Transcript Highlights:

• Because we can test for a lot of stuff, and it's going to cause a big problem because it's a problem
• /c> like to know do you have results of like to know do you have results of these<01:04:31.200> tests
• and the reason that I ask is these tests and the reason that I ask is because<01:04:34.240> uh
• /c><01:05:37.920> because<01:05:38.160> we<01:05:38.279> can<01:05:38.480> test
• parts per billion uh because we can test parts per billion uh because we can test for<01:05:38.880

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 1 is a missed opportunity to discuss serious alternative plans to the governor's proposal,
• gets to access that data, and it's restricted within that agency, so this bill does not meet that test
• Meet that test at this point, and then when you look at, uh, the data practices, we're also going to
• <01:36:39.719> fire process there uh we do have a test fire process there uh we do have a
• test fire here<01:36:40.280> and<01:36:40.520> I<01:36:40.600> would<01:36:40.800

Bills: HF1, HF98

Keywords: Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices, government transparency, accountability, law enforcement referrals, sanctions, debarment, payment withholding, public assistance fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• We have alternatives.
• We<01:18:58.239> have<01:18:58.400> alternatives.
• Um for those We have alternatives.
• <01:19:10.880> And<01:19:11.040> so<01:19:11.280> one the alternative.
• And so one the alternative. It's higher.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But obviously alternative nicotine products are already defined under 4-101. Thank you."
• Vaping is not a healthy alternative to cigarette use. It is not.
• A healthy alternative to cigarette use. It is not.
• And there should be a retail license for all nicotine and alternative nicotine products, but this bill
• Nicotine and alternative nicotine products, but this bill bifurcates them.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, attendance, and routine journal and communication actions, including a temporary committee replacement appointment and confirmation of Todd D. Haney to the State Board of Education. The chamber then moved into the Committee of the Whole to consider House Bill 4001, which concerns vaping/nicotine product regulation. Members debated a committee amendment and a floor amendment offered by Senator Bolick; supporters described the bill as a first step toward regulating harmful products and keeping them away from children, while opponents argued it was too weak, lacked retail licensing and enforcement, and did not adequately protect public health. The Committee of the Whole adopted the amendments and recommended the bill do pass, and the full Senate later passed HB 4001 on a 24-0-1 vote after additional debate on the same public health and enforcement concerns. The Senate then took up several other measures on final reading. House Bills 2720, 2078, 2501, 2686, and 2574 all passed, with votes ranging from 17-7 to 26-0. The chamber also concurred in House amendments to several Senate bills, including SB 1067, SB 1172, SB 1232, SB 1214, and SB 1478. During debate on HB 2078 and other bills, members used points of personal privilege to recognize staff and explain votes, but no additional amendments were adopted on those measures. On final readings, SB 1566, dealing with residential construction and delay enforcement, passed 17-9 despite concerns that its definition of malicious delay was too broad and could invite litigation. SB 1067, SB 1172, SB 1232, SB 1426, and SB 1478 also passed, with some members speaking in support of homeowner protections, administrative changes, or liquor policy updates, while others opposed the liquor bill and raised public health concerns about alcohol access in border communities. The Senate concluded by announcing party caucuses and adjourning until June 1, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• practice setting would be inadmissible in court, similar to the privilege that exists already in alternative
• Currently, there's no other alternative.
• 14.160> no<00:05:14.400> other Currently, there's no other Currently, there's no other alternative
• 16.479> just<00:05:16.639> been<00:05:16.800> shut<00:05:17.039> out alternative
• You've just been shut out alternative.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the alternatives, looking at the alternatives, is also done before the 270-day starts?
• one of the opposition letters, they talked about the 270-day period not being enough time to do alternative
• route analysis. ...the 270-day period not being enough time to do alternative route analysis.
• They should actually be doing alternative route analysis in the initial documentation that's submitted
• So I just want to say that and ask for your I vote. analyze the right alternative route you were weak

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on grid reliability, affordability, clean energy infrastructure, and industrial decarbonization. AB 222, by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, would require more data reporting on data centers and aim to prevent ratepayers from bearing related grid costs; supporters said better information is needed to plan for rapidly growing electricity demand from AI and data centers, while opponents warned about privacy, security, trade-secret, and cost-shifting concerns. The bill passed the committee on a 13-4 vote, with the roll left open for absent members. AB 941, by Assemblymember Bonta, would impose a 270-day timeline for CPUC review of priority transmission projects to speed clean-energy infrastructure buildout. Supporters argued that transmission delays are slowing California’s climate goals and raising costs, while opponents raised concerns about CEQA process, staffing, and prioritization. The bill passed 15-0. AB 1191, by Assemblymember Tangipa, would make existing large hydroelectric facilities eligible for the Renewable Portfolio Standard; supporters framed it as a way to lower rates and ease affordability pressures, while opponents said it would undermine the purpose of the RPS by substituting existing resources for new renewable development. That bill failed on a 4-11 vote. AB 1280, by Assemblymember Garcia, would expand state grant programs to support thermal energy storage projects for industrial decarbonization. Supporters said it would help modernize manufacturing, cut pollution in disadvantaged communities, and preserve jobs, with broad support from environmental and clean manufacturing groups and no opposition testimony. The bill passed 17-0. AB 1117, by Assemblymember Schultz, would require the CPUC to offer optional dynamic electricity rate tariffs for customers to shift usage away from peak periods; supporters said it could lower bills and improve grid efficiency, while utilities said they were not opposed to the concept but wanted more flexibility and time in the regulatory process. That bill passed 14-0. The committee also approved its consent calendar and other noncontroversial items, with several measures moving forward unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• So are you talking about alternate pathways as far as maybe internship right after high school?
• So are you talking about alternate pathways as far as maybe internship right after high school?
• So are you talking about alternate pathways as far as maybe internship right after high school?
• So are you talking about alternate pathways as far as maybe internship right after high school?
• So are you talking about alternate pathways as far as maybe internship right after high school?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it may mention some potential alternatives and the pros and cons of some of those alternatives.
• <00:34:56.240> and mention some potential alternatives and mention some potential alternatives
• :34:58.320> those the pros and cons of some of those the pros and cons of some of those alternatives
• :00.240> I<00:35:00.400> said,<00:35:00.560> I<00:35:00.800> think alternatives
• Uh, but as I said, I think alternatives.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Committee to Study Long-Term Managed Care approved the prior meeting minutes as amended after correcting the first paragraph. The chair then outlined the committee’s plan to produce a preliminary report by October 1, with additional meetings to follow, since some questions remain about the federal One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3) and its effects on Medicaid financing and managed care. The main discussion focused on New Hampshire nursing home funding and how ProShare and MQUIP work. Members reviewed Medicaid rates, supplemental payments, intergovernmental transfers, and the role of federal matching funds. The chair and Mr. Litman concluded that OB3’s phase-down of payments above the Medicare rate likely would not directly eliminate ProShare or MQUIP in New Hampshire, but uncertainty remains about intergovernmental transfers and about how these payments would function if the state moved nursing facilities into managed care. Mr. Litman said managed care would likely require waivers for supplemental payments, and Texas was cited as an example of a state operating under such waivers. The committee also discussed dual eligibles, DNIP, PACE, and the possibility of carving out HCBS from nursing facility services. DHS said its managed care contract would allow the state to use MCOs for DNIP, with the goal of better coordination between Medicaid and Medicare, while PACE would likely require more study and might be more feasible in populated counties. Members also reviewed OB3’s new presumptive eligibility provisions and a state waiver request modeled on Washington’s approach, plus a separate grant for transitioning people from facilities back to the community. The rural health transformation fund was discussed as a possible source for workforce, telehealth, mobile integrated health, and other support investments, but not for direct construction or major building renovation. County representatives emphasized that any county role in PACE or DNIP would require significant vetting, infrastructure, capital investment, and a realistic timeline. The meeting ended with the chair saying the draft report would outline issues and possible alternatives, but not recommendations yet, and the committee adjourned without taking further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• We looked at several alternate locations from Seattle south.
• From there, we went on and modified those alternatives to best meet our purpose and need.
• And what we've come out with now is one preferred alternative.
• It says the mid-size B alternative. We looked at alternatives from A to H, I believe.
• Because we've been doing a bunch of alternatives, we haven't estimated each alternative as we go along

Summary: The committee met to hear an update from Washington State Ferries on capital projects and workforce issues, beginning with a briefing on the agency’s long-term fleet and terminal needs. WSF officials described the history of underinvestment after the late 1990s, the current fleet reduction from 25 to 21 vessels, and the need to keep older boats in service while moving toward a 26-vessel long-range fleet and hybrid-electric operations. They said the agency is transitioning to a new vessel procurement strategy, with Eastern Shipbuilding selected to build up to three 160-car hybrid-electric ferries, and outlined a schedule that includes contract execution, about a year of design work, steel cutting in fall 2026, and several years of construction. Members raised concerns about the higher cost of electrified vessels, the length of the schedule, the adequacy of liquidated damages and incentives, the risks of building in Florida and transporting vessels to Washington, and whether the contract sufficiently protects the state from cost overruns and design problems. The committee also received an update on the Wenatchee conversion, which officials said is days away from entering service as the first large hybrid-electric ferry conversion. WSF explained that the conversion combined required midlife preservation work with propulsion upgrades and battery installation, and that the project took longer and cost more than originally expected because it was a prototype with significant lessons learned. Officials said the Tacoma and Puyallup conversions would follow later, but those decisions were being delayed until after the World Cup to avoid service disruptions. Members asked about the cost-effectiveness of the conversion, the expected fuel and emissions reductions, and what happens to engine crews during long conversion periods; WSF said crews were embedded in the project and that the conversions should reduce diesel use substantially once terminal charging is available. The meeting then shifted to workforce development, with Siegel consultants reviewing their 2021 and 2024 studies of ferry staffing, overtime, recruitment, and workplace culture. They said the earlier problems stemmed from seasonal staffing practices, low winter hours, limited career progression, a narrow maritime recruiting pipeline, and a culture that made retention difficult. Since then, they reported major improvements: staffing has increased from about 1,500 to 1,900, turnover has fallen, captain and engineer shortages have eased, and recruitment has broadened beyond the traditional maritime pool, including more women and other underrepresented workers. They credited new programs such as guaranteed hours, paid pilotage, AB-to-mate pathways, and the “Turning of the Tide” culture campaign, while noting remaining issues with communication, HR access, accountability, and quality of life. Members generally acknowledged the progress but asked whether staffing levels are now sufficient and how interchangeable crews are across vessels and routes. Finally, terminal engineering staff began a presentation on capital terminal work, starting with the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal. They described the terminal’s age, low elevation, vulnerability to sea level rise and earthquakes, and the need for replacement piles, beams, and improved vehicle circulation. The agency said it has completed a planning and environmental linkage study, is moving into NEPA/state environmental review, and has been working with the community to balance the needs of Southworth and Vashon riders with neighborhood concerns in Fauntleroy. The preferred alternative is a larger offshore dock footprint that would improve capacity and reliability while reducing impacts to eelgrass habitat. The meeting ended before the terminal discussion was complete.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are other alternatives, which include conservation, reducing the amount of water used for residential
• I think there are other alternatives, and we need to look at those other alternatives, whether it's recycling
• My district supports incentivizing alternative water resources.
• And we believe in that, and it's an alternative water source.
• We think any kind of alternative water resource project or initiative is a good idea.

Bills: HB1523, HB2109, HB2694, HB3525, HB3898, HB4646, HB5188, HB5219, HB5320, HB5651, HB5655, HB5659, HB5662, HB5672

Keywords: aquifer conservation, Class V injection well, environmental regulation, groundwater protection, municipal water supply, temporary prohibition, water management, reservoir construction, state water plan, Texas Water Code, environmental impact, Brazoria Drainage District, commissioners, elections, vacancies, resignation, HB 3525, North Texas Groundwater Conservation District, groundwater permit, permit amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill simply provides a road-tested tool for districts that want to motivate and recognize student
• ><00:11:40.720> provides<00:11:41.279> a<00:11:41.519> road<00:11:41.920> tested
• This bill simply provides a road tested This bill simply provides a road tested tool<00:11:42.640
• Uh, you know, one of the, I think, an alternate concern or competing concern might be that um this is
• Uh, you know, one of the, I think, an alternate concern or competing concern might be that um this is

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When there’s a common-sense alternative to seeking a variance, this is something that we support in the
• When there’s a common-sense alternative to seeking a variance, this is something that we support in the
• So New Hampshire does not want to be that test case.
• does not want to be that test case. does not want to be that test case.
• Uh, testing. Okay. Um, my name is Andrew Harmon. My name is Andrew Harmon.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Commission to establish an advisory committee to develop recommendations on the implementation of alternative
• 36.480> of recommendations on the implementation of recommendations on the implementation of alternative
• <00:16:37.280> models<00:16:38.160> for<00:16:38.320> rehabilitation alternative
• models for rehabilitation alternative models for rehabilitation and<00:16:39.600> restorative

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1181, certified public account certification alternative, Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
• SB 1103, alternative nicotine products regulations.
• SB 1107, peace officer certificate alternative pathways.
• SB 1144, veterinary technicians education alternative.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, approved the journal, and welcomed several guests, including the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Tammy Penhollow, as well as visitors from Republic Services, Copper Valley Energy, and a young guest shadowing Senator Bolick. The President also announced deadline extensions for opening Senate folders and bill introduction preparation, and the chamber received communications from the Governor without reading them aloud. The main floor business was the reading and reference of a large number of Senate bills and resolutions to committees, covering topics such as education, taxation, water and natural resources, health care, behavioral health, public safety, elections, family law, immigration, transportation, and appropriations. The Senate also completed second reading of another extensive set of bills on issues including concealed weapons, nicotine products, rental housing, mental health, behavioral health, radiation protection, school safety, family courts, elections, and various appropriations and regulatory measures. No bills were debated or voted on during this transcript. Standing committee reports were waived from reading, and committee announcements were made for upcoming meetings of Government, Health and Human Services, Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency, Education, Judiciary and Elections, and Public Safety. The Senate then adjourned until Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's based on increased graduation rates, increased test scores, and subsequently predicted lifetime
• We have sought efficiencies and explored alternative funding systems.
• We have sought efficiencies and explored<00:51:54.000> alternative<00:51:54.480> funding
• explored alternative funding systems. explored alternative funding systems.
• For those school boards reluctant to increase property taxes, the only alternative is to divert funds

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They are also more nimble and have the ability to test public health policies at the local level, which
• c><00:48:35.079> for are Geared for adults looking for are Geared for adults looking for alternative
• ways away from cigarettes alternative ways away from cigarettes this<00:48:38.440> takes<00:48
• Yes, there are thousands of miles from home, but we don't have an alternative.
• Yes, there are thousands of miles from home, but we don't have an alternative.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 655 would limit collection of unpaid motor vehicle taxes, fees, and penalties to the most recent five consecutive years of delinquency. The Department of Transportation opposed the bill, saying it could significantly affect state and county revenues and that the fiscal impact was hard to estimate. The Tax Foundation noted the bill would shorten the existing collection period, while an individual testifier supported it as a narrow measure that would help owners of old or inherited vehicles. In questioning, the department said it could not quantify the cost but suggested it would prefer case-by-case flexibility rather than a fixed five-year limit. HB 697 would authorize Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement personnel to inspect and certify evidence from automated speed enforcement systems and would appropriate funds for the program. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, citing the workload created by the red-light camera pilot and the need to assist police and prosecutors. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended technical amendments so the verification language would apply consistently across the chapter and allow the appropriate reviewing entity to act. The committee also heard support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and opposition from three individuals. HB 711 would require defendants convicted of causing the death of a parent or legal guardian of a minor child while driving under the influence to provide financial support to the surviving child. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal restitution must be tied to verified losses and that this type of long-term support is better handled in civil court, where trusts, conservatorships, and insurance claims can be addressed. The Department of Transportation supported the bill as a deterrent to impaired driving, and police, prosecutors, and an injury prevention group also submitted support. Members questioned whether the measure was better suited to civil litigation, and the public defender agreed that the civil system was the proper venue. HB 108 would allow direct shipment of beer and distilled spirits by certain licensees and require county liquor commissions to adopt rules. The Attorney General raised constitutional concerns, saying the bill’s different treatment of out-of-state manufacturers could violate the dormant Commerce Clause and recommended revisions. Brewers and distillers testified in support, saying the bill would put beer and spirits on a similar footing with wine direct shipment, help small producers reach consumers, and support the local economy without increasing underage access. They also said the bill should be amended to address grandfathering language. No final votes or committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I<00:17:55.000> call<00:17:55.159> on<00:17:55.480> his<00:17:55.720> test
• Not only do I concur, but the alternative is, for example, in 12 days I've served 30 years in the North
• Not only do I concur, but the alternative is, for example, in 12 days I've served 30 years in the North
• c> its confuse or complicate its confuse or complicate its interpretation<01:53:14.480> alternatively
• <01:53:15.440> the interpretation alternatively the interpretation alternatively the department

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• heard from in testimony, and this is not the first time this committee has had conversations about alternative
• I don't see why we cannot offer this alternative as well.
• 34.360> for<00:23:34.600> people<00:23:35.000> to<00:23:36.000> honor alternative
• ways for people to honor alternative ways for people to honor their<00:23:36.560> loved<00:23
• 24:11.520> this I don't see why we cannot offer this I don't see why we cannot offer this alternative

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The A5 amendment to this bill is the amendment that provides for a bus rapid transit alternative analysis
• most effective Analysis will be done, and once that's done, we can take a look and choose the best alternative
• , perhaps with a little bit of data on this corridor, we would learn that the bus rapid transit alternative
• Or is there an alternative that might cost a hundred million dollars and be done a lot sooner and augment
• The Met Council already studied bus rapid transit route alternatives for this corridor in the alternatives

Transcript Highlights:

• This will support providers in pursuing alternative models and securing more affordable insurance options
• Given the insurance challenges, many providers have expressed interest in alternative risk financing
• ... ...developers so they can pursue risk mitigation strategies and alternative risk financing options
• with Young Community California. ...developers so they can pursue risk mitigation strategies and alternative
• particularly our nonprofit partners, is that they face challenges to joining or starting these alternative

Keywords: 988, house, all