Transcript Highlights:

• He then expressed concern that this could open the gate to creating a toll in Missouri and using the
• If my daughter is driving down the road and she has the setting...
• The road that she was on didn't even have sidewalks at that time.
• So, you know, I'm one of those guys that I hate to see bikers on the roads.
• I appreciate everyone's work here in the committee and making the roads better for Missourians.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee first met in executive session and approved House Bill 1798 on a 9-5 vote after limited discussion, with one member saying he was comfortable advancing it from committee but might oppose it on the floor. The committee then took up a House committee substitute combining House Bills 2553, 1831, and 2328. Members asked about the changes, including removal of duplicative helmet language and clarification about motorcycle seat backs. The substitute was adopted and the combined bill passed 15-0. The committee next considered Senate Bill 1408 with a House committee substitute and amendment dealing with salvage titles for vehicles 10 years old or older. Members discussed the amendment as a cleanup measure intended to simplify salvage-title language and reduce bureaucracy. Several members raised concerns about omnibus legislation, single-subject issues, and the fiscal note, while others supported moving the bill forward. The amendment and substitute were adopted, and the bill passed 8-6 with one present. After leaving executive session, the committee heard House Bill 3317 from Representative Gallick, which would allow drivers facing license revocation for accumulated speeding-related points to use an intelligent speed limiting device as a path to reinstatement. Supporters, including a grieving family member, MADD, and transportation advocates, said the bill could reduce speeding-related crashes and help habitual offenders keep working while changing behavior. Opponents argued the bill was too broad, costly, and potentially burdensome to taxpayers, and raised concerns about implementation, privacy, and whether existing penalties should be strengthened instead. No vote was taken on HB 3317, and the chair said it was likely the committee’s final meeting of the year.

Transcript Highlights:

• , addressing road-related drainage improvements, resurfacing or reconstructing county roads, or constructing
• or reconstructing county roads.
• The photo on the left is a $1.7 million SCRAP project that widens and resurfaces County Road 3000.
• This $4.3 million SIGP project improves the interchange at Big Bend Road and I-75.
• intersection of County Road 905.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met and first received an update from FDOT on the Sun Trail shared-use nonmotorized trail program. FDOT said the program, created in 2015 and expanded by 2023 legislation, now includes connections to the Florida Wildlife Corridor and received a one-time $200 million appropriation plus increased annual funding. The department reported programming about $180 million of that funding, completing 42 construction projects totaling nearly 95 miles in 21 counties, and installing trail counters and QR-code surveys to measure usage and economic impact. Members expressed support for the program and asked no substantive questions. The committee then heard a presentation on FDOT’s locally administered state transportation funding programs, including SCOP, SCOPM, SCRAP, SIGP, and TRIP. FDOT explained these programs support local roadway resurfacing, bridge repair, drainage, paving unpaved roads, and safety or capacity improvements, with varying state match levels depending on the program and eligibility. FDOT said its adopted five-year work program includes more than $1.4 billion for local transportation improvement projects. A member asked whether toll revenues from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties fund these programs; FDOT said it would research the funding source and follow up. The committee’s main discussion was a panel on advanced air mobility (AAM), including FDOT and industry representatives from Supernal, Joby, Atlantic Aviation, Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, and Eve Air Mobility. FDOT described its AAM planning work, advisory committee, local government guidebook, and upcoming training, while panelists emphasized Florida’s leadership, the likely use of existing airport and heliport infrastructure first, and the expectation that private investment will fund much of the early vertiport buildout. Members raised concerns about community acceptance, privacy, zoning, airspace congestion, security, and lessons from scooters and drones. Panelists repeatedly stressed a “crawl, walk, run” rollout, local government coordination, multimodal connectivity, and public outreach. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the panel.

Transcript Highlights:

• We cannot afford to keep ticking this problem down the road.
• We cannot afford to keep ticking this problem down the road.
• We cannot afford to keep ticking this problem down the road.
• We cannot afford to keep ticking this problem down the road.
• We cannot afford to keep ticking this problem down the road.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, toll evasion is for purposes of civil penalties, enforcement, and administration of the use in a
• toll way in a manner that aligns with current practice.
• Toll evasion is frequently referenced.
• There are two aspects of it in particular that will really improve road safety.
• There are two aspects of it in particular that will really improve road safety.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and we get stopped I had a I County Road and we get stopped I had a I County Road and we get stopped
• area don't never stop on no back road area don't never stop on no back road you just keep going till
• that maybe it's something down the road that maybe it's something down the road that maybe you could
• in bullet County right down the road in bullet County right down the road some bad police in Phoenix
• person you here from a from from a toll person you here from a from from a toll person you know I I

Bills: HCR 21, HCR 22, HCR 23, HCR 24, HCR 25, HCR 26, HCR 27, HCR 31, HCR 41, HCR 42, HCR 43, HCR 44, HCR 45, HCR 52, HCR 53, HCR 66, HCR 67, HCR 73, HR 8, HR 10, HR 13, HR 20, HR 21, HR 50, HR 59, HR 61, HR 71, HR 74, HR 79, HR 84, HR 86, HR 90, HR 91, HR 102, HR 103, HR 107, HR 113, HR 125, HR 126, HR 132, HR 142, HR 145, HR 149, HR 150, HR 152, HR 167, HR 179, HR 181, HR 183, HR 186, HR 192, HR 196, HR 199, HR 207, HR 211, HR 212, HR 213, HR 216, HR 249, HR 256, HR 259, HR 261, HR 263, HR 272, HR 281, HR 285, HR 294, HR 295, HR 300, HR 305, HR 311, HR 313, HR 315, HR 316, HR 323, HR 331, HR 339, HR 340, HR 346, HR 349, HR 352, HR 357, HR 358, HR 360, HR 363, HR 374, HR 377, HCR 20, HCR 28, HCR 30, HCR 32, HCR 49, HR 14, HR 15, HR 19, HR 23, HR 24, HR 25, HR 26, HR 27, HR 29, HR 47, HR 48, HR 55, HR 56, HR 66, HR 85, HR 92, HR 93, HR 95, HR 96, HR 140, HR 155, HR 164, HR 204, HR 241, HR 242, HR 250, HR 253, HR 260, HR 262, HR 265, HR 279, HR 310, HR 312, HR 328, HR 332, HR 359, HR 362, HR 367

Keywords: recognition, award, petroleum industry, leadership, community service, HCR 22, House Concurrent Resolution, Texas Legislature, commendation, honorary resolution, Dr. James Olson, James Olson, University of Texas Permian Basin, UT Permian Basin, psychology professor, 50 years of service, faculty recognition, academic award, Piper Professor Award, Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award

Transcript Highlights:

• The emotional and financial toll is overwhelming. House File 1758 offers the solution.
• :22.479><c> emotional</c><00:08:22.800><c> and</c><00:08:23.039><c> financial</c><00:08:23.440><c> toll
• </c><00:08:23.759><c> is</c> The emotional and financial toll is The emotional and financial toll is
• At a time when we were already facing the emotional toll of infertility, we were also asked to risk our
• </c><01:27:13.360><c> and</c> that went down a little the road and that went down a little the road and

Bills: HF1758, HF4437, HF4353

Keywords: infertility, health insurance, fertility preservation, medical assistance, MinnesotaCare, prediction markets, sports betting, online wagering, event contracts, election betting, political betting, sportsbook, gambling regulation, lawful gambling license, Gambling Control Board, unauthorized gaming, esports betting, financial technology, payment processor, advertising restrictions

Transcript Highlights:

• All takes a toll on Ton and his academics.
• All<00:39:37.840><c> takes</c><00:39:38.120><c> a</c><00:39:38.160><c> toll</c><00:39:38.560><c> on</
• c><00:39:38.720><c> Ton</c> All takes a toll on Ton All takes a toll on Ton and<00:39:39.960><c> his<
• We can continue it on this road, but it's only going to hurt the ones who we in this room are saying
• And all of a sudden one day on a fairly busy road, main road in our community, men in masks and what

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee adopted the minutes from its February 24, 2026 meeting after a motion by Vice Chair Coulter. The hearing then focused on the impact of federal immigration enforcement, referred to throughout as Operation Metro Surge, on Minnesota college campuses. The chair said the purpose was to document alleged abuses, campus fear, and racial discrimination, and to hear from testifiers about effects on students, faculty, and staff. Representative Novotny briefly objected to the framing, saying the committee should be finding facts rather than making a predetermined presentation, and the chair responded that members should remain respectful and that questions would be held until after all presenters testified. Augsburg University President Paul Pribbenow described what he called relentless and unprecedented disruption, including student stops and interrogations, family separations, and an ICE operation on campus in which armed masked agents allegedly detained a student without a warrant and pointed weapons at students and staff. He said the campus received bomb threats afterward, increased virtual learning options, and saw spikes in student support needs, housing assistance, and leaves of absence. Jenna Chernega of the Inter Faculty Organization said faculty across Minnesota State universities reported widespread student and colleague stress, increased workload, disappearing students, and a need for clearer sensitive-location protections and academic freedom guidance. Mark Grant of Minnesota State College Faculty said community conditions inevitably affect classrooms, that campuses have not yet had an ICE incident but are bracing for one, and that faculty want to support students and may need financial help if enrollment declines. Jennifer Irwin of AFSCME said fear from ICE activity extends beyond campus boundaries and is affecting attendance, work, and daily life for staff and students; she cited a member detained in St. Paul while trying to prove legal status. Student testifiers Brendan Frazier of Concordia University, St. Paul, Jonathan Fitzgerald of Minnesota State Mankato, Sudi Adow of Lead MN, and Will Luther of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities described panic, reduced attendance, food insecurity, disrupted classes, and fear of leaving home or commuting to campus. They urged stronger student privacy protections, support for international and immigrant students, emergency aid, and policies to keep campuses safe. No further committee action or votes were taken after the minutes approval.

Transcript Highlights:

• have made this a priority, and I know that you will hear from Dennis Hohengasser about the personal toll
• And yes, it's kicking the can down the road to other states.
• Yes, it's kicking it down the road, but let these other states figure it out and let them follow your
• Second, we need clear rules of the road.
• While the financial impact of these crimes is significant, the psychological toll of being a victim can

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several financial services bills, with the main focus on cryptocurrency kiosk regulation, financial literacy, and earned wage access. Legislators and witnesses described widespread crypto-related scams targeting older adults, often involving impersonation, urgency, spoofed phone numbers, and rapid transfers through kiosks that are difficult to trace or recover. Supporters of the kiosk bills said Massachusetts needs licensing, registration, transaction limits, warning notices, receipts, refund protections, and other safeguards; some also urged a “pause” or hold on transactions to give victims time to reconsider and allow law enforcement to intervene. The Attorney General’s office, AARP, local law enforcement, and several prosecutors and sheriffs backed the consumer-protection approach, while Bitcoin Depot supported a narrower regulatory framework but opposed low fee caps and strict daily limits, arguing they would function like a ban and reduce legitimate use. Witnesses from Waltham police, Middlesex and Essex County law enforcement, and the AG’s office said crypto scams are growing quickly, losses are often unrecoverable once funds move, and current tools are limited. They described cases involving elderly victims losing thousands of dollars, and said warnings alone are not enough because scammers keep victims on the phone and guide them through the process. Some witnesses said a temporary hold or refund mechanism has worked in at least one case, while others emphasized that transaction limits and visible disclosures could reduce harm even if they do not stop fraud entirely. The AG’s office also said it would submit written opposition to separate earned wage advance legislation, while DailyPay testified in support of that bill, saying earned wage access helps workers bridge short-term gaps without debt or credit reporting. The committee also heard support for mandatory financial literacy education from Representative Jim Hawkins, who said high school students need instruction on credit, debt, and inflation before they enter adulthood. In addition, the committee took testimony on litigation financing bills from insurance industry representatives, who argued for disclosure and regulation of predatory litigation lending and warned about foreign interference and reduced plaintiff recoveries. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; members asked questions throughout, and the chair noted the need to move testimony along because of time constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• Purple Heart recipients don't pay tolls in Florida if you pass this bill.
• The road builders bring all their gear out there. They sit by the side of the road.
• And also, State Road 30 and 23rd Street in Bay County was almost a year.
• And also, State Road 30 and 23rd Street in Bay County was almost a year.
• Thank you. ...to DOT and the road builders from the interested parties.

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee heard several transportation and infrastructure bills. HB 1239, Energy Infrastructure Investment, would let the Public Service Commission create a mechanism for utilities to recover costs for renewable natural gas infrastructure; supporters said it could diversify energy supply and help agriculture, while members raised concerns about consumer rates and asked whether savings from RIN credits should be passed to customers. The bill drew supportive public testimony and was reported favorably after debate, with members noting the PSC would set costs and that the sponsor was open to further discussion on consumer protections. The committee then took up HB 313, which exempts Purple Heart recipients from paying Florida tolls. With no questions or opposition, it passed unanimously. The committee also considered HB 567, a broad transportation omnibus/strike-all bill covering EV tax revenue for roads, airport and MPO changes, workforce funding, traffic signal modernization, speed limits, and a pilot to streamline airport permitting. A major amendment added utility right-of-way notice, response, and incentive/penalty provisions, and another amendment authorized local governments to set age and ID rules for e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices after testimony about a fatal crash. The bill was reported favorably after extensive debate and public testimony from transportation and utility stakeholders. HB 112, dealing with municipal sewer collection systems, would allow cities to use sewer revenues to expand wastewater infrastructure. Sponsors said it was aimed at helping cities like Hollywood reduce septic use and improve water quality; testimony supported the measure as a way to unlock funding for sewer expansion, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee also approved HB 7009, preserving public records and meeting exemptions for 911 and public safety radio communications systems and expanding them to next-generation 911. Finally, PCS for HB 1397, a large transportation package addressing airport, seaport, spaceport, and workforce issues, was amended and passed 14-1 after questions about federal testing notifications, removal of certain business preference language, and a provision redirecting some transit funds to highway projects if not timely used.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, a depredation takes a significant economic and emotional toll.
• Um, a depredation takes a significant economic and emotional toll.
• Um, a depredation takes a significant economic and emotional toll.
• We're putting it on roads to keep ice off.
• We're putting it on roads to keep ice off.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They collecting their pensions down the road, you know, 30, 40 years is difficult.
• <00:03:25.840><c> pensions</c><00:03:26.520><c> down</c><00:03:26.760><c> the</c><00:03:26.840><c> road
• ,</c> collecting their pensions down the road, collecting their pensions down the road, you<00:03:27.480
• So, after 33 years, I can tell you this work matters, it changes lives, but it also takes its toll.
• We are simply asking for a system toll.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Taking care of patients can be stressful, and often takes a toll on healthcare workers.
• profession these long hours the of the profession these long hours the emotional<00:10:15.760><c> toll
• <00:10:16.680><c> the</c><00:10:17.000><c> constant</c><00:10:17.600><c> expectation</c> emotional toll
• the constant expectation emotional toll the constant expectation to<00:10:18.440><c> just</c><00:10:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sorry, I'm all over the road. Anyways, I'm going to rip it. So we took that test.
• Additionally, hearing loss takes a physical toll because of the excess energy I was expending to try
• Hearing loss takes a physical toll because of the excess energy I was expending to try to hear, whereas
• So I would just urge that it does take a toll on the family, both emotionally and financially.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a public hearing on a wide range of bills, with testimony first focused on H. 1315/S. 824, which would require insurance coverage for pain management options during IUD insertion. Representative Sabadosa, Planned Parenthood clinicians, and policy advocates said sedation can reduce fear and trauma, improve access to effective contraception, and should be reimbursed so providers can continue offering it. A Tufts OB-GYN resident also testified that pain control should be standard care for intrauterine procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee then heard extensive testimony on firefighter health bills, especially H. 1230/S. 690 requiring insurance coverage for cancer screenings for firefighters. Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts leaders, a Dana-Farber oncologist, and firefighters themselves described occupational exposure to carcinogens and personal stories of late-stage cancer detection, arguing that early screening can save lives and reduce long-term costs. Representative Crichton and Representative Howitt also spoke in support, and Representative Ayers testified for H. 4012, which would require neurological disorder screenings for firefighters. Committee members expressed support and sympathy, but no action was taken. The hearing also covered H. 3946/S. 756 on hearing aid coverage, with testimony from students, adults with hearing loss, disability advocates, and HLAA representatives describing the educational, social, and financial barriers caused by lack of coverage and urging broader insurance mandates. Later, Representative Donahue and Representative Vargas testified for H. 1337 to expand insurance coverage for opioid antagonists and related medications, including naloxone dispensed at discharge. The committee additionally heard testimony on H. 1134 to improve chronic pain care coordination and non-opioid access, and H. 4162 to improve ostomy supply coverage and access to certified ostomy care, with patients and clinicians describing denials, quantity limits, and non-medical switching. The transcript ends while testimony on H. 1315/S. 824 is still ongoing; no votes or formal committee actions are recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 590 would toll the statute of limitations for failure to report by mandatory reporters until
• Secondly, it changes part of the Road to Independence Program, specifically the post-secondary education
• Secondly, it changes part of the Road to Independence Program, specifically the post-secondary education
• The amendment limits the changes to the Road to Independence Program to only post-secondary education
• The amendment limits the changes to the Road to Independence Program to only post-secondary education

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered four bills and reported each favorably. SB 590, by Senator Bradley, would toll the statute of limitations for failure by mandatory reporters to report suspected child abuse until the offense is known to law enforcement; an amendment made the change retroactive for offenses not already time-barred by the bill’s effective date. Senator Bradley said the bill is intended to ensure accountability in institutional abuse cases, and it passed unanimously. SB 778, by Senator Simon, updates the definition of forensic client so certain defendants with intellectual disabilities or autism whose charges were dismissed for incompetency can be housed in the same secure setting as other Chapter 916 residents, reducing duplicative staffing and costs; it also passed unanimously. The committee then took up SB 560, by Senator Garcia, which streamlines psychotropic medication procedures for children in DCF custody, reduces duplicative reports and background checks, and simplifies consent documentation. Amendments removed language allowing certain social workers and marriage and family therapists to serve as evaluators and narrowed changes to the Road to Independence Program’s post-secondary education services and support, while extending eligibility ages from 18-23 to 18-26 with a five-year maximum benefit period. Senator Garcia and supporters said the bill improves continuity of care and support for foster youth; Senator Harrell raised fiscal concerns about the education stipend expansion. The bill was reported favorably, and Chair Grall later recorded her vote in the affirmative. Finally, the committee heard SB 1010, by Senator Yarbrough, which strengthens enforcement of Florida’s existing prohibitions on sex reassignment prescriptions and procedures for minors and adds civil and criminal penalties, including Attorney General enforcement authority and damages for injured minors. An amendment clarified that the cause of action applies only to minors and that damages benefit the affected minor. The bill drew extensive public testimony, with supporters arguing it protects children and parental rights, and opponents warning it would chill medical care, school conversations, and access to support for transgender youth. Senators Harrell and Sharief expressed concerns about breadth, standing, and impacts on therapists, teachers, and confidential conversations; Sharief voted no while the rest of the committee voted yes, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Holt in his service here in a second, but we all know the toll and the sacrifice that families make as
• Ber 3 If you live in Oklahoma, if you drive on Oklahoma roads, you attend Oklahoma schools, you vote

Bills: HB3725, HB3260, HB3660, HB3369, HB3370, HB2937, HB3419, HB3264, HB3266, HB3267, HB3268, HB3310, HB4311, HB3841, HB3024, HB3075

Keywords: labor, e-verification, immigration, employers, employment eligibility, Department of Labor, penalties, funeral licensing, continuing education, Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association, professional development, licensing requirements, HB3660, natural organic reduction, human composting, soil reduction, green burial, funeral services, cremation, burial permit

Transcript Highlights:

• We're nationwide, yes, but we have a Texas office just 4 blocks down the road, and that's where I'm based
• Members, if you recall, House Bill 1557 relates to a waiver program for certain veterans provided by toll

Transcript Highlights:

• And you came to a fork in the road.
• SR 118 by Menendez, SR 119 by West, SR 124 by Eckhart Tolle. and SR 125 by Eckhart This is a voice vote

Bills: SJR 5, SJR 36, SJR 5, SJR 5, SR 105, SR 121, SB 17, SB 19, SB 25, SB 28, SB 17, SB 19, SB 25, SB 28

Keywords: bail, felony offenses, criminal justice reform, public safety, constitutional amendment, school safety, mental health, emergency response, education policy, law enforcement, SR 121, Senate Resolution 121, Pete Alfaro, Pedro Cuellar Alfaro, Pedro Alfaro, Baytown, Texas Senate tribute, in memory, memorial resolution, condolence resolution

Transcript Highlights:

• But when we talk to businesses and ask them to come to our state, we talk about our great roads.
• We talk about our great roads.
• We talk about, well, okay, we talk about access to our roads, we talk about our ports, we talk about
• So this is an important step on that road. Fully support your bill.
• So that should help us down the road as well. Any questions on that? Okay.

Summary: The Committee on Economic Development met with a quorum and first heard House Bill 2409 from Rep. Brenda Shields, which would create three child care-related tax credit programs to help address Missouri’s workforce and child care shortages. Shields said the bill is aimed at expanding affordable, reliable child care through community partnerships involving businesses, nonprofits, and providers, with credits for contributions to child care facilities, employer-provided child care assistance, and provider facility improvements. She and supporters cited child care deserts, high costs, and lost economic output, arguing the bill would help parents work and businesses recruit and retain employees. Witnesses in support included the Missouri Chamber, Kids Win Missouri, Associated Industries of Missouri, local chambers, economic development groups, and child care-related organizations; there was no opposition testimony. The committee then moved into executive session and approved House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2508 and House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2517, both by unanimous 12-0 roll call votes and both sent do pass on consent. The 2508 substitute dealt with series LLC language, including searchable records and stand-alone certificates of good standing. The 2517 substitute addressed wholesaling, adding a 14-day disclosure period and changing Attorney General enforcement language from “shall” to “may.” Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2654 from Rep. Knight, which would create a Missouri Works capital investment track for projects with at least $50 million in investment, offering a 2.5% tax credit without requiring new job creation. The sponsor and Department of Economic Development said the proposal is modeled on programs in other states and is intended to help Missouri compete for large investments, especially in manufacturing and automation. Many business and economic development groups testified in support, emphasizing retention, expansion, and regional competition; several members asked whether the $50 million threshold could be lowered, and the sponsor said he was open to discussion. No opposition testimony was offered, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so because there's a toll. Yeah, it's after the rest area.
• But the Turnpike is within 10 miles of the toll station. Okay. Uh, so second question.
• and infrastructure if the to town roads and infrastructure if the buyer<01:17:11.360><c> was</c><01:
• Yeah, it's a it's after the rest toll.
• </c> miles of the toll. Okay. Station. Okay. miles of the toll. Okay. Station. Okay.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee worked through several HB 2 budget amendments, focusing first on energy-related transfers and then on judicial funding. For the energy item, members discussed moving remaining money from the renewable energy fund into the general fund for the biennium, with later-year amounts going to the general fund rather than ratepayers. They noted the proposal was based on prior House Bill 111 language, that the exact amount was still being worked out with the Department of Energy, and that some language about “incentive payments” was being removed or clarified. Amendment 1211H was moved and adopted on a 5-4 vote. The committee then considered amendment 1040 on the governor’s scholarship fund, which would eliminate the program and sweep uncommitted funds. Members supporting the program argued it helps New Hampshire students afford in-state college and should be reworked rather than repealed; opponents said the remaining balance was limited and the program should be ended. Amendment 1040 was defeated 4-5. The committee then turned to a judicial council request tied to a Franklin Pierce criminal justice clinic that had previously used ARPA funds. Supporters said the clinic cleared 323 cases in nine months, provided training for future attorneys, and could reduce more expensive assigned-counsel costs by helping the public defender system handle cases more efficiently. The amendment would add $100,000 to the judicial council line for that purpose. There was some confusion over the line item and whether the request should be attributed to the judicial branch or judicial council, which was corrected during discussion. Members also discussed a larger issue: the judicial council’s budget request appeared lower than intended because of a possible clerical error in how prior-year funding was calculated, especially after the last budget combined HB 1 and HB 2 funding. The committee compared the public defender line and assigned counsel line, noting that if public defender funding is cut, more cases would shift to assigned counsel, which is more expensive. No final vote on the judicial council amendment is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• lose the 15 employees that I had that happened to be all women because they saw that Altec down the road
• But when we talk to businesses and ask them to come to our state, we talk about our great roads.
• We talk about, well, okay, we talk about access to our roads. We talk about our ports.
• So this is an important step on that road. Fully support your bill.
• So that should help us down the road as well. Any questions on that? Okay.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Economic Development heard House Bill 2409, sponsored by Rep. Brenda Shields, which would create three child care-related tax credit programs to help address Missouri’s workforce and child care shortages. Shields said the bill is intended to expand affordable, reliable child care by encouraging contributions from businesses, employers, and providers, with caps, a six-year sunset, and oversight by the Office of Childhood. She and supporters argued that child care shortages are hurting labor force participation, recruitment, retention, and the state economy, citing estimates of billions in annual economic losses and describing child care as critical infrastructure. A long list of witnesses testified in support, including the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, Kids Win Missouri, Associated Industries of Missouri, Aligned, local chambers, economic development groups, health care and construction interests, and child care advocates. Supporters emphasized that many counties are child care deserts, that parents miss work or leave jobs because of child care problems, and that the bill’s flexible structure could help both urban and rural communities. Committee members asked about how the tax credits and dependent care spending accounts would work, the role of intermediaries, and whether the Office of Childhood would evaluate the program over time. There was no opposition testimony, and no vote was taken on HB 2409 during the hearing. The committee then moved into executive session and approved House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2508 and House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2517, both by 12-0 votes and both recommended do pass consent. After returning to public hearing, the committee heard House Bill 2654, which would create a Missouri Works capital investment track for projects with at least $50 million in investment, without requiring new job creation. Rep. Jeff Knight and Department of Economic Development Director Michelle Hadaway said the proposal would help Missouri compete with other states for large investments, especially in manufacturing and automation, and would use existing program authority without new funding. Numerous business and economic development witnesses from across the state supported the bill, and several committee members questioned the $50 million threshold and whether it could be lowered. No opposition testimony was offered, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.