Video & Transcript : 'night care' :
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FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-10 (11:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He cares so deeply about this country as an immigrant.
- You took care of those concerns. You addressed them.
- You took care of those things. You took care of those things. I think there's a misconception.
- If you care about taxpayers, if you care about bringing income into your cities and counties, make sure
- If you care about taxpayers, if you care about bringing income into your cities and counties, make sure
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of guests including law enforcement officers and several student visitors. The chamber then adopted the special order report and moved to the special order calendar, with members also approving the journal and establishing a quorum. Later in the day, the House paused for several introductions and farewell remarks, including extended closing speeches from Representatives Eskamani and Overdorf reflecting on their service, staff, constituents, and policy priorities.
The House passed several bills, often after brief explanations and amendments. CS/SB 590 on the statute of limitations for failures to report child abuse was clarified to apply prospectively and passed 111-0. SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder was amended to include House language and passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1668 on the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) passed 112-0 after an amendment merging House and Senate provisions, and CS/SB 1246 on the linking industry to nursing education fund passed 112-0 after amendments expanding eligible contributions and program support.
Additional bills approved included CS/CS/SB 1404 on memory care standards, CS/CS/SB 1030 on recovery residences, CS/CS/SB 422 on automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts for aviation safety, CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services, and CS/CS/SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools, which would allow school coaches to use limited personal funds to support student-athletes with items such as food, transportation, and rehabilitation services, with parental consent added by amendment. Most of these measures passed unanimously or near-unanimously, with SB 422 passing 108-2.
The House also heard debate on CS/CS/SB 1134, a bill restricting counties and municipalities from taking official actions related to DEI and limiting the use of public funds for DEI-related activities and contracts. Members questioned how the bill would affect local government practices, observances, and staff functions, and the sponsor explained several exceptions and enforcement provisions.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/12/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Good night.
- Peter, welcome on a Friday night.
- Peter Gentala, welcome on a Friday night to Senate Appropriations.
- for children in foster care who are being cared for by their grandparents, who are old, retired, and
- because that's stealing health care from other people.
Bills:
HCR2048
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Accessing care and services. I want to get to the essence of continuity of care, right?
- We have now the Office of Ombudsman in Long-Term Care is here. Care is here.
- ,</c> cared about continuity of care, cared about continuity of care, then<00:44:37.280><c> we</c><00
- </c> also night supervision. also night supervision.
- </c> to provide night supervision. to provide night supervision.
Committee:
Senate Human Services
PA
Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Jul 12 2026)
Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Take care of our loved ones and our skilled facilities.
- Funding for child care.
- Funding for nursing home care so that we can protect our seniors.
- , the child independent care, that CNI—we see the people.
- Whether it was food, whether it was health care, whether it was mental health, whether it was child care
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, communications, committee reports, and leaves of absence. The journal was approved 50-0. The chamber then took up House Bill 1505, which drew extended debate over school funding and adequacy/tax equity. Senators Coleman and Keefer argued the bill continued to pour money into districts like Allentown without accountability or improved results, while Senators Costa, Miller, Haywood, and Anthony Williams defended the funding as a response to historic underfunding and the Commonwealth Court decision. A motion allowing Senator Coleman a third speaking turn was adopted 27-23, and the bill ultimately passed 45-5.
The Senate then considered House Bill 2400, the General Appropriation Act. Supporters, including Senators Martin, Dush, Phillips-Hill, Costa, Ward, Street, Hughes, and Pittman, emphasized that the budget was balanced without using the rainy day fund or raising taxes, reduced the governor’s proposal, increased education and child care funding, supported nursing homes, rape crisis centers, infrastructure, and workforce programs, and shifted money from lapsed or unused accounts to current priorities. Opponents, including Senators Saval and Muth, said the budget failed to address structural deficits and omitted new revenue options, emergency services funding, and other major issues. The bill passed 44-6 with amendments and was returned to the House for concurrence.
The Senate also passed a series of other bills, including House Bills 2412, 2413, 96, 858, 1042, 1286, 1646, 1851, 1862, 2017, 2024, 2401, and 2559, with varying margins, and sent them to the House, some with amendments. House Bill 1042 drew a negative recommendation from Senator Costa over a late amendment involving second-degree murder/felony language, but after reconsideration and vote changes it passed 30-20 with amendments. House Bill 1862, creating an Ignition Interlock Driver’s License, passed 45-5 after support from Senator Judy Ward. House Bill 1248 passed 43-7 and designates Pennsylvania rye whiskey as the official state spirit, with Senators Bartolotta and Robinson speaking in support. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 216, after defeating Senator Haywood’s amendment to narrow the scope of a proposed Legislative Budget and Finance Committee study of managed care organizations; the resolution passed 31-19. Several other bills were held over in their order, and the Senate later moved toward a condolence resolution.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- care.
- you know the dental care and the mental<01:31:42.880><c> health</c><01:31:43.239><c> care</c><01:31:
- </c> healthc Care healthc Care Clinic<01:32:16.119><c> welcome</c><01:32:16.520><c> please</c><01:32:
- health care workforce.
- </c> last night I met a patient last night last night I met a patient last night and<01:40:21.080><c>
Committee:
Senate Higher Education
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Thu Feb 12, 2026 @ 10:30 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> reduction in neonatal intensive care reduction in neonatal intensive care unit<00:18:46.880><c>
- >> Um, so we provide a continuum of care for residential services.
- >> Um, so we provide a continuum of care for residential services.
- </c><01:06:59.039><c> public</c> in response to some late night public in response to some late night
- So we [snorts] out late at night.
Committee:
House Human Services & Homelessness
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1877, which would expand the membership of the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission and add a youth seat. The commission’s vice chair supported the bill, saying the commission started with eight members, has growing interest, and would benefit from an odd-numbered board and youth representation. Members asked about quorum, and the commission said it has generally met monthly with only one quorum issue in the past 18–19 months and would work with legislative leaders to have appointments ready if the bill passes. Written testimony included support from Kokopac and one individual in opposition.
The committee then took up HB 2006, which would create a cash assistance program for pregnant women and mothers of babies. The Department of Human Services explained current TANF rules, including eligibility requirements, child support cooperation, and work-program participation, and said the state has recently raised benefit levels to the maximum allowed, with a family of three or four receiving a little over $900 per month. Supporters from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others argued the bill could reduce child poverty and improve maternal and child health, citing evidence from Michigan’s Rx Kids program and the temporary federal child tax credit expansion. A mother and Oahu Youth Action Board member testified from personal experience about the need for direct support during pregnancy. The committee also noted support from several organizations and about 26 individuals.
The committee next heard HB 2167, which would direct the Office of Youth Services to run a pilot program providing financial assistance to homeless youth. The Office of the Public Defender, youth advocates, and several organizations supported the measure, saying even small amounts of help can prevent homelessness and help youth transition safely to adulthood. The Office of Youth Services said it supports the intent of the bill but requested clarification, and committee members discussed whether the program should be run directly or through contracted community agencies, how to set performance metrics, and how to structure the RFP and contract process. The chair indicated the committee wanted to work with the vice chair and OYS offline to refine the bill before moving forward. The committee then began discussion of HB 2224, relating to Medicaid pharmacy benefit management, with testimony generally supporting giving DHS flexibility to negotiate with PBMs.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- But for our members to be able to continue their health care and their eligibility for their health care
- ><c> health</c><00:13:11.040><c> care</c><00:13:11.279><c> for</c> eligibility for their health care
- So, just wanted to bring that up again. care tied to our work status is a huge care tied to our work
- </c><00:19:09.440><c> So,</c> health care when they need it. So, health care when they need it.
- These health care, this is a good start.
Committee:
Senate Labor
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-10 (11:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Lord, would You be especially close to them and take care of them?
- He cares so deeply about this country as an immigrant.
- You took care of those concerns. You addressed them.
- You took care of those things. You took care of those things. I think there's a misconception.
- If you care about taxpayers, if you care about bringing income into your cities and counties, make sure
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum and journal business before taking up the special order calendar. Several bills were explained and moved through amendment and final passage, including CS/SB 590 on the statute of limitations for mandatory reporters’ child-abuse reporting violations, which was clarified on the floor to apply prospectively only and passed 111-0. CS/SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder was amended to align with the House version and passed 111-0. The chamber also recognized Spina Bifida Week and guests in the gallery before considering additional measures.
Members then passed CS/CS/SB 1668 on the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA), described as preserving the program’s actuarial soundness, by a 112-0 vote; CS/SB 1246 on the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund, expanded to support broader health science education programs and non-health-care partner contributions, by 112-0; CS/CS/SB 1404 on memory care facility standards by 111-0; CS/CS/SB 1030 on recovery residences, including transfer-of-ownership and MAT-related provisions, by 168-0; CS/CS/SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools, allowing limited coach support for student welfare with parental consent and other guardrails, by 112-0; CS/CS/SB 422 on automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts, limiting use of ADS-B data for airport billing, by 108-2; and CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services, modernizing licensure and exclusivity rules, by 111-0.
The House also took up CS/SB 1134 on official actions of local governments and DEI-related restrictions. The sponsor argued the bill would prohibit counties and municipalities from official DEI actions and related funding while preserving numerous exceptions for holidays, observances, public safety, and other activities. Members asked extensive questions about how the bill would affect local programs, events, and offices, and Representative Gant offered an amendment to narrow the bill’s DEI definition by removing two prongs; debate centered on vagueness, enforcement, and local-government impacts. The transcript cuts off during consideration of that amendment, so no final action on the bill is shown. The session also included lengthy farewell remarks from Representatives Eskamani and Overdorf, reflecting on their service, staff, constituents, and policy priorities.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He cares deeply about the diverse habitat of our entire Commonwealth.
- He cares about common-sense spending of our tax dollars.
- We put reforms in place to start lowering the cost of child care.
- Those children served by our early education and care providers.
- reform, taking a closer look at primary care delivery.
Summary:
The Senate convened for the opening day of the 194th General Court, with ceremonial remarks, an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the formal canvass of election returns. A special committee reported that all senators had been duly elected, and a committee was then appointed to notify the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor’s Council that a quorum of senators-elect was assembled and ready to be sworn in. Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll addressed the chamber, praised public service, and administered the oaths of office to the senators.
The main business of the day was the election of the Senate President. Senator Karen Spilka was nominated by Senator DiDomenico and seconded by Senator Edwards, while Senator Bruce Tarr was nominated by Senator Durant and seconded by Senator Dooner. After nominations were closed, the roll call resulted in 34 votes for Spilka and 5 for Tarr, and the Senate declared Spilka elected president. Senator Tarr then moved that the vote be considered unanimous, and the Senate agreed. President Spilka delivered an inaugural address focused on the chamber’s recent legislative record and priorities for the new session.
In her remarks, Spilka highlighted prior accomplishments including education funding, free community college, early education reforms, mental health care reform, prescription drug cost reductions, tax relief, housing, transportation, climate, and veterans’ legislation. She also outlined priorities for the new session, including a statewide listening tour, more transparency in committee and joint committee proceedings, housing and transportation affordability, health care reform, career and technical education, early education, and juvenile justice reform. She emphasized continued bipartisan work and public engagement.
The Senate also adopted temporary joint rules and temporary Senate rules, authorized printing of the daily journal, and scheduled the next meeting for the following day at 11:30 a.m. Michael D. Hurley was elected clerk of the Senate and sworn in, and James DiTulio was sworn in as Senate counsel. The chamber also adopted a memorial adjournment in memory of Mary J. Hurley of South Boston before adjourning.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 30th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Take care. Take care.
- So why do I care so much about second chances?
- It was unbelievable that she did that for eight hours throughout the whole night.
- rise in strong solidarity with our very own DGS brothers and sisters with dignity and diligently who care
- in support of my fourth-floor crew that works through the day and the crew that works through the night
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And so we're also looking at an election night reporting system to better inform voters on election night
- Child care, we've made great strides.
- Page 421 is the core for Care to Learn, Page 421 is the core for Care to Learn, recommended by the governor
- It's the program called Care to Learn.
- Enjoy the rest of your night. With that, we are adjourned. Thank you all. Rest of your night.
Committee:
House Budget
Summary:
The committee first heard the Secretary of State’s FY27 budget presentation. Secretary Denny Hoskins described his office’s work on business filings, elections administration, securities enforcement, archives, libraries, and Safe at Home, and said the office had cleaned up voter rolls by removing more than 200,000 ineligible voters. Members questioned him closely about deceased voters, voter registration through DMVs, information sharing with the federal government, and whether any personal identifying information would be released; Hoskins said only publicly available information had been shared and that PII would not be released absent a court order. He also said his office had 10 pending lawsuits handled by the Attorney General’s office, and discussed budget lapses, staffing levels, and the need to spend federal and other funds before general revenue when possible.
A major portion of the discussion focused on election-related funding requests. Hoskins defended funding for ballot publication in newspapers, saying the constitution and state law require publication of statewide ballot measures and that the cost could rise sharply if many petitions or a referendum reach the ballot. Several members questioned whether the newspaper notices are still effective, while others emphasized that many Missourians still rely on print and that the requirement remains constitutional. The committee also discussed the technology services NDI tied to the sunset of the $5 business filing fee that funds IT operations, with Hoskins saying the office would need general revenue if the sunset is not extended. Other topics included absentee ballot postage reimbursement, election cost transfers, and the library networking fund, which Hoskins said has not historically been funded at the full 10 percent level.
Members also raised broader budget and policy concerns, including the office’s FTE count, the restoration of some previously cut archives/local records positions, and the need for a new voter registration system and election-night reporting system. Some members pressed Hoskins on whether his budget requests were consistent with his past calls for smaller government, while he responded that election-year obligations, cybersecurity risks, and outdated systems require investment. The committee did not take a vote on the Secretary of State items during this segment.
The committee then began the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education presentation from Commissioner Carla Eslinger. She outlined the FY27 request for the foundation formula, transportation, child care, literacy, educator workforce, and strategic planning. Eslinger said the formula increase is driven by policy changes such as enrollment-based funding and higher special education and virtual education costs; transportation needs a modest increase; child care needs general revenue to replace expiring federal funds; and literacy efforts continue to expand through science-of-reading training and state-approved assessments. She also highlighted through-year testing, grade-level descriptors, teacher recruitment and retention, and work with a new Transforming Schools group. The presentation was cut short when the committee recessed for floor activity, with no votes taken.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- So if you think about it through the night, the prize is won...
- So if you think about it through the night, the prize is won.
- Oh, probably Thursday night.
- Oh, probably Thursday night.
- So they frankly just don't care, is what you're saying?
Committee:
Joint Judiciary Committee
Summary:
The Judiciary Interim Committee met to continue its study of charitable gaming, especially the ownership of alcoholic beverage establishments by licensed charitable gaming organizations and the relationship between charities, site owners, and gaming manufacturers/distributors. Legislative Council reviewed the background memo and Attorney General’s Gaming Division explained the legal framework, including site authorizations, rent limits, allowable expenses, and restrictions on distributors and manufacturers. Members focused heavily on electronic pull tabs, asking about the large gap between gross proceeds and adjusted proceeds, how much is paid out in winnings, how much is retained for expenses, and whether the 60% allowable-expense cap is being used as intended. The AG’s office said e-tabs account for most gaming volume, that winnings make up much of the difference, and that some organizations do not use the full 60% while others may exceed it, though only the capped amount counts as gaming expense. The committee also discussed the number of gaming organizations that appear to own or be affiliated with bars, the ways those ownership structures are formed, and whether some arrangements may create conflicts or site-selection pressure.
The League of Cities and the Association of Counties described the local site-authorization process and recent model policies adopted after the 2025 session. Cities said they can require signed agreements, limit games and machines, set qualifications, and charge up to $100 for site authorization, but cannot require charities to donate net proceeds or force a specific charity or site. They said the new policies are meant to add transparency and local control, though the more controversial parts involve requiring a local nexus or community connection. County representatives said the issue is mostly a city matter and that counties generally take a lighter-touch approach. Committee members raised concerns about whether local rules could unfairly exclude larger regional charities or create inconsistent standards across cities.
The North Dakota Gaming Alliance said it supports the study and provided information on charities that own or are affiliated with bars, emphasizing that most gaming organizations do not own alcoholic beverage establishments. Its representative said some charities may pursue bar ownership for site stability and diversification, while others decide against it because operating a bar is difficult. He also said a ban on charity-owned bars could raise federal tax-law issues depending on how it is written, and agreed to provide more detail. The committee asked Legislative Council and the Gaming Alliance for additional information on ownership structures and federal-law questions before the next meeting. Later, the Racing Commission gave a separate update on live racing, pari-mutuel wagering, and related charitable partnerships, and the State Hospital superintendent reported on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s support services, staffing, and wait lists; no votes were taken on these presentations.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 120 May 14th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You care about what matters. You care about the policy. You care about what we do.
- Uh, we've talked over the years, sometimes multiple times a night. Multiple times a night.
- Um, but then think about the late nights. 117 days we were here before we had a late night this year,
- And I was like, I think we went into election night, I'm going to lose.
- Why do you care? Well, you know, it doesn't affect me.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Mar 12th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There's the obvious things: the care and passion that make life better in this state for every person
- Thinking about your work on the health care committee, you've taken particular interest in our aging
- She did that the other night and I was like, turn back around. Don't want to see that.
- He's a family man, a loving husband, a caring father, and a helpful neighbor.
- John, you've cared deeply about the House Republican Caucus and our legislature.
Keywords:
behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, mortgage modification
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- who they seek care. and what they're doing in the over-the-counter setting in a pharmacy.
- Whether it's in a shop or in a pharmacy, people need care, and we aren't meeting it.
- Sorry, y'all saw health care in Harris County tonight.
- This will be his last night on the Senate floor.
- It's true that this is your last night, but I just thought we should recognize him.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I did learn one thing in the time since we were all here last night.
- I was informed that originally the reason for the... ...all here last night.
- I want to be careful, though, because that's a federal court decision.
- What happened last night was a point four version of the bill was brought in.
- A whole severability clause that nobody even knew was in there last night.
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum, opened with an invocation, pledges, and a series of announcements recognizing West Side Day, School Board Appreciation Day, Sierra Club Climate Solutions Day, Gallup-McKinley County Day, and New Mexico Athlete Trainer Day. Members also agreed to allow cameras on the floor and a relaxed dress code for guests. Numerous student and community groups were introduced, including West Side Day students, ABC Prep basketball students, Bernalillo High School AP students, MANA del Norte Hermanitas, honorary lieutenant governors, Taos Municipal Schools leaders, Classical Conversations homeschool students, Bloomfield school board members, and others.
A major portion of the session was devoted to honoring Bueno Foods with a Senate certificate recognizing February 5, 2026, as Bueno Foods Day in the Senate and celebrating the company’s 75th anniversary. Senators praised the Baca family’s multigenerational business, its role in New Mexico’s chile industry, its jobs and community support, and its national reach. Several members spoke in support, sharing personal stories about Bueno products and the company’s help during COVID and over decades of family and community life.
The Senate also adopted a condolence certificate for Kayla Reagan Van Landingham, a 19-year-old bicyclist killed in Albuquerque, with remarks emphasizing her life, advocacy, and the need for stronger pedestrian and bicycle safety. Her mother and family were recognized, and members observed a moment of silence. Senators spoke about the importance of traffic safety reforms and the local ordinance changes already pursued in her memory.
On legislation, the chamber received House and governor messages and adopted several committee reports. The main floor debate was on Senate Bill 38, concerning the spay and neuter program funding stream. Senator Block offered a floor substitute to restore a sunset clause for review and transparency; supporters argued the program should be periodically evaluated and that the funding functions like a tax rather than a fee. Opponents argued the program is important and should continue without a sunset. The floor substitute failed by roll call, 15 in favor and 22 against, and the Senate returned to the underlying bill for further debate.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Opening Day Wed Jan 15, 2025, 10:00AM HST - Day 1
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So as people, al, which you are—yeah, people are the al who care for the majority and the people, the
- </c><00:20:28.159><c> and</c> that tells you how much they care and that tells you how much they care
- </c> create and hold on to our past take care create and hold on to our past take care of<00:21:45.919
- Clouds of white, the brightness of day, and the dark Sac night and to...
- The dark Sac night and to myself. What a wonderful world.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 6th, 2026 at 11:27 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President, last night was a lot of fun. It was a great time.
- I appreciate your efforts last night.
- Teaching them good work ethic, teaching them how to care about animals and how to care about others.
- We talk about health care in rural communities. We talk about health care in Albuquerque.
- This is about children who are very ill, who might qualify for palliative care or even hospice care.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Feb 6th, 2026 at 08:33 am
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- New Mexico's health care needs.
- We also need to mirror that same custom care and specialty care for complex rehab. Okay.
- It's active care, resilience, and responsibility.
- I did not see this was not posted until late last night.
- I did not see this was not posted until late last night.
Committee:
House House Health & Human Services
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Feb 25th, 2026
Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence
Transcript Highlights:
- On prom nights, they do the actual reenactments so people can get that feel.
- that I had to make that night.
- And I needed to take care of her because my dad worked out of town.
- of what needs to be taken care of.
- And some people just don't care about Missourians' lives.
Summary:
The committee held public hearings on House Bill 3144 and House Bill 3160, both dealing with appeals of preliminary injunctions. The sponsors said the bills would allow a party to appeal a preliminary injunction more broadly, rather than limiting that right to the Attorney General, and they described the measure as a response to prior litigation and equal protection concerns. Supporters, including a Campaign Life Missouri lobbyist and Attorney General’s office counsel, argued the change would align Missouri practice with federal interlocutory appeal rules and protect both sides from harm while litigation is pending. Some members questioned whether the bills were aimed at pending Amendment 3 litigation and raised concerns about fairness and whether the language should apply evenly to all parties; the sponsors said one bill would be amended to match the other. No vote was taken on these bills during the hearing.
The committee then heard House Bill 1910, “Bentley and Mason’s Law,” which would require a person convicted of driving while intoxicated or drug-impaired driving that causes the death of a parent or guardian to pay child maintenance to the surviving children, with support continuing until age 18 or longer if the child is in college, and with arrearages addressed after release from incarceration. Representative Williams and several family members and victims testified in strong support, describing the bill as a deterrent and a way to hold impaired drivers financially accountable for the children left behind. Supporters said similar laws have passed in other states and cited a Tennessee case as an example of the law working in practice. Committee members asked about how maintenance would be calculated, whether the offender’s income would be considered, how civil judgments would interact with the maintenance order, and whether arrearages should accrue during incarceration; the sponsor said the bill could be refined and that those issues could be worked out.
Opposition to HB 1910 was limited, but one law enforcement witness said he supported the concept despite being listed as opposition, and another witness from MADD strongly endorsed the bill. The hearing ended with no action on HB 1910. In executive session, the committee voted HJR 130 do pass by a vote of 13-0. It then considered HB 2086, a bill relating to the practice of law, which drew constitutional and separation-of-powers concerns from several members; the final vote was 7-7, and the bill was reported as due pass despite the tie.