HB 256 establishes a committee to study the federal government's historical response to the 1967 attack on the USS Liberty, a U.S. naval vessel. This procedural bill does not create new laws or directly affect individuals or policies; instead, it would examine government records and potentially issue recommendations. The committee’s work would focus on historical analysis, with no immediate policy changes anticipated. The bill remains inactive after a majority committee report deemed it "inexpedient to legislate" in November 2025.
HB 518 would require the commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services to publish an annual report detailing every cost associated with the division that serves children, youth, and families. This report must include all expenses related to programs and services provided to these groups, such as foster care, youth development, and family support. The bill aims to increase transparency about how state funds are spent on these services, directly affecting the department's reporting obligations. It does not change funding levels or service delivery, only mandating a specific annual disclosure.
HB 652 proposes to reorganize family court structure by abolishing the current "family division" and establishing a new "Office of Family Mediation." The bill would transfer jurisdiction over family-related cases (like custody and divorce) from the family division to this new mediation office and other designated courts. This change would directly affect family court proceedings, judges, and individuals involved in family law matters by altering how cases are processed and resolved. The bill is currently stalled in committee with a "Inexpedient to Legislate" recommendation.
SB 231 would change rules for building roads near wetlands by requiring new roads to maintain a minimum distance (setback) from wetland areas. This directly affects developers, local governments, and planners involved in road construction projects adjacent to wetlands. The bill proposes specific setback distances to protect wetland ecosystems from development impacts. However, the committee recently voted to table the bill as "inexpedient to legislate," halting its progress.
SB 200 is a procedural bill that directs the state to accept and display a portrait of Sylvia Larsen, a former state legislator. The bill would require the relevant state agency (likely the legislature or Capitol office) to formally receive and install the portrait in an official public space, such as the State House. This is a ceremonial gesture honoring Larsen's service, with no policy changes or financial impacts. The bill was tabled as "Inexpedient to Legislate" by committee in October 2025, indicating it did not advance. It directly affects state government operations related to Capitol art displays.
Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate; Vote 5-0; CC; 01/07/2026;
HB 482 would increase penalties for drivers convicted of speeding over 100 miles per hour. The bill directly affects individuals found guilty of this specific speeding offense, potentially imposing stricter fines or jail time. It proposed concrete policy changes to the existing traffic penalty structure for high-speed violations. However, the bill was tabled and later deemed "inexpedient to legislate" by the Senate on October 31, 2025, meaning it did not become law.
HB 207 would remove existing legal restrictions on possessing or selling blackjacks, slung shots, and metallic knuckles for all adults, while maintaining the prohibition for minors. This bill directly affects individuals who currently face criminal penalties for owning these items, as well as businesses that might sell them. The key provision repeals current prohibitions, allowing unrestricted possession and sale by adults. The bill does not change the existing legal restrictions that continue to apply to minors.
Inexpedient to Legislate, Senate Rule 3-23, 10/31/2025; SJ 1
HB 75 proposed legalizing cannabis use for adults aged 21 and older in the state. The bill would have allowed adults to possess, use, and potentially purchase cannabis under regulated conditions, directly affecting residents who are 21 or older. However, the bill was deemed "inexpedient to legislate" by the committee (April 2, 2025) and later tabled by the Senate (April 17, 2025), effectively halting its progress for this session. The bill remains pending but is not currently active or law.
HB 190 would have increased the legal possession limit for therapeutic cannabis for qualifying patients. It directly affected patients certified under the state's medical cannabis program by allowing them to possess larger quantities. The bill was referred to committee but was deemed "inexpedient to legislate" by a 3-2 vote on May 8, 2025, and subsequently tabled without further action. The bill has not advanced beyond the committee stage and remains inactive.
HB 616 proposed changes to how animals are confiscated from individuals suspected of or charged with animal abuse, and created a committee to review existing animal cruelty laws. The bill aimed to establish clearer procedures for animal confiscation during investigations while directing the committee to study and potentially recommend updates to current statutes. However, the bill was deemed "Inexpedient to Legislate" by the committee with a 5-0 vote on May 8, 2025, and was subsequently tabled without further action. It did not advance beyond the committee stage and remains inactive.
