and business concerns, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote on AB 2564.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Champions program and that grant program Champions program and that grant program is<00:33:51.399
• and programs and this agency of people and programs and this talks<02:16:59.040><c> about</c><02:16:
• and programs.
• and programs.
• and OHRV programs, as well as a federal Recreation and Rec Trail program.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority officials, led by Executive Director Rob Dapice, briefed legislators on the agency’s structure and funding. They explained that the authority is created by state law but is not a state agency, its debt is not state debt, and it is governed by a board appointed by the governor and approved by the Executive Council. The discussion focused on the Affordable Housing Fund and the lead paint hazard remediation fund, including how state appropriations and federal resources are combined to finance affordable rental housing and lead abatement work. Dapice said the Affordable Housing Fund is used as gap financing for multifamily affordable housing projects, typically alongside federal tax credits and tax-exempt bonds, and that state dollars leverage roughly 2:1 to 10:1 in additional federal and private investment, averaging about 4:1. He said the fund has received historic appropriations in recent budgets, including $30 million over the last two biennial budgets and an annual $5 million set-aside from the real estate transfer tax. He also said the fund is usually structured as 0% interest, deferred loans rather than grants, with repayments returning to the fund if projects generate cash flow. Members asked about rents, oversight, staffing, revenues, and whether the programs had added positions. Dapice said affordability restrictions generally last 30 to 99 years, rents are tied to income limits and capped so tenants pay no more than 30% of income, and compliance staff inspect properties regularly to verify income eligibility and rent limits. He said the organization has about 130 to 135 employees, down from about 145, with no new positions added because of the appropriations. He estimated total revenues at roughly $300 million, with administrative budget around $22 million, much of it pass-through grant money. On lead paint remediation, he said the state first appropriated $6 million in 2019, plus $1 million in ARPA funds, and that the program has cleared more than 500 units. He said the federal grant program is not annual or predictable, with a recent award of about $7.75 million, and that the maximum federal grant per unit is $177,000, typically paired with up to $100,000 in state loan support. He also noted that the program can address homes before a child is poisoned if lead hazards are identified, but that cases involving an already exposed child are a higher priority. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• But with simple and impactful precautions, many of these tragedies can be prevented.
• increasing awareness and providing preventative youth heart screenings and CPR trainings for youth communities
• And in the suicide prevention community, it represents a story. ...that isn't over.
• And this is a bill to create a suicide prevention training.
• And using that gun and pulling the trigger at a young age of early 30.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a largely ceremonial and floor-action-heavy session. Early business included unanimous consent motions, removal of several Senate bills from the consent calendar, and recognition of the 2025-26 Assembly Fellows and California Council on Science and Technology Policy Fellows. The chamber also welcomed several student and community guests, including National Science Bowl champions from Mission San Jose High School and a group of fifth graders touring the Capitol. One concurrence item, AB 2106, was adopted 65-0 after the author explained Senate amendments expanding enhanced vote-vetting requirements to geologists and geophysicists. The floor then took up several resolutions and one appropriations bill. ACR 199 recognizing India’s Independence Day was adopted by voice vote after remarks highlighting Indian American contributions and the role of the Sikh community in India’s independence movement. HR 119 recognizing International Referees Day was adopted, with 59 coauthors added, and the chamber honored referee Marcia Barclay. HR 125 declaring August as Chicano Heritage Month was adopted with 61 coauthors, with members speaking about Chicano history, civil rights, military service, and economic contributions. ACR 221 on sudden cardiac arrest awareness among student athletes was adopted by voice vote, and AB 2597, an urgency appropriation bill paying specified claims against the state, passed 60-0 on both the urgency clause and the measure. The Assembly also adopted ACR 231 designating Coastal Stewardship Day, with members discussing coastal protection, wetlands, climate change, and marine ecology, and ACR 234 declaring California Wine Month, which passed after remarks on the wine industry’s economic importance and challenges. HR 126 proclaiming September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month drew extensive, emotional testimony from the author and several members about suicide loss, youth mental health, LGBTQ+ youth, Native communities, and prevention resources; it was adopted with 63 coauthors. HR 127 recognizing Transgender History Month was also adopted after debate focused on transgender history in California, current attacks on transgender people, and the importance of dignity and safety; 47 coauthors were added. Finally, HR 129 recognizing Sarcoma Awareness Month passed with 60 coauthors after members discussed pediatric sarcoma, rare cancer awareness, and a cluster of Ewing sarcoma cases in South Orange County. The consent calendar, including ACR 233 on Sepsis Awareness Month, was adopted 63-0, and the chamber then moved toward adjournments in memory.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I have fought for this program in the past.
• and obesity programs.
• I work with our food banks and Double Up Bucks and all of these programs, and so thank you so much.
• But he was enrolled through early diagnosis and identification and treatment.
• to strengthen early detection and diagnosis now.

Committee: House House Appropriations Committee of Reference

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met on January 28 and heard several bills, beginning with introductions of members and staff. The committee first considered HB 2056, which would appropriate $100,000 to the Arizona Department of Water Resources for a feasibility study of brackish groundwater desalination sites. Sponsor Rep. Gail Griffin argued the state should explore use of large brackish groundwater reserves amid Colorado River concerns, while one speaker opposed the bill on aquifer-protection grounds. The committee voted 11-6-1 to give HB 2056 a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up HB 2798, as amended, which appropriates $100,000 to the Arizona Geological Survey to compile data on materials relevant to nuclear energy, including thorium and other non-uranium fuels. Rep. Carbone and others framed the bill as an economic development and national security measure, while opponents questioned whether Arizona has meaningful deposits and whether the state should fund the research. The University of Arizona testified that the Geological Survey could do the work. The committee adopted the Livingston amendment and then approved the bill 11-5-1. Next, the committee considered HB 2303, which codifies investment standards for the State Treasurer, emphasizing safety and principal preservation and prohibiting speculative investments and insider misuse. The Treasurer’s Office supported the bill, saying it reflects existing policy and ethics rules, though members asked for clearer definitions of “speculative” and how the bill would interact with other statutes. The committee passed HB 2303 15-0 with two members present and one not voting. HB 2344, which directs the Treasurer to manage the local government investment pool internally and allows a third-party contract only for emergency backup, also passed after questions about local control and whether the bill was necessary; the vote was 12-2-3 with one not voting. The committee later heard HB 2759, a $500,000 appropriation to the Department of Veterans’ Services to partner with an educational institution in Yavapai County for veterans programs. Retired Navy SEAL Chief Richard Rodriguez testified about Embry-Riddle’s veteran population and emergency assistance needs for housing, travel, and equipment, while opponents objected to using state funds for a private institution and argued veterans services should be broader and statewide. The bill received a due pass recommendation 11-6-1. The committee also approved HB 2207, which funds the prison Braille transcription program at $300,000 and was described as a successful rehabilitation and service program, and HB 2224, as amended to $1 million, which funds the Double Up Food Bucks produce incentive program through SNAP; supporters said it helps families, farmers, and local economies, and the committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE ARE VERY EXCITED ABOUT THAT. 1.5 MILLION FOR THE CHANCE PROGRAM AND THAT IS TO INCREASE OUTREACH AND
• WE HAVE 92% REPORTING FROM BROWARD ENROLLED IN THE SCHOOL AND THE GED PROGRAM AND ATTENDING REGULARLY
• THAT FAMILY TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE CONNECTED WITH PREVENTATIVE ACTIVITIES AND PREVENTATIVE SERVICES TO
• THEY WILL REFER THAT FAMILY AND THAT CHILD TO SERVICES AND THE PREVENTION ACTIVITIES AND TOOLKITS AND
• ONE INTERN WAS OFFERED A FULL-TIME JOB AT THE INTERNSHIP SITE AND LEFT THE PROGRAM EARLY TO ACCEPT THE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and early prevention for communicable diseases like avian flu.
• And early care program that receives $2 million, which allows these programs to promote and serve locally
• and early prevention for communicable diseases like avian flu.
• and early prevention for communicable diseases like avian flu.
• and early prevention for communicable diseases like avian flu.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I supervise the Suicide Prevention Team and 988 team at the Office of Behavioral Health under the Prevention
• And so one of the early triggers that we noticed was financial stress and burdens.
• , and the bill that I was, I read earlier, Prevention services and resources, and the bill that I read
• And then adoption of suicide prevention awareness policy or programs.
• You know, I'm thinking about prevention and prevention. All of that data, you know, leads to that.

Summary: The task force met to review the prior minutes, hear introductions from members and stakeholders, and receive an update on the HCR 86 study on African American suicide in Louisiana. Dr. Williams summarized survey findings from 94 university respondents and said the work focused on college students as a key risk group, with financial stress and other early triggers identified. He said universities had resisted participation because of stigma and concerns about enrollment and reputation, and he recommended stronger statewide reporting requirements, better data collection, and more targeted prevention efforts. Members discussed possible policy responses, including mandatory suicide prevention training, gatekeeper training for faculty and staff, student awareness materials, and adding 988 information to student IDs and campus outreach. Dr. Thomas described existing LDH efforts, including 988 partnerships, a university toolkit, and training through the Louisiana Center for Prevention Resources. Senator Boudreaux and others said the issue should be addressed through legislation rather than voluntary action alone, while Dr. McKee noted that occupational licensing rules and statutes could support required training and reporting. The task force agreed to revise the report language to say reporting would be confidential unless otherwise required by law, and to circulate additional state examples and recommendations before February 1 for use as a legislative template. Members also asked that the Office of Public Health be included in discussions about a centralized suicide data hub, since it already tracks real-time suicide data. The chair thanked the participants, said the final recommendations would guide possible legislation, and adjourned the meeting without setting another date unless further action is needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• But it's already a program that is designed and built for this type of regulatory purpose.
• and already a program that is designed and built<00:19:47.679><c> for</c><00:19:47.840><c> for</c><00
• We are very, in Plymouth, proud of our program, and we've been doing this for a long time.
• we've had a great New Hampshire and we've had a great program<01:48:34.960><c> ever</c><01:48:35.280
• That said, we were in a voluntary research program with the University of Arizona, and we have tested

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The goal is to prevent and detect.
• The goal is to prevent and detect.
• c><00:19:12.799><c> along</c> prevent, detect, and treat cancer along prevent, detect, and treat cancer
• and lung for early colctyl, prostate, and lung for early detection<00:19:26.720><c> screenings.
• <c> helped</c> process and programs which have helped process and programs which have helped in<00:24

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and providing mentorship throughout the program.
• and early years of teaching from seasoned staff.
• And there is an existing program at DPH, and that does this exact.
• the Commission who understand the ins and outs of Title V programs and have specific knowledge in early
• outs of Title V programs and have specific knowledge in early education.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard a full agenda of bills, first adopting a consent calendar of 11 measures without individual presentations. The committee then took up AB 1412, which would require California schools to implement or adopt a transferred special education student’s IEP within 30 days for out-of-state transfers and to coordinate more quickly on records. The author and military-family witnesses said the bill would reduce delays for highly mobile students, especially military children; a school administrators group opposed it. The bill received initial support from committee members and was moved on call. The committee also reconsidered AB 281, which would require notice to parents when outside consultants provide sex education instruction; the author accepted amendments removing a copy-right provision, but the bill remained on call after a split vote. The committee heard AB 1005, which would create a statewide drowning-prevention education and swim-lesson voucher framework for underserved communities. The author and supporters described drowning as a preventable public health and equity issue, while the bill was clarified as developing a plan rather than immediately launching a voucher program. It was voted out on a 3-0 roll with the measure placed on call. AB 908, as amended, would add compliance monitoring for existing requirements that schools use LGBTQ-inclusive instructional materials and curriculum under the FAIR Act. Supporters said the bill would improve implementation and student safety; opponents raised concerns about privacy, girls’ sports, and school burdens. The committee approved the bill 5-2 and sent it to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 1401, which would affirm parents’ access to school records, including unofficial records unless exempt by law. The author argued that parents need clearer access to information held by schools and vendors, while school officials and teachers’ union representatives warned the bill was too vague and could sweep in personal notes, journals, and other sensitive material. The bill failed on a 2-3 vote and was placed on call. Finally, AB 727 would require student ID cards to include the Trevor Project hotline for LGBTQ youth; supporters framed it as a suicide-prevention measure, while opponents argued it conflicted with parental rights and religious beliefs. Committee discussion focused on whether 988 already provides similar access and whether the Trevor Project is an appropriate resource to print on IDs; the hearing continued with the bill still under consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• creating a certification standard and program.
• So the court struck down some of the key components of the certification program, and as your analysis
• we believe the legislature really should have oversight over this type of a program, and so we urge
• A lot of the time, it's because something is happening and we're not catching it early enough.
• A lot of the time it's because something is happening and we're not catching it early enough.

Summary: The Senate Emergency Management Committee heard several bills related to wildfire recovery, fire safety, and school threat response. SB 904 would codify emergency coordination procedures used after the L.A. County and Palisades fires, including identifying permitting and building code requirements that can slow rebuilding after wildfire disasters. The author said it would not eliminate protections but would streamline recovery; Climate Action California opposed the bill, while the chair noted concerns about balancing efficiency with safeguards. The bill was later advanced on a 9-0 vote to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee also heard SB 1299, which would create a clearer statutory framework for certifying and training fire sprinkler fitters. Supporters from the Sprinkler Fitters Association and State Pipe Trades Council said the measure would ensure only properly trained and certified workers install sprinkler systems, addressing safety risks and litigation that weakened existing regulations. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 9-0 to the Senate Labor, Public Employment, and Retirement Committee. SB 1181 proposed a voluntary pilot allowing schools to share credible safety concerns with regional threat assessment centers in several Central Valley counties, with privacy protections and a reporting requirement before expansion. The author tied the bill to youth violence, social media threats, and the need to connect warning signs before tragedies occur. Senators Rubio and the chair spoke in support, citing fusion center successes in preventing attacks; there was no opposition. The committee also approved a consent calendar, and all measures were reported out on unanimous votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• compliance, monitoring program integrity, and preventing misuse of public funds across certain programs
• </c><01:08:52.080><c> program</c> include changes to CCAP and program include changes to CCAP and program
• ><c> programs</c> really focus on CCAP and other programs really focus on CCAP and other programs that
• >> So, none of the visits the program integrity staff do, other than that first early and often visit
• And it was 41 programs in 2025.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and community-based reentry programs.
• And this means programs.
• our rehabilitation and reentry programming and our safety programming.
• But yes, we do have programming and standards.
• And especially in light of the cuts to health care, nutrition programs, and education programs, as Assembly

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > and</c><00:03:31.640><c> most</c> and protect the programs, and most and protect the programs, and
• And this is program integrity is upheld.
• </c><00:10:03.440><c> the</c> this program and left them without the this program and left them without
• > do,</c><00:10:45.080><c> and</c> these programs important, and we do, and these programs important,
• > delivery</c> the program integrity and the delivery the program integrity and the delivery of<00:14

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senate DFL leaders held a press conference outlining a fraud-prevention agenda centered on transparency, accountability, and modernization of state systems. Majority Leader Erin Murphy said Minnesotans are angry about fraud and that the caucus has already passed multiple fraud-prevention measures, but more work is needed. She and other senators emphasized that outdated county and state IT systems leave programs vulnerable to waste and abuse, and said they want to pursue both immediate upgrades and longer-term funding solutions, including possible bonding for technology infrastructure. Senator Zena Mohamed described legislation to overhaul program integrity in Medicaid and human services by adding safeguards before, during, and after provider enrollment and service delivery. She said the goal is to prevent theft before dollars are spent, rein in third-party entities that profit without accountability, and improve consumer protections and reporting pathways. Senator Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger highlighted a bill to ban cryptocurrency kiosks, arguing they are heavily used in scams targeting seniors and vulnerable people, and also backed a state consumer financial protection bureau and stronger False Claims Act enforcement. Senator Rob Kupec focused on ethics and conflicts of interest, including a proposal to bar legislative members and certain state employees from quickly moving into jobs tied to entities receiving state appropriations or grants. He also said lawmakers should strengthen penalties for theft of public funds and restrict state contracts for people convicted of fraud. Senator Heather Gustafson promoted her Office of Inspector General bill, saying oversight is fragmented and an independent office is needed for investigations, safeguards, and early detection; she said the Senate passed the bill 60-7 last year and she wants it enacted. In response to questions, Murphy and Gustafson said the OIG should have law-enforcement powers, that bipartisan support exists in principle, and that the House needs to settle on a single proposal. The senators also said prepayment review can be useful but can disrupt services, and they argued agencies must use the tools already given to them while lawmakers continue oversight.