Video & Transcript : 'rules committee' :
Page 492 of 500
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee Feb 18th, 2025
Boards, Agencies and Commissions
Transcript Highlights:
- We are suggesting that it continues to 2026, which we voted on as a sunset committee.
- next paragraph talks about the board adopting a civil penalty and an administrative fee schedule by rule
- the board to report to the legislature... the board to report to the legislature the status of board rules
- The board is required to revise its rules to comply with FY laws by a certain date.
- pages of a lot of work that I feel like has put the board in a better position to know what their rules
Bills:
HB123
Committee:
House Boards, Agencies and Commissions
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Thirty Two - Wednesday, March 4 - Afternoon Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This came through your Commerce Committee.
- House Bill 2103 passed the House Financial Institutions Committee 13 to 0 and Rules 10 to 1.
- I had three assessors sitting in our committee when I brought this committee substitute for to a vote
- 1980, House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2710, House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2404
- , House Bill 2172, House Committee Substitute No. 2 for House Bill 2700, and Senate Committee Substitute
Summary:
The House met after a quorum was established and began with several introductions of special guests, including job shadows, 4-H participants, and interns. The chamber then moved to House Bills for Perfection, taking up HB 1707, which would stop sales tax from being imposed on credit card processing fees charged to vendors. Members asked for clarification about the bill’s scope and the title amendment, and the bill sponsor explained that the measure simply prevents tax from being charged on those fees. HB 1707 was then ordered perfected and printed.
The House next considered HB 2819, a bill responding to the end of penny minting by authorizing rounding of cash sales to the nearest five cents. Supporters said the bill would give businesses a clear legal framework and reduce compliance risk. The chamber adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed. Members then took up HB 2103, a property-fraud and notary-fraud bill aimed at strengthening penalties, requiring warning signs in recorder of deeds offices, and speeding court review for alleged victims. Supporters said it was needed to deter fraudulent deed filings and protect homeowners, while opponents argued it focused too much on notaries and recorders rather than the people committing the fraud. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill was ordered perfected and printed.
The House also debated HB 1800, which would lower the inflationary cap on certain property-tax revenue growth from 5% to 3%. The discussion centered on whether the change would protect taxpayers or reduce funding for schools, fire districts, libraries, and other local services. An amendment was adopted that broadened the title and added property-assessment language, and the bill was then ordered perfected and printed. Finally, the House considered HB 2600, dealing with ambulance district consolidation and governance. The bill was described as a response to struggling rural EMS systems, with provisions for consolidation plans, public hearings, and voter involvement. An amendment modified the process for subdistricts, at-large districts, timing, and merger procedures, and the committee substitute as amended was adopted and ordered perfected and printed. The House then moved to announcements and adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Jan 29th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Early Learning & K-12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- And good morning to the committee. For the record, Elena Becker, committee staff.
- Committee.
- I move that the bill receive a due pass recommendation and be sent to the Rules Committee.
- I move that the proposed substitute receive a due pass recommendation and be sent to the Rules Committee
- I move that the proposed substitute receive a due pass recommendation and be sent to the Rules Committee
Committee:
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education
Keywords:
education, reading, mathematics, student intervention, instruction, academic standards, child care, first responders, incentives, pilot program, mobile phones, cell phones, smartphones, school phones, classroom distraction, digital citizenship, media literacy, internet safety, cyberbullying, student mental health
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Apr 28th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Pursuant to our committee rules, bills with a fiscal impact of greater than $150,000, whether that is
- Bring it back to the committee. Any questions from the committee members?
- Yes, the motion do pass as amended to Appropriations Committee. Yes. Committee, yes.
- A motion to second on the urgency clause that was approved by the Rules Committee.
- A motion to second on the urgency clause that was approved by the Rules Committee.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met as a subcommittee and heard several bills, with members explaining that measures with significant fiscal impacts would be held for suspense or taken up later. AB 761 would let the Monterey-Salinas Transit District place a local sales tax measure on the ballot with approval from two-thirds of its board rather than needing approval from each member jurisdiction; supporters said it would preserve transit funding for veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities, while an opponent argued it would make it easier to raise a regressive tax. The bill was voted out 5-2 after being called for absent members. AB 1253, which would clarify property tax treatment for wildfire reconstruction beyond substantial equivalence, drew support from the Los Angeles County Assessor and the California Assessors Association but was sent to suspense. AB 8, dealing with hemp enforcement, intoxicating hemp products, and integration of hemp cannabinoids into the cannabis supply chain and tax system, drew strong support from cannabis operators and labor groups and opposition from small cultivators and public health advocates concerned about supply, tax revenue, and voter intent; it was also sent to suspense.
The committee then heard AB 1138, a major expansion and modernization of the film and television tax credit program. Supporters, including entertainment unions, workers, studios, and local officials, said the bill would help keep production and jobs in California amid competition from other states and countries; opponents criticized it as picking winners and losers and argued broader business costs were the real problem. The bill was referred to suspense. AB 829, which would create a California Parkinson’s Disease Research Fund and voluntary tax contribution program to support research and services, received unanimous support from advocates and was approved 6-0 to Appropriations. AB 474 would exempt rental income from nonprofit home-sharing programs for low-income homeowners from state income tax and protect participants’ eligibility for certain benefits; supporters said it could help older adults age in place and address housing shortages, and the bill was sent to suspense after members asked for clarification on the fiscal estimate.
The committee also heard AB 376, which would exempt wildfire settlement payments from state income tax for certain disaster survivors; supporters from rural counties said the money is meant to help victims rebuild and should not be taxed, and the bill was referred to suspense. Finally, AB 480 would allow developers using low-income housing tax credits to switch from allocated to certificated state credits after an award, with supporters saying it would maximize private investment and stretch housing dollars further; it too was sent to suspense. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly emphasized the need to balance policy goals with fiscal impacts, and several bills were held or referred to suspense rather than voted out immediately.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, so we're gonna, uh, pull that bill down, that, that committee sub down, have you lay out a new committee
- That came up in the, in the committee.
- have the committee substitute.
- So there is a committee substitute. Dean Zarini sends up the committee substitutes.
- Committee substitute is adopted.
Bills:
HB16
Committee:
Senate Natural Resources
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, September 18, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> ranking minority member of the Committee ranking minority member of the Committee on<02:50:08.640
- </c> They wanted to play by different rules They wanted to play by different rules than<03:28:41.840>
- </c> this by requiring FK to develop rules this by requiring FK to develop rules that<04:16:07.760><c
- ><c> we</c> uh the energy committee this week and we uh the energy committee this week and we had<04:
- </c><05:26:03.120><c> Political</c> embracing the rule of law. Political embracing the rule of law.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice May 19th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- They'll be made a part of the committee records.
- We have a strict three-minute rule in this committee: three-minute rules for testimony, three-minute
- rules for members questioning.
- This will be an amendment originating in committee.
- And I are just committees.
Committee:
House Administration of Criminal Justice
Summary:
The committee heard a long agenda of criminal justice measures, with several bills and resolutions reported favorably and others rejected or deferred. Representative Baham’s HB 255, as substituted, would enhance penalties for certain felony or rioting offenses committed while wearing a mask to evade identification, with exceptions for religious, motorcycle, and medical coverings; it was reported favorably after opposition from the ACLU and support from law enforcement groups. His HB 378, as amended, narrowed a vehicle-obstruction offense to first responders and was also reported favorably. HB 1090, increasing penalties for arson of a religious building, was reported favorably with support from the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops. HR 272, requesting a study of parental discipline, abuse allegations, and juvenile delinquency, was reported favorably after sponsor testimony about confusion over current law. HB 479, the “Fiscal Truth and Sentencing Act,” sought quarterly reporting on incarceration costs and sentencing impacts; despite support from the ACLU and opposition from clerks of court over an unfunded mandate, it failed on a 4-7 roll call. HR 278, asking the Attorney General to review electronic monitoring laws and make recommendations, was reported favorably after testimony from advocates and supporters of tighter oversight. HR 273, creating a task force to study work-release programs, was also reported favorably, while SB 278 was voluntarily deferred.
The committee also considered several high-profile social policy measures. HB 261, by Representative Boyd, would create an exception to abortion restrictions for rape and certain sex offenses; the hearing featured extensive emotional testimony from survivors, clergy, and legislators on both sides, but the bill was rejected on a 2-10 vote. HCR 100, as amended, urged the Gaming Control Board to ensure due diligence in proposed casino acquisitions with attention to economic development, job creation, and community benefit; the amendment resolved industry concerns and the resolution was reported favorably. SB 448, concerning the Office of the State Public Defender, was amended to add procedures for expert-witness funding disputes, sealed contradictory hearings, and interlocutory review, then reported favorably. SB 135, which would redirect sports wagering revenue away from a capped sports fund and toward early childhood seats, drew opposition from university-related interests but no motion was made. Finally, HB 778 on kratom was presented as a narrower approach that would ban synthetic and semi-synthetic kratom while allowing regulated natural products; testimony included concerns about harm, business impacts, and claimed benefits for pain management and PTSD, and the discussion was still underway at the end of the transcript.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Today we will adhere to our committee rules on time limits: five minutes for the author's opening and
- That is a BESE committee.
- that committee.
- BESE appoints that committee.
- So that is the rule.
Committee:
House Education
Summary:
The House Education Committee met on March 18, 2026, with 11 members present and adopted prior meeting minutes without objection. The committee first heard HB 649 by Rep. Brass, which would create a statewide common application portal for dual enrollment. Supporters from the Pelican Institute and the Board of Regents said the bill would simplify enrollment, reduce paperwork for counselors and families, and improve awareness of dual enrollment options. Members asked about nonparticipation by institutions and access for nontraditional students; the bill was reported favorably without objection.
The committee then took up HB 807 by Rep. Brass, which would establish the Workforce Instructor Capacity Investment Program within LCTCS to help recruit and retain instructors for high-demand workforce programs. Testimony from River Parishes Community College, Dow, and the Louisiana Chemical Association described instructor shortages as a bottleneck for training workers for major industrial projects, and said employer-sharing models and apprenticeships have been successful. An amendment expanded eligibility to include LSU Eunice and Southern University at Shreveport, and the committee adopted the amendments. After debate about whether the state needed a new fund versus using existing systems, the bill was reported favorably by a 13-1 roll call vote.
Next, the committee heard HB 285 by Chairman Bacala, which authorizes school boards to cooperate with banks and credit unions to operate branches in high schools as part of financial literacy programs. Bacala said the bill clarifies statutory authority, and an amendment added banks to the original credit union language. Members discussed ethics, exclusivity, student access, and whether the branches could market products; supporters from LABI and financial industry groups said the programs improve hands-on financial education. The bill was reported with amendments without objection.
The committee also considered HB 28 by Rep. Owen, which adds a BESE-level appeal for certain teacher certification applicants affected by administrative or contractor errors. Owen described a case in which applicants paid for certification programs but were denied because of a mentor-signature issue, and said the amendment would require BESE or its designee to act within 30 days. Department of Education staff said the Teacher Certification Appeals Council had already granted extensions rather than outright denials in the affected cases, but the committee advanced the bill after a 9-4 roll call vote. Finally, the committee began HB 268 by Rep. Carver, which would strengthen career exposure requirements for students by tying activities more closely to high-wage, high-demand jobs and adding an annual exposure requirement in K-5; testimony emphasized early workforce awareness, and discussion focused on keeping the requirements manageable for schools.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Feb 18th, 2026
Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence
Transcript Highlights:
- after committee.
- Come back to open the wound again and again and again, committee after committee, year after year.
- I was in the Senate hearing and committee in the Judiciary Committee last week as well. these retrospective
- I was in the Senate hearing and committee in the Judiciary Committee last week as well.
- I was in the Senate hearing and committee in the Judiciary Committee last week as well, with an army
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee met in executive session and approved House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2765, which was amended to revise hemp beverage retailer delivery language, adjust retailer fees and renewals, require product registration, and remove residency requirements. The substitute was adopted and the bill was reported do pass by a 10-0 vote. The committee also voted House Bill 2848, relating to mass intimidation offenses, do pass by a 9-0 vote.
In public hearing, the committee took testimony on House Joint Resolution 130, which would ask Missouri voters to authorize retrospective civil laws for child sexual abuse claims. The sponsor and survivor advocates argued the measure is needed to allow revival windows and address delayed disclosure, while opponents from the insurance, tort reform, and business communities warned it could expose third parties such as schools, churches, nonprofits, and employers to broad, open-ended liability and higher insurance costs. No vote was taken on the resolution.
The committee also heard House Bill 2254, which would speed capital post-conviction review by requiring earlier appointment of counsel and aligning Missouri procedures with federal standards. Supporters, including victims’ family members and the Attorney General’s office, said it would reduce years of delay and bring closure, while opponents raised concerns about wrongful convictions, conflicts from simultaneous representation, and increased public defender workload. Finally, House Bill 2206 on catalytic converter theft was heard; the sponsor and law enforcement supported stronger recordkeeping and licensing rules, while scrap/recycling and press representatives objected to added paperwork and a separate provision affecting public notice for self-storage sales. The hearing on HB 2206 was interrupted by the floor schedule and not completed in the transcript.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- There is a committee substitute.
- There is a committee substitute.
- There is a committee substitute.
- There is a committee substitute.
- Chairman, committee members.
Committee:
Senate Business & Commerce
Keywords:
SB 383, ERCOT, Texas Utilities Code, interconnection, wind power facility, offshore wind, coastal wind, nearshore wind, Gulf of America, Texas coast, three marine leagues, electric grid, transmission line, distribution facility, renewable energy, battery storage, energy storage, grid access, power grid, electric service
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair sends up committee substitute for Senate Bill 663.
- Chair sends up committee substitute Senate bill 1020.
- Chair sends up the committee substitute Senate Bill 2111.
- The committee substitutes Senator Higginbill.
- The committee substituted for Senate Bill 1896.
Bills:
SB330 , SB663 , SB1020 , SB1152 , SB1164 , SB1896 , SB2111 , SB2196 , SB2383 , SB2581 , SB2797 , SB2798 , SB2371
Committee:
Senate Criminal Justice
Keywords:
county funding, prosecutors' offices, elections, law enforcement, local government, community supervision, budget approval, corrections department, strategic plan, judicial oversight, SB 1020, Texas, personal bond office, pretrial release, electronic monitoring, GPS monitoring, global positioning system, bond conditions, probation, parole
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, bring it back to committee. Any questions or comments from the committee?
- Bring it back to committee.
- in, or amendment that was made in my committee at the request of the committee.
- the committee amendments.
- the committee amendments that I also accepted in Privacy Committee.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, with most of the discussion focused on public safety, consumer protection, and youth harms. AB 1557 by Assemblymember Papin would clarify e-bike motor power limits and set lower speed-related standards for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Supporters, including the California Police Chiefs Association, cities, the California Medical Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, argued the bill would reduce severe injuries and deaths among young riders. Opponents from People for Bikes warned it could conflict with federal law, create legal uncertainty, and disrupt the bicycle market. The author and committee members acknowledged industry concerns and urged continued work on the bill.
AB 1770 by Assemblymember Garcia would place large health care service plan arbitration under California Department of Justice oversight and require compliance with the California Arbitration Act. Supporters described cases where patients were forced into private arbitration with little transparency or accountability, arguing the bill would make the process fairer and more neutral. Kaiser Permanente and the Civil Justice Association of California said they were still reviewing amendments and had not settled on a final position. Committee members expressed sympathy for the personal stories shared and encouraged continued negotiations.
The committee also heard AB 2075, which would require fire suppression equipment to be kept closer at hand during brush work, and AB 1864, which would require screening of gene synthesis orders to prevent misuse for bioterrorism. AB 2075 was presented as a response to a Ventura County wildfire, with support from the Ventura County District Attorney’s office and no opposition heard. AB 1864 was backed by the author, Stanford biosecurity expert Dr. Milana Trout, and Encode AI, while Biocom opposed unless amended and California Life Sciences remained neutral. Members discussed implementation details and the role of the Department of Public Health.
A major portion of the hearing was devoted to AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts on platforms with harmful features and create an e-safety advisory commission. Supporters, including youth advocates, parents, medical groups, and Common Sense Media, said addictive design features are harming children’s mental health and safety. Opponents, including EFF, the ACLU, TechNet, and other civil liberties and industry groups, argued the bill is overbroad, raises First Amendment and privacy concerns, and could limit access to important online communities. Despite those objections, the bill was moved forward after committee discussion, with members emphasizing the need to protect children while continuing to work on carveouts and implementation details.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate Committee on Rules will come to order.
- Good afternoon, Chair and committee members.
- You know, across the board, it's staff enforcing rules, but it's also being consistent with those rules
- Good afternoon, Madam Pro Tem, and distinguished Senate Rules Committee members.
- And I will tell you that since being appointed to the Rules Committee, This was the first time I had
Committee:
Senate Rules
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules first handled several routine items, including governor’s appointments not required to appear, references to bills, and floor acknowledgments. The committee approved the appointments of Heather Lynn Gonzalez and Allison Salton-Sall to the Court Reporters Board, and then moved on to appointments required to appear from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, both proposed associate directors in CDCR’s Division of Adult Institutions, testified about their backgrounds and emphasized staff safety, rehabilitation, trauma-informed practices, and the California model. Senators focused heavily on the rollout of the California model, the August 2024 use-of-force incident at Central California Women’s Facility, sexual abuse prevention, retaliation concerns, and prison visitation. Both nominees said the department had improved communication and training, had disciplined or removed staff in response to misconduct, and was working to strengthen PREA reporting, investigations, and family visiting consistency. Public testimony was strongly supportive, and the committee voted 4-0 to send both nominations to the Senate floor.
The committee then heard from Jason Johnson, nominated as CDCR Undersecretary of Operations. Johnson framed his work around rehabilitation, public safety, and culture change, and addressed concerns raised in late opposition letters and a lawsuit alleging retaliation, hostile work environment, discrimination, and whistleblower issues. He said he could not discuss pending litigation in detail, but described his leadership as focused on accountability, professional standards, and improving relationships with staff and community partners. Senators questioned him about parole supervision, risk assessment, contraband interdiction, and the Prison Rape Elimination Act response; Johnson said adult parole uses risk-based supervision and GPS for registered sex offenders, operations is working with correctional safety and law enforcement on contraband and drone interdiction, and CDCR continues to expand reporting channels and training. The committee also discussed the importance of rehabilitation and reentry programs, with Johnson saying most people return to the community and that CDCR must prepare them for successful reintegration.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 12th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- Please silence all electronic devices, and anyone wishing to speak before the committee should complete
- Please silence all electronic devices, and anyone wishing to speak before the committee should complete
- Should you choose to waive your speaking time, your position will be included in the committee meeting
- Taking into account public notice requirements in the Senate rules, the next opportunity to roll out
- Is there any other business before the committee today? Seeing none, okay, we're good.
Keywords:
pretrial release, bond conditions, violations of release conditions, violent crimes, victim safety, public safety, warrantless arrest, probable cause, pretrial detention, first appearance hearing, law enforcement immunity, domestic violence, stalking, battery, aggravated assault, robbery, kidnapping, sexual battery, murder, manslaughter
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/21/2026 - Senate Judiciary and Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee is called to order.
- Our committee worked really hard.
- Good afternoon, Madam Chair, Senate and committee members.
- Good afternoon, Madam Chair, Senate and committee members.
- I've attended many of the family court committee hearings.
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 1066, which would allow the Attorney General or a county attorney to sue researchers for knowingly or recklessly publishing fraudulent scientific research, and would let injured parties recover damages. The sponsor and a supporting witness argued the bill would create personal accountability for deliberate research fraud and cited examples of retracted or manipulated studies; opponents warned that peer review and existing scientific processes already address bad research and that the bill could chill research and speech. The committee later passed SB 1066 on a 4-3 vote.
The committee then heard SB 1015, which would impose strict personal liability on providers who perform gender transition procedures on minors for later detransition costs and related injuries. Supporters, including the sponsor, a doctor, a detransitioner, and a parent, said the bill would protect children, create accountability, and help families seek redress for irreversible harm. Opponents from the ACLU and others argued the measure discriminates against transgender patients, would likely chill care by making providers uninsurable, and could function as a backdoor ban; the committee nevertheless advanced the bill on a 4-3 vote.
SB 1049, as amended, limited spousal maintenance to four years and adjusted eligibility and guideline factors. The sponsor and a family law attorney said the bill would curb overly long awards and better account for assets and income, while the Judicial Council explained the existing guideline work and noted the new calculator was intended to add uniformity; one senator objected that the cap was arbitrary and ignored case-specific context. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 4-2. The committee also unanimously passed SB 1189, allowing campaign funds to be used for candidate and family security, and SB 1133, eliminating a duplicate financial disclosure filing for candidates who already filed an annual statement.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1081, which would bar a DCS attorney from appearing before a judge after appearing before that judge in any of the attorney’s previous five DCS cases, and advanced it 4-3 after debate over judicial familiarity and rural-court impacts. The committee also heard SCR 1001, a proposed constitutional referral to end early voting the Friday before the election, require proof of citizenship and government ID, and restrict mail ballots to voters who affirmatively request them; supporters framed it as an election-integrity measure, while ADOT testified neutrally but warned that free IDs could cost tens of millions in lost revenue and affect road funding. The transcript ends during testimony on SCR 1001, before any vote on that measure.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Feb 24th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
State Government & Tribal Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- , including a statement whether the committee is a continuing committee, and information on each candidate
- committee that has not changed its statement of participation before July 1 to indicate the committee
- This committee heard this bill last year but did not move it out of committee.
- of the committee.
- Let’s get this thing out of committee, out of rules, and onto the House floor.
Committee:
House State Government & Tribal Relations
Keywords:
state nickname, evergreen state, identity, cultural heritage, tourism, state cactus, symbolic designation, ecological significance, state symbols, SB 6044, Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas, Washington state holidays, RCW 1.16.050, state holiday recognition, religious observance, Hindu holiday, Sikh holiday, cultural recognition, paid holiday
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Corrections and Public Institutions Feb 23rd, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Corrections and Public Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Corrections and Public Institutions has now come to order.
- Any questions from the committee?
- Any questions from the committee? Seeing none. Thank you very much, gentlemen.
- Committee members, Christopher Warwick, out of the 128th District.
- Well, seeing no other questions from the committee, thank you, gentlemen, for that.
Committee:
House Corrections and Public Institutions
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Corrections and Public Institutions Feb 23rd, 2026
Corrections and Public Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Corrections and Public Institutions has now come to order.
- Any questions from the committee?
- Any questions from the committee? Saying none. Thank you very much, gentlemen.
- Committee members, Christopher Warwick, out of the 128th District.
- Well, seeing no other questions from the committee, thank you, gentlemen, for that.
Committee:
House Corrections and Public Institutions
Summary:
The Committee on Corrections and Public Institutions heard testimony on House Bill 2912, House Bill 2753, and a joint hearing on House Bills 2171 and 3292. HB 2912 would expand the state’s use of master agreements for small projects, raising contract thresholds and adding architects, engineers, and surveyors to standing agreements for work under $100,000. Supporters from the Office of Administration and private engineering/architecture firms said the bill would reduce delays, lower costs, and avoid repeated RFQ/RFP processes for small projects. There were no witnesses in opposition, and the hearing closed after favorable testimony.
HB 2753 would create a hospital zone designation, similar to school or work zones, allowing municipalities or counties to establish reduced-speed areas around hospitals when local conditions warrant it. The bill was presented in response to traffic and safety concerns around a rural hospital expansion and a state highway running through the campus area. Hospital representatives, the Missouri Hospital Association, and another hospital system supported the measure, emphasizing pedestrian, staff, ambulance, and visitor safety; committee members questioned the proposed penalties and whether the bill could create a statewide mandate, but supporters stressed it was permissive and locally initiated. No opposition testimony was offered.
HB 2171 and HB 3292, identical bills, would direct the Department of Corrections to create a motivational boot camp program for offenders ages 17 to 21 convicted of nonviolent offenses, with the goal of rehabilitation and possible expungement after completion. Sponsors said the program would emphasize discipline, physical activity, and therapy, and could be a cost-saving alternative to prison; they noted a federal issue requiring changes for DWI/CDL cases and discussed a six-year sunset. Committee members raised questions about eligibility, screening, expungement language, program design, and how the proposal would interact with other sentencing bills. No witnesses testified in favor or opposition, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Emerging Issues Feb 9th, 2026
Emerging Issues and Professional Registration
Transcript Highlights:
- Just a couple housekeeping rules.
- Chairman and the committee, thank you very... ...credit program.
- Chairman and committee.
- This committee heard this legislation before.
- This committee heard this legislation before.
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 3037, which would allow certain Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Account tax credits, beginning in 2028, to be carried back to the immediately prior tax year. Representative Allen said the bill was a technical timing change that would not alter the credit amount, cap, refundability, transferability, or other safeguards. Supporters, including the American Federation for Children and a representative of the scholarship organization, said the change would help donors better match contributions to their actual tax liability and could increase participation. One member raised concern about the fiscal impact on education funding, noting the Department of Revenue’s estimate of reduced revenue, while the sponsor said the delayed start date was intended to give the state time to plan.
The committee then heard House Bill 2830, which would increase the recorder fee that funds the Missouri Housing Trust Fund from $3 to $9 per real estate document. Representative Collins said the increase would strengthen funding for affordable housing, rental assistance, and homeless prevention. Supporters from Empower Missouri, Love Columbia, Peter and Paul Community Services, and Missouri’s Coalition of Recovery Support Providers testified that the fund is under-resourced, with many requests going unmet and some housing programs unable to support new construction or rehabilitation projects. They described local housing shortages, homelessness, and the need for more capital funding, arguing the fee increase would help meet demand without using general revenue. No opposition testimony was presented.
Finally, the committee took up House Bills 1778 and 2760, both aimed at protecting religious exercise during emergencies. The sponsors said the bills were prompted by COVID-era restrictions on churches and would prevent government orders from limiting worship services, while still allowing compliance with building and fire codes and excluding violence or harm. Members debated whether the bills would create a special exemption for houses of worship and whether they could interfere with public health responses to future outbreaks. A Baptist minister testified in opposition, arguing that religious gatherings should not receive special treatment and that restrictions should apply consistently to all mass gatherings. The hearing ended without a vote, and the committee adjourned after public testimony.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Feb 12th, 2026
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- James Eldridge, the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Revenue.
- Chairman, are there other questions from the committee? Members of the committee? Senator Rausch?
- Are there other questions from committee members?
- Appreciate you coming for the committee. Is there any questions from the committee?
- Okay, any questions from the committee members?
Bills:
H4975
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Revenue