Video & Transcript : 'evidence collection' :
Page 95 of 500
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I think they could because if they didn't have, they didn't present that evidence in trial, if there
- was new evidence that they didn't have before.
- But if you raise the battered spouse syndrome, you would have presented that evidence.
- of past acts, even though they fall under an exclusion under the federal rules of evidence.
- And that evidence says that they've moved away from a psychological diagnosis.
Committee:
House Children and Families
Summary:
The Committee on Children and Families heard public testimony on three bills. House Bill 3470, sponsored by Rep. Schmidt, would create a Missouri partner network linking state agencies, nonprofits, faith-based groups, and private partners through a website and case-management system to connect adults 18 and over who opt in with resources for employment, housing, education, and self-sufficiency. Supporters described the model as already working in 36 counties through the Care Portal and emphasized efficiency, reduced duplication, and stronger family outcomes. Committee members generally supported the concept and asked about opt-in participation, navigators, and how nonprofits would be included as true partners; no opposition testimony was offered.
House Bill 3322, sponsored by Rep. Hausman, would extend foster-care school stability timelines from 10 days to 30 days, or 60 days in summer, and increase the mileage limit for remaining in a school of origin from 10-15 miles to 30 miles. The sponsor and witnesses from the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition and Foster Adopt Connect said the current limits can force unnecessary school changes and are especially difficult in rural areas, while the bill would better preserve continuity for children in foster care. Committee members asked about edge cases, transportation, and whether the child’s best interests would still control; there was no opposition testimony.
House Bill 1872, presented by Rep. Reuter, would allow survivors of domestic violence to seek resentencing if the abuse was related to the offense, so that the abuse can be considered as mitigating evidence after conviction or plea. Supporters, including a survivor, Missouri Appleseed, Forward.US, and Empower Missouri, said the bill would address cases where abuse was not fully considered at the original sentencing and would provide a second look for people serving long sentences. Several members raised procedural concerns about how the bill would interact with trial strategy, existing battered spouse syndrome law, evidentiary requirements, and appeals; the sponsor said he was open to revisions. No opposition testimony was presented, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- And again, the present law says that the judicial administrator has to collect this data statewide.
- But it's only temporary in nature, until you can get to a court date where all of the evidence can be
- All of the evidence can be heard.
- But that's only happens after you've been able to present all evidence and had contradictory hearings
- They're still going to have to go up and present evidence. So did I do a good job?
Committee:
House Judiciary
Summary:
The committee first took up SCR 30 by Senator Connick, which memorializes Congress to compel the Department of Justice to release unclassified Epstein-related records. Senator Connick gave personal remarks about child sexual abuse and the need to hold powerful people accountable. Representative Newell supported the resolution, and the committee reported it favorably without opposition.
Next, the committee considered SCR 40 by Senator Selders, urging Congress to timely pass defense appropriations that fully fund and align with the National Defense Authorization Act. The measure was briefly explained as a statement of support for military readiness and proper appropriations, and it was moved favorably with no opposition.
The main substantive discussion centered on SB 259 by Senator Barrow, which would authorize an online portal for civil protective order applications. A Supreme Court protective order registry representative explained that the portal would let domestic and dating violence survivors complete petitions online, with the same judicial review, service, and hearing process that exists now; the bill would not eliminate manual filing. Members asked about fees, guidance for applicants, verification, judicial review, public access, and the risk of false filings. The witness and several members emphasized that the process remains temporary and ex parte at the outset, that final orders are issued by judges, and that the registry is not public. A domestic violence coalition representative also testified in support. Representative Newell moved favorable, Representative Edmondson objected, and the committee reported the bill favorably by a 10-1 vote.
Finally, Representative Baham presented HR 245 condemning political violence in the United States. He cited recent and historical examples of political attacks and argued that violence against public figures and activists is harmful regardless of party. Members voiced support, no one objected, and the resolution was adopted before the committee adjourned, with the chair noting it was the last meeting of the session.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 27th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This creates an all-or-nothing framework for juries, even when the evidence supports a more proportionate
- Geiger held that when supported by the evidence, lesser related offense instructions could that when
- supported by the evidence, lesser related offense instructions could be given to a jury at the request
- the state that would allow that to happen, but allowing further judicial discretion, even if the evidence
- Even if the evidence appears to show that the individual was guilty, he was going to be sentenced, and
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through confirmations and floor legislation. Three California Housing Finance Agency and State Mining and Geology Board appointments were confirmed unanimously. The chamber then took up several policy bills, with debate often focusing on housing, public safety, energy, and local government impacts.
Among the major measures, SB 1173 on lesser related offense jury instructions passed after supporters argued it would give judges limited discretion and improve fairness, while opponents warned it could create inconsistency. SB 1354, barring out-of-state military or law enforcement activity in California without the Governor’s permission, passed despite objections that it conflicted with federal commander-in-chief authority. SB 1090, the Altadena disaster-speculation bill, passed to restrict unsolicited purchase offers in fire-affected areas, and SB 966 passed to preserve refinery worker safety participation rights. SB 1256, a local housing/land-use bill, passed unanimously after discussion of fire-safety concerns and ongoing amendments.
The Senate also approved SB 865 on music festivals, SB 866 on homelessness planning and regional coordination for jurisdictions not receiving HAP funds, SB 938 on peace officer training requirements for certain immigration-enforcement-related applicants after the author committed to major amendments, SB 1359 on natural gas planning to reduce ratepayer costs, SB 923 on privacy rights under the CCPA, SB 1098 on utility memorandum and balancing accounts, SB 1010 on refrigerant recovery for cooling appliances, SB 937 on restricting flashbang use in crowd control and immigration enforcement, SB 1082 on inter-district pupil transfers, and SB 1087 on modernizing regional transportation planning. Several bills drew split votes and pointed debate over mandates, taxes, local control, and regulatory certainty, but most ultimately passed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Calfresh Enrollment and Nutrition Apr 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Moreover, the evidence... ...is robust that even for those clients who are working sufficient hours,
- And that's really evident with mixed-status immigrant households.
- And that's really evident with mixed status immigrant households.
- Pascal, collect $200, so that we can keep on going. So, but regardless of outcomes,...
- Pascal, collect $200, so that we can keep on going.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Combatting Antisemitism Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- There's ample evidence for Commissioner Burns's assertion there.
- Because no matter their patriotism or contribution to the collective, their difference will always make
- All of that came into evidence during the trial, but he posted a lot with his views of Jews, the Thank
- you. evidence during the trial, but he posted a lot with his Jews.
- aggravating evidence sufficiently outweighs the mitigating evidence to justify a sentence of death.
Summary:
The meeting focused on the commission’s work addressing antisemitism in Massachusetts, including security, education, victim services, and legal responses. A major presentation came from former federal prosecutor Eric O’Sham, who described the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, the attack’s planning and execution, the 11 victims killed, the defendant’s white supremacist and antisemitic online activity, the federal prosecution, and the long aftermath for the victim community. Commissioners asked about prevention, radicalization online, security for houses of worship, and how to support victims; O’Sham emphasized the limits of law enforcement when speech is protected, the importance of public education, security grants, and victim-witness support. The commission also heard from Ariel Holman of Agudath Israel, who described a wide range of antisemitic incidents affecting Orthodox Jews, including assaults, threats, vandalism, school harassment, and zoning barriers, and urged expanded security personnel grants, mental health resources, kosher food access, and support for synagogue development. Other speakers included advocates and local officials who supported Holocaust education, the planned Boston Holocaust Museum, cemetery protection, and broader public education efforts, while some public commenters criticized the commission’s focus or raised concerns about definitions of antisemitism and free speech. The meeting concluded with approval of prior meeting minutes and the start of public comment, which was limited to three minutes per speaker due to time constraints.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26 - Part 2
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- This means there's sufficient evidence that firefighting itself causes cancer just to have the job.
- </c> This means there's sufficient evidence This means there's sufficient evidence that<00:03:56.959>
- of broader fraud, along with evidence of broader fraud, including<00:21:44.240><c> fraudulent</c><00
- </c> our evidence uh laboratory at the BCA. our evidence uh laboratory at the BCA.
- that we collectively need to work<00:51:59.200><c> together.
Bills:
HF2354 , HF3407 , HF4359 , HF4192 , HF3356 , HF3695 , HF1597 , HF3155 , HF3871 , HF4437 , HF4446 , HF3990
Committee:
House Public Safety Finance and Policy
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Apr 15th, 2026
Housing and Community Development
Transcript Highlights:
- To put things in perspective, during the eight-year life of the county's Measure A, Bellflower collected
- And the more we all do collectively to ensure that we have more folks housed, it takes all of us, not
- Based on our research, it's imperative that the state make evidence-based prevention a centerpiece of
- In Santa Clara County, we've seen what's possible with an evidence-based coordinated prevention strategy
- And I think, as we all know, Housing First is the only evidence-based model for solving homelessness.
Committee:
House Housing and Community Development
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We are not a collection of individuals. We are a community.
- Ability to refute the evidence until after the designation is done.
- evidence you used?
- They either have to provide their evidence. There are methods.
- also the evidence that there was intent to coerce a government action.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum calls, and introductory remarks, including recognition of former Representative Ardian Zika and law enforcement officer of the day Representative Chuck Brannan. Members also unveiled a portrait of Speaker Daniel Perez, with extended remarks praising his leadership and the institution of the House. The Speaker then explained the process for taking up returning messages from the Senate, noting that the House would consider Senate amendments to bills already passed by both chambers.
The House first concurred in Senate amendments and passed CS/CS/HB 1503 on computer science education and certification, which adds computer science and artificial intelligence content to high school instruction and creates a teacher certification program, with implementation delayed to give the Department of Education time to develop curriculum. The chamber then considered CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, adopting a House amendment to allow local governments to buy into the cyber grant program whether or not they receive a grant, add a five-year sunset, and keep the program under the Florida Digital Service rather than a university. The House concurred in the Senate amendment and passed the bill 104-1. Members also refused to concur in Senate amendments to CS/HB 351 on concurrent legislative jurisdiction over military installations and HB 6011 on reporting gifts or honoraria, sending both bills back to the Senate.
The most extensive debate centered on CS/CS/HB 1471, which would create a process for designating domestic terrorist organizations and related restrictions. Supporters said the Senate amendment clarified the definition of “promote,” refined notice and timeline requirements, and aligned the bill with federal-style procedures; opponents argued it lacked due process, could chill speech, and gave the governor and cabinet unprecedented power without adequate evidentiary standards or judicial review. Members also debated a related public records bill, CS/CS/HB 1473, which would exempt certain records tied to the designation process; critics said the exemption would further reduce transparency and due process. Despite objections, the House adopted the amendments and passed HB 1471 by 80-25, while the public records measure was taken up as a technical companion to align with the newly amended bill.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-12 (10:30AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- When I asked about evidence, the bill doesn't even have an evidentiary standard.
- evidence you used?
- They either have to provide their evidence.
- They either have to provide their evidence. There's methods.
- the evidence that there was intent to coerce a government action.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- investment company based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, founded in 2009, with seven subsidiaries that collectively
- And there are very few evidence-based or research-based youth violence prevention or intervention services
- And there are very few evidence-based or research-based youth violence prevention or intervention services
- In addition, data collection and tracking around youth violence, around gun offenses, is very limited
- The memorial appropriately centers data collection, community engagement, and evidence-driven solutions
Committee:
Senate Senate Rules
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- investment company based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, founded in 2009, with seven subsidiaries that collectively
- And there are very few evidence-based or research-based youth violence prevention or intervention services
- And there are very few evidence-based or research-based youth violence prevention or intervention services
- In addition, data collection and tracking around youth violence, around gun offenses, is very limited
- The memorial appropriately centers data collection, community engagement, and evidence-driven solutions
Committee:
Senate House Rules & Order Of Business
Summary:
The committee first considered the appointment of Mary Patricia Roman to the State Investment Council. Senator Campos presented her as highly qualified, citing more than 34 years in global investing, leadership at J.P. Morgan, and prior service on the SIC investment committee. Roman described her experience with asset allocation, fiduciary responsibility, and the SIC’s vetting process. Senators asked about the council’s role in pension investments, staffing levels, and whether personal values could influence decisions. Roman said the SIC process is robust, heavily staff-driven, and insulated from individual value judgments. The committee reported broad support and voted 8-0 to advance her nomination to the full Senate.
The committee then heard the reappointment of John F. Bingaman to the SIC. Senator Worth praised his leadership as SIC chair and his background in private equity, public service, and economics. Bingaman emphasized the growth of New Mexico’s sovereign wealth funds to more than $70 billion, the importance of staffing and asset allocation, and the SIC’s role as a fiduciary for New Mexicans. Senators asked about protecting the funds in a weaker market and about the Blackstone/PNM matter; Bingaman declined to comment on the memorial because he had not read it. The committee voted 9-0 to send his reappointment to the full Senate.
The committee next took up Senate Memorial 20, calling for a statewide youth violence summit. Senator Lopez and an expert from the Council of State Governments said New Mexico lacks a cohesive statewide infrastructure for youth violence prevention and intervention, limited data collection, and enough evidence-based services. Supporters from the ACLU, behavioral health organizations, youth-serving nonprofits, and youth advocates backed the memorial as a way to center lived experience, community engagement, and research-based solutions. Some members raised concerns that victims’ families were not explicitly included in the planning group, but the memorial passed on a 6-3 vote.
Finally, the committee debated Senate Memorial 9, which asked the Legislative Finance Committee to study whether New Mexico should invest in equity stakes in PNM and New Mexico Gas Company and requested that the PRC pause consideration of the private-equity acquisitions while the study was completed. Supporters argued the state should examine whether utility ownership value could remain in New Mexico, protect ratepayers, and diversify revenue, while opponents from PNM, Blackstone’s representatives, chambers of commerce, and utility advocates said the proposal would duplicate the PRC’s review, create uncertainty, and risk higher rates and delayed investment. The committee adopted an amendment removing references to the PRC, but the memorial then failed on a 4-4 tie after a motion for due pass as amended.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Judiciary Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Despite this, the scope of Tory evidence are parental rights were terminated.
- And, you know, we've been collecting drainage or we've been getting drainage easements or conservation
- I think because we are incredible in the Florida Senate and we use diverse and protections for collective
- before the court, the court is evaluated that evidence.
- Let the evidence determine where is customary use, where is not and let those chips fall where they belong
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee May 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- While the Department of Health Care Access and Information does not collect certain financial data from
- They collect information about assets, revenues, balance sheets.
- But they do collect quarterly data, and they publish that.
- And they will be collecting some data just to ensure eligibility for the program, too.
- So they would have collected the most recent quarter, which would have ended on March 31st.
Summary:
The committee heard AB 108, a budget bill junior that would amend the 2025 Budget Act to create a one-time $25 million General Fund grant program at HCAI for hospitals in immediate and significant financial distress, along with a technical change related to property tax deferments for eligible low-income seniors. Finance explained that eligible hospitals would need to show less than 10 days cash on hand, best efforts to exhaust other financing options, a payer mix of more than 50% government payers and uninsured patients, and nonprofit status, with expedited contracting and rulemaking exemptions so funds could be distributed quickly. Members repeatedly questioned whether $25 million was enough, how many hospitals would qualify, and whether the 10-day threshold was too narrow, while also raising broader concerns about hospital reimbursement rates, seismic compliance costs, federal policy changes, and the need for more up-to-date data and a longer-term solution.
Several members and the LAO noted that the bill was intended as a short-term bridge to keep a very small number of hospitals open until July 1, while the larger distressed-hospital discussion would continue in the May Revision and next year’s budget. Some members argued the state should consider grants rather than loans more broadly, and others emphasized that hospitals serving Medi-Cal and uninsured patients, including safety-net facilities like MLK Community Hospital and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, face structural pressures. Public comment was uniformly supportive of the bill, with the California Hospital Association, district hospital representatives, counties, and CHLA all backing the proposal and urging additional funding for distressed hospitals in the coming budget.
The committee approved AB 108 on a roll call vote of 18-0 and held the roll open briefly to secure remaining votes before formally reporting the bill out.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
EDUCATION COMMITTEE - SENATE AND HOUSE Mar 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And this is all to be done using evidence-based research.
- And this is all to be done using evidence-based research to recalibrate as needed.
- Then Katie is going to go over how these revenues are collected and distributed at the state level.
- Then Katie is going to go over how these revenues are collected and distributed at the state level.
- Those funds continue to collect, and the Department of Education draws those funds down upon request
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Home visiting also is an absolutely evidence-based program that we really see as prevention.
- We come back and we collect on nursing home payments.
- Idaho is a state that collects on other services. ...nursing home payments.
- Idaho is a state that collects on other services as well that have been rendered.
- As I mentioned, we are collecting on a fraction of the total number of cases that come our way.
Committee:
House Health and Welfare
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I've seen firsthand the effort, diligence, and tenacity of educators in our classrooms, and it is evident
- , extremely evident.
- I've seen firsthand the effort, diligence, and tenacity of educators in our classrooms, and it is evident
- , extremely evident.
- , extremely evident.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Education
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with most testimony focused on two main topics: improving access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for students with disabilities, and raising educator pay statewide. On the AAC bills (House 514/Senate 418), parents, advocates, and attorneys described how AAC devices and communication books help nonverbal or minimally verbal children communicate, participate in class, and reduce frustration and behavioral issues. Testimony emphasized that while districts are generally required to provide devices, many teachers and school staff lack training to use them effectively; the bill would direct DESE to update licensure and training requirements so newly licensed teachers are prepared to support AAC users. Committee members asked about current teacher-prep practices, implementation, and whether DESE could act without legislation, and witnesses said the proposal was intended as a long-term solution and had previously received some support and compromise language.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on House 733/Senate 370, which would set a statewide minimum salary of $70,000 for teachers and $55,000 for education support professionals (ESPs/paras), with inflation adjustments and a phase-in structure that would shift costs over time from the state to municipalities. Supporters, including the bill sponsor, MTA leaders, and school employees from several districts, argued that current pay is not a living wage, contributes to staffing shortages and turnover, and forces many educators to work multiple jobs or rely on public assistance. They said the bill would help recruit and retain staff and better reflect the importance of the work. Committee members raised questions about how the state would fund the mandate, how it would interact with Chapter 70 school aid and local budgets, whether other states have similar mechanisms, and whether the proposal could create disincentives for districts already paying above the floor. Witnesses pointed to the Student Opportunity Act, the Fair Share Amendment, and the need for a broader school funding formula review as possible parts of the solution.
The committee also briefly heard and discussed Senate Bill 435/House Bill 736, which would require de-escalation training for school bus operators, with the training paid for by employers. The sponsor and a parent advocate said the bill was prompted by a school bus incident involving a child with cerebral palsy and epilepsy and would improve safety and reduce reliance on law enforcement. Members asked whether the bill should also cover bus monitors and other transportation staff, and whether private contractors and public operators currently provide similar training. At the end of the hearing, the chairs closed testimony on the full list of bills and adjourned the hearing without taking any votes.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 29th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- You have to bring all of the evidence. This means doing more.
- You have to bring all of the evidence of your innocence to a new judge who decides if you really didn't
- You have to prove that by heightened standards of clear and convincing evidence.
- And that judge, in order to award compensation, must find by clear and convincing evidence that they
- And that clear and convincing evidence is actually a higher standard than we use in other civil trials
Committee:
House Administration of Criminal Justice
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Committee met on April 29, 2026, and first voluntarily deferred House Bill 517. The committee then heard and passed several bills focused on impaired driving, wrongful conviction compensation, gaming promo play, child protection, and criminal penalties related to sexual exploitation and worship-service interference. Senate Bill 118 would require substance use disorder screening for all misdemeanor DUI offenders, with supporters arguing early screening could identify treatment needs and reduce repeat offenses; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 125 increased the wrongful conviction compensation cap from 10 to 15 years and from $400,000 to $600,000, with testimony emphasizing the hardship faced by people who were wrongfully imprisoned for decades; it also passed favorably. Senate Bill 294 allowed gaming operators to allocate promotional play across licenses without increasing the total amount, and it was reported favorably despite one opposition card.
The committee also approved Senate Bill 87, which clarified the definition of commercial sexual activity to address conflicts in child sex trafficking statutes and better reach online solicitation and related conduct. Senate Bill 93 established minimum bond amounts for certain child sex abuse material offenses, and Chair Villio offered an amendment expanding related bail and revocation provisions for certain violent, sex, and firearm offenses; the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 98 added certain school employees, including school resource officers and security guards, to the definition of educator for purposes of prohibited sexual conduct with students, and it passed favorably. Senate Bill 199 imposed a mandatory minimum sentence for a second offense of purchasing commercial sexual activity and required sex offender registration; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably as amended.
The committee then took up House Bill 333, which would require the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to house inmates within 30 miles of their home or offense location. The author argued this would preserve family ties and reduce recidivism, but sheriffs, district attorneys, and DOC representatives opposed it as impractical given limited bed space, security needs, and existing placement criteria; the bill was not moved. House Bill 828 would create an independent Louisiana Correctional Medical Review Board to investigate deaths in custody, but law enforcement and corrections witnesses warned it could interfere with homicide investigations and duplicate existing coroner and agency reviews; the author asked for voluntary deferral, which the committee granted. House Bill 146, authorizing a Sabine Parish sports wagering election, was heard but received no motion and remained in committee. The committee also approved Senate Bill 277, expanding concealed-carry exemptions for certain statewide elected officials in the State Capitol, and Senate Bill 306, creating the crime of obstructing worship services in a church or other place of worship; SB 306 was amended to reduce a proposed fine from $10,000 to $2,500 after concerns about jury-trial implications. The meeting ended with adjournment after all remaining items were disposed of.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor & Commerce Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The presumption of occupational disease may be rebutted by the preponderance of the evidence, and it
- If exposure has not occurred, the burden of proof is on the loved ones to provide evidence, especially
- However, as my colleague indicated, if there is new medical expertise and evidence out there that should
- I mean, in terms of your analysis, it just strikes me that, you know, that's pretty definitive evidence
- The bill also allows a collective bargaining organization representing impacted employees or the city
Summary:
The Labor and Commerce Committee heard public testimony on several bills. Senate Bill 618, the Eric Schrauss Memorial Act, would remove the current time-and-exposure qualifiers for the workers’ compensation presumption that certain heart problems in firefighters and law enforcement officers are occupational diseases. The sponsor and family members of fallen firefighters testified in support, describing delayed claims and arguing the bill would spare grieving families from lengthy appeals. Opponents including counties, self-insurers, cities, and L&I’s research staff said the current qualifiers are based on science, warned the change would greatly expand claims and costs, and noted a 2023 advisory committee did not recommend the change. No vote was taken.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 5379, which would extend interest arbitration rights to Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission law enforcement rangers. The sponsor and a park ranger testified that rangers are commissioned peace officers who cannot strike and are paid less than comparable law enforcement, leading to staffing shortages and turnover. The bill was presented as a fairness and retention measure. Testimony on Senate Bill 6147, concerning grocery store closures in food deserts, was split: supporters from Tacoma, labor, and local government said a six-month notice requirement would help communities respond to closures like the Fred Meyer shutdown in South Tacoma, while grocers and industry groups argued the bill was too prescriptive, would add legal risk, and would not solve underlying crime and business pressures.
Senate Bill 6106, requested by the Employment Security Department, would exempt tribes from the state WARN-style notice law and make employee names and addresses submitted in layoff notices confidential under the Public Records Act. ESD and business groups supported the bill as a clarification and privacy fix, and no opposition was heard. The committee then took testimony on Senate Bill 5927, which would cap future workers’ compensation COLAs at 3%; employers and self-insurers supported it as a way to address volatility and long-term liabilities, while labor, injured-worker advocates, and others opposed it as an across-the-board benefit cut that would erode wage replacement. L&I explained it has been studying possible COLA changes but did not bring forward its own proposal. Finally, Senate Bill 6287 on kratom would restrict adulterated or harmful kratom products, require labeling, set a 21+ sales age, and allow local regulation; supporters backed the age limit and bans on concentrated 7-OH, while some industry witnesses opposed the private right of action and local patchwork rules. The committee adjourned after public testimony; no final votes or executive action were taken in the transcript.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (01/27/2026)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:35:21.840><c> buying</c> in the most collective buying in the most collective buying agreements
- </c><05:30:13.120><c> Allowing</c> collective bargaining. Allowing collective bargaining.
- It's my understanding that collective bargaining agreements, the cost factors in collective bargaining
- </c><05:42:15.680><c> bargaining</c> you have a collective bargaining you have a collective bargaining
- </c><06:00:18.320><c> collective</c> dismantles collectively collective dismantles collectively collective
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (04/21/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- I collected to this specific purpose?
- So there's no increase collected. Okay.
- The utilities collect the same amount.
- They pay collect the same amount.
- 02.080><c> states,</c><01:10:02.400><c> our</c> collectively across the six states, our collectively
Committee:
House Science, Technology and Energy