Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Ward-Johnson? Here. Representative Davis? Representative Shofner? Here.
• Representative Ward-Johnson. How long have you been on the Board of Regents at Texas Southern?
• Representative Ward-Johnson? I've been on the board for two years.
• Representative VanDeaver, A&M Commerce, and Representative Ward Johnson, University of Houston.
• Ward-Johnson. Aye. Rep. Davis. Aye. Rep. Shofner. Aye.

Bills: SB 37

Keywords: fetal development, education, public health curriculum, middle school, age-appropriate instruction, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward
• Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Suber, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
• Assembly Member Carrillo, Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Thank you, Assembly Member Ward. Assembly Member Brian, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call and opened with a prayer, a Father’s Day reflection, and a moment of silence for the victims of the Minnesota lawmaker shooting. Members then moved through guest introductions recognizing student legislative programs, Black conservation leaders, interns, and first responders, including an off-duty firefighter who saved a driver’s life. The chamber also heard multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes, most notably for former Senator and Los Angeles Councilman Nate Holden, whose civil rights and housing discrimination work was highlighted, along with tributes to Stephen Golden Kranz, Emily Carpenter, and Doug Kranwinkel. On the Daily File, the Assembly adopted ACR 90, Assembly Member Gibson’s resolution recognizing Juneteenth. The measure drew strong support from multiple caucuses, including the Latino, Jewish, LGBTQ, Women’s, and AAPI caucuses, with members emphasizing Juneteenth’s historical significance, the legacy of slavery, and the continuing need to combat racism and inequality. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added. The Assembly also adopted ACR 92, Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez’s resolution declaring June 2025 as Electronic Dance Music Month in California. Supporters described EDM as a cultural and economic force rooted in diverse communities and praised its values of inclusion and unity; the resolution received 65 co-authors and passed by voice vote. Finally, HR 45, Assembly Member Castillo’s resolution for Animal Rights Awareness Week, was adopted by voice vote after 55 co-authors were added, with the author and a guest from Sierra Pacific Fur Babies speaking about animal rescue and welfare work. The session ended with announcements and adjournment until June 19.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rep Perez, Rep Ward Johnson. Reb Davis and Rep Shopner. Quorum, Mr.
• Let the record, uh, show that Representative Ward Johnson is present.
• Miss Miss Ward Johnson, we do have some resource witnesses too, ma'am, OK, because I just had, uh, questions
• And Representative Ward Johnson, um, I think I would just start by, um, the answer to the eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• For HB 189, I neglected to note that Representative Ward is excused. Voting on HB 966.
• Noting the absence of Representative Ward, Representative Lowen aye, Representative Perruso aye, and
• </c><01:06:17.200><c> representative</c><01:06:17.960><c> loen</c> Representative Ward representative
• And noting Representative Quinlan and Representative Ward excused absent.
• </c> noting representatives quinland and Ward noting representatives quinland and Ward excused<02:36:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House Agriculture and Food Systems and Tourism hearing focused on HB 189 and HB 966, both dealing with agricultural tourism. HB 189 would require counties to adopt ordinances governing review and permitting of agricultural tourism as secondary uses on working farms, require the principal agricultural use to pre-exist any tourism-related permit, and limit ag tourism to land where productive agriculture is occurring. HB 966 would create statewide uniform standards for agricultural tourism, require county registration of activities, require ag tourism to coexist with agricultural activity on a farming operation, and end the tourism use when agricultural activity ceases. Testimony on HB 189 was mixed. The Department of Agriculture and Kualoa Ranch opposed the bill, arguing that the proposed restrictions and income-based limits could burden bona fide farms and ranches, reduce flexibility for counties, and harm food production, jobs, and diversification efforts. Kualoa Ranch said ag tourism supports its food sales and community market and warned the bill could cost more than 350 jobs. The Hawaiʻi Cattlemen’s Council also opposed the measure for similar reasons. The Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported the bill with suggested amendments, including clearer language around agricultural dedication. The Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau supported the intent of the bill but urged caution, saying ag tourism should remain tied to actual agricultural production and that counties need flexibility to address abuses without imposing overly rigid standards. Members discussed how to define a bona fide agricultural operation and whether property tax agricultural dedication could serve as a clearer qualifier. They also raised concerns about how counties would enforce revenue thresholds or separate accounting for tourism and farm income, and whether state law should better target clearly non-agricultural uses such as gondolas or other abusive developments. The Department of Agriculture and Farm Bureau said counties already have authority to regulate ag tourism through ordinances, but that any new standards should avoid unintended burdens on true farmers and ranchers. HB 966 was then introduced, and initial testimony again reflected support for the bill’s intent from some agricultural groups and opposition or caution from others. Kualoa Ranch said ag tourism can help educate visitors and support agriculture, the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported county flexibility, and the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau reiterated concerns about the bill’s income comparison provisions and the need to distinguish legitimate agricultural tourism from misuse. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward.
• Madam Chairperson, I'm Karen Turner Ward, and I hail from Hampton, Virginia, and I'm happy to be with

Keywords: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commission, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, first we will convene, and before we even seat the alternates, I would ask Senator Ward to lead us
• >> I'll move approval of the minutes. >> Moved by Senator Long, seconded by Senator Ward.
• >> Second. >> Move to approved by Representative Schmidt, seconded by Senator Ward.
• Schmidt, seconded by Senator Ward. All Schmidt, seconded by Senator Ward.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened its September meeting, seated alternates to establish a quorum, approved the prior minutes and consent agenda, and then moved to the regular calendar. The main substantive item was the kinship care home licensing standards rule (2025-130), which had a conditional approval request with three comments. Committee discussion focused on whether the rule and statute aligned on temporary permits, renewal, and whether a statutory amendment might be needed. Department of Health and Human Services and DCF staff explained that kinship care licenses are issued for two years and may be renewed, while the temporary six-month permit is meant to bridge applicants until licensure. They also said the rule was amended to reflect statutory language, and members suggested adding clearer language to avoid confusion. The committee then approved the conditional request, including oral amendments for clarity, and noted that any needed statutory cleanup would be added to a running list of possible changes for future filing. The committee next took up an emergency rule from the Lottery Commission concerning games of chance and video lottery terminals. Staff said the emergency rule was needed to avoid substantial fiscal harm to the state and loss of expected revenue, and that it largely builds on existing charitable gaming infrastructure. Members questioned the emergency basis and asked about precedent for using fiscal harm as justification, but staff said they did not have precedent information immediately available. The commission representative said regular rulemaking was already underway and would be brought to the commission at its October meeting. The committee did not take adverse action on the emergency rule during the discussion. Finally, the committee reviewed Department of Safety Commissioner Emergency Rule 14357 on school bus transportation qualifications. The rule creates an exception for applicants whose driver’s license validity had a gap of no more than 30 days due to suspension or non-renewal, which staff said would help address a school bus driver shortage and reduce transportation problems for students. Members raised the possibility of a legislative fix to distinguish administrative lapses from safety-related suspensions, and staff said that could be considered. The committee noted the emergency rule is only effective for 180 days and will return through regular rulemaking for fuller review. The meeting ended with scheduling for the next regular meeting on October 17 and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Chairman Ward, members of the committee, and I look forward to taking any questions.
• Great, thank you, Chairman Ward, for having us this morning. So you need to move.
• Hello, Chairman Ward.
• As you mentioned earlier, Chair Ward, these are our friends, our family, our neighbors, and they still
• Chair Ward, I see some familiar faces. My name is, thank you. Thank you. My name is Jordan Rivers.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism held an informational hearing on the state of California tourism amid declining international visitation and broader economic and political headwinds. Visit California CEO Caroline Betetta said the industry remains a major economic driver, with 2024 visitor spending of $157 billion, 1.2 million jobs supported, and $12.7 billion in state and local tax revenue, but warned that 2025 forecasts show the first post-pandemic decline in visitation, driven largely by a projected 9.2% drop in international travel. She cited concerns about the strong dollar, visa wait times, border and immigration rhetoric, and a proposed federal visa integrity fee, while emphasizing Visit California’s marketing campaigns and the importance of upcoming mega-events like the World Cup and 2028 Olympics. A second panel of destination leaders described local impacts and strategies. Visit Sacramento’s Mike Testa said the city has diversified beyond conventions into music festivals, sports, and food events, but noted that international apprehension is affecting events like Terra Madre Americas and that California should do more to incentivize major festivals to stay in-state. Santa Monica Travel and Tourism’s Lauren Salisbury said the city is seeing lower international visitation, especially from Canada, Australia, and Europe, and that wildfire coverage and later federal troop presence in Los Angeles hurt local sentiment and caused cancellations. Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau’s Rhonda Salisbury reported steep drops in international visitation to the gateway region, ongoing concerns about wildfire, reservations, insurance costs, and park access, and praised a new federal requirement for quarterly meetings between national parks and gateway communities. San Diego Tourism Authority COO Carrie Verbeck-Cappich said tourism is the region’s second-largest sector, but 2025 is softer than 2024, with spending down despite modest visitation growth. She pointed to weaker Canadian and Asian travel, government-related meeting cancellations, and the need for more support to bid on and host major events; she also highlighted border-crossing delays, insufficient federal staffing at ports of entry, and the Tijuana River sewage crisis as major regional issues. Committee members discussed the effects of federal rhetoric, infrastructure, and cross-border conditions on tourism, and several witnesses urged continued support for Visit California, Brand USA, event incentives, and efforts to present California as welcoming and open. Public comment then opened, beginning with testimony from the California Attractions and Parks Association.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hi, my name is Marissa Mark Ward, and I am a charter school mom, and I oppose AB 84.
• provisions that prohibit out-of-area authorizing, which basically means that you can't cross county boundaries
• provisions that prohibit out of area authorizing which basically means that you can't cross county boundaries
• further and relitigate issues that we had settled in 1505, 507, and SB 126, and the question of boundaries

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard AB 84, a charter school accountability measure focused on non-classroom-based charter schools and fraud prevention. The author and supporters said the bill was intended to respond to the A3 charter fraud case and related scandals by strengthening audits, transparency, authorizer oversight, and funding determination rules, while ensuring public education dollars are used for public education. Supporters included FCMAT, CSEA, CTA, and CSBA, who argued the bill would improve oversight and protect taxpayers. Opponents, including the California Charter Schools Association, Green Dot, many charter parents, educators, and charter operators, said the bill was too broad, would impose major new costs and bureaucracy on all charter schools, and could reduce options for families, especially those using flexible, homeschool, or special-needs charter programs. After extensive testimony and committee discussion, the bill passed on a 5-1 vote and was sent to Appropriations, with the item left open for additional votes. The committee then approved a consent calendar of 11 education bills, including AB 542, AB 563, AB 731, AB 753, AB 784, AB 964, AB 988, AB 1034, AB 1233, AB 1255, and AB 1381, all moving to Appropriations. The consent calendar passed unanimously. Later, the committee heard AB 1454, a literacy and reading instruction bill authored by Assembly Members Rubio and Revis. The bill would require the state to create professional development resources for evidence-based literacy instruction, update English language arts and English language development instructional materials, and revise administrator preparation standards to include literacy training. The authors and a broad coalition of supporters, including CTA, EdVoice, Families in Schools, Decoding Dyslexia, school administrators, and parent advocates, described the measure as a compromise aimed at improving reading outcomes and addressing California’s literacy crisis. There was no opposition testimony at the hearing, and members voiced strong support for the bill and its collaborative approach.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is State Representative Christina Morales, State Representative Charlene Ward Johnson, and State
• Next, Representative Charlene Ward Johnson. Thank you.

Keywords: special election, 18th Congressional District, Governor Abbott, federal representation, constituent services, Sylvester Turner

Summary: State Rep. Jolanda Jones, joined by Sen. Molly Cook and Reps. Christina Morales, Charlene Ward Johnson, and Lauren Ashley Simmons, held a press event at the Capitol urging Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special election for Texas Congressional District 18. They said the district has been without federal representation since the death of Rep. Sylvester Turner and argued that more than 800,000 constituents are losing access to constituent services, federal assistance, and a voice in Congress. The speakers framed the delay as a constitutional and fairness issue, repeatedly describing the situation as “taxation without representation.” They said the vacancy affects Democrats and Republicans alike, and cited examples such as passport help, veterans’ issues, immigration concerns, and access to federal funding. Several speakers accused the governor of delaying for partisan reasons and called for immediate action so the district can elect a new representative. A letter from Sen. Borris Miles was read into the record, urging Abbott to set the earliest possible special election date and noting that the governor has acted quickly in past vacancies. The event ended with a unified demand that Abbott call the election immediately; no vote or formal legislative action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is called a ward. I'm not creating a ward. I'm not creating a ward.
• We're only adding an unincorporated area to the wards.
• To the wards. Through the amendments, you're not creating districts at all.
• If they're calling them districts, they were called wards before, perhaps they're districts, I'm not
• Gordon Hutchinson, Ward 3, District 1; Walton Barnes, attorney; thank you very much.

Bills: HCR41, HB11, HB227, HB243, HB278, HB335, HB424, HB454, HB455, HB492, HB623, HB641, HB660, HB708, HB719, HB940, HB1029, HB1053, HB1069, HB1077

Keywords: coupons, rebates, alcohol regulation, malt beverages, Louisiana Department of Revenue, remembrance, Charlie Kirk, state recognition, October 14, memorial day, court filings, electronic filing, letter size paper, privacy, legal procedure, recusal, district attorney, substitute attorney, appointment process, legal proceedings

Summary: The committee first took up H.C.R. 41, which would direct the ATC to allow electronic rebates for beer purchases and clarify that rebates are the manufacturer’s responsibility. The author and supporters said it would align beer with wine and other liquor rules. With no opposition, the resolution was moved forward. The committee then advanced H.B. 1029, which extends a moratorium on certain alcoholic beverage permits in House District 3 to give Shreveport and the MPC more time to revise local ordinances; it also moved forward without objection. The committee next considered two related bills by Rep. Egan on district attorney funding. H.B. 660, as amended, raises the state warrant amount used to support assistant district attorneys from $50,000 to $60,000 and sets district attorney salaries at $65,000 effective July 1, 2026. The Louisiana District Attorneys Association and several DAs supported the bill, saying it would help recruit and retain prosecutors. H.B. 719, also amended, increases the number of assistant district attorney warrants in many judicial districts statewide, with supporters describing it as a response to crime, population changes, and local workload needs. Both bills were reported favorably as amended. Rep. Ventrella’s H.B. 227, allowing court filings on letter-sized paper instead of only legal-sized paper, was also moved favorably. The committee then heard extensive testimony on H.B. 335 by Rep. Henry, which would expand citizenship verification requirements for entities administering public benefits. Supporters said it was meant to ensure state dollars go to U.S. and Louisiana citizens and to add accountability for NGOs; opponents, including farmers, food-access nonprofits, and health providers, argued it would create administrative burdens, chill participation in SNAP-related programs, and discourage vulnerable people from seeking food or medical help. After an amendment exempting nonprofit food distribution was adopted, the bill was reported favorably by a 12-5 vote. Finally, the committee took up H.B. 623, a tobacco and vapor products permitting bill. After adopting a three-minute rule, the committee accepted an amendment removing tobacco products from the proposed three-tier permitting system and excluding lawful marijuana products authorized by LDH. The amended bill was then reported favorably. The transcript ends as the committee was beginning H.B. 708.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is called a ward. I'm not creating a ward. I'm not creating a ward.
• We're only adding an unincorporated area to the wards.
• If they're called To the wards. Through the amendments, you're not creating districts at all.
• If they're calling them districts, they were called wards before, perhaps they're districts, I'm not
• Gordon Hutchinson, Ward 3, District 1; Walton Barnes, attorney; thank you very much.

Bills: HCR41, HB11, HB227, HB243, HB278, HB335, HB424, HB454, HB455, HB492, HB623, HB641, HB660, HB708, HB719, HB940, HB1029, HB1053, HB1069, HB1077

Keywords: coupons, rebates, alcohol regulation, malt beverages, Louisiana Department of Revenue, remembrance, Charlie Kirk, state recognition, October 14, memorial day, court filings, electronic filing, letter size paper, privacy, legal procedure, recusal, district attorney, substitute attorney, appointment process, legal proceedings

Transcript Highlights:

• guardians were very much abusing their position in some cases and using that authority over their wards
• And it also allows the guardian to be notified, whether or not the ward wants the guardian to be notified
• , whether or not the ward is trying to get out from under the guardianship.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Kyle Ward 1. Thank you, Representative Chairman Warren, and Mr. Chairman.
• Ward 1. Thank you, Representative Chairman Warren, and Mr. Chairman. Kyle, Ward 1.

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works met on March 10 and considered a series of highway, bridge, and ferry naming bills, many honoring deceased public servants, veterans, and community leaders. The committee first heard House Bill 346, which redesignates a portion of U.S. Highway 171 as the Speaker Joe Salter Memorial Highway. Members and witnesses from the Secretary of State’s office offered extensive tributes to Salter’s career in education, legislative service, and state government. The bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then took up House Bill 221, which names a proposed Mississippi River bridge crossing connecting LA 1 and LA 30 as the President Donald J. Trump Expressway. Rep. Eccles argued the naming would help draw attention and funding to a long-discussed bridge project and emphasized toll-free, growth-based financing. Some members questioned the political and practical logic, but the bill was reported favorably on a 12-2 vote, with Reps. Murray and Walters voting no. The committee also reported favorably several other memorial naming bills, including HB 356 for the Elward T. Brady Jr. Memorial Bridge, HB 149 for the Senior Police Officer Trevor Abney Memorial Highway, HB 148 for the Eugene Washington Memorial Highway, and HB 716 naming the Schaumet Ferry Terminal after Michael C. Ginnart Jr. Additional measures were amended and reported: HB 355, designating Highway 10 as the Veterans Park Highway, was amended to add “Memorial Highway” and then reported favorably; HB 657, naming portions of LA 182 for Burrick B.J. Lejeune Jr. and Judge Richard T. Dickey Hike Sr., was amended to remove “Memorial” from the designations and reported as amended; HB 675, naming U.S. 425 in Franklin Parish for Assistant Chief Bill Putt Linder, was similarly amended and reported; and HB 384, naming a portion of U.S. 11 as the Dan de Blanc American Hero Highway, was amended to add “Memorial” and reported with amendments. HB 354, renaming the Magnolia Bridge as the Caleb Easterling Memorial Bridge, drew emotional testimony from the victim’s parents about his death in a drunk-driving crash and was reported favorably. HB 358, naming a portion of LA 433 for Charles R. Bordelon Sr., was also reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, the committee voluntarily deferred HB 129, HB 130, HB 360, and HB 401 to a later agenda. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that Kate Ben Ward, Senate Gubernatorial Appointment 9256, be reported with a recommendation that
• Ben Ward, too. Any further discussion? Okay. All those in favor say aye. Aye. All opposed, say nay.
• Kate Ben Ward, Senate Gubernatorial Appointment 9256, has received a confirmation recommendation, subject

Bills: SB5925, SB6086, SB6074, SB5962, SB6296, SGA9272, SGA9255, SGA9256, SGA9271

Keywords: Attorney General, civil investigative demand, CID, subpoena-like demand, investigative authority, consumer protection, civil enforcement, pre-suit investigation, document production, interrogatories, deposition, oral testimony, confidentiality, trade secrets, judicial review, enforcement action, Washington RCW, law enforcement powers, government transparency, due process

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the DLAs were told they were not allowed to go, um, because it was put on by wards in the district
• That they would not be allowed to come to a post session town hall like this just because it was a ward
• , a Democratic ward, putting it on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
• </c> bit harder is it my husband is the ward bit harder is it my husband is the ward counselor<01:03:
• Senator Ward: no. Senator Rardy: no. Senator Fenton: yes. Senator Mc... yes. Senator Avard: no.
• </c> yes Senator inis is excuse Senator Ward yes Senator inis is excuse Senator Ward yes<01:53:02.599
• Senator Ward: Yes. Senator Rardy: Yes. Senator Fenton: No. Senator MCU: Yes. Senator Avard: Yes.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent Senate District 18, which is Manchester Ward 5-9 and the town of Litchfield.
• Senate District 18, which is Manchester Ward 5-9 and the town of Litchfield.
• For example, in the city of Manchester, 100 voters of one ward could deem that we recount all the wards
• It's not specific to wards; it's specific to an election.
• </c> problematic it's not specific to Wards problematic it's not specific to Wards it's<02:00:39.280>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Ward is excused. Chair's recommendation has been adopted.
• Representative Quinlan is excused, and Representative Ward is excused.
• </c><01:39:39.280><c> is</c> excused and representative Ward is excused and representative Ward is excused
• Representative Quinland is excused, and Representative Ward is excused.
• Representative Quinland is excused, as is Representative Ward.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard several measures focused on water quality, waste management, aquifer protection, wastewater, and climate-related funding. SB 984 on water pollution drew opposition from DLNR and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, with the latter arguing the bill could unfairly blame landowners for runoff caused by terrain and storm events; the chair noted there were also supporters and commenters submitted in writing. SB 639 on underground storage tanks received support from the Department of Health, the Board of Water Supply, and the Sierra Club, with testimony emphasizing environmental restoration standards after jet fuel releases; no opposition was noted in the live testimony. SB 946 on wastewater management was presented as clarifying that the ban on discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters applies to treatment plants, and it drew support from the County of Maui, DOH, and Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, with no questions or opposition raised in the hearing. The committee also heard SB 438 on waste disposal facilities near significant aquifers. DOH and the Water Commission offered comments, while the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services opposed the bill because of a provision affecting ash recycling; the Board of Water Supply and Sierra Club supported the measure, and the Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board and Energy Justice Network raised concerns about fly ash and bottom ash recycling, landfill capacity, and potential contamination of aquifers. Testimony reflected a split between environmental protection concerns and arguments that the bill could block beneficial reuse of ash. The committee then took up HB 1395 on state funds, which would direct interest from the Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund to the general fund when the reserve exceeds the state’s target. The Governor’s office, emergency management, the State Energy Office, the Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority, the Nature Conservancy, and several other groups supported the bill’s climate-resilience intent, while the Tax Foundation and committee discussion raised concerns that the measure functioned mainly as a revenue transfer without a dedicated spending mechanism. Members discussed whether a special fund or legislative appropriation process would better ensure the money was used for climate mitigation and related projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• As chief of police, I went to numerous community meetings and ward meetings, and it's very important
• Likewise, I've been to a few ward meetings since I've become the interim sheriff.
• As Chief of Police, I went, I've gone to, of course, numerous community meetings and ward meetings and
• Likewise, if I've been to a few ward meetings, since I've become the interim sheriff.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up Senate Bill 982. Members adopted a House committee substitute that updated the bill to reflect recently enacted sex offense classifications and added language related to sexual violent predator civil commitment, including permission for the Department of Mental Health to contract with the Department of Corrections for housing. After questions about the civil commitment process and registry-related provisions, the committee adopted two House committee amendments, rolled them into the substitute, and voted the bill do pass by a vote of 14 aye, 1 no, and 1 present. The committee then approved House Bill 3414 by a vote of 12 yes, 1 no, and 3 present. Next, it considered a combined substitute for House Bills 3434, 3460, and 2628, which dealt with emergency contraception and related health care facility language. Members discussed whether the substitute should include religious objection protections and whether the facility definition was broad enough for rural clinics. After adopting an amendment clarifying that emergency contraception does not include medication approved to terminate a pregnancy, the committee adopted the substitute and voted the combined bills do pass by 11 aye, 4 no, and 1 present. In public hearing, the committee heard Senate Joint Resolution 87, which would place the election of sheriffs in the Missouri Constitution and preserve local election of sheriffs, with carve-outs for St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jackson County, and the City of St. Louis. The sponsor and supporting witnesses argued it would protect local control and accountability, while members asked about removal procedures and the role of the Attorney General versus local prosecutors. Supporters, including the Osage County sheriff and the interim sheriff of the City of St. Louis, testified in favor; no opposition testified. The committee also heard House Bills 1868 and 3257, identical bills creating an offense for impeding, threatening, or harassing first responders after an oral warning to stay back. Sponsors said the measure was intended to protect officers, EMS, firefighters, and others from interference at scenes, and supporters from ambulance, physician, and fire service groups backed the bill, with a suggested cleanup to remove the outdated term “ambulance driver.” Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3017, which would create the offense of permitting a public nuisance on property after repeated documented complaints and allow authorities to secure or board up nuisance properties. The sponsor and Kansas City police supported it as a tool for public safety, while members raised concerns about landlord liability, due process, and whether the felony penalty and boarding costs were too burdensome; Kansas City police testified in support and no opposition was heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• As Chief of Police, I went, I've gone to, of course, numerous community meetings and ward meetings and
• Likewise, I've been to a few ward meetings since I've become the interim sheriff.
• As Chief of Police, I went, I've gone to, of course, numerous community meetings and ward meetings and
• Likewise, if I've been to a few ward meetings, since I've become the interim sheriff.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 982, adopting a House committee substitute and two House committee amendments before voting the bill do pass 14-1 with one present. The substitute added cleanup language to reflect recently enacted sex offense classifications and made changes related to sexual violent predator civil commitment housing, allowing the Department of Mental Health to contract with the Department of Corrections for secure placement when DMH runs out of bed space. One amendment required sex offender registry entries to remain under the offender’s name and biological sex as listed at the time of the offense, and another clarified age-related language without changing existing “Romeo and Juliet” protections. The committee then passed House Bill 3414 12-1 with three present, and House Bills 3434, 3460, and 2628 as a combined House committee substitute 11-4 with one present after adopting an amendment. That package focused on emergency contraception and related health care facility provisions; members discussed language clarifying that emergency contraception does not include FDA-approved medication to terminate a pregnancy, and concerns were raised about combining the bills and about religious-objection issues for providers. The committee also heard Senate Joint Resolution 87, which would place the office of sheriff in the Missouri Constitution and preserve election of sheriffs by county voters, with carve-outs discussed for certain jurisdictions; testimony from the sponsor, a sheriff, and the interim sheriff of St. Louis emphasized local accountability and public safety, while some members questioned removal procedures and the role of the Attorney General. Later, the committee heard House Bills 1868 and 3257, identical bills creating a Class D misdemeanor for impeding, threatening, or harassing first responders after an oral warning and within a defined distance. Sponsors and witnesses from law enforcement, ambulance, fire, and physician groups said the measure was intended to protect responders and bystanders during volatile scenes, while members asked about crowd-control training, the 25-foot distance, and how harassment would be judged in emotionally charged situations. The committee also heard House Bill 3017, which would create the offense of permitting a public nuisance for property owners or controllers who knowingly allow repeated illegal activity on their property; after three documented complaints or observations, authorities could secure the property and trespassers could be arrested. Members debated whether the felony penalty was too severe, how landlords would be notified, and whether the bill created an unfunded mandate, though Kansas City police testified in support and the bill sponsor argued it would give law enforcement a tool to address repeat nuisance properties.