Transcript Highlights:

• I represent District 33, and I am proud to be here on Ways and Means representing the Space Coast of
• I represent District 33, and I am proud to be here on ways and means representing the space coast of
• So members, just for those of you who are unfamiliar with the process, the first bill authorizes a constitutional
• Local business taxes are one of four constitutionally authorized revenue sources for local government

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on March 13, 2025, for its first meeting of the session, with member and staff introductions followed by consideration of several tax-related bills. The committee first heard HJR 163 and its implementing bill HB 165, which would extend the homestead property tax exemption for quadriplegics to surviving spouses, similar to the treatment for surviving spouses of certain disabled veterans. Sponsor Rep. Tant and constituent J.R. Harding described the financial and caregiving burdens faced by spouses of quadriplegics. The committee heard supportive testimony from the Florida Association of Property Appraisers and members voted both measures favorably without opposition. The committee then considered HB 785 on heated tobacco products. Rep. Tramont said the bill would create a new tax/regulatory category for the product, and an amendment clarifying the definition was adopted. The James Madison Institute offered a resource on the issue, the Florida Retail Federation waived in support, and Ranking Member Eskamani said she had concerns about the excise tax treatment and would vote no. The bill passed 16-1. Next, HB 321, a property tax exemption clarification for homes for the aged, was presented by Rep. Smith as a technical “glitch bill” to align state law with IRS tax code and ease development of low-income senior housing. It drew supportive testimony and passed unanimously. The final bill, HB 503 by Rep. Botana, would cap local government revenue from local business taxes and require refunds if collections exceed the cap, with carve-outs for fiscally constrained areas. Local government and economic development groups, including the Florida League of Cities, the City of Winter Haven, the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, and the Florida Association of Counties, opposed the bill, arguing it would limit funding for public safety, inspections, economic development, and other services and create administrative refund problems. Several members supported the bill as a tax-cutting measure, while others warned of impacts on local services and revenue flexibility. The committee reported HB 503 favorably on a 14-5 vote, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would also authorize $5 million in bonds to make up for some of the lost revenue there over the past
• If approved, they would receive a fully trained, authorized, registered school resource officer whose
• Speaker, the bill authorizes uh $5 >> Mr.
• </c> given a similar authorization given a similar authorization uh<01:34:11.600><c> in</c><01:34:12.240
• </c> understand, maybe some of my coast understand, maybe some of my coast friends, friends, friends,

Keywords: MS House Floor - 25 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The authors of this bill, myself and the prime sponsors and co-sponsors of this bill, don't feel that
• </c><01:33:28.639><c> the</c> Hampshire um over late area Coast the Hampshire um over late area Coast
• And as has been pointed out by the Department of Energy, that's somewhat of a pre-authorization.
• First, we are repealing something that gave a state authority when they never had the authority because
• when they never had uh a state Authority when they never had the<05:09:36.878><c> authority</c><05:09

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They are the ultimate enforcement authority for weed control.
• They are the ultimate enforcement authority for weed control.
• They are the ultimate enforcement authority for weed control.
• They are the ultimate enforcement authority for weed control.
• east and west concentrated on the coasts east and west coast<01:32:10.119><c> Minnesota</c><01:32:10.920

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Since the legislature passed the authorizing legislation in 2021 and the governor signed it into law.
• have lived and worked in the central San Joaquin, the southern border, Orange County, the Central Coast
• I'm representing Goodwill Central Coast, a CU RISE grantee in the areas of Santa Cruz, Monterey, and
• The governor's proposed budget includes one IT specialist one and an increase in expenditure authority
• And yes, they're looking at $120, but the authority you would be providing them if you adopted it. it

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a reminder, primary witnesses in support are those designated by the author.
• Assembly Member Addis, I'd love to be added as a co-author.
• If you're taking co-authors, I'd love to be a co-author. I think it's a great bill.
• As a co-author, if you're taking co-authors, I'd love to be a co-author. I think it's a great bill.
• And we will gladly add any co-authors as this bill moves forward.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Mississippi National Guard.
• National the National Guard, Mississippi National Guard.<00:10:58.959><c> That's</c><00:10:59.200><c>
• That's an explanation of the Guard.
• By unanimous consent, I would like to be added as co-author to Senate Bill 2018. Okay.
• </c> phenomenal job National Guard does. phenomenal job National Guard does.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 12 January, 2026; 4:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When you retire from the Air National Guard or the Army National Guard, you can't draw your pension until
• We've got people who want to donate directly to the Oklahoma National Guard.
• On page 7, the Army National Guard is regulated by the feds.
• In the event that when it comes to the State Guard, which we...
• But it mirrors that for guard members who are on active duty assignment.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, participate in funerals and other things like that for the honor guard or anything like that?
• You get different... size of the honor guard.
• and the New Mexico Army National Guard also provide an honor guard. for our veterans.
• She's familiar with the New Mexico Finance Authority. They do have low-interest revolving.
• of New Mexico to assist them with the honor guard and color guard services.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:58:11.440><c> Um,</c> broad rulemaking authority. Um, broad rulemaking authority.
• The commission shall be authorized, and this is the important part.
• The other end of where we are with the taxes shall be authorized to withhold grant funds from a public
• The other end of where we are with the taxes shall be authorized to withhold grant funds from a public
• </c><02:29:36.479><c> to</c> particular statute gives us authority to particular statute gives us authority

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• other than the senator right there, and I think I might have one other one, uh, because they on the coast
• other than the senator right there, and I think I might have one other one, uh, because they on the coast
• other than the senator right there, and I think I might have one other one, uh, because they on the coast
• cuz</c><00:15:35.440><c> they</c><00:15:35.600><c> on</c><00:15:35.760><c> the</c><00:15:35.920><c> coast
• </c> one other one. uh cuz they on the coast one other one. uh cuz they on the coast and<00:15:36.480

Bills: SB294, HB296, HB300, SB269

Keywords: public officers, bonding, risk management, notification, delinquency, consumer protection, rental home, marketplace guarantees, insurance, commissioner of insurance, healthcare, breast cancer screening, insurance coverage, deductible, copayment, emergency medical services, ambulance reimbursement, health care insurers, balance billing, provider networks

Transcript Highlights:

• So this first agenda item is for the regulatory fee authority trailer bill.
• One, we needed to wait for federal authorization action to take place.
• So if the Legislature authorizes additional resources...
• CARB has not yet sought authorization from the U.S.
• We'd like to oppose the CARB fee regulatory authority trailer bill.

Summary: The committee hearing focused heavily on CARB’s broad trailer bill request for regulatory fee authority. Finance and CARB argued the proposal would let CARB develop fees to recover reasonable costs for implementing and enforcing regulations, while the LAO recommended rejection because the authority was too broad, could apply to an entire division of code, and would delegate core legislative taxing/fee-setting power without enough guardrails. Members from both parties raised concerns about the breadth of the authority, accountability, affordability impacts, and whether the Legislature would be put in an up-or-down position after CARB had already developed regulations. CARB responded that fees would still go through a budget change proposal and legislative approval before collection, and cited existing examples such as transport refrigeration units and commercial harborcraft fees. The committee then reviewed CARB’s request for permanent resources to implement SB 905 on carbon capture, utilization, storage, and carbon dioxide removal. CARB said the Legislature had previously authorized limited-term positions and funding, but it had struggled to recruit and retain staff with specialized regulatory and technical expertise, and that the work had included pre-rulemaking contracts, technology review, and permit-related preparation. Members questioned the pace of work, the use of limited-term positions, and whether additional permitting authority would be needed. CARB said it hoped to begin rulemaking later in the year if permanent resources were approved. Members also discussed the cap-and-trade spending plan, noting lower-than-expected auction revenues but higher interest earnings, and the need to monitor the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and possible May Revision changes. The committee then heard overviews of the zero-emission vehicle package, the Community Air Protection Program, demand-side grid support, and e-bike incentives. CARB described ongoing investments in community-based transportation equity, drayage trucks, harbor craft, and other clean technology demonstrations, while members pressed on affordability, program duplication, and whether enough funding was being directed to incentive programs. No formal votes were taken during the portion provided, and the chair repeatedly indicated that the hearing was intended to surface concerns for later budget negotiations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Francine Murray from the Hawaii Community Development Authority.
• our hoi Community Development Authority our executive<00:29:30.399><c> director</c><00:29:30.880><c>
• so that we have a casino turm Authority so that we have a casino kind<00:41:46.119><c> of</c><00:41:
• Is there any... ...tourism Authority, we could do like a sports gambling or tourism in that nature.
• rails we put in the regul that the guard rails we put in the regul that we<00:58:56.480><c> put</c><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Economic Development and Technology heard testimony on several measures, including HB 671 on Native Hawaiian data tabulation, HB 639 on AI chatbot disclosures and consumer protection, HB 1391 on a proposed Hawaii/Irish trade commission, HB 1361, HB 1384 on an AI advisory council, HB 1292, and HB 1308 on online sports wagering. Testimony on HB 671 focused on clarifying how Native Hawaiian categories should be defined for data purposes, with Eugene Tian noting Census data can tabulate Native Hawaiians alone but not those in combination with other races without special tabulation. HB 639 drew support from DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection, which said the bill should advance but may need amendments to align with existing consumer protection law and preserve OCP enforcement authority. HB 1384 received support from ETS, which said an AI advisory council would help establish governance and standards for state AI use. HB 1391 drew comments in support from DBEDT and one testifier who urged a broader U.S./Hawaii/EU framing rather than a bill focused on Ireland. HB 1361 was heard with no testimony in the excerpt, and HB 1292 received support from the Hawaii Community Development Authority and opposition from HGA, which warned the measure could open the door to privatizing or outsourcing government services. HB 1308 drew extensive testimony both for and against, with supporters arguing legalized online sports betting could generate revenue for education, housing, health care, child care, and problem gambling treatment, while opponents raised concerns about regulation, oversight, and the social impacts of gambling. Supporters included BetMGM, DraftKings, and the Iron Workers Stabilization Fund, while the Department of Taxation and Office of Information Practices also provided comments. The committee then moved into decision-making and adopted the chair’s recommendations to pass HB 671, HB 639, HB 1391, and HB 1384 with amendments, while HB 1361 and HB 1292 were deferred. For HB 1308, the chair outlined a substantial HD1 with changes including limiting the bill to internet-connected mobile or digital wagering platforms, shifting regulatory responsibility from DBED to DCCA, adding confidentiality language tied to UIPA, and using committee notes to reference other states’ tax percentages and agency testimony; members discussed the need for guardrails, and one member changed from a no vote to reservations, but the excerpt ends before the final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know on The Central Coast, our numbers are closer to 30%.
• The average authorized hours per month was 111.
• The average authorized hours per month was 111.
• Then that may go to the public authority.
• Called the Central Coast ADRC, which is a partnership between Access Central Coast and the AAA.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the impact of H.R. 1 on older Californians and related county administration issues. Chair Jackson and Chair Addis opened by emphasizing California’s rapidly aging population and the need to protect seniors’ access to food, health care, housing, and in-home support services. Testimony from the Department of Social Services, Department of Health Care Services, and Department of Aging described how H.R. 1 would expand work and reporting requirements in CalFresh and Medi-Cal, increase redeterminations, and create new eligibility barriers. Witnesses and advocates warned that these changes could lead to large coverage losses, especially for adults ages 55 to 64, people experiencing homelessness, caregivers, and some immigrant groups, while also increasing administrative burden on counties. The LAO noted that many provisions do not directly apply to Californians 65 and older, but highlighted indirect effects and some direct impacts, including a new home equity limit for certain long-term care recipients and narrower immigration eligibility rules. Committee members pressed the administration and counties on how exemptions would be identified and implemented, whether data systems could automatically protect eligible people, and how outreach would reach older adults, women, LGBTQ seniors, and people with limited digital access. DHCS and CDSS said they are working to use existing data, cross-program information sharing, and human-centered communications to maximize exemptions and reduce churn, including text outreach, print and radio campaigns, and navigator support. Members also raised concerns about the need for legal aid and county eligibility workers to help people navigate complex rules, and requested updated analyses on the number of people likely to lose both Medi-Cal and CalFresh and the broader human and system impacts. No votes were taken. The second major topic was the administration’s proposal to shift some future IHSS costs to counties by establishing a statewide baseline for average authorized hours per case. CDSS said the proposal is intended to improve consistency in assessments and not reduce services, while counties and labor groups strongly opposed it, arguing that rising hours reflect real increases in need, an aging and higher-acuity caseload, and state-mandated assessment tools rather than county error. County representatives said the proposal would strain already limited local revenues, worsen the effects of H.R. 1, and could force cuts to other safety-net services. Committee members questioned the proposal’s timing and impact, but the hearing ended without action, with the chairs asking for continued updates, additional analysis, and more information before May Revision.

Transcript Highlights:

• Waktil nanu linoh nan sidiica baaxoh addal lakqo Gulf Coast Tourism Commission fanah culsaanam faxximta
• Lakqo Gulf Coast Tourism Commission fanah culsaanam faxximta.

Keywords: Local and Private - Room 210, 26 March, 2026; 9:30 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The authority there is under the federal government's authority, although the facility—and I don't know
• They have to ask the GEO guards, a loved one, or our group, La Resistencia, to call for them.
• They have to ask the GEO guards or a loved one or our group, La Resistencia, to call for them.
• It has to be called by one of the guards or one of the people with ICE.
• they should send medical aid or an officer, and the guard said no.

Bills: HB1228, HB1239, HB2310, HB2464

Keywords: DUI, driving under the influence, impaired driving, toxicology, forensic toxicology, breath test, blood test, THC, marijuana, cannabis, alcohol concentration, state toxicologist, implied consent, evidence admissibility, venous blood draw, forensic phlebotomist, certified laboratory, accredited laboratory, law enforcement, DWI

Transcript Highlights:

• So we thank the author. Thank you so much. We thank the author. Thank you so much.
• It authorizes, for the author, and that is, it authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife to enter
• It authorizes, for the authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife to enter into an agreement with
• I really appreciate the author taking this on, and I would like to now invite the author to give me her
• , no matter who the author is.

Summary: The committee heard several water, wildlife, conservation, and local government bills. AB 362, by Assembly Member Ramos, would add tribal water uses as a statewide beneficial use and strengthen tribal consultation in water planning; tribal representatives and conservation groups supported it as a long-overdue correction, while water agencies, business groups, and agricultural interests raised concerns about CEQA, regulatory uncertainty, and impacts on existing water planning. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, with some members noting ongoing stakeholder discussions and one abstention. AB 1089, by Assembly Member Carrillo, would expand local permitting authority under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act to include commercial and industrial projects. The author and the City of Adelanto argued it would speed housing and economic development in the high desert while preserving the overall conservation framework, but environmental groups opposed it as premature and potentially weakening protections for Joshua trees. The committee approved the bill on a due pass motion to Appropriations. AB 1024, by Assembly Member Harabedian, would require a regional black bear mitigation plan for the San Gabriel Valley and related areas; Sierra Madre officials described rising bear intrusions and the need for state help, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 846, by Assembly Member Connolly, would streamline permitting for local wildfire preparedness and vegetation management projects in local responsibility areas by creating a faster review process at Fish and Wildlife and improving mapping coordination with Cal Fire. Local government, fire service, and agricultural witnesses supported the bill as a common-sense wildfire prevention measure, and it passed to Natural Resources with no opposition. AB 263, by Assembly Member Rogers, would extend emergency minimum-flow regulations for the Scott and Shasta Rivers for five years or until permanent rules are adopted; supporters said it protects salmon recovery, tribal subsistence, and the fishing economy during a transition period, while opponents argued it bypasses normal regulatory process and harms farmers. The committee approved it on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations, with one abstention and two no votes. AB 1044, by Assembly Member Bains, would create a new Tulare County groundwater sustainability agency for undistricted lands after other local agencies split off; the bill passed to Local Government. AB 1426, by Assembly Member Arambula, began testimony on creating a Diablo Range Conservation Program to fund habitat protection and restoration across the range.

Transcript Highlights:

• card payments for the Capital Area Groundwater Conservation District, the Natural Resource Trust Authority
• Irby Trust with Gulf Coast Bank in New Orleans, which provides online access and better accessibility

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from the September 3, 2025 meeting and then considered a series of banking and account requests from state agencies. Most items involved opening new zero-balance or operating accounts, transferring existing accounts, or changing banks to improve payment processing, accessibility, or reduce fees. Agencies included the Department of Conservation and Energy, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Department of Health, Department of Justice, and Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Several Department of Health requests were approved, including new accounts for federal wire transfers, the state’s online interpreter registry, and Safe Drinking Water Program application fees. Members also approved a transfer of a resident funds fiduciary account from J.P. Morgan to Red River Bank because of policy changes affecting debit card use. The Department of Justice received approval to close a Regions Bank account and move to LaCap Federal Credit Union due to much lower monthly fees, and Public Safety and Corrections was approved to open an operating account for a new motor vehicle field office at Fort Polk. The committee also approved an escrow account for the Louisiana Evidence Control Unit under Public Safety Services to collect and settle seized evidentiary funds not pending forfeiture. After no further business, the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• card payments for the Capital Area Groundwater Conservation District, the Natural Resource Trust Authority
• Irby Trust with Gulf Coast Bank in New Orleans, which provides online access and better accessibility

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from the September 3, 2025 meeting and then considered a series of banking and account requests from state agencies. Most items involved opening new accounts or transferring existing accounts to different financial institutions to improve payment processing, accessibility, or reduce fees. These included requests from the Department of Conservation and Energy for a new ZBA account at J.P. Morgan Chase and acceptance of a transferred Hancock Whitney account; the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism for a new W.R. Irby Trust account at Gulf Coast Bank; and several Department of Health requests for new J.P. Morgan accounts to handle federal wire draws, interpreter registry deposits, and Safe Drinking Water Program credit card payments. Members asked questions on the Department of Health wire-transfer item, and staff explained that the new account was needed because federal same-day wire transfers could not be submitted in a combined Treasury/agency name format and had been rejected under the prior setup. The Department of Justice received approval to close a Regions Bank account and move to LaCap Federal Credit Union because of lower fees. The Department of Public Safety and Corrections was approved to open an operating account for a new motor vehicle field office at Fort Polk, and the Department of Health’s Central Louisiana Supports and Services Center was approved to move a resident funds fiduciary account from J.P. Morgan to Red River Bank due to policy changes affecting debit card use. The committee also approved an escrow account for the Louisiana Evidence Control Unit under Public Safety Services to collect and settle seized evidentiary funds not pending forfeiture, with monthly reconciliation by financial services. After completing the agenda, the committee took no further business and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are excited to get our author here today, Senator Cortese.
• We are excited to get our author here today, Senator Cortese, on SB 1375.
• Just want to thank the author for Judy E.
• We've offered to say that we will work with the author.
• Thank you if the author would like to close. Yeah.

Keywords: 987, senate, all