Transcript Highlights:

• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the early session on guest introductions recognizing students, interns, advocacy groups, sorority members, and other visitors. Members also noted Assembly Member Castillo’s birthday and announced a later floor photo for members wearing denim. The chamber then moved to the Daily File and took up a series of bills and resolutions. Among the major actions, AB 2323 by Assembly Member McKinnor, on modernizing public notice while preserving transparency and due process, passed 57-0. ACR 149 by Assembly Member Hart, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the California Coastal Act and the Coastal Conservancy, drew extensive debate both in support and opposition before being adopted by voice vote, with 46 co-authors added. AB 2011 by Assembly Member Hart, codifying mental health parity standards, was also taken up, and AB 2691 by Assembly Member Addis, expanding disqualifying felony convictions for elected office to include sexual assault and human trafficking, passed 53-0. The Assembly also adopted HR 31 on Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness Month after lengthy testimony from members describing personal experiences and the need to support survivors. The body then approved several policy bills with broad support, including AB 1621 on housing permitting timelines (64-0), AB 1704 on studying the cost of low-embodied-carbon building materials and pausing standards if cost parity is not reached (58-0), AB 1916 updating the definition of certified interpreter to include ASL interpreters (59-2), AB 2559 on returning construction and demolition permit deposits when compliance is documented (61-0), AB 2663 as an urgency sunset extension for alcoholic beverage law (64-0 on urgency and measure), and AB 2731 expanding on-sale general alcohol licenses in Santa Cruz County (63-0). The Senate consent calendar was also adopted. The session ended with an adjournment in memory of Josado Dado Banatao, honoring his life, engineering achievements, and philanthropy, followed by a motion to adjourn until April 30 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would anyone like to change their vote? The Chief Clerk will record the vote.
• Would anyone like to change your vote? The Chief Clerk will record the vote.
• Would anyone like to change our vote? The Chief Clerk will record the vote.
• Would anyone like to change your vote? Chief Kirk will record the vote.
• Would anyone like to change your vote? Chief Crook will record the vote.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I urge a green vote on this. committee. I urge a green vote on this. Thank<00:06:07.600> you.
• ,<00:23:50.720> which technology, which technology, which spoiler<00:23:52.000> alert<00
• I'm I'm I voted<00:53:56.520> I<00:53:56.600> voted<00:53:57.040> Republican<00:
• 53:57.720> for<00:53:57.920> so<00:53:58.160> many voted I voted Republican for
• so many voted I voted Republican for so many years,<00:53:58.960> yet<00:53:59.360> I<00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, if I can expand my vote. You may.
• Can you explain my vote? Of course. This really ties the hands of our schools.
• So I vote no. Senator Rogers? Aye. Senator Alford.
• I vote yes.
• Members, by vote of four ayes, three nays, and zero not voting, SCR 1032 receives a do pass as amended

Bills: HB2035, HB2041, HB2611, HB2860, HB4004, HB4049, SCR1032

Keywords: kinship care, child welfare, foster care, relative placement, child protection, child neglect, financial resources, behavioral health, Christian Science treatment, parental rights, group homes, children's rights, safety protocols, employee training, mental health, child safety, oversight, independent committee, transparency, accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• beneficial owner and holders of voting beneficial owner and holders of voting trust<01:32:48.480
• Things like rocket technology, space exploration, and a lot of the future technologies that we'll rely
• Things like rocket technology, space exploration, and a lot of the future technologies that we'll rely
• > exploration, technology, space explor exploration, technology, space explor exploration, and<01
• and a lot of the future technologies and a lot of the future technologies that<01:53:06.960>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• DMS is a component of the state's EDD Next technology project.
• There are two technology proposals.
• Just jumping to the emerging technologies unit...
• Just jumping to the emerging technologies unit... ...emerging technologies unit: AI-driven productivity
• The Supreme Court just gutted the Voting Rights Act.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's that continued access to essential health services, whether it's ABA or assistive technology
• , Access to essential health services, whether it's ABA or assistive technology, that allows people to
• There are assistive technology devices, applications, and online ABA therapy services.
• Please vote this bill favorably out of committee and continue the support of passage. Thank you.
• Please vote this bill favorably out of committee and continue the support of passage. Thank you.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing focused on two broad sets of issues: home- and community-based care, and school-based Medicaid reimbursement. In the morning session, legislators and advocates testified on bills affecting children and disabled enrollees, including proposals to clarify rate-setting for home health and home care services (H. 767/S. 870), allow family members and spouses to be paid caregivers under MassHealth (H. 1394/S. 886 and related bills), extend MassHealth coverage for applied behavior analysis and other therapies beyond age 21 for adults with autism and developmental disabilities (H. 1351/S. 871), and protect medically fragile children by improving access to continuous skilled nursing. In the later portion of the hearing, testimony shifted to a bill to improve MassHealth reimbursement for schools (S. 862), with speakers describing the school mental health crisis and the need to reinvest Medicaid funds directly into school health services. Witnesses on the home care rate-setting bill said current reimbursement methods are opaque and outdated, contributing to workforce shortages, unfilled shifts, long waitlists, and patients remaining in hospitals longer than necessary. Home care providers and trade groups argued the bill would not set rates directly but would require more transparent methodology and fuller consideration of real costs such as wages, benefits, taxes, training, and technology. On caregiver bills, many family members and provider organizations described the financial and emotional strain of caring for disabled or medically fragile relatives, especially when parents, spouses, or guardians are barred from being paid caregivers. They argued the bills would recognize existing unpaid care, help families remain at home, and reduce reliance on more expensive institutional care. Advocates for adult ABA coverage said services remain medically necessary after age 21 and that ending coverage at that age creates an inequitable “cliff” for MassHealth members compared with those with private insurance. For the PACE/community care bill, elder law attorneys and PACE advocates said current MassHealth income rules force some older adults with modestly higher incomes to spend down to $542 per month, making community living unrealistic and pushing people toward nursing homes. They supported changing the eligibility structure to a premium-based approach that would allow more people to remain in the community. On the school Medicaid bill, advocates said schools are providing effective, preventive mental health care, but reimbursement currently flows to municipalities rather than directly back to school health budgets, limiting districts’ ability to hire and retain staff. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and several witnesses requested favorable reports on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fraud has evolved into organized, technology-driven schemes that target seniors, small businesses, and
• They are constantly deploying new technology. They spend a lot of that money in technology.
• “Paul, you muted yourself or some kind of technological mess-up.”
• I didn't vote for it. We seem to be following Missouri law that had been enacted.
• I didn't vote for it. We seem to be following Missouri law that had been enacted.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There were a lot of public defenders who were frankly overworked, and a lot of the new technology for
• Also, as well, for the bigger offices, like explaining the need to use technology and ask for technology
• So it's also using technology to do what we have been able to do in the past.
• So it's also using technology to do what we have been able to do in the past.
• You may be able to use technology to alleviate some of the in-person representation demands.

Summary: The committee received agency updates on several behavioral health and justice programs. The Health Care Authority reported that assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) has expanded from two counties to eight, with a ninth expected in December, and described AOT as a court-ordered, least-restrictive treatment model that depends on close coordination among courts, treatment providers, and local officials. The agency also reviewed Joel’s Law, which lets family members, guardians, conservators, or tribes petition for an initial involuntary detention when they disagree with a designated crisis responder’s decision. Judges Ferreira and Larson said petition use has increased significantly statewide and in Snohomish County, but many cases do not proceed beyond the initial detention stage; they also noted family frustration, disjointed processes, and bed shortages as ongoing issues. Committee members asked about expansion criteria, the law’s effectiveness, and how the system fits together with other mental health interventions. The Attorney General’s Office presented on the hate crimes and bias incidents hotline created by SB 5427. The hotline began a pilot in King, Clark, and Spokane counties on July 1, 2025, with a statewide launch planned for 2027. Officials said the advisory committee helped shape the referral process, intake questions, outreach materials, and public branding. In the first five months, the hotline received 301 reports, with roughly 45% from King County and about 38% from outside the pilot counties; 42% requested follow-up, and only about a quarter of those wanted law enforcement referral. Testimony emphasized that the hotline is non-emergency, anonymous if desired, and focused on referrals rather than investigation. Members asked about why callers do not seek law enforcement involvement, how the hotline compares with Oregon’s launch, and what kinds of incidents are being reported. The Office of Independent Investigations reported progress on its work investigating police deadly force fatalities. Director Roger Rogoff said the agency has grown to 66 employees, including 31 investigators, and has completed six fatality investigations, with two public final reports posted. He said the office now operates in Region 1 and plans to expand statewide as staffing allows, with a future east-side expansion dependent on additional investigators. He also said the office has 29 requests to review prior cases, but those reviews are time-intensive and limited to cases with new evidence. Committee members asked about staffing needs, local cooperation, and whether the office conducts parallel investigations; Rogoff said OII performs the criminal investigation, while agencies may still do administrative reviews. The committee then heard a lengthy panel on public defense caseload standards and funding. The Washington State Bar Association, Washington Defender Association, county representatives, and city representatives all discussed the new caseload standards and the implementation timeline. Speakers said the standards reflect modern public defense realities but warned that funding, attorney recruitment and retention, office space, and data collection remain major barriers. Survey results from county offices showed wide variation in readiness, with many counties uncertain about timelines and most citing lack of funding as the biggest obstacle; attorney attrition was also described as high. County and city representatives argued that the new standards will require far more attorneys and support staff, and that local governments cannot absorb the cost without substantial state funding. They urged the Legislature to increase state support, improve workforce pipelines, and address structural issues in the public defense system.

Transcript Highlights:

• Therefore, we respectfully request your aye vote. Thank you.
• That is out with Republicans not voting, with Mr. Tangapa voting aye. Thank you. Thank you.
• Ta not voting. Thank you. Next up we have Mr. Bennett. Mr.
• So, for all those reasons of equity, we would urge an aye vote.
• Arambula also not voting. with Mr. Tangapah voting no and Mr. Taw voting aye. Did you all get that?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is about deterrence of technology through leadership.
• And that's the pace that these technologies are going.
• This technology is going to lead the next generation.
• But this is one of those technologies.
• Technologies in New Mexico, not just doing the R&D.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Anderson votes I Senator Anderson votes Anderson votes I Senator Anderson votes I<00:22:35.880><
• [Music] All senators having voted, who desires to vote?
• Senator Anderson votes aye. Senator Miller votes aye.
• All senators having voted, who desires to vote? The secretary will close the roll.
• Senator Anderson votes aye. Senator Miller votes aye.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• but they've got to do it publicly, and if they raise it more than 10%, they need an extraordinary vote
• DMS is the primary business, workforce, and technology arm of Florida's government.
• DMS is the primary business, workforce, and technology arm of Florida's government.
• That's attributed to technology, of course. But the number would be much lower.
• This included final commission votes for two electric and two water rate cases.

Summary: The State Administration Budget Subcommittee met for an introductory overview of the agencies under its jurisdiction and their current-year budgets. Chair Vicki Lopez welcomed members and staff, and each member briefly introduced themselves and identified areas of interest, with recurring themes including fiscal restraint, insurance regulation, revenue administration, condominium issues, and government efficiency. The chair then outlined the subcommittee’s overall budget, about $3.1 billion, and noted major recent policy areas affecting the budget such as condominium legislation and emergency communications funding. Agency heads then presented high-level summaries of their missions and budgets. The Department of Revenue described property tax oversight, tax administration, and child support enforcement; the Department of Management Services reviewed state purchasing, telecommunications, fleet, state insurance, retirement, and digital services; DBPR highlighted licensing, enforcement, condominiums, and building code work; DFS covered insurance consumer services, risk management, unclaimed property, fire marshal functions, and criminal investigations; the Gaming Control Commission discussed pari-mutuel and tribal gaming oversight and enforcement; OIR explained insurer solvency and rate review; the Lottery emphasized education funding and record sales; OFR described regulation of banking, securities, lending, and money services; DOAH outlined administrative and workers’ compensation adjudication; PSC covered utility rate regulation and consumer complaints; PERC described labor relations and career service appeals; and FCHR summarized discrimination complaint investigations and outreach. Several members asked questions about utility returns, insurance regulation staffing, DMS’s state employee health plan deficit and prescription drug formulary management, agency recommendations for reducing regulatory burden, and state facilities usage. Responses generally emphasized that utility rates and insurer filings are determined through evidentiary and actuarial processes, that OIR has reduced vacancies but still seeks specialized staff and a Tampa office expansion, and that DMS acknowledged rising health plan costs and said the issue likely requires broader budget-level discussion. The chair also pressed multiple presenters to stay focused on agency operations and budgets rather than broader policy issues. No votes or formal actions were taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Barnaby, battle meant yes, you're sorry, both to vote for Brackett here.
• Having closed on the mail, please call the roll on CS for HB 517 and announce the vote.
• Call the roll and announce the vote. Vice Chair Michael: Yes.
• Call the roll and announce the vote. Vice Chair Michael: Yes.
• So count on me as a co-sponsor and urge all members to vote upon this bill today.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would urge your aye vote. Thank you.
• the use of technology in the building of structures and residences.
• Respectfully request an aye vote, thank you.
• We respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you.
• Respectfully ask for your aye vote. That is out on an A-roll call. Thank you.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Appropriations Committee we did with the Senate today, there were 28 members total, only three no votes
• So I'm asking all of you guys to vote yes. So I'm asking all of you guys to vote yes.
• I don't think there's a way to justify a no vote when you have a $1.4 billion tax cut as a Republican
• money for, that would be better, as far as I'm concerned personally, is paying off debt, so we're voting
• It stays in that account unless we decide and vote it out. We cannot take it out individually.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Appropriations Committee we did with the Senate today, there were 28 members total and only three no votes
• So I'm asking all of you guys to vote yes.
• I don't think there's a way to justify a no vote when you have a $1.4 billion tax cut as a Republican
• and ...to advance this state's defense, aerospace, dual-use technology, and national security innovation
• It stays in that account unless we decide and vote it out. We cannot take it out individually.

Summary: The meeting covered a series of fiscal year 2027 budget and budget-related bills, beginning with the general appropriations and tax package. Staff and the chair highlighted a budget built around about $1.4 billion in tax cuts, a one-time 2.5% agency reduction, major funding for state employee health insurance, corrections, flood and wildfire relief, and other supplemental appropriations. The chair repeatedly urged support for the package, emphasizing the size of the tax cut and noting that the committee’s joint vote had only three no votes out of 28 members. Members then reviewed several smaller budget implementation bills affecting racing and gambling, capital outlay, commerce and defense innovation, corrections, environment and water policy, higher education, human services, K-12 education, county finance, tax administration, state data governance, and state office rent rates. Key provisions included extending or modifying funds and fee structures, transferring surplus or unneeded monies, creating or revising oversight boards and pilot programs, increasing K-12 funding by 2% for inflation, adjusting university retention limits, expanding SNAP and housing-related requirements, and changing tax conformity and credits. Several members asked clarifying questions about specific items such as electric vehicle charging funds, mobile home relocation payments, university funding, and the new health insurance oversight board. The chair also explained the tax bill’s major changes, including conformity to federal tax law, a larger dependent tax credit, changes to deductions, repeal of certain tax credits, veteran property tax relief, limits on data center tax incentives, and provisions affecting manufacturing infrastructure and unemployment insurance administration. The committee discussed the Budget Stabilization Fund, debt repayment, and education rollover balances, with the chair arguing for using surpluses to pay down debt. The final item discussed was a behavioral health bill creating a home and community-based services program for adults determined to be seriously mentally ill, with a stated FY 2027 total fund appropriation of $7.8 million contingent on federal approval and matching funds. The meeting ended with a reminder that floor action would begin the next day at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• They focused a lot on the technology emerging technology to make them more efficient both from the electric
• If you are not a district, you do not have a vote in that process.
• And I think it's designed that way so that everybody has a vote in that.
• This isn't a technology thing. This is physics.
• And they had been voting? They had... well, do you want to go for it?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, put up some of our pending items up for a vote as soon as we have, uh, a few more members here, uh
• What, what is sort of the What is the, what does the technology tell us about the types of balloons that
• to vote it out, I will show all of you the amendment and, and give you my word that we would move it
• As a, uh, as an amendment on the floor if, uh, if the committee votes this out, uh, out of the panel,
• But we still are voting out the committee sub. That's correct. OK, got you. Thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 4911 as a necessary and timely update to Texas child protection laws in response to emerging technologies
• Since then, we've seen that technology has advanced rapidly, and the law needs further updates to close
• To close on this, the reason this bill is so important is that technology should never outpace our commitment
• in recent sessions... ...made some strides towards helping law enforcement, but unfortunately, technology
• The vote: Yeah, three ayes, two absent. The motion prevails.

Keywords: 1184, house, all