Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, the commission will be advised by an advisory council made up of representatives from a
• Ryan Paiso with the Western Wood Preservers Institute, Treated Wood Council, and North American Wood
• Pole Council, opposed.
• So unfortunately, my lead witness, Nick Artson, who is a member of the Altadena Town Council, was not
• and North American Wood Pole Council opposed thank you Senator we want to thank you for your work I'm

Summary: The committee met to hear seven Senate bills, first approving two consent items, SB 352 and SB 804, on motions to do pass to Appropriations. SB 542 (Limón) would require public notice and comment before issuing a financial responsibility certificate for an oil pipeline and require hydrostatic testing before restarting pipelines idle for five years or more; it was supported by the Center for Biological Diversity and passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Appropriations. SB 616 (Rubio) would create an independent community hardening commission within the Department of Insurance to coordinate wildfire mitigation and insurance-related recommendations; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and several local and industry groups, while water agencies, special districts, and the building industry raised concerns about water infrastructure standards, and it passed on a due-pass motion to Insurance. SB 429 (Cortese), which would establish a public wildfire catastrophe model and related university-based research and education program, received support from the Department of Insurance and outside groups and passed as amended to Appropriations. SB 256 (Perez) would strengthen wildfire mitigation and emergency response by expanding planning, improving PSPS communication, requiring utility coordination with emergency centers, and directing removal of permanently abandoned electrical facilities; utilities and business groups were generally neutral after amendments, while the author emphasized the bill’s connection to recent wildfire losses, and it passed as amended to Appropriations. SB 509 (Caballero) would require specialized training for local law enforcement on transnational repression targeting diaspora communities; it received support from the California Police Chiefs Association and immigrant-rights advocates, but drew extensive opposition from Hindu and civil-rights organizations concerned about bias, implementation, and First Amendment issues. Committee members discussed amendments to clarify cultural competency, diversity, and constitutional protections, and the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. After the hearing, the committee took final roll-call votes on the bills, with the consent items and SB 429, SB 256, and SB 509 moving forward, while SB 542 and SB 616 were also reported out on earlier motions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We heard yesterday about our advisory councils and the expertise that they contain and provide both to
• And Natasha's going to take a closer look at advisory councils so that you can at least get an update
• Uh, every year, these advisory councils issue advisories to the public education department.
• Uh, um, Again, that's sort of level setting around advisory councils because we think it's important
• which includes the 19 Pueblo governors, um, we also met with the Indian Education Advisory Council and

Transcript Highlights:

• I think this is Council Member Flickenscher's, right?
• We just recognized a council member, Fred Phillips's mother, on the floor yesterday as an icon of the
• Senator, I mean, City Council Member Flickenscher testified there. He had a lot of...
• City Council Member Flickenscher testified there.
• I'm the general council. Thank you, Chair. Thank you members. And I'll be brief.

Bills: SB208, SB628, SB777, SB1042, SB2354, SB2477, SB2521, SB2523, SB2608, SB2703, SB2778, SB2835, SB2965, SB2367, SB3044

Keywords: workforce housing, capital investment fund, affordable housing, housing development, Texas housing laws, loan programs, community development, Texas housing, zero-interest loans, low-income housing, nonprofit organizations, construction, economic stability, housing affordability, capital investment, Texas housing policy, county fire code, fire marshal, local government code, interlocal agreement

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met with a quorum and limited public testimony to two minutes per person. The committee heard Senate Bill 628 by Senator Zaffirini, which would clarify that counties may enter interlocal agreements with emergency service districts to administer and enforce county fire codes, including for multi-county ESDs in the committee substitute. Witnesses from Travis County ESD-11, the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office, and a member of the public supported the bill as a way to reduce duplication, costs, and jurisdictional confusion. Public testimony was closed and the committee substitute was left pending. The committee then heard several housing-related bills. Senate Bill 208 by Senator West would create a Workforce Housing Capital Investment Fund to provide zero-interest loans to nonprofit builders for workforce housing; Habitat for Humanity representatives, a Brownsville nonprofit developer, and housing advocates supported it as a way to finance infrastructure and land development for affordable homes. Senate Bill 2835 by Senator Johnson would allow cities to opt into single-stair apartment buildings for small-scale, multi-story housing; supporters said the design is safe and could expand housing supply, while the Texas APA expressed qualified opposition over code-process concerns and fire-safety questions. Both bills were left pending after testimony. Additional bills heard included SB 1042 updating the Kimble County Hospital District’s enabling law; SB 1708, a committee substitute protecting familial property divisions from platting requirements; SB 2778 raising the ESD expenditure threshold requiring board approval from $2,000 to up to $50,000; SB 2608 expanding LIHTC eligibility for certain public housing projects; SB 3044 adding board representation for Marfa and Presidio on the Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District and adjusting an exemption; SB 2367 extending park board authority to Waller County; SB 2523 clarifying ETJ reduction procedures and owner opt-out rights; SB 2521 requiring death-certificate reporting to appraisal districts to help address squatting and homestead exemption issues; and SB 2477 easing office-to-residential conversions in larger cities. In each case, the bills were laid out, testimony was taken, and the measures were left pending subject to call of the chair. The committee then recessed until 15 to 30 minutes after adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• committee substitute and the bill as filed is that the committee substitute is an official Legislative Council
• This is an interesting bill that actually, I think this is Council Member Flickenscher's right.
• We just recognized a council member, Fred Phillips's mother, on the floor yesterday as an icon of the
• Senator, I mean, City Council Member Flickenscher testified there. He had a lot of...
• City Council Member Flickenscher testified there.

Bills: SB208, SB628, SB777, SB1042, SB2354, SB2477, SB2521, SB2523, SB2608, SB2703, SB2778, SB2835, SB2965, SB2367, SB3044

Keywords: workforce housing, capital investment fund, affordable housing, housing development, Texas housing laws, loan programs, community development, Texas housing, zero-interest loans, low-income housing, nonprofit organizations, construction, economic stability, housing affordability, capital investment, Texas housing policy, county fire code, fire marshal, local government code, interlocal agreement

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met with a quorum at the start, adopted a two-minute limit for public testimony, and heard a series of housing, local government, fire code, and district-governance bills. Several measures were laid out with committee substitutes, including SB 628 on county fire code administration through interlocal agreements with emergency service districts; SB 208 creating a Workforce Housing Capital Investment Fund for zero-interest loans to nonprofit builders; SB 2835 allowing cities to opt into single-stair apartment buildings; and SB 2477 easing office-to-residential conversions in certain cities. Other bills addressed ESD spending thresholds (SB 2778), hospital district updates (SB 1042), subdivision/platting issues (SB 1708), public housing tax credit eligibility (SB 2608), groundwater district representation for Marfa and Presidio (SB 3044), park board authority in Waller County (SB 2367), ETJ removal procedures (SB 2523), and reporting death certificates to appraisal districts to help address squatting and homestead issues (SB 2521). Testimony was largely supportive on the housing bills. Supporters of SB 208, including Habitat for Humanity affiliates, a Brownsville nonprofit developer, Texans for Housing, and an educator, said the revolving fund would help nonprofit builders finance land, infrastructure, and development costs for affordable homes, especially for families earning 30% to 80% of area median income. SB 2835 drew support from architects, planners, and housing advocates who argued that single-stair buildings can be safe, more efficient, and better suited to missing-middle housing, though the Texas APA registered qualified opposition, saying the proposal bypasses the usual code-development process and may not be sufficiently studied. SB 2477 also received broad support from housing groups and policy organizations, who said office conversions could help address vacancy and housing shortages, though Corpus Christi raised a concern about fee recovery and local cost reimbursement. The committee also heard support for SB 628 from a county fire marshal and an ESD representative, who said the bill would reduce duplicate fire-code enforcement and costs. SB 2778 was backed by a Bexar County ESD fire chief, who said the current $2,000 expenditure approval threshold is outdated and slows emergency purchases and repairs. SB 2608 was supported by the El Paso housing authority, which said adding certain Section 8 projects to the at-risk LIHTC set-aside would help renovate aging subsidized housing. SB 3044 was presented as a way to give Marfa and Presidio representation on the groundwater district board while preserving permitting authority. Each bill heard public testimony was left pending subject to the call of the chair, and the committee recessed to reconvene after the Senate adjourns.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just a Legislative Council draft, Mr. Chairman. Excellent. No difference whatsoever.
• It's just a Legislative Council draft, Mr. Chairman. No difference whatsoever.
• The committee substitute makes the bill a Legislative Council draft.
• My name is Samija Risvi, and I'm here to testify on the bill on behalf of the Council on American-Islamic
• I represent the Council on American Islamic Relations, Texas, in opposition to SB 2972, which directly

Summary: The Senate Education Committee K-16 resumed public testimony on Senate Bill 735, a Holocaust education bill. Alice Min spoke in support, saying learning about difficult parts of history is important for understanding American history and the experiences of minority communities. Sheila Hemphill also supported the bill but urged broader language to include multiple genocides and more instructional material. After a brief exchange, public testimony on SB 735 closed and the bill was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 800, which would strengthen higher-education orientation materials on sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking policies, and Senate Bill 2310, which would require public institutions to post clearer online degree and transfer requirements. Both bills were explained by their authors, committee substitutes were adopted, no public testimony was offered, and each bill was left pending. Senate Bill 2055, a cleanup bill for the Texas Leadership Scholars Program, was also heard and left pending after no testimony. A major portion of the meeting focused on Senate Bill 1069, which would require investigations and mandatory termination for faculty found to have discriminated against students based on religion, with a department placed under conservatorship after a termination. The author said the bill was meant to address religious discrimination and protect students; several witnesses, including Muslim and Jewish law students and other advocates, argued it was too vague, lacked a definition of religious discrimination, threatened academic freedom, and could chill speech. The bill was left pending after testimony. The committee also heard Senate Bill 2972, which would set new limits on expressive activity on public university campuses, including restrictions on encampments, masks, sound amplification, and protests during finals; opponents said it would restrict free speech and protest rights, while the bill was adopted as a committee substitute and left pending. Senate Bill 2815, allowing students to choose the diploma name after a university merger or renaming, was briefly heard and left pending. Later, the committee took up pending business and voted out several bills. SB 2920, SB 2398, SB 2927, SB 2929, SB 1241, SB 1395, SB 401, SB 1972, and SB 2540 were reported favorably, with some committee substitutes adopted and several placed on the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1241’s substitute would have the Higher Education Coordinating Board study standardized test equivalency scores for admissions. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• career CIA officer and station chief, and through joint duty rotations with the National Security Council
• Eisenberg served as the legal advisor to the National Security Council, assistant to the President, and
• Joe Kent of Washington, for your consideration for service as the ninth director of the National Council
• worked both on the front lines overseas and as a consumer of intelligence at the National Security Council
• But if you had done that as a junior staffer at the National Security Council, wouldn't you have been

Keywords: national security, intelligence community, Aaron Lucas, Joe Kent, John Eisenberg, China threat, terrorism, collaboration, oversight, intelligence capabilities

Summary: The committee meeting centered around significant discussions regarding national security and intelligence community leadership. Notably, nominees Aaron Lucas for Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Joe Kent for Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, and John Eisenberg for Assistant Attorney General for National Security were introduced. Concerns were raised about the current state of U.S. intelligence capabilities, particularly in relation to threats posed by foreign adversaries such as China and ongoing risks from terrorism. The dialogue emphasized the necessity for robust oversight and the importance of collaboration within the intelligence community, as well as with international allies, to ensure effective security measures are in place.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now let's take Up Tab. 2 SB 364, by Senator Osgood Council for the social status of black men and boys
• amendment. >> So you need the amendment simply changes the initial bill to move the so should the council
• Florida Council on the social status of black men and boys from the Department of Education to Florida
• Simon has Senate leadership for and staff are working on me with this bill to pass to the Florida Council
• that the council can issue a report at the end of the year that we can actually use this legislator's

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here on behalf of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council.
• I'm here on behalf of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council.
• I'm here on behalf of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council.
• I'm here on behalf of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council.
• Construction Trades Council. Construction Trades Council.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• By the way, in that example, voters overwhelmingly rejected the proposal put forward by city council
• So GOs go out to the voters, CEOs are specifically things that council can issue tax anticipation notes
• issue a, a CEO every time we look at a tax anticipation note, counties have to go before our bond councils
• think y'all are hard, you should try to get a CEO or try to get a GO and try to go through a bond council
• and if we do this one, it'll be the 3rd session in a row where we've started to do this, our bond councils

Transcript Highlights:

• :08.320> and<00:10:08.560> municipal mayors, council members, and municipal mayors, council
• House Bill 262, State Government Council for Open Data Membership and Responsibilities.
• >> House bill 262 state government council >> House bill 262 state government council
• House Bill 851, Human Services, Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council legal status.
• has found time to serve on the council has found time to serve on the council of<01:11:06.239>

Keywords: House streaming session for Thursday, March 5, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 127 members present, heard a prayer, and then recognized 2025 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools and the Maryland Municipal League on its 90th anniversary. The Blue Ribbon resolution named Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Diamond Elementary School, Little Flower School, Meyersville Elementary School, St. Louis School, Stoneleigh Elementary School, and Wilson Whims Elementary School, with principals introduced from the gallery. The MML resolution honored the league’s service to Maryland’s cities and towns and invited members to meet municipal officials after the floor session. The clerk also noted a second printing of the 2026 rule book due to a table-of-contents error. The chamber then took up House Bill 80, the Residential Leases Fee Disclosures bill. Floor debate focused on what fees must be disclosed, what counts as a utility versus a fee, whether the bill applies to oral leases, and how the measure applies to landlords with four or more units. Supporters said the bill is intended to ensure tenants know all upfront fees before signing and to create a clear enforcement pathway; opponents raised concerns about penalties, affordability, and the burden on landlords. The bill passed on third reading by a vote of 95-34. The House next considered House Bill 153, which requires air conditioning in newly constructed residential rental units and units undergoing specified substantial renovations, with the standard that habitable spaces be kept at 80 degrees or lower. Members asked whether window units would satisfy the requirement, how the bill interacts with older buildings and ongoing renovations, whether it applies retroactively, how enforcement would work, and whether it references federal refrigerant rules; the sponsor said it does not require central air and is prospective only. Supporters argued it reflects existing practice in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties and clarifies habitability standards, while opponents cited costs and concerns about older homes. The transcript ends during debate on this bill, before a final vote is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are five portions of cities that are partially in and partially out of the Met Council area, and
• part of the taxes go to the Met Council.
• part of the taxes go to the Met Council.
• <00:01:26.280> area partially out uh of the Met Council area partially out uh of the Met Council
• <01:02:36.480> has definitions that Senate council has definitions that Senate council has

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She serves as chair of the Minnesota Judicial Council, which is the single administrative policymaking
• I serve along with my employees as staff to the Judicial Council.
• She serves as chair of the Minnesota Judicial Council, which is the single administrative policymaking
• I serve along with my employees as staff to the Judicial Council.
• earlier this year the Minnesota Council earlier this year the Minnesota Council adopted<00:09:33.279

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee met to approve the January 16 minutes and then heard a budget presentation from State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba on behalf of the Minnesota judicial branch. Shorba described the courts’ structure, mission, and workload, noting 322 judges, about 2,800 staff, roughly 1 million district court filings annually, and a current budget of about $479 million. He emphasized the branch’s constitutional obligation to provide fair and timely access to justice and said the courts are funded almost entirely through legislative appropriations. He also highlighted recent accomplishments made possible by prior legislative funding, including eliminating the pandemic felony and gross misdemeanor backlog, expanding remote and hybrid hearings, improving courtroom technology, sustaining treatment courts, and increasing pay for interpreters and psychological examiners. Shorba outlined the judicial branch’s 2026–27 budget request, which he said totals a 12% increase over the starting biennial base. Major requests included $77.3 million in 2026–27 and $104 million in 2028–29 for a 6% judicial salary increase and related compensation costs; $5.1 million in 2026–27 and $1.76 million in 2028–29 for digital accessibility compliance with new federal ADA rules; $4 million in 2026–27 and $800,000 in 2028–29 to modernize justice partner access to court records; $7.2 million in 2026–27 to raise pay for contract psychological examiners; and $18 million in 2026–27 to increase juror pay from $20 to $100 per day and align mileage rates with federal rates. He also discussed ongoing funding needs for interpreter services, jury costs, cybersecurity, and other statutorily required court services, saying temporary funding provided in the prior session will expire and that permanent support is needed. Members asked questions about treatment courts, employee bargaining, and mental health competency issues. Representative Eric requested more detail on funding for newly launched and existing treatment courts, and Shorba said many treatment courts begin with federal grants before transitioning to state support after about three years. He confirmed the judicial branch negotiates its own employee contracts rather than the executive branch doing so, and said the branch has three unions plus many unrepresented employees. On mental health and competency, Shorba said the branch is focused on obtaining timely psychological evaluations and is not responsible for treatment services themselves, but acknowledged a shortage of examiners and treatment beds and said a related competency board would be testifying the following week. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond adoption of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• While developing the current three-year plan, the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council and Mass Save program
• So we're moving down to Anna Johnson, Senior Policy Manager, American Council for an Energy-Efficient
• American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
• I am also a member of the Commonwealth's Energy Efficiency Advisory Council, though I'm not here in that
• And this led to the formation of an equity working group at the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on the value of Mass Save, with opening remarks emphasizing that despite past criticisms the program has delivered major energy, cost, climate, and equity benefits. The chair cited large avoided system costs, strong benefit-cost ratios, and recent legislative changes that set emissions goals, restricted fossil-fuel equipment incentives, and increased focus on low- and moderate-income households. Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahoney testified that Mass Save has weatherized hundreds of thousands of homes, reduced bills, avoided emissions, and that the current plan includes budget controls after the DPU ordered $500 million removed from the approved budget. She said the governor’s proposal to have only electric utilities administer the program was intended to reduce administrative costs and align with current implementation trends. Members questioned Mahoney about what counts as marketing and administration, and she said the category includes traditional advertising as well as community-based outreach, customer resource centers, and other customer engagement work, much of it in low- and moderate-income communities. She said administrative and marketing costs are under 5% of the budget, while more than 80% goes to incentives and direct program delivery. Several witnesses then focused on workforce and contractor impacts. Dave Betcher of Abode Energy Management and Rick Taglienti of Rogers Insulation said Mass Save sustains small businesses, creates careers, and supports thousands of jobs; both warned that budget cuts would reduce hiring, training, and work in homes and businesses. They also described a broad ecosystem of suppliers, trainers, and service providers that depends on stable program funding. Other witnesses addressed cost-effectiveness, affordability, and emissions. Anna Johnson of ACEEE said Massachusetts remains a national leader, with Mass Save returning about $2.80 per dollar invested, reducing peak demand, and lowering bills for participants, especially through weatherization and heat pumps. Kyle Murray of Acadia Center said the program is statutorily required to be cost-effective and has avoided billions in supply and infrastructure costs for all ratepayers, including nonparticipants, by lowering overall demand and peak prices. Amy Boyd-Rabin of the Environmental League of Massachusetts argued that efficiency is the cheapest way to meet climate targets and that cutting the budget would force more expensive power generation. The hearing also featured testimony on equity and housing: Mary Wampo described historic under-service to renter-heavy and lower-income communities and said recent reforms, including designated equity communities and performance incentives tied to equity, are helping correct that imbalance; Brian Biot and James Collins of LEAN/ABCD described low-income delivery systems and wraparound services; Barney Heath and John Nannari said Mass Save incentives are essential to affordable housing, passive house construction, and keeping projects on time and on budget. The final witnesses highlighted Connected Solutions and electrification: Sunrun’s Bronte Payne said the virtual power plant program saved more than it cost and helps avoid peaker plants and grid upgrades, and Highland Electric Fleets’ Ben Sondaga said electric school buses can provide similar grid benefits while lowering transportation costs for districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Morgan Davis, and I work as a self-advocacy training coordinator for the Developmental Disability Council
• RISE Staffing and the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma have been good to me, and they're
• I also work as a peer trainer for the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma.
• Council. And they have a program where they are actually going out and training employers.
• Council. And they have a program where they are actually going out and training employers.

Summary: The meeting was a 14(c) Task Force hearing focused on employment experiences of Oklahomans with disabilities and the state’s use of subminimum wage. Numerous self-advocates and workers testified about their jobs, accommodations, pay, transportation barriers, and the importance of community integration. Several speakers described positive experiences in competitive or community jobs, while others recounted being underused, fired without explanation, or paid by piece rate or minimum wage in sheltered or enclave settings. Many emphasized that fair pay, independence, ABLE accounts, and supportive employers matter to them, and several said they want future careers, promotions, or even to own businesses and help others with disabilities find work. Task force members discussed recurring themes from the testimony: transportation as a major barrier, the importance of community and self-advocacy, employer misconceptions and stigma, the need for better transition services from school to work, and the difficulty families face navigating benefits and employment systems. Members also raised concerns about people being fired without explanation and about the need for meaningful options for those not ready for competitive employment. Suggestions included more employer education, reverse job fairs, job coaching, benefits planning, better coordination between DDS and DRS, and stronger transition supports in schools and through programs like Project SEARCH. Staff then presented research on how other states have phased out or eliminated 14(c) certificates. Examples included Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington, with common approaches such as phase-out timelines, technical assistance, provider transition plans, and support for competitive integrated employment. The presenters noted that Oklahoma still has 40 entities using 14(c), most of them DDS providers, but many providers are already moving away from it. Members discussed potential unintended consequences, the need for a clear timeline, the possibility of blending or braiding services, and whether Oklahoma should create a more one-stop, employer-friendly system. No votes were taken, and the group agreed to continue gathering information and return in June to begin shaping priorities and possible policy directions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We now have S. 255, an act relating to establishing a pilot law enforcement governance council in Windham
• establishing a pilot law enforcement establishing a pilot law enforcement governance<00:15:50.720> council
• governance council in Windham County. governance council in Windham County.
• third reading of the bill: S.255, an act relating to establishing a pilot law enforcement governance council
• <00:29:44.399> in law enforcement governance council in law enforcement governance council

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Mandy Marlor, Baldwin Consulting for the Child Care Council of Kentucky and Community Coordinated
• <00:01:59.759> of<00:01:59.920> Kentucky<00:02:00.320> and Childcare Council
• of Kentucky and Childcare Council of Kentucky and Community<00:02:00.799> Coordinated<00:02:01.200
• c><00:04:49.280> Micro<00:04:49.759> Centers,<00:04:50.639> working Advisory Council
• , Micro Centers, working Advisory Council, Micro Centers, working with<00:04:51.040> children<

Keywords: 00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call 01:26 - Discussion of 26RS HB 6 17:45 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 6 20:20 - Discussion of 26RS HJR 50 22:30 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HJR 50 23:19 - Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 6, as amended by a committee substitute, which was described as a broad child care reform package developed through a multi-stakeholder collaborative. The substitute added a two-year pilot program for off-base child care at Fort Campbell and Fort Knox, beginning July 1, 2026, and making the bill an emergency measure for that purpose. Sponsors said the bill focuses on long-term reforms to affordability, quality, and access, including modernization of the All Stars quality rating system, creation of micro centers, support for children with special needs, child care data and transparency measures, CCAP improvements, and changes to the employee child care assistance partnership (ECAP). Testimony explained that micro centers are intended to fill gaps such as rural, third-shift, drop-in, and partnership-based care, would initially be limited to 10 statewide with no more than two per county, and could serve 4 to 24 children under a more flexible regulatory framework. Members also discussed whether family child care homes like the “Miss Barbara” model fit the bill; sponsors said they are not micro centers, but the bill includes other provisions to support family child care homes. Questions also focused on ECAP, which was described as a tri-share model in which employers contribute, the state matches for eligible employees, and the employee pays the remainder; sponsors said the bill privatizes ECAP first before considering expansion to teachers or public employees. House Bill 6 passed favorably by a vote of 12-0-1, and the title amendment passed. The committee then took up House Joint Resolution 50, also sponsored by Representative Heavrin. The resolution asks the Kentucky Auditor’s office to study the administrative regulations, statutes, agency policies, and processes affecting the opening and operation of licensed and certified child care services, with particular attention to the All Stars program. The sponsor said the goal is to identify opportunities for change through a thorough third-party review, noting that the All Stars system has been in place for about 10 years and that many child care rules are tied to federal funding and cannot be changed quickly. The resolution passed unanimously by a vote of 13-0. The meeting concluded with notice of the next committee meeting and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't understand why we would allow a glorified city council.
• And I've served on a city council.
• I don't understand why we would allow a glorified city council.
• And I've served on a city council. I know City council.
• And I've served on a city council.

Bills: SB1433, SB1434, SB1435, SB1567, SB1571, SB1686, SB1745, SCR1024, SCR1025, HB2671, HB2676, HCR2044

Keywords: county boundaries, Maricopa, Gila, Pinal, Yavapai, Yuma, La Paz, local governance, Arizona Revised Statutes, Maricopa county, county division, new counties, intergovernmental agreements, special election, shared use agreements, education, explicit material, parental consent, student protection, library access

Summary: The committee approved the February 4, 2026 minutes and held SB 1571 until the following week. It then heard and advanced several measures, beginning with SB 1745, which would cap transaction privilege/excise tax rates in the state’s largest cities at 2.5% per classification unless approved by voters, and would allow enforcement through the attorney general and state-shared revenue withholding. Supporters argued it would protect taxpayers and restrain municipal tax increases; the bill received a technical amendment and a due pass recommendation. The committee also advanced SB 1686, renaming Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza as the Wesley Bolin and Charlie Kirk Freedom Plaza and authorizing memorial placements for Don Bowles and Charlie Kirk, after brief supportive discussion and no substantive opposition testimony. The committee spent substantial time on SB 1567 and SB 1435, both aimed at restricting public entities, schools, and libraries from exposing minors to sexually explicit materials and from using public facilities for sexually explicit filming or access. Supporters framed the bills as child-protection measures and cited examples of explicit books and materials in libraries and schools; opponents, including the ACLU, warned the definitions were broad, could chill speech, and could criminalize librarians and educators for handling constitutionally protected literature or sex-education materials. Both bills were amended and passed on 4-3 votes, with supporters emphasizing existing obscenity standards and opponents stressing First Amendment concerns and implementation problems. The committee also advanced SB 1433 and SB 1434, which would redraw Maricopa County boundaries and, in the latter bill, create three new counties with a transition board and staggered elections. The sponsor argued Maricopa County had become too large and politically dominant, making government less representative and less responsive; opponents called the proposals expensive, disruptive, and politically motivated, citing concerns about debt division, duplicated county systems, and fiscal impacts. Both bills received due pass recommendations on 4-3 votes. Finally, the committee approved SCR 1024, requiring legislators to live in their district for one year before election, and SCR 1025, moving the legislative session start date from the second Monday to the fourth Monday in January; both resolutions passed unanimously or near-unanimously after sponsor testimony that they would modernize outdated rules and improve use of time.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and the Western States Council of Sheet Metal Workers, are opposed but look forward to continuing to
• Stephanie Jimenez, on behalf of the Bay Area Council, in opposition.
• and the Western States Council of Sheet Metal Workers were opposed but look forward to continuing to
• Stephanie Jimenez, on behalf of Bay Area Council in opposition.
• With me today to speak in support of AB 1117 is Nora Sheriff, Council for the California Large Energy

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on grid reliability, affordability, clean energy infrastructure, and industrial decarbonization. AB 222, by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, would require more data reporting on data centers and aim to prevent ratepayers from bearing related grid costs; supporters said better information is needed to plan for rapidly growing electricity demand from AI and data centers, while opponents warned about privacy, security, trade-secret, and cost-shifting concerns. The bill passed the committee on a 13-4 vote, with the roll left open for absent members. AB 941, by Assemblymember Bonta, would impose a 270-day timeline for CPUC review of priority transmission projects to speed clean-energy infrastructure buildout. Supporters argued that transmission delays are slowing California’s climate goals and raising costs, while opponents raised concerns about CEQA process, staffing, and prioritization. The bill passed 15-0. AB 1191, by Assemblymember Tangipa, would make existing large hydroelectric facilities eligible for the Renewable Portfolio Standard; supporters framed it as a way to lower rates and ease affordability pressures, while opponents said it would undermine the purpose of the RPS by substituting existing resources for new renewable development. That bill failed on a 4-11 vote. AB 1280, by Assemblymember Garcia, would expand state grant programs to support thermal energy storage projects for industrial decarbonization. Supporters said it would help modernize manufacturing, cut pollution in disadvantaged communities, and preserve jobs, with broad support from environmental and clean manufacturing groups and no opposition testimony. The bill passed 17-0. AB 1117, by Assemblymember Schultz, would require the CPUC to offer optional dynamic electricity rate tariffs for customers to shift usage away from peak periods; supporters said it could lower bills and improve grid efficiency, while utilities said they were not opposed to the concept but wanted more flexibility and time in the regulatory process. That bill passed 14-0. The committee also approved its consent calendar and other noncontroversial items, with several measures moving forward unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:33:09.440> because examiners of public councils because examiners of public councils because
• We'll read: the advisory council shall meet at least quarterly and may meet other times as necessary.
• It'll still read advisory council to complete the business required.
• <01:10:17.280> to It'll still reads um advisory council to It'll still reads um advisory council
• > giving it's the advisory council giving it's the advisory council giving recommendations<01:

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:24:01.480> ACLU Substance Abuse Council, ACLU Substance Abuse Council, ACLU [clears throat
• For the youth council for youth? Okay, not. Okay, on Zoom, Melissa Mayo?
• >> Council >> Council >> for<00:48:06.960> Native<00:48:07.120> Hawaiian
• , in support from Hawaii Insurers Council, in support from Hawaii Insurers Council, American<01:10
• This is the working group for Council for Youth and Foster Care.

Bills: HB1518, HB1699, HB1747, HB1705, HB1565, HB1801, HB1645, HB2115, HB2114

Keywords: HB1518, Hawaii SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, food stamps, Department of Human Services, DHS, pre-release SNAP, pre-release application process, incarcerated individuals, prisoner reentry, reentry services, formerly incarcerated, jail release, prison release, recidivism, food security, benefits eligibility, controlled substance felony, drug felony, drug conviction

Summary: The committee opened its first meeting of the 2020 session and heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 1518, which would allow people incarcerated and nearing release to apply for SNAP benefits before release. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Department of Human Services said they support the bill and are already piloting a pre-release application process at two facilities, with plans to expand it. The Attorney General’s Office supported the intent but noted a technical issue: one section of the bill appears to affect TANF as well as SNAP, while the title refers only to SNAP. A wide range of advocates, including Catholic Charities, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Hunger Action Network, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, ACLU of Hawaii, and others, testified in strong support, emphasizing food insecurity after release, reentry stability, and reduced recidivism. The committee did not take a vote during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1747, which would direct the Department of Human Services to seek federal waivers or extensions related to restricting certain SNAP purchases, including sugary drinks. DHS said it had already been approved for a narrow demonstration waiver and was working with retailers on implementation, with a target date of August 1. Supporters of the measure argued it would promote healthier choices, while opponents, including Hawaii Appleseed, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, said such restrictions are ineffective, stigmatize low-income residents, create burdens for retailers and DHS, and may be difficult to implement. Members asked DHS to clarify the scope of the waiver and confirmed it applies to sugary drinks and beverages containing more than 10 grams of sugar. Finally, the committee took up HB 1705, which would allow licensed mental health counselors to serve as child custody evaluators, but there was no testimony from the relevant agencies and the item was quickly set aside. The committee also heard HB 1565, which would establish a judiciary working group to improve family court processes and legal representation for youth in the child welfare system. The Attorney General’s Office offered minor technical amendments, and supporters from the Office of Wellness and Resilience, High Hopes Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and a social work student described the need for legal representation, citing better reunification and stability outcomes and the importance of youth voice in court proceedings. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.