Transcript Highlights:

• the point of authorized units.
• If authorization... ...examples you gave.
• Louis County. St. Louis County paid for the pilot project. And it is what it is.
• Louis County. St. Louis County paid for the pilot project. And it is what it is.
• Louis City is maybe not one of those that is, but they're county facilities or even multi-county facilities

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are 43, 41 counties that um um um had the CAP program all over our counties and um most of the
• There are 43, 41 counties that um um um had the CAP program all over our counties and um most of the
• Senator Champion for co-author as well. Senator Champion for co-author as well.
• </c><00:24:39.080><c> in</c> Last year we served over 42 counties in Last year we served over 42 counties
• </c> family owned, covering its 87 counties. family owned, covering its 87 counties.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This budget does not rely on new bond authority.
• , no new bond authority.
• no new new is the utilization of our existing bond authority, no new bond authority.
• You also funded King County Metro to mitigate the traffic congestion and revive I-5.
• You also funded King County Metro to mitigate the traffic congestion and revive I-5.

Summary: The House Transportation Committee held public hearings on a proposed substitute for House Bill 2306, the 2026 transportation supplemental budget, and on proposed substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation resources bill. Staff described HB 2306 as revising the enacted 2025-27 transportation budget, increasing spending by about $1.1 billion to $16.5 billion, largely through reappropriations and new funding for preservation, maintenance, rail, transit, active transportation, ferries, licensing, and State Patrol needs. The chair and ranking member emphasized caution because of downward revenue forecasts, uncertainty around major project bids and future fish passage costs, and the decision to use existing bond authority without new bonding. Public testimony on HB 2306 generally supported preservation, maintenance, rail improvements, dredging, transit access, and local safety projects, while some witnesses urged more support for EV incentives and long-term transportation funding stability. For HB 2711, staff explained that the bill responds to administrative issues in last year’s transportation resources law, including fuel tax inflation adjustments, luxury vehicle/aircraft/vessel taxes, the indigent tow reimbursement program, tire fee language, and other tax administration provisions. The proposed substitute would repeal the luxury aircraft tax, adjust peer-to-peer rental car tax administration, restore authority for the Transportation Commission to exempt transit buses from tolls, waive certain penalties and interest tied to early compliance with the luxury vehicle tax, allow lease payments to be taxed incrementally, add exemptions for tribal members and nonresidents, change transfer timing between accounts, and create a Preserve Washington Account for highway preservation and maintenance. Fiscal notes projected additional revenue from aligning use tax with sales tax and modest administrative costs, while delaying the tow reimbursement program reduced near-term expenditures. Testimony on HB 2711 was mixed. RV dealers asked for a delay to the luxury vehicle tax, arguing the industry is already in decline and the tax could push sales out of state. WFSE supported the new Preserve Washington Account and urged higher bid limits for highway maintenance work. Committee members asked for clarification on the peer-to-peer rental car tax and the transit bus toll exemption. The chair announced that executive session on the bills, along with one other measure, would occur Wednesday, and members were told to submit amendment requests by the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• was authorized by Congress in 2022.
• county.
• Yes that's yeah it's there's an appropriation authority that an authority to spend the money.
• Authority.
• , unexpended balances and transfer authority.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:40.640><c> Prosecutors</c> main Justice and the County Prosecutors main Justice and the County
• </c><00:09:40.000><c> we</c> oversight of the different counties we oversight of the different counties
• Could I have the county back up? I'm sorry, Mr. Youo?
• </c><00:46:33.599><c> the</c><00:46:33.720><c> county</c><00:46:33.960><c> to</c> up is sp25 this authorizes
• the county to up is sp25 this authorizes the county to reduce<00:46:34.440><c> the</c><00:46:34.520>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on SB 284, which would remove the requirement that wiretapping applications to a designated judge be accompanied by a written memorandum from the Department of the Attorney General. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill as drafted and instead proposed a new emergency-wiretap procedure allowing county prosecutors to seek immediate judicial authorization in exigent circumstances, followed by AG review and a follow-up application within 48 hours. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office supported creating an emergency exception, citing a kidnapping case involving a missing material witness and the need to obtain live phone location data quickly, but asked that the AG be required to respond clearly within the follow-up period. The AG said the current wiretap process often arrives incomplete and noted a prior Honolulu application that was returned for more information and then abandoned. The committee also heard public testimony, including one speaker in support and another in opposition, and discussed whether the proposed emergency process should include imminent danger findings and what happens if the follow-up application is not approved. No vote or final action was taken in the transcript. The committee then took up SB 295, which increases penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and makes related changes. The Deputy Public Defender opposed the bill’s higher penalties, arguing that not all restraining-order cases involve domestic violence and that the measure could affect family disputes, property conflicts, custody battles, and other non-domestic situations. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney supported the bill, saying it would create a more uniform and efficient charging framework and that violations of court orders can be serious even when the conduct appears minor in isolation. Domestic violence advocates also supported the measure, emphasizing the need for meaningful enforcement and deterrence; one witness cited statewide data showing thousands of TRO petitions but relatively few convictions and fines. A representative from the Domestic Violence Action Center supported the bill but requested amendments to reduce unintended consequences for survivors. During discussion, the committee focused on the proposed minimum sentence, with the Domestic Violence Action Center recommending reducing it from 15 days to 5 days. The witness explained that longer minimums can create hardships such as job loss, housing instability, and child care problems, while still allowing time for survivors to access shelter and services. The committee chair indicated support for amending the bill to reflect that recommendation. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney also clarified that the bill is intended to address violations of already-issued protective orders after judicial review, not the initial issuance of restraining orders, and said the office supports eliminating the distinction between domestic and non-domestic protective-order violations because charging decisions are often made under time pressure. Multiple individuals and organizations signed up in support, and one witness testified in opposition. No vote or final committee action was announced in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate the author and am in support. Thank you.
• I'm a family child care provider from Orange County.
• I am a family child care provider in Sacramento County.
• Amanda Kirshner, County Welfare Directors, in support. Yes, Sr.
• County, in support, and go Aggies.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• County when a special district is County when a special district is created<00:07:10.720><c> they're<
• </c> your comment that uh the Port Authority your comment that uh the Port Authority uh<00:21:06.720>
• On the bottom of page one, the county auditor determines the tax reductions within their county, and
• Both of them were in my district, one in Houston County and one in Winona County.
• in hestad County one in Winona<00:43:31.200><c> County</c><00:43:32.079><c> uh</c><00:43:32.200><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're from the largest county in the state of Missouri, Texas County.
• And they are excluding township counties. I talk about my counties all the time. I'm way up north.
• And they are excluding township counties. I talk about my counties all the time. I'm way up north.
• is a township county.
• A county council member in Jefferson County, which is a township county.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous day’s journal by a 117-1 vote. Members then spent a large portion of the morning introducing guests, including students, civic groups, fraternity and sorority members, county officials, and visitors from various districts. The Speaker also suspended business several times to sign enrolled bills, including Senate substitute for House Bill 261, House Bill 2641, Senate substitute for House Bill 2423, and House Bill 2934. The chamber then debated House Concurrent Resolution 48, which urges Congress to pass the SAVE Act requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. Supporters argued it would protect election integrity and prevent non-citizens from voting, while opponents said it would create burdens, function like a poll tax, and disenfranchise eligible voters, especially women, rural residents, students, military members, and people who move or change names. After a motion for the previous question passed 93-42, the House adopted HCR 48 by a vote of 92-43. The House also passed House Concurrent Resolution 23, a federalism resolution affirming state control over elections, by a unanimous 137-0 vote after committee leaders said it had broad bipartisan support. The House then perfected and printed House Bill 2855, which adjusts workers’ compensation fund tax increments from 0.5% to 0.1% to better match receipts with expenditures; an amendment allowing replacement of attorneys in long-running permanent total cases was adopted first. Members also perfected and printed House Bill 1906, a short bill allowing township counties to authorize annual, semiannual, or quarterly payment of real and personal property taxes by ordinance. The session ended with announcements and a motion to recess until 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul, Minnesota, and a church was attacked in Creek County, Oklahoma.
• It parallels what happened here as soon as the church got attacked in Creek County.
• The governor authorized an Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation into that crime.
• Paul, Minnesota, or the attack on the church in Creek County, Oklahoma was a protest.
• And this is a terrible event that happened in Creek County and in Minneapolis.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and recognized a doctor of the day, interns, and student groups in the galleries. The main item of business was House amendments to Senate Bill 743, a measure described by the author as a worship protection bill updating an old Oklahoma law. The bill was presented as protecting religious worship services from disruption and obstruction, especially in light of incidents the author said occurred in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Creek County, Oklahoma. Much of the floor discussion focused on whether the bill would affect protest and speech rights on public property, with the author repeatedly saying it would not restrict speech generally, but would create an eight-foot buffer around unwilling listeners and a 100-foot zone near entrances to prevent obstruction of people entering worship services. Several senators questioned the bill’s constitutional basis and practical effect, especially its reliance on Hill v. Colorado and whether the U.S. Supreme Court might overturn that precedent. Opponents argued the measure could chill peaceful protest, sidewalk counseling, and other First Amendment activity near churches or other religious gatherings, while supporters said it was narrowly aimed at preventing trespass, harassment, and disruption of worship. The author emphasized that the bill was intended to protect congregants, including elderly worshippers, and to preserve access to services without interference. Debate also touched on the distinction between public and private property and whether the bill could apply to religious gatherings at the Capitol or other public places. After questions concluded, the Senate adopted the House amendments to Senate Bill 743 and then passed the bill on final passage by a vote of 31-15. The emergency clause also passed, 36-9. The chamber then moved to announcements, including a notice that the Energy Committee would meet the next morning, and adjourned until Thursday, February 5, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have regulatory authority.
• This is a unique statutory authority that our department has to provide... ...unique statutory authority
• I'm from Sacramento County.
• counties in the state.
• I'm Preston Prince with the Santa Clara County Housing Authority.

Summary: The subcommittee heard an extensive presentation on the administration’s housing reorganization proposal, which would centralize multifamily affordable housing finance under the new Housing Development and Finance Committee (HDFC) and align it with the Governor’s trailer bill language. Administration officials said the plan is intended to create a one-stop application and award process, reduce duplicative timelines and costs, and pair state subsidy with private activity bonds and federal tax credits more efficiently. They also described proposed changes to the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program, including shifting a larger share of funding toward housing-related awards while preserving a portion for sustainable communities investments. The Legislative Analyst’s Office generally supported the streamlining concept but recommended changes to the proposed bond set-aside timing and urged flexibility for integrated applications and future reporting on demand. Senators, especially Senator Cabaldon, raised concerns that the proposal could weaken the original climate-and-transportation purpose of the sustainable communities program and that the reorganization would be undercut by the lack of new housing production funding in the budget. The item was held open without a vote. The committee then received a report from the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee on federal and state housing tax credits. Staff explained that the federal H.R. 1 change lowering the bond-financing threshold from 50% to 25% greatly expanded the number of projects able to use the 4% federal tax credit, allowing California to fund many more projects and units. They also described the state low-income housing tax credit as an important gap-filling tool for projects that still need additional subsidy, and noted existing set-asides for rural, homeless, at-risk, and extremely low-income projects. Members discussed rehabilitation as well as new construction, and the item was informational only. Finally, the Civil Rights Department reported on the effects of federal civil rights policy changes and on three programs facing expiration: California vs. Hate, the Community Conflict Resolution Unit, and Investigations and Conciliation Enhancement. Director Kevin Kish said federal cuts and policy shifts have reduced support for fair housing and other civil rights functions, while CRD’s caseload has grown from about 8,700 open matters a year ago to more than 12,000, with a six-month wait for interviews despite overtime triage efforts. Senators expressed strong support for continuing the programs and concern about the broader federal rollback of civil rights enforcement. The department said it is using overtime, intake triage, and outreach partnerships to manage the workload and direct Californians to appropriate state, local, and nonprofit resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• are different entities. authorizer are different entities.
• My name is Lyman Wood, County School Superintendent.
• This board of education serves as the sole authorizing authority and oversees the day-to-day operations
• The only challenge is working out the authorizer-operator issue.
• Um, and we are working with Montgomery County to effectuate that.

Bills: HB332, HB166, SB336, HB447, HB244

Keywords: computer science, K-12 education, public schools, graduation requirement, digital literacy, coding, programming, STEM, artificial intelligence, AI, computational thinking, technology education, computer literacy, high school credit, middle school, elementary school, teacher training, professional development, distance learning, virtual school

Transcript Highlights:

• In county courthouses around the state.
• To joyfully ask questions of the author of this bill.
• And quite frankly, the four taxing jurisdictions that started this — Cameron County, Maverick County,
• And what they're doing is they are going into counties, and then the county or their local taxing entity
• Despite these limitations, Wise County ranks among the top five counties in Texas for the number of water

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a House message announcing passage of HB 4 on public school accountability and assessment. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day, adopted SR 520 honoring Rosser Coke-Newton Sr. for his biography of former Governor Richard Coke, and adopted SR 518 recognizing Texas Moral Injury Awareness Day, with remarks focused on the impact of moral injury on veterans and first responders. The Senate later adopted SR 395 honoring the ninth class of Governor William P. Clements, Jr. Scholars, and several other resolutions were adopted by voice vote, including college savings awareness recognition and other member-sponsored recognitions. The body then took up several bills and resolutions on the floor. HB 3307, allowing online continuing education for arbitrators in property tax appeals, passed unanimously after suspension of the rules and the three-day rule. HB 913, renaming and reorganizing certain state hospitals, and HB 2970, governing the Gulf Coast Protection District and coastal barrier design, also passed unanimously. HJR 1 and HB 9 advanced a proposed constitutional amendment and statutory change to raise the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000; both measures passed, with HJR 1 receiving one no vote and HB 9 passing unanimously after a clarifying amendment. The Senate also passed HB 1151, which limits child removals and termination of parental rights based solely on parental medical treatment decisions, and HB 116, which revises grounds for involuntary termination of the parent-child relationship by removing the “O grounds” and requiring support from financially able parents whose rights were terminated. HB 1899 lowered the age for pyrotechnic operator licenses and fireworks display permits from 21 to 18. SB 1285, as amended, passed to protect bats by prohibiting entombment while preserving removal options from unoccupied spaces, and SB 2847 passed to promote innovations in core curriculum for faster bachelor’s degrees. On criminal justice, SJR 87, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring denial of bail for certain repeat violent felony offenders, passed after two floor amendments clarifying due process and representation language; Senator Eckhardt spoke against it on final passage, arguing it lacked judicial discretion and a clear-and-convincing standard. SB 3073, requiring magistrates to make written findings in certain criminal proceedings, also passed. Later, SB 128, requiring hospitals to report suspected child abuse-related information to HHSC, advanced on a divided vote, and SB 2619 and SB 2972 passed on public school accountability and expressive activities at public colleges, respectively, with Senator Eckhardt opposing SB 2972 as too restrictive on campus protest rights. The chamber also heard extended debate on HB 21, targeting “traveling” housing finance corporations and their use of tax exemptions for apartment projects, with supporters arguing it curbs abuse of the tax code and critics warning about unintended effects on affordable housing; the discussion continued with questions but no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chief talked about everybody needing to work together, and in 2015 the Orange County Fire Authority
• , Plumas County area.
• at the local level, the county has actually formed the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority.
• Authority.
• Those top counties were the counties that we are currently piloting this program, San Diego.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you like the first roll to be open for co-authors?
• In 2015, she was the first woman elected county superintendent of education.
• Shelly learned ASL and became a founding Sutter County Parent Network member.
• well-being across Ventura County.
• For the Youth Advisory Board of San Bernardino County.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A 5,000-acre reservation is in three counties: Thurston, Lewis, and Grays Harbor.
• The Growth Management Act was intentionally designed to recognize the land use authority of county and
• The Growth Management Act was intentionally designed to recognize the land use authority of county and
• So could you talk about if you have any information on whether you or your counties, any counties, have
• I'm a small builder in Pierce County. I do one to three houses a year.

Bills: SB5609, SB6284

Keywords: cultural resources, land use, environmental policy, exemptions, state laws, artificial intelligence, consumer protection, regulation, data privacy, technological impacts, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , at least in every county.
• And so, I see the author, House author, is Representative Alonso Sandoval.
• I agree with the author.
• in Logan County.
• 400 tons a day in Oklahoma County.

Bills: HB3005, HB3007, HB3403, HB1907, HB3175, HB3986, HB3466, HB3411, HB4246

Keywords: climatology, emergency declaration, Oklahoma Climatological Survey, environment, weather data, public policy, state governance, natural resources, advisory councils, sunset law, water quality, hazardous waste, solid waste, radiation management, public health, biosolids, land application, environmental quality, agriculture, wastewater treatment

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> uh we're talking about uh the county uh we're talking about uh the county picking<00:15:20.120><
• </c> both sides of the aisle have authored both sides of the aisle have authored this<00:18:04.360><c
• </c> off to the counties and cities. off to the counties and cities.
• </c><00:53:43.000><c> So</c> and it has an audacious author. So and it has an audacious author.
• Carlton County.

Bills: HF1016, HF2800, HF156, HF3051, HF526, HF2658, HF2062, HF2801

Keywords: local government aid, Baldwin, taxation, base year formula, municipal funding, population aid, aid penalty forgiveness, Minnesota, city funding, appropriations, HF156, lawful gambling, veterans organizations, licensed veterans organization, Minnesota gambling law, gross profits, lawful purpose, real property repair, facility maintenance, capital assets

Transcript Highlights:

• Chris Dawson, Clay County Utility Authority, waves in support. Is there any debate on the bill?
• , Monroe County, Union County.
• Lucie County and Lake County.
• also been to Escambia County, Okaloosa County, St.
• I went to delegation meetings in Clay County, Palm Beach County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and

Summary: The Committee on Rules took up a long agenda of bills and reported several measures favorably. Early action included CS for SB 678, allowing pawnbroker transaction forms to be printed or digital, and SB 466, which designates St. Johns County as the site for the Florida Museum of Black History and creates a board to work with the supporting foundation and county officials. Senators and public speakers largely supported the museum bill, though some members asked about feasibility studies and long-term planning. The committee also approved CS for SB 578 on wine containers, SB 582 on penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings, CS for SB 1168 creating an aggravated offense for unlawful tracking-device use in furtherance of crimes, CS for SB 806 clarifying that only the Florida Attorney General may represent beneficiaries of Florida charitable trusts as a public official, and SB 1228 to support spring restoration efforts for Ichetucknee and Santa Fe springs. The committee then heard and favorably reported CS for CS for SB 304, which addresses child protective investigations involving infants and young children with genetic or other pre-existing medical conditions. The bill requires a qualified medical opinion before permanent removal in cases where injuries may be explained by an underlying condition, and it drew strong support from the sponsor and several speakers. Members also approved SB 1286 clarifying that ordinary unsupervised childhood activities, such as biking or playing outside, do not by themselves constitute neglect unless reckless, and SB 1318, a hands-free driving bill that renames the texting-while-driving law, expands the handheld-device prohibition, and adds penalties for handheld use in work and school zones and for certain serious crashes. The hands-free bill prompted the most debate, with supporters citing crash and fatality data and families sharing personal losses, while opponents raised concerns about enforcement, civil liberties, and potential disparate impacts on lower-income and minority drivers; the bill was still reported favorably after amendments. Additional measures reported favorably included SB 14 and SB 20, two claims bills for injuries and deaths involving local governments, and CS for SB 68, which updates health facilities authority financing rules to reflect modern hospital structures. The committee also approved CS for SB 172 on health care practitioner specialty titles and designations after adopting an amendment protecting CRNA titles; the bill generated questions about whether licensed practitioners with doctoral degrees may still use the title doctor under their practice acts. Throughout the meeting, most bills were adopted without opposition, and the committee repeatedly voted to report them favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• He's the executive director of our trail authority there in the mountains, and I would say that, you
• , and it will join Martin, Johnson, Lawrence, and Floyd County and then eventually join us to Hatfield
• there in in the our Trail Authority there in in the mountains<00:04:29.320><c> and</c><00:04:29.800>
• </c> first permit this year in Martin County first permit this year in Martin County and<00:04:47.280
• and then eventually and Floyd County and then eventually join<00:04:52.240><c> us</c><00:04:52.400><

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:02 Attendance Roll Call: 03:09 SB 245 (Sen. Smith): 05:55 Adjournment: 11:21, 958, all

Summary: The committee met, established a quorum after some initial roll-call and IT issues, and recognized several guests, including a student page, local tourism representatives, and Scott Smith of the East Kentucky trail authority. Members also briefly highlighted ongoing tourism and trail development efforts in eastern Kentucky and thanked guests for their work and local support. The main item of business was Senate Bill 245, sponsored by Senator Brandon Smith. He explained that the bill closes a loophole in the confirmation process for board appointments and reappointments, so that if the Senate declines to confirm a reappointment—or takes no action on it—the person cannot continue serving for an extended period without confirmation. In response to questions, he clarified that the bill is aimed narrowly at preventing unconfirmed members from remaining in office and making major fiduciary decisions, while preserving the governor’s appointment authority. After discussion, a motion and second were on the bill, the clerk called the roll, and the committee voted to pass Senate Bill 245 favorably. The chair announced that the bill is now eligible for consideration on the House floor, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Washington County Mr. Chair.
• </c> Members, other questions for the author Members, other questions for the author or<00:28:33.480>
• <00:28:45.120><c> um</c><00:28:45.200><c> and</c> counties um and counties um and Demcon.<00:28:47.200
• The bill authored by Senator Jeang.
• </c><00:50:56.160><c> um</c><00:50:56.319><c> and</c> for authoring uh this bill. um and for authoring

Keywords: 1187, senate, all