Transcript Highlights:

• I want to tell you about a very remarkable woman, Marion Stoddard.
• So it has been completely brought back to life because of the work of Marion Stoddard.
• And H.5113, an act designating the Marion Stoddard Riverwalk, seeks to work...
• Harry Rich State Forest the Marion Stoddard River Walk.
• Harry Rich State Forest the Marion Stoddard River Walk. Thank you.

Bills: H5113, H5076, H4972, H4917, H4700, S2896, S2961, S2933, H5141, H5140, H5139, S2877, H3920

Keywords: Marion Stoddart, riverwalk, J. Harry Rich State Forest, Groton, Nashua River, Nashua River Watershed Association, Massachusetts Clean Waters Act, Department of Conservation and Recreation, DCR, trail designation, state forest, conservation, environmental recognition, commemorative naming, signage, public lands, toxic pesticides, Eastham, environmental regulation, local control

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hearing on late-filed bills covering several environmental and local control issues. Rep. Scarsdale testified for H.5113, which would name an accessible trail in Groton the Marion Stoddard Riverwalk in honor of the activist who helped restore the Nashua River; Groton Trails Committee chair Paul Funch also supported the bill. Rep. Sweezy presented a package of Duxbury Beach bills: H.5141 on aligning state shorebird protections more closely with federal designations, H.5140 on creating parity among beaches for management tools, and H.5139 on requiring regular review of outdated recreational-use guidelines. Supporters said the bills would balance conservation with beach access and local economic needs, while some committee members asked about agency input and the relationship to federal habitat plans. A large portion of the hearing focused on home rule petitions allowing towns to restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides and other pesticides. Testimony in support came from residents, wildlife rehabilitators, and advocacy groups, including Mass Audubon, Sierra Club, and Animal Defenders International, who described secondary poisoning of hawks, owls, eagles, and other wildlife, as well as risks to pets and children. Several speakers argued that local communities should be able to act where statewide legislation has stalled, and some noted that the statewide rodenticide bill had already been favorably reported earlier in the session. Opponents, including the New England Pest Management Association, argued that regulation should remain at the state level for consistency and because MDAR is reviewing the science and can better manage licensing and enforcement. The committee also heard support for S.2961, a Dighton bill authorizing use of a small portion of conservation land for public way purposes tied to replacement of the Pleasant Street Bridge, which proponents said would improve pedestrian and bicycle safety with minimal impact on conservation land. The hearing included some technical difficulties with virtual testimony, but the committee continued with in-person and online witnesses and then adjourned without taking any votes during the hearing itself.

Bills: HB468, SB366, HB468, HB561, SB227, SB32

Keywords: service of process, funding, Marion County, fees, legal documents, firefighters, rights, personnel procedures, state law, public safety, HB468, local commissions, local authorities, municipal planning commission, planning commission, zoning, land use, municipal official, municipal officer, city council

Transcript Highlights:

• Harry Rich State Forest in the Town of Groton as the Marion Stoddart River Walk. Thank you. J.
• Harry Rich State Forest in the Town of Groton as the Marion Stoddart River Walk.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House took up several procedural orders from the Committee on Rules extending reporting deadlines for the Education, Mental Health/Substance Use/Recovery, and Revenue committees, and each order was adopted after suspension of the rules. The chamber also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow several petitions to be referred, including measures on consumer-connected devices, a trail designation in Groton, beach and habitat management, genetic discrimination in insurance, and antitrust enforcement. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reported a slate of bills for House consideration, including measures on Taunton water billing, public insurance adjusters, electronic filing for property valuation forms, tax payment interest rates, local property tax exemptions in Milton and Marblehead, a tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a Rentham deputy chief, and West Tisbury’s affordable housing trust fund. The House ordered these bills to a third reading after suspending Rule 7A. The House then passed several engrossed bills to be enacted, including local measures on Boston police age waivers, Bridgewater town council stipends and town manager procedures, and a Cambridge employment and job training trust. Later, the House concurred in a Senate amendment to the Rockland charter bill, passed a Wellesley property tax deferral bill and a Harrell police civil service age-waiver bill to be engrossed, and adopted an order to meet again Wednesday at 11 a.m. before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• New program will create jobs and diversify the economy in Putnam and Marion counties, which are two of
• I was born and raised in Marion County and founder and executive director of the Great Florida Riverway
• I was born and raised in Marion County and founder and executive director of the Great Florida Riverway
• This bill includes an economic development program for Putnam and Marion counties, counties that almost
• last one is going to be Gail Hankinson, and she is here waving in support, and she owns a home in Marion

Bills: S0698, S0958, S1066, S1230, S1288

Keywords: onsite sewage treatment, disposal systems, building permits, environmental regulation, local government authority, drinking straws, stirrers, local regulation, compostable, environmental impact, Ocklawaha River, St. Johns River, Silver Springs, river restoration, dam removal, Kirkpatrick Dam, Buckman Lock, Cross Florida Barge Canal, environmental restoration, springs protection

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard and advanced several bills. SB 958, by Senator Bradley, would require local straw and stirrer ordinances to allow renewable, certified compostable, marine-biodegradable products; supporters said it would reduce reliance on paper straws that may contain PFAS and create more uniform standards. The bill was reported favorably after brief supportive testimony and no opposition. The committee also approved SB 1066, by Senator Broder, a major Ocklawaha/Rodman Dam restoration proposal. The bill would direct DEP to implement a phased restoration plan, create an advisory council with local and military representation, fund recreation and economic development projects, and address safety concerns tied to the dam’s age and high-hazard status. Supporters from conservation groups, river advocates, and some local residents praised the restoration and planning framework, while several Putnam County officials opposed the bill, arguing the reservoir supports recreation, water supply, and local interests. The committee adopted a late-filed amendment adding a Naval Air Station Jacksonville representative to the advisory council, then reported the committee substitute favorably. SB 698, by Senator Martin, was also reported favorably. It would let builders proceed with local building permits while septic permits are pending, rather than waiting for sequential approval, and includes a 120-day glide path related to new DEP rules; builders supported the bill as a way to reduce delays, while some senators questioned whether the transition period was too long. The committee then approved CS/SB 1230, by Senator Harrell, which phases out PFAS-containing firefighting foam, restricts non-emergency training use, requires inventory and disposal reporting, creates DEP rulemaking and a grant program, and exempts certain federal, military, and emergency uses. Finally, the committee favorably reported CS/SB 1288, also by Senator Harrell, to designate a water body in the Jupiter Narrows area in honor of Andrew Red Harris, with a technical amendment clarifying the shoal designation. Several members later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on selected bills.

Bills: S0302, S0394, S0480, S0546, S0636, S0774, S0796, S1028, S1050, S1066, S1120, S1230, S1288, S1682

Keywords: cybersecurity, information technology, data management, local government compliance, cloud services, state agency oversight, integrated governance, conservation lands, land exchange, state-owned land, Acquisition and Restoration Council, Florida water management, environmental protection, beach management, beach erosion, beach nourishment, coastal resilience, shoreline protection, critical erosion, critically eroded beach

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills, beginning with CS/SB 796, which would create Veterinary Professional Associates as a new supervised veterinary role, expand telehealth prescription timeframes, and set training and scope limits. Supporters said it would improve access to care, lower costs, and create a career path, while opponents argued the proposal lacked a clear regulatory framework, could create liability and federal-law conflicts, and would not address the real shortage in rural large-animal practice. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably. Members also heard and favorably reported SB 1682 on local authority over derelict and abandoned vessels, CS/SB 1028 on a commercial Citizens clearinghouse for property insurance, SB 394 on exempting certain reinsurance underwriting managers from licensing, SB 636 on beach management and erosion designations, CS/SB 546 on public notice for conservation land sales or exchanges, CS/SB 302 on Biscayne Bay nature-based solutions and related coastal resiliency provisions, SB 1050 on pharmacy choice for pet medications, and SB 774 extending workers’ compensation benefits to 911 public safety telecommunicators for mental and nervous injuries. Testimony on these bills generally focused on access, regulatory clarity, environmental protection, or workforce support, with some concerns raised on insurance consumer protections and beach-management language. Senator Harrell’s bills were also taken up and reported favorably: CS/SB 480, a major overhaul of state IT governance creating DIGIT and new procurement, reporting, and workforce structures; CS/SB 1230, restricting PFAS-containing firefighting foam and adding testing, inventory, and disposal requirements; and CS/SB 1288, a naming bill designating the Andrew Red Harris Shoal and requiring markers. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on SB 1066 regarding restoration of the Oklawaha/Rodman system, with supporters emphasizing ecological restoration, flood-risk reduction, and economic benefits, and opponents warning about local impacts, water quality, and the loss of a world-class fishery. The transcript ends during testimony on that bill, before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe Marion County does have.
• First off, I want to say thank you to the haulers in Marion County and the Haulers Association of Marion
• In Marion County, we have one. It's called Resource.
• Marion County. about two weeks from now, supposedly the Marion County burner is going to be started to
• I know Marion County brags that they have 20.

Summary: The task force met to focus on funding systems and incentive structures for a proposed regional waste infrastructure effort, including how a future WIPA framework might support solid waste planning in the Willamette Valley. Staff and members heard presentations from DEQ on the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, from Business Oregon on the Special Public Works Fund, and from Oregon State Treasury on state bonding capacity and the bond issuance process. Presenters explained how their programs are structured, how projects are scored or approved, what kinds of public entities and projects are eligible, and how interagency coordination and co-funding can work. DEQ emphasized that its revolving loan fund is driven by water-quality benefits and public-health criteria, while Business Oregon described a broader infrastructure loan program for public entities with no scoring system, and Treasury outlined the state’s debt-capacity process and the differences between general obligation and lottery bonds. Members used the presentations to discuss whether similar funding tools could support solid waste infrastructure, especially for transfer stations, regional hubs, and related facilities that may need to be built before Coffin Butte reaches the end of its lifespan. Several questions centered on whether public-private partnerships could qualify, whether equipment inside facilities could be financed, how repayment would work, and whether planning costs could be covered. DEQ and Business Oregon both said they could potentially collaborate on scoring or co-funding, but noted eligibility limits and the need for public ownership in many cases. Treasury said bond capacity is limited and competitive, especially for lottery bonds, and that project authorization generally runs on a two-year cycle, though unused authority can sometimes be reauthorized. In task force discussion, members debated whether the group should pursue a dedicated funding lane for the seven-county region rather than having local governments compete with other statewide needs. Some members stressed the importance of criteria to avoid stranded assets and to ensure funding is available when projects are ready, while others raised concerns about how cities and counties would generate revenue to repay debt during construction and early operations. The group also discussed flow control, system fees, and the need for regional collaboration among counties, cities, and haulers to create enough waste volume to support new infrastructure. Staff noted that pre-session filing materials for the legislature are due September 11, and the chair said the August meeting will focus on organizational structure and identifying partners. During public comment, Representative Kevin Mannix submitted written testimony supporting the WIPA concept and urging the task force to endorse it. Commissioner Bubba King of Yamhill County urged the task force to compare alternatives objectively and warned against adding bureaucracy before evaluating existing infrastructure and costs. Commissioners Kevin Cameron and Roger Nyquist of Marion and Linn counties described regional hub-and-spoke concepts, transfer stations, and intermodal options, emphasizing the need for planning, strategic siting, and collaboration with haulers and local governments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Marion, Casey, and a portion of Pulaski Marion, Casey, and a portion of Pulaski counties. counties. counties
• So, Senator From Marion and I claim each other as cousins.
• </c> that the senator from Marion that the senator from Marion and<02:22:08.840><c> the</c><02:22:08.960
• </c><02:22:55.520><c> and</c> the senator from Marion and the senator from Marion and under<02:22:57.520
• Senator from Marion. at hand. Senator from Marion.

Keywords: In an effort to stave off issues that may occur with long format live streams, we have split this stream into two parts., 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Gentleman from Marion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Gentleman from Marion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• The gentleman from Marion has ordered House Bill 3080 be perfected and printed, gentlemen from Marion
• Gentlemen from Marion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Gentleman from Marion. I renew my motion.

Summary: The House first established a quorum after a brief quorum call and a recognition of Doug Pitt and Crystal Simon of Care to Learn, an organization described as serving students statewide with clothing and other support products. The chamber then moved through a series of bills on perfection and printing, with members often explaining the purpose of each measure and offering supportive or critical questions. House Bill 2848 would create the offense of masked intimidation, making it a misdemeanor to conceal one’s face while intentionally harassing, intimidating, or threatening another person in a way that places them in reasonable fear for their safety. Members discussed historical examples such as hooded intimidation and modern examples involving doorbell cameras; concerns about law enforcement or ICE were raised and answered by the sponsor as outside the bill’s intent. The bill was ordered perfected and printed. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1791 would require building permits to be issued within 30 days, or 60 days for larger tracts, with an appeals process if applications are incomplete. Supporters said it would reduce red tape and help address housing affordability and disaster recovery, while opponents warned it could strain understaffed local governments. An amendment requiring code enforcement officials to be certified in any nationally or internationally recognized code they enforce was adopted, and the bill was then perfected and printed. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2465 was also perfected and printed; it would let sole proprietors and very small businesses buy group health coverage outside the ACA framework, expanding options for small employers. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2711 would reduce the assessment rate for broadband infrastructure and investment from 33% to 12% for seven years. Members debated whether the incentive should apply to upgrades within existing service areas or only to expansion into underserved areas; an amendment clarifying that the purpose is to promote expansion of fiber and broadband services was adopted, and the bill was perfected and printed. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3080 would restore historic preservation tax credit language previously enacted and later struck down by the courts; supporters from across the state cited recovery, tourism, and redevelopment projects, and the bill was perfected and printed. House Bill 1772 would raise state payments for adoption attorneys and separate guardian fees to help reduce barriers to adoption; it was described as a first step to help children move more quickly into permanent homes and was perfected and printed. House Bill 296 would increase state matching funds for regional planning commissions, update the list of commissions, and tie future maximum grants to the consumer price index; it was also perfected. Finally, House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2913 and 3228 would protect teachers and other school employees from liability when they reasonably intervene to protect themselves or students from violence, while not requiring them to intervene; the measure was strongly supported by educators and was perfected and printed.

Transcript Highlights:

• So Marion was appalled at this orange river, and she was determined to do something about it.
• So it has been completely brought back to life because of the work of Marion Stoddard.
• And H5113, an act designating the Marion Stoddard Riverwalk, seeks to work.
• Harry Rich State Forest the Marion Stoddard River Walk.
• Harry Rich State Forest the Marion Stoddard River Walk. Thank you.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a late-file hearing focused mainly on coastal access and wildlife protection bills, rodenticide restrictions, and a conservation land use bill. Chair Barbara House opened with technical notes and hearing rules, then Rep. Scarsdale testified for H. 5113, which would name an accessible trail in Groton the Marion Stoddard Riverwalk in honor of the environmental advocate who helped restore the Nashua River. Groton Trails Committee chair Paul Fung also supported the bill, describing the trail, educational signage, and DCR’s involvement. Rep. Sweezey then presented a package of Duxbury beach bills—H. 5141, H. 5140, and H. 5139—aimed at revising shorebird protections, creating parity among beaches, and requiring regular review of outdated recreational-use guidelines. He said the bills were developed with local and agency input to balance conservation and beach access, though he acknowledged some initial concerns from wildlife officials about the language in H. 5141. The committee also heard extensive testimony on local home-rule petitions to restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides and other pesticides. Supporters included Grafton resident Shannon Phelan, Mass Audubon’s Heather Packard, Sen. Ford, Billerica resident William Jubin, Manchester-by-the-Sea resident Anne Harris, and Animal Defenders International’s Drew McCormick. They argued the poisons cause secondary poisoning in owls, hawks, eagles, and other wildlife, can harm pets and livestock, and are increasingly ineffective; several speakers urged local authority because statewide action has been slow. Opponents included Molly Moran of the New England Pest Management Association, who argued regulation should remain at the state level through MDAR to avoid a patchwork of local rules and noted the agency is already reviewing the issue. Additional testimony from Stephanie Ellis, Laura Kelly, Chris Powicki, Cecily Miller, and others supported Eastham and Truro pesticide-reduction petitions, citing wildlife losses, groundwater concerns, and the need for local control. Finally, the committee heard S. 2961 from Dighton town counsel Matthew Costa, which would authorize use of a small portion of conservation land for public way purposes tied to replacement of the Pleasant Street Bridge. Costa said the easements are needed for safety improvements, including a wider bridge deck, sidewalk, guardrail replacement, and erosion controls, and that the affected conservation area is limited and of little natural-resource value. The hearing ended after testimony on these bills, with no votes taken during the session and the committee adjourning at the close of testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair recognizes the Senator from Marion... ...amendment as described by counsel.
• The Chair recognizes the Senator from Marion.
• No, Senator for Marion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• The chair recognizes the senator from Marion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Senator from Marion, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Dr.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee considered and advanced several bills. House Bill 4995, concerning video cameras in special education classrooms, was explained as requiring parents to be notified of recording interruptions, providing written notice of the law to parents and school employees, shortening the required random review of recordings from every 90 days to every 30 days, and clarifying that school boards must still conduct independent investigations even if DHS or prosecutors do not act. The committee adopted the motion to report the bill to the full Senate. House Bill 5214, dealing with drug testing in child abuse and neglect cases, would allow courts to order testing of parents in certain cases, require laboratory confirmation of positives, and require DHS to notify the court and other parties; the committee adopted the strike-and-insert amendment, then reported the bill as amended and adopted a title amendment. The committee also advanced House Bill 4025 and House Bill 5441, both restructuring state personnel systems. HB 4025 would exempt employees of the Department of Health, health facilities, and human services from classified civil service and grievance procedures beginning July 1, 2026, while preserving status for some current employees and allowing exemptions to comply with federal requirements; the committee adopted a piecemeal amendment and reported it as amended. HB 5441 would eliminate separate civil service systems for Transportation, Revenue, and the Bureau for Social Services and move classifications and compensation structures to the Division of Personnel, with testimony from the governor’s counsel emphasizing faster hiring and more flexibility; the committee adopted the strike-and-insert amendment and reported the bill as amended. House Bill 4602, a child welfare pilot program creating a private community-based system for post-removal services, drew testimony from DHS about concerns over costs, continuity, oversight, and child well-being outcomes, while supporters argued it could reduce caseloads and improve flexibility. The chair amended the bill to remove one of the two pilot regions, leaving only the Berkeley/Jefferson County pilot, and the committee then reported the bill as amended despite opposition from the senator from Marion. House Bill 4106, removing the provisional concealed handgun license requirement for ages 18 to 21, heard testimony from a pediatrician opposing the change and from a gun rights advocate supporting it; an amendment requiring firearms training for under-21 carriers failed by a 1-14 roll call, and the committee then reported the bill as amended. Finally, House Bill 4198, after a subcommittee rewrite, was advanced with a strike-and-insert amendment that refined E-Verify requirements for public and private employers, added exemptions for certain small or new employers and sole proprietors, clarified recordkeeping and notice requirements, and adjusted penalties and enforcement procedures. After a motion for the previous question, the committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 4198 as amended. House Bill 5319 was removed from the agenda, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator from Marion. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Pastor. Senator from Marion. Thank you, Ms. President.
• Senator from Cabell or Marion. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Senator from Marion. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Senator from Cabell, or Marion. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Senator from Marion. Thank you, Mr. President.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and numerous guest introductions, including students, community leaders, food bank representatives, and visitors connected to Hunger Free West Virginia Day. A resolution recognizing March 10, 2026, as Hunger Free West Virginia Day was adopted, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 on the Southern West Virginia water crisis was referred to the Rules Committee. The chamber also heard remarks highlighting Hunger Free West Virginia’s work and a West Virginia company, Unigen, developing pharmaceutical manufacturing in the state. The Senate concurred with House amendments and passed several measures, including Senate Bill 467 on enforcement of Purple Heart parking spaces, Senate Bill 712 on cattle guards on certain public roads, and Senate Bill 781, a supplemental appropriation measure that was also made effective from passage. The chamber then adopted and passed Senate Bill 844, a large supplemental appropriation to the Department of Human Services, and Senate Bill 87, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Commerce, both effective from passage. Other third-reading bills passed included the Blue Envelope Program for drivers with autism, dementia, or intellectual and developmental disabilities; coverage for scalp cooling systems during chemotherapy; expansion of sex-offender registration to include solicitation of a minor and non-consensual disclosure of private images; child safety reporting requirements for school personnel; age-verification requirements for websites hosting harmful sexual material; free Gold Star parent vehicle registration; online training and updated standards for sanitarians; sheriff hiring authority; organ donor registration through voter registration; a Cold Case Task Force; abandoned vehicle title procedures; nutrition continuing education for physicians; special plate rules; gift card fraud offenses; protections for athletic officials; in-year school personnel movement; administrative services powers; pharmacy benefit manager regulation; vape shop regulation; reduced parole supervision fees; disability service credit for certain troopers; property valuation reporting changes; and quarterly Hope Scholarship payments. The Senate also advanced a large number of House bills and committee substitutes on second reading, including supplemental appropriations and measures on mental health examinations, dog registration rules, juvenile jurisdiction on military installations, military interpersonal violence, kinship care subsidies, a statewide prevention plan, contraband smuggling into federal prisons, forestry equipment levy treatment, and Commerce Department rules for microgrid districts and high-impact data centers. Several committee amendments were adopted, and many bills were advanced to third reading without objection. No executive communications were reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• Earlier today, I had the opportunity to meet with several FFA representatives, visiting from the Marion
• , and Midlakes Central School Districts, including Emma May White of Midlakes, Jenna and Emery of Marion
• Earlier today, I had the opportunity to meet with several FFA representatives, visiting from the Marion
• , and Midlakes Central School Districts, including Emma May White of Midlakes, Jenna and Emery of Marion
• Earlier today, I had the opportunity to meet with several FFA representatives, visiting from the Marion

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior Journal, and then handled several introductions and resolutions. Senator Bailey introduced Jayson Fefami, described as the Bronx-based creator of the “quarter zip” trend, and the chamber welcomed him with applause. Senator Cooney presented a privileged resolution memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim July 1, 2026, as Canada Day in New York, emphasizing the state’s economic, cultural, and border ties with Canada; the resolution was adopted. Senator Hinchey also spoke on a previously adopted resolution designating February 21-28, 2026, as National FFA Organization Week, with Senator Helming and visiting FFA students and advisers offering remarks in support of agricultural education and youth leadership. The Senate then took up the calendar and passed a series of bills, including measures related to a fiscal task force, environmental conservation, urban development, education, workers’ compensation, elder law, real property, general business, state finance, insurance, tenant protection, and public health. Several bills passed unanimously, while others drew limited opposition; for example, the Environmental Conservation and Education measures had a handful of negative votes, and the real property bill drew more substantial opposition. Senator Webb explained her vote on a bill addressing college student food insecurity by exempting certain meal-share donations from sales tax, saying students should not have to choose between class and hunger. Senator Palumbo also explained his vote on the kratom labeling bill, supporting the measure while urging future action on the synthetic opioid 7-OH. The chamber also discharged several identical Assembly bills from Rules and substituted Senate versions earlier in the day, and later passed those measures on the floor. At the end of the session, the Senate completed the calendar, reported no further business, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chris Brady, Superintendent of Marion County Public Schools, thank you for allowing me to speak.
• strongly consider amending to do just that for Augusta Independent, Williamstown Independent, and Marion
• That would be Augusta and Marion County.
• That would be Augusta and Marion County. Marion County.
• So for Marion County, we would be committing our full bonding potential already to the $9,160,000 that

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:05 HB 537 Discussion 00:00:40 HB 537 Vote 00:02:45 HJR 34 Discussion 00:03:30 HJR 34 Vote 00:07:45 HJR 30 Discussion 00:08:30 HJR 30 Vote 00:10:25 HJR 32 Discussion 00:11:00 HJR 32 Vote 00:41:00, 958, all

Summary: The committee took up several measures related to appropriations and school facilities. House Bill 537 was explained as a technical fix to Kentucky’s opioid abatement settlement framework so the state can accept funds from national bankruptcy settlements under the allocation structure now used by the courts; the bill was supported by the Attorney General’s office and local government groups and received a favorable recommendation. House Joint Resolution 34 authorized release of previously appropriated KCTCS funds for three projects, and members discussed whether KCTCS facilities could be used more broadly for community needs such as public health, workforce, and other services. KCTCS officials said they were open to that idea, and the resolution also received a favorable recommendation. House Joint Resolution 30, concerning the Waters program and release of funds for projects that had remained in design, was adopted by committee substitute and passed favorably. The committee then heard extensive testimony on House Joint Resolution 32, which concerns school facility gap funding for districts with low bonding capacity. The chair and sponsor explained that the General Assembly had previously asked the auditor and Blue & Co. to analyze district data because of disputes over project costs and bonding capacity. Superintendents from Marion County, Augusta Independent, Williamstown, and Walton Verona described their projects and financial constraints. Marion County and Augusta argued that full gap funding is necessary for new school or multipurpose facility projects that cannot be phased in; Augusta emphasized its old building stock, high poverty rate, and the need for a gymnasium/multipurpose space used for school and community functions. Williamstown described a STEM center and field expansion, saying the project would be delayed for years without full funding. Walton Verona described rapid growth, overcrowding, and an intermediate school project that had risen sharply in cost from the original estimate. Members asked questions about the accuracy of cost estimates and the scope of the projects, including why some estimates differed from the auditor’s figures and whether the funding requests covered only parts of larger phased plans. The testimony generally supported full funding for the listed districts, with the districts arguing that the projects are necessary for safe, modern learning environments and that local tax effort has already been substantial. Each of the measures considered during the meeting was reported out favorably, with the chair voting no on the resolutions and bills before the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to tell you about a very remarkable woman, Marion Stoddard.
• So it has been completely brought back to life because of the work of Marion Stoddard.
• And H.5113, an act designating the Marion Stoddard Riverwalk, seeks to work.
• Harry Rich State Forest the Marion Stoddard River Walk.
• Harry Rich State Forest the Marion Stoddard River Walk. Thank you.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hearing on several late-file bills and home rule petitions, with testimony focused mainly on coastal access and wildlife management, rodenticide restrictions, and a local land-use request. Rep. Scarsdale testified for H.5113, which would name an accessible trail in Groton’s J. Harry Rich State Forest the Marion Stoddard River Walk in honor of the activist who helped restore the Nashua River. Groton Trails Committee chair Paul Fung also supported the bill, describing the trail, educational signs, and DCR’s involvement. Rep. Sweezey presented a package of Duxbury Beach bills—H.5141, H.5140, and H.5139—intended to align state shorebird protections more closely with federal standards, create parity in beach management tools, and require periodic review of outdated recreational-use guidelines; he said the bills were developed with local and agency input and aimed to balance conservation with beach access. A large portion of the hearing concerned local petitions to restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides and other pesticides. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Sierra Club, Animal Defenders International, wildlife rehabilitation groups, and residents from towns including Grafton, Billerica, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Eastham, and Truro argued that these poisons harm raptors and other non-target wildlife through secondary poisoning, persist in the environment, and are increasingly ineffective. Several speakers said local town meetings had approved the restrictions and urged favorable reports on the petitions. Opponents, including a representative of the New England Pest Management Association, argued that regulation should remain at the state level under MDAR to avoid a patchwork of local rules and noted that the agency was already reviewing rodenticide regulations. Committee members asked questions about agency consultation, the relationship between state and federal bird listings, and how local beach rules would work in practice. The committee also heard testimony on H.4700 and related local pesticide-reduction petitions for Eastham and Truro, with witnesses describing groundwater concerns, pesticide drift, and wildlife impacts. Finally, the committee took testimony on S.2961, a Dighton bill authorizing the use of a small portion of conservation land for public way purposes to replace the Pleasant Street Bridge and add pedestrian and bicycle accommodations; the witness said the affected area was limited and necessary for safety improvements. The hearing ended after testimony concluded, with the chair turning the gavel over and the committee adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair recognizes the senator from Marion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• The chair recognizes the senator from Marion. Well, Mr.
• And so it's actually Marion County; they automatically schedule them.
• The chair recognizes the Senator from Marion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• The Chair recognizes the Senator from Marion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn in the honor and memory of former Delegate Marion
• When I say that I came in, and there had only been 21 women before us, it is because Marion and I came
• What I will say is that Marion accomplished very much within her lifetime, which was long and robust.
• What I will say is that Marion accomplished very much within her lifetime, which was long and robust.
• Speaker, former Delegate Marion Van Landingham's life was one of purpose and service, and this body and

Keywords: April 22, 2026 - Special Session 1, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair recognizes the Senator from Marion. ...The Chair recognizes the Senator from Marion.
• “No, Senator for Marion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• The chair recognizes the senator from Marion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• The chair recognizes the senator from Marion. Is there discussion on the bill?
• The chair recognizes the senator from Marion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Gentleman from Marion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr.
• Seeing none, the gentleman from Marion is recognized to close. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Does the gentleman from Marion yield to an inquiry? I do. Proceed.
• The gentleman from Marion is recognized to close. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• The gentleman from Marion is recognized to close. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I share some of the concerns that the Senator from Marion has.
• Seeing no lights for discussion or amendments, the Senator from Marion said he had just discussion.
• Senator from Marion, sorry about that, Chairman, I would like to strike subsection C...
• Senator from Marion: Mr.
• Senator from Marion: The first section in the bill, which is 33-30-6. Senator: Yes, sir.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The gentleman from Marion has ordered House Bill 3080 to be perfected and printed.
• Gentleman from Marion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Gentleman from Marion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• You agree to the title, gentleman from Marion. Those opposed, no. The ayes have it.
• You agree to the title, gentleman from Marion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House first established a quorum after a brief absence-of-quorum call and recognized guests Doug Pitt and Crystal Simon of Care to Learn, an organization serving students with clothing and other support across Missouri. The chamber then moved through a series of bills on perfection and printing, with members generally speaking in support of the measures and, in several cases, offering amendments. House Bill 2848 would create the offense of masked intimidation, making it a misdemeanor to conceal one’s face with the intent to harass, intimidate, or threaten another person and place them in fear for physical safety. Members discussed examples ranging from domestic intimidation to historical hooded groups, and raised questions about whether the bill could affect law enforcement or ICE; the sponsor said it would not because it targets intentional intimidation rather than official duties. The bill was ordered perfected and printed. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1791 addressed housing permitting delays by requiring building permits to be issued within 30 days, or 60 days for larger tracts, with an appeals process for incomplete applications. An amendment required code enforcement staff to be certified in any nationally or internationally recognized code they enforce. Supporters said the bill would reduce red tape and help address the housing shortage, while opponents warned it could strain understaffed local governments; the substitute was adopted as amended and perfected and printed. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2465 would let sole proprietors and very small businesses buy group health plans outside the ACA framework, expanding options for businesses with fewer than two employees. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2711 reduced the assessment rate for broadband infrastructure and investment from 33% to 12% for seven years to encourage expansion of broadband service, especially in underserved rural areas; members debated whether the incentive should also cover upgrades in existing service areas, and an amendment clarified that the purpose was promoting expansion of fiber and broadband communication services. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3080 restored historic preservation tax credit language that had previously passed but was later struck down by the courts, with supporters citing benefits for tornado recovery, downtown revitalization, nonprofits, and preservation of historic districts. House Bill 1772 increased state payments for adoption attorneys and separated guardian fees, with the sponsor saying the goal was to reduce barriers to adoption and move children more quickly into permanent homes; the bill was supported as a practical step to ease the adoption process. House Bill 2096 increased state matching funds for Missouri regional planning commissions, updated the list of commissions, and tied future maximum grant amounts to the consumer price index. Members described the commissions as important for local planning, infrastructure, and economic development, and noted the bill remained subject to appropriation and local matching requirements. Finally, House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2913 and 3228 would protect teachers and other school personnel from liability when they intervene, in a trained and district-approved way, to protect themselves or students during violent incidents at school. Supporters said teachers had asked for the protection and that the bill would let them act without fear of discipline or lawsuits; the substitute was adopted and perfected and printed.