Transcript Highlights:

• Sir, given the reserve so calling on you for the foundation. We're still in custody. Are you okay?
• Additionally, we support TDEM and the Texas A&M Forest Service during disaster responses, primarily with
• Mike Wiseman: Additionally, we support TDEM and the Texas A&M Forest Service during disaster responses
• Additionally, we support TDEM and the Texas A&M Forest Service during disaster responses, primarily with
• Wiseman: These funds would allow us to partner with [TEEX](link from function call) and the [Texas A&M Forest

Bills: SB1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The committee heard a Legislative Budget Board presentation and then testimony from the Department of Public Safety on the Article 5 public safety budget. LBB said DPS’s 2026-27 recommendation totals $3.7 billion, down from the prior base, while FTEs rise by 856.7. Major items included increased funding for driver license services and customer support, new trooper funding and recruit schools, crime lab operations, border security, and reductions tied to one-time facility, vehicle, and aircraft spending. The committee also discussed new riders, including one to lapse unused trooper funds and require reporting after recruit schools. Members focused heavily on driver license operations, questioning why prior staffing increases and a prior efficiency study had not solved long wait times, high call abandonment, and appointment delays. DPS and LBB said the agency receives about 22,000 calls per day, answers only about 9 percent, and is seeking more staff plus technology upgrades such as automation, kiosks, and better online processing. Senators also raised concerns about rural access, REAL ID document requirements, and whether the department should rethink its processes rather than simply add employees. DPS leadership then described needs for the Williamson County training academy, additional troopers, Capitol and Alamo security, border operations, aircraft and vehicle replacement, and regional headquarters in El Paso and San Antonio. Members asked about Operation Lone Star costs, overtime, pursuit safety, border crime, oilfield theft, and sexual assault kit and toxicology backlogs. DPS said border deployments remain focused on criminal threats, that overtime is partly driven by deployments and staffing shortages, and that the sexual assault kit backlog is down to 118 cases with a goal of zero by April. The committee later recessed and began the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission budget presentation, where LBB outlined a $115.1 million recommendation and noted ongoing costs for the AIMS technology project.

Transcript Highlights:

• reserves or fines and forfeitures.
• Um, the cash reserves issue. My suggestion, Mr.
• Walmart hit on cash reserves, the Mr.
• Um, the cash reserves unpack here.
• The cash reserve has always been an issue.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Gentleman reserves I reserve my time.
• Gentleoman from Indiana Indiana Indiana >> reserve. >> reserve. >> reserve.
• Thank you. >> I reserve. >> Gentleman from Kentucky reserves.
• Gentleman reserves. Gentleman from Kentucky reserves.
• Gentleman from New Jersey Jersey Jersey reserves. reserves. reserves.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 106, sponsored by Appropriations, Smoke Buster Module Leaders, an act relating to the State Forester
• A lot of our communities right now are either working off of reserves to keep the quality of life that
• JAC did deposit $44 million into the LSR, the rainy day fund, or the Legislative Stabilization Reserve
• And uh just briefly, uh reserve account.
• from the agency the SR special reserve from the agency fund.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And while you heard me say a moment ago that we had some general reservations about parts of the bill
• This process has allowed the city to preserve forested lands and natural resources.
• And for every the Minneapolis Federal<01:31:47.679><c> Reserve</c><01:31:48.480><c> did</c><01:31:48.639
• ><c> a</c><01:31:48.800><c> study</c><01:31:49.040><c> that</c><01:31:49.199><c> said</c> Federal Reserve
• did a study that said Federal Reserve did a study that said for<01:31:49.679><c> every</c><01:31:50.080

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The one area where you see a lot of white spaces are public lands that are state and national forest
• You know, daylighting projects, Trout Brook, uh, Reserve in, I believe, in your district, is an area
• daylighting projects uh Trout Brook know daylighting projects uh Trout Brook uh<01:05:12.720><c> Reserve
• 14.000><c> I</c><01:05:14.119><c> believe</c><01:05:14.279><c> in</c><01:05:14.400><c> your</c> uh Reserve
• in uh in I believe in your uh Reserve in uh in I believe in your district<01:05:14.920><c> is</c><01

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• after fiscal 2024, and then there are some other different refund payments, such as the sustainable forest
• the requirement to offset these expenditures in future budgets, and finally, establishing a robust reserve
• budgets and finally uh establishing<01:19:20.719><c> a</c><01:19:20.880><c> robust</c><01:19:21.320><c> Reserve
• </c><01:19:21.719><c> fund</c> establishing a robust Reserve fund establishing a robust Reserve fund

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• When our region was recently shaken by the closure of one of our last major forest products mills and
• , state agencies, you name it, to the table to build a long-term, forward-facing strategy for our forest

Summary: The select committee on Community Economic Mobility and Investment heard testimony on how California can support inclusive economic development through regional collaboration, workforce training, higher education, and community-led partnerships. Chair Joaquina Arambula framed the hearing around the need to break down silos, address social drivers of health through economic opportunity, and help underinvested rural and low-income communities access resources and implement existing regional plans such as California Jobs First. Witnesses from workforce, education, nonprofit, and economic development organizations described local models in the Central Valley, San Joaquin Valley, and rural Northern California. Adam Peck of the California Workforce Association said local workforce boards are designed to connect employers, labor, colleges, and community groups, and argued that state and federal workforce funding has eroded while unemployment remains high in the Valley. Barbara Foster of Fresno State and Dr. Carol Goldsmith of Madera Community College emphasized braided funding, K-16 partnerships, and programs tied to employer demand, including truck driving, nursing, welding, agriculture innovation, and digital literacy. Arnie Sowell of NextGen Policy highlighted apprenticeship expansion, youth and justice-involved employment programs, and the need to scale the CME model statewide. The second panel focused on place-based examples of collaboration. Sierra Health Foundation’s Center said CME has helped grantees pursue more than $400 million in public grants and contracts and build stronger regional capacity. Siskiyou Economic Development Council described rural business innovation and forest economy transition work. Fresno EDC detailed subsidized employment, Good Jobs Challenge training, and partnerships with employers and social services that have placed thousands into jobs. Edge Collaborative described community-led projects in Stockton, including Little Manila Rising, Beam Circular’s bioeconomy campus, and Restore the Delta’s restoration work, while Líderes Campesinas stressed the importance of sustained funding for farmworker-led initiatives, legal clinics, and regional coalitions. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Corps captain, Vietnam veteran, and beloved substitute teacher who was tragically killed in Lake Forest
• His loss is a profound and heartbreaking blow to the Lake Forest community, the veterans community, local

Summary: The Assembly convened after initially lacking a quorum, then completed the prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, journal motions, and a long series of procedural actions, including suspending rules to move bills and approve a large Appropriations Committee hearing list. Members also made several guest introductions, including Shannon Lee, district staff from Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez’s office, and later guests tied to agritourism and education recognitions. The floor debate centered heavily on AJR 31, a resolution urging Congress to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Supporters argued that recent Supreme Court decisions and redistricting efforts in other states were weakening Black and other minority representation and that California should take a clear stand for voting rights. Opponents argued the measure promoted racial division, conflicted with equal protection principles, and that districts should be drawn based on place or communities of interest rather than race. After a contentious debate with repeated parliamentary warnings over decorum, the Assembly suspended the rules to take up the resolution, added coauthors, and passed AJR 31 by a vote of 58-8. The Assembly then moved through a series of bills and resolutions, generally approving them with little or no opposition. These included AB 2341 clarifying emergency language translation rules for local agencies; AB 1816 extending court supervision for certain sex-offender rehabilitation programs; AB 2561 protecting consumer privacy settings on phones and digital devices; ACR 167 recognizing World Agritourism Day; ACR 190 recognizing California Day of the Teacher; AB 1581 improving identification of Native American students in public schools; AB 1586 requiring opioid overdose prevention training for school resource officers and safety planning; AB 1665 requiring mental health training for school coaches; AB 1693 streamlining retail tenant-improvement permitting; AB 1768 authorizing a local tax measure related to health funding; AB 1712 facilitating a water-system sale for Santa Fe Springs; AB 1792 addressing sexually exploitive AI imagery in health education; and AB 1822 prioritizing school projects that address extreme heat. Most measures passed overwhelmingly, several unanimously, and the resolution on agritourism and the teacher day were adopted by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• My house and Aloha house look like a forest. Everything... ...you would be proud.
• My house and Aloha house look like a forest. Everything is growing.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For instance, federal lands—if it's on BLM or Forest Service—and we're not able to have the capability
• it's stored that we have the ability to take it out for instance federal lands if it's on BLM or Forest

Summary: The committee heard and took action on several water, energy, housing, and natural resources measures. House Bill 2099, as amended, was advanced on a 6-3 vote after testimony from water utilities, CAP, ADWR, Phoenix, and agricultural interests about long-term storage credits, Colorado River shortages, and the need to preserve flexibility in underground storage. House Bill 2263, also amended, passed 6-3 despite concerns from CAP, Colorado River Indian Tribes, and others that it would restrict where Colorado River replenishment water could be stored and reduce operational flexibility. House Bill 2264, requiring the University of Arizona to promote Arizona history and the five Cs through the mining museum effort, passed 9-0. House Bills 2330 and 2341, both relating to power plant and transmission line siting criteria, passed 6-3 after the sponsor argued they would better account for an area’s character and for speculative projects lacking known off-takers. House Bill 2918, ending certain tax breaks for renewable energy and storage equipment after 2026, passed 6-3. House Bill 2889, appropriating $1 million for uranium contamination monitoring and a statewide registry, passed 9-0 after discussion of tribal health impacts and possible amendment to shift implementation to ADEQ. House Concurrent Resolution 2057 supporting geothermal permitting reform passed 9-0, and House Concurrent Resolution 2020 supporting certain housing developments outside designated provider service areas passed 6-2. The committee also heard House Bill 2843 on portable plug-in solar devices, with the sponsor and supporters arguing it would lower bills and expand access for renters and apartment dwellers. Electric co-ops and utilities raised safety, backfeed, inspection, and liability concerns, and the chair held the bill for further work rather than taking a vote. House Bill 2782, dealing with utility rate transparency and regulatory assets, drew testimony from the sponsor and constituents about alleged double-charging in Santan Valley; after a motion to suspend committee rules to consider a late amendment, the amended bill passed 5-3. House Bill 4025, creating a study committee on gasoline and petroleum refineries, passed 6-3 after the sponsor argued Arizona relies heavily on imported gasoline. House Bill 2912, requiring integrated resource plans and independent review for electric utilities, passed 6-2 after amendment. Finally, House Bill 4100, requiring notice to customers about potential rate impacts if CAP water is lost, drew opposition from municipal and private water providers who said the required estimates would be speculative and could not be prepared by the deadline; the bill was discussed with an amendment expanding its scope, but the transcript ends before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• For instance, federal lands: if it's on BLM or Forest Service and we're not able to have the capability
• it's stored that we have the ability to take it out for instance federal lands if it's on BLM or Forest

Bills: HB2099, HB2263, HB2264, HB2330, HB2341, HB2492, HB2757, HB2782, HB2843, HB2889, HB2912, HB2915, HB2918, HB4025, HB4100, HCR2020, HCR2057

Keywords: water storage, long-term storage credits, groundwater management, drought contingency, Arizona water regulations, Colorado River, replenishment, groundwater savings facility, groundwater storage, underground water storage, active management area, irrigation non-expansion area, Arizona water law, water rights, water replenishment, recharge, water conservation district, multi-county water conservation district, CAP water, Central Arizona Project

Transcript Highlights:

• Just briefly, I think some of the testimony on this bill has missed the forest for the trees.
• I think some of the testimony on this bill has missed the forest of the trees.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House Revenue and Taxation Committee heard House Bill 559, an Internal Revenue Code conformity bill presented by Rep. Jeff Ehlers. Ehlers said the measure would conform Idaho to most of the federal 2025 tax changes, provide tax cuts for Idaho individuals, and allow full expensing of new research and experimentation costs going forward while continuing amortization of prior years’ costs. He defended the fiscal note as reasonable at about $155 million in FY 2026 and $175 million in FY 2027, saying larger estimates included bonus depreciation, which Idaho is not conforming to. He also argued the bill fit within the state’s overall budget picture and was not a budget bill. Committee members questioned the treatment of R&E expenses, the timing of deductions, and the impact on the current budget year and possible cuts. Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including the Idaho Freedom Foundation, the Idaho Society of CPAs, the Associated Taxpayers of Idaho, and several business representatives, urged quick conformity for filing simplicity and tax certainty, though some said the bill should conform more fully, especially on business provisions. Mark Wynn and others argued the bill would still impose costs on innovative businesses by changing treatment of R&D-related deductions and credits. Opponents, including the Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy, NAMI Idaho, the League of Women Voters, disability advocates, seniors, clergy, parents, and individual taxpayers, warned the bill would reduce state revenue, threaten Medicaid, education, and other services, and shift costs to local governments and families. Several said the fiscal note was incomplete or unreliable because it did not fully account for all corporate and other tax provisions. The chair limited testimony as time ran short, reducing remaining public testimony to one minute each so more people could speak. After public testimony, Rep. Ehlers closed by reiterating that the bill was about tax conformity, not budget cuts, and said the business-side changes were a timing issue rather than a denial of benefits. No committee vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• will say, and I hear what you're saying, what I'll say is, and again, devil's in the details, right, forest
• will say, and I hear what you're saying, what I'll say is, and again, Devils in the Details, right, Forest

Bills: S0558, S1294, S1468, S1474, S1682, S1628

Keywords: stormwater systems, environmental standards, municipal infrastructure, engineering certifications, local compliance, Florida Department of Transportation, biosolids, agronomic rate, land application, environmental protection, Florida statutes, nutrient management, recordkeeping, farming, compost products, wastewater treatment, environment, sewage disposal, pollution control, reporting requirements

Summary: The committee took up several environmental bills, beginning with SB 1682 on local administration of vessel restrictions. Senator Trumbull said the bill would give cities and counties tools to address abandoned, derelict, and long-term anchored vessels while following state standards and FWC guidance. Members from affected areas spoke in support, citing recurring derelict vessel problems and the difficulty and cost of removal once vessels sink. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1468 on advanced wastewater treatment, which would require DEP to compile a detailed statewide report on wastewater treatment plants, including construction age, treatment levels, contaminant data, spill history, flood risk, and receiving waterbody impairment information. Florida Rural Water Association testified that any move to require advanced treatment for all plants over one MGD could create major financial burdens without dedicated funding. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered CS/SB 1294 on biosolids management, with a strike-all amendment adopted. Senator Bradley said the revised bill would require bulk Class AA biosolids fertilizer and compost products to be land applied only at agronomic rates and, absent a bona fide sale, only at permitted DEP-approved sites, with a transition date moved to July 1, 2028. Supporters said it would protect water quality and legitimate fertilizer and compost markets, while rural utilities asked for funding and flexibility. The committee reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee took up CS/SB 1628 on net zero policies by governmental entities. Senator Avila said the bill would prohibit local governments and other governmental entities from adopting or funding net zero policies, imposing related fees or taxes, or operating cap-and-trade or carbon trading programs. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying the definition of carbon dioxide. The bill drew extensive debate: supporters argued it would protect residents and businesses from higher costs and preserve predictability, while opponents said it would block local climate and clean-energy policies, including electric buses, energy-efficiency measures, and climate resilience planning. After public testimony on both sides, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 1474 on biosolids management, which Senator Gates said would require biosolids and septage to be treated at the highest practical level when wastewater treatment facilities are reasonably accessible and would bar Class B land application within 50 miles of a permitted wastewater facility. An amendment applying the statutory definition of septage was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 558 on stormwater system standards. Senator Burgess said it would create statewide standards for municipal and county stormwater systems using FDOT guidelines and third-party inspections, with an amendment making technical changes and broadening who may perform inspections. Supporters said uniform standards could improve safety and reduce failures, while contractors, engineers, and industry groups warned it could raise costs, delay projects, and preempt stronger local standards. The bill remained under discussion as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• for the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Cumberland Forest
• ><c> Cumberland</c> fish and wildlife resources Cumberland fish and wildlife resources Cumberland Forest

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:49 Approval of Minutes 02:06 Information Items 03:48 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 14:38 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 18:50 OFM – Ky Infrastructure Authority 26:40 OFM – Cabinet for Economic Development 31:50 Office of Financial Management 40:40 Remaining 2025 Meeting Dates 41:25 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer and a quorum call, then the committee approved the prior meeting minutes. Staff reported several informational items, including University of Kentucky medical and research equipment purchases, school district debt issues, leasehold improvements, and Kentucky Community and Technical College System bond allocations. The committee then approved a line-item appropriation increase of $350,000 in federal funds for the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ Cumberland Forest Conservation Program, along with two Department of Military Affairs projects: the Ashland Readiness Center window replacement and the MATES HVAC replacement at Fort Knox. It also approved four larger maintenance-pool projects without further action: HVAC and smoke evacuation work at the Kentucky State Penitentiary, HVAC and hot water tank replacements at Oakwood, a Green Bank energy-savings performance project across state facilities, and roof replacement at Lake Barkley Lodge. Members asked about the prison project, the roof procurement process, and whether minority-owned firms receive special bidding preference; staff said capital projects are awarded through open low-bid procurement with qualification and warranty requirements, and that minority participation is preferred but not a bidding criterion. Two lease modifications were approved for Franklin County agencies: an expansion and renovation for the Auditor of Public Accounts and a downsizing and renovation for the Kentucky Workers Compensation Funding Commission. The committee also approved Kentucky Infrastructure Authority items, including a Monticello sewer loan, several Cleaner Water Program grants and reallocations, and a House Bill 1 water grant that required no action. Members questioned engineering costs and were told the KIA board reviews technical details and anomalies before approval. Finally, the committee approved six economic development grants: one EDF grant for V Simple in Jefferson County and five KPDI EDF grants for projects in Breckinridge, Erlanger, Todd, and Washington counties. The last action item was approval of Western Kentucky University’s up-to-$10 million general receipts revenue bond issue for athletic facilities. An informational Kentucky Housing Corporation multifamily bond item prompted concern from members about rising per-unit costs for affordable housing, and they requested further explanation from the housing corporation at a future meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have been on the board of Visitors for Wake Forest law schools for 20 years, a system that it can.
• If it was a very special institution forest on it, served as the vehicle for many members of my community

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• plans as a tool to coordinate with federal agencies under major federal statutes like the National Forest

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee met with a quorum and heard three House bills. House Bill 620, sponsored by Senator Harris, would give county commissioners a formal role and “special expertise” status in federal land-use and environmental planning, allowing counties to coordinate with federal agencies using local comprehensive plans and including an emergency clause. The Idaho Farm Bureau and the Idaho Association of Counties supported the bill, and the committee voted unanimously to send it to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered House Bill 610, which would allow people away from their primary residence for religious service to retain the homeowners exemption, similar to military service members, so long as they intend to return. Representative Pickett said the bill was intended to prevent unintended tax increases for those serving others, and members discussed whether the bill was too narrow and whether it should also cover other charitable or caregiving situations. Despite those concerns, the committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 731, which would set up Idaho’s participation in the federal education tax credit scholarship program created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025. Testimony from the Idaho Family Policy Center and others supported the measure as a school-choice tool that benefits students in public, private, and homeschool settings, while questions focused on how the federal dollar-for-dollar credit works and how scholarship-granting organizations would operate. The committee approved the bill for the floor with a due pass recommendation. The meeting ended with a brief introduction of page Grace Louder, who shared her interests and was given a voter registration form as she approached her 18th birthday.

Transcript Highlights:

• plans as a tool to coordinate with federal agencies under major federal statutes like the National Forest

Summary: The Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee heard and advanced three House bills. House Bill 620 would give county commissioners special expertise status and a stronger coordinating role in federal land management decisions, including use of county comprehensive plans and an emergency clause; it drew support from the Idaho Farm Bureau and the Idaho Association of Counties and was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 610 would preserve the homeowners exemption for people temporarily absent from their residence while serving in certain missions or similar service, with the sponsor comparing it to protections for military members; senators raised questions about the bill’s narrow scope and possible broader applications, but it also passed out of committee due pass. House Bill 731 would set up Idaho’s participation in a federal education tax credit scholarship program, allowing donors to receive up to a $1,700 federal tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations; testimony from the Idaho Family Policy Center and others supported the bill as expanding school choice, and the committee sent it to the floor due pass. During discussion of House Bill 731, senators clarified that the credit is federal rather than state-based, that donors receive the tax benefit while scholarship-granting organizations decide how funds are awarded, and that Idaho’s action is intended to make participation permanent. After the bills were handled, the committee introduced and congratulated page Grace Louder, who spoke about her interests in photography, the outdoors, bugs, and her upcoming graduation and birthday.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've tried to work with the forest to be involved in land management plans, and they told us that we

Summary: The committee first heard RS 33327 from Representative Cornelius regarding city-run library boards. He said the proposal would affect the 55 city libraries in Idaho and would give city councils, along with library trustees, authority over hiring and firing library directors. He said the change was intended to address past problems and ensure elected officials have a role. After brief questions about trustee appointment and the need for added oversight, the committee moved to introduce the RS. The committee then considered House Bill 620, sponsored by Representative Boyle, which would formalize county commissioners’ role as cooperating agencies in federal land-use and NEPA processes when counties have expertise under state law. Supporters from Custer County, the Idaho Association of Counties, and the Farm Bureau said counties have been overlooked in federal land-management planning and need a stronger voice. Members discussed whether counties without a comprehensive plan would be covered; the sponsor said all 44 counties have adopted one. The committee voted to send HB 620 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 627 from Representative McCann, which would clarify that people attending open meetings may take photos, video, or audio recordings so long as they do not disrupt the meeting. The sponsor cited incidents where attendees or media were told they could not record, and said the bill was meant to make that right explicit. Members raised questions about executive sessions, crowded meetings, prisons, and whether the language should cover non-electronic recording methods; an amendment was proposed to add “or other” after “digital.” After testimony from the Idaho Press Club in support, the committee voted 15-1 to send HB 627 to General Orders.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 511, by the Resources and Conservation Committee, relating to private forest land.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House convened with 69 members present, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the journal. It also received notice of Representative Donald Hall’s substitute appointment for Legislative District 25, Seat A, and filed Senate Bill 1222, which concerns domestic wells and water-related definitions and procedures, to the Resource and Conservation Committee. Committee reports moved House Bill 504, relating to state affairs, and House Bill 559, relating to revenue and taxation, to the second reading calendar. The House also introduced House Bills 572, 573, and 574, covering parental rights in pediatric transitions, concealed carry instruction, and medical mandate/immunization issues, respectively. Several other measures were advanced on second reading, including memorials on transportation tax, federal land policy, private forest land, human trafficking, and artificial sweeteners. On third reading, House Bill 493 passed after extended debate, 50-19 with one absent and excused. Supporters said it strengthens penalties for commercial solicitation tied to human trafficking and helps reduce demand, while opponents raised concerns about unequal treatment by age, fiscal impacts of incarceration, and whether the bill adequately addresses trafficking victims. House Bill 514, allowing students to take a state test after completing 80% of coursework, then passed unanimously with 69 ayes and one absent and excused. The House then held the remaining third-reading bills for one legislative day, made several announcements about committee meetings and Capitol events, and adjourned until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.