Video & Transcript : 'job mobility' :
Page 488 of 500
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- He has taught countless other troopers how to do investigations and how to do the job, and now he's unable
- I tried to get, in fact, I did get a couple of jobs, but didn't last long. Thank you.
- I tried to get a couple of jobs that didn't last long.
- Separation of the pension versus the amount that was paid to the job to retire.
- I am not someone who worked in a public job for 30 years and then used that to go open a business afterward
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Service
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service held its third hearing of the 194th General Court session, taking testimony on several individual bills and home rule petitions, mostly involving retirement and pension-related relief. The committee chair outlined hearing procedures, including three-minute limits for individuals, ten-minute limits for panels, livestreaming, and the deadline for written testimony. At the end of the hearing, the chair noted that House matters heard that day must be reported by Friday, July 11, 2025, subject to extensions, and the committee adjourned after testimony concluded.
Several witnesses supported bills seeking retirement credit or pension adjustments for public employees. These included H. 2917 for Dedham-Westwood Water District employees seeking pension buy-in credit; H. 2976 for Eileen Mullen to purchase creditable service for teaching in a criminal justice pilot program; H. 2996 for Virginia Cummings, a retired Department of Correction lieutenant seeking greater pension parity; H. 2977 for Wendy Lopieri to buy back part-time community college service; and H. 2989 for Wayne Taylor, who said he was mistakenly credited for fewer years of select board service than he expected. Testimony emphasized long public service, injuries, and what witnesses described as unfair denials or flawed interpretations of retirement law.
The committee also heard testimony on bills involving post-retirement earnings and disability-related relief. Kevin Blanchett testified in opposition to H. 2931, arguing it would improperly reduce money owed to a regional retirement system and its members, while the bill’s sponsor argued the retirement board was seeking an excessive recovery based on law firm gross earnings rather than the individual’s earnings. Jamie Magarian described severe injuries from a 2018 crash and urged favorable action on his bill, with support from the State Police Association. Michael Palmer testified in favor of S. 1841, seeking to extend prior violent-crime retirement income-cap relief to his case after being shot on duty and later finding that even part-time private-sector work exceeded his retirement earnings limit.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Ethics Board May 20th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- And, you know, when have legislators ever been prohibited from getting people jobs?
- Does that apply to anyone they might help get a job, or just people they're fond of?
- anything for Representative Simmons, except perhaps give her the satisfaction of helping get someone a job
- Representative Simmons' employment with EEC created a conflict of interest because at one point her listed job
- First, through the donation of campaign surplus funds to AEG in order to secure a job for someone with
Summary:
The Washington State Office of Administrative Hearings held oral argument before the Legislative Ethics Board in the matter of Tara Simmons, docket 401-645, on a respondent-filed motion for summary judgment. Judge T.J. Martin identified the issues as whether Simmons violated the Ethics Act by using her legislative position for the benefit of others and by holding outside employment that conflicted with her official duties, under RCW 42.52.070 and RCW 42.52.020, and, if violations were found, what penalties or sanctions would be appropriate. The judge clarified that board staff had not filed its own summary judgment motion, only a response to Simmons’ motion.
Attorney Doug McKinney argued that the complaint and board staff’s allegations were legally insufficient because they did not allege a personal benefit to Simmons, only benefits to her employer, EEC, or to others. He contended that the Ethics Act has historically required a benefit to the legislator herself, that employees do not automatically have a disqualifying interest in their employers, and that the board’s position would create a new bright-line rule and unfairly change the law as applied to Simmons. He also addressed allegations involving a contract provision, a campaign surplus donation to AEG, a subcontract dispute involving AEG and EEC, and text messages with Anthony Powers, arguing none showed a special privilege or conflict of interest for Simmons.
Assistant Attorney General Julia Eisenhower, for board staff, argued the motion should be denied because the record sufficiently alleged violations of both statutes. She said Simmons’ involvement in securing funding for EEC, her employment duties involving stakeholder and legislator connections, her donation of campaign surplus funds to AEG to help secure a job for someone she knew, her role in the AEG-EEC subcontract dispute, and her text messages referencing her official capacity all supported the allegations. A board member asked whether the allegations were sufficient to show a special benefit, and Eisenhower responded that the facts were enough at the summary judgment stage. After rebuttal by McKinney, the ALJ closed the hearing and the board went into deliberations; no ruling was announced during the transcript.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- in the pleadings itself—is not going to allege unless your plaintiff's attorney is not doing their job
- You're not... ...can allege, unless your plaintiff's attorney is not doing their job very well, the pleadings
- Anyway, thank you, congratulations on your job. Thank you. Other questions by committee?
- Nonetheless, the concerns that we have is the ability for the courts to do their job in the venue in
- Nonetheless, the concerns that we have is the ability for the courts to do their job in the venue in
Committee:
House Judiciary
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Joint Hearing Assembly Public Employment and Retirement And Senate Labor, Public Employment And Retirement Mar 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- including myself, who depend on the system to ensure that the promise of a pension, when they accept their job
- economists of what sectors will be directly impacted by AI, what the decrease in terms of manpower and job
- If we do our job well, retirees And long-term stewardship.
- If we do our job well, retirees can live with dignity and security.
- If we do our job well, retirees can live with dignity and security.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement and the Senate Committee on Labor, Public Employment, and Retirement held a joint hearing required by law to receive an independent report from the California Actuarial Advisory Panel on CalPERS. Opening remarks emphasized CalPERS’ role in providing retirement security for roughly two million members and the importance of actuarial assumptions to state budgeting and long-term pension health. Scott Tarando, CalPERS chief actuary and a CAP member, presented the report with Michael Cohen of CalPERS’ investment office available for questions.
Tarando explained the statutory disclosure requirements under Government Code Section 2029, including sensitivity analysis around CalPERS’ 6.8% discount rate, and discussed how investment return assumptions and the 20-year amortization period affect contribution rates, unfunded liabilities, and budget volatility. He said shorter amortization periods would raise near-term costs but reduce long-term interest costs, and noted that CalPERS’ current approach is intended to smooth contribution changes over time. He also described the timing of the annual valuation process, explaining that contribution rates for a given fiscal year are based on the most recently audited year-end data and are approved by the board before being used in the budget process.
Members asked about the relationship between average employee service life and amortization, whether more current data could be used, the effect of AI and labor-market changes on future assumptions, whether retirees’ benefits change with annual valuations, and CalPERS’ funded status. Tarando said the average expected working lifetime is about 11 to 12 years, while CalPERS uses a 20-year amortization period; he also said retiree benefits are set at retirement and do not change based on later valuations. He estimated CalPERS’ funded status had risen from the mid-60% range about 10 years ago to around 79% at June 30 and above 80% more recently. Cohen said CalPERS had complied with federal information requests and that no formal federal review had been released. During public comment, a county association representative praised the improved funded status and PEPRA reforms. The chairs closed by reiterating fiduciary responsibility and the need to protect CalPERS’ long-term stability, and the meeting adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Apr 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Secure Florida, which is a common-sense approach to job creation, crime reduction, and property protection
- future, not incentivizing private investment, but what it does do is generate economic growth, create jobs
- of the things that they have been successful at doing is helping us to support small businesses with job
- This has created an opportunity to purchase businesses as well as to create more jobs because they're
- providing businesses as well as to create more jobs because they're providing that type of funding that
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard three bills after temporarily postponing SB 1524. The committee first took up CS for SB 1264, a broad economic development bill covering law enforcement recruitment bonuses, venture capital tax credits, data center tax exemptions, military land transfers, Space Florida procurement exemptions, and changes to regional planning councils. An amendment was adopted to remove sections tied to emergency management shelter plans so the bill would align with another measure. The main debate centered on the proposal to repeal regional planning council statutes; supporters argued the councils are duplicative and bureaucratic, while opponents said they provide valuable regional coordination, technical assistance, and grant support, especially for rural communities. The bill was reported favorably 13-1, with Senator Sharif voting no.
The committee then considered CS for SB 1348, which streamlines motor vehicle services by expanding the role of tax collectors as DHSMV agents. Three amendments were adopted: one making the scalping of driver and motor vehicle appointment slots a misdemeanor, one increasing penalties for texting while driving and requiring a new distracted-driving course to remove points, and one allowing veterans with DV plates to use a sticker instead of a stencil or imprint. The bill received supportive testimony from tax collectors and law enforcement-related groups and was reported favorably without opposition.
Finally, the committee heard SB 936, which directs the Department of Commerce’s workforce research bureau to conduct a recurring statewide study every three years on the effects of automation, robotics, and AI on Florida’s workforce. The sponsor said the study would have minimal fiscal impact and would help guide policy recommendations. With no opposition or debate, the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned after brief closing remarks thanking staff and members.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Press Conference: Gun Violence Apr 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And so first, I just want to welcome Senator Hagenbooth, who has done a great job sharing from Senate
- And so she has done a great job of supporting parents in her neighborhood, both with what's happening
- And Andrea does a great job advocating across the state for all types of disabilities and on all types
- more people we have to serve our kids from birth through age 21 in our public schools, the better of a job
- to continue to play a role that who knew you were going to be placed into, but you've done a great job
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- with eligible employers or registered apprenticeship programs in the private sector to provide on-the-job
- employer for purposes of workers' compensation coverage for students or recent graduates in the on-the-job
- department the B the bill authorizes an department the B the bill authorizes an onth<00:04:14.280><c> job
- ><c> program</c><00:04:15.200><c> for</c><00:04:15.440><c> interns</c><00:04:16.440><c> to</c> onth job
- training program for interns to onth job training program for interns to be<00:04:16.759><c> administered
Committee:
Senate Labor and Technology
Summary:
The Library and Technology Committee met on March 14, 2025, to hear House Bill 430, House Draft 2, which would create an internship/on-the-job training program administered by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, with the state serving as the responsible employer for workers’ compensation coverage and appropriations included. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the University of Hawaii, the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, and the Department of Education. Supporters emphasized the value of internships as a high-impact educational and career pathway opportunity.
The Department of the Attorney General supported the bill’s intent but raised a concern about the criminal history background check language, recommending that the bill be revised so DLIR may conduct checks “as appropriate” rather than requiring a mandatory check for all interns. The AG noted that juvenile records would remain confidential for 16- and 17-year-old interns under existing law and suggested deleting the more specific background-check language or replacing it with the more flexible wording.
Several organizations submitted support, including business, health care, tourism, and industry groups. During decision-making, the committee discussed amendments incorporating the Attorney General’s recommendation, adding a 2.5 GPA minimum reference, and clarifying language about private or public sector organizations and placement of interns in state executive branch departments, agencies, or programs. The committee adopted the recommendation to pass the bill with amendments, and the meeting adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, February 25, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So why projected to support 23,000 jobs.
- And at its core, I think clean energy jobs have been wiped out or clean energy jobs have been wiped out
- Too many jobs have been put at risk or pushed offshore.
- Too many jobs have been put at risk or pushed offshore.
- Too many jobs have been put at risk or pushed offshore.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, March 26, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The idea of tariffs is to protect American businesses and jobs.
- They can protect American jobs, boost key industries, and stop countries like China from flooding our
- :12.760><c> American</c><00:31:13.240><c> businesses</c><00:31:13.720><c> and</c><00:31:14.000><c> jobs
- </c> to protect American businesses and jobs to protect American businesses and jobs the<00:31:15.120
- </c> and small businesses and rolls back job and small businesses and rolls back job killing<02:13:19.280
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (05/07/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- of solving this would do a better job of solving this problem?
- I view it as doing our job. And we've raised the issue to the legislature.
- You know, they they're aligned with job.
- We're well equipped to do this job. We're well equipped to do this job.
- They did not do their job. That's not anyone's.
Summary:
The committee took up several insurance-related bills. Senate Bill 47, concerning health insurance policies related to the birth of the mother, was moved ought to pass with no amendments and was approved on a 6-0 vote. Senate Bill 121, dealing with Medicare Advantage plan notice requirements, was amended to reduce the required notice from 120 days to 90 days and to remove a federal citation; the department said the change was to avoid conflict with federal notice rules. After discussion about the stress caused when carriers leave the Medicare Advantage market, the committee voted ought to pass as amended, 7-0.
The committee then heard a detailed explanation of the continuing care retirement communities bill, described by the Insurance Department as a rewrite of a 1989 law to modernize oversight, require quarterly financial reporting as an early warning system, create a bill of rights for residents, and clarify issues such as entrance fees and removal of dangerous residents. A member recalled the bill’s original purpose as protecting solvency because residents pay substantial upfront fees. The bill was moved ought to pass and approved unanimously, 7-0.
The final major discussion concerned a pooled risk organizations bill. Members debated whether oversight should remain with the Secretary of State or be moved to the Insurance Department. Supporters of moving it argued the issue is solvency, citing concerns about reserve levels, prior insolvencies, and the Insurance Department’s expertise. Opponents said the Secretary of State’s office had historically overseen the entities and that the bill would fundamentally change how they operate. A straw vote favored an amendment, but the committee ultimately voted to retain the bill for further work, with plans to revisit it later in the session.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I know that's not an easy job these days.
- I also, in my day job, I'm a CFO. I did mergers and acquisitions for 20 years.
- She's doing a terrific job.
- They could still do their job, but they can't.
- If we meant what we said when we passed HB900, we must finish the job.
Bills:
SB 13 , SB 27 , SB 57 , HB1325 , HB1655 , HB3312 , HB5526 , SB13 , SB57 , SB207 , HB441 , HB591 , HB5019 , SB27 , SB843
Committee:
House Public Education
Keywords:
lobbying, public funds, political subdivision, local government, county association, municipal lobbying, registered lobbyist, Texas Legislature, taxpayer lawsuit, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, government finance, county dues, state association of counties, sheriffs association, law enforcement officers, legislative advocacy, bill tracking, legislative alerts, Government Code Chapter 556
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House agriculture committee hears testimony on sustainable aviation fuel 2/10/25
Transcript Highlights:
- We can grow a thriving SAF industry in Minnesota that supports farmers and foresters, creates jobs with
- 02:44.959><c> and</c><00:02:45.120><c> Foresters</c><00:02:45.760><c> creates</c><00:02:46.200><c> jobs
- </c><00:02:46.480><c> with</c> farmers and Foresters creates jobs with farmers and Foresters creates
- jobs with family<00:02:46.920><c> sustaining</c><00:02:47.319><c> wages</c><00:02:48.080><c> and</c><
- We provide 68,000 jobs and produce $7.3 billion in economic benefit.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and Minnesota’s efforts to build a SAF industry. Andrea Veble of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture said the Walz administration strongly supports SAF because it could benefit agriculture, forestry, clean energy, and rural economies. She highlighted the 2023 state SAF tax credit and sales tax exemption for facility construction, describing the credit as a nation-leading incentive designed to stack with federal IRA credits and attract producers and blenders to Minnesota.
Jeff Davidman of Delta Airlines said aviation is difficult to decarbonize and that SAF is the airline industry’s best available tool to reach net-zero goals by 2050. He explained that SAF is a certified drop-in fuel that can be blended with conventional jet fuel and used in existing aircraft and infrastructure, and he cited growing global demand and limited supply. He said Minnesota has many potential feedstocks, including used cooking oil, corn, soybeans, and camelina, and praised the state’s SAF tax credit and the Minnesota SAF Hub as important steps toward making Minnesota a leader in the sector.
Peter Fros of Greater MSP described the Minnesota SAF Hub as a public-private partnership aimed at building an industrial-scale SAF value chain in Minnesota. He said the state has key advantages, including airport demand, corporate partners, research institutions, and agricultural inputs, and estimated that three SAF biorefineries could create tens of thousands of jobs and significant emissions reductions. He also said the Hub is working on blending infrastructure, private demand commitments, a winter camelina expansion study, and efforts to secure additional refineries before 2030. Members raised questions about how sustainability is measured, and Fros said the Hub relies on the federal GREET model but wants a clearer, transparent, and standardized national method that also accounts for issues like water quality and biodiversity.
Amanda Bellik of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association said corn-based ethanol is a strong fit for SAF production through the alcohol-to-jet pathway because it is abundant, affordable, and supported by existing infrastructure. She said SAF development could create a new value-added market for corn without requiring new acres, but emphasized the need for significant capital investment, stable tax policy, and efficient permitting. She also said the group has worked with a consultant on third-party sustainability assessments of corn production practices to help fill data gaps and support the carbon-intensity requirements tied to SAF incentives.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/17/26
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- we hear many agencies come through, and so while we appreciate you telling us about how we did our job
- Senators, your job is to make laws that promote individual thriving and social cohesion.
- All of us have been hurt by watching the humiliation, the loss of income, the jobs, the property, the
- Senators,<01:10:25.440><c> your</c><01:10:25.760><c> job</c><01:10:26.560><c> is</c><01:10:26.800><c>
- is to make laws that Senators, your job is to make laws that promote<01:10:29.440><c> individual</c>
Committee:
Senate State and Local Government
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Thu Feb 26, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- placement, job education, job counseling, and training.
- </c> disadvantaged populations with job disadvantaged populations with job placement,<00:50:32.640><c
- > job</c><00:50:32.960><c> education,</c><00:50:34.079><c> job</c> >> Retail Merchants of Hawaii in support
- They're learning a brand new job.
- And so the demands of the brand new job.
Bills:
HB1946 , HB1515 , HB1514 , HB1648 , HB1644 , HB1619 , HB1571 , HB1810 , HB2475 , HB1645 , HB2301 , HB1889 , HB1840
Committee:
House Consumer Protection & Commerce
Keywords:
time shares, registration, renewal, real estate, Hawaii, Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, workers' compensation, functional capacity examination, occupational therapy, physical therapy, employer responsibilities, injured workers, medical stabilization, vocational rehabilitation, injury recovery, employment services, return to work, nonprescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, healthcare providers
Summary:
The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on February 26, 2026, and heard several bills, mostly in the areas of workers’ compensation and consumer protection. HB 1946 HD1 on timeshare registration renewal drew support from DCCA’s timeshare program and major industry groups including Hilton Grand Vacations, the American Resort Development Association, and Marriott Vacations Worldwide, with no opposition noted. HB 1515 HD1, which would allow an attending physician to request a functional capacity examination without employer permission, was supported by DLIR and the Department of Human Resources Development and had no other in-person testimony; the bill was then moved on without questions.
The committee spent substantial time on HB 1514 HD1, which would streamline workers’ compensation vocational rehabilitation by clarifying provider selection and requiring vocational plans within 90 days. DLIR supported the intent but asked for amendments, saying the 90-day deadline was too rigid given case-by-case complexity, limited staffing, and the need for coordination among injured workers, employers, and counselors; members discussed possible extensions and whether a 120-day timeline or other flexibility would be better. Testimony on the bill included one individual in support and seven in opposition.
HB 1648 HD1, concerning workers’ compensation and physician dispensing of non-prescription drugs, drew support from DHRD and comments from DLIR and industry witnesses. DLIR said the bill should be narrowed so it does not restrict medically necessary over-the-counter medications or oral guidance from providers, while Aloha Billing Company and Solera Integrated Medical Solutions urged tighter limits on physician dispensing and raised concerns about pricing abuse through average wholesale price. Members discussed clarifying the bill’s language so it targets written prescriptions rather than oral advice. HB 1644 HD1, requiring a standardized disclosure form for residential solar contracts, received support from the Hawaii Solar Energy Association and Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative, while DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection supported the consumer-protection goal but proposed stronger remedies, including a three-day cancellation right, voidability for missing disclosures, and possible lender liability; members questioned how those remedies should apply to lenders, and no vote was taken on the measures in the portion provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Election Laws Jul 21st, 2026
Joint Committee on Election Laws
Transcript Highlights:
- Instead, honor the brilliance of our nearly thousand informed legislators following up to do their job
- Within a month, he has a job offer from another town, so I know it wasn't something egregious that he
- Within a month, he has a job offer from another town, so I know it wasn't something egregious that he
- Within a month, he had a job offer from another town, so I know it wasn't something egregious that he
- Within a month, he had a job offer from another town, so I know it wasn't something egregious that he
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on several late-file local bills, with testimony focused mainly on municipal governance and election-related home rule petitions. Representative Silver supported H.5556 for a Fall River polling place change, saying the locations were reviewed by the Secretary of State’s office and supported locally to improve accessibility, especially for voters with disabilities. Testimony also supported H.5539 for Danvers recall elections and S.3118/H.5542 concerning the Groton-Dunstable Regional School District, where witnesses said a candidate was improperly left off the ballot due to an administrative error and should be allowed to fill the full three-year term.
Most of the hearing centered on H.5521, Sudbury’s recall-election petition. Supporters argued the measure was lawfully adopted at a heavily attended special town meeting, reflected local self-government, and provided an accountability tool for elected officials. They emphasized that recall provisions are common in Massachusetts and said the bill’s safeguards, including signature thresholds and election procedures, were reasonable. Several Sudbury residents and former officials described the meeting as well-publicized and broadly participatory, and urged the committee to respect the town vote.
Opponents, including the Sudbury League of Women Voters, former officials, and residents, argued the bill was rushed, lacked public review, and should go through a fuller charter process. They objected to the absence of stated grounds for recall, the low 10% signature threshold, the short three-month waiting period, and the simultaneous successor-election feature. One witness asked that the bill be sent for further study rather than approved as written. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair closed by inviting written testimony and then adjourned the meeting.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Health and Mental Health Apr 16th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Health and Mental Health
Transcript Highlights:
- emergency medicine in our heads to be able to act on the day we go out there on our first day on the job
- emergency side of the house that says we need this changed or improved to help us do our side of the job
- Casey did a wonderful job explaining it, so I'll just kind of simplify it a little bit.
- Casey did a wonderful job explaining it, so I'll just kind of simplify it a little bit.
- an individual who is engaged in financial exploitation, the consequence for them is nothing, just a job
Committee:
House Health and Mental Health
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- emergency medicine in our heads to be able to act on the day we go out there on our first day on the job
- emergency side of the house that says we need this changed or improved to help us do our side of the job
- emergency side of the house that says we need this changed or improved to help us do our side of the job
- Casey did a wonderful job explaining it, so I'll just kind of simplify it a little bit.
- an individual who is engaged in financial exploitation, the consequence for them is nothing, just a job
Committee:
House Health and Mental Health
Summary:
The Committee on Health and Mental Health first met in executive session and voted House Bill 2370, House Bill 3278, and House Bill 1638 do pass. HB 2370 passed 13-9, while HB 3278 passed 15-0 and HB 1638 passed 17-0. The committee then moved into public testimony.
Senate Bill 1015, sponsored by Senator Nuremberg, was presented as a measure creating a legal process for assisted outpatient treatment for adults with serious mental illness who are at risk of deterioration, hospitalization, or harm. Supporters, including the Missouri Behavioral Health Council and the Missouri Association of Public Administrators, said it would reduce hospitalization and incarceration and improve access to care. The senator and witnesses emphasized collaboration with hospitals and the Department of Mental Health, and no opposition was offered.
The committee also heard a detailed presentation on the STARS program from SSM Health representatives, explaining it as a Missouri-based EMS and pediatric emergency planning system that uses physician-approved, electronic care plans for children with complex needs. Members asked about costs, access, and how the program differs from the bill discussed previously; witnesses said the program is free for EMS and emergency access, but hospitals that write plans pay implementation and subscription fees. House Bill 2903, by Representative Mayhew, would give county and district hospitals relief from certain public-entity requirements, including some Sunshine Law-related burdens, board qualifications, and financial reporting timelines, to help them compete with private hospitals. Supporters from Phelps Health said the bill would reduce administrative burden and protect proprietary information; there was no opposition.
Finally, House Bill 3379, by Representative Dolan, would expand and strengthen Missouri’s employee disqualification and mandated reporting rules for abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. The bill adds more mandated reporters, including bank personnel and first responders, creates penalties for knowingly failing to report, and requires quicker DSS follow-up to reporters. DHSS supported the bill, citing recent financial exploitation complaints, while the Missouri Bankers Association said it supports the goal but wants to work on the mandatory reporting language so banks are not exposed to liability for situations they cannot readily detect. No formal opposition was presented, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a registered lobbyist here today on behalf of Jobs With Justice.
- I'm trying to make sure that we're not stepping on anybody's ability to express free speech or get a job
- I didn't know that we were in the job business here with this bill.
- Obviously, sir, then you don't understand how the petition process works because it is a very big job
- And not only does it create jobs, but it creates a lot of industry within the state of Missouri and it
Committee:
House Elections
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a registered lobbyist here today on behalf of Jobs with Justice.
- I'm trying to make sure that we're not stepping on anybody's ability to express free speech or get a job
- I didn't know that we were in the job business here with this bill.
- Obviously, sir, then you don't understand how the petition process works because it is a very big job
- It is a very big job, and not only does it create jobs, but it creates a lot of industry within the state
Summary:
The committee first took up executive-session votes on prior bills, adopting a House committee substitute for House Bill 2605 and then passing it 9-1, and passing House Bill 2301 by a 10-0 vote. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2124, which would standardize initiative petition forms, require circulator residency or Missouri presence, prohibit per-signature pay, limit who may challenge ballot titles to Missouri registered voters, and adjust timing for constitutional verification. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would improve clarity, reduce fraud, and keep control of the petition process in Missouri hands, while opponents argued it would add burdens, restrict speech and access to the courts, and likely face constitutional challenges. No vote was taken on HB 2124 in the transcript.
The committee then heard House Bill 3383, which would require nonprofits involved in signature-gathering or political management to use E-Verify to confirm workers are U.S. citizens, with the sponsor saying it responded to Attorney General investigations into alleged use of non-citizens by signature-gathering organizations. Supporters framed it as a simple election-integrity measure, while opponents called it unnecessary, overreaching, and unsupported by evidence, arguing nonprofits should not be burdened based on unproven allegations. The hearing concluded without a vote, and the committee adjourned after no further business.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 11, 2026 - 12:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative, great job.
- 265 REPRESENTATIVE, GREAT JOB, I AM PROUD TO BE UP ON YOUR BILL BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY 
- Good job. GOOD JOB.
- You will do a great job here. Thank you. >> Chair: Thank you, Representative Tendrich.
- 652 YOU WERE QUICK ON YOUR FEET TODAY AND WE THANK YOU WILL DO A GREAT JOB HERE.
Summary:
The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered two PCS bills. PCS for HB 1059, by Rep. Booth, would designate the first week of November as Florida Speech and Debate Week to recognize speech and debate programs and the educators, coaches, judges, and school districts that support them. Supporters, including students and advocates, testified that speech and debate builds critical thinking, civics knowledge, confidence, and respectful civil discourse, and several members praised the students’ testimony and the program’s value. The bill was reported favorably by a 14-0 vote.
The committee then heard PCS for HB 851, by Rep. Long, which requires each school district’s professional learning system to include at least one annual autism-specific training opportunity for teachers and school-based administrators, developed with the Center for Autism and grounded in evidence-based practices. The sponsor said the bill is intended to give educators practical tools to support students with autism, while members asked questions about scope, virtual training, charter schools, and the relationship to existing law. Public testimony and member debate largely supported the bill, with speakers emphasizing the need for better educator preparation and inclusion for students with autism. The bill also passed unanimously, 14-0, and was reported favorably.
At the end of the meeting, members and the chair offered brief closing remarks thanking colleagues and staff and reflecting on the committee’s work, with the chair noting it may have been the committee’s last meeting of the session.