Transcript Highlights:

• Members, we have a bill on the notice calendar requiring referral to a money committee pursuant to House Rule
• While we all miss Maria, one thing Maria won't miss is driving through blizzards and whiteout conditions
• won't miss is driving through blizzards and<00:15:02.400> whiteout<00:15:02.760> conditions
• The bill is referred to the Committee on Appropriations pursuant to House Rule 35A pending its entry
• Appropriations pursuant to House Rule Appropriations pursuant to House Rule 35A<00:42:49.840>

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with devotional remarks and then handled several procedural items, including referring Senate Bill 223 on Vermont water quality, which carries an appropriation, to the Committee on Appropriations. The chamber also read and recognized three House Concurrent Resolutions: honoring Maria Blair for nearly four decades of service in the Joint Fiscal Office; designating April 11–17, 2026 as Black Maternal Health Week in Vermont; and congratulating the 2025 Green Mountain Council class of Eagle Scouts. Members offered brief tributes to Blair’s institutional knowledge and service, and to the importance of addressing racial disparities in maternal and infant health. Guests connected to the resolutions were recognized in the gallery, and the House also heard announcements introducing visitors and upcoming meetings. The main legislative action was on Senate Bill 255, which would establish a pilot law enforcement governance council in Windham County. Committee members described it as a limited, voluntary pilot intended to improve regional public safety governance and funding without imposing a statewide mandate or new tax. Testimony came from legislative staff, local officials, sheriffs, police, the Vermont State Police, and municipal representatives. The Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee reported the bill favorably with a 9-0-1 vote and a small amendment adding an additional report-back requirement; Ways and Means found no fiscal impact to state revenue and reported it favorably 10-0-1. The House then agreed to propose the amendment and ordered the bill to third reading. The final action item was House Bill 956, approving Burlington’s charter amendment to formally establish the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging as a permanent city office. The sponsor explained that Burlington voters had already approved the change and that the bill would codify existing duties, including equity strategy, policy advice, representation of underserved communities, and community engagement, with the director reporting to the mayor. The Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee reported the bill favorably 10-0-1, and the House ordered it to third reading. Later, Ways and Means reported favorably with amendment on Senate Bill 327, an economic development bill carrying an appropriation, and it was referred to Appropriations under House Rule 35A. The House then adjourned until April 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I see them driving around, and I ask myself, do we need F-250 4x4s to haul a ladder to a job site
• The Attorney General has ruled that it is not permissible for us to purchase a building.
• I'm hoping that on the four-hour drive home, a lot of it going through your... Years.
• And it just blew my mind, all the local government home rule fights.
• But then I come into J-LAC and I hear this, and now I'm... ...government home rule fights.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee first heard a long-running audit finding involving Daytona Beach’s unexpended building permit funds, which have exceeded the statutory limit for several years and were reported at $10.8 million in the most recent audit. Mayor Derek Henry and city staff said the city has analyzed the fund, adopted a corrective action plan, waived more than $5.5 million in permit and inspection fees over several periods, and used some excess funds for a training facility rehabilitation and a proposed City Hall expansion. Committee members repeatedly questioned whether the city was simply trying to spend down the money, raised concerns about the legality and necessity of proposed expenditures, and asked about interest earnings, truck purchases, and the lack of detailed tracking for training-facility use. The city said an Attorney General opinion allows construction of a new building for building-code functions but not purchase of an existing building, and that if the city cannot comply through permissible construction it would have to return the funds. No vote was taken, but members expressed strong frustration and urged the city to resolve the issue quickly and lawfully. The committee then received the Auditor General’s presentation on the Town of Greenville, which found 31 findings and described pervasive control failures, possible fraud, waste, and abuse. The findings covered elections and quorum issues, conflicts of interest, late or missing financial disclosure forms, related-party transactions, poor meeting notices and minutes, council involvement in day-to-day operations, missing ethics training, budget and accounting deficiencies, weak bank reconciliations, improper utility billing and rates, grant compliance problems tied to a grocery store project, personnel and compensation issues involving the town manager, late vendor payments, weak procurement and P-card controls, vehicle-use and property-control problems, public records issues, and IT/fraud-policy weaknesses. The auditor said the review focused mainly on October 2022 through February 2024 but went back further for some grant-related matters. Greenville’s mayor and staff said the audit reflected actions of a previous administration and that the current council and staff have already adopted seven new policies to improve procurement, financial controls, inventory management, grant oversight, and ethics. They said the town has a new manager and clerk, that the former manager was terminated, and that the town referred matters to FDLE, which is investigating. Committee members asked about the manager’s salary increase, severance, P-card use, and whether the town should consider consolidation or dissolution. The mayor said the town is on a better path, that most of the prior leadership has been voted out, and that the town is working with auditors and an outside accounting firm to correct the problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that is what's driving most of the cost.
• So we are kind of out on an island here, and if the federal government were to change the rules, and
• So we are kind of out on an island here, and if the federal government were to change the rules, and
• We will already be driving up health insurance premiums an enormous amount.
• We will already be driving up health insurance premiums an enormous amount.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Rules for thee, but not for me,' according to our tyrant dictator.
• DeMaio, you know the rules. Please don't disparage members.
• And the rules are: I get to speak my points of view, you get to speak your points of view.
• I don't believe that you ruled on that. Thank you, Ms. Bonta. Thank you, Ms. Bonta.
• The clerk will close the rule and tally the vote.

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a ceremonial observance for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Members from multiple caucuses spoke in support of House Resolution 107, which designates May as AAPI Heritage Month, emphasizing the community’s contributions, resilience, and the need to confront discrimination and hate. The resolution was adopted, and the chamber then recognized 13 honorees for the 2026 AAPI Heritage Month celebration, highlighting leaders in education, business, labor, media, cultural preservation, and public service. After guest introductions, the Assembly took up a series of bills. Measures discussed included HOA reserve funding for common interest developments (AB 2050), professional review requirements for lawsuits against design professionals (AB 2106), direct home delivery of enteral formula (AB 1794), expanded CalWORKs-related support for student parents (AB 1829), longer insurance moratoriums for wildfire survivors (AB 2038), election cybersecurity (AB 2281), medical privacy protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care (AB 2448), water district board compensation (AB 2568), county public contract change-order authority (AB 1658), and several other education, health, and licensing bills. Most measures passed with broad support; AB 2050 passed 44-6, AB 2038 passed 45-8, AB 2448 passed 49-13, and AB 1658 passed 61-2, while several others passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The Assembly also adopted AJR 29, a resolution opposing a federal executive order affecting vote-by-mail and affirming California’s mail voting system. The resolution prompted extended debate over election integrity, voter access, and federal versus state authority, with supporters arguing mail voting is secure and accessible and opponents calling for stronger voter list maintenance and verification. The resolution passed 47-13. In addition, ACR 141 and ACR 123 were adopted by voice vote after co-author roll calls, and the chamber continued or passed on numerous other file items as it worked through the daily file.

Transcript Highlights:

• It varies between general law and home rule cities. They all do it different ways.
• It varies between, you know, general law, home rule city. They all do it different ways.
• TCEQ has implemented rule changes to streamline brackish desalination reviews.
• TCQ's implemented rule changes to streamline brackish desalination reviews.
• Standardize acceptable concentrate disposal pathways and rule statute to simplify 4.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So therefore, the commission must have ruled that these costs are prudent.
• And I absolutely agree that market drives demand, or I should say demand drives... perhaps some other
• What would you say would drive what you were saying is what we're lacking?
• And I absolutely agree that market drives demand, or I should say demand drives... perhaps some other
• What would you say would drive what you were saying is what we're lacking?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that framework then drives the questions that they ask.
• Is this going to be made by rule, Madam Speaker?
• Can we get to the question that you're driving to? Thank you.
• Is there any rules that you can break by helping these folks?
• Madam Chair, Representative, no, I cannot break any rules.

Bills: HB111, HB103, HB109, HB128, HJM2, HJM3, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB49, HB60, HB108, HB120, HB124, HB145, HB154, HB158, HB164, HB180, HB291, HJR6, HJR7, HR1, HJM1, HM13, HM47

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• Lord, I ask that you would send your light and your love, your light that will drive out darkness and
• your love that will drive out hatred.
• Pursuant to House Rule 3, I've examined and approved the Journal of the House of Delegates for Wednesday
• Motions and resolutions under Rule 39, pursuant to the provisions of Rule 40, are now in order.
• With that, pursuant to House Rule 40, Speaker, I ask that you use your request-to-speak button for the

Keywords: March 12, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:18:28.080> without<00:18:28.320> a<00:18:28.480> valid is cited for driving
• without a valid is cited for driving without a valid license<00:18:29.760> the<00:18:29.960><
• by law any person who violates<00:25:14.480> this<00:25:14.640> park<00:25:15.080> rule
• <00:25:15.880> or<00:25:16.000> rules<00:25:16.320> adopted violates this park
• rule or rules adopted violates this park rule or rules adopted there<00:25:16.799> under<00:25

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection and Judiciary decision-making meeting on February 21, 2025, considered a long list of previously heard measures and generally recommended passage, often with amendments that delayed effective dates to July 1, 2050 or made technical clarifications. Among the measures acted on were bills relating to property, hotels, service disruptions, transportation, consumer protection, license plates, condominium disputes and fines, election fraud intimidation, vehicle inspection fines, restaurant reservation services, insurance claim checks, foreclosed home sales, labor relations court authority, public housing authority powers, community outreach boards, arson penalties, driving without a valid license, pet animals in vehicles, important agricultural lands, public records retention, transit-oriented development review, sex offender-related licensing actions, National Guard assault penalties, federal recognition timing, medical cannabis caregivers, cease-and-desist orders, and critical infrastructure information sharing. Several measures drew specific discussion or reservations. SB 1030 on election fraud intimidation was amended after consultation with the Attorney General to focus on unconcealed carry and add definitions. SB 5 on legislative vacancies was recommended to pass unamended, but the committee noted constitutional concerns and requested an Attorney General opinion. SB 95 on inspection fines was amended to set a $400 fine amount, though one member objected and the recommendation failed in at least one committee. SB 102 on third-party restaurant reservation services was amended to clarify who may sue and to allow contracted reservation services to distribute reservations on a restaurant’s behalf. SP 1022 on leaving pets in vehicles was amended to remove duplicative language because existing animal cruelty law already covered the conduct. SP 1451 on critical infrastructure information sharing was amended to tighten confidentiality language from “would reveal” to “could reveal” vulnerabilities. Most measures were adopted by the committees with little or no opposition, though several members noted reservations or objections on particular bills, including transportation, consumer protection, and inspection-fine measures. One bill, SB 1255 on records retention for government-function contractors, was deferred to a later meeting on February 26, 2025. Overall, the committees advanced most measures with amendments and recorded the recommendations for transmission to the next committee or chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• So um the rule making investigations.
• Just this is just a change in statute and rule.
• just just a change in statute and rule. just just a change in statute and rule.
• <02:06:39.119> are they in law and statute and rule are they in law and statute and rule are
• so hard and I failed the um the driving so hard and I failed the um the driving portion<02:33:18.160

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 185, which would add timelines to Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) investigations. Senator Howard Pearl said the bill was prompted by concerns from the New Hampshire Association of Realtors about delays at the Real Estate Commission, and he explained that the proposal would require OPLC staff to make an initial determination within 30 days and, if misconduct is found, complete an investigation within 60 days. He said the goal is to improve transparency and give consumers and licensees more timely information, while preserving the board’s adjudicatory role. He also noted that the bill had been amended to delay implementation to give OPLC time to work through its backlog. Committee members questioned how the bill would work when an investigation is incomplete and whether the board could send a case back to OPLC without a firm deadline. Pearl said the board would have discretion to continue the investigation or make a final determination, and that the bill was intended to streamline OPLC’s process rather than impose a hard cap on complex cases. OPLC Executive Director Deanna Durus and General Counsel Nicholas Fry then testified that the agency has already changed its procedures under prior legislation, including a facial review of complaints and monthly board review of dismissal memos. They said the bill would substantially alter the current structure, could conflict with existing limitation periods and board duties, and would be difficult to implement without additional staff and funding. Durus said the agency’s backlog is large, that new complaints are being triaged and prioritized, and that some urgent matters are moved ahead based on risk and statutory deadlines. She said OPLC had completed a review of about 500 backlog cases that would now be dismissed under current screening standards, and that those cases are being turned into memos for board review. Board of Medicine public member Nina Gardner testified in favor of the bill but said the backlog is significant and that the agency needs more resources to make the process work effectively. She said the board is seeing progress, but not fast enough, and suggested the bill may not go far enough without additional staffing and funding. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:28.760> of without evidence because Rules of without evidence because Rules of Evidence
• of the evidence and you can't have Rules of the evidence and you can't have Rules of<00:33:51.600
• decides to get in a car and drive decides to get in a car and drive somewhere<04:34:22.520> across
• written notorized consent for the drive written notorized consent for the drive to<04:56:57.798>
• She could drive her sister to an abortion.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To effectively manage our time, rules are the usual: two witnesses in support and two in opposition,
• And I think that the FDA has also made rulings to that effect. Madam Chair. Yes.
• It will drive the price of these drugs down and make it more accessible.
• It allows for people who have been convicted of reckless driving, super speeders, and driving over 100
• I do think that data drives decisions, so having this data is really going to be imperative.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, I move to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider HR 585.
• The rules are suspended. Following resolution, the clerk will read the resolution.
• Members, I move to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider HR 562.
• The rules are suspended. Following resolution, clerk will read the resolution.
• Speaker, I move to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider HR 442.

Transcript Highlights:

• that should find support on to that rule that should find support on both<00:20:32.880> sides
• You know, I drive by McDonald's or fast food all the time and it's not a public health problem.
• It's a health problem if I consume that product, but just simply driving by it, it's not a problem.
• <00:48:42.400> So, driving by it, it's not a problem.
• So, driving by it, it's not a problem.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 3117, which would impose an excise tax on social media companies based on Minnesota monthly users and data-mining activity, and adopted an A1 amendment that added clarifying language identifying social media platforms. Chair Gomez described the bill as a way to tax companies profiting from data mining and social media use, citing concerns about child bullying, misinformation, and wealth concentration. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the 2025 taxes bill. Supporters testified that the measure would help raise revenue from a highly profitable industry and better align the tax code with the social costs of data collection and social media use. Pastor Julie Thompson, MAPE representative Tanner Fritzinger, Council Member Sue Bud, and Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota all backed the bill, arguing that social media companies extract value from users’ data, contribute to mental health and social harms, and should pay more toward public needs. Bernstein also framed the tax as a way to broaden the tax base and fund schools and other services. Opponents warned that the bill could sweep in local broadcasters, newspapers, and other businesses that use digital platforms and collect some user data, and that costs would likely be passed on to consumers. Wendy Pollson of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association said the definitions were too broad and could unintentionally include local media. Deb Peters, speaking for Americans for Digital Opportunity, argued the tax would raise costs for small businesses and consumers, create legal risks, and amount to double taxation. Several members echoed concerns about regressivity, administration, and whether the bill actually addresses online bullying or data privacy, while supporters said it is a first step toward taxing a new, lightly taxed industry.

Transcript Highlights:

• meats to be served in our schools for our National School Lunch Program, we have to follow federal rules
• We'll go over the court ruling, funding sources.
• So, the court ruling again was that districts should not be having to use their general funds to provide
• Um Um, there's also challenges around the rules that are required for the federal meal programs, and
• I don't see in this ruling that it says the state needs to step in and fill in a gap.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Companies are held accountable by rules and regulations.
• This rule led to an all-out brawl in the courtroom as ISS fought tooth and nail.
• As a result, it's impossible to tell what is driving those recommendations.
• How much the driver is driving? An insurance company insures. What's its gas mileage?
• How much is the driver driving it? You know, how does that change over time?

Bills: SB312, SB945, SB946, SB1367, SB1861, SB2044, SB2337, SB2403, SB2819, SJR54

Keywords: public school funding, education, budget allocation, financial transparency, state law, local control, fiduciary responsibility, public retirement systems, investment management, proxy voting, financial factors, insurance, political shareholder proposals, fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental regulation, discrimination, credit extension, social credit, value-based standards

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 945, 946, 2044, 2819, 2403, 2337, and 312, with all bills left pending after testimony. SB 945 would restrict insurance companies from denying or limiting coverage based on oil and gas activity or ESG-related goals, and supporters argued it would protect Texas energy producers from politically motivated shareholder activism and insurance discrimination. SB 946 would bar creditors from using social credit, ESG, DEI, or religious/political affiliation as a basis for denying or limiting credit; witnesses said it would prevent viewpoint-based financial discrimination and protect access to capital for Texas businesses. SB 2337 would require proxy advisory firms to disclose when recommendations are based on non-financial factors or when they give conflicting advice to different clients; supporters said the measure would increase transparency and curb ESG-driven influence over shareholder voting. SB 312 would direct public retirement systems to focus on financial returns rather than social or political objectives, with the author saying the bill responds to activist pressure on pensions and would reinforce fiduciary duty. The committee also took up election and ethics measures. SB 2044 would strengthen electioneering restrictions for publicly funded education institutions and personnel, prohibiting use of official resources to promote political agendas; testimony focused on alleged school district electioneering in bond and tax elections. SB 2819 would prohibit county elections administrators from holding certain officer positions appointed by elected officials, addressing potential conflicts of interest. SB 2403, the Texas Ethics Commission sunset bill, would restructure complaint handling with a three-tier violation system, risk-based complaint prioritization, longer response times, bipartisan preliminary review panels, and expanded hearing options; members discussed amendments aimed at dismissing minor complaints, clarifying categories, and adjusting lobbying and penalty provisions, but the amendments were withdrawn during committee consideration. Across the ESG and finance bills, invited witnesses from the American Energy Institute, Heartland Impact, Consumers Research, ADF Action, Texas Civil Justice League, and related groups generally supported the measures, arguing that banks, insurers, proxy advisors, and asset managers have used ESG or reputational-risk standards to discriminate against energy, agriculture, firearms, and religious organizations. No opposition testimony was presented in the excerpt, and the committee closed public testimony on each bill and left them pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um and I government that rules best.
• , America of the majority rules, America of the majority rules, but<01:52:10.400> that<01:
• can't that's too far they can't drive can't that's too far they can't drive there.<02:02:41.520>
• ,<02:09:20.320> tyranny<02:09:20.880> rules majority rules, tyranny rules majority
• rules, tyranny rules kind<02:09:23.119> of<02:09:23.280> an<02:09:23.520> attitude.

Bills: HB0111, HB0112, HB0122

Keywords: capital construction, state funding, Wyoming, major maintenance, community colleges, task force, legislative services, budget appropriation, unexpended funds, sunset clause, healthcare, rural health, transformation program, funding, incentives, training, access, perpetuity fund, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the ones that drives me crazy are unfunded mandates.
• Changing the rules midstream also hurts.
• Last year, we implemented a rule to enact that law.
• We didn't enact that through rule.
• We didn't enact that through rule.

Transcript Highlights:

• got issues that we struggle with that are sometimes behavioral in nature whether that is distracted driving
• , impaired driving, are really big contributors.
• the driving surface up, and then on the foundational elements of the bridge.
• They instructed the department to promulgate rules on what it would take to administer that program.
• So again, that's upcoming and that will be ongoing through that program in accordance with the rules

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• DATA CENTERS ENABLE ESSENTIAL SERVICES AND CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY THAT DRIVE THE 21st CENTURY ECONOMY
• IT'S A HIGH LEVEL RULE OF THUMB THAT IS APPROXIMATELY ABOUT HALF OF YOUR CAPITAL INVESTMENT.
• THE CUSTOMERS DRIVING THE NEW LOAD ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INVESTMENT REQUIRED TO SERVE THEM.
• WE RELENTLESSLY DRIVE COSTS OUT OF THE BUSINESS BY EMBRACING INNOVATION AND OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE.
• THE CORE CAPABILITIES AND ARCHITECTURES DRIVE THESE MAIN CAPABILITIES OUT OF AI THAT WE LEVERAGE WITH