Transcript Highlights:

• The difference in color is the Attorney General's Office cost versus what we call special assistant attorneys
• Special assistant attorneys general are private attorneys that are hired, contracted to represent the
• But don't we have enough attorneys within our Attorney General office to cover most of these?
• Don't we have enough attorneys within our Attorney General Office to cover most of these?
• Bureau of Reclamation, three Columbia Basin irrigation districts, the counties, conservation districts

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a work session covering the state revenue outlook, caseload forecasts, wildfire costs, budget balance, tort liability, water supply, and pension policy. The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council reported modest near-term U.S. growth, no near-term Washington employment growth in 2026, continued personal income growth, and elevated inflation, with tariffs and federal policy cited as major risks. Revenue forecasts were slightly improved for the current biennium by about $105 million but down about $185 million for the next biennium. Members asked about income inequality and housing permits; staff said personal income is an aggregate measure and housing production remains below long-term needs. The Caseload Forecast Council then reported that most forecasts were unchanged or only slightly changed, but several programs increased, including Washington College Grant, Working Connections, aged/blind/disabled cash grants, nursing homes, home and community services, and developmental disabilities personal care. The largest policy-driven change was in Medicaid low-income adult caseloads, where federal H.R. 1 was projected to reduce coverage substantially through narrower eligibility, community engagement requirements, and shorter eligibility periods. The committee also heard a wildfire funding update and a 2025 fire season review. Staff explained that the state budgets $93 million annually for suppression and uses supplemental appropriations for costs above that level, with an estimated state supplemental need of about $139 million for the current year. Department of Natural Resources officials said 2025 fire activity remained below the 10-year average in acres burned, but fires were more complex and closer to communities, contributing to higher residence loss. They described expanded use of aircraft, firefighters from other states, corrections crews, and the Arcadia 20 hand crew, and said the state did not need National Guard ground support this year. A budget preview then showed that the near general fund outlook had worsened after vetoes, lapses, and forecast changes, and that maintenance-level costs alone would leave a projected negative balance by fiscal year 2027 and about $4.3 billion by fiscal year 2029, before any policy decisions. Jason Seams, the state risk manager, reported a sharp rise in tort claim costs, with indemnity expenses nearly doubling from fiscal year 2023 to 2025 and DCYF accounting for most of the increase. He said the state self-insurance liability account has run deficits for four straight biennia and is now facing nearly $600 million in deficits, driven largely by a surge in DCYF claims, especially juvenile rehabilitation and long-running sex abuse cases. Members asked about the role of old claims, comparisons with other states, excess insurance, and whether more Attorney General staff could reduce special assistant attorney general costs. The committee then shifted to water policy, hearing from tribal leaders, Ecology, and the Washington Water Trust. Tribal witnesses emphasized overappropriation, declining flows, climate impacts, and the need for legislative oversight and tribal participation in water policy. Ecology described major projects in the Odessa sub-area, Yakima Basin, and Dungeness, along with the need for storage, recharge, conservation, and policy changes to support water supply development. The Washington Water Trust argued that climate change is reducing summer flows and that the state needs more funding, enforcement, and long-term commitment to restore instream flows. The final item was a pension update on LEOFF 1 surplus assets; staff reviewed two 2025 bills that would have merged or restructured the plan and used surplus assets, but neither passed, and instead the budget directed the Select Committee on Pension Policy to study the issue and report back.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our Attorney General has credibly, Our Attorney General has credibly filed 34 lawsuits against your administration
• This is the quote from Attorney General Chris Mays.
• The Attorney General understands what I do.
• The Attorney General understands what I do.
• And I believe that our Attorney General does that.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• existing law that requires notice of certain health care marketplace transactions be given to the Attorney
• This bill establishes a statewide low-income energy assistance program to assist utilities without low-income
• energy assistance programs currently to be able to provide this help to individuals and families who
• Without low-income energy assistance programs currently to be able to provide this help to individuals
• This bill creates a dispute resolution process for special purpose districts and junior taxing districts

Summary: The Rules Committee considered a long series of House bills and substitute House bills, moving nearly all of them from the white sheet to the floor calendar. Topics included health care transaction notice requirements (HB 2548), waste-to-energy compliance and utility rates (HB 2416), language access for state programs (HB 2475), repeal and transition away from the Community Protection Program for developmental disabilities services (HB 1390), nursing regulation and ARNP standards (HB 2339), lump-sum payment increases for small monthly payments (HB 2124), roadway fatality risk data collection by the Traffic Safety Commission (HB 2192), statewide low-income energy assistance (HB 1903), local government tax resources and flexibility (HB 2442), permanent property tax exemption for multipurpose senior citizen centers (HB 2133), retirement benefit bargaining for Department of Corrections employees (HB 1069), collective bargaining rights for non-academic employees at Western Washington University (HB 1570), medically tailored meals in Medicaid (HB 2211), aviation funding for wildland fire response (HB 2104), port worker retirement and wage/benefit authority (HB 2179), overdose data sharing (HB 2168), real estate transaction exemptions for public-benefit acquisitions by public entities, tribes, and conservation groups (HB 2624), security measures for legislators and other elected officials (HB 2333), voter registration challenge procedures (HB 1916), limits on restraint and isolation in schools (HB 1795), jail search policies for transgender and intersex individuals (HB 1604), Attorney General investigators for wage theft and fraud (HB 2156), Transportation Improvement Board updates (HB 1823), tax treatment for land transferred to government entities (HB 2140), expanded shared leave uses for hate crime and immigration enforcement-related situations (HB 2411), collective bargaining protections if federal enforcement changes (HB 2471), labor standards for clean energy/urban area property tax exemption projects (HB 1210), employer notice and enforcement rights during I-9/immigration audits (HB 2105), tax increment financing dispute resolution for special purpose and junior taxing districts (HB 2451), AI-generated content disclosure and enforcement (HB 1170), tourism marketing assessment authority (HB 2325), defective license plate replacement fees (HB 2114), the Blue Envelope Program for neurodiverse drivers during traffic stops (HB 2323), and pre-clearance provisions under the Washington State Voting Rights Act (HB 1710). Most motions passed on voice votes with little or no opposition; one notable dissent came on HB 2105, where Senator King raised concerns about the bill’s private right of action. The committee also noted Senator Conway’s likely final Rules Committee meeting and thanked him for his service before adjourning with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• district attorney.
• Competency, as District Attorney Tharp mentioned.
• , and a district attorney who's just the district attorney.
• And a district attorney who's just the district attorney.
• I was an assistant attorney general in Louisiana.

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our districts border each other, so we're right close together. I do.
• So now in my district, all but one of my towns is under 1,000 people in my district.
• So now in my district, all but one of my towns is under 1,000 people.
• And what I was told was that the attorney portion of what the state gives attorneys to handle adoptions
• It basically addresses financial assistance to complete adoptions.

Summary: The House first established a quorum after a roll call and then moved through House Bills for Perfection, Informal. Members briefly recognized Doug Pitt and Crystal Simon of Care to Learn, with remarks highlighting the organization’s work providing clothing and other support to students in 60 communities and reaching about 130,000 students statewide. Several bills were then taken up and advanced. HB 2848, creating the offense of masked intimidation, was explained as targeting intentional harassment or threats while hiding one’s face; members discussed examples ranging from domestic intimidation to historical hooded groups, and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. HCS HB 1791, aimed at speeding building permits to help address housing costs and disaster recovery, drew debate over whether the 30- and 60-day permit deadlines would burden local governments; an amendment requiring code-enforcement staff to be certified in the adopted code was added, and the bill was adopted and perfected and printed as amended. HCS HB 2465, expanding small-business health coverage options by allowing one-person businesses to access group plans outside the ACA framework, was adopted and perfected and printed. HCS HB 2711, reducing the assessment rate on broadband infrastructure investment to encourage expansion, received amendments clarifying that the tax break is intended to promote broadband expansion; members debated whether upgrades within existing territories should qualify, and the bill was adopted and perfected and printed as amended. The chamber also advanced HCS HB 3080, restoring historic preservation tax credit language that had previously been struck down by the courts; supporters cited recovery and redevelopment projects in places such as Joplin, St. Charles, Independence, Odessa, and St. Louis, and the bill was adopted and perfected and printed. HB 1772, increasing state payments for adoption attorneys and separating guardian fees to help move children out of foster care more quickly, was described as a targeted effort to reduce legal barriers to adoption and was perfected and printed. HB 2096, raising state matching funds for regional planning commissions and updating the list of commissions, was also perfected. Finally, HCS HB 2913 and 3228, which would protect teachers and other school employees from liability when intervening to protect themselves or students in violent situations, was supported as a response to teacher concerns and was adopted and perfected and printed.

Transcript Highlights:

• We come from neighboring assembly districts, similar populations.
• You also claim some roots in my district of Moreno Valley. Stop trying to rep my district, please.
• I serve as a special assistant attorney general, serving as Attorney General Bonta's legal and policy
• Of those 818 crime events that were referred for prosecution, 506 cases were filed by district attorneys
• and elected city attorneys for prosecution.

Summary: The Select Committee on Hate, Racism, and Xenophobia met to examine the scope of hate activity in California and hear from state agencies, commissions, and community organizations. The chair opened by framing hate as a persistent crisis affecting many protected groups, and Assembly Member Gonzalez briefly joined the committee. The first panel included the California Department of Justice and the California Commission on the State of Hate, both of which presented recent data and policy recommendations. The Department of Justice reported that in 2024 California saw 2,023 reported hate crime events, 2,568 hate crime offenses, and 2,491 victims, with anti-Black bias remaining the most common category, followed by anti-Jewish and anti-Latino bias. DOJ also said referrals for prosecution increased, and it described its hate-crimes guidance, rapid response protocol, and multilingual resources. The Commission on the State of Hate said hate is undercounted in law enforcement data and cited a survey suggesting about 2.6 million Californians experienced at least one hate act in a year, including more than half a million potentially criminal incidents. It recommended permanent data infrastructure, mandatory law enforcement training, and continued funding for community-based prevention and victim support. The committee then heard testimony from representatives of the NAACP, LULAC, Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California, CHIRLA, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California, CARE, Equality California, and the Racial Equity Commission. Witnesses described systemic racism, anti-immigrant enforcement, antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Asian bias, and anti-LGBTQ+ hate, often linking these harms to political rhetoric, social media, and federal actions. They urged the Legislature to fund programs such as California vs. Hate, Stop the Hate, nonprofit security grants, language access, school and mental health supports, and legal assistance, while also protecting civil rights, due process, and free speech. No formal votes or committee actions were taken during the hearing, but members indicated they would request additional recommendations and continue the discussion in future hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, say district attorney. We have to use the whole term district attorney.
• Any questions for District Attorney Hackle?
• District Attorney Hackle Don't see any. District Attorney Hackle still<01:03:50.000><c> online.
• Any further questions for the district attorney?
• </c> questions for district attorney? questions for district attorney?

Bills: HB0008 , HB0009

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: stalking, minors, felony, protection orders, criminal penalties, grooming, sexual offenses, child protection, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Another good reason to visit our districts.
• My district, Assembly District 52, includes Northeast LA, East LA, and South Glendale, and has a robust
• As someone who proudly represents a purple district.
• Sincerely, Jesse Gabriel, Assemblymember of 46th District and Wiener, Senator 11th district.
• I know my district feels this every single day.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It includes public assistance, Home Energy Assistance Program, any other income-based programs, and includes
• The automated identification of OTDA assistance program participants includes public assistance, Home
• It takes that off of the social services districts.
• So this puts the onus back onto the social services districts.
• SERVICES DISTRICTS.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of utility and public service bills and resolutions. A resolution sponsored by Senator Scarcella-Spanton designating April 9, 2026, as Yellow Ribbon Day was adopted after remarks honoring veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The chamber then moved through several Public Service Law measures focused on utility affordability, consumer protections, and PSC procedures, with some bills laid aside and others advanced. Among the bills passed were measures by Senators Mayer, Cleare, Hinchey, Comrie, and Parker. Debate on the Mayer bill centered on limiting utility expenses and fees recoverable in rate cases; supporters said it was part of a broader package to reform PSC practices, while opponents argued it would not lower current bills and had been softened from earlier versions. The Webb bill creating a residential utility usage monitoring program drew extended debate over whether it would meaningfully reduce costs, who would pay for the program, and whether it could lead to government monitoring of household usage; supporters said it would give consumers more control and transparency, while critics said it would not lower rates. The Gonzalez bill, which would add consumer protections during PSC investigations and delay shutoffs in certain circumstances, also passed after questions about whether it applied to rate cases, with the sponsor saying rate cases were explicitly excluded. Several members explained their votes, with supporters emphasizing affordability, transparency, and consumer protection, and opponents arguing the package would not address immediate rate relief and could burden ratepayers or encourage nonpayment. Senator Tedisco and others criticized PSC appointments and state energy policy, while Democratic sponsors argued the bills were part of a longer-term effort to reform utility regulation and address climate and affordability concerns. The chamber restored multiple bills to the non-controversial calendar before final votes, and the recorded results showed passage of the major utility bills by substantial margins, along with one amendment appeal being ruled nongermane and rejected.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:33.440><c> I'd</c> committee legislative assistant. I'd committee legislative assistant.
• The attorneys uh the attorney fraud.
• general was asked for attorney general was asked for assistance<01:20:21.360><c> that</c><01:20:21.600
• County attorneys request assistance on a number of cases, including felony-level appeals, because many
• </c> from the attorney general's budget here. from the attorney general's budget here.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So thank you to everyone for your assistance in making this possible.
• Seasonal workers who are essential to our tourism economy in the Fourth Barnstable district often rely
• Seasonal workers who are essential to our tourism economy in the fourth barnstable district often rely
• Hannah Tanabe, I'm a senior attorney in the Workers' Rights Unit, also at GBLS.
• Hannah Tanabe, I'm a senior attorney in the Workers' Rights Unit, also at GBLS.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development

Summary: The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development held a hearing on House 5188, a late-filed bill to establish a special commission to study access to unemployment insurance in Massachusetts. Chairs and members noted the hearing was in hybrid format and limited to this one bill. Representatives Hadley Luddy and Joshua Tarski testified in support, saying they filed the bill after seeing many constituent cases involving delayed or difficult unemployment claims, especially for seasonal workers and others facing housing and financial instability. They argued a commission could review claim data, identify gaps, and recommend improvements to make the system more efficient, equitable, and transparent. Greater Boston Legal Services also testified in favor. Attorneys described representing many low-income workers whose claims were delayed for months after the launch of the new online DUA system, often leaving them in limbo while trying to pay bills. They cited examples where claimants were denied or delayed due to issues that could have been resolved more quickly, and said the new system has contributed to major backlogs. They reported that DUA’s non-monetary issue backlog more than doubled, separation issues tripled, and hearings appeals grew to more than 12,500 pending cases, with average appeal times far above required timelines. They said the commission could help identify root causes and systemic fixes, and suggested the bill might be improved by giving the commission more time to report. Committee members generally praised the bill’s intent and the filers’ collaboration. Several members shared their own experiences with constituent unemployment cases and emphasized that people should not have to contact legislators to get claims processed. Some asked whether the commission should include broader stakeholder representation, such as business groups, MassHire, staff, and people with direct claims experience, and whether its scope should be widened. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the chair concluded the meeting after testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So thank you to everyone for your assistance in making this possible.
• Seasonal workers who are essential to our tourism economy in the Fourth Barnstable District often rely
• Seasonal workers who are essential to our tourism economy in the fourth barnstable district often rely
• Hannah Tanabe, I'm a senior attorney in the Workers' Rights Unit, also at GBLS.
• Hannah Tanabe, I'm a senior attorney in the Workers' Rights Unit, also at GBLS.

Bills: H5188

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development

Keywords: unemployment insurance, labor, access, special commission, equity in claims, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's that support and that assistance as we need it.
• , North Central Judicial District, Northeast Judicial District, Northeast Central, as well as East Central
• Judicial District.
• The program was originally intended to assist rural counties and municipalities in recruiting attorneys
• They generally know the attorneys in their communities.

Summary: The Judiciary Interim Committee met to begin its study of charitable gaming and the ownership of alcoholic beverage establishments by licensed charitable gaming organizations, a study directed by Senate Bill 2334. Legislative Council gave an overview of the constitutional and statutory framework for charitable gaming, site authorizations, rent limits, proceeds, and recent legislative changes. The Attorney General’s Gaming Division then clarified the financial flow of gaming, explaining that in fiscal year 2025 North Dakota had about $2.5 billion in gross gaming proceeds, with roughly 88-90% paid back in prizes and about $256 million available to organizations after taxes; most of that activity came from electronic pull tabs. Members asked for more detail on winnings, replays, rent, and the breakdown of manufacturer/distributor revenues, and the AG’s office agreed to provide supplemental information. The committee also heard from the League of Cities and the Association of Counties about local site authorization. Cities said they have a limited role in approving gaming sites, can adopt policies after public hearing, may charge up to $100, and can set certain conditions, including local nexus requirements, but cannot require donations or force a specific charity or site. The League said it had worked with stakeholders on a model policy to provide more consistency, though members raised concerns that local requirements could become too restrictive for charities serving broader areas. Counties said the issue is mostly a city matter, with little county involvement beyond minimal site fees and general site approval. The North Dakota Gaming Alliance testified in support of the study and provided IRS-related material suggesting charities may use asset diversification, while emphasizing it had not taken a position on whether charities should own bars. Members questioned whether bar ownership is being used for site stability or to channel charitable gaming dollars, and whether city policies might disadvantage charities with broader missions. The committee also discussed the relationship between gaming organizations, manufacturers, and distributors, including restrictions on incentives and interference, and asked for more information on those entities and their ownership. Later in the meeting, the Racing Commission gave its regular update on live racing, pari-mutuel wagering, ADW providers, purse and promotion funds, a new TRPB contract, and concerns about cease-and-desist actions from other states. Finally, the State Hospital superintendent briefly reported on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s support services, including the SORT team, training, and security assistance for the hospital campus.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mike Moyle, District 10 [member_7966].
• Who can refer to the Attorney General.
• Mike Moyle, District 10 [member_7966]. This RS... bill.
• Mike Moyle District 10. This RS King. Mike Moyle, District 10 [member_7966]: Thank you, Mr.
• I'm District 31. Here to request an introduction for RS 33714.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee considered five RS introductions. The first, RS 337233 from Speaker Moyle, would create a mechanism for the Attorney General to enforce compliance with state law by public entities, taxing districts, and other bodies when laws or budget intent language are ignored. Representatives Church and Birch objected that the referral authority was too limited and potentially partisan, arguing it should be broader and more balanced; Moyle said he wanted to keep the process limited to avoid abuse. The committee voted to introduce the RS, with Birch and Church recorded as nays. The committee then introduced RS 33716, also from Moyle, which addresses future data centers and seeks to require non-consumptive water rights because of drought concerns and the water demands of data centers. Birch voiced support and the motion passed without recorded opposition. Next, RS 33728 from Representative Chris Bruce was introduced; Bruce said it was the third data center bill of the year and updates issues involving sales tax exemptions, water use, and electricity use. The motion to introduce it passed. Two memorial-related items from Representative Furness were also introduced. RS 33714 would urge federal action to move forward with permitting for a tungsten mine in Lemhi County, described as the only tungsten mine in the United States; Birch raised a drafting concern about referencing the federal Department of War rather than the Department of Defense, but no amendment was offered and the motion passed. RS 33726 would move the State Historical Preservation Office from the Idaho State Historical Society to the newly combined Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination to improve efficiency; that motion also passed. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• A striking example in my own district is the iconic...
• Christy Lee from Sacramento, student anesthesiologist assistant.
• I'm a Special Assistant Attorney General.
• On behalf of the Attorney General, we respectfully request your aye vote.
• District 10, Stephanie Wynn's district I am in strong support. Thank you.

Committee: House Business and Professions

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Joe Alfieri from District 4. Thank you, Chairman Ehardt.
• that district.
• the Attorney General's office.
• I may assist them.
• district that you serve, and many of those people...

Committee: House Local Government

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 626, which would require cities to collect county development impact fees for county facilities such as jails and courthouses rather than allowing cities to opt out. Representative Alfieri and county officials from Payette and Kootenai counties argued the bill was needed so growth would pay for county infrastructure and so one jurisdiction would not shift costs to others. The Idaho Association of Counties supported the bill, while the Association of Idaho Cities opposed it, saying cities are separate entities and should not be compelled to administer county fees. A virtual attorney for several cities argued the bill likely conflicts with the Idaho Constitution because county ordinances cannot be enforced inside city limits and suggested the issue should be handled through intergovernmental agreements instead. Committee members questioned why counties could not collect the fees themselves, whether the bill contained an enforcement mechanism, and whether the measure was constitutional. Supporters said cities had refused to collect fees in specific counties, causing lost revenue for jail and ambulance projects. Opponents said cities may lack the staff or revenue to administer the program and that the bill would force one local government to carry out another’s ordinance. After debate, a motion to hold the bill in committee failed, and the committee voted to send House Bill 626 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 749, a separate annexation-related measure. Representative Ehart described it as a collaborative fix developed with the Association of Idaho Cities to address costly annexation impacts on property owners, including the Hammonds, who testified that annexation had created large potential costs and uncertainty for their home. The committee voted to send House Bill 749 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. Later, the committee took up House Bill 659, which would require local and county law enforcement agencies to apply for federal 287(g) agreements with ICE and to explain in writing if they cannot participate. Representative Hawkins said the bill was intended to increase cooperation with ICE and emphasized that it focused on jail-based enforcement and application for agreements, not street-level immigration policing. Sheriffs and other opponents argued the bill would impose costs, interfere with constitutional duties of elected sheriffs, and potentially require participation in future federal programs with unknown scope. Supporters said the public wanted stronger immigration enforcement and that federal reimbursement and training could offset costs. Testimony continued from both supporters and opponents, but no final committee action on HB 659 was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• District No.
• <00:37:43.040><c> No</c><00:37:43.520><c> Crum</c><00:37:44.000><c> assistant</c> District No Crum assistant
• District No Crum assistant superintendent<00:37:45.240><c> Career</c><00:37:45.480><c> and</c><00:37
• I am an attorney.
• I am an attorney.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 669, sponsored by Representative Smith, which was presented as a response to a September shooting incident in his district that led to school closures and missed instructional days. Smith said the bill was intended to help school districts recover lost days caused by extraordinary emergencies and not to set a broad precedent. Members asked whether districts had adjusted calendars to make up time, and Smith said many had already extended days or moved calendars into June. The committee then voted to pass House Bill 669, with all members present voting yes. The committee next heard House Bill 621, as amended by a committee substitute that removed a homeschooling-related section and left only the school-threat provisions. The bill would allow courts to impose a fine on parents when a child is adjudicated for terroristic threatening if law enforcement incurred excessive costs, and it would require a mental health assessment for the child. Representative Duvall and Officer Steve Chappelle supported the measure, arguing that online school threats spread fear, disrupt attendance, pull law-enforcement resources from other schools, and should create more parental accountability. Representative Riley also supported the accountability goal, citing lost instructional time and a recent student suicide tied to online issues. Several members raised concerns about the bill’s scope and due process. Representative Josh Callaway questioned why this offense should be the starting point for parental fines and warned about a slippery slope in holding parents liable for children’s crimes. Representative Willner said the bill seemed more like a judiciary issue, questioned whether punishment can make parents better parents, and asked about diversion programs and the meaning of the detention language. Representative Tipton pointed to existing statutes on mental health assessments and terroristic threatening penalties, and said the committee substitute would alleviate many concerns. Scott West, speaking for Kentucky Policy and the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, argued that the mandatory detention language would remove judicial discretion and that the parental fine provision could conflict with existing due process protections requiring notice, a hearing, and a finding that lack of supervision was a substantial factor in the child’s delinquency. The transcript does not show a final vote on House Bill 621 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Michael Chaisson, First Bristol District, Foxborough, Mansfield, Norton.
• Good morning, Leigh Davis from the Third Berkshire District.
• I just mentioned I'm an immigration attorney.
• The same happens to nonprofit attorneys and private-sector attorneys when we need an interpreter, because
• In Attorney General v.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight heard testimony on several bills. Senator Mike Moore supported S. 2185, which would delay implementation of the heavy-duty omnibus/advanced clean truck requirements while requiring the Commonwealth to purchase or lease electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles starting in 2025; he argued the delay is needed because infrastructure, grid capacity, vehicle availability, and costs are not yet ready. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2156/H. 3318, which would require free menstrual products in public buildings, with advocates and students describing period poverty and the need to treat menstrual products like other basic restroom supplies. Senator John Keenan testified for S. 2158, a bill to let municipal light plants protect proprietary and competitively sensitive information from public disclosure while keeping board meetings and minutes open, saying it would help level the playing field against larger competitors. A major portion of the hearing focused on S. 2125/H. 3384, the language access and inclusion bill. Testimony from the AAPI Commission, Mass Speaks coalition members, Mass Appleseed, MLRI, ATASK, MAPC, the Boston Bar Association, Mass Advocates for Children, and others described barriers faced by limited-English-proficient residents in accessing MassHealth, DCF, courts, domestic violence services, schools, and other state services. Witnesses cited untranslated documents, inadequate interpretation, delays, and the burden placed on bilingual staff and children; several also pointed to recent federal moves toward English-only policy as making state action more urgent. Committee members asked questions about implementation, interpreter availability, and the role of technology and remote participation, and the chair noted the bill had been reported favorably in a prior session and intended to be again. The committee also heard testimony on time-zone legislation. Dr. Karin Johnson, representing sleep medicine interests, supported H. 3405 for permanent standard time and opposed S. 2157 for permanent daylight saving time, arguing that standard time better aligns with circadian rhythms and health, while permanent daylight saving time would worsen morning darkness and sleep disruption. Members questioned the strength of the scientific evidence and discussed school start times, geography, and whether Massachusetts should align with neighboring states. No votes were taken during the hearing, and testimony continued on additional bills as the session progressed.

Transcript Highlights:

• The district attorneys volunteer their time and have done a great job under tremendous stress.
• Is that county, and then included in school districts?
• We have other special districts. We have counties with health and hospital districts.
• Is that something DIR is assisting in or has a co-lead initiative in?
• , you said Attorney General?

Bills: SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

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

Summary: The committee began with Article I budget items for the Secretary of State. LBB staff outlined recommendations that would reduce the agency’s appropriation by about $40.3 million, including changes to HAVA funding, removal of one-time business system replacement money, and a rider directing the agency to use Fund 5095 first. Secretary Jane Nelson and staff then defended several exceptional items, especially additional staffing for elections and business filings, a new website, digitization of records, cybersecurity tools, and renovation of the James Earl Rudder Building. Members focused heavily on election administration, cross-checking voter rolls, Harris County complaints, call-center response times, and whether online voter registration should be expanded. No votes were taken; the discussion was informational and budget-focused. The committee then heard the Office of the Governor and trustee programs. LBB presented a recommended $2.4 million decrease for the governor’s office proper and a much larger decrease in trustee programs driven by one-time funding and unexpended balances, while still preserving major border security funding and victim assistance funding. Governor’s staff emphasized Texas’ economic growth, the importance of border security, and efforts to seek federal reimbursement for the roughly $11 billion Texas has spent on border operations. Members discussed whether shifting National Guard deployment to federal control could reduce state costs, and they also reviewed the music incubator program, the Governor’s University Research Initiative, and the semiconductor innovation consortium. Staff highlighted a $5 million late-added request for grants to protect nonprofits from violence and terrorism. Again, the exchange was largely explanatory, with no formal action. Finally, the committee took up the Texas Facilities Commission and lease payments for revenue bonds. LBB recommended major reductions overall, including removal of border wall construction funding and capital complex bond funding, but added money for higher utility costs, renovation of the Rudder Building, and additional facilities staff. George Purcell also noted stable maintenance-and-renewal funding and new riders related to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission building, tenant communications, and space utilization. For lease payments, LBB recommended a smaller appropriation tied to revenue-bond costs allocated across agencies. The discussion was informational, with members asking about the Rudder Building renovation, border wall progress, and capital complex construction timelines; no votes were recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, the Community Assistance Recovery and Empowerment Act, which you passed in 2022 and which
• For each person who receives assistance, whether it’s through a voluntary agreement or a court-ordered
• For each person who receives assistance, whether it's through a voluntary agreement or a court order
• And we've amended rules governing the exam and attorney admissions in order to strengthen and clarify
• the authority of the Committee of Bar Examiners and its role over attorney admissions.

Summary: The Legislature convened in joint convention for the 2026 State of the Judiciary, escorting Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and the Associate Justices to the rostrum and recognizing statewide constitutional officers in attendance. Legislative leaders welcomed the court and framed the address around the importance of judicial independence, equal justice, and the judiciary’s role in California’s democracy. Chief Justice Guerrero reported on several major judicial branch priorities. She emphasized rising threats to judges and court security, the need to extend authority for remote proceedings beyond its current sunset, and the ongoing implementation of the CARE Act in all 58 counties, including data on petitions, agreements, and plans. She also discussed trial court funding and persistent judgeship shortages, especially in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, where congested calendars have led to case dismissals and heavy use of temporary assigned judges. The Chief Justice also addressed the judiciary’s response to artificial intelligence, including guidance on generative AI, deepfakes, and evidence issues, as well as concerns about federal immigration enforcement at courthouses and its effect on access to justice. She reviewed corrective actions after the February 2025 bar exam problems, including scoring adjustments, a return to in-person testing, and rule changes for attorney admissions. She closed by noting judicial salary concerns, the 100th anniversary of the Judicial Council, and the need for continued collaboration with the Governor and Legislature. No votes were taken. The joint convention ordered the State of the Judiciary address printed in the Journal as a separate appendix and then adjourned, with an invitation extended to a reception with the Chief Justice later that evening.