Transcript Highlights:

• . presidents of our universities, the CEOs of our agencies, and our vice chancellors. both of my colleagues
• The presidents, the agency directors, when they are appointing vice... presidents, assistant agency directors
• In terms of the positions that you're in, the president, the vice president, so they review all those
• The board specifically hires only the chancellor, the presidents, the vice presidents, and the CEOs and
• Good afternoon, my name is Autumn Launer, I'm the vice president of the Texas transgender non-discrimination

Bills: SB37 , SB1489 , SB452 , SB724 , SB1067 , SB1741 , SB1273 , SB 37

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, Chair, Vice Chair.
• Mahalo, thank you. please good afternoon chair Vice chair please good afternoon chair Vice chair members
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Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard confirmations for two Hawaii Technology Development Corporation board nominees, Jaclyn Ka and Gregory Oara. Testimony for both was overwhelmingly in support. Supporters for Ka emphasized her Kauaʻi roots, work in workforce development and digital equity, and ability to connect schools, industry, and community needs. In her own remarks, Ka said she wants to bring resources to Kauaʻi and the neighbor islands, strengthen local workforce pathways, and use the HTDC board to help local residents access technology jobs and training. Members questioned Ka about how to reduce reliance on mainland hires for jobs at PMRF and other technology employers, how to better align training with local needs, and how to connect Kauaʻi schools, community college programs, and creative media/digital technology efforts. Ka described KDB’s role in building islandwide digital media and drone clubs, professional development for teachers, and partnerships intended to create a pipeline from school to workforce. She also said the legislature can help mainly by listening and staying informed about local needs. For Oara, supporters highlighted his engineering and semiconductor background, his experience in academia, industry, and startups, and his potential to help HTDC with technology commercialization, IP, and exportable services. Oara said he wants HTDC to better support early-stage companies, improve coordination among universities, government, and the private sector, and create a directory of technical skill sets to connect startups with needed expertise. He also discussed AI, saying Hawaii can contribute by developing smaller, locally relevant models rather than only relying on large-scale data-center infrastructure. The hearing focused on these nominations and testimony; no vote or final committee action was stated in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Madam President.
• Thank you, Madam President.
• Leaders like Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress, and Vice President Kamala Harris
• Thank you, Madam President.
• Kawana Leggett is Senior Vice President for Student Affairs at Loyola Marymount University, overseeing

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and suspended several rules and journal requirements to facilitate the floor session and a budget subcommittee hearing notice. The chamber then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 114, designating March 15–21 as National Surveyors’ Week. Senator Grove spoke in support, emphasizing the historical importance of surveyors and their role in infrastructure, property rights, and California’s economy. The resolution passed by unanimous roll call vote, 40-0, and Grove introduced Christy Ashay, president of the California Land Surveyors Association, as a guest. The main item of the day was Senate Resolution 76 recognizing Women’s History Month and honoring 42 women from across California. Senator Menjivar presented the resolution, highlighting women’s leadership and the need to continue advancing equity, pay protections, and opportunity. Senators Richardson, Pérez, Hurtado, Rubio, Wahab, and others spoke in support on behalf of the Black, LGBTQ, Latino, Jewish, AAPI, and other caucuses, each underscoring the contributions of women in public service, civil rights, labor, science, education, and community leadership. The resolution passed unanimously, 40-0. After the vote, the Senate proceeded with an extended recognition ceremony for the 42 Women of the Year honorees from Senate districts statewide, with brief biographies read into the record. The session also included an adjournment in memory of James Bernard Peth, offered by Senator Ashby, who described his work as a teacher, coach, and community volunteer. The Senate announced it would recess and reconvene on March 19, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:40.320><c> chair</c> amendments chair votes I Vice chair amendments chair votes I Vice chair
• </c> votes I passing with amendments Vice votes I passing with amendments Vice shair<00:09:59.600><c>
• Thank you, Chairs, Vice Chairs.
• </c><00:18:56.600><c> chair</c> dcca good afternoon chair Vice chair dcca good afternoon chair Vice chair
• </c> from Hawaii electric on Zoom not presid from Hawaii electric on Zoom not presid on<00:22:18.600>

Committee: Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several energy- and environment-related measures. HB 242 HD1 on electric vehicle batteries drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, SERFCO, and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation; the Energy Office suggested a broader working group covering all lithium-ion batteries, and members later adopted amendments including a date change and revised timing language. HB 751 HD2 on statewide organic waste reduction and diversion received mixed testimony, with the Department of Health opposing it over concerns about compostable food packaging and incomplete testing data; the committee nonetheless moved the bill forward with amendments removing compostable food packaging from the definition of organic waste and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. The committees also considered HB 1020 HD1 on a statewide program to characterize carbon sequestration potential and underground water resources. The Hawaiʻi State Energy Office and Ulupono supported the measure as part of a broader geothermal and energy security effort, while members raised concerns about overlapping roles between agencies and the need for a single coordinated voice. The committee ultimately amended the bill to place DBEDT in charge, with technical changes, and passed it. In a separate portion of the hearing, HB 350 HD2 on energy was heard with support from the State Energy Office, industry, and advocacy groups; opponents argued the existing solar water heater law is working and that variances already allow flexibility. The committee passed HB 350 unamended. Later, the committee heard HB 977 HD1 on energy financing, HB 1017 HD1 on the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, and HB 1406 HD1 on government procedures. HB 977 received support from the Public Utilities Commission, DCCA, and others and was advanced with technical, non-substantive amendments. HB 1017, which would repeal the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, and HB 1051, which sets energy efficiency benchmarks, were both passed unamended. HB 1406, a task force bill aimed at improving permitting and regulatory processes, was amended to add a Senate representative, include the State Energy Office, make the bill effective on approval, and note prior funding requests in the committee report; it was then adopted. Votes were recorded on each measure, with some members excused and HB 751 drawing one no vote from Senator Rhoads.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice Chair Barnaby? Vice Chair Barnaby: Good morning Chairman.
• Vice Chair Barnaby: Islam is at war with America.
• And thank God President Donald Trump said enough is enough.
• Chair, Vice Chair, Ranking Member, good to be with you all today. Rep.
• To the President-elect's point, sure. They trespass them? Sure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice Chair Bradley. Chair Harold. Yes.
• Thank you, Madam Chair, Vice Chair, Senators.
• Henry Ashmore, was president of Armstrong State College.
• I've served as president of the UF National Alumni Association and president of the UF Law School Board
• Vice Chair Bradley? Chair Harrell? Yes.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education heard and approved two bills before moving into confirmation hearings for several university and college board nominees. CS/SB 1458 on apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships was presented as a measure to improve consistency and transparency in local education agency partnerships, cap LEA administrative funding at 10% when applicable, and require public meetings and work papers for workforce funding model decisions. Support was noted from Associated Builders and Contractors, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Foundations for Florida Futures, and Independent Electrical Contractors. The bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS/CS/SB 1726 on higher education governance and presidential searches after adopting a delete-all amendment and a late-filed amendment defining the final group of presidential applicants as no fewer than three. The amended bill added provisions on trustee citizenship and residency/alumni eligibility, interim president succession planning, longer presidential contract renewals, limits on candidate polling by universities, syllabus posting, textbook/open-access material lists, and other governance and academic policy changes. Senators raised concerns about the minimum-three finalist requirement, interim president selection, trustee eligibility, and polling restrictions, while supporters said the bill would depoliticize leadership selection and improve transparency. The bill was reported favorably after the amendments were adopted. The committee then heard confirmation testimony from multiple appointees and reappointees, including nominees for FAMU, UNF, Pensacola State College, UWF, and UF. Most nominees emphasized ties to their institutions, student success, workforce development, military connections, and institutional growth. Several UWF nominees were questioned extensively about their votes for former chair Scott Yenner and his controversial comments about women and other groups; some said they were unaware of those remarks at the time of the vote and would not have supported him with that knowledge. Public testimony on UWF expressed concern about the nominees’ lack of higher education experience, their ties to the region, and the impact of Yenner’s views. The committee later voted to recommend a block of non-UWF nominees favorably, and it agreed to vote on the UWF nominees individually, with some remaining nominees deferred to a later hearing due to time.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice Chair, thank you. My question is for Judge Collier.
• Thank you, Vice Chair Harris's members. Other questions for this panel? Yes, Vice Chair Johnson.
• Thank you, Chairman Leach, and Vice Chair Johnson.
• Good morning, Chair, Vice Chair, committee members.
• Yes, Vice Chair Johnson. Thank you so much.

Bills: HB4011 , HB2680 , HB4325 , HB4327 , HB4944 , HB1761 , HB4688 , HB3453 , HB40 , HB1707 , HB4749 , HB2322 , HB3647 , HB4139 , HB4081 , HB2203 , HB2100 , HB4170 , HB3104 , HB4623 , HB40

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: partition, heirs' property, real estate, co-ownership, family property, non-heir cotenant, right of first refusal, pilot services, liability limitation, maritime commerce, Matagorda Bay, Lavaca Bay, transportation code, maritime industry, civil liability, barratry, penalties, legal actions, damages, wrongful death

Summary: The Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence met to hear House Bill 1761, a broad judicial package focused on increasing judicial compensation and adding accountability and efficiency measures. The chair explained that HB 1707 and HB 2100 were withdrawn from the agenda, and that HB 1761 would be taken up first because many judges and stakeholders were present. The committee substitute for HB 1761 proposed a 30% increase in base judicial pay to $182,000, changes to judicial retirement linkage, stronger judicial conduct provisions, and efficiency measures such as targeted reporting for judges not meeting benchmarks, appellate in-person meeting encouragement, and time limits on certain motions. The chair and several supporters said judicial pay had reached “emergency status,” citing Texas’s low national ranking and difficulty recruiting and retaining qualified judges. Witnesses in support included presiding and district judges, the State Bar’s judicial section, business and trial lawyer groups, and prosecutors. They emphasized that many judges work long hours off the bench, handle warrants at night and on weekends, manage heavy dockets, and face recruitment problems in both urban and rural counties. Supporters also said higher pay would help attract experienced lawyers, retain judges, and improve court efficiency. Several witnesses and members discussed judicial accountability, including public reporting of court performance and the role of the Texas Supreme Court and presiding judges in setting benchmarks. Some members raised concerns that raw statistics can be misleading because judges also do substantial off-the-bench work and often help cover other courts’ dockets. There was also testimony and discussion about the bill’s conduct and discipline provisions. A representative of the Texas Civil Rights Project opposed parts of the bill that would tie pay raises to changes affecting judicial independence, warning about subjective bail-related discipline standards and possible chilling effects. The executive director of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct cautioned against civil penalties for complainants, saying it could discourage good-faith complaints and create litigation risks. Other witnesses supported accountability reforms but urged caution about unintended consequences, especially for family and emergency cases and for judges handling warrants and other time-sensitive matters. After testimony, the committee withdrew the committee substitute and left HB 1761 pending, then recessed the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• He is an Eagle Scout and FFA vice president.
• She is the SACO vice president and female athlete of the year.
• She is class president and FFA vice president. She wants...
• He is the class vice president, likes to hunt, fish, and write country songs.
• I have before me the first vice president of the National Rifle Association and the president of the

Bills: HR1037 , HR1043 , SB1491 , SB1451 , SB1286 , SB1581 , SB1521 , SB201 , SB1290 , SB169 , SB1377 , SB1991 , SB1346 , SB1509 , SB1928 , SB2028 , SB2071 , SB2110 , SB2117 , SB2127 , SB2134 , SB722 , SB3

Keywords: National Poetry Month, poetry, education, cultural celebration, arts and humanities, child abuse, prevention, community support, family safety, child welfare, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, elections, voter registration, election integrity, Secretary of State, cancellation of registration, gender neutrality

Transcript Highlights:

• President. President. President. Representative Marquez? Here. Representative Marshall?
• Madam Vice Chair, please move H.C.M. 2001. Vice Chair, please move H.C.M. 2001. Mr.
• Madam Vice Chair, Madam Vice Chair, next on the list. Mr.
• Vice Chair Keshel? Thank you. Aye. Vice Chair Keshel. I'm. Representative Kolodin? Mr.
• Madam Vice Chair, please... Madam Vice Chair, please move House Memorial 2004. Mr.

Committee: House House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee convened with roll call, member and staff introductions, and a review of amendment deadlines and decorum rules. Members also suspended the committee rule on late-distributed amendments to allow consideration of a Kolodin amendment. The chair then moved to the agenda bills, beginning with HCM 2001, a memorial urging Congress and the President to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization and asking Arizona agencies to monitor related organizations. Testimony on HCM 2001 was sharply divided, with supporters arguing the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR are linked to terrorism and Sharia law, and opponents calling the memorial discriminatory, unsupported by evidence, and an attack on Muslim civil rights organizations and free speech. The committee voted 4-3 to pass HCM 2001 out of committee. The committee then heard HCM 2002, which urges a federal review of CAIR for possible foreign terrorist organization designation and supports related congressional action. Testimony again split along similar lines: opponents, including CAIR representatives, a veteran, and community members, said the measure was scapegoating, lacked legal basis, and would stigmatize Muslim communities; supporters cited the Holy Land Foundation case, FBI concerns, and alleged ties between CAIR, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Hamas. After debate, the committee voted 4-3 to pass HCM 2002 out of committee. Following a brief recess, the committee took up HB 2009, which would prohibit committees primarily organized to influence constitutional amendments from accepting foreign national contributions and require disclosure of out-of-state funding. The sponsor said the bill was intended to improve transparency and keep constitutional initiatives focused on Arizona voters; members discussed whether the measure should apply to all ballot initiatives and how donor verification would work. HB 2009 was also approved 4-3. The committee then began HCR 2001, a proposed constitutional amendment on election procedures, including citizenship requirements for voting, limits on foreign contributions to candidate and ballot measure campaigns, government-issued ID requirements, and changes to early voting and mail ballot rules. The committee adopted a late amendment after procedural discussion, and the sponsor described the resolution as a broad election-security reform modeled on Florida. Members raised concerns that the proposal could reduce access, increase lines, and create confusion for mail voters, while the sponsor argued it would improve security and voter confidence. The transcript cuts off during this bill’s discussion, before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• You, Vice President, Governmental Affairs, USIC, and self, testifying for House Bill 3791, is that correct
• I'm Nancy Mitchell, Vice President of Government Affairs for USIC, our nation's largest utility locating
• I'm the Vice President for State Center Locating.
• General Contractors of Texas, Highway Heavy Utilities and Industrial Branch, and myself as Vice President
• Jason Ryan, I have you as Jason Ryan, Executive Vice President of CenterPoint Energy.

Bills: HB2766 , HB2891 , HB3334 , HB3791 , HB3911 , HB4021 , HB4041 , HB4042 , HB4384 , HB4426

Committee: House Energy Resources

Keywords: inactive wells, oil and gas regulation, environmental protection, Railroad Commission of Texas, well plugging, Railroad Commission, penalties, violations, pipeline safety, civil penalties, criminal penalties, wildfire prevention, oil and gas, safety inspections, administrative penalties, excavation, notification, utilities, underground facilities, regulatory compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• With me here to support SB 1277 is Lance Christensen, the vice president of governmental affairs for
• Is Lance Christensen, the vice president of governmental affairs for the California Policy Center.
• He's Vice President of Tax Policy and General Counsel for Silicon Valley Leadership Group. Welcome.
• Elizabeth Esquivel, Vice President of Government Relations for the California Manufacturing and Technology
• I'm Vice President for Tax Policy and General Counsel for Silicon Valley Leadership Group.

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 1277, which would create a California Cost of Living Tax Credit modeled on the 2022 middle-class tax refund to provide refundable relief to low- and middle-income Californians facing high housing, fuel, energy, and general living costs. Senator Grove and supporters, including the California Policy Center and some local government representatives, argued the bill would put direct relief into the hands of working families. Opposition came from the California Tax Reform Association and the California Teachers Association, which said California already has progressive tax credits and that the proposal would be costly to the General Fund and reduce money for schools and other services. After extended debate, the bill was not advanced; a roll call vote on a motion to pass it to Appropriations failed 1-4, and the bill was held/fails on the floor with a request for reconsideration noted. The committee then heard SB 1287, which would create a capped tax credit to encourage private investment in short-line railroad infrastructure. The author and rail industry witnesses said the measure would improve safety, reliability, emissions, and freight movement, especially for rural communities and agriculture, and that it was a public-private partnership rather than a handout. Opposition from CTA and the California Tax Reform Association argued a direct grant program would be preferable to a tax credit. The bill was accepted with committee amendments and placed on call without a final vote in the transcript. Members also considered SB 1407, which would fully exempt military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefits from state income tax, increasing the prior partial exemption. The author, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and veterans’ groups said the change would help retain veterans in California, support local economies, and align California with most other states. CTA and CTRA opposed on General Fund grounds. The committee approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended motion to the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, with the roll call showing support and the bill placed on call. Later, the committee heard SB 1349, directing the Legislative Analyst’s Office to review major tax expenditures and evaluate their goals, beneficiaries, and effects on revenues and Proposition 98 funding. CTA, CTRA, and several local government and labor supporters backed the bill as a way to improve accountability for roughly $94 billion in annual tax expenditures. The bill was accepted with committee amendments and placed on call. The committee also heard SB 1078, authorizing Santa Cruz County to ask voters for a temporary half-cent sales tax to help fund health care and safety-net services amid federal cuts; it was placed on call. SB 1120, extending the California Competes Tax Credit through 2035 and making it refundable for certain strategic industries, received strong support from business and manufacturing groups and was passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1275, which would replace the state sales tax on vehicle purchases with a vehicle license fee structure intended to increase federal deductibility for Californians, was passed 4-0 as amended to the Committee on Transportation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm joined today by Vice President Raymond Hernandez and our executive officer Christina Molina.
• And now I'm going to turn it over to Ray Hernandez, our vice president, for a few opening remarks.
• My name is Ray Hernandez, and I am the Vice President of the Respiratory Care Board and serve as chair
• I'm vice president of the board. I'm standing in for our president, Biotto Morcos.
• and vice president, new executive officer, and five new board members all in the same year.

Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate business committees held a sunset review hearing for five California regulatory entities: the Respiratory Care Board, the California Council for Interior Design Certification, the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board, the Board of Occupational Therapy, and the Board of Naturopathic Medicine. Each board or council described its licensing, enforcement, modernization, and consumer-protection work since the last review, and committee members focused on workforce access, transparency, fee authority, and whether current regulatory structures are appropriately tailored to public safety. For the Respiratory Care Board, the main issue was a proposal to move toward a bachelor’s degree requirement for licensure. Board representatives said the change would better align education with the complexity of care and could help the profession’s long-term status and reimbursement prospects, but Assembly Member Addis and others raised concerns about rural access, staffing shortages, and added barriers to entry. Public commenters, including respiratory therapists, families, and congregate living health facility operators, strongly opposed the degree mandate and urged continued use of LVNs for certain respiratory tasks in community settings. The board also discussed its ongoing work on LVN respiratory care issues, updated suctioning guidance, digitized licensing and enforcement systems, and fee cleanup language. The interior design item drew the most debate. CCIDC leaders defended the current title-act certification model, arguing it establishes competency without evidence of public harm and avoids the disruption a full licensure system could cause. Several committee members questioned the lack of enforcement authority, the private nonprofit structure, Bagley-Keene compliance, and whether certification meaningfully improves plan acceptance or public safety. Public testimony was split: supporters said the system works and preserves flexibility, while opponents argued the model lacks accountability, creates confusion, and does not reliably prevent plan-check denials or protect the public. The speech-language pathology/audiology board reported major modernization gains, including a new online licensure system, faster processing, continuing education audits, and updated supervision and advertising rules; it also received support for creating a new audiology assistant license category, while a consumer group urged more public members, proactive inspections, and faster discipline. The occupational therapy board reported growth, improved enforcement and licensing performance, and a need for additional fee authority to address rising costs, while public testimony supported reducing advanced practice hand therapy training hours. The final naturopathic medicine item began at the end of the transcript, but no substantive discussion was captured before the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice Chair Abbott. Chair Lamar. Here. According to President. Thank you.
• I’m the vice mayor of the City of Port St.
• So Palm Beach is President Trump's hometown.
• So Palm Beach is President Trump's hometown.
• Vice Chair Abbott? Yes. Ranking Member Chambleau? No.

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee considered a full agenda of transportation, utility, aviation, and energy bills. HB 4045, amending the Jacksonville Aviation Authority charter, passed without questions or debate. HB 1075, which would require municipal utilities to allow outside property owners to connect when capacity exists and fees are paid, drew testimony from local government and municipal advocates who warned about conflicts with existing agreements, long infrastructure payback periods, and the risk of subsidizing nonresidents; despite concerns from Rep. Smith and others about municipal boundaries and cost, the bill passed, with Smith voting no. HB 519, as amended, authorizes golf cart crossings at signalized intersections on designated golf cart roads; it passed unanimously after lighthearted debate about golf carts and pedestrian crossings. The committee then took up HB 919, which creates a state definition for major commercial service airports and preempts airport naming authority, including renaming Palm Beach International Airport to Donald J. Trump International Airport subject to FAA, county, and trademark-related conditions. Palm Beach County supported the bill and an amendment clarifying implementation and trademark language, while Rep. Eskamani and others raised concerns about preemption and the timing of honoring a sitting president; the bill passed with several no votes, including Eskamani, Skidmore, and the ranking member. HB 1093, the Advanced Air Mobility and Infrastructure Act, would support eVTOL/vertiport development through tax exemptions, infrastructure funding flexibility, and statewide siting standards while preserving local zoning; supporters framed it as an economic-development and workforce bill, while Rep. Cheney raised taxpayer concerns. An amendment narrowing liability protections for vertiports co-located with public airports was adopted, and the bill passed with Cheney voting no. Finally, HB 1461 established a regulatory framework for advanced nuclear reactors, assigning oversight roles to the PSC, DOH, and DEP. Supporters argued the bill would improve energy reliability, affordability, and Florida’s leadership in clean, advanced energy, while an opponent from Deploy US urged strong consumer protections and cautioned against overbroad deregulation. Rep. Eskamani emphasized preserving PSC prudency review for ratepayer protection, and the sponsor said the bill was refined through committee discussion. After an amendment fixing technical issues and clarifying that one section applied to all nuclear, the bill passed favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, Mr. President, Mr. President, Mr. Chairman, it's kind of funny.
• President. Mr. Chairman, Mr.
• President.
• Vice Chair, and I'm just... Any questions for the bill sponsor? Seeing none, Mr. Vice Chair, Mr.
• Vice Chair, request to speak. Mr.

Committee: House House Ways & Means Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 2785, a major Arizona tax conformity measure that would align state law with the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026 and apply retroactively to tax year 2025. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would make Department of Revenue tax forms legal, provide certainty to taxpayers already filing under those forms, and deliver about $440 million in tax relief through provisions such as no tax on tips and overtime, a larger standard deduction, a $6,000 senior deduction, and changes to deductions and the SALT cap. Opponents argued the bill would significantly reduce state revenue, disproportionately benefit higher-income taxpayers, and should not move forward without a broader budget plan. After an amendment addressing retroactivity and foreign dividend language was adopted, the committee approved HB 2785 on a 5-4 vote. The committee then heard several Arizona State Retirement System technical cleanup bills. HB 2089, clarifying the health insurance premium benefit subsidy, passed 9-0. HB 2090, changing the disability timeframe for long-term disability benefits, passed 8-1. HB 2092, allowing certain employees over age 65 to waive ASRS participation within 30 days of eligibility, also passed 8-1. These measures were described by staff and the sponsor as simple corrections, with little opposition. Finally, the committee considered HB 2477, which conforms Arizona’s 529 education savings plan to federal law, expands allowable uses, and adds rules for 529-to-Roth IRA rollovers and ABLE transfers. Supporters called it a cleanup bill that would simplify administration for families, while some members raised concerns about the Roth rollover and possible use of funds transferred from ESA accounts. The bill passed 5-3 with one member voting present. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• If not, the Chair recognizes Vice Chair Herod to close on the bill.
• Governing boards will approve or deny the hiring of provosts, vice presidents, and deans, and produce
• a report on their decisions to the governor, lieutenant governor, and vice president. the legislature
• president, and dean level if they disapprove of those decisions.
• The committee substitute focuses the regents in the hiring arena on provosts, vice presidents, and deans

Bills: HB2476 , HB2893 , HB4848 , HB5062 , SB37 , SB60 , HB2860 , HB4930 , SB646 , SB 37

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: living expenses, higher education, student support, homeless students, financial aid, grant program, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, workforce development, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, competency-based education, baccalaureate degree, cost of attendance, dual credit, computer science, course credit, foreign language requirement, curriculum review, governing board, faculty council

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also the California Professional Firefighters' Third District Vice President.
• Andy Wise, Santa Cruz City Firefighters, vice president, strongly in support. Thank you.
• Sam Carter, Hayward Firefighters Local 1909, vice president, strong support. Good morning.
• Rick Boatman, Vice President, Local 3124, and strong support. Thank you.
• Vice President, Local 3124, in strong support. Thank you. Good morning.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public safety, labor enforcement, pensions, and workplace safety. AB 1054 would create a voluntary DROP-style retirement option for CHP officers and Cal Fire firefighters to help retain experienced personnel; supporters said it would be cost-neutral and help staffing, while an opponent warned it could affect bond ratings and create pension risk. The bill passed the committee 4-0 and was sent to Appropriations. AB 2129, which would improve Cal Fire compensation to aid recruitment and retention, also passed 4-0 to Appropriations with support from firefighters and no opposition. AB 1383, a broader PEPRA-related measure lowering retirement age and adjusting compensation caps for public safety workers, drew extensive support from firefighters and peace officers and strong opposition from cities, counties, and other local government groups over long-term pension costs; after debate over fiscal impacts, it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. The committee also considered AB 605 on refinery safe staffing during shutdowns, prompted by layoffs and reduced staffing at refineries such as Phillips 66 Wilmington. Supporters argued the bill would protect workers and nearby communities during refinery wind-downs, while petroleum and business groups said closures are not inevitable and opposed the bill’s premise. The bill passed 3-0 to Environmental Quality. AB 1859 would let joint labor-management committees access public works sites to help detect wage theft and safety violations; construction labor supporters backed it as an enforcement tool, while laborers, local governments, and builders raised concerns about duplication, property access, and project disruption. It passed 2-0 to Judiciary, on call. The committee then heard AB 2321, a pilot program allowing county district attorneys in Alameda and Santa Clara to investigate workplace deaths, which supporters said would address Cal/OSHA’s backlog and weak enforcement; employers and safety practitioners opposed it, citing expertise, due process, and overlapping investigations. It passed 2-0 to Appropriations, on call. Finally, AB 2575 began testimony on healthcare AI guardrails, with the author and nurses arguing that AI should support, not replace, clinical judgment and that patient safety requires human oversight.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I currently serve as the first vice president of the Kakua Council, which is an elder advocacy organization
• </c> as the first vice president of the Kakua as the first vice president of the Kakua Council,<00:15
• And the response came from the vice president of the company.
• And the response came from<00:26:19.760><c> the</c><00:26:20.000><c> vice</c><00:26:20.320><c> president
• </c> from the vice president of the company. from the vice president of the company.

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard testimony on several measures. SB 1402, relating to vessels in state commercial harbors, drew opposition from Captain Andy Sailing Incorporated, and later the committee agreed to amend the bill to exempt tour boat operators before passing it. SB 1411, relating to Medicaid third-party liability, received strong support from the Department of Human Services, which asked that the effective date be restored to upon approval. SB 1438, relating to home care agencies, was supported by the Department of Health and one individual testifier, with the department arguing that unlicensed personnel performing skilled nursing services puts kupuna at risk. The committee later moved that bill forward with a clean date. SB 1449, relating to prior authorization of health care services, drew support from the Hawaii Medical Association and comments from the Hawaii Association of Health Plans and HMSA. Health plans asked that reporting requirements align with upcoming CMS regulations, and HMSA noted the work of the stakeholder process. The committee discussed the bill as consumer-focused and adopted amendments to add laboratory and diagnostic tests and to require the working group’s first report before the 2026 session and before each session thereafter. SB 1291, relating to certified public accountants, received support from the Board of Public Accountancy, the Hawaii Society of CPAs, Hong Consulting LLC, and Ron Heler, who said it was substantially the same as a previously passed House bill and would help increase the CPA pipeline in Hawaii. The committee also heard SB 752, relating to insurance, with opposition and comments from the Hawaii Insurance Council and Liberty Mutual, which requested amendments on non-payment of premiums, material misrepresentation, and limiting the bill to homeowners insurance. Greg Mskian testified in support but urged clearer notice and denial explanations for homeowners. SB 385, relating to condominiums, drew support from Hawaii Realtors and detailed comments from Ray Tenno and Greg Mskian about making governing documents available online or by email to owners and agents, with discussion of website costs and access. Finally, SB 140, relating to invasive species, received support from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and CAPS, while the Department of Agriculture offered comments and proposed streamlining language; supporters emphasized firewood treatment standards and the need to prevent invasive pests. After a brief recess, the committee took votes on several measures, adopting the chair’s recommendations on SB 1402, SB 1411, SB 1438, SB 1449, and SB 1291.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice Chair Bradley? Chair Harrell? Yes.
• Vice Chair Bradley. Chair Harrell. Yes.
• I know one of our former presidents, Dr.
• I've served as president of the UF National Alumni Association, president of the UF Law School Board
• Vice Chair Bradley? Chair Harrell? Yes.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The committee first heard CS/SB 1458 on apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. The bill sponsor said it would add consistency and transparency by requiring local education agencies and training providers to define their roles and funding shares in contracts, cap an LEA’s share at 10% when it serves only an administrative role, and require public meetings and published work papers for the district workforce education funding steering committee. Several industry and business groups appeared in support, and the bill was reported favorably without debate. The committee then took up CS/CS/SB 1726 on higher education, which was substantially revised by a delete-all amendment. The amended bill addressed presidential searches, trustee eligibility, interim presidents, polling by universities, mission reviews, and other governance issues. Members asked about the requirement that final presidential candidate groups include at least three applicants, the qualifications for interim presidents, trustee residency/alumni requirements, and limits on candidate polling. Senators Leek and Smith offered contrasting views, with Leek warning about candidate withdrawals and Smith supporting the bill as a way to depoliticize higher education governance. The bill, as amended, was reported favorably. The remainder of the meeting was devoted to confirmation hearings for university and college boards of trustees. Several appointees and reappointees from FAMU, UNF, Pensacola State College, UF, and UWF described their ties to their institutions and goals such as student success, workforce alignment, military support, research, and regional access. The UWF nominees drew the most scrutiny over their votes for former board chair Scott Yenor, whose public comments about women and other groups were criticized by senators and public commenters. Some nominees said they were unaware of the full scope of those remarks and would not have voted for him with that knowledge; others defended their votes as based on his education-reform views. Public testimony also raised concerns about UWF board members’ lack of higher-education experience and local ties. The committee confirmed the non-UWF nominees in a block vote and then began individual votes on the UWF nominees, with debate centered on Yenor-related concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> Representative</c> Hello, chair, vice chair, Representative Hello, chair, vice chair, Representative
• </c><00:22:30.000><c> the</c> Uh Michael Gouy Jr. uh vice chair of the Uh Michael Gouy Jr. uh vice chair
• Hi uh chair, vice chair, course.
• Vice Chair, I do.
• Vice Chair, I do.

Committee: House Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• Joe Pettibon, Vice President for Planning, Assessment, and Strategy to stand and testify on behalf of
• My name is Joseph Pettibon, I'm Vice President for Planning.
• Monica Williams comes to Texas Women's from UNT Dallas where she served as Vice President for Advancement
• Diane Chase, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.
• Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Houston and I hold a dual role.

Committee: House Higher Education