Bills: HR19, HR20, HR21, HR22, HR23, HR24, HR25, HR26, HR27, HR28, HR29, HR30, HR31, HR32, HR33, HR34, HR35, HR36, HR37, HR38, HCR15, HCR16, HCR17, HCR18, HB115, HB208, HB465, HB832, HB964, HB965, HB966, HB967, HB968, HB969, HB970, HB971, HB972, HB973, HB974, HB975, HR14, HR15, HR16, HR17, HR18, HCR14, SCR4, SCR7, SCR8, HB362, HB963, HB207, HB300, HB331, HB428, HB464, HB587, HB618, HB629, HB801, HB853, HB891, HB78, HB112, HB148, HB149, HB190, HB221, HB346, HB354, HB355, HB356, HB358, HB384, HB427, HB657, HB675, HB716, HB901

Keywords: HR19, House Resolution 19, Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association Day, LNLA, nursery industry, landscape industry, horticulture, green industry, environmental stewardship, beautification, sustainability, state capitol, special day resolution, commemoration, trade association, wholesale growers, landscape architects, grounds maintenance, interiorscapers, Louisiana agriculture

Bills: HB145, HB164, HR1, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB306, SB29, SB37, HB99, HB206, HB213, HB270, SB104, SB193, HB38, HB254, HB256, SB58, SB64, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM39, HM29, HM43, HM59, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB253

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, lobbying, transparency, public records, government oversight, accountability, House Resolution 1, HR1, House investigatory subcommittee, special committee, legislative investigation, subpoena power, public corruption, criminal activity, Zorro ranch, Santa Fe County

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:39:13.880> and infringes upon local control and infringes upon local control and interferes
• That would at least provide some local control, right?
• It would provide a little bit of local control, yes. Thank you. >> Okay, thank you very much.
• That would at least provide some local control, right?
• and ingress and and and control of that. and ingress and and and control of that.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's go ahead and move on to the next bill, which is SP2250, relating to the promotion of controlled
• It amends the offense of promoting a controlled substance on or near schools, school vehicles, public
• <00:10:15.920> Um, promotion of controlled substances.
• Um, promotion of controlled substances.
• This repeals the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2246, which would expand public financial disclosure requirements. The State Ethics Commission strongly supported the bill, saying broader disclosure could help restore public trust and potentially deter corruption, and it offered a clarifying amendment to make clear the requirement applies to board and commission members rather than all employees of listed agencies. Several organizations and individuals also testified in support. A committee member asked about the amendment, and the commission explained it was intended as a clarification rather than a substantive change. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2250, which would add homeless facilities to the locations covered by the drug-free-zone offense for promoting controlled substances. The Public Defender opposed the measure, arguing that many homeless facilities are unmarked and not easily identifiable, creating notice, fairness, and due process concerns and risking arbitrary enforcement. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying it targets distributors rather than users, that notice can be proven through evidence, and that the law is aimed at protecting vulnerable people in shelters and similar facilities. In questioning, senators asked how homeless facilities would be identified and whether the bill would cover all shelter models; the prosecutor said the definition is cross-referenced in statute and must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii and other groups testified in opposition, while several service and advocacy groups testified in support. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2325, which would allow courts to review and potentially reduce sentences for certain juvenile offenders after 15 years if the person is not a danger to the community. Judiciary staff said the court supports the bill’s intent but noted Hawaii’s indeterminate sentencing structure leaves no alternative sentence for a court to reduce to, suggesting the measure may need structural sentencing changes or could instead be directed to the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Public defender representatives and youth-justice advocates supported the bill, emphasizing rehabilitation, adolescent brain development, trauma, and the need for a meaningful opportunity for release. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The phrase 'under the influence of a controlled substance' is undefined and extremely broad, and 'controlled
• substance is under undefined controlled substance is under undefined and<00:51:26.720> extremely<
• I think moving that to the counties would make a lot of sense and give people a lot more control.
• and give people a lot more control. and give people a lot more control.
• ability to restrict possession, control ability to restrict possession, control and<01:40:49.199

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 433, which would restrict the carrying of “bladed weapons” and related items. The Office of the Public Defender, Honolulu Police Department, the Hawaii Firearms Coalition, Knife Rights, and many individual testifiers opposed the bill, arguing it is overbroad, vague, and likely unconstitutional. Common concerns were that the term “bladed weapon” could sweep in ordinary tools such as pocketknives, Leathermans, multi-tools, fishing and camping gear, and items used by farmers, ranchers, hunters, divers, and martial arts practitioners. Several speakers also warned that the bill could burden lawful self-defense and create an affirmative-defense scheme that shifts costs and proof burdens onto defendants. Supporters and opponents alike focused on the need for a clearer definition, with HPD saying a narrower definition would help distinguish ordinary tools from dangerous weapons used in assaults. Opponents repeatedly urged the committee to defer or kill the measure, citing pending and related court cases and the risk of new constitutional challenges. Some testifiers tied the bill to Native Hawaiian gathering rights and subsistence practices, saying it would interfere with hunting, fishing, and food gathering, while others argued it would do little to deter criminals and instead penalize law-abiding residents and visitors. After finishing testimony on SB 433, the committee moved on to Senate Bill 2575 relating to firearms. The transcript shows the start of that item with the Office of the Public Defender and other agencies being called, but no substantive testimony or action on SB 2575 is included before the excerpt ends. No votes or final committee actions are reflected in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, if we think we got this under control, we can do a better job."
• Um I don't think that's the control.
• , if we think we got this under control, if we think we got this under control, we<00:04:08.640><
• > for controlled by superintendent for controlled by superintendent for bullying<01:25:24.000>
• <03:19:53.840> and process under pretty decent control and process under pretty decent control

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lucie River Water Control District, St. Lucie County.
• Lucie River Water Control District, St. Lucie County.
• Lucie River Water Control District, St. Lucie County. Senator Girl.
• They don't understand what it's like to have a disease that controls your thinking, that gives you an
• person in 560 and the way in which control person is used for control of money services business in

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness, and a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Senators also paid tribute to former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron with a moment of silence. The chamber then moved to special-order bills after routine announcements that no committee reports, governor’s messages, or House messages were on the desk. The first major bill, SB 138/HB 687 on transportation offenses involving death, increased penalties for repeat DUI/BUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide offenses and added warnings and misdemeanor penalties for refusing lawful breath or urine tests. After a brief amendment and questions about attorney rights and prior impairing-substance language, the bill passed 37-0. SB 306 on Medicaid providers followed, requiring broader provider access, including after-hours availability and more primary care access for Medicaid enrollees; it also passed 37-0. The chamber then took up the major condominium reform bill, SB 1742/HB 913, addressing post-Surfside safety, reserve funding, milestone inspections, budgeting, reserve flexibility, manager regulation, conflicts of interest, and condo sale rescission periods. Senators from both parties praised the sponsors for extensive stakeholder work and the bill passed 37-0 after multiple amendments. The final major item was SB 7016/HB 1205 on constitutional amendments and petition-gathering rules, with sponsors arguing the bill was needed to combat fraud in the 2024 petition process and opponents warning it would burden citizen initiatives. The Senate adopted the House bill and then considered numerous amendments on petition circulator rules, submission deadlines, invalid-signature thresholds, voter notification, and related enforcement provisions; several amendments were adopted, and the substitute was later withdrawn, leaving the chamber to continue on the underlying bill and remaining amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am an accountant, an auditor, a controller, a VP of Finance.
• a VP of Finance own two controller a VP of Finance own two businesses<00:22:07.640> photography
• So for people who were smaller, they could zero out their business profits tax if they could control
• So for people who were smaller, they could zero out their business profits tax if they could control
• So for people who were smaller, they could zero out their business profits tax if they could control

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an introductory Ways and Means Committee orientation led by Chair John Janigian. Members went around the room introducing themselves, with several returning legislators and several freshmen describing their backgrounds in business, education, public service, finance, transportation, journalism, military service, and nonprofit work. Janigian explained his own legislative history and professional background, and other members, including Bill Bolton, Fred Doucette, Mary Ford, Jim Tierney, Scott Brier, Thomas Oppel, Mary Murphy, Representative Spar, Susan Elberger, Dennis Malloy, Jordan Ulery, and Julius Soti, briefly described their prior experience and reasons for serving on the committee. The chair then outlined the committee’s role. He said Ways and Means is responsible for revenue estimates that Finance will use to determine how much the state can spend over the next biennium, and that the committee would spend the next five to six weeks developing its best revenue estimate, due around February 15. He also explained that the committee hears from state agencies and departments about how taxes are created, collected, and performing against expectations, and that it reviews bills affecting state revenue, including tax increases, tax decreases, tax removals, and fee-related measures. Janigian noted that the committee had five bills at the time of the meeting and expected more to be referred. He explained that most would be first-committee bills, though some second-committee bills could come over if they involved taxes or fees after passing policy committees. He used marijuana-related legislation as an example of a bill that might first go to another committee and later reach Ways and Means if it had fiscal implications. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational, and members were told how to participate in hearings and follow-up questions during regular committee work.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the control of medical providers. and the control of medical providers.
• <01:32:41.960> the structured, from controlling the structured, from controlling the practice
• It focuses on preventing corporations from influencing or controlling how medical care is delivered.
• If a family office led by non-clinicians has that level of control, it may fall within the scope.
• , it may fall has that level of control, it may fall fall<01:33:21.440> within<01:33:21.760>

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional reflection on Nowruz, the Persian New Year, emphasizing renewal, spring, and the challenges facing Iranian families amid conflict. The speaker connected the holiday’s themes of hope and responsibility to Vermont and democracy, then the chamber moved to routine business, including first readings and referrals of five House bills: H.945 on hemp products, H.946 on utility advertising and costs in rental agreements, H.947 on a residential universal design building code, H.948 on membership of the Retired Employees Committee on Insurance, and H.949 on homestead and non-homestead property tax yields and technical education finance changes. Three Senate bills were also read and referred: S.189 on hospital service reductions, S.203 on penalties for repeat DUI offenses, and S.313 on transforming Vermont’s career technical education system. The House also recognized several guests and announcements, including family members of members, airport employees, a UVM student intern, and visitors from Brazil. A House concurrent resolution, HCR 168, was read and congratulated Girl Scout Troop 60336 of Milton on earning the Bronze Award for a community garden project that improved accessibility through rain barrels and raised beds. The resolution highlighted the troop’s leadership and the role of its co-leaders, and the chamber applauded the guests in attendance. The main floor action centered on House Bill 642, relating to youthful offender proceedings, where Representative Booton of Barre City offered an amendment to stop the scheduled expansion of Raise the Age to 20-year-olds. Supporters argued the change would preserve current treatment of 18-year-olds while preventing an automatic expansion they said could strain the system and raise public safety concerns; opponents, including the Judiciary Committee, urged waiting for required Department for Children and Families reports due in 2026 before making changes. After debate, a roll call vote was taken on the amendment, with members calling the roll as the vote proceeded.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was taught early on that good control of my blood sugar would have a positive impact on my life and
• ,<00:43:55.760> I<00:43:55.840> have order to strive for this control, I have order
• to poor control and inadequate care. to poor control and inadequate care.
• If I cannot achieve good control,<00:45:06.280> I<00:45:06.360> can't<00:45:06.640>
• function<00:45:07.040> fully,<00:45:07.920> and<00:45:08.080> I'm control, I

Bills: HF1606, HF3733, HF743, HF2627, HF4071

Keywords: nudification technology, image rights, privacy protection, sexual exploitation, cybersecurity, recreational camping, utility fees, electricity charges, consumer protection, energy policy, health insurance, insulin, step therapy, diabetes, patient care, prescription drugs, pet shops, animal welfare, dog sales, cat sales

Transcript Highlights:

• Meanwhile, the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for impulse control, does not fully develop until
• when young people mention controls when young people mention concerning<00:45:22.160> behaviors
• Um, I'm not quite sure how—I think somebody else is controlling the slides, or do I need to share my
• the slides or do I need to controlling the slides or do I need to share<00:46:56.600> my<00:46
• or have more confidence of the control or have more confidence of the sort<00:53:57.040> of<00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If<01:03:23.760> a<01:03:24.000> town<01:03:25.359> doesn't versus local control
• If a town doesn't versus local control.
• our liquor statutes to have that paragraph added because we've always intended that we have local control
• when it comes to we have local control when it comes to liquor liquor liquor because<01:42:45.360>
• and occupancy interest and controlling and occupancy interest and real<02:10:54.719> property

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up a liquor-related amendment correcting an earlier drafting error that had accidentally removed enhanced penalties for death-related over-service from the statute. Members explained that the language had already been enacted briefly before being deleted by mistake, and the amendment simply restored the prior penalty provisions. The committee voted unanimously in favor. A second liquor amendment followed, concerning VFW and similar veterans’ clubs. The revised language would allow a veteran or member to sign in a limited number of under-21 guests, with testimony emphasizing that this was meant for small events and would mirror existing restaurant rules requiring a parent, legal guardian, or adult spouse. There was extended debate about whether private clubs were sufficiently public, whether towns could tighten liquor rules locally, and whether enforcement would be effective. Liquor enforcement testified that municipalities must approve licenses, only four minors could be signed in at once under a member’s signature, age-restriction signage remains required, and clubs often report violations themselves to protect their licenses. The amendment was ultimately approved unanimously, and the subcommittee then moved into executive session. In executive session, HB 186, relating to cannabis legalization, regulation, and appropriations, was recommended ought to pass on a 10-7 vote, with a minority report noted. HB 241, relating to treatment alternatives to opioids, was then supported with amendment 2990 and recommended ought to pass as amended; the bill was described as expanding access to non-opioid, non-surgical, and non-medication pain treatments, while the amendment clarified Insurance Department procedures and educational materials. That bill was placed on the consent calendar unanimously. HB 297, concerning access by self-funded employer health plans to claims data, was also recommended ought to pass with amendment 2987 and then ought to pass as amended unanimously; supporters said it would let employers opt in to deidentified claims data, improve transparency, and preserve privacy. It too was placed on the consent calendar unanimously. The committee then considered HB 312, dealing with student-athlete name, image, and likeness compensation, and voted to send it to interim study. Members said the issue remained too uncertain because of ongoing federal and NCAA developments, and that interim study would keep the committee’s options open without killing the bill. The motion was supported as a way to continue monitoring the issue for future action.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so maybe with some creative approaches we can find ways to increase marine control and unlock those
• And so maybe with some creative approaches we can find ways to increase marine control and unlock those
• I guess that is something that the public body can control in accordance with 91A.
• <01:23:37.360> in<01:23:37.679> accordance public body um can control in accordance
• public body um can control in accordance with<01:23:38.320> 91A.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for the Minnesota pollution control for the Minnesota pollution control agency<00:20:00.440>
• What are the protections that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has?
• What are the protections that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has?
• What are the protections that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has?
• It is under the control of the Army Corps of Engineers and not under their control until the permit is

Bills: HF276, HF413, HF411

Keywords: human services, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, long-term services and supports, LTSS, public assistance, application process, eligibility determination, customer service survey, wait times, form complexity, lead agencies, Department of Human Services, Department of Children Youth and Families, streamlining, administrative reform, case management, reassessment, intake system, adaptive eligibility form

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:53:14.560> and constitutionally there are controls and constitutionally there are controls
• <01:53:23.280> to the governor's veto and controlled to the governor's veto and controlled
• is there for for for an out of control is there for for for an out of control Supreme<01:57:18.639
• <02:18:28.880> And insulated from political control.
• And insulated from political control.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do not have control over the costs of taxes, and credit card companies should not be able to gouge
• We do not have control over the costs of taxes and credit card companies should not be able to gouge
• Visa and Mastercard control over 80% of the market.
• They're controlled by the Federal Reserve, so you're depending... ...much, much lower.
• They're controlled by the Federal Reserve, so you're depending on the size of the bank who issued the

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held an informational hearing focused on the conditions facing small and micro businesses in Massachusetts and the state programs intended to support them. Chairs Andy Vargas and Adam Gomez opened by emphasizing equitable economic development, the importance of CDFIs, and the need to help underserved entrepreneurs, especially women, minorities, veterans, immigrants, and other groups facing barriers. Committee members noted the hearing would not take up bills, and testimony was limited to 10 minutes per organization. State and quasi-public agency witnesses described current programs and funding. Dico Gibral of the Executive Office of Economic Development highlighted the Business Front Door, multilingual access, small business office hours in Gateway Cities, and funding in the Mass Leads Act, including support for CDFIs, small business technology, and capital grants. Tom Hooper of Commonwealth Corporation described workforce training programs such as the Workforce Training Fund, Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, and Career Technical Initiative, saying they help small businesses train workers, fill labor shortages, and support returning citizens and people with disabilities. Committee members asked about federal funding uncertainty, workforce migration, training schedules, and program uptake. Business and advocacy groups focused on cost pressures and regulatory burdens. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association urged continuation of outdoor dining and takeout alcohol sales, and pressed for relief from high credit card swipe fees, support for surcharging, and streamlining municipal licensing. The Retailers Association of Massachusetts cited survey results showing inflation, utility costs, payroll taxes, health insurance, and interchange fees as major concerns, and said many members might sell or close within five years; it also backed ending the state prohibition on surcharging and creating an Office of Main Streets Massachusetts. MACDC, BECKMA, and the Coalition for an Equitable Economy emphasized the need for more technical assistance, CDFI and small business funding, and protections against rising costs, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and immigration enforcement impacts on immigrant-heavy business districts. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• project delivery standpoint, this allows us to keep projects moving while maintaining appropriate controls
• In fact, I'm concerned about whether having these policies locally controlled can dissuade other people
• AB 1768 is grounded in local control.
• AB 1768 is grounded in local control.
• To me, that's the definition of local control. And I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Summary: The committee heard eight bills, mostly on local government, housing, and public agency contracting. AB 1658 would make permanent higher change-order authority for Santa Clara and Los Angeles counties on large construction projects; supporters said it would reduce delays and save money on major projects, and the bill passed 6-0. AB 2263 would authorize the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority to develop employee-preference affordable housing; supporters said it would help with workforce retention and long commutes, and it also passed 6-0. AB 2134 would require city councils to allow parental leave without forcing members to seek public approval or risk losing their seats; supporters described the bill as necessary to protect new parents in local office, and it passed 6-0. AB 2188 would raise Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District’s contracting authority to $250,000, with supporters citing administrative savings and faster project delivery; after committee amendments, it passed 6-0. AB 2033 would let general law cities use job order contracting for repair and maintenance work, with safeguards against employee displacement; supporters called it an efficiency tool, while AFSCME opposed it over workforce impacts, and it passed 8-0 after amendments. AB 1768 would authorize Los Angeles County and Contra Costa County to ask voters to approve a temporary transactions and use tax to help offset major federal health care cuts and preserve clinics and public health services. Supporters from community clinics, Planned Parenthood, labor groups, counties, and health organizations said the measure would let voters decide how to respond to funding losses; opponents, including CalTax and some cities, raised affordability and tax-burden concerns. Members also discussed equity concerns within Los Angeles County and the importance of local control. The bill was moved out on a 5-2 vote and left on call. AB 2415 would allow the city of Folsom to shift housing obligations away from its historic district and toward other transit-oriented sites; supporters said it would preserve the historic district while still meeting housing goals, and it passed 10-0. AB 2741, heard at the end of the meeting, would give cities a grace period to fix housing elements that were certified by HCD but later found noncompliant by a court, especially where cities relied on overlay zones. Supporters from the League of California Cities, Redondo Beach, and real estate groups said cities acted in good faith and should not be immediately subjected to builder’s remedy; opponents from California YIMBY and legal aid groups argued the bill would weaken housing accountability and reward noncompliance. The transcript ends during testimony on AB 2741, before a final vote is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• project delivery standpoint, this allows us to keep projects moving while maintaining appropriate controls
• AB 1768 is grounded in local control.
• AB 1768 is grounded in local control.
• To me, that's the definition of local control, and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
• And I love local control, but I also know that not every city is, there are some cities that are using

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Everybody's just—it was just out of control. Everybody's just—it was just out of control.
• timeline goes beyond 10% of the initial allocation, that becomes the SPR, and that's where all the control
• Also, there is a department delegation authority, which is controlled by the California Department of
• It's imperative that we get the cost growth under control. The SIBTF budget proposal.
• It's imperative that we get the cost growth under control, and I'd like to align my comments with my

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the committee co-chair, uh, and again, I know when Co-Chair Pinto will be here, we are to maintain control
• <00:04:17.440> of<00:04:17.600> these<00:04:17.759> proceedings maintain control
• of these proceedings maintain control of these proceedings and<00:04:18.479> establish<00:04:
• decision that they don't have the ability to stay open due to a lot of outside reasons that we can't control
• decision that they don't have the ability to stay open due to a lot of outside reasons that we can't control

Bills: HF3393

Keywords: unemployment insurance, iron ore mining, additional benefits, labor force, economic support, 1183, house