Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, Chair, members of the committee. Audrey Vasek, staff to the committee.
• When the next successor comes along, then all those rules would, the new rules would still apply to them
• Wouldn't those people be also incentivized to oppose the rule change under current rules?
• Good afternoon again, Chair and members of the committee. Audrey Vasek, staff to the committee.
• Good afternoon again, Chair and members of the committee. Audrey Vasek, staff to the committee.

Bills: HB2118 , HB2236

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: common interest communities, restrictions, property rights, homeowners association, community governance, housing finance, affordable housing, housing commission, state agency, financial assistance, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 31 is referred to the under rule 31 is referred to the committee<00:05:40.560><c> on</c><00:05:40.800
• </c> committee on finance. committee on finance.
• </c><00:08:11.440><c> 48</c> the first time and pursuant to rule 48 the first time and pursuant to rule
• On behalf of the committee on committees, the following senators are appointed to the committee of conference
• ><c> on</c><00:21:52.159><c> committees,</c> behalf of the committee on committees, behalf of the committee

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill will be referred to the Committee on Finance.
• Having voted affirmative, I declare the constitutional rule dispense with.
• We request unanimous consent that the committee reference be dispensed with. Senator from Lewis.
• Message will be received and referred to the Committee on Confirmation.
• Reports from standing committees. There are none. Reports from select committees. There are none.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The West Virginia Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and numerous introductions of honorary pages, guests, chaperones, and visitors, including a large McDowell County Day delegation. The Senate also received a governor’s executive message containing 76 nominations, which were referred to the Committee on Confirmation, and then set those nominations as a special order of business for 4 p.m. later that day. On legislation, the Senate rejected House amendments to Senate Bill 493 on open captioning for motion pictures and requested the House recede, saying the amendments changed the bill’s intent by making captioning mandatory and expanding its scope. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 587 on county officials’ salaries, adopted an amendment restoring county control over future pay increases while keeping a 5% raise, concurred in the House amendments as amended, and passed the bill 34-0 with immediate effectiveness. The Senate also fast-tracked and passed several supplemental appropriations bills, all by 34-0 votes and all made effective from passage: House Bill 527 for health facilities, House Bill 528 for the Department of Agriculture’s spay-neuter assistance fund, House Bill 5307 for the Division of Culture and History, House Bill 5317 for the Division of Natural Resources, and House Bill 5694 for the Department of Education. The Senate received House Bill 5286 on corrections and referred it to Finance. Finally, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 66 designating March 14, 2026, as McDowell County Day at the legislature, with remarks highlighting the county’s history and current economic efforts, and then recessed for 30 minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules reports recommending that the following resolutions ought to be adopted.
• The Committee on Rules reports recommending that the following resolutions ought to be adopted: Resolutions
• Rule 7A is suspended.
• Rule 47 is suspended.
• Rule 47 is suspended.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Mr.<00:19:31.840><c> President,</c> Senator Wagner have a report from the Committee on Rules
• Secretary Reed received the report from the Committee on Rules.
• From the Committee on Rules, Senate Resolution Number 33, Special Order Calendar.
• </c><00:21:12.799><c> short</c> The Committee on Rules, using the short roll call. >> Linda, use the
• </c> that rule. that rule.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with a prayer by Pastor Jeremy Ward and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Sophia Woods. A quorum was established with 27 senators present, and the Senate adopted routine motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with the previous day’s journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The chamber also referred Executive Message 69, appointing Brandy Williams to the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards and Education Commission, to the Committee on Confirmations. The Senate received several Judiciary Committee reports. House Bills 41 and 149 and Senate Bills 230, 87, 169, 238, and 233 were reported favorably, with amendments on Senate Bills 87, 169, and 233. Those measures received second reading and were placed on the calendar for the next legislative day. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 31, commending Mackenzie Grace Stigel, and Senate Joint Resolution 32, recognizing the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science for its national ranking; guests from the school were welcomed in the gallery. The Rules Committee report was then adopted by a 33-0 vote, setting a special order calendar that included Senate Bill 71 on administrative rules, along with several other bills on dredging, county subdivisions, legislative matters, public corruption, rural hospital investment, minority affairs, campaign finance, and natural resources. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 71, the “sound science” bill, which would limit state agencies from adopting environmental rules more stringent than federal law and require science-based standards where federal law is absent. Senator Coleman-Madison offered an amendment to preserve stronger scientific and causal standards, arguing the bill could weaken protections in heavily burdened communities; the amendment failed on a roll call vote of 25 nays to 1 yea. Senators then continued debating the bill’s effect on ADEM’s authority, emergency rulemaking, federal standards, and environmental enforcement in Alabama.

Transcript Highlights:

• Report of Committee.
• The Committee on Rules reports recommending that the following resolutions ought to be adopted.
• Report of Committee. Report of Committee.
• The Committee on Rules and the Committees on Rules of the two branches acting concurrently report recommending
• The ayes have it, Joint Rule 12 is suspended. Report of Committee.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Both of them sit on our elections committee. It's a robust committee.
• Currently, what happens when new rules are promulgated is they go to the Joint Committee on Administrative
• Rules.
• Rules.
• “You know, it's passed through committee 21 to 0, passed through rules unanimous, and so it's just a

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Report of committee.
• The Committee on Rules, to whom was referred the order filed by Representatives Decker of Cambridge and
• The Committee on Rules, together with the committees on rules of the two branches acting concurrently
• Rules are suspended. Question comes on suspension of Joint Rule 12. All those in favor say aye.
• Joint Rule 12 is suspended.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House began with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports and scheduling matters. The Committee on Rules recommended adoption of an order extending the Committee on Public Health’s reporting deadline to December 19, 2025, and also recommended suspending Joint Rule 12 to send two petitions to committee, including one on a confirmatory deed in Marlborough and another on regulation of Oregon transparent vehicles. The House suspended the necessary rules and adopted those procedural actions. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reported six House bills for consideration: bills concerning the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, official marine flora, Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, Oker-Chung Neurodevelopmental Syndrome Awareness Day, the appointment of the police chief in Fall River, and the Monson Select Board. The House suspended Rule 7A, gave the bills second readings, and ordered them to third reading. The House then acted on several bills from third reading. It concurred with a Senate amendment to House Bill 4645, the bill on assault and battery upon a transit worker, after adopting a further House amendment. The House also adopted an amendment and passed to be engrossed House Bill 4178, allowing Adam T. Jankowski to take the civil service exam for police officer in Haverhill notwithstanding the age requirement. House Bill 4503, amending the charter of the town of Hudson, was amended by substitution and passed to be engrossed. Finally, House Bill 4645 was passed to be enacted, and the House adopted an order to adjourn and meet again Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reports of a committee.
• The committee on rules of the two branches, acting concurrently, to whom was referred several petitions
• The rule is suspended. The question now comes on suspension of Rule 12.
• The ayes have it; the rules are suspended.
• The chair hears none, and the rules are suspended.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted two resolutions: one commending the Caribbean American Carnival Association of Boston for Caribbean Week and another recognizing Frontotemporal Degeneration Awareness Week. The chamber also acted on several committee reports and House petitions by suspending rules and referring matters to committees as recommended. The Senate then took up several House bills and, after suspending the rules, ordered them to a third reading: sick leave banks for Anna C. Contaris of the Trial Court, Kendra Winner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and Carlos Borges of the Department of Correction, as well as a bill authorizing the town of Lexington to grant 10 additional wine and malt beverage licenses for on-premises consumption. Later, the Senate passed to be enacted a bill increasing the membership of the select board of the town of Mattapoisett, sending it to the Governor. During the session, Senator Feeney recognized the Rolling Warriors Volt hockey team of North Attleboro, along with coaches, families, and supporters, celebrating their first U.S. gold medal at the North American Volt Hockey Championship and their upcoming World Cup appearance in Sweden. The Senate also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Irene A. O'Shea and Tiffany Marie Horne, observed a moment of silence, and adjourned to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• House bills reported by committee. House bills reported by committee.
• Committee Chair and the Senate Committee Chair.
• by the House Education Committee Chair and the Senate Committee Chair.
• Chairman Weibel of this committee, was chairman of this committee, did a great job.
• At 8:30, Committee Room 5, for a joint legislative committee on the budget.

Bills: HR179 , HR180 , HR181 , HR182 , HR183 , HR184 , HR185 , HR186 , HR187 , HCR75 , HCR76 , HCR77 , HCR78 , HCR79 , HR165 , HR166 , HR168 , HR169 , HR170 , HR171 , HR172 , HR173 , HR174 , HR175 , HR176 , HR177 , HR178 , HCR65 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR68 , HCR69 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR72 , HCR73 , HCR74 , SCR34 , SB34 , SB43 , SB52 , SB56 , SB165 , SB173 , SB189 , SB190 , SB260 , SB322 , SB345 , SB374 , SB387 , SB401 , SB448 , SB449 , SB455 , SB487 , SB496 , SB502 , SB505 , HB362 , HB893 , HB990 , HB1007 , HB1153 , HB1243 , HR1 , HR17 , HCR5 , HCR4 , HCR47 , HB55 , HB385 , HB394 , HB396 , HB406 , HB608 , HB622 , HB676 , HB772 , HB897 , HB1030 , HB1035 , HB1038 , HB1045 , HB1049 , HB1056 , HB1058 , HB1059 , HB1092 , HB1100 , HB1117 , HB1160 , HB1161 , HB1162 , HB1177 , HB1180 , HB1189 , HB1216 , HB1239 , HB1240 , HB59 , HB74 , HB159 , HB330 , HB364 , HB414 , HB458 , HB525 , HB568 , HB786 , HB1008 , HB1033 , HB1034 , HB1041 , HB1062 , HB1070 , HB1079 , HB1112 , HB1118 , HB1139 , HB1151 , HB1176 , HB1182 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1241 , HB87 , HB115 , HB162 , HB368 , HB433 , HB441 , HB447 , HB466 , HB481 , HB741 , HB1242 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , SB127 , SB244 , HB977 , HB181 , HB31 , HB664 , HB9 , HB192 , HB225 , HB306 , HB310 , HB366 , HB635 , HB911 , HB1230 , HB1236 , HB615 , HB864 , HB1103 , HB1175 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB393 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1003 , HB1082 , HB1113 , HB1234

Keywords: neighborhood, crime prevention, security districts, law enforcement, community safety, funding, Counseling Day, mental health, Louisiana Counseling Association, community support, mental wellness, Louisiana State University, athletics, NAIA, sports achievements, recognition, success, competition, education, higher education

Summary: The House opened with a prayer, pledge, quorum call, and several personal privileges recognizing guests and special observances, including Junior League Day, Renewable Energy Day, Wholesalers Day, and Sin Law Day. Members also introduced and adopted a number of commemorative resolutions, including condolences, recognitions of schools and community figures, and resolutions related to LSU, ALS Awareness Month, and local festivals. Several Senate and House measures were referred or laid over, and the chamber announced upcoming scheduling changes for House and Senate bills. The most extensive debate centered on House Bill 385, which would require certain TOPS scholarship recipients to repay one semester of aid if they fail to meet academic requirements, subject to listed exemptions and an option to avoid repayment by entering certain high-demand career and technical programs. Opponents questioned the bill’s impact on students, its possible constitutional issues, administrative costs, lack of a fiscal note and implementation details, and whether it would worsen brain drain or convert a merit scholarship into a loan. The motion to recommit the bill to Appropriations failed 34-16, but after continued questioning and criticism, the author later moved to return the bill to the calendar, and that was agreed to. The House then passed House Bill 55, which restricts public disclosure of juror information, after adopting an amendment clarifying that juror interviews are still allowed if jurors choose to participate. The chamber also passed House Bill 394 extending the conditional parole programming period from nine months to 24 months, House Bill 396 making autopsy photographs admissible in criminal proceedings, House Bill 406 directing the Department of Education to study whether it should supervise interscholastic high school athletics, House Bill 622 aligning state criminal history record handling with federal requirements, and House Bill 676 creating the crime of fraudulent patient referrals, or body brokering, with amendments clarifying lawful marketing arrangements. House Bill 1030, concerning reimbursement for non-emergency medical transportation for certain mental health-related services, was taken up with amendments and then temporarily returned to the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Report from the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration.
• Nisca from the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration, pursuant to Rules 1.21 and 3.33, designates
• <c> on</c><00:12:37.279><c> rules</c><00:12:37.600><c> and</c> Nisca from the committee on rules and
• Uh, rules committee members, we will be meeting in G3 upon recess.
• And then Democrats, we will be meeting in our caucus room following rules committee.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, hearing none, the rules are suspended.
• Report of a committee.
• The Committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently, to whom was referred the petition accompanied
• The ayes have it, and the rule is suspended. The question now comes on suspension of Joint Rule 12.
• The ayes have it, and the rule is suspended.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3035 and House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2335 will
• your Rules Committee, 10-2.
• This bill passed unanimously out of the Commerce Committee and out of rules.
• And in committee, This bill passed unanimously out of the Commerce Committee and out of rules.
• That was added, and again, unanimously passed out of committee and out of rules.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Missouri House met with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for March 3, 2026 by a 122-0 roll call vote. The chamber also spent a long portion of the morning recognizing special guests, including Special Olympics athletes, occupational therapy and social work students and professionals, teachers, civic leaders, and other visitors in the gallery. On legislation, the House perfected and printed House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2974, which would codify telehealth access within Missouri’s licensed reciprocity law. Supporters said it would help seniors and rural residents access care and ensure reciprocity licensees can provide telehealth services. The House also perfected and printed House Bill 2934, a bipartisan St. Louis convention-center governance bill that would merge existing entities, create a new board with city, county, and state appointments, and clarify funding and tax authority for the convention district. An amendment narrowing governor appointments to two city, two county, and one at-large member was adopted before final approval. The House likewise perfected and printed House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2057, a technical fix allowing Osage Beach to create an entertainment district; supporters said it would promote tourism and economic development and align the city with similar districts elsewhere in Missouri. The most contentious debate was on House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1839, 2921, and 3515, which require age verification for pornographic websites. Supporters framed the measure as child protection and cited the Supreme Court’s Texas decision and the Attorney General’s enforcement rule; opponents raised privacy concerns, questioned effectiveness, and argued it could push users toward less scrupulous sites. A proposed amendment to extend the bill to firearms and ammunition websites was ruled not germane, the previous question was ordered 92-44, and the substitute was adopted. The combined bill package was then perfected and printed by a 104-16 vote with 20 present, and the House recessed until 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 534 should pass to the Rules with House Committee Substitute 2 and House Committee Amendment
• Next order of business, the meeting of the Committee on Committees and Rules Committee.
• and the Rules Committee at the clerk's desk.
• </c> Committee on Committees and Rules Committee on Committees and Rules Committee<01:32:51.640><c> at
• Next order of business, report of Committee on Committees and the Rules Committee.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened, opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 96 members present, excused absent members, and approved the journal from March 4, 2026. The chamber also received notice that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 50 and 191 and requested concurrence. Several bills were reported for second reading and committee action, including measures on schools, barbering, virtual currency kiosks, eminent domain, DUI, fire protection, school district reporting, teacher certification, legal representation, cost and fee reporting, dentistry, credit insurance, harmful practices, elections, child welfare, health data, Medicaid directed payments, workplace violence in health care, utilities, solid waste, carbon sequestration, and coal/energy affordability. House Bill 534 was sent to the Rules Committee after receiving prior readings, and House Bill 600 was brought up for third reading and passage. House Bill 600, relating to the collection of delinquent tax bills, was explained as allowing counties to use a consolidated procedure to collect multiple delinquent tax cases more efficiently, requiring county attorney contracts with the Department of Revenue to include that option, and extending to counties some property-tax collection tools already used by cities for delinquent and dilapidated properties. A member from Jefferson raised concerns that the bill could allow foreclosure on occupied properties and warned about potential harm to elderly or low-income homeowners; the sponsor responded that the bill was not intended to remove anyone from their property. The House passed HB 600 by a vote of 82-11, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 662, concerning regulation of low-voltage battery-charged security fences by local governments, was described as a business-friendly measure supported by the Chamber of Commerce and affected industries, intended to define the fences and reduce regulatory uncertainty in commercial and industrial zones without removing local regulation. It passed unanimously, 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 364, relating to benefits for Kentucky National Guard members, was amended by House Floor Amendment 1 to define Commonwealth emergency pay and hazardous duty for Guard members on state active duty during emergencies. Supporters emphasized compensation for Guard members responding to disasters and emergencies, and members cited recent flood and crash responses as examples of their service. The bill passed 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 534, an elections bill, was taken up with House Committee Substitute 2 adopted. The sponsor said the bill was the product of work by the Secretary of State, the Board of Elections, county clerks, KREF, and others, and was intended to strengthen election laws. Debate focused on a provision that would remove from voter rolls individuals convicted of felonies even while appeals are pending; one member argued this would disenfranchise people before appeals are resolved and sought to offer an amendment, but a motion to suspend the rules for that amendment failed with only 18 votes in favor. Another member said the substitute was the best version of the bill and indicated he would offer amendments, including changes to the felony-appeal language and campaign finance timing, while also seeking to remove a section requiring federal cooperation. The transcript cuts off during that discussion, before final action on HB 534 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• This violates Rule 56.
• I move that House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2989, as perfected, be referred to the Committee
• According to Rule 24, as the bill...
• Is that not the plain reading of the rules?
• I think if you read the rules, you would, I think anybody who read the rules in plain language would

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal by a 134-0 roll call vote. Members then moved through a series of personal privileges and introductions of guests, including Turning Point USA chapters, CASA volunteers and staff, JAG students, university students, nursing students, interns, and other visitors recognized from across the state. On third reading, House Bill 1766, dealing with personal property tax treatment and new construction, was debated as a taxpayer relief measure. Supporters said it would treat personal property more like real estate under Hancock-style limits, while opponents warned it could reduce revenue for taxing districts. The bill passed 94-50. The House then took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2989, a major gaming bill aimed at cracking down on illegal “gray market” machines while creating a regulated local-option video lottery terminal system. Debate focused on enforcement, local control, consumer protection, revenue for education, veterans, and disability programs, and whether the bill effectively legalized gambling in a new form. A motion to send it to Fiscal Review failed 69-44, and the bill ultimately passed 83-66 with one present. The chamber next considered House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2014, the supplemental appropriations bill. The sponsor said it provides a little over $3 billion in additional authority for the rest of FY2026, including tax refunds, disaster response, St. Louis tornado relief, Medicaid-related spending, and Missouri Department of Transportation operations. Members discussed the size of supplemental spending, the use of federal and general revenue funds, and the first-time use of general revenue for the adult expansion Medicaid population. The House adopted an amendment reducing some unused Medicaid authority, then adopted the bill as amended and perfected it for printing. The session ended with announcements, including a notice that the Super Committee on Tourism would meet immediately in Hearing Room 6.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration is called to order. It is May 7th, 2026.
• I'm here to present the reasons that I want the Rules Committee to support the passage of Senate File
• </c><00:03:58.880><c> Committee</c><00:03:59.200><c> to</c> That I want the Rules Committee to support
• Senator Johnson Stewart is bringing two proposals to the Rules Committee.
• </c> So, I'm requesting that the Rules So, I'm requesting that the Rules Committee<00:08:32.240><c> allow

Committee: Senate Rules and Administration

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a side note, I'm hoping that this committee has somebody looking over the transportation rules that
• As a side note, I'm hoping that this committee has somebody looking over the transportation rules that
• As a side note, I'm hoping that this committee has somebody looking over the transportation rules that
• As a side note, I'm hoping that this committee has somebody looking over the transportation rules that
• </c> the rules governing it are federal rules the rules governing it are federal rules and<02:17:45.120

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 758, which would establish a study committee on airport operation hours and possible noise abatement measures, including whether New Hampshire should prohibit departures between midnight and 6 a.m. The sponsor said the committee would examine the pros and cons and consult stakeholders. The Bureau of Aeronautics testified neutrally, noting that New Hampshire has 25 public airports, 12 with federal funding and grant assurances that may require them to remain open during those hours, and that cargo operations, including at Manchester, commonly occur overnight. Members also discussed existing noise abatement programs and how mitigation is determined by noise contours and FAA funding decisions. No vote was taken; the chair closed the hearing after testimony. The committee then heard House Bill 489, allowing voluntary emergency workers to use rear-facing blue lights on private vehicles when responding to emergencies. The sponsor said the bill corrects an oversight in existing law, would not cost the state or towns money, and would improve visibility and safety, especially in rural areas. Supportive testimony from a volunteer responder emphasized that blue lights help cut through fog, snow, and nighttime conditions, and that the bill would only add a single rear-facing blue light to existing red, amber, and white emergency lighting. The New Hampshire State Police opposed the bill, arguing that expanding blue lights to private vehicles would confuse the public and desensitize drivers to blue lights, which are associated with law enforcement. The hearing closed without action. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 533, which the sponsor and State Police clarified is actually two separate changes: one authorizing civilian automotive equipment inspectors to assist with vehicle inspection work, and another expanding language in motor carrier enforcement to include new entrant safety audits and compliance reviews. The State Police explained that civilian inspectors are hired and trained through the department and that any findings of state-law violations would be referred to troopers; they also said the new motor carrier language was requested to satisfy federal audit concerns about right of entry. The New Hampshire Motor Transport Association said it had no position if the civilian inspectors were not doing commercial truck inspections, but would oppose the bill if they were. Members asked about the difference between audits and compliance reviews, and the State Police said audits are for newer carriers and are non-enforcement, while compliance reviews look for violations. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 533. After a brief reset, the committee opened House Bill 594, which would repeal an alternate definition of “way” for the driving-after-suspension statute. The sponsor said the change was requested by the Department of Justice. Representative Erica Leon opposed the repeal, explaining that the prior language was intended to avoid criminalizing people who mow lawns or perform similar work near property edges while suspended, but she worried the repeal could create a loophole allowing driving on places like highway medians. Members questioned whether the issue was limited to mowing or broader vehicle use on property edges, and Leon said she would work with agencies to clarify the language so it protects lawful mowing without allowing misuse. No vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• public comment on those draft rules.
• So what do the rules include? So what do the rules include?
• But I just would underscore for the committee and the members of the committee two things about the work
• I think the rule itself, the proposed rule, was over 450 pages. And it does many, many things.
• I think the rule itself proposed rule was over 450 pages. And it does many, many things.

Summary: The House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee held a virtual work session focused first on federal actions affecting elections. A representative from NCSL reviewed recent U.S. Supreme Court and pending cases, including a redistricting/Voting Rights Act case and a case on whether mailed ballots received after Election Day can be counted. She also discussed a Trump executive order directing USPS to draft mail-ballot rules, the federal SAVE system’s expanded use for voter list maintenance, DOJ requests for unredacted voter rolls, and reduced federal election-security support. Committee members asked about proof of citizenship requirements, whether DOJ requests are compulsory, and how federal election funding and grants may be changing. The Attorney General’s Office then described Washington’s litigation challenging two election-related executive orders and DOJ’s lawsuit seeking unredacted voter registration lists. State lawyers said courts have already enjoined parts of the executive orders, including documentary proof-of-citizenship requirements and voting-system changes, and have upheld Washington’s ballot-receipt deadlines so far. They said DOJ’s voter-roll demands have been rejected by multiple courts and that Washington’s position is that state law limits disclosure of sensitive voter data. Members asked about the legal basis for DOJ’s requests, the risk of immigration-enforcement use, and whether attestation on registration forms counts as proof of citizenship; the office said it does under state law and that no evidence of mass voter-fraud problems in Washington has been shown. Deputy Attorney General Todd Bowers then gave a broader overview of the Attorney General’s federal litigation, saying Washington has filed 61 cases since January 2025, often with other states, and has had notable success obtaining preliminary injunctions and favorable summary judgments. He highlighted cases involving election rules, environmental and energy disputes, public health funding, student loans, housing, and data privacy, and said many challenges involve executive-branch conditions added to congressionally appropriated funds. He also described a growing number of federal audits and inquiries directed at state agencies. Finally, Office of Equity Director Megan Matthews discussed how federal actions are affecting state and local equity work, community organizations, and public confidence. She said the office is coordinating more closely with the Attorney General, governor’s office, other agencies, and local governments through the immigration subcabinet, while also working on data privacy, Keep Washington Working compliance, and community outreach. Committee members asked about the office’s human-trafficking work and how it is encouraging agency compliance; Matthews said the focus is on clearer guidance, technical support, and consistent expectations across agencies. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Chair and committee members.
• And if you read the rule, there is nothing in the rule that requires the utilities to pay for this.
• It's a rule ratification.
• He thanked the committee.
• Ryan Smart thanked the committee.

Bills: S0912 , S1196 , S1422 , S1510 , S7034

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Keywords: battery collection, battery stewardship, environment, recycling, hazardous waste, waste management, regulation, environmental protection, facilities, hazardous materials, coral reefs, natural resource, climate change, coastal flooding, solar facilities, wastewater treatment, nutrient reduction, land conservation, water conservation, Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Summary: The Environment and Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up several environmental bills and one appointment. SB 1422, as amended by a strike-all focused on coral reef protection and designating coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure, was reported favorably after support from Audubon Florida was noted. The committee then considered SPB 7034, a DEP rule ratification related to minimum flows and levels for the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and associated recovery strategy; witnesses from the Florida Springs Council and local river advocates criticized the plan as too delayed and too dependent on a single future water project, while committee members raised questions about funding and utility responsibility. Despite concerns, the committee approved the bill as a committee bill, with Senator Smith voting no. The committee next heard SB 1510, as amended, which made technical changes to DEP-related provisions including B-MAP notice and timing, septic system requirements in Florida Springs areas, biosolids, fees, land acquisition, and rulemaking procedures. The main public testimony came from the Florida Springs Council, which opposed the 60-day delay for B-MAP effectiveness as harmful to spring restoration, while DEP and others supported the measure. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered SB 1196, a targeted siting bill restricting new ash-producing incinerators or waste-to-energy facilities within two miles of large federally authorized water impoundment areas, with an amendment narrowing the practical effect to Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Supporters, including the City of Miramar, argued it would protect water resources and communities; opponents from the Florida Waste-to-Energy Coalition argued it would limit local waste-disposal options and could force more landfilling. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 912, the Safe Battery Collection and Recovery Act, which would require battery stewardship organizations and related recycling plans to keep batteries out of the waste stream. Industry and recycling representatives supported the bill, citing growing battery volumes and fire risks at recycling facilities. The committee also recommended confirmation of Gary Jennings to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. All measures were approved favorably except that Senator Smith voted against SPB 7034; the meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Board of Committee.
• The Committee on Rules reports recommending the resolution filed by Representative Beal of Boston commending
• With the endorsement, it has been referred under suspension of Joint Rule 12 to the Committee on Environment
• The Committee on Rules, acting concurrently, reports recommending that Joint Rule 12 be suspended on
• Rules are suspended. Question now is on suspension of Joint Rule 12.

Keywords: 1212, all