Transcript Highlights:

• And we also have to take the advice from council. Sometimes it turns into a substitute.

Transcript Highlights:

• Advice on how to do that in a way that's beyond performative—dropping a card or writing an email, you
• I suspect that whatever that advice and guidance they got was, it would violate the bill, right?
• And I'm not saying that it's bad, but I do suspect if they were to get that advice on how to move the
• I think that they have provided in the past and continue to provide advice and information.
• So I guess I'm having trouble understanding what the objection is to parents and a parent's advice.

Bills: SB 13, SB 27, SB 57, HB1325, HB1655, HB3312, HB5526, SB13, SB57, SB207, HB441, HB591, HB5019, SB27, SB843

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

Transcript Highlights:

• You can take the advice of Representative O'Driscoll.
• You can take the advice<01:24:38.440><c> of</c><01:24:38.560><c> Representative</c><01:24:39.160><c>
• </c><01:24:40.400><c> Um</c> advice of Representative O'Driscoll.
• Um advice of Representative O'Driscoll.
• I'm still holding out hope he's going to thank me that his older brother gave him good advice about moving

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• who are members of the TAC for that who are members of the TAC for that continued<01:20:10.960><c> advice
• </c><01:20:11.600><c> uh</c><01:20:11.760><c> questions</c><01:20:12.080><c> and</c> continued advice
• uh questions and continued advice uh questions and guidance<01:20:12.640><c> to</c><01:20:12.800><c>
• <c> provide</c> review all of that discovery and provide review all of that discovery and provide advice
• for my client um as far as what advice for my client um as far as what we<01:43:15.520><c> want</c><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The key things that the office sought advice and counsel on were things that the office and the state
• 01:24:52.400><c> the</c><01:24:52.600><c> office</c><01:24:52.920><c> sought</c><01:24:53.400><c> advice
• </c> key things that the office sought advice key things that the office sought advice and<01:24:53.880
• :46.840><c> provide</c> situation possible worked to provide situation possible worked to provide advice
• councel and information to local advice councel and information to local governments<01:38:51.239><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They have time to seek advice, and that protects them from predatory practices.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 834, sponsored by Senator Sandy Crawford. Crawford described the bill as the Mortgage Modification Act, intended to modernize loan modifications by preserving lien priority while allowing changes such as interest rate adjustments and term extensions. She said the measure is consumer-friendly because it can help borrowers avoid foreclosure and reduce the need for new title work and appraisals. She also explained a Senate floor amendment adding the Missouri Residential Sale Leaseback Protection Act, which would provide consumer protections for homeowners entering sale-leaseback transactions, including time to seek advice and safeguards against predatory practices. A committee member thanked Crawford for the mortgage modification provisions and noted the practical benefits for consumers seeking lower rates. In support testimony, David Kent of the Missouri Bankers Association said the bill was very consumer-friendly and supported the mortgage modification section, while being neutral to generally supportive of the leaseback provisions. Heath Clarkston of the Missouri Mortgage Bankers Association agreed, saying the bill made sense and that the amendment did not appear problematic for the mortgage industry. No one testified in opposition or for informational purposes. After closing testimony, the chair announced that the hearing was complete and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have time to seek advice, and that protects them from predatory practices.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 834, sponsored by Sen. Sandy Crawford. Crawford described the bill as the Mortgage Modification Act, which would allow loan modifications such as rate changes and term extensions without changing lien priority, making it easier for lenders and borrowers to work out consumer-friendly modifications instead of moving into foreclosure. She also explained a Senate floor amendment added by Sen. McCreery that creates protections for residential sale-leaseback transactions, including clearer disclosures and time for homeowners to seek advice to guard against predatory practices. Members briefly discussed the practical benefits of mortgage modifications, including avoiding new title work and appraisals. Testimony in support came from David Kent of the Missouri Bankers Association and Heath Clarkston of the Mortgage Bankers Association of Missouri, both of whom said the bill is consumer-friendly and supported the mortgage modification provisions; Clarkston said the sale-leaseback amendment was not problematic for the industry, though his group took no formal position on it. No one testified in opposition or for informational purposes only. After closing testimony, the chair thanked the witnesses and adjourned the meeting. No vote was taken during the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• advice is to actually<01:05:02.240><c> take</c><01:05:02.440><c> this</c><01:05:02.599><c> opportunity
• on there yeah I think we should advice on there yeah I think we should we<01:51:19.960><c> um</c><01
• This is going to go, and advice people have from the audience and everywhere. I'm happy to take.
• So anyway, looking for people's advice. So I think with that, Mr.
• for people's advice so I think<02:56:28.600><c> with</c><02:56:28.760><c> that</c><02:56:28.960><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And thankfully, the advice I gave the other policy committees, the revenue is tight.
• And and thankfully,<01:10:07.040><c> the</c><01:10:07.440><c> advice</c><01:10:07.760><c> I</c><01:10
• :08.000><c> gave</c><01:10:08.239><c> the</c><01:10:08.400><c> other</c> thankfully, the advice I gave
• the other thankfully, the advice I gave the other policy<01:10:09.280><c> committees,</c><01:10:10.640

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, this goes to help the children with their school classrooms and advice.
• with their school [snorts] classrooms with their school [snorts] classrooms and<00:45:56.840><c> advice
• </c> and advice. and advice.

Bills: HB517, HB98, HB235, HB236, HB237, HB238, HB239, HB240, HB241, HB242, HB565, HB517, HB98, HB235, HB236, HB237, HB238, HB239, HB240, HB241, HB242, HB565, SB380

Keywords: underground damage prevention, one-call notification system, utility locating, excavation safety, dig safe, call before you dig, 811, utility lines, underground utilities, pipeline safety, gas pipeline, electric utility, telecommunications, water utility, wastewater, cable television, locate request, premark, tolerance zone, positive response

Transcript Highlights:

• relating to veterans' rights and benefits and regulates persons receiving compensation for providing advice
• persons receiving compensation<00:26:07.840><c> for</c><00:26:08.080><c> providing</c><00:26:08.400><c> advice
• </c><00:26:08.720><c> or</c> compensation for providing advice or compensation for providing advice or

Bills: SB3240

Keywords: defense, workforce development, local business, manufacturing, federal funding, economic resilience, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several public safety-related measures and indicated at the outset that, because of short notice, the bills would likely be deferred to the later decision-making agenda. On SB 2645 relating to fire prevention, the bill would restructure the process for selecting the State Fire Marshal and make related changes to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The Governor’s office, the State Fire Marshal’s office, the Hawaii State Fire Council, DLNR, Maui Fire Department, AIA Hawaii State Council, and others testified, with DLNR supporting most of the bill but opposing the provision changing the marshal’s nomination process to a governor appointee. In questions, members reviewed the relationship between the State Fire Council, the commission, and the marshal, and the Governor’s office clarified that it supported the overall intent but wanted the commission to remain the sole appointing entity. The bill was not voted on in the hearing. The committee then heard SB 3083 relating to protective orders, with support from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the judiciary, the Hawaii National Guard, the Military and Community Relations Office, DBED, and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Members focused on whether the draft reflected language worked out with the judiciary and whether the bill addressed a previously identified gap in implementation. The Military and Community Relations Office said it had worked with the judiciary on amendments and wanted to ensure the statute created a collaborative process with installation partners and law enforcement. The witness also said the draft appeared to reflect the agreed language, though he noted there were multiple bills moving and that technical amendments might still be needed. No action was taken during the hearing. SB 608 relating to veterans’ rights and benefits drew both support and opposition. Support came from the Hawaii Office of Veterans Services, Veterans Benefits Guide, Aloha Independent Living Hawaii, and individual veterans and service members, who argued the bill would improve access to claims assistance and provide choice and faster help for veterans. Opposition came from the VFW Department of Hawaii and the Veterans Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, which argued the bill should be amended to align with federal law, especially on accreditation and fee caps. Testimony and questioning centered on whether third-party claims assistance should be regulated, whether fee caps are preempted by federal law, and whether there was evidence of fraud tied to non-accredited representatives. Supporters said the bill would help veterans navigate a slow system, while opponents said accredited representatives are accountable and that the bill should be narrowed. The committee also heard SB 2054 relating to public safety, which would prohibit the Hawaii National Guard from deploying to assist federal troops, federal law enforcement, or other states’ National Guard units in Hawaii when the governor objects. The Hawaii National Guard opposed the bill, while the ACLU of Hawaii, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and numerous other organizations and individuals supported it, arguing it would protect civil liberties and prevent federal overreach. The hearing ended without a vote or final action on these measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• through the entire laborious process of the governor selecting, getting senatorial confirmation, advice
• through the entire laborious process of the governor selecting, getting senatorial confirmation, advice
• constitutionally presupposed that at the United States level, the Senate would be the conferees or the advice
• And I've given you an example based on the advice and consent of the Senate where that can make sure

Summary: The Committee on General Laws met with a quorum and first went into executive session on House Bill 3088, where members discussed concerns raised by hospitals about proposed language changes. The bill sponsor said he was still working with hospitals and would continue to refine the measure, but several members objected to voting before seeing the revised language. HB 3088 was nevertheless voted do pass by an 8-4 vote. The committee then approved House Bill 2749 by an 8-4-1 vote, after which it moved into public hearing. The committee heard House Bill 2844, which would prohibit paraquat use in Missouri and require reporting related to its use. Representative Gallick said the bill was intended to be narrow and focused on paraquat’s toxicity and possible links to Parkinson’s disease. Supporters, including the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Missouri Coalition for the Environment, Sierra Club, and others, argued that paraquat is highly toxic, that research links exposure to increased Parkinson’s risk, and that many countries have banned it. Opponents from the Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri AgriBusiness Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Corn Growers, and Missouri Pork Association said paraquat is a restricted-use pesticide already regulated under federal law, is important for weed control and crop production, and that a state ban would set a dangerous precedent and harm farmers. The committee took no final action on HB 2844 during the hearing. The committee also heard House Bill 1880, which would bar school districts and charter schools from selling beverages with more than 100 milligrams of caffeine per container to students. Representative Reuter said the bill was inspired by students from Seckman High School and cited concerns about adolescent caffeine consumption. Student witnesses described energy drink use at school, health effects such as anxiety, heart racing, dehydration, and sleep disruption, and said the bill would help reduce harmful habits. Several members supported the goal but suggested the threshold might be too high, that private schools receiving state scholarship funds should be included, and that school boards might be a better place to address the issue; others noted the bill lacked an enforcement provision. No vote was taken on HB 1880.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think that's one thing is to look for advice from those who are figuring that out.
• higher education as well as K-12 as well as early childhood, and being able to bring a vision to the advice-giving
• higher education as well as K-12 as well as early childhood and being able to bring a vision to the advice
• giving around that. and being able to bring a vision to the advice giving around that without having

Summary: The joint hearing focused on coherence in California’s education planning and reporting systems, especially the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and related grant plans. Committee chairs and members described widespread frustration with duplicative, lengthy, and sometimes conflicting reporting requirements, while emphasizing that the goal was not to reduce accountability but to make planning more useful, stable, and student-centered. State Superintendent Tony Thurmond also previewed the Governor’s education budget priorities, including expanded learning, community schools, universal transitional kindergarten, literacy supports, and concerns about the proposed Prop. 98 deferral. Panelists from the State Board of Education, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, and the Legislative Analyst’s Office said the LCAP was intended to balance local flexibility with statewide transparency, but has become overloaded by repeated revisions and additional requirements. They argued for fewer core reporting elements, more stability over time, better alignment of planning cycles, and integrated systems that reduce duplication. Fresno County staff described a multi-year calendar and support tools that help districts manage timelines, but said these tools only ease the burden rather than solve the underlying problem. The LAO noted that some newer plans, such as expanded learning and transportation plans, are narrative-heavy and often less informative than separate reporting requirements. Local district leaders and county officials described the practical effects of the current system: staff time diverted from instruction, multiple portals and forms, audit risk aversion, and planning documents that can exceed 100 pages. Several superintendents said coherent systems work best when districts have clear priorities, stable governance, and aligned budgets, and when state requirements are predictable and tied to outcomes like literacy, attendance, and student achievement. The California Federation of Teachers added that coherence also depends on meaningful collaboration with educators, classified staff, parents, and communities. Committee members repeatedly asked whether the state should streamline reporting, create a uniform portal, or develop a more unified grant-reporting structure, and Thurmond said the department was piloting a simplified common form and was willing to work with the Legislature and districts on broader solutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm happy to take any advice from the people in the room, from all of you and from the rest of the body
• I'm happy to take<00:05:20.720><c> any</c><00:05:21.039><c> advice</c><00:05:21.280><c> from</c><00:05
• <c> the</c><00:05:21.759><c> people</c><00:05:21.919><c> in</c><00:05:22.080><c> the</c> take any advice
• from the people in the take any advice from the people in the room,<00:05:22.560><c> from</c><00:05:

Bills: SF0082

Keywords: registered agents, corporate governance, entity ownership, business regulations, transparency, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As my neighbor, as somebody who gives a lot of advice, sometimes unsolicited, but incredible, incredible
• , very, very good advice.
• you know, that really treasure your participation in that land grant interim committee, with the advice
• I will miss your wisdom and your advice. I wish you the best, and have fun with your grandbabies.

Bills: HB111, HB108, HB145, HB164, HB291, HJR6, HR1, HB63, HB64, HB165, HB184, HB200, HB4, HB7, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB88, HB96, HB166, HB285, HB295, HB306, SB29, SB37, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• As my neighbor, as somebody who gives a lot of advice, sometimes unsolicited, but incredible, incredible
• , very, very good advice.
• with You know, that really treasure your participation, that land grant interim committee, with the advice
• I will miss your wisdom and your advice. I wish you the best, and have fun with your grandbabies.

Bills: HB111, HB108, HB145, HB164, HB291, HJR6, HR1, HB63, HB64, HB165, HB184, HB200, HB4, HB7, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB88, HB96, HB166, HB285, HB295, HB306, SB29, SB37, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Summary: The House spent much of the meeting on recognitions and tributes, including remarks supporting New Mexico’s dairy industry, honoring Gadsden Independent School District educators and students, recognizing Broadband Day at the Capitol, and celebrating the retirement of Representative Susan Herrera. Members from both parties praised Herrera’s long public-service career, especially her work on water, acequias, land grants, rural communities, modernization, early childhood, and predatory lending reform. Herrera thanked colleagues and said she was leaving to spend more time with family, grandchildren, and personal pursuits. The chamber also received a Senate message on House amendments to Senate Bill 3, with the Senate concurring in most items and asking the House to recede from two provisions. Committee reports were then adopted on a series of bills and resolutions, including House Bills 99, 206, 213, 250, 267, 270, 322, and 323; Senate Bills 17, 48, 55, 104, and 193; House Joint Resolution 5; and House Memorial 39. Most reports were adopted without objection, while some bills were advanced with committee substitutes or referrals to other committees. On third reading, the House passed several measures. House Bill 63, funding New Mexico Finance Authority water projects, passed 66-0; House Bill 64, appropriating about $13.25 million for PPRF-related funds, passed 67-0; House Bill 285, refining the disabled veteran property tax exemption, passed 67-0; House Bill 165, expanding C-PACE economic development uses, passed 67-0; House Bill 184, consolidating legacy fund investment accounts, passed 67-0; and House Bill 200, appropriating $10 million for the New Homes for New Mexico starter-home program, was debated at length and then passed. House Bill 291, the tax cleanup bill, drew a failed floor amendment that was tabled 41-24 before the bill passed 59-8. The debate on HB 200 focused on whether the program would help smaller builders and rural communities, while the HB 291 amendment debate centered on adding broader tax provisions and concerns about fiscal impact and policy scope.

Transcript Highlights:

• When law enforcement came out, a couple of their advice was just buy a weapon.
• When law enforcement came out, a couple of their advice was just buy a weapon.
• That was what single moms got for advice: buy a weapon if you're scared. So respectfully, no. Mr.
• one for class four, but we need to tighten up the middle, and that's where I also got expert legal advice

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2415, which would regulate kratom by treating certain synthetically derived compounds as narcotic drugs, raising the minimum sale age to 21, and penalizing sales of products exceeding a 400 parts per million cap. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill targets dangerous synthetic or highly concentrated kratom while preserving natural leaf products; testimony included a woman describing kratom addiction and treatment, family members describing harm from 7-OH products, and law enforcement and Attorney General’s Office support. Opponents, including criminal justice advocates, warned the bill could sweep in users and create harsh felony penalties, while some speakers urged a full ban and others defended natural kratom as distinct from synthetic products. The committee adopted the Wynn amendment and then gave HB 2415, as amended, a do-pass recommendation by a 6-3 vote. The committee then considered HB 2870, which would prohibit more than one Level 2 or Level 3 registered sex offender from residing in the same home unless they are related by blood, marriage, or adoption. The sponsor said the bill was prompted by a neighborhood case involving multiple sex offenders in one residence and argued it was aimed at residential homes, not supervised group homes. Supporters described fear and disruption in their neighborhoods, while opponents argued the bill would reduce already limited housing, make supervision harder, and potentially force people onto the streets; some also raised due process and recidivism concerns. After discussion about possible amendments and the distinction between group homes and unsupervised residences, the committee approved HB 2870 with a do-pass recommendation by a 6-3 vote. Next, the committee heard HB 2413, which requires GPS or electronic monitoring for registered sex offenders who are homeless or lack a permanent address until they obtain one. Supporters said the bill would close a gap because transient registrants are only required to check in every 90 days, leaving law enforcement without regular location information; a policy analyst said monitoring could be implemented through existing systems, though costs and administration would vary. Opponents argued the bill raises due process and equal protection concerns, duplicates existing reporting requirements, and could impose costs on people trying to stabilize their lives. The committee passed HB 2413 on a 5-4 vote. Finally, the committee took up HB 2720, which increases the penalty for purchasing prostitution to a class 6 felony and directs a $200 assessment to the anti-human trafficking fund, with an amendment clarifying the affirmative defense for trafficking victims and restricting use of the assessment to trafficking services. Supporters, including the sponsor, prosecutors, Phoenix police, and a city council member, said the bill targets buyers who drive demand and exploitation. Opponents from criminal justice and anti-violence groups argued the bill could still ensnare trafficking victims and sex workers, especially because the affirmative defense may be hard to assert in practice. After adopting the amendment, the committee gave HB 2720, as amended, a do-pass recommendation by an 8-0-1 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• congregate and gather the counties' prosecuting attorneys and then also nonprofits that can provide advice
• nonprofits that attorneys and then also nonprofits that can<01:04:47.440><c> provide</c><01:04:47.760><c> advice
• > we</c><01:04:49.440><c> didn't</c><01:04:49.599><c> see</c><01:04:50.559><c> um</c> can provide advice
• So we didn't see um can provide advice.

Bills: HB1629, HB1630, HB1631

Keywords: economic development, business, state statutes, Hawaii Revised Statutes, legislation, development strategy, state funding, infrastructure, employment opportunities, legislative intent, state legislation, development initiatives, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with HB 1829 on marine affairs. Most testimony was in strong support, with speakers from state agencies, ocean-tech companies, startups, nonprofits, and community groups backing the creation of an Office of Marine Affairs and a marine affairs coordinator under HTDC. Supporters said the measure would better coordinate ocean policy, strengthen the blue economy, and help Hawaii capture jobs, investment, and innovation in marine-related industries. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HTDC-related measures, including HB 1615 and HB 1613, which also drew broad support from business, technology, and economic development interests. Testifiers said the bills would strengthen Hawaii’s technology and innovation ecosystem, support advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, and help build a more diversified economy with higher-wage jobs. The committee also heard HB 1607 on public procurement and HB 1772 on small business procurement; state procurement staff and several business groups supported efforts to expand opportunities for local firms, while one speaker from the city’s economic revitalization commission argued that a flat 5% preference could help keep more revenue and jobs in-state. On HB 1636 relating to shopping carts, the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in opposition, saying the bill would penalize businesses for carts that are stolen rather than abandoned and would add costs that could especially burden small and local retailers. HB 1810 on charitable solicitation drew support from Goodwill Hawaii and other nonprofits, who said the bill would improve transparency around donation bins and protect donors from misleading for-profit collection practices; the Attorney General’s office asked for a delayed effective date to allow system changes and staffing. HB 1782 on AI and the protection of minors received broad support from state agencies, educators, and advocacy groups, but some business and retail representatives urged narrowing the definition of covered AI services so ordinary customer-service chatbots would not be swept in. Finally, HB 1759 on theft drew opposition from the Public Defender’s Office, which said the bill could create overly harsh penalties and should include defense representation on any task force; the office also noted existing laws already address conspiracy and related conduct.

Transcript Highlights:

• For several years, she falsely took the sick days, with the advice of her principal, but still it's against
• /c><00:29:28.720><c> with</c><00:29:28.880><c> with</c><00:29:29.360><c> the</c><00:29:29.600><c> advice
• </c><00:29:29.840><c> of</c><00:29:30.080><c> her</c> sick days with with the advice of her sick days
• with with the advice of her principal,<00:29:30.720><c> but</c><00:29:30.960><c> still</c><00:29:31.200

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony from Rep. Ashley Tacket Laferty on a bill to expand minimum hazardous-duty retirement and health benefits for certain public safety workers injured in the line of duty. She used a video and examples from Floyd County to describe officers and an emergency management director who were catastrophically injured but did not qualify for existing hazardous-duty coverage because their employers had enrolled them in non-hazardous retirement plans. The bill would provide a minimum benefit of 25% of pay, plus 10% for dependent children and limited health coverage, for eligible workers who cannot return to hazardous work. Laferty said the proposal would apply retroactively through a five-year window, estimated to affect a limited number of workers statewide, and would be funded by small increases in employer contribution rates. Committee members questioned how many former employees might qualify, how the bill interacts with the pension system, and who would pay the added cost. Discussion also noted that local governments choose whether to place employees in hazardous or non-hazardous coverage, largely based on cost. The sheriff’s association was present online in support, and no vote was taken. The committee then heard Rep. Daniel Gber present a revised bill allowing teachers and school district employees to use accumulated sick leave to observe religious holidays not already on the school calendar, if they provide a personal statement and sufficient advance notice. He said the measure is intended to address the rigid school calendar and the difficulty teachers face in observing non-school holidays without losing service credit toward retirement. He noted that the earlier version of the bill had allowed make-up work time, but the current draft is shorter and focused on sick leave use. He also referenced a supporting letter from a constituent who could not attend because of weather. The bill was presented for discussion only, with no committee action reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Department of Education with a firm which is contracted by the department oftentimes to give advice
• /c><00:49:01.280><c> times</c><00:49:01.599><c> to</c><00:49:01.839><c> give</c><00:49:02.559><c> advice
• </c> department oftent times to give advice department oftent times to give advice or<00:49:03.520><c

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met on HB 510 and HB 112, but the discussion focused almost entirely on HB 510, which would establish due process rights for students, student organizations, and faculty members in disciplinary proceedings at state institutions of higher education. The chair reviewed proposed amendments already approved or being considered, including revised definitions, confidentiality language for grievance information, removal of the adverse-inference language tied to self-incrimination, changes to cross-examination procedures, and narrowing an emergency exception by removing property damage and focusing on immediate threats to physical health or safety. The committee also discussed whether the hearing officer should have discretion to require a third party to conduct cross-examination, with the sponsor saying the word should remain “may” so the officer can respond to the circumstances of each case. Members opposed to the bill argued that existing campus procedures already provide adequate due process and that the proposal is unnecessary, potentially intimidating to complainants, and disruptive to university policies and collective bargaining agreements. They objected especially to language allowing the accused to be present during cross-examination of an accuser and to the use of the term “victim” before facts are established. Supporters said the bill is intended to ensure basic fairness for accused students and faculty, that the language was revised to address concerns, and that the rights listed are appropriate because serious allegations can have lasting consequences even outside the criminal context. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided; the committee remained in discussion/caucus over the bill language.