Transcript Highlights:

• We apply these rules consistently to all people who participate in our And to run an efficient and fair
• Are there witnesses in opposition in the hearing room? Are there tweens in the hearing room?
• I'm going to let the expert jump in and then I'll piggyback if there's anything that I These are fair
• We had one more witness in support, please. I'm so sorry, I wasn't in in time.
• Let's level the playing field and provide access to dual enrollment in a way that's fair to the students

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee met with a quorum and first approved a consent calendar containing AB 341, AB 1098, and AB 1316, sending those measures to the Human Services, Judiciary, and Appropriations Committees respectively. The committee then heard AB 977, which would require CSU to audit surplus land and work with California tribes to identify three regional burial sites for Native American remains that cannot yet be repatriated. Supporters, including tribal leaders and archaeology groups, said the bill is needed to honor ancestors and address the large number of remains still held by CSU; CSU said it is committed to repatriation but had no formal position. The bill passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote. Members also heard AB 1093, creating a California-Mexico higher education exchange program, and AB 1035, expanding the California College Promise to cover tuition for students pursuing community college bachelor’s degrees. AB 1093 drew support for strengthening cross-border educational and economic ties, but some members raised concerns about border-region sewage problems and the bill’s budget implications; it was held for later consideration. AB 1035 received strong support from community college leaders and faculty who said it would help low-income and first-generation students complete workforce-focused bachelor’s degrees, but several members questioned whether it would stretch Prop. 98 funding and whether the state should prioritize broader affordability concerns. AB 1035 passed to Appropriations on a 3-2 vote. The committee next approved AB 922, which would let the University of California keep access to federal criminal-history information for hiring background checks, avoiding delays and added costs if statutory authority is required. UC said the bill is needed to maintain safety and hiring operations, and it passed to Public Safety on a 5-0 vote. AB 1346, protecting military dependents from losing in-state residency status because of family travel, also passed unanimously to Military and Veterans Affairs. AB 1212, allowing UC to use low-income housing tax credits to build affordable housing for faculty and staff on UC land, drew support from UC and labor groups but opposition from members concerned about preferential access to public resources; it was held for later action. Finally, the committee approved AB 500 and AB 684, both aimed at increasing transparency around UC admissions policy changes and UC BOARS decision-making, sending AB 500 to Education and AB 684 to Governmental Organization, each on 5-0 votes. The hearing then moved on to AB 1122 on dual enrollment, with the author and witnesses presenting the bill as a way to expand college access for high school students.

Transcript Highlights:

• their</c> who come in for projects in their who come in for projects in their specific<00:02:05.600><
• </c><00:29:19.279><c> about</c> service lines in use today in just about service lines in use today in
• , Trunk Highway 610 in Anoka, I-35 in Dakota County, Trunk Highway 65 in Ham Lake, US Highway 10 in Sherburne
• , Trunk Highway 610 in Anoka, I-35 in Dakota County, Trunk Highway 65 in Ham Lake, US Highway 10 in Sherburne
• in uh are in state's facilities are in uh are in integral<00:54:01.680><c> piece</c><00:54:02.079><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• world in significant space milestones in advance.
• Is that a fair assessment? I am not an expert in electromagnetic detail.
• So it's fair to say we have the top economy in the United States, but really.
• In corporate world, in management consulting.
• In hand.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in? in? All<00:42:58.880><c> right.
• in limbo.
• </c> in OPLC? in OPLC?
• </c> um, in product testing at all, um, or in um, in product testing at all, um, or in deciding<02:20
• Further on in the same bill, in court.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• beginning about non-competes, and I think this addresses it in a fair way.
• </c><03:28:39.359><c> a</c><03:28:39.520><c> fair</c> addresses it in a fair addresses it in a fair way
• It's not fair. This is not unreasonable, and it's not extravagant in any way.
• It's not fair. This is not unreasonable, and it's not extravagant in any way.
• It's not fair. This is not unreasonable, and it's not extravagant in any way.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, in summary, we think it provides a clear, fair, efficient pathway for appeals of administrative fines
• So, in summary, we think it provides a clear, fair, efficient pathway for appeals of administrative fines
• </c> put in. put in.
• in support, two in portal we had three in support, two in opposition.
• uh, in in in hemp products in uh, in in in hemp products uh,<02:48:17.360><c> there</c><02:48:17.560>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in 2024.
• in the world.
• This has not been done in any other state in the country.
• In fact, it is vested in the office of the state auditor.
• She's a licensed CPA in Colorado and Arizona. In 2015, Ms.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The subcommittee hearing focused on whether the Office of the State Auditor may constitutionally audit the Massachusetts Legislature under Chapter 250 of the Acts of 2024 and what such an audit could include under generally accepted government auditing standards. Chair Cindy Friedman opened by explaining the background: voters approved Ballot Question 1 in November 2024, the law took effect in January 2025, and the Auditor then initiated audits of both chambers. The chair said the subcommittee was seeking expert testimony because the proposed audit scope, constitutionality, and possible bias concerns remained unresolved. Public testimony was invited, but no members of the public pre-registered; written testimony remained open for a short period after the hearing. The hearing then proceeded with invited experts on constitutional law/state government and auditing-related issues. Professor Lawrence Friedman testified that the ballot initiative’s approval by the Attorney General and by voters did not resolve constitutional questions, and he argued Chapter 250 violates the Massachusetts Constitution. He said the Legislature has constitutional authority to set its own rules and manage its proceedings, and that an executive-branch audit would intrude on legislative deliberation, speech and debate protections, and separation of powers. He also warned that even audits of supposedly administrative matters could become a vehicle for repeated document demands and litigation that would indirectly burden legislative functioning. In questioning, senators pressed him on the line between administrative and deliberative functions, the role of the Attorney General versus the courts, the possibility of retroactive audit scope, and whether prior legislative consent to audits mattered; he said prior consent would not bind future legislatures and that constitutionality is ultimately for the courts. Professor Ray La Raja also opposed the audit, framing it as a threat to institutional independence and representative democracy. He argued that allowing an executive-branch official to audit the Legislature without consent would upset separation of powers, chill internal debate, and create a precedent for broader executive intrusion. He said voters often support “transparency” reforms without fully appreciating institutional consequences, and that legislatures should defend their autonomy, especially amid what he described as broader executive overreach nationally. Senators asked about chilling effects, the practical distinction between administrative and core legislative functions, and whether the courts or the Legislature should resolve the issue; he said the courts would ultimately adjudicate disputes, but the Legislature should not waive its constitutional authority lightly. Jean Kempthorne took the opposite view, arguing the audit is permissible and should proceed. She said the state auditor is a constitutional officer accountable directly to the people, that the audit power can be expanded by statute, and that separation of powers does not require watertight compartments. She contended the audit would not displace core legislative powers because the auditor can only evaluate operations, report findings, and make recommendations. She also argued the Legislature itself already conducts audits of other branches, so it is inconsistent to claim an audit of the Legislature is unconstitutional. In response to senators’ questions, she said there are guardrails against truly intrusive requests, but that the administrative-versus-legislative distinction is not a workable bright line; she suggested disputes should be handled case by case, with objections, negotiation, or litigation if specific requests go too far. No votes or formal actions were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• In this matter, 150 in the affirmative, zero in the negative. The bill is passed to be enacted.
• In this matter, 147 in the affirmative, zero in the negative. Amendment is adopted.
• And I've been very fortunate in my partner in the Senate.
• 'In person and in property' is a principle as old as the common law.
• This morning, I woke up in my home in Melrose.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first adopted several resolutions from the Committee on Rules, including congratulations to four Eagle Scouts and recognition of Sturbridge on the 250th anniversary of the United States. The chamber then took up a series of bills reported by Ways and Means and other committees, repeatedly suspending the rules to move them forward. These included the Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act, a Fall River land conveyance bill, a Belmont alcohol licensing bill, a Reading senior property tax exemption bill, and a Linfield funding transfer bill, with each measure advancing by amendment or being passed to a third reading or engrossment. A major portion of the session focused on the Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act, with multiple members speaking in support. Supporters described the bill as a broad consumer privacy framework that would limit data collection, require consent for sensitive data, ban the sale of precise location data, restrict targeted advertising to minors, create consumer rights to access, correct, delete, and opt out of data uses, and provide enforcement tools for the Attorney General and, in limited cases, a private right of action. Several members emphasized protections for reproductive health, immigrant communities, and neural data, while others argued the bill would not burden small businesses and would instead hold large data holders accountable. The House adopted the Ways and Means amendment and ordered the bill to a third reading, then later passed the bill to be engrossed and enacted. The House also considered and enacted Senate 2563, a bill updating language in the laws concerning individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Members described the measure as removing outdated and offensive terminology and replacing it with person-first language without changing substantive law. After debate, the House adopted an amendment, passed the bill to be engrossed, and then enacted it by roll call. In addition, the House enacted the fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill, House 5470, and approved a bill extending deadlines for Middleton and Milton, both by roll call votes with no opposition. Later, the House took up a temporary summer 2026 local-option pilot allowing municipalities to extend liquor license hours and permit public consumption in designated districts. Supporters framed it as an economic development and tourism measure tied to major upcoming events, and the House adopted an amendment, passed the bill to be engrossed, and then concurred with the Senate version. The session ended with the House adopting an adjournment order and adjourning to meet again the following Monday in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House having arrived, the House will be in order. The House is now in session.
• In this matter, 150 in the affirmative, zero in the negative. The bill is passed to be enacted.
• In this matter, 147 in the affirmative, zero in the negative. Amendment is adopted.
• And I've been very fortunate in my partner in the Senate.
• This morning, I woke up in my home in Melrose.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, Mr.
• In fact, my grandfather grew up in the town of Palmer and remembers troops boarding at the station in
• system fair, equitable, and rooted in unique driver experiences rather than inherent factors that perpetuate
• In addition, the legislation would authorize the city to issue rebates to homeowners to mitigate unnecessary
• And the Senate stands in recess in memory of Paul P.J.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• our availability, in our food banks and in our child care centers and in our public schools, Madam Chair
• our availability, in our food banks and in our child care centers and in our public schools, Madam Chair
• You know, I work in the ag industry in my out-of-session work and am looking forward to going back in
• We are negative $120 million in the hole this year, or in 2024.
• It's in the bill.

Bills: HB2721, HB2616

Keywords: commercial interior designer, interior design licensure, registered interior designer, NCIDQ, Washington State Board for Architects, professional regulation, title protection, firm registration, seal and signature, continuing education, building code, nonstructural interior design, space planning, interior architecture, design profession, public safety, occupational licensing, architects, engineering scope, permit review

Transcript Highlights:

• So, our literacy model that we started in, in Roswell has, uh, we started in 2019, training teachers
• learning in, in any language.
• And he is all in.
• More proficient in learning, not just in reading, but in learning in general. And I'm just.
• I was in it.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we all know that there is a big problem in terms of plastic everywhere in the oceans, in our bodies
• , in the soil.
• There is a big problem in terms of plastic everywhere: in the oceans, in our bodies, in the soil.
• in Minnesota and sitting in warehouses in close proximity.
• Fair.

Transcript Highlights:

• not in compliance.
• DOH spending in these years was $366,000 in fiscal year 24 and $479,000 in fiscal year 25.
• in September.
• So they are in the study. to go forward and answer the questions set out in the proviso, they are in
• I believe for in-person attendees, lunch will be brought in.

Summary: JLARC met on April 8, 2026, with Senator Keith Wagner chairing in person and Rep. Pallett joining remotely. The committee approved the January 7 minutes and honored Marilyn Richter, who is retiring in June after more than 12 years of service to JLARC and the Citizens Commission. Staff then gave a legislative recap and work plan update, noting that the legislature adopted six bills or provisos implementing recommendations from recent JLARC reports, and that JLARC received seven new study assignments, including reviews of state oversight mechanisms for fraud, waste, and abuse and State Patrol toxicology lab delays. The committee approved the updated 2025-27 work plan, including the new assignments and the required 2027 lodging tax review. The committee also heard about a new anonymous post-meeting member survey tied to JLARC performance measures, then considered the final report on ignition interlock device compliance and monitoring. Staff reported that 59% of drivers with ignition interlock requirements had not installed a device as of June 2025, with installation rates rising by income, and found problems in the Department of Licensing’s financial assistance program and in coordination between DOL and the State Patrol. The report recommended clearer goals and responsibilities for DOL, a formal interagency agreement, and a coordinated plan to raise installation rates; both agencies concurred. Members discussed whether noncompliance reflected continued driving or people stopping driving, and agency representatives said some drivers do stop driving while others take the risk. The committee approved the final report. JLARC then reviewed the drug take-back fee setting and expenditures report. Staff said the Department of Health’s oversight costs had outpaced fee revenue because the statutory fee cap is tied to program operator spending, and recommended public reporting of oversight costs and a legislative change to allow full cost recovery. Members debated transparency, the risk of overpricing the program, and whether Ecology might be a better home for the program; the committee adopted a comment urging transparency and a future review of best practices before fee-structure changes, then approved the final report with that comment. Finally, staff presented the scope and objectives for the Clean Buildings Performance Standard study, focused on large state-owned and K-12 buildings due to comply by June 2026. Members asked about fines, funding, workforce constraints, and how costs and energy savings would be measured; staff said the study would examine compliance costs, savings, funding sources, and variation by building characteristics. The meeting adjourned after administrative announcements about upcoming JLARC meetings and the survey reminder.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've gone from 27 percent structurally deficient in 2016 to 12 percent in 2025.
• in that were not completed.
• People faster, you know in the years. I was working here in DC in the 80s.
• Olympics to be hosted in Los Angeles, the most populous region in the country already.
• Mia Love, who served in our body in the house, she lost her battle with cancer.

Keywords: surface transportation, infrastructure reauthorization, bipartisan collaboration, safety, federal programs, funding challenges, bureaucracy, transportation needs, critical projects, public testimony

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the development of the next surface transportation reauthorization bill. Discussions centered around key principles aimed at improving the safety and reliability of the transportation network, reforming federal programs for efficiency, and addressing the diverse transportation needs across various states. Members emphasized the importance of bipartisan collaboration to streamline processes, eliminate bureaucratic delays, and ensure timely funding for critical infrastructure projects. There were also notable conversations about specific projects and funding challenges, reflecting the urgency for action and commitment to modernizing America's infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• defense in 2023.
• In 4324.
• Back in 1995, The bill was passed to allow moms to breastfeed in public back in 2019.
• How will our projections change in five years? In ten years? alone in 20 years.
• Getting our critical infrastructure online in a timely fashion was essential to mitigate the effects

Bills: HB14, HB 106, HB146, HB267, HB274, HB 1127, HB1359, HB1393, HB1584, HB1640, HB1710, HB2152, HCR101, HJR8, HR51

Keywords: nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund

Transcript Highlights:

• Participants in the Zoom must use their microphones when speaking so that it will be broadcast in Zoom
• in helping the situation.
• Unfortunately, there is precedent for this in other states in the country.
• So currently in practice, in fact, all institutions have time, place, and manner restrictions now in
• have it in RCW?

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills related to higher education, workforce training, student protections, campus encampments, and EMT recertification. HB 2427 would require tattoo artists to complete annual human trafficking awareness training through the Department of Licensing; the prime sponsor and supporters said tattoo artists may be among the few people trafficked survivors encounter and could help identify and refer victims, while one opponent argued the bill imposes compelled speech and burdens small businesses. HB 2458 would expand Washington College Grant eligibility to approved non-degree credential programs; supporters from community and technical colleges, workforce organizations, and employers said it would help low-income students access short-term training tied to high-demand jobs, while one member raised concerns about short-term credentials and their long-term value. The committee also heard HB 2474, which would strengthen consumer protections when a private institution or program closes by expanding use of the Student Achievement Council tuition recovery trust fund, requiring teach-out or transfer options, and voiding certain student debts if closure rules are violated. The sponsor and agency witnesses said the bill responds to recent closures and gaps in federal oversight, while Independent Colleges of Washington opposed the bill as overly broad and potentially harmful to program innovation, and asked that private nonprofit campuses be excluded. Testifiers from student groups and a national higher-education advocacy organization supported the measure and argued that protections should also apply to public institutions. HB 2589 would regulate campus encampments at institutions of higher education by requiring advance notice, limiting authorization to registered student organizations or recognized bargaining units, and allowing institutions to impose content-neutral time, place, and manner restrictions to protect safety and access. The sponsor said it codifies existing practice and does not ban protest, but several testifiers described recent encampments as disruptive or unsafe, while others warned the bill could chill student expression and should not apply to private nonprofit campuses. Finally, HB 2540 would extend EMT recertification intervals from every three years to every six years for EMTs certified in Washington for at least 10 years; firefighters and EMS supporters said it would reduce administrative burden without changing training requirements. The committee took no votes and adjourned after hearing all testimony, with a reminder about amendment deadlines for upcoming bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also have members in disadvantaged communities and landowners in these communities.
• Fair enough. Anyone else?
• species in decline.
• We have been going through massive changes in our ecosystem in the past 170 years.
• Any witnesses in opposition? Anybody from the audience in opposition?

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several natural resources and water-related bills. SB 224 by Senator Hurtado would require the Department of Water Resources to implement audit recommendations, improve climate-informed water supply forecasting, and provide annual updates to the Legislature; supporters emphasized the need for better transparency and more accurate water planning, and the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. SB 556, also by Senator Hurtado, would fund floodplain restoration in the Tulare Basin to reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, and provide habitat and other community benefits; local officials and conservation groups supported it, some initial concerns about Proposition 4 were resolved, and the bill passed as amended. SB 630 by Senator Allen would streamline State Parks and other state real property acquisitions by raising review thresholds and reducing duplicative approvals; conservation groups and park advocates supported the measure, while some members raised oversight and fiscal concerns, and it passed as amended. SB 718 by Senator Allen would reduce hunting and fishing license costs for low-income Californians, framed as helping subsistence users and disabled veterans and seniors, and it passed as amended. The committee also approved SB 427 by Senator Blakespear, which extends the sunset of the Habitat Conservation Fund from 2030 to 2035. Supporters said the fund has protected more than 1.2 million acres, leverages other funding, and supports habitat, recreation, and climate resilience; members highlighted its importance for areas like the Salton Sea and the need to protect the funding stream from future sweeps. SB 586 by Senator Jones, an e-moto off-highway vehicle bill, was taken up with little discussion and passed as amended. SB 639 by Senator Ashby would extend the deadline for Sacramento-area flood protection projects in the Natomas Basin and Beach Lake subareas from 2025 to 2030 to allow completion of remaining work and avoid delays to infill housing; city, county, and flood agency representatives supported it, and it passed as amended. Throughout the hearing, witnesses and members repeatedly emphasized water reliability, flood protection, conservation funding, and reducing bureaucratic delays. Several bills drew broad support from local governments, water agencies, tribes, and conservation organizations, and multiple members requested to be added as coauthors. All of the measures discussed were reported out of committee, generally with amendments and with some items left open for add-on votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Participants in the Zoom must use their microphones when speaking so that it will be broadcast in Zoom
• in helping the situation.
• Unfortunately, there is precedent for in other states in the country.
• So currently, in practice, in fact, all institutions have time, place, and manner restrictions now in
• have it in RCW?

Bills: HB2427, HB2458, HB2474, HB2540, HB2589

Keywords: ink of hope act, mental health, substance use, rehabilitation, community support, Washington college grant, postsecondary education, nondegree programs, student access, financial aid, consumer protections, school closures, educational programs, student rights, emergency medical services, EMT recertification, healthcare, first responders, public health, encampments

Transcript Highlights:

• Incentive in perspective locations played a role in the consideration of the next location.
• Bush Library in Dallas.
• to the level of 1500 animals in multiple different mountain ranges in West Texas.
• , in your community as well and in your district.
• in sales tax revenue.