Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically, this bill elevates illegal slot machine operation to a third-degree felony.
• violation within 12 weeks after the first violation, that person commits a misdemeanor of the second degree
• Now that's saying you're not awesome, but just, you know, go for the degree. All right, awesome.

Bills: S0530 , S0658 , S0608 , S1708 , S0680 , S0980 , S0204

Committee: Senate Regulated Industries

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries considered and reported several bills. SB 530 on state lotteries was presented with two technical amendments adopted, including changes to lottery department contracting language and machine-purchase flexibility; the committee then reported the bill favorably. SB 204, which increases penalties for illegal slot machine operations to a third-degree felony and creates a declaratory-statement process for veteran service organizations to confirm machine legality, drew support from gaming interests and some soft opposition from a veterans group concerned about implementation; it was also reported favorably. The committee then took up a proposed committee substitute combining SB 658 and SB 608 on water safety requirements for rental and vacation properties. The combined bill would require certain rental properties near water bodies or with pools to install specified alarms, locks, fences, covers, or similar safety devices, with enforcement through DBPR and a grace period for correcting some violations. Senators emphasized the bill as a response to child drowning deaths, including those involving autistic children, and the PCS was reported favorably. SB 980, as a delete-everything amendment, would create the Florida Agegate Act to restrict advertising, promotion, and display of non-FDA-approved nicotine devices in areas accessible to those under 21, with penalties and inspection authority; after questions about counterfeit products and enforcement, it was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1708, which removes a three-year out-of-state practice requirement for veterinary licensure by endorsement while keeping other competency requirements, and SB 680, as amended, which creates a sales tax exemption for electricity sold to EV charging station operators and transferred to consumers, subject to metering and affidavit requirements. Several members recorded votes after the roll calls, and the meeting ended with an invitation to return later for another bill before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• in 1967, where he met the love of his life, Ramona, whom he married in 1971, and later earned his degree
• from the University of Arizona in 1967, and later earned his degree from the University of Arizona in
• 1967, ...and later earned his degree from the University of Arizona in 1986.

Transcript Highlights:

• It found that 31% of participants in the program graduate within eight years of enrollment with a degree
• funding for support services to help students overcome barriers to their enrollment, persistence, and degree
• funding for support services to help students overcome barriers to their enrollment, persistence, and degree

Bills: SB5826 , SB5828 , SB5909 , SB5931 , SB5954 , SB5963 , SB6082 , SB6090

Committee: Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development

Keywords: medication abortion, public education, access, healthcare rights, postsecondary institutions, college grant, scholarships, higher education, private institutions, Washington State, undergraduate programs, enrollment, program review, public institutions, workforce education, accountability, oversight, administrative changes, investment, veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• It found that 31% of participants in the program graduate within eight years of enrollment with a degree
• It found that 31% of participants in the program graduate within eight years of enrollment with a degree
• funding for support services to help students overcome barriers to their enrollment, persistence, and degree

Summary: The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee began with a work session presentation from the Washington Student Achievement Council on the Passport to Careers Program. Staff explained that Passport serves youth who experienced foster care at age 13 or later or unaccompanied homelessness, and that the program provides scholarships and campus support services for college, apprenticeship, and pre-apprenticeship pathways. WASAC said the program is a national model because it uses data-sharing agreements to identify eligible students automatically, is funded by the state, and partners with the College Success Foundation and campus networks to provide support. Officials reported that about 2,000 students will be served in 2025-26, with awards capped at $2,000, and cited an evaluation finding that 31% of participants graduate within eight years, compared with much lower rates for similarly situated students outside the program. Committee members asked about graduation rates for all students, the share of Passport students who are parents, how unaccompanied homelessness is identified, where campus support staff are housed, and how funding is used. WASAC said most students are single without children, unaccompanied homeless youth are identified through McKinney-Vento liaisons, and campus support structures vary by institution. Staff also described how the program has grown 131% since unaccompanied homeless youth became eligible in 2019, while appropriations have remained around $7 million annually, forcing reductions in the maximum scholarship award from $5,000 in 2023-24 to $2,800 and then $2,000 in 2025-26. Officials emphasized that students still face significant unmet need and that campus support funds are often used for basic needs, academic support, and emergency aid. The committee then moved through executive session on several bills and advanced each one with a do pass recommendation to Ways and Means. The bills included SB 5826 on medication abortion access at public postsecondary institutions, SB 5828 on Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship awards at private four-year institutions, SB 5909 on low-enrollment undergraduate programs, SB 5931 on WIA board co-chair terms and dashboard requirements, SB 5954 on tuition waivers for certain veteran dependents and survivors, SB 5963 on Passport to Careers funding and eligibility changes, SB 6082 on a state financial aid fraud performance audit, and SB 6090 establishing the Heritage Orchard Program at Washington State University. The committee adopted the proposed substitute for SB 5931 before passing it, and all measures were reported out subject to signatures.

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment before you will enable individuals with a master's degree in veterinary clinical care to
• That program is designed to be a five-semester master's degree, with the first three semesters being
• Veterinary technicians, 90% of them, have an associate's degree, and they do a very brief internship

Bills: S0754 , S0796

Committee: Senate Regulated Industries

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up two bills. First, it heard SB 754 on heated tobacco products. The bill would statutorily define heated tobacco products and exempt them from the cigarette tax. Senator Davis questioned why the exemption was needed, and Senator Bernard asked about youth access; the sponsor said the bill was limited to taxation and would look into age and regulatory issues. A Florida Retail Federation representative appeared in support. The committee voted the bill favorably, and Senator Bracey Davis later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on tab 1. The committee then considered SB 796 on veterinary medicine, after adopting a delete-everything amendment. The amended bill would create a Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) role for individuals with a master’s degree in veterinary clinical care to perform delegated tasks under a licensed veterinarian’s responsible supervision. It also would extend the time period for telehealth prescriptions for flea and tick products from one month to six months and for other medications from 14 days to 30 days. Senator Boyd raised liability concerns, and the sponsor said existing statute already places liability on the supervising veterinarian. The Florida Veterinary Medical Association testified against the bill, arguing Florida should expand and better utilize existing veterinary technicians rather than create a new mid-level role, and warning about federal prescribing restrictions and animal safety. Supporters, including the Animal Legal Defense Fund and Dr. Wayne Jensen, argued the bill would expand access to care, reduce costs, and provide a well-trained supervised workforce. Several senators said the bill balanced access and safety, and the committee reported SB 796 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment before you will enable individuals with a master's degree in veterinary clinical care to
• That program is designed to be a five-semester master's degree, with the first three semesters being
• Veterinary technicians, 90% of them, have an associate’s degree, and they do a very brief internship

Bills: S0754 , S0796

Committee: Senate Regulated Industries

Transcript Highlights:

• Morishita has a long history of service in higher education, working to make the dream of a college degree
• He received his degree in criminal justice from CSU Bakersfield.
• Her journey of service began with the master's degree in mathematics from Marquette University.

Transcript Highlights:

• Architects Act, lowering the required minimum years of experience for a licensed applicant without a degree
• to increase the required number of years of experience for a licensed applicant with or without a degree
• enrolled in at least six credit hours, including a requirement that a recipient have a bachelor's degree

Transcript Highlights:

• She has since graduated with a degree in public health, gotten married, had a baby, and gone back to
• She has since graduated with a degree in public health, gotten married, had a baby, and gone back to
• in public health graduated with a degree in public health gotten<00:27:19.520><c> married</c><00:27:
• and yet she's still Nursing degree and yet she's still having<00:27:26.600><c> to</c><00:27:26.760><
• There are special aggravating circumstances for first-degree murder.

Summary: The joint Commerce and Consumer Protection and Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committees heard HB 756 HD1, a measure on flavored tobacco products. Supporters included the Attorney General, Department of Health, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, youth advocates, public health groups, and Kaiser Permanente. They argued flavored tobacco and menthol are used to attract and addict young people, cited rising youth and young adult vaping rates, and pointed to public health harms and evidence from other states that flavor restrictions reduced e-cigarette sales. The Attorney General requested oral amendments to correct a statutory reference, repeal a county preemption provision so counties could enact stricter flavor bans, and restore appropriations, positions, and the original effective date. Opponents, including retail and wholesale businesses, argued the bill would hurt small businesses and state tax revenue, push sales to the black market, and remove a harm-reduction option for adult smokers; they urged stronger enforcement instead of a ban. After testimony, the committees took up amendments and recommendations. The chair proposed correcting the statutory citation to HRS 26-38, adopting a Department of Health amendment on disposal of electronic smoking devices and e-liquids as hazardous waste, and noting the appropriations, FTE, and effective date in the committee report. Members then voted to pass HB 756 HD1 with amendments in both committees, with the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committee recording one member as supporting with reservations. The transcript then moved to HB 806, relating to fireworks, which would appropriate funds for the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oʻahu to enforce fireworks laws. The Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying undercover enforcement is costly and additional funding is needed. A community testifier also supported stronger enforcement, citing illegal aerial fireworks, noise, and impacts on pets and kupuna. No final vote on HB 806 was shown in the excerpt. The Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committee also heard HB 438, which would create a Due Process in Immigration Proceedings Program to provide legal representation in immigration court for income-qualified individuals. Support came from civil rights, legal aid, ACLU, and law school clinic representatives, who said counsel is needed to ensure due process and fair access to justice, especially because immigration proceedings can lead to deportation and family separation. Opposition testifiers argued taxpayer-funded counsel for people in immigration proceedings is inappropriate, unlawful, or unfair to citizens and legal residents. One law school representative suggested a technical amendment to broaden language about training and education. The excerpt ends before a final vote on HB 438 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And you're lucky you're here this week and not last week because it was 23 degrees last week.
• Tallahassee, and you're lucky you're here this week and not last week because it was 23 degrees last

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Postsecondary convened with a quorum present, welcomed visiting students from the College of Central Florida and several county programs, and announced that tabs 1 through 4 would be handled together as a confirmation hearing for appointments unless a senator requested separate votes. Senator Simon moved to recommend confirmation of all appointees, the motion was seconded, and the committee voted favorably to report the appointments on tabs 1 through 4. After the vote, members offered closing remarks thanking committee staff for their work and praising Florida’s higher education system, state colleges, and universities. Chair Calatayud reflected on her service and encouraged the visiting students to continue their advocacy and leadership, noting that student voices can influence policy and that they can achieve their goals. With no further business, Senator Simon moved to adjourn. There was no objection, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I apologize for being the last minute; it was 12 degrees and I was in my outdoor hot tub and I didn't
• want to get out. 12 degrees and I was in my outdoor hot tub and I didn't want to get out.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (JLCAR) met briefly, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the prior meeting minutes and the consent calendar. Members were seated to fill attendance, including Representative Potenza for Senator Innis. The committee noted two items still pending on the regular calendar: manufactured housing installer standards, for which a response to a preliminary objection is still due next month, and the Dental Examiners Board matter, for which the committee agreed to waive the deadline and allow the board until April to return with a resolution on the sedation issue. No additional substantive business was taken up. Members discussed an informational training session on how JLCAR works, including what motions are allowed and the committee process, and agreed to proceed with that session after adjournment. To do so, the committee voted to cancel the contingent meeting for the month. The meeting then adjourned, with members noting that all items had been handled on consent and that the session was unusually short.

Transcript Highlights:

• Judges in the family court: to what degree should they be specialized, to what degree should they be
• To what degree should those judges be bound by the rules of evidence, and to what degree should they
• 10:27.040><c> degree</c><00:10:27.440><c> should</c><00:10:27.680><c> they</c> specialized to what degree
• </c> less likely challenged to what degree less likely challenged to what degree should<00:11:00.680>
• </c> rules of evidence and to what degree rules of evidence and to what degree should<00:11:04.920><c

Summary: The subcommittee on the Children and Family Law Committee met organizationally to continue work on family court issues, building on a prior special committee’s report and taking a collaborative approach with the Judiciary. The chair said the group would focus on solutions rather than rehashing public complaints, and identified three main topics for early study: specialization and training of family court judges, the extent to which judges should be bound by the rules of evidence, and whether mediation in family cases should be mandatory or voluntary and what qualifications mediators should have. A fourth concern was also raised about overlap between superior court domestic violence cases and family court custody/support matters, and whether one judge should hear both. Members discussed whether to divide into smaller subcommittees, but the prevailing view was to work as a committee of the whole at first. Most members agreed that additional public testimony was unlikely to add much, though recent concerns could still be emailed to the committee. The committee then heard from Attorney Erin Krian, general counsel for the judicial branch, and Judge Michael Mace. Krian said the judicial branch could provide additional witnesses on mediation and judicial training, including Judge Kissinger, and noted the branch was preparing materials on how other states handle the issues. Mace described the history of the Family Division and said he had reviewed older reports going back to the 1990s. He also outlined current judicial branch efforts, including expanded shadowing for new judges, monthly family-law trainings, and a year-long focus on family law topics. He reported that court rules had been updated to clarify notice requirements for minor guardianship changes, and that the branch had received positive feedback on the family access motion, which provides a statutory timeline and listed remedies for parenting-time disputes. Members also discussed prior committee work on rules of evidence and family court procedures. One member recalled recommending quiet review of any judges who appeared to apply evidence rules inconsistently, and Krian said the administrative judge can review complaints even if they come from a single person. The committee also received a status update on prior initiatives, including a federal grant for guardian ad litem services for indigent litigants in four locations, testing of redesigned court forms, and continued training improvements. The chair scheduled the next subcommittee meeting for April 1 and the full Children and Family Law Committee for April 8, with further documents from committee research and NCSL to be circulated.

Transcript Highlights:

• AI is creating new jobs that degrees AI is creating new jobs that combine<00:12:04.399><c> human</c>
• or a master’s degree.
• <01:36:07.600><c> or</c><01:36:07.800><c> a</c><01:36:07.960><c> master's</c> degree or a master's degree
• or a master's degree<01:36:10.239><c> and</c><01:36:10.679><c> let</c><01:36:10.840><c> me</c><01:36
• and let me say that uh you read degree and let me say that uh you read my<01:36:13.199><c> mind</c><

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> history limiting warming to 1.5 degrees history limiting warming to 1.5 degrees C<00:16:24.839><
• Since then, temperature in Hawaiʻi has risen about 2 degrees. Last year, 2024, Kūʻula?
• Since then, temperature in Hawaiʻi has risen about 2 degrees. Last year, 2024, Kūʻula?
• </c> has risen about 2 degrees has risen about 2 degrees fight<00:19:17.360><c> last</c><00:19:17.600
• Every tenth of a degree matters. Yes, okay, you're right.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:42:36.239><c> in</c> holder of a of a bachelor's degree in holder of a of a bachelor's degree
• </c><03:07:57.920><c> murder,</c> First capital murder, first-degree murder, second-degree murder.
• My amendment covers murder in the first degree only. Yeah, murder in the first degree only.
• Murder in the first degree. Okay. Does not include second-degree murder.
• </c> murder in the first degree, right? murder in the first degree, right?

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 141, which would create a narrow exception to New Hampshire’s three-year deadline for motions for a new trial when a petitioner has newly discovered evidence, new forensic testing, or new scientific understanding. The prime sponsor’s representative and advocates from the Innocence Project and New England Innocence Project argued the bill is needed to help wrongfully convicted people access the courts, noting that exonerations often take many years and that outdated forensic science has contributed to wrongful convictions. The chair also said he had drafted a proposed amendment for committee review, but it had not yet been formally submitted. Witnesses supporting the bill emphasized that the measure would not guarantee relief, only allow a petition to be filed and reviewed under existing standards. They discussed examples such as arson science, explaining that some convictions were based on forensic methods later shown to be unreliable. Committee members asked about the scope of habeas corpus, whether the bill would create a new cause of action, and whether additional screening or pleading requirements should be added. The supporters said they would be open to requiring a petitioner to plead innocence, but opposed adding more burdensome preliminary procedures or counsel requirements at the filing stage. Thomas Farardi, from the Attorney General’s Office, testified in opposition or with caution, saying the bill was a “solution looking for a problem” because existing habeas corpus and coram nobis procedures already provide avenues for relief, and prosecutors can act when credible new evidence arises. He argued the current draft could invite additional litigation and create a new cause of action, and said he favored more screening before cases proceed. The discussion also touched on whether the statute applies in criminal cases, the current three-year limitation in RSA 526:4, and questions about posthumous petitions and petitions by deported individuals. No vote or executive action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• She has her business degree.
• He's a Nanakuli boy, graduate of Kamehameha High Schools, also a graduate with a business degree.
• Senator Rhoads built a strong foundation through his academic achievements, first earning a bachelor's degree
• at Andrews University, a master's at the University of London, and a law degree at George of London,
• and a law degree at George Washington University before beginning his legislative career in 2006 as

Bills: HB1800 , HB1860 , HB2250 , HB472 , HB649 , HB1391 , HB1481 , HB1509 , HB1511 , HB1515 , HB1518 , HB1541 , HB1548 , HB1576 , HB1618 , HB1642 , HB1643 , HB1661 , HB1667 , HB1678 , HB1682 , HB1688 , HB1692 , HB1707 , HB1710 , HB1711 , HB1713 , HB1718 , HB1721 , HB1728 , HB1737 , HB1740 , HB1741 , HB1785 , HB1801 , HB1802 , HB1804 , HB1810 , HB1815 , HB1824 , HB1838 , HB1839 , HB1853 , HB1854 , HB1864 , HB1870 , HB1881 , HB1888 , HB1890 , HB1891 , HB1894 , HB1920 , HB1959 , HB1960 , HB1969 , HB1973 , HB1974 , HB2023 , HB2050 , HB2078 , HB2094 , HB2095 , HB2104 , HB2137 , HB2152 , HB2158 , HB2171 , HB2207 , HB2218 , HB2246 , HB2270 , HB2271 , HB2272 , HB2279 , HB2282 , HB2289 , HB2293 , HB2297 , HB2300 , HB2309 , HB2310 , HB2314 , HB2319 , HB2329 , HB2338 , HB2339 , HB2344 , HB2361 , HB2385 , HB2395 , HB2417 , HB2429 , HB2443 , HB2452 , HB2474 , HB2475 , HB2498 , HB2505 , HB2547 , HB2576

Transcript Highlights:

• our intern this semester, Natalie Hosto, who is a student at the University of Missouri pursuing degrees
• Natalie Hosto, who is a student at the University of Missouri pursuing degrees in political science and
• with the FCCLA today, and she is also shadowing me, and she tends to lean toward a political science degree
• with the FCCLA today, and she is also shadowing me, and she tends to lean toward a political science degree
• I don't frequent it in January because it's 10 degrees in January. Correct.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal, and a long series of introductions recognizing student groups, interns, FCCLA and FBLA participants, a Missouri Rural Water Association delegation, medical students, family guests, and legislative assistants. Members also highlighted the Tipton Lady Cardinals girls basketball state championship team and several job-shadowing students from across the state. Announcements included committee meetings and a Missouri Department of Conservation Earth Day tree-seedling giveaway in the rotunda. On legislation, the House received committee reports recommending passage of several measures, then took up House substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Bills 3068 and 3049. Members discussed the bill as a vehicle for multiple bipartisan provisions, including public safety, AI, trafficking training, and other topics; opponents raised concerns about anti-trans language and the bill’s breadth, while others defended it as a package of widely supported items. The House passed the measure 117-10 with 17 present. The chamber also truly agreed to and finally passed Senate Bill 914, dealing with soil analysis/perk test issues, by 108-34 with one present, and Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1142, a Secretary of State business filing measure for series LLC certificates of good standing, by 142-0 with one present. The most extended debate was on House Bill 1758, a daylight savings time trigger bill. The sponsor argued Missouri should lock in daylight savings time if the federal government authorizes a nationwide change, to avoid neighboring states forcing Missouri into standard time and to support tourism, safety, and economic activity. Supporters cited health, mental health, family, and business benefits, while opponents argued for standard time, raised concerns about children, circadian rhythms, and prior failed experiments, and questioned the federal-state authority issues. After extensive discussion and a point of order, the House ordered House Bill 1758 perfected and printed. The session ended with announcements and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• that have historically been reserved for undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree
• needs of employers and the skills of workers that are not best addressed by traditional undergraduate degrees
• infrastructure and inadequate ventilation systems, indoor temperatures in these facilities regularly exceed 90 degrees
• Vacaville, a rehab therapist was running back-to-back treatment groups in a room that reached 93 degrees
• At Valley State Prison, during weeks of 109-degree heat, staff worked in offices with no ventilation.

Committee: House Labor and Employment

Transcript Highlights:

• carbon-based... ...carbon-based, you can think of, you know, a pool cue can go well up to, you know, 1,600 degrees
• basically a carbon-based, you can think of, you know, a pool queue can go well up to, you know, 1,600 degrees
• The TRISO fuel is so tolerant that you need a temperature of 1,600 degrees C before you start to see
• The design says that even if anything happens, the fuel will not melt because you need 1,600 degrees.
• So we have developed a reactor couple, which is not only temperature tolerant up to 1,700 degrees C,

Summary: The meeting was an extended briefing from Idaho National Laboratory officials on the lab’s mission, its role in nuclear energy research, and the federal push to accelerate advanced reactor deployment. Speakers described INL’s size and capabilities, including test reactors, fuel and materials facilities, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure work, and partnerships with DOE, the NRC, the Department of Defense, and private companies. They emphasized that the lab is supporting both commercial nuclear development and national security work, while also training a large intern workforce. A major theme was the current federal effort to streamline nuclear regulation and speed up licensing and demonstration. The speakers said recent executive orders and DOE/NRC coordination are reducing redundant requirements, shortening environmental review timelines, and aiming for three new nuclear systems to reach criticality by July 4, 2026. They argued that regulatory uncertainty has been a major driver of nuclear cost and that the administration’s actions, along with DOE’s pilot and demonstration programs, are intended to rebuild the domestic supply chain and industrial base. The discussion also focused on advanced reactor types, including small modular reactors, microreactors, molten salt concepts, and liquid-metal designs. Officials said these technologies are being developed for data centers, military bases, remote communities, industrial heat, hydrogen production, and other nontraditional uses. They highlighted several projects and companies, including Oklo, Aalo, Radiant, X-energy, TerraPower, Kairos, and DOE’s MARVEL and Project Pele efforts, and said some reactors are expected to reach criticality or operation in the next few years. Questions from attendees covered safety, public health impacts, materials and heat management, waste or used fuel handling, costs, and whether nuclear could remain competitive against other energy sources; the speakers responded that advanced reactors are designed with passive safety features, that used fuel should be viewed as a resource, and that cost remains highly design- and supply-chain-dependent.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I've heard from different sources that 90 degrees is...
• Well, I've heard from different sources that 90 degrees is the right temperature, the standard is 130
• degrees, and I've heard also that 140 degrees is fine.
• I'm... ...not in a position to be able to speak to exact degrees or exact temperatures, but again, happy