Transcript Highlights:

• All those not having a privilege floor, please vacate the chamber.
• We seek unanimous consent that Rule 54 be suspended for the day to allow our guests on the floor.
• I request unanimous consent to introduce a resolution from the floor. Is there objection?
• All those without privilege on the floor, please vacate the chamber. Senator from Lewis.
• All those without privilege on the floor, please vacate the chamber. Senator from Lewis.

Summary: The Senate first suspended Rule 54 to allow guests on the floor, then took up and adopted Senate Resolution 65. The resolution recognized West Virginia as a global hub for critical mineral processing and encouraged lawful private-sector dialogue and commercial engagement between West Virginia businesses and rare earth/critical mineral institutions abroad, beginning with institutions in Somalia. The sponsor emphasized that the measure was nonbinding and intended to open conversation about minerals, processing, and advanced materials, and the resolution was adopted by voice vote. The chamber then recessed briefly to receive and introduce a visiting delegation from Somalia, including the deputy prime minister, ministers of petroleum/mineral resources and commerce/industry, parliamentary leadership, and diplomatic representatives, along with other guests involved in the visit. After the recess, the Senate received several Finance Committee reports and advanced multiple House bills on first reading: HB 4004 creating the Recharge West Virginia program; HB 4006 creating the West Virginia Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing Growth Act; HB 2009 creating the Portable Benefit Account Act; HB 5412, the Future Ready Education Act; HB 5453 modifying the school aid funding formula; and HB 5510 removing the acreage/location requirement for private wedding venues. Each bill was reported as amended by Finance and taken up immediately without objection. During remarks, a senator from Randolph spoke about the death of Riley Wingfield in a side-by-side accident and praised students and administrators at Buckhannon-Upshur High School and Tucker County High School for wearing orange and black in solidarity with grieving Elkins High School students. The remarks were ordered placed in the Journal appendix. The Senate then announced adjournment until the next day at 10 a.m., with the Rules Committee scheduled to meet at 9:45 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without objection, members' guests will be granted privileges of the floor.
• On the floor, please proceed. Thank you.
• Speaker, for the floor.
• Members, take your conversations off the floor. Members, take your conversations off the floor.
• I have her on the floor today.

Transcript Highlights:

• All those not having a privilege floor, please vacate the chamber.
• We seek unanimous consent that Rule 54 be suspended for the day to allow our guests on the floor.
• I request unanimous consent to introduce a resolution from the floor. Is there objection?
• All those without privilege floor, please vacate the chamber. Senator from Lewis.
• All those without privilege floor, please vacate the chamber. Senator from Lewis. Thank you, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without objection, members and guests, we grant privileges of the floor.
• And now for your sub-floor amendment. Mr.
• Any explanation for your sub-floor amendment? Yes, Mr. Chair.
• I yield the floor. Thank you, sir.
• Floor session is now convening. The House will please come to order.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a proclamation recognizing February 2026 as American Heart Month, with Representative Willoughby emphasizing CPR and AED readiness. Members also welcomed students and guests from Wilcox Christian School, the Arizona State Fair Association, and other visitors. The chamber then handled routine business including attendance, journal approval, committee assignments, and first and second readings of numerous bills. The Committee of the Whole considered several measures, including HB 2016, HB 2133, HB 2223, HB 2459, HB 2501, and HB 2785. Most received do-pass recommendations after brief explanations and amendments. HB 2785, a major tax conformity bill, drew the most debate: supporters said it would align Arizona law with federal tax changes, prevent taxpayers from having to amend returns, and provide certainty during filing season, while opponents argued it would create a large revenue loss and benefit corporations and the wealthy without a clear funding plan. The committee adopted the Ways and Means amendment to HB 2785 by a 31-22 division vote, and the bill ultimately received a do-pass recommendation. Back on the floor, the House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and sent HB 2016, HB 2133, HB 2123, HB 2459, HB 2501, and HB 2785 to engrossing. In third reading, HB 2029, HB 2120, HB 2126, and HB 2131 passed, while HB 2045 failed on a 19-36 vote and then failed again on a reconsideration motion by 25-27. Members then made several personal privilege remarks about legislative process, representation, and Black History Month, and the House adjourned until the following Wednesday afternoon.

Transcript Highlights:

• You have the floor, Senator. Thank you.
• You have the floor, Senator. Under penalty of death, I can't introduce my wife.
• You have the floor, Senator. Thank you, Mr. President.
• You have the floor, Senator. Thank you, Mr. President.
• You have the floor, Senator.

Transcript Highlights:

• Joe's floor is voting aye.
• Joe's floor is voting aye.
• Bhojani on the floor of the House? Yes. Is Mr. Bhojani on the floor of the House?
• Cole on the floor of the House? Strike her name. Is Mr. Cortez on the floor of the House?
• Bonnet on the floor of the House? Strike his name. Is Ms. Fairley on the floor of the House?

Bills: HB1535 , HB 123 , HB 111 , HB180 , HB342 , HB 1027 , HB 1178 , HB610 , HB 1277 , HB1615 , HB1620 , HB5342 , HB4885 , HB4751 , HB4689 , HB4530 , HB4488 , HB2149 , HB2041 , HB2071 , HB1813 , HB2282 , HB2248 , HB2243 , HB2522 , HB2310 , HB2513 , HB2300 , HB1902 , HB3719 , HB4284 , HB4327 , HB3743 , HB3778 , HB3801 , HB5153 , HB5147 , HB4877 , HB4850 , HB3158 , HB3261 , HB3005 , HB3033 , HB3138 , HB3099 , HB2849 , HB2967 , HB3488 , HB3477 , HB3466 , HB3396 , HB3469 , HB2594 , HB2776 , HB2564 , HB2298 , HB5331 , HB5646 , HB5247 , HB5323 , HB2015 , HB4384 , HB3896 , HB4014 , HB3627 , HB3594 , HB2524 , HB510 , HB561 , HB5111 , HB5446 , HB 1181 , HB3963 , HB2785 , HB1661 , HB2460 , HB24 , HJR138 , HB3800 , HB42 , HB 129 , HB677 , HB668 , HB2128 , HB2038 , HB2316 , HB3686 , HB2563 , HB 1160 , HB3883 , HB2788 , HB2663 , HB3305 , HB3474 , HB 1105 , HB3490 , HB3597 , HB 1295 , HB3512 , HB3783 , HB2017 , HB3010 , HB3112 , HB4215 , HB3223 , HB3464 , HB3120 , HB4214 , HB4081 , HB4783 , HB4063 , HB2783 , HB5085 , HB2510 , HB3426 , HB4361 , HB 1169 , HB2516 , HB4700 , HB3560 , HB3860 , HB3146 , HB184 , HB198 , HB247 , HB367 , HB449 , HB1778 , HB514 , HB632 , HB2582 , HB766 , HB2715 , HB2712 , HB3069 , HB3505 , HB 1269 , HB4224 , HB5032 , HB2240 , HB5180 , HB3348 , HB4668 , HB4665 , HB3395 , HB3157 , HB4395 , HB4325 , HB4386 , HB4273 , HB2760 , HB2820 , HB1828 , HB1579 , SB2349 , SB1268 , SB610 , SB1577 , SB1369 , SB2032 , SB2034 , SB1057 , SB1044 , SB922 , SB1759 , SB1143 , SB1506 , SB1403 , SB2361 , SB870 , SB372 , SB72 , SB1583 , SB2314 , SB1267 , SB1273 , SB765 , SB552 , HB2145 , HJR112 , HB1804 , HJR110 , HB 1194 , HB1531 , HB5008 , HB3421 , SCR27 , HB5398 , HB1407 , HB426 , HB1535 , HB 123 , HB1773 , HB1871 , HB2035 , HB2448 , HB2492 , HB1411 , HB4753 , HB4666 , HB4529 , HB1499 , HB1610 , HB2028 , HB1506 , HB886 , HB3546 , HB796 , HB223 , HB1475 , HB3556 , HB4638 , HB 111 , HB180 , HB342 , HB 1027 , HB 1178 , HB610 , HB 1277 , HB1615 , HB1620 , HB5342 , HB4885 , HB4751 , HB4689 , HB4530 , HB4488 , HB2149 , HB2041 , HB2071 , HB1813 , HB2282 , HB2248 , HB2243 , HB2522 , HB2310 , HB2513 , HB2300 , HB1902 , HB3719 , HB4284 , HB4327 , HB3743 , HB3778 , HB3801 , HB5153 , HB5147 , HB4877 , HB4850 , HB3158 , HB3261 , HB3005 , HB3033 , HB3138 , HB3099 , HB2849 , HB2967 , HB3488 , HB3477 , HB3466 , HB3396 , HB3469 , HB2594 , HB2776 , HB2564 , HB2298 , HB5331 , HB5646 , HB5247 , HB5323 , HB2015 , HB4384 , HB3896 , HB4014 , HB3627 , HB3594 , HB2524 , HB510 , HB561 , HB5111 , HB5446 , HB 1181 , HB3963 , HB2785 , HB1661 , HB2460 , HCR98 , HCR92 , HCR126

Keywords: Trinity River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, board of directors, governor appointment, public water authority, regional water authority, water resources, local government, natural resources, board training, ethics, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, complaint procedures, public comment, director removal, governance reform

Summary: The House convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation and pledges, received Senate messages, and adopted several procedural motions allowing committees to meet during the session and postponing or scheduling certain committee hearings. Members also observed a memorial recognition for Wood County Deputy Sheriff Melissa Pollard, who died in the line of duty, and adopted a resolution honoring her service. The chamber then adopted House Resolution 897 recognizing May 6, 2025 as Golf Day in Texas and House Resolution 1063 recognizing Dallas Housing Coalition Advocacy Day; additional recognitions highlighted Mental Health Awareness Month and tardive dyskinesia awareness, The Woodlands’ 50th anniversary, Alzheimer’s advocacy, student athlete Gator Young, an intern in Rep. Leo-Wilson’s office, and educator Jessica Lopez. The House spent much of the day on third-reading consideration of a long calendar of bills. Among the measures passed were HB 24 on zoning protest procedures, HB 3800 creating a health care workforce advisory board, HB 42 on higher education appropriations, HB 129 restricting contracts with foreign adversary companies, HB 677 on county elections administrator political activity, HB 668 on license-to-carry renewal procedures, HB 2128 directing a rural firefighting study, HB 2038 expanding physician licensing options, HB 2316 on election result reporting, HB 3686 on retired peace officer ID cards, HB 2563 creating a prescribed burn manager self-insurance pool, HB 1160 increasing penalties for assaults on utility workers, HB 3883 on major events funding, HB 2788 protecting fraud-detection information, HB 2663 on inactive well plugging extensions, HB 3305 extending a county health provider participation program, HB 3474 on pension reporting, HB 1105 expanding tuition exemptions for certain paramedics, HB 3490 on closed meetings with internal auditors, HB 3597 on child care facility notice thresholds, HB 1295 on health literacy planning, HB 3512 on AI training for government employees, HB 3783 on court-ordered counseling, HB 2017 on intoxication manslaughter penalties, HB 3010 on rural disaster recovery, HB 3112 on cybersecurity-related public information and meetings, HB 4215 on delivery network companies, HB 3223 on construction claims limitation periods, HB 3464 on controlled substances in correctional facilities, HB 3120 on residential child detention facilities, HB 4214 on public information, HB 481 on trade secret sealing, HB 4783 on opioid antagonist program reporting, HB 4063 on unilateral memoranda of contract, HB 2783 on county employee deferred compensation, HB 5085 on seed banks, HB 2510 on assisted living facility operations, HB 3426 on digital driver’s licenses, HB 4361 on emergency notifications at higher education institutions, HB 1169 on oil and gas infrastructure protection, HB 2516 on Medicare supplement eligibility for Texans under 65, HB 3560 on hospital staff background checks, HB 3860 on occupational licenses for inmates, HB 3146 on SOAH hearings, HB 184 on loan repayment for border prosecution attorneys, HB 198 on firefighter cancer screenings, HB 247 on border security infrastructure taxation, HB 367 on excused absences for students with severe illnesses, HB 449 on deepfake sexually explicit images, HB 1778 on human trafficking and related offenses, HB 514 on maternal health workforce outreach, HB 632 on pharmacy regulation, HB 2582 on victim parole information, HB 766 on precinct chair ballot applications, HB 2715 on suspension/removal of officials, HB 2712 on water and sewer utility test years, HB 3069 on transmission projects, HB 3505 on health provider participation districts, HB 1269 on plant disease and pest prevention grants, HB 4224 on access to health care records, HB 5032 on historical documents in the Capitol complex, HB 2240 on void marriages, HB 5180 on diploma designation, HB 3348 on health provider participation programs, HB 4668 on PUC authority to retain assistance, HB 4665 on child care training providers, HB 3395 on beneficiary designation for manufactured homes, HB 3157 on interim electric utility rates, HB 4395 on electronic submission of public securities records, HB 4325 on bribery civil penalties, HB 4386 on annuity replacement transactions, HB 4273 on Medicaid fraud-related unlawful acts, HB 2760 on judicial review of unemployment decisions, HB 2820 on charitable bingo operating capital, HB 1828 on legislative leave for correctional officers, and a series of Senate bills including SB 2349, SB 1268, SB 610, SB 1577, SB 1369, SB 2032, SB 1057, SB 1044, SB 922, SB 1759, SB 1143, SB 1506, SB 1403, SB 2361, SB 870, SB 372, and SB 72. Several bills drew debate or amendments, including HB 24, where a germane point of order was sustained against an amendment, and HB 198, HB 3348, and SB 2361, which were amended before passage. Most measures passed by wide margins, though some drew notable opposition, including HB 3883, HB 514, HB 1295, HB 184, SB 1143, and others. The House also postponed further consideration of HB 4700 until the end of the day and HB 24 until 1 p.m., and it granted permission for committees to meet during the House session and for the Calendars Committee to meet that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• and use the floor.
• Use the floor leader's mic.
• , and she use the floor mic.
• Floor Leader.
• Floor Amendment 1. Mr.

Bills: HB2894 , HB3418 , HB3415 , HB3413 , HB3414 , HB3416 , HB3417 , HB3419 , HB3420 , HB1739 , HB1752 , HB1979 , HB2941 , HB2992 , HB3075 , HB3086 , HB3177 , HB3269 , HB3278 , HB3279 , HB3497 , HB3644 , HB4432 , HB3720 , HB3849 , HB3882 , HB3919 , HB3941 , HB4118 , HB4141 , HB4268 , HB4342 , HB4428 , HB4429 , HB4434

Summary: The Senate began with ceremonial recognitions for several student groups and community visitors, including Carl Albert High School’s boys and girls swim teams, the Lady Titans basketball team, and the Choctaw High School speech and debate team. Senators and coaches highlighted the teams’ state championships, academic achievements, and perseverance, and the chamber also welcomed visiting groups from Aline, Owasso, and Tulsa County. After the presentations, the Senate returned to general order and took up a series of House bills. Among the measures considered, House Bill 3720 expanded the Local Food Freedom Act by raising the gross annual sales threshold for local food establishments from under $75,000 to $250,000; it passed 39-4. House Bill 3849 updated the Oklahoma mentoring children of incarcerated parents program and passed 42-1. House Bill 3882 created a revolving fund for industrial and lake access improvement projects and passed 33-9, then also passed the emergency clause 39-4. House Bill 3919 reduced county free fair association boards from nine members to five to address quorum problems and passed 45-0. House Bill 3941 codified a pay raise for a court secretary and passed 45-0, including its emergency clause. House Bill 4118 updated the family caregiver tax credit and passed 44-1. House Bill 4141 removed the sunset on the statewide sexual assault nurse examiner coordinator position and passed 45-0. The chamber also debated several policy bills more extensively. House Bill 4268 created a growth-based teacher compensation program using Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Funds and restored a $5,000 stipend for national board-certified teachers; it passed 45-0 and its emergency clause also passed 45-0. House Bill 4342 allowed prior instances of domestic violence or abuse to be admitted as propensity evidence in court, with supporters saying it would help interrupt the cycle of abuse and opponents raising due process concerns; it passed after debate. House Bill 4428 required public pension plans to base proxy voting decisions solely on financial considerations, and House Bill 4429 required proxy advisors to disclose when recommendations were not based on financial analysis; both passed after debate, 35-8 and 37-7 respectively. Two Rule 7-9 motions to pull House Bills 4422 and 4423 from committee and place them on general order failed by recorded vote. The Senate then announced Denim Day for domestic violence and sexual assault awareness, noted a few final reminders, and adjourned until April 29, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that the Olson floor amendment to Senate Bill 1221 be adopted.
• And the chair recognizes Representative Cooper for the floor amendment to the bill. Mr.
• I move that my floor amendment to the A.I. Committee Amendment be adopted. Mr.
• Chairman, I move that my floor amendment to the A.I. Committee Amendment be adopted.
• Without objection, senators are granted privileges of the floor. Hearing none, so ordered.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator has the floor. Thank you, Mr. President.
• You have the floor.
• You have the floor. Three of my best friends are here today.
• Senator, you have the floor.
• Senator, you have the floor. Maybe a little bit of gloating.

Transcript Highlights:

• The President recognizes Majority Floor Leader Singh. Mr.
• The President recognizes Majority Floor Leader Singh. Mr.
• The President recognizes Majority Floor Leader Singh. Mr.
• The President recognizes Majority Floor Leader Singh. Mr.
• The President recognizes Majority Floor Leader Singh. Mr.

Summary: The Senate convened with 30 members present, heard the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, and approved several temporary excusals. The chamber received gubernatorial appointments to multiple boards and commissions, then recessed and later took up resolutions and legislation. It adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 13, a tribute memorializing former Senator and Representative Robert Geake, after remarks honoring his long legislative career and public service; the resolution was adopted and all members and the Lieutenant Governor were added as co-sponsors. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 14, which approved an extension of a state of emergency related to gasoline prices through Labor Day. Senator Camilleri argued the extension would help lower fuel costs for residents, while Senator McBroom later criticized the resolution as political theater and urged action on substantive energy legislation, including a pending Upper Peninsula-related bill. The resolution passed by roll call, 36-1. In floor action, the Senate introduced and referred several bills, including measures on the Income Tax Act, Michigan Trust Fund Act, road classification, the Food Law, Motor Fuels Quality Act, and automated decision tools in employment. The chamber then passed three bills on third reading: Senate Bill 480 on child care organization licensing and regulation, Senate Bill 517 amending the Revised School Code, and Senate Bill 278 amending the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966. The Senate adjourned after statements and a final motion to adjourn until June 25 at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without objection, members and guests will be granted privileges of the floor.
• Yep, I would like to introduce my guests on the floor, please. Yep.
• I would like to introduce my guests on the floor, please.
• And for the floor amendment to the committee amendment: Mr.
• I move that my floor amendment to Senate Bill 1424 be adopted. Mr.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and heard introductions of guests. Members then adopted several procedural motions, including extending the second regular session, suspending the seven-bill limit for Representative Livingston on budget-related measures, and requesting the Senate return SB 1786 on artificial intelligence content verification for reconsideration. The House also moved into Committee of the Whole to consider calendar items. In Committee of the Whole, the House recommended do pass on SB 1057, SB 1171, SB 1424, and SB 1515, while retaining SB 1178 on the calendar. SB 1171, dealing with fingerprinting and fraud prevention in health and human services, was amended and received supportive comments about accountability and Medicaid fraud. SB 1424, concerning firearm safety instruction in schools, drew extensive debate: a proposed Gutierrez amendment modeled on “Christian’s Law” to require secure firearm storage measures was defeated by division vote 23-31, and the bill itself was defended as age-appropriate firearm safety education while opponents argued it was an unfunded mandate, a parents’ rights issue, and an improper burden on schools. SB 1515, creating a public safety parity fund for DPS and corrections bonuses from rainy-day fund interest, was amended and recommended do pass. The House then considered an additional Committee of the Whole for SB 1552, adopted a floor amendment, and recommended the bill do pass as amended. In third reading, SB 1021 failed 22-35, while SB 1215, SB 1345, SB 1456, and SB 1493 all passed, with SB 1345 drawing a floor explanation about an added regulatory requirement for health care facilities. The House also received first readings of several appropriations bills and announced a special Joint Appropriations Committee hearing on the budget the next morning before adjourning until Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I would like to yield the floor to my co-sponsor of the UNM Day memorial, Minority Floor Leader
• Speaker, I would like to yield the floor to my co-sponsor of the UNM Day memorial, Minority Floor Leader
• We'll be on the floor for a while.
• Chairman, to escort the amendment down to the floor. And, Mr.
• Speaker and gentlemen, I'm in support of your floor amendment.

Bills: HB95 , HB111 , HJR1 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM3 , HM11 , HM14 , HM15 , HM21 , HM34 , HB2 , HB32 , HB33 , HB61 , HJM2 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26

Summary: The House convened with quorum, offered an invocation and pledges, and then moved through a series of memorials, recognitions, and announcements. House Memorial 49, declaring February 4, 2026 UNM Day, was taken from the Speaker’s table, explained, and debated at length. Members from both parties and several guests praised the University of New Mexico for its role in education, health care, research, public service, and workforce development, with special recognition of President Garnett Stokes, interim provost Barbara Rodriguez, and Health Sciences leaders and students. The memorial highlighted UNM’s enrollment, degrees awarded, scholarship support, patent activity, and the UNM Hospital and Health Sciences Center. It passed 70-0. House Memorial 48, declaring February 4, 2026 Valencia County Day, was also brought forward and passed unanimously. Supporters described Valencia County’s history, culture, economic growth, and traditions, including the annual matanza, Route 66 heritage, and major employers and development projects. Members from the county and local officials were recognized, and the memorial emphasized both historic communities and current business and infrastructure expansion. House Memorial 50, declaring Lincoln County Day, was introduced by title and placed on the Speaker’s table, but not taken up for final passage during this segment. The chamber also recognized the Artesia Bulldogs football team for winning another state championship, Del Norte High School’s class of 1966 on its 60th anniversary, and a number of guests tied to nursing, education, and local community service. Several members used announcements to highlight nurses, school programs, and local events, including a Legislative Sportsman’s Caucus invitation and a reminder that the day was the final day to file bills with the clerk. The session closed with continued announcements and guest introductions, reflecting a day focused heavily on community recognition and celebratory memorials rather than substantive legislation beyond the memorial votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth. Mr.
• As amended, Senate Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth. Mr.
• You have the floor, Senator Charley. Thank you, Mr. President.
• The Senate floor amendment, this was done by a floor amendment the last night after 7 o'clock on the
• And the entire floor debate lasted less than two minutes.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum on Valentine’s Day and spent much of the opening portion on ceremonial remarks, guest introductions, and announcements tied to Early Childhood Day, the New Mexico State Bar’s anniversary, and other Valentine’s-themed recognitions. Senators also approved several unanimous-consent requests excusing members from the chamber. The body then received House messages announcing passage of House Joint Resolution 6, House Bill 166, House Bill 295 as amended, House Joint Memorials 2 and 3, and House Joint Resolution 5 as amended. Committee reports were adopted on several measures, including Senate Memorial 27, Senate Memorial 21, House bills 10, 12, 34, and 63, Senate Rules Committee substitute for Senate Bill 261, Senate Finance Committee substitute for Senate Bill 151, and Senate Memorials 3 and 16, which were reported as duly enrolled and signed in open session. The Senate also introduced and referred House Bill 166 to Judiciary, House Bill 295 to Finance, House Joint Resolution 6 and House Joint Memorials 2 and 3 to Rules. The main floor action was final passage of Senate Bill 306, which updates New Mexico’s private post-secondary authorization framework to align with federal accreditation terminology and standards; it passed 42-0 after brief questions about tribal colleges and online institutions. The Senate then debated Senate Conservation Committee substitute for Senate Bill 235, the Microgrid Oversight Act, which would require large microgrids over 20 megawatts to meet renewable-energy standards, file annual energy and water reports with the PRC, and address utility cost-shifting concerns. Supporters said it would add oversight and protect air, water, and consumers, while opponents argued it would create uncertainty, discourage major economic development, and undercut a recent policy change allowing microgrids. The debate was ongoing in the excerpt, with no final vote shown for SB 235.

Transcript Highlights:

• President recognizes Majority Floor Leader Singh. Mr.
• President recognizes Majority Floor Leader Singh. Mr.
• President recognizes Majority Floor Leader Singh. Mr.
• President recognizes Majority Floor Leader Singh. Mr.
• The Majority Floor Leader, Singh, moves the rules be suspended to allow for the immediate consideration

Summary: The Senate met with 27 members present and a quorum, opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of motions, recesses, and introductions of bills. Several new bills were read and referred, including measures affecting the Income Tax Act, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, public utilities, nondisclosure agreements, data centers and community benefit agreements, zoning, Medicaid false claims, and the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Act, with referrals mainly to finance, energy and environment, and housing and human services committees. In the Committee of the Whole, Senate Bills 592, 49, and 50 were reported without amendment and advanced. On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bills 900, 820, 966, 967, 968, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, and 978. SB 900 dealt with the Vehicle Code, SB 820 with election law, SB 966 and SBs 974-978 with housing and insurance-related changes, and SB 967 with the Income Tax Act. SB 966, 967, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, and 978 all passed on 20-16 votes, while SB 900 passed 35-1. Senate Bill 973, creating a state-based health insurance exchange as a nonprofit corporation, drew the most debate. Senators Weber, Lindsay, and Halk offered amendments, all of which were defeated after recorded votes; Weber argued for cost controls and consumer savings, while supporters said the bill would give Michigan more control over health care decisions and could lower premiums. Senator Irwin spoke in support of the housing-related package, saying it would help address the state’s housing shortage. Senate Bill 592, concerning the Corrections Code, was also passed after a 31-5 vote, with Senator Lindsay explaining his no vote as concern about how the bill treats juvenile offenders. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 133, urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to honor commitments to Michigan farmers participating in the Rural Energy for America Program. Senator McCann supported the resolution, citing farm losses from federal rollbacks, while Senator McBroom gave a strong no-vote explanation criticizing state energy policy and the resolution’s framing. The session ended with remarks recognizing Juneteenth and an anecdotal bipartisan exchange between senators before the chamber adjourned until June 23 at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is 4,000 square feet per floor, so you're not going to have more than four units on each floor,
• and go from 65% in some cases floor plan efficiency to 90% floor plan efficiency.
• is accessible, and you can live on one floor.
• And we can get up to 90% floor plan efficiency.
• And we can get up to 90% floor plan efficiency.

Committee: Senate Housing and Human Services

Summary: The Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services met with a quorum, adopted the June 16, 2026 minutes, and then unanimously adopted S-1 substitutes for House Bills 5570 and 5571. The chair said the committee would take testimony and likely not move to final passage that day, in order to allow more discussion and questions. The bills, as substituted, would allow local governments to permit certain multifamily buildings up to four stories to be built or converted with a single staircase, subject to conditions such as limits on units per floor, floor size, and existing fire safety requirements. A sunset provision was described as ending the statute once LARA adopts corresponding building code rules. Representatives Fairbairn and Wooden testified in support, saying the bills are intended to address Michigan’s housing shortage by making smaller infill and “missing middle” projects more feasible and less costly. They argued the current two-stair requirement drives up costs, makes land assembly harder, and limits development on narrow or irregular lots. Senators asked about stair width, emergency safety, the choice of four stories instead of six, and why the American Institute of Architects opposed the approach; the sponsors said the 48-inch stair width was intended to allow two-way movement, four stories was a compromise aligned with expected code changes, and the architects preferred rulemaking over statutory change. Supportive testimony came from Pew Charitable Trusts, which said research from New York City, Seattle, and other places found fire death rates in modern single-stair buildings to be indistinguishable from other multifamily buildings, and that modern safety features such as sprinklers, alarms, and fire-rated construction make these buildings safe. A developer from Ann Arbor and the Michigan Home Builders Association said the reform would improve floor-plan efficiency, reduce wasted circulation space, lower construction costs, and help smaller projects pencil out. Abundant Housing Michigan also supported the bills, estimating they could reduce apartment construction costs by nearly 13%. The clerk read in numerous written cards in support from business, housing, municipal, and advocacy groups, while the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs and the Michigan Professional Firefighters Union were listed as neutral. The committee adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members and guests will be granted privileges of the floor. Attendance roll call will now be taken.
• I rise to appoint a personal privilege, introduction of guests on the floor. Please proceed.
• Please grant him privileges of the floor and thank you for being here. Thank you.
• We'll be here on the floor, but if you get a chance to go by and see it, it's really amazing.
• Seeing none, the question before you is the adoption of the floor amendment to SB 1479.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without objection, members and guests will be granted privileges of the floor.
• Member or guest on the floor, please proceed.
• Comment on the floor. My seatmate's birthday is today.
• Please return to the floor. Thank you. A roll call vote is in progress. Please return to the floor.
• I move that the floor amendment to Senate Bill 1099 be adopted.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and introductions of the Doctor of the Day, guests, and visiting student groups. Members also made several personal privilege remarks, including birthday recognitions and comments about Easter and Arizona’s role in the Artemis moon program. The chamber then took up several Senate bills on third reading. SB 1126, relating to educational records, passed 31-17. SB 1252, relating to assignment for benefit of creditors, passed 48-1. SB 1479, relating to real property and photo ID for official acts, passed 49-0, with one member explaining support for photo identification. The House then resolved into Committee of the Whole for additional measures. In Committee of the Whole, members considered and advanced SB 1099 on defamation and online publication, SB 1107 on public safety and law enforcement, SB 1148 on judiciary matters, SB 1294 on property tax treatment of destroyed property, and SB 1366 on transportation and infrastructure. The committee also considered SB 1237 on election procedures manuals, SB 1243 on notice to guardians in court-ordered treatment releases, SB 1281 on notice of federal land acquisitions, SB 1586 on government matters, and SB 1741 on school release time for religious instruction and academic credit. Several bills drew debate over free speech, election administration, guardianship rights, federal land transactions, and religious accommodation in schools, but all were ultimately recommended do pass. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, placing SBs 1237, 1243, 1281, 1586, and 1741 on third reading and engrossing or advancing the other measures as required. The House then adjourned until Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Aye. consideration. Mr. President, uh leash consideration. Mr.
• President, privilege of the floor. >> Floor is yours.
• </c> privilege of the floor. privilege of the floor.
• </c> favorable consideration. favorable consideration.
• . consideration. consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• I wonder why her Cheeto was out there on the dance floor till 2 a.m.
• I do want the members to know that the House dominated the floor last night—the dance floor. Mr.
• Well, you got the floor, so, Mr.
• Or is it Floor Amendment 1? Thank you. I move Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 128 as twice amended.
• Finally, bring the amendment to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a motion for committee consideration.
• This bill will be reported to the floor.
• The bill is reported to the floor. All those in, where are we? The bill is reported to the floor.
• The bill is reported to the floor.
• The bill is reported to the floor.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Summary: The Senate Higher Education Committee met on May 5 and considered 12 bills, with most measures relating to higher education administration, student services, and professional licensing. The committee advanced a rural teacher loan repayment program for teachers serving underserved rural areas, a SUNY/CUNY mental health staffing requirement, a bill allowing SED access to patient or client records in professional misconduct cases, an AI-in-therapy regulation bill, cross-profession supervision for certain mental health professionals, an extension of limited permits for social workers, continuing education requirements for acupuncturists, and updated supervision rules for physical therapy assistants. One bill reorganizing SUNY police was held for further negotiations with SUNY, SUNY police, and stakeholders. Two Article 7, Section 2, subdivision E motions for committee consideration were taken up. Senator Rose’s bill to withhold financial aid from SUNY or CUNY institutions that permit organizations designated as terrorist organizations was defeated after several senators voted no or without recommendation. Senator Kanzanari Fitzpatrick’s bill requiring anti-Semitism awareness training, incident reporting, and compliance with state reporting rules for higher education institutions was approved and sent to the Codes Committee, with some senators voting without recommendation because they viewed the subject as already covered by existing law. The committee also reported Senator Rivera’s nurse practitioner conformity bill to the floor, and several other bills were reported either to the floor or to Finance depending on their fiscal impact. Most measures were approved without opposition, though some senators voted without recommendation on bills they said overlapped with existing statutes or prior legislation. The meeting adjourned at 10:52 a.m.