Video & Transcript Research : 'web accessibility'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- First, as you know, access to counsel was in the FY25 budget as a pilot program.
- We need to establish an access to counsel program. No one should have to face eviction alone.
- And it's for that reason why I fully support a statewide access to counsel bill.
- Once in the system, it becomes even harder to access health care, child care, or public benefits.
- Once in the system, it becomes even harder to access health care, child care, or public benefits.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on the Judiciary heard testimony on a wide range of bills, with much of the discussion focused on housing stability and maternal mental health. On H. 1924/S. 1171, supporters including Sen. Joan Lovely, Rep. Jim O’Day, physicians, advocates, and people with lived experience urged the committee to create legal protections and treatment pathways for defendants who experienced postpartum psychosis or other perinatal mood disorders within 12 months of giving birth. Testimony emphasized that these conditions are rare but severe, often treatable, and can lead to tragic outcomes if criminalized rather than addressed through screening, expert evaluation, treatment, and, in some cases, resentencing or mitigation. Committee members asked about diagnosis years after the fact and how the Illinois law has worked; witnesses said retrospective diagnosis is possible and that the Illinois model has led to some successful resentencing petitions and broader awareness.
Housing-related bills drew substantial testimony. On H. 1983/S. 1071, witnesses described “zombie” subordinate mortgages that were sold years after borrowers believed they had been resolved, then resurfaced with large balances and foreclosure threats. Supporters said the bill would require disclosures and court review to prevent unlawful servicing and foreclosure practices. On H. 1952, advocates from the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, tenants, and legal services providers backed a permanent statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, citing data showing strong tenant outcomes and the importance of quality control, multilingual outreach, and full representation. On H. 1895/S. 1184, testimony supported codifying a two-tier summary process in eviction court and prohibiting defaults at the initial case-management stage. On H. 1883, a small property owner supported rent escrow as a way to protect landlords from bad-faith nonpayment while preserving tenant rights.
The committee also heard testimony on bills addressing discriminatory housing covenants, tenant oversight, and homelessness. On H. 1762/S. 1080, a housing advocate supported removing void restrictive covenants from deeds, describing the Dirty Deeds Project and the lingering harm of racist language in property records. On H. 1814, tenants and advocates described harassment, retaliation, security problems, and lack of accountability in subsidized housing, arguing for an Office of the Tenant Advocate within the Attorney General’s Office. On S. 1120, multiple witnesses supported a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness, saying it would affirm the right to rest and seek shelter, reduce criminalization, and extend anti-discrimination protections. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and questions on the bills.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 15th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We know that people need homes that they can afford, they need access to health care, and we know that
- Access to health care isn't just a talking point; it's a lifeline.
- Regardless of their status, if they need access to health care, we are standing up for that.
- When people lose access to preventative care, those costs do not disappear.
- It feels good to have access to something that others do not have.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, February 23, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We need to ensure our first responders have access to the most advanced tools to respond to wildfires
- We need to ensure our first responders have access to the most advanced tools to respond to wildfires
- Researchers gain access to high-quality satellite data that supports wildfire response, agricultural
- Researchers gain access to high-quality satellite data that supports wildfire response, agricultural
- RESEARCHERS GAIN ACCESS TO HIGH QUALITY SATELLITE DATA THAT SUPPORTS WILDFIRE RESPONSE, AGRICULTURAL
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Health Policy Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll continue to drive toward improved access to care.
- I'm thriving, and I feel like people should have access.
- I'm thriving, and I feel like people should have access, easy access to these treatments.
- There's not that easy access.
- health care, and access to insurance for that as well.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 1414 by Sen. Polsky on congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) education. The bill would require the Department of Health, working with medical experts, to create and distribute CMV educational materials to expectant and new parents or caregivers through hospitals, birth centers, and OB/GYN practices. An amendment removed a section that would have required instruction for medical professionals, and the amended bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute.
The committee then took up a block of confirmations. Appointees on tabs 2 through 7 were recommended favorably in one vote, and Chavon Harris was separately confirmed as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after extensive questioning. Senators praised her leadership and experience, while others raised concerns about Medicaid redeterminations, the state’s CORE modernization project, Hope Florida, and a DCF anti-marijuana ad campaign; Harris said she would follow up on some issues and defended the agency’s work on transparency, managed care oversight, and access to care. Her confirmation was recommended favorably, with Sen. Berman noting opposition.
Several health-related bills were then heard and advanced. SB 186 by Sen. Garcia expanded epilepsy training requirements for school personnel, including charter school bus drivers, and was reported favorably. SB 902 by Sen. Garcia, after amendments narrowing dental workforce provisions and allowing certain seizure rescue medication delegation to family home health aides, was reported favorably; testimony focused on medical marijuana regulation, practitioner accountability, and concerns about park and child-care proximity restrictions. SB 196 by Sen. Sharif created a uterine fibroid research database with privacy protections and was reported favorably after emotional testimony from a patient and supporters. SB 688 by Sen. Rodriguez would reestablish licensure of naturopathic doctors; it drew both support and skepticism about diagnosis and treatment boundaries, but was reported favorably. SB 1574, Maddie’s Law, would add biliary atresia screening to newborn screening and was strongly supported by parents describing a delayed diagnosis; it was reported favorably. SB 878 on clinical laboratory personnel, SB 1092 on podiatric medicine and certain cellular/tissue-based products, and SB 1032 on medical marijuana registry timelines and veteran fee waivers were also reported favorably, while SB 1032 drew debate over longer renewal/supply periods. The committee then began SB 1760 on Medicaid oversight and program transparency, with the sponsor describing the bill’s creation of a joint legislative oversight committee and a legislative actuary.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Health Committee Jul 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Even with access to excellent care, we'll still face barriers.
- Even with access to excellent care, we'll still face barriers.
- Katie Van Dinesworth, Health Access California, in support. Thank you.
- Katie Van Dinesworth, Health Access, California, and support. Thank you.
- As a PBM, do you have access to these transactions like that data?
Summary:
The committee heard several health-related measures. SB 27 by Senator Umberg would revise and expand California’s CARE Court by limiting the expansion to people with bipolar I disorder with psychotic features, clarifying the definition of “clinically stabilized,” and narrowing the role of nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Supporters, including behavioral health officials and family members, said the bill would reduce dismissals and better serve people with severe illness; opponents warned the expansion would strain county staffing and housing resources and could undermine voluntary engagement. The bill passed on a do pass motion to the Committee on Public Safety.
SB 503 by Senator Weber Pierson would require AI tools used in health care facilities to be identified, monitored, and mitigated for bias when used in clinical decision-making or resource allocation. The author and supporters from Kaiser Permanente and the California Medical Association said the bill would help prevent discriminatory outcomes and improve trust and safety. The committee discussed the need to clarify developer and deployer responsibilities, and the bill passed as amended to Privacy and Consumer Protection.
SB 68 by Senator Menjivar would require restaurants to provide written allergen information for the top nine food allergens, with tiered flexibility for smaller establishments. The bill was supported by patients, families, nurses, and allergy organizations, who described severe reactions and the difficulty of relying on verbal disclosures alone. The California Restaurant Association opposed unless amended, seeking broader use of the national model food code and additional liability language. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 403 by Senator Blakespear, which would remove the sunset from the End of Life Option Act; supporters described the law as a compassionate, well-functioning option for terminally ill patients, while faith-based groups opposed it. The bill passed to Judiciary. Later, SB 41 by Senator Wiener was introduced to rein in pharmacy benefit manager practices that steer patients to mail-order pharmacies and reimburse community pharmacies below cost; community pharmacists and several health organizations testified in support, describing pharmacy closures and patient access problems.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Environment panel hears bill to establish responsible foraging task force 2/27/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- first heard from constituents about this in 2023 about the possibility of the DNR severely limiting access
- And I believe that collaborative rulemaking aligns with this mission by ensuring continued access while
- to the people regulations and the access to the people of<00:01:16.799>
Minnesota <00:01:17.479 - to our state lands uh the true access to our state lands uh for<00:02:43.519>
a <00:02:43.800> - <00:03:44.480>
while ensuring continued access while ensuring continued access while protecting
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (02/04/2026)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:39:10.320>
the conditions who are unable to access the conditions who are unable to access - <01:50:12.080>
altered, access is restricted or altered, access is restricted or altered, - I myself am an individual that accessed I myself am an individual that accessed harm<02:02:15.360
- unable to access sterile syringes. unable to access sterile syringes.
- First and foremost, access to care.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, the funds would go to ACCESS, and they would have... ...grant.
- They wanted people to have access to regulated, tested products.
- They wanted people to have access to regulated, tested products.
- “Patients often cannot access care in time.
- But this allows them access to preventative medicine to help that.
Bills:
SB1041, SB1088, SB1118, SB1128, SB1168, SB1176, SB1189, SB1207, SB1250, SB1272, SB1274, SB1286, SB1428, SB1457, SB1461, SB1503, SB1519, SB1537, SB1582, SB1618, SB1654, SB1713, SB1827, SCR1012, SCR1020
Keywords:
electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, cybersecurity, homeland security, artificial intelligence, state appropriation, VPN security, zero trust, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Tue Mar 3, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- citizens their ability to access citizens their ability to access their their their their<01:03:
- administration when it comes to access administration when it comes to access to<01:09:44.040>
- So, that wouldn't be a roadblock to accessing care. It's all about access to care.
- access specialty care. access specialty care.
- So, that wouldn't be a roadblock to accessing care. It's all about access to care.
Bills:
HB2323, HB2324, HB1509, HB2164, HB2165, HB2367, HB2619, HB1765, HB2187, HB1864, HB1452, HB2314, HB1898, HB2558, HB2319, HB1643, HB2121
Keywords:
workers' compensation, treatment plans, vocational rehabilitation, electronic submission, reporting requirements, occupational safety, hoisting machines, discrimination protection, Department of Labor, safety standards, treatment plan, injured worker, medical treatment authorization, employer response deadline, secure electronic transmission, facsimile, fax, mail submission, denial of care, medical necessity
Summary:
The committee heard several administration bills related largely to workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance. On HB 2323 HD1, which would modernize workers’ compensation notice and filing procedures, DLIR and other agencies testified in support of the original bill language but said HD1 removed key components and weakened the bill’s clarity and continuity. HB 2324 HD1, which would repeal state hoisting-machine certification requirements and the separate crane operator certificate, drew support from DLIR; members asked about whether the change would affect safety or local operators, and DLIR said OSHA-compliant certifications already exist and the union supported the change. HB 1509 HD1, which would require faster employer responses to treatment plans and impose penalties for nonresponse, received support from DLIR and others, while DHRD said it wanted an amendment.
The committee also took up HB 2164 HD1 on compounded prescription drugs in workers’ compensation. DLIR supported the bill as a way to define compounded drugs and curb inflated pricing, but DHRD and a medical provider opposed it and asked for amendments. Testimony focused heavily on whether the definition should include 503B compounding facilities and whether physician dispensing should be limited to the first 30 days after injury. HB 2165 HD1, dealing with unemployment insurance eligibility and removing the two-year limit on recouping overpayments, was supported by DLIR but opposed by Unite Here Local 5, which argued it would make it harder for striking workers and other claimants. Members questioned the impact of changing reporting deadlines from calendar days to business days and raised concerns about future benefit offsets; DLIR said the bill was needed for federal conformity and that the committee would revisit the offset percentage and effective date.
Later, the committee heard HB 2367 on pay transparency, requiring salary ranges in job postings and removing the small-employer exemption. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, AAUW, Hawaii Women Lawyers, and an individual testifier supported the bill, saying pay transparency promotes fairness, trust, and pay equity; one testifier described being underpaid compared with a predecessor and said posting ranges would save applicants’ time. HB 2619 HD1, concerning homemade food products and farm kitchens, received generally supportive comments from the Department of Health, which requested an amendment to preserve flexibility in future rulemaking. HB 1765 HD1, on spear-fishing safety warnings, drew support from a safety educator and comments from DLNR; supporters said warning labels would help prevent hypoxic blackout deaths and were low-cost and easy to implement. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- You limit access on a, quote, perceived legal way.
- McGee: They will have access to it.
- They will have access to it.
- Regulation means more access, period.
- It shouldn't be accessible to children.
Keywords:
disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, human trafficking, trafficking victim, compelling prostitution, affirmative defense, criminal defense, coercion, force fraud or coercion, sexual exploitation, victim protection, Penal Code, Texas criminal law, prosecution, party liability, affirmative defense statute, survivor rights
Summary:
The Senate Committee on State Affairs took up Senate Bill 5, which Senator Perry described as a ban on intoxicating THC consumer products while preserving legal CBD, CBG, hemp seed, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil products. Perry argued that most retail THC products are already illegal under federal law, that the industry has used loopholes and misleading labeling to sell high-potency products, and that regulation would be ineffective because chemists can quickly alter formulations. He also said the bill would steer people with medical needs toward the Texas Compassionate Use Program (T-Cup), which he and other supporters described as the proper physician-guided alternative. Committee members and witnesses repeatedly discussed the distinction between legal hemp-derived products and intoxicating THC products, and Perry said the bill would not touch non-consumable hemp uses such as fiber and clothing.
Invited testimony came from law enforcement and medical witnesses who supported the bill. Texas Police Chiefs Association representative Steve Dye, Kaufman County District Attorney Early Wiley, and Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne all said regulation would be too costly, too complex, and ultimately unenforceable, while a ban would be clearer and easier to enforce. They cited overloaded DPS labs, the need for expensive private testing, limited police and prosecutor resources, and the difficulty of keeping up with constantly changing cannabinoids and out-of-state products. Hawthorne and Wiley described raids and investigations involving warehouses, retail stores, cash seizures, and products they said were marketed to young people and often mislabeled or imported from other states. They also said the bill would help law enforcement by creating a clearer legal line and protecting legitimate CBD/CBG businesses.
Dr. Lindy McGee, speaking for the Texas Medical Association and Texas Pediatric Society, testified that retail THC products pose serious risks to children and adolescents, including addiction, impaired brain development, psychosis, suicide attempts, self-harm, accidental toddler ingestions, and possible long-term cognitive effects. She said there is no effective medication treatment for THC addiction comparable to nicotine cessation tools, and she supported restrictions such as child-resistant packaging, no marketing to minors, and age limits, while opposing criminal penalties for possession by minors. Senators asked follow-up questions about brain development, memory, dementia risk, pregnancy, and cardiovascular effects. No vote was taken during the portion provided, and the committee continued with invited testimony and questions.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
04/21/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #19 & #20
Transcript Highlights:
- on the triage severity level of each complaint and modified procedures regarding personnel record access
- So just making sure that patients have access to their medical records in a timely fashion, especially
- 2557, requires a health care provider after receiving a written request from a patient to provide access
- So just making sure that patients have access to their medical records in a timely fashion, especially
- Representative Copper had some military children access provisions, so we've streamlined it.
Summary:
The Republican caucus reviewed a long list of House bills with Senate amendments, mostly hearing brief staff summaries and sponsor comments on whether they concurred. Topics included tax filing penalties, water and court procedures, vaccination and mask rules, bullion investment, nursing care complaint timelines, privacy protections for property and voter records, medical-record access, professional licensing procedures, school and family law changes, public records access for legislators, AI procurement, fingerprint clearance for traffic survival school instructors, development fees, infrastructure districts, distracted driving penalties, health aide scope of practice, eviction record sealing, backyard structure rules in planned communities, inmate transition services, nuclear-ready community designation, DCS parent-rights notices, domestic-violence evidence standards, inmate mental health study committee, legislative subpoena enforcement, trade office oversight, public power reporting, Native American language proficiency, mental health judicial review timelines, mobile food vendor licensing, medical-intervention requirements in schools, and school board training and meeting transparency.
In most cases, the sponsor or a representative indicated concurrence with the Senate amendments, and the caucus generally moved through the bills without extended debate. A few bills drew brief explanation from sponsors about the policy purpose, such as aligning nursing-facility oversight with federal requirements, improving access to medical records, clarifying rules for licensed health aides, and adjusting school-related provisions. Some bills were noted as being sent back to the Senate or otherwise set aside, including HB 2035 and HB 2249.
No formal votes were taken in the transcript; the meeting functioned as a caucus review of Senate amendments and sponsor concurrence before floor action. The caucus concluded after HB 2380, with members thanked for attending.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Apr 16th, 2025
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- To me, this is really about giving access to... This is really about giving access to students.
- All communities can only grow if they have access to good education, and this could be an opportunity
- But once that occurs, they will be able to have access.
- So this is just establishing... access.
- Once they have that task force established, they would have access to apply for money from any... ...
Keywords:
rural physician, tax credit, healthcare access, physician recruitment, Alabama, HB379, Alabama income tax, nonresident exemption, remote workers, traveling employees, mobile workforce, withholding tax, state tax reciprocity, multistate employees, temporary work, work location tracking, time and attendance system, remote work taxation, professional athlete, professional entertainer
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- needed funds to ensure that hospitals and providers can receive timely payment and Californians can access
- Yes, and this body, as well as the administration, has prioritized access to healthcare.
- That means that more people have access to comprehensive care under Medi-Cal.
- That's not something that we have access to at the moment; that's usually something that comes at the
- Christine Smith with Health Access California. We also support this.
VA
Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Disability Commission Jun 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We're really trying to reach self-sufficiency, integration into our communities, and equal access to
- So there's a whole topic there around access to justice in a way that makes sense for an individual.
- ...access to justice in a way that makes sense for an individual with an ID/DD issue.
- Yet many local governments lack access to ASL interpreters, closed captions, accessible government meetings
- , or accessible documents, including minutes, meeting agendas, and other such communications.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
AI use prohibited during health insurance prior authorization request review 2/19/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They may unintentionally reinforce these disparities in healthcare access for marginalized groups.
- Disparities in healthcare access for marginalized groups.
- Happy to answer any questions. requirements delay access to necessary requirements delay access to necessary
- to highquality evidence-based and access to highquality evidence-based care<00:14:03.760>
for - supports access, affordability, and better<00:15:53.360>
health <00:15:53.600>outcomes.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget 2nd Revision: Oklahoma Department of Transportation will present at 10:30 a.m.
Appropriations and Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- , and guys, I am 100% believer that lake and industrial access may be the thing that we get the most
- Is there some other way to accomplish 10 million for Laken industrial Access.
- It's about lake access. Thank you very much for bringing this up.
- Can you talk about what is the process as far as gaining access to the lake.
- Access to the boat ramp area or recreational area can be challenging.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Jul 16th, 2025
Communications and Conveyance
Transcript Highlights:
- Here we have many, many students who are locked out of digital access and equity.
- There are six of them supported by an access line fee.
- When the access line fee was put into place in April of 2020.
- That very same month, my Comcast bill, an internet bill, showed up with an access line fee.
- So there are 53.5 million access lines today, all of us users paying in.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This restricts patient access to care.
- Of promoting specialty access to care and local control.
- The key benefits of the bill are that it improves access to care.
- However, it creates an unfunded mandate that could impact access to care for many Texans.
- We know many of these individuals will need to access treatment services.
Keywords:
dentistry, botulinum toxin, aesthetic treatments, dental regulation, training, medical staff privileges, hospital administration, healthcare regulation, Texas Health and Safety Code, consistency in privileges, SB 672, Texas hospital emergency operations plan, hospital diversion, emergency department, cyberattack, cyber security, power outage, electrical outage, patient diversion, hospital preparedness
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:35:32.640>
to a school may provide access to a school may provide access to alternative - , Department of Health Access, Department of Health Access, vice<01:35:25.360>
president <01 - . access. access.
- This makes the program more accessible This makes the program more accessible to<02:13:24.920>
- May I quote from a Consumer Reports study from March 6, access to safe, nutritious food during access
Summary:
The House resumed consideration of H.606 on firearm procedures and first took up Section 3 and its effective dates. A member from Northfield spoke at length in support, arguing the provision is narrowly tailored, based on actual dangerousness rather than mental illness alone, and is more limited than federal law because it applies only to specific court findings and is temporary, with rights restorable upon recovery. The House then approved Section 3 and its effective dates, approved the remainder of the Judiciary Committee report, and ordered third reading.
The chamber then moved through third readings and passed H.385 on remedies and protections for victims of coerced debt, H.556 on exceptions to the state minimum wage, H.559 on the parole board, H.723 on posting of land, and H.757 on manufactured homes and limited equity cooperatives. On H.814, relating to neurological rights and AI in health and human services, the House adopted an amendment offered by the member from Burlington that required the advisory council to include proposed definitions for neurotechnology, artificial intelligence, and related terms in its report; the House Health Care Committee reported the amendment favorable 11-0-0, and the bill then passed. H.816, regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the provision of mental health services, also passed, as did H.927, technical corrections for the 2026 session.
The House then took up H.930 on chronic absenteeism. The committee member from Manchester described the bill as an AOE proposal responding to high post-pandemic absenteeism rates and their impact on learning, and outlined provisions adding definitions, updating compulsory attendance language, requiring a state model policy, strengthening notification and truancy procedures, and preserving existing penalties. The member said the Education Committee heard from a wide range of education and child welfare witnesses and passed the bill 11-0. After a brief clarification on the absences section, the House proceeded toward third reading of H.930.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- We're having up to 200,000 people removed from access.
- We're having up to 200,000 people removed from access.
- Access? Yeah, reporting requirements make a difference, don't they?
- Medicaid access, as we call it, in Arizona.
- Fernandis knows quite well what the drops are in access and around the country.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and several guest recognitions, including a student honored for a national Mandarin speech contest, a Ms. Black Arizona candidate, and a Madison Elementary School reusable-tray pilot program. The body also recognized interns and approved the prior journal. The chamber then moved through Committee of the Whole calendars and adopted committee reports recommending passage of a series of budget-related bills.
The main legislative business centered on the 2026-27 budget package and related omnibus measures, including appropriations, budget implementation, capital outlay, commerce, criminal justice, environment, health care, higher education, human services, K-12 education, state property, revenue/taxation, and transportation bills. Most of these measures were advanced with do-pass recommendations, with repeated debate focused on the tax omnibus and the overall budget’s policy choices. Supporters argued the package provided affordability, tax relief, conformity with federal tax changes, reduced government spending, and reforms to entitlement and other programs; opponents argued it favored corporations and wealthy taxpayers, cut health care, food assistance, housing, tourism, wildfire response, and education, and would forfeit federal matching funds.
Several members specifically criticized the failure to close the data center tax exemption and to raise sports betting taxes, while supporters defended those provisions as pro-business and pro-growth. There was also discussion of fund sweeps, including university research funds, housing trust funds, and other agency balances, with opponents saying the sweeps targeted encumbered or already-committed money. After debate, the Senate adopted Committee of the Whole reports and advanced the bills, and later took up House bills introduced and placed on third reading, with members explaining their votes on HB 4138, the General Appropriations Act, largely along party lines.
At the end of the session, the Senate processed messages from the House requesting the return of SB 1160 and SB 1786 for reconsideration, and the Senate requested the House return HB 2415 for reconsideration. The chamber also introduced and placed several House budget bills on third reading, including HB 4138 through HB 4153, continuing the budget process.