Video & Transcript : 'legislative ethics' :
Page 458 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 3/23/26
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:02:18.120><c> and</c> understanding as legislators and understanding as legislators and potential
- </c> office of legislative auditor. office of legislative auditor.
- </c><00:03:07.920><c> auditor</c> the report from the legislative auditor the report from the legislative
- </c> just to quote from the legislative just to quote from the legislative auditor's<00:40:16.560><c>
- legislators legislators tried<00:41:31.480><c> to</c><00:41:31.640><c> minimize</c><00:41:32.240><c>
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- c> publicly</c> legislative hearing and publicly legislative hearing and publicly testified<00:44:55.520
- </c> critical data from the legislative critical data from the legislative budget<00:47:17.599><c> assistant
- Legislators have a money is being spent.
- They were given to the legislative oversight committee.
- ><01:02:16.000><c> oversight</c> given to the legislative oversight given to the legislative oversight
Committee:
Senate Education
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> in the state and through legislation in the state and through legislation where<00:42:20.319><c>
- </c> steeple chase of process and legislative steeple chase of process and legislative barriers<01:19
- </c> barriers that legislate that cities barriers that legislate that cities would<01:19:23.120><c> need
- Thank you. approval and not legislative uh approval and not legislative uh authority.<01:28:20.880><c
- </c> author bringing this legislation author bringing this legislation forward.<01:28:33.840><c> As</
Committee:
House Taxes
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 18 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of the House order relative to House rules for the 194th General Court governing the 2025-2026 legislative
- the House order relative to the joint rules for the 194th General Court governing the 2025-2026 legislative
- Canton for the adoption of permanent House rules for the 194th General Court governing the 2025-2026 legislative
- the House order relative to the joint rules for the 194th General Court governing the 2025-2026 legislative
- Canton for the adoption of permanent House rules for the 194th General Court governing the 2025-2026 legislative
Summary:
The House met briefly, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, and recessed several times while the Temporary Committee on Rules reported out a series of orders. The chamber adopted two commendatory resolutions: one recognizing the AdMe-Tech Foundation’s 16th annual Prostate Cancer Awareness Day and another honoring the Ludlow Community Center/Randall Boys and Girls Club on its 75th anniversary.
Members then took up special procedures for considering House and joint rules for the 194th General Court, governing the 2025-2026 legislative session. The House adopted the special-procedure orders for both the House rules and joint rules. The rules committee also reported that the permanent House rules and permanent joint rules orders ought to be adopted; after suspension of the rules, the House postponed consideration of the permanent rules matters until tomorrow at 1 p.m.
Finally, the House adopted an order to adjourn to meet the next day at 11 a.m., with formal session and roll calls at 1 p.m. The House then adjourned, and members were notified of a Democratic caucus at noon in Room A1.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The cause of action that we had written into this legislation was a bit problematic.
- members here, I did strike that cause of action from this legislation.
- And I would like to just briefly discuss once again the intent of this legislation.
- I know Health and Welfare has their consultant, but we're looking for one from the legislative standpoint
- just to try... ...consultant, but we're looking for one from the legislative standpoint just to try
Summary:
The House Health and Welfare Committee approved the minutes from February 18 and 19, then considered several RS introductions. RS 3341, a child care cleanup bill by Rep. Barbara Ehardt, would clarify daycare rules, including allowing monitors for sleeping children if the provider can hear them and is within reach, and it would exclude providers’ own children age five and older from certain counts; it was introduced after a brief question about how “own children” is defined. RS 33042 C1, by Rep. Lucas Kaler, would redefine medical neglect and false reporting in child and adult protective services to address removals based on alleged false medical neglect; Kaler said he removed a proposed cause of action after concerns from members, and some members said they still had concerns about unintended consequences and mandated reporting, but the bill was introduced.
The committee also introduced RS 33488, which would allow the Legislature to hire a consultant, with leadership approval, to help review Medicaid managed care contracts and RFPs as the state moves toward managed care; Rep. Vander Wada said the committee lacks the technical expertise and estimated the consultant cost at $200,000, with funding to be worked out through JFAC and leadership. Finally, RS 33491, also by Rep. Vander Wada, would reduce the current resident rehab/community-based services reimbursement rate from $758 to $707 per 15-minute increment, helping balance the budget and funding an independent audit to improve transparency; members asked about the KW settlement and whether the change would affect home and community-based services, and the bill was introduced. The committee then adjourned.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Joint House-Senate Floor Session Jan 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
North Dakota Joint Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The House will come back to order for the joint session of the special session of the 69th Legislative
- Speaker, legislators, elected officials, tribal leaders, family and friends, and fellow citizens, thank
- It is also my duty to set the scope of this session, and to that end, working with legislative leadership
- So to my team, HHS, and most of all, you legislators, thank you for accomplishing this goal in such a
- We appreciate the Rural Health Transformation Committee for greenlighting four pieces of legislation
Summary:
The House convened in joint session for the special session of the 69th Legislative Assembly, with introductions of visiting officials and a moment of silence for former Governor Alan Olson. The chamber then escorted Lieutenant Governor Michelle Strind and Governor Kelly Armstrong, along with First Lady Kirstie Armstrong, to the rostrum. The governor’s remarks were ordered printed in the journal.
Governor Armstrong addressed the special session’s single purpose: considering North Dakota’s $199 million first-year federal award under the rural health transformation program. He thanked legislators, HHS, tribal partners, providers, and community leaders for their work on the state’s CMS application, and said four bills helped improve the application score: requiring the presidential fitness test in PE courses, adding nutrition education to physicians’ continuing education, joining the physician assistant licensure compact, and expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice. He said he looked forward to signing those bills and the accompanying appropriation measure.
The governor described the rural health plan as focused on four pillars: promoting wellness and healthy lifestyles, stabilizing the rural health workforce, expanding access through telehealth and mobile services, and using technology and data to improve care. He emphasized that the plan would avoid new buildings and unsustainable programs, and instead use federal funds for lasting, scalable reforms. He said the state could receive at least $500 million over five years, possibly more, and urged quick authorization and appropriation so the funding could be deployed responsibly.
After the governor and lieutenant governor were escorted out, the joint session was dissolved. The House then returned to regular business, announced committee meetings, excused absent members, and adjourned until 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Hill Country, which funds all the different policy initiatives that were put in place by other legislation
- This particular legislation was not on the first call special session, but we did pass this in regular
- , this bill changes current law, which does not allow a person called by the legislature or the legislative
- , which is limited to testimonial immunity, still empowers either House of the legislature or a legislative
- So it would still provide immunity for what was provided in the legislative hearing if compelled and
Committee:
Senate Finance
Keywords:
flooding, public safety, outdoor warning sirens, disaster preparedness, emergency response, flood warning, outdoor sirens, local government, safety measures, flood management, emergency preparedness, municipal safety, disaster response, disaster relief, emergency funding, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, hemp regulation, consumable products
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Finance met in the second special session and considered a series of bills, mostly related to flood response, water infrastructure, taxation, school accountability, property fraud, and legislative procedure. Senator Zaffirini presented SB 18 on TCEQ permit exemptions for certain erosion, floodwater, and sediment control dams or reservoirs; Senator Perry presented SB 2 on flood relief preparedness, SB 14 on credit impact fees and water supply/conservation incentives, and SB 5 on Hill Country relief funding; Senator Bettencourt presented SB 3 on early warning flood sirens, SB 9 on replacing STAAR with three annual tests and strengthening A-F accountability, and SB 10 on lowering the rollback tax rate from 3.5% to 2.5%; Senator West presented SB 16 on property transaction ID requirements and new real property theft/fraud offenses; and Chair Huffman laid out SB 34, which changes legislative witness immunity rules from transactional immunity to testimonial immunity consistent with federal law. The committee also heard brief explanations that several bills were the same as versions previously passed by the Senate or committee, and there was limited public testimony, with no witnesses on most bills and only position cards on SB 16. Senator West raised a concern on SB 10 about a possible carve-out for police pay raises, but Senator Bettencourt said no change would be made at that time. For SB 34, Chair Huffman explained the bill would still allow compelled testimony before the legislature but would no longer provide blanket immunity, while preserving the right to counsel.
The committee voted favorably on all bills considered. SB 18, SB 2, SB 14, SB 3, SB 16, SB 5, and SB 34 were reported out unanimously or near-unanimously, while SB 9 passed 10-1 and SB 10 passed 8-3. At the end of the meeting, Senator West requested to be shown voting nay on SB 9, and the chair granted unanimous consent. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Finance and Taxation Apr 8th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Finance and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- This is one question that Chairman Weber and myself met with legislative council this morning.
- Our understanding from legislative council is that they believe it's going to be just fine.
- This is one question that I, that Chairman Weber and myself met with legislative I, that Chairman Weber
- and myself met with legislative council this morning.
- Our understanding from legislative council, they believe it's going to be just fine.
Bills:
HB1428
Committee:
Senate Finance and Taxation
Keywords:
HB 1428, North Dakota sales tax, sales tax exemption, thrift store, nonprofit corporation, 501(c)(3), charitable organization, used clothing, clothing exemption, retail tax, Century Code 57-39.2-04, charity shop, secondhand clothing, taxable events, nonprofit retail, 908, all
Summary:
The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum and took up House Bill 1482, which would require certain municipal bond elections to be held on primary or general election days rather than at special elections. Senator Rummel walked the committee through a proposed amendment from Representative Wagner that would remove special-election language, align ballot timing requirements, and make related cleanup changes. Members discussed the distinction between constitutional debt limits and the bill’s election-timing requirements, with Senator Powers seeking clarification that the measure did not change levy or bond limits themselves.
The committee also discussed whether the amended language would comply with the Secretary of State’s requirements. Chairman Weber and Senator Rummel said they had consulted legislative council and wanted a further check before the bill moved forward, and the chairman said he would hold the bill until that review was complete. The amendment was approved unanimously, 6-0, and the bill as amended was then adopted unanimously, 6-0.
After passage, the committee discussed who would carry the bill, eventually settling on Senator Rummel as carrier. The chair also said several other bills, including gas tax and property tax measures, would be held for the time being while the committee waited for developments in the House. The committee announced it would not plan to meet the next day unless called from the floor, and then adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 69 Jul 15th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation is a strong combination of regulatory changes, policy expansions, and accountability
- It is not uncommon for House Democrats and House Republicans to file legislation together, to co-sponsor
- With this legislation before us today, there will be common-sense regulations in place to household products
- With this legislation before us today, there will be common-sense regulations in place to We're going
- With this legislation before us today, there will be common-sense regulations in place to ensure that
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, welcomed several guests and birthday celebrants, and adopted a resolution honoring the Jeller family for 100 years of service to Plymouth. Members also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition authorizing a lease for Pilgrim Memorial Park in Plymouth. The chamber then took up Senate No. 3028, the omnibus animal welfare bill titled “An act promoting pet equity, treatment, and safety,” which Ways and Means recommended ought to pass with a House amendment and an emergency preamble.
During debate on S. 3028, members described the bill as a package of animal welfare reforms covering veterinary technician regulation, expanded oversight of veterinary medicine, pet insurance disclosures and cancellation rights, changes to the Beagle Bill adoption process, a ban on animal testing for household products when alternatives exist, requirements for reporting found dogs to law enforcement, protections for service dogs in transportation, stronger kennel licensing enforcement, and limits on discrimination against companion animals in public and senior housing. Several members spoke in support, especially of Section 25, which creates a civil process for animal neglect cases so authorities can seek care or removal without relying solely on felony prosecution; supporters said it better balances animal protection with due process and human crises. The House rejected two proposed amendments, adopted two others, and then passed the bill to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 151-1.
The House also passed Senate No. 2577, increasing parking fees in the town of Scituate, and House No. 2250, dissolving the Whately Water District, by roll call vote of 150-0. In addition, the House declined to concur with Senate amendments to House No. 4361, a bill concerning benefits for teachers, and instead ordered a Committee of Conference, appointing Representatives Ryan of Boston, Gonzales of Springfield, and Ferguson of Holden. Finally, the House passed House No. 5492, authorizing Billerica to transfer land for the Yankee Doodle Bike Path, and then adjourned to meet the next day in informal session.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Mark Harris, Idaho State Senate, Legislative District 35, which is Caribou, Bear Lake, Teton, Bannock
- Legislative District 35, which is Caribou, Bear Lake, Teton, Bannock, and Bonneville counties.
- But the goal of this legislation is to just give counties a seat at the table and input before The legislation
- Representative Pickett, I appreciate the legislation. I can tell what you're working to do.
- Well, thank you, and thank you for bringing this legislation.
Committee:
Senate Local Government and Taxation
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Oh, by the way, I'm Senator Phil Hart from Legislative District 2.
- Okay, I am Senator Phil Hart from Legislative District 2, to introduce RS 3338.
- Okay, I am Senator Phil Hart from Legislative District 2, to introduce RS 3338.
- So I'm happy to take all the ribbing... ...is identified in the piece of legislation.
- I think it's a good piece of legislation.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Summary:
The Senate State Affairs Committee began by welcoming Mayor Joan Hawkins of Malad City, who filled in for Senator Anthon, and then approved the minutes from February 11, 13, and 16, 2026. The committee also recognized page Chase Janetz at the end of the meeting for his service, with members offering remarks about his experience and future plans.
The bulk of the meeting was devoted to introducing and printing a series of RS drafts. These included RS 3341 on expansion of the research and development center tied to new nuclear projects and the 1995 settlement agreement; RS 3291, a controller’s office cleanup bill; RS 3314C1, which strengthens agency contract-reporting requirements; RS 33386, which tightens voter affidavit requirements; RS 33136, requiring annual reporting on refugee resettlement programs; RS 33321, strengthening enforcement of gold and silver payment contracts; RS 33028, allowing party committees to set additional criteria for precinct committeemen; and RS 3338, changing how appointed judges may run after filling vacancies. Most of these were advanced to print with little or no opposition, though RS 3338 drew concerns that it could discourage qualified judges from serving and reduce the pool of applicants.
The committee also introduced RS 33396, creating a specialty license plate to fund Idaho State Police salaries; RS 33420, regulating billing and reimbursement practices for out-of-network freestanding emergency rooms; RS 33379, a cleanup bill related to the Department of Lands’ legal authority; and RS 33382, aimed at protecting private property owners from warrantless visits by agencies or law enforcement except where allowed by law. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 613, which would reduce liability concerns for churches and other private facilities used as polling places by extending state insurance coverage for election-related activities. After questions about how liability would apply, the committee voted to send HB 613 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Oh, by the way, I'm Senator Phil Hart from Legislative District 2.
- Oh, by the way, I'm Senator Phil Hart from Legislative District 2.
- Okay, I am Senator Phil Hart from Legislative District 2, to...
- Okay, I am Senator Phil Hart from Legislative District 2, to introduce RS 3338.
- I think it's a good piece of legislation.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- more of a high level, probably something you'd like to get into and your point for bringing the legislation
- I just definitely wanted to show support and stress the importance of this legislation.
- So, again, I can't stress enough the importance of this legislation, and I love to see it head to the
- I really, overall, like the intent behind this legislation, Representative.
- Is there any, how does this legislation impact those that are not able to get into and record?
Committee:
House Local Government
Summary:
The committee first heard RS 33327 from Representative Cornelius regarding city-run library boards. He said the proposal would affect the 55 city libraries in Idaho and would give city councils, along with library trustees, authority over hiring and firing library directors. He said the change was intended to address past problems and ensure elected officials have a role. After brief questions about trustee appointment and the need for added oversight, the committee moved to introduce the RS.
The committee then considered House Bill 620, sponsored by Representative Boyle, which would formalize county commissioners’ role as cooperating agencies in federal land-use and NEPA processes when counties have expertise under state law. Supporters from Custer County, the Idaho Association of Counties, and the Farm Bureau said counties have been overlooked in federal land-management planning and need a stronger voice. Members discussed whether counties without a comprehensive plan would be covered; the sponsor said all 44 counties have adopted one. The committee voted to send HB 620 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 627 from Representative McCann, which would clarify that people attending open meetings may take photos, video, or audio recordings so long as they do not disrupt the meeting. The sponsor cited incidents where attendees or media were told they could not record, and said the bill was meant to make that right explicit. Members raised questions about executive sessions, crowded meetings, prisons, and whether the language should cover non-electronic recording methods; an amendment was proposed to add “or other” after “digital.” After testimony from the Idaho Press Club in support, the committee voted 15-1 to send HB 627 to General Orders.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- This is why that in 2016, the Missouri legislature passed this legislation creating the Support Services
- When this legislation was written, there were very few individuals trained to be SSPs, and to be honest
- Passing this piece of legislation is not increasing their appropriation.
- I'd first like to thank Representative Shields for sponsoring this very important legislation.
- And seeing no other business before the committee on legislative review, we are adjourned.
Committee:
House Legislative Review
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 2408 would remove a funding cap from Missouri’s Support Services Provider Grant Program for deaf-blind individuals. The sponsor and supporters said the program has grown, more trained SSPs are available, and removing the cap would not automatically increase appropriations but would allow the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to request funding that better matches demand. Testimony in favor came from the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri and consumers/employees of the SSP program, who described the program as essential to independence, employment, medical visits, and community participation. No opposition was presented, and the hearing on HB 2408 concluded.
HB 3092 was described by the sponsor as a housekeeping or statutory cleanup bill that removes expired sunsets and obsolete provisions from Missouri law without changing active policy or spending. Members questioned why it was not filed as a revision bill and asked for a line-by-line explanation of the deletions, including some tax credit references. The sponsor said she would provide additional documentation and would change anything found to be problematic. No witnesses testified for or against the bill.
HB 2179 would allow charter counties to publish certain public notices either in newspapers or on a Secretary of State website, with supporters arguing that newspaper circulation has declined and that online posting would improve access and reduce costs. Fire service representatives supported the bill, citing problems with bond notices and the need for a central digital location. The Missouri Press Association and newspaper publishers opposed it, saying newspapers still have large readership, already maintain a public-notices website, and that the bill would reduce transparency, create confusion, and duplicate or shift existing work. Members raised concerns about whether notices should be required in both places rather than either/or. The hearing on HB 2179 then concluded, and the committee adjourned.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- When this legislation was written, there were very few individuals trained to be SSPs, and to be honest
- Passing this piece of legislation is not increasing their appropriation.
- I'd first like to thank Representative Shields for sponsoring this very important legislation.
- And seeing no other business before the committee on legislative review, we are adjourned.
- And seeing no other business before the committee on legislative review, we are adjourned.
Committee:
House Legislative Review
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Heidi Teval, Legislative District 20.
- And don't be bullied by other legislators. You can tell I didn't forget that part.
- And number two, never go back on your word, because that is all you have as a state legislator.
- Cindy is the daughter of a former state legislator, Lou M. Preble.
- As a reminder today is the Arizona Medical Association's 2026 legislative reception at 5.30 p.m.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We urge Texas legislators to champion policies recognizing and maximizing contributions to Texas veterans
- I urge your support in passing this critical legislation for veteran-owned businesses. Thank you.
- I'm the legislative director for the Texas Coalition of Veterans Organizations, and I'm testifying on
- This legislation makes it possible to animate that appreciation by sending a clear message to veterans
- This legislation makes it possible to animate that appreciation by sending a clear message to veterans
Committee:
Senate Veteran Affairs
Summary:
The Committee on Veterans Affairs heard several bills related to veterans and military installations. Senator Birdwell presented SB 1197, which would extend existing drone restrictions over military bases and airports to Texas spaceports, with exceptions for authorized operators; there was brief supportive testimony and the bill was left pending. Chairman Hancock presented SB 1271, allowing Texas to accept concurrent jurisdiction over military installations to improve handling of juvenile offenses through state and local involvement; no public testimony was offered, and the bill was left pending. SB 390, by Senator Middleton and explained by Senator Menendez, would expand the definition of historically underutilized businesses to include veteran-owned businesses certified by the SBA, regardless of disability rating, to increase veteran participation in state contracting. The bill drew extensive supportive testimony from veterans and business advocates, while Senator Eckhardt raised concerns that broadening the category might not satisfy the disparity-study basis typically used for HUB programs.
The committee also took up pending bills later in the meeting. SB 651 was advanced after adoption of a committee substitute and received a unanimous committee vote to do pass and be recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 897 likewise had a committee substitute adopted and was reported favorably by a unanimous vote, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1814 was reported favorably and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar by a unanimous vote. SB 1197 was also voted out favorably and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1271 and SB 390 were left pending at the end of the meeting, and the committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- this committee last session, which was in July, we heard a strong desire for strengthening the legislative
- What this bill does in the committee substitute is establishes clear legislative intent to clarify that
- This is the enacting legislation we, so, um, since I am vice chair of appropriations, I did not do a
- Members, this is, um, legislation that passed through the House last session.
- In the last year, he has worked with many stakeholders to develop legislation that will help mitigate
Committee:
House Culture, Recreation & Tourism
DE
Transcript Highlights:
- Neal, so we understand kind of where we wanted to go with this legislation.
- This legislation does not create any unnecessary burdens.
- , to myself and the sponsor about this legislation.
- However, concerns remain with DASA members on the proposed legislation.
- School districts successfully With DASA members on the proposed legislation.
Committee:
Senate Education
Summary:
The Senate Education Committee met with enough members present to conduct business and approved the June 17 minutes. It first heard HB 459 with House Amendment 1, which would prohibit the sale of energy drinks on public middle and high school campuses during school hours or school events. The sponsor and Department of Education explained that the bill targets beverages containing caffeine and marketed as energy drinks, not ordinary soft drinks or coffee/tea products. Public testimony from the Medical Society supported the bill on health grounds, while the beverage industry said its companies already voluntarily limit school offerings and that the bill does not reflect current practice. No vote was taken in the transcript.
The committee then heard HB 461, a follow-up to prior legislation on New Castle County property reassessment and school tax rates. Senator Cruz said the bill would let New Castle County school districts adjust and reset tax rates to reflect reassessment changes without increasing projected operating revenue, and that it includes a sunset. DSEA supported the measure, saying fair property values are important to public education funding. The committee also heard HB 452, which would require additional background checks and training for DIAA sports officials and strengthen DIAA enforcement procedures. Members questioned how checks would be handled, who would see the results, and who would provide training; the DIAA compliance coordinator said the checks would be maintained through the state process and that associations would verify eligibility. The bill’s sponsor and DIAA said the goal was to align officials with existing child-safety standards.
Next, the committee considered HS1 for HB 425, which raises the salary supplement from 6% to 12% for nationally certified school counselors, nurses, and school social workers, and allows DOE to identify additional qualifying positions by regulation. Supporters, including school social workers, nurses, and DSEA, argued the change would improve retention and recognize advanced credentials. Senator Hansen raised concerns that school psychologists were not included; sponsors said a broader study and possible future legislation or budget language would address other nationally certified school-based professionals. The committee then heard HS1 for HB 358 on student elopement notifications, inspired by Ace’s Law, but administrators and the chair raised concerns that the bill may be too prescriptive and difficult to implement in practice, especially when schools may not immediately know a student has left campus. Finally, the committee discussed HB 379 on the comprehensive school discipline improvement program; DOE said the substitute was intended to consolidate prevention and intervention supports and avoid competition for funding, while DASA asked that the bill be paused or tabled. The meeting ended before action on the remaining bill, and HB 443 was deferred to a future executive meeting.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that what we can do as legislators is educate ourselves as to what we can do.
- I think that what we can do is legislators to educate ourselves as to what we can do.
- And actually, as legislators to educate ourselves as to what we can do.
- And we truly believe this piece of legislation will help with that.
- So I want to be able to talk about the piece of legislation that we heard is separate than the STARS
Committee:
House Health and Mental Health
Summary:
The Committee on Health and Mental Health first met in executive session and voted House Bill 2370, House Bill 3278, and House Bill 1638 do pass. HB 2370 passed 13-9, while HB 3278 passed 15-0 and HB 1638 passed 17-0. The committee then moved into public testimony.
Senate Bill 1015, sponsored by Senator Nuremberg, was presented as a measure creating a legal process for assisted outpatient treatment for adults with serious mental illness who are at risk of deterioration, hospitalization, or harm. Supporters, including the Missouri Behavioral Health Council and the Missouri Association of Public Administrators, said it would reduce hospitalization and incarceration and improve access to care. The senator and witnesses emphasized collaboration with hospitals and the Department of Mental Health, and no opposition was offered.
The committee also heard a detailed presentation on the STARS program from SSM Health representatives, explaining it as a Missouri-based EMS and pediatric emergency planning system that uses physician-approved, electronic care plans for children with complex needs. Members asked about costs, access, and how the program differs from the bill discussed previously; witnesses said the program is free for EMS and emergency access, but hospitals that write plans pay implementation and subscription fees. House Bill 2903, by Representative Mayhew, would give county and district hospitals relief from certain public-entity requirements, including some Sunshine Law-related burdens, board qualifications, and financial reporting timelines, to help them compete with private hospitals. Supporters from Phelps Health said the bill would reduce administrative burden and protect proprietary information; there was no opposition.
Finally, House Bill 3379, by Representative Dolan, would expand and strengthen Missouri’s employee disqualification and mandated reporting rules for abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. The bill adds more mandated reporters, including bank personnel and first responders, creates penalties for knowingly failing to report, and requires quicker DSS follow-up to reporters. DHSS supported the bill, citing recent financial exploitation complaints, while the Missouri Bankers Association said it supports the goal but wants to work on the mandatory reporting language so banks are not exposed to liability for situations they cannot readily detect. No formal opposition was presented, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.