Video & Transcript : 'culvert replacement' :
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FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Special Session B Jan 27th, 2025
Florida Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- provide appropriations and support thereof to allow local law enforcement agencies to supplement, not replace
- , the federal government and its enforcement of federal immigration law. ...not replace the federal government
Summary:
The Senate convened in special session with an opening prayer focused on Holocaust remembrance and a warning against antisemitism, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the reading of the joint proclamation calling the session. The proclamation said the special session was convened to consider immigration-related legislation and appropriations to support coordination with federal immigration enforcement, including a chief immigration officer, restrictions on benefits for undocumented immigrants, voting-related offenses, penalties for removed aliens who re-enter, bail and detention considerations, ID requirements, and support for local law enforcement. Senate Bill 2B on immigration was filed and placed on the special order calendar for the next day, with an amendment deadline set after the Appropriations Committee meeting.
The Senate then took up veto overrides on House Bill 5001 from the 2024 regular session, which is the General Appropriations Act. Members discussed the governor’s vetoes of legislative support and transparency-related funding, including IT systems, research, oversight, and Florida Channel services. Senator Pizzo objected to waiving Rules on one item and argued the chamber should also address broader cuts, including arts funding, while the Rules Chair said the items under consideration were limited to support services and that broader funding concerns could be addressed separately. The Senate voted to override line item 2802, funding legislative support services, by 35 yeas and 1 name, and line item 2803, also for legislative support services, by 36 yeas and 1 nay, both passing by the required two-thirds vote. The Senate then adjourned until the next morning.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- So, you know, to be able to replace the medications I was on, like opioids, like fentanyl, oxycodone,
- Can you imagine, if you will, for a moment, that the word cannabis is replaced with the word alcohol?
- It is better for the public health to have people replace alcohol with THC, so they're not comparable
- So again, replacing alcohol with THC is better for the public health.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Cannabis held a hearing on a package of cannabis bills focused on equity funding, delivery expansion, advertising restrictions, medical use, first responders, and ownership limits. Testimony strongly supported S. 87/H. 184 to direct a larger share of cannabis revenue into the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund and related equity programs, with speakers arguing the current funding is insufficient and that automatic transfers would better support businesses and communities harmed by the war on drugs. Several witnesses also backed H. 145/S. 89 to allow licensed cannabis delivery into municipalities that ban retail sales and to hotels, saying current rules unfairly limit social equity delivery operators and consumer access. There was also support for H. 176 on medical cannabis eligibility and S. 76 on cannabis use by first responders, while H. 177/H. 178 on new taxes drew opposition from several business owners who said the industry is already heavily burdened and overtaxed.
A major point of debate was S. 94/H. 157, which would prohibit billboard advertising for non-prescription marijuana. Public health advocates, parents, and neuroscientists argued that cannabis billboards normalize use, are seen by youth, and are difficult to regulate effectively under the current 85% adult-audience standard. They urged a public health approach similar to tobacco restrictions. In contrast, several industry witnesses opposed further advertising limits, saying cannabis businesses already face strict marketing rules, billboards are privately owned, and additional restrictions would hurt small operators and raise First Amendment concerns. Some witnesses also criticized the proposed increase in ownership caps and consolidation provisions in the broader cannabis bill, warning they would favor large multistate companies over small and social equity businesses.
Committee members asked questions about billboard ownership, enforcement of the current advertising rules, and the legal basis for restricting sign content. Witnesses and members also discussed the Cannabis Control Commission’s role, the difficulty of enforcing audience-composition standards, and whether delivery should be treated more like alcohol. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair noted that written testimony would continue to be accepted.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Media Availability on 2026 Omnibus Tax Bill - 04/30/26
Transcript Highlights:
- and this building, this structure that is owned by the county, we're going to install a new tax to replace
- c> new</c><00:04:44.200><c> tax</c> uh install a new tax uh install a new tax to<00:04:45.560><c> replace
- </c> to replace that one. to replace that one.
Summary:
Senate Tax Committee members presented a tax omnibus bill they said was a bipartisan effort aimed at making life more affordable and responding to federal policy changes they argued are increasing costs and harming Minnesota families, communities, farmers, and businesses. Chair Rest and other senators described the bill as a response to federal cuts to health care and food support, and said it also complements other Senate action on health and human services.
Key provisions highlighted included a 12% increase in property tax refunds for homeowners, described as more than $100 million in direct relief; a $2 million provision related to Operation Metro Transit; a new health care sales tax in Hennepin County to replace an expiring local sales tax and help stabilize hospitals such as HCMC and North Memorial, with funds for uncompensated care and facility upkeep; and a social media tax on the largest platforms, which supporters said would raise revenue without affecting Minnesota residents. Senators also emphasized a sustainable aviation fuel credit, framed as a climate and economic development measure that could support in-state production and agricultural feedstocks.
Members also discussed agricultural provisions, including lifting the cap on the beginning farmer tax credit extension and updating homestead-related rules, saying these changes would help farm transitions and reflect current conditions. Another property tax change would increase the market value exclusion for disabled veterans. No formal vote was taken in the transcript, but senators said the bill had been passed to the floor and they were waiting for leadership to schedule it, while noting the House had not yet taken similar action.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Local Government Committee Apr 29th, 2026
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- situation like this arise again, would allow them to remove a trustee individually and appoint a replacement
- current law, of course, the Board of Supervisors is limited in their role in how they can appoint and replace
- gives Tulare County a narrower and streamlined option to remove an individual trustee and appoint a replacement
- Tilleri County a narrower and streamlined option to remove an individual trustee and appoint a replacement
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- It's valued at $1.1 million using cash funds to replace the declining Burns Hall chiller.
- It's a new contract to accomplish the replacement of a chiller in Burns Hall on the NWACC campus.
- It's a new contract to accomplish the replacement of a chiller in Burns Hall on the NWACC campus.
- internally with our team and our procurement office back in May of 2025 to start developing the replacement
Summary:
The PEER Review Subcommittee met to consider a large agenda of budget, appropriation, transfer, and contract items. Members approved temporary appropriation requests for several agencies, including the Auditor of State, Department of Education, and Labor and Licensing; ARPA return requests from Workforce Services; Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requests for State Police and Agriculture; restricted reserve transfers for teacher scholarships, school facilities, and economic stimulus; a Commerce reallocation of positions and spending authority; cash fund, budget classification, overtime, and pay plan requests; and 17 methods of finance items for universities and other agencies. Most items were approved without objection after brief explanations from staff and agencies.
Several items drew questions and were held or discussed further. A Department of Human Services discretionary grant package for the RSVP program was held over after Senator Irvin raised concerns about whether the grants were an effective use of state general revenue and asked for more information on administration costs and program operations. In the contracts section, Representative Richardson questioned a DHS sole-source contract with EMS Link for document management software and a DHS contract with Presidio; the EMS Link item was held for additional answers, while the Presidio item was clarified as not sole-source and was allowed to proceed. Members also asked for more information on a Department of Education mental health referral contract with Care Solace, which officials said is a statewide concierge/referral service connecting students to Arkansas providers and telehealth options.
The committee also reviewed monthly reports, including the Medicaid Trust Fund. DHS and DFA officials said the fund was currently sufficient to finish the fiscal year, though it was being drawn down and would likely require a $100 million transfer from restricted reserves in FY27, with another $100 million set aside in the governor’s budget as a backstop. Members discussed the need to define a minimum reserve level and to better account for ongoing Medicaid costs in the budget. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Apr 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Assembly Member Jackie Irwin will be the replacement for Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez for today's
- Assembly Member Steve Bennett will be the replacement for Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez for today's
- But the moment any district replaces those dollars from a lost federal source, we're going to be able
- But the moment any district replaces those dollars from a lost federal grant into its local budget, they
Summary:
The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard a series of bills focused on student access, equity, and campus support services. AB 2660 would codify the CalBridge and ENLACE STEM pipeline programs to help underrepresented students move from high school through Ph.D. and faculty or industry careers; AB 2121 would let community colleges temporarily exclude certain local backfill dollars from the 50% instructional spending law so they can replace lost federal funding for MSI and TRIO programs; and AB 1920 would clarify that students do not lose California College Promise eligibility if they earn a certificate as part of a stackable pathway to an associate degree. AB 1636 would authorize Cerritos College to use voluntary data-sharing agreements with K-12 districts to create ready-to-enroll student records, AB 1845 would add human trafficking training and reporting requirements to campus Title IX-related processes, AB 1784 would extend pregnancy and parenting protections to undergraduate students, AB 2229 would create a CSU reentry support program for stopped-out students, AB 1852 would create a conditional pathway for a Kern County medical school if UC does not act, AB 1928 would allow both an advisor and a support person in campus sexual misconduct proceedings, and AB 2392 would require training before AI tools are deployed to students, faculty, or staff.
Testimony was largely in support of the measures, with authors and witnesses emphasizing student success, equity, and removing administrative barriers. Supporters included community college and university officials, student leaders, advocacy groups, and survivors. AB 2121 drew the most mixed testimony: community college leaders and students supported it as a temporary response to federal cuts, while faculty groups opposed it or raised concerns about weakening the 50% law and the need for the proposal. AB 1852 also drew opposition from the CSU Chancellor’s Office, which argued the proposal could have broader operational and governance implications, though supporters said Kern County’s doctor shortage justified a local solution. AB 1784, AB 1845, and AB 1928 were framed as protections for vulnerable students in pregnancy, trafficking, and sexual misconduct proceedings, respectively, while AB 2392 was presented as a modest training and transparency requirement to accompany AI adoption.
The committee took action on the bills after testimony. Most measures were approved on bipartisan roll calls and re-referred to the appropriate committees, including AB 1636, AB 1784, AB 1845, AB 1920, AB 1928, AB 2229, AB 2392, and AB 2660. AB 2121 and AB 1852 also advanced, though AB 1852 had several members not voting and AB 2121 drew one no vote. The committee also approved a consent calendar that included AB 1591, AB 2203, and AB 2572, and members were invited to add on to bills after the votes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Motor vehicle registration tax calculation change 3/25/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Local Government (3-24-26)
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- treasurer for 60 days, allowing the fiscal courts adequate time to find a suitable treasurer that would replace
- treasurer<00:18:09.679><c> that</c><00:18:09.960><c> would</c><00:18:10.440><c> uh</c><00:18:10.520><c> replace
- </c><00:18:11.000><c> the</c> treasurer that would uh replace the treasurer that would uh replace the
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:54
Roll Call 00:01:17
SB 192 Discussion 00:03:31
SB 192 Vote 00:05:41
SB 312 Discussion 00:07:17
SB 312 Vote 00:09:56
SB 27 Discussion 00:11:27
SB 27 Vote 00:15:51
SB 149 Discussion 00:16:55
SB 149 Vote 00:19:35
SB 133 Discussion 00:21:17
SB 133 Vote 00:23:41
SJR 62 Discussion 00:25:04
SJR 62 Vote 00:27:28
SJR 75 Discussion 00:28:31
SJR 75 Vote 00:31:56
Adjournment 00:34:30, 958, all
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/16/2026 - Senate Federalism and Family Law
Senate Federalism and Family Law Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- And at that point, they can stop the vote, replace that individual.
- And at that point, they can stop the vote, replace that individual.
- Jewish history and identity... ...in 1950 in an attempt to erase Jewish history and identity by replacing
- God has mercy on our country and unites it upon goodness and removes hatred from the hearts and replaces
Summary:
The committee first considered HB 2908, which would require any approved U.S. constitutional amendment to be ratified by a bill passed by the legislature and signed by the governor, and would impose oaths, reporting duties, civil penalties, and felony liability on “faithless” constitutional convention delegates. The committee adopted a Fincham amendment changing recall to disqualification and giving the Senate President and House Speaker authority to determine disqualification. Supporters argued the measure would add guardrails against a runaway Article 5 convention, while opponents said the safeguards would be ineffective and could falsely reassure the public. The bill, as amended, passed 4-3. The committee then took up HCR 2047, a resolution recognizing Judea and Samaria as the proper terms for the West Bank and rejecting that label in official state communications. Supporters framed it as a matter of historical and biblical accuracy, while opponents argued it injected the state into foreign policy and raised First Amendment concerns. The resolution passed 4-3.
The committee next heard HCM 2006, urging Congress to reform the Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Conservation Act and to reduce burdens on ranchers affected by Mexican gray wolves and related federal rules. The sponsor and supporters said wolf recovery goals had been exceeded and that ranchers were suffering livestock losses, while opponents said existing compensation already exists and that the memorial mischaracterized endangered species protections. The memorial passed 4-3. HB 4042, dealing with paternity actions in termination-of-parental-rights cases by requiring service of the mother within the 30-day timeframe, drew no testimony and passed unanimously 7-0.
The committee also approved HCM 2005, which urges Congress to consider restricting foreign ownership of U.S. real property by communist or authoritarian governments; supporters said it was a national security and land-use issue, while opponents criticized the measure as discriminatory. It passed 4-3. HCM 2001, urging the President and Congress to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization and directing Arizona law enforcement to identify linked groups, drew testimony from civil rights advocates and community members who said the measure stigmatized Muslims and exceeded state authority; supporters said it was a legitimate federal-policy memorial. It passed 4-3. Finally, HCM 2002, urging Congress to review CAIR for possible terrorist designation, prompted extensive opposition testimony from CAIR representatives and supporters who described the organization’s civil-rights work and warned the memorial would fuel discrimination; supporters argued it was a proper federal request and a response to concerns about CAIR. The memorial passed 4-3, and the committee adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/16/2026 - Senate Federalism and Family Law
Federalism and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- And at that point, they can stop the vote, replace that individual.
- Jewish history and identity... ...in 1950 in an attempt to erase Jewish history and identity by replacing
- erase Jewish history and identity in 1950 in an attempt to erase Jewish history and identity by replacing
- God has mercy on our country and unites it upon goodness and removes hatred from the hearts and replaces
Keywords:
constitutional convention, faithless delegates, state delegates, oath of office, class 2 felony, civil penalties, parent-child relationship, termination of parental rights, child welfare, court procedures, abandonment, neglect, reunification services, felony conviction, Muslim Brotherhood, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, national security, Islamist extremism, Congress
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Business on the Speaker's desk: I wish to announce that Representative Willoughby will temporarily replace
- Business on the speaker's desk, I wish to announce Representative Willoughby will temporarily replace
- I wish to announce Representative Willoughby will temporarily replace Representative Gress and the Committee
- The problem I have is the number of people using a CPAP machine that this would replace in Arizona through
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions and proclamations, including a proclamation designating March 10 as Cade’s Day in honor of Cade Keller and suicide prevention efforts. Members also welcomed guests from schools, cities, and medical and advocacy groups, and the clerk announced committee assignments and bill referrals.
The chamber then moved through committee-of-the-whole action on several bills. HB 2946 and HB 4018 were amended and given do pass recommendations. In a later committee-of-the-whole, HB 2083, HB 2308, HB 2388, and HB 2389 were considered; HB 2083, HB 2308, and HB 2388 received do pass recommendations as amended, while HB 2389 drew debate over environmental review for power plants, with supporters arguing it would lower energy costs and opponents saying it weakened oversight. The House also retained HB 4030 and HCR 2052 on the calendar.
The House then took up third-reading votes on a long list of measures. Bills that passed included HB 2047 on forcible entry and detainer, HB 2127 on special license plates, HB 2344 on the local government investment pool, HB 2371 on dissolution of marriage, HB 2140 and HB 2620 on financial institutions and veterans services, HB 2429 on short-term rentals, HB 2434 on the prescription monitoring program, HB 2437 on emergency medical services, HB 2444 on pharmacy-based testing and treatment, HB 2573 on DUI-related psychotherapy treatment, HB 2601 on state highways and routes, HB 2781 on solar energy power plants, HB 2914 on cameras in long-term care rooms, HB 2968 on evidence in child custody proceedings, HB 4043 on public schools, HB 4064 on municipal improvement districts, HB 4130 on local government budgets, and HCM 2016 renaming a stretch of U.S. Route 191 as Chief Barbonsito Highway. HB 2726 on sleep apnea treatment failed, and HB 2123 failed on reconsideration after a close vote. Several votes featured debate over housing, energy, veterans’ services, pharmacy scope, family-court evidence rules, and the balance between local control and state oversight.
The session ended with committee announcements for the following week, personal privilege remarks, and a motion to adjourn until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, which was adopted.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- The purpose of this legislation is to amend Idaho Code 49-443 to eliminate the requirement to replace
- license plates every 10 years and no longer have a required replacement period as long as the plate
- The purpose of this legislation is to amend Idaho Code 49-443 to eliminate the requirement to replace
- a license plate, license plates every 10 years, and no longer have a required replacement period as
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the prior day’s journal, received committee reports, and handled a large number of bill referrals and messages from the House. Several measures were advanced, held on the calendar, or referred to committees, including appropriations bills, policy bills on education, transportation, taxation, and administrative procedure, and a memorial honoring Wake Island civilians. The chamber also received enrolled bills for signatures and transmittal, and later recessed and reconvened before continuing floor action.
The main floor debate centered on Senate Bill 1363, the natural resources maintenance appropriation. The bill covered budgets for the Department of Environmental Quality, Fish and Game, Lands, Parks and Recreation, Water Resources, and the Endowment Fund Investment Board, with reductions and maintenance adjustments discussed in detail. Supporters said it was a responsible “tightening of the belt” and noted the bill preserved core operations, while opponents argued the across-the-board cuts would harm firefighting, water quality, parks staffing, permitting, and other public services. The bill passed 28-7 and was sent to the House.
The Senate also passed House Bill 558 on protecting federal survivor and dependent benefits for children in state custody, House Bill 500 clarifying that e-bike riders are covered under motor vehicle due-care provisions, House Bill 577 eliminating the 10-year mandatory replacement cycle for license plates, House Bill 636 allowing school facilities funds to be used for lease purchases, House Bill 539 tightening limits on temporary administrative rules, House Bill 511 raising the cap on the fire-structure surcharge, House Bill 639 updating midwifery medication authority, House Bill 628 expanding parent-taught driver education options in urban districts, and House Bill 620 giving county commissioners special expertise status in federal land-management coordination. House Bill 610, which would have extended the homestead tax exemption to homeowners absent for religious missionary service, failed on a 16-17 vote. The Senate then completed miscellaneous announcements and adjourned until the next morning.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amend. and Intergovernmental Affairs (3-5-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- It uh replaces the word shall with is authorized to with respect to the memorandum of understandings
- It<00:04:49.680><c> uh</c><00:04:49.760><c> replaces</c><00:04:50.240><c> the</c><00:04:50.360><c> word
- </c><00:04:50.600><c> shall</c><00:04:50.960><c> with</c><00:04:51.160><c> his</c> It uh replaces the
- word shall with his It uh replaces the word shall with his with<00:04:52.160><c> is</c><00:04:52.440
Summary:
The House Elections, Constitutional Amendments, and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee met to consider House Bill 534, an elections bill sponsored by Representative D.J. Johnson. The committee first adopted a committee substitute, and Johnson explained that the substitute removed the emergency clause, deleted provisions on craft member appointments and cast vote records, changed language on memoranda of understanding with the Department of Justice from mandatory to permissive, and removed a section on election-day procedures for voters flagged as non-citizens. He said the changes were made in response to concerns from county clerks and to improve the bill before floor consideration.
Members asked about the bill’s purpose, cost, and effects. Johnson said the measure was not aimed at a widespread fraud problem but was intended to improve election security, accuracy, and fairness, and he said he had not been told it would create a significant cost increase. Questions also focused on a provision allowing certain federal officeholders to run for president or vice president while retaining their current office; Johnson said the language was meant to apply only to federal offices decided by the Electoral College and to avoid penalizing voters who elected those officials. Representative Roberts supported that provision, while Representative Gooch objected to it and said he would vote no if it remained.
The committee also discussed voter-roll maintenance and whether the bill would improperly remove people whose voting rights had been restored by pardon or other legal means. Johnson said the administrative process should account for restored rights through coordination with the governor’s office and the Administrative Office of the Courts. Several members praised the Secretary of State’s work but raised concerns about the clerks’ opposition, the bill’s cost, and whether it solved a real problem. After debate, the committee voted 12-4 to pass the bill as amended by the committee substitute, then adopted a title amendment, and reported House Bill 534 favorably to the House floor.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Professional Registration and Licensing Mar 4th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Professional Registration and Licensing
Transcript Highlights:
- We get them to a point, or if I do their corneal transplant, we replace their cornea.
- “I was president of the board in 2008 and left the board when someone else was appointed to replace me
- This bill replaces the currently existing flexible, competency-paced statutory framework within Missouri
- But in closing, essentially, I’ll just say that we’re looking to remove the CRT and replace that, moving
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency - Room 210, 3 March, 2026; 2:30 P.M.
Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency
Transcript Highlights:
- It does not replace anything that is currently in place. >> No, no. Thank you. Mr. Chairman. Um Mr.
- </c><00:18:12.720><c> It</c><00:18:12.880><c> does</c><00:18:13.040><c> not</c><00:18:13.240><c> replace
- It does not replace Health Professions.
- It does not replace anything<00:18:14.240><c> that</c><00:18:14.400><c> is</c><00:18:14.560><c> currently
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- The Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Toll Facility bond retirement account, which was included in 6352
- SHB 2114 allows the waiver of replacement license plate fees if the plate is defaced. relatively old
- substitute House Bill 2114 concerning defective license plates, Brian Moore. 2114 allows the waiver of replacement
- The waiver of replacement license plate fees applies if the plate is defective, as identified within
Bills:
HB2495
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-02-27 - 11:30AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It just replaces it with he's charged with a criminal offense in the two instances where you see the
- It just replaces<00:11:13.279><c> it</c><00:11:13.760><c> with</c><00:11:14.880><c> he's</c><00:11:15.200
- ><c> charged</c><00:11:15.600><c> with</c><00:11:15.760><c> a</c> replaces it with he's charged with
- a replaces it with he's charged with a criminal<00:11:16.240><c> offense</c><00:11:16.959><c> in</c><
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- each October 1st thereafter, um, the change was made to delete what was previously October 1st and replace
- :56.240><c> and</c> uh what was previously October 1st and uh what was previously October 1st and replace
- 01:58.240><c> And</c><00:01:58.399><c> so</c><00:01:58.799><c> that's</c><00:01:59.040><c> the</c> replace
- And so that's the replace December 1st.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Kahului has no replacement parts for their Mitsubishi generators.
- <00:19:02.640><c> Kahalui</c><00:19:03.440><c> has</c><00:19:03.840><c> no</c><00:19:04.240><c> replacement
- Kahalui has no replacement parts dark.
- Kahalui has no replacement parts for<00:19:05.280><c> their</c><00:19:05.520><c> Mitsubishi</c><00:19
Bills:
SB99, SB585, SB2060, SB2069, SB2110, SB2115, SB2152, SB2211, SB2259, SB2315, SB2342, SB2382, SB2442, SB2446, SB2485, SB2544, SB2577, SB2580, SB2861, SB2919, SB3326
Keywords:
SB99, Hawaii, Employees' Retirement System, ERS, retirant, retiree rehiring, reemployment after retirement, retirement benefits, benefit suspension, school resource officer, SRO, public school safety, Department of Law Enforcement, DLE, labor shortage, difficult-to-fill position, teacher shortage, charter school, mentor teacher, vacancy rate
Summary:
The Committee on Ways and Means met for decision-making only and adopted recommendations on a long list of Senate bills, with no oral testimony taken. Early actions included SB 99 to pass unamended, SB 585 to pass with a date correction to 2015, SB 2060 to pass with amendments involving public project lists, legislative approval for fund transfers, and removal of certain appropriations, and SB 2069 to pass with amendments extending a sunset date and requiring transit-oriented development zoning. The committee also advanced several other measures, including SB 2110, SB 215, SB 2259, SB 2382, SB 2442, and SB 2485 unamended, while SB 2152, SB 2315, SB 2446, SB 2919, SB 2577, SB 2580, and SB 2861 were moved with various amendments, mostly date changes, appropriation blanks, or technical clarifications.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on SB 2211, where Department of Human Services officials explained how the department was covering costs by using restricted funds and shifting Med-QUEST funding, and noted a need for $14 million plus support for $16.5 million in ACA enhanced tax credit subsidies. The chair indicated the bill would move forward with amendments, including blanking the appropriation pending more information on lapses, and the recommendation was adopted. SB 2544 was also amended to remove a specific appropriation and replace it with a blank cap on funds from DUR, and SB 2342 was amended to require projects to be in transit-oriented development zones and to reflect prior committee concurrence.
The most extended debate was on SB 3326, which would address utility restructuring. One senator opposed the bill, arguing it could raise rates, worsen reliability issues, and disrupt an existing utility without a clear plan, especially given island-specific conditions. Supporters argued the bill would separate generation from transmission and distribution, create competition, protect union jobs, and respond to aging infrastructure and financial weakness in the utility sector. After recesses and discussion of the Public Utilities Commission’s role, the chair changed the recommendation from pass unamended to pass with amendments requiring the PUC to conduct a study, provide an interim report before the next session, and a final report the following session. That amended recommendation was adopted, and the meeting then adjourned with no further business.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Care & Wellness Feb 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- AI should support but never replace human nurses.
- AI should support but never replace human nurses.
- This amendment replaces references to abortion medications with mifepristone and misoprostol and replaces
Summary:
The committee heard public testimony on several health-related bills. SB 5904 would restrict nursing titles such as RN, NP/ARNP, and LPN to licensed human people and prohibit non-human entities, including AI chatbots, from using those titles. The sponsor and nursing advocates said the bill is meant to prevent confusion and protect public trust, while preserving the use of AI as a support tool. SB 5877 would add a $70 surcharge for certified anesthesiologist assistants so they can participate in the Washington Physicians Health Program and access HealWA resources; supporters said it closes a technical gap and aligns CAAs with other medical professions. SB 5185 would create a pilot pathway for certain international medical graduates with clinical experience licenses to obtain full primary care licensure; supporters from the medical commission, physicians, and IMG advocates said the program has worked well, has shown no patient safety issues, and could help address workforce shortages.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on ESSB 6210, which would let the Health Benefit Exchange adopt additional market-factor certification criteria for exchange plans, including standards aimed at preserving access and affordability in underserved counties. Supporters, including the exchange, OIC, consumer advocates, tribal representatives, and patient groups, said the bill is needed to respond to federal policy changes, rising premiums, and disappearing coverage in places like San Juan County. Opponents from carriers and employer groups argued the timeline is too fast, the criteria are too discretionary, and the bill could reduce competition and raise costs. The committee then heard SB 5981, which would strengthen protections and reporting requirements for the federal 340B drug pricing program and limit manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies and data requests. Hospitals, clinics, and patient advocates said the bill protects safety-net care and rural access, while manufacturers, employers, and business groups argued it would expand a program that already raises costs and lacks transparency.
In executive session, the committee took action on SB 5917, related to Department of Corrections distribution of abortion medications, rejecting five proposed amendments and then advancing the bill on a 10-6 vote with three excused. The committee also advanced SB 5988, which concerns Department of Health opioid treatment program accrediting activities, on a do-pass recommendation after brief discussion.