Transcript Highlights:

• County recorders and county boards of supervisors would be required to maintain and verify compliance
• Never once did you mention the county recorder housed both these... ...the SEB and the county recorders
• the health officers for the county.
• Maricopa County Attorney's Office, Coconino County Attorney's Office, and Graham County Attorney's Office
• As I previously shared, counties have relatively little policymaking authority in this space, but bear

Summary: The committee approved the minutes and then heard a long series of bills, mostly from Senators Hoffman, Fernandez, and Bolick. Early action included SB 1436 on school bond/override ballot language, which passed 4-3 after brief debate over ballot length and transparency. SB 1568, requiring election systems to keep clocks within 60 seconds of official time and making violations a misdemeanor, was amended and passed 4-3 despite concerns about machine failures and the breadth of the penalty. SB 1569, limiting special election board members from collecting voter registrations while assisting confined voters, also passed 4-3 after testimony from county officials and a deputy registrar describing alleged misuse of SEBs. SB 1746, requiring schools to serve as polling places and closing schools on regular primary/general election days for staff training, passed 4-3 over objections about school autonomy and safety. SB 1295, allowing certain incarcerated people needing long-term care or treatment to be transferred to contracted medical institutions, passed unanimously after an amendment narrowing the medical eligibility language. The committee then took up SB 1067, a county blight/abatement bill allowing property tax bills to include assessments for removing rubbish, debris, and dilapidated structures; county officials from Gila and Pima Counties strongly supported it, and it passed 7-0. SB 1285, which would have repealed kratom protections and added kratom and its alkaloids to the narcotic-drug list, drew strong opposition from industry and a pharmacist and failed 3-4 after debate over safety, regulation, and criminal penalties. SB 1413, removing the $100,000 restitution cap for serious injury or death caused by a moving violation, passed after a short explanation that it was intended to conform statutes to a prior Arizona Supreme Court ruling. SB 1476, making prenatal exposure to dangerous or narcotic drugs and fetal alcohol syndrome a class six felony child neglect offense with an affirmative defense for mothers who completed treatment, drew emotional testimony from a foster/adoptive parent and opposition from reproductive justice and criminal defense advocates; it passed 4-2. Later, SB 1585, creating standards and funding mechanisms for sex offender-specific evaluations, treatment, and polygraphs, passed 4-2 after supporters argued it would improve oversight and opponents questioned the added surcharge and appropriation. SB 1662, requiring probation conditions to be the least restrictive necessary and tailored to risk and needs, passed 5-0 with support from justice reform advocates and defense attorneys. SB 1664, adjusting constable nomination signature requirements in Maricopa and Pima Counties, passed unanimously after county association support. The committee then began SB 1666 on in-state custodial interference, with the sponsor and a supporter describing repeated violations of custody orders and arguing for a tiered civil-penalty-to-felony structure; the transcript ends during questioning on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The measure, SB 2697 SD1, also authorizes the Department of Transportation and county police departments
• City and County of Honolulu, >> Thank you.
• Authorizes deaf motor deaf individuals.
• City and County of Honolulu not present.
• </c><00:38:48.880><c> Department</c> City and County of Honolulu Department City and County of Honolulu

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Transportation heard several measures and took action on each after testimony. SB 2697 SD1 would prohibit driving on roadway shoulders except in limited circumstances, authorize towing or impoundment of vehicles with expired registrations of three or more years, increase certain fines and penalties, and require annual reporting; the Department of Transportation supported it, and the committee later adopted amendments and recommended passage. SB 2399 SD2 would provide a general excise tax exemption for aircraft maintenance materials, parts, tools, and related facility construction; it drew support from industry groups and comments from the Department of Taxation and Tax Foundation of Hawaii, and was also passed with amendments. SB 2665 SD2 would require driver’s license renewal applicants with a recent traffic citation to complete a road-safety course and exam; DOT supported it, the Public Defender opposed it as not clearly linked to safer driving, and the committee amended the bill to raise the trigger from one citation to two citations within five years before recommending passage. The committee also heard SB 2851 SD1, which would allow deaf vehicle owners to register a deafness designation visible to law enforcement; the Disability and Communication Access Board supported it, Peter Fritz testified in support while urging amendments on verification and threshold issues, and the committee adopted amendments and passed the measure. SB 3102 SD2 would clarify DOT’s role in port pilotage standards and appeals; DOT, DCCA, pilots, maritime interests, labor, and harbor users supported it, and it was passed with amendments. SB 2521 SD1 would exempt emergency medical services personnel from CDL requirements, require emergency-vehicle training, and update the definition of authorized emergency vehicle; DOT, DOH, Honolulu emergency services, and UPW supported it, and it too was passed with amendments. Finally, SB 3157 would transfer unencumbered automated speed enforcement special fund balances above a set threshold to the general fund. DOT supported the concept, but members questioned whether excess funds would ever accumulate and whether the money should instead support safe routes to school; the committee increased the threshold from $12 million to $25 million, discussed but did not adopt a transfer to another special fund, and passed the bill with amendments. The chair noted the next hearing would be held the following Tuesday, likely at 8:30 or 9:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here on behalf of the Washington State Association of County Auditors.
• I'm the elected King County Director of Elections.
• I want to make clear, because I was a county auditor for years, that this is not going to say that county
• Election audits remain fully authorized.
• Yes, my name is Rick Vermeers, certified election observer in Clark County.

Bills: SB6081, SB5902, SB6034, SB6035, SB5892, SB5973

Keywords: SB 6081, Washington privacy, sex designation, gender marker, nonbinary, transgender, vital records, birth certificate, death certificate, fetal death, stillbirth, driver license, ID card, Department of Licensing, public records exemption, confidential records, record sealing, data sharing, government records, privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a quick question for the author.
• I appreciate the author brought that.
• AB 2741 from 2020 authorized counties to use a CAC to implement a coordinated multidisciplinary response
• AB 2741 from 2020 authorized counties to use a CAC to implement a coordinated multidisciplinary response
• First, I want to thank the author, who is probably the rare time on opposite sides of the author.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• prior authorizations; to provide for expedited prior authorizations; to provide for notifications; to
• ; to provide for de minimis prior authorization utilization exemption; to provide rulemaking authority
• requests for prior authorization, to provide for de minimis prior authorization utilization exemption
• in county jails.
• I have smaller counties, particularly like Bear Lake County, that can't afford that.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous journal. It then received messages from the governor and Senate, committee reports, and a series of first-reading referrals. Among the new bills introduced were House Bill 841, the Idaho Prior Authorization Reform Act for health insurance; House Bill 842 on budget-limit provisions; House Bill 843 revising the homestead exemption; House Bill 844 on enhanced short-term health plans; House Bill 845 on Medicaid presumptive eligibility by hospitals; and House Bill 846 on student enrollment counseling. Several Senate measures were also referred, including Senate Bill 1305 on water district budgets and Senate Bill 1271 on rat abatement. The House also sent House Joint Memorial 18 to printing and advanced multiple committee-reported bills to second reading or general orders. In Committee of the Whole, members amended and advanced House Bill 717 on motor vehicles, Senate Bill 1227 establishing a framework for AI use in K-12 education, House Bill 668 on child custody interference, and House Bill 750 on programmable money. The AI bill was amended to ensure AI would not replace human teachers, add legislative participation in framework development, and reference parental rights. The custody-interference bill was amended to restore language about taking a child out of state for more than 24 hours. The programmable-money bill was amended to clarify what the term does not include. The committee reported those four bills back without recommendation as amended, while House Bills 530, 627, 598, and 747 were held for further consideration. On third reading, House Bill 659, which would require law enforcement agencies to seek 287(g) agreements with ICE and explain if they cannot participate, drew extensive debate over immigration enforcement, costs, staffing, and whether it would be an unfunded mandate. Supporters said it would improve cooperation with federal authorities and respond to public concern; opponents argued it could burden local agencies and create future obligations. The House passed the bill 41-27. The chamber also passed House Bill 674 on discontinuing telephone service after FCC approval, House Bill 566 repealing unused parks and recreation code, House Bill 568 repealing obsolete Department of Lands provisions, House Bill 574 removing redundant fish and game fine language, and Senate Bills 1244 and 1265 as code-cleanup measures. Several bills were held on the calendar, including House Bills 648, 702, and others. The most extended debate came on Senate Bill 1331, a 2026 budget rescission bill that would impose across-the-board holdbacks, with exceptions for K-12, corrections, state police, and Medicaid. Supporters framed it as a necessary structurally balanced budget and fiscal discipline measure, while opponents argued it was too blunt, not transparent enough, and would harm vulnerable populations and agency services. Members also debated whether the cuts were truly across-the-board or whether JFAC was already restoring priorities through supplemental and enhancement work. The transcript ends during that debate, before a final vote on Senate Bill 1331 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• a condominium unit owners association and a planned community members association from statutory authority
• It's a transparency bill related to prior authorization. Staff did a great job explaining it.
• approval from an elected official in control of that county office.
• to appreciate the service of their county sheriffs.
• to appreciate the service of their county sheriffs.

Summary: The meeting was a lengthy caucus-style review of many bills and resolutions across multiple committees, with staff giving brief descriptions and most items placed on consent or third-read consent calendars. Topics included appropriations, commerce, education, government, health and human services, environment, public safety, and transportation. Measures discussed ranged from school policy and board continuations to housing, water, public safety, licensing, and election-related changes. Several bills were noted as strike-everything amendments or as having been amended in committee. A number of bills drew sponsor comments or brief questions. In education, members discussed bills on teacher strikes, school math placement, school meals, student clubs, bond election disclosures, and a proposed commission on student outcomes. In health and human services, members discussed nursing board rules, pharmacist testing and treatment authority, medical records timelines, opioid antagonist expiration dates, and a proposed constitutional amendment on the right to refuse medical mandates. In government and public safety, members debated funding and staffing issues for DPS and corrections, including a proposed public safety parity fund, as well as bills on county sheriffs, legal representation for DPS, and corrections oversight funding. There was also discussion of election and local government measures, including inactive voter list procedures, circulator disclosure rules, and committee termination filings. Other topics included housing affordability districts, development fees, historic-area middle housing exemptions, water and groundwater management, environmental compatibility siting, and trade-related commissions. One notable exchange involved HB 4044, where members debated whether using rainy day fund interest for public safety pay was fiscally responsible; supporters argued it was a practical way to fund raises, while opponents said it would weaken the fund and should instead be handled through the general fund. No roll-call votes were taken in the transcript, and most items were simply presented, briefly discussed, and left on consent or third-read consent calendars.

Transcript Highlights:

• ">County and Broward County </font> <font color="aaaaaa">finalizing agreements to </font> <font color
• </font> <font color="aaaaaa">The statute authorizes </font> <font color="aaaaaa">Miami-Dade County and
• , Broward </font> <font color="aaaaaa">County and Palm Beach County.
• Beach County.
• County.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, and I yield. rulers or authorities all things were rulers or authorities all things were created
• </c><00:05:58.280><c> penetrate</c><00:05:58.720><c> our</c> your Authority penetrate our your Authority
• He was not detained and deported as he should have been because Dane County is a sanctuary county.
• The sanctuary policy hampers the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Clark County Sheriff's
• The citizens of Clark County and Habersham County are hundreds of miles from any border, but are still

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've seen with Lane County, Lane County is planning to build a building.
• Yamhill County.
• County for being great partners with the County of Marion.
• Lincoln County has three haulers that contract with counties and cities in Lincoln County.
• It is important for Tillamook County to retain authority over our localized infrastructure, collection

Summary: The task force met to focus on funding systems and incentive structures for a proposed regional waste infrastructure effort, including how a future WIPA framework might support solid waste planning in the Willamette Valley. Staff and members heard presentations from DEQ on the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, from Business Oregon on the Special Public Works Fund, and from Oregon State Treasury on state bonding capacity and the bond issuance process. Presenters explained how their programs are structured, how projects are scored or approved, what kinds of public entities and projects are eligible, and how interagency coordination and co-funding can work. DEQ emphasized that its revolving loan fund is driven by water-quality benefits and public-health criteria, while Business Oregon described a broader infrastructure loan program for public entities with no scoring system, and Treasury outlined the state’s debt-capacity process and the differences between general obligation and lottery bonds. Members used the presentations to discuss whether similar funding tools could support solid waste infrastructure, especially for transfer stations, regional hubs, and related facilities that may need to be built before Coffin Butte reaches the end of its lifespan. Several questions centered on whether public-private partnerships could qualify, whether equipment inside facilities could be financed, how repayment would work, and whether planning costs could be covered. DEQ and Business Oregon both said they could potentially collaborate on scoring or co-funding, but noted eligibility limits and the need for public ownership in many cases. Treasury said bond capacity is limited and competitive, especially for lottery bonds, and that project authorization generally runs on a two-year cycle, though unused authority can sometimes be reauthorized. In task force discussion, members debated whether the group should pursue a dedicated funding lane for the seven-county region rather than having local governments compete with other statewide needs. Some members stressed the importance of criteria to avoid stranded assets and to ensure funding is available when projects are ready, while others raised concerns about how cities and counties would generate revenue to repay debt during construction and early operations. The group also discussed flow control, system fees, and the need for regional collaboration among counties, cities, and haulers to create enough waste volume to support new infrastructure. Staff noted that pre-session filing materials for the legislature are due September 11, and the chair said the August meeting will focus on organizational structure and identifying partners. During public comment, Representative Kevin Mannix submitted written testimony supporting the WIPA concept and urging the task force to endorse it. Commissioner Bubba King of Yamhill County urged the task force to compare alternatives objectively and warned against adding bureaucracy before evaluating existing infrastructure and costs. Commissioners Kevin Cameron and Roger Nyquist of Marion and Linn counties described regional hub-and-spoke concepts, transfer stations, and intermodal options, emphasizing the need for planning, strategic siting, and collaboration with haulers and local governments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Daryl Johnson is the Chief Executive Officer of the Orange County Transit Authority.
• Resolutions on the consent calendar for the purpose of adding co-authors.
• Clerk will now open the roll to allow any member to add on as a co-author.
• Members, this vote is for co-authors on the items on the consent calendar.
• Again, this vote is for co-authors. Clerk will close the roll. There are 65 co-authors added.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Before we hear from the authors, we will establish a quorum. Assistant, please call the roll.
• We will be patient on the next presentation, and we are waiting for the author to show up.
• Until we can get an author here. So we are in recess.
• We ask that you ask the author to do the same for small mutual water companies.
• And so we would like to work with the author in scaling the compliance with this.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions heard two bills. SB 1131, by Senator Jones, would update the Debt Collection Licensing Act by requiring the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation to conduct examinations remotely unless an on-site review is needed, and by allowing the department to rely on recent audits or examinations from other regulators or approved third parties. Supporters from the debt collection industry said the bill would reduce duplicative costs and fix issues with the advisory committee process; an opposition witness from the California Low-Income Consumer Coalition said concerns remained. After discussion about preserving consumer protections while reducing burdens on licensees, the committee voted 7-0 to pass SB 1131 and re-refer it to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1291, the “Shine Act,” by Senator Gonzalez, which would increase transparency and accountability for mutual water companies by removing the 24-hour written notice requirement for board meetings, requiring websites with basic information such as consumer confidence reports, and directing a comparative analysis of mutual water companies serving disadvantaged communities. Supporters, including environmental justice advocates and Los Angeles County, described problems with access to water quality information, meeting notices, and board accountability in communities such as Cudahy and Maywood. The California Association of Mutual Water Companies opposed the bill unless amended, arguing it imposed unfunded mandates and one-size-fits-all requirements on small systems. Members discussed the need for transparency while acknowledging concerns about compliance burdens; the committee then voted 7-0 to pass SB 1291 and re-refer it to Environmental Quality.

Transcript Highlights:

• Louis County has a car theft department.
• Louis County has a car theft department.
• issue in my county.
• issue in my county.
• Louis County. I mean, I live in a county in St.

Summary: The Insurance Committee met with a quorum and first went into executive session on House Bill 2874, which was approved 9-0 with one member present. The bill was described as a product worked on the previous year, and no substantive opposition was raised before the vote. The committee then heard House Bill 2071, which would allow the Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association to suspend operations rather than terminate, because the medical malpractice market is now considered robust and the association has not written a policy or received a claim in several years. The sponsor and Missouri Insurance Coalition said the association still costs roughly $300,000 to $350,000 annually to operate, with projected savings if suspended, while preserving the ability to reactivate if claims arise within the remaining liability window. Some members questioned whether a sunset would be more appropriate and raised concerns about the open-ended nature of suspension and the handling of the association’s reserve funds. House Bill 1615 was then heard and would lower the statutory minimum number of directors for insurance companies from nine to five, while leaving maximum board sizes unchanged. The sponsor and supporters argued Missouri’s current requirement is outdated, out of step with other states and other regulated entities, and creates unnecessary barriers for smaller insurers without affecting solvency or consumer protection. Members questioned whether any insurers had avoided Missouri because of the nine-director rule; supporters said they had no specific examples but said the change would provide flexibility and align Missouri with modern governance practices. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2902, which would create a Motor Vehicle Threat Prevention Program and commission within the Department of Public Safety to fund grants and coordinate efforts against auto theft. The sponsor said Missouri ranks among the highest states for vehicle theft and argued the program would help local law enforcement, especially in rural areas, address high-tech theft methods and related crimes. Highway Patrol and NICB witnesses testified in support, citing rising theft rates, the use of stolen vehicles in other crimes, and examples from other states where similar task forces recovered stolen vehicles and made arrests. Several members questioned whether a new commission was necessary, suggesting the Highway Patrol or existing agencies could handle the work; no opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing was closed with no further business before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> author. I see that. author. I see that.
• </c><00:16:00.360><c> District</c> served as a Hennepin County District served as a Hennepin County District
• ><c> February</c><00:17:29.880><c> 4th,</c> Dakota County effective February 4th, Dakota County effective
• </c><00:17:45.600><c> effective</c> Minnetrista Hennepin County effective Minnetrista Hennepin County
• Cloud Economic Development Authority and is a member of the St. Cloud Regional Airport Authority.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, dealing with the counties, non-oil counties, 11.5% is $42.5 million. That's on page 8.
• Also in this section, it redefines the oil-producing counties and non-oil-producing counties.
• And the counties are getting 35%. And so... And the counties are getting 35%.
• And then it's distributed from the counties to the cities because that 35% is both counties and cities
• Counties to the cities, because that 35% is both counties and cities.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to consider Senate Bill 2012, the Department of Transportation budget, with Representative Brandenburg presenting a detailed House amendment package and Speaker Robin Weisz explaining the overall funding strategy. The discussion focused on restructuring transportation funding streams, including moving Prairie Dog money into a flexible transportation fund, adjusting gas tax distributions, increasing the legacy earnings transfer from 7% to 8%, and authorizing a $155 million bond for Highway 85. Members also discussed DOT operations, bridge funding, rest areas, electronic titling, and the use of funds for grants to counties, cities, and townships. A separate provision would let the DOT consider whether local ordinances or policies unreasonably restrict permitted agriculture or energy projects when scoring grant applications, which drew significant debate about local control and whether the language was punitive. Testimony from Brandenburg and Weisz emphasized that the plan was intended to provide more predictable funding, preserve the ability to match federal dollars, and direct money where needs are greatest through a grant process. Weisz said the package was designed to simplify multiple revenue buckets, ensure DOT can meet federal match requirements, and free up money for the general fund while still supporting transportation needs. Several members raised concerns about whether cities, counties, and townships would receive as much as under the prior Prairie Dog structure, whether the bridge allocation was correctly reflected in the bill, and whether the local-policy language would penalize subdivisions that oppose energy projects. Supporters argued the state needed to protect revenue tied to energy development and that local governments would still receive distributions plus additional grant opportunities. The committee adopted the House amendment to SB 2012 by a vote of 19-1-3, then rejected an amendment to remove the local-policy language on a 5-15-3 vote. The committee then passed SB 2012 as amended on a 20-0-3 vote, with Representative Brandenburg designated as the carrier. The chair announced that Senate Bill 2014 would not be taken up at that time and the committee recessed until called back.

Transcript Highlights:

• But again, like I mentioned, a lot of those cases are outside of Kootenai County, you know, Ada County
• , Gem County.
• County. So much so, there's Trafficking was getting lost in the shuffle for us in L.A. County.
• County. So much so, there's trafficking was getting lost in the shuffle for us in LA County.
• When we talk about multiple counties and multiple jurisdictions, the City of Star is in two counties,

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Rules Committee approved the minutes from January 27, 2026 and then heard two RS introductions and two bill hearings. RS 3-3101, a minor revision to reckless driving language adding “active” school zone or construction zone, was introduced without opposition. RS 33096, clarifying that willful and malicious disturbance of a worship service is disturbing the peace, was also introduced after brief discussion about wording and protection of religious worship. The committee then heard House Bill 522, which would address drones operating in the security zone around correctional facilities by allowing the Department of Corrections and law enforcement to take reasonable measures against them and making violations a misdemeanor. Representative Hill, IDOC’s Chad Page, and anti-drone expert Dirk Manley described drones as a growing threat for contraband, surveillance, and escape planning, citing thousands of detections near prisons and examples from other states. A public witness raised First Amendment and cost concerns, but the bill was moved to the floor with a due pass recommendation on a unanimous roll call. House Bill 518, which would allow local law enforcement to request that the Attorney General’s office take the lead on human trafficking investigations and prosecutions, drew extensive testimony in support from police, victim advocates, city officials, and prosecutors. Supporters said trafficking cases are complex, multi-jurisdictional, and traumatic for victims, and that a statewide prosecutorial option would improve coordination and reduce re-traumatization. The Attorney General’s office testified neutrally, saying it supports the mission but would need additional resources and that the bill’s current scope may be too narrow because trafficking cases often include other felonies. Despite those concerns, the committee voted unanimously to send HB 518 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and the meeting adjourned after a scheduled budget presentation was postponed.

Transcript Highlights:

• , so anything I can do to help my county, I will definitely do that.
• Lots of that comes from Taos County. Lots of acequias, land grants.
• Marla Schottes, registered lobbyist for the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority.
• Jason Weeks, registered lobbyist for Sandoval County.
• Marquita Russell, the CEO of the New Mexico Finance Authority...

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm state representative for the 39th District, that's East Snohomish County and East Skagit County.
• County.
• or within geographically contiguous counties.
• This requirement applies to RTPOs that contain a county or counties meeting one or more of the following
• There were 11 counties listed.

Summary: The committee opened by noting it would hear three bills and adjourn before 5 p.m. House Bill 2323, the Blue Envelope Program bill, was briefed as a Department of Licensing program to help neurodivergent drivers communicate with law enforcement during traffic stops by providing a blue envelope with instructions and documents such as registration and insurance. Representative Carolyn Eslick described the bill as a voluntary, free tool modeled on programs in other states, and several supporters testified that it could reduce stress, improve communication, and prevent misunderstandings during stops. A committee member asked whether the program could be broadened to other people with disabilities, and Eslick said anyone could request a blue envelope. No vote was taken. House Bill 2096 would allow the Department of Licensing to issue confidential driver’s licenses and identicards to investigators in the Attorney General’s Office for undercover civil and criminal investigations. Staff said the bill would have no fiscal impact and that current practice already requires credentials to be returned when assignments end. Representative Julia Reed said the measure would protect investigators working on consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental enforcement, while the Attorney General’s Office testified that investigators sometimes need to use real IDs in covert work and could be exposed or doxed. The sheriffs and police chiefs association raised concerns that the AGO investigators are civilian staff, not commissioned officers, and questioned whether existing law enforcement agencies should handle such work instead. A tobacco-control advocate supported the bill as a tool to strengthen enforcement against illegal tobacco sales and youth access. No action was taken. House Bill 2134 would require certain regional transportation planning organizations to include greenhouse gas and vehicle miles traveled reduction goals in regional transportation plans for specified counties. Staff said the Department of Transportation had no fiscal impact, while local governments reported an indeterminate impact. Representative Davina Duerr said the bill would align regional plans with existing local climate planning requirements and state emissions targets. Supporters from Futurewise, Transportation Choices Coalition, and Spokane Reimagined said the bill would improve consistency in planning, support transit and active transportation, and help address transportation-related climate pollution. An industry representative opposed the bill, warning it could bias funding away from road preservation at a time of underinvestment and weather-related stress on the system. The public hearing on HB 2134 then closed, and the meeting ended with a reminder about caucus timing.

Transcript Highlights:

• First roll for co-authors. Thank you, Assemblymember Papin.
• All debate having ceased, the clerk will open the roll for co-authors.
• I would also like to ask that the first roll be open for co-authors.
• There are 54 co-authors added. The clerk will close the roll.
• Hector Cuevas, Jr., as I served as county supervisor for San Bernardino County, I've seen first hand

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm from Rusk County. Rusk County is in East Texas, with Henderson as the county seat.
• The chair now recognizes its author, Senator Hughes, to explain the bill.
• But we had a lot of exchange because we had folks... from Houston County, Harris County, we had people
• I'm also representing the Harris County Ballot Security Committee.
• I contacted the Harris County Clerk's Office talking about this.

Bills: SB397, SB481, SB596, SB760, SB855, SB1195, SB1196, SB1233, SB1257, SB1318, SB1368, SB1388, SB1398, SB1524, SB1558, SB1589, SB1677, SB1792, SB2034

Keywords: SB 397, telemedicine, telehealth, teledentistry, remote care, virtual care, consent documentation, patient consent, data collection, data sharing, audio-only telehealth, in-person examination, irreversible medical procedure, health professional regulation, Occupations Code, Texas Health and Human Services, medical records, provider compliance, data privacy, consumer rights

Transcript Highlights:

• It gives the FWC the rulemaking authority to implement the bill.
• I'm from Clay County, Green Cove Springs.
• I'm from Clay County, Green Cove Springs.
• This program has been hugely successful with our small counties and rural counties throughout the state
• They have their own boards or authorities.

Summary: The Transportation Committee took up several bills and agency priorities. SB 44, as amended, increased penalties for operating a vehicle with unauthorized red or blue lights and for obscuring a license plate, including new penalties for using, possessing, manufacturing, or selling license-plate obscuring devices. The sponsor and supporting law enforcement witnesses said the bill addresses widespread plate obstruction and enforcement problems; the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also passed SB 654, designating a railroad overpass in Starke as the Heroes Memorial Overpass, and SB 620, creating a Miami-Dade College specialty license plate with proceeds supporting scholarships and limited administrative/marketing costs. The committee then considered SB 594, which would allow Florida deep-water ports to seek Fish and Wildlife Commission approval for no-anchoring/no-mooring buffer zones adjacent to port channels and turning basins. An amendment clarified the application process, review timeline, rulemaking, and enforcement. Port representatives supported the bill as a way to protect channels and commerce, while several boating and cruising advocates opposed it, arguing the 5,000-foot buffer was excessive, could create safety issues, and would displace anchored vessels without adequate alternative dockage. Despite the opposition, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard a presentation from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles on its 2025 legislative priorities, including stricter proof-of-address and identification requirements for vehicle registration, changes to tank vehicle and IFTA rules, a higher crash-report damage threshold, and electronic notice options. Secretary Perdue then outlined FDOT priorities focused on workforce development, research, rural road funding, small business participation, consistent traffic-control standards, modal infrastructure, transit accountability, spaceport support, advanced air mobility, and shifting some power-consumption revenues to the Transportation Trust Fund to offset electric vehicle impacts. No votes were taken on the agency priorities, and the meeting adjourned after members recorded additional affirmative votes on SB 44 and SB 654.