Transcript Highlights:

• Homes were damaged and white while businesses were able to remain open.
• Now, we're open to the idea of having more claims managers.
• The bargaining process it establishes is open to coercion.
• This bill does three primary things.
• I have been a practicing primary care doctor for almost 30 years.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a public hearing on multiple bills, beginning with a motion to suspend the five-day notice rule for a long list of Senate bills, which passed on a voice vote. The committee first heard Substitute Senate Bill 6026, a governor-request housing bill that would require cities and counties over 30,000 population to allow residential uses in commercial and mixed-use zones, limit mixed-use/ground-floor commercial requirements in some areas, and allow added height where such requirements are imposed. The lieutenant governor testified strongly in support, arguing the bill would add needed housing capacity without requiring ground-floor retail burdens. The hearing on SB 6026 was then suspended so the committee could move through the agenda. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6294, a broad local government finance measure with eight parts, including expanded uses for certain REET revenues, a new county public utility tax, a new local sales tax for children and family services, expanded housing-related tax uses, changes to county levy structure, longer lid lift periods, and expanded use of rental car tax revenue. Local government, housing, and public health witnesses largely supported the bill, emphasizing flexibility for affordable housing, rental assistance, children’s services, and county fiscal stability. Opponents, including wireless industry, water/sewer district, auto dealer, realtors, energy, and cannabis representatives, objected to specific tax provisions as regressive, costly, or likely to raise consumer prices. Several witnesses requested amendments, including adding public health clinic funding and flood recovery language from House bills. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5400 on local news sustainability, which would create a state grant program funded by a surcharge on large search engines and social media platforms to support journalism jobs and the Murrow Fellowship program. News organizations, the League of Women Voters, open government advocates, and local journalism supporters testified in favor, saying local news is essential to civic life and that the bill would help sustain reporting without using general fund dollars. Technology industry representatives opposed the bill, arguing it unfairly singles out tech companies and could face legal challenges. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6211, which would let opt-in GMA jurisdictions impose REET-2 without voter approval; cities and counties supported it as a parity and infrastructure funding measure, while Realtors opposed the loss of voter approval. Senate Bill 5650, authorizing local cannabis excise taxes, drew support from some local officials but strong opposition from cannabis businesses, which argued Washington’s cannabis taxes are already too high and drive sales to the illicit market. Senate Bill 6033, waiving penalties and interest for taxpayers who failed to collect new sales tax on certain services, was supported by NFIB as a compliance and fairness measure. Senate Bill 6297, exempting temporary staffing services for nonprofit behavioral health providers from sales tax, drew strong support from behavioral health organizations citing workforce shortages and unsustainable costs. Finally, Senate Bill 6343, extending and expanding tax relief for disaster-damaged property and repairs, was presented as aid for flood recovery; local officials testified in support. No final committee votes on the bills were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• , shoes, remote controls, keys, clothing, retrieving things out of the refrigerator, being able to open
• the refrigerator, close the refrigerator, open the dryer, put clothes in the dryer, take clothes out
• trainer, For that bond and that relationship building from primary trainer to service dog handler, and
• A lot of us don't want to open up right away. You've got to earn trust.
• So we understand that the new facility moving forward is going to open up a ton of opportunities for

Committee: House Veterans and Armed Forces

Summary: The Veterans and Armed Forces Committee heard presentations from three organizations focused on veteran support and mental health. Dogs for Our Brave described its service-dog program for veterans with mobility limitations and PTSD, emphasizing the dogs’ daily assistance with tasks like retrieving items, opening doors, bracing, and getting help, as well as the emotional benefits for veterans and their families. The group said each dog costs about $50,000 to train, with total lifetime support for a veteran-dog team estimated at $75,000 to $125,000, and noted it serves veterans nationwide from a St. Louis base. Committee members asked about fundraising, expansion, and what happens to a dog if a veteran dies; the organization said it relies mainly on private donations and grants, is moving into a larger facility that will increase capacity, and would try to repurpose a dog when appropriate, with family wishes considered first. Dalton Schmidt of Warriors’ Hoof Haven outlined a newer, free program for combat veterans and their families centered on horses, farming, outdoor recreation, and community outreach. He said the group is based near Thomas Hill Lake in Huntsville on 13 acres and is building activities such as horse handling and riding, meat chicken and produce farming, fishing, kayaking, jet skis, boats, firewood delivery, food bundles, and farm-tool lending. He said the organization funds its work through grants, donations, and sponsors, and that its goal is to reduce financial barriers and get veterans back into the community. Members asked about fundraising and the venison-for-vets effort, which Schmidt said is run by Truman VA and is supported by his group through incentives and outreach. Brian Nooner, founder of the Mental Health Huddle and a commissioner with the Department of Mental Health, gave a personal account of his own depression, anxiety, PTSD, and isolation after a serious fall and a prolonged COVID-related recovery. He said his experience led him to create the Mental Health Huddle to encourage people to seek help, reduce stigma, identify triggers, avoid one-way relationships, and find hope through faith, family, or other supports. He stressed that he is not a medical professional but a patient sharing resources and said the effort is aimed at making help free and confidential. Committee members thanked him for his testimony and courage, and the chair adjourned the committee after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• , shoes, remote controls, keys, clothing, retrieving things out of the refrigerator, being able to open
• the refrigerator, close the refrigerator, open the dryer, put clothes in the dryer, take clothes out
• trainer, For that bond and that relationship building from primary trainer to service dog handler, and
• A lot of us don't want to open up right away. You've got to earn trust.
• So we understand that the new facility moving forward is going to open up a ton of opportunities for

Committee: House Veterans and Armed Forces

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• be used as a political weapon by incumbents, not only against a Democrat, but against a rival in a primary
• This bill opens up a weaponizing of the political process.
• This bill opens up a weaponizing of the political process.
• And they’re open to the public. That’s why it was like, whoa, I lost my dog.
• I’m open to questions. Chair: Thank you, Mr. Hodges. Are there questions of Mr. Hodges?

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm open to look at that if we want to, but I think that the court's already now, if I'm remembering
• You can go through 1f,000 different documents right now and primary sources that talk about the founders
• As always, my office is always open.
• You know, Senator, until this gets to the floor, I'm always open to things that can improve bills.
• So, to answer your question, probably not at this time, but at some point, I would be open to.

Bills: SB843 , SB1733 , SB1476 , SB1237 , SB1410 , SB1894 , SB1272 , SB1204 , SB1721 , SB1725 , SB1735 , SB1337 , SB1339 , SB1461 , SB1975

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: school boards, educational governance, conflict of interest, employee relations, Oklahoma statutes, child abuse, reporting requirements, sexual misconduct, law enforcement, school personnel, confidentiality, student safety, land office, land exchange, investment, education funding, real estate management, Teachers' Bill of Rights, education, teachers' rights

Transcript Highlights:

• Our outcome will be driven, not open-ended, and the bill includes a hard sunset date of June 30, 2030
• here. ...voted on us to appropriate, that would be our responsibility to make sure, you know, our primary
• I want you all to understand that whatever you think the oversight should be, I'm open to that, too.
• Whatever you think the oversight should be, I'm open to that, too.
• So, you know, to summarize and conclude where I fit in in this is I have seen university leadership open

Committee: House Higher Education and Workforce Development

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we've seen invasive questions asked that our primary witness is going to talk about.
• And I'll turn it over to my primary witness who's here today, Becca Kramer, representing the Privacy
• My eyes are wide open.
• We believe that there is some legitimate concern here, and we would be open to making sure that we can
• You need to go there the next morning when it opens and talk to someone.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it shows that, economically, the state's open for business.
• So I'm open to those discussions if we need to go that route.
• It's open to all the state entities. But go ahead. Mr. Chair, Mr.
• Thank you very much, and I'm open for questions.
• I'm just going to give you a few statistics. 82% of primary physicians, primary care physicians surveyed

Committee: House House Appropriations Committee of Reference

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met on January 28 and heard several bills, beginning with introductions of members and staff. The committee first considered HB 2056, which would appropriate $100,000 to the Arizona Department of Water Resources for a feasibility study of brackish groundwater desalination sites. Sponsor Rep. Gail Griffin argued the state should explore use of large brackish groundwater reserves amid Colorado River concerns, while one speaker opposed the bill on aquifer-protection grounds. The committee voted 11-6-1 to give HB 2056 a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up HB 2798, as amended, which appropriates $100,000 to the Arizona Geological Survey to compile data on materials relevant to nuclear energy, including thorium and other non-uranium fuels. Rep. Carbone and others framed the bill as an economic development and national security measure, while opponents questioned whether Arizona has meaningful deposits and whether the state should fund the research. The University of Arizona testified that the Geological Survey could do the work. The committee adopted the Livingston amendment and then approved the bill 11-5-1. Next, the committee considered HB 2303, which codifies investment standards for the State Treasurer, emphasizing safety and principal preservation and prohibiting speculative investments and insider misuse. The Treasurer’s Office supported the bill, saying it reflects existing policy and ethics rules, though members asked for clearer definitions of “speculative” and how the bill would interact with other statutes. The committee passed HB 2303 15-0 with two members present and one not voting. HB 2344, which directs the Treasurer to manage the local government investment pool internally and allows a third-party contract only for emergency backup, also passed after questions about local control and whether the bill was necessary; the vote was 12-2-3 with one not voting. The committee later heard HB 2759, a $500,000 appropriation to the Department of Veterans’ Services to partner with an educational institution in Yavapai County for veterans programs. Retired Navy SEAL Chief Richard Rodriguez testified about Embry-Riddle’s veteran population and emergency assistance needs for housing, travel, and equipment, while opponents objected to using state funds for a private institution and argued veterans services should be broader and statewide. The bill received a due pass recommendation 11-6-1. The committee also approved HB 2207, which funds the prison Braille transcription program at $300,000 and was described as a successful rehabilitation and service program, and HB 2224, as amended to $1 million, which funds the Double Up Food Bucks produce incentive program through SNAP; supporters said it helps families, farmers, and local economies, and the committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lee, who spoke before me, said that his goal here today was to ensure that it's the primary authority
• The legislature and the general and the secretary of state already have that primary authority.
• And the Secretary of State already have that primary authority.
• . ...last week in support of the two bills that would reinstate the presidential preference primary.
• What it does do is it gives us some open conversation with the courts.

Committee: House Local Government, Elections and Pensions

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 3146, sponsored by Rep. John Simmons, which would expand legislatively written ballot summary statements from 50 to 100 words and create a revised process for court challenges to ballot language. Simmons said the bill is essentially the same as last year’s Senate Bill 22, minus the section the Supreme Court struck down, and argued it would preserve the General Assembly’s role while allowing the Secretary of State and courts to work through objections to ballot summaries. Supporters said the longer summary would better inform voters and that the back-and-forth process had worked in the recent Amendment 3 litigation. Members raised concerns that the bill would encourage misleading or argumentative ballot language, create extra procedural steps, and potentially let the clock run out before challenges are fully resolved. Rep. Woods and others argued the courts are needed to prevent “ballot candy” and dishonest summaries, while supporters countered that the legislature and Secretary of State should have primary authority and that courts should not act as a “super legislature.” The sponsor and supporters also pointed to the recent Amendment 3 process as evidence that the revised procedure can work and produce agreed-upon language. Testimony was split. Campaign Life Missouri, Missouri Right to Life, and a representative from the Secretary of State’s office testified in favor, emphasizing transparency, voter information, and the elected status of the officials drafting ballot language. Opponents included the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, League of Women Voters, Jobs with Justice, Missouri Right to Education, and private citizens, who argued the bill is unconstitutional, undermines separation of powers, and would allow misleading language to survive by dragging out litigation. No vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• They often don't get a ribbon cutting or a grand opening, but they are the most fundamentally important
• I think that's one of their primary issues is that we don't have a good student center.
• Pretty much there's like a 2-hour window where our university food places are open.
• Um that's a big market places open.
• Uh, so, yes, the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory has been open since 1897.

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• this up to public conversation to open this up to public conversation because<00:32:54.000><c> I</c>
• </c><00:39:39.359><c> care</c> we're at a time when primary care we're at a time when primary care shortages
• We get over 200 applications from across the country every year for the seven open spots.
• We get over 200 applications from across the country every year for the seven open spots.
• Oh, yes, Chair, did you also open it up to public testimony if anybody else wants to testify?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That is our primary focus because, as my colleague said, that's the source of the intimidation.
• Relief from gender dysphoria is the primary reason transgender people seek gender-related medical care
• And so we just, you know, because we have the expertise, decided to open our doors to minors.
• And so we just, you know, because we have the expertise decided to open our doors to minors.
• I don't think that they have contracted with other gender-affirming care like primary care providers

Summary: The joint hearing focused on access to gender-affirming care in California, with opening remarks emphasizing the state’s legal protections, the importance of decorum, and the impact of federal actions on transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex Californians. The Department of Justice, Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC), and Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) described current state protections, including nondiscrimination rules, privacy and shield laws, Medi-Cal and commercial coverage requirements for medically necessary care, and ongoing litigation challenging federal executive orders, proposed rules, and HHS actions that could restrict care or threaten provider participation in Medicare and Medicaid. Officials also noted that California continues to oppose federal proposals through lawsuits and public comments, and that the state is preparing strategies if those proposals are finalized. Members asked about hospital closures or pauses in care, continuity of care, provider network adequacy, whether additional legislation or funding is needed, and how the state can better track access and enforce existing protections. DMHC said it monitors complaints and independent medical reviews, but does not have a specific provider category for gender-affirming care and does not collect utilization data by service type; DHCS said Medi-Cal covers medically necessary gender-affirming care and that federal proposals are not yet final. Finance staff said the previously approved $15 million allocation is still being implemented through Covered California. The second panel heard from a physician, clinic leaders, parents, and a transgender youth about how families and providers navigate access to care. Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy described the history of transgender medical care, the role of puberty blockers and hormones, and said minors need parental consent for medical interventions, while emphasizing that care should be individualized and that supportive parents improve outcomes. She also described the closure of the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles youth program and the difficulty of rebuilding care in private practice, including insurance contracting barriers and inadequate reimbursement. J.M. Jaffe of Lyon Martin Community Health Services said the clinic has expanded to serve minors after hospital programs closed, but that the shift has created major financial strain and increased demand, and asked for a $26 million state investment to stabilize transgender health services. Parents and youth described delays, cancellations, and uncertainty at Kaiser, Stanford, UCSF, and Rady Children’s, along with the emotional and medical consequences of interrupted care. One parent said TRICARE stopped covering her son’s care after federal changes and that Rady later closed its clinic; her family urged California to backfill lost access and funding. A 16-year-old trans student and other witnesses argued that California should remain a reliable source of care and that current protections are not enough without funding, provider support, and stronger enforcement.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is our primary focus because, as my colleague said, that's the source of the intimidation.
• Relief from gender dysphoria is the primary reason transgender people seek gender-related medical care
• And so we just, you know, because we have the expertise, decided to open our doors to minors.
• And so we just, you know, because we have the expertise decided to open our doors to minors.
• I don't think that they have contracted with other gender-affirming care like primary care providers

Summary: The joint hearing focused on access to gender-affirming care in California, with members of the Senate and Assembly budget subcommittees hearing first from the Department of Justice, Department of Managed Health Care, and Department of Health Care Services. State officials described California’s legal protections against discrimination, privacy protections, shield laws, and Medi-Cal and commercial plan coverage requirements for medically necessary gender-affirming care. They also outlined ongoing litigation and advocacy against federal actions and proposed rules that could restrict care, including challenges to executive orders, HHS declarations, and federal reimbursement rules, as well as a temporary restraining order protecting care at Rady Children’s Hospital. Committee members pressed the agencies on why some hospitals that had stopped providing care had not been sued, how the state measures network adequacy and equitable access, whether the $15 million previously allocated for gender-affirming care had been used, and what additional statutory changes might be needed. DMHC and DHCS said they regulate health plans rather than providers directly, rely on complaints and independent medical review to address denials or delays, and do not track utilization or have a specific provider category for gender-affirming care. DOJ said it is focused on the federal government as the source of pressure on hospitals and providers, while members discussed possible shield-law expansions and, if federal rules are finalized, the possibility of state-only funding to preserve access. The second panel featured a physician, clinic leaders, parents, and a transgender teen describing how families navigate care and the effects of hospital closures and insurance barriers. Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy gave a history of transgender health care, described puberty blockers and hormones as established treatments, and said minors need parental consent for medical interventions. J.M. Jaffe of Lyon Martin Community Health Services said community clinics are absorbing patients after hospital programs closed and asked for $26 million in state funding to expand capacity. Parents and youth testified about delays, out-of-network referrals, lost coverage, and the emotional strain of uncertainty, while also urging the Legislature to stabilize access and protect continuity of care.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is our primary focus because, as my colleague said, that's the source of the intimidation.
• So Lyon Martin is a primary care clinic in San Francisco, and we primarily serve queer, transgender,
• And so we just, you know, because we have the expertise, decided to open our doors to minors.
• And so we just, you know, because we have the expertise decided to open our doors to minors.
• I don't think that they have contracted with other gender-affirming care like primary care providers

Summary: The joint hearing focused on access to gender-affirming care in California, with opening remarks from the subcommittee chairs emphasizing the importance of protecting transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex Californians and asking for decorum during public comment. The first panel from the Department of Justice, Department of Managed Health Care, and Department of Health Care Services described existing state protections, including nondiscrimination rules, privacy protections, shield laws, and Medi-Cal and commercial coverage requirements for medically necessary gender-affirming care. State officials also outlined ongoing litigation against federal actions and against hospital decisions to end or restrict care, including the Rady Children’s case and challenges to federal proposed rules and declarations affecting Medicaid, Medicare, and provider participation. Members questioned state agencies about why some hospitals that had stopped providing care had not been sued, how network adequacy is measured, whether the state can track actual access to gender-affirming care, and what legislative changes might strengthen protections. DMHC said it monitors complaints and independent medical reviews but does not track gender-affirming care as a separate provider category or collect utilization data, while DHCS said Medi-Cal continues to cover medically necessary care and that the state is preparing for possible federal rule changes. Finance staff said the previously approved $15 million for gender-affirming care was still being implemented through Covered California. The second panel featured a physician, clinic leaders, a parent, and a transgender teen describing how care is delivered and the effects of hospital closures and federal pressure. Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy described the history and medical basis for gender-affirming care, said minors need parental consent for medical interventions, and argued that care should be individualized and supported by families. Providers and families testified that hospital closures and insurance barriers have disrupted continuity of care, forced patients to travel farther, and shifted demand to community clinics that lack sufficient funding and contracting support. Several witnesses asked the Legislature to provide new funding, strengthen insurance enforcement, and stabilize access to care for transgender youth and families.

Transcript Highlights:

• Payers to pay after they got that issue resolved and the office opened back up to the public.
• How do you document a primary residence? Is that through your driver's license?
• So I just wondered how you establish that that's your primary residence.
• At a time when legislators made lower property taxes their primary objective.
• That's all I have to say this evening, and I will certainly be open for any questions. Thank you.

Bills: HB134 , HB135 , HB 1109 , HB 1243 , HB1392 , HB1399 , HJR99 , HB134 , HB135

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, local tax, municipal tax, county tax, tax sourcing, place of business, principal business location, small business, retailer, marketplace seller, economic development agreement, Chapter 321, Chapter 323, Tax Code, Texas Comptroller, local sales and use tax, tax jurisdiction, order consummation, ship-to location

Transcript Highlights:

• It's very hard to address those things. there are too few um primary care there are too few um primary
• </c><02:26:40.080><c> up</c> require the public hearing um opens up require the public hearing um opens
• We're the sole provider of primary care in the Berlin-Gorham region, and recently established a primary
• </c> 645 and the conversation that it opens 645 and the conversation that it opens around<04:31:25.120
• </c> um door opening for for those families. um door opening for for those families.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under Arizona Open Meeting Law, this committee must confine its decision to the specific agenda item
• Under Arizona Open Meeting Law, this committee must confine its discussion to the specific agenda item
• It could be at a special election, at a primary election, or at a jurisdictional election.
• Do you think 10 years from a general election is a primary election? Mr.
• Thanks so much for being so open-minded. Oh, I'll get snarky now. Come on.

Committee: Joint Legislative Council

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Horn had said academic outcomes were his primary job.
• My door is always open. Thank you. Thank you for your service. All right.
• They open their minds.
• It leaves it open-ended.
• Chair, Representative, is left open-ended, but given examples such as bathrooms.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This guy opens the door for us, Bob. He opens the door for all of us.
• A primary leg through the insurance company is what I always referred to as a broomstick and a 2x4 because
• Uh Uh Uh a<00:08:25.280><c> primary</c><00:08:25.840><c> leg</c> a primary leg a primary leg through<

Committee: House Banking & Insurance

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:11 Discussion SB 97 01:06 Vote SB 97 12:42 Discussion SB 189 14:11 Vote SB 189 18:12, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, how can we enforce it on somebody just because they happen to be open?
• You know, how can we enforce it on somebody just because they happen to be open?
• And we didn't think that was a secondary type thing in regards to fiscal notes; they have to have a primary
• And we didn't think that was a secondary type thing in regards to fiscal notes; they have to have a primary
• And we didn't think that was a secondary type thing in regards to fiscal notes; they have to have a primary

Committee: House Agriculture

Keywords: 959, house, all