Transcript Highlights:

• The changes in Chapter 325 tighten definitions and standards so that only properly regulated licensees
• In summary, House Bill 3328 strengthens Section 33 to fund mitigation, updates Chapter 325 to regulate
• For the data that the insurance companies collect, we would be regulated by the FCRA.
• It's going to be basically regulated by three things. One will be the actual agreement itself.
• It's going to be basically regulated by three things. One will be the actual agreement itself.

Committee: House Insurance and Banking

Summary: The Insurance Committee held public hearings on House Bill 3328 and House Bill 2324. HB 3328, sponsored by Rep. Castile, is a broad homeowners insurance package that would redirect insurance dedicated fund money into a Missouri Stronger Homes Fund, create a Missouri Disaster Mediation Act for disaster-related claims, update public adjuster regulation, strengthen fraud provisions, add consumer notices, and establish roof-hardening grant programs. The sponsor and the Department of Commerce and Insurance said the bill is still being revised in a committee substitute, especially on public adjuster language and fortified roof standards. Committee members asked about the dedicated fund, mediation benchmarks, the role of public adjusters, and how the program would affect disaster recovery in places like St. Louis. Testimony on HB 3328 was mixed. The Department of Commerce and Insurance and several insurance industry groups supported the bill’s consumer protections, mitigation funding, mediation process, fraud language, and assignment-of-benefits ban, but said the public adjuster fee cap would likely be removed and that the bill needs technical changes for mutual insurers and roofing standards. Public adjusters testified in opposition to the cap as written, saying their fees are typically 10-15% and are disclosed in contracts, and that they were working with the sponsor on revisions. A shingle manufacturer also opposed the fortified roof language as drafted because some of its products may not fit the current standard. The committee then closed the hearing on HB 3328. The committee next heard HB 2324, sponsored by Rep. Lucas, which would restrict the sharing or sale of vehicle driving data and was described by the sponsor as a privacy bill aimed at stopping companies like OnStar from selling driving data to insurers. Opponents from the Missouri Insurance Coalition and NAMIC said the bill would not actually target OnStar, but would instead interfere with voluntary telematics-based discount programs used by insurers, potentially raising premiums and creating administrative burdens. They also noted existing federal and state rules already govern insurer data use and that the bill could create a mismatch between risk and pricing. The hearing on HB 2324 was then closed, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Regulated in terms of their formulation.
• Obviously, want... ...want regulation.
• This is— I'm not opposed to forms of regulation...
• We try in life to regulate the behavior of others.
• We are one body, but there is a difference in opinion on regulating private schools and not regulating

Committee: House House Judiciary Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2415, which would regulate kratom by treating certain synthetically derived compounds as narcotic drugs, raising the minimum sale age to 21, and penalizing sales of products exceeding a 400 parts per million cap. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill targets dangerous synthetic or highly concentrated kratom while preserving natural leaf products; testimony included a woman describing kratom addiction and treatment, family members describing harm from 7-OH products, and law enforcement and Attorney General’s Office support. Opponents, including criminal justice advocates, warned the bill could sweep in users and create harsh felony penalties, while some speakers urged a full ban and others defended natural kratom as distinct from synthetic products. The committee adopted the Wynn amendment and then gave HB 2415, as amended, a do-pass recommendation by a 6-3 vote. The committee then considered HB 2870, which would prohibit more than one Level 2 or Level 3 registered sex offender from residing in the same home unless they are related by blood, marriage, or adoption. The sponsor said the bill was prompted by a neighborhood case involving multiple sex offenders in one residence and argued it was aimed at residential homes, not supervised group homes. Supporters described fear and disruption in their neighborhoods, while opponents argued the bill would reduce already limited housing, make supervision harder, and potentially force people onto the streets; some also raised due process and recidivism concerns. After discussion about possible amendments and the distinction between group homes and unsupervised residences, the committee approved HB 2870 with a do-pass recommendation by a 6-3 vote. Next, the committee heard HB 2413, which requires GPS or electronic monitoring for registered sex offenders who are homeless or lack a permanent address until they obtain one. Supporters said the bill would close a gap because transient registrants are only required to check in every 90 days, leaving law enforcement without regular location information; a policy analyst said monitoring could be implemented through existing systems, though costs and administration would vary. Opponents argued the bill raises due process and equal protection concerns, duplicates existing reporting requirements, and could impose costs on people trying to stabilize their lives. The committee passed HB 2413 on a 5-4 vote. Finally, the committee took up HB 2720, which increases the penalty for purchasing prostitution to a class 6 felony and directs a $200 assessment to the anti-human trafficking fund, with an amendment clarifying the affirmative defense for trafficking victims and restricting use of the assessment to trafficking services. Supporters, including the sponsor, prosecutors, Phoenix police, and a city council member, said the bill targets buyers who drive demand and exploitation. Opponents from criminal justice and anti-violence groups argued the bill could still ensnare trafficking victims and sex workers, especially because the affirmative defense may be hard to assert in practice. After adopting the amendment, the committee gave HB 2720, as amended, a do-pass recommendation by an 8-0-1 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Report it favorably to the full Senate with regulation that due pass be printed.
• Derek Burkhalter, I'm a Deputy General Counsel for Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, and
• Article 706, I learned all this on Google, is what... regulates those systems.
• And then second, there may be some regulations that are... reasonable.
• This is a cleanup bill members request. by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, generally

Bills: SB213 , SB378 , SB610 , SB681 , SB918 , SB1172 , SB1252 , SB1343 , SCR8

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: SB 213, Texas insurance, Insurance Code, Chapter 551, Chapter 541, bundling, tying arrangement, cross-selling, homeowners insurance, residential property insurance, auto insurance, personal automobile insurance, consumer protection, unfair trade practice, deceptive insurance practice, property and casualty insurer, Lloyd's plan, county mutual, reciprocal exchange, farm mutual

Transcript Highlights:

• You can see I have a bottle of water here.
• Some say it's water. I don't object to something that's made out of water that's in your bottle.
• I don't object to something it's water I don't object to something that's<00:27:36.799><c> made</c><
• 00:27:37.039><c> out</c><00:27:37.200><c> of</c><00:27:37.600><c> water</c><00:27:38.600><c> that's</
• Drink water. Oh, also, here's something that I had a rep tell me the other day.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was the first session of a newly created House Education Funding Committee, which also handles career technical education and higher education legislation. The chair explained that the committee was split off from the larger education committee because of the high volume of bills in the prior biennium, and said its focus would be on education funding policy and related fiscal issues. He noted that the committee had already reviewed major topics with the Department of Education, including the foundation formula, building aid, career technical education, special education aid, catastrophic aid, and higher education funding, and that chancellors from the university and community college systems were scheduled to appear later that morning. The bulk of the meeting was an orientation on committee procedures and decorum. The chair reviewed attendance and replacement rules, hearing procedures, time limits for testimony, and how the committee would handle crowded hearings, early bills, and fiscal notes. He emphasized that hearings are not debates, that sponsors and co-sponsors may present but should not use their position to dominate questioning, and that the chair controls whether additional technical questions are asked of witnesses. He also stressed neutrality, saying members should not display buttons or placards or engage in running debates with testifiers, and that the committee should treat all testimony respectfully regardless of party or viewpoint. Additional housekeeping guidance covered security procedures, use of cell phones and computers during hearings, breaks and hydration in the dry hearing rooms, and courtesy toward the clerk and other staff. The chair also asked members to notify leadership in advance of absences and explained that some bills may require larger rooms or overflow arrangements. No votes were taken and no bills were acted on during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> regulation of forestry under Act 250. regulation of forestry under Act 250.
• House Bill 932 is an act relating to the regulation of forestry under Act 250.
• </c><00:14:44.160><c> under</c> shall be subject to regulation under shall be subject to regulation under
• Uh, Madam Speaker, sound is one of the things that Act 250 oversight does regulate. Thank you.
• . regulate. regulate.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the federal independent dispute resolution process for emergency out-of-network claims under state-regulated
• It reduces... ...for emergency out-of-network claims under state-regulated commercial plans.
• According to OIR, this information helps regulators oversee insurance solvency and consumer protection
• And finally, SB 158 requires insurers to submit an annual report to the Office of Insurance Regulation
• The amendment would let stablecoin issuers choose state-level regulation in Florida instead of federal

Bills: S0158 , S0314 , S0618 , S0684 , S0838 , S0990 , S1000 , S1082 , S1452 , S1494 , S1500 , S1568 , S1706

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Keywords: pet insurance, consumer protection, insurance regulation, policy disclosure, agent training, payment stablecoin, financial regulation, anti-money laundering, state oversight, digital currency, financial services, workers compensation, Florida statute, commercial insurance, insurance board, electronic signatures, vehicle titles, insurance regulations, auditing, total loss vehicles

Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee heard and advanced a wide range of insurance, financial services, and probate bills. Early in the meeting, SB 1000 on trust fund interest for attorney trust accounts was explained as setting a floor and ceiling tied to the Wall Street Journal prime rate and was reported favorably. The committee then took up CS/SB 1082 on a statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program for emergency out-of-network claims. After extensive discussion about the relationship between the state and federal No Surprises Act processes, an amendment was withdrawn due to concerns about clarity and scope, but the bill itself was supported by providers and insurers and was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 684 on electronic signatures for total loss vehicles and vessels, CS/SB 158 on pet insurance consumer disclosures and agent education, SB 1494 expanding breast cancer screening coverage, CS/SB 314 on digital assets and stablecoin issuers, and CS/SB 1500 on uncontested probate procedures and small-estate administration. SB 618 on workers’ compensation insurance was amended to raise the consent-to-rate cap for workers’ compensation policies from 10% to 20% and then reported favorably, with supporters saying it would help keep higher-risk employers in the voluntary market. CS/SB 1568 creating a Florida Stablecoin Pilot Program was amended to remove authority for a Florida coin and limit the program to existing stablecoins, then passed. Later, the committee approved CS/SB 838 on electronic payment convenience fees for retail installment contracts, with the sponsor emphasizing that a fee-free payment option must still be offered. SB 1452, the Department of Financial Services agency bill, was amended and reported favorably; it covered My Safe Florida Home administration, insurance and licensing changes, unclaimed property updates, and other DFS-related provisions. The committee also passed SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, targeting owner-occupied condominiums at or below 80% of area median income, and SB 990 on protected cell captive insurance companies, which supporters said would modernize Florida’s captive insurance laws and encourage more competition. The meeting ended with all listed bills reported favorably and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not often you have an industry coming to this body asking for itself to be regulated, and it's even
• But would a Council on Aging director be able to refer someone like this under your regulations?
• But would a Council on Aging director be able to refer someone like this under your regulations?
• I think that that'll be something the regulators will have to sort through.
• I think that that'll be something the regulators will have to sort through.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Aging and Independence held a hearing on several bills, led by Chair Tom Stanley and Senate Chair Patricia Jehlen. The committee first heard testimony on H. 765/S. 487, an act relative to councils on aging, which would update outdated statutory language and allow directors of councils on aging to make staffing decisions when a council is structured as an advisory body. Representative Donahue and Betsy Connell of the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging said the change reflects how most councils now operate and would resolve conflicts like the one that arose in Sherborn. Members asked about whether the bill would affect town managers, volunteer roles, and whether the language should more clearly exempt informal volunteer help; supporters said the bill is aimed at municipal staffing structures, not unpaid volunteer assistance. The committee then took extensive testimony on H. 789/S. 470, an act to improve Massachusetts home care, which would create a statewide licensure system for non-medical home care agencies and entities. Julie Watt, Jay Krillovich, Betsy Krimmins, Lisa Gargoni, Tim Foley, and several providers and advocates supported the bill, arguing that licensure would establish baseline standards for background checks, training, service plans, insurance, complaint procedures, and labor-law compliance, while helping consumers identify legitimate providers and reducing fraud and abuse. Several witnesses described problems with unlicensed or poorly supervised providers, and family members and dementia advocates emphasized the need for dementia-specific training and better oversight for vulnerable clients. Tim Foley also raised concerns about private equity’s growing role in home care and said stronger regulation is needed to protect consumers and workers. Committee members focused on practical questions about the bill’s scope, including whether it would reach informal paid helpers, volunteers, or people doing occasional household tasks, and what agency would enforce the rules. Supporters said the bill is intended to cover entities advertising home care services, not unpaid volunteer help, though they acknowledged regulators would need to work out details. John Sneeth of Tribute Home Care offered a more cautious view, saying licensure should not unduly burden smaller providers or reduce competition, and that enforcement would be key. The hearing also included testimony from the Alzheimer’s Association and family caregivers, who strongly supported the bill’s dementia-training provisions and described how trained caregivers improved safety and quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. At the end of the hearing, the committee also heard support for H. 778/S. 473, regarding the Commission on LGBTQ Aging, with Lisa Krinsky urging funding for a full-time director and continued support for the commission’s strategic plan. After public testimony concluded, the committee adjourned the hearing by motion and voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We regulate professional boxing.
• Also, slap fighting and bare knuckle fighting, we are now regulating.
• How many events occur in a year that you all are responsible for regulating?
• Do you have a different fee schedule for charitable events that you regulate?
• Every state's different and how they regulate, you know, lots of different things. But yes.

Summary: The committee heard a budget presentation from the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission, which regulates professional boxing, MMA, kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and newer combat sports such as slap fighting and bare-knuckle fighting. The director apologized for missing an earlier appearance and explained that the agency now operates as its own standalone agency rather than under the Health Department. She described the commission’s safety role, including licensing participants, requiring blood testing, and sending inspectors to events, while promoters pay for doctors, ambulances, referees, judges, and other event personnel. The commission said its main accomplishments included securing its own agency number, updating outdated statutory language, adding authority to regulate slap fighting and bare-knuckle events, and moving to credit-card payments. Major challenges discussed were staffing and modernization: the agency has only two full-time employees, 36 temporary inspectors, and still relies on Excel as its database. The director said the commission needs a new licensing system, training for officials, and more outreach to attract larger promotions. She noted that in fiscal year 2025 the commission licensed 1,287 participants, oversaw about 40 combat events plus weekly wrestling events, and reported combined event sales of more than $3.1 million. Members asked about event operations, referee certification, charitable-event fees, and how the commission could grow combat sports in Oklahoma. The director said the agency is seeking a recurring $500,000 annual appropriation, plus a $300,000 supplemental, to cover new standalone-agency costs, hire an additional employee, and begin purchasing licensing software. She explained that the supplemental would help fund immediate expenses and allow the agency to hire a current temp worker. The chair encouraged the agency to coordinate earlier with committee leadership next session and closed the meeting after a brief discussion of “chess boxing.”

Transcript Highlights:

• . ...because it's kind of over, you know, it folds over all the state regulation.
• Late fees are another area of frequent regulation.
• have a... ...have high regulation.
• There is nothing really regulating what this fee can be used for.
• And again, there is no kind of cap or regulation as to how much they can charge.

Keywords: Virginia Housing Commission - Fees in Residential Rental Agreements Workgroup, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• “When we regulate, we regulate people's lives, not just products on paper.
• Let's regulate it properly.
• Any intoxicating product has to be sold in a regulated market. Right.
• that we don't even know what the regulation is supposed to be right now. ...increase some regulation
• that we don't even know what the regulation is supposed to be right now.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal by roll call, and recognized a Black History Month tribute to Dr. Penelope Martin Knox, superintendent of Raytown C-2 Schools. Members also introduced guests, including the day’s pledge leader Adeline Overcast and visitors from a rural hospital in Rolla. Several new bills were read for the first time, including measures on blind pensions, first responder harassment, and flag display at the state capitol, and committee reports were received recommending passage of several deferred measures. The chamber then took up multiple third-reading bills. House Bill 2596, concerning multiple employee self-insured health plans for small businesses, passed 145-0 after supporters said it would help small employers offer affordable coverage. House Bill 1644, addressing franchise employment liability and joint-employer issues, passed 103-45 after debate over whether it would unfairly limit workers’ rights to sue franchisors. House Bill 2423, dealing with Division of Finance licensing fees and oversight, passed 146-0 despite concerns about fee increases. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2641, which aligns state law with federal restrictions on intoxicating hemp-derived products, passed 109-34 after extensive debate over whether the bill unfairly carves out beverages and harms hemp businesses. House Bill 2498, a juvenile justice reform measure shifting some certification-related responsibilities and expanding information sharing, passed 100-44 after supporters argued it would improve accountability and opponents warned it would politicize juvenile cases and burden treatment facilities. House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2637 and 3155, a sentencing bill increasing mandatory minimums and clarifying time-served and parole eligibility, passed 102-45 amid debate over whether it was truly a transparency measure or an increase in punishment. The House also debated House Committee Substitute for House Joint Resolution 154, a proposed constitutional amendment tied to Medicaid expansion/work requirements. Supporters said it would encourage work and reduce administrative costs, while opponents argued it would undermine Medicaid expansion and risk coverage for vulnerable residents. After a previous-question motion, the resolution passed 99-48. The session ended with announcements about upcoming committee meetings, a Black History Celebration, and other caucus and committee gatherings, followed by adjournment until Monday afternoon.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:16:53.920><c> the</c><00:16:54.079><c> facility,</c><00:16:54.480><c> the</c><00:16:54.639><c> water
• ,</c><00:16:55.040><c> the</c><00:16:55.199><c> sewer,</c> of the facility, the water, the sewer, of
• the facility, the water, the sewer, the<00:16:56.320><c> furnishings.
• There was an issue about water rights if they're not, um, so I can't... this a year ago or more I think
• </c> &gt;&gt; Right. there was an issue about water &gt;&gt; Right. there was an issue about water rights

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They clean our air and water, provide food and habitat for wildlife, give us raw materials to make wood
• put their lands under conservation easements, which are a key tool to protecting wildlife habitat, water
• :53.679><c> habitat,</c> tool to protecting wildlife habitat, tool to protecting wildlife habitat, water
• quality and cultural benefits of water quality and cultural benefits of forest<00:31:56.640><c> lands
• clean air, clean water, wildlife habitat to<00:38:22.880><c> wood</c><00:38:23.119><c> products</c><

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In another sense, it doesn't have running water or power on a continuous basis.
• I mean, water, you know, a well and septic might be $50,000, generously. No, it's a fair question.
• </c><00:15:11.839><c> I</c><00:15:12.079><c> mean,</c><00:15:12.440><c> water</c><00:15:13.440><c> water
• I mean, water water, you getting used.
• I mean, water water, you know,<00:15:14.160><c> a</c><00:15:14.320><c> well</c><00:15:14.560><c> and<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on proposed improvements to the State Police gun range and related Public Works estimates. Department of Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn and Major Brendan Davy explained that the range is used for realistic, scenario-based training that includes vehicle work, movement, cover, elevation, and stress inoculation, and that it also supports requalification and special unit training for state, local, and federal partners. They said the current facility lacks running water, continuous power, and permanent restrooms, and that the PSTC range cannot accommodate rifles because its backstop is handgun-caliber only. Public Works Director Theodore Copper said the project estimate is $2.3 million, including $1.5 million for the building and site work plus soft costs, inflation, and design fees; he described the proposed building as basic, with office space, classrooms, restrooms, and HVAC. Committee members asked about the cost and scope, and Copper provided a breakdown of the estimate. The committee also heard from Commissioner Edelblute and Milford School District Superintendent Christy Misho regarding career and technical education capital funding. Edelblute urged the committee to include $10 million for the Milford CTE project, saying the district had reduced the scope after a prior bond vote and that the project would support high-demand workforce programs. Misho said Milford’s initial bond vote received 42 percent and the revised proposal received 56 percent, short of the 60 percent needed, but that the community still supports the project; she said the district plans to move forward with a CTE-only ballot and a smaller local bond. Committee members expressed concern about holding state funds for a project that has not yet won local approval, but said the request would be taken under advisement. In work session action, the committee corrected a prior vote on the Market Street Marine Terminal warehouse removal and office replacement project, increasing the appropriation by $353,300 to $1,973,300 and raising the agency subtotal to $4,155,300. The committee also accepted a motion to add $1.8 million for the community college system, including $1.3 million for critical maintenance and $500,000 for an energy management system. The committee then discussed a Fish and Game request for a $350,000 backhoe, with members debating whether it should be funded with general funds or other funds and whether the cost was excessive; no final objection was recorded in the portion provided. Later discussion also referenced the new parking garage project, with staff saying it is expected to be operational in March 2026 and fully completed by May or June 2026, with 409 spaces and a mix of assigned and open parking.

Transcript Highlights:

• permanent fieldhouse structure to meet regional demand at our community center, and implementing a water
• </c> include modernizing storm water include modernizing storm water infrastructure<00:20:50.400><c>
• /c><00:21:11.880><c> a</c> community center and implementing a community center and implementing a water
• ><c> treatment</c><00:21:12.960><c> project</c><00:21:13.320><c> to</c><00:21:13.480><c> boost</c> water
• treatment project to boost water treatment project to boost efficiency<00:21:14.440><c> and</c><00:21

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our narrow concern here is that, looking to the COVID-19 regulation, even where the COVID-19 regulation
• Our narrow concern here is that looking to the COVID-19 regulation, even where the COVID-19 regulation
• , even where the COVID-19 and right. is that looking to the COVID-19 regulation, even where the COVID
• situations like that, even that regulation recognized that certain job duties would not be feasible
• In subsection F of the COVID regulation in one of the portions that's no long.

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee met on March 19, 2025, adopted its rules, and approved the consent calendar before hearing several bills. AB 538, by Assemblymember Berman, would require awarding bodies on public works projects to make a timely attempt to obtain certified payroll records from contractors when the public requests them, rather than simply saying they do not have the records. Supporters said it would clarify existing prevailing wage enforcement; county, city, special district, and housing groups opposed it over workload, privacy, and potential funding risks. The bill passed the committee on a do-pass recommendation to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 485, authored by Chair Ortega, which would direct state agencies to deny or renew business licenses for employers with outstanding wage theft judgments unless the judgments are satisfied or bonded. Supporters, including labor groups and a caregiver who described delayed recovery of unpaid wages, said the bill would give workers meaningful leverage to collect judgments. The California Hospital Association opposed it, warning that license action could threaten patient access to care. The bill passed on a do-pass recommendation to Appropriations. AB 596, by Assemblymember McKinnor, would codify workers’ right to wear a face covering or respirator at work unless it creates a direct safety hazard. Supporters said the measure would protect workers from illness, wildfire smoke, and employer restrictions after prior Cal/OSHA protections expired; the Chamber of Commerce opposed it narrowly, asking for an exception where masks are infeasible for certain tasks. The committee supported the bill and sent it to Appropriations. The hearing concluded with the roll kept open for absent members and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Short-barrel firearms, as I mentioned, are regulated under the penal code.
• Short-barreled firearms are strictly regulated by federal law.
• The 1934 National Firearms Act was the first federal regulation of guns in America.
• Short-barreled firearms are strictly regulated by federal law.
• The 1934 National Firearms Act was the first federal regulation of guns in America.

Bills: SB108 , SB318 , SB507 , SB511 , SB533 , SB1026 , SB1386 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1596

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: elections, Election Code, poll workers, election clerks, presiding judge, alternate presiding judge, polling place, central counting station, county chair, political party, gubernatorial election, vote counting, election administration, Texas elections, precinct officials, ballot counting, county election officials, election integrity, election fraud, Attorney General

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1596, which would remove short-barreled rifles from the list of prohibited weapons in the Texas Penal Code. The author, Sen. Hagenbuch, said the bill would align state law with federal realities and argued that the current prohibition is arbitrary and unnecessary. Supporters, including representatives from Gun Owners of America and Texas Gun Rights, said the bill would reduce confusion, protect lawful gun owners, and preserve the ability to use shorter firearms for self-defense, hunting, and for smaller shooters. One supporter also described a recent case in which an AR pistol was mistaken for a short-barreled rifle and led to a state charge that was later dismissed. Public testimony was split. Supporters said stabilizing braces and shorter firearms can improve accuracy, safety, and accessibility for women, children, and smaller-statured shooters. Opponents, including Texas Gun Sense and two Santa Fe shooting survivors, argued that short-barreled firearms are more concealable and dangerous, and pointed to the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting as evidence of the risks of easier access. They urged the committee to keep the existing restrictions in place to protect public safety. After public testimony closed, the committee took up pending business. Senate Bill 1505, relating to the Compassionate Use Program, was reported favorably to the full Senate on an 8-0 vote. Senate Bill 17, relating to the acquisition of real property by certain aliens or foreign entities, was first amended by adopting a committee substitute and then reported favorably to the full Senate by a 7-1 vote. The committee then recessed until after the Senate’s adjournment or final recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so it's, it's, we don't regulate any of the specialty areas.
• We only license and regulate and oversee at the population foci.
• Ensuring chiropractors remain regulated by their own licensing board provides clearer...
• Because chiropractors are not regulated by the veterinary board, because we are...
• Because chiropractors are not regulated by the veterinary board, because we are regulated by our chiropractic

Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate Business and Professions sunset oversight hearing focused first on the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), with committee chairs emphasizing oversight, consumer protection, workforce access, and economic mobility. BRN leaders reported improvements since the last review, including faster licensing timelines, streamlined enforcement, higher consumer satisfaction, growth in pre-licensure enrollment, and expanded data collection. Members questioned the board about nurse practitioner scope and supervision, international and military pathways to licensure, online nursing education and clinical requirements, rural workforce shortages, and the 30-unit LVN-to-RN option. BRN staff explained California’s tiered advanced practice system, the NCLEX and certification requirements, English proficiency rules, clinical hour standards, and the board’s role in approving programs and supporting schools through nursing education consultants. Several members and the board president also discussed the need to retain new graduates, improve diversity in the workforce, and better support nontraditional students and rural placements. Public comment on the BRN sunset review was extensive and largely supportive of the board, while also urging policy changes. Nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, and nursing education groups generally supported the BRN report and especially backed clarification of APRN-to-RN delegation authority under issue 13. Other commenters asked for clearer implementation of AB 890, more flexibility for clinical nurse specialists, streamlined renewals for nurse midwives, and changes to federal loan limits affecting graduate nursing education. Higher education representatives and private nursing schools raised concerns about duplicative BRN documentation, clinical placement bottlenecks, and barriers faced by out-of-state and online programs seeking to serve California students. The California Medical Association and some physician groups opposed easing transition-to-practice requirements for out-of-state nurse practitioners and cautioned against changes to specialty and delegation rules, while the California Nurses Association and others stressed the importance of community college pathways, new graduate support, and workforce retention. The hearing then moved to the Physical Therapy Board of California. Board leadership reported that the board oversees more than 41,000 active licensees, has seen about 15% growth since 2021, and continues to maintain high exam pass rates among California physical therapy and physical therapist assistant programs. The board described its mission as consumer protection through licensing, enforcement, continuing competency oversight, and stakeholder engagement. The vice president’s remote testimony encountered technical problems, so the executive officer continued with a brief overview of the board’s work and its commitment to efficient service and public protection. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• session would implement the office's long-term funding plan and would authorize the office, by regulation
• Captain is a transportation technology vendor that serves regulated carriers.
• So looking at Section 5, it does say that the office may by regulation prescribe a fee to cover costs
• NRS 706 regulates limos, taxis, the fees, how they can charge, how they can provide the rides, how they
• And I know some of this is in regulation, so of course we can revisit this issue in the interim, but

Bills: SB507

Committee: Assembly Government Affairs

Keywords: SB507, Nevada, governmental administration, Office of Nevada Boards Commissions and Councils Standards, Department of Business and Industry, professional licensing boards, occupational licensing, regulatory fees, state account, nonreverting fund, Commission on Postsecondary Education, taxicab, taxi technology fee, Nevada Transportation Authority, Taxicab Authority, transportation network company, TNC, rideshare, Uber, Lyft

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:06:48.800><c> athletic</c> its ability to regulate athletic its ability to regulate athletic
• </c><00:22:50.440><c> and</c> modernizing the regulation and modernizing the regulation and protecting
• The massage therapy regulation.
• to regulate the profession.
• /c> statewide regulation would align statewide regulation would align Minnesota<00:35:13.800><c> with

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• OF FINES AND REGULATIONS PERMITS.
• and, more importantly, outdated regulations.
• and, more importantly, outdated regulations.
• REGULATIONS.
• OUTDATED REGULATIONS.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The joint Economic Development budget subcommittee meeting opened with introductions, review of subcommittee rules, and identification of the agencies to be discussed, including the Department of Economic Development, Urban Development Corporation, Alcohol and Beverage Control, Cannabis Management, and the Gaming Commission. The chairs also outlined broad budget priorities, including support for innovation hotspots, incubators, minority- and women-owned businesses, biomedical research, centers of excellence, advanced technology, workforce development, and grants tied to tourism, cultural institutions, public safety equipment, and food retail subsidies. Most member comments focused on small business conditions and economic development policy. Senators Borrello and Chan emphasized that small businesses are the backbone of the economy and argued for reducing taxes, utility costs, fines, permits, and regulations; Chan suggested a possible one-year utility tax holiday. Assembly Member Slater similarly criticized New York’s tax and regulatory climate and promoted legislation to create a Department of Regulatory Review and Economic Growth. Assembly Member Buttenschon discussed one-house proposals such as changes to small business stock ownership rules and a hardship savings account, while Assembly Member Bendett said county infrastructure funding should be increased substantially. Several members highlighted sector-specific investments. Senator Addabbo and Assembly Member Woerner stressed the importance of racing and gaming, including addiction treatment and recovery, integrity in racing, and stronger drug testing. Assembly Member Otis pointed to science and technology initiatives such as Micron, Empire AI, quantum research at Stony Brook, and broadband/digital inclusion through ConnectALL. Assembly Member Cashman supported investment in the Cornell Center for Food and Agriculture, and Senator Hinchey praised tourism matching grants, restaurant and farm food donation tax credits, and incentives for heat pumps and clean energy retrofits. No formal votes were taken. The meeting ended with staff continuing consultations with members and the chairs concluding the session.