Transcript Highlights:

• Everyone, please silence your electronic devices, and anybody wishing to appear before the committee,
• You know, on a device, we could have this interaction between a minor and... ...a device, we could have
• I do think that some of the functionality on some of the devices would fall underneath this. Okay.
• I do think that some of the functionality on some of the devices would fall underneath this. Okay.
• Stop staring and living inside of a device. Any other debate?

Summary: The committee took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 1422 on unmanned aircraft systems. The bill increases penalties for flying drones over critical infrastructure, prohibits drones equipped with weapons or explosives, creates a first-degree felony for drones carrying a weapon of mass destruction, and includes a law enforcement exception. A lay-filed amendment by Senator Pizzo warning against the use of force to shoot down drones was debated but failed, and the bill was then reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably on SB 846 addressing notary public fraud in immigration-related services, SB 650 on hazardous walking conditions for school transportation, SB 922 on employment agreements including non-compete and garden leave provisions, and SB 1820 on motor vehicle manufacturer and dealer relations, covering performance measures, retaliation, and franchise termination standards. Several bills focused on education, health care, and disability issues. SB 540, the Evan B. Hartzell Act, would require disability history and awareness instruction across grade levels; it drew emotional testimony from the bill sponsor, family members, and supporters, and was reported favorably. SB 998 would allow advanced practice registered nurses to certify deaths and file death certificates in hospice settings under physician protocol, and SB 1412 would modernize home health agency rules by expanding administrative flexibility and contract service use; both passed. SB 1736 would allow direct support professionals and relatives to administer insulin in group home settings for individuals with developmental disabilities, and it was also reported favorably. The committee also advanced several regulatory and court-related measures. SB 1650 expands Florida’s vexatious litigant law, including allowing designation based on conduct in a single case and extending the look-back period, while SB 1652 creates a public records exemption for certain stricken non-criminal court filings; both were approved. SB 1076 on roofing contractors was amended to require continuing education for roof-to-wall connections and then passed, and SB 1078 on fire prevention was amended with stakeholder-agreed language before being reported favorably. SB 1080 on local government land regulations, after multiple amendments and significant debate over agricultural enclaves and local control, was also approved. Other major measures included SB 818 on utility relocation, which creates a relocation fund funded by a portion of communications services tax revenue and was supported by multiple industry and local-government groups after a compromise amendment; SB 868 on social media use by minors, which would require a decryption mechanism for law enforcement access under subpoena and prohibit disappearing messages for minors, remained under discussion as the transcript ended. The committee also heard SB 96, a claims bill for Jacob Rogers against the City of Gainesville, and reported it favorably after testimony that the city would pay the settlement amount.

Transcript Highlights:

• With this rather explosive evidence from two employees of the 22nd DA, the court granted an injunction
• With this rather explosive evidence from two employees of the 22nd DA, the court granted an injunction

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• done to address the proliferation of illegal fireworks, particularly in the wake of the Theanou explosion
• done to address the proliferation of illegal fireworks, particularly in the wake of the Theanou explosion
• fireworks particularly in the wake<00:28:46.679> of<00:28:46.840> theanu<00:28:48.200> explosion
• c><00:28:49.200> however<00:28:49.399> we<00:28:49.559> feel wake of theanu explosion
• however we feel wake of theanu explosion however we feel that<00:28:50.440> part<00:28:50.720

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:45:50.960> the<00:45:51.200> scope<00:45:51.839> the<00:45:52.160> devices
• that is outside of the scope the devices that is outside of the scope the devices will<00:45:52.960
• So essentially an explosion to destroy the tissue.
• So essentially an<01:06:57.599> explosion<01:06:58.160> to<01:06:58.400> destroy
• an explosion to destroy the tissue. an explosion to destroy the tissue.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 525, which would have transferred administration of the program for the deaf and hard of hearing and the related board to OPLC. The chair said the sponsor was no longer interested in moving forward, and Representative Schmidt moved ITL. The motion passed 14-0 with two members absent, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. The committee then considered Senate Bill 182 on the maternal mortality review committee. The chair described a narrower amendment that would keep the name change, clarify operations so recommendations are returned to the appropriate entities, and expand contact with family members and close contacts, while dropping a proposed addition of a Department of Corrections member. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was then moved ITL and placed on the consent calendar. Senate Bill 185, dealing with OPLC investigations and backlog reduction, received an update from OPLC General Counsel Nicholas Fry. He described efforts to improve public communication, clear the complaint backlog, standardize intake and expert review, add automated responses and website updates, use weekly legal-viability reviews, create preliminary investigation protocols, and establish a process for law-enforcement referrals. Members asked about board involvement and criminal-conviction cases; Fry said boards are kept informed and that such matters can proceed either through complaints or application/background-check processes. Representative Groa requested a follow-up update in January, and the committee agreed to an oral report then if needed. The bill was then voted ITL unanimously and placed on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 349 on optometrists performing ophthalmologic laser procedures. Dr. Angelique Sawyer testified in support, saying the amendment adds more specific proctoring and qualification requirements, based on language requested after earlier hearings, and that similar systems exist in other states. Representative Sers confirmed that the new sections were the key additions, while Representative Schmidt said he remained open to the concept but wanted a thorough review and asked about a subcommittee. The discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended, with no vote recorded on HB 349.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think teasing this out is going to be very challenging when you've got explosive kids, kids that
• But I do think there are some solutions that may address some of the cost issues. explosive kids, kids
• that, you know, um explosive kids, kids that, you know, um don't<01:26:13.920> want<01:26:14.000
• 47.600> on testing, the amount of time kids are on testing, the amount of time kids are on devices
• at home and at school, the the devices at home and at school, the the the<01:40:51.199> decrease<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The commission met to review and amend the minutes from its previous meeting, correcting the date, several spelling and wording errors, and clarifying references to a scholarship fund and a member’s title. The minutes were then approved as amended, with some members abstaining because they were not present at the prior meeting. The chair then turned to the commission’s work plan under SB 57, emphasizing the need to prioritize the statutory topics and identify which issues require additional research, documentation, and possible spreadsheets. Members discussed a broad range of special education cost drivers and policy questions, including student referral rates, why students are classified as other health impaired, whether referrals increased after COVID school closures, intervention processes before referral, the cost of services required under IEPs and 504 plans, differences between federal law, state law, and DOE rules, reporting of special education costs, out-of-district and residential placements, district sharing of resources, dispute resolution, graduation rates, and adult learning outcomes. Several members raised concerns that school environments, mental health, bullying, and possible overidentification may be contributing to rising special education numbers and costs, while others cautioned that some reported district percentages may be inflated or unclear because of how the data are counted. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 742, which would eliminate prorated special education aid when state appropriations are insufficient and require the governor to draw a warrant to cover shortfalls. Representative Ames explained that the bill had been recommended for interim study because the commission is already examining special education costing, and he highlighted the gap between FY24 special education costs of about $977.1 million and state aid of $33.9 million for catastrophic aid, $67.4 million for differentiated aid, and $50.8 million in federal IDEA funds, leaving local districts to cover about $825.1 million. He argued the commission should ultimately make clear that both the federal government and the state should contribute more. The Department of Education, through Melissa White, answered questions about data and oversight. She said special education counts come from IEPs entered into the state system using SASIDs, that DOE monitors districts through both desk audits and on-site visits, and that billing is checked against the services listed in each student’s IEP. She also said DOE’s special education work is largely federally funded, with roughly $56.7 million received through IDEA this year and about $49.1 million flowing through to LEAs, while the department retains a small amount for administration and statewide support activities. Members also discussed how adequacy calculations use special education counts from the state system and how those figures are reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• solicitation attempt of conspiracy to commit murder as well as shooting or discharging a firearm, explosive
• , or other weapon into firearm, explosive, or other weapon into an occupied dwelling, building, railroad

Bills: SB210, SB225, HB280, HB287, HB94, HB88, SB157, HB7, HB8, HB42

Keywords: hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, blood tests, DUI, law enforcement, traffic offenses, chemical analysis, public nuisance, event liability, local government, community health, legal action, transparency, reporting, public safety, regulation, accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• Working on the clutch, there was an explosion. Shrapnel went into his face.
• Working on the clutch, there was an explosion. Shrapnel went into his face.
• explosion. Shrapnel went into his face. explosion. Shrapnel went into his face.
• As an electrician by trade, I can tell you arc flashes and electrical explosions are real risks and the
• are real risks and the explosions are real risks and the subject<00:40:29.280> of<00:40:29.400

Bills: HF4841, HF4234, HF3697

Keywords: Hennepin County, sales tax, health care facilities, ballpark improvements, tax revenue, HF4234, Minnesota private activity bonds, tax-exempt bonds, bond cap, aggregate bond limitation, residential rental projects, multifamily housing, affordable housing finance, housing bonds, public finance, bond allocation, private activity bond cap, Minnesota Statutes 474A.02, tax committee, tax refund

Transcript Highlights:

• , evaluating over 600 devices on more than 23 species of fur-bearing animals.
• devices on more than 23 species of fur-bearing animals.
• There are alternatives to trapping, such as water flow devices and culvert protection.
• There are alternatives to trapping, such as water flow devices and culvert protection.
• But Sela coughed nonstop on the way home and quickly developed explosive diarrhea.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered a wide range of animal, wildlife, hunting, and environmental bills. Early testimony focused on deer management, with Rep. Markey urging creation of a deer commission to address crop damage, vehicle collisions, and Lyme disease, and Sen. Durant supporting bills to allow Sunday bow hunting, expand crossbow use, and reduce the 500-foot dwelling restriction for archery hunting. Supporters framed these measures as practical wildlife-management tools, while questions centered on how they would differ from existing Fish and Wildlife authority and whether they would allow hunting closer to residences. Later, Rep. Sena also spoke in support of a bill to increase protected wildlife management areas and another to require non-lead ammunition, arguing both would benefit biodiversity and reduce environmental harm. A substantial portion of the hearing addressed animal welfare and commerce. Multiple witnesses supported bills to ban or phase out the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops, arguing that pet stores rely on puppy mills and obscure the source of animals, while opponents said the bills would hurt responsible breeders, small businesses, and consumer choice. The committee also heard strong testimony for bills to ban the sale of cats and dogs in pet shops, with supporters citing sick animals, consumer deception, and the need to cut off the puppy mill supply chain. In a separate animal-testing segment, witnesses backed bills requiring non-animal testing methods for cosmetics and household products, saying alternatives are more accurate and humane; biomedical research representatives opposed those bills and a related research-animal measure, warning of unintended restrictions on research institutions and arguing animal models remain necessary for many studies. The committee also heard testimony on horseshoe crab conservation, with supporters of H. 898 urging an end to taking horseshoe crabs for bait because of population declines, shorebird impacts, and the species’ importance to biomedical science. On wildlife trafficking, witnesses backed bills to ban intrastate sales of ivory and rhino horn, saying Massachusetts should close loopholes that aid poaching and align with federal law and other states; one antique dealer testified in support, saying he avoids such items and still sees them in the marketplace. Additional testimony supported bans on fur products from factory farms and on force-feeding birds for foie gras, with advocates emphasizing cruelty, public health, and environmental concerns. The hearing was lengthy and heavily attended, with the chairs repeatedly limiting testimony to three minutes and inviting written submissions; no committee votes or final actions were taken during the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a 15-minute vote.
• <06:37:39.360> This their votes by electronic device.
• This their votes by electronic device.
• Members will record their votes by electronic device. This will be a five-minute vote.
• Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a five-minute vote.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• historic trifecta also hiked taxes and fees by $10 billion, but even this was not enough to cover the explosion
• cover<00:14:56.639> the this was not enough to cover the this was not enough to cover the explosion
• in<00:14:57.480> state<00:14:57.720> government<00:14:58.120> spending explosion
• in state government spending explosion in state government spending and<00:14:59.240> in<00:14

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So the key findings were pretty explosive, if you ask me.
• I mean, we have a... ...were pretty explosive, if you ask me.
• fragmented data on urgent care and safety, unlocatable governance records for major policy changes, explosive

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services held a fourth hearing in its ongoing review of alleged fraud, waste, and abuse involving AHCCCS/Access and DHS, with a major focus on Medicaid eligibility verification for the aged, blind, and disabled (ABD) population, behavioral health and sober living oversight, and payment delays to providers. Senator Shamp presented findings she said showed major gaps in ABD asset verification, including claims that only a fraction of enrollees were checked and that many ineligible members may remain on the rolls. She urged referrals to law enforcement, tighter verification requirements, better PARIS data sharing, and legislative changes to close what she described as a compliance and taxpayer-risk gap. Reva Stewart also testified that patient brokering and fraudulent recruitment of vulnerable people, including Native Americans, continues through social media and other channels, and she called for stronger enforcement and transparency. Heather Dukes, representing behavioral health and sober living operators, argued that the state’s response to fraud has become overly punitive toward legitimate providers. She said ADHS often sends technical paperwork deficiencies straight to enforcement instead of allowing plans of correction, that zoning approvals are being questioned despite not being within ADHS authority, and that long Access approval timelines are creating licensing and billing delays. ADHS Deputy Assistant Director Tiffany Slater said the department has seen a large volume of unlicensed complaints, that it is trying to improve staffing and data systems, and that some enforcement tools have been expanded for sober living homes. She also said many sober living operators are in recovery themselves and provide low-cost housing and support rather than direct billing to Access. Access Director Virginia Roundtree said the agency is trying to balance fraud prevention with support for legitimate providers. She reported steps such as daily internal huddles, live dashboards, added project management support, an outside review of the Division of Fee-for-Service Management, and a new external claims vendor to help reduce backlogs. Senators pressed her on a specific provider’s long-delayed payments and prepayment review, and she said the agency would provide answers early the following week. Access staff also described provider resolution roundtables and said unadjudicated claims had been reduced to zero, though members questioned whether that was due to denials rather than resolution. The hearing ended with the chair announcing legislation to preserve the American Indian Health Plan as a fee-for-service option while requiring Access to contract administrative and care management functions to another entity, citing structural failures in Access’s ability to operate the plan safely and effectively.

Transcript Highlights:

• arson in the first degree if a person destroys or damages any building through the use of fire or explosives
• the<00:02:28.319> use<00:02:28.519> of<00:02:28.640> fire<00:02:29.000> explosives
• the use of fire explosives the use of fire explosives uh<00:02:30.599> in<00:02:30.760>
• 609.561 criminalize the intention of destruction of a dwelling in an occupied building by fire or explosion
• 609.561 criminalize the intention of destruction of a dwelling in an occupied building by fire or explosion

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• here is that we're trying to solve, which has been going on for a long time in this state, is the explosion
• perfect overlay with the child abuse, neglect, and foster care system in terms of the exponential explosion

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 4893, which would increase penalties for contempt of magistrate court and raise the maximum fine a court may impose without a jury trial. Counsel explained that the bill would raise fines for first, second, and third offenses, add community service, and allow weekend jail or work release for a third offense. The committee adopted the strike-and-insert amendment, reported the bill to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, and adopted a title amendment. The committee then took up House Bill 5684, a pilot program creating child protection commissioners to help handle abuse and neglect cases. Counsel and the sponsor described the proposal as a way to reduce circuit court backlog, improve the frequency and consistency of hearings, and provide more focused attention to children and families while leaving final decision-making authority with circuit judges. Supporters cited the heavy caseloads, shortages of guardians ad litem, and a Texas model that reportedly improved efficiency; one senator criticized the bill as adding bureaucracy, while others said the system needs a new approach. Members discussed funding through a companion bill tied to the medical cannabis fund, with an initial startup amount and ongoing annual support. Several senators raised concerns about the lack of a sunset date and the need for measurable outcomes. The committee adopted an amendment requiring the Supreme Court’s Administrative Director to identify measurable outcomes, establish a pre-implementation baseline, and provide annual reporting to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance, including costs and projected costs. House Bill 5684, as amended, was then reported to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• So with the SIG PET 320 safety devices.
• and not have a fingerprint device on it. and not have a fingerprint device on it.
• If someone wants to put a safety device or wants to put a trigger locking device on the firearm, they
• <04:32:02.319> or wants to put wants a safety device or wants to put wants a safety device
• > the<04:32:04.560> firearm trigger locking device on the firearm trigger locking device

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• suspect that my physician colleagues would agree, you know, we're at the beginning of a Cambrian explosion
• suspect that my physician colleagues would agree, you know, we're at the beginning of a Cambrian explosion
• suspect that my physician colleagues would agree, you know, we're at the beginning of a Cambrian explosion
• suspect that my physician colleagues would agree, you know, we're at the beginning of a Cambrian explosion
• suspect that my physician colleagues would agree, you know, we're at the beginning of a Cambrian explosion

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A gas leak or a gas explosion.
• There was a Massachusetts gas explosion a couple years ago that I think damaged 20 homes.
• Not too long ago, there was an enormous explosion in my neighborhood.
• Nonetheless, having experienced firsthand, like a block away from my home, this explosion...
• Like, a block away from my home, this explosion, it's on my mind, top of mind.

Bills: SB1108, SB1205, SB1241, SB1286, SB1366, SB1431, SB1473, SB1477, SB1478, SB1479, SB1492, SB1517, SB1563, SB1586, SB1665, SB1671

Keywords: cash transactions, mandatory rounding, swedish rounding, public notice, Arizona Revised Statutes, motor vehicle booting, private property, fees, dispute process, regulations, SB1241, private permitting provider, private permit, private certificate of completion, building permit, building plan review, inspection, single-trade residential construction, residential construction, municipal permitting

Summary: The Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency Committee approved the February 4, 2026 minutes and first considered the reappointment of Troy L. Campbell to the Arizona State Liquor Board. Campbell described his nearly 10 years of service, his role as chair since 2019, and his focus on fairness, public safety, and applying the law consistently. He answered questions about the board’s workload and authority, noting it handles roughly 40 to 50 cases a year and does not issue fines. With no public testimony, the committee voted 6-0 with one not voting to recommend his confirmation to the full Senate. The committee then heard and passed SB 1478, a liquor omnibus bill making technical and policy updates to liquor statutes, including changing “manufacture” to “produce,” allowing rather than requiring cities and towns to levy certain liquor-related taxes or fees, repealing a federal food-safety preemption reference, and clarifying cider’s definition to include products up to 8.5% alcohol by volume. Supporters described it as an annual stakeholder-driven cleanup bill, and the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control testified neutral. The committee adopted the Bolick amendment and then passed the bill as amended. It also passed SB 1108, which creates a Swedish-rounding framework for cash transactions when pennies are unavailable, with signage and enforcement provisions; the Leach amendment removed an individual-item exemption and clarified tax treatment. The Greater Phoenix Chamber supported the bill, and the committee passed it as amended. The committee next approved SB 1205, regulating private-property vehicle booting by prohibiting local bans, setting signage, written permission, rate limits, release rules, and misdemeanor penalties. Supporters said it would provide a more transparent, less costly alternative to towing, while members raised concerns about signage, appeals, and consumer protections. The Bolick amendment made a technical change, and the bill passed as amended. SB 1241, allowing private permitting providers to conduct plan reviews and inspections for single-trade residential projects, drew the most debate: supporters argued it would reduce delays and costs for homeowners and help cities with backlogs, while cities and counties warned about public-safety risks, loss of local control, and liability concerns. After adopting the Payne amendment on immunity, the committee passed the bill 5-2. Finally, the committee passed SB 1366, which creates a Public Property Towing and Impound Practices Study Committee to review fees, standards, insurance, background checks, and related DPS and public-property towing practices. Some members objected that the study committee lacked minority-leader appointments, but supporters said the review was needed before making permanent changes. The committee then began hearing SB 1431, a housing-design bill limiting municipal design standards and restrictions on certain shared features, but the transcript ends before any action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, I think it was in the aftermath of Lac-Mégantic and Castleton with those gigantic explosions, and
• maganti and Castleton with those uh uh L maganti and Castleton with those gigantic gigantic gigantic explosions
• an intersection so that this definition is in alignment with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Not only that, but now they have their nitrates for demolitions, explosives, fertilizers.
• now they have their nitrates for now they have their nitrates for demolitions,<00:05:15.919> explosives
• demolitions, explosives, fertilizers. demolitions, explosives, fertilizers.

Bills: HB0120

Keywords: energy production, natural gas, industrial sovereignty, manufacturing, tax exemptions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• fraud through various schemes that have become easier and easier to fall victim to because of the explosion
• 06.640> the easier to fall victim to because of the easier to fall victim to because of the explosion
• <00:10:07.600> of<00:10:07.839> the explosion of the explosion of the internet<00:10:10.480

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Three, require safety and education programs to teach consumers the difference between the legal explosives
• Three, require safety and education programs to teach consumers the difference between the legal explosives
• Three, require safety and education programs to teach consumers the difference between the legal explosives
• <00:22:00.720> and<00:22:00.880> legal<00:22:01.240> fireworks legal explosives
• and legal fireworks legal explosives and legal fireworks sb999<00:22:04.360> has<00:22:04.520

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee opened by outlining testimony procedures and then heard SB 376 on tax credits, which would create a home fire safety improvement tax credit. Testimony from the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi urged that the concept would be better handled as a subsidy program and raised drafting concerns about unclear definitions and eligibility. Later, the committees agreed to pass SB 376 with amendments, including making the credit nonrefundable, clarifying third-party certification, deleting recapture-related language, and making technical changes. Members then heard SB 417, which would make unlicensed contractor work during or within five years after an emergency or disaster a class B felony. The Contractors License Board was listed for comments, and the Subcontractors Association supported the measure. The committees ultimately recommended passage with technical, non-substantive amendments and an adjusted effective date, and the measure was adopted. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on SB 782, which would require free and accessible voice communication services for incarcerated people and prohibit state agencies from profiting from those services, while also directing the PUC to set standards and providing funding for the SAVIN victim notification program. Supporters, including the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaiʻi, Worth Rises, and others, argued the bill would reduce costs for families, improve reentry, and align adult corrections with the juvenile system. Opponents, including the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Hawaiʻi Paroling Authority, and SAVIN-related witnesses, warned that changing the funding structure could weaken victim notification and safety services. The committees deferred SB 782. The committee also heard SB 999 on fireworks, which would repeal permissible consumer fireworks uses, impose civil penalties and forfeiture remedies, and create a forfeiture special fund for safety education. The Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, while fireworks industry representatives and others opposed it, arguing prohibition would be ineffective and urging stronger enforcement and education instead. The committees deferred SB 999 for further consideration, and SB 1136 on insurance was also deferred after insurers and the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs opposed it. In the later joint session with the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, SB 744 on condominium loans was heard with support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and banking groups, while one testifier raised concerns that the program could function like C-PACE financing and add risky debt to condominium associations; testimony and discussion continued on that measure.