Transcript Highlights:

• Warren County, um, just in six ones.
• 25.279><c> you</c><00:12:25.360><c> remember,</c> Palaski County, and if you remember, Palaski County
• They give me of Jefferson County.
• I think that County Public Schools.
• County. County. 50<01:27:03.760><c> to</c><01:27:04.080><c> 60%.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call: 0:00:08 26RS SB 3: 0:02:50 26RS SB 1: 0:21:12, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> authorizes only the County Police authorizes only the County Police Department<00:14:27.920><c>
• </c><00:44:08.520><c> to</c><00:44:08.800><c> pass</c> counties can have the authority to pass counties
• </c> today HP 380 HD1 will restore County today HP 380 HD1 will restore County Authority<01:03:51.039
• County departments and bill authorized County departments and commissions<01:27:25.600><c> to</c><01
• > to</c> authorizes County commissions uh to authorizes County commissions uh to organize<01:27:41.440

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 655 would limit collection of unpaid motor vehicle taxes, fees, and penalties to the most recent five consecutive years of delinquency. The Department of Transportation opposed the bill, saying it could significantly affect state and county revenues and that the fiscal impact was hard to estimate. The Tax Foundation noted the bill would shorten the existing collection period, while an individual testifier supported it as a narrow measure that would help owners of old or inherited vehicles. In questioning, the department said it could not quantify the cost but suggested it would prefer case-by-case flexibility rather than a fixed five-year limit. HB 697 would authorize Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement personnel to inspect and certify evidence from automated speed enforcement systems and would appropriate funds for the program. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, citing the workload created by the red-light camera pilot and the need to assist police and prosecutors. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended technical amendments so the verification language would apply consistently across the chapter and allow the appropriate reviewing entity to act. The committee also heard support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and opposition from three individuals. HB 711 would require defendants convicted of causing the death of a parent or legal guardian of a minor child while driving under the influence to provide financial support to the surviving child. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal restitution must be tied to verified losses and that this type of long-term support is better handled in civil court, where trusts, conservatorships, and insurance claims can be addressed. The Department of Transportation supported the bill as a deterrent to impaired driving, and police, prosecutors, and an injury prevention group also submitted support. Members questioned whether the measure was better suited to civil litigation, and the public defender agreed that the civil system was the proper venue. HB 108 would allow direct shipment of beer and distilled spirits by certain licensees and require county liquor commissions to adopt rules. The Attorney General raised constitutional concerns, saying the bill’s different treatment of out-of-state manufacturers could violate the dormant Commerce Clause and recommended revisions. Brewers and distillers testified in support, saying the bill would put beer and spirits on a similar footing with wine direct shipment, help small producers reach consumers, and support the local economy without increasing underage access. They also said the bill should be amended to address grandfathering language. No final votes or committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Madam Baltimore County.
• hunting authorizations and Sunday hunting authorizations and requires<00:35:33.120><c> DNR</c><00:35
• </c><00:36:04.520><c> Three,</c> Wicomico County from HB 780. Three, Wicomico County from HB 780.
• And it includes counties as options are. And it includes counties as well,<01:42:21.040><c> right?
• </c> the delegate from Baltimore County. the delegate from Baltimore County.

Keywords: House streaming session for Saturday, March 21, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and authority.
• County line.
• For example, we have looked at Lafayette County. We have looked at Mayo County.
• For example, we have looked at Lafayette County. We have looked at Mayo County.
• the Baker County Jail... ...but the Baker County Jail, the Walton County Jail, has bed space where ICE

Bills: S7040, S0110, S0434, S0856

Keywords: property assessment, wind damage, home improvements, real estate, tax exemption, Florida statutes, ad valorem taxes, property listings, tax estimation, disclosure, Florida, residential property

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and took up three property-tax related bills before turning to a broader discussion of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund. SB 434, which would prohibit counties from increasing a residential property’s assessed value because the owner installed wind mitigation measures, was presented by Senator Lee and reported favorably. CS for SB 110, which clarifies that holders of 98-year-or-longer residential leases remain eligible for the homestead exemption even if the lease ends at death, was also reported favorably. SB 856, requiring online residential listing platforms to display estimated property taxes using prescribed calculation methods and not the current owner’s tax bill, drew support from property appraisers, Zillow representatives, and others and was reported favorably after questions about transparency and realtor obligations. The committee then considered SPB 7040, which would recreate and extend the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Senator DiCeglie and Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie argued the fund is needed for hurricane response, other natural and man-made emergencies, and reimbursement-based spending; they said the extension preserves legislative oversight that would otherwise lapse. Several senators questioned the use of the fund for immigration-related operations, detention facilities, and other non-disaster activities, as well as the lack of additional guardrails, reimbursement timing, and transparency. Guthrie said the division has used the fund for hurricanes, flooding, civil unrest, security operations, and other incidents, and that some reimbursements are still pending from the federal government. Public testimony on SPB 7040 was largely opposed. Speakers from the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Florida for All, and others argued the fund has been repurposed for immigration enforcement and detention-related spending rather than true emergencies, and raised concerns about deaths in detention and the absence of competitive bidding and oversight. Guthrie answered extensive questions about the South Florida and North Florida detention facilities, Operation Vigilant Sentry, State Guard support, reimbursement requests, equipment purchases, and legislative access to facilities. The committee did not take a final vote on SPB 7040 within the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is AB 1562, which is meant to bring people closer to their democracy by authorizing counties to
• I do want to highlight, and with a source of pride, representing Fresno County, that it is Fresno County
• There are 55 co-authors added.
• I'll allow any member to add on as a co-author on the resolution. Members, this is for co-authors.
• There are 55 co-authors added.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a delayed quorum call, then moved through routine procedural actions, including unanimous-consent requests on guest seating and committee referrals. A motion by Assembly Member DeMaio to withdraw AB 2624 from committee failed on a roll call vote, 14-44. The chamber also heard multiple guest introductions and held an Armenian Genocide Remembrance ceremony with a prayer, pledge, and moment of silence. The main floor action centered on H.R. 97, commemorating the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Assembly Member Schultz and numerous colleagues spoke in support, emphasizing historical recognition, solidarity with Armenian Californians, and opposition to denial. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added. Later, H.R. 99 recognizing California Agriculture Day also drew extensive support from members highlighting the state’s agricultural economy, farmworkers, and the need for continued investment in agriculture; it was adopted by voice vote after 65 co-authors were added. Several bills were also considered and passed: AB 1838 on contractor wage-and-hour disclosure for public works bids, AB 1562 authorizing counties to randomly select poll workers, AB 2297 standardizing restitution rules in diversion programs, AB 1659 improving school re-enrollment support for justice-impacted youth, AB 1974 creating an optional temporary firearm storage program for law enforcement, AB 2402 updating health studio fee rules, and AB 1607 extending the Maddy Emergency Medical Services Fund. AB 1607 drew sharp opposition over fee funding and broader policy concerns, but passed 66-1. The Assembly also adopted ACR 129 establishing a sister-state relationship with Lagos State, Nigeria, and considered a Senate joint resolution on tariffs, with members split over whether tariffs or state policies were the main driver of higher costs; the transcript ends during debate on that resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have our first author signed up.
• This is an author-sponsored bill, and I have no witnesses.
• having a county superintendent have the authority to appoint a board member of an independently elected
• , Superintendent of Schools in Glenn County.
• Superintendent of Schools in Glen County.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are 58 counties in California, and it varies from county to county.
• There are 58 counties in California, and it varies from county to county.
• Do we have any authors? Authors. Do we have any authors in the audience? Is Mr. Chen here?
• County.
• County, Orange County, and San Bernardino County.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with the most detailed discussion focused on AB 316, AB 251, AB 474, AB 1201, AB 464, and AB 614. AB 316 would prevent AI developers or deployers from arguing in civil cases that an AI system’s alleged autonomy absolves them of responsibility. Supporters framed it as a narrow guardrail to protect families, especially children, from harms like dangerous chatbots and deepfakes; opponents, including TechNet and the Chamber of Progress, raised concerns about possible strict-liability implications. The bill was moved out of committee to Privacy and Consumer Protection. AB 251 would let judges lower the burden of proof in elder abuse cases when a skilled nursing facility or RCFE intentionally destroys evidence. Supporters said the measure is needed because elder abuse victims are often unable to testify and records are vulnerable to spoliation, while opponents argued existing sanctions are sufficient and warned of more litigation. The bill passed, with committee members emphasizing the vulnerability of elder abuse victims. AB 474 sought to expand nonprofit home-sharing programs, including tax incentives for low-income homeowners and changes to housing law and lodger rules. Supporters said it would help older adults and low-income Californians avoid homelessness, but several members and the California Apartment Association raised concerns about removing lodger-law protections for homeowners; the author committed to keep working on the issue. The bill passed to Human Services. AB 1201 would give courts discretion to provide family reunification services to parents with certain violent felony convictions, rather than applying an automatic bypass. Supporters from Starting Over Inc. described personal experiences with permanent family separation and argued the bill would give parents a fair chance when the conviction is unrelated to child safety. Some members supported the measure but questioned whether domestic violence histories should be treated differently; the author said the bill still allows courts to deny services when reunification would endanger a child. The bill passed to Human Services. AB 464 addressed sexual abuse and retaliation in state prisons by extending reporting time after release, adding 90-day monitoring after reports, barring rehiring of confirmed abusers, and strengthening reporting and anti-retaliation rules. Survivors testified about abuse, retaliation, and failures in CDCR’s response; the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 614 would standardize the Government Claims Act filing deadline at one year for all claims. The author and supporters argued the current six-month deadline for injury and wrongful death claims is too short for victims to learn the process, find counsel, and gather evidence, while businesses often get a full year. A civil rights attorney and a family member of a deceased jail detainee testified in support, describing how the current deadline can block meritorious claims. The bill was presented for committee consideration as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're split between two counties.
• So the county-wide prohibition...
• I own the business on the Collin County side. I own the business on the Denton County side.
• location, irrespective of anything with county lines; there's just no authority to do that.
• or a different county.

Bills: HB 1301, HB2278, HB2776, HB2820, HB3848, HB3920, HB4172, HB4215, HB4284, HB4285, HB4463, HB4517, HB4690, HB4765, HB4766, HB4767, HB4768, HB4769, HB4773, HB4830, HB5506

Keywords: alcohol, beverages, winery permit, restaurant, malt beverages, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, alcohol production, home brewing, family use, craft beverages, massage therapy, licensing, criminal offenses, sexually oriented businesses, public safety, bingo, charitable gaming, operating capital, regulation, funding

Transcript Highlights:

• and authority.
• County line.
• We have looked at Lafayette County. We have looked at Mayo County. We have looked at DeSoto County.
• the Baker County Jail... ...the Baker County Jail, the Walton County Jail, has bed space where ICE and
• We spent $500,000 responding to the Lake County and Brevard County flooding event in just a matter of

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The committee on Appropriations met with a quorum present and took up four bills. SB 434, relating to assessment of residential property, was presented as a measure to prohibit counties from increasing a home’s assessed value because the owner installed wind mitigation improvements; it was reported favorably. CS for SB 110, concerning homestead exemption eligibility for 98-year or longer residential leases that terminate at death, was described as a clarifying, remedial change for long-term leaseholders and was also reported favorably. SB 856, which requires online residential listing platforms to display estimated property taxes using prescribed calculation methods and not the current owner’s tax bill, drew supportive testimony from property appraisers, Zillow representatives, and local government groups. Senators emphasized consumer transparency and the problem of buyers being surprised by post-sale tax increases. The bill was reported favorably after discussion about where the estimates would appear and whether realtors already have disclosure duties. The committee then spent most of the meeting on SPB 7040, which would recreate and extend the Emergency Preparedness and Response Trust Fund through December 31, 2027. Supporters, including the Executive Office of the Governor and Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie, argued the fund is needed for hurricanes, other disasters, and emergency response operations, and that reimbursements from federal or other sources are returned to the fund. Opponents, including the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, SPLC, Florida for All, and others, argued the fund has been used too broadly for immigration enforcement and detention-related activities, lacks sufficient oversight, and should be narrowed to true disasters. Senators questioned spending levels, reimbursements, detention facilities, State Guard involvement, and oversight; no final action on SPB 7040 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• County.
• Skagit County has four Superior Court judges and Yakima County has eight Superior Court judges.
• County judges from four to five and the Yakima County judges from eight to nine.
• and Yakima County.
• Please authorize a ninth Superior Court judge for Yakima County so we can right-size our bench to meet

Bills: SB5865, SB5880, SB5912, SB5855, SB6011, SB6009, SB5868, SB5974

Keywords: garnishment, debt, form standardization, financial protection, legal processes, toxicology testing, laboratories, accreditation, public health, standards, indigent defense, task force, criminal justice, legal aid, public defense, face coverings, law enforcement, public safety, civil liberties, court security

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2520 authorizes the governing body of a county to hold a special meeting outside the county's
• This bill offers that simple clarification to the Open Public Meetings Act, authorizing counties to hold
• authorities to be able to...
• I represent counties to whom Thurston County is an urban metropolis.
• There's more authority there.

Summary: The committee first heard staff and sponsor testimony on House Joint Resolution 4210, which would remove constitutional limits on the length of regular legislative sessions and instead let the legislature set adjournment dates by statute. Rep. Breonna Thomas and supporters said the measure would give lawmakers flexibility to set a sustainable schedule and improve working conditions, while opponents argued it would concentrate more power in the legislature and could lead to a year-round session. No vote was taken on the resolution during the hearing. Members then heard House Bill 2520, which would clarify that county governing bodies may hold emergency special meetings outside the county seat or remotely during true emergencies and may act at such meetings even if the public cannot first listen in. Rep. Deborah Lekanoff said the bill was prompted by the Skagit Valley flooding and was meant to help local governments respond quickly in disasters. Testimony was split: counties and some others supported the clarification, while open government advocates urged tighter language defining “emergency” and limiting the bill to state or federally declared emergencies. The hearing was closed without a vote. The committee also took testimony on House Bill 2499, in proposed substitute form, concerning conservation district supervisors. The substitute would let conservation districts opt into the general election system under Title 29A, remove the landowner requirement, keep a farm-operator requirement for some seats, extend terms from three to four years, and require financial disclosure filings in some circumstances. Supporters argued the bill would modernize elections, increase transparency, and improve voter access; opponents warned it could be costly for small districts, reduce participation, and create unintended consequences. No final action was taken in the hearing portion shown. In executive session, the committee voted 7-0 to report House Bill 2408, a cleanup bill removing obsolete references to the Office of Financial Management, with a due pass recommendation. It also voted 5-2 to report House Bill 2435, creating a legislative office of Indian affairs, with a due pass recommendation; some members supported the bill as improving government-to-government relations with tribes, while others wanted a fiscal note before fully supporting it.

Transcript Highlights:

• for counties using certain state tax revenues and to create the equal distribution county turnback fund
• distribution county termback fund.
• to every county.
• A lot of these rural counties, these county judges tell me this is a game changer for them.
• They're county roads.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m the author of SB 99, which is sponsored by the U.S.
• I’m the author of SB 99, which is sponsored by the U.S.
• The author is not back yet.
• And once the author arrives, we can direct them to the author.
• And once the author arrives, we can direct them to the author.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Sacramento being a major county.
• Thanks to the author.
• When authorities from the U.S.
• , or city and county, The provision that talks about that the city, county, or city and county shall
• You mentioned Loudoun County, but Loudoun County, I mean, it's winter there half the time.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and the author, please allow the author to complete their opening remarks regarding the bill before
• There are communities in Kern County, in Imperial County, in Riverside County, San Bernardino County,
• Imperial County, in Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and we're lucky if we have something.
• You know, you look at Fresno County, a county with a population of 1.1 million people.
• You add in a county like Kern County, which is just about 1 million people.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I see our next author is in the room.
• Thank you to the author.
• We'll give the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, also known as VTA, the statutory authority
• Residents of San Mateo County are asking for the same authority and tools that have already been provided
• , as well as San Diego County.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• California law authorizes counties to establish a Maddy Fund to reimburse physicians, surgeons, and hospitals
• It also authorizes counties to establish a Richie Fund as part of the Maddy EMS Fund to provide funding
• Then my question has to do with the four counties.
• Solano County is, Stockton is located in San Joaquin County. It's not one of them. Alameda...
• San Joaquin County, it's not one of them.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do authorize a... ...FTE at whatever, whatever.
• So as far as what that assessment is or who validates it, this is geared to be a county-by-county option
• One more follow-up. ...a county-by-county option for them to determine how they're going to handle.
• They've got a part-time DA, very small county.
• He also sits on the Oklahoma County Jail Trust.

Keywords: 914, all

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills. Senate Bill 419, as amended to update the effective date to 2026, would allow the state treasurer and the Department of Wildlife Conservation/Wildlife Conservation Commission to employ or appoint attorneys. Supporters said the treasurer’s office handles highly specialized financial matters and needs in-house expertise and faster legal advice; questions focused on possible conflicts with the Attorney General, fiscal impact, and why Wildlife was included. After discussion, the bill was reported due pass by a 7-2 vote. Senate Bill 835, also amended to a 2026 effective date, would require qualifying licensing boards and commissions to submit proposed non-rulemaking actions with anti-competitive implications for review by the Secretary of State. The author said the bill responds to antitrust concerns raised by the North Carolina dental board case and is intended to provide state supervision before boards take potentially anti-competitive action. Members questioned whether existing court remedies and Attorney General oversight were sufficient, and whether a single official should have that authority. The bill passed due pass 8-2. Senate Bill 1618 would require courts to conduct pretrial risk assessments early in criminal cases, with the assessments used as one factor in bail decisions but not as the sole basis for granting or denying bail. The author said the bill is modeled on federal practice and is meant to help judges make fact-based decisions and reduce jail overcrowding, especially in Oklahoma County. Members asked about who validates the assessments, county implementation, and costs; the author said counties could choose their own approach and that the fiscal impact would not be significant. The bill was reported due pass 6-4. The committee also considered Senate Bill 262, which was heavily amended and had both the title and enacting clause struck while members continued working on it. The bill concerns moving certain inmates convicted of nonviolent financial crimes out of county jails and into appropriate intake/transport processes, with the author emphasizing the goal of reducing jail overcrowding and inviting further collaboration on the language. Members raised concerns about fairness and possible unequal application based on community ties, and the bill was reported due pass 8-1 despite being acknowledged as a work in progress.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1042 by Flores, relating to the Kimbell County Hospital District of Kimbell County, Texas
• Senate Bill 1042 by Flores relating the Kimbell County Hospital District of Kimbell County, Texas to
• Senate Bill 1079 by West, relating to the authority of a county to dispose of sensitive media devices
• Senate Bill 1086 by Perry, relating to the authority of certain counties to impose a hotel occupancy
• Senate Bill 1087 by Perry, relating to the authority of certain counties to impose a hotel occupancy

Summary: The Senate met briefly and referred a large number of first-reading bills and resolutions to standing committees. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including hemp regulation, dementia research funding, parental rights and public education, municipal library funding, tax and local government issues, criminal justice, health care, education, transportation, natural resources, and election law. Several constitutional resolutions were also referred, including proposals related to the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and a severance tax revenue fund. Most of the transcript consists of the reading of bill captions and committee referrals, with no substantive debate or testimony recorded. The listed measures included proposals on school uniforms, charter schools, Medicaid fraud remedies, insurance practices, occupational licensing for people with criminal convictions, water and sewer utility cybersecurity, agricultural protections, public meeting broadcasting, and various local and state governance matters. No votes were taken on the bills in this segment. The only formal action reflected was referral of the bills and resolutions to the appropriate committees, followed by adjournment of the Senate until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposed substitute allows counties to authorize detached ADUs outside of urban growth areas.
• The proposed substitute allows counties to authorize detached ADUs outside of urban growth areas.
• It authorizes specified entities to operate land bank authorities, provides powers, duties, and affordability
• county ordinances or resolutions before they may operate land bank authorities.
• For San Juan County, a county which the designation 'urban' only loosely applies, HB 1345 will be a valuable

Summary: The Senate Housing Committee met on cutoff day and first considered two gubernatorial appointments to the Housing Finance Commission. Aaron T. McGrath and Ann T. Malone each testified about their housing finance and affordable housing backgrounds, their prior commission or sector experience, and their interest in improving housing affordability and equity. Senators asked brief questions and offered supportive comments, and both appointments were heard without objection. The committee then heard and later acted on a series of housing-related bills. ESHB 1500 would expand resale certificate requirements for common interest communities by adding reserve studies, audits, and governing documents, limiting certain fees, allowing rush service fees, and creating enforcement rights; testimony was split between Realtors, who supported the consumer-protection goals but sought clarifications and more time for rescission, and HOA/management representatives, who warned against limiting third-party processing tools and sought more flexibility. EHB 1501 would require associations to answer certified written inquiries from owners within 30 days, subject to reasonable association rules; the sponsor framed it as a basic right to a response, while HOA representatives supported the intent but asked for clearer limits and coordination with existing law. EHB 1345 would allow detached ADUs outside urban growth areas under detailed guardrails; builders, Realtors, counties, and housing advocates supported it as a rural housing tool, and the committee heard that it had been the product of years of negotiation. In executive session, the committee adopted amendments and advanced several bills. It approved a metering requirement for water use in SB 5470 on detached ADUs outside UGAs, narrowed SB 5729 to permit-review provisions, adopted a substitute for SB 6015 on permit-ready factory-built housing plans, and moved forward SB 6069 on transitional, supportive, and emergency housing with zoning and local process changes. It also advanced SB 1686 on deferred utility connection fees, SB 6200 on portable cooling devices for renters and mobile home occupants after rejecting an amendment to remove window units, SB 6201 creating tax exemptions for social housing agencies, SB 6214 establishing land bank authorities, and SB 6237 requiring flood-risk disclosures in rental housing. The committee then returned to public testimony on ESHB 1500, EHB 1501, and EHB 1345, hearing additional support and concerns, and adjourned after thanking staff for their work on cutoff day.