Transcript Highlights:

• In the case of itemized deductions. Oh, in the case of itemized deductions, yes, that's correct.
• In the case of itemized deductions. Oh, in the case of itemized deductions, yes, that's correct.
• No, in most cases not. Most taxpayers can go ahead and file their returns now.
• No, in most cases not. Most taxpayers can go ahead and file their returns now.
• Chair, Senator Epstein, in some cases, it's something that can be done in the next year.

Bills: SB1042, SB1043, SB1044, SB1135, SB1136, SB1142, SB1180, SB1221, SB1252, SB1254, SCR1003

Keywords: public funds, virtual currency, bitcoin, investment, Arizona Strategic Digital Asset Reserve Act, state treasurer, retirement system, state payments, cryptocurrency, Arizona law, payment methods, government transactions, property tax, tax exemption, Arizona Revised Statutes, digital currency, workers' compensation, death benefits, burial costs, spousal compensation

Summary: The committee began with staff and page introductions, then took up a series of previously heard bills, mostly related to cryptocurrency and tax administration. SB 1042, SB 1043, SB 1044, and SCR 1003 dealt with allowing public entities to invest in virtual currency, accept cryptocurrency payments, and exempt virtual currency from property tax. Supporters framed the measures as modernization, while opponents argued crypto is risky, fraudulent, and a poor use of public funds. All four measures were recommended do pass on narrow 4-3 votes, with Democrats generally opposed. The committee also heard SB 1221, which would require the Department of Revenue to notify legislative tax chairs before adopting a new interpretation or application of tax law that could adversely affect taxpayers. The sponsor said the bill was meant to front-load disputes and avoid surprise tax changes; it passed 4-3. SB 1142, which would have Arizona opt into a new federal scholarship tax credit program and require ADOR to administer it, drew extensive testimony. Supporters said it would expand scholarship opportunities for students in public, charter, private, and home education settings and keep donations in Arizona. Opponents argued it would divert money from public schools, lack accountability, and primarily benefit wealthier families. The bill passed 4-3 after lengthy debate. The committee then questioned Department of Revenue officials about a press release on Arizona tax forms and federal conformity after H.R. 1. Members focused on why the department told taxpayers not to wait to file, how the state conforms to federal changes, and whether amended returns would be needed if the Legislature changes the forms later. DOR said the forms were issued assuming conformity, that most taxpayers would not be affected by pending changes, and that amended returns could be required for some retroactive provisions; members criticized the guidance as confusing and potentially costly. Finally, the committee heard SB 1254, which would require both grantor and grantee signatures on conveyance documents before recording, to reduce deed fraud and clarify acceptance of property transfers. County assessors supported the bill, saying it would close a loophole and improve records; it passed 6-0 with one member not voting. The committee then began SB 1252, the Uniform Assignment for Benefit of Creditors Act, with testimony from the Arizona Uniform Laws Commission explaining that it would create a more uniform framework for asset assignments and creditor claims, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that the case? Right.
• And in some cases it was.
• Same situation, similar situation with the DWI case where a... ...similar situation with a DWI case where
• And today's tea is Darjeeling, in case you were wondering.
• Today's tea is Darjeeling, in case you were wondering.

Summary: The House first established a quorum after a brief call of the board and then moved through messages from the Senate and committee reports. The chamber received a Senate refusal to concur on House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 994 and later voted to send the bill to conference. Members also reconsidered earlier actions on Senate Bill 1019, then adopted a substitute amendment that narrowed the bill to a smaller set of provisions, including a health-related addition on Lyme disease and alpha-gal, before third reading and passage by a vote of 105-32. The House then took up House Bill 1740, known as Melanie’s Law, a drunk-driving prevention measure. Supporters described the bill as a long-negotiated effort to strengthen penalties and ignition interlock requirements while preserving affordability protections for low-income drivers. Family members of Melanie Wonkham were recognized, and several members spoke in favor of the bill as a response to impaired-driving fatalities. The Senate substitute was adopted 143-2, and the bill was finally passed 144-2. Members also passed Senate Bill 1033, which combined Department of Natural Resources funding language with agriculture-related changes, including exemptions for certain farm trucks and cotton gin permitting and air-dispersion modeling requirements. Supporters said it would help keep state environmental programs solvent and better align Missouri rules with neighboring states, while some members raised concerns about future budget pressure and environmental impacts. The Senate substitute passed 134-9. The House then passed Senate Bill 916, which limits when contractors can be required to indemnify the state before or after work on public projects, with supporters saying it protects contractors from premature lawsuits while preserving liability for negligence; it passed 133-1. Finally, the House adopted and finally passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 21, which promotes Missouri participation in America 250 celebrations in 2026, and then adopted a conference committee report and finally passed Senate Bill 975 after brief debate. The chamber also announced upcoming committee meetings and then recessed, with plans to return later for additional Senate bills and conference reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• There has been testimony in the PRC case that's pending as we speak involving Blackstone, that PNM has
• The analysis of the PRC does mention this, and this is part of their process: they examine this case
• But they say that in adjudicating utility cases, there are basic...
• They said in that case there's an indication of a... It seemed like it was pretty low.
• And so it was not uncommon to have rate cases, to have other kinds of cases come before the Attorney

Bills: HB303, SB96, HM6

Keywords: public utility, certificate of public convenience and necessity, certificate of need, Public Regulation Commission, PRC, utility regulation, ratemaking, energy storage, battery storage, grid reliability, renewable energy, transmission, distribution, generation plant, utility expansion, service territory, mutual domestic water consumer association, economic development department, clean energy, fossil fuel reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• I've handled every type of criminal case and I've seen the real positive effects of designated a case
• Senate Bill 1021 adds stalking to the list of cases that are ineligible for probation from a judge.
• And by leaving this case out of the codification of cases that 42A.02 0.54 applies to, that is exactly
• Contact continued for over 4 years while the case was pending. He sent more and more letters.
• If the case is filed, both the state and the person are entitled to additional evaluations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Their case, Mendez v. Westminster, was a proud, breaking victory for civil rights.
• As a former mayor of Westminster, I understand the profound impact of this case.
• Westminster case. Her father— Gonzalo Mendez. They fought for equity.
• Westminster was a landmark case right here in our state.
• Board of Education, the landmark Supreme Court case that ended school segregation nationwide.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also creates a provision for cases in which a physician has fewer than five claims for...
• It was two and a half weeks ago; I had a case scheduled for Friday morning.
• But the facility didn't know whether it was going to be approved, so we couldn’t do the case the next
• Well, the case has since been done, but that person had to wait.
• There could be, and maybe not in every case, but they use it as a predictor.

Bills: HB712, HB722, HB946, HB1687, HB1809, HB1899, HB2528, HB2583, HB2741, HB2750, HB3021, HB3150, HB3265, HB3658, HB3812, HB3960, HB4392, HB4432

Keywords: prostate cancer, health benefit plans, insurance coverage, cost sharing, preventive health care, auto insurance, total loss evaluation, disclosure, insurance materials, vehicle appraisal, HB 946, Texas Insurance Code, automobile insurance claims, oral release, written release, settlement agreement, claim release, property damage, bodily injury, psychological injury

Transcript Highlights:

• Robbery and gun cases are also increasing.
• Supreme Court case decision, Troxel v.
• And in those cases, they were allowed to just leave. Okay.
• These cases demonstrate the devastating consequences of untreated addiction.
• A case-by-case approach ensures treatment where it's most impactful without compromising public safety

Bills: HB1511, HB1831, HB1988, HB2147, HB2234

Keywords: housing, affordable housing, state regulations, zoning, local government authority, drug court, juvenile justice, diversion programs, rehabilitation, criminal justice reform, remote proceedings, depositions, virtual hearings, court technology, criminal responsibility, age of maturity, expungement, mental health services, juvenile record sealing, 1184

Transcript Highlights:

• I would do, is if there was a city wanting to decertify an area. that they would have to make the case
• They also could potentially not have, you know, distribution lines in the area, so it really is on a case-by-case
• that it would cause a problem with grants that might be coming in to the state, but that's not the case
• I haven't found that to be the case. So, we just want to just clear that up. out. But Mr.
• This is a stark contrast to civil cases, which can take years to resolve.

Bills: HB 1089, HB 1163, HB 1177, HB 1238, HB1318, HB1400, HB1407, HB1532, HJR7, HJR7

Keywords: coastal protection, environmental management, Gulf Coast, storm risk management, funding, Texas General Land Office, healthcare, insurance reform, patient access, insurance regulation, affordable care, health insurance, consumer rights, coverage transparency, claims process, insurance regulations, aggregate production, environmental impact, financial responsibility, reclamation

Transcript Highlights:

• board for all criminal cases? board for all criminal cases? Mr.<00:13:02.280> Wonka.
• We referred these cases.
• 55.040> cases.
• referred these cases. referred these cases.
• case we need it. case we need it.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Although in 2005, in the case of State v.
• I think in that case it was the police.
• <02:11:32.560> can the video tape as long as the case can the video tape as long as the case
• <02:12:11.920> where works when you have a case where works when you have a case where someone's
• And as far as case lesser way.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would note that because the paperwork is usually absent in these cases, that we just cannot verify
• I would note that because the paperwork is usually absent in these cases, that we just cannot verify
• And there have been cases where they may have lost it temporarily, and so we then pause payments.
• And there have been cases where they may have lost it temporarily, and so we then pause payments.
• And there have been cases where they may have lost it temporarily, and so we then pause payments.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• wonderful in in putting their um case wonderful in in putting their um case across<00:27:55.399>
• case case it<00:36:59.960> now<00:37:00.200> go<00:37:00.319> ahead<00:37:00.880
• diligent in addressing a bullying case diligent in addressing a bullying case as as as um<03:56:
• We have had this case occur. It happened in, I believe, up north.
• some uh districts I'm thinking of a case some uh districts I'm thinking of a case that<04:48:09.280

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 662, which would require discussion of abortion procedures and the viewing of certain videos in public school health education. Members argued the bill went too far by naming specific videos and involving the Attorney General in enforcement, and they said curriculum decisions should be left to educators. The committee voted ITL on HB 662 by a unanimous 18-0. The committee then considered HCR 6, a resolution calling for the removal of the superintendent of District 67. Members said the resolution targeted an individual and that the underlying dispute was already in court, so the matter should be left to the legal process. The motion to ITL passed 18-0. Next, HR 9, urging the Department of Education to emphasize STEM education, received broad support as a nonpartisan statement of priorities, and it also passed 18-0. HB 440, concerning educator licensing and shortages in Career and Technical Education, was amended to clarify that the bill applies to initial licensure only. After discussion about whether the amendment was necessary, the committee adopted Amendment 0188 unanimously and then voted OTPA on the bill as amended, 18-0. HB 222, which repealed the requirement for an MOU between charter schools and districts on services for students with disabilities, drew testimony that districts already provide substantial oversight through IEP processes and that the MOU requirement was burdensome and largely unenforced; the committee voted OTP 18-0. The committee then took up HB 719, which would repeal the right of first refusal for charter schools to purchase or lease unused district facilities. Supporters said the existing law had not generated complaints and could impede charter expansion, while opponents said the issue had not proven to be a problem and local control should be preserved. The committee voted ITL 17-1, with one member opposed and no minority report. The chair then postponed HB 184, a study committee bill on school start times, because it was scheduled for the next day, and the committee moved into a work session on bullying-related bills, discussing HB 108, HB 384, and HB 673 without taking final action in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we still have a trigger in case of the human resources bill... ...a trigger in case of the human
• I looked at several case laws. I can go back and have my legal team do a one-page legal analysis.
• Well, yes, there's a long case law because...
• So in that case, if a child is in daycare and the... ...case, if a child is in daycare and the allegations
• Know that that'd be helpful for just clarification that's going to cover you in case of danger.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would look to a case out of Idaho, the Ruby Ridge case, where an officer actually was taken to court
• Connor case. >> that was a Graham v. Connor case.
• the<00:31:59.200> prosecution that case because the prosecution that case because the
• <00:57:22.880> are fair and those two cases are fair and those two cases are foundational.
• But, as a case-by-case basis, you evaluate the facts of the circumstance and make a decision.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, January 29, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate reconvened after a snow delay, heard an invocation from Reverend Scott Shelton, and conducted several floor introductions and recognitions, including birthday wishes for staff, a welcome for a temporary office staffer, recognition of the Center for Urban Families, and introduction of the week’s pages. The chamber then approved the prior journal and moved through bill and bond initiative readings, referring the listed measures to their standing committees or the capital budget subcommittee. The first substantive action was adoption of a favorable committee report on Senate Bill 17, an emergency bill authorizing the Baltimore City Board of Licensed Commissioners to issue a related event promoters permit for the CIAA tournament. The floor leader said the bill had no amendments, no fiscal impact, and no opposition in committee. The Senate adopted the report without objection and ordered the bill printed for third reading. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 1 from the Judicial Proceedings Committee, which would require the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission to adopt a statewide policy on law enforcement face coverings, apply it to state, local, and federal officers in Maryland, and enforce violations through a civil citation and discipline. The committee report included two amendments: one technical and one making the policy statewide and preempting local policies. During extended debate, the bill’s sponsor argued that masks undermine transparency and trust and that the measure would create a uniform standard. A senator from Frederick County questioned whether the bill would effectively create a policy for federal agents without Maryland-specific training and raised concerns about enforcement, temporary detention, complaints, and possible conflicts with federal authority. The sponsor responded that officers would retain discretion, that the bill would be enforced through civil citations, and that similar civil enforcement mechanisms have been upheld in Maryland. No final vote on the amended report is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• screening process that like a case screening process that like a case management<00:49:06.640>
• So the one where we're... sorry, my phone is picking up... uh case management servic uh case management
• I shut it off in case anyone else wanted to respond.
• They will often say that, in the extreme case or in the worst-case scenario, this bill, if passed, may
• or in the say that in the extreme case or in the worst<04:08:55.760> case<04:08:55.960> scenario

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session continued its review of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Medicaid budget and related policy issues, with CFO Nathan White and Medicaid Director Henry Litman presenting updated materials. The discussion focused on a crosswalk between the adjusted FY 2025 Medicaid budget and the governor’s FY 2026 recommendation, plus handouts showing service additions, eligibility changes, dental rates, and other Medicaid changes since 2019. The department also said it would provide a clearer breakdown of the pharmacy cost-sharing item by general, federal, and other funds. Members asked detailed questions about the Medicaid enhancement tax, the 80% plan, and how funds are allocated between hospital payments, directed payments, and DSH uncompensated care. The department explained that the MET is being used more toward rates and directed payments to better align with federal matching rules, while DSH remains important for uncompensated care. They also noted that a pending Senate Bill 249 would keep the 80% structure and move to Senate Finance. On the trigger law, the department identified the governing provision as Chapter 342:12, Laws of 2018, and explained that if the federal match for Medicaid expansion falls below 90%, the state must notify legislative leaders and participants and the program would sunset after 180 days unless the legislature acts. The committee also reviewed current Medicaid expansion enrollment and program trends. Officials said enrollment was just under 59,000 as of March 3, with about 87,000 people enrolled over the past year and more than a quarter-million residents having used the program over its lifetime. They said enrollment has fallen from a post-pandemic high of nearly 97,000 and may eventually settle in the low 50,000s. Finally, the department discussed federal DSH funding risk, saying New Hampshire could face a significant reduction if Congress does not extend current protections, which is part of why the state has shifted more funding toward payment rates and directed payments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can any of you think about what your contingency plans are in that case?
• Nothing about your case related to the time limit is going to change... ...in January.
• I don't think that's necessarily the case.
• And in some cases, they use it to provide direct services, and other cases indirect services.
• We can't pull up a client's case right now to see what's happening.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing focused largely on the implementation of federal HR1 changes and their effects on CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and related county workloads. CDSS, DHCS, DDS, CWDA, LAO, and Finance discussed the CalFresh able-bodied adult without dependents time limit, with CDSS saying about two-thirds of affected adults are already known to be exempt in the system and that roughly 200,000 more could be auto-exempt through new data matches with DHCS and DDS. Officials said those exemptions should be in place by mid-August, before the first possible discontinuance in October, and that counties would receive policy guidance, handbook updates, and client-facing materials. DHCS said Medi-Cal work requirements would be implemented later, with rules and testing completed ahead of a January 2027 rollout, and noted automatic exemptions for some IHSS-related cases. CWDA urged more county staffing and funding, citing examples where high-touch outreach improved exemptions, reduced churn, and increased participation, while warning that without additional resources counties expect delays, higher error risk, and reduced engagement. The committee also discussed a possible CFAP Plus expansion to provide state-funded food benefits to people losing CalFresh eligibility under HR1. CDSS said implementation could not occur before the planned October 1, 2027 CFAP expansion timeline and would depend on final policy choices, system design, and the complexity of adding new eligibility groups. Finance cautioned that any benefit expansion would carry significant General Fund costs, potentially in the hundreds of millions or more. Members asked for written timelines, county-by-county impact data, and feedback on trailer bill language, and CDSS agreed to provide follow-up materials and technical assistance. A separate item reviewed the CalFresh strategic plan and the revision of CDSS’s online mandated reporter training. CDSS said the strategic plan lead position should be posted in May and that the plan would be data-driven and collaborative. For mandated reporter training, CDSS reported that the revised curriculum is being developed with lived experts and stakeholders, will include content on structural racism, ICWA protections, implicit bias, and the distinction between reporting and supporting, and is on track to launch in fall/winter 2026 ahead of the statutory deadline. The committee also heard updates on Promise Neighborhoods, where advocates described strong outcomes and argued for continued and expanded state support, including AB 1969 to deepen partnerships with community schools; members emphasized the need for more stable braided funding and institution-building rather than short-term program funding. The hearing concluded with updates on the Stop the Hate program and housing assistance programs. CDSS said Stop the Hate has provided direct services, prevention and intervention programming, and statewide coordination, reaching millions through outreach and serving more than 11,200 people through transformative grants; advocates urged reauthorization and more targeted funding for solidarity, harm reduction, legal services, and education. Finally, CDSS said proposed one-time investments of $55 million for H-DAP and $105 million for HSP would help avoid funding cliffs and maintain homelessness prevention and housing stabilization services through 2026-27, while the absence of new funding would force reductions in emergency housing assistance, rental subsidies, and enrollments. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• plan companies have told us, and they'll probably tell you today, that they've notified all county case
• In the case of Health Partners, the limits we have in our coverage, we have had in our policies since
• <00:18:59.520> In<00:18:59.679> the<00:18:59.840> case<00:19:00.000> of
• In the case of Health commercial plans.
• um uh relate to those but in the case um uh relate to those but in the case generally<00:21:57.039

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, in both those cases, there were obvious failures.
• It's still an open case. Okay. Mm-hmm. And who's prosecuting that case?
• PFAS are, in many cases, ending up in these biosolids.
• So, in this case, it will be some really helpful guidance for us.
• Not on this particular case.

Bills: HB1341, HB1674, HB4028, SB2321

Keywords: hydrogen sulfide, public health, environmental regulation, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, ground level concentrations, emissions limit, emissions limits, ground-level concentrations, air quality, PFAS, agriculture, environmental protection, health risks, criminal offense, chemical regulation, preproduction plastic, water quality, pollution control, industrial waste, emissions

Transcript Highlights:

• And the defendant in that case, as you may recall, was set for trial.
• When a trial data set, the court, 100% of the cases, at arraignment during the proceeding of a case,
• But that is not the case.
• We do that in drug trafficking cases, but not the status of the individual. ...cases, but not the status
• You're trying to make your case. Prove the theory.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and a moment of silence honoring former Senator and Judge Thomas Gallen. The chamber then moved to special order items focused on immigration and related enforcement measures. Senate Memorial 6C, urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance and training for 287(g) agreements, passed by voice vote. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 4C, an immigration measure that would impose a mandatory death penalty for unauthorized aliens convicted of capital felonies and create state crimes for illegal entry and re-entry. Senators Pizzo, Polsky, and Sharief raised concerns about constitutional issues, plea bargaining, trial and penalty-phase procedures, prosecutorial discretion, and the effect on victims’ families. Supporters, including Senators Fine and Gruters, argued the bill was a strong deterrent and a response to serious crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. The bill passed 25-11. The chamber next debated Senate Bill 2C, a broader immigration enforcement package. The bill would create a State Board of Immigration Enforcement, expand local-federal cooperation, fund detention and enforcement efforts, strengthen pretrial detention rules for unauthorized aliens, and end in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students. Senators Davis and Pizzo questioned enforcement mechanics, jurisdiction, bond procedures, and whether local agencies were actually mandated to participate; supporters said the bill was designed to maximize cooperation with federal authorities and the Trump administration. A late-filed amendment by Senator Pizzo to preserve tuition waivers for current students failed 14-22, and a second amendment was withdrawn after discussion. Debate then continued on the bill, with opponents arguing it was costly, federal in nature, and harmful to Dreamers and other students, while supporters said it was necessary to crack down on illegal immigration and align state policy with federal enforcement priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that the case?
• There is a case, one example, Smith v. Guest... There is a case, one example, Smith v.
• I will point out that there were numerous cases, a total of 162 cases against Catholic diocese-related
• I will point out that there were numerous cases, a total of 162 cases against Catholic diocese-related
• Behind every one of these cases is not a lawsuit. Behind every case is a child.

Keywords: 1064, all