Transcript Highlights:

• So, the task force really brought together labor, industry, our tribal nations, environmental leaders
• So, the task force really brought together labor, industry, our tribal nations, environmental leaders
• </c><00:36:16.200><c> standards,</c> exporting jobs, our labor standards, exporting jobs, our labor standards
• ><c> industry,</c><00:36:25.320><c> our</c> brought together labor, industry, our brought together labor
• You know, we don't have our labor standards honored in those places as well.

Bills: HF4211, HF3426, HF4819, HF3466, HF3793, HF3339

Keywords: air pollution, lead emissions, continuous emissions monitoring system, CEMS, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, MPCA, environmental monitoring, emission compliance, air quality, public health, industrial pollution, permitted facility, residential exposure, toxic metals, emission limits, pollution control, stack monitoring, real-time emissions monitoring, natural resources, environment

Transcript Highlights:

• The current language says that agricultural labor must be reported if it exceeds $20,000 or more in cash

Bills: HB3056, HB3391, HB3657, HB3617, HB4055, HB3720, HB3902

Keywords: raw milk, unpasteurized, farm sales, Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act, local producers, advertising, animal welfare, commercial pet breeders, licensing, animal cruelty, labor, employment definitions, agricultural services, Oklahoma Workforce Commission, confidentiality, data access, right to repair, agriculture, OEM, repair providers

Summary: The committee took up several agriculture-related bills, many with committee substitutes and amendments. HB 356, dealing with raw, unpasteurized milk, was amended to limit sales for off-premise consumption and to provide liability protection for producers; members discussed whether restaurants should also receive protection and whether consumers should be notified, and the bill passed 4-2. HB 3391, requiring commercial pet breeders to include their state license number in advertisements and authorizing Agriculture Department rules and fines, passed 6-0. HB 3657, an Oklahoma Employment Security Commission request bill updating agricultural labor reporting language and allowing workforce data sharing with the Workforce Commission, passed 4-3 after questions about the type of data shared and a tie vote was broken by a member voting in the affirmative. HB 3617, a right-to-repair bill for agricultural equipment, was amended to correct wording and to protect intellectual property, trade secrets, and warranties, but members questioned its scope and application date; it passed 5-1. HB 4055, the Breeding Animals Responsibly and with Care Act, was heavily amended to remove a section changing licensing thresholds and to set minimum fines, but it drew extensive questions about the new fund, inspection hours, fiscal impact, and whether it would burden the Department of Agriculture or consumers; it failed 3-4. HB 3902, a bill aimed at addressing pet overpopulation and allowing counties to act, prompted concerns about county zoning, sheriff workload, and unfunded mandates; the authors said they would continue working on the issue and strike the title later, and the bill passed 4-3 despite requests to lay it over.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would require the department, the Oklahoma Department of Labor, to work with ODBA to develop

Bills: HB3257, HB3428, HB3043, HB3044, HB3078, HB3940, HB3432

Keywords: veterans, disability benefits, federal law, Oklahoma Statutes, military service, veterans benefits, workplace poster, human resources, employment law, mental health resources, educational resources, HB3043, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, ODVA, seasonal employees, project labor, pro rata jobs, unclassified service, state personnel law, state employee benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this bill would require the Department, the Oklahoma Department of Labor, to work with ODBA

Bills: HB3257, HB3428, HB3043, HB3044, HB3078, HB3940, HB3432

Keywords: veterans, disability benefits, federal law, Oklahoma Statutes, military service, veterans benefits, workplace poster, human resources, employment law, mental health resources, educational resources, HB3043, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, ODVA, seasonal employees, project labor, pro rata jobs, unclassified service, state personnel law, state employee benefits

Summary: The committee heard several veterans-related bills. House Bill 3257 would treat 100% disabilities caused by medical malpractice at a VA facility as service-connected for purposes of Oklahoma state benefits, aligning state treatment with federal benefits; members asked about the bill’s scope and its relation to military service and citizenship, and it passed 6-0. House Bill 3432 would allow veterans to attend public school sporting events without paying gate admission; one member spoke against the idea of preferential treatment for veterans, but the bill passed 5-1. House Bill 3428 would require the Department of Labor, working with the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, to create a workplace poster for employers with more than 50 employees listing veteran benefits and contact information for assistance programs. The author emphasized it was not a recruitment effort and said the poster would mainly provide hotline numbers and claims assistance information; it passed 7-0. House Bill 3043 would let ODVA hire PRN, seasonal, or as-needed employees during peak periods instead of relying on full-time staff, and members discussed possible reporting additions; it passed 7-0. The committee also considered House Bill 3044, which continues the existing tax return donation option for the ODVA equipment capital improvement program, and it passed 7-0. House Bill 3078, as amended, changed the donation mechanism to a direct link to the ODVA website rather than a checkbox on state transaction forms, and the amendment was adopted before the bill passed 8-0. Finally, House Bill 3940, a broad cleanup/omnibus measure revising National Guard and State Guard provisions, retention and education assistance rules, museum-related authority, and other technical matters, was presented as a follow-up to prior legislation, amended by PCS, and passed 7-0 with one member absent/abstaining; the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is the fourth meeting of the Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations for the 2026 regular session
• “This is the Labor and Industrial Relations Committee.
• And, you know, we’re here to advocate for the rights of labor.
• Representative Boyd, welcome to Labor. Can I tell you thank you.
• I think this is my first time in labor, maybe ever. I'm not sure. Maybe second time, second time.

Bills: HB282, HB293, HB390, HB456, HB460, HB561, HB819, HB1023, HB1047, HB1101

Keywords: employment discrimination, criminal history, rehabilitation, hiring process, human rights, gender identity, sexual orientation, workplace equality, labor rights, domestic abuse, unpaid leave, employee rights, workplace protection, mental health, survivor support, workers' compensation, employment benefits, claims process, fraud prevention, legal petition

Transcript Highlights:

• the wages they can earn, and help institutions develop programs that are relevant and responsive to labor
• Her math skills have taken off. Her comprehension has grown tremendously.
• Her math skills have taken off, but more importantly, her confidence has returned.
• ...off-ramp at the end of their educational journeys are skilled, credentialed, and ready to be assets
• We want kids to have those soft skills so they can graduate high school and know how to operate as an

Bills: HB624, HB1022, HB1203, SB82, SB206, SB305, SB376, SB441

Keywords: school safety, emergency operations plan, crisis management, active shooter, drills, training, classroom security, primary health services, behavioral health, school health providers, medical necessity, student health care, education, school week, instructional time, public schools, performance score, student athletes, cardiovascular health, sudden cardiac arrest

Transcript Highlights:

• The current language says that agricultural labor must be reported if it exceeds $20,000 or more in cash

Bills: HB3056, HB3391, HB3657, HB3617, HB4055, HB3720, HB3902

Keywords: raw milk, unpasteurized, farm sales, Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act, local producers, advertising, animal welfare, commercial pet breeders, licensing, animal cruelty, labor, employment definitions, agricultural services, Oklahoma Workforce Commission, confidentiality, data access, right to repair, agriculture, OEM, repair providers

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> relating to county labor standards. relating to county labor standards.
• </c> compensated highly by our skilled compensated highly by our skilled workers.<00:14:32.560><c> By
• labor union organized labor, primarily because they are the ones that founded this Labor Day holiday.
• </c> recognized as labor or a construction. recognized as labor or a construction.
• </c> And we feel that labor And we feel that labor is<00:21:38.640><c> the</c><00:21:38.880><c> force

Bills: SB2141, SB2593, SB2824, SB2135, SB2115

Keywords: retirement, law enforcement, pension, public safety, employee contributions, Law Enforcement Standards Board, LESB, civil service exemption, collective bargaining exemption, law enforcement certification, police standards, law enforcement training, officer certification, training and curriculum coordinator, lead investigative agent, administrative manager, administrator, Hawaii HRS 76-16, Hawaii HRS 139-3, personnel exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm sincerely hoping you're getting all sides of this, including labor at the table.
• An asphalt bike park would give us a safe, structured place to ride, practice skills, and spend time
• Second, it helps build confidence, responsibility, and goal-setting skills.
• asphalt bike parks are known for being durable, low maintenance, and usable by a wide range of ages and skill

Bills: HB2517, HB2480, HB2588, HB1529, HB2223, HB2006, HB2573, HB2141

Keywords: municipal permitting, transit projects, high capacity transit, infrastructure, urban development, residential development, commercial zones, mixed-use zoning, urban planning, state regulations, county ferry district, ferry district, passenger-only ferry, passenger ferry, Puget Sound, Vashon, Seattle, Southworth, county transportation, local taxing authority

Summary: The committee opened public hearings on HB 2141 and HB 2573, then paused for caucus and later took executive action on several bills before returning to testimony. HB 2141 would impose a 10-year pause on most State Building Code Council updates after the 2024 codes, extend future update cycles to six years, restrict local amendments until the 2036 model codes, and remove the 2031 energy-code reduction target. Supporters, including builders, business groups, counties, and some local officials, argued the bill would reduce regulatory churn, lower housing costs, and give developers and local governments more certainty. Opponents, including environmental groups, architects, fire marshals, code professionals, and manufacturers, said the bill would freeze safety and energy-efficiency improvements, raise long-term utility costs, and undermine climate goals. No final action was taken on HB 2141 during the hearing. HB 2573 would require advance notice before grocery stores, pharmacies, and similar facilities close or are sold in communities that relied on them for housing, transit, or health planning; add a health and food access goal and a new healthy communities element to the Growth Management Act; authorize zoning tools to require or incentivize grocery or health-related uses; and allow cities and counties to impose excise taxes or nuisance fees on vacant former grocery-store properties, with some waivers for temporary or community uses. Supporters said the bill responds to recent closures in places like Lake City and Everett that created food and pharmacy deserts, harmed seniors and low-income residents, and disrupted local planning. Opponents from grocery industry groups argued the bill is punitive, could chill investment, and would unfairly penalize property owners who did not cause the closure. The hearing on HB 2573 was also left open without final action. During executive action, the committee adopted amendments and reported several bills out with do-pass recommendations: HB 2517, as amended to require notice to property owners before regional transit authorities apply for permits and to add property-owner consent protections; HB 2588, expanding county ferry district authority beyond passenger-only ferries; HB 1529, allowing counties to assist cities with paving and marking streets; HB 2223, allowing limited irrigation-district contract interests involving a director’s spouse; and HB 2006, as amended to narrow and extend the deadline for certain rural counties to designate industrial land banks. After those votes, the committee returned to testimony on HB 2141, heard additional support and opposition, and then adjourned without hearing all registered testifiers.

Transcript Highlights:

• county coroner is, is your official that's above a system that marries both investigative and medical skill

Bills: HB2451, HB2298, HB2566, HB2267, HB2530, HB2388, HB2588, HB2094

Keywords: tax increment financing, local government, economic development, municipal finance, public infrastructure, property title protection, land record fraud, county auditors, voluntary program, real estate, procurement, contracting, transparency, financial oversight, urban forestry, environmental policy, tree management, community planning, public facilities district, regional aquatics

Summary: The House Local Government Committee heard public testimony on HB 2588, which would let county ferry districts exercise the same general authority as counties over ferries, rather than being limited to passenger-only ferries. Supporters from Whatcom, Pierce, and county associations said the change would help counties with vehicle ferries create dedicated funding tools to maintain aging ferry systems and reduce pressure on county road funds. Opponents argued it could create new taxes or fees without direct voter control, while staff clarified the bill would apply to ferry districts now or in the future. The committee also heard HB 2094, which would require non-charter counties to appoint coroners rather than elect them. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would improve professionalism, accountability, and ballot simplicity, and cited Yakima County’s recent coroner problems as evidence that elected coroners can create operational and fiscal difficulties. Opponents, including elected coroners and the Washington Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners, argued that elected coroners provide independence from county officials, preserve public accountability, and can order inquests without political pressure. Testimony on both sides was extensive, and no vote was taken on HB 2094 during the hearing. In executive session, the committee took action on several bills. It adopted amendments and passed out HB 2451 on local tax increment financing, HB 2298 on voluntary title protection programs for land record fraud, HB 2566 on local government procurement thresholds, HB 2267 on urban forest management ordinances, HB 2530 on the deadline for forming public facilities districts for regional aquatics and sports facilities, and HB 2388 on siting distributed energy generation resources on agricultural lands. Each was reported out with a due pass recommendation, with recorded votes showing broad support, though HB 2267 passed on a narrower 4-3 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, the Department of Labor
• Starting off in person, we have Jade Boute from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations in support
• In person, we have Jade Boute from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations in support. >> Thank
• 00:53:10.559><c> of</c> we have Jade Boute from Department of we have Jade Boute from Department of Labor
• </c> Labor Industrial Relations in support. Labor Industrial Relations in support.

Bills: SB2885, SB2174, SB2925, SB2798, SB2320, SB2800, SB1230, SB2706, SB3233, SB2405, SB2350, SB2169, SB3320

Keywords: coconut rhinoceros beetle, invasive species, biosecurity, green waste, environmental management, agriculture, quarantine, pest control, transport regulations, Hawaii Revised Statutes, coconut trees, tax credit, natural management, Hawaii, environment, agricultural enforcement, agricultural theft, farm theft, crop theft, commodity theft

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2885 SD1, which would create mandatory handling and storage rules for commercial and residential coconut rhinoceros beetle host material beginning in 2027, with penalties and an effective date. Support came from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, DLNR, Maui County Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Testifiers generally said the bill would help reduce CRB spread, though some urged additional science-backed methods, better coordination, and technical or cost-share support for smaller operations. Hawaiian Earth Recycling recommended amendments to align the bill with existing Department of Health/EPA composting rules, add other materials that can harbor CRB, allow future approved treatment methods, and replace the bill’s 60-day turning requirement with existing pathogen-reduction standards. One individual supported the goal but argued the state’s CRB strategy has lacked community and cultural consultation and should include a cultural advisement role. Department witnesses said enforcement would rely on inspection and an educate-before-regulate approach, and they noted the challenge of creating enough drop-off sites, especially in rural areas. The committee then took up SB 2174 SD2, which would authorize the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to declare an emergency quarantine, halt operations in affected areas for 96 hours with possible extension, quarantine suspected pest areas, issue notices and compensation to affected farmers, and adopt interim transportation rules for materials that may harbor high-impact invasive species. The department and DLNR supported the measure, emphasizing the need for fast action in the first hours of an invasion. Hawaii Farmers Union supported the compensation provisions but asked for stronger communication with producers and a post-action report to the Board of Agriculture after about 90 days to evaluate effectiveness and economic impacts. In response to questions, department staff said the bill would be a short-term, department-only quarantine authority distinct from the governor-declared biosecurity emergency authority enacted previously, and that it could serve as an intermediate step. They also said outreach would need to be done through farm organizations such as Farmers Union, Farm Bureau, and Cattlemen’s groups. The final measure discussed was SB 2925 SD1, relating to coconut trees. The bill would recognize coconut trees as a source of food and water and a cultural treasure, require rules for coconut tree seed banks, require signage identifying landscape palms where applicable, set labeling standards for non-consumable landscape palms, and create an income tax credit for consumable coconut trees maintained through natural management practices. The transcript ended before testimony or action on this bill was completed, and no vote was taken on any of the measures discussed in the portion provided.

Bills: HB161, HB146, HB289, HB290, HB31, HB146, HB289, HB290, HB31

Keywords: consumer protection, app store, age verification, parental consent, data protection, minors, HB146, ivermectin, pharmacist, standing order, prescription drug, non-patient-specific order, dispensing, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, licensed health care provider, pharmacy board, medical licensure, disciplinary action, drug access

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1604, HB1798, HB1002, HB1065, HB1155, HB1269, HB1916, HB2120, HB2123, HB2158, HB2178, HB2264, HB2309, HB2411, HJM4004

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, a National Anthem performance, and a prayer offered by Washington Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Cole. The chamber then adopted House Resolution 4675, honoring the Washington National Guard for its service in emergencies, search and rescue, disaster response, and military readiness. Members spoke in support, highlighting the Guard’s history, its role in recent flood and landslide responses, and the sacrifices of service members and their families. The resolution passed by voice vote, and Guard leadership and members present in the galleries were recognized. The House also recognized Congressman Dan Newhouse in a point of personal privilege, with remarks praising his service in state and federal office and his ties to agriculture. The chamber then moved to the Fourth Order of Business and debated a motion to suspend House rules to send two initiatives to the Education Committee for prompt public hearings. Supporters argued the Constitution requires precedence for initiatives and that the House should hear them promptly; opponents argued the Constitution allows the Legislature to take no action and that the motion was unnecessary. The motion to suspend the rules failed on a recorded vote, 38 yeas and 57 nays, with three excused. Next, members debated the routine motion to refer the bills, memorials, measures, and resolutions on the introduction sheet to committee. Some members again argued the two initiatives should be given priority and public hearings before other business, while others supported normal referral of the day’s measures. The motion passed on a recorded vote, 57 yeas and 38 nays, with three excused. Committee reports were then accepted and referred as designated, and the House adjourned until Thursday, January 29 at 10:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Education and Labor Cabinet, Department of Education, Office of District Support Services, 702 KAR
• &gt;&gt; Education<00:09:30.360><c> and</c><00:09:30.480><c> Labor</c><00:09:30.720><c> Cabinet,</c><
• 00:09:31.280><c> Department</c> &gt;&gt; Education and Labor Cabinet, Department &gt;&gt; Education and
• Labor Cabinet, Department of<00:09:31.760><c> Education,</c><00:09:32.520><c> Office</c><00:09:32.920

Keywords: 0:06 - Roll Call 0:30 - Approval of Minutes 0:45 - OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL 2:08 - FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION CABINET - OFFICE OF THE CONTROLLER 2:55 - BOARD OF DENTISTRY 5:30 - BOARD OF OPHTHALMIC DISPENSERS 7:30 - BOARD OF NURSING 8:32 - BOARD OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES 9:30 - EDUCATION AND LABOR CABINET - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, OFFICE OF DISTRICT SUPPORT SERVICES 15:35 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH 18:44 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL, HEALTH SERVICES AND FACILITIES 23:39 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT FOR MEDICAID SERVICES 1:01:46 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH, OFFICE FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS 1:03:46 - Next meeting/adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then took up a series of administrative regulations from several agencies. Early items included Attorney General consumer protection rules on removal sales, health spas, liquidation sales, and nonresident sellers of visual aid glasses; Finance and Administration Controller rules on clearinghouse validation and fraud prevention; and Board of Dentistry rules updating exam requirements, controlled substance prescribing, training for neuromodulators and dermal fillers, infection control, sedation/anesthesia continuing education, and required education on pediatric abusive head trauma and controlled substance ingestion prevention. The committee also approved staff amendments on these items, generally to conform to KRS Chapter 13A, and members asked a brief question about the dentistry controlled-substances changes, which was answered as an alignment with statute. The committee next approved regulations for the Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers, Board of Nursing, and Board of Emergency Medical Services. The ophthalmic dispensers package would revise meeting and recordkeeping language, raise renewal fees, set reinstatement and apprentice-license rules, add complaint and hearing procedures, and repeal a duplicative regulation. The nursing regulations would streamline approval of training programs and require notice and documentation of site visits and deficiencies. EMS rules would create five EMS medical director certifications, set expiration and renewal requirements, require publication of disciplinary sanctions, and exempt currently approved directors before October 1, 2026. Staff amendments were adopted without objection on each set. The Education and Labor Cabinet’s school transportation regulation drew extended discussion. The agency explained the changes were intended to implement Senate Bill 46 and update references affected by later legislation, including an oral amendment to delete a subsection reference tied to KRS 160.380. The committee adopted both the agency and oral amendments without objection after brief questions about the scope of the bill changes and van transportation for students. The committee then heard a lengthy package from the Department for Public Health on WIC and related nutrition program regulations, including updates to infant and child certification periods, documentation requirements, vendor criteria, sanctions, hearing procedures, and high-risk vendor standards. Staff amendments were adopted without objection. Finally, the committee considered the Inspector General’s regulation for freestanding birthing centers, which included both staff and agency amendments. The agency changes would require two neonatal resuscitation program-certified staff, set rules for medical director vacancies and appeals, revise facility and staffing terminology, adjust transfer-agreement requirements, and allow waivers when agreements cannot be secured. Mary Katherine DeLodder of the Kentucky Birth Coalition testified in support, saying the parties had worked through concerns and were ready to move forward. The committee then moved on to Medicaid’s 1915C child waiver regulations, where staff amendments were adopted, but Lucy Heskins of Kentucky Protection and Advocacy testified against the package because it did not include person-directed services, which she said are required by Kentucky law and important for families using the waiver.

Transcript Highlights:

• with communities and their local law enforcement by preparing police officers with the necessary skills
• to address any situation that skills to address any situation that they<01:06:59.840><c> may</c><01:
• This training is vitally important to keeping our police officers trained on these important skills.
• However, the these important skills.
• came together to agree to well as labor came together to agree to a<01:35:50.000><c> single</c><01:35

Bills: HF3753, HF4299, HF4700, HF4282, HF4139, HF3530, HF4031

Keywords: school safety, threat assessment, pilot project, education, real-time monitoring, public safety, HF4299, school safety specialists, Minnesota School Safety Center, appropriation, general fund, fiscal year 2026, school security, school violence prevention, student safety, Department of Public Safety, school resource support, education funding, peace officer, training reimbursement

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> relations</c><00:42:06.000><c> and</c> the director of labor relations and the director of labor
• </c> &gt;&gt; Yes, please. uh the labor management &gt;&gt; Yes, please. uh the labor management committee
• But at the state level as well, we have deep collaboration with participating labor unions.
• Um, and as participating labor unions.
• </c> what the bill currently creates as labor what the bill currently creates as labor management<01:

Bills: HF3422, HF3461, HF2904

Keywords: state grants, grant oversight, grants management, executive agencies, Minnesota Department of Administration, commissioner of administration, fraud prevention, waste prevention, grant monitoring, financial reconciliation, grant compliance, state government, public funds, grant recipients, competitive grants, grant administration, administrative oversight, monitoring visits, grant policy, legislative leave

Bills: HB139, HB172, HB156

Keywords: HB139, Alabama discrimination, civil rights, public accommodations, employment discrimination, equal access, protected classes, race discrimination, sex discrimination, religious discrimination, age discrimination, disability discrimination, national origin discrimination, school board discrimination, labor organization, employment agency, retaliation, private right of action, punitive damages, attorney fees

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's because we lack critical interpreters of that skill level that this bill is before you.
• :40:54.480><c> interpreters</c><00:40:55.200><c> of</c><00:40:55.440><c> that</c><00:40:55.599><c> skill
• </c> lack critical interpreters of that skill lack critical interpreters of that skill level<00:40:56.400

Bills: HB1183, HB1656, HB1658, HB1661, HB1663, HB1664, HB1859, HB2116, HB2271, HB2276, HB2335, HB2360, HB2387, HB2472, HB1805, HB2469, HB1815, HB1860, HB2117, HB2118, HB2437, HB2438, HB2604, HB1590, HB2156, HB2268

Keywords: retirement, pension, law enforcement, public safety, Hawaii Revised Statutes, indebtedness, salary recovery, employee compensation, deductions, financial management, collective bargaining, employee relations, impasse procedures, arbitration, public employment, HB1661, cafeteria plan, Section 125, Internal Revenue Code, flexible spending account

Bills: SB1192, SB1264, SB1284, SB1810, SB1921

Keywords: substance abuse, counseling, assessment fees, mental health, alcohol and drug programs, domestic violence, domestic abuse, assault and battery, assault, battery, strangulation, dangerous weapon, family or household member, intimate partner, pregnant woman, great bodily injury, batterers intervention program, batterers' intervention, anger management, victim safety

Summary: The Public Safety Committee met and first laid over Senate Bill 1284 by Vice Chair Hamilton until the following week. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1192 by Senator Mann, which would raise the DUI assessment fee from $160 to $200 to help stabilize independent assessment providers; members asked about who pays the fee and whether there was a fiscal impact, and the bill passed 7-0. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1264 by Senator Gillespie, which expands the definition of great bodily injury to include concussions, prolonged pain, and injuries affecting more than 10% of the victim’s body, and adds coverage for offenses committed in the presence of a minor; after questions about the new standards and duplicate repealer language, it passed 7-0. Senate Bill 1921 by Senator Murdock was heard next. It increases OSBI background check fees, including criminal history and fingerprint-based checks, with the added revenue intended for electronic infrastructure and staffing; members questioned whether the fees would be charged to requesting agencies as well as individuals, and the bill passed 7-0. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1810 by Senator Weaver, an Attorney General request bill that would allow human trafficking expert testimony in court and add human trafficking victims to the list of persons eligible for Attorney General Victim Service Unit services; Senator Weaver explained the need for specialized testimony and victim support, and the bill advanced 7-0.

Bills: SB2007, SB2104, SB2543, SB2545, SB2926, SB2938

Keywords: military status, vehicle registration, veterans, Texas transportation, state records, discrimination, employment rights, spouses of service members, labor code, SB 2543, Texas veterans cemeteries, state veterans cemetery, Texas Veterans Commission, Veterans Land Board, Natural Resources Code, veterans land fund, veterans housing assistance fund, veterans burial, burial eligibility, cemetery location

Summary: The Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs heard several bills focused on veterans’ mental health, criminal justice coordination, cemetery expansion, housing, vehicle registration, and anti-discrimination protections. SB 2926 would transfer administration of veterans’ mental health initiatives from HHSC to the Texas Veterans Commission, create a community-based mental health grant program, require a statewide veteran suicide prevention action plan, and add annual reporting requirements. SB 2938 would require county jails to verify and report veteran status at intake, help veteran inmates apply for federal benefits, and provide access to county veteran services and free visitation with service coordinators. Both bills were described as joint or practical efforts to improve coordination and service delivery for veterans, and both were left pending after no public testimony was offered. The committee also heard SB 2543, which would give more flexibility to expand the Texas veterans cemetery system, and SB 2545, which would explore using manufactured homes as another affordable housing option for veterans through the Veterans Land Board. SB 2545 drew questions about how manufactured-home loans would work; a Texas Veterans Land Board witness said implementation would likely require closing at a title company rather than through a retail bill of sale, and the Texas Manufactured Housing Association testified in support. Both cemetery and housing bills were left pending. Members then heard SB 2007, which would let vehicle registration applicants voluntarily designate military status so the DMV could record it and help with benefits and towing/impound issues involving deployed service members. Witnesses from the towing industry and DMV supported the bill, saying the current system lacks enough identifying information to run military-status checks and that the indicator could help prevent vehicles from being sold while owners are deployed. SB 2104 would add military status as a protected class under state anti-discrimination laws for employment, housing, and utilities; the author said it would address ongoing discrimination against service members, veterans, and military families. The Texas VFW supported the bill, citing the Leroy Torres case as an example of why additional state protections are needed. After discussion about overlap with federal law and existing state protections, SB 2104 was also left pending.