Transcript Highlights:

• As the purchasing power of these funds has been markedly reduced due to increased inflation over the
• I will be, my name is Chloe Powers with the Legislative Budget Board.
• Powers? Representative Tipper. Sorry, I'm going back to my questions. Thank you.
• Our agents also make a power. impact on community health and youth development.
• Tease has the intellectual firepower. power. You've given us the experimental firepower.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Governor.
• You've worked for the governor long before she was the governor.
• Have I talked to the governor on this, is what you're asking?
• The legislative power of appropriation.
• The Senate, the House, and the governor each get a third of that.

Committee: Senate Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• Boy, you talk about a power. The city of San Antonio and CPS Energy are exactly that.
• Your governor got in- $11 billion to do something about this. Now he's asking for $6.5 more.
• The legislature has the power to expand Medicaid. Fact!
• As it stands, we spent $11 billion on Governor Abbott's Operation Lone Star.
• Governor Abbott says he's trying to ask for a refund from the federal government.

Bills: SB1 , HB500 , SB1 , HB1400 , HB 1094 , HB365 , HB 1109 , HB647 , HB500

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, state budget, mental health funding, education funding, infrastructure improvements, public safety, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• It's little more than a rhetorical weapon in the war for political power, where the Constitution, the
• delegating the enforcement power of the state. to an individual.
• He clearly doesn't care about the court system, or separation of powers, or the rule of law.
• Is this rhetorical device in the war for political power worth regarding women and their families, their
• The governor and the lieutenant governor do not represent part of the quorum for matters of the legislature

Bills: SB 8 , SB 1 , SB 2 , SB 5 , SB 10 , HB27 , HB7 , HB17 , HB1 , SB 9 , SB 7 , SB 17 , SB 4 , HB20 , HB18 , HB7 , HB17 , HB1 , HB20 , HB18 , SB9 , SB7 , SB17 , SB4 , SB1 , SR85 , SR87 , SB8 , SB5 , SB2 , SB10 , HB27

Keywords: sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, my question for the assistant commissioner is: So, for this tax increase that the governor is
• I'm glad, you know, the governor is interested in continuing with reinsurance.
• We are pleased that Governor Walz included the extension in his budget.
• </c><00:52:28.640><c> walls</c> we are pleased that Governor walls we are pleased that Governor walls
• Govern proposed by Governor walson Govern proposed by Governor walson explained<01:07:34.920><c> by</

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we understand that that will gap our needs, our power needs, until we can, you know, and it has a
• At the same time, the Governor made it very clear yesterday.
• At the same time, the Governor made it very clear yesterday.
• And so I think what the Governor has made it clear is everything is all in terms of looking at it from
• For the last two years, Governor Healey’s Department of Public Utilities has been issuing regulations

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on two related issues: gas utilities’ climate compliance plans filed with the Department of Public Utilities and the recent DPU orders reforming the Gas System Enhancement Program (GSEP). Chair Creem and other senators emphasized that Massachusetts must reduce gas use, shrink the gas distribution footprint, and move customers to alternatives such as heat pumps, network geothermal, and non-gas pipeline alternatives (NPAs). DPU Chair Jamie Van Nostrand said the new GSEP orders lower the annual revenue cap from 3.0% to 2.5%, phase it down toward 1.5%, eliminate carrying charges, require more rigorous risk prioritization, and push utilities to consider advanced leak technology, relining, repairs, and NPAs. He also described the climate compliance plans as the start of a longer process covering decommissioning, stranded costs, line extension allowances, integrated energy planning, and targeted electrification demonstrations. Senators pressed the DPU and utility witnesses on the lack of specificity in the climate compliance plans, especially the absence of numeric goals for gas usage reduction, customer conversions, and near-term deployment of NPAs. Utility representatives from Eversource and National Grid said their plans include NPA frameworks, integrated energy planning, targeted electrification pilots, network geothermal, and workforce transition efforts, but argued that implementation takes time, requires customer participation, and depends on coordination with electric utilities and communities. They said some NPA and electrification projects are being evaluated now, while larger-scale deployment is expected later in the decade. Senators also raised concerns about line extension allowances, with utilities explaining that new customers may be charged based on whether existing ratepayers would otherwise be harmed, while National Grid said it has begun increasing customer contributions to send stronger price signals. Attorney General Mary Gardner supported the DPU’s GSEP reforms and said the office favors eventually stepping the GSEP cap down to zero by 2030, with repair and replacement costs recovered in base rate cases instead. She argued that the utilities’ plans still rely too heavily on business-as-usual approaches, do not adequately quantify scope 3 emissions, and leave unresolved questions about the obligation to serve and the future of line extension allowances. Advocacy witnesses from the Conservation Law Foundation and Acadia Center were more critical, saying the plans lack the detailed modeling, targets, and transparency needed to show how the utilities will help meet the Commonwealth’s heating and cooling sublimits and broader climate goals. No votes were taken; the hearing consisted of testimony and questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the reason for that is we need power for AI.
• for that<00:11:10.400><c> is</c><00:11:10.839><c> we</c><00:11:10.960><c> need</c><00:11:11.240><c> power
• </c> that is we need power for for AI. that is we need power for for AI.
• And this brags about how great of work they've done, how the governor's been involved, Governor Abbott
• And this brags about how great of work they've done, how the governor's been involved, Governor Abbott

Committee: House Postsecondary Education

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• hours on the media to find a reference to the JFAC Committee that didn't include the words 'the powerful
• In fact, I've often wondered if we shouldn't change the name of the JFAC committee to the powerful JFAC
• At the end of the day, it's still bringing all the power back to this committee.
• We have increases in Idaho Power at 7.8% last year and 7.8% this year.
• years ago, maybe even a little longer, and speaking to Representative Marmon's comments, that was a governor

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• from the Senate, House of Representatives, Office of Policy and Budget, and Executive Office of the Governor
• from the Senate, House of Representatives, Office of Policy and Budget, and Executive Office of the Governor
• I cannot bring back the victims I have seen lost, but you have the power to prevent the next one.
• but she chose to come here and advocate for this bill because this bill is giving victims voices and power
• This gives our stories power and it is the power to protect, prevent, and build policy that will save

Transcript Highlights:

• the growth here in the state, how would you feel if the data centers were able to generate their own power
• Our nuclear power plant, for instance, goes into refueling outage.
• But they're not going to use the power that you build the infrastructure... ...for.
• the future where any individual would be able to potentially supply all their own behind-the-meter power
• Like I mentioned earlier, what we've seen in 23 other states is a bill like what we got the governor

Committee: House House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation Committee of Reference

Summary: The House AI and Innovation Committee first heard a presentation from APS on its data center strategy and the rapid growth of AI/data center demand in Arizona. APS said it is trying to protect reliability and affordability for existing customers while preserving capacity for other growth, and emphasized that “growth should pay for growth.” APS described its current peak load, projected growth, and the scale of potential data center demand, and explained that data centers differ from other customers because they use large amounts of power around the clock and require major new infrastructure. APS said it has proposed two ways to serve them: a revised data center tariff filed with the Corporation Commission and separate bilateral contracts with upfront customer contributions. Committee members asked about whether residential customers are subsidizing data centers, the proposed 45% increase for the data center rate class, possible impacts on development, self-generation behind the meter, seasonal load, and APS’s longer-term resource plans, including nuclear, gas, renewables, and possible SMRs. APS said residential customers are not intended to subsidize data centers and that the proposal is designed to assign costs directly to those customers. The committee then took up House Bill 2133, which requires commercial entities that knowingly distribute or publish sexual material online to obtain reasonable consent and age verification, including for synthetic or AI-generated or altered images, and authorizes civil penalties for violations. A five-page amendment in Representative Kupper’s name narrowed the bill by excluding internet service providers, affiliates, subsidiaries, search engines, and cloud providers from responsibility for content they do not create or directly host. Representative Kupper said the bill is intended to protect people in adult content from exploitation and non-consensual use, including trafficking-related material and revenge porn, and compared it to existing age- and consent-verification practices in the physical adult-content industry. He said the penalties mirror those used in related laws, including a $10,000-per-day structure. During debate, several members said they supported the bill’s intent but wanted to reserve the right to change their votes after further stakeholder discussions, citing First Amendment and implementation concerns. One member noted a similar federal proposal with a higher fine structure. After no public testimony was offered, the committee adopted the amendment and then voted 5-0 with two members present to give HB 2133, as amended, a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> uh power available for day-ahead market. uh power available for day-ahead market.
• </c> England Power Generators Association. England Power Generators Association.
• </c><00:38:14.600><c> Um</c> power? Sure. Great question. Um power? Sure. Great question.
• Thank you. into the mists of time, your Governor into the mists of time, your Governor Winthrop,<00:55
• Heidi Kroll, Granite State Hydro Power, Brookfield Renewable Power, Great River Hydro, and Monadnock

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 353 amends chapter 127A, HRS, to clarify state and local authority, prohibits the governor or mayor
• “I mean, we’re leaving it with the governor to make that decision. That’s my question: why?”
• The speaker added that they were not saying the other view lacked merit, but that the governor would
• They said emergency managers can do a better job setting expectations for the governor, executives, and
• They said they think they can do a better job setting expectations for the governor, executives, and

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard several bills on January 27, 2025. SB 24, relating to identification, would require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to help inmates obtain civil ID cards and other vital documents for reentry. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from DCR, the Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission, DHS, the Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center, health and youth advocates, and others, with comments emphasizing that reentry should begin on day one and that lack of identification is a major barrier to housing and employment. A senator asked about the low number of IDs issued in 2022 and DCR said it already has a satellite ID card machine at Hālawa and plans to procure more for other facilities. The committee recommended passage of SB 24 as is. SB 474, relating to psychologists, would require DCR clinical psychologists to obtain licensure within 10 years of employment and would sunset in 2035. DCR strongly supported the bill, citing a severe staffing shortage, low exam passage rates, and many vacant positions, while the Hawaiʻi Psychological Association expressed concerns and one testifier argued psychologists serving incarcerated people should be licensed before employment. Committee members questioned whether the 10-year period was too long and discussed alternative solutions such as pay incentives and shortage differentials. The committee ultimately recommended passage with amendments, shortening the licensure period to 5 years, moving the sunset to July 1, 2030, and making other technical changes. SB 353, relating to emergency management, would clarify emergency authority, bar suspension of public records or vital statistics requests during emergencies, define “severe warning,” and allow the legislature or city councils to terminate a state of emergency. DHS and HMA opposed the bill, arguing it could limit executive flexibility and cut off access to the major disaster fund, while supporters included public-interest and good-government groups. The committee discussed whether legislative termination authority could interfere with ongoing emergency response and recovery, with the bill’s sponsor explaining it was aimed more at situations where emergency conditions have ended, such as prolonged COVID-era proclamations. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including a delayed effective date and committee report notes referencing DHS request data and HMA’s opposition. The committee also heard SB 259, relating to recordkeeping for secondhand dealers and pawn brokers, and SB 37, relating to recordings of law enforcement activities. SB 259 was set for amendment and deferred decision-making to January 29, 2025, so the committee could seek input from HPD. SB 37 drew support from the Legal Clinic and other advocates, with a clarifying question about civil enforcement actions, and the committee recommended passage with amendments and a delayed effective date. The meeting concluded with the committee adopting its recommendations and adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gruters: THE GOVERNOR HAS DECLARED AN EMERGENCY, YES. >> Sen.
• Pizzo: DOES HE HAVE THE POWER UNDER 253.71 WITH THE $500 MILLION A YEAR ALLOCATED TO HIM, I THINK HE
• IS SITTING ON 520 MILLION RIGHT NOW, DOES HE HAVE THE POWER IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY TO USE THOSE FUNDS
• MOVING FORWARD THE CHIEF IMMIGRATION OFFICER WILL BE ABLE TO COORDINATE WITH THE GOVERNOR AND MAKE SURE
• GOVERNOR JEANETTE NUNEZ. IN FAVOR OF IN-STATE TUITION FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS. WHAT HAS CHANGED?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A message from Her Excellency the Governor submitting requests for making appropriations for fiscal year
• The message from Her Excellency the Governor submitting requests for making appropriations for fiscal
• The message from Her Excellency the Governor will be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
• The House is on a paper from the Senate: House Bill 5175, relative to energy affordability, clean power

Summary: The House received a gubernatorial message requesting fiscal year 2027 appropriations, which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. Members then took up House Bill 5175 on energy affordability, clean power, and economic competitiveness. The House suspended the rules but voted not to concur with the Senate’s amended version, and then agreed to appoint a committee of conference; the conferees named were Mr. Cusack of Braintree, Mr. Mike Woods of Boston, and Mr. Jones of North Reading. The chamber next considered several bills on third reading. House 5430, designating the Hyannis Transportation Center as the Thomas C. Cahir Cape Cod Transportation Center, was passed to be engrossed. House 4924, concerning the Boston Finance Commission and establishing the Boston Inspector General Oversight Commission, was amended by substitution with House 5585 and then passed to be engrossed as amended. After a recess, the House returned to enact Senate 3106, a bill relative to toxic-free medical devices, which passed. The House also adopted an order to adjourn to Monday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is also about power.
• Joe Delgado, Power California, Long Beach, in support.
• Sophia Sanchez on behalf of Power California, I support.
• I haven't had a power outage that lasted long enough for me to know the power was out that I can even
• I don't, I haven't had a power outage that lasted long enough for me to know the power was out that I

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on child safety, immigrant community transparency, agricultural land security, consumer protection, estate transfers, detention commissary pricing, and public works wage enforcement. SB 1234 would require fentanyl to be included in drug tests ordered by juvenile courts for parents or guardians in dependency cases; the author said it was a narrow child-safety measure, and there was no opposition. SB 1257 would require the Attorney General to publish annual reports on immigration enforcement incidents at designated safe locations; supporters said it would improve accountability and document fear in immigrant communities, while questions centered on how the data would be collected and concerns were raised about sanctuary policies. SB 1176 would bar foreign adversary entities from buying or controlling California agricultural land; supporters framed it as a national security measure, while committee members pressed the author on enforcement, who would verify buyers, and possible discriminatory application. The bill was moved on a 2-4 vote and placed on call after the author said he would work on clarifying responsibility and nondiscrimination concerns. The committee also heard SB 1146, which would require clear disclosure when AI-generated or altered images, audio, or video are used in health-related advertisements depicting health care providers. The California Medical Association and California Dental Association supported the bill, saying it would curb deceptive deepfake ads and protect consumers; it passed unanimously, 7-0. SB 988 would restrict assignment of benefits in auto glass claims, require claim numbers and itemized estimates, and update repair disclosure rules to curb overbilling and steering; supporters said it would protect consumers and stabilize insurance costs, while independent glass shop concerns about steering and market concentration were discussed. The bill passed 7-0, with one member abstaining because of a conflict. SB 1288, presented on behalf of Senator Laird, would require financial institutions to make good-faith efforts to notify beneficiaries of non-probate assets and would simplify access requirements, especially for nonprofits. Supporters described long delays and burdensome account-opening requirements; SIFMA and the California Bankers Association opposed the bill unless amended, citing conflicts with federal and industry obligations and concerns about retroactive burdens. The bill passed 8-0. SB 941 would cap commissary markups in private immigration detention facilities at 35% above vendor cost; supporters said detainees often pay excessive prices for basic necessities, and the bill passed 8-0. Finally, SB 909 would raise and index public works contractor fees and penalties and dedicate more penalty revenue to enforcement; labor supporters said stronger funding is needed to address wage theft and backlogs, while contractors warned of uncapped costs and reduced transparency. The discussion continued with questions about enforcement and whether stronger penalties or license restrictions would better deter repeat violators.

Transcript Highlights:

• And obviously over the last 30 years we didn't build anything—almost like there were two nuclear power
• Last fall, there was the legislative water college, and we went to Idaho Power to...
• Last fall, there was the legislative water college, and we went to Idaho Power to observe these ground
• Is Idaho Water Resources reporting to the legislature, or do you have Idaho Power that's reporting to
• Is Idaho Water Resources reporting to the legislature, or do you have Idaho Power that's reporting to

Committee: House Environment, Energy and Technology

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Messages from the Governor will be deemed read. Messages from the Assembly will be deemed read.
• The Legislature and the governor share...
• Our Assembly partners and the administration, the Legislature and the governor share a common goal of
• We have Governor Newsom's diaper access initiative that will cost $20 million, but when you allocate
• It's in the May revise; the Governor proposed it.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the June 8–11, 2026 journals, and adopted floor amendments. It also referred several bills to Rules and approved motions affecting Budget and Fiscal Review Committee procedure, including second-reading treatment for budget measures and suspension of Joint Rule 62A to allow budget hearings on short notice. Both motions passed on roll call after some protest votes. The chamber then considered several appointments to the Delta Stewardship Council and the Board of State and Community Corrections. Senators discussed the Delta, water policy, and the proposed Delta Tunnel, but the confirmations of Julie Lee, Ann Patterson, and Sheriff Christopher Clark all passed. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 17, authored by Senator Choi, honoring Republic of Korea veterans who served alongside U.S. troops in Vietnam and urging Congress and the President to clarify that states may extend burial and memorial benefits in state veterans’ cemeteries. The main floor debate centered on Assembly Bill 109, the 2026 Budget Act. Supporters highlighted a $355.9 billion budget with $253 billion General Fund spending, $36.5 billion in reserves, a reduced structural deficit, and investments in child care, Medi-Cal, hospitals, housing, IHSS, education, transit, and other services. Opponents criticized the budget as relying on future tax increases, leaving a structural deficit, and failing to do enough on affordability, public safety, Prop. 36, unemployment insurance debt, and gas prices. After extensive debate, AB 109 passed 28–9, and the Senate later approved a consent calendar of six Assembly bills. The session ended with adjournments in memory of Hajan Lee, Doris Fisher, and James Leslie Barbie, and the Senate adjourned until June 18, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• :07.840><c> I</c><00:22:08.080><c> guess</c> former Governor Steve Merrill I guess former Governor Steve
• </c><02:25:20.080><c> Ayat</c> and we go to Halifax and Governor Ayat and we go to Halifax and Governor
• </c><04:36:32.240><c> The</c> signed when she was governor. The signed when she was governor.
• </c> Governor Langden was the third governor Governor Langden was the third governor of<04:39:58.878>
• </c><05:16:54.638><c> John</c> in Portsouth, including Governor John in Portsouth, including Governor

Committee: House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, we're gonna basin in power.
• We don't have the money, connections, or influence of powerful special interests.
• There's no governor DeSantis with sinus. That's what the rest of the world thinks.
• And I have physically seen and witnessed the power in the deficits.
• I think about words for a living and I know their power. They can inspire. They can educate.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so the governor was looking into it and they banned hydroxy, but they kept kratom on the shelf.
• And you are going to see, you're probably already seeing it now because your governor took off kratom
• So if you have the power to enforce a ban, you have the power to regulate.
• If you have the power to enforce a ban, you have the power to regulate.
• I want to start by affirming that the governor and the Attorney General are right to be concerned.

Summary: The Kratom Working Group met to hear public testimony and expert presentations on whether North Dakota should prohibit or regulate kratom and 7-OH products. Early testimony split sharply between speakers who described natural kratom as a helpful, lower-risk alternative for chronic pain, opioid withdrawal, PTSD, and recovery, and speakers who urged prohibition because of dependence, overdose risk, and the growth of concentrated or synthetic 7-OH products sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and online. Several witnesses, including consumers and shop owners, argued that banning kratom would push people to more dangerous drugs or unregulated internet sources, while public health and medical witnesses said the marketplace is confusing and inadequately controlled. A number of witnesses, including representatives of the North Dakota Public Health Association, the state crime lab, and addiction-treatment and pediatric clinicians, emphasized risks from adulterated or concentrated products, lack of labeling and age restrictions, contamination concerns, and harms to adolescents, pregnant patients, and newborns. The crime lab described recent cases involving mitragynine, 7-OH, and pseudoindoxyl, and said products purchased in a smoke shop were inaccurately labeled. A Sanford pediatric hospitalist testified that kratom exposure in pregnancy can cause severe neonatal withdrawal and that adolescents are using the product. By contrast, American Kratom Association representatives and other advocates argued that natural leaf kratom should be distinguished from synthetic 7-OH, that deaths usually involve other substances, and that a regulatory framework with testing, labeling, age limits, and product registration would better protect consumers than a blanket ban. No formal bill was debated or voted on in this transcript. The working group heard testimony, asked questions, and took no final action before breaking for lunch and later resuming with additional presentations.