Transcript Highlights:

• I hope we can agree that health care delivery is not just another commodity.
• I hope we can agree that health care delivery is not just another commodity.
• This bill will also strengthen security for ballots returned electronically because ballot returning
• This bill will also strengthen security for ballots returned electronically because ballot returning
• As to potential cost, you'll see that the county auditor access the ballot more easily.

Bills: SB6294, SB6211, SB5650, SB6033, SB6297, SB6343, SB6067, SB6082, SB6323, SB6324, SB5862, SB5923, SB6151

Keywords: local government finance, Washington state, RCW, real estate excise tax, REET, sales and use tax, property tax levy, county tax, city tax, affordable housing, housing services, behavioral health, mental health, developmental disabilities, children and families services, youth services, utility tax, low-income utility assistance, veterans assistance, homelessness

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a public hearing on several bills, beginning with Substitute Senate Bill 6026, which would require cities and counties over 30,000 population to allow residential uses in commercial and mixed-use zones, with limits on requiring mixed-use or ground-floor retail and some height flexibility where such requirements are imposed. Committee staff described the bill as governor-request legislation with a fiscal note for Department of Commerce implementation and local zoning updates. Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck testified in strong support, calling it a major housing bill that would add needed capacity without burdening housing with retail requirements. The committee then suspended the hearing and moved to other bills on the agenda. Senate Bill 6294 drew extensive testimony. Staff said it would expand local fiscal tools in eight parts, including broader uses for certain REET revenues, a new option for cities to impose the affordable housing REET with voter approval, a county utility tax, a new local sales tax for children and family services, expanded uses for existing housing sales tax revenues, possible standalone county veterans and behavioral health levies, longer voter-authorized levy lid lifts, and expanded uses for rental car tax revenue. Supporters from cities, counties, housing, and public health groups said the bill would provide needed flexibility for housing, child care, public health clinics, and county budgets. Opponents, including wireless, water and sewer, auto dealer, realtor, and energy industry representatives, objected to the county utility tax, the new sales tax, or the REET provisions, citing regressivity, higher costs, and housing affordability concerns. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5400 on local news sustainability, which would create a Department of Commerce grant program funded by a surcharge on covered tech platforms, with revenue also supporting the Murrow Journalism Fellowship at Washington State University. News organizations, civic groups, and journalism advocates testified that local news is in decline and that the bill would help preserve reporting jobs and community accountability, while technology industry representatives warned of legal risks and argued the bill unfairly targets online platforms. Other bills heard included SB 6211, which would let voluntarily planning GMA jurisdictions impose REET-2 without voter approval; SB 5650, which would authorize local cannabis excise taxes, drawing support from local governments and opposition from cannabis businesses that said the industry is already overtaxed; SB 6033, which would waive penalties and interest for certain taxpayers who failed to collect new retail sales tax on services, supported by small business advocates; SB 6297, which would exempt temporary staffing services for nonprofit behavioral health entities from sales tax, supported by behavioral health providers; and SB 6343, which would extend and expand tax relief for property damaged by natural disasters, with support from local officials in flood-affected communities.

Bills: HF3794, HF4472, HF4410, HF4347, HF4412, HF4398, HF4397, HF4201, HF4199, HF4203, HF3706, HF4071, HF4120, HF4175, HF4188

Keywords: surveillance, price discrimination, wage discrimination, automated decision systems, consumer protections, data privacy, biometrics, school district health insurance, charter school health benefits, employee benefits, public sector health insurance, health insurance survey, Legislative Budget Office, LBO report, premium costs, retiree coverage, broker commissions, third-party administrator, health plan transparency, health reimbursement arrangement

Transcript Highlights:

• those ballot initiatives.
• from the language in the ballot initiative.
• This the ballot...
• that was put into the ballot initiative.
• The ballot initiative.

Bills: LB815A, LB838A, LB912A, LB972A, LB1126A, LB962A, LB1114, LB921, LB937, LB803, LB803A, LB1032, LB1032A, LB1075, LB1075A, LB889, LB878, LB933, LB304, LB304A, LB1096, LB1096A, LB1165, LB1165A, LB958, LB958A, LB762, LB1187, LB966, LB929, LB962, LB753, LB788, LB913, LB1055, LB1195, LB429, LB721, LB722, LB727, LB743, LB745, LB749, LB778, LB787

Keywords: LB815A, LB815, appropriation, appropriations bill, Nebraska Department of Revenue, Motor Fuel Tax Enforcement and Collection Cash Fund, motor fuel tax, gas tax, fuel tax, tax enforcement, tax collection, cash fund, budget, state spending, per diem, salaries, fiscal year, enrollment and review, final reading, Nebraska

Transcript Highlights:

• They would only have a choice between two ballots: the Republican ballot or the unaffiliated ballot that
• the no-party ballot, but the Republicans, it was only the Republican ballot.
• So they would have a choice of a Republican ballot or an unaffiliated ballot, which would have no parties
• So they would have a choice of Republican ballot or an unaffiliated ballot, which would have no parties
• So that consistent project delivery, year in, year out program delivery, is the true cornerstone.

Bills: HB9, HB177, HB181, HB202, HB225, HB398, HB459, HB540, HB906, HB1052, HB1057, HB1245

Keywords: HB 9, HB9, Act 527, Shreveport, Stuffed Shrimp Capital, state symbol, Louisiana symbols, municipal designation, honorary title, cultural designation, tourism, local pride, seafood, shrimp, stuffed shrimp, cuisine, city branding, Louisiana Revised Statutes 49:170.26, court reporter, official court reporter

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:41:45.440><c> I</c> as you're doing health care delivery.
• I as you're doing health care delivery.
• board when processing returned ballots, the observers will need to stay away from the process.
• board when processing and at the ballot board when processing returned<01:32:39.800><c> ballots,</c>
• was sent to one was an absentee ballot was sent to him. him. him.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• about the experience in the city of Berkeley, this will, I think, ensure better outreach, better delivery
• This way, when California voters cast their ballots, they can be confident their votes will count.
• Supreme Court said that Colorado could not keep Donald Trump off the ballot on the grounds that he had
• because we will have a state law that says you can't appear on the ballot.
• I'm an RN, a retired labor and delivery RN, and I support this bill. Thank you.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills, including SB 479, which would let Berkeley, Long Beach, and Pasadena—cities that are local health jurisdictions—use multidisciplinary homeless response teams and share specified information across departments. The author and a Berkeley official said the change would improve coordination, outreach, and continuity of care for unsheltered residents while preserving privacy protections. There was no opposition, no questions, and the bill later passed on a 9-0 vote to Senate Appropriations. SB 46 would bar a person who has already served two terms as President of the United States from appearing on the California ballot for a third term. The author and constitutional law witnesses argued the bill is constitutional and simply clarifies the Secretary of State’s authority to keep ineligible presidential candidates off the ballot; the opposition view was that the Secretary of State already has that authority and the bill is unnecessary. After debate, the committee voted 6-1 to send the bill to Senate Appropriations, with Senator Niello voting no. SB 99, sponsored by the Department of Defense, would improve coordination between military and civilian authorities on military protective orders and restraining orders by requiring NCIC checks, allowing MPOs to be considered as evidence, requiring notification of military law enforcement when MPOs may be violated, and allowing MOUs between agencies. Supporters said the bill would close gaps that leave victims unprotected; the ACLU opposed it unless amended, citing due process concerns because MPOs are issued by commanders without notice or a hearing. The bill passed 6-0 and was held on call. SB 300, which would strengthen California’s chatbot safety law by requiring operators to prevent minors from being exposed to sexually explicit material or facilitation of such content, drew support from child-safety advocates and opposition from tech and business groups who argued the bill would impose an absolute prevention standard before SB 243 has been tested. The committee discussed the strict-liability concern at length and then passed SB 300 9-0 to Appropriations, also holding it on call. The committee also advanced SB 719, extending the sunset on the Department of Technology’s reporting requirement for high-risk automated decision systems from 2029 to 2032, and SB 381, which would allow adult adoptees and descendants to obtain original birth certificates and create a nonbinding contact preference form for birth parents. SB 381 drew extensive emotional testimony from adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents; supporters framed it as a matter of identity, dignity, and health information, while one senator raised privacy concerns and the impact on birth mothers. Both bills passed unanimously and were sent to the next committee. Later, SB 33, which would make permanent the public works contractor claim-resolution process and eliminate its sunset, passed 10-0 after supporters said it reduces litigation and helps contractors get paid promptly. The transcript then shifted to SB 747, the No Kings Act, with Senator Wiener introducing it as a measure to create accountability when federal agents or employees violate constitutional rights.

Transcript Highlights:

• They would only have a choice between two ballots, the Republican ballot or the unaffiliated ballot that
• Or the unaffiliated ballot that wouldn't have the closed party primaries on it.
• no-party ballot, but the Republicans, it was only the Republican ballot.
• So they would have a choice of Republican ballot or an unaffiliated ballot, which would have no parties
• So that consistent project delivery year in, year out program delivery is the true cornerstone.

Summary: The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee met on May 20, 2026, with a quorum present and no minutes available for approval. The committee first heard HB 181, which would let the legislative auditor review income tax data to verify eligibility for Medicaid and, at LDH’s request, SNAP. The auditor said the work would be limited to internal data testing under sharing agreements and not disclosed to third parties. After questions about privacy and duplication, the bill was reported favorably to the floor without objection. The committee then took up HB 906 on presidential preference primaries and party nominating petitions. The Secretary of State and bill author said the measure would let major parties decide whether unaffiliated voters may participate in their primaries, with 180 days’ notice to the state, and would keep party rules consistent within presidential years so elections can be programmed properly. Several senators raised concerns that the bill would disenfranchise no-party voters and give parties too much control, but supporters said both major parties had approved the approach. The committee voted 4-3 to report the bill favorably. Members also advanced HB 398, which would require the judiciary to use the federal GSA meal per diem rate instead of the current higher state judicial rate; HB 1052, which strengthens confidentiality protections for child abuse investigations handled by child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams; HB 1245, which protects witness criminal history records from unintended public release in clerk of court records; HB 202, which requires state civil service or hiring agencies to notify applicants when a vacancy is filled or they are rejected; HB 540, which requires disclosure of paid digital election advertising; HB 9, designating stuffed shrimp as a Louisiana specialty; HB 1057, extending the validity of absentee-by-mail applications for military voters from one year to two; HB 225, proposing a constitutional amendment to limit governors to two lifetime terms; HB 177, allowing retired court reporters to contract with former public employers; and HB 459, requiring disclosure when campaign materials use AI, with amendments adopted after discussion of First Amendment and campaign finance concerns. The committee also rejected an amendment to HB 1057 that would have expanded Sunday early voting in certain parishes. After the bills, the committee held confirmation hearings for James Kelly and Charles Wilkinson to the Board of Supervisors of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, both of whom described education and workforce development backgrounds and were favorably received.

Transcript Highlights:

• , food delivery services, ride-hailing, and emerging autonomous vehicle fleets.
• , same-day package delivery.
• We're talking about three-hour delivery, six-hour delivery, same-day delivery, zero-emission delivery
• We supported the original legislation that placed 1A on the ballot.
• We supported the original legislation that placed 1A on the ballot.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several bills on transportation, privacy, enforcement, and high-speed rail, with most measures discussed under a quorum and then formally voted on later. SB 953 by Senator Nilo would add two DMV points for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter cases that are dismissed through diversion; the author, a victim’s mother, and CHP representatives argued it would help identify high-risk drivers, while no opposition witnesses appeared. SB 1292 by Senator Richardson, as amended, would let certain cities use stationary cameras or sensors to enforce curb and loading-zone rules, with human review of citations; supporters said it would improve compliance and safety, while a privacy group remained cautious but said the amendments improved the bill. SB 1228 by Senator Rubio would create a permanent compliance path for a small number of existing redevelopment-era LED messaging signs; supporters said it preserves local revenue and avoids fines, while billboard industry opponents warned about federal compliance and highway funding risk. SB 1013 by Senator Cervantes would tighten ALPR privacy rules through DOJ audits, employee training, hot-list limits, and a 30-day retention cap; privacy advocates supported it as a needed safeguard, while law enforcement groups opposed the retention limit and query restrictions as too restrictive. SB 1218 by Senator Arreguín would block DMV registration renewal for vehicles with unpaid illegal dumping fines, modeled on parking citation enforcement; Oakland officials and local government groups strongly supported it as an accountability tool, and the bill drew no opposition in the room. SB 1136 by Senator Blakespear would require intercity and regional rail operators to better coordinate service, fares, and trip planning for large events; transit and rail advocates supported it, while some agencies were neutral or “work with author” pending further changes. SB 1425, the chair’s bill, would create a permitting process for encroachments in the high-speed rail right-of-way; supporters said it would streamline construction and protect the project, while utilities and the City of Burbank raised concerns about reciprocity, enforcement, and local infrastructure impacts. SB 1411 by Senator Stern would expand high-speed rail authority to pursue public-private partnerships and early works, removing a project cap; supporters said it could leverage private capital and save costs, while local agencies from Merced expressed concerns but noted amendments addressed some issues. After roll calls, SB 1013 failed to advance on a 4-1 vote and remained on call, while the consent calendar and the other bills moved forward on unanimous or near-unanimous committee votes and remained on call pending final action.

Transcript Highlights:

• , same-day package delivery.
• We're talking about three-hour delivery, six-hour delivery, same-day delivery, zero-emission delivery
• We supported the original legislation that placed 1A on the ballot.
• We supported the original legislation that placed 1A on the ballot.
• That was an opportunity for us to leverage. that placed 1A on the ballot.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard a series of bills focused on driver accountability, curb management, privacy, illegal dumping enforcement, rail coordination, billboard signage, and high-speed rail development. SB 953 by Senator Nilo would add DMV points for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter cases dismissed through diversion; the author and supporters, including a victim’s mother and CHP representatives, argued it would ensure fatal conduct is reflected in driving records, while no opposition testified. SB 1292 by Senator Richardson would let certain cities use stationary cameras or sensors to enforce curb use in designated zones with human review of citations; supporters said it would help manage modern delivery and loading activity, while one privacy group remained cautious but noted the committee amendments improved the bill. SB 1228 by Senator Rubio would create a permanent compliance path for a small number of existing redevelopment-era LED advertising displays; supporters said it preserves local revenue and existing signs, while the outdoor advertising industry opposed it over federal compliance and fairness concerns. SB 1013 by Senator Cervantes would tighten ALPR privacy and security rules, require DOJ audits, training, and a 30-day retention limit; privacy advocates supported it as a needed enforcement measure, while law enforcement groups opposed the retention cap and hot-list limits as too restrictive. SB 1218 by Senator Arreguín would block DMV registration renewal for vehicles with unpaid illegal dumping fines, modeled on parking citation enforcement; local officials and city representatives strongly supported it as a deterrent, and no opposition was heard. SB 1136 by Senator Blakespear would require rail agencies to better coordinate service to major events and integrate fares and schedules; transit and rail advocates supported it, with some agencies taking a work-with-author or neutral position. SB 1425 by the committee chair would create a permit process for new encroachments on high-speed rail right-of-way; supporters said it would help protect and manage the corridor, while utilities and a city raised concerns about rights-of-way and enforcement language. SB 1411 by Senator Stern would expand high-speed rail authority to pursue public-private partnerships and early works, removing a project cap; supporters from Metro, labor, and rail groups said it would help leverage funding and advance the project, while Merced-area agencies remained cautious but noted amendments. Most bills were moved on committee votes, generally along party lines or with broad support, and several were left on call after roll calls.

Transcript Highlights:

• , food delivery services, ride-hailing, and emerging autonomous vehicle fleets.
• , same-day package delivery.
• We're talking about three-hour delivery, six-hour delivery, same-day delivery, zero-emission delivery
• We supported the original legislation that placed Proposition 1A on the ballot.
• We supported the original legislation that placed 1A on the ballot.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several bills, with testimony focused on transportation safety, enforcement, privacy, curb management, rail service, and high-speed rail. SB 953 by Senator Nilo would require two DMV points to be applied in misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter cases even if the criminal case is dismissed through diversion; supporters, including a victim’s mother and the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, said the bill would prevent serious fatal crashes from disappearing from driving records, while no opposition was presented. SB 1292 by Senator Richardson would authorize selected cities to use stationary cameras or sensors to enforce curb and loading-zone rules, with human review of citations and a pilot-style, optional local framework; supporters argued it would improve safety, turnover, and compliance, while privacy concerns were noted but softened by amendments, and the bill drew neutral or conditional support from some groups. The committee also heard SB 1228 by Senator Rubio, which would create a permanent compliance path for a small number of existing redevelopment-era outdoor advertising displays. Supporters said the bill would preserve local revenue and avoid penalties for legally established signs, while the California State Outdoor Advertising Association opposed it over federal highway beautification compliance and fairness concerns. SB 1013 by Senator Cervantes would tighten safeguards for automated license plate reader systems by requiring DOJ audits, employee training, limits on data retention, and restrictions on hot lists and queries; privacy advocates supported the bill as a response to documented misuse, while sheriffs and narcotics officers opposed it as an unnecessary restriction on a valuable law-enforcement tool. The committee voted to move SB 1013, but the roll call was 4-1 and the bill remained on call. Other measures discussed included SB 1218 by Senator Arreguín, which would block vehicle registration renewal for owners with unpaid illegal dumping fines, using a process similar to unpaid parking citations; Oakland officials and several local government and waste-management groups supported it as an accountability tool, and the bill passed committee on an 8-0 vote and remained on call. SB 1136 by Senator Blakespear would require rail agencies to better coordinate service, fares, and trip planning for large events and intercity/regional rail connections; supporters said it could boost ridership and make rail more useful for major venues, and it also passed 8-0 and remained on call. The committee also advanced the chair’s SB 1425, which would create a permitting program for new encroachments along the high-speed rail right-of-way; supporters said it would help protect the project and manage utilities and other uses, while some utilities and the City of Burbank raised concerns, and the bill passed 8-1 and remained on call. Finally, SB 1411 by Senator Stern would expand high-speed rail authority to pursue public-private partnerships and early works, remove a project cap, and support bookend investments; it drew broad support from transit, labor, and rail groups, with some local agencies noting amended concerns, and the discussion continued as the hearing moved toward the final bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• , food delivery services, ride-hailing, and emerging autonomous vehicle fleets.
• , same-day package delivery.
• We're talking about three-hour delivery, six-hour delivery, same-day delivery, zero-emission delivery
• We supported the original legislation that placed Proposition 1A on the ballot.
• We supported the original legislation that placed 1A on the ballot.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As everyone indicated their presence, pass up the ballot, Madam Clerk.
• Pass up the ballot, Madam Clerk. There are 97 members present. The Chair sees a quorum.
• Just this year, we've lost labor and delivery units in Ouachita and Sebastian counties, an ER in Jacksonville
• As of today, there are only 31 hospitals in the entire state that provide labor and delivery services
• Cast up the ballot. The vote is 79 yea, 17 nay, and zero present.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Does the bill... ...and special interest groups taking over our ballot initiatives.
• It ensures that you can't use public money to campaign on ballot initiatives.
• It requires nearly one million signatures just to get on the ballot.
• This isn't about ballot integrity, it's about ballot control. It's about making sure Integrity.
• It's about ballot control.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Deputy Will May of the Walton County Sheriff’s Department, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum established. The Rules and Ethics Committee report setting the special order calendar was adopted, and CS for HB 947 was recommitted to the Judiciary Committee. The chamber then took up several special-order bills, mostly reviser and technical measures, including SB 36, SB 42, SB 40, and SB 38, all of which passed unanimously or near-unanimously after brief explanations that they updated or cleaned up Florida statutes. Members also passed HB 513 on electronic transmittal of court orders, requiring clerks to send certain petitions, notices, summonses, and orders within six hours, including Baker Act, Marchman Act, and risk protection orders. HB 615, on electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices by email when both parties agree in writing, passed after adoption of a tenant-protection amendment offered by Rep. Gottlieb. HB 655 establishing a regulatory framework for pet insurance and wellness programs passed unanimously. HB 1145 on workforce education passed 100-4, expanding CAP grant eligibility to public charter schools for CTE startup/expansion and increasing minimum program offerings tied to a money-back guarantee program. HB 299 on elevator accessibility requirements passed unanimously, and HB 649 on autonomous practice by certified registered nurse anesthetists passed 77-30 after structured debate. The most extensive debate centered on CS for HB 1205, which would significantly revise Florida’s citizen initiative process. The bill would require a $1 million bond after 25% of required signatures are collected, require petition handlers and circulators to be Florida residents and U.S. citizens, impose background checks and training for paid circulators, shorten petition turn-in deadlines to 10 days, increase penalties, add signature revocation notices, require more identifying information on petition forms, and create felony penalties for certain misconduct. Supporters argued the changes were needed to combat fraud and protect petition integrity; opponents said the bill would burden First Amendment activity and make ballot initiatives harder for ordinary Floridians to pursue. Multiple amendments sought to roll back or soften the bill’s requirements, protect personal information, restore longer deadlines, lower validation thresholds, and bar public funds from being used to advocate for or against amendments. Some amendments were adopted, but several key ones failed as debate continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal funds often hinder service delivery.
• No doubt we have a problem with ballots being rejected because we cannot verify identity.
• No doubt we have a problem with ballots being rejected because we cannot verify identity.
• ballots.
• ballots.

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and proceeded through a large House of Origin floor file, with the Speaker repeatedly urging members to be at their desks and keep support bills brief. Early actions included dispensing with the journal, re-referring AB 2285 to the Banking and Finance Committee, and then taking up dozens of third-reading items, with many bills passed by voice or recorded vote and others passed temporarily or retained on file. The floor debated and passed a wide range of measures on land use, housing, labor, public safety, health care, utilities, taxation, and consumer protection. Among the bills approved were measures on land surveyor review (AB 1933), nurse midwife access for pregnant and postpartum patients (AB 1696), historic-district transit zoning flexibility (AB 2415), EV charging infrastructure fees and timelines (AB 1820), foreclosure bidding protections (AB 1957), tribal cannabis commerce (AB 2506), outdoor advertising permitting (AB 2024), commercial building permit timelines and third-party plan checkers (AB 2418), DUI penalties (AB 1685 and AB 1687), utility rate transparency (AB 1715), CalWORKs work-penalty changes (AB 1755), dynamic electricity rates (AB 1787), interior designer licensure (AB 1796), compost labeling and contamination rules (AB 1812), modular housing standardization (AB 1815), small claims limits for businesses (AB 1827), Native American Day as a paid state holiday (AB 1841), hospital staffing and maternity access bills (AB 1868 and AB 1882), protective orders tied to release dates (AB 1889), and a series of public health, missing persons, and teacher credentialing measures later in the file. Several high-profile bills drew extended debate. AB 2624, expanding Safe at Home privacy protections to immigrant service providers, prompted sharp disagreement over free speech and alleged limits on online posting, but supporters said it protected workers facing threats and doxing; it ultimately passed 49-19. AB 2023, creating a framework for regulating AI chatbots used by children, was framed as a child-safety measure after testimony about chatbot-related harms and suicide risks, and passed 58-8. Other notable votes included AB 2208 on Medi-Cal protections against federal cuts, AB 2299 on CalFresh/SNAP losses, AB 2115 apologizing to California Native peoples for historic state harms, and AB 2311 on public hospital physician employment; the transcript ends as the Assembly continues working through the remaining file.

Transcript Highlights:

• To be enacted, the proposed amendment must be placed on the next general election ballot and must be
• Let's put it on the ballot and let's let the voters decide. Thank you for your testimony.
• Let's put it on the ballot and let's let the voters decide. Thank you for your testimony.
• Second, it would result in a poor system for delivery of medical care.
• Third, expand the scope of this group beyond financing to include care delivery.

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held a public hearing on six bills, with the chair repeatedly emphasizing one-minute testimony limits because of the large number of sign-ins. The committee first heard SB 6292, which would create a joint legislative-executive committee on health care financing to study strategies for improving statewide access and coverage and report in 2027. Supporters, including the Health Care Authority, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, community health centers, carriers, and provider groups, said the bill could help the state respond to affordability and system sustainability challenges and coordinate policy work across branches of government. The committee then heard SB 6258, which would create a non-disciplinary pathway for voluntarily relinquishing certain Washington Medical Commission licenses. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would provide a humane exit option for physicians and other licensees who are medically disabled or otherwise leaving practice, without forcing them into a disciplinary process. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, and the hearing closed with 17 people signed in pro and 2 con. The committee also heard SB 6182, establishing an abortion savings program funded by a new assessment on health carriers. Supporters argued it would recapture funds originally set aside for abortion care under the ACA and protect access amid federal changes, while opponents raised concerns about hidden taxes, lack of opt-out, and the impact on premiums and conscience rights. The hearing drew very large public interest, with 245 signed in pro and 1,775 con. The committee next took testimony on SB 5947, which would establish the Washington Health Care Board and prepare a state universal health care plan contingent on federal authorization and funding. Supporters from labor, health care, tribal, and universal coverage advocacy groups said the bill would position Washington to act quickly if federal waivers become available and argued that health care should be treated as a human right; opponents warned about costs, vagueness, and government overreach. The hearing then moved to SJR 8206, a proposed constitutional amendment declaring access to affordable health care a fundamental right. Supporters framed it as an aspirational commitment and a necessary step toward universal coverage, while opponents argued the language was vague, legally risky, and could create costly obligations. Finally, the committee heard SB 5823, which would require hospitals to employ or provide access to patient advocates to help patients navigate bills, records, and appointments. Hospital and patient coalition witnesses supported the goal but asked for amendments to clarify staffing, exemptions, and scope; the hearing closed with 20 signed in pro, 792 con, and 3 other. No votes were taken on the bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> capital program develop delivery, capital program develop delivery, asset<00:46:58.640><c> management
• </c><00:53:20.440><c> and</c> that folks can um get on the ballot and that folks can um get on the ballot
• And then we went to the ballot and we have now elected people from 15 different districts.
• And then we went to the ballot and we have now elected people from 15 different districts.
• Yeah, they can go to the ballot, but it's difficult when you're underwater already.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2504, ballot measure amendment. HB 2575, school plan and ESA assessments.
• HB 2628, ballot delivery. HB 2630, election officers. HB 2654, permanent early voting list.
• HB 2802, ballot measure. HB 2804, rule affordable. HB 2805, electronic signatures.
• insurance prostate cancer 26 18 veterans scholarships 26 21 public school special education 20x 28 ballot
• delivery 26 30 election officers 2654 for permanent early voting list 26 55 election committee 26 56

Keywords: 1182, all

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The meeting included a Senate recognition ceremony honoring the Winona High School boys basketball team for winning the 2026 Alabama High School Athletic Association 5A state championship. A resolution was read commending the team for its 101-40 victory over Silicag, noting the team’s record-setting performance, Brendan Davis’s MVP honor, the contributions of other players, and Coach Cedric Lane’s leadership. Senators and the lieutenant governor praised the players’ sportsmanship, the school community, and the team’s historic season, and copies of the resolution were presented to the team, coaches, and administrators. Several guests and school representatives also spoke briefly, including the coach and principal, who thanked the Senate and noted the team’s success and the principal’s retirement after 35 years. After the recognition, the Senate returned to session and adopted the Committee on Rules report setting the special order calendar. The calendar included Senate Bill 99 on the Ten Commandments, Senate Bill 298 on Class 3 municipalities, House Bill 381 on camp safety, Senate Bill 370 on tax increment districts, Senate Bill 363 on the Department of Economic and Community Affairs, House Bill 466 on firefighters, House Bill 95 on elections, House Bill 259 on stablecoin, and Senate Bill 342 on education. The chamber then took up SB 99, sponsored by Senators Kelly and Sessions. Senator Kelly described the bill as requiring local school boards to display the Ten Commandments, together with founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Alabama Constitution preamble, in certain history classrooms and common areas for grades five through 12, using donated displays and funds when available. He said the bill was intended as a historical and educational measure, not religious instruction, and emphasized the inclusion of a disclaimer stating Alabama is not establishing a religion. After extended debate and a petition to close debate from the Rules Committee, the Senate voted on the bill by long roll and passed SB 99, with the recorded vote announced as 30 yeas and 4 nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• You didn't offer delivery for five years.'
• You didn't offer delivery for five years.'
• You didn't offer delivery for five years.'
• You didn't offer delivery for five years.'
• You didn't offer delivery for five years.'

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• “Well, under current Medicaid law, labor and delivery doesn't even fall under this.
• Well, under current Medicaid law is labor and delivery doesn't even fall under this.
• It means that if you want to take a Democrat ballot in August, you can take a Democrat ballot in August
• , and if you want to take a Republican, you can take a Republican ballot.
• Now it does matter on the first ballot. They're bound.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by roll call vote, 104-0. Members then offered numerous personal privileges and introductions, including tributes to a deceased mentor, recognition of astronauts, guests connected to military service and law enforcement, school and university visitors, and special honors for community figures Corey Johnson and boxer Devin Alexander. A moment of silence was observed for the representative’s mentor, and several guests were welcomed from the gallery. The chamber then took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2481, a bill dealing with SNAP and related public benefits. The sponsor said the measure was intended to align Missouri law with federal eligibility rules, require proof of citizenship or lawful presence, use the SAVE system throughout eligibility, and direct the Department of Social Services to seek a waiver to promote healthier SNAP purchases. Members debated the bill extensively, with supporters framing it as accountability, fraud prevention, and healthier nutrition, while opponents argued it was unnecessary, could harm children, families, pregnant women, and people in food deserts, and could increase administrative costs. An amendment from the gentleman from Johnson was adopted to add MoHealthNet applicants and cleanup language, and after debate the previous question was ordered 91-46; the House then adopted the substitute and perfected and printed HB 2481 as amended. The House next considered House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1869, which would create a fund to repair damaged veteran headstones in public and private cemeteries when tree roots or other damage affect gravesites. Supporters said it would extend existing veterans’ cemetery repair assistance to more burial sites and preserve dignity for veterans and families. The bill was approved without opposition, with the substitute adopted and the bill perfected and printed. Finally, the House took up House Bill 2927, which would require settlement demands tied to extra-contractual or bad-faith insurance claims to be in writing, held open for 90 days, and reference the relevant statute. Debate centered on whether the 90-day requirement would help insurers evaluate claims or instead delay justice for injured people; concerns were also raised about bad-faith litigation and settlement timing. The House ultimately adopted the bill and ordered it perfected and printed.