Transcript Highlights:

• recipients, but SAVE was never designed to determine voter eligibility.
• Can you explain why SAVE is not appropriate for voter eligibility checks?
• And so, like when we saw with Missouri, for example, those voters were banned from being able to cast
• And that burden also goes on to the voter. ...to verify their citizenship.
• And that burden also goes on to the voter versus the government figuring that out.

Summary: The Military Affairs and Border Security Committee heard several bills. HB 2416 would appropriate $20 million for Department of Public Safety border support, including equipment, law enforcement positions, and grants to local governments for border-related enforcement and detention costs. Supporters, including the Arizona Sheriffs Association, said the funds are fully used each year and are largely spent on drug interdiction, especially against fentanyl and methamphetamine. Opponents argued the bill’s immigration-enforcement language was too broad and that the money should instead go to health care, education, food assistance, or prevention programs. The committee approved HB 2416 on a 4-3 vote. The committee also heard HB 2806, which would require county recorders, ADOT, and AHCCCS to use the federal SAVE system and report citizenship-verification results to JLBC and the Auditor General. The ACLU of Arizona opposed the bill, saying SAVE is not designed to determine voter eligibility, could wrongly flag eligible citizens, and would likely lead to litigation and confusion. Several members questioned the need for the bill, noting existing citizenship requirements and current use of SAVE in some agencies, while others supported it as a way to ensure only citizens access voting and benefits. HB 2806 passed 4-3. HB 2663, a technical cleanup bill updating military leave language for state and local employees serving in the National Guard or Reserves, drew little opposition and passed unanimously. HB 2759 would appropriate $500,000 to the Department of Veterans Services for a grant program with Yavapai County educational institutions to help veterans with emergency housing, equipment, professional development, and other shortfalls tied to delayed GI Bill payments. Testimony supported expanding help for veterans, but some members raised concerns that the bill was limited to Yavapai County and included private institutions; the sponsor and witnesses said it could serve as a pilot and potentially expand statewide. The committee approved HB 2759 on a 4-3 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, the voter affidavit is available for a registered Idaho voter who shows up to the polls without
• There's no way to track down a fraudulent voter.
• So it is a huge step in the right direction for voter integrity and things like that.
• So we tightened our voter ID laws on my first year in office, on the heightening the standard.
• Secretary McGrane continued: ...this personal ID identifying information on the voter rolls.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• ...massive volume of voters who lined up in those weeks prior to the election was extensive.
• The voters were confused at that point, whether they should show up or not.
• The voters were confused at that point, whether they should show up or not.
• , tens of thousands of voters in St.
• There should be no baiting or coercing voters to vote one way or the other or interfering with voter

Committee: House Local Government, Elections and Pensions

Summary: The Committee on Elections first met in executive session and took up a committee substitute for H.J.R. 122, which combined H.J.R. 122 with related measures H.J.R. 104 and H.J.R. 149. Representative Banderman offered and the committee adopted an amendment limiting leadership terms in the resolution from three terms to two for the House speaker and from two terms to one for the Senate president. The committee then adopted the revised substitute and voted the combined resolution do pass by a 9-1 vote. In public hearing, the committee heard HB 1987, a technical fix to local filing deadlines for declarations of candidacy when the deadline falls on a holiday. Representative Hinman explained the bill was requested by city and school clerks to avoid requiring offices to open on holidays such as New Year’s Eve or Christmas Day. Testimony from city, municipal, and county clerk organizations was unanimously supportive, and no opposition was offered. The committee also heard HCR 23, which urges Congress to recognize state authority over election laws and campaign finance. Sponsor Representative Perkins and supporting witnesses argued the resolution is a federalism measure grounded in the Tenth Amendment and noted that similar resolutions have passed in 24 other states. Some members questioned whether the resolution could conflict with federal election policy or allow inconsistent state approaches, but the sponsor said the measure simply affirms state authority and does not mandate any specific policy. Finally, the committee heard HB 1802, which would allow poll challengers and watchers to be present during in-person absentee voting in first-class and charter counties, with procedures for advance notice. The sponsor said the bill was intended to create consistency after differing county practices and to address issues seen in St. Charles County during the 2024 election. The St. Charles County election director supported the bill as a clarification of existing law, while some members raised concerns about unequal treatment of counties and the potential for disruption. The hearing concluded without a vote on HB 1987, HCR 23, or HB 1802.

Transcript Highlights:

• members, as passed the House, House Concurrent Resolution 2001 is a measure that, if approved by voters
• persons from accepting contributions for the purpose of influencing an Arizona election, requiring voters
• Citizen voters, adding language requiring that voters have the option to have their ballot tabulated
• This measure gives our voters things that they have been asking for for a long time.
• Of that is to something that is contingent on voter approval.

Transcript Highlights:

• members, as passed the House, House Concurrent Resolution 2001 is a measure that, if approved by voters
• , adding language requiring that voters have the option to have their ballot tabulated at the voting
• Happy to answer any questions. ...citizen voters, adding language requiring that voters have the option
• This measure gives our voters things that they have been asking for for a long time.
• Okay. ...of that is to something that is contingent on voter approval.

Summary: The committee heard concurrence and Senate-amendment explanations on a series of House measures. HCR 2001 would place a constitutional question before voters on election-related changes, including limiting voting to U.S. citizens, banning foreign national election contributions, requiring government-issued ID, and allowing ballot tabulation at the voting location; supporters described it as an election-security and faster-counting measure, while members noted possible county costs and the need for future appropriations if approved. HB 2305 on private towing was described as a statewide response to predatory towing, with Senate changes delaying local rate updates and creating a study/reporting framework for towing enforcement. HB 2321 would require DCS to place security freezes on children’s credit records, but the Senate removed the appropriation. HB 2397 revised HOA/condominium sale-notice procedures, and HB 2398 required insurance coverage for peer-to-peer or charter watercraft rentals while clarifying that ordinary boat ownership would not be mandated to carry insurance. The committee also reviewed HB 2406, which the Senate struck and replaced with confidentiality protections for records involving deceased minors and minor victims of child abuse; HB 2408, which revised nursing board complaint and expungement procedures, added complainant confidentiality protections, and required public posting of policy statements; and HB 2755, which was substantially rewritten to facilitate the sale of underperforming state trust lands by allowing certain lessees to apply to purchase parcels through an appraisal-and-auction process. Members discussed a specific Dairy Queen/state land parcel example as the practical impetus for HB 2755. HB 2957 would bar governments from requiring digital/mobile driver licenses for services and limit ADOT’s retention and use of identity documents and biometric data, with the sponsor emphasizing privacy and federal-law carveouts. Finally, HB 4005 would require AI instruction in schools, with the Senate expanding it from district-level instruction to grade-specific student requirements and directing ADE on curriculum development. Supporters framed AI literacy as essential for students’ future competitiveness and ethical use, while opponents objected to the mandate and questioned its fit for charter schools and core academics. The meeting ended after the committee moved through the bills and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• . voters. voters.
• </c><00:09:27.640><c> would</c> would be transparent, so voters would would be transparent, so voters
• They have a right to share those impacts with voters, and voters have a right to hear them.
• Are<01:19:38.200><c> you</c><01:19:38.480><c> a</c><01:19:38.600><c> voter?</c> Are you a voter?
• Are you a voter?

Committee: Senate Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• and rose to national prominence as the National League of Women Voters president in 1978.
• League of Women Voters president in 1978.
• ,</c> the League of Conservation Voters, the League of Conservation Voters, Climate<00:40:14.240><c>
• But voters deserve to know who is getting paid.
• But voters deserve to know who is getting paid.

Transcript Highlights:

• Supporting the Save America Act means promising every voter that their voice matters and that their vote
• 11:47.680><c> means</c><00:11:48.079><c> promising</c><00:11:48.640><c> every</c><00:11:48.959><c> voter
• </c><00:11:49.279><c> that</c> Act means promising every voter that Act means promising every voter that
• </c><00:20:31.120><c> care</c><00:20:31.440><c> of</c><00:20:31.600><c> her</c><00:20:31.840><c> disabled
• </c> grade to take care of her disabled grade to take care of her disabled brother.<00:20:33.760><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the flow of voters. It's the lines building up.
• voters, and people who need accessibility assistance.
• So I stand here today, though, as president of the Florida Voters League.
• And we have three specific goals: registering voters, educating voters, and encouraging them to participate
• And we have three specific goals: registering voters, educating voters, and encouraging them to participate

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota House DFL thinks it is really simple and straightforward: we just match the will of the voters
• As legislators, we should not be deciding who represents 22,000 voters; voters already have done that
• </c><00:01:52.640><c> and</c> we just match the will of the voters and we just match the will of the
• voters and we<00:01:53.280><c> seat</c><00:01:53.640><c> people</c><00:01:53.920><c> who</c><00:01:54.040
• statewide, and just governing as the voters sent us, you know, in November and December.

Transcript Highlights:

• recipients, but SAVE was never designed to determine voter eligibility.
• Can you explain why SAVE is not appropriate for voter eligibility checks?
• There are due process standards for doing voter roll maintenance in that way.
• And that burden also goes on to the voter... ...to verify their citizenship.
• And that burden also goes on to the voter versus the government figuring that out.

Bills: HB2416 , HB2663 , HB2759 , HB2806

Committee: Senate Military Affairs and Border Security

Keywords: border security, drug trafficking, human smuggling, law enforcement funding, Arizona, public safety, immigration, military leave, national guard, employment rights, paid leave, disaster response, veterans services, education programs, funding, appropriation, Yavapai county, lawful presence, public programs, verification

Transcript Highlights:

• UCSF and UCLA are key medical safety net providers serving children, older adults, people with disabilities
• We represent people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I'll be quick.
• practice hygienists and their patients who are in nursing homes and those homebound elderly and disabled
• practice hygienists and their patients who are in nursing homes and those homebound elderly and disabled
• patients. hygienists and their patients who are in nursing homes and those homebound elderly and disabled

Summary: The hearing began with a stakeholder presentation from Let California Kids Hear urging coverage of pediatric hearing aids for children in the large group market. Advocates described the issue as a long-running developmental emergency, argued that existing state efforts have been inefficient, and said the new proposal would cover about 70% to 80% of affected children without new spending by redirecting existing dollars. Public commenters, including parents, audiologists, and children’s advocates, strongly supported the proposal and emphasized the need for timely access to sound. The chair thanked the group and noted hope for a future fix, including continued work on the exchange market. The Department of Finance then gave a broad budget warning about the state’s more than $20 billion structural deficit and said new investments must be weighed against out-year shortfalls. HCAI followed with an overview of its programs, including CalRx insulin and naloxone, reproductive health grants, the Office of Health Care Affordability, seismic hospital compliance, workforce programs, and the Data Exchange Framework. Members asked about geographic targeting of workforce funds, behavioral health pipeline programs, the status of the 21st Century Nursing Initiative, and future CalRx products such as EpiPens and GLP-1s. HCAI also described its enforcement approach for health care spending targets, saying the board would not change the targets in response to H.R. 1, and outlined the diaper access initiative, which will distribute diapers through hospitals in higher-need areas. Several HCAI budget items were discussed and held open, including additional expenditure authority, the transfer of the Data Exchange Framework and Office of the Patient Advocate, long-term care payment transparency staffing, and reporting on health care worker waiting periods. The department also presented its Behavioral Health Services Act workforce initiative and a proposed $100 million General Fund offset, which both the LAO and the chair questioned as unclear and potentially one-time in nature. HCAI said the final workforce plan would be adjusted after stakeholder consultation if the offset proceeds. The department also described the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying California received $233.6 million in federal funds, had to revise its proposal to satisfy CMS, and must obligate the money by October 30; the program will fund rural care models, workforce development, and technology, with grants rolled out on a phased basis. The Department of Managed Health Care then presented its budget and three legislative implementation requests: SB 41 on PBM reform, SB 306 on prior authorization transparency, and AB 1041 on provider credentialing timelines. Finally, the administration outlined a menopause care proposal requiring coverage and education for menopause-related services, provider training, and an outreach campaign, with DMHC requesting staffing and funding to implement and enforce the new requirements. Throughout the hearing, most items were held open for later action, and no final votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> ensures the proper application of voter ensures the proper application of voter adopted<00:14:54.160
• So right now DRRA doesn't do voters.
• </c> receive the proper level of voter receive the proper level of voter approval.<00:44:05.920><c> The
• </c> recommend the best options to the voters recommend the best options to the voters and<00:48:47.040
• </c><01:07:12.640><c> to</c> local officials and their voters to local officials and their voters to

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• SJR 47 would send a state question to the vote of the people to amend the constitution to require voters

Bills: HR1051 , HR1048 , SB2074 , SJR39 , SJR47 , SB1983 , SB444 , SB1503 , SB1561 , SB592 , SB1501 , SB1946 , SB1567 , SB1833 , SB2026 , SB904 , SB2178 , SB1651 , SB1558 , SB1565 , SB1553 , SB1257 , SB65 , SB1749 , SB1242 , SB1642 , SB640 , SB667 , SB1436 , SB1484 , SB1562 , SB1794 , SB1644 , SB1533 , SB933 , SB1555

Keywords: livestock, judging, Oklahoma State University, championship, agriculture, military children, recognition, community support, military families, April 15, pharmacy benefits managers, reimbursement, healthcare, prescription drugs, cost regulation, property valuation, tax limit, homestead, income threshold, elderly

Transcript Highlights:

• Historically, they've been formed by a voter petition that must be approved by the county legislative
• authority and then approved by voters.
• If approved by voters, the district is formed.
• It empowers voters, preserves local control, and strengthens public safety.
• The voters don't necessarily agree in all of the impacted jurisdictions.

Summary: House Finance heard testimony on several tax and local government bills. HB 2278 would remove the July 1, 2027 expiration on the additional $3-per-room-night tourism promotion area lodging charge; supporters from destination marketing organizations said the revenue has produced strong returns for tourism and events, while questions were raised about how the local ordinances would continue. HB 2583 would lower the population threshold for cities to impose a higher lodging tax and expand authority for public facilities districts; the sponsor and Vancouver supporters said it would help fund a proposed performing arts center and other tourism investments, while hospitality, short-term rental, and some local advocates raised concerns about stakeholder input, equity, and whether the bill was too broad. HB 2224 would change how a city forming a single-city fire protection district handles levy reductions and would exempt part of one levy from the local tax limit; city and firefighter groups supported it as a needed tool for fire and EMS funding, while hospital districts and tax opponents warned about prorationing, governance, and higher taxes. HB 2325 would create a statewide tourism self-supported assessment program funded by participating tourism businesses; supporters from tourism, hospitality, wine, and brewing groups said it would provide a competitive, industry-driven statewide marketing program, while members questioned impacts on specific communities and the need for broader local benefits. HB 2431 would expand from 15 to 50 days the amount of fundraising activity allowed in nonprofit public assembly halls and meeting places, and the Grange supported it as a practical way to keep community halls open. After public testimony, the committee moved into executive session and advanced three bills. HB 2584, a sales and use tax exemption for qualifying farm equipment sold to eligible farmers, passed 14-0 with one excused. HB 2610, which modifies the property tax exemption for nonprofit homeownership development, also passed 14-0 with one excused. HB 2615, which codifies the voluntary disclosure tax program and authorizes temporary tax amnesty, likewise passed 14-0 with one excused. The chair also announced a deadline for amendments on items to be acted on the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, in this bill for the Secretary of State, there is $260,000 one-time for some voter outreach efforts
• in low voter turnout counties, which will come up in the bill presentation.
• </c><00:01:25.360><c> time</c><00:01:25.840><c> for</c><00:01:26.080><c> some</c><00:01:26.320><c> voter
• </c> $260,000 one time for some voter $260,000 one time for some voter outreach<00:01:27.280><c> efforts
• </c> outreach efforts in low voter turnout outreach efforts in low voter turnout counties,<00:01:29.520

Committee: Senate Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• in Hines County in the seventh circuit, where the violation takes place or the county where those voters
• So it preserves free speech and also protects voters from deception and protects candidates from deception
• c> takes place or the the county where takes place or the the county where those<00:02:14.959><c> voters
• are being attempted to be those voters are being attempted to be influenced. influenced. influenced.
• from deception and from protects voters from deception and from those<00:02:23.840><c> candidates</c

Committee: Joint Technology

Transcript Highlights:

• All board members must be registered voters within the district. We currently have 88...
• All board members must be registered voters within the district.
• </c><00:05:34.319><c> within</c> registered be registered voter within registered be registered voter
• is, as opposed to voters choosing us, is, I think, one of the goals we all have.
• </c><00:37:51.200><c> Brennon</c> cause League of Women Voters Brennon cause League of Women Voters Brennon

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the flow of voters, the lines building up, and making sure that voters are greeted, directed, and
• So I stand here today, though, as president of the Florida Voters League.
• And we have three specific goals: registering voters, educating voters, and encouraging them to participate
• So I stand here today, though, as president of the Florida Voters League.
• And we have three specific goals, registering voters, educating voters. specific goals, registering voters

Bills: S0014 , S0016 , S0024 , S0052 , S0308 , S0504 , S0506 , S0564 , S0572 , S0590 , S0594 , S0806 , S1396 , S7020 , S7024 , S7026

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Committee on Rules met with 14 members present and considered a long agenda of bills, including several open-government sunset reauthorizations, consumer and election measures, claims bills, and policy bills on public safety, ethics, and child protection. The committee reported favorably SB 7024 and SB 7026, which extend and consolidate public-records/public-meeting exemptions for cybersecurity information and trade secrets held by agencies, and SB 7020, which reenacts the aquaculture records exemption for the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. It also approved SB 14 and SB 24, two uncontested Miami-Dade County claims bills, and SB 16, a claims bill for Heriberto Sanchez Mayan involving severe injuries after an unlawful arrest and transport incident in St. Petersburg. Several bills drew substantial testimony. SB 308, creating the Florida Museum of Black History Board of Directors and designating St. Johns County as the museum site, received extensive support from advocates and lawmakers who emphasized preserving the full and accurate history of Black Floridians; some speakers urged safeguards to ensure historians and community members help shape the museum’s content. The committee also favorably reported CS for SB 564, allowing registered or pre-registered high school students to volunteer at polling places for community service hours, with supporters saying it would build civic engagement and help election offices. CS for SB 52, which exempts unpaid volunteer armed security at houses of worship from Class D and G licensing requirements, was also reported favorably after testimony both supporting the need for church security and cautioning that congregations should retain control over whether weapons are allowed. The committee approved CS for SB 1396 on litigation financing and consumer protection after a lengthy debate over transparency, foreign funding, and whether the bill would chill access to courts. Supporters said it would create guardrails and disclose foreign involvement; opponents argued it could burden plaintiffs and reveal litigation strategy. The committee also reported favorably CS for SB 504 and SB 506, creating a framework and related public-records exemption for code inspector body cameras, with discussion about notice to property owners and protection of sensitive footage. Additional favorable actions included CS for SB 572, updating ethics law to reflect foster family relationships, and CS for SB 590, tolling the statute of limitations for failure-to-report child abuse offenses until the offense is known to law enforcement or another charging authority.

Transcript Highlights:

• and then approved by voters.
• approved by voters.
• And it's subject to voter approval.
• So, and I like the fact that it's up to the voter.
• It is all voter approved, so the voters have to buy off on this concept and the new tax authority that

Bills: HB2103 , HB2388 , HB2316 , HB2006 , HB2224

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: renewable energy, nonemitting generation, public entities, contracting, electric generation, distributed energy, agricultural land, energy generation, renewable resources, siting regulations, land use, urban development, vegetation management, shrubsteppe, environmental regulation, economic development, sales tax, rural counties, industrial land banks, growth management