Video & Transcript Research : 'longevity step'
Page 106 of 500
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The next step for the legislature was to determine our best estimate of what the contours of how much
- Um, and I think this is one step forward to help those folks.
- Um, and I think this is one step forward to help those folks.
- I think this is one step forward to help<00:33:38.320>
those <00:33:38.640>folks. - up with millions of dollars in stepping up with millions of dollars in mutual<00:54:18.720>
aid.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I just think this is a great first step. ...to make sure those people who are present and actually have
- I just think this is a great first step. ...this kind of activity and informing the students when they're
- I just think this is a great first step. Question. Uh, more of a comment.
- So, this would allow the State Board of Education to step in and help them navigate difficult times.
- in and help Board of Education to step in and help them<00:51:48.840>
navigate <00:51:49.800><
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 2nd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill is a key step toward strengthening workplace safety.
- This is a critical step to addressing the shortage of teachers here in California.
- AB 1088 represents a measured first step toward the responsible regulation of kratom.
- This is a critical step in keeping children safe in an increasingly AI-driven world.
- This is a critical step in keeping children safe in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Summary:
The Assembly met on May 23, 2025, established a quorum after a roll call, and proceeded through a long House of Origin floor session with prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine parliamentary actions. Early in the day, a motion by Assembly Member Gallagher to suspend the rules and take up AB 12 immediately failed on a 18-39 vote. The chamber then moved through the daily file, with many measures passing by wide margins, often with bipartisan support and little or no opposition.
Among the notable bills discussed were measures on law enforcement oversight and records access (AB 847), CalFresh data-sharing exemptions (AB 593), campus-area housing for students and staff (AB 893), insurance and wildfire hardening updates (AB 1), missing middle housing code changes (AB 6), tribal peace officer status in a pilot program (AB 31), utility bill analysis before new mandates (AB 61), fairgrounds funding (AB 258), Diwali as a state holiday (AB 268), labor and worker organizing rights (AB 288), algorithmic price-fixing and antitrust enforcement (AB 325), elections and jail voter information (AB 331), protections for judges and court personnel (AB 343 and AB 352), school construction procurement (AB 361), school-zone speed limits (AB 382), transit worker protections (AB 394), blue carbon coastal mitigation (AB 399), K-9 standards for law enforcement (AB 400), livestock carcass composting (AB 411), translation of housing materials (AB 413), immigrant educational rights notices (AB 419), gun violence restraining order implementation (AB 451), special education and child care measures (AB 560 and AB 563), cannabis tax relief (AB 564), and disability access protections for businesses (AB 649). Several bills addressed housing, energy, public health, and public safety, and many authors emphasized affordability, transparency, and administrative efficiency.
The session also included several ceremonial or recognition items, including ACR 73 declaring Italian American Heritage Month, which was adopted by voice vote after 65 coauthors were added. Most measures were approved overwhelmingly, though a few drew some dissent, including AB 421? no—AB 399 passed 42-30, AB 450 passed 49-6, AB 461 passed 49-8, and AB 621 passed 58-0. The transcript ends partway through AB 772, which was introduced as an educational equity bill addressing cyberbullying after school hours, but the remainder of that item is not included in the provided text.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- And so that is why we're taking baby steps.
- And if the blood pressure is wrong, then a physician has to step in.
- Taylor, had stepped out.
- Yeah, I definitely don't want to take a step back.
- The bill attempts to acknowledge the steps to find that balance.
Keywords:
school safety, emergency operations plan, crisis management, active shooter, drills, training, classroom security, primary health services, behavioral health, school health providers, medical necessity, student health care, education, school week, instructional time, public schools, performance score, student athletes, cardiovascular health, sudden cardiac arrest
Summary:
The House Education Committee met on April 23, 2026, with a quorum present and took up several education-related bills. SB 206 by Chairman Miller would require blood pressure screening for student athletes as part of physical examinations, with amendments narrowing the bill to student athletes and removing BESE rulemaking language. Supporters, including Coach Marcus Scott and the American Heart Association, said the measure could help detect undiagnosed hypertension and prevent serious health events. Rep. Freiberg moved to report the bill as amended, and it passed without objection.
The committee also heard SB 305 by Chairman Edmonds, which would require a publicly available statewide career-alignment dashboard showing how degree programs connect to workforce outcomes, including graduation, employment, wages, and job placement data. Edmonds, student task force member Cruz Cassard, and supporters from workforce and business groups said the dashboard would help students understand Louisiana job opportunities and reduce outmigration. Rep. Landry moved to report the bill favorably, and it passed without objection.
HB 624 by Speaker Pro Tem Johnson would update public school emergency planning language from “crisis management plans” to “emergency operations plans” and align the law with current safety standards. School safety officials said it was a cleanup bill that would not create new mandates or costs. Rep. Carpenter moved to report it favorably, and it passed without objection.
The committee then considered HB 1022 by Rep. Jackson, as substituted, concerning school-based health care services. Jackson said the bill was intended to clarify that medical decisions in school-based health centers should be made by licensed health professionals, not school staff, while preserving parental consent and not expanding services. School-based health center providers and health association representatives supported the bill, citing examples of improved access and continuity of care, but several members raised concerns about consent, the role of school staff, instructional time, and whether the bill could shift authority away from schools or create legal confusion. Jackson said he would work on amendments with stakeholders and legal staff. After discussion, Rep. Landry moved to report the substitute bill, and the committee approved it on a 10-4 roll call vote.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Energy, Utilities and Communications
Transcript Highlights:
- But while the state has outlined steps to procure RNG, there are still financial barriers that exist
- Please step forward with your name and position on the bill.
- Anyone else who would like to step forward to register their opposition?
- Please step forward.
- Okay, others who want to add on in support, step to the mic at this moment.
Summary:
The committee heard several energy, water, and utility bills. SB 919 by Senator Grayson would extend the biomethane monetary incentive program through 2030 and authorize additional funding to support renewable natural gas projects by reducing interconnection costs. Supporters said high interconnection costs and the current tax treatment are major barriers to methane reduction projects; opponents, including TURN and environmental groups, raised ratepayer cost concerns and objected to rate-basing and additional public funding. The author said amended language would remove the rate-basing provisions and instead urge the CPUC to act quickly on its pending decision.
SB 931 by Senator Laird would reauthorize the Community Impact Mitigation Program for the Diablo Canyon plant through 2030 to continue funding local emergency preparedness, fire protection, public safety, and school district costs. The County of San Luis Obispo and labor groups supported the bill, while TURN opposed it as a statewide ratepayer subsidy that could be funded from existing PG&E revenues instead of higher rates. Members discussed the bill in the context of the 2022 Diablo Canyon extension deal and the possibility of a future longer extension.
SB 1215 by Senator Cortese would direct the CPUC to set deployment targets for EV charging in multifamily housing and evaluate progress, with amendments aimed at affordability and limiting system upgrade costs. Supporters said renters are largely locked out of home charging and that prior utility programs proved cost-effective; no opposition testified. SB 1359 by Senator Stern would require more deliberate CPUC review before major gas system investments, emphasizing electrification and non-pipeline alternatives. Gas utilities and several industry groups opposed it, arguing it could undermine the obligation to serve, create safety and reliability risks, and change the regulatory compact.
The committee also heard SB 1125 by Senator Menjivar, presented by Senator Gonzalez, which would establish a statewide low-income water rate assistance program upon appropriation. Water agencies, environmental groups, and local governments supported the measure, while one member expressed concern that it lacked a funding source and could not overcome Proposition 218 limits; the bill was moved to Appropriations and the roll was left open. Finally, SB 1098 by Senator Perez would restrict the use of long-running memorandum and balancing accounts by investor-owned utilities, require exceptional circumstances for new accounts, and add sunset and cost-sharing requirements. Consumer advocates and large energy users supported tighter oversight, while the utilities and business groups opposed the bill as too rigid and potentially harmful to flexibility for wildfire, emergency, and safety-related costs.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- relating to data brokers and personal information, and House Bill 955, which is an act relating to next steps
- Committee of Conference report on House Bill 955, House Bill 955, which is an act relating to next steps
- House Bill 955 is an act relating to next steps in transforming Vermont's education system.
- was done on education governance, on access to education, on significant improvements to our next steps
- for school construction and our next steps for tax, we are grateful for we are grateful for the collaboration
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 13, 2026 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- But by law, they have a very critical step in preparation for the General Appropriations Act.
- That's been a transfer of funds from the AAA into step up for students.
- Step down. I know you had to had to step out for a moment. >> And you are not here. I'm a speaker.
- them in on, for example, the timing of when that transfer typically occurs between triple A and a step
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
November 19, 2025 - 01:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- And during our pre-meeting, we were talking about how we each have to step up our game to honor the legacy
- How would that be available, and what would be the next steps? Ms. McClure, you're recognized.
- Because I think that's a step in a direction that I already don't like. Why didn't I include that?
- Because I think that's a step in a direction that I already don't like, the fact that I'm slightly uncomfortable
- will continue with the record, I think, is good, but I think that this could go a little, could go a step
Summary:
The State Affairs Committee opened with a tribute to the late Representative Joe Casello, with remarks from the chair and Ranking Member Eskamani honoring his service, especially his advocacy for first responders, veterans, and working people. The committee then turned to its only bill, HB 167, which would remove strict liability for certain previously mined phosphate lands if the landowner notifies the county and requests a Department of Health radiation survey. The sponsor said the bill is intended to create a voluntary process, add data about the land, and provide notice through the public record and title process.
Members asked extensive questions about who pays for the surveys, how notice would reach future buyers, whether the bill affects renters or construction workers, and whether it would impact pending lawsuits. The sponsor said the landowner would pay for the survey needed to remove strict liability, plaintiffs would pay for surveys in litigation, the bill does not address OSHA or rental disclosures, and it would not apply retroactively to current cases because the complaint must include a survey. Supporters argued the bill simply replaces automatic liability with recorded notice and due diligence, while opponents said it could leave families and renters without adequate warning and should include stronger disclosure protections.
Public testimony was in support from the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Associated Industries of Florida, and one individual. After debate, the committee voted 18-8 to report HB 167 favorably.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Banking and Finance Committee Apr 28th, 2025
Banking and Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- shouldn't just say, "Hey, you've got to do this or you've got to do more," without the state also stepping
- We believe AB 743 is a small but important first step that will help provide transparency and address
- Licensing is a small but important first step in understanding and addressing concerns related to any
- Thank you. was an important step in making public some of these litigation funding companies.
- Mark Saglin with the American Property Casualty Insurance Association supports this important step towards
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EIG, EIG Public Hearings 04-10-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- lands, government lands, and then, you know, once you find if the resource is found, what is the next step
- lands, government lands, and then, you know, once you find if the resource is found, what is the next step
- 00:04:41.759>
make <00:04:41.840>sure <00:04:42.000>you're <00:04:42.320>stepping - <00:04:42.720>
away want to make sure you're stepping away want to make sure you're stepping
Summary:
The Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs heard HCR 58 HD1, which asks the Hawaii State Energy Office to convene a geothermal energy working group to review the regulatory and policy landscape for geothermal development in Hawaii. Testimony was generally supportive: the PUC, Consumer Advocates Office, and State Energy Office all said they stood on written testimony in support. In response to questions, a State Energy Office representative explained that geothermal exploration and permitting involve multiple agencies and depend on the land involved, and estimated that drilling an initial slim-hole test well could cost around $2.5 million or more, with additional work needed afterward to characterize the resource. The representative also noted that drilling can provide useful information about groundwater, geology, and temperature profiles. The committee discussed the importance of including community members and relevant energy stakeholders in the working group.
After discussion, the committee voted to recommend HCR 58 HD1 be passed unamended. The chair, vice chair, and Senator Richards voted yes, Senator Fevella was excused, and the recommendation was adopted.
Later in the same meeting, the committee heard HCR 68, which urges the City and County of Honolulu to create a dedicated animal education and training complex in the Kalai Loa Parklands, and HCR 72, which urges county ethics commissions to adopt standards similar to those applied to state elected officials and officers. Pacific Pet Alliance testified in support of HCR 68, citing the lack of animal-friendly facilities on the Leeward side and the high cost of renting space for shows and related events. No one testified on HCR 72. The committee then voted to pass both resolutions unamended, with Senator Fevella excused, and both recommendations were adopted before adjournment.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Health committee considers bill to create dementia 'point person' in MN, HF794 3/17/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Minnesota wouldn't be alone in taking this step; 29 other states, red and blue, have already recognized
- We're behind, and this is a fiscally responsible step to take to catch up and make sure our public dollars
- /c><00:04:49.039>
in <00:04:49.199>taking <00:04:49.479>this <00:04:49.800>step - <00:04:50.400>
29 wouldn't be alone in taking this step 29 wouldn't be alone in taking this - step 29 other<00:04:51.080>
states <00:04:51.479>red <00:04:51.680>and <00:04:51.880
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on County & Regional Government Mar 10th, 2025
S/C on County & Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- And members of this committee may need to step away, uh, from, for other legislative duties, including
- Luckily, there are some cities and towns that have stepped up across the state of Texas and have recognized
- So Flower Mountain has stepped up and has started testing, but my brothers and sisters across the state
- Than stepping up and actually testing for cancers.
- This bill is a is a necessary step in addressing the critical shortages in rural law enforcement and
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Feb 18th, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- So that's our first step is constructing the plant.
- However, the next step is to actually... ...rates the last several years.
- However, the next step is to actually have a reuse plan.
- However, the next step is to actually have a reuse plan.
- That facility that's going live this year represents $100 million, and it's only the first step.
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met to hear a panel discussion on implementation of Senate Bill 64 (2021), which requires elimination of non-beneficial wastewater discharges to surface waters by 2032. Department of Environmental Protection staff reported that utility plans have been approved, about 570 million gallons per day are expected to be eliminated under the plans, and roughly 176 million gallons per day have already been eliminated. The department emphasized ongoing annual reporting, continued coordination with utilities, and the need for projects such as reuse, indirect potable reuse, wet-weather backup discharges, groundwater recharge, and other beneficial uses to meet the law’s 90% reuse requirement in applicable cases.
Representatives from Flagler Beach, Atlantic Beach, JEA, and Hillsborough County described how the law affects different utilities. Smaller and coastal systems said they face major cost, space, salinity, and infrastructure constraints, with limited reuse opportunities and expensive alternatives such as deep well injection or regional transfer. Larger systems described substantial capital programs already underway, including public access reuse, indirect potable reuse, regional recharge projects, and saltwater intrusion barrier wells, with costs ranging from tens of millions to billions of dollars. Members and witnesses discussed the need for flexibility, regional solutions, and case-by-case permitting, and the Florida Rural Water Association asked the committee to consider hardship provisions and funding or exemption adjustments for smaller systems.
The committee then took up SPB 7002, a proposed bill by the Environment and Natural Resources Committee relating to water management districts. Senator Broder explained that the bill would increase transparency, improve planning and budgeting oversight, create a gift ban, support local referendum authority for certain ad valorem funding, and provide record-level funding for Everglades restoration. After a question from Senator Smith about whether the ad valorem language was expansive or restrictive, Senator Broder said it would add a new funding tool for districts. The committee adopted a motion to submit SPB 7002 as a committee bill, and it was reported favorably by roll call vote. The meeting then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Confronting Fraud, Waste and Abuse Jan 27th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- think there's some fear of what's going to come out with this committee, and I think this is a great step
- I think this is the first step by the House.
- this<00:05:04.440>
is <00:05:04.600>the <00:05:04.759>first <00:05:05.039>step - with this I think this is the first step with this I think this is the first step by<00:05:05.720
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- And when their loved ones step up to lend a helping hand, it should always be a built-in mechanism that
- Murphy's Law: the second you step out, you're going to get called.
- It's something, a step to take before a foreclosure, something that has worked in other jurisdictions
- This bill is essentially the creation of a vehicle to create a way for our state to step in.
- How the sky would fall if we had this one additional step before a foreclosure.
Summary:
The Committee on Financial Services heard testimony on several bills focused on consumer debt, mortgage regulation, credit unions, and foreclosure prevention. The Attorney General’s Office strongly supported the Debt Collection Fairness Act (S. 735/H. 1275), saying it would curb abusive debt collection, prevent stale claims, limit civil arrest warrants, modernize wage garnishment rules, and reduce judgment interest rates. Senator Eldridge and legal aid advocates echoed that support, while the Massachusetts Bankers Association and the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association supported bills on credit union mission/competition, consumer privacy in mortgage applications, subprime loan definitions, UCC updates, and protections for vulnerable adults, but opposed foreclosure mediation proposals and several credit union expansion measures, arguing they would distort competition and add unnecessary burdens.
A large portion of the hearing focused on foreclosure prevention bills (S. 765/H. 1090), with testimony from homeowners, housing organizers, and legal advocates describing predatory lending, confusing servicing practices, health harms, and displacement caused by foreclosure. Supporters said a statewide pre-foreclosure mediation program would give borrowers and lenders a chance to reach alternatives such as loan modifications or repayment plans, and cited local experience in Lynn where mediation reportedly produced high rates of foreclosure alternatives. Opponents from the banking industry argued Massachusetts already has strong foreclosure protections and that a new mandatory process could delay resolution without added benefit, though they also noted a 2024 pilot should be evaluated first.
The committee also heard strong support for H. 1282/S. 684, which would update the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code. State Street and a bankruptcy attorney said the changes are needed to keep commercial law current with electronic transactions, tokenized assets, and blockchain technology, and to maintain competitiveness with other states. The hearing concluded after public testimony, with no bill votes taken during the session; the chair thanked speakers and the committee voted to adjourn.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Media Availability on 2026 Omnibus Tax Bill - 04/30/26
Transcript Highlights:
- communities, we're protecting our state's fiscal integrity, we're providing a practical and balanced step
- practical integrity, we're providing a practical and<00:14:42.640>
balanced <00:14:43.040>step - <00:14:43.360>
to <00:14:43.440>help <00:14:43.600>stabilize and balanced step - to help stabilize and balanced step to help stabilize local<00:14:44.440>
budgets <00:14:44.720 - forward and said they were stepped forward and said they were negatively<00:14:58.440>
impacted
Summary:
Senate Tax Committee members presented a tax omnibus bill they said was a bipartisan effort aimed at making life more affordable and responding to federal policy changes they argued are increasing costs and harming Minnesota families, communities, farmers, and businesses. Chair Rest and other senators described the bill as a response to federal cuts to health care and food support, and said it also complements other Senate action on health and human services.
Key provisions highlighted included a 12% increase in property tax refunds for homeowners, described as more than $100 million in direct relief; a $2 million provision related to Operation Metro Transit; a new health care sales tax in Hennepin County to replace an expiring local sales tax and help stabilize hospitals such as HCMC and North Memorial, with funds for uncompensated care and facility upkeep; and a social media tax on the largest platforms, which supporters said would raise revenue without affecting Minnesota residents. Senators also emphasized a sustainable aviation fuel credit, framed as a climate and economic development measure that could support in-state production and agricultural feedstocks.
Members also discussed agricultural provisions, including lifting the cap on the beginning farmer tax credit extension and updating homestead-related rules, saying these changes would help farm transitions and reflect current conditions. Another property tax change would increase the market value exclusion for disabled veterans. No formal vote was taken in the transcript, but senators said the bill had been passed to the floor and they were waiting for leadership to schedule it, while noting the House had not yet taken similar action.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Local Government Committee Apr 29th, 2026
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- The legislature should not step in to rescue an unsafe project or shield it from judicial review.
- The legislature should not step in to rescue an unsafe project or shield it from judicial review.
- I think the agreements that you've agreed to today are an important step to ensure that there are avenues
- So I think that there's a lot to work on in Alameda County, and this is just one step.
- So I think that there's a lot to work on in Alameda County, and this is just one step.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Local Government met with a quorum and first approved the consent calendar, including SB 1187 and SB 1388. The committee then heard SB 983, which would authorize the Port of San Diego to use job order contracting for smaller repair and maintenance work; supporters said it would speed up routine repairs and reduce costs, while opponents raised concerns about construction language and project labor agreement effects. The bill was moved to the floor but initially remained on call after a split vote, along with several other measures heard later in the day.
The committee also heard SB 1256, aimed at limiting repeated litigation against a San Diego County housing project, with supporters arguing it would curb duplicative lawsuits and opponents warning it could weaken wildfire safety review. SB 992, which would make permanent and expand a financial oversight option for very small special districts, drew support from county auditors and special districts and passed unanimously. SB 1115, addressing governance failures at the Tulare County Public Cemetery District by allowing supervisors to remove individual trustees under specified conditions, also passed unanimously after testimony about district dysfunction and insurance concerns.
Later, the committee considered SB 1193, which would impose transparency requirements on Alameda County discretionary funding; supporters said it would add guardrails against conflicts of interest, while the county argued its current process is already transparent and the bill is overly restrictive. SB 1383, clarifying that local labor standards cannot be waived through density bonus concessions, passed on a divided vote after labor groups supported it and no opposition testified. SB 1361, intended to prevent local governments from undermining transit projects to avoid SB 79 housing requirements, also passed on a split vote. Finally, SB 1272, the CASH Act, would give homeowners more time to cure certain non-safety code violations; county and code enforcement groups opposed the introduced version but said they were working on amendments, and the bill passed unanimously as amended. The committee adjourned after reporting several bills out, with some measures remaining on call until later votes were taken.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Apr 23rd, 2026
Emergency Management
Transcript Highlights:
- And they'll take them step by step through CPR or controlling a major hemorrhage or helping through an
- The bill starts with three critical steps toward fixing the project right now. Number one...
- The bill starts with three critical steps towards fixing the project right now.
- Number one. critical steps towards fixing the project right now.
- This bill is not just a step in the right direction, This bill is not just a step in the right direction
Summary:
The committee first took up a consent calendar item, AB 2517, which was moved to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations. The main hearing then focused on several public safety and environmental bills. AB 2152 (fire station construction/CEQA streamlining) was presented by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez and supported by firefighters, while contractors opposed it over concerns about project labor agreements, small business access, and workforce restrictions; it passed to Appropriations. AB 2041 (emergency medical dispatch/pre-arrival instructions) was presented by Assembly Member Carrillo and supported by dispatch and EMS witnesses, with several local government and fire groups saying they would remove opposition once amendments were in print; it also passed to Appropriations. AB 2101 (human trafficking notices and training at disaster sites) drew support from the author and anti-trafficking advocates, but broadband, county, city, and communications groups raised implementation concerns, especially for rural and remote disaster sites; the bill passed to Appropriations despite a no vote from Vice Chair Hadwick.
The committee also heard AB 1805, which would audit and strengthen oversight of the state’s troubled Next Generation 911 modernization project. The author described the bill as a fix to improve transparency, create an oversight board, and require quarterly reports; CalNENA supported the need for accountability while cautioning that the oversight structure should not delay deployment. AB 1805 passed to Appropriations. AB 1536 (offshore oil pipeline safety) was presented as a coastal protection measure requiring public comment, CEQA review, best available technology, and decommissioning of pipelines with major spill histories; environmental, local government, and coastal city representatives supported it, while the Western States Petroleum Association opposed it as too broad and harmful to fuel supply. The bill passed to Appropriations on a divided vote.
Later, AB 1964 would require the State Fire Marshal to survey home hardening conditions and costs statewide; it passed to Appropriations after questions about county recorder data and survey methods. AB 1960 would allow Cal Fire wildfire prevention grants to support community-level hardening efforts, but it drew concerns that it could favor wealthier communities able to harden first; the author said the bill was meant as a voluntary certification and marketing incentive, and it passed to Appropriations. Finally, AB 1863, which would prohibit local agencies from charging people simply for calling 911 when no service is rendered while preserving cost recovery for actual services, received no opposition and passed to the Assembly Floor. After add-on votes were taken for absent members, the meeting adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Feb 7th, 2026 at 10:15 am
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- this job a possibility for hundreds of thousands of New Mexicans who otherwise could not afford to step
- H.J.R. 5 creates pathways for young, talented, passionate community members to step forward and serve
- First steps first, I always say.
- There's more work for us to do, but this is the first step that we need to have a paid legislature in
- This is a proactive step that sets teachers and students up for success from day one.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor & Commerce Dec 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- regulators, by the community advocates, by the legislature that's putting these laws together, is to step
- in as enforcers and take on those... ...by the legislature that's putting these laws together is to step
- office to conduct these investigations often leads to witnesses or folks that we would rely on to step
- Today, I'm really going to focus on steps one through three, from claim filing through those medical
- There are different steps to it.
Summary:
The committee first received an update from the Attorney General’s office on a new workers’ rights unit and two request bills. The office said the unit will focus on wage theft and civil rights enforcement, using existing resources for a small staff. It also described a bill to expand civil investigative demand authority for labor, wage theft, prevailing wage, and discrimination investigations, and an Immigrant Worker Protection Act that would require employer notice when federal immigration authorities request employee records, limit access to nonpublic work areas without a warrant, and restrict disclosure of employee data without proper legal process. Senators asked about costs, funding sources, and the scope of the proposed authority, and the office said it would follow up with more detail.
The committee then heard a detailed presentation on Washington’s workers’ compensation system from Labor and Industries, including how claims are filed, how the medical provider network works, and how treatment authorizations and utilization review are handled. L&I said the network was created to improve care quality and return workers to work, and explained that most routine care is automatically authorized while certain procedures require prior approval or review. A question from Senator Conway focused on the role of the medical director and the appeals process; L&I said decisions can be protested and reconsidered, with exceptions reviewed through a complex treatment unit and medical staff.
An experience panel followed with testimony from labor representatives, physicians, and an injured-worker attorney, who argued that the medical provider network and treatment guidelines can delay or deny needed care, especially in complex cases such as PTSD, brain injuries, and serious orthopedic injuries. They described long appeals, utilization review barriers, provider shortages, and the impact on injured workers and families, while L&I’s presentation emphasized the system’s structure and review safeguards. The committee then heard a report from the Underground Economy Task Force in the construction industry. L&I summarized the task force’s findings on worker misclassification, unregistered contractors, and unpaid taxes and premiums, and outlined consensus and majority recommendations, including better interagency communication, stronger penalties for repeat offenders, more authority to address successorship, possible contractor notice requirements, and further study of cash payments. The Attorney General’s office, labor, and business representatives generally supported the report’s goals but differed on some recommendations, especially those affecting independent contractors, contractor liability, and administrative burdens. The chair and Senator Conway thanked participants and said the report would inform future legislation.