Transcript Highlights:

• What this does is if a student tests on their kindergarten readiness assessment fully proficient, they
• Um however, there are some school districts that are really because they have other assessment tools
• <01:20:49.680> they because they have other assessment they because they have other assessment
• they many<01:20:50.600> assessment<01:20:51.160> tools<01:20:51.480> available<
• 01:20:52.040> to<01:20:52.200> them many assessment tools available to them many assessment

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, approved the journal, and recognized Girls Inc. of Metro Denver in a personal privilege presentation. Senators highlighted the organization’s history, its work serving youth through programs focused on healthy living, academic success, and leadership, and its STEM outreach. Senator Danielson also noted a free science box program available through Girls Inc. and praised the group’s work. On third reading, the Senate laid over Senate Bill 66 and then passed House Bill 1339, which renames the March 31 voluntary holiday from Cesar Chavez Day to Farm Workers Day. Supporters said the change was prompted by reports of abuse by Cesar Chavez and emphasized continued respect for farm workers and the movement. Senator Benavidez later corrected earlier remarks about Colorado farm worker history, noting a unionized farm in Center, Colorado and describing the broader legacy of farm worker organizing in the state. The Senate also passed House Bill 1144, prohibiting the use of 3D printing to manufacture firearms, and Senate Bill 48, which removes the exception allowing minors 16 or older to marry with judicial approval; both bills were reconsidered and repassed after initial votes. The chamber also passed House Bill 1200 on vehicle registration payments for military members serving outside the state, House Bill 1011 on the transfer of certain pet animals, and House Bill 1133 regarding an environmental education program under the Traveling Animal Protection Act. House Bill 1011 and House Bill 1133 drew more divided votes than the other measures. The Senate then granted leave for the Joint Budget Committee to meet while the Senate was in session. In Committee of the Whole, members adopted the consent calendar and advanced House Bills 1257, 1095, 1089, 1277, and 1198 on second reading. The Senate also took up Senate Bill 40 on the Affordable Home Ownership Program; supporters described it as a response to Prop 123 workforce housing issues, especially AMI restrictions affecting teachers and first responders. An amendment removed the proposed loan program from the bill, and the amended bill was adopted. Finally, the Senate adopted House Bill 1134, which requires municipal court defendants to be subject to conditions similar to state court defendants, including sentencing rules, transparency, and access to counsel.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that that assessment will be determined based off of this vote for this urgency. Why?
• <01:13:12.680> We<01:13:12.760> had<01:13:12.840> a good, trying to assess that
• We had a good, trying to assess that.
• Notably, what's not in this bill is any assessment of how good a job they're going to do, which is the
• of how good a job bill is any assessment of how good a job they're<01:14:21.960> going<01:14:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul, vulnerability assessments, security monitoring, threat hunting and clearing, as well as critical
• c> tribal and territorial entities, tribal and territorial entities, providing<00:10:44.720> assessment
• <00:10:45.279> feedback<00:10:45.760> to providing assessment feedback to providing
• assessment feedback to stakeholders<00:10:46.800> within<00:10:47.120> the<00:10:47.279
• that really getting more assessment that really getting more engagement<00:46:18.000> with<00

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Commission on Cybersecurity met remotely on January 8, 2026, approved the minutes from October 27, 2025 by voice vote, and confirmed a quorum was present. The main presentation came from the Minnesota National Guard’s cyber coordination cell, with Lieutenant Colonel Brian Morgan describing the unit’s mission to prepare Guard cyber forces for state or federal cyber support, including domestic emergencies like the St. Paul ransomware incident and broader federal activations. Morgan outlined three main lines of effort: optimizing cyber force training for likely threats, building relationships with state, federal, academic, and local partners, and equipping deployable incident-response tools. He said the coordination cell is not itself the incident response team, but serves as the planning and coordination office for military cyber response, maintaining equipment at Cedar Street Armory that can provide out-of-band connectivity and be deployed quickly. He also described partnerships with Minnesota IT Services, CISA, the FBI, Metro State University, and international/state partners such as Norway and Croatia, along with participation in major exercises and conferences. The presentation emphasized the St. Paul response as a model for coordination, noting the Guard’s role in mission coordination, operational support, public affairs support, and lessons learned. Morgan said the Guard has conducted more than 200 engagements with partner institutions in 2024-2025 and uses outreach to educate counties and other entities on how to request Guard cyber support, comparing the process to requesting assistance for a fire or flood. In response to a question from Representative Bonner, he highlighted the long-standing relationship with Metro State University and its practical role in training cyber personnel, including operational technology training and a credit-transfer pathway toward a master’s degree.

Transcript Highlights:

• Throughout the year, we conduct many assessments, including MAP testing, and this testing tells us how
• Throughout the year, we conduct many assessments, including MAP testing, and this testing tells us how
• That was based not only on their MAP scores but their curricular assessments.
• scores, which is that diagnostic test that we do three times a year, as well as our curricular assessments
• teachers are also creating assessments teachers are also creating tailor<00:26:08.960> made<00

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with a quorum and heard first from the Washway Nicotine Youth Advocacy Group, which urged stronger enforcement of Kentucky’s Tobacco 21 law. Youth advocates described the harms of flavored vaping products, argued that nicotine use is targeting children, and called for retailer licensing, annual compliance checks, harsher penalties for illegal sales, and more funding for enforcement. Committee members praised the presentation, and one senator said he had heard a bill on licensed retailers may be coming soon. The committee then heard a lengthy presentation from Cloverport Independent School District and the Kentucky Virtual Academy about the state’s virtual school model. Superintendent Keith Haynes and principals Brandy Fagan and Sally Johnson said KYVA serves about 2,800 students, many of whom are at-risk or have health, safety, behavioral, or family reasons for choosing virtual education. They emphasized that the program uses live synchronous instruction, provides devices and materials, and offers special education and related services. They also said the school had a large wait list and that virtual programs need more flexibility in staffing ratios, scheduling, and testing windows. School leaders acknowledged criticism of KYVA’s proficiency scores and said many students entered far below grade level, with 59% not proficient in English language arts and 79% not proficient in math on recent state testing. They argued the program is too new to judge solely on one year of data and pointed to growth in MAP scores, as well as middle and high school rankings in the top half of Kentucky schools. Fagan and Johnson outlined improvement efforts, including daily interventions, small-group instruction, literacy programs, staff training, and expanded clubs and student activities. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The other two districts have assessments.
• The other two districts have assessments.
• What they don't have the assess mills.
• So a couple years back, they started assessing the cost allocations to these committees.
• A couple years back, they started assessing the cost allocations to these committees.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are we are already acting to strengthen protocols regarding low-water crossing assessment. of our
• Regarding assessing medical and mental health care services in your county.
• and then was assigned to go up to Ingram and do the same thing. that assessing what's going on, assessing
• Also, there was a the focus in that Meadows Needs Assessment, as Veronica had acknowledged.
• One of the recommendations of the Meadows needs assessment was youth crisis outreach teams.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Data from the past three fiscal years show that many assessment appeals take longer than six months and
• Assembly Bill 2172 allows counties to instead use a single qualified assessment appeals commission as
• AB 2172 is a practical modernization of California's property tax assessment appeal system.
• It does not eliminate existing assessment appeals boards.
• regulate federal immigrant policy and instead takes California's longstanding taxing authority to assess

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• one-time special funds for the Air Resources Board and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
• one-time special funds for the Air Resources Board and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
• So now the concerning news: despite these booming revenues, in our assessment, the state's underlying
• There has also been an assessment of contamination on the site, and there is some contamination, but
• So it's not that, you know, on every two years you're assessing... ...opportunities and scoring them

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview of the May Revision from the Department of Finance and comments from the Legislative Analyst’s Office on the state’s overall budget condition and natural resources proposals. Finance said the May Revision keeps the budget balanced in 2026-27 and 2027-28, reduces the structural deficit, and includes major natural resources items such as Proposition 4 climate bond spending, including up to $125 million for the Golden Gate Fields acquisition, $23.2 million for wildlife refuge and wetland projects, $25 million for Healthy Rivers and Landscapes, $25 million for Bay-Delta environmental flows, $1 million for coexisting-with-wildlife work, and $2.5 million for cancer-risk research. The LAO said revenues remain strong but argued the budget still relies too heavily on reserves, recommended more savings and fewer new discretionary expenditures, and urged the Legislature to prioritize only urgent health and safety needs while planning for uncertainty in greenhouse gas reduction fund revenues. Members focused heavily on the Golden Gate Fields purchase, Healthy Rivers and Landscapes, the wildlife coexistence initiative, and cap-and-invest funding for transit. On Golden Gate Fields, agency officials said the property is a time-limited, once-in-a-generation opportunity, that the state’s contribution would help secure the acquisition, and that the land would ultimately transfer to East Bay Regional Park District, which would assume operations and maintenance. Officials said the site would be remediated by the current owner, the state would use deed restrictions to prevent commercial development, and the remaining purchase price would be covered by nonstate partners. On Healthy Rivers and Landscapes, Finance and the Natural Resources Agency said the $25 million would support scientific monitoring and early implementation of the Bay-Delta plan update, while the LAO questioned the timing and said the request was premature until the Water Board formally adopts the plan. The committee also discussed the coexisting-with-wildlife proposal and wolf-livestock conflict. Finance said the May Revision’s $1 million proposal would backfill existing funds to support limited-term staffing, deterrence tools, and conflict response, while members and the California Cattlemen’s Association said the need is larger and includes direct loss compensation, indirect loss compensation, and nonlethal deterrence. The Cattlemen’s Association said private insurance is limited and often inadequate for these losses. Members also raised concerns about the greenhouse gas reduction fund and transit, warning that lower auction revenues and possible CARB rule changes could leave major transit and other tier-three priorities underfunded. The LAO recommended planning for multiple revenue scenarios and reconsidering the current cap-and-invest spending framework. No votes or formal actions were taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• of an urban retail water supplier to implement or comply with any actions identified in this new assessment
• The thing I just want to make sure that we're not inadvertently doing here is that somehow the assessment
• becomes sort of a... ...that somehow the assessment becomes sort of a safe harbor that immunizes a water
• We want them to be thorough in these assessments and to say, here are all the pump stations without backup
• We don't want our water agencies to sort of pull back and give us a half-hearted assessment.

Summary: The committee heard SB 1393, an omnibus update to the Fish and Game Code covering steelhead trout and Dungeness crab management. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen the steelhead trout report card program, extend and refine Dungeness crab management, and clarify vessel transit rules in closed crab fishing areas. The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, and other supporters said the measure implements long-standing task force recommendations and supports both conservation and coastal fishing communities. There was no opposition, and the bill was moved forward on a 4-0 vote to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1250, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning and asset management, set performance targets, and coordinate with wildlife agencies. Supporters from conservation, animal welfare, land trust, and local government groups said the bill would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, improve public safety, and better integrate crossings, culverts, and fencing into routine highway projects. The California Building Industry Association moved to a neutral position after amendments clarified the bill would apply to transportation right-of-way planning and not create exactions on private property. Members discussed the bill’s relationship to Caltrans planning authority and existing funding, and it was passed to Appropriations on a 4-0 vote. Senator Gonzalez’s SB 1268, which would codify the state’s Outdoors for All initiative, also received broad support from environmental justice, conservation, parks, and recreation groups. Testimony emphasized inequitable access to parks and nature, especially for low-income communities and communities of color, and said the bill would make the initiative more durable by placing it in statute. The chair and members spoke in favor of expanding outdoor access, and the bill was approved on a 3-0 vote with some members not yet voting. The committee then heard three Western Joshua tree bills from Senator Ochoa Bogh. SB 1061 would streamline relocation of limited numbers of trees without fees in certain cases; SB 1062 would require proportionate or tiered mitigation fees for public utilities and agencies; and SB 1063 would create an expedited, fee-free permitting path for basic residential utility and wildfire-hardening projects. Supporters, including local water agencies, counties, and farm and business groups, said the current law imposes heavy costs on desert residents and ratepayers. Opponents, including wildlife and conservation organizations, argued the bills would weaken protections for a species they said is threatened by climate change and habitat loss, and noted that existing administrative processes are already addressing fees and permitting. After amendments, opposition was withdrawn on SB 1061 and SB 1062, and both bills advanced on 3-0 votes to Appropriations; SB 1063 remained under discussion in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It ensures that payroll service companies will be assessed the GET only on that portion of their receipts
• It ensures that payroll service companies will be assessed the GET only on that portion of their receipts
• Wouldn't that be a fairer way to assess hotel tax on the various hotels?
• Wouldn't would that be a fairer way<00:41:31.359> to<00:41:31.520> assess<00:41:32.400>
• hotel tax on on the way to assess hotel tax on on the various<00:41:34.000> hotels?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of economic development, tourism, and tax measures. SB 2411 drew broad support from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, the University of Hawaiʻi, the Chamber of Commerce, and Retail Merchants, with one technical amendment suggested to change a partnership term from six to seven years. Members asked about implementation and annual costs, and the department said it would follow up with cost information. HB 2583 HD1, relating to economic development and a loan loss program, also received support, but DBED noted the state already has the CBED loan program and suggested the proposal could be placed under that existing framework rather than creating a new program. HB 1612, based on business revitalization task force recommendations, was supported by DBED and several business and advocacy groups, including the Small Business Regulatory Review Board and Grassroot Institute. Testimony emphasized improving Hawaii’s business climate and using a ranking/reporting tool to measure progress, while one senator questioned whether the bill would simply fund another study instead of direct improvements. HB 1613, relating to HTDC, was supported by HTDC, the Chamber of Commerce, and startup and industry representatives who said a permanent marketing/branding specialist would help attract tech talent, founders, and investors; a member asked why the position was not in the budget, and HTDC said federal NIST funding uncertainty affected the request. HB 1614, also on economic development, was supported by HTDC and business groups, and members discussed whether the state was missing federal funds due to lack of matching dollars; HTDC said it was difficult to know, but matching funds could help leverage more federal grants. The committee then took up HB 2590 on taxation for creative industries. The Motion Picture Association and Hawaii Film Alliance strongly supported the bill, saying it would correct GET treatment for payroll service companies, restore motion picture and TV production as manufacturing, and repeal a 2022 provision affecting qualified expenses; the Department of Taxation said it would provide revenue-impact information later. Finally, HB 1950 HD1 on the transient accommodations tax drew strong support from DBED, HTA, the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, hotel and resort groups, and others, who argued for a dedicated tourism marketing fund and said the state needs more stable, long-term marketing investment. The Tax Foundation opposed the special fund approach, arguing it would reduce legislative flexibility. Members pressed witnesses on the appropriate percentage for the fund, with HTA suggesting 10% to 12% of TAT collections, and the discussion focused on how marketing spending relates to visitor spending, tax revenue, and long-term tourism competitiveness.

Transcript Highlights:

• They wouldn't be authorized, if someone chokes, to assess the swallowing capability of a patient.
• of a patient. be authorized to assess the swallowing capability of a patient.
• The final one would be assessment models.
• So not the assumption being if that fee cap was granted, the assessment through the regulatory process
• But when you're having a patient come in directly and you're trying to evaluate and assess their needs

Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate Business and Professions sunset oversight hearing focused first on the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), with committee chairs emphasizing oversight, consumer protection, workforce access, and economic mobility. BRN leaders reported improvements since the last review, including faster licensing timelines, streamlined enforcement, higher consumer satisfaction, growth in pre-licensure enrollment, and expanded data collection. Members questioned the board about nurse practitioner scope and supervision, international and military pathways to licensure, online nursing education and clinical requirements, rural workforce shortages, and the 30-unit LVN-to-RN option. BRN staff explained California’s tiered advanced practice system, the NCLEX and certification requirements, English proficiency rules, clinical hour standards, and the board’s role in approving programs and supporting schools through nursing education consultants. Several members and the board president also discussed the need to retain new graduates, improve diversity in the workforce, and better support nontraditional students and rural placements. Public comment on the BRN sunset review was extensive and largely supportive of the board, while also urging policy changes. Nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, and nursing education groups generally supported the BRN report and especially backed clarification of APRN-to-RN delegation authority under issue 13. Other commenters asked for clearer implementation of AB 890, more flexibility for clinical nurse specialists, streamlined renewals for nurse midwives, and changes to federal loan limits affecting graduate nursing education. Higher education representatives and private nursing schools raised concerns about duplicative BRN documentation, clinical placement bottlenecks, and barriers faced by out-of-state and online programs seeking to serve California students. The California Medical Association and some physician groups opposed easing transition-to-practice requirements for out-of-state nurse practitioners and cautioned against changes to specialty and delegation rules, while the California Nurses Association and others stressed the importance of community college pathways, new graduate support, and workforce retention. The hearing then moved to the Physical Therapy Board of California. Board leadership reported that the board oversees more than 41,000 active licensees, has seen about 15% growth since 2021, and continues to maintain high exam pass rates among California physical therapy and physical therapist assistant programs. The board described its mission as consumer protection through licensing, enforcement, continuing competency oversight, and stakeholder engagement. The vice president’s remote testimony encountered technical problems, so the executive officer continued with a brief overview of the board’s work and its commitment to efficient service and public protection. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• His public safety assessment score now placed him at a six out of six for new criminal activity and a
• His public safety assessment identified him as having a new violent criminal activity flag with a new
• His public safety assessment score. as well as suspected methamphetamine in his pockets.
• His public safety assessment score now placed him at a six out of six for new criminal activity and a
• I presume, is that a fair assessment of the way you guys were running this operation? Mr.

Bills: SB100

Keywords: burglary, aggravated burglary, dwelling, criminal law, property rights, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also requires the emergency departments to conduct the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment created
• by the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment Project and requires AHCA to publish the results.
• regulations around the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, the methadone-assisted treatment needs assessment
• regulations around the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, the methadone-assisted treatment needs assessment
• This is a nationally recognized predictor exam designed to help nursing students assess their readiness

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up a series of health and human services bills, beginning with CS/SB 1602, which would require hospital emergency departments to have evidence-based pediatric care protocols, staff training, child-sized equipment and medications, a pediatric care coordinator, and participation in a national pediatric readiness assessment. The bill was reported favorably after no public opposition. CS/SB 1224, aligning Florida law with federal requirements for paramedics to administer controlled substances under physician or nurse practitioner direction, also drew supportive testimony from the Florida Fire Chiefs Association and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1182, requiring coverage of continuous glucose monitors under both pharmacy and durable medical equipment benefits, was likewise reported favorably after brief support from AARP. The committee then considered CS/SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which addresses venous thromboembolism by defining certain conditions as chronic diseases, creating a statewide registry, and requiring screening and training in hospitals, surgical centers, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Family members and blood clot advocates strongly supported the bill, but assisted living representatives objected to being included, arguing the bill would impose unrealistic medical expectations and liability on residential care facilities. Senators also raised concerns about the assisted living provisions, but the bill was reported favorably after the sponsor said more changes were likely later. CS/CS/SB 954, dealing with recovery residences and treatment centers, was amended to reduce the number of active patients from 500 to 300 and then reported favorably after extensive debate over zoning, clustering, neighborhood impacts, and access to recovery housing. CS/SB 1050, which expands the developmental disabilities pilot program and creates an adult pathways waiver option, generated the most extensive testimony. Supporters said it would help reduce the long APD waitlist and expand services, while many families and advocates warned against managed care, citing provider shortages, weak oversight, and the importance of consumer-directed care. Committee members emphasized that participation is voluntary and that people can disenroll, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 614, requiring a public educational webpage about background screening and level-two screening requirements, and CS/SB 1578, expanding breast cancer screening coverage, were both reported favorably with little opposition. CS/SB 1060 created a joint legislative oversight committee for Medicaid financing and operations; after an amendment expanding the committee from three to five members, it was reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 1240, updating DCF substance abuse and mental health procedures including 988, methadone assessment, forensic evaluators, and Baker Act transfer timing, was amended and reported favorably after debate over transfer deadlines and facility responsibilities. Finally, the committee began hearing CS/SB 526, a major nursing education bill aimed at improving Florida’s low NCLEX passage rates by tightening program standards, requiring exit exams and remediation, mandating reporting and inspections, and limiting accreditation extensions. A strike-all amendment was introduced that would also require certain low-performing programs to offer a three-month graduate preceptorship. The transcript cuts off before the bill’s full debate and final action are completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Appraisals are assessed on January 1st of each year, and currently, there is not a process to account
• Then, when they did the property asset accumulation assessment, they gave an $8,000 tax bill.
• retired; they came in and purchased a home that had an over-65 exemption on it, and it was back assessed
• The issue is not isolated to Arlington; in fact, across Texas, billions (with a B) in assessed value
• It is virtually impossible to assess and underwrite, especially when you're asked to look at different

Bills: SB467, SB325, SB867, SB994, SB1052, SB1237, SB1449, SB1531, SB2063, SB2172, SB2173, SB2520, SB2529, SB2538, SB2541, SJR46, SJR84

Keywords: SB 467, Texas property tax, ad valorem tax, homestead exemption, residence homestead, fire damage, house fire, destroyed home, temporary tax relief, appraisal district, chief appraiser, local taxing unit, tax rollback, tax refund, Tax Code Chapter 11, prorated exemption, homestead improvement, disaster relief, property tax exemption, residential property

Transcript Highlights:

• LBB just took this number from the controller and plugged it in, is that a fair assessment?
• So go down for the state of having to assess that and administrate that.
• Administrative Procedure Act requires when an agency proposes a rule that there be a fiscal impact assessed
• It's total loss the amount that well that we have not been able to get a fair assessment from the amount
• I encourage you to vote no on this as a committee and instead perhaps launch a study bill. to assess

Bills: HB134, HB135, HB 1109, HB 1243, HB1392, HB1399, HJR99, HB134, HB135

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, local tax, municipal tax, county tax, tax sourcing, place of business, principal business location, small business, retailer, marketplace seller, economic development agreement, Chapter 321, Chapter 323, Tax Code, Texas Comptroller, local sales and use tax, tax jurisdiction, order consummation, ship-to location

Transcript Highlights:

• by accomplishing climate action goals for a brighter and more environmentally friendly future. assessments
• um and how it intersects assessments um and how it intersects with<00:41:39.920> policym<00:41
• of clinical medicine uh that our system of clinical medicine uh that Physicians<00:46:27.359> assess
• c><00:46:27.800> patients<00:46:28.559> uh<00:46:29.119> symptoms Physicians assess
• patients uh symptoms Physicians assess patients uh symptoms and<00:46:30.559> request<00:46:30.960

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1232, which would create a three-year wastewater technology testing pilot program at the University of Hawaiʻi Water Resources Research Center and coordinate testing with state and county agencies. The Department of Health, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and University of Hawaiʻi representatives supported the bill, saying it would help certify new wastewater technologies, lower costs for cesspool conversions, and provide data to the Department of Health. Testifiers said the prior testing effort ended after the departure of Dr. Roger Babcock, and that the new program would use National Sanitation Foundation standards, graduate students, and local wastewater facilities such as Wahiawa. Committee members asked about the $750,000 total cost, the scope of existing research, prior test sites, and whether the program would be tied to individuals or a permanent program. One member raised concerns about the fairness and data basis for sewer conversion decisions in local communities, and the University said it would follow national standards and share results openly. The committee then took up Senate Bill 686, relating to a short-term management initiative for coconut rhinoceros beetle response and related appropriations. The Department of Agriculture and the University of Hawaiʻi testified in support, while a county representative and other advocates urged broader statewide coverage, including Kauaʻi, and asked that appropriated funds be usable on any island. Testimony emphasized the need for immediate action, outreach, tree-trimmer training, canopy treatments, K-9 inspections, container fumigation, and biocontrol research. A member summarized the bill’s funding components, including amounts for training, residential palm treatments, response teams, inspections, fumigation, and research, and noted the importance of directing money toward on-the-ground response. Committee questions focused on how much funding remained available, how the agencies would coordinate with DOA, whether the department was prepared to manage all the bill’s functions, and how infestations were being communicated to the public. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 657, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaiʻi School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology’s Center for Climate Resilient Development. The Department of Land and Natural Resources testified in strong support, and the Department of Health also supported the measure, noting that it relies on the center’s data to inform decisions and recommendations on projects. The discussion on this item was brief in the portion provided, with no vote or final action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, when the assessor usually assesses it, but normally I think on January 1st.
• <00:47:23.559> two<00:47:24.559> is<00:47:24.800> the<00:47:25.119> assessment
• <00:47:25.760> of<00:47:26.000> land 483 B1 and two is the assessment of land 483 B1
• and two is the assessment of land value<00:47:29.280> for<00:47:29.680> property<00:47
• All this does is, if a town would adopt it, it would lower assessed values and, administratively, following

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we stay up to date, not to mention the phone calls that we will have often on a daily basis, just assessing
• we stay up to date, not to mention the phone calls that we will have often on a daily basis, just assessing
• And then after that, the governor has assessed whether or not we have the capacity to assist with repatriation

Keywords: House Committee Room A, General Assembly Building, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Then there's also been impact assessments that have been run in Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia, and
• technology, the data used to train the system, implement a risk management policy, and conduct an impact assessment
• implement and disclose an AI framework that meets specific requirements, conduct catastrophic risk assessments

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Arizona House Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Committee heard a presentation from Adam Cook Hook of the National Conference of State Legislatures on recent AI policy trends across the states. He described how AI has rapidly become a major legislative issue, with all 50 states plus several territories introducing AI bills in 2025, and noted that states have created AI-focused committees, task forces, inventories, impact assessments, procurement rules, and government pilot projects. Examples discussed included state efforts in Colorado, Kentucky, West Virginia, Hawaii, Arkansas, Ohio, and others, along with NCSL resources such as its AI legislation database and policy toolkit. Much of the discussion focused on deepfakes, elections, and synthetic media. Hook said many states have enacted disclosure requirements or prohibitions for AI-generated political messaging, and have also passed laws addressing sexually explicit deepfakes, nonconsensual intimate images, and commercial use of a person’s likeness, voice, or image. Members asked about the best state approaches to protecting likeness rights, how parody and satire affect deepfake laws, and whether such laws can avoid First Amendment problems. Hook pointed to recent court cases in California and Hawaii that struck down some deepfake laws as overly broad, especially where they lacked parody/satire exceptions or allowed too broad a private right of action. The committee also asked about practical government uses of AI, including retrieval-augmented chatbots used by agencies such as Montana’s Ethics Commission and the Ohio Secretary of State to help answer public questions or guide election officials. Hook said states are pursuing both regulation and innovation, citing comprehensive laws in Colorado, Utah, California, and Texas that combine disclosure, risk assessment, and anti-discrimination requirements with innovation efforts such as sandboxes and state support for AI research. No bills were heard or voted on, and the meeting ended with the chair thanking the presenter and adjourning the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• It incorporates the DLA-20 assessment tool in evaluations for children and adolescents to ensure comprehensive
• functioning assessments.
• implement and biannually review the DLA-20 tool to ensure providers are using the most effective assessment

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs met to consider several bills and the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. SB 1310, relating to reporting of student mental health outcomes, was temporarily postponed. The committee then took up SB 1354 on behavioral health managing entities, adopted a delete-all amendment, and heard support for the bill’s focus on transparency, accountability, audits, referral patterns, and a DCF report due by December 1. Members discussed the capacity of the current reporting system and the need for coordination with school districts. The committee voted the bill favorably. The committee next considered SB 1620 on mental health and substance abuse disorders, which implements selected recommendations from the 2025 Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. The bill, as amended, includes reforms on dignity and patient-centered care, crisis response, individualized treatment plans, use of the DLA-20 assessment tool, data analysis by the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, and creation of a research center. Amendments removed a direct medication-provision requirement in favor of a review and report on discharge procedures, medication adherence, and long-acting injectables, and clarified licensure priorities for short-term residential treatment programs. Testimony and debate emphasized the need for action, better data, and efficient use of public funds. The committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard from Taylor Hatch, the Governor’s appointee to lead DCF. Hatch described her background in state government and her priorities for DCF, including coordination, transparency, prevention, permanency, and responsiveness to vulnerable Floridians. Several members spoke in support, citing her experience at APD and familiarity with the agency’s work. The committee voted unanimously to recommend her confirmation, and then adjourned.