Transcript Highlights:

• A significant share of those households is also experiencing what is considered very low food security
• Our last investment was on the Fair Share supplemental budget last year.
• Given the confines of this bill before us, the Fair Share debate in this supplemental budget, it's not
• Also the recent launch of the Fair Share spending dashboard, certainly the Transportation Committee,
• Districts that have a larger share of obstacles and challenges should, in my mind, get a little more

Summary: The Senate considered a supplemental appropriations bill and a series of amendments focused on education, health, transportation, and tax administration. Senator Kennedy spoke in support of increasing funding for DTA caseworkers to improve SNAP access and reduce errors, citing food insecurity and staffing shortages, but then withdrew the amendment by unanimous consent. Senator O’Connor’s amendment providing $500,000 for Free Period to supply menstrual products in public schools was adopted, as was Senator Miranda’s $1 million METCO transportation and student support amendment. Senator Collins withdrew an amendment to extend paid family and medical leave and unemployment insurance to graduate student workers. Other adopted amendments included funding for Bridgewater Middle School water filtration, Randolph High School restroom improvements, Uffum’s Corner Health Center, and NeighborHealth’s student pharmacy technician program. Several amendments were debated and rejected after standing votes. Senator Tarr proposed oversight and reporting requirements for the Group Insurance Commission and the MBTA deficiency fund, as well as a 90-day notice requirement for tax-code decoupling with major fiscal impacts; all were opposed and not adopted. Senator Rodrigues and Senator Crighton argued that the GIC and MBTA already have oversight mechanisms and need flexibility, while Tarr argued the measures would improve transparency and fiscal discipline. Senator DiDomenico withdrew a Chapter 70 education funding amendment after speaking about declining enrollment, school funding losses, and the need to protect gateway city districts; he also used the opportunity to reaffirm support for gender-affirming care funding. Senators Collins and others echoed concerns about school funding inequities and the need for future action. The Senate also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Arthur H. Tobin, a former Quincy mayor, state representative, state senator, and longtime clerk magistrate of Quincy District Court, with a detailed tribute to his public service and military record. After all amendments were resolved, the Senate substituted the new draft, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed House No. 5280 to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 35-4. The chamber then agreed to adjourn until the following Monday at 11 a.m., with the clerk directed not to print a calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• in a meaningful way, they are missing critical context about our laws, our institutions, and our shared
• I do share the vice chair's concerns about graduation credits. I personally would...
• I do share the vice chair's concerns about graduation credits.
• And before five years, they can be let go without the reasons being shared.
• I'm going to share a story.

Committee: House Elementary and Secondary Education

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on House Bill 3532 and House Bill 3483, which were combined by amendment into a House Committee Substitute. Representative Kelly explained the amendment corrected a clerical error and merged the two bill strings; members discussed removing the phrase “public school” so the measure would apply more broadly. The committee adopted the amendment and substitute, then voted the combined House Committee Substitute do pass by a 16-0 roll call vote, sending it next to the Rules Committee and then potentially to the House floor. The committee then heard House Bill 2965, sponsored by Representative Bosley, which would require Missouri students to complete one unit each of Black history and Black literature before graduation, with standards and model curriculum developed by the State Board of Education. Bosley argued the bill would provide a fuller and more accurate account of American history, improve student engagement and outcomes, and empower all students. Supporters from the NAACP and committee members praised the goal, but several members raised concerns about making the courses graduation requirements, the burden on transfer students, and whether the bill should instead be tied to existing social studies credits or broader K-12 standards. No opposition testimony was offered. Finally, the committee heard House Bills 2126 and 2197, presented together as similar measures on building-level administrator evaluations. The sponsors said the bills would require annual evaluations of principals and other building administrators, set a March 1 timeline for renewal or nonrenewal decisions, and allow administrators with at least five consecutive years to request written reasons if their contracts are not renewed. Committee members and witnesses generally supported regular evaluations and timely notice, but several questioned whether the bills were too restrictive on reasons for nonrenewal and whether the language created a kind of tenure-like protection. Supporters from principals’ groups, Missouri NEA, and Missouri State Teachers Association backed the bills, emphasizing fairness, feedback, and professional growth. The hearing concluded without a vote on these two bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't need to take an admin share on this program.
• I don't need to take an admin share on this program, so we'll be able to do that and maximize the amount
• And then, again, shared services and hospital stabilization is within that initiative.
• We’ll be asking for help with data sharing and with performance reporting because, as you can imagine
• Is there anything you can share with us, kind of maybe a 15,000-foot view of what you see that plan to

Summary: The committee heard extensive public testimony from youth advocates and public health speakers urging action on vaping. Witnesses said flavored products and social media are driving youth use in Arkansas, described nicotine addiction and health harms, and asked lawmakers to prohibit vaping in public indoor spaces, align vape rules with smoke-free laws, and expand prevention efforts. Committee members thanked the speakers and encouraged them to continue building support for future legislation. The main presentation was an overview of Arkansas’s Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year federal initiative funded through CMS. State officials said Arkansas received about $209 million for the first year and may receive roughly $1 billion over five years if performance is strong. They emphasized that the program is intended for targeted, locally driven transformation rather than general operating support, debt relief, or new construction, and outlined four initiatives: Heart, PACT, Rise, and Thrive, focused on prevention, access and coordination, workforce development, and technology. Officials said applications would open in the spring, with a reimbursement-based process and a goal of launching all four initiatives by June. Members asked detailed questions about eligibility, rural definitions, school gardens, faith-based and nonprofit partnerships, mobile clinics, EMS, behavioral health, residency slots, and whether urban providers serving rural patients could apply. Officials said the program would favor regional collaboration, could support targeted renovations and expansion of existing programs, and would allow residency growth and some equipment or infrastructure purchases, but not food purchases or permanent new construction. They also said a committee of state health and finance officials would review applications, with heavy technical assistance and an expectation of quick turnaround. The committee also reviewed two DHS/Health Department rules. One implemented Medicaid and CHIP coverage and care coordination for eligible incarcerated youth before and after release, including targeted case management and screening services, with no public comments received. The other updated audiology licensing rules to reflect recent acts expanding scope of practice and changing the renewal deadline. Both rules were reviewed without objection, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't need to take an admin share on this program.
• I don't need to take an admin share on this program, so we'll be able to do that and maximize the amount
• And then, again, shared services and hospital stabilization is within that initiative.
• We’ll be asking for help with data sharing and with performance reporting because, as you can imagine
• Is there anything you can share with us, kind of maybe a 15,000-foot view of what you see that plan to

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The committee heard extensive public testimony from youth advocates and others urging stronger action on vaping in Arkansas. Speakers described high rates of youth vaping, the appeal of flavored products and social media marketing, health risks from nicotine and aerosol exposure, and school disruptions. They recommended prohibiting vaping in public indoor spaces, aligning vape rules with smoke-free laws, and expanding prevention and cessation efforts. Committee members praised the students for testifying and encouraged them to continue building support for future legislation. The main presentation was an overview of Arkansas’s Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year federal initiative funded through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. DFA officials said Arkansas received about $209 million for the first year and could receive roughly $1 billion over five years if performance remains strong. They emphasized that the program must be transparent, locally driven, and focused on transformation rather than operating support, debt relief, or new construction. They outlined four initiatives—Heart, PACT, Rise, and Thrive—covering prevention and community health, provider collaboration and access, workforce development, and technology/telehealth. Officials said applications would open in early May, with all four initiatives expected to launch by June, and that funds would be awarded through a reimbursement-based process with a quick turnaround. Committee members asked detailed questions about eligibility, allowable uses, timelines, and how the program would affect existing providers. Officials said rural eligibility could include providers in urban areas if they serve rural patients, and that existing programs could expand if they did not supplant current funding. They also said the program could support targeted renovations, mobile units, new residency slots, EMS equipment, and clinically integrated networks, but not working capital, permanent new buildings, or food purchases. Members raised concerns about protecting current rural providers, supporting school gardens and farmers markets, and ensuring nonprofits and faith-based groups could participate. Officials said the state would continue technical assistance and that the application review team would include DFA and health leadership. Later in the meeting, DHS presented a Medicaid and CHIP rule implementing federal requirements for incarcerated youth, including 30-day pre-release and post-release coverage, targeted case management, and screening services. The Department of Health also presented a rule updating audiology licensing to reflect recent acts and changing the renewal deadline from June 30 to October 31. Both rules were reviewed without objection, and the committee adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are here today as part of their advocacy day to engage with legislators, share their clinical perspectives
• And it was, I asked for the numbers, and it was around $9 million, is what was shared in committee.
• And it was, I asked for the numbers, and it was around a $9 million is what was shared in committee.
• I was pleased to hear one of my colleagues make comments on this bill, and shared a perspective about
• Welcome to your House, and thank you for being here and sharing this special day and bringing awareness

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I mean, I can speak about, I mean, eventually she can share too.
• I would like him to share a little bit about the success that they’ve seen.
• I know you all have much success in Florida, so yes, please share.
• I'm going to share some information with you, and I'll share it with committee members as well, on some

Bills: HB256 , HB272 , HB350 , HB363 , HB386 , HB434 , HB445 , HB690

Committee: House Education

Keywords: mandatory reporting, school employees, child protection, training requirements, Department of Children and Family Services, education, reading program, student eligibility, literacy, school performance, R.E.A.D. program, book distribution, École Pointe-au-Chien, French immersion, public school, Terrebonne Parish, grade levels, independent school, virtual school, extracurricular activities

Transcript Highlights:

• Lori's bravely here today to share a list of story. And with that, I'm open for any questions.
• said he did not have those details with him, but believed there were people in the room who could share
• When seconds matter, we need a direct and reliable connection and precise location sharing with first
• When seconds matter, we need a direct and reliable connection and precise location sharing with first
• And so it provides this opportunity for you to share over and over and be there for people, but it's

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe we all share that same goal. Thank you.
• I believe we all share that same goal.
• The adoptive parents of Baby Benji's oldest two siblings shared this statement.
• The adoptive parents of Baby Benji's oldest two siblings shared this statement: Multiple children from
• I believe deeply in parental rights, and nothing I'm sharing today is about expanding government authority

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• comments, thermal and IR optic technology, long-range shooting, drones, live feeds, and location-sharing
• I share these examples with you to underscore the fact that the commission is frequently faced with decisions
• and fewer opportunities means fewer people participating and, in turn, fewer people embracing our shared
• hunting fewer opportunities means fewer people participating and in turn fewer people embracing our shared
• outdoor sports Opportunities mean fewer people participating and, in turn, fewer people embracing our shared

Summary: The committee heard three Idaho Department of Fish and Game rule dockets tied to the governor’s zero-based regulation process. The first docket updated licensing and tag rules, including a new non-resident draw framework for deer and elk, added turkey-related landowner hunt provisions, clarified disability certification and refunds, consolidated moved language, changed the acreage threshold for certain landowner hunts to 79 acres, and adjusted several controlled-hunt and special-tag provisions. The second docket was a repeal of a chapter that had been moved into the big game rules, and the committee approved both that repeal and the licensing docket without opposition. The bulk of the meeting focused on Docket 13-01-08-24-01, which revised big game hunting rules and included a major package of technology restrictions. Fish and Game staff explained that the changes came from a Hunting and Advanced Technology working group and public comment, and would prohibit or limit certain uses of smart optics, transmitting trail cameras, thermal imaging, night vision, drones, and aircraft in big game hunting, while carving out exceptions for some uses such as backcountry pilots and certain wolf-management activities. Staff also described related changes to archery, muzzleloader, electronic tagging, motorized hunting, bait, herd-health kill authorizations, and grizzly-bear bait reporting. Testimony was sharply divided: supporters said the rules protect fair chase, preserve hunting opportunity, and prevent technology from eroding hunting tradition; opponents argued the restrictions would hinder wolf control, create legal problems, and unfairly limit tools for predator hunters and landowners. After extensive testimony and questions, Senator Conowitz moved to adopt the big game docket except for the technology-related subsections on page 56, citing constitutional and statutory concerns. That substitute motion failed on a 4-5 roll call vote. The committee then voted on the full docket, but instead of taking final action, members ultimately moved to hold Docket 13-01-08-24-01 subject to call of the chair. The meeting ended without final approval or rejection of that docket.

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, I want to say thank you for coming and sharing your story and I'm really sorry that this
• We had to move her out of her home she shared with her mom.
• Thank you for sharing your story.
• Thank you for sharing your story. I'm sorry that you have to keep.
• Thank you for sharing your story.

Committee: House Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence

Summary: The committee held public hearings on House Bill 3144 and House Bill 3160, both dealing with appeals of preliminary injunctions. The sponsors said the bills would allow a party to appeal a preliminary injunction more broadly, rather than limiting that right to the Attorney General, and they described the measure as a response to prior litigation and equal protection concerns. Supporters, including a Campaign Life Missouri lobbyist and Attorney General’s office counsel, argued the change would align Missouri practice with federal interlocutory appeal rules and protect both sides from harm while litigation is pending. Some members questioned whether the bills were aimed at pending Amendment 3 litigation and raised concerns about fairness and whether the language should apply evenly to all parties; the sponsors said one bill would be amended to match the other. No vote was taken on these bills during the hearing. The committee then heard House Bill 1910, “Bentley and Mason’s Law,” which would require a person convicted of driving while intoxicated or drug-impaired driving that causes the death of a parent or guardian to pay child maintenance to the surviving children, with support continuing until age 18 or longer if the child is in college, and with arrearages addressed after release from incarceration. Representative Williams and several family members and victims testified in strong support, describing the bill as a deterrent and a way to hold impaired drivers financially accountable for the children left behind. Supporters said similar laws have passed in other states and cited a Tennessee case as an example of the law working in practice. Committee members asked about how maintenance would be calculated, whether the offender’s income would be considered, how civil judgments would interact with the maintenance order, and whether arrearages should accrue during incarceration; the sponsor said the bill could be refined and that those issues could be worked out. Opposition to HB 1910 was limited, but one law enforcement witness said he supported the concept despite being listed as opposition, and another witness from MADD strongly endorsed the bill. The hearing ended with no action on HB 1910. In executive session, the committee voted HJR 130 do pass by a vote of 13-0. It then considered HB 2086, a bill relating to the practice of law, which drew constitutional and separation-of-powers concerns from several members; the final vote was 7-7, and the bill was reported as due pass despite the tie.

Transcript Highlights:

• money that had been appropriated probably isn't even enough to get the projects finished, but maybe share
• that are recognized to take multiple years or decades in order to get people to participate in cost sharing
• to direct it to where it needs to go and accomplish the purposes of recharge and delivery that is shared
• Chairman and Representative, I do have some information about the program that I'd be more than happy to share
• out that has been previously, in some previous fiscal years, been provided and more than happy to share

Summary: The committee first heard a budget presentation for the Department of Water Resources. Analysts explained the agency’s structure, continuously appropriated funds, and the large budget increases tied to ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Funds and the ongoing $30 million infrastructure appropriation. Director Matthew Weaver and Water Resource Board Chairman Jeff Raybould described the department’s role in managing water rights, aquifer recharge, stream gauges, groundwater monitoring, and major projects in the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA), the Palouse area, Mountain Home, and the Bear River basin. Members asked about aquifer stabilization, the impact of budget holdbacks on field work and monitoring, water quality concerns, project delays caused by easements and federal coordination, and the effect of data centers on water use. Weaver said reductions are being managed through cuts to travel, training, maintenance, and some stream gauge funding, and that the department is working toward a long-term goal of stabilizing the ESPA through reduced pumping, increased recharge, and expanded management areas. Chairman Raybould and Director Weaver also discussed the use of the prior $30 million appropriation, saying it has been fully obligated for recharge, conversion from groundwater to surface water irrigation, telemetry, and related projects. They said the next $30 million would likely support additional ESPA work, a Bear River study, and other emerging needs, but that major projects can take years because of engineering, landowner, state, and federal coordination. Questions also covered recharge capacity, the current average recharge level, and whether the state could reach a 350,000 acre-foot annual recharge goal; the witnesses said current infrastructure could handle well over 500,000 acre-feet in a good year, but more capacity is needed. The committee also discussed private and local matching funds for aging irrigation infrastructure and the role of groundwater quality monitoring, with Weaver noting that contamination issues are referred to the Department of Environmental Quality. The committee then moved to the Soil and Water Conservation Commission budget. Analysts said the agency’s budget is driven largely by one-time water quality appropriations in recent years and a small ongoing base, with a supplemental and enhancement request tied to CREP funding. Weaver, serving as interim administrator, and two commissioners explained that the commission supports local conservation districts and that a stakeholder process led by the Langdon Group recommended merging the commission with the Department of Water Resources. Weaver said the merger would preserve the commission’s non-regulatory, locally led mission while creating administrative efficiencies, and that related legislation and a concurrent resolution are moving through the Legislature. Members asked about CREP data, acreage, and water savings; Weaver said the program is a voluntary federal-state partnership, mainly in southern Idaho and parts of the eastern Snake Plain, with about 11,000 acres enrolled out of a 50,000-acre cap. He said a fully utilized CREP program could significantly reduce groundwater diversions, and the committee adjourned after discussing the historical shift from soil conservation toward water conservation priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• back and collecting that from all the other taxpayers who are now paying for this one TIF development share
• Thank you for sharing.
• Thank you for sharing.
• dollars is a thousand bucks and then a TIF goes in, I don't, like, I shouldn't be paying, like their share
• So the part that gives me comfort, I just want to share this, is, and my background's on a school board

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• previously requested some technical amendatory language that I don't think we need now, but we want to share
• previously requested some technical amendatory language that I don't think we need now, but we want to share
• I'm here to share our strong support for 2304 and a little bit of context.
• housing public developers, ensuring that all publicly owned housing in the state operates under a shared
• Supporting SHB 2452 reflects a shared commitment to thoughtful, balanced policy.

Summary: The committee heard several housing-related bills. Representative Connors testified on two notice-service bills: HB 2452, which would change manufactured/mobile home rent increase notices so they are served like other MHLTA notices rather than by certified mail, and HB 2664, which would remove certified-mail requirements for unlawful detainer and related notices. Connors said the current certified-mail rules are causing notices to go unclaimed and creating unnecessary costs for housing providers, while staff explained the bills would allow service by regular mail in the same manner as other notices. Public testimony on both bills was generally supportive, emphasizing reduced cost and better delivery, though one witness on HB 2452 urged allowing electronic notice options as well. The committee also heard SHB 2269, which clarifies that middle housing in limited areas of more intensive rural development may be served by either a public sewer system or a large on-site sewage system in rural counties, while non-rural counties would still require public sewer service. The sponsor and supporters said the bill resolves ambiguity created by prior legislation and gives county planners more flexibility; questions focused on what kinds of systems and uses would qualify. EHB 1687 was heard next and would expand the housing cooperation law to allow cities and counties to assist social housing public development authorities. Representative Reed and supporters said the bill would give Seattle and potentially other jurisdictions a tool to support permanently public, mixed-income housing with land, infrastructure, and other assistance. In executive session, the committee adopted a due-pass recommendation for EHB 1345 after Senator Gaynor withdrew an amendment that would have removed water-withdrawal and metering requirements for detached ADUs outside urban growth areas. The committee also adopted a striking amendment and moved ESHB 1500 and EHB 1501 forward, both with updated timelines and clarifications related to common-interest-community resale certificates and owner inquiries. Amendments to ESHB 1974 on land bank authorities were rejected, including proposals to remove private negotiation and tax preferences, and the bill was sent to Ways and Means. Finally, SHB 2288 on scissors stairs was advanced without amendment. Later, the committee heard HB 2304, which would expand the 2-10 warranty option to certain four-story stacked-flat condominium projects; testimony from builders, housing advocates, and the Office of Insurance Commissioner supported it as a way to reduce liability costs and increase condo supply. The committee also took testimony on EHB 1687 and HB 2664, and then closed the hearing on SHB 2452 after hearing support from housing providers for easing manufactured-home rent notice service requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Once I get that language, I'll share it with you. Yeah, absolutely. Representative Al-Bahou?
• We appreciate the sponsor and proponents for engaging in this conversation, and we share the goal of
• We have had for decades, and we learned this, we inquired about this, and we've shared this with Site
• We've inquired about this, and we've shared this with Site in the past.
• That's probably not on your sheet there, but I've got a note here, and I can share that information with

Committee: House Economic Development

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to share a few key pieces as you're considering this legislation.
• Lucky for me, I stepped into a classroom with a teacher who had 30 years of knowledge to share.
• As we deal with the institutions, I'm going to hopefully have the President share a real-life story about
• Chair, if I may just quickly ask the President, with your permission, to share the real.
• I asked the President, with your permission, to share the real-life story of what we're going through

Bills: HB30 , HB120 , HJR1 , SB210 , SB306

Committee: Senate Senate Education

Keywords: teacher residency, Teacher Residency Act, public schools, teacher preparation, educator pipeline, teacher recruitment, teacher retention, student teachers, apprenticeship, co-teaching, mentor teachers, residency stipend, teacher salary, level one teacher, charter schools, school districts, New Mexico education, teacher workforce, principal stipend, cohort model

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you go and share to our committee who and how is it currently in legislation, or where is it today
• Can you share that with the committee?
• I guess what's the discussion, if you can just share it with the full committee?
• Can you just share with us the current state, if there are any court proceedings, or where are we today
• It's actually quite important, and I am in full agreement with everything that you shared.

Committee: House House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee met in a special morning session and heard several bills related to artificial intelligence and energy. HB 2371 would allow consenting divorcing parties without minor children to use AI-assisted arbitration in simple divorce cases, with the judge retaining final authority; members raised concerns about binding language, privacy, asset division, and spousal support, but the sponsor said amendments were welcome. The bill passed 7-0 with a do pass recommendation. HB 2311 would require conversational AI systems to disclose to minors that they are interacting with AI, restrict sexual content, prohibit deceptive human impersonation, and require self-harm response protocols; Google testified in support, noting similar safeguards already exist in its products, while one public commenter opposed the bill as government overreach. The committee adopted an amendment and advanced the bill 7-0. The committee then heard HB 2409, which would create a statewide summer AI education program focused on digital hygiene, civic integrity, privacy, media literacy, critical thinking, and algorithmic bias. The sponsor argued Arizona needs to prepare students for AI-driven job disruption and teach practical use of the technology, but several members objected to the statewide curriculum and funding implications; the bill passed 4-3. HB 2410 would treat communications with AI as privileged in the same way as communications with human professionals, with the sponsor arguing courts should develop the doctrine through common law as AI use evolves. A criminal justice speaker supported the bill as a privacy and Fourth Amendment safeguard, and the measure passed 6-0 with one present. Finally, the committee considered HB 4005, requiring school districts and charter schools to provide instruction on the ethical, moral, and educational uses of AI. Supporters said students need basic AI literacy and prompt-writing skills, but opponents cited funding and staffing concerns and said districts are already struggling with existing mandates; the bill passed 4-2 with one present. The committee also advanced HB 2456 and HB 2457, both related to energy infrastructure and small modular reactors, after amendments replacing references to large industrial energy users with extra high-load factory customers. Supporters tied the bills to AI-driven data center growth and future energy demand, while opponents raised local zoning, environmental, and public participation concerns; both bills received do pass recommendations by 4-3 votes. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you go and share to our committee who and how is it currently in legislation, or where is it today
• Can you share that with the committee?
• I guess what's the discussion, if you can just share it with the full committee?
• Can you just share with us the current state, if there are any court proceedings, or where are we today
• It's actually quite important, and I am in full agreement with everything that you shared.

Bills: HB2311 , HB2371 , HB2409 , HB2410 , HB2456 , HB2457 , HB4005

Committee: House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation

Keywords: artificial intelligence, disclosure requirements, data privacy, minor protection, online safety, HB2371, Arizona divorce, family law, dissolution of marriage, AI arbitration, AI-assisted arbitration, automated dispute resolution, online arbitration, binding determination, recommendation, superior court appeal, de novo review, marital dissolution, spousal consent, minor children

Transcript Highlights:

• And it reflects the values that all of us share as Missourians, and you share in your roles.
• And you're sharing the same testimony. Same testimony.
• And you're sharing the same testimony. Same, same testimony. Thank you.
• David Barnes: I spend a lot of time yelling at you for the same reason, and you're sharing the same testimony

Committee: House Professional Registration and Licensing

Summary: The committee first completed action on House Bill 3009, adopting an amendment, rolling the bill into a House Committee Substitute, and then voting do pass on the substitute by a 20-0 roll call vote. The meeting then moved into public hearing on House Bill 1963, which would reduce from five years to three years the amount of licensed practice required before certain social workers may supervise others. Representative Tara Peters said the change would help address Missouri’s behavioral health workforce shortage, especially in rural areas, and testimony from the National Association of Social Workers and Burrell Behavioral Health supported the bill as a way to remove a bottleneck without changing education or supervision-hour requirements. There was no opposition testimony on HB 1963. The committee then heard House Bill 2557, which would require a physician to be physically present in an emergency department during all hours of operation. Representative George Hruza argued the bill would improve patient safety and standardize emergency care, while noting possible telehealth accommodations for low-volume critical access hospitals. Supporters, including physicians and medical associations, said patients expect physician-led emergency care and that physician presence is the gold standard. Opponents, led by the Missouri Hospital Association and several rural hospital administrators, argued the mandate is not realistic given physician shortages, could force rural ER closures, and would reduce access to care; they emphasized that current hospital models rely on teams, telehealth, and transfer protocols. The bill drew extensive discussion but no vote was taken. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 311, which would modernize Missouri’s bail bond laws by creating a professional board and tightening training, oversight, and recovery procedures. Representative Brandon Phelps said the industry itself wants clearer standards and that he may revise the bill in committee substitute form to merge the new board with an existing board to reduce costs. A bail bond industry representative testified in support, saying the profession wants higher standards and accountability. The chair then adjourned the meeting after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• The backstory on this money: it was this $50 billion, that's the national piece, and I know Idaho's share
• You know, I share a lot of thoughts with a lot of people on the committee.
• You know, I'm looking at this, it's interesting, you know, we, I share a lot of thoughts with a lot of
• So that’s what I can share with you right now.
• So that’s what I can share with you right now.

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee first considered a gubernatorial appointment and voted to send Juliet Sharon, nominated as director of the Department of Health and Welfare, to the floor with a recommendation for confirmation. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1264, which would create an Idaho Rural Health Transformation Fund and a bipartisan legislative oversight committee to manage federal rural health transformation money. Senator Cook and supporters said the committee was needed because the funding timeline is very short and Idaho needs legislative oversight over how the money is spent; opponents argued the bill adds bureaucracy, that the federal money is debt-financed, and that the executive branch or existing budget processes should handle it. After extensive debate and testimony from hospital, physician, and public witnesses, the committee passed the bill on a 5-4 roll call vote and sent it to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then quickly advanced Senate Bill 1254, a technical fix to Idaho’s chiropractic statute so chiropractors with clinical nutrition certification can “prescribe” certain limited items they are already authorized to administer, such as vitamins, minerals, fluids, and epinephrine. The sponsor said pharmacies had refused to dispense these items because the statute did not use the word “prescribe,” and the committee voted unanimously to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Next, Senate Bill 1255 was heard, which would allow tribal health care facilities to serve as sites for initial holds in involuntary commitment cases and clarify that tribal police are included as peace officers for that section. Tribal and county law enforcement witnesses said the change would reduce confusion and help tribal members in mental health crisis receive quicker, more appropriate care; the committee unanimously sent the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, Senate Bill 1256 was introduced as a cleanup measure identified through the committee’s DOGE review, removing outdated statutory language in the Blind and Visually Impaired Agency referral process. The sponsor said the agency itself identified the obsolete language, and the committee unanimously moved the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would meet again the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to also share Ryan brings compassion, he brings empathy to his work, and he truly leads with caring
• I want to also share that Ryan brings compassion, he brings empathy to his work, and he truly leads with
• Dennis understands and has shared with us that public health succeeds when it's rooted in trust, Mr.
• Dennis understands and has shared with us that public health succeeds when it's rooted in trust, Mr.
• Two years ago, as Senator Bateman just shared, under threat of a U.S.

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, the pledge, prayer, and recognition of guests from the Sikh Coalition and Kalsa Gramath Center. Members then approved the journal and moved through committee reports and resolutions, including Senate Resolution 8678 honoring the Chimicum High School Marching Band for being selected to represent Washington in the 2026 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. The resolution was adopted unanimously, and the band and its supporters were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then confirmed two gubernatorial appointments to major health agencies. Ryan Moran was confirmed as Director of the Health Care Authority by a 49-0 vote, with supporters citing his Medicaid and health system experience and ability to provide stable leadership. Dennis Worsham was also confirmed as Secretary of Health by a 49-0 vote, with senators highlighting his long public health career, statewide outreach, and work on HIV/AIDS and community health. On legislation, the Senate passed Senate Bill 6011, expanding Court of Appeals bailiff authority to conduct threat assessments, and Senate Bill 5831, creating the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act. Senate Bill 6188, which expands Labor and Industries’ authority to update asbestos training and certification rules, passed 38-19 after an amendment to limit the bill to federal standards was rejected. Substitute Senate Bill 5917, concerning access to abortion medications through the Department of Corrections pharmacy, passed 32-17 after several Republican amendments were defeated. The Senate also passed In Gross Senate Bill 6024 on developmental disability services confidentiality and Substitute Senate Bill 6091 on prohibiting real estate brokers from marketing residential properties in exclusive private listings. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5840, adjusting campaign finance expenditure reporting deadlines, passed 46-3. After completing the day’s business, the Senate recessed for caucus and lunch until 1:15 p.m.