Sen. Tim Richards

Requires waste combustion facility owners to implement continuous monitoring and sampling technologies for the purposes of collecting data regarding emissions. Establishes a publicly available website hosted by the Department of Health that will track and display data collected on emissions. Requires the DOH to adjust permit limits for air contaminants based on emissions data collected. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Appropriates funds for the establishment of five full-time equivalent (5.0 FTE) positions within the Civil Rights Compliance Branch of the Department of Education. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summarySB 1111 establishes a permanent Agricultural Statistics Program within state law and allocates dedicated funding for its operation. The program will collect and analyze agricultural data to support informed decision-making related to farming, crop production, and rural economic planning. This bill directly affects state agricultural agencies and data collection systems, requiring them to implement the new program starting July 1, 2050. The measure is procedural, focusing on creating a statutory framework and funding mechanism rather than changing existing agricultural policies.

Authorizes the Department of Education to award a high school diploma to qualified persons who did not receive a high school diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into the armed services of the United States or whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires sellers or providers of emotional support animals, as well as those issuing verifications of a disability related need for an emotional support animal, to provide written notice to the buyer or recipient containing certain information. Requires persons or businesses that sell or provide certificates, vests, or identification tags that identify an animal as an emotional support animal to provide written notice to the buyer or recipient containing certain information. Establishes penalties. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Provides that if a law enforcement officer lawfully stops a motor vehicle and the operator is cited for driving without a valid license, the officer shall not permit the operator to resume the use of the motor vehicle. Requires the motor vehicle to be moved by a licensed driver or towed at the owner's expense. Provides that the cited operator is responsible for arranging the operator's transportation from the scene of the stop. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Maddy summarySB 567 establishes a state income tax credit for individuals who pay for medical travel expenses not covered by insurance. Eligible residents could reduce their income tax bill by the amount spent on qualifying travel, such as trips to specialists or treatment centers. The credit applies only to costs not reimbursed through insurance coverage. This policy directly affects people facing out-of-pocket transportation costs for medical care.

Requires the Agribusiness Development Corporation to develop a succession planning education program to educate and assist farmers and ranchers in the process of transitioning agricultural businesses to new owners. Requires the program to connect individuals interested in entering farming or ranching, or existing farmers or ranchers interested in expanding their business, with farmers and ranchers who have not yet identified a successor owner. Appropriates funds.

Requires health insurance policies and contracts issued on or after 1/1/2026 to provide optional coverage for the cost of hearing aids at a minimum $1,500 per hearing aid for each hearing-impaired ear every thirty-six months. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Maddy summarySB 545 prohibits public schools and public charter schools under the Department of Education from serving meals containing synthetic substances, as defined by the bill. It directly affects school meal programs by requiring the elimination of these substances from all food served to students. The bill also establishes a formal definition for "synthetic substances" to clarify what is prohibited. The bill is currently pending in committee after being introduced in January 2025 and carried over to the 2026 session.