Transcript Highlights:

• status on the implementation of CS for SB 606, Boating Safety Act of 2022, with Lieutenant Colonel Robert
• We have Judge Clay Roberts, Florida Conference of DCA Judges, waiving in support. Yes, sir.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Summary: The Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum present and first received an implementation update on CS for SB 606, the Boating Safety Act of 2022, from FWC Lieutenant Colonel Robert Roe. He described the livery permit system, safety and insurance requirements, required pre-rental and pre-ride instruction, recordkeeping, overdue-vessel reporting, accident reporting, and penalties for violations. He also reported enforcement results since the permit requirement took effect in January 2023, including 1,428 permits issued, 1,093 liveries operating, three 90-day suspensions, one revocation, and two pending revocations. Members asked whether liveries may require boating safety education even for people exempt under current law; Roe said they may do so as a business decision, but current law does not require it unless the statute is changed. A member noted concern that many accidents involve boaters in the older exempt age group and said the issue may be revisited this session. The committee then considered SB 878 by Senator Martin, which extends probation for misdemeanor offenders who were using controlled substances when they committed the offense, allowing supervision for up to one year and aligning those cases more closely with existing alcohol-related misdemeanor probation rules. With no appearance forms or debate, the bill was voted favorably. Next, the committee took up CS for SB 538 by Senator Bradley, the state court system package. The bill updates statutes to reflect current court operations, including duty judge procedures, removal of a location limit for duty hearings, repeal of a cap on arbitrator compensation in court-ordered non-binding arbitration, and an alternative method for judicial authentication when a court seal is unavailable. An amendment shifting certain clerk reimbursement requests through the Justice Administrative Commission was adopted, and the bill was then reported favorably with support waivers from several court-related entities. Finally, the committee heard SB 472 by Senator Truenow, which provides that inmates who complete classes meeting required curriculum standards may receive credit toward licensure requirements for those classes. Several organizations waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Robert Ogden, the sheriff of Dukes County, along with... midstream was disheartening and thank
• appreciate all your help and listening to us thank you very much we're welcome we have uh we have robert
• We have Robert Ogden, the sheriff of Dukes County, along with Erin Hastings and Kevin Lassard.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held its 15th hearing of the 194th General Court, focused on retirement group classifications for a range of public safety and related employees. Much of the testimony centered on bills affecting Barnstable County dispatchers and 911 telecommunicators, who argued they should remain in or be moved to Group 2 because their work is highly stressful, life-or-death in nature, and historically had been treated that way. Speakers said the proposed changes would largely grandfather in current employees, would not add costs in some cases, and were needed to correct outdated statutory language and PERAC rulings that had created uncertainty for workers nearing retirement or already retired. Similar support was offered for bills to reclassify 911 dispatchers statewide from Group 1 to Group 2, with testimony from dispatch supervisors, sheriffs, and police associations describing chronic stress, PTSD, staffing shortages, and retention problems. The committee also heard testimony on several other retirement-related bills. Representatives of Massport and campus police supported measures to align retirement benefits for Massport police and public higher education police with other law enforcement groups, arguing they perform comparable duties and face similar risks. The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association also backed a bill to ease post-retirement earning restrictions for retired police and firefighters so they can continue consulting, training, or advising without penalty. MOSES testified in favor of bills moving certain state employees into Group 2, including forensic scientists at the State Police Crime Lab, DCR aerial foresters, and Department of Correction construction coordinators, citing hazardous work environments and physical danger. Department of Fire Services compliance officers likewise sought Group 4 classification, describing exposure to toxins, fatal fire scenes, and cancer risks. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee heard extensive testimony from affected employees, union and association representatives, and public safety officials, all urging favorable reports on the bills. At the end of the hearing, the chairs thanked witnesses and staff, and the committee adjourned after a motion and second.

Transcript Highlights:

• Keller, Andrew Charles Robert, Air Force Tech Sergeant, Newman.
• David, Michael, Navy, Airmen, Sacramento, Keller, Andrew, Charles, Robert, Air Force, Tech Sergeant,
• Marzan, Robert Macabenta, Army Chief Warrant Officer 3, Sacramento.

Transcript Highlights:

• Roberts here. Ro, Row, Rosecrantz, Rosecrantz, Schreiber, Schreiber, here. Sneed.
• Members in the chamber are encouraged to vote from your desk, but Roberts votes right there from his
• Representative Roberts, do you have a question on the bill? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Bills: HB4420 , HB3974 , HB3016 , HB3062 , HB3021 , HB3145 , HB4128 , HB3131 , HB3015 , HB3472 , HB3453 , HB1638 , HB4126 , HB2696 , HB2710 , HB3552 , HB3031 , HB3544 , HB3521 , HB4490 , HB4488 , HB1746 , HJR1069 , HB4428 , HB4429 , HB1170 , HB3538 , HB4124 , HB3904 , HB4106 , HB2999 , HB3982 , HJR1077 , HB3464 , HB2588 , HB3462 , HB4440 , HB3674 , HB3345 , HJR1067 , HB4326 , HB4331 , HB4337 , HB4338 , HB4359 , HB4392 , HB3557 , HJR1076 , HB4003 , HB3495 , HB3497 , HB3501 , HB3505 , HB3749 , HB3011 , HB4336 , HB4346 , HJR1087 , HB3240 , HB3647 , HB3796 , HB3969 , HB3972 , HB3983 , HB3984 , HB3989 , HB3383 , HB3130 , HB4358 , HB3327 , HJR1055 , HB3386 , HJR1089 , HB3087 , HB2970 , HB3314 , HB4129 , HB4199

Keywords: reading, intervention, literacy, education, third grade retention, teacher training, funding, Strong Readers Act, tort claims, inmate housing, government immunity, public trust, private prison, emergency legislation, vision screening, binocular vision, kindergarten, elementary education, health, firearm rights

Transcript Highlights:

• Roberts, aye. Strom, aye. Roberts, aye. Strom, aye.
• Roberts aye. Any members wishing to vote or change their vote? Seeing none.

Bills: HB3057 , HB3130 , HB3310 , HB3314 , HB3985 , HB4113 , HB4486

Committee: House Government Oversight

Summary: The committee opened with prayer and then took up several bills, beginning with HB 3057, a government efficiency cleanup measure that removes more than 50 obsolete statutory report requirements. A member raised a concern that the bill might inadvertently remove language related to a child abuse response team, and the sponsor said that would be corrected before floor consideration. HB 3057 was then approved 14-0 and sent to the floor. Members then debated HB 313, which prohibits state funds from being used for gender reassignment surgeries. The sponsor said the bill is intended to ensure taxpayer dollars are not used for such procedures, while opponents argued it goes beyond funding restrictions and could affect adults, referrals, private conversations, and medical judgment. Supporters framed it as protecting children and public funds. After debate, the bill passed 16-3. The committee also approved HB 4113, clarifying that people with felony convictions regain voting rights after completing incarceration, parole, supervision, and probation, and HB 3310, the Agency Accountability and Budget Transparency Act, both by 15-0 votes. The committee next considered HB 3314, a county-option marijuana public safety impact fee allowing a 15% tax on retail marijuana sales. Questions focused on the 5% petition threshold and who should initiate the tax request, and the sponsor said he was open to changes. The bill passed 12-3. Members then debated HB 3985, which would create a private cause of action against certain large municipalities, mainly in the two largest metro areas, for failing to enforce laws related to issues such as camping, loitering, and panhandling. Opponents said it intrudes on municipal home rule and could raise constitutional issues; supporters said it would encourage cities to enforce their own laws. It also passed 12-3. Finally, the committee approved HB 4486, authorizing a Gold Star Family Memorial Monument funded by the Woody Williams Foundation, after discussion about how it fits with existing veterans memorials at the Capitol. The bill passed 14-0. The chair announced the committee would meet again on Tuesday and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Phelps, Plank, aye; Reed, Roberts, Rush, Burnetti, Williams, Zimmerman, aye.
• committee who were here at the time when that bill was passed were our chair and also Representative Roberts
• Roberts? Aye. Rush? Burnetti? Aye. Williams? Aye. Zimmerman? Aye. Aye. Aye. Zimmerman? Aye.

Committee: House Professional Registration and Licensing

Summary: The Committee on Professional Registration and Licensing met in executive session and first approved House Bill 1963 by a 16-0 vote, then later revisited it and again voted do pass by consent, 19-0. The committee also approved a House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3129 by a 14-0 vote with two present, after discussion that the substitute clarified the use of the term “physician assistant” and required practice under Missouri statute. In public hearing, House Bill 2300 was presented as a workforce bill creating a temporary two-year Missouri licensing path for experienced out-of-state workers whose prior states did not license their occupation. Supporters said it would help workers in fields such as makeup artistry and interior design enter the Missouri workforce without starting over, while still requiring passage of Missouri exams and excluding applicants with disciplinary issues. Some members raised concerns about the bill’s broad reach into Chapter 324 professions and whether it should be narrowed to avoid affecting highly regulated fields. House Bill 1813 was then heard as a narrower “carve-out” for the Board of Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Landscape Architects. The sponsor and the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers said it would correct unintended consequences of a 2020 reciprocity law that had allowed some applicants who did not meet Missouri’s education or experience standards to be licensed; they cited data showing a significant number of reciprocity licenses issued since 2020. Opponents argued the bill would create barriers to work and give the board too much discretion, while supporters said it was needed to protect public safety and restore Missouri’s standards. Finally, House Bill 2649 was heard to extend reciprocity to licenses from the United Kingdom. The sponsor said it was intended to strengthen Missouri’s relationship with the U.K. and help workers with U.K. credentials, but members and witnesses quickly noted that because the bill used Chapter 324 language, it could affect many professions, including medical fields. The Missouri State Medical Association opposed the bill unless health care professions were carved out, and committee members expressed confusion about the scope before the hearing concluded with no further action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, I'll call Robert Vail. Robert Vail.
• Robert, we show you as Vice President, registered as Vice President of STAR. That's correct.

Bills: SB290 , SB2949

Committee: House Energy Resources

Keywords: LP-gas, property owner notice, natural resources, gas installations, safety notification, motor fuel, fuel transport, fuel export, transloading, export fuel transloading facility, fuel terminal, terminal operator, comptroller, Texas Tax Code, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, TCEQ, Department of Public Safety, DPS, border security, ports of entry

Transcript Highlights:

• Robert Porter... Please state your name, who you represent, and your position on the bill.
• Robert Porter. Please state your name, who you represent, and your position on the bill.
• So, Robert Porter.

Bills: SB650 , HB3667 , SB28 , HB3201 , SB1184 , HB1800 , SB 28

Committee: House Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Keywords: permit issuance, regulatory framework, business operations, efficiency, application process, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, lottery regulations, occupational licensing, fraud prevention, criminal background checks, lottery couriers, SB 1184, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, wine collection seller, collectible wine, vintage wine

Transcript Highlights:

• much uh we have testimony and support much uh we have testimony and support from<00:10:25.360><c> Robert
• Hugh</c><00:10:26.240><c> Joselin</c><00:10:27.240><c> president</c><00:10:27.560><c> of</c> from Robert
• Hugh Joselin president of from Robert Hugh Joselin president of Hawai<00:10:28.079><c> Public</c><00

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection held decision-making and hearing sessions on February 25, 2025, on several measures. In decision-making, the committee passed with amendments SP 588 SD1, SP 1245 SD1 (pharmacists), SB 1287 (transparency), and SP 1298 SD1 (recycling), generally adopting agency-requested or technical amendments and in several cases pushing the effective date far into the future to keep the bills moving. The committee deferred SP 1149 SD1 and SP 281 SD1 for one day, and indefinitely deferred SP 1286 SD1 on motor vehicles after noting no supportive or opposing testimony and that the Office of Consumer Protection wanted to work further with the introducer. In the later hearing on consumer-protection-related measures, the committee heard testimony on SB 419 (insurance), SB 942 (rental applications), and SB 1142 (insurance proceeds). SB 419 would require auto insurance to cover replacement of a damaged child passenger restraint system; the Attorney General’s office suggested language to avoid contract impairment, and the measure was advanced with amendments. SB 942 would bar landlords from rejecting applicants solely for lack of a recent paycheck if they can show sufficient liquid assets or unearned income; testimony was largely supportive, with Realtors asking for clarifying amendments to protect their fiduciary duties, while a witness opposed those changes as an unnecessary burden on retirees and elders. SB 1142 would impose requirements on mortgage services for disbursing insurance proceeds after damage to residential property; DCCA and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement supported it, and the committee advanced it with technical amendments and a defective effective date. Across the actions, the committee repeatedly voted to pass measures with amendments, with the chair voting aye and, on SB 942, the vice chair voting with reservations over the Realtors’ amendments. No measures were rejected in the portions provided, and the committee adjourned after adopting the recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, Robert. Good morning, Mr. Chairman.
• Chair, members of the committee, my name is Robert Upalot, and I am a lobbyist for the New Mexico Preparatory
• Thank you, Robert. Next, please. Good morning, Mr. Chair, members of the committee.

Committee: Senate Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Robert Costa from the Justice Resource Institute. Thank you.
• My name is Robert Costa. I am the Director of Foster Care Programs for Justice Resource Institute.
• Thank you, Robert. Any questions from the committee?
• Thank you so much, Robert. Thank you. Up next, we have Amani Shunerine.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities

Summary: The committee hearing covered a wide range of child welfare, family support, and human services bills. Testimony strongly supported a guaranteed cash stipend for young adults aging out of foster care (S.161), with the Attorney General’s Office, youth advocates, and foster care providers describing high rates of homelessness and poverty after exit from care. Providers also urged action on a resolve to study the foster care liability insurance crisis (H.197/S.1280), saying premiums and coverage losses are forcing program cutbacks and could reduce foster care capacity statewide. Another major topic was a direct care worker medication administration program registry (H.237/S.162), which supporters said would help recruit and train workers, especially bilingual staff, to address workforce shortages in human services. Several bills focused on child protection and child welfare system practices. Supporters of H.267/S.145 called for advance notice to children’s attorneys when placements or other major events change, arguing that timely communication is essential to prevent unnecessary disruption and improve advocacy. Testimony also backed legislation to formally recognize and strengthen children’s advocacy centers and the Massachusetts Children’s Alliance (H.233/S.112), with prosecutors and CAC leaders describing the trauma-informed model as a longstanding, effective response to child abuse and trafficking. A bill to establish a Massachusetts children’s cabinet (S.115) drew support from advocates who said cross-agency coordination is needed to align policy and funding for children’s well-being. The committee also heard testimony on bills addressing safety, equity, and family support. Senator Lovely and survivors supported S.152, which would create a civil cause of action for sexual abuse by adults in positions of authority or trust, with witnesses describing grooming and power imbalances in schools and youth-serving settings. H.274, a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness, was supported by advocates who said it would add anti-discrimination protections and voting and privacy rights amid rising criminalization of homelessness. H.272/S.171 to protect maternal health received support from Rep. Montaño, MLRI, and a physician, who said the bills would make cash assistance available earlier in pregnancy and remove the medical-verification barrier. H.4216 on equitable hair care for children in state custody was supported by social workers and advocates who said hair care is tied to identity, dignity, and mental health. H.255 on empowering early educators drew testimony about barriers faced by renters and condo owners trying to open home-based child care programs. H.217, concerning resources and support for pregnant and parenting families, drew testimony from anti-abortion pregnancy resource center advocates. No votes were taken during the hearing, and several bills had no one signed up to testify or were deferred when witnesses were unavailable.

Transcript Highlights:

• Robert Pearson moves a call. Moving on to... Senator Dr. Robert Pearson moves a call.
• Robert? Bill? Jones? Ayes 38, noes 0. The Senate bill passes. Senator Grove, you have file item 43.
• Robert Rivas, aye. Archuleta, aye. Aguiar-Curry, aye. Ashby, aye. Becker, aye. Blake Spear, aye.

Transcript Highlights:

• Osborne, Pay here, Patzkowski here, Ifer here, Uggailler here, Provenzano, Provenzano, Ranson here, Roberts
• Roberts, Roe, Roe, Rosecrantz here, Schreiber, Schreiber, Shaw, Hi, Smith here, Sneed, Sneed, Stairs,
• Please recognize Representative Roberts to present SJR 47.
• Representative Roberts, you are recognized to explain the SJR. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Bills: HR1051 , HR1048 , SB2074 , SJR39 , SJR47 , SB1983 , SB444 , SB1503 , SB1561 , SB592 , SB1501 , SB1946 , SB1567 , SB1833 , SB2026 , SB904 , SB2178 , SB1651 , SB1558 , SB1565 , SB1553 , SB1257 , SB65 , SB1749 , SB1242 , SB1642 , SB640 , SB667 , SB1436 , SB1484 , SB1562 , SB1794 , SB1644 , SB1533 , SB933 , SB1555

Keywords: livestock, judging, Oklahoma State University, championship, agriculture, military children, recognition, community support, military families, April 15, pharmacy benefits managers, reimbursement, healthcare, prescription drugs, cost regulation, property valuation, tax limit, homestead, income threshold, elderly

Transcript Highlights:

• That's Robert.
• Any questions for Robert? Seeing none. Thank you, Robert. The mayor is here?
• Any questions for Robert? Seeing none, thank you. All right, Todd Wynn.

Bills: SB1137 , SB1176 , SB1287 , SB1335 , SB1336 , SB1445 , SB1677

Committees: House Natural Resources, Energy & Water , House House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee of Reference

Keywords: underground utilities, utility locating, dig safe, call before you dig, excavation safety, damage prevention, one-call center, locate request, white lining, large project coordination, buried infrastructure, subsurface utilities, utility marking, locator wire, locator strip, interactive positive response system, landlord duties, apartment community, mobile home park, sewer line

Transcript Highlights:

• Some were irritated, but one, Robert E.
• the most riveting, emotional, interestingly visual part of that whole ceremony was 87-year-old poet Robert
• Some were irritated, but one, Robert E.
• most riveting, emotional, interestingly visual, part of that whole ceremony was 87-year-old poet Robert

Transcript Highlights:

• It is one person, I believe, in person: Robert Dandy; and remote: Ezra Eichmire and Bonnie Jo Peterson
• And so, Robert, if you're available, you may begin. Maybe. Or maybe they're all remote. Okay.
• Robert, you may begin. Good morning. My name is Robert Dundee. I am a resident in Washington State.

Bills: HB1347 , HB2091 , HB2264

Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce

Keywords: education, funding, student loans, affordability, higher education, public employers, employee information, bargaining representatives, labor relations, union representation, unemployment insurance, benefits, employment, layoffs, workforce reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• And then one more, Robert Apodaca. Good morning.
• My name is Robert Apudaka, speaking on behalf of President Nautzna with the Hikiri Apache Nation.
• And then one more, Robert Apodaca. Good morning. Thank you.
• My name is Robert Apudaka, speaking on behalf of President Nautzna with the Hikiri Apache Nation.

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• And then one more, Robert Apodaca. Good morning, Madam Chair, members of the committee.
• My name is Robert Opudaka, speaking on behalf of President Nautzna with the Hikiri Apache Nation.
• And then one more, Robert Apodaca. Good morning. Thank you.
• My name is Robert Opudaka, speaking on behalf of President Nautzna with the Hikiri Apache Nation.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard three measures: H.J.R. 5 on legislative compensation, Senate Bill 29 as amended on math instruction, and Senate Bill 37 on literacy instruction. H.J.R. 5 was presented as a constitutional amendment to create a paid legislature tied to New Mexico’s median household income, with supporters arguing it would broaden access to public service, reduce conflicts of interest, and better reflect the realities of modern legislative work. Public testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from advocacy groups, civic organizations, faith groups, and veterans; one member raised concerns about fairness, attendance, and whether outside employment would still be allowed. The committee adopted an amendment to move the ballot question from 2028 to 2026, then approved H.J.R. 5 on a 5-1 vote. Senate Bill 29, endorsed by the Legislative Education Study Committee, would strengthen math instruction by improving teacher preparation, requiring PED to set up statewide math supports, and creating early screening and family engagement for students. Supporters, including educators, business groups, and education nonprofits, said New Mexico’s math outcomes are too low and that early intervention and better teacher preparation are needed. Members asked about teacher licensure requirements, parent support, standardized testing concerns, and district implementation. The committee heard that the bill’s screenings are intended to be developmental rather than high-stakes tests, and that parents would be supported through school-based guidance. The bill passed unanimously. Senate Bill 37 would codify a science-of-reading framework, require high-quality instructional materials, add literacy coaches and assessments, and expand support for bilingual and dual-language instruction. Supporters said the bill builds on recent gains in reading proficiency and strengthens teacher preparation and early intervention. Opponents, including tribal leaders, bilingual education scholars, and advocacy groups, argued the bill was too English-dominant, could conflict with existing bilingual and tribal language laws, and did not go far enough to protect indigenous languages and community-based approaches. Sponsors said amendments were being developed to clarify biliteracy, culturally responsive instruction, and protections for native language learning, and the committee advanced the bill on a vote with several members noting their support was contingent on those promised amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Roberts seconds. >> Just one last quick comment on how... added. added. Yes. Yes.
• &gt;&gt; Okay.<00:23:05.919><c> Representative</c><00:23:06.320><c> Roberts</c><00:23:07.039><c> seconds
• Representative Roberts seconds. &gt;&gt; Okay. Representative Roberts seconds. &gt;&gt; Okay.

Bills: HB67 , HB89 , HB67 , HB89

Committee: House Constitution, Campaigns and Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• And if the panelists for item 12 can come up: Edward Martinez, Luis Reyes, and Robert Balch.
• We'll go to Edward Martinez next, then Luis Reyes, and then Robert Baltz. She's on Zoom.
• And Robert Balch, are you online?
• I'm Robert Walsh. I'm the Director of the Patrol and Recovery Research Center.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee