Transcript Highlights:

• it.
• of it.
• didn't require it, it would absolutely be appropriate.
• Is it relevant? Of course. Is it... Has he ever done something like this before? Is it relevant?
• I can live with it. So. It doesn't quibble with that.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee held its first meeting of 2025, took roll, confirmed a quorum, and heard member introductions before turning to an informational panel on how a criminal case moves through Florida’s system. The chair emphasized respectful committee process and introduced staff, then invited the panel to explain the path from arrest through prosecution, first appearance, arraignment, discovery, trial, plea negotiations, and sentencing. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri described law enforcement discretion, probable cause, misdemeanor and felony arrest rules, pre-arrest diversion, jail operations, and the statewide uniform bond schedule. He also discussed jail overcrowding, supervised release, mental health and substance abuse issues in jails, and the need for better case management and diversion resources. Judge Frank Allman explained first appearance, bond setting, arraignment, trial procedures, plea colloquies, and sentencing under Florida’s punishment code, including downward departures and victim impact statements. State Attorney Jack Campbell outlined charging decisions, the higher proof burden prosecutors must meet, coordination with law enforcement, Baker Act proceedings, victim notification, informations versus grand jury indictments, and the role of diversion and treatment courts. Public Defender Matthew Mets described indigency screening, discovery, the growing volume and technical complexity of evidence, mitigation work, and the importance of treatment-based resolutions. Members asked about time-served credit for supervised release, mental health recidivism, homelessness enforcement, ICE holds, and sentencing discretion; no votes were taken and the meeting ended after the informational presentation and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it based on historical data, or is it just? It was established several years ago.
• Now, you began to explain it, but I kind of got lost in it.
• It just, anyway, it would be helpful for...
• comes in real time and put it on a, I call it a spreadsheet, put it into their programs to begin the
• comes in real time and puts it on a, I call it a spreadsheet, puts it into their programs to begin the

Committee: All ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It just makes it uniform, that 60 seconds.
• It costs nothing, but the benefits are priceless. To be frank, if it saves one life, it's worth it.
• It will save many lives. One life, it's worth it.
• Trying to preference Idaho students doesn't require it, but it asks them to take a look at it.
• I loved it when I first heard it.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee first approved minutes from February 23, February 24, March 2, and March 5, 2026, and then unanimously agreed to switch the order of the day’s bills. The committee took up House Bill 623, which would require Idaho public schools to begin the day with a 60-second moment of silence. Representative Skog and supporters said the bill is a neutral, low-cost way to help students calm down, reflect, and improve behavior and mental health, citing other states and testimony from a rabbi, pastor, and others. Opponents argued it was government overreach, could be used to promote prayer, and raised First Amendment and implementation concerns, especially for young children and special education classrooms. After testimony and questions, the committee voted to send HB 623 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1357, which would limit the share of foreign national student-athletes receiving scholarships at Idaho public colleges and universities. Senator O’Conniewicz said the bill was intended to prioritize Idaho and U.S. students, increase opportunities for local athletes, and reduce reliance on foreign national athletes in scholarship sports. Athletic directors, coaches, and conference officials opposed the bill, arguing it would hurt competitiveness, create administrative burdens, reduce recruiting flexibility, and potentially trigger NCAA concerns; they also said some programs, especially tennis and golf, would be especially affected. Supporters said the bill still allowed many foreign national athletes and would help develop Idaho talent. After extensive debate, the committee voted to hold SB 1357 in committee at the call of the chair, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires. Okay. Then, okay. We'll keep thinking about it. It is a Stanford Children bill.
• I mean, it could also pass just as it is if it passes the Senate. So thank you, members.
• So there's a lot of issues with this bill, and it sounds really, really good when you read it, but it
• it, but it will make a huge change for tobacco products.
• Madam Chair, members, yes, it should be. Is it on consent? Madam Chair, members, yes, it should be.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of bills and resolutions, with staff giving brief descriptions and members flagging which items were on consent, had unanimous committee votes, or should be pulled for further discussion. Topics included education, health care, public safety, labor, water, taxation, housing, and elections. Several measures were noted as party-line or mixed votes, while many others were reported as unanimous and placed on third-read or consent calendars. Among the more discussed items were bills on school and labor policy, including a proposal to prohibit teacher strikes, a measure restricting school district bond actions, a bill requiring school safety protocols and assigning felony penalties for noncompliance, and a resolution limiting public money for labor organization activities. Members also raised concerns or requested further review on bills involving pharmacist testing authority, expired opioid antagonists, a county sheriff-related measure, a housing affordability district proposal, and a tobacco/vape regulation bill. Some measures were explicitly pulled from consent, including a Medicaid audit resolution, a budget-related pay-withholding resolution, and several education and public safety bills. The caucus also heard multiple health and human services measures, such as genetic counselor licensing, nursing board and pharmacy board continuations, foster care rights, psychiatry access funding, and free school meals. In addition, there were water and energy bills on Colorado River management, groundwater, transmission-line review, and renewable energy valuation, plus election and campaign-related proposals. The meeting ended with announcements, including an upcoming Colorado River breakfast briefing and an internal award recognizing Representative Brian Garcia, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's kind of the gist of it. So that's kind of the gist of it.
• It is practical, and it is necessary.
• Okay, but sometimes it may miss some people potentially. I'm not saying it could. It could.
• to pay for it.
• It does.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So their commission wasn't to change it; it was to make it adequate to the needs of the new union.
• It may be what we intend. It might be what we want.
• What if it does?
• It makes no sense.
• Nothing can possibly come from it, could it? Except it did.

Summary: The Idaho House convened with a quorum, approved the House Journal, and received committee reports printing House Bills 593-599 and advancing several bills, including HB 544, HB 540, HB 541, HB 569, SB 1222, and SJM 108. The House also introduced and referred new bills HB 600-605, covering public records, collective bargaining and taxpayer funding of unions, foreign laws, Capitol Mall/camping and state property management, sex offender registration, and tax subtractions for tips and overtime. Several other measures were moved to second reading, and the chamber briefly went at ease while waiting on Appropriations. The main floor debate centered on House Concurrent Resolution 25, a call under Article V for a balanced budget amendment. Supporters argued the federal debt is unsustainable, that Idaho already balances its budget, and that a convention threat is needed to force Congress to act. Opponents warned a constitutional convention could become a runaway process, create opportunities for lobbying and corruption, and even alter the ratification rules; some also argued the real problem is the monetary system and federal spending incentives, not just the absence of a balanced budget amendment. Members cited historical precedent, Article V, and concerns about delegate selection and sideboards throughout the debate. After extensive debate, the House passed HCR 25 by a vote of 36 ayes to 34 nays, with the title approved and the resolution sent to the Senate. The House then held remaining third-reading bills in place until Monday, heard several personal privilege announcements and committee schedule notices, and adjourned until 11 a.m. Monday, February 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• viewed as its own year in its own silo.
• That's why we do it. We've always done it.
• It appears the ayes have it. Do have it, and so ordered.
• It was totally bipartisan. It was totally bipartisan because of it.
• But it was, again, legal at the time, and it is now not legal. ago. did it but it was again legal at

Bills: HB2011 , HB2089 , HB2090 , HB2092 , HB2477 , HB2785

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: individual income tax, subtraction, Arizona Revised Statutes, retirement benefits, adoption costs, charitable contributions, health insurance, premium payment, Arizona State Retirement System, contingent annuitant, long-term disability, benefits limitations, disability compensation, social security, retirement system, elected officials, ASRS, eligibility waiver, age 65, education savings

Transcript Highlights:

• it is.
• It is, or it was, unless it was eliminated. I haven't seen a 4.0. It was in 3.0. Thank you.
• it.
• But it was, you know, it was done on purpose. It was intended to be that way.
• But it was, you know, it was done on purpose. It was intended to be that way.

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee established quorum and first approved several non-appearing gubernatorial appointees and procedural items on unanimous 5-0 votes, including Hampus Eitsiter to the Boating and Waterways Commission, Peter Stern to the California Horse Racing Board, Dean White to the State Mining and Geology Board, references of bills to committees, and floor acknowledgements. The committee then heard testimony on Tyler Sadwith’s appointment as Chief Deputy Director of Healthcare Programs at the Department of Health Care Services. Sadwith emphasized protecting Medi-Cal access and equity, continuing CalAIM and behavioral health transformation, and drawing on personal experience with family members needing care. Senators focused heavily on hospital financial distress, rural access, eligibility redeterminations, fraud oversight, provider reimbursement, dental access, labor and delivery closures, and the impact of federal changes; Sadwith said the department is working on expedited payments, monitoring distressed hospitals, county technical assistance, and strategies to reduce disenrollments and improve program integrity. Public commenters from county, hospital, and care organizations supported his confirmation, and the committee advanced his nomination to the full Senate on a 5-0 vote. The committee next considered Chris Thayer, PhD, for Director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Thayer described OEHHA’s role as providing transparent, scientifically rigorous health assessments and supporting tools such as Prop 65, CalEnviroScreen, and risk communication. Senators pressed him on the use of models versus real-world data, fenceline monitoring, PFAS, wildfire health impacts, and whether OEHHA’s work adequately reflects lived experience and local conditions. Thayer responded that the office often must rely on the best available evidence, including animal, human, and alternative methods, while continuing to improve communication and community engagement; he also discussed EnviroScreen updates, Prop 65 warning reforms, and research gaps. Public testimony in support highlighted OEHHA’s scientific role and the importance of biomonitoring and PFAS work. The committee approved Thayer’s nomination to the full Senate on a 3-1 vote, with Senator Grove voting no and Senator Jones not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would not, in and of itself, raise new revenue, but it seems like at a minimum it would be taking
• It would not, in and of itself, raise new revenue, but it seems like at a minimum it would be taking
• Does it, does it not?
• It takes it out of accepted veterinary practices?
• Okay, the measure takes it out of... it takes it...

Summary: The Financial Estimate Committee met on July 6, 2026, to begin work on the financial estimate for IP 28, after reviewing the statutory process and confirming that only IP 28 had cleared the signature threshold for consideration. Staff explained the committee’s duties under ORS 250.125 and the timeline for draft statements, public hearing, and final adoption. The committee also designated Carol Moreno C. Fuentes to file the committee’s eventual statements. Staff from the Department of Administrative Services and the Legislative Revenue Office presented preliminary analysis of IP 28, describing major uncertainties in estimating impacts because the measure is not a tax law change and would affect multiple industries and government functions. Preliminary figures discussed included an estimated $56.5 million loss in the current biennium and $6.7 million in reduced expenditures, with larger projected revenue losses of roughly $244.1 million to $258 million and reduced expenditures of $30.7 million to $34.9 million in 2027–29, plus $87.8 million to $88.3 million in increased expenditures. Analysts said the biggest effects would likely involve agriculture, fish and wildlife, hunting and fishing, local government enforcement, and possible shifts in state funding, but many impacts remained difficult to quantify. Committee members raised concerns about local government costs, law enforcement and prosecution burdens, impacts on the hospitality and recreation sectors, possible effects on tribal governments and treaty rights, and whether the measure would affect shellfish and crabbing. They also discussed the Humane Transition Fund, subsidies, possible litigation costs, and whether the statement should include broader uncertainty language and multiple scenarios. Members generally agreed the draft should be revised to better reflect uncertainty, clarify assumptions, and possibly use bullets or other formatting to improve readability. No vote was taken. The committee agreed to treat the current draft as a working version, with staff to revise it based on the discussion and return an updated draft before the next meeting scheduled for July 17 at 2 p.m., with both in-person and virtual participation available.

Transcript Highlights:

• It never makes it in front of a jury. About 10% is all.
• They did it to us. They did it unbelievably.
• right ones to do it because you did it.
• It would cost just as much energy to get it back into there.
• it.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THE WAY I SEE IT MAY NOT BE THE WAY I SEE IT.
• IS THAT IF I CAN'T SAY IT, WHY ARE CHILDREN ABLE TO READ IT? SO YOU CANNOT LIKE IT.
• I SEE IT.
• I GET TIRED OF IT, YOU GET TIRED OF IT.
• WILL TELL YOU WHERE THE BOOK IS AND BUY IT OR LISTEN TO IT ONLINE OR PURCHASE IT, IT IS NOT THAT HARD

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> do you review it? do you review it?
• on it though, does it?
• And so it centers doesn't make it.
• Um we want it basically what we call it.
• ><c> if</c> It comes down to funding, but it also if It comes down to funding, but it also if you're<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission to study the cost of special education met, confirmed a quorum, introduced members and guests, and approved the minutes from the October 29 meeting. Members noted the commission’s mandate under Senate Bill 57 and emphasized the need to focus on recommendations and findings by July 1, 2026. The chair also distributed additional handouts, including materials related to the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program and administrative rules tied to differentiated aid and disability determinations. The main discussion centered on how students qualify for differentiated aid under the EFA program. Matt Sutherton of the Children’s Scholarship Fund explained that the organization, which contracts with the state to administer EFAs, accepts either school-district/IEP documentation or a medical certification of disability (MCD) from a licensed medical professional. Members questioned how this process relates to the state’s special education rules and whether the school-district examiner standards in ED 107/1107.04 apply to EFAs. Sutherton said the MCD form, created with the department, requires the medical professional to sign that they are qualified to make the determination and to identify the disability. Several members expressed concern that the EFA process is less rigorous than the school-district IEP process and may be inflating disability counts. One member argued that the administrative rules cited are primarily for school districts, not EFAs, and said the Department of Education may not know how many of the roughly 890 EFA students receiving differentiated aid came through school-district documentation versus the MCD pathway. Another member said the EFA system appears more generous than the school system and raised concerns about oversight, auditing, and whether the program’s data are accurate. Sutherton said the organization reviews signed documentation, credentials, and diagnosis information, and may request additional records to help adjudicate expenses. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the prior minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Missouri does it, or Indiana does it, Colorado's talking about doing it.
• And it may be hard. It may be hard. It may be...
• And it may be hard, it may go against the grain, but it is nonetheless true.
• It is essential that we pass it.
• It is essential that we pass it.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call, recess, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved into a highly procedural and contentious floor session centered on redistricting measures. Members debated a point of order raised by Assembly Member DeMaio challenging the constitutionality of SB 280, ACA 8, and AB 604; the Speaker ruled the point not well taken, and the Assembly sustained that ruling on appeal. The body also took up consent-calendar and procedural motions, including suspending rules to adopt late amendments on ACA 8 and to bring the measure up without reference to file. Several motions to re-refer or suspend rules on related measures failed, while the motion to adopt the late amendments on ACA 8 carried. The main substantive item was ACA 8, the Assembly Constitutional Amendment related to redistricting, presented by Assembly Member Berman as a response to mid-decade redistricting efforts in other states, especially Texas. Supporters argued the measure was a temporary, voter-driven response to protect democracy, counter partisan gerrymandering, and address broader threats tied to the Trump administration, including immigration enforcement and health care cuts. Opponents argued ACA 8 would undermine California’s independent citizens redistricting commission, violate the state Constitution, and amount to partisan gerrymandering or a power grab. Members on both sides framed the issue as a defense of democracy, but disagreed sharply over whether the Legislature should act or leave redistricting to voters and the existing commission. No final vote on ACA 8 is shown in the transcript excerpt, but the Assembly did vote on several procedural matters: the appeal of the Speaker’s ruling was sustained 58-18; the motion to adopt late amendments on ACA 8 passed 58-19; a motion to re-refer ACA 8 and SB 280 to Judiciary failed 19-58; and a motion to take up A.J.R. 21 without reference to file failed 19-58. The session remained focused on ACA 8 and related redistricting questions, with extensive floor speeches from both supporters and opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is costing your... it is a property tax increase.
• Is it what it is in February? Is it what it is in October?
• But it is in a much better spot than it was.
• It makes it a fair field to play in.
• do it.

Bills: HB21 , HB211 , HB223

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: HB 21, Texas Tax Code, ad valorem tax, property tax, delinquent taxes, tax delinquency, penalty reduction, interest rate, split payment, installment payment, tax relief, county tax collector, taxing unit, property owner, tax collection, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, tax increase election, supermajority, 60 percent threshold

Transcript Highlights:

• I consider it—you call it incentive. I call it a, you know, a subsidy.
• No, but will it help? It will.
• Farmers didn't want it. None of us want it. We literally hate it and want it to go away.
• Farmers didn't want it. None of us want it. Literally hate it, want it to go away.
• It does not have funding tied to it.

Committee: All JBC-SPECIAL LANGUAGE

Summary: The committee resumed consideration of several amendments to fiscal bills. It adopted Senator Johnson’s amendment to Senate Bill 15, which shifts responsibility for Keep Arkansas Beautiful-related functions and roadside litter cleanup coordination toward ARDOT, with the current commissioners becoming an advisory council. The committee also adopted Representative Perry’s amendment to Senate Bill 7, lowering from 50 to 25 the employee threshold for employers to request claims data from insurers for group health coverage, aimed at helping smaller businesses and municipalities obtain more competitive insurance quotes. Representative McKinsey’s amendment to Senate Bill 41, which would have blocked a University of Arkansas at Fayetteville athletic funding transfer and imposed a one-year rider, was rejected after questions about the university’s finances and whether such a transfer had ever occurred. Senator Hester’s amendment to House Bill 1051, intended to cap online sports betting free play at 5% of gross receipts, also failed after debate over whether the proposal was properly fiscal language and whether the free-play incentives constituted a subsidy. Representative Walker’s amendment to a Save the Children appropriation, which would have converted the funding into a matching grant to encourage private donations, failed for lack of a motion. Representative Vaught’s amendment related to an agricultural tax exemption for certain tractor parts and diesel exhaust fluid systems likewise failed, with concerns raised about drafting, enforcement, and whether it belonged in revenue tax committees. The committee then added two late items: Representative Johnson’s technical correction to a physician licensure pathway bill, which was adopted to broaden qualifying underserved-area definitions, and Senator Tucker’s amendment to Senate Bill 77, which deleted a fund-transfer section and created a matching appropriation mechanism to help Arkansas TV/PBS retain affiliation and pay dues. Senate Bill 77 passed as amended, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It seems that that might be clearer. We'll do it that way.
• It has been distributed, and I move for its adoption.
• Then it goes on. We're working on ways to Then it goes on.
• It can happen. Obviously, it rarely happens.
• it in all.

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Summary: The Special Committee on Property Tax Reform met in quorum and first took up House Bill 2780 in executive session. Members discussed a committee substitute and two amendments. One amendment changed the proposed school levy floor from $1.50 to $2.20, with supporters saying it better balanced local effort and taxpayer relief; another technical amendment clarified confusing language about levy limits. After adopting the substitute and amendments, the committee voted House Committee Substitute Number Two for HB 2780 do pass by 11-5. The committee then considered House Bill 2668, which bundled several property tax election and ballot-related changes, including tax abatement language, clearer ballot wording, alphanumeric designations, debt-service clarification, a November election requirement for property tax increase measures, and related bond language. Members asked whether new construction language remained in the bill, and the sponsor said it did not. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted House Committee Substitute Number Two for HB 2668 do pass by 9-6. Next, the committee heard and approved House Bill 2944 after adopting Amendment 06H. The amendment, offered with support from county collectors and the sponsor, would streamline administration of senior property tax credits by reducing annual reapplication burdens, allowing county offices to verify eligibility through state resources or lists, and adjusting deadlines for mailed payments and assessor notices when postal delays or technical problems occur. Members raised questions about trusts, residency, fiscal impact, and whether the language was broad enough, but the amendment was adopted and the committee then voted the substitute do pass 15-0. In public hearing, Representative Taylor presented House Bill 2667, which would allow counties to create a prorated property tax credit for totaled motor vehicles and would also exclude increases in aggregate personal property valuation from being treated as new construction. Committee members and an informational witness from the Missouri Special Districts Association raised concerns about fairness, administrative complexity, multi-county district consistency, and possible impacts on special taxing districts. No vote was taken on HB 2667 before the hearing was closed and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• IT IS A REALITY WHEN IT COMES TO OVERTIME.
• THAT IS HOW IT WORKS.
• YOU'RE SUPPLEMENTING IT. I'M SORRY IF I MISSED IT BUT WHAT IS THE DOLLAR AMOUNT THAT IT WOULD COST?
• IT HAS TO WORK TOGETHER.
• I THINK IT MERITS A HARD LOOK TO SEE WHICH ONES SHOULD BE TIED TO REALLY ANALYZE IT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:27:22.880><c> the</c><02:27:23.000><c> amount</c><02:27:23.160><c> of</c> I mean it it it can it
• the amount of I mean it it it can it the amount of time<02:27:23.399><c> it</c><02:27:23.520><c> takes
• </c><04:55:18.680><c> it</c> assume we eliminate that one um it it assume we eliminate that one um it
• is it is it saying to do ex additional is it is it saying that<05:09:29.120><c> that</c><05:09:29.280
• </c> government and it it doesn't the rule government and it it doesn't the rule the<05:27:47.798><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a non-germane amendment to HB 297 that would create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Insurance Commissioner DJ Beton, joined by department staff, explained that the proposal is intended to help homeowners afford insurance by funding proactive home improvements that reduce risk and improve insurability. He said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 available on a first-come, first-served basis. Beton described the problem as rising homeowners insurance premiums, hard-market underwriting, nonrenewals, and the resulting shift to more expensive surplus lines coverage. He said eligible projects could include roof fortification, exterior improvements, flood-related foundation work, and removal of hazardous trees or limbs. He cited similar programs in other states, especially Alabama, Louisiana, and North Carolina, as evidence the model can work and noted that industry representatives were present in support. He also said the program would use means testing aligned with the Department of Energy’s weatherization program to target lower-income applicants. Members asked about the non-germane process, who would administer the program, and how the bill would prevent misuse of grant funds. The commissioner said the department would administer the program using one repurposed existing position, with Treasury handling fund flow through an MOU. Staff explained that applicants would have to show completed work through a signed contract, itemized work, and a sworn contractor affidavit, with some upfront payment allowed for materials and the remainder paid after completion. The chair and members discussed that the amendment is being attached to a different bill only to move the proposal through committee and on to House Finance for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:25:21.679><c> it</c><01:25:21.679><c> it</c> the expense of them, the way it it it the expense
• That's<01:28:54.639><c> it.</c> That's it. That's it.
• Is it is it &gt;&gt; Um maybe or 20 I don't know. Is it is it feasible?
• If you accept it, it makes it much easier.
• </c> &gt;&gt; So it is the way it is now. &gt;&gt; So it is the way it is now.

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened its labor hearing on SB 655 and outlined the day’s schedule, including a later working session on SB 416 and an executive session planned for 2:30 p.m. Senator Dan Innis introduced SB 655, describing it as a technical bill affecting employee leasing companies/professional employer organizations (PEOs), workers’ compensation coverage, and a Senate-added minimum wage exemption for minor league baseball players covered by a collective bargaining agreement. He said the PEO change would let either the PEO or the client business hold workers’ comp coverage, while still requiring coverage, and argued it would align New Hampshire with most other states and reduce barriers for small businesses and multi-state employers. He also said the baseball provision would clarify wage treatment for minor league players and support the Manchester team. Justin Warell of Insperity testified in support of the PEO portion, explaining that PEOs provide HR, payroll, benefits administration, and workers’ compensation administration through a co-employment model. He said the bill would preserve mandatory coverage while allowing flexibility for the client or PEO to maintain the policy, which could help clients who already have preferred coverage or who face cost or administrative issues in multiple states. He noted that most clients would still remain under the PEO’s policy and said Insperity would submit written comments. Committee members asked about how the arrangement would work, whether the client or PEO would pay, and whether the bill would affect liability insurance packaging; Warell said the employer still bears the cost and that the bill mainly gives larger clients an option. One member asked him to remain available for possible follow-up after hearing from the labor department. Stephen Gonzalez of Major League Baseball testified in support of the minor league baseball exemption. He said MLB and the MLB Players Association negotiated a collective bargaining agreement that already provides players with salary, housing, meals, per diems, health and retirement benefits, disability continuation, tuition assistance, and signing bonuses. He argued that treating players as hourly workers creates impractical time-tracking problems because players do work-related activities on their own time, and said the bill would recognize them as salaried workers and avoid litigation over what counts as hours worked. Committee members questioned why the exemption was needed if players are already salaried and whether MLB could simply amend its CBA; Gonzalez said the bill would help prevent wage-and-hour lawsuits and noted that similar exemptions have been enacted in other states. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the chair indicated the bill would be considered for executive action later that afternoon.

Transcript Highlights:

• to see it.
• to see it.
• to see it.
• Um so it it's it's not its everybody.
• And so you can see whether it was or it wasn't.

Keywords: 916, all