Transcript Highlights:

• Equity is nothing to do with inclusion. This is a mandated plan that these in the MTC said I have.
• Governments have the planning staff and limited resources the same as April about the same size of the
• And but we don't have I got to staff for workers and the 5th workers right here.
• And we have ever, as I said, we have a very limited staff when with the DEP to the knowledge that the
• So just wondering why that's included in there, why we're putting those text are steps for staff and

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please keep your remarks within allotted time communicated to you by my staff and remember to introduce
• Thank you, Honorable Chair and staff. Thank you for allowing me to speak for briefly.
• And I do have a breakdown, and I can give that to your staff, Chair, if you so desire.
• We're able to hire a staff attorney, two case workers.
• Chairman, Honorable Assemblymembers and staff. Thank you for your service.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our professional and supervisory staff is about 77, our full-time trade people and operators is about
• Our professional and supervisory staff is about 77, our full-time trade people and operators is about
• Another one: North Dakota PSC staff continues to implement the program in a professional, cooperative
• New Energy Equity is a solar company.
• New Energy Equity is a solar company, a commercial solar company.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because when you invest in bringing major events to the state, you're investing in opportunity, equity
• Because when you invest in bringing major events to the state, you're investing in opportunity, equity
• Because when you invest in bringing major events to the state, you're investing in opportunity, equity
• Because when you invest in bringing major events to the state, you're investing in opportunity, equity
• Because when you invest in bringing major events to the state, you're investing in opportunity, equity

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4949, as amended by the adopted H4949A2 and H4949A3 amendments. The bill would create a sports and events reimbursement program intended to give Minnesota a more reliable funding mechanism to compete for major sporting and entertainment events. Representative Lislegard and supporters argued that events such as the Super Bowl, NFL Draft, Final Four, World Juniors Hockey, and Olympic trials generate substantial economic activity, tax revenue, and statewide visibility, and that Minnesota has lost opportunities because it lacks a standing competitive fund. Testifiers from the Minnesota Business Partnership and Minnesota Sports and Events strongly supported the bill, describing it as a performance-based, closed-loop model that reinvests tax revenue generated by events into securing future events. Jess Graba, Cheryl Lindsey, and Dr. William Campbell emphasized community benefits beyond economics, including youth inspiration, school improvements, inclusion, and positive local engagement tied to events like the Olympic trials, the Women’s Final Four, and WWE appearances. Several testifiers cited specific figures, including roughly $71.5 million in economic impact and $4.7 million in tax revenue for World Juniors, about $74.8 million and $5.7 million for the gymnastics trials, and more than $430 million in lost economic impact from events Minnesota did not secure. Members raised concerns about the funding mechanism, especially the use of revenue that would otherwise go to the general fund or other accounts. Representative Huot said he supported bringing events to Minnesota but was uneasy about diverting general fund money and suggested stronger legislative oversight, possibly through a formal sports committee. Representative Youakim asked how the bill’s revenue capture would work and noted concerns about taking money from transportation-related accounts; staff explained that the amended bill affects seven state taxes and a fee, including motor vehicle rental taxes and the retail delivery fee, with some revenue directed to non-general fund accounts. Members also requested more information on the methodology behind the University of Minnesota Extension economic impact studies, and staff said those studies could be shared. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Equity is a funny thing. Funny thing. Equity is a funny thing.
• And I think it’s very intentional, but I also think that inequity, in equity, Mr.
• I hear about equity and education. We’re seventh in the nation on our spending per pupil.
• You know, last year I participated in the school funding equity workgroup that was facilitated by the

Bills: SB5223, SB6071, SB5966, SB6061, SB6016, SB5973, SB5053, SB5249, SB5899, SB6190, SB5574, SB5873, SB5924, SB6263, SB6282, SB5950, SB6074, SB6096, SB5609, SB5901, SB5943, SB5975, SJM8016, SB5907, SB6031, SB6155, SB6158, SB6227, SB5947, SB6085, SB6234, SB6274, SB5909, SB6044, SB6239, SB6045, SB6089, SB6170, SB5954, SB5762, SB6032, SB6066, SB6082, SB6164, SB6176, SB6319, SB6308, SB6200, SB6080, SJM8014, SB6177, SB6052, SB6182, SB5828, SB6335, SB6017, SB5470, SB5990, SB5046, SB5387, SB5637, SB5647, SB5839, SB5888, SB5962, SB6018, SB6037, SB6047, SB6078, SB6130, SB6147, SB6151, SB6197, SB6220, SB6256, SB6311, SB6343

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, overpayment recovery, modernization, health care, legislation, healthcare, nutrition, medically tailored meals, dietary support, food security, chronic illness, tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• So, no onus on the municipality, allows the property owner the same equity as their direct neighbor.
• Thank you. equity concern that one property owner equity concern that one property owner would<01:34:
• </c><01:35:35.360><c> as</c><01:35:35.600><c> their</c><01:35:35.760><c> direct</c> the same equity as
• their direct the same equity as their direct neighbor.<01:35:36.639><c> I</c><01:35:36.800><c> think
• All legislators and staff are invited to attend.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do know what is better than other options, and that's why I'm saying pursuing staff and so-called
• Options, and that's why I'm saying pursuing staff and so-called clean fuels that are burnable is not
• This is one of the most intentional EV rebate bills because of its focus on affordability and equity.
• This is one of the most intentional EV rebate bills because of its focus on affordability and equity.
• This is one of the most intentional EV rebate bills because of its focus on affordability and equity.

Bills: HB1986, HB1694, HB1695, HB2030, HB1673

Keywords: clean fuel standard, alternative fuels, carbon intensity, emission reduction, greenhouse gases, transportation, sustainable aviation fuel, tax credit, greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, Hawaii, economic development, carbon footprint, aviation sector, renewable fuels, local production, energy resilience, agricultural innovation, job creation, clean vehicles

Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on three measures related to cleaner fuels. On HB 1986, which would require the Department of Transportation to adopt rules for a clean fuel standard by January 1, 2028 and include reporting and public informational sessions, testimony was largely supportive from state commissions, fuel companies, airlines, and other industry and advocacy groups. Supporters said the bill would create a long-term framework for reducing emissions and developing cleaner fuels in Hawaii. Opposition came from Energy Justice Network, which argued that so-called clean fuels are not carbon-free, would be costly, and could delay a needed transition to electrification. The department later said it was monitoring the bill and was concerned about costs. No vote or final action was taken in the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1694, a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit bill that would provide a per-gallon credit for SAF, cap annual credits at $20 million, require reporting, and sunset in 2035. The Department of Taxation testified on administration, while the Department of Transportation said it supported the measure as a short-term strategy to jump-start SAF until the clean fuel standard ramps up. Airlines, fuel companies, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, and others supported the bill, saying it would send a market signal, help close the cost gap with conventional jet fuel, and encourage local production and investment. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network, Life of the Land, and Ted Metros, argued the bill would be expensive, could lock in a transitional fuel system, and would not produce enough fuel to meet demand. Committee members asked about the likely impact and the share of total fuel demand the credit could support; DOT said the supported gallons would be only a very small percentage of annual demand and that the credit was intended to work alongside the future clean fuel standard. Finally, the committee took up HB 1695 HD1 on renewable fuel, which expands the renewable fuels production tax credit. Testimony was again mixed but generally supportive from the Department of Transportation, Department of Taxation, Island Energy Services, airlines, the Tax Foundation, Pana Pacific, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau. Supporters said the measure would encourage local feedstock production, create agricultural opportunities, and help attract investment in renewable fuels. Pana Pacific requested an amendment to explicitly include camelina in the definition of renewable feedstocks. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network and Life of the Land, repeated concerns about cost, imported feedstocks, and the risk of undermining full electrification goals. The hearing transcript does not show any vote or final committee action on HB 1694 or HB 1695 HD1.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I do think that's relative to auxiliary staff.
• Both for income and resources, and I do think that's relative to auxiliary staff, paraprofessional staff
• They did an equity audit, and the equity audit... What does that mean? I'm going to tell you.
• So they're closing the school because they can't staff it? No, we can staff our school.
• It's a budget deficit along with equity, yes. School consolidation. And Ms.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Almost 70% of my staff are in their first three years of experience, and my turnover rate is over 25%
• So you can imagine the challenges that we’re facing as a superintendent, trying to support our staff
• I never knew the impact that I would have on the staff or the students.
• Having new people in new staff can make it really uncomfortable for them at first.
• </c><00:29:33.519><c> in</c> proud superintendent of the staff in proud superintendent of the staff in

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, Kellyn Wright, staff to the committee.
• Are there any questions for staff?
• Okay, with that, staff will call the roll.
• Okay, staff, please announce the vote.
• Okay, staff, please call the roll. Okay, staff, please call the roll.

Summary: The committee opened public hearings on House Bill 2141, concerning building codes, and House Bill 2573, concerning community access to food, medicine, and health services, then later took executive action on several bills. HB 2141 would impose a 10-year pause on new state building and energy code updates after the 2024 codes, limit local amendments until the 2036 codes, then move to a six-year update cycle and remove the current energy-code 70% reduction target. Supporters, including the sponsor, builders, local government groups, and some code officials, argued the bill would reduce regulatory churn, lower housing costs, and give builders and local governments more certainty. Opponents, including environmental groups, architects, fire marshals, and code organizations, said the freeze would raise long-term energy costs, undermine safety and climate goals, and delay adoption of new technologies. No action was taken on HB 2141 during the hearing. HB 2573 would require advance notice before grocery stores or pharmacies close in communities that relied on them for planning under the Growth Management Act, add a health and food access goal and a healthy communities element to the GMA, and authorize cities and counties to use zoning, excise taxes, and nuisance fees to discourage long-term vacancies and preserve access to food and medicine. The sponsor and supporters said the bill responds to recent store closures that created food and pharmacy deserts, especially in overburdened communities, and would give local governments tools to prevent blight and protect access to essential services. Opponents from grocery and retail industry groups argued the bill would punish businesses and property owners, create a chilling effect on investment, and unfairly burden independent landlords. The committee heard testimony on HB 2573 but did not take final action in the portion provided. During executive action, the committee reported several bills out with do-pass recommendations. HB 2517, on permitting tools for high-capacity transit projects, passed 4-3 after one proposed amendment was rejected and another was adopted to require property-owner consent before certain permits on property not owned by the transit authority. HB 2588, expanding county ferry district authority beyond passenger-only ferries, passed 4-3. HB 1529, allowing cities to use county resources for road construction and maintenance, passed 6-1. HB 2223, creating a limited exemption for irrigation district directors’ spouses’ contracts, passed unanimously. HB 2006, extending the deadline for certain rural counties to designate industrial land banks, passed unanimously after adoption of an amendment narrowing eligibility and adjusting timing requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• We admire lead staff for this committee.
• Could you tell us the rest of the staff?
• I, I've had a conversation with, um, uh, the governor's staff.
• To provide staff, office space, and to cover expenses for staff to deal with this overuse and the need
• , and then our staff is going to distribute it to the entire committee, OK?

Transcript Highlights:

• So you're stating that into the record so that staff could follow up? Thank you.
• This is their staff, their operations, their accountability programs for the districts.
• Would that be for that group of individual staff, support staff, paraprofessionals, instructional assistants
• How many districts do we have that now need that additional because they’ve increased staff?”
• Because they’ve increased staff.

Summary: The House and Senate Education Committee first approved minutes from February 2 and 3, then heard an interim study proposal on Arkansas adult education and the Excel Center model, presented by Goodwill Industries of Arkansas and the University of Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities. Witnesses argued that about 300,000 Arkansas adults lack a high school diploma or GED and described the Excel Center as a diploma-granting public charter option for adults 19 and older, with wraparound supports such as child care, transportation, tutoring, life coaching, and career services. They said the Arkansas campuses are not state-funded, highlighted growth in enrollment and graduation outcomes, and cited research showing improved employment, earnings, and reduced criminal justice involvement for graduates. Committee members discussed the role of Goodwill’s nonprofit mission, the need for multiple adult education pathways, and the relationship between adult education challenges and broader state efforts such as LEARNS and ACCESS. The committee then debated the interim study proposal procedure, including whether questions should have been taken before the vote. The motion to adopt the ISP passed, and members noted that the study would broadly examine adult education, GED testing, high school diplomas, charter schools, in-person adult education, and funding allocation. Several members asked for follow-up information on current adult education funding, the availability of Excel Centers, and the criminal justice study results. After that, staff from the Bureau of Legislative Research gave a detailed adequacy funding overview for Arkansas K-12 education. They reviewed national funding principles and then explained Arkansas’s revenue streams and distribution system, including general revenue, the Educational Excellence Trust Fund, the Educational Adequacy Fund, local property-tax revenues, and facilities partnership funding. They also walked through the state’s foundation formula, categorical aid, supplemental aid, and additional funding, including the per-student matrix amount of $7,771 for 2025 and how funds are allocated to districts and charters. Members asked about student support staff, special education high-cost occurrences, ALE funding, teacher salary equalization, and the Excel Center’s treatment in funding totals; staff said some of those questions would be addressed in a later spending presentation. The meeting ended after the committee was told the department was present mainly to answer questions and no further business remained.

Transcript Highlights:

• On line five of the bill, it describes grade EES as supervising staff attorneys.
• </c><00:23:58.480><c> They</c><00:23:58.799><c> are</c> supervising staff attorneys.
• They are supervising staff attorneys.
• , it seemed that there might be staff, it seemed that there might be some<01:02:46.720><c> option</c>
• So, um, we're not necessarily in the business, for example, of bringing people equity actors from New

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• interests include community and under-resourced medicine, women's health, public health, and health equity
• She is a 2020 Resource medicine, women's health, public health, and health equity.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of the doctor of the day. Members also offered personal privilege remarks, including a thank-you for care packages sent to deployed National Guard troops, an introduction of Mom’s Demand Action guests, and a proclamation honoring the 205th anniversary of Greek Independence Day. The Speaker announced several committee assignments and bill referrals, including the withdrawal and reassignment of SB 1050 and SB 1519, and the House then moved into Committee of the Whole. In Committee of the Whole, the House considered and approved three Senate bills. SB 1125 received a do pass recommendation; discussion noted it was part of a broader set of child welfare-related measures stemming from hearings and the Emily Pike case, with emphasis on communication gaps between tribes and DCS, and DCS’s support for the bill. SB 1193 was amended on the floor to include paramedics along with EMTs, with supporters saying the bill protects private information held by DHS vendors. SB 1448 was also amended and passed; it adds utility, telecommunications, and video service workers to the aggravated assault statute when they are engaged in official work duties, and members debated whether the protection was necessary or overly broad, with supporters stressing on-duty protection and opponents questioning the need for a special classification. After the Committee of the Whole rose, the House adopted its report and referred the three bills to engrossing. The chamber then took up third-reading votes on SB 1023, relating to optometrists, which passed 43-10, and SB 1211, relating to sentencing, which passed 53-0. The House also heard announcements about upcoming committee meetings and a proclamation naming April 26 through May 2, 2026, as Arizona Water Professionals Week. The House adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• interests include community and under-resourced medicine, women's health, public health, and health equity
• She is a 2020... ...under-resourced medicine, women's health, public health, and health equity.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• lived experience, the Japanese American community has become an authentic and powerful voice for equity
• lived experience, the Japanese American community has become an authentic and powerful voice for equity

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Senate first handled routine business, including approving the previous day’s journal, receiving House messages transmitting House Bill 73 and Second Substitute House Bill 1784, and referring Senate Bill 6353 to the Committee on State Government, Tribal Affairs, and Elections. It then moved to resolutions. Senate Resolution 8687, commemorating the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 and acknowledging the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, drew extensive remarks in support from several senators. Speakers emphasized the injustice of the internment, the contributions of Japanese American veterans and civil rights activists, the importance of remembrance, and the need to prevent similar abuses in the future. The resolution was adopted by voice vote. The Senate also considered Senate Resolution 8688, recognizing Washington’s dairy farms and the role of dairy producers in the state’s economy and communities. Senators shared personal ties to dairy farming and praised the hard work of family farms, dairy workers, and industry representatives. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and visiting members of the Washington State Dairy Council, Dairy Women’s Organization, and Dairy Ambassadors were recognized in the gallery. At the close of business, the Senate agreed to adjourn until 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• elected to the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board, where he championed public education, equity
• of public education, Representative Grijalva was a steadfast advocate for public schools, health equity

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the journal and recorded attendance. Members observed a moment of silence for former Representative Noel Campbell, and several guest groups were recognized in the gallery, including Greater Phoenix school district leaders, GCU Government and History Club students, Arizona Food Bank Network representatives, and local and tribal officials visiting for appropriations and transportation-related discussions. The chamber also adopted a proclamation recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Senators and guests offered remarks about the Holocaust, rising antisemitism, and the importance of education and remembrance, followed by a moment of silence. Later, the Senate received and unanimously adopted House Concurrent Resolution 2045 honoring the life and public service of former Congressman Raul Grijalva, with members of the Grijalva family present on the floor and several senators sharing personal tributes. The Senate then processed a long list of governor’s nominations, first readings, and second-reading bill referrals, including measures on natural resources, education, health, public safety, elections, taxation, utilities, and appropriations. Senator Bolick also read a proclamation for National School Choice Week. The body recessed briefly, returned to consider SCR 1036 on Attorney General public statements, and then received committee announcements before adjourning until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, are there any questions for staff?
• Seeing no change, staff, please announce the vote.
• Okay, staff, please announce the vote.
• Okay, staff, please announce the vote.
• Okay, staff, please call the roll. Okay, staff, please call the roll.

Bills: HB2517, HB2480, HB2588, HB1529, HB2223, HB2006, HB2573, HB2141

Keywords: municipal permitting, transit projects, high capacity transit, infrastructure, urban development, residential development, commercial zones, mixed-use zoning, urban planning, state regulations, county ferry district, ferry district, passenger-only ferry, passenger ferry, Puget Sound, Vashon, Seattle, Southworth, county transportation, local taxing authority

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee staff, if you'll please call the roll. Assembly Member Addis: Here.
• Committee staff, if you'll please call the roll. Assembly Member Addis: Here.
• And way too often, the staff will tell the person they have rights.
• We started working together and walked around our county to staff anyone that would listen.
• ...services and all mobile crisis services delivered by unlicensed staff are categorically denied.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee staff, if you'll please call the roll. Assembly Member Addis: here.
• Committee staff, if you'll please call the roll. Assembly Member Addis: here.
• And way too often, the staff will tell the person they have rights.
• We started working together and walked around our county to staff anyone that would listen.
• services and all mobile crisis services delivered by unlicensed staff are categorically denied.

Summary: The hearing focused first on behavioral health, especially serious mental illness and anosognosia, a condition described by witnesses as a neurological symptom that prevents people from recognizing they are ill. The chair framed the issue around families cycling through emergency rooms, jails, conservatorships, and short-term stabilization without lasting treatment, and warned that federal changes under H.R. 1 could reduce Medi-Cal funding and worsen access. Dawn Marie Anderson gave a personal account of her son’s long history of psychosis, homelessness, arrests, repeated jail and state hospital stays, and eventual stability when he received sustained medication and coordinated support. She argued that the system often treats the problem as criminal rather than medical and that voluntary programs and short-term services are not enough for people who lack insight into their illness. Other panelists, including representatives from the California Behavioral Health Association, Santa Barbara County Behavioral Health, and the County Behavioral Health Directors Association, agreed that anosognosia is not denial or noncompliance and said the system needs long-term, coordinated care, including assertive community treatment, mobile crisis, supportive housing, medication support, and stronger handoffs between county and managed care systems. They said CalAIM and other reforms have improved some coordination, but significant gaps remain, especially for people with serious mental illness, for those in jail or locked settings, and for people with private insurance, which witnesses said often offers little meaningful coverage for early psychosis or intensive behavioral health services. Several witnesses urged the Legislature to protect Medi-Cal, shore up county safety-net services, and invest in training and family engagement. The committee then turned to the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, with a focus on the virtual services platforms BrightLife Kids and Soluna and the CYBHI fee schedule. DHCS reported strong growth in app registrations, coaching sessions, referrals, and positive user outcomes, saying the platforms provide free, culturally responsive, early-intervention support statewide and help connect users to higher levels of care when needed. On the fee schedule, DHCS said more than 500 LEAs, colleges, universities, and school-linked providers are participating, 181 LEAs have submitted claims, and $9.6 million has been reimbursed to date, with 41,556 students represented in claims. The chair and several members criticized the pace of implementation and the amount of money spent relative to reimbursement levels, saying the Legislature had requested data earlier and that the return on investment still appeared low. DHCS responded that many claims are still being submitted, that 70% of denials are correctable, that $400 million in capacity grants has been distributed locally, and that reimbursement is increasing rapidly as more districts come online. Public comment included a rural county behavioral health director who said private insurance denials leave counties with significant uncompensated work, especially for unlicensed staff providing case management and mobile crisis services.