Requires the department of education to prohibit cell phone use during the instructional day, prohibit student access to social media through the school's internet, and implement a social media education campaign. Creates exemptions for students requiring accommodations, emergency situations, and teacher authorizations.
Maddy summaryHB 1453 sets a 9:00 p.m. deadline for local government boards to begin or continue public meetings, aiming to limit late-night sessions. It directly affects boards like school districts or planning commissions but explicitly excludes county council meetings from this rule. The key provision requires boards to conclude meetings before 9:00 p.m. or not start new ones after that time, with no mention of exceptions for specific board types beyond the county council exclusion. This is a procedural change focused on meeting timing, not substantive policy.
Maddy summaryHB 1443 establishes a high school law enforcement curriculum-to-career pipeline program, directly affecting high school students and local law enforcement agencies. The bill allocates state funds to develop and implement a structured curriculum that connects classroom learning with career opportunities in law enforcement. Key provisions include creating standardized training modules for students and partnerships with law enforcement agencies to facilitate internships and job placement. This program aims to provide students with practical skills and pathways into public safety careers through targeted educational programming. The bill was introduced on January 23, 2025, and referred to relevant committees for further review.
Requires the Department of Taxation to establish a pilot program that would grant participating landlords a certain general excise tax exemption for each unit they rent to a long-term tenant with a pet. Requires the Department of Taxation to submit reports to the Legislature.
Maddy summaryHB 1441 creates a new criminal offense for "organized retail theft," defined as coordinated thefts involving multiple people or large-scale operations targeting retail businesses. It establishes specific penalties for this offense, including potential fines and imprisonment. The bill also mandates the creation of an organized retail theft task force to investigate and address such incidents. This legislation directly affects retail businesses, law enforcement agencies, and individuals committing organized theft. The task force will coordinate efforts between state and local authorities to tackle this specific type of crime.
Maddy summaryHB 1288 would create a Rare Disease Advisory Council within the state Department of Health. The council would provide recommendations to the state on addressing the needs of people living with rare diseases. This bill establishes a formal advisory body to help inform state health policies and programs for rare disease patients. The bill is currently in committee referral.
Requires electronic smoking device and e-liquid manufacturers to submit certifications with the Department of Taxation annually, stating that the manufacturer's products comply with federal regulations. Requires the Department of Taxation to maintain a directory of manufacturers of electronic smoking devices and e-liquids whose certifications the Department approved. Imposes penalties.
Establishes penalties for property managers and owners of real property on or in which massage parlors or similar prostitution establishments are located. Requires workers to be treated as victims and offered resources. Appropriates funds.
Requires the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division of the Department of Health to develop and implement a comprehensive messaging and informational campaign to prevent cannabis use among the State's youth. Requires the Division to establish and enter into contracts with community-based organizations to award grants to prevent substance misuse among youth through evidenced-based prevention programs. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.
Establishes the Insurance Affordability Assistance Pilot Program within the Insurance Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to assist eligible homeowners with sudden increases in property insurance premiums. Sunsets 6/30/2028.
