Republican accusations that Slusher was biased were followed by strong opposition from Democrats.

The governor's budget uses $92.2 million from the fund, formally known as the Budget Reserve Fund, to pay for some mental health programs.

The bill calls for a $0.03 fuel tax increase and a 0.75 percent sales tax increase on motor vehicles, trailers and boats.

The funding for school buildings would come from a one-quarter cent sales tax increase.

Pacheco said staff cuts will likely be part of the equation in dealing with the budget cuts.

Some say the industry is not reliable enough to support transportation improvements and would prefer the burden fall on sales tax or fuel tax increases.

Cities and counties as well as fire, library, sewer and water districts would all be eligible to contribute money to the pool, which would be managed by Farmer's office. Farmer said the idea is that these entities can earn more money from investing together than they can as small, separate interests.

Only certified technicians are allowed to give this drug, although emergency technicians are the first ones to arrive on the scene of an emergency.

This bill will allow technicians with sufficient training to administer the drug to patients under necessary circumstances.

A reduction to the minimum age requirement, an increase in the voluntary donation amount, and relocation of the placement of the "organ donor" sticker are all items Graham wishes to change.

These changes are all partly due to the recent increase to the length of time a driver's license is valid.

The bill would allow governments to sue for negligent acts or for making defective products, but not for simply designing and selling guns. A similar bill passed the Senate last year but never made it through the House.

Couples under the "covenant" could not get a divorce until after they have received counseling; and the person seeking the divorce must prove that their spouse has committed adultery, a crime, or abandoned the marriage.

The Senate Judiciary Committee heard the plan today, but took no action on it.

Of the four bills, three state that the moment of silence is religious. The bills mediatation and prayer as "permissable activities."

The bill would include mental health insurance coverage under general health coverage policies, instead of separately, as it exists now.

The bill would require colleges and universities to inform the proper authorities if an international student was no longer enrolled or failed to pay tuition.