Video & Transcript : 'small city program' :
Page 473 of 500
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> that every program that every program is<00:43:00.400><c> pulling</c><00:43:00.800><c> the</c><00
- </c><00:58:06.079><c> or</c> through the um the attendance program or through the um the attendance program
- ><c> policy</c><00:58:08.559><c> or</c> the our attendance program policy or the our attendance program
- </c> missed and bigger problems, small missed and bigger problems, small problems<01:10:21.199><c> become
- </c> Twin Cities. Twin Cities.
Committee:
House Education Finance
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Aug 18th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We've specifically met with Focus Clinic, Milagro Program, and the Adobe Program, who also works with
- in our program.
- Without our programs...
- The summer EBT program again, continue that program, and make that as automated as possible.
- in the world, small town in America.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/25/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- And if you look at the small... That was for one event, one event.
- There are plenty that have used this program, or plenty that use the free program.
- How does this differ from other veterans programs in the courts? Mr.
- This is actually a diversion program.
- My office has a diversion program for veterans as well.
Summary:
The committee heard an extended presentation and discussion on Arizona higher education research security, focused heavily on Arizona State University’s foreign funding, international partnerships, and alleged ties to Chinese military-affiliated institutions. The presenter argued that ASU and the Arizona Board of Regents had not been transparent about foreign gifts, contracts, and research collaborations, especially those involving the Chinese “Seven Sons” universities, and said the committee would pursue a congressional referral and other federal review. A strike-everything amendment to SB 1060 was described but then withdrawn; the underlying SB 1327 was then taken up as a companion measure requiring ABOR to adopt university research security policies and submit annual reports on those policies and on foreign contributions over $250,000. The committee heard testimony in support from Marina Macklin, who said the bill would help protect dual-use and defense-relevant research from being funneled to China’s military ecosystem, and she answered questions about biosecurity, semiconductors, AI model theft, and election systems. After debate, SB 1327 was approved on a 4-2 vote, with Delos Santos and Marquez voting no and Colloden, Powell, and the chair voting yes; the chair stated his support was to keep missile, armor, guidance, and other technology safe from the Chinese government.
The committee then heard SB 1803, a veterans’ consumer-protection bill regulating private companies that help veterans file disability claims. The bill would prohibit unaccredited persons from preparing, presenting, or prosecuting veterans’ benefits matters, require service agreements to be filed with the Attorney General, cap compensation, ban certain practices such as overseas call centers and in-house doctors, and create consumer-fraud enforcement authority. Sponsor Sen. Gallin said the measure was intended to add guardrails for veterans and prevent bad actors from taking excessive fees or misleading claimants. Testimony from Veterans Guardian representatives supported the bill as a way to create transparency and preserve veterans’ choice while regulating the industry; they said many veterans seek private help after unsuccessful attempts with free services and that the bill would not eliminate competition. Opponents and skeptical members questioned whether the bill would effectively legalize one business model while restricting others, whether the contingent-fee structure was consumer-friendly, and whether the companies were engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. The discussion also referenced prior federal and state litigation involving similar laws and the possibility of future federal accreditation reform. The transcript ends during continued questioning on SB 1803, before a final vote is shown.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- He works down in Silver City with... He works down in Silver City with Southwest Bone and Joint.
- So it's essentially supplementing that strategy in the child care program, Mr. Chairman.
- And if that bill passes, then $50 million would go over to the disaster program.
- But it is consolidated into multiple programs. It is a lot. It is a lot.
- That's why I asked a question on Silver City.
Committee:
Senate House Appropriations & Finance
Keywords:
telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion, rural internet, broadband infrastructure, eligible telecommunications carrier, ETC, tribal consent
Summary:
The committee first set aside Senate Bill 247 because the Attorney General and bill sponsor were not present. It then heard Senate Bill 190, which would authorize bonding to help Healer Regional Medical Center in rural southwest New Mexico replace an aging linear accelerator used for cancer radiation treatment. The sponsor and hospital representatives said the equipment is at end of life and that replacing it would keep patients from having to travel long distances for care. The committee adopted a friendly amendment adding an emergency clause, but members then questioned the financing, noting the $5.7 million cost, the lack of local matching funds, and the fact that the equipment’s useful life is only about 10 years while the proposed bonds would run for 30 years.
After extended discussion about interest costs and timing, committee members explored alternatives to reduce the state’s borrowing burden, including using existing rural health care funds, federal grant money, or structuring a county lease arrangement rather than issuing bonds. The bill was left pending while staff and the sponsor were asked to look into those options and report back. The committee also briefly heard from the Department of Justice about concerns raised by the Public Education Department regarding Gallup-McKinley and online learning companies; DOJ said investigations were ongoing but it could not say whether a lawsuit would be filed. Members expressed concern about possible large liabilities and discussed bringing the Attorney General and PED Secretary back in executive session.
The meeting then shifted to House Bill 2 and related budget matters. Staff walked members through numerous line items, flagging some as potentially duplicative, unspent, or in need of further review, including attorney general litigation funds, rural health, education, transportation, tourism, energy, and economic development items. The committee adopted the “grow” spreadsheet after members said they had reviewed it, and then discussed reserve targets. Staff presented several scenarios to raise reserves from about 26.7% toward the 27.5% target, including cuts to natural resource, environmental, higher education, and transportation appropriations. Members generally favored a flexible “scenario five” approach and were reluctant to sweep older capital outlay projects immediately, preferring to wait until the capital outlay changes bill is resolved. The committee planned to continue the budget discussion the next morning.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I live in the city of Boise, and I'm here to testify on HB 752.
- Even at Meridian City Hall, they weren't safe to simply use the bathroom.
- We were shocked to discover that the city law at that time permitted this.
- And there are small things that could be done to make it work.
- I think they've asked for a very reasonable, small, well-tailored fix.
Committee:
House Judiciary, Rules and Administration
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- What city do you live? Oh, Meridian. Okay. Good job. Thank you. What's that?
- I live in the city of Boise, and I'm here to testify on HB 752.
- Even at Meridian City Hall, they weren't safe to simply use the bathroom.
- And there are small things that could be done to make it work.
- I think they've asked for a very reasonable, small, well-tailored fix.
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from March 9, 2026, then heard House Bill 860, a cleanup bill revising Idaho’s parental rights and 988/suicide-crisis-related statutes. Representative Ehart said the bill clarifies when schools, hospitals, and crisis responders may provide non-emergency first aid, emergency treatment, suicide-related follow-up, and evidence collection without parental permission, especially in cases involving abuse or when a parent may be the alleged perpetrator. Support came from the Idaho Medical Association, Idaho 988, and several youth testifiers who described being hung up on or harmed by current law; the Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association raised a late concern about language affecting time-sensitive evidence collection in child sex abuse cases and proposed a narrow amendment. Despite that concern, the committee voted unanimously to send HB 860 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then considered House Bill 680, which would require audio or video recording of all interviews of alleged child abuse victims unless good cause exists. Representative Skog said the bill is intended to protect children, improve the reliability of interviews, and aid prosecutions. Supporters included the Idaho Chiefs of Police Association and a virtual witness who said recording preserves the child’s statement and reduces repeated questioning. No one testified in opposition, and the committee unanimously sent HB 680 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 752, a bill creating criminal penalties for knowingly and willfully entering opposite-sex public restrooms and changing rooms, with listed exceptions for emergencies, maintenance, law enforcement, family assistance, and similar situations. The sponsor and supporters argued it protects privacy and safety for women and girls and aligns with existing sex-based facility restrictions; opponents, including transgender Idahoans, clergy, parents, civil rights advocates, and Planned Parenthood, said it would criminalize transgender people, invite harassment, and be difficult to enforce. Law enforcement representatives testified that existing trespass laws already address unwanted presence and that officers cannot reliably determine sex in the field. The bill drew extensive debate over enforcement, privacy, and safety, but the transcript ends before a final committee vote on HB 752 is shown.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 26th, 2026 at 11:01 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- that is a master's program for all of New Mexico.
- benefits based on eligibility in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
- benefits based on eligibility in the temporary assistance for needy families program.
- But one small correction, Senate Finance will meet in 322, and... Mr.
- President, one small correction: Senate Finance will meet in Room 322.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm staff to the Pension Council, to the Appropriations Committee, and to the Office of Program Research
- net savings or small net costs for most plans.
- There's a couple outliers, but for most plans, the impact was fairly small.
- which is public comment, and I believe we do have Candace Bach from the Association of Washington Cities
- you're considering whether to make any changes or what to do in terms of pension rate adjustments, cities
Committee:
Joint Pension Funding Council
Summary:
The Pension Funding Council met on June 23, 2026, for a work session that began with an overview of the Higher Education Supplemental Retirement Plan (SRP) and a 2025 accounting valuation of that plan. Staff explained that the SRP is a closed defined benefit supplement for higher education employees hired before the 2011 closure, with employer contributions currently pre-funding benefits in institution-specific trusts while institutions still pay benefits on a pay-as-you-go basis. The State Actuary’s office reported that the plan’s accounting position has improved, with combined market assets of about $245 million against $377 million in accrued liability, and that strong market performance since 2022 has increased the asset-to-liability ratio. The office emphasized that this was an educational accounting valuation, not a funding valuation for rate-setting.
The council then received the 2025 actuarial valuation report for the state retirement systems. Actuaries reviewed the recent demographic experience study, noting updated assumptions for mortality, retirement, termination, and salary growth, and said the net impact on most plans was small. They reported that most plans’ funded ratios improved, with all plans at least 94% funded and several at or above 100%, and that contribution rates for the 2027–2029 biennium are generally lower than current rates. They also noted that future rates could be affected by market volatility as deferred gains are recognized over the next few years. During public comment, a representative of the Association of Washington Cities urged the council to consider rate reductions to help local governments facing budget pressures.
In executive session, the council first approved a motion directing the Office of the State Actuary to perform an actuarial evaluation and analysis of each institution’s Higher Education Supplemental Retirement Plan, including institution-specific contribution rates, asset sufficiency, and funding policy options, due by July 1, 2028. The council then adopted the 2027–2029 pension contribution rates based on the 2025 actuarial valuation report. Both motions passed 5-0, with one member excused. The meeting concluded with no further business.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (11/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- > is</c> these programs, any program that is these programs, any program that is going<01:12:46.400><
- </c> programs that have been introduced. programs that have been introduced.
- But what's interesting is that a lot of these programs in the MTSSB are behavior programs.
- So, I was just city, and or town.
- </c> of the program. of the program. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.
Summary:
The House Education Policy and Administration Committee met to hear a non-germane amendment to House Bill 131, which concerns bullying and cyberbullying prevention. Representative Glenn Cordelli, the prime sponsor, said the amendment was intended to revise and improve language from last year’s SB 210 and to incorporate measures from a cyberbullying bill previously passed by the House. He described changes to school communication requirements, mandatory reporting of bullying and retaliation, stronger investigation and collaboration requirements for cross-district cases, added safety and remediation language, a required conference with the alleged perpetrator and parents if available, updated reporting deadlines, and disciplinary consequences for harassment, intimidation, retaliation, and false reports. He also noted a later amendment would be needed to insert the words “the perpetrator” in one section, and he explained that some changes were meant to align with prior legislation and legislative drafting suggestions.
Committee members raised several concerns. Representative Murray questioned the treatment of private and parochial schools, the change from gross negligence to negligence, and the removal of a definition of bullying based on imbalance of power and perceived characteristics. Representative Damon also objected to deleting that definition, arguing it would narrow the scope of bullying too much. Representative Han spoke in opposition, saying the amendment was too broad, unnecessary in parts, and not ready for final action; he criticized the removal of the imbalance-of-power language, the conference requirement when parents may not participate, and the reporting obligations for bus drivers and others. Cordelli responded that some issues were already addressed in prior law or SB 210 and that private schools have their own policies.
Michelle Wongran of New Hampshire Legal Assistance testified in opposition, saying the bill was being heard without enough notice and that it does far more than the committee analysis suggests. She said the amendment adds undefined retaliation language, imposes reporting duties on school vendors and contractors, may conflict with FERPA and other federal privacy rules, and includes provisions that could have serious implications for schools and students. She said she supports parental involvement and some conference provisions in concept, but urged the committee to reject the amendment or at least send it through the normal legislative process for fuller review. No vote was taken during the hearing portion described in the transcript.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Oklahoma Education Commission Apr 2nd, 2026
Oklahoma Education Commission
Transcript Highlights:
- He's a new member from South Oklahoma City, a very bright young man, and so he wanted to be a part of
- I feel like I can kind of get some—if it's okay with you, I'll come to the city.
- I live in Kingfisher, but I'll drive to the city. If that works. You all come to the city.
- Besides that, Daryl, I committed you to a lot of programming yesterday.
- We had a very small budget a couple of weeks ago. We're working with that.
Committee:
House Oklahoma Education Commission
Summary:
The meeting focused heavily on planning the upcoming AI Symposium and on fundraising strategy. Nellie Sanders, former Secretary of Education, introduced herself and described her background in education, workforce development, and fundraising, saying she would help in a volunteer capacity. The committee discussed the symposium theme, “The ground has moved, building Oklahoma’s AI-ready future,” and confirmed the event dates at the Hard Rock Hotel in Tulsa from June 8 to June 10. They also reviewed the event’s structure, including keynote and speaker slots, vendor participation, and the need to finalize the agenda and printed materials soon.
A major portion of the discussion centered on sponsorship levels and the need to expand fundraising beyond the original food-cost-based tiers. Members debated whether the current $6,000, $15,000, and $25,000 levels were too low and proposed adding larger sponsorship tiers, including $50,000 and $100,000 event sponsor options. Based on projected costs of roughly $130,000 to $150,000 and a goal of creating reserve funds for future AI work, the group ultimately discussed aiming for a $300,000 budget and increasing attendance from 200 to as many as 400 participants if funding allows. They also talked about using the symposium to create long-term value for sponsors by offering visibility, networking, and follow-up opportunities.
The committee reviewed participant categories and numbers, including innovation grant recipients, libraries, higher education, CareerTech, K-12, corrections, tribal representatives, and commission members. They emphasized that attendees must complete a microcredential and leave with actionable deliverables, such as projects, cohort meetings, and shared AI practices they can replicate at their institutions. Several members stressed the importance of broader K-12 participation, especially for rural districts, and suggested adding administrator and teacher tracks if attendance grows. The group also discussed outreach to Google, tribal partners, and other vendors, and set a planning meeting for Monday at 5 p.m., with a follow-up full committee meeting scheduled for the 30th at 1 p.m.
The meeting also included an update on legislation, especially proposed changes to bill 1782. The revised bill would create an AI-related infrastructure without state appropriations, allow funds from private and federal sources, add FERPA, accessibility, and transparency protections, and accelerate council activation. Members discussed using the bill to support future AI initiatives and possibly the symposium, though they noted that any such use would need to be written into the legislation. The meeting ended with updates on the commission’s podcast, “AI Unpacked: The Oklahoma Edition,” and a brief discussion of the commission’s unique cross-sector makeup and its role in representing learners across Oklahoma.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a small business owner, and I am a county commissioner.
- I was a small child. I do remember it.
- </c><02:22:19.000><c> of</c> I am the mayor of the city of I am the mayor of the city of Somersworth.
- I'm a Keene resident and a city councilor.
- </c><02:48:38.600><c> d</c> anti-democratic, and I mean a small d anti-democratic, and I mean a small
Committee:
House Ways and Means
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 18th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- of programs that we’re talking about.
- So that was the focus of our, quote unquote, welfare programming in Utah and why the TANF program, and
- I'll always maintain this, is a critical program to be part of your workforce... ...is a critical program
- Again, what Utah did was we didn't philosophically see TANF and SNAP and these programs as welfare programs
- They're not seen as workforce programs. ...being seen as welfare programs.
Summary:
The committee met to hear consultants Mason Bishop and Cameron Christie discuss Arkansas’s “one door/no wrong door” workforce and social services modernization effort. Bishop argued that the current system is fragmented across multiple agencies, offices, and portals, making it hard for job seekers and employers to access services efficiently. He said the goal is to create a more integrated system that promotes upward mobility, longer labor force attachment, better employer access to talent, greater efficiency, and faster adaptation to changes such as AI and other economic disruptions.
Bishop repeatedly pointed to Utah as a model, describing how that state combined workforce and public assistance functions into a single agency, used statewide cost allocation to blend funding streams, and improved customer service and outcomes after reform. He said Arkansas should consider integrating governance, service delivery, and financing, including possible waivers, a statewide cost allocation plan, and a benefits-cliff pilot. He also said Arkansas’s current local workforce board structure creates duplication and weak coordination, and that Launch is a useful tool but not a full service-delivery system.
Committee members asked how the proposal would work in practice, including whether TANF could be used to cross-train DHS workers, how federal waivers might be obtained, how local boards would be affected, and how disabled clients would be handled. Bishop said TANF should be treated as part of a workforce strategy, that federal pilot authority for workforce reform nearly passed but did not, and that waivers are now the practical path. He also said Arkansas could either merge functions more fully or at minimum co-locate workforce staff in DHS offices statewide. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with plans to continue the discussion in August, including a focus on case management and whether the state is managing programs or people.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Civil Rights & Judiciary Feb 25th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Civil Rights & Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Small... ...escalation rather than cooperation. It is dynamically unstable.
- Small allegations can trigger disproportionate procedural cascades. It is chaotic.
- I think small governments, counties in this situation, are doing a lot with very little.
- Small governments and counties in this situation are doing a lot with very little.
- There are critics of the LLT program, and so it has its pros and its cons.
Committee:
House Civil Rights & Judiciary
Keywords:
family law, constitutional floor, legal standards, child custody, divorce, SB 5868, superior court, judge, judgeship, judicial vacancy, court administration, Skagit County, Yakima County, RCW 2.08.061, Washington courts, county judges, caseload, docket backlog, judicial workload, elected judge
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- , the Division of Career Technical Education, Idaho for Special Programs, the Department of Education
- Bill 876 continues: limiting the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions for certain programs
- Others relate to language from the 1980s about merging the cities into Percy.
- House Bill 730 deals with the SNAP program.
- The second change there just deals with when we get into the small seller exemption.
Summary:
The House convened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge, and approval of the journal, then received gubernatorial and Senate messages and a series of committee reports. Committee actions included printing, referral, or placement on calendars for numerous measures, including budget bills, education, tax, health, and code-cleanup legislation. The House also introduced a large slate of new bills and resolutions, many of them referred to committees for printing or further consideration.
On the floor, the House passed several bills and resolutions, often after brief explanations and little or no debate. Measures approved included House Bills 773, 775, 787, 790, 758, 798, 799, 831, and 863; House Resolution 26; Senate Bills 1261, 1232 as amended, 1226, 1239, 1240, 1291, 1273, 1274, 1275, 1276, and 1363; and Senate Concurrent Resolutions 116, 117, and 118. Topics ranged from code cleanup and deregulation to bankruptcy exemptions, podiatry board consolidation, daycare licensing, elections and polling locations, Medicaid budget reductions, guardianship and conservatorship reform, DNA collection for certain misdemeanors, sex offender residency rules near daycares, AI policy in K-12 education, and a maintenance budget for natural resources.
A notable portion of the debate centered on Senate Concurrent Resolutions 117 and 118 concerning water projects and cloud seeding. Supporters argued these projects are essential to Idaho agriculture, aquifer recharge, and water supply, while opponents raised concerns about insufficient independent data, environmental and health effects, transparency, and public consent. Despite those objections, both resolutions passed. The House also heard announcements recognizing visitors, upcoming committee meetings, and the Idaho Vandals’ athletic success, and it recessed with plans to return later in the day.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, sometimes we look at our small rural schools, and they are the identity of those small towns
- So then that means that the voucher program or your ESA program is a hundred percent state funded and
- It does not but even though the program is fully universal if at applications into the program do not
- , that interest generated would be redeployed back into the program. into the program so that students
- Members, this amendment encourages program and program recipients to be able to reach a live person.
Keywords:
Maverick County, recognition, economic development, Texas Senate, community celebration, 1185, senate, all
TX
Texas 89th 1st C.S.
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Jul 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a very small universe of people that do redistricting law.
- Galveston City case by the Fifth Circuit.
- Galveston City case by the Fifth Circuit.
- I live in the beautiful city of Corpus Christi.
- Small business owners, recent arrivals, parents working two jobs to keep up with rising costs— Small
Summary:
The Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting held its first regional hearing, focused on South and Central Texas, including Bexar County, Travis County, and the Rio Grande Valley. After establishing a quorum, the committee adopted its rules on a 6-3 roll-call vote, with Senators Alvarado and Miles voting no. Chair Phil King explained the regional-hearing format, the use of 2020 census data, the online testimony process, and the availability of written comments and future hearings. Several members then gave opening remarks, with Republicans emphasizing public input and Democrats arguing the special session and mid-decade redistricting were unnecessary and aimed at minority districts.
A major procedural issue arose over whether the committee should invite or subpoena the DOJ attorney who authored the July 7 letter that prompted the redistricting discussion. Senator Miles moved to subpoena the attorney; the motion was seconded but then set aside after the chair said the committee could not take formal action on a non-procedural matter during a regional hearing under the adopted rules. The chair said he would consult legal counsel about issuing an invitation, and members discussed the August 7 deadline referenced in the DOJ letter. The committee then moved on to public testimony.
Witnesses, including Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, law professor Ellen Katz, and Texas NAACP president Gary Bledsoe, argued that the DOJ letter misread the law and that the targeted districts were lawful opportunity or coalition districts. They said the Fifth Circuit’s Pettway decision was limited to Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and did not declare coalition districts unconstitutional, and they cited Bartlett v. Strickland as warning against intentionally dismantling effective minority districts. Garcia and Bledsoe said the hearing was politically motivated and would harm Black and Latino representation; Katz said Texas would act illegally if it followed the DOJ letter’s instructions. Members asked questions about the legal status of coalition districts, the 2021 map-drawing process, and the difference between opportunity, coalition, and crossover districts. The hearing continued with additional public witnesses, including labor representative Emily Amps, who said workers and communities of color were being harmed by the proposed redistricting effort.
MN
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Management Jun 11th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Legislative Management
Transcript Highlights:
- When a school chooses to operate the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, they
- opt into that program.
- So that's part of the process of operating the program.
- So what's the—why would they want to continue on the program?
- So it's just not—those school meal programs have to be self-funded.
Committee:
Joint Legislative Management
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- House File 4362 is a small step to answer those demands.
- We do actually subsidize private colleges and universities through the state grant program, as well as
- other various programs that we offer, to answer your question here.
- We do actually subsidize private colleges and universities through the state grant program, as well as
- other various programs that we offer, to answer your question here.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Nineteen - Wednesday, February 11 - Afternoon Session -
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Louis County, City of St. Louis City, please. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To speak on the bill.
- , because Kansas City, concerns of home builders in the Kansas City Metro was the impetus for this bill
- City. Yes.” “Further discussion, gentlemen from St. Louis. City. Yes. Thank you, Mr.
- I got a note from my fire chief in the city of North Kansas City in Clay County.
- Do you know what happened in the Kansas City City Council recently?
Summary:
The House first established a quorum after several members were absent, then moved into bills for perfection. House Bill 261, dealing with anti-Semitism in public schools and higher education, drew extensive debate. The sponsor described rising anti-Jewish incidents and said the bill would require educational institutions to adopt nondiscriminatory policies, use the IHRA definition as a guide, and treat failures to address harassment as Title VI issues. An amendment from the gentleman from Pulaski was adopted to clarify that protected First Amendment speech, religious expression, and political viewpoints would not be reported or cataloged. Supporters said the bill was needed to protect Jewish students; opponents argued it singled out one group, could chill speech about Israel and Palestine, and created unequal reporting requirements. The House ultimately ordered the bill perfected and printed as amended.
The chamber then took up House Bill 2384 on housing affordability and building codes. The sponsor said the bill would lower housing costs by rolling back energy-code mandates to 2009 standards, setting clearer permitting timelines, and allowing certain multifamily buildings to use a single staircase. Supporters argued current codes raise costs, discourage builders, and contribute to Missouri’s housing shortage. Opponents raised concerns about local control, preemption of municipal energy standards, and public safety, especially the single-stair provision; the sponsor responded that the design has been used safely in other states and cities. A Pulaski amendment requiring municipalities with online ordinances to keep only one hard copy available was adopted, and after debate the previous question was moved and approved. The House then adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed.
House Bill 1766, addressing personal property tax, was also perfected and printed. The sponsor said the bill would apply Hancock/CPI-style tax limitations to personal property tax growth, arguing that rapidly rising vehicle values had created a windfall for political subdivisions and unfairly increased taxpayer burdens. Supporters said the bill would slow growth without eliminating it, while opponents argued local governments need revenue to keep up with inflation and that the measure would reduce resources for schools and other services. Finally, the House began consideration of House Joint Resolution 154, which would place into the Missouri Constitution a Medicaid work requirement mirroring federal policy. The sponsor said adults ages 19 to 64 would need to work, volunteer, participate in a work program, or attend school for 80 hours a month to remain eligible, and the discussion began with questions about whether the constitutional change was necessary and how documentation requirements would work.