Requires county permitting agencies to establish and fill positions exclusively to process permit applications submitted for state projects. Appropriates funds.
Prohibits covered entities in the State from entering into contracts with drug manufacturers that limit the covered entities' use of contract pharmacies. Voids contract provisions for certain drugs if the provisions are based on the maximum allowable cost payment model. Authorizes the attorney general to bring a civil action for violations.
Establishes a process, beginning on January 1, 2026, for automatically preregistering or registering public, charter, and private school-enrolled students who are at least 16 years old to vote.
Authorizes school complexes to incorporate media literacy in their standards-based curriculum, including content that prevents negative impacts of misinformation, disinformation, digital discrimination, and online hate speech.
Maddy summaryHB 494 repeals the Legislature's exemption from the State's open meetings law, meaning legislative sessions and committee meetings would no longer be allowed to be held in private. This change directly affects state legislators and their committees, requiring them to conduct all meetings publicly unless specific legal exceptions apply. The key mechanism is removing the existing exception that permitted closed sessions, thereby applying the standard open meetings requirements to all legislative proceedings. This bill aims to increase transparency in how state lawmakers conduct official business.
Requires the Department of Education to establish a climate literacy certificate program to provide students with an advanced understanding of climate change through academic coursework and hands-on learning.
Requires the Disability and Communication Access Board to issue a disability travel placard to an applicant who has a valid removeable windshield placard and provides proof of travel. Effective 7/1/2027.
Part I: Effective 1/1/2026, requires corporations to include in their income the income of all foreign subsidiaries to the State; applies the State's apportionment formula to determine the share of reported profits subject to the appropriate tax, which shall be deposited into the state general fund; and requires corporations to report all profits, losses, revenues, and inter-company transactions made and all taxes paid in other states. Part II: Establishes within DOTAX a Corporate Tax Law Task Force to annually review the State's corporate tax laws and recommend updates to close tax loopholes.
Allows designation of eligible homestead lots as enterprise zones for a period of twenty years. Provides state and local incentives to qualified businesses on homestead lots.
Requires the posting of informational placards on sex trafficking and resources available to victims, in public buildings and at other specified locations. Requires the Department of Human Services to develop and make available a model placard. Requires the Department of Education to train teachers, school administrators, and other school personnel on the dynamics of sex trafficking and strategies for prevention and response. Requires and appropriates moneys for the Department of the Attorney General to develop and implement public education and outreach events on the dynamics of sex trafficking and the importance of community involvement in prevention and response efforts.
