Gerardo A. Paredes Jr.

The Education Committee met to review Senate Bill 243. The committee formally recommended that the bill be passed and referred it to the Finance Committee for further consideration. A roll call vote was conducted to finalize the recommendation.

The council discussed and finalized several interim committee appointments and internal organizational changes. Key topics included the potential creation of an interim committee focused on investigating allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse of state funds, which failed to pass. The council also addressed out-of-state travel reimbursements for non-returning members, approved mileage and per diem for special investigatory committee members, and confirmed various board and commission appointments. Additionally, staff provided reports on the recent legislative session statistics, ongoing technology projects like the Roundhouse Legislation and Publication System, and updates on the State Capitol concourse renovation. Members also initiated a performance review process for the Director of the Legislative Council Service and discussed potential litigation regarding the governor's use of the General Fund Operating Reserve.

The Judiciary Committee reviewed Senate Bill 3 and recommended its passage with several amendments. The proposed changes include inserting the word serious before references to harm, striking specific lines from the bill, clarifying requirements for intentional actions, and mandating that mental health capacity determinations be made by a qualified professional. The committee vote on the bill was unanimous in favor of the recommendation.

The Judiciary Committee reviewed House Bill 61 and reported the legislation with a recommendation that it do pass. The committee conducted a roll call vote, which resulted in unanimous approval of the recommendation.

The Committees' Committee considered Senate Bill 132 and found it to be germane, pursuant to Senate Executive Message Number 37. The bill was subsequently referred to the Rules Committee.