Transcript Highlights:

• It is a way to honor his life, his service, and his sacrifice, subject to transportation code. 225.021C
• allowing a 15% axle weight tolerance for vehicles transporting aggregates as defined in the Water Code

Bills: HCR114, HB137, HB283, HB1398, HB1960, HB2153, HB2431, HB2638, HB2699, HB2999, HB3208, HB3389, HB3413, HB3510, HB3642, HB3859, HB3974, HB3986, HB4142, HB4173, HB4174, HB4542, HB4605, HB4663, HB4731, HB5064, HB5216, HB5218, HB5332, HB5453, HB5577, HB137, HB283

Keywords: memorial, pedestrian bridge, Houston, Sergio Ivan Rodriguez, city council, oversize vehicles, transportation permits, Hidalgo County, port authority, highway routes, healthcare, insurance, mental health, treatment access, state funding, transportation, axle weight, aggregates, regulations, Texas law

Transcript Highlights:

• Your property tax, your local contribution. Okay. All right.
• I don't want to pay taxes, but I have to pay them.
• <02:28:54.160> would situation but your advorum tax would situation but your advorum tax would
• I don't want to pay taxes but I thing.
• we tax? we tax?

Keywords: MS House Floor - 15 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum present, and approval to dispense with the reading of the journal. Members introduced guests from Humphreys County and South Haven, then moved to the calendar and took up House Bill 2, a broad education-related measure. The bill was called up, the rules were suspended, and a committee substitute was adopted. An initial amendment correcting drafting errors in the charter school section and subsection numbering was then adopted without objection. Members then gave extended explanations of HB 2, describing it as a comprehensive school choice and education reform package. Supporters said the bill would create Magnolia student accounts/education savings accounts funded from existing per-pupil dollars, prioritize lower-income families, require testing and financial audits, expand special needs ESAs, and allow public-to-public transfers without a sending district veto. The bill also would expand charter schools into districts with D or F schools, create an accountability dashboard for public and private school reporting, expand the Tim Tebow Act for homeschool extracurricular participation, extend literacy and math requirements through eighth grade, adjust teacher and assistant teacher pay and retirement-related provisions, create a specialized school option program, and require a federal testing waiver. Supporters framed the measure as empowering parents while preserving public schools. During questions, members raised concerns about charter schools, the cost of the program, accountability, and whether the bill would help or harm public education. One member asked whether failing charter schools were addressed; the response was that the bill was aimed at reconstituting the system rather than directly fixing those schools. Another questioned why a child accepted for transfer could still be denied by a receiving district; the bill sponsor said districts would set and publish acceptance policies and could deny students for lack of room. The discussion remained focused on the bill’s scope and policy rationale, and the transcript does not show a final vote on passage of HB 2 in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we've done what we can with an Alabama solution.
• we've done what we can with an Alabama we've done what we can with an Alabama solution.<00:11:13.200
• Alabama Correctional Industries is not just a work program.
• If you look to the second slide after the introduction, at the map of Alabama, uh, some time ago, the
• Birth certificates, we've begun ordering birth certificates through the Alabama Department of Public

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this bill increases boat<02:21:31.840> taxes boat taxes boat taxes 372%<02:21:35.439> on
• , income taxes, sales taxes, and all kinds of other taxes, including the present watercraft surcharge
• , income taxes, sales property taxes, income taxes, sales taxes,<02:22:56.160> and<02:22:56.399
• , taxes, and all kinds of other taxes, taxes, and all kinds of other taxes, including<02:22:58.080
• Chair, I know you call it a form of tax, and it's not tax.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 3448 addresses this by amending the utilities code to add Chapter 254.
• Tennessee Valley Authority, which has authority over, uh, portions of Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi
• So this bill creates a new chapter in the code applicable to certain telecom entities.
• Maintenance, administrative and overhead, depreciation, return, and tax for non cooperatively owned.
• And in fact, Chapter 253 of the Utilities Code specifically recognizes those those limited rights of

Transcript Highlights:

• Resolution the clerk will read the resolution HR 277 by Ashby recognizing February 18 2025 as Alabama
• Members, today as Alabama Cushata Tribe their day at the state capitol as the oldest native tribe with
• The Alabama Cushata Tribe has deep roots and takes great pride in its contribution. and culture of Texas
• I'm honored today to welcome a number of prominent members of the Alabama Kshatriya tribe that are up
• Tribal Council, Donnis Batiste. the principal chief, and Herbert Johnson, Jr., the second chief of the Alabama

Transcript Highlights:

• HR 277 by Ashby recognizing February 18, 2025 as Alabama Coushatta Tribe of Texas Day at State Capitol
• Members, today is Alabama Coushatta Tribe, uh, their day at the state Capitol, as the oldest native tribe
• with a reservation in our Lone Star State, the Alabama Coushatta Tribe has deep roots and takes great
• I'm honored today to welcome a number of prominent members of the Alabama Coushatta tribe that are up
• tribal council, Donnis Batiste, the principal chief, and Herbert Johnson Jr. the second chief of the Alabama

Transcript Highlights:

• municipal taxes.
• values, so that our tax base times tax rate simply equals revenue, property tax revenue for us, which
• If you increase sales tax, we lose business to Alabama and Georgia.
• So I think we have to revisit the entire tax code in order to create flexibility for local governments
• So I think we have to revisit the entire tax code in order to create flexibility of local governments

Summary: The Select Committee on Property Taxes heard first from city representatives through the Florida League of Cities, who argued that property taxes are a stable local revenue source that funds core services such as police, fire, parks, public works, and stormwater work. Casey Cook emphasized that cities are optional governments with widely different tax bases and service levels, that exemptions shift the burden to fewer taxpayers, and that transparency already exists through TRIM notices, public budgets, and local hearings. Sarah Campbell of Fernandina Beach, T. Michael Stavris of Winter Haven, and Stephen O’Kee of Port St. Lucie described their budget processes, the share of general-fund revenue coming from property taxes, reserve policies, debt and capital planning, and the impact of inflation, minimum wage increases, and personnel costs. They all said local governments need predictable revenue and that any property tax changes would require careful consideration of replacement funding or service reductions. Members questioned the city panel about whether homebuyers are clearly informed about city versus county taxes and services, the role of HOAs, how many lobbyists cities employ, reserve levels, average salaries, and whether utility revenues are used only for utility purposes. The panel said TRIM notices, realtor listings, and city websites provide tax information; HOAs generally do not provide emergency services; lobbyists help local governments track Tallahassee legislation; reserves vary by city and fund; and utility revenues are generally restricted, though some cities use limited transfers. Members also asked about revenue replacement if ad valorem taxes were reduced or eliminated, and the panel said options would likely include user fees, service cuts, or other local revenue shifts. The chair also asked about public safety consolidation, and the response was that such decisions are local and may shift costs rather than create true savings. The committee then heard from county representatives after an overview by the Florida Association of Counties’ Davin Suggs, who framed counties as shared partners with the state and emphasized the gap between rising market values and the shrinking share of taxable value after exemptions and assessment limits. He said counties face a mismatch between revenue based on taxable value and expenses driven by real-world costs, and noted that most counties either held millage steady or lowered it without reaching rollback rates. He also highlighted that property taxes are only one part of county revenue, with charges for services and intergovernmental revenue often larger in some counties, and that public safety at the county level includes more than law enforcement, such as EMS, emergency management, inspections, and corrections. Deborah Manzo of Okeechobee County described a fiscally constrained rural county with limited staff, a county-supported airport, heavy reliance on property taxes for the general fund, and major cost pressures from inflation, insurance, retirement, and state and federal mandates. She said the county lowered millage slightly over recent years but still depends on multiple revenue sources and special assessments, and she flagged Medicaid, medical examiner costs, and possible firefighter workweek changes as significant concerns. Bay County Administrator Mark McQueen said his county’s budget is shaped by Hurricane Michael recovery, non-discretionary obligations, and rapid growth; he described ongoing FEMA reimbursement delays, substantial borrowing to cover disaster costs, and continuing interest expenses while the county waits for reimbursement. The county panel was still in progress when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• We started by cutting taxes for low-income Arkansans, eliminating taxes for tens of thousands, and building
• We started by cutting taxes for low-income Arkansans, eliminating taxes for tens of thousands, and building
• We like low taxes, just like everybody else, but we're asking you to vote no on yet another tax cut.
• I've come to express my sincere concern about where this tax cut in a long line of tax cuts is likely
• I understand the appeal of cutting taxes.

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1001, sponsored by Representative Les Eaves, which would lower the Arkansas personal income tax rate to 3.7% retroactive to the current year and reduce the corporate income tax rate to 4.1% beginning in 2027. Eaves argued the bill continues a decade-long strategy of broad-based tax relief, saying it would help working families, keep Arkansas competitive, and reduce future surpluses rather than cut services. He said the personal rate change would affect income above $26,400 for taxpayers in the lower table and that the average taxpayer could see roughly $800 to $1,000 in annual savings from recent tax cuts overall. Several opponents testified that the state cannot afford additional tax cuts given existing needs. Arkansas Appleseed, Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, a pastor, a nonprofit worker, and a parent of an adult with disabilities all argued that Arkansas should prioritize funding for public schools, early childhood education, health care, rural hospitals, food assistance, and supported living services. They said the state faces high food insecurity, underfunded education, and growing demands on the budget from federal changes and state programs such as Education Freedom Accounts, and that the tax cut would disproportionately benefit higher earners while providing little relief to most families. In closing, Eaves and Rep. Ray defended the bill as part of a broader pro-growth tax policy, saying the legislature has continued to fund major priorities while also returning money to taxpayers. Ray said the state should not wait to help taxpayers until every social problem is solved and argued the cumulative tax savings have benefited working families. The committee then adopted a motion to pass HB 1001, and the bill passed by voice vote before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So many places in state code, it would be ridiculous for that to be the case.
• Unfortunately, Mexican national does not have a definition in California statute or code.
• And in Mexican statutes and codes, it's a bit ambiguous.
• , gas tax, mortgage, and sales tax, just to name a few.
• We pay taxes, and we've actually voluntarily capped our net income at 2%.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on April 22 and took up a special order of bills focused largely on prior authorization and utilization management in health care. The chair framed the discussion as part of a broader legislative effort to reduce delays and barriers to care, especially in behavioral health, chronic disease management, cancer treatment, and rehabilitation services. AB 384 by Assembly Member Connolly would prohibit prior authorization for inpatient mental health or substance use emergency admissions and related physician care; supporters said it would prevent dangerous delays in crisis care, while insurers and health plans warned about fraud, abuse, and ambiguity around residential treatment facilities. The bill was moved on a due pass as amended motion and passed the committee on a party-line style vote, with Republicans largely absent or not voting. The committee then heard AB 510 by Assembly Member Addis, which would require health plans, upon request, to provide a peer reviewer of the same or similar specialty when a treating provider appeals a prior authorization denial or modification. Supporters argued that specialty-matched review would make appeals fairer and more clinically informed; opponents said the requirement was too rigid and that timelines and electronic submission rules needed changes. After discussion about the need for timely, specialty-specific review, the bill was approved on a due pass as amended motion and placed on call. AB 539 by Assembly Member Schiavo would extend prior authorization approvals to one year or the duration of the physician’s prescribed treatment for chronic conditions; supporters cited repeated denials and treatment interruptions, while opponents raised concerns about overbreadth, fraud, and the need for shorter validity periods. The bill was also passed as amended and placed on call. The committee next considered AB 669 by Assembly Member Haney, which would bar concurrent and retrospective review for the first 28 days of medically necessary substance use disorder treatment and limit prior authorization for related outpatient medications. The bill was presented with a powerful personal story from Ryan Matlock’s mother about her son’s death after an insurer cut off treatment early; supporters said the measure would keep patients in care long enough to stabilize, while opponents argued it would reduce oversight and could allow lower-quality or non-evidence-based care. The bill was moved on a due pass as amended motion and placed on call. Finally, AB 512 by Assembly Member Harabedian would shorten prior authorization response times to 24 hours for urgent requests and 48 hours for non-urgent requests; supporters said delays can worsen outcomes, while opponents warned the timelines were unrealistic and could increase administrative burdens and safety issues. The bill was approved as amended and placed on call. AB 574 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez was then heard; it would allow up to 12 medically necessary physical therapy sessions for a new episode of care without prior authorization, with supporters emphasizing stroke and neurological recovery and opponents warning of reduced oversight and unnecessary care. The transcript ends during testimony on AB 574, before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it would be January 1st, 2026 for the personal income tax, and then the corporate income tax won't
• We like low taxes, just like anybody else, but we're asking you to vote no on yet another tax cut.
• We like low taxes, just like anybody else, but we're asking you to vote no on yet another tax cut.
• Some of the tax, a significant portion of the taxes that are used to fund public education originates
• in the real estate taxes locally.

Summary: The Senate Revenue and Tax Committee met to consider Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Senator Jonathan Dismang, which continues the state’s long-running effort to reduce Arkansas income tax rates. Dismang said the bill would lower the personal income tax rate retroactive to January 1, 2026 and delay the corporate income tax change until the following January, bringing the rate down from 7% to 3.7%. He also said the bill would use existing surplus funds and estimated that a person making $65,000 would see their effective tax burden reduced by about 45% compared with earlier rates. The committee heard several witnesses in opposition, including a United Methodist pastor/social worker, a parent describing her son’s disability and need for supported living services, representatives from Arkansas Appleseed and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, and a Marshallese community advocate. They argued that Arkansas should preserve revenue for public schools, health care, food assistance, housing, rural hospitals, early childhood education, and disability services, and said the tax cuts would disproportionately benefit higher-income taxpayers while providing little relief to working families. Several speakers cited low state spending relative to national averages and warned that further cuts would worsen existing service gaps. In closing, Dismang and other supporters said the state can be both compassionate and competitive, that no essential services would be cut by the bill, and that Arkansas has continued to grow revenue despite prior tax reductions. Members emphasized balancing service funding with economic competitiveness and noted the legislature’s focus on lower-income tax brackets in earlier reforms. The committee then voted to do pass SB1, and the bill was approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it would be January 1, 2026, for the personal income tax, and then the corporate income tax won't
• We like low taxes, just like anybody else, but we're asking you to vote no on yet another tax cut.
• Some of the tax, a significant portion of the taxes that are used to fund public education originates
• in the real estate taxes locally.
• We've cut taxes every year for a number of years and, well, not every year, but we've cut taxes regularly

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The Senate Revenue and Tax Committee met to consider Senate Bill 1, presented by Senator Jonathan Dismang as the next step in Arkansas’s long-running effort to reduce the state income tax rate. He said the bill would lower the rate from 7% to 3.7%, with the personal income tax change retroactive to January 1, 2026, and the corporate income tax change taking effect the following January. In response to a question, he estimated that a person making $65,000 would see their tax bill fall from roughly $3,600 to just over $2,000, or about a 45% reduction in effective tax rate. Several members of the public testified against the bill, arguing that further tax cuts would reduce revenue needed for education, health care, food assistance, housing, and disability services. Speakers included a clergy member and social worker from Little Rock, a parent describing the high cost of supported living services for her son with cerebral palsy, representatives from Arkansas Appleseed and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, and a Marshallese community advocate. They emphasized underfunded public schools, early childhood education waitlists, hospital and child care pressures, and the view that tax cuts disproportionately benefit higher-income taxpayers while vulnerable Arkansans rely on state-funded services. In closing, Senator Dismang said the bill was part of a decade-long tax reduction effort and argued that Arkansas could be both compassionate and competitive without cutting essential services, noting the state was operating with a surplus. Senator Petty and Senator Boyd echoed support, saying the state should focus on outcomes, maintain competitiveness, and that no services would be cut. The committee then voted do pass on SB 1, and the bill passed by voice vote before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it would be January 1, 2026, for the personal income tax, and then the corporate income tax won't
• Over the last decade, this body has cut the state's income tax. The state's income tax.
• We like low taxes, just like anybody else, but we're asking you to vote no on yet another tax cut.
• Some of the tax, a significant portion of the taxes that are used to fund public education, originates
• in the real estate taxes locally.

Summary: The Senate Revenue and Tax Committee considered Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Senator Jonathan Dismang, which would continue Arkansas’s phased income tax reductions, lowering the personal income tax rate to 3.7% and delaying the corporate income tax change until the following January. Dismang said the bill was part of a long-running effort begun in 2013 to reduce rates using conservative budgeting and surplus revenue, and he estimated the change would reduce the effective tax burden for a person making $65,000 by about 45%. Committee members supporting the bill emphasized that the measure would not cut state services and argued Arkansas should balance competitiveness with funding essential programs. Several speakers opposed the bill, including a clergy member/social worker, a parent advocating for disability services, representatives from Arkansas Appleseed and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, and a community advocate from the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese. They argued the state should preserve revenue for public schools, health care, housing, food assistance, early childhood education, and supported living services, citing underfunded schools, a waitlist for pre-K, hospital and child care pressures, and the needs of low-income and vulnerable residents. Some speakers said the tax cuts would disproportionately benefit higher-income taxpayers while providing little relief to working families. In closing, Dismang said Arkansas could be both compassionate and competitive and that no essential services would be cut because the state is operating with a surplus. After discussion, Senator Dismang moved do pass, Senator Petty seconded, and the committee approved SB 1 by voice vote. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Has worked all over Mississippi and Alabama. Good to see you, Jeff. [applause] Welcome, gentlemen.
• Has worked all over<00:10:14.079> Mississippi<00:10:14.480> and<00:10:14.720> Alabama
• <00:10:16.079> Good<00:10:16.240> to over Mississippi and Alabama.
• Good to over Mississippi and Alabama. Good to see<00:10:16.480> you,<00:10:16.720> Jeff.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 13 February, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House opened with a guest-led prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then confirmed a quorum and dispensed with reading the journal. There were no select committee reports, and standing committee reports were noted as being on the calendar. The chamber also welcomed visitors, including Florence Middle School student council members, school administrators and teachers, and longtime sports writer Jeff Bird. On the calendar, the House considered motions to reconsider and tabled House Bills 1441 and 1442. The rules calendar then took up House Resolutions 4 through 14 in a block, and the House gave them final passage. Immediate release was requested and granted for those resolutions. During announcements, a member changed a prior vote on House Bill 1314 from nay to yea. Members also offered memorials for Jerry Montgomery and Dr. Mary Washington of Humphreys County. The Speaker thanked members for a productive week, and the House adopted a motion to adjourn until 4:00 p.m. Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the Hays code band Queer People for Mean Project did in any type of media.
• And also additionally, the same Florida has actually repealed tons of Larry tax already.
• Ariel Cullen Ligori from SPLC waves from Montgomery, Alabama, waives in opposition and perky from equality

Transcript Highlights:

• With some of the places that are in for the Whan versus Row Nate, NAACP versus Alabama, New York State
• He said he served as a member of the new code review committee and that it was a pleasure to serve with
• probationers in Hawaii is not very good, although the legislature has provided alternatives such as tax
• I served as a member of the new code I served as a member of the new code review<02:08:30.960>
• refund intercept in terms of tax refund intercept in terms of freestanding<02:09:36.400> um<02

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 433, which would restrict the carrying of “bladed weapons” and related items. The Office of the Public Defender, Honolulu Police Department, the Hawaii Firearms Coalition, Knife Rights, and many individual testifiers opposed the bill, arguing it is overbroad, vague, and likely unconstitutional. Common concerns were that the term “bladed weapon” could sweep in ordinary tools such as pocketknives, Leathermans, multi-tools, fishing and camping gear, and items used by farmers, ranchers, hunters, divers, and martial arts practitioners. Several speakers also warned that the bill could burden lawful self-defense and create an affirmative-defense scheme that shifts costs and proof burdens onto defendants. Supporters and opponents alike focused on the need for a clearer definition, with HPD saying a narrower definition would help distinguish ordinary tools from dangerous weapons used in assaults. Opponents repeatedly urged the committee to defer or kill the measure, citing pending and related court cases and the risk of new constitutional challenges. Some testifiers tied the bill to Native Hawaiian gathering rights and subsistence practices, saying it would interfere with hunting, fishing, and food gathering, while others argued it would do little to deter criminals and instead penalize law-abiding residents and visitors. After finishing testimony on SB 433, the committee moved on to Senate Bill 2575 relating to firearms. The transcript shows the start of that item with the Office of the Public Defender and other agencies being called, but no substantive testimony or action on SB 2575 is included before the excerpt ends. No votes or final committee actions are reflected in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• represent their fellow citizens in this legislative session. citizens in this latest session of the Alabama
• The next one is JD Floyd from the University of South Alabama. Cameron from Alabama.
• The Speaker's reception is tonight from 4:30 to 5:30 in the Alabama State Capitol in the historic Speaker's

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, in rural Alabama that's not a big choice a lot of times.
• Uh, they often times will reach out, such as to the Alabama Association of School Boards, as an entity
• Uh, they often times will reach out, such as to the Alabama Association of School Boards, as an entity
• Uh, they often times will reach out, such as to the Alabama Association of School Boards, as an entity
• Uh, they often times will reach out, such as to the Alabama Association of School Boards, as an entity

Bills: HB180

Keywords: education, county superintendent, appointed, elected officials, Conecuh County, local control, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What else could we do with our tax dollars to invest in communities and prevent this violence, to invest
• My brother and I worked at a restaurant in Alabama where the murder happened.
• I worked at a restaurant in Alabama where the murder happened.
• I was in Alabama. My brother had left and was in Florida.
• One of the most important things is this paper right here is a pardon from Alabama.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy hearing on a wide range of bills involving domestic violence, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, trafficking, victim compensation, and related criminal justice reforms. Testimony focused on measures to support survivors and close perceived legal gaps, including bills to protect domestic violence survivors in child welfare proceedings, expand victim compensation for homicide families and trafficking survivors, create a DNA exception to the rape statute of limitations, eliminate or extend statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse, and strengthen laws on upskirting, sexual abuse by adults in positions of authority, and sexual assault by rideshare drivers. Several speakers also addressed bills concerning vulnerable adults, harassment and custody-related abuse, and early evidence kits. Witnesses included legislators, prosecutors, advocates, and many survivors who described personal experiences with abuse and barriers to justice. Supporters argued that current laws often leave survivors without meaningful remedies, especially where consent, reporting requirements, evidentiary rules, or statutes of limitations prevent prosecution or compensation. Prosecutors and advocates said the bills would clarify vague statutes, increase penalties in some cases, and better reflect the realities of coercion, grooming, trafficking, and delayed reporting. Some testimony also urged amendments, including changes to victim compensation reporting rules and clarifications to avoid unintended conflicts with other wage-recovery laws. No committee votes or final actions were taken in the hearing itself. The chairs emphasized strict time limits, respectful conduct, and the submission of written testimony, and several witnesses were called out of order to accommodate the large number of speakers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can we tax it? I'm not going there.
• So we're not reaping the benefits of taxes, federal taxes, that our own folks have paid here.
• These are a big pot of money from excise taxes at restoration funds.
• So we're not reaping the benefits of taxes, federal taxes that our own folks have paid here.
• You got your deer tax? Oh, no, I'm hunting feral hogs.

Keywords: 965, house, all