Transcript Highlights:

• It's just new allocations in terms of where. That's going to be happening.
• Can you give us a quick update in terms of how you're gonna handle that?
• Understand the state's role in terms of brine management and discharge.
• You don't have that long-term. All right. Members, any questions? All right.
• But I don't think we need a lot more in terms of presentation.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• American state, a faceless system of power not bound by the limits and liberties of our Constitution.
• , Twitter's own terms of service.
• And the legal term for that is viewpoint discrimination.
• What are the long-term consequences of that happening?
• And so in terms of policy prescription, the first thing is starve it of the government funding.

Keywords: censorship, First Amendment, social media, misinformation, free speech, government regulation, Big Tech, public discourse

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the implications of government involvement in censorship, particularly regarding social media platforms and compliance with misinformation standards. senators and witnesses discussed growing concerns over the influence of large tech companies, like Facebook and Google, in shaping public discourse and suppressing dissenting views. A significant part of the meeting included testimonies from various experts emphasizing the dangers of the 'censorship industrial complex'—a term used to describe the collaborative efforts between government entities and private organizations to control information flow. This collaboration is viewed as a violation of First Amendment rights, with calls for urgent legislative action to restore free speech protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I understand the budget limit bill.
• Then, what happens if those limit bills don't pass?
• So, you know, we historically only do about 10 limits bills.
• Very difficult to tell them in simple terms how these things are supposed to work.
• How many budget limit and follow-up policy bills should we expect? We've seen some.

Bills: HB3418, HB3985, HB3463, HB3002, HB4303, HB3919, HB3416, HB3417, HB3415, HB2206, HB3414, HB3265, HB3310, HB3413, HB4486, HB1219, SR39, SB1177, HB3298, HB2696, HB3941, HB3970, HB3264, HB3321, HB2650, HB3497, HB3980, HB3981, HB4421, HB3177, HB3322, HB3499, HB3500, HB3845, HB3742, HB3622, HB1250, HB2710, HB3831, HB4408, HB1002, HB3008, HB3086, HB3595, HB3678, HB4107, HB3695, HB3315, HB3590, HB3006, HB3151, HB2959, HB2398, HB3026, HB3467, HB4268, HB3372, HB2210, HB4359, HB4427

Keywords: public works, bidding procedures, construction contracts, transparency, public trust, electronic bidding, school districts, property rights, public nuisance, compensation claims, government enforcement, Oklahoma Safe Neighborhoods Act, municipal audit, state auditor, local government, financial transparency, gasoline tax allocations, counties, county officers, education

Transcript Highlights:

• Testimony on any such bill will be limited to a statement of name, organization, if any, and position
• Testimony on any such bill will be limited to a statement of name, organization, if any, and position
• AB 1843 removes unnecessary barriers to hepatitis C treatment and helps reduce long-term health care
• By preventing costly complications, AB 1843 reduces long-term system spending.
• And two: how do we make more happen and have a greater impact from the limited resources we have?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Yeah, a short-term rental. >> Yeah, a short-term rental.
• housing is limited.
• rental, meaning short-term in short-term rental, meaning short-term rental<02:02:44.960> qualifies
• from the short-term rental.
• I do think that the term has embraced the larger evolution of the term.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• How would you address the concern of the public defender, in terms of the digital divide, in terms of
• of the digital divide that uh in terms of the digital divide in<01:34:56.719> terms<01:34:57.000
• We reference the strict statute of limitations, or the time limitations, that the current statutory scheme
• We reference the strict statute of limitations, or the time limitations, that the current statutory scheme
• um statute of the statutory limitations um statute of limitations<02:28:38.920> um<02:28:39.920

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 4000, the Judiciary’s biennium budget bill for FY 2026-2027. Judiciary Director of Policy and Planning Brandon Kimura testified in strong support, outlining operating requests of about $6.17 million in FY 26 and $6.25 million in FY 27, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $9.9 million in capital improvements. He described funding needs for specialty courts, preparations for the Wahiawa District Court, an additional district court judge and staff for Kona, cybersecurity upgrades, the Criminal Justice Research Institute, statewide priority items, and restoration of several essential staff positions. He also said the Judiciary was seeking an additional $2 million for the Children’s Justice Center relocation lump sum because updated estimates had risen to about $8 million. The committee also discussed potential impacts from uncertain federal funding and asked for written follow-up on those risks and on the capital request, including coordination with Budget and Finance. Several organizations and individuals testified in support of the Judiciary budget, including the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association, Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi, and legal service providers. Mioko Eto asked for an additional $1 million for civil legal service providers, explaining that the current funding is spread across multiple providers and that the need remains high. David Copper of Legal Aid supported the request, citing statewide demand, 105 staff, 7,100 cases closed in the past year, and 15,000 calls received, while noting that many people seeking help cannot be served because of capacity limits. He also said recent federal funding disruptions and proposed cuts could affect legal services and related programs. Committee members asked about the Criminal Justice Research Institute’s mission; Kimura said its primary statutory role is to build a database focused on pre-trial reporting and data analysis, though it is also working on probation and mental health-related projects. No vote or final action on HB 4000 was taken in the hearing excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under the terms of the 2018 law, which was the first in the nation, if a vulnerable adult is financially
• Online 44 of the language, the term unascertainable respondent means a person whose identity cannot be
• The bank is holding the assets as long as they can because they know it's fraud, but they're limited
• This is on top of, in terms of being a pilot.
• This is on top of, in terms of being a pilot.

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs met with a quorum and first took up SB 398, which would create a statewide public health awareness campaign through the Department of Elder Affairs on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Senator Burgess said the campaign would focus on early detection, brain health, risk reduction, clinical trial access, and community resources. The committee heard supportive testimony from a caregiver, AARP, the Alzheimer’s Association, and others, with members discussing the need for culturally responsive outreach and continued funding. SB 398 was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then heard SB 106, which would strengthen Florida’s exploitation injunction law for vulnerable adults by allowing service of an unascertainable exploiter through the same communication method used to contact the victim, such as text, Facebook Messenger, or WhatsApp. Senator Martin explained the bill as a way to close a loophole that lets scammers evade traditional service, and witnesses from the Florida Bankers Association and the Florida Bar’s Elder Law Section supported it, describing how the bill could stop ongoing thefts more quickly while preserving due process. Members asked about gift card scams, clerk workload, and the definition of an unascertainable respondent. SB 106 was reported favorably. The Department of Children and Families then presented an update on the Adoption Benefits for Qualifying Adoptive Employees Program, describing its expansion over time and the current one-time lump-sum benefit structure for eligible adoptive parents. The presentation covered eligibility rules, open enrollment, funding history, and the program’s impact on adoption placements, with members asking why tax collectors were included but other constitutional offices were not, and whether foster relatives could qualify. Finally, the committee considered SPB 7012, a committee bill addressing child welfare workforce shortages, treatment foster care for high-acuity children, and improved data collection on commercially sexually exploited children. The bill would direct DCF to recruit former public safety workers for CPI and case manager roles, create a treatment foster care pilot in two judicial circuits, and require more detailed, analyzable data and capacity studies. The bill drew support from child welfare advocates, with some members urging DCF to return with a more developed framework; it was adopted as a committee bill and reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's now up in the sort of top six, top 10, depending on how you measure it in terms of premium dollars
• But I do think that if you all think that that is a sufficient response to what's going on in terms of
• But I do think that if you all think that that is a sufficient response to what's going on in terms of
• These efficiencies hinder workforce entry and limit opportunities for economic mobility in the insurance
• in my opinion, a necessary element for support or lack of what a challenge, I’m not sure what the term

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee met as a subcommittee and heard several bills focused on insurance transparency, wildfire mitigation, market access, and workforce issues. AB 75 would require insurers to give homeowners 30 days’ notice before collecting aerial images of their property and allow homeowners to review those images; supporters said it would improve privacy and prevent inaccurate non-renewals, while consumer and industry groups both sought amendments. AB 234 would add the Assembly Speaker and Senate President pro Tem, or designees, as non-voting members on the California FAIR Plan governing committee; the Department of Insurance supported it as an oversight measure, while Consumer Federation of California said it was only a small first step toward broader transparency reforms. AB 428 would let water corporations join joint powers authorities for pooled insurance, with supporters citing rising insurance costs for small water systems and no remaining opposition after amendments. AB 943 would streamline producer pre-licensing education by removing the 20-hour per-line requirement while keeping ethics training; industry sponsors said it would reduce barriers to entry, while consumer advocates warned it could lower professional standards. AB 1209 would create a pathway for cannabis employers to secure workers’ compensation coverage and related services through a state-coordinated network; supporters said it would help bring the industry into compliance, while one member raised concerns about creating a special carveout for a federally restricted industry. AB 1 would require periodic review of the state’s Safer from Wildfire regulations every five years, and it drew broad support from the department, insurers, local governments, and industry groups as a way to keep wildfire mitigation incentives current. The committee also took up a consent calendar including AB 69, AB 487, and AB 570, all of which were sent to Appropriations. The committee approved AB 75 to Privacy and Consumer Protection, AB 234 to the Assembly Floor, AB 428 to Local Government, AB 943 to Appropriations, AB 1209 to Business and Professions, and AB 1 to Appropriations. Most measures passed on strong or unanimous votes after members added coauthor requests and expressed support for the bills’ consumer protection, transparency, or wildfire-related goals.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:18:44.240> chemical modernize the outdated term chemical modernize the outdated term chemical
• So with that, term work well. All right.
• I know of this this this um this term.
• <00:58:24.559> of restrictions around it in terms of restrictions around it in terms of individual
• <01:28:23.679> uh um to occur uh to try to limit uh um to occur uh to try to limit uh the<

Bills: HF2233, HF1999, HF1995, HF1614, HF2781, HF1775, HF1316, HF2127, HF2521, HF689, HF2380, HF1273

Keywords: Uniform Special Deposits Act, special deposit, banking law, financial institutions, escrow, escrow account, trust account, security deposit, beneficiary, depositor, creditor process, garnishment, attachment, levy, setoff, recoupment, financial market infrastructure, retirement benefits, compensation, earnest money

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are going to limit testimony today to 3 minutes.
• uh uh testimony so we are going to limit uh uh testimony today<00:03:42.760> to<00:03:42.920>
• <00:05:24.520> we usually going to be the longer term we usually going to be the longer term
• <00:28:31.279> this some consideration to uh limiting this some consideration to uh limiting
• if you're familiar with the term if you're familiar with the term redlining<00:55:51.160> uh<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to hear as much from the public within the limits of our time, we will not permit conduct that
• Air Resources Board has adopted a strong oil and gas regulation that governs in-state production, limiting
• The IOU transition feasibility study injects long-term uncertainty that could discourage investment in
• We are concerned that the bill's rigid requirements could limit stakeholders, PG&E's, and the CPUC's
• It has also authorized a long-term program to underground power lines.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on utility rates, wildfire safety, carbon capture, methane reduction, large energy users, low-income energy programs, and clean energy supply chains. Early items included SB 613, which would direct state agencies to prioritize reducing methane emissions from imported fossil fuels, and SB 614, which would allow California to move forward with carbon dioxide pipeline safety rules and potentially lift the state’s moratorium on new CO2 pipelines. Both bills drew support from advocates and industry-related witnesses, with no opposition registered at the time they were presented, and the committee indicated it would vote once quorum was established. After quorum was called, the committee took up SB 57, which would require the Public Utilities Commission to establish tariffs for large energy users such as data centers to prevent cost shifts to other ratepayers and address stranded infrastructure costs. Supporters argued the bill would protect affordability and encourage clean energy use, while opponents, including utilities and business groups, warned it could create uncertainty and interfere with existing regulatory processes. The committee also heard SB 256 on wildfire mitigation and emergency response, including undergrounding, PSPS communication, and removal of abandoned lines; supporters emphasized the need for stronger action after recent fires, while utilities raised concerns about duplicative requirements and public disclosure of sensitive infrastructure information. Both SB 57 and SB 256 were approved on roll calls. The committee then heard SB 647, which would expand and standardize oversight of low-income energy savings programs and performance metrics, with strong support from community advocates and some neutral or “tweener” positions from utilities that sought further work on data collection and implementation. SB 787 followed, proposing a state strategy to coordinate supply chains and workforce development for clean energy industries including EVs, building decarbonization, and offshore wind; it received broad support and no opposition. The committee also considered SB 332, a study bill on utility ownership models and affordability reforms, which drew strong support from consumer and climate advocates but opposition from utilities and business groups concerned about bias, investor signals, and executive compensation provisions. The consent calendar was later approved, and several bills were reported out with votes or held open for absent members to add on.

Transcript Highlights:

• challenge long-term?
• But where they differ is in terms of their timing.
• First to the LAO, does the LAO have any concerns in terms of this?
• I do, in terms of questions around reporting.
• They have taken action, but limited action as we move towards the second interim.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it doesn't limit it doesn't limit um um um this<00:15:05.080> to<00:15:05.240> traditional
• their limit is 350 single-family homes. their limit is 350 single-family homes.
• We don't want to limit supply and limit building.
• We don't want to limit supply and limit building.
• <02:18:22.639> and<02:18:22.719> limit we don't want to limit supply and limit we don't

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Also it hurts long-term planning. School districts have to plan facilities years ahead.
• One of them, for instance, is our limits on how much you can bond. I don't...
• For one of them, for instance, is our limits on how much you can bond.
• It does not create coverage, modify policy terms, or expand the insurance obligations.
• Chairman, Senator Epstein, let me clarify for us in terms of art.

Bills: HB2016, HB2104, HB2105, HB2174, HB2256, HB2289, HB2477, HB2903, HB2939, HB2979, HB2996, HB4103

Keywords: tax penalties, filing, tax returns, administration, Arizona Revised Statutes, agricultural property, classification, county assessor, property inspection, appeal process, property tax, agricultural classification, Department of Revenue, property valuation, inspection notice, inspection report, on-site inspection, full cash value, rural land, farm land

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm going to have to limit your comments to one minute and I'm going to tell you ahead of time at
• Representative Perrington: HB 511 is linked legislation to HB 509, providing a limited public records
• limits.
• And a reminder, we're going to limit testimony to one minute.
• The bill as presented, Chair: Public testimony reminder, you are limited to 1 minute.

Transcript Highlights:

• “Yeah, so I have a harder time with long-term memory...”
• I have a very good short-term memory, which has served me well...” “...long-term memory.
• But long-term memory can be impacted.
• And then what was the other limitation I have?
• I'll allow this question because it's asked in a layperson's terms.

Summary: The hearing resumed in the Legislative Ethics Board matter involving Tara Simmons after the board confirmed no ex parte communications had occurred overnight. Respondent’s counsel moved to dismiss two allegations at the close of the board staff’s case: that Simmons pressured the Administrative Office of the Courts to alter a contract in favor of her employer, and that she violated ethics rules by combining legislative support for AEJG with a personal donation to the organization. Board staff opposed the motion, arguing the evidence showed Simmons’s legislative and personal dealings were intertwined. After a recess for deliberation, the board denied the motion to dismiss, and the hearing moved into the defense case. The first defense witness was Sharon Navas, executive director of the Equity and Education Coalition (EEC). Navas testified that she met Simmons in 2018, later hired her, and took steps to separate Simmons’s legislative duties from her work for EEC. She said Simmons was never paid for lobbying or legislative acts, that her compensation came from unrestricted funds, and that the organization used written ethics-compliance language and a formal scope of work. Navas also described the proviso-funded dashboard project involving Anthony Powers and Chris Stanley, testifying that Simmons was not involved in the project’s day-to-day work, did not attend the meetings about the dispute, and was not part of the alleged contract disagreement. On cross-examination, staff focused on the contract documents, the dashboard work, and whether the scope of work matched the parties’ understanding. Tara Simmons then testified in her own defense. She described her background, legislative career, disability accommodations, and extensive efforts to seek ethics guidance from House counsel and board-related materials before taking outside employment or supporting provisos. She said she relied on prior ethics advice when separating her legislative role from outside work and when seeking provisos for AEJG and EEC. Simmons also addressed her relationship with Anthony Powers, describing it as a friendship rooted in criminal justice reform work and prior collaboration. The hearing was still in the middle of Simmons’s direct testimony when the transcript excerpt ended, with no final ruling on the merits or disposition of the allegations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 11 adds a new subdivision to the dairy law definitions to define the term milk marketer from
• dairy law definitions to define the term dairy law definitions to define the term milk<00:34:05.200
• liability company or a limited liability company owned by two individuals who are family members.
• <00:35:40.720> liability individually owned limited liability individually owned limited liability
• liability<00:35:43.359> company company or a limited liability company company or a limited

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Deloitte model validated this and showed that in the near term, or in the short term, there is a
• program is sustainable long-term.
• The terms of the bonds, 21 years to 30-year term, 66% of them.
• The drinking water program only allowed 20-year terms, and they increased and allowed for 30-year terms
• So limited time.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to receive interim status updates on several water-related studies and Department of Water Resources projects. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and then heard updates on the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study. Staff reported that the committee had already received the testimony contemplated in the study plans, including input from state agencies, local governments, and out-of-state entities, and that any further action would be at the committee’s discretion. The Department of Water Resources then provided project and budget updates on NAWS and the Southwest Pipeline Project. Reese reported NAWS is expected to serve about 81,000 users, with a total projected cost of about $571 million and about $96 million remaining, while the Southwest Pipeline Project is estimated at $1.06 billion total with about $409 million remaining. Members asked about funding sources, capacity needs, and whether current and future construction is being designed for increased demand; department staff said current work is designed for ultimate capacity, but some future components may need redesign based on new requests. The committee also discussed local cost shares, Minot’s role in NAWS funding, and whether the system is adequate for peak demand. A major portion of the meeting focused on the department’s cash management, carryover, and long-term water funding outlook. The department said Resources Trust Fund revenues are tied to oil extraction taxes and are affected by stripper well exemptions and future oil price declines. Members expressed concern about large carryover balances and whether the state is obligating more money than can realistically be spent in a biennium. The department reported about $340.6 million in remaining carryover and said it is trying to reduce that through a two-tier pre-construction/construction process and closer project vetting. The department also summarized the Deloitte studies on regional governance and finance and on cost-share policy. Stakeholders generally favored keeping the current governance structures for NAWS and Southwest with improvements, while Red River stakeholders leaned toward a different option; the department said it will bring an implementation plan back in September. On cost share, Deloitte’s recommendations would reduce some percentages, prioritize projects differently, and use other measures to close a projected long-term funding gap. Members debated affordability, local burden, deferred maintenance, and whether statutory changes may be needed to allow the commission more flexibility in prioritizing and funding projects. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because you are absolutely limited. You're saying you're limited by legislation? Yes.
• You're saying you're limited by legislation? Yes. Oh.
• During my terms on the board from 1989 to 2001, the retirement system was sound and able to bring long-term
• Bill Hamilton: ...So that's kind of a long term.
• So that's kind of a long-term perspective.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:16.639> of represent the public in the terms of represent the public in the terms of
• <00:21:21.919> the constitutional amendment to limit the constitutional amendment to limit
• Um but in terms of it I'm in general.
• free speech in terms of do I sign this free speech in terms of do I sign this or<00:41:35.119> do<
• , terms of here in Kentucky, terms of here in Kentucky, >> uh,<01:10:05.760> I'm<01:

Keywords: Discussion of BR 25 (2026 RS) 04:15 Presentation on voting systems by ES&S 48:14 Presentation on voting systems by Hart InterCivic and Harp Enterprises 01:13:07, 958, all

Summary: The committee met to approve the October 21 minutes and then took up BR 25 for the 2026 regular session, a proposal relating to prohibited uses of tax dollars and public resources. The sponsors said the bill is intended to strengthen existing law by adding civil and criminal penalties for taxpayer-funded advocacy on ballot questions, especially in light of controversies during the 2024 election over school officials and districts using public resources to oppose a constitutional amendment. They also described related concerns about school districts hiring third-party lobbyists and public relations firms, particularly in Fayette County, and said the proposal was meant to keep tax dollars focused on public services rather than political persuasion. Committee members raised several concerns about scope and drafting. Some asked whether the bill should specifically mention schools, school boards, and school employees, and the sponsors said they would add that language. Others questioned whether the measure would also affect local government lobbying through groups like KLC and KCO, and the sponsors said they intended to focus narrowly on schools while exempting certain advocacy organizations and internal government lobbyists. Members also asked whether public employees could still speak as private individuals, and the sponsors said yes. Several members suggested splitting the lobbying and ballot-advocacy issues into separate bills, and the sponsors said they would consider that. Members also pressed for clarification on how the bill would apply in practice, including whether it would cover legal challenges to petition drives or only advocacy after a question is on the ballot. Counsel for the sponsors said the bill would not cover some petition-related litigation as drafted, though they believed it should. The sponsors and supporters argued the proposal was needed to give the existing prohibition real enforcement, while some members warned that the language could unintentionally limit legitimate public representation or be too broad if not carefully drafted. No final vote was taken during the discussion.