Transcript Highlights:

• The solutions lie in legislative and regulatory levers.
• The solutions lie in legislative and regulatory levers.
• So are we asking questions about the legislation?
• It's still during the legislative pendency on that legislation.
• Additionally, there's the State Ethics Commission, and the Ethics Commission receives complaints.

Bills: HB99, HB49, HB164, SB30, SB43, SB50, SB136

Keywords: medical malpractice, malpractice reform, patient's compensation fund, PCF, health care liability, tort reform, damage caps, punitive damages, hospital liability, physician liability, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, outpatient facility, ambulatory surgical center, urgent care, free-standing emergency room, insurance surcharge, superintendent of insurance, New Mexico hospitals, medical review process

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; Moving on to the Alabama Ethics &gt;&gt; Moving on to the Alabama Ethics Commission.<00
• I believe in strong ethics.
• I believe in the ethics commission. I believe in strong<00:08:56.240><c> ethics.
• There's a reason there is an ethics<00:09:00.320><c> commission.
• And, uh, I promise to ethics commission.

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation...
• This legislation has no registered opposition.
• I want to thank the author for this considerate legislation.
• This remains the ethical and operational foundation... ...by President Lincoln.
• Industry, and we believe we should legislate against them.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs met as a subcommittee because a quorum was initially lacking, and heard six bills. AB 81 by Assemblymember Ta would require CalVet to study the mental health needs of women veterans; supporters from county veterans service officers, veterans organizations, and behavioral health groups said women veterans face higher rates of military sexual trauma, PTSD, depression, and suicide, while no opposition appeared. The bill was later passed 7-0 and re-referred to Appropriations. AB 826 by Assemblymember Gonzalez would prohibit unaccredited individuals or businesses from charging veterans fees to file or assist with VA benefits claims, impose a civil penalty, and direct penalty revenue to veterans services and district attorneys. Supporters argued the bill would curb predatory “claim sharks” and protect veterans from exploitation, while opponents from private claims consulting firms and several veterans said the measure could restrict access to legitimate help and should be narrowed to target bad actors instead of banning paid assistance broadly. After extensive testimony and discussion about federal law, accreditation, and possible amendments, the committee passed the bill 8-0 and re-referred it to Judiciary. AB 556 by Assemblymember Patterson would clarify that campus-level mandatory fees are covered under the CalVet fee waiver for dependents of certain veterans and Medal of Honor recipients. Supporters said the bill would fulfill the state’s promise to veterans’ families, while concerns were raised about fiscal impacts on CSU campuses and the need for more precise cost estimates. The bill was passed 6-0 and sent to Appropriations. The committee also adopted its rules 7-0 and approved the consent calendar, which included AB 264, AB 1508, and AB 1509, all re-referred to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 399 relating to ethics by Representative Maney. Representative Maney, you are recognized.
• HB 399 relating to ethics by Representative Maney.
• We do have one appearance card: Carrie Stillman from the Commission on Ethics.
• Representative Maney, I would just like to say we could probably all agree that you're the most ethical
• All committee amendments by all, and I mean all underlying members, Legislation.

Summary: The House Rules Committee met on March 20, 2025, with a quorum present and moved quickly through a full agenda. The committee first heard HB 399 by Representative Maney, an ethics bill aimed at prohibiting employees, candidates, and public officers from falsely claiming military service or decorations for material benefit and establishing civil penalties. An amendment was adopted to conform the House bill to the Senate version and clarify collection of penalties, including delinquency after 90 days and Attorney General collection authority. Carrie Stillman of the Commission on Ethics testified in support, saying the added civil-penalty language would improve enforcement. The bill was reported favorably by a 16-0 vote. The committee then adopted the special order letter for the March 26 session and approved special amendment deadlines and procedures for the General Appropriations Act and related bills. The budget procedures set deadlines for publication of the proposed GAA and related bills, committee amendment filing, and floor amendment filing, and required amendment requests to come from the sponsoring member or a House employee with written authorization. The chair also noted that some line-item veto reinstatements recommended by work groups would be considered on March 26. Finally, the committee considered four proposed committee bills sponsored by Vice Chair Barrero: PCB REC-25-01, the Adoption Act for recent statutes and reviser changes; PCB REC-25-02, a directive bill updating statutory references from the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services to the Division of Criminal Investigations; PCB REC-25-03, a cleanup bill repealing inoperative or expired provisions; and PCB REC-25-04, the annual general reviser bill making technical, non-substantive, and conforming changes. None drew questions, testimony, or debate, and all four were reported favorably by unanimous 16-0 votes before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Director of the Oklahoma Ethics Commission.
• She's got all of our institutional knowledge with the ethics commission. So, thank you.
• That was not a choice that was made by the ethics commission.
• not an additional legislative requirement.
• In the legislation, I think it has the effective date in it.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It connects AI instruction with critical evaluation, recognition of limitations, and ethical reasoning
• that addresses both capabilities and limitations helps reduce overreliance and misuse, including ethical
• think critically about how these systems work, how they use data, where they fall short, and what ethical
• how these systems, about these systems, about how they use data, where they fall short, and what ethical
• We support the intent of this legislation and we hope continued discussion will provide clarity regarding

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education convened with a quorum and first took up CS for SB 1694 on technology education. The bill would require technology-integrated postsecondary general education core courses to include digital literacy and competency instruction, including use of artificial intelligence tools, and would encourage high school computer science courses that include AI to teach how AI systems use data, their benefits and limitations, and responsible use in academic and personal settings. The bill sponsor and several supporters emphasized preparing students for an AI-driven workforce while teaching critical evaluation and ethical use; one speaker raised concerns about overreliance on AI and the need to preserve real-world skills. Senator Davis supported the measure and suggested introducing similar instruction earlier, possibly in middle school. The committee voted the bill favorably, with Senator Leak later recorded in the affirmative. The committee then heard a large block of confirmations for higher education boards, including appointees to Tallahassee State College, the University of South Florida, the University of North Florida, Palm Beach State College, the College of the Florida Keys, Hillsborough College, Miami-Dade College, Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Florida. The appointees generally highlighted backgrounds in education, health care, law, business, technology, and public service, and described priorities such as student success, workforce alignment, affordability, fiscal responsibility, and institutional growth. One nominee to Tallahassee State College was asked about low NCLEX pass rates and said the college had a plan approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. Another nominee discussed Florida Poly’s STEM mission, and several members praised the nominees’ community ties and professional experience. After hearing the appointees, the committee voted to report the block of confirmations favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee. The committee then received a high-level overview of the higher education budget, totaling $11.9 billion, with major emphasis on workforce training and development. Highlights included increases for school district workforce education, the Florida College System, workforce development capitalization, a rural educator recruitment program, funding for the USF Center for Nursing, preeminent research universities, UCF’s community school grant program, UF’s literacy and math initiatives, UF’s autism and neurodevelopment center, and a postsecondary guardian program for campus security. Members asked a brief question about a workforce fund transfer, and the chair explained it was a transfer of an existing program with new funds added. No public comment was offered, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jesus is teaching a different moral ethic.
• And I'm much more interested about what Jesus is teaching in that moral ethic there.
• Jesus is teaching a different moral ethic.
• We have an ethical obligation to investigate a case.
• I appreciate the committee hearing this piece of legislation.

Summary: The Committee on Corrections and Public Institutions met with a quorum and heard testimony on three bills, with no executive session. House Bill 2153, by Rep. Jim Murphy, would repeal the death penalty in Missouri. Murphy argued the death penalty is costly, not a deterrent, irreversible when mistakes are made, and harmful to victims’ families through repeated appeals. Supporters included Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski, Baptist minister Brian Kaler, Public Defender Director Matthew Crowell, Dr. Heidi Moore of Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty, former inmate Clifton Davis, Empower Missouri’s Gwen Smith Moore, the Innocence Project, Mid-Missouri Fellowship of Reconciliation, and former Rep. Tony Lobotto. Testimony focused on moral objections, wrongful convictions, racial arbitrariness, the burden on victims’ families, and significant state and defense costs. Several members asked about costs, retroactivity, and the effect on current death-row inmates; Murphy said the bill would apply prospectively only. No vote was taken. House Bill 3154, by Rep. Bennie Cook, would update Missouri Gaming Commission fingerprint/background-check requirements to explicitly include sports wagering and fantasy sports applicants, suppliers, and key persons. Cook said the bill is intended to ensure proper criminal background checks through the Highway Patrol and to align the statute with newer gaming activities. Missouri Gaming Commission Executive Director Mike Lira testified in support, explaining that fingerprints are needed to identify out-of-state criminal histories and that federal guidance requires specific statutory language for sports wagering background checks. The committee asked a few clarifying questions, and there was no opposition. House Bill 3535, also by Rep. Bennie Cook, would add fireworks-related authority and clarify that state fire marshals, who are already post-certified peace officers, may act in exigent circumstances and assist other officers during investigations or emergencies. State Fire Marshal Tim Bean supported the bill, saying it would give fire marshals another tool and help with illegal fireworks investigations. One witness opposed the bill, objecting to the phrase “exigent circumstances” as too subjective and potentially harmful to Fourth Amendment protections. The hearing concluded without a vote, and the chair then dismissed the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• In accordance, in accordance with the city's legislative program, I'm here to testify in opposition of
• Gerdes on legislation in this, this whole area, and, but let me ask you, so I'm looking at the bill.
• I, I, I'd like to know that legislation that's passed down in Austin is meant to assist and work with
• Uh, this legislation is, of course, based on the Kennedy v.
• My name is Blake Roach, and I serve as Associate legislative director for Texas Farm Bureau.

Bills: SB 231, SB 667, SB 689, SB 825, SB 965, SB 992, SB 1059, SB 1220, SB 2368, SB 2601

Keywords: temporary emergency electric energy facility, temporary generation, emergency power, backup generation, mobile generator, portable generator, grid resilience, power outage restoration, transmission and distribution utility, TDU, Public Utility Commission of Texas, PUCT, Utilities Code Section 39.918, competitive bidding, lease authorization, emergency procurement, bulk power system, locational marginal pricing, reliability model, black start

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Commission is going to consider the ethics charge. discussion? discussion?
• We had a lot of complaints, some of which weren't a violation of the ethics law.
• We had a lot of complaints, some of which weren't a violation of the ethics law.
• We had a lot of complaints, some of which weren't a violation of the ethics law.
• We had a lot of complaints, some of which weren't a violation of the ethics law.

Keywords: The meeting will take start back after coming out of Executive Session, 958, all

Summary: The commission reconvened in open session and announced it had reached a settlement that would avoid a full adjudicatory hearing. Counsel for Representative Gber waived the hearing and agreed to the settlement, and enforcement counsel recommended acceptance. The commission then voted unanimously to accept the agreed settlement. The matter proceeded to an ethics charge involving a proposed finding of probable cause, an agreed order, and a public reprimand. Representative Gber was sworn in and confirmed that he had seen and agreed to the proposed order, waived the adjudicatory hearing, agreed to the findings of violations and penalties in the agreed order, and waived his right to appeal. The commission accepted the agreement and stated that the matter before it was concluded. After the settlement, the chair noted that pending motions related to the case were dismissed and thanked the witnesses for attending, even though they did not have to testify. The chair and Representative Gber each made brief remarks about the long and difficult process, the complexity of the case, and the hope that it would serve as a learning experience. The commission said signed copies of the agreed order and public reprimand would be available, and then moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• May their leadership be guided by the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability
• c><00:01:46.320><c> by</c><00:01:46.479><c> the</c><00:01:46.720><c> highest</c><00:01:47.119><c> ethical
• </c> be guided by the highest ethical be guided by the highest ethical standards,<00:01:48.720><c> ensuring
• Uh, the Ethics Committee will be meeting at 2 p.m. today. >> 2 p.m. for ethics. >> Yes.
• &gt;&gt; 2 p.m. for ethics. 2 p.m. for ethics. Uh &gt;&gt; 2 p.m. for ethics. 2 p.m. for ethics.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, January 15, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened on January 15 with a prayer offered by Reverend Sheridan Almond of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Kensington, introduced as a guest of the senator from the 18th district. Her remarks were journalized without objection. The chamber also welcomed several guests, including Carter Pry, a recent Crofton High School graduate interested in cybersecurity and AI, interns Isabelle War and Daniel Mora, and the Catonsville Middle School Student Council and adviser Katie Tucci. Members also recognized the day’s pages and thanked them for their service. The only bill read at the desk was Senate Bill 232, by Senator Salling, concerning state procurement preferences for historically underutilized business zone businesses; it was referred to the appropriate standing committee. Committee announcements followed, with Finance, Education, Energy, and the Environment, Judicial Proceedings, and Ethics all scheduling organizational meetings and related briefings later that day. Additional announcements noted Baltimore City and Baltimore County delegation meetings, a Fire EMS Coalition meeting, and Cecil Day events in Annapolis. A senator from Montgomery County highlighted an art exhibit, Art in Full Spectrum, on the fourth floor of the House office building, featuring artists with disabilities from many districts and a future reception. The Senate then confirmed a quorum of 45 members and, on motion of the majority leader, adjourned pro forma until Friday, January 16 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> alternatives exist, the only ethical alternatives exist, the only ethical choice<00:27:54.640><c
• </c><01:14:51.760><c> in</c> ethics commission is respectfully in ethics commission is respectfully in
• uh the director of the uh the ethics uh the director of the uh ethics<01:31:08.320><c> commission</c
• ><c> work</c> handle state legislative AI work handle state legislative AI work relating<01:55:31.599
• </c> to do the work of the ethics commission. to do the work of the ethics commission.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 1531, HD1, which would require the governor or county mayors to provide American Sign Language interpreters during official emergency announcements broadcast on television or the internet, ensure the interpreter is visible, and provide a primary pool feed with picture-in-picture so rebroadcasters would not need to add the feature themselves. Testimony from the Disability and Communication Access Board and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities strongly supported the bill, emphasizing effective communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing residents and noting that interpreter placement and size can make broadcasts inaccessible. The council requested an effective date of July 1, 2027 to allow implementation time. Members raised concerns about interpreter availability and emergency logistics on Hawaiʻi Island, but the chair moved to pass the bill with amendments reflecting the picture-in-picture recommendation and the later effective date. The committee adopted the motion, with several members voting aye and others voting with reservations. The committee then heard House Bill 1880, HD2, which would prohibit, beginning January 1, 2027, the use or application of pesticides containing 1,3-dichloropropene, such as Telone. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity explained that pesticides are already regulated at both the federal and state levels, with EPA risk assessments and state enforcement of label restrictions, reporting, and school-buffer requirements. The Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the bill, citing cancer and respiratory risks and arguing that safer alternatives exist. In opposition, Dole Food and the Hawaii Farm Bureau said Telone is important for controlling nematodes in pineapple production, that it is applied underground under EPA conditions, and that no comparable registered alternative exists for pineapple; they also said the bill’s 2027 start date is too short for growers to adjust. A representative from the Y Alliance for Progressive Action and Support supported the measure, citing statewide usage data and concerns about drift and chronic health impacts. Committee members questioned both sides about drift monitoring, groundwater impacts, alternative methods, and whether a transition period or research into resistant varieties could reduce reliance on the chemical.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> enforced by the state ethics enforced by the state ethics commission.<00:30:38.799><c> Uh,</c><00
• As student journalists, we are already guided by multiple ethical codes in everything we do.
• Every story begins with a pitch session where we carefully consider ethical concerns.
• These decisions balance our ethical responsibilities with the importance of telling the story.
• </c> These decisions balance our ethical These decisions balance our ethical responsibilities<00:41:11.760

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs held a resolutions hearing on April 1, 2025, and considered a series of measures largely focused on housing, domestic violence, corrections, Native Hawaiian issues, and public safety. Early items included HCR 158 HD1 and HR 153 HD1, which request a Judiciary-led working group to improve landlord-tenant code provisions to increase housing supply; Hawaii Realtors testified in strong support, and there was no opposition. The committee also heard HCR 55 and HR 51 on studying the effectiveness of domestic violence, restraining order, and stalking laws. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office said some requested data may exceed judicial authority but that useful Judiciary data exists, while the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the intent but urged broader, better-funded, survivor-inclusive analysis across all counties and islands. Members asked for clarification on the proposed draft, and the witness emphasized narrowing the scope, including stalking, and extending the timeline. The committee then took up HCR 23 HD1 on the new Oahu Community Correctional Center. The Public Defender supported adding a courtroom but objected to language about transporting released detainees away from residential communities or public spaces as unconstitutional; the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supported the measure and said one multipurpose courtroom would be sufficient, and that most released inmates are picked up by family or programs, with others transported to a bus depot. HCR 174 HD1/HR 170 HD1, on in-school based learning programs for youth in the juvenile legal system, drew strong support from Debt Free Justice Hawaii, which said the resolution was youth-led and could help replace fees and fines with community service and rehabilitation opportunities. HCR 185, on an audit of proposed mandatory health insurance coverage for Native Hawaiian healing and cultural practices, received comments from Pāpa Lokahi supporting the concept but warning that reimbursement issues are complex, that the community should restart broader conversations, and that the measure should not be rushed or unfunded; members questioned whether the resolution was the right vehicle and whether it could affect ACA implementation. Several Native Hawaiian and community measures were also heard. HCR 147/HR 147, creating a legislative working group on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands funding, had support from DHHL and the Democratic Party of Hawaii. HCR 193 HD1/HR 186 HD1, on transferring Native Hawaiian burial site management to OHA, was strongly supported by OHA, which also proposed adding recognized lineal and cultural descendants to the working group membership; the committee noted multiple supporting testimonies and no opposition on the House draft. HCR 8/HR 8, urging DOJ inclusion of Hawaii in the missing and murdered indigenous persons outreach program, was supported by OHA, which cited a task force report showing Native Hawaiian women and girls make up over 40% of missing persons cases despite being about 10% of the population. HCR 124 HD1/HR 120 HD1 on Hawaiian language resources had no testimony. HCR 180 HD1 on collaborative homelessness response drew comments from the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions and three support testimonies. HCR 72/HR 65 on county ethics standards also drew support only. HCR 100/HR 96 on competency in LGBTQ+ and culturally specific gender identity training received support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, which stressed the need for training that reflects Native Hawaiian and other Polynesian understandings such as mahu and fa’afafine. The committee continued with additional measures that were mostly noncontroversial. HCR 30/AHR 29 on enforcement against out-of-state vehicles had support from the Department of Transportation. HCR 43 HD1, studying highway patrol and speed cameras, had one opposition testimony. HCR 119 HD1/HR 115 HD1, endorsing Taiwan’s international participation and a U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement, was supported by DBEDT. HCR 62 HD1 and HR 57, on flying the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia flag year-round at the Capitol, had no testimony, though DBEDT supported the related measure. Throughout the hearing, members generally asked few questions, and the transcript reflects testimony, comments, and stated positions rather than any final committee votes or deferred actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, since the passage of that legislation...
• So I urge you to oppose this legislation that seeks to in stores.
• It's testifying on behalf of the Texas Human Legislation Network and yourself.
• Once and for all, I urge this committee to pass the ethical pet sales bill.
• If the supporters of this legislation are truly seeking to... close bad breeders, then the legislation

Bills: HB74, HB175, HB460, HB576, HB2271, HB2294, HB2874, HB3016, HB3133, HB3191, HB3458, HB3929, HB4063, HB4115, HB4394, HB74, HB175

Keywords: Puerto Verde, Port Authority, eminent domain, bonds, tax assessments, economic development, infrastructure, transportation, public welfare, child care, certifications, Texas Rising Star Program, grant program, disability inclusion, family income, affordability, economic impact, state study, cost analysis, government support

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a packed agenda with a lot of interesting legislation.
• It's a packed agenda with a lot of interesting legislation.
• This legislation helps us get there.
• This legislation helps us get there.
• journey towards an equitable and ethical food system.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Higher Education held its first hearing and heard testimony on a wide range of bills, including hunger-free campuses, FAFSA completion, early college/college-in-high-school programs, banning legacy preferences, AP credit consistency, and tuition equity for the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. Committee leaders opened by outlining the hearing process and noting the three-minute testimony limit. Legislators and advocates generally framed the bills as equity and access measures aimed at improving college affordability, student success, and workforce development. Representative Vargas testified for H. 1466 and H. 1467, arguing that hunger-free campus should be codified because many public college and community college students face food insecurity, and that FAFSA completion should be improved through individualized outreach and an opt-out or completion requirement. Senator Lovely, the Greater Boston Food Bank, and other advocates supported the hunger-free campus bill, citing data that 44% of public university and community college students experienced food insecurity in 2023 and that food insecurity harms graduation rates. Femi Stoltz and Shanti Lopez Toro backed the FAFSA bill, saying many students miss out on Pell grants and need direct support; they pointed to state examples such as Louisiana and to recent state action requiring FAFSA awareness. Committee members asked about the federal FAFSA rollout, regional equity in food access, and the need for long-term funding and data collection. A large panel supported H. 1455 on college and high school/early college, including former Chair Roy, the Massachusetts Alliance for Early College, a student graduate, MBAE, and Tripp Jones. They described early college as a proven model that helps low-income and first-generation students, improves degree attainment, and supports workforce needs; witnesses said the goal is to scale from about 9,000 students and 55 partnerships toward 22,000 to 25,000 students by 2030, with possible future growth beyond that. Members raised questions about funding, public-private partnerships, parental involvement, faculty development, and whether the bill should include data review and more standardized policies across institutions. Representative Garcia also testified for H. 1432 on AP credit, saying students should receive consistent credit for AP scores of 3, 4, or 5. Senator Edwards and James Murphy testified for the legacy preference ban, arguing it is unfair and rooted in exclusionary history; they said some states have already banned legacy preferences in public and private institutions. Finally, UMass Dean Michael Fox, alumnus Dan Mayer, and student Jake Rasmussen supported S. 920 to include Stockbridge associate degree programs in MassEducate, saying tuition equity would help enrollment and support Massachusetts agriculture and green-industry jobs.

Transcript Highlights:

• And during this legislative session, we had a special edition.
• This legislative session, she has also served as an intern in our office.
• She takes pride in her work and has a tremendous work ethic.
• She takes pride in her work and has a tremendous work ethic.
• This legislation is needed because without concurrent legislative jurisdiction, juvenile misconduct is

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of recognitions for interns, staff, and guests. Members also honored a retiring Senate staffer and a wounded veteran, then moved into returning House messages and special order bills. Several measures were taken up and either concurred in or sent back to the House, with multiple unanimous or near-unanimous votes on noncontroversial bills. Among the bills addressed were SB 118 on recreational vehicle park assessments, SB 572 on ethics for public officers and employees, and HB 991 on election integrity. SB 118 and SB 572 were amended to reflect House changes and passed 38-0. HB 991 drew extensive debate over voter registration and identification requirements, with opponents arguing it would burden students, seniors, disabled voters, and others, while supporters said it would strengthen election security and streamline verification; it passed 27-12. The chamber also approved bills on historic cemeteries, chickee regulation, habitual traffic offender designation, military affairs, and a Department of Health package. The Department of Health bill (SB 902/HB 733) was the subject of detailed amendment work, including changes to medical marijuana rules, NICU educational materials, Early Steps, dental loan repayment, and pediatric trauma center designation. The Senate adopted an amendment to the amendment and then passed the bill 37-0. Other measures included a funeral services bill, which the Senate refused to concur in because the House strike-all would redefine cremation to include composting, and a veterans-related bill that was temporarily postponed. The Senate also recessed briefly, then returned to continue the calendar and additional recognitions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tom Coseill, who is one of my legislative aides. Can you stand, Tom? We have Ms.
• This legislative session, she has also served as an intern in our office.
• She takes pride in her work and has a tremendous work ethic.
• She takes pride in her work and has a tremendous work ethic.
• This legislation is needed because without concurrent legislative jurisdiction, juvenile misconduct is

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Office of Legislative Council, Office of Legislative<00:29:12.800><c> Council</c> Legislative Council
• </c> corrections for the 2026 legislative corrections for the 2026 legislative session.<01:05:24.400>
• . legislation. legislation.
• </c> ethics and human rights. ethics and human rights.
• </c><02:09:35.000><c> And</c> not a legislator. And not a legislator.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lord, bless this legislative body. So much has been achieved.
• Bob has been with us at the School Ethics Commission for 34 years.
• And that, whether it be in legislation or whatever, is what is best for the people.
• It is our responsibility as legislators to represent our communities wholly.
• It is our responsibility as legislators to represent our communities wholly.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, those take legislative authority.
• </c><00:05:29.240><c> that</c> Who is our legislator that Who is our legislator that Hm?
• - we regulate ethics all the time?
• . legislation. legislation.
• That would be our legislation.

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The committee opened with quorum and housekeeping, then began setting interim topics for discussion. The first major topic was trapping, including prior legislation on mandatory trapper education and trapping setbacks. The Game and Fish director said the department had already gone through a trapping reform process in 2018-2019 and was prepared to testify on those issues again, noting that the commission had previously wanted legislative authority for them. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on a proposed non-motorized trail user fee. Supporters argued it could help fund trail systems and match state trail grants, citing demand for professionally built trails and examples from other states. Testimony estimated potential revenue at roughly $150,000 to $250,000 annually, depending on the model, while noting enforcement would likely rely on an honor system. Committee members discussed possible alternatives and related ideas, including using good neighbor authority with federal land managers and looking at motorized trail funding models. The director said the concept was not yet ready for immediate passage but was worth continued discussion. The committee also briefly discussed fishing outfitter issues, with the co-chair noting a prior bill had passed and that the current board still exists, but more data would be needed later in the interim. Another topic addressed ticket scalping and fake tickets at Jackson’s rodeo, which the sponsor said was affecting visitors and could warrant broader state discussion. The State Archives topic proposed expanding the digital archive and requiring agencies to use it, with added resources for local governments; staff said it would improve security, access, and storage efficiency. The committee then discussed problematic gaming and program funding, but noted a pending bill to create a separate statutory select committee on gaming, so the topic may be better handled there if formed. The final major discussion was the Game and Fish budget. The director said employee compensation increases had raised salary costs from about 40% to 60% of the budget, while overall revenue had not kept pace, forcing cuts to habitat and research work. She warned the department could reach a critical budget point by 2030. Committee members and the Wyoming Wildlife Federation supported a deeper interim review of the department’s finances and possible new revenue sources, with the director suggesting a three-meeting structure: first to lay out the budget outlook, then to discuss additional revenue options, and finally to consider what future generations may have to pay.

Transcript Highlights:

• MWG is committed to supporting and sustaining elements of ethical government.
• The rule of law is indeed foundational to ethical government.
• Emwegg is committed to supporting and sustaining elements of ethical government.
• The rule of law is indeed foundational to ethical government.
• What concerns me here is we've seen a lot of legislative issues this legislative session.

Summary: The committee heard several bills and a memorial, with extensive testimony on each. SB 1018 would amend Arizona’s foreign-law statute to expressly include Sharia law. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill was needed to prevent foreign legal systems from being enforced in Arizona courts and said it would not restrict private religious practice. Opponents, including the ACLU of Arizona, said the measure singled out Islam, was based on fear rather than evidence, and was unconstitutional. After debate, the committee approved SB 1018 on a 4-3 vote. The committee then considered SB 1075, which restricts conveyance of Arizona land to foreign entities deemed hostile to the United States and adds disclosure and penalty provisions through an amendment. The sponsor said the bill was modeled on similar efforts in other states and was intended to prevent adversarial foreign ownership near sensitive sites. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill as amended on a 4-3 vote. SB 1141, dealing with presidential electors, would require electors to vote for a properly nominated successor if a winning presidential or vice presidential candidate dies or withdraws before the Electoral College meets, and would treat an elector’s office as vacant if the elector fails to appear. Supporters said the bill closes a gap in Arizona law and helps avoid a deadlock in an unlikely but possible contingency. The committee passed SB 1141 unanimously, 7-0. Finally, the committee heard SCM 1003, a memorial urging Congress to affirm state authority over election processes and campaign finance through a constitutional amendment. Supporters framed it as a federalism measure responding to concerns about outside money in politics, while some members questioned claims about money laundering and noted the memorial’s broad language. The committee approved SCM 1003 unanimously, 7-0.