Transcript Highlights:

• We are here today with all responsibilities to guard and cherish their God-given gifts.
• Thank you to many of you who have sent a letter to the White House and to D.C. to demand the release
• They demand we remember our past and keep vigil over our present, lest the darkest chapters of human
• Its denial still exists, and it is our responsibility as elected officials to speak truth clearly and
• Its denial still exists and it is our responsibility as elected officials to speak truth clearly and

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, observed a moment of silence for Pope Francis, and later held a separate remembrance ceremony for the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Members and guests heard extensive remarks in support of HR 25, which was adopted by voice vote after 70 co-authors were added. Speakers from both parties and several caucuses emphasized historical truth, remembrance, and solidarity with Armenian Californians, and the chamber also observed a moment of silence for the genocide victims. On the floor, members also passed AB 789 on health insurance rate oversight, ACR 56 recognizing Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, AB 652 on San Diego County Air Pollution Control District alternates despite opposition from one member over regional balance concerns, AB 1414 protecting renters from mandatory internet provider subscriptions, AB 931 regulating litigation finance agreements, AB 890 easing residency rules for foster youth moving counties, AB 40 clarifying emergency reproductive health care coverage with urgency, AB 322 encouraging school-based health and mental health reimbursement programs, and AB 639 narrowing the definition of dams for certain weir operators. Most measures passed by wide margins, including several unanimous votes. The consent calendar, including AB 1149, AB 484, AB 859, AB 1105, and AB 1384, was adopted without objection. The Assembly also handled procedural motions, committee notices, and bill re-referrals earlier in the day. The house then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Thursday, April 24 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• When supply goes down, demand goes up, what happens to price? It goes up.
• Who's responsible for what kind of... How do we go about that?
• Then here's the list of responsibilities.
• One is on the responsibilities.
• In responsibility.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and aligns MDVA and responsibilities and aligns MDVA with<00:14:33.480> comparable<00:14:34.079
• <00:41:55.400> to response to response to uh<00:41:56.840> the<00:41:56.960> passage
• That's their responsibility on the floor for the districts that they represent. I'm hopeful.
• <00:57:46.320> for Um and unfortunately, the demand for Um and unfortunately, the demand for
• c><00:58:12.280> than >> We have more responsibility now than >> We have more responsibility

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These requirements align with the gradual release of responsibility model.
• I do check their website regularly, but it is the responsibility of the LEAs to seek to apply.
• Our teachers already have other responsibilities.
• Thanks, I actually won't ask for a response, Mr. Chairman.
• Curriculum, not just the delivery, but thank you for your response.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're currently flying in the Central Command area of responsibility.
• And we have, as I said before, duty and responsibility to interdict the flow of weapons and interdict
• And critical, as you talked about, in the response to the fires for our community safety as well.
• for you know, there's going to be a greater demand for those services.
• California has recognized that we have a responsibility to veterans too.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veteran Affairs held an informational hearing focused on the effects of federal budget cuts and policy changes on veterans, military readiness, and California’s veteran support systems. The chair and members emphasized that federal reductions to the VA, Medicaid/Medi-Cal, SNAP, and the federal workforce are disproportionately harming veterans by threatening health care, employment, housing, crisis lines, and suicide prevention services. The chair also highlighted California’s progress on veteran homelessness and the importance of preserving state programs that leverage federal dollars. Major General Matthew Beavers of the California Military Department described the department’s structure, its response to the Los Angeles fire emergency, and concerns that federal cuts could reduce readiness through less training, older equipment, and fewer resources. He also discussed state programs such as Work for Warriors, STARBASE, youth and community schools, and the counterdrug task force, saying they are valuable but vulnerable if funding is redirected away from readiness. Members asked about the impact of federal changes on the Guard and how the Legislature could help, and Beavers said the state should advocate for recapitalized equipment and continued support for key programs. A second panel focused on veterans’ benefits and claims support. CalVet, Los Angeles County, and Swords to Plowshares testified that county veteran service officers, legal aid, and community-based partnerships are essential to helping veterans access VA benefits, especially after the PACT Act expanded eligibility and increased claims volume. Witnesses said these services bring substantial federal dollars back to California, but county offices and legal providers are underfunded and overburdened. Members discussed data sharing, staffing shortages, and the need for more resources to reach veterans who are not connected to VA care. In the final panel on mental health and suicide prevention, CalVet and nonprofit providers described state-funded programs such as the Veterans Support Self-Reliance program and the California Veterans Health Initiative, which place services in permanent supportive housing and provide no-cost counseling statewide. Witnesses said these programs are showing measurable improvements in health, medication adherence, and emergency room use, but they depend on sustained funding and are vulnerable to step-down grants and federal instability. Committee members expressed support for the programs and raised questions about access, staffing, and the role of non-veteran family members in Vet Center services.

Transcript Highlights:

• The best response during these times of crisis is to retain the most experienced public safety personnel
• The personnel are ideally suited to direct response when they are needed the most.
• This job is physically and mentally demanding in the extreme.
• This job is physically and mentally demanding in the extreme, and asking us to work until 57 is pushing

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In response, we'll reserve the right to close. Thank you, ma'am, we'll reserve your right to close.
• Senate Bill 2431 by Senator Campbell is going to address the demand for foreign languages. ...is at an
• In fact, research suggests that demand for foreign language skills in the healthcare and social services
• of its Governing Board, alter or eliminate certain programs under its purview, and revise its responsibilities

Bills: SB800, SB1534, SB2055, SB2310, SB2431, SB2786, SB3039, SB1242

Keywords: sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, higher education, student safety, orientation policies, health physics, workforce development, nuclear energy, radiological safety, scholarship, education, Texas Leadership Scholars Program, student funding, transparency, degree requirements, certificate programs, student transfer, foreign language

Transcript Highlights:

• stating that if these companies advertise their products in the Lone Star State, they must assume responsibility
• One of the most basic principles we have in Texas is our responsibility as legislators to protect the
• I'm calling on you to reach out to Chairman King and demand that we do the right thing to protect our
• We need you to reach out to him and demand that we protect our ladies.

Keywords: immigration, children's rights, E-Verify, social transitioning, election integrity, Texas GOP, legislative session, urgent legislation

Summary: The committee meeting was characterized by fervent discussions surrounding critical legislation, particularly regarding immigration, children's rights, and election integrity. Key bills such as HB2258, aiming to ban social transitioning for children, and E-Verify legislation were highlighted as urgent priorities. Several representatives expressed frustration over stalled bills and emphasized the necessity of decisive action to fulfill their commitments made during their campaigns. The urgency was marked by the approaching deadline for bill passage, with only days remaining in the legislative session. Members urged House leadership to prioritize these bills, warning that failure to act would undermine public trust in their capacity to fulfill the Republicans' campaign promises.

Transcript Highlights:

• if these companies advertise their products in this, in the Lone Star State, they must assume responsibility
• Look, one of the most basic principles that we have in Texas is our responsibility as legislators to
• We are calling on you to reach out to Chairman King and demand that we do the right thing to protect
• We need you to reach out to him and demand that we protect our ladies.

Transcript Highlights:

• Challenge: the growth in autism services has been growing across the state, creating increased demand
• This proposal establishing provisional rule allows DHS to provide a faster response protecting children
• <00:14:21.320> for state creating increased demand for state creating increased demand for
• protecting Children and faster response protecting Children and Families<00:15:03.000> provisional
• Market need and demand studies when schools<00:24:16.400> move<00:24:16.720> or<00:24:

Bills: HF1470, HF1310, HF1837

Keywords: opioids, substance use, addiction recovery, mental health, state cabinet, HF1310, Office of Cannabis Management, cannabis, marijuana, tribal consultation, government-to-government relationship, Minnesota tribes, Tribal governments, state government, consultation, rulemaking, Indian affairs, cannabis regulation, tribal sovereignty, state-tribal relations

Transcript Highlights:

• The other reality is that market dynamics are at play, which is that there is a substantial demand in
• in Minnesota and seeing that demand in Minnesota and starting<00:14:32.079> to<00:14:32.240><
• <00:28:19.440> service and ensure the responsible service and ensure the responsible service
• Recognizing the responsible years.
• Recognizing the responsible alcohol<00:28:34.559> services<00:28:35.279> enhances<00:28

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Doing it in a manner responsive to the state's needs is the trick to that end.
• And it was something that good government demanded at the time.
• And then, Senator, I'll let you, if you want to do any response, and then that will be it.
• Madam Chair, you don't necessarily have to give a response, but I would urge you to think about that
• There's a huge demand on water rights being transferred out of the Middle Rio Grande.

Summary: The committee’s final day focused first on a historical overview of New Mexico tax packages by Pam Stokes of Legislative Council Services. She described how tax packages have alternated over the decades between tax relief, revenue raising, and tax reform, with examples ranging from the creation of the gross receipts tax in 1966 to major packages in 1981, 1986, 1991, 1994, 2005, 2019, 2022, 2024, and the vetoed 2025 package. Members discussed how tax policy often tracks revenue conditions, how packages can combine increases and decreases, and how local government gross receipts taxes and hold-harmless distributions have affected communities differently. Several members reflected on past packages, especially the 2004 food tax repeal and the 2013 film tax and manufacturing changes, and noted that tax policy can have major economic and political effects even when it is not “sexy” legislation. The committee then heard a proposal to expand the health care practitioner gross receipts tax deduction to include co-insurance, and to extend the sunset date. Sponsor Senator Figueroa said the bill was intended to help recruit and retain medical providers and build on prior deductions for co-pays and deductibles. Testimony explained that co-insurance is the patient’s share after the deductible, that providers currently absorb the gross receipts tax on those payments, and that the proposal would cost about $30 million to the state plus about $20 million to municipalities and counties, with the exact fiscal impact likely to be updated. Members raised concerns about the effect on local governments, whether insurers could be required to reimburse providers, whether the bill would actually attract doctors, and whether better evaluation measures and sunsets should be added. The sponsor said the bill was part of a broader set of efforts to address provider shortages and that the discussion would continue. Representative McQueen then presented a bill to update the Land Conservation Incentives Act. He and conservation partners said the program has protected more than 500,000 acres but has not kept pace with rising land values, especially for irrigated agricultural land in the Middle Rio Grande. The proposal would increase the percentage of conservation value eligible for the credit, raise the per-transaction cap from $250,000 to $2 million, and make the credit refundable rather than only transferable. Testimony emphasized that the program is voluntary, keeps land in private ownership and production, and helps land-rich, cash-poor landowners preserve farmland and water rights. Members asked about average credit amounts, how easements work, whether landowners could effectively buy land and then use the credit, and whether there should be inflation indexing or a statewide cap. The discussion also touched on water rights, fencing, and the role of conservation easements in protecting agricultural land and compact water deliveries. Finally, Senator Sharer previewed his 2% tax proposal with a historical presentation on New Mexico tax law, using props to illustrate the evolution from early territorial tax codes to the modern tax system. He argued that the state’s current tax structure is overly complex and that recent federal changes have disrupted the personal income tax base. The committee did not take any votes on the day’s presentations; the meeting was primarily informational, with members offering feedback and raising policy concerns for future sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Aaron filed this bill in response to requests by your county manager, Mr.
• <00:37:21.599> um<00:37:22.079> uh efficient and more responsive um uh efficient and
• So there's a lot of space that just sits there unutilized because there isn't a demand, where the demand
• <01:01:42.559> where<01:01:42.880> the<01:01:43.119> demand<01:01:43.359> for
• <01:01:43.599> housing<01:01:43.920> is demand where the demand for housing is demand

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The response was that it can be the case, and that Mr.
• <01:35:06.280> I placing um different responsibilities I placing um different responsibilities
• <01:46:16.159> of<01:46:16.320> the it's the responsibility of the it's the responsibility
• issues and depending upon the responses issues and depending upon the responses that<05:10:28.558
• The response was yes.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But I guess what's the demand out there? Or if you can answer that.
• So just so the committee, I think there's a lot of demand there.
• demand pull is...
• Which is what the human customers are demanding.
• But it doesn't even come close to the demand, though. No, Mr.

Summary: The committee received a compliance and budget update on Industrial Commission agencies and programs, including the Industrial Commission administrative office, the Oil and Gas Research Program, the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, the State Energy Research Center, the Research Technology Park grant program, and related funds. Staff reviewed spending and balances for items such as electric grid resiliency grants, lignite research, enhanced oil recovery, the salt cavern business case study, and the new NDSU research and technology park grant. Members also discussed timing, carryover balances, matching requirements, and how some programs are structured to reimburse projects over several years rather than spend funds immediately. Karen Tyler of the Industrial Commission described the agency’s administrative budget, the grant management system nearing completion, and the transition to standalone audits and staffing after separating from other agencies. She also outlined the status of active grant rounds across lignite, oil and gas, renewable energy, outdoor heritage, and clean sustainable energy programs. Members asked about the length of active grants, demand for clean energy funding, and the possibility of future grant rounds. Tyler and members also discussed the salt cavern study, the need to better define its commercial value, and the research technology park grant’s cash-match requirement. Ron Ness then testified on enhanced oil recovery and broader oil and gas market conditions. He said North Dakota production remained steady, but future growth depends on infrastructure, longer laterals, and better use of natural gas and carbon dioxide for EOR. He described the state’s EOR grant round, the use of federal DOE funding to replace part of a state-funded project, and the expectation of additional grant rounds. Members asked about CO2 supply, storage, and the economics of using legacy fields and pipelines to extend oil production and support agriculture and industrial uses. The committee also heard from Bank of North Dakota President Don Morgan, who reviewed the bank’s mission, governance, lending verticals, disaster programs, and new initiatives. He said the bank is seeing deposit growth flatten and is responding to fintech competition by focusing on liquidity, risk management, and a new payment infrastructure initiative called Rough Rider Coin, which he emphasized is not crypto and not a public coin, but a banking payment rail for North Dakota institutions. Members asked about student loan rates, disaster lending, and how the bank’s lines of credit and balance sheet capacity are affected by deposit trends. Morgan said the bank remains profitable and continues to support agriculture, commerce, and industry through participation loans, student lending, and state-directed programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• safety, the problem of public safety, the problem of mental health, uh, but has instead been trying to demand
• instead<00:02:42.959> been<00:02:43.200> trying<00:02:43.440> to<00:02:43.680> demand
• <00:02:44.160> something instead been trying to demand something instead been trying to demand
• of the other legislators, all of the other districts, and just skip straight to the end based on demands
• legislative committee is unable to agree to final details, legislative leaders and the governor will be responsible

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• um the insurance division is responsible um the insurance division is responsible for<00:42:42.680
• <01:19:13.400> evaluate at this stage to responsibly evaluate at this stage to responsibly
• <01:20:58.440> to<01:20:58.640> selective responsibility to selective responsibility to
• <02:33:07.920> and<02:33:08.040> my responsibility to set Ray and my responsibility
• > Hawaii<02:45:52.040> Pacific responsibility sits at Hawaii Pacific responsibility sits

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's also important to note that owner-builders are still legally responsible for code compliance and
• lot of local residents that have the skills, the financial incentive, and the personal stake to responsibly
• <00:09:16.400> manage<00:09:16.760> their<00:09:16.920> own stake to responsibly
• manage their own stake to responsibly manage their own projects. projects. projects.
• <00:22:22.520> in are essentially subsidizing demand in are essentially subsidizing demand

Bills: HB1743, HB2122, HB1756, HB1837, HB1729, HB2559

Keywords: owner-builder, exemption, housing crisis, contractor, leasing restrictions, affordable housing, construction, regulations, teacher housing, housing vouchers, teacher retention, Hawaii Department of Education, hard-to-staff schools, housing, first-time home buyers, savings account, tax deductions, homeownership, savings accounts, tax deduction

Summary: The House Housing Committee heard testimony on several housing-related bills. HB 1743 would expand the owner-builder exemption by repealing a leasing restriction and requiring notice when a leased residential structure was built by an unlicensed contractor. Subcontractors Association of Hawaii and the Contractors Licensing Board opposed the bill, warning it could encourage unlicensed contracting and weaken consumer protections, while Hawaii Realtors, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, BIA Hawaii, and others supported it as a way to increase housing flexibility. After questions about whether licensed electrical and plumbing work would still be required, the committee voted to pass HB 1743 with amendments and a defective date. The committee also heard and advanced HB 2122 HD1 on teacher housing, which would create a teacher housing assistance program using vouchers from the teachers housing revolving fund. Testimony included support from the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Housing Hawaii’s Future, the Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus, and individuals, with the Office of Collective Bargaining in opposition and the Department of Education offering comments. The bill was voted out as is. The committee then considered HB 1756 and HB 1837, both updating the individual housing account program to reflect current housing prices; supporters including Housing Hawaii’s Future and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs said the limits were outdated and needed inflation adjustments, and HB 1756 was passed with amendments while HB 1837 was deferred as nearly identical. HB 1729 would disallow the state home mortgage interest deduction for second homes. Hawaii Realtors opposed it, while Housing Hawaii’s Future supported it as a way to prioritize first-time homebuyers and reduce competition from second-home buyers. The chair noted a possible revenue savings estimate and the committee passed the bill with amendments, with several reservations. Finally, HB 2559 would prohibit real estate brokers from marketing residential property to limited exclusive groups of buyers, which the Office of Consumer Protection said needed an enforcement clarification and the Realtors said could affect some legitimate private-listing situations. The chair proposed replacing the outright ban with a disclosure requirement for private listings, and the committee passed HB 2559 with amendments. The hearing then adjourned after the chair thanked members, staff, and the public.

Transcript Highlights:

• do exist to meet the demand in future years.
• So this the demand in future years.
• If there's no response, we All right.
• 09:53.359> also Um that supervision responsibility also Um that supervision responsibility also
• And this budget is just a response to the fiscal deficit in front of us.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• adopts the NIC definition of inland marine insurance, and it cleans up licensing and addresses responsibility
• And it cleans up licensing and addresses responsibility requirements for the agents, adjusters, and others
• would like to ban all livestock operations, and we hope this bill helps to find those who should be responsible
• In 1964, Powers led a march of 10,000 people to the Capitol building in Frankfurt, demanding a state
• Capitol building in Frankfurt, demanding Capitol building in Frankfurt, demanding a<00:22:48.400>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened with 92 members present, approved the prior day’s journal, and received Senate messages announcing passage of Senate Bills 104 and 152 and Senate Joint Resolution 74. The chamber then moved through second reading of several bills, including measures on pension spiking, real property, organ donation safety, probationary retirement benefits, elections, and retired emergency personnel. Later, the Committee on Committees and Rules reported new referrals and posted bills for Monday’s regular orders, and the House also introduced several floor amendments. Two bills were taken up and passed. House Bill 527, relating to insurance regulatory requirements, was amended by House Committee Substitute 1. The substitute removed language repealing the workers’ compensation deductible range, revised the strengthened Kentucky Homes program to provide one-time grants of up to $15,000 to approved contractors for certification costs, and added an emergency clause for that grant provision. Supporters described the bill as a broad technical modernization of insurance law, including updates to licensing and responsibility requirements; it passed 92-0. House Bill 111, relating to on-farm animal health, was also amended by House Committee Substitute 1 after the sponsor said the bill had been negotiated with agriculture and animal-industry groups. The substitute clarified that farmers may seek guidance from professionals, exempted equine operations, and preserved state and federal authority in disease or abuse cases; the bill passed 94-0. During motions, petitions, communications, and announcements, members recognized Black History Month with a tribute to Georgia Davis Powers, highlighting her civil rights leadership and legislative achievements. The House also heard announcements about an upcoming Kentucky Nuclear Energy Authority/NITA board meeting and a Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board meeting. House Bill 495 was withdrawn by its sponsor, and House Bill 1 was briefly read and returned to committee as part of procedural handling. The House adjourned until 4:00 p.m. Monday, February 23, 2026.