Transcript Highlights:

• I cycled through urgent care, primary care, gynecology, gastroenterology, and otolaryngology.
• What we hear is that so many don't get awareness from their OB-GYN or from their primary care about how
• So my cholesterol spikes up and down, and that's what my primary care is telling me: it's my menopause
• My primary care doctor was part of the women's health practice.
• Luke Chapburn, the surgeon who would go on to save my life, had an opening.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures and time limits, then heard testimony on House 2499, a bill to create a public awareness campaign on menopause and related midlife health issues. Supporters, including a nurse, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, and other advocates, said menopause is widely misunderstood by patients and providers, leading to delayed care, unnecessary suffering, workplace impacts, and inequities in women’s health. Several speakers shared personal experiences with symptoms being dismissed or misdiagnosed and urged the committee to advance the bill. The committee then took testimony on a package of endometriosis bills, including House 2527 and Senate 1564, calling for a task force and broader awareness efforts. Patients, a physician, and advocates described long diagnostic delays, severe pain, infertility, medical gaslighting, and limited access to specialists and effective treatment. They argued for more research, provider education, and a coordinated state strategy, and several asked for favorable reports. The chair also noted the hearing was running behind and extended time to allow more testimony. Later, the committee heard Senate 1579, which would eliminate parental consent and judicial bypass requirements for abortion access for minors under 16. Planned Parenthood representatives, physicians, legal advocates, and students argued the current law creates unnecessary delays and harms vulnerable youth, especially those in unsafe homes or foster care, while supporters said minors can already consent to other reproductive health care. A pro-life witness opposed the bill and emphasized parental involvement and support services. The committee also heard House 2403 and Senate 1560, which would create a Human Service Transportation Consumer Advisory Board; disability advocates and riders described past safety problems and current service gaps, and supported the board as a low-cost way to improve accountability, rider input, and reliability. No votes or final actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the first scenario is what actually happened, where the primary beneficiary of the sales tax exemption
• So the first scenario is what actually happened, where the primary beneficiary of the sales tax exemption
• So to open a public bank, it requires a local agency to obtain DFPI authorization.
• Their primary goal is for that long-term rate of return because they’re able to go into equities.
• Our primary fiduciary duties are safety, liquidity, and return, in that order.

Bills: SB5754

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: public bank, state bank, finance, banking regulations, economic development, state investment, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• study the possibility of a highway patrol and speed cameras along major freeways and highways in primary
• ><00:17:24.640><c> and</c><00:17:24.880><c> highways</c><00:17:25.360><c> in</c><00:17:25.760><c> primary
• </c> major freeways and highways in primary major freeways and highways in primary areas<00:17:26.720
• communities, all of whom expressed similarly the need to include Oahu as part of this pilot program for open
• communities, all of whom expressed similarly the need to include Oahu as part of this pilot program for open

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation heard and later voted on several Senate resolutions related to transportation, safety, and infrastructure. Early testimony covered STR 23, on studying highway patrol and speed cameras in speeding hotspots, with support from the Department of Transportation and the Aahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and opposition from five individuals. STR 37 and STR 38 concerned Maui road planning for the Kihei area; the Kihei Community Association and DOT supported both, and the committee later advanced them with amendments to correct the county department with jurisdiction. STR 150 SD1, on a working group for subsidizing waterborne cargo transport, drew support from DOT, the Department of Agriculture, and industry groups, but the committee deferred it for further discussion. STR 153, about transferring jurisdiction over Ho‘i roads to Maui County, received support from the judiciary and was advanced with amendments. STR 180 SD1, on sharing safety and performance information about commercial tour operators, drew mixed testimony, including opposition from DOT and helicopter operators and support from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters; the committee advanced it with amendments narrowing the scope to helicopter and air tours. STR 181 SD1, proposing a working group to lower the blood alcohol limit to 0.05, was supported by DOT, the Governor’s office, public health and safety groups, and one individual opposed; it was advanced with amendments naming the DOT director or designee as chair and adding legislative committee chairs. STR 182, encouraging a Honolulu summer streets pilot program, was supported by the Department of Health, Oahu MPO, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, and after reconsideration the committee passed it unamended. STR 184, seeking increased enforcement against improperly registered out-of-state vehicles, had one supporter and was passed as is. STR 200 SD1, on continuing transportation management training programs, was supported by Oahu MPO and one individual and was passed as is. STR 231 SD1, directing DOT to use scanning equipment at airports and harbors to detect illegal fireworks, was supported by DOT and one individual and passed as is.

Transcript Highlights:

• They welcomed us with open arms. Everything we did, you know, we brought in the Army.
• After that, we have an open solicitation.
• The primary role of the Water Development Board is to bank and finance.
• Now, the National Weather Service has the primary response...
• floodgates and how many floodgates we are opening.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this opens a big door.
• This opens a huge issue.
• This opens a huge issue.
• This opens a huge issue.
• I did this in my opening statement. H.R. 1 killed the current MCO tax.

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Open and lead in these areas that we can.
• But I would say that's the primary challenge for that network. Thank you.
• And our doors stay open until 5 o'clock.
• And our doors stay open until 5 o'clock.
• So if you get in there at 4, And our doors stay open until 5 o'clock.

Summary: The committee held its second hearing on CalFresh enrollment and nutrition, focused on the effects of H.R. 1 on eligibility, administration, and food access in California. The Legislative Analyst’s Office and the Department of Social Services outlined major federal changes: expanded work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents, narrowed eligibility for certain lawfully present non-citizens, and new state and county cost-sharing for both administrative and benefit costs. Officials said about 665,000 Californians could lose benefits under the work requirement, roughly 72,000 non-citizens could lose eligibility, and California could face hundreds of millions to billions in new costs depending on error rates and implementation details. DSS described its mitigation efforts, including county guidance, trainings, automation, outreach materials, and coordination with workforce programs, while county representatives argued the workload is larger than current funding assumptions and that staffing and training needs are urgent. Members also heard from a CalFresh recipient, Lauren Keltz, who described how benefits helped her family during her daughter’s medical crisis and how a clerical error led to the loss of food, health, and cash assistance, contributing to homelessness and food insecurity. Her testimony was used to underscore the consequences of administrative errors and benefit disruptions. Grocery and agriculture representatives said CalFresh is not only an anti-hunger program but also a major economic driver, with benefits spent locally at grocery stores, farmers markets, and farm stands. They warned that cuts would reduce demand for fresh food, hurt independent grocers and small farmers, and increase reliance on food banks, while urging continued support for market match and farm-to-food-bank programs. In the second panel, advocates and local administrators emphasized the human and operational impacts of the federal changes. The California Immigrant Policy Center called for expanding the state-funded California Food Assistance Program to cover more immigrants excluded by H.R. 1. A San Francisco eligibility worker and a San Diego county administrator said the new rules will add substantial casework, require more client outreach and exemption screening, and strain already limited staffing. Justice in Aging stressed that CalFresh is a key anti-hunger tool for older adults and people with disabilities, especially as housing and health costs rise, and supported outreach funding for seniors. Throughout the hearing, members discussed the need for state funding, better automation, and stronger county and community partnerships to reduce disenrollment and protect access to food.

Transcript Highlights:

• The concern, of course, is that when those doors are opened, there will be liability incurred if someone
• So, I believe that the City of Boise opened the door to, when they decided to fly the pride flag, you
• open the door to, what's the word I'm trying to think of, you open the door to flying flags that aren't
• And in the City of Boise decided to open that door up. So what would be your response to that? Ms.
• I'm here in opposition to House Bill 561 and want to point out three primary points of concern at the

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 43 from the OSS bill amends the filing period for municipal elections without a primary.
• Section 43 from the OSS bill amends the filing period for municipal elections without a primary.
• </c><00:21:30.400><c> Section</c><00:21:30.799><c> 44</c> elections without a primary.
• Section 44 elections without a primary.
• </c><00:26:09.600><c> signature</c> must take when they're opening signature must take when they're opening

Committee: Senate Elections

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and I believe that we have a lot of the powers to enable us to do that kind of work because our primary
• , and I believe that we have a lot of the powers to enable us to do that kind of work because our primary
• The three primary categories—staff attorneys, investigators, and administrative staff—were increased
• </c><00:31:08.360><c> categories</c> increases the three primary categories increases the three primary
• all right we that our do are always open all right we certainly<00:37:00.319><c> appreciate</c><00:37

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:19 Auditor of Public Accounts 00:01:07 Office of Secretary of State 00:10:22 Kentucky State Treasury 00:17:51 Office of Attorney General 00:28:50, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government met for its first meeting and heard budget-related presentations from the Auditor of Public Accounts and the Secretary of State, with the Treasurer beginning a presentation at the end of the transcript. Auditor Allison Ball reviewed her office’s 2024 and early 2025 work, including hundreds of county and state audits, several special examinations, and ongoing reviews such as the kinship care funding issue, the Kentucky Department of Education audit, and the Jefferson County Public Schools audit. She said her office is focused on waste, fraud, abuse, and legal compliance, and asked the committee to consider future budget changes, including aligning her appropriation with restricted funding and restoring a stronger performance-audit function. She also highlighted audits that exposed serious problems, including the Department of Juvenile Justice review, and said those reports are intended to serve as models for other entities to avoid similar failures. Secretary of State Michael Adams said his office is self-sustaining through fees and does not need tax dollars, but asked for greater access to its own revenues and more flexibility in using them. He highlighted the Safe at Home address confidentiality program, saying recent changes expanded protections for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, and that the program has grown rapidly while remaining funded by offender fines. Adams also urged lawmakers to again adjust county election funding for inflation, noting the current per-voter and per-precinct amounts were set decades ago. In questioning, Representative Hart asked whether the Safe at Home program was self-funding; Adams replied that it covers only about 10% of its operating cost and said the best solution would be to let the office use more of the revenue it already collects rather than rely on tax dollars. Treasurer Martin Medcafe, introduced with staff member Russell Weber, praised the General Assembly’s fiscal discipline and described the Treasury’s work in managing state funds. He reported strong results from the Unclaimed Property Fund, saying the office returned $35.5 million to Kentuckians in its first year and $3.8 million in the first month of the current year, and said the State Investments Commission generated $682 million in returns last year. He also highlighted financial literacy efforts through the Kentucky Financial Empowerment Commission and said the Treasury is helping manage opioid settlement funds, which are now earning up to $200,000 per month through investment. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we will adhere to our committee rules on time limits: five minutes for the author's opening and
• And students can open accounts and balance accounts and all those sorts of things.
• Open that account. Yes.
• And if there's another route to do this, then I would be open to it.
• And as I indicated, I'm open to a sunset provision.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The House Education Committee met on March 18, 2026, with 11 members present and adopted prior meeting minutes without objection. The committee first heard HB 649 by Rep. Brass, which would create a statewide common application portal for dual enrollment. Supporters from the Pelican Institute and the Board of Regents said the bill would simplify enrollment, reduce paperwork for counselors and families, and improve awareness of dual enrollment options. Members asked about nonparticipation by institutions and access for nontraditional students; the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then took up HB 807 by Rep. Brass, which would establish the Workforce Instructor Capacity Investment Program within LCTCS to help recruit and retain instructors for high-demand workforce programs. Testimony from River Parishes Community College, Dow, and the Louisiana Chemical Association described instructor shortages as a bottleneck for training workers for major industrial projects, and said employer-sharing models and apprenticeships have been successful. An amendment expanded eligibility to include LSU Eunice and Southern University at Shreveport, and the committee adopted the amendments. After debate about whether the state needed a new fund versus using existing systems, the bill was reported favorably by a 13-1 roll call vote. Next, the committee heard HB 285 by Chairman Bacala, which authorizes school boards to cooperate with banks and credit unions to operate branches in high schools as part of financial literacy programs. Bacala said the bill clarifies statutory authority, and an amendment added banks to the original credit union language. Members discussed ethics, exclusivity, student access, and whether the branches could market products; supporters from LABI and financial industry groups said the programs improve hands-on financial education. The bill was reported with amendments without objection. The committee also considered HB 28 by Rep. Owen, which adds a BESE-level appeal for certain teacher certification applicants affected by administrative or contractor errors. Owen described a case in which applicants paid for certification programs but were denied because of a mentor-signature issue, and said the amendment would require BESE or its designee to act within 30 days. Department of Education staff said the Teacher Certification Appeals Council had already granted extensions rather than outright denials in the affected cases, but the committee advanced the bill after a 9-4 roll call vote. Finally, the committee began HB 268 by Rep. Carver, which would strengthen career exposure requirements for students by tying activities more closely to high-wage, high-demand jobs and adding an annual exposure requirement in K-5; testimony emphasized early workforce awareness, and discussion focused on keeping the requirements manageable for schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, open for questions. Any questions? Thank you. Sorry, Madam Chair. Mr.
• So why did you decide to leave this entirely open to interpretation?
• We are in opposition to this bill due to three primary concerns.
• We are in opposition to this bill due to three primary concerns.
• You get a ballot one way or another; you just wouldn't be in the primary.

Bills: HB2109 , HB2168 , HB2198 , HB2226 , HB2415 , HB2440 , HB2665 , HB2805 , HB2811 , HB2825 , HB2857 , HB2874 , HB2966 , HB4067 , HB4117 , HCR2001 , HCR2016 , HCR2051

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Elections

Keywords: distracted driving, portable wireless communication devices, motorcycles, traffic safety, civil penalties, public nuisance, nuisance abatement, abatement action, injunction, superior court, attorney general, county attorney, city attorney, board of supervisors, obscenity, obscene materials, adult materials, pornography, schools, parks

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to make some opening remarks. Certainly. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• I will do my best to keep it as open and transparent as possible.
• With your help, I'd like to go ahead and open this up for the witnesses.
• This should be the primary objective of any redistricting effort.
• And that means for you tighter... that means riskier primaries.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• How do we get around what is eyes wide open on its face with case law?
• I was able to open it up enough.
• We have open enrollment. We have open enrollment. What kind of message?
• In 2018, in the midst of the primary.
• But this body knows I will never walk eyes wide open into...

Bills: SJR36 , SR8 , SR14 , SR15 , SR17 , HCR54

Keywords: accountants, Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, advocacy, legislation, business issues, memorial, law enforcement, sacrifice, tribute, community support, service, community, Holocaust, remembrance, antisemitism, human rights, education, Holocaust Remembrance Day, memorialization, sexual assault

Transcript Highlights:

• As the Chairman, my door is open to every member of this committee.
• I now recognize Ranking Member Klobuchar for her opening statement. Thank you very much.
• I want to thank you and the Ranking Member for your opening statements, both of you.
• So I know you're open to us having that conversation. I will look forward to that.
• Forest Service timber sales as the primary factor. primary factor.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll just open the laptop and ask the questions that are listed.
• The shared colors, for instance, with White Mountains primary location in Berlin, an academic center
• in Littleton; River Valley primary location in Claremont, but instructional locations in both Lebanon
• I will note also that Great Bay, which has primary location at Pease and an instructional location at
• </c> in Littleton uh River Valley Primary in Littleton uh River Valley Primary location<01:57:41.800>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was the first session of a newly created House Education Funding Committee, which also handles career technical education and higher education legislation. The chair explained that the committee was split off from the larger education committee because of the high volume of bills in the prior biennium, and said its focus would be on education funding policy and related fiscal issues. He noted that the committee had already reviewed major topics with the Department of Education, including the foundation formula, building aid, career technical education, special education aid, catastrophic aid, and higher education funding, and that chancellors from the university and community college systems were scheduled to appear later that morning. The bulk of the meeting was an orientation on committee procedures and decorum. The chair reviewed attendance and replacement rules, hearing procedures, time limits for testimony, and how the committee would handle crowded hearings, early bills, and fiscal notes. He emphasized that hearings are not debates, that sponsors and co-sponsors may present but should not use their position to dominate questioning, and that the chair controls whether additional technical questions are asked of witnesses. He also stressed neutrality, saying members should not display buttons or placards or engage in running debates with testifiers, and that the committee should treat all testimony respectfully regardless of party or viewpoint. Additional housekeeping guidance covered security procedures, use of cell phones and computers during hearings, breaks and hydration in the dry hearing rooms, and courtesy toward the clerk and other staff. The chair also asked members to notify leadership in advance of absences and explained that some bills may require larger rooms or overflow arrangements. No votes were taken and no bills were acted on during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• You said earlier in your opening statement that if we adopted this amendment, it would open us up to
• </c><03:41:51.319><c> the</c> default it could potentially open the default it could potentially open
• care services to families who are using that as their primary care service.
• to families who are using that as their primary care service.
• I have it open on my phone right now.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 763, an early bill concerning AED access at athletic events and venues. Representative Morris offered amendment 0743H to clarify the bill by removing charter schools from the language and tying AED placement to American Heart Association guidance, emphasizing that AEDs should be readily accessible within a reasonable walking distance rather than mandated on every field. The amendment and then the bill as amended both passed 17-0, and the bill was reported out as Ought to Pass with Amendment. The committee then considered House Bill 781, requiring school districts to adopt cell phone-free education policies, and a related bill, House Bill 131. HB 781 was amended to include charter public school boards, cover other personal electronic communication devices, require at minimum restrictions on student personal cell phones during class instruction, allow superintendent-approved exceptions for medical or language needs, protect students with medical needs or disabilities under Section 504, and set an effective date of July 1, 2025. Some members argued the amendment was too prescriptive and limited local control, while supporters said it still left districts flexibility outside classroom instruction. The amendment passed 16-1, and the bill then passed Ought to Pass as Amended 16-1. HB 131, described as a mirror bill, was then retained by a 17-0 vote. House Bill 398, a title bill requiring Holocaust and genocide studies to include impacts on people with disabilities, was moved to ITL after Representative Selig reported the genocide commission believed the topic was already being covered. That motion passed 17-0. The committee also agreed to hold several bills for later consideration, including HB 754, HB 1221, HB 360, and HB 699, citing the need for more review or missing copies. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 361, prohibiting mandatory mask policies in schools. Supporters argued the bill would preserve individual choice while preventing statewide or districtwide mandates in future public health emergencies, and cited a Department of Health and Human Services letter saying masks remain effective but decisions should be based on individual choice and risk assessment. Opponents emphasized local control and the need for districts to respond to different public health conditions. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 361 was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Each bill is entitled to a primary witness in support and a primary witness in opposition.
• And that vote is—I think we have the, we're going to hold the roll open for open members.
• And that vote is, I think we have the, we're going to hold the roll open for open members.
• Thank you and I'm open for any questions. thank you and I'm open for any questions thank you for your
• We will keep the roll open for one absent member. We'll keep the roll open, but thank you, Senator.

Summary: The Committee on Emergency Management heard several bills related to public safety, wildfire preparedness, and fireworks regulation. SB 1299, by Senator Arreguín, would place in statute a certification and training framework for fire sprinkler fitters and apprentices after a court decision disrupted prior State Fire Marshal regulations. Supporters said the bill would protect life safety by ensuring qualified installation and maintenance of fire suppression systems, while opponents raised concerns about added costs, housing affordability, and labor-related effects. The committee passed the bill as amended to the Committee on Labor and Employment on a roll call vote, with DeMaio and Hadwick voting no. SB 1153, by Senator Caballero, would require urban retail water suppliers to incorporate wildfire-specific procedures into emergency plans and clarify that water systems are not designed to serve as wildfire defense systems. Supporters from water agencies and fire organizations said the bill would improve coordination, planning, and ratepayer protection while acknowledging infrastructure limits. Members discussed transparency, backup generators, and whether the bill should require more public disclosure; the author said he would continue working on possible amendments. The committee passed the bill as amended to the Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. SB 828, by Senator Cabaldon, responds to the Esparto fireworks warehouse explosion by requiring fireworks licensees to disclose storage locations, verify local permits, and meet other compliance conditions. The author said the bill was developed with the State Fire Marshal and local public safety partners to close information gaps and improve enforcement. An opposition witness argued the permit-verification requirements could not be met in all jurisdictions, especially for hobby rocketry and small-scale uses, prompting discussion about clarifying different rocket categories and administrative implementation. The committee passed SB 828 as amended to the Committee on Local Government, and the meeting then adjourned after all bills were reported out.

Transcript Highlights:

• The primary barrier is awareness, given that 62% of Americans don't even know that the lung cancer screening
• Really appreciate that, as well as the author's willingness and openness to engage. ...the reduction
• Our trauma center and primary acute care hospitals in the city of Oakland, which I live in, Highland
• In my district, a smoke shop once proposed opening directly in front of Tahoe Elementary, but through
• Okay, so we will now open the roll for the final time.

Committee: Senate Health

Summary: The committee heard several health-related bills, beginning with SB 1124 on lung cancer screening awareness. The author and supporters said the bill would require CDPH signage about lung cancer screening eligibility at tobacco point-of-sale locations to address low awareness and low screening rates. Support came from medical students, physicians, and the California Academy of Family Physicians, while retailers raised concerns about sign size, retailer notification, and implementation. Committee members generally supported the bill and noted the need to work through those concerns. SB 1150 sought to require clearer patient notice when cancer cases are reported to the California Cancer Registry. The author described the bill as a response to inconsistent notification practices and privacy concerns, and the chair and other members shared personal stories about learning they or family members were in the registry without knowing it. Cancer registry and university stakeholders expressed appreciation for amendments but continued to have concerns or wanted more time to review the language. The bill was discussed as a patient-awareness measure rather than a change to reporting requirements. The committee also heard SB 1400 on Alameda Health System governance, SB 1094 on biosimilar substitution and health plan policies, SB 1314 on smoke shop regulation and nitrous oxide restrictions, and SB 1309 on eliminating cost-sharing for medically necessary follow-up after lung cancer screening. SB 1400 and SB 1314 drew support from local officials, labor, and public health advocates, with members emphasizing youth protection and local oversight. SB 1094 passed after extensive debate over pharmacist substitution authority and notification requirements, with a 6-0 vote and opposition from biotechnology and physician groups. SB 1309 also passed after members discussed the cost of follow-up care and the value of early detection, despite opposition from health plans over premium impacts; it received a 7-0 vote and was placed on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Opening of the Senate to offer that prayer, and it is an honor to be back today, so thank you.
• Senator, that's completely on what happens during the negotiations, but it is a very open part that can
• be negotiated. is a very open part that can be negotiated.
• Senator, it still has to meet the criteria of the Open Meetings Act and also with the approval and the
• These grants are available to municipal, county, or tribal entities or nonprofits whose primary purpose

Transcript Highlights:

• The door is open. We just need to open it wide. We need to make better drugs.
• So primary care is the first kind of thing to hold up and to screen for these things.
• When you were talking about the waiver portion Open up the bill. Yes, ma'am.
• We're open to it.
• If you've got ideas, we're open. We're open to it. Members any other question?

Bills: HB5 , HJR3 , HB155 , HB513 , HB5 , HB155

Committee: House Public Health

Keywords: dementia, research, health care, Texas Institute, grants, medical breakthroughs, oversight, prevention, funding, healthcare, Texas, autopsy, confidentiality, public records, medical examiner, law enforcement, HB 513, surgical smoke, surgical plume, smoke evacuation