Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 156 by Hughes, relating to prohibited conduct of a health benefit plan issuer in relation
• Senate Bill 1167 by Paxton, relating to elimination of limitations periods for suits for personal injury
• Senate Bill 1183 by Creighton, relating to electronic benefits transfer cards used by and for recipients
• of benefits under certain assistance programs, to State Affairs.
• Senate Bill 1205 by Hall, relating to the provision of certain public benefits and services to persons

Summary: The Senate met briefly to receive first-reading referrals of a large number of bills, resolutions, and joint resolutions. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including public education, health care, criminal justice, business regulation, transportation, water and natural resources, local government, taxation, elections, and public information. Many of the filings were by Senators Hughes, Perry, Alvarado, Creighton, Hancock, Parker, Zaffirini, Blanco, and others, and included proposals on school safety, health records and billing, election procedures, water planning, housing and rent issues, energy and environmental regulation, and criminal penalties. The chamber also read several concurrent and joint resolutions, including measures designating state symbols and local honors, a proposed constitutional amendment related to gaming by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, a proposal concerning special-session subjects, and resolutions on fiscal restraints and retirement obligations. No debate, testimony, or substantive action on the merits of the measures occurred in this portion of the transcript; the items were simply read and referred to committees. At the close of the proceedings, the Senate adjourned pursuant to a previously adopted motion and announced it would reconvene at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• It hurts our EV adoption and limits our ability to execute our clean car goals as a state.
• It hurts our EV adoption and limits our ability to execute our clean car goals as a state.
• and accelerate the rate at which we will be able to unlock these significant benefits.
• We'll have, we as representatives, we have a limited amount of funds.
• I don't know what the limitations are, but we need to find out what they are.

Bills: SB22, SB310

Keywords: motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 22, which would allow certain motor vehicle manufacturers, including electric vehicle companies, to be licensed as dealers in New Mexico and sell/service directly to consumers. Supporters, including the sponsor’s office, Taxation and Revenue, Rivian, and clean-energy advocates, argued the bill would expand consumer choice, lower prices, improve EV access and service in-state, and bring new investment and jobs without eliminating existing franchise dealers. Opponents, including auto dealer associations, chambers of commerce, and franchise owners, argued the measure would weaken the franchise system, harm local businesses and jobs, reduce community reinvestment, and could disadvantage rural and tribal communities. After questions about trade-ins, tribal land sales, tax effects, and economic impacts, the committee voted to table SB 22 by a vote of 7-2. The committee then took up Senate Bill 310, which appropriates $1.1 million to the New Mexico Environment Department for planning, design, and construction improvements to the Mora mutual domestic water system. Supporters described aging water and wastewater infrastructure, an AOC related to discharge into the Mora River, flood and fire impacts, and heavy-metal contamination concerns in private wells. They said the project is part of a larger effort to address inflow and infiltration, improve treatment capacity, and protect public health, with additional funding already sought through the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund and the Water Trust Board. Some senators questioned whether the request should instead go through existing water funding programs and raised concerns about piecemeal financing and the Environment Department’s role, but others supported the need for the project. The committee approved SB 310 on a 5-3 due-pass vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> that time was already severely limited that time was already severely limited but<00:14:24.279><
• That limits $55,000, and the loss assessment limit is only $1,000.
• </c> the interior of a condo that limits the interior of a condo that limits $55,000<00:41:35.440><c>
• ><c> is</c> $55,000 and loss assessment limit is $55,000 and loss assessment limit is only only only
• </c> you're expanding lower benefits you're expanding lower benefits potentially<00:58:55.680><c> which

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Would regulate evictions or limit evictions post-COVID.
• the average person, but rather benefit a select few, you know, the loudest in the room. ...other benefit
• You could probably point to the tax limitation and maybe the 50-cent debt limit, but otherwise, I'd say
• They are limited waivers of immunity.
• You mentioned the not cap, the limited waiver of $250,000, The not-cap, the limited waiver of $250,000

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Other boards like this around the country set upper price limits. Some even set drug prices.
• This instrument provides relative to pharmacy benefit managers to provide for definitions.
• received by or through a pharmacy benefit manager or its affiliates.
• To regulate health benefits.
• Heath Williams, Office of Group Benefits.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposal before you relies on available debt limit bond capacity, CCA account money, and other cash
• The proposal before you relies on available debt limit bond capacity, CCA account money, and other cash
• The total proposal will spend $382.6 million in debt limit bonds, $219 million in CCA funds, and $723
• Infrequent or occasional fundraising events are not subject to the 15-day limitation.
• Turning to the bill, the limitation is increased from 15 to 50 days each year.

Bills: SB6003, HB2353, HB2431, HB1983

Keywords: capital budget, funding, infrastructure, state projects, budget allocation, HB 2353, predesign thresholds, capital construction, major capital projects, Office of Financial Management, OFM, Washington state, state agencies, infrastructure planning, construction costs, inflation adjustment, capital facilities, project review, allotments, lease approval

Transcript Highlights:

• Located outside of the chamber, each public testimony will be limited to two minutes total.
• HB3211 poses a significant threat to the effectiveness and affordability of these benefits.
• It threatens affordability, reduces competition, and limits consumer choice.
• Is this to be limited to only subsidiaries accepting new enrollees?
• And, you know, there's a lot of benefit.

Bills: HB107, HB742, HB1639, HB1700, HB2071, HB2187, HB2402, HB2516, HB3211, HB4529, HB5342, HB694, HB923, HB4655, HB107

Keywords: sickle cell disease, registry, health data, confidentiality, healthcare access, human trafficking, first responders, health care, training, reporting, protection, cancer, female firefighters, health study, state health services, fire protection, telemedicine, teledentistry, telehealth, health records

Transcript Highlights:

• This is $8,000 a year for the education benefits for remarried spouses, Representative Bliss's bill,
• This is also a Representative Olson bill, House File 1443, which increases the bonding limit for the
• This is also a House File bonding limit for the state armory building commission.
• We must make strategic decisions about staffing or providing benefits and services to those who have
• disclosure law by requiring federal accreditation to provide veterans benefits and veterans benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, the bill prohibits employers from providing different compensation or benefits based on
• And so I don't think our legislators should be limiting the provider's ability to prevent harm and to
• I have a problem with DES and having a disability and have received benefits with SNAP.
• The website didn't work to apply for unemployment benefits.
• benefits like SNAP and access to health care.

Bills: HB2048, HB2189, HB2248, HB2403, HB2728, HB2729, HB2730, HB2731, HB2906, HCR2058

Keywords: orders of protection, domestic violence, court procedures, legal guardian, enforcement, healthcare, licensed health aides, scope of practice, ventilator care, training standards, medical freedom, healthcare mandates, employment requirements, public health, government regulation, elderly, physical disabilities, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, home and community based services, funding increase

Transcript Highlights:

• During public testimony period, there may be a time limit of 2 minutes per witness to accommodate all
• All questions and remarks from members and witnesses are limited to the content of the bill, committee
• programs for inmates to provide benefits upon release.
• and gets money off of those types of crimes. 3, benefiting from trafficking, trafficking.
• This benefits nobody.

Bills: HB153

Transcript Highlights:

• We have other sanctions that can go along with that, like limiting phone time or limiting some of the
• When an elderly or disabled Missourian is exploited, delays benefit the abuser, not the victim.
• The subpoena authority is limited to records... ...of an eligible adult.
• The subpoena authority is limited to records involved in this certain case with the abuse.
• And then, like I said, I think on top of that, if they're drawing Social Security benefits, the feds

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2708, which would increase penalties for bringing or possessing unauthorized electronic communication devices in prisons and jails, raising the offense from a misdemeanor to a Class D felony and clarifying the statutory language. Representative Hovis said the bill is intended to deter contraband cell phones and similar devices that can be used to coordinate criminal activity, threaten victims, or continue gang operations from inside facilities. Department of Corrections staff supported the bill, saying cell phones are dangerous contraband and that current administrative sanctions are not always enough. Members asked about notice to visitors, current DOC discipline, whether the bill applies to inmates, staff, and visitors, and whether the language should be tightened to cover devices “capable of” communication; the sponsor agreed to have House Research review the wording and potentially offer a committee substitute. No opposition testimony was presented. The committee then heard House Bill 3038, which would place the Department of Health and Senior Services’ Office of Special Investigations into statute and give it limited authority to assist investigations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of eligible adults. Representative Cook said the office already exists and the bill mainly codifies its role, allowing limited subpoena and search warrant authority to speed investigations, especially financial exploitation cases, while preserving local law enforcement and prosecutorial control. DHSS witnesses supported the bill, explaining that their investigators have long worked on vulnerable-adult cases and often need quicker access to records; they said the office has law enforcement experience and coordinates with Adult Protective Services and public safety agencies. Committee members asked about the fiscal note, vacancies, the definition of exploitation, whether the office can investigate public administrators or guardianship cases, and whether investigators have arrest authority; witnesses said the bill is not intended to create a new police force or expand arrest powers, but to formalize existing functions and improve access to records. No witnesses testified in opposition, and the hearing concluded without a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:56.440><c> of</c> would you also read for the benefit of would you also read for the benefit
• , pension benefits, life insurance benefits, and the father's legal history.
• Please, wrapping up, I will that includes Social Security benefits, pension benefits, life insurance
• pension benefits<02:08:10.639><c> life</c><02:08:10.880><c> insurance</c><02:08:11.440><c> benefits<
• /c> benefits life insurance benefits benefits life insurance benefits father's<02:08:12.880><c> legal

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Accountable due to the statute of limitations.
• Senate Bill 590 would toll the statute of limitations for failure to report for mandatory reporters until
• And we are going to have to limit public testimony today to about 90 seconds per speaker.
• I did want to, since the time is limited, just address the suicide issue.
• You continue to limit their access to care.

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered several bills. SB 590, by Senator Bradley, would toll the statute of limitations for failure to report suspected child abuse by mandatory reporters until the offense is known to law enforcement, with a retroactivity amendment adopted. Supporters said it would help hold mandatory reporters accountable in institutional abuse cases; it was reported favorably. SB 778, by Senator Simon, would update the definition of forensic client so certain individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism whose charges were dismissed for incompetency could be housed in the same secure setting under Chapter 916, reducing duplicative staffing and space needs at APD; it was also reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 560, by Senator Garcia, which streamlines psychotropic medication procedures for children in DCF custody, clarifies when new medical reports are needed, reduces duplicative background checks, and simplifies consent documentation. An amendment removed language expanding who could serve as a qualified evaluator and revised the Road to Independence Program changes to focus only on post-secondary education services and support, extending eligibility ages to 26 while keeping a five-year maximum. Members discussed fiscal impacts and funding sources, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 1010, by Senator Yarbrough, which strengthens enforcement of existing prohibitions on sex-reassignment prescriptions and procedures for minors and adds civil and criminal penalties, along with Attorney General enforcement authority and related parental rights provisions. An amendment clarified that actions could be brought by individuals as well as the Attorney General and that the provisions apply only to minors. The bill drew extensive public testimony both for and against, with supporters emphasizing child protection and accountability and opponents warning about chilling effects on medical care, schools, and parental rights. Senators raised concerns about standing, scope, and impacts on teachers and clinicians, but the bill was ultimately reported favorably on a 5-1 vote, with Senator Sharif voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state share of SNAP benefits also increases from 0% to 10% if we have a high error rate.
• In some cases, they might be getting more benefits than they were entitled to.
• In some cases, they might be getting less benefits than they're entitled to.
• in limited government, local control, and allowing communities decide what's best for them.
• But I've seen far too many roads that have had their speed limits lowered for political reasons.

Summary: The committee first received a lengthy presentation from JLBC staff comparing the JLBC baseline budget with the executive proposal. Staff said the baseline shows about $577 million in available cash above statutory formulas, but that major items not included—especially tax conformity, ongoing health and school repair costs, and new federal Medicaid/SNAP administrative requirements—would significantly change the picture. The executive budget was described as about $1.1 billion larger than the JLBC baseline, driven by revenue and spending proposals including border security funding, tax conformity, higher sports betting taxes, elimination of a data center equipment exemption, short-term rental and water surcharges, SNAP administrative and error-rate costs, and several one-time items that staff argued appear ongoing. Members also discussed rising caseloads and supplementals in developmental disabilities, Medicaid/Access, and education, including concerns about declining enrollment, possible fraud in Access, and the SNAP error rate. The committee then heard and passed SB 1032, which appropriates $1.5 million from the General Fund in FY 2027 to fund the Independent Correctional Oversight Office. Testimony from the sponsor and advocates emphasized the need for independent oversight of the Department of Corrections, transparency, whistleblower reporting, and avoiding federal receivership. The bill was given a due pass recommendation on a 10-0 vote. Next, the committee considered several transportation appropriations. SB 1064, as amended, would appropriate $3 million to ADOT for improvements along West Route 66 in Flagstaff; the mayor and local planning officials testified that the corridor is congested and dangerous, with significant growth and crash history. The bill passed 7-3. SB 1059 would appropriate $9.2 million for an additional right-turn lane at SR 87 and SR 260 in Payson; supporters cited severe backups and safety concerns, and it passed 7-3. SB 1062 would appropriate $1 million for an additional left-turn lane at US 60 and Superstition Mountain Drive in Gold Canyon; supporters said the intersection is a major bottleneck and safety issue, and it passed 6-4. Finally, the committee began hearing SCR 1004, which would place on the ballot a prohibition on photo enforcement systems used by local authorities or state agencies for speeding and red-light violations. The sponsor and public testimony argued that automated enforcement is unpopular, unconstitutional, and prone to abuse, citing allegations of campaign money tied to ticket revenue and forged judicial signatures on citations. The transcript cuts off during public testimony, before any committee vote on SCR 1004 or the remaining bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additional witness comments will be limited to your name, organization, and position.
• AB 382 would lower the speed limit in school zones to 20 miles per hour.
• Research shows that reducing speed limits in school zones can bring significant safety benefits by reducing
• Yeah, the posted speed limit.
• Speed limits alone are not a panacea.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard a series of bills focused on transportation safety, climate resilience, wildlife connectivity, parking enforcement, and EV charging reliability. AB 605 would create a pilot program allowing certain hydrogen internal combustion cargo-handling equipment at ports; supporters said it could help ports stay competitive while reducing emissions, while South Coast AQMD raised concerns about possible nitrogen oxide emissions and limits on future regulation. The bill passed on an 11-0 vote to the Natural Resources Committee. AB 1132 would require Caltrans to incorporate community resilience indicators, including socioeconomic factors, into climate vulnerability assessments; supporters from Greenlining, AARP, and others said it would better protect seniors, people with disabilities, and transit users during heat waves and disasters, while some members questioned the cost during a tight budget year. It passed 9-0 to Appropriations, with some members not voting. AB 382 would lower school-zone speed limits to 20 mph and give local agencies more flexibility in how the limit is posted and enforced; supporters cited child pedestrian deaths and safety research, and the bill passed 11-0 to Appropriations. AB 902, as amended, would require transportation projects in wildlife connectivity areas to include wildlife passage features where feasible; supporters emphasized reduced collisions and habitat fragmentation, while the California Building Industry Association and COGs moved from opposition to neutral after amendments. It passed 9-1 to Local Government. AB 1014 would give Caltrans more discretion to lower speed limits on state highways based on local conditions rather than the 85th percentile rule; supporters said it would improve safety in rural and tourist areas, and the bill passed 13-0 to Appropriations. AB 1022 would end towing or booting vehicles solely for unpaid parking tickets, with supporters describing the practice as punitive and harmful to low-income drivers, while cities and parking groups argued it would weaken enforcement and create problems for out-of-state vehicles. The bill passed 9-3 to Appropriations. AB 1423 would require publicly funded EV chargers to meet reliability standards and allow enforcement of uptime requirements; supporters said taxpayers need functioning chargers, while charging-industry opponents objected to retroactive standards and possible conflicts with existing agreements. The bill passed 14-0 to Utilities and Energy. The committee also approved a consent calendar of five bills by voice vote and held roll calls open for additional members to add on.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> distributions from the fund are limited distributions from the fund are limited to<00:14:09.279>
• </c><00:32:06.080><c> of</c> to school districts for the benefit of to school districts for the benefit
• </c><00:35:07.520><c> of</c> purchasing power for the benefit of purchasing power for the benefit of
• Krak and others described limiting limiting<01:03:32.240><c> the</c><01:03:32.559><c> amounts</c><01:
• 03:32.960><c> available</c><01:03:33.359><c> for</c> limiting the amounts available for limiting the

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:23:55.679><c> Uh,</c> eligibility and weekly benefits. Uh, eligibility and weekly benefits.
• federally financed benefits.
• A couple other points on weekly benefits: the max weekly benefit right now is $427.
• </c><02:19:16.559><c> The</c> active uh benefit recipients. The active uh benefit recipients.
• </c> we had a a limited number of resources. we had a a limited number of resources.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:08:20.880><c> to</c> limits uh to set time limits to limits uh to set time limits to otherwise
• 25.040><c> wager</c> deposit limits, time limits, wager deposit limits, time limits, wager limits,<02
• Uh reality check limits, loss limits.
• limit? limit?
• </c> specific dollar limit. specific dollar limit.

Bills: HB2118, HB2473

Keywords: business development, arts, cultural affairs, Hawaii, commissions, administrative transfer, funding appropriation, Hawaiian culture, sense of place, land management, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to permitting and economic development. On HB 2603, relating to permits, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development said it supported the measure with comments. Committee discussion focused on the fact that the state’s facilitated permit process appears to have been rarely or never used, the need to identify specific projects that would use it, and whether DBEDT would need dedicated staffing to administer it. DBEDT said it had found no projects under the current process, had no capacity to run the program as structured, and estimated it would need about 7 to 9 FTEs, including permitting, coordination, data, systems, and possibly legal support. The chair suggested exploring a staff assignment and comparing the concept to federal FAST-41-style expedited permitting. On HB 2140, relating to essential permitting positions, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development again supported the bill with comments. Testimony and questioning centered on a pilot program to help counties pay competitively for permitting staff. A DBEDT representative said the issue of competitive pay affected both county and state permitting offices and that the bill was intended as a temporary pilot, though a more permanent solution would be preferable. When asked how counties would fund the salary support, the witness said that was not yet discussed with the counties and agreed to follow up. The committee also noted the bill applies to participating counties. On HB 2598, relating to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, the State Procurement Office and HTDC offered comments, and the Department of the Attorney General raised constitutional concerns. The AG said the bill’s residency-based certification requirements, when tied to procurement, could implicate the dormant Commerce Clause, and that the required 1% contribution tied to state contracts raised unconstitutional-conditions concerns. In questioning, the AG characterized these as legal risks rather than automatic lawsuits. The committee did not take a vote. The committee then heard HB 2141, relating to state enterprise zones. Taxation, DBEDT, HCDA, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, and HTDC testified in support, while the Tax Foundation noted the program was intended to help economically depressed areas create jobs. HTDC said the bill would help preserve the Maui Research and Technology Center’s enterprise-zone status after rezoning. Committee discussion focused on whether the enterprise zone program is being used effectively, how the bill might attract businesses to areas where the state is investing, and whether the program’s labor requirements are too burdensome for new businesses. DBEDT explained that the program requires a 10% workforce increase in the first year, which must be sustained, and said it promotes the program through county coordinators and in-person outreach. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> or the payment of certain benefits or the payment of certain benefits attendant<01:08:44.159><c>
• </c> payments to what uh the weekly benefit payments to what uh the weekly benefit amount<01:31:32.159
• </c> will come in they'll U increase benefits will come in they'll U increase benefits they'll<02:05:
• You know, obviously you've got commissary benefits, you've got PX benefits, shopping benefits, you've
• um you know benefits you got PX benefit um you know shopping<05:28:17.200><c> benefits</c><05:28:17.638

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, we're limited on what and when we can buy.
• , both the financial benefit of taxpayers in the state.
• Offshore wind also provides real health benefits.
• The legislation identifies no size limits.
• And there is no limit to the spending.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on H. 4144, the Governor’s Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act, with the administration arguing the bill would lower bills in the short and long term while expanding clean energy supply and innovation. The Governor and Secretary said the bill would reduce or restructure charges on customer bills, reform Mass Save, expand securitization as a financing tool, speed interconnection, create energy-ready zones, strengthen consumer protections in competitive supply, and allow broader state procurement of energy resources. They said the package could save consumers billions over time and would help address high energy costs, especially during extreme heat and winter spikes. Committee members pressed the administration on several provisions, especially securitization, asking whether the bill requires an apples-to-apples comparison of total costs over time, including interest and lost tax revenue, versus paying through rates. Administration witnesses said DPU review and public comment would be required and said they would work to clarify the language if needed. Members also questioned the bill’s solar and procurement provisions, including reduced net metering compensation for some large facilities, the scope of all-resource procurements, and whether hydro, solar, and nuclear would be included; the administration said those resources were contemplated and that procurement would still be reviewed by DPU. Other questions focused on the short-term relief from bill changes, the treatment of low- and moderate-income discounts, and whether the bill’s heat pump and Mass Save reforms would help customers who cannot afford upfront costs. Several witnesses and committee members discussed Mass Save reforms, including securitization of program costs, on-bill financing, pre-approval of rebates, and shifting program administration away from gas utilities. Administration witnesses said the changes were intended to reduce volatility, lower administrative costs, and better align costs with long-term savings. Questions also touched on geothermal permitting, municipal participation in offshore wind procurement, and the proposed repeal of the ballot requirement for nuclear power, which the administration defended as preserving future options under heavy review. No votes were taken during the hearing portion described. Supportive testimony came from labor, environmental, business, planning, and development groups. The AFL-CIO, NECA, and the Environmental League of Massachusetts backed the bill, emphasizing lower bills, job creation, labor standards, just transition protections, and cleaner energy. NAIOP, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, and MAPC supported provisions on energy-ready zones, interconnection reform, microgrids, extreme-heat shutoff protections, and Mass Save improvements. A HEET representative praised the bill’s use of securitization, geothermal, and utility financing tools but urged guardrails and workforce protections. Overall, testimony was broadly favorable, with most witnesses calling for refinements rather than opposing the bill outright.