SB 744 requires state correctional facilities and county jails to create two new systems: (1) a notification system allowing inmates to designate up to three family members to receive automatic alerts within 24 hours if they face restrictions affecting visits or communication; and (2) a public website reporting system updated every 48 hours, detailing current restrictions, solitary confinement numbers, reasons for solitary confinement, and total inmate populations at all facilities. The bill mandates that sheriffs submit weekly data to the state department to populate the public reporting system, with the system becoming operational by the 7th month after enactment. It appropriates $780,000 for the notification system in fiscal year 2025-26 and $94,200 for staff to support implementation. This directly affects inmates, their families, and the public by increasing transparency around facility restrictions and solitary confinement practices.
SB 743 establishes a minimum wage for inmates working in state correctional institutions and county jails, requiring facilities to pay at least the state's minimum hourly wage rate (currently $10.47/hour) for labor performed. The bill directly affects all inmates engaged in work programs within these facilities, including those in county jails under sheriff oversight. Key provisions include a $2.33/hour wage increase for existing rates and new state funding: $58.9 million for 2025-26 and $88.4 million for 2026-27 for state prison wages, plus $873,000 and $1.31 million for correctional enterprise programs. All wages must be held in trust accounts for inmates and cannot be garnished during their incarceration.
SB 736 exempts volunteers serving on church security teams from private detective and security licensing requirements while they work on their church's place of worship. The bill defines "church" as a legally recognized religious organization with a congregation that holds regular services. This exemption applies only to the church's primary worship space and does not cover schools or other properties operated by the church. The law creates a specific statutory exemption to simplify volunteer participation in church safety efforts without requiring state licenses.
SB 734 requires physicians prescribing abortion-inducing drugs to schedule a follow-up visit within seven days and provide a catch kit and medical waste bag for safe disposal. It holds manufacturers of these drugs responsible for proper disposal and mitigating environmental harm from chemicals that interfere with hormones (endocrine disruptors), with fines up to $20,000 per violation. The bill also mandates wastewater treatment plants to test for these chemicals. It takes effect on May 1, 2026.
SB 749 changes the renewal rules for three specific "in-training" certifications: substance abuse counselor-in-training, clinical supervisor-in-training, and prevention specialist-in-training. It establishes a 2-year renewal period for these certifications and limits renewal to only two times. This directly affects individuals holding these trainee-level credentials who seek to maintain their status without full certification. The bill amends existing statute to clarify these renewal terms, overriding previous provisions for these specific trainee categories.
SB 742 requires all state correctional institutions and county jails to install transparent windows in inmate cells by October 2030. These windows must be at least 1.5 square feet and provide a clear view (92% visibility) of the outdoors. The bill also mandates that inmates have access to view outdoors through such windows for at least 3 hours daily, unless in lockdown or solitary confinement, with specific alternatives if cell windows are unavailable. The legislation appropriates $3.5 million ($500,000 for 2025-26 and $3 million for 2026-27) to cover window installation costs in state facilities.
AB 747 regulates hemp-derived cannabinoid products like delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 THC gummies or edibles. It requires third-party lab testing for potency, safety (e.g., pesticides, heavy metals), and THC content (max 0.3% or federal max 1%), mandates clear labeling with batch numbers and manufacturer details, and bans sales to people under 21. The bill excludes prescription drugs and certain CBD products governed by separate laws. Businesses must provide test results via QR codes or labels at point of sale.
SB 682 regulates hemp-derived cannabinoid products containing specific cannabinoids like delta-8, delta-9, or delta-10 THC (excluding synthetic versions), directly affecting manufacturers, sellers, and consumers of these products. It requires sellers to verify customers are over 21, mandates lab testing for each batch to confirm cannabinoid content (within 10% tolerance), ensure THC levels stay below 0.3% (or federal max 1%), and confirm absence of harmful contaminants like pesticides. Products must display clear labels with manufacturer details, batch numbers, serving sizes, and a certificate of lab analysis. The bill explicitly excludes FDA-approved prescription drugs, certain cannabidiol (CBD) products governed by existing laws, and external hemp products not intended for absorption.
SB 732 updates licensing requirements for certified public accountants (CPAs) in the state. It requires new applicants to complete 150 semester hours of accounting/business education (replacing prior thresholds), with specific coursework determined by the Accounting Examining Board. The bill also revises work experience rules, mandating that experience must involve accounting, tax, or consulting services and be verified, while allowing government/industry roles to count. Existing out-of-state CPAs with verified licenses can continue practicing without reapplying. These changes apply to all individuals seeking CPA licensure or renewal under the state's accounting laws.
AB 716 requires the state to direct at least 5% of spending on architectural and engineering services to woman-owned businesses certified under existing state law. It defines "woman-owned business" as one certified by the Department of Administration under Section 16.285. The bill mandates annual reports tracking state spending with woman-owned businesses, disabled veteran-owned businesses, and other certified firms, including the percentage of total spending they receive. This policy directly affects state procurement contracts for architectural and engineering services, aiming to increase contracting with certified woman-owned businesses. The law sets a specific spending target (5%) for these contracts while requiring transparency through annual reporting.
AB 712 clarifies the sales tax exemption for personal farm property or household goods sold at auctions online. It defines an "auction event" for internet sales as the consecutive days winning bids are selected (not just when property is available), while maintaining a limit of five or fewer such auctions per year by the same auctioneer at one location. This primarily affects small-scale auctioneers selling personal items online, ensuring they meet the exemption criteria. The bill updates definitions to explicitly include internet bidding periods without changing the exemption's core eligibility rules.
SB 704 establishes a 5% annual spending target for state agencies on architectural and engineering services contracts with woman-owned businesses certified by the department. It defines "woman-owned business" as one certified under existing state law and requires the department to annually report on spending with woman-owned businesses, along with other minority and veteran-owned businesses. The bill applies specifically to state procurement for architectural and engineering services, not all state contracts. The policy change directly affects state agencies that issue such contracts and the certified woman-owned businesses seeking those contracts.
