Transcript Highlights:

• c> assess that risk, but assess that risk, but I<00:58:24.840><c> I</c> I I I I there<00:58:25.600><c
• </c> denied access to the state assessment. denied access to the state assessment.
• .<02:01:07.440><c> Assessments</c><02:01:08.360><c> are</c><02:01:08.760><c> the</c> assessments.
• Assessments are the assessments.
• </c> people to the best practices. people to the best practices.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If they said we can no longer assess this penalty on people, is that what you're saying?
• If they said we can no longer assess this penalty on people, is that what you're saying?
• That's part of the assessment that we're doing. Okay. Thank you. We're going to...
• Did we see any penalties accrued from that, or any assessed penalties?
• This practically eliminates the budget's planned savings.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not sure what their practices are. If I got it, I'm sorry.
• I'm not sure what their practices are. If I got it, I'm sorry.
• Is that a normal practice for schools to do in this sort of thing?
• With our risk assessment, we do internal audits.
• So with our risk assessment, we do with internal audit. It's a full risk assessment.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Through the assessment model, we have built a world-class research program.
• Our industry will support an assessment, a self-assessment, as long as it's by and for the industry.
• Fifth, six-year terms are recommended for the assessment.
• Fifth, six-year terms are recommended for the assessment.
• Do you agree with that assessment? Totally agree.

Summary: The Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee held public hearings on three bills and then a work session on tourism. House Bill 2365, concerning digital equity programs, would shift more responsibility to the Broadband Office, rename the Digital Equity Opportunity Program as the Digital Opportunity Program, expand the forum’s role, and require more reporting and outreach on broadband adoption and affordability. The prime sponsor and several advocates from community organizations, PTA, and digital navigation groups supported the bill, emphasizing the need for digital skills, cybersecurity, affordability, and trusted community partners. Commerce testified that the bill has technical and fiscal concerns and would add costs, and the sponsor said amendments were likely to reduce the fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2365 was then closed. House Bill 2446 would direct the Department of Commerce to develop a state quantum strategy by June 30, using non-state funding if possible, to identify growth areas, partnerships, and workforce and economic impacts for the quantum industry. The prime sponsor, industry representatives, and technology organizations supported the bill as a way to keep Washington competitive with other states and build a quantum ecosystem. Committee members raised questions about fiscal impact, private funding, regulatory capture, and cybersecurity risks, including concerns about quantum’s effect on passwords and AI-related harms. A Microsoft representative requested a technical amendment to broaden the definition from quantum computing to quantum technology and said the company would follow up on funding and AI-regulation questions. The hearing on HB 2446 was closed. House Bill 2357 would create a Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol within the Military Department, allowing the governor to activate it for cadet training, communications, disaster relief, cybersecurity, search and rescue, and related missions. The sponsor, the adjutant general, the Civil Air Patrol commander, and a veterans coalition representative all supported the bill, citing recent flood response work, emergency preparedness, and youth training benefits. Testimony emphasized that the proposal would clarify coordination, not change federal authorities, and would not create a fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2357 was closed without any amendment requests. In the work session on tourism, State of Washington Tourism and industry partners presented recommendations from an advisory group calling for a more sustainable, industry-led funding model, likely through an assessment or visitor-fee structure. They argued Washington is underfunded compared with western peers and estimated that a competitive program could generate $14.6 billion in additional visitor spending over the next decade, along with significant tax revenue and lodging tax growth. Speakers from tourism, the wine commission, hospitality, and advisory group leadership stressed predictable funding, industry governance, and statewide benefits, while committee members discussed international tourism, regional access, and the need to avoid further decline in the sector. The meeting adjourned early after the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• But now this is being assessed back to 2019. Can you talk to me a little bit about that?
• However, with the statute of limitations of the current year plus four years, practically what that means
• This is a new insurance tax after the Supreme Court upheld the current practice.
• This includes $169,000 one-time to update systems and billing practices, $1 million over the four-year
• This includes $169,000 one-time to update systems and billing practices. $1 million over the four-year

Bills: HB2487

Keywords: insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill maintains current practice and infrastructure, simply removing the sunset allowing pharmacists
• Being eligible does not guarantee release, and these individuals undergo a rigorous assessment to determine
• Being eligible does not guarantee release, and these individuals undergo a rigorous assessment to determine
• So, in order to be practical, to be compassionate, save taxpayer money and resources, we urge the committee
• not sure that all those crimes are covered here, but I will point out again that it has been the practice

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 23, 2025, with a large regular-order agenda and first approved a consent calendar covering many bills. Several measures were then heard individually, with most receiving support from sponsors and stakeholder groups and no formal opposition in the room, though some bills drew respectful opposition or no votes. The committee also read and deemed approved a lengthy suspense calendar before taking up additional bills and public comment. Among the bills discussed, AB 263 would extend temporary flow regulations on the Smith and Shasta Rivers for five years or until permanent rules are completed; AB 309 would remove the sunset on pharmacists’ ability to provide sterile syringes without a prescription to support HIV and hepatitis prevention; AB 631 would require animal shelters to post intake and outcome data online; AB 792 would allow consolidation of bargaining for court interpreters; AB 867 would ban cat declawing except when medically necessary; AB 1206 would require pre-approved housing plans for small residential projects; AB 787 would require health plans to better help patients find in-network providers; AB 596 would protect workers’ right to wear face coverings unless unsafe; AB 282 would allow housing providers to prefer voucher holders without violating source-of-income discrimination law; AB 738 would create a limited rebuilding exemption for disaster survivors from newer solar requirements; AB 566 would require browsers and mobile operating systems to make global privacy opt-outs easier; and AB 622 would clarify CDCR’s authority to award credits to people serving indeterminate sentences who complete rehabilitation programming. Most of these bills were reported out on roll calls, often with bipartisan or limited dissent. AB 309, AB 631, AB 792, AB 867, AB 1206, AB 787, AB 596, AB 282, AB 738, AB 566, and AB 622 all advanced, while AB 263 also moved forward despite opposition from the Siskiyou Board of Supervisors and the California Farm Bureau. AB 622 generated the most extensive debate, with supporters emphasizing rehabilitation, parole-board review, and cost savings, and opponents warning about public safety and the impact on serious violent offenders. The meeting ended after brief public comment on several other bills on the suspense file and then adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the 24-25 school year, Port Aransas ISD assessed $39 million in local M&A, no property taxes, and
• , effectively ending this decades-long practice.
• The practice specialist worked through the decision tree and came to.
• practical and economic problems.
• However, it's not a common practice.

Bills: HB178, HB178, HB1551, HB1939, HB2040, HB2354, HB2674, HB3029, HB3460, HB3631, HB3662, HB5201, HB5381

Keywords: efficiency audit, political subdivision, tax rate, fiscal management, government accountability, Texas education, public schools, curriculum, social studies, high school graduation requirements, State Board of Education, Education Code, ethnic studies, world history, world geography, U.S. history, government, economics, personal financial literacy, free enterprise

Transcript Highlights:

• Page 838 is the transfer for after-school program, retreat, reading, and assessment grant.
• Page 838 is the transfer for after-school program, retreat, reading, and assessment grant.
• program, retreat reading and assessment grant.
• Those standards define staffing, program expectations, and best practices.
• There was an NDI to formalize that work and put standards and best practices in place.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides that a 60-day period is available to contest an assessment or a denial that becomes final
• And Florida should not be complicit in this practice.
• There are reasons why this practice is banned in other countries.
• This practice is banned in other countries.
• Are you aware that the best practice... You recognize. Follow up, Mr. Chair.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There is no dispute that the assessment found the presence of PFAS, forever chemicals, in the blades
• and sustainability practices, to further uplift Massachusetts as a leader in the fight against these
• , written quotations, ...in Chapter 30B: sound business practices, written quotations, and either an
• So prior to 2019, the prevailing industry practice was known as B-Y-O-L, or bring-your-own-license.
• I've been practicing for over two decades throughout New England.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight heard testimony on several procurement-related bills. Senator Lovely and steel industry witnesses supported S. 2167/H. 3411, which would require preference for U.S. manufacturers on public construction projects using steel and other materials. They argued that Canadian and other foreign fabricators underbid Massachusetts firms because of exchange rates, subsidies, and different labor-cost structures, causing local job losses and economic leakage. Committee members asked about tariffs, market share, and whether the bill should be folded into broader municipal legislation; the witnesses said public work should stay in Massachusetts and that the bill would help preserve local industry and jobs. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2107, a bill to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities in state and municipal contracting. Work Inc. testified that a preference for contractors employing people with disabilities would expand competitive employment, reduce reliance on public assistance, and generate net savings for taxpayers. Members asked about the estimated savings and whether recent federal changes to benefits would affect the numbers; the witness said the figures may need updating but that the underlying employment opportunity remains important. Another bill, H. 3339/S. 2187, would prohibit state and municipal contracts for new artificial turf fields containing zinc, plastic, or intentionally added PFAS. Sponsors and supporters cited health risks, heat retention, injuries, and PFAS contamination, while committee members discussed local bans, disposal problems, and whether indoor facilities or alternative materials could be used. Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro testified in favor of H. 12 and H. 13, which would update Chapter 30B procurement thresholds and allow municipalities to bundle snow hauling and removal with plowing contracts. He said the changes would give local governments more flexibility, reduce confusion between school and municipal procurement rules, and make snow contracts more attractive to vendors. Members questioned whether quasi-public agencies and state entities should also be subject to 30B, and Shapiro said many public entities have their own procedures but that transparency and fairness should apply across the board. The committee also heard support for S. 2150, a software licensing bill aimed at preventing vendor lock-in by ensuring state agencies can run purchased software in the infrastructure that best fits their needs; the witness said restrictive licensing can drive up costs and create cybersecurity and modernization problems, and that similar laws have already passed in several other states.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, I would go back to: I don't think California always does what are the global best practices.
• That's a very common practice. Now, discussion started.
• That's a very common practice. Now, discussion started.
• There were Melrose districts, benefit assessment districts.
• There are a half a dozen of those benefit assessment tools that are... It's quite the opposite.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held an informational hearing on the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s 2026 draft business plan, with testimony from the authority, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, and the High-Speed Rail Inspector General. Chair Cortese framed the hearing around the project’s recent changes: a new CEO, revised delivery strategy, proposed station and scope changes in the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment, the loss of major federal funds, and the authority’s push for private investment and ancillary revenue. He also raised concerns about financing risks, the proposed changes to the initial operating segment, and the Inspector General’s finding that the draft plan may be missing required statutory elements. Authority CEO Ian Chaudhry said the project is now in a more disciplined phase, citing major construction progress in the Central Valley, near-completion of right-of-way and utility work, and plans to begin track and systems procurement. He said the authority expects the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment to be completed around 2032-33, with broader Phase 1 service later, and argued that design optimization, direct procurement, and public-private partnerships could reduce costs and attract private capital. He also described plans for ancillary revenue from real estate, broadband, energy, and logistics, and said the authority is discussing station locations and value-capture tools with local governments rather than locking them in yet. Several senators questioned the legality and practicality of tax increment financing, utility relocation authority, transparency, and whether the project’s revised scope still meets high-speed rail standards and public expectations. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the draft plan assumes major statutory changes, including changes to station locations and scope, and warned that the plan’s cost and schedule estimates depend on assumptions that may not materialize. LAO said the plan lacks transparency because it does not clearly disclose the assumed station changes, and it questioned whether even the shorter segment can be delivered within existing funding once borrowing costs and other risks are included. The office also noted uncertainty around future greenhouse gas reduction fund revenues and said ancillary revenues are not yet credit-worthy for financing. The Inspector General’s office said the draft business plan does not appear to meet several statutory requirements, including requirements added in AB 377, and reiterated that the final plan must address those omissions. Chaudhry said the authority would respond to the OIG’s findings in the final business plan and committed to resolving the compliance issues before final adoption.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's what that language really identifies, doing it in a practical piece.
• So what this is, we talked about the state assessment results.
• So what this is, we talked about the state assessment results.
• </c> we talked about the state assessment we talked about the state assessment results<00:07:13.520><
• We also currently do not practice truancy court as one of our interventions.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:34.720><c> following</c> comprehensive assessments following comprehensive assessments following
• . practice. practice.
• You have to individually assess that person.
• You have to individually assess that person.
• You have to individually assess that person.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So they would be at the 11 1/2 assessment level for state-assessed properties, state-assessed energy
• </c><00:11:50.000><c> I</c> uh for the state assessed as well. I uh for the state assessed as well.
• </c> assessment level for state assessed assessment level for state assessed properties<00:12:00.959>
• </c> other states practices. other states practices.
• How much of this is state assessed, and how much of this is locally assessed?

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• "So we share a lot of ideas and best practices, if you will.
• Again, that's still dependent on the geographic area and the practice area.
• Many of them, if not all, have significant expertise in those practice areas.
• But they really help the survivor assess whether that is the right process?
• But they really help the survivor assess, is that the right process for them?

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it won't really—it'll be a one-time assessment. It won't be ongoing.
• But we practice and play in the fall and spring. And I also—thank you.
• It took three years, but it required a lot of practice.
• Practices right now in the summer are very tough.
• And if you don't support this bill, I invite you to my next practice where you can...

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a broad set of climate, energy, and environmental justice proposals. Early testimony strongly supported the Climate Change Superfund or “Polluter Pays” bill (H.1014/S.58), which would assess the largest fossil fuel emitters for a one-time fee based on historic emissions to fund climate adaptation. Sponsors argued the bill is modeled on Superfund cleanup principles, would target only the largest multinational polluters, would not be passed on to consumers, and would direct a significant share of funds to environmental justice communities. Committee members asked about the number of companies covered, consumer impacts, and whether the bill would address other forms of environmental destruction; sponsors said it was limited to major fossil fuel companies with a Massachusetts footprint and did not cover other pollution sources. The committee also heard testimony on a fusion energy compact proposal (S.673) that would direct the administration to develop a framework for a New England regional compact to accelerate fusion research, workforce development, and supply-chain growth. Supporters from MIT and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities said fusion could become a major clean-energy and economic opportunity, but acknowledged the technology is not yet commercially viable and still has unresolved technical, cost, and waste-management questions. Members pressed on environmental impacts, siting, waste, costs, and whether the bill would create a compact or only a framework; sponsors said it would only create the framework and that the administration would need to negotiate with other states. Another major topic was a pilot program for nature-based climate solutions (H.971/S.??), backed by legislators, Boston Harbor Now, and UMass Boston’s Stone Living Lab. Witnesses said the bill would help speed permits for research and demonstration projects such as living shorelines, marsh restoration, and hybrid “green-to-gray” flood protections, while maintaining safeguards and protecting Indigenous and historic resources. Committee members asked how the proposal would interact with other permitting reforms and whether it could conflict with housing or wetland-related streamlining; supporters said it was complementary and aimed at making projects faster, more affordable, and more data-driven. The hearing also covered climate-safe buildings and climate adaptation funding bills. Supporters of H.1004/S.583 said current building codes do not adequately account for future flooding, heat, and wind, and the bill would add climate expertise to the building board, allow stretch resilience codes, expand floodplain standards, and create a retrofit program. Related testimony backed H.938/S.572, which would create a dedicated climate and community resilience fund financed by a small fee on property insurance premiums; advocates said it would provide stable long-term revenue for adaptation, especially in environmental justice communities, and help replace unreliable federal funding. One witness from CLF supported the climate-safe buildings and funding bills but opposed S.560/H.939 as too broad. The committee also heard testimony on airport air-quality legislation (H.997) calling for more monitoring and mitigation of ultra-fine particulate pollution around Logan Airport and Massport communities. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I read the bill is they could go up, up to 10%, at which point TDI would, I assume, evaluate and assess
• I read the bill is they could go up, up to 10%, at which point TDI would, I assume, evaluate and assess
• TDI, what are the mechanisms that we have to make sure that they have current data to evaluate and assess
• That's the industry practice. Everyone does that. And with that, we're opposed to the bill.
• under 0.0725, which could drastically increase those member assessments.

Summary: The committee first took up several bills and voted them out favorably without amendment: SB 2857, relating to prescription drug purchasing proof for certain health benefit plan issuers and employers; SB 1307, relating to the biennial health coverage reference guide; and SB 527, relating to health benefit coverage for general anesthesia for certain pediatric dental services. Each of those motions passed on a 7-0 roll call. The main discussion centered on SB 1643, which would require prior approval from the Texas Department of Insurance for property and casualty rate changes above 10% from a previously filed rate. The chair framed it as a response to rate volatility and rising homeowners and auto premiums, while several members questioned whether it would slow a market that is already stabilizing and could encourage insurers to file repeated increases just under the threshold. Witnesses from consumer groups supported tighter oversight and argued for a lower threshold, while insurance industry representatives opposed the bill, saying Texas’s file-and-use system and competitive market work better and that the proposal could increase costs or create uncertainty. After testimony, SB 1643 was left pending. The committee then heard SB 1642, which would replace the single Texas Department of Insurance commissioner with a three-commissioner structure and an executive director. Supporters said it could improve accountability and transparency, while opponents argued the current single-commissioner model is more efficient and avoids confusion and added cost. Witnesses also raised concerns about open meetings issues, administrative expense, and the lack of a clear model from other states. SB 1642 was also left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2530, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association omnibus bill. The bill would make a number of changes to TWIA’s governance and finances, including exempting TWIA from certain taxes, moving its headquarters to a coastal county, changing board composition and voting rules, and lowering the probable maximum loss standard from 1-in-100 to 1-in-50. Supporters said the bill would strengthen TWIA’s reserve funding and improve local relevance, while opponents warned it could increase assessments, reduce reinsurance protection, and create operational risks by relocating the headquarters to the coast. The bill was left pending, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And common harmful practices care.
• </c> common practices identified include common practices identified include significant<00:57:11.680
• Section 11 speaks to some of the prohibited practices.
• </c><01:09:50.560><c> financial</c> these practices and support financial these practices and support
• A3 amendment uh the prohibited practices A3 amendment uh the prohibited practices um<01:33:37.199><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't understand the difficulty of adding one more assessment. And then...
• I don't understand the difficulty of adding one more assessment.
• I'm a practicing dermatologist. I'm a physician and a scientist. I'm a practicing dermatologist.
• Third finding to share with you: prevention practices are inconsistent.
• In that time frame, my private practice did not stop seeing that patient.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Would that be a fair assessment?
• Would that be a fair assessment?
• Would that be a fair assessment?
• Would that be a fair assessment?
• </c> HIPPA uh public health practice uh etc. HIPPA uh public health practice uh etc.

Keywords: 1189, house, all