Transcript Highlights:

• The first is a zero-based rule with comments, and that should be a two-sided document.
• Summary of our zero-bust regulation analysis is pending. Contentious.
• Summary of our zero-bust regulation analysis as pending rules is to simply reduce the regulatory measures
• I'm looking at page 27-02 in relation to the parking lot locations, and I... ...zero to in relation to

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from March 16 and then considered several administrative rule dockets. The Idaho State Lottery explained changes to clarify ownership language, update references to online/draw gaming, and strengthen bingo paper verification; the Secretary of State’s office said its docket removed outdated lobbying and sunshine-reporting rules that had been moved into statute; and the Department of Administration described housekeeping changes to Capitol Mall parking rules, including streamlining obsolete language. All three rule dockets were adopted without opposition, though members asked questions about Capitol parking fees and possible legislative parking accommodations. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1258, which would create a specialty liquor license for certain rural distilleries, allowing them to serve their own products by the drink on-site and exempting them from food-service requirements. Sponsors said the bill was intended to help a Koenig Distillery location outside Caldwell that cannot access city liquor licenses despite available licenses in the city, and to support agritourism and rural economic development. The distillery owner testified in favor, describing the business, its agricultural roots, and potential job growth. The bill received supportive comments and was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 911, the Ratepayer Protection Act, which would codify Public Utility Commission practice for new large electric loads of 50 megawatts or more. Sponsors said the bill is intended to prevent costs for new large loads from being shifted to existing ratepayers, require a no-harm review, and ensure financial security for any needed infrastructure so stranded costs are avoided. Representatives from Rocky Mountain Power said the measure aligns with existing PUC practice and helps protect current customers while allowing growth. The bill was also moved to the floor with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk will close the roll and tally the vote. 58 ayes, no zero. This measure passes.
• And tally the vote. 58 ayes, no zero. This measure passes.
• Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. 63 ayes, no zero. The consent calendar is adopted.
• Aye, 63, no zero. Members, we will now move to adjournments in memory.

Summary: The Assembly convened, initially without a quorum, and the clerk called the roll until a quorum was present. The body then proceeded with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and several unanimous-consent motions, including re-referrals of AB 1878, AB 2089, and AB 1660 to different committees. Members also introduced guests, including the 2025 Central East High School football team, Morgan Hill leadership students, Southlands Christian fourth graders, and journalist Juan Esparza Loera, whom members praised for decades of reporting in the Central Valley. On the floor file, ACR 139 was presented to designate March as Sleep Apnea Awareness Month. Supporters described the health and safety risks of undiagnosed sleep apnea and emphasized the value of screening and treatment; the resolution was adopted by voice vote after 61 coauthors were recorded. AB 1656, a human-trafficking victim protection bill, was also taken up and passed 58-0 after testimony that it would expand “good cause” for trial continuances to better protect survivors and preserve continuity of counsel. The chamber also adopted the consent calendar, including AB 1583 and SCR 11, by 63-0 votes. The session concluded with adjournments in memory for Salinda Gonzalez, a Yurok community advocate for mental health and suicide prevention, and Sandy Steers, a Big Bear conservationist and executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley. Members highlighted Gonzalez’s work supporting Native communities and Steers’ decades of wildlife advocacy and public education. The Assembly then announced its next meeting for Monday, March 16 at 1 p.m., including the Women of the Year ceremony, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Eight aye, zero no, and zero not voting. You have given House Bill 2029 a do pass recommendation.
• Zero and zero not voting. Given House Bill 2096 a do pass recommendation.

Bills: HB2029 , HB2096 , HB2116

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Keywords: water conservation, grants, infrastructure, environmental protection, sustainability, cesspool remediation, cesspool replacement, forgivable principal, forgivable loan, wifa, water infrastructure finance authority, clean water revolving fund, drinking water revolving fund, wastewater infrastructure, on-site wastewater system, septic system, groundwater protection, public health, nonpoint source pollution, county water projects

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, there are 18 aye, zero nay, three excused, and zero absent.
• Madam Chair, there are 18 ayes, zero nays, three excused, and zero absent.

Bills: SB6291

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: SB6291, on-site wastewater treatment, onsite wastewater treatment, septic system, sewage treatment, wastewater inspection, environmental health, local board of health, public health, professional engineer, land surveyor, certificate of competency, inspection standards, design review, supervised practice, certification, licensing, RCW 18.88A, Washington State, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• Aye and zero nays, having received nine aye's and zero nays, I declare Senate Bill 1425 to have passed
• Guthrie, Kirt, Woods, vice chair, Coleman, chairwoman, Thompson, eight ayes and zero nays, having received
• eight ay's and zero nays, declares Senate Bill 1365 to have passed.

Bills: SB1307 , SB1425 , SB1826 , SB1365 , SB1696

Committee: Senate Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism

Keywords: Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma Arts Council, J.M. Davis Memorial Commission, historical preservation, arts funding, museum, gun collection, state agency contracts, 501(c)(3), nonprofit corporation, public funds, sectarian, religious funding restriction, appropriations, fiscal oversight, cultural institutions, historical artifacts, SB1425, health care, healthcare workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• Seven ayes, zero nays. Senator Woods, do you care to vote? Yeah, yes. Is that an aye, sir?
• Eight ayes, zero nays.
• Having received eight ayes and zero nays and probably the most dysfunctional committee of the day, Mr

Committee: Senate Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism

Summary: The Senate Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism Committee met to consider the nomination of Cecil “Andy” Duval of Jenks to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission for a six-year term. Senator Reinhardt presented Duval, describing his background as a plumber and business owner, his community service, and his interest in tourism, outdoor recreation, and even noodling. Duval told the committee he loves Oklahoma, the outdoors, and serving people, and said he was excited to learn more about the commission’s work. There were no questions or debate from members. Senator Reinhardt moved for approval, with a second from the chair. The committee voted unanimously, 8-0, to approve the nomination and forward it to the full Senate for consideration. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your vote of seven ayes, zero nays, and one not voting.
• All right, seven aye, zero nays, and one not voting.
• Seven aye, zero nay, and one not voting.
• Seven aye, zero nay, and one not voting.
• Seven aye, zero nays, and one not voting.

Committee: Senate Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Summary: The Senate Natural Resources Committee met to consider several board nominations, beginning with four nominees to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board. Michael Cravens, Jared Lyman, Nathan Reese (who submitted a written statement and did not attend), and Richard Williams each described their backgrounds in wildlife management, ranching, public lands, or conservation, and emphasized balance, pragmatism, and public service in selecting commission candidates. Members asked about their experience, perspectives on candidate evaluation, and the role of the board. Each nominee was advanced to the full Senate by separate motions, all approved on 7-0 votes with one member not voting. The committee then heard Darren Rasmussen’s nomination to the Arizona State Land Department Board of Appeals. Rasmussen discussed his long career in property appraisal at the private, county, and state levels, including work with county assessors and valuation training. Senators focused on his ability to bring transparency, statutory compliance, and consistency to state land appraisals and appeals. His nomination was also forwarded to the full Senate on a 7-0 vote with one not voting. Next, the committee considered the Arizona Livestock Loss Board nominees, Stephen Clark and Randy Dahl. Clark, who chairs the board, explained the board’s process for compensating ranchers for wolf depredation and described the distinction between confirmed losses and “probables.” Senators asked about reimbursement procedures, the range of Mexican gray wolves, and whether wolves had attacked humans in Arizona; Clark said there had been no human attacks in the state and that livestock losses had been compensated. Dahl was unable to attend but submitted a statement citing his farming background and business and engineering experience. Both nominees were confirmed by 7-0 votes with one member not voting. Finally, the committee heard from Carolyn Radajack and Stephanie Teske for the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board. Radajack highlighted her prior service on the board’s investigative committee and her experience with disciplinary rules, while Teske emphasized her background as a sixth-generation rancher, veterinary assistant, and agriculture regulator, with a focus on rural livestock care and access to veterinarians. Senators discussed rural veterinary shortages, telemedicine, and the changing structure of veterinary practice. Both nominees were advanced to the full Senate on 7-0 votes with one member not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Aye. 35, no zero. The resolution is adopted.
• Aye, 37, no zero. The resolution is adopted. Moving to privileges of the floor.
• Unanimous rule call, 37, noes zero to the urgency clause.
• Ayes 37, no zero to the bill, and it passes. Thank you.
• Ayes 37, no zero. Consent calendar is adopted. Moving to committee announcements.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of guest introductions, including Canadian diplomatic visitors and youth soccer champions from Senator Niello’s district. The body also recognized guests connected to arts education and later heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for Caitlin “Katie” Mallet and Roxanne Miller. The President announced the Senate would enter a one-week spring recess and return on April 6, 2026. On the floor, the Senate adopted SR 89 by Senator Alvarado-Gil, recognizing March 17, 2026 as Profound Autism Day in California. Supporters emphasized the need for greater awareness, research inclusion, and services for people with profound autism and their families. The resolution passed by a 35-0 vote. The Senate also adopted SCR 147 by Senator Allen, proclaiming March 26 as Arts Education Month, with remarks stressing the value of arts education for creativity, engagement, and student success; it passed 37-0. The chamber then adopted SCR 141 by Senator Wahab, recognizing March 26, 2026 as Women’s Equal Pay Day. Senators discussed the gender pay gap, its impact on families, and the need for transparency and enforcement; the resolution passed 37-0. The Senate also approved AB 2156, an urgency measure to proclaim March 31 as Farm Worker Day, with extensive debate about farm workers’ historical contributions, labor conditions, and the decision to rename the day in light of recent allegations involving the prior honoree. The bill passed unanimously, 37-0, including the urgency clause. Finally, the Senate adopted the consent calendar, which included SB 968, SJR 11, SB 1005, and SB 1080, by unanimous vote. A committee announcement noted Budget Subcommittee 3 would meet upon adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Aye, aye, aye. 35 ayes, noes zero. The resolution is adopted.
• Aye, 37, no zero. The resolution is adopted. Moving to privileges of the floor.
• Unanimous rule call, 37, noes zero to the urgency clause.
• Ayes 37, noes zero to the bill, and it passes. Thank you.
• Ayes 37, noes zero. Consent calendar is adopted. Moving to committee announcements.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through several guest introductions, including a Canadian diplomatic delegation visiting for Canada Day at the Capitol and the undefeated Under-11 San Juan Spirits soccer team. The chamber also recognized guests connected to later resolutions, including families and advocates tied to profound autism and farm worker issues, as well as arts education leaders. The Senate adopted SR 89, recognizing March 17, 2026 as Profound Autism Day, after remarks emphasizing the need for greater awareness, research inclusion, and lifelong services for people with profound autism and their caregivers. Members also adopted SCR 147, proclaiming March 26 as Arts Education Month, with support focused on the value of arts education for creativity, engagement, and student success. Both resolutions passed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. The chamber then took up AB 2156, an urgency measure renaming Cesar Chavez Day as Farm Worker Day and proclaiming March 31 as Farm Worker Day. Supporters from multiple caucuses and regions spoke about the history of farm labor, the contributions and sacrifices of farm workers, and the need to honor the broader movement and its diverse participants; some speakers also referenced recent allegations and the desire to center survivors and workers rather than one individual. The bill passed with 37 ayes and 0 noes, including the urgency clause. The Senate also adopted a consent calendar of several items without objection, then adjourned in memory of Caitlin Mardell Mallet and Roxanne Miller. The session concluded with announcements of a committee meeting and a one-week spring recess, with the next floor session scheduled for April 6, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So clerk closed the machine to obtain results on this question. 30 days, zero nays, four absenteen all
• question 30, yay. vote a slow clerk closed machine and ascertaining results on this question 30 a's zero
• Clerk closed machine and asked team results on this question. 30 yay, zero nays, four absinot voting,
• So clerk closed the machine and abstain results on this question, 30, yay, is zero, nay, is four, absent
• On this question, 30, yay, zero nays, four, absent not voting, more than two-thirds of those elected

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate considered and passed a series of House bills and one constitutional resolution, with several measures receiving title amendments and some taking effect immediately or on a specified date. Early action included moving House Bill 5438, concerning the foundation allowance for instructional programs, to the foot of third-reading bills. House Bill 5441, reforming the state personnel system, was amended with a Judiciary strike-and-insert technical fix, then passed 28-6 and was set to take effect July 1, 2026. House Bill 5462 on mine subsidence insurance passed unanimously, with a title amendment adopted. House Bill 5484, creating felony offenses related to denying medical treatment to sexual offense victims, also passed unanimously with a title amendment. House Bill 5515 modernizing workers’ compensation statutes passed unanimously with a title amendment, and House Bill 5527 establishing licensure and regulation for wellness reimbursement programs passed unanimously. House Bill 5528, protecting personal residential information of certain public officials, passed unanimously with a title amendment. The most extended debate centered on House Bill 5537, an education-related bill that was amended to add a child-protection provision later referred to as “Rayleigh’s law.” The amendment would bar approval of home instruction requests in certain child abuse or neglect cases until the Department of Human Services confirms the investigation is unfounded, closed, or not substantiated, or until 10 days pass without a response. Senators argued the measure was intended to protect children and not target homeschooling. After a point of order, the chair initially ruled the amended language not germane; that ruling was challenged and ultimately overruled by a 24-7 vote, allowing the amendment to remain. The bill then passed 24-7, and a title amendment was adopted. Other measures passed with little or no opposition. House Bill 5582 removed the sunset on the TANF applicant drug-screening program and passed 28-3 after a technical committee amendment. House Bill 5687 reduced the metallurgical coal severance tax over time and adjusted oil and gas tax allocations, passing 31-3. Several supplemental appropriations also passed and were made effective from passage, including funds for Homeland Security/corrections, the Adjutant General, Health, the State Road Fund, and Tourism/Culture and History. The Senate also adopted House Joint Resolution 42, which would place on the ballot a constitutional amendment increasing the homestead exemption from $20,000 to $40,000 and allowing future changes by general law. In second reading, the Senate advanced bills on workforce training reimbursements, aerospace and advanced manufacturing incentives, portable benefit accounts, literacy and science-of-reading training, school aid formula changes, and wedding venue regulation, with amendments adopted on several of them before advancement to third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, we have 135 pro, three con, zero other.
• Madam Chair, we have 135 pro, three con, zero other.
• I'm Heather Trim with Zero Waste Washington.
• Madam Chair, there are 243 pro, one con, zero other.
• Madam Chair, there are 24 pro, 188 con, zero other.

Summary: The House Education Committee heard several bills focused on school district operations, student access, and special education. Substitute Senate Bill 6222 would allow school districts and educational service districts to sell or grant surplus technology hardware, such as laptops and tablets, directly to public school students, with priority for low-income students and documentation of the transfer. Testimony from the sponsor, district staff, and advocates emphasized helping students keep familiar devices, reducing waste, and extending the public investment in technology. The committee also heard Second Substitute Senate Bill 5969, which would better integrate IEP transition plans with the statewide online IEP system and the universal high school and beyond plan platform to reduce duplication; staff noted a fiscal note had been requested, and there were no public testifiers on the bill. The committee spent substantial time on Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6247, a school district financial management bill. The bill would require additional ESD oversight and support for districts showing signs of financial distress, create mandatory school director training on funding and finance, strengthen penalties for knowing violations of budget expenditure limits, and require disclosure authorizations before hiring certain budget or accounting personnel. Senator Dozier said the bill was prompted by district financial problems, declining enrollment, failed levies, and reserve fund declines. ESD, WSSDA, WASA, WOSBO, and OSPI testified in support overall, though some witnesses raised concerns about mandatory training, funding for implementation, and whether training should extend beyond school directors. Committee members asked about the bill’s scope, the undefined term “significantly,” the $750,000 reimbursement cap, and how it compared with House Bill 2593. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 622, which would exempt school districts and ESDs from certain surplus-property notice requirements when selling or granting surplus technology hardware to students at depreciated cost or no cost to low-income students. Senator Hunt said the bill came from constituent concerns about unused laptops and tablets and would help students transition to work, college, or technical school. Zero Waste Washington and an Issaquah School District official supported the measure, citing environmental benefits and practical student access to technology. The committee closed public hearings on the bills, noted sign-in counts for pro and con positions, and announced amendment deadlines and upcoming executive sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kern, Murdock, Wingard, Vice Chair, Hamilton, Chairman, Weaver, seven ayes, and Zero nays.
• Senate Bill 1936 by Chairman Hall having received seven ayes and zero nays.
• And, as Senator Brooks pointed out, with a much significantly higher range of punishment than the zero
• So the judge would have anywhere within that range of punishment, zero to one, for a misdemeanor.
• Senate Bill 1859 by Senator Reinhart having received eight ayes and zero nays, I declare the bill to

Bills: SB1936 , SB1612 , SB1543 , SB1260 , SB1988 , SB1859 , SB2041 , SB1257 , HB4272 , HB3277 , HB3148 , HB3651 , HB3323 , HB4287 , HB4105 , HB3304 , HB3345

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Keywords: forfeiture, criminal offenses, law enforcement, Class D1 offenses, property seizure, SB1612, mandatory reporting, violent injury reporting, gunshot wound, stab wound, poisoning, burn injury, explosive injury, medical reporting, healthcare providers, law enforcement notification, evidence preservation, patient video records, confidentiality waiver, misdemeanor penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• You have nine votes yes, zero votes no. We have a do pass on House Bill 32.
• You have 10 votes yes, zero votes no. That was 32 and we're just getting a little rusty.
• You have ten votes yes, zero votes no. Okay, you have a due pass on both of your bills.
• Yes, Madam Chair, you have nine votes yes, zero votes no. Okay, very good.
• yes, Madam Vice Chair Amaro, yes, Madam Chair Chandler, yes Madam Chair, you have nine votes yes, zero

Bills: HB9 , HB50

Committee: House House Judiciary

Keywords: Immigrant Safety Act, immigration detention, civil immigration violations, ICE, federal immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, public bodies, local government, sheriff's department, school district, higher education, deputization, 287(g), 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 C.F.R. 287.7, intergovernmental services agreement, detainer, immigration cooperation, public property, attorney general enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk: 13 yea, zero nay. Chair: Show this bill reports favorably.
• Clerk: 13 yes, zero no. Chair: Show this bill reports favorably. Congratulations.
• Clerk: 14 yes, zero no. Chair: Show this bill reports favorably. Congratulations.
• Clerk: 13 yes, zero no. Chair: Show this bill reports favorably. Congratulations.
• Clerk: 12 yes, zero no. Chair: Show this bill reports favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• will keep this state moving along so that we can get to the point where we can say that there are zero
• will keep this state moving along so that we can get to the point where we can say that there are zero
• fatally drowned in our state. 68% of those fatal child drownings were children between the ages of zero
• and three years old. ...between the ages of zero and three years old.
• There's over 55 courses available online at this time, and they go from zero payment up to maybe $30.

Summary: The Senate Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills, most of them focused on drowning prevention and public safety. SB 428, by Senator Yarborough, would expand Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7. The sponsor and supporting testimony from a pediatric emergency physician and YMCA representatives emphasized Florida’s high drowning rates, especially among very young children, and argued that swim lessons can significantly reduce risk. Senator Harrell noted the need to revisit the funding allocation as eligibility expands. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 606, by Senator Smith, which adds drowning prevention and safe bathing practices to postpartum education provided by hospitals, birthing centers, and, after amendment, no longer requires home birth providers to maintain proof of compliance. A parent who lost a child to drowning and Senator Berman spoke in strong support, stressing that the bill would educate new parents at a critical time. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute. SB 162, by Senator Davis, would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. The sponsor said the equipment is relatively low-cost and already used in many facilities, while several witnesses supported the bill as a worker-safety measure. Other senators raised concerns about the lack of data, possible rural hospital impacts, and whether the mandate could add costs without clear evidence of harm. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 340, by Senator Harrell, requiring nursing students to complete a two-hour human trafficking course before licensure, after amending the bill to shift the requirement from nursing programs to the students themselves. Testimony from a trafficking survivor and nursing advocates supported the measure, and it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. Finally, SB 192, presented by Senator Trumbull on behalf of Senator Martin, removed the $1,500 cap on advances chiropractic physicians may collect for examinations or treatment; chiropractic industry representatives supported the change, and the bill was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• will keep this state moving along so that we can get to the point where we can say that there are zero
• will keep this state moving along so that we can get to the point where we can say that there are zero
• fatally drowned in our state. 68% of those fatal child drownings were children between the ages of zero
• Between the ages of zero and three years old. But 100% of those tragedies are preventable.
• There's over 55 courses available online at this time, and they go from zero payment up to maybe $30.

Bills: S0428 , S0606 , S0192 , S0162 , S0340

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Keywords: drowning prevention, water safety, swimming lessons, swim vouchers, child drowning, infant safety, toddler safety, pool safety, bath safety, safe bathing practices, postpartum education, newborn care, childbirth education, birth centers, home birth providers, Department of Health, public health, water competency, swim instruction, infant supervision

Summary: The Senate Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and took up several health-related bills, with a strong focus on drowning prevention and patient safety. SB 428 by Senator Yarborough would expand Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7. Supporters, including a pediatric emergency physician and YMCA leadership, cited Florida’s high child drowning rates and argued that swim lessons reduce risk and should be available to more children. Senator Harrell noted the need to consider increasing the program’s funding as eligibility expands. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 606 by Senator Smith, which adds drowning prevention and safe bathing education to postpartum materials provided by hospitals, birthing centers, and, after amendment, no longer home birth providers. A parent who lost a child to drowning testified in support, and senators emphasized the preventability of such deaths. The bill, as amended, was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 340 by Senator Harrell would require nursing students to complete a two-hour human trafficking course before licensure; after a strike-all amendment shifted the requirement from nursing programs to the students themselves, the bill received support from advocates and was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also considered SB 162 by Senator Davis, which would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies for using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. The sponsor said the equipment is relatively inexpensive and already common in many facilities, while opponents and some senators questioned the medical evidence, enforcement, and possible impacts on rural and smaller facilities. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably, with some members voting no. SB 192, presented by Senator Trumbull on behalf of Senator Martin, would remove the $1,500 cap on advances chiropractic physicians may collect for examinations or treatment; the Florida Chiropractic Society supported the change as pro-small-business, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also received an OPAGA presentation comparing Florida’s health care practitioner regulation system with other states, focusing on board autonomy, rulemaking oversight, board composition, appointments, term limits, and funding mechanisms.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's out, seven to zero. Thanks for the nudge. That bill gets out on a seven to zero vote.
• Our state has long been a pioneer in clean energy and zero-emission vehicles, yet our current tax structure
• As mentioned, we're paying both the zero-emission fee on our registration and the sales and use tax..
• costs of capital-intensive clean-tech investments, this bill can directly accelerate California's zero-emissions
• This bill can directly accelerate California's zero-emissions and circular economy objectives.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard a series of tax-related bills, with several measures referred to suspense and a few advancing. SB 284 would clarify Proposition 19 rules for inherited family homes in probate, including when the one-year residency clock starts and whether title consolidation among siblings triggers reassessment; supporters included the California Association of Realtors, while county assessors opposed the sibling-transfer language as creating ambiguity. The bill was sent to suspense. SB 863 was taken up on the consent calendar and passed 6-0 to the Assembly floor. SB 333 would let San Luis Obispo County voters consider raising a local tax rate limit to fund transportation projects; supporters said it would help the county become self-help for major road needs, while opponents argued it would make it easier to raise regressive sales taxes. The committee approved the bill 5-2, as amended with a five-year sunset. SB 376, which clarifies that charitable remainder trusts are not treated as incomplete gift non-grantor trusts for California income tax purposes, drew support from the California Lawyers Association and no opposition, and passed 5-2 to Appropriations as amended. The committee also heard SB 591, which would replace steep penalties for failing to use electronic funds transfer with fixed penalties of $100 for a first violation and $500 thereafter; supporters said current penalties can be excessive and out of proportion, and the bill was sent to suspense. SB 419 would partially exempt hydrogen fuel from the state sales and use tax while leaving the existing road fee in place; supporters said it would help hydrogen adoption and parity with other clean fuels, while one environmental group opposed unless amended, and the bill went to suspense. SB 587 proposed a state tax credit for local sales tax paid on manufacturing equipment to encourage investment and jobs; it had broad business support and no opposition, but was also sent to suspense. SB 710 would extend and update the property tax exclusion for solar installations, with broad support from clean energy and local government groups and some opposition from large energy consumers; it too was referred to suspense. Finally, SB 663 would extend deadlines and exemptions for wildfire victims and certain nonprofit and disabled veteran properties; it received support from assessors and committee members but was also sent to suspense for further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• There being seven ayes and zero nays, the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1325 will be reported
• There being seven ayes and zero nays, Senate Bill 604 will be reported favorably.
• There being seven ayes and zero nays, Senate Bill 1832 will be reported favorably.
• There being seven ayes and zero nays, Senate Bill 2185 will be reported favorably to the full Senate.
• There being nine ayes and zero nays, the bill will be reported favorably to the full Senate.

Committee: Senate Education K-16

Summary: The Senate Education K-16 Committee heard Senate Bill 1961, which would expand reporting on post-secondary outcomes and workforce data, including employment, earnings, regional labor demand, and credentials of value. Senator Bettencourt said the bill is intended to close data gaps and improve alignment between education programs and workforce needs. Witnesses from Opportunity Austin, Texas 2036, Samsung Austin Semiconductor, and the Fort Worth workforce community testified in support, saying better data would help students, parents, schools, employers, and regional economic development efforts. After questions from members about regional workforce pipelines and semiconductor talent needs, public testimony closed and SB 1961 was left pending. The committee then took up several pending bills and reported them favorably, including SB 1325, SB 604, SB 1832, SB 747, SB 2185, and SB 2395, with committee substitutes adopted where needed. SB 1325 was amended to remove the DSHS commissioner’s authority to issue standing orders for respiratory distress medication in schools. SB 1832, relating to school transfer or private-school funding options for students victimized by a public school employee, and SB 747, relating to intimate visual material policies, were both advanced on recorded votes. SB 2185, on the bilingual education allotment, was initially moved to a local calendar but was later backed up and reported to the full Senate after a fiscal note was noted. SB 2395, on school district general obligation bonds, was also reported favorably and then moved to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also heard SB 646, which would expand the Mental Health Professional Loan Repayment Program to additional professions, increase award amounts, and add stipends for rural and bilingual service. Senator West said the bill responds to mental health workforce shortages and inflation. The Texas Counseling Association supported the measure, and a Hogg Foundation representative said participation has grown sharply since prior changes. SB 646 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 2647, which would create a Texas state accrediting agency and interim oversight system for higher education accreditors; supporters from the Texas Public Policy Foundation and a massage school owner argued it would improve accountability and reduce accreditor overreach, while Senator Menendez raised concerns about effects on law and medical school accreditation and student opportunities. SB 2647 was left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2786, which would exempt first responders from the Texas Success Initiative entrance exam, and SB 2615, which would standardize remote-work policies across public higher education institutions. The Texas State Association of Firefighters supported SB 2786, saying it would remove an extra step for career advancement; the bill was left pending because the committee substitute had not yet been adopted. SB 2615 was presented as a way to ensure more consistent in-person staffing expectations while preserving exceptions for illness, disability, and some non-teaching roles; it too was left pending. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the Senate position is still carried on 1.17 that the loan must be zero interest.
• </c><00:42:27.520><c> Uh</c><00:42:27.760><c> and</c> the loan must be zero interest.
• Uh and the loan must be zero interest.
• And I just want to make sure that's the net zero.
• That's the net zero.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There being seven ayes, zero nays, Senate Bill 596 is adopted.
• There being seven ayes, zero nays, Senate Bill 1151 is favorably reported.
• There being seven ayes, zero nays, the committee substitute to Senate Bill 855 is favorably reported.

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: 1185, senate, all