Transcript Highlights:

• Messages from the Governor, there are none. Messages from the Senate, there are none.
• And she knew the power of sharing our stories, inviting us to speak to the new class of La P.I.E., making
• May she rest in power. Thank you all. Thank you.
• Joy was never passive about power. She was intentional.
• So let me simply say, Joy, rest in peace, rest in power.

Summary: The Assembly convened after an initial quorum call and proceeded with routine business, including approval of the previous day’s journal, procedural suspensions, and several file items. Most second-reading, concurrence, veto, and reconsideration items were passed, retained, or continued without debate. The main floor action was on House Resolution 75, authored by Assembly Member Pellerin, designating January 26 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Pellerin and several members from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing survivor-led advocacy, the prevalence of trafficking in California, risks tied to major events and vulnerable populations, and the need for better prevention, data collection, and victim services. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 64 co-authors were added. Assembly Member Avila Farias’s AB 768, relating to mobile home park rent control and affordable housing, also passed with a 60-1 vote. The Assembly then held multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes for Joy Atkinson, a longtime Los Angeles civic leader and mentor to Black women in public service, with members recounting her work in government, political organizing, and the La P.I.E. leadership institute. Later, Assembly Member Haney offered an adjournment in memory of Bob Weir, founding member of the Grateful Dead, highlighting his musical legacy and philanthropy. The House adjourned until Thursday, January 22, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because public service is not about power, it’s about people.
• What powers or what situations is this emergency fund actually purposed for?
• And right now, this current governor has illustrated that there are no checks.
• I would argue that we've created blank checks because this governor and future governors have been given
• Our governor used money to create that detention facility without a 270G agreement.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bills will be signed by the President and laid before the Governor for her approbation.
• The bills will be signed by the President and laid before the Governor for her approbation.
• Behind the joking humor was a generous mentor who believed deeply in the power of creativity.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate first took up final passage of two bills: one directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for Jason Villian, and another authorizing DCAMM to convey certain parcels of land in Brockton. Both bills passed to be enacted and were sent to the Governor. The chamber also adopted a resolution celebrating the commissioning of the U.S.S. Massachusetts. The Senate then considered several committee reports and procedural orders. Ways and Means reported a new draft for Senate Bill 2801, fostering agricultural resilience in Massachusetts, and the Senate ordered the bill to a second reading with amendment deadlines and later-stage procedures set. The Rules Committee also recommended suspending the joint rule for a petition on animal telehealth, which the Senate approved, along with additional Joint Rule 12 suspensions to refer House petitions to the appropriate committees. Later, the Senate took up Senate Bill 1646 on violations of regulations regarding hot work processes. After suspending the rules to proceed forthwith, the Senate rejected an amendment to establish a Board of Hoisting Machinery Regulations, adopted the Ways and Means amendment, and ordered the bill to a third reading. Following remarks from Senator Collins about the Walsh-Kennedy Commission and fire safety reforms, the bill passed to be engrossed. The Senate also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Dan McColl, a South Boston artist and newspaper man, and then adjourned to meet again the following Thursday at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• equipment purchases that they need to make in order to have a spring cohort of folks that are airframe and power
• It goes to the governor now for signature. So we are right at the end of that process for us.
• I met a very cool couple of folks, former governors.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bills will be signed by the President and laid before the Governor for her approbation.
• The bills will be signed by the President and laid before the Governor for her approbation.
• Behind the joking humor was a generous mentor who believed deeply in the power of creativity.

Summary: The Senate took up several matters for final passage and adopted a resolution celebrating the commissioning of the U.S.S. Massachusetts. It then enacted two House bills: one directing the City of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for Jason Villian, and another authorizing DCAMM to convey certain parcels of land in Brockton. The chamber also adopted a Ways and Means report on the Senate bill fostering agricultural resilience in Massachusetts, which recommended replacing the original bill with a new draft and set deadlines and procedures for amendments before further consideration. The Senate also handled a petition on animal telehealth, with the Rules Committee recommending suspension of the relevant joint rule so the matter could be referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. Several other House petitions were similarly referred under suspension of Joint Rule 12. The Senate adopted an order to adjourn and meet again on Thursday at 11 a.m., and later suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 1646 on violations of regulations regarding hot work processes. On Senate Bill 1646, the Senate rejected an amendment offered by Senator Moore to establish a Board of Hoisting Machinery Regulations, then adopted the Ways and Means amendment and ordered the bill to a third reading. During third reading, Senator Collins spoke in support of the bill as a continuation of reforms inspired by the Walsh-Kennedy Commission and aimed at strengthening oversight, transparency, and accountability for hot work operators and contractors. The Senate then passed the bill to be engrossed. Before adjournment, the Senate agreed to adjourn in memory of Dan McColl, a South Boston artist and newspaper man, and observed a moment of silence in his honor.

Transcript Highlights:

• of collective commitment to student success. ...demonstrating the power of collective commitment to
• But if the governor doesn't, then this measure, this House concurrent resolution, will put that question
• When we give power to government, they continue to seek that very power because they consider that their
• House Bill 2389, amending Section 40-360.03, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to the Power and Plant
• bit tighter so that she can get the support that is needed on the Senate side and hopefully the governor

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a charter, you know, a parish governor, parish president of council.
• In 1996, as a result of some changes in federal law, our governor, along with the governors of several
• And then the governor declared the 24th, 26th, and 31st as extra holidays.
• Injured workers have their power turned off, have their water turned off.
• Injured workers have their power turned off, have their water turned off.

Committee: House Labor & Industrial Relations

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 680 by Representative Weibel, which would modernize Louisiana’s workforce development system by consolidating strategy and administrative functions at the state level while preserving local input. After adopting two sets of technical amendments and a larger amendment package that added a transition advisory team, consultation requirements with local workforce partners, and other planning and governance changes, the committee heard extensive testimony from the author, the Secretary of Louisiana Works, parish and local workforce representatives, and a witness from Utah describing that state’s consolidation experience. Supporters said the bill would reduce overhead, direct more money to training and services, improve coordination, and better align workforce programs with regional labor needs, while several members pressed for assurances that local boards, parishes, cities, and small businesses would remain involved. The committee ultimately adopted the amendments and reported HB 680 favorably with amendments. The committee then heard House Bill 780 by Representative Furman, a workers’ compensation bill aimed at reducing litigation and speeding dispute resolution. After adopting technical amendments and a separate amendment set allowing authorized agents or attorneys to prepare certain notices, members also adopted a committee amendment deleting a statutory definition of “arbitrary and capricious” after concerns were raised that the language could create confusion or conflict with existing jurisprudence. The author and supporting attorneys argued the bill would restore an expedited preliminary determination process, create a single standard for attorney fees, and reduce costs for employers by limiting unnecessary litigation and delays. They said the changes would not affect an injured worker’s choice of physician or existing penalty provisions, and that the bill mainly addressed notice and dispute procedures. Opponents, including attorneys representing injured workers, argued the bill would make it harder for workers to recover penalties and attorney’s fees when benefits are delayed or denied, and said the new standard could favor insurers that are understaffed or slow to process claims. They also criticized the shift from reasonableness to a more restrictive standard and raised concerns about delayed payments and the lack of transparency around defense costs. After hearing testimony from both sides, the committee continued discussion of the bill with these issues still under consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Two honorary lieutenant governors, I don't have any events on my list.
• He's your honorary lieutenant governor today. If you could stand up. Mr.
• Respectfully yours, Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor.
• The journal will show the message from the governor has been received.
• However, the 2025 bill was ultimately vetoed by the governor.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, pledges, and a series of announcements recognizing visiting groups and guests, including Pecos High School’s boys cross-country champions, School-Based Health Care Day, Route 66 Centennial activities, New Mexico Highlands University, an honorary lieutenant governor and shadow senator, and Bernalillo County officials. The chamber also received House messages on several bills and a gubernatorial message authorizing consideration of Senate Bill 130, which would change insurance and pharmacy rules related to cholesterol treatment and screening. Committee reports were adopted on several measures, including Senate Bill 183, Senate Bills 211 and 222, Senate Bill 254, Senate Bill 235 as a committee substitute, Senate Bill 40 as a Judiciary Committee substitute, and Senate Bill 104. The Senate then moved to third reading and took up Senate Bill 30, which repeals the state’s abortion reporting requirement. The bill drew extensive debate: supporters argued the reporting law is outdated, unnecessary, and creates privacy and safety risks for providers, while opponents said the data is needed for transparency, public health oversight, and accountability, and objected to the loss of reporting on a sensitive issue. After a roll call vote, Senate Bill 30 passed 24-15. The Senate next passed Senate Bill 43 unanimously, updating parole board procedures, including evidence-based practices, reimbursement for closed hearings, and scheduling protections for homicide victims’ families. It also passed Senate Finance Committee substitute for Senate Bill 35 unanimously, creating judgeships in the First and Second Judicial Districts. Debate then began on Senate Bill 193, which would increase transfers from the Irrigation Works Construction Fund to the acequia community ditch infrastructure fund from $2.5 million to $5 million; the sponsor explained the increase as necessary to meet growing statewide acequia needs, while senators raised concerns about existing fund balances and whether the higher transfer was justified.

Transcript Highlights:

• Powers about data integrity. Did you ever... ...with Mr. Powers about data integrity.
• Powers. Is that correct? Yes.
• Powers previously?
• Powers respond to that email?
• Powers and Ms.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The hearing resumed on day two of the Legislative Ethics Board fact-finding matter involving Representative Tara Simmons. After opening remarks and confirmation that board members had not engaged in outside research or ex parte communications, Simmons’s counsel moved to dismiss two allegations at the close of the board staff’s case: that Simmons pressured the Administrative Office of the Courts to alter a contract in favor of her employer, and that she improperly combined a legislative proviso for AEJG with a personal donation to the organization. Board staff opposed the motion, arguing the evidence showed Simmons’s legislative and private conduct were intertwined and that the board had enough evidence to require a defense. After deliberation, the board denied the motion to dismiss and proceeded to hear defense testimony. The first defense witness, Sharon Navas, testified that she met Simmons through advocacy work, later hired her at the Equity and Education Coalition (EEC), and maintained written employment policies intended to separate Simmons’s legislative role from her work for EEC. Navas said Simmons was never compensated for lobbying or legislative acts, that EEC paid her from unrestricted funds, and that Simmons did not work on the AEJG dashboard project or participate in the contract dispute with Anthony Powers and Chris Stanley. Navas described the proviso request and later contract issues as separate from Simmons’s legislative duties, and said she continued to pay invoices while the project was being completed. Simmons then testified about her background, legislative career, disability accommodations, and extensive efforts to seek ethics advice before taking outside employment or pursuing provisos. She said she repeatedly consulted House ethics counsel and reviewed prior board decisions to ensure her outside work and legislative actions were separated. Simmons described her relationship with Anthony Powers, the dashboard project, the proviso process, and her understanding that the work was distinct from her legislative role. The hearing paused for lunch after part of Simmons’s direct examination, with testimony set to continue after the break.

Transcript Highlights:

• Powers about data integrity.
• Powers. Is that correct? Yes.
• Powers previously?
• Powers respond to that email?
• Powers and Ms.

Summary: The hearing resumed in the Legislative Ethics Board matter involving Tara Simmons after the board confirmed no ex parte communications had occurred overnight. Respondent’s counsel moved to dismiss two allegations at the close of the board staff’s case: that Simmons pressured the Administrative Office of the Courts to alter a contract in favor of her employer, and that she violated ethics rules by combining legislative support for AEJG with a personal donation to the organization. Board staff opposed the motion, arguing the evidence showed Simmons’s legislative and personal dealings were intertwined. After a recess for deliberation, the board denied the motion to dismiss, and the hearing moved into the defense case. The first defense witness was Sharon Navas, executive director of the Equity and Education Coalition (EEC). Navas testified that she met Simmons in 2018, later hired her, and took steps to separate Simmons’s legislative duties from her work for EEC. She said Simmons was never paid for lobbying or legislative acts, that her compensation came from unrestricted funds, and that the organization used written ethics-compliance language and a formal scope of work. Navas also described the proviso-funded dashboard project involving Anthony Powers and Chris Stanley, testifying that Simmons was not involved in the project’s day-to-day work, did not attend the meetings about the dispute, and was not part of the alleged contract disagreement. On cross-examination, staff focused on the contract documents, the dashboard work, and whether the scope of work matched the parties’ understanding. Tara Simmons then testified in her own defense. She described her background, legislative career, disability accommodations, and extensive efforts to seek ethics guidance from House counsel and board-related materials before taking outside employment or supporting provisos. She said she relied on prior ethics advice when separating her legislative role from outside work and when seeking provisos for AEJG and EEC. Simmons also addressed her relationship with Anthony Powers, describing it as a friendship rooted in criminal justice reform work and prior collaboration. The hearing was still in the middle of Simmons’s direct testimony when the transcript excerpt ended, with no final ruling on the merits or disposition of the allegations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:37:17.880><c> 20</c><00:37:18.599><c> veteran</c> reports to the governor 20 veteran reports
• to the governor 20 veteran services<00:37:20.200><c> organizations</c><00:37:21.200><c> voted</c><00:
• and uh Supply are no longer in power and uh Supply certain<02:05:13.520><c> us</c><02:05:13.679><c>
• </c><02:05:38.199><c> I</c><02:05:38.320><c> think</c><02:05:38.520><c> the</c> huge amounts of power
• :31.479><c> going</c> of separation of powers might be going of separation of powers might be going out

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 148, a bill allowing classification by biological sex in limited settings such as multiple-use bathrooms, certain sports, and involuntary commitment facilities. Supporters said it was needed to protect privacy and safety, especially for minors, and argued it was consistent with recent federal and state developments. Opponents said the bill was poorly defined, unnecessary, and could create discrimination or confusion, especially because it did not define “biological sex” in the text. The committee voted 10-8 ought to pass, and the chair said a minority report would be written. The committee then considered HB 254, a bill concerning medical aid in dying. The chair moved ought to pass and described the bill as a matter of liberty for terminally ill patients within six months of death, arguing it should not be treated as suicide. Opponents raised religious, ethical, and policy concerns, including worries about a slippery slope, misuse by vulnerable people, and the effect on death records and public health data. The committee voted 11-7 ought to pass, and the chair said a majority report would be written with a minority report by Representative Perez. Finally, the committee turned to HB 611 with Amendment 2025-0638, a replace-all amendment dealing with recoupment of costs for appointed counsel. The chair explained the amendment would restore the law to its pre-2020 form, allowing the Office of Cost Containment to seek repayment from some recipients of appointed counsel services, including those found not guilty, if they had the ability to pay. Supporters said the prior change had sharply reduced collections and that the state should not treat indigent defendants differently from people who hire private counsel. Opponents argued the policy unfairly bills innocent people and children who were entitled to counsel. The transcript cuts off during debate on the amendment, before a vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:31:38.240><c> and</c><00:31:38.399><c> I</c> group folks to the governor and I group folks to
• the governor and I appreciate<00:31:38.880><c> that.
• This drains a lot of power through the electricity system. It also drains a lot of water power.
• This drains a lot of power through the electricity system. It also drains a lot of water power.
• This drains a lot of power through the electricity system. It also drains a lot of water.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Once Biden came into power, Kimmelman was appointed to his transition team.
• People who've aggregated power want to exercise it.
• and its jails, and all of those powers— the powers that it actually uses to hurt people, to threaten
• They're turning to countries like Brazil to start to use government power.
• He has worked to destroy competitors who might break that power up, challenge that power in any way.

Committee: Senate Constitution Subcommittee

Keywords: censorship, First Amendment, social media, misinformation, free speech, government regulation, Big Tech, public discourse

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the implications of government involvement in censorship, particularly regarding social media platforms and compliance with misinformation standards. senators and witnesses discussed growing concerns over the influence of large tech companies, like Facebook and Google, in shaping public discourse and suppressing dissenting views. A significant part of the meeting included testimonies from various experts emphasizing the dangers of the 'censorship industrial complex'—a term used to describe the collaborative efforts between government entities and private organizations to control information flow. This collaboration is viewed as a violation of First Amendment rights, with calls for urgent legislative action to restore free speech protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the governor with the cabinet granted conditional commutations sense.
• Governor DeSantis can't do it. George W Bush couldn't do it. Barack Obama couldn't do it.
• So every time governors in states dabbling this, it creates divisive nus.
• Before I was special counsel to Governor Chiles.
• It's it's been characterized what Governor Chiles and I can only speak to sense abilities.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lord, be with us with your anointing power. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
• Office of the Governor. Mr. Chairman, will you be sharing this screen? Mr.
• I'll be presenting the audit on the Office of the Governor.
• I'll be presenting the audit on the office of the governor.
• So that tells me we have no power. What do you mean by that?

Summary: The committee was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were offered, and the minutes from the previous meeting were approved. Members then received a memo summarizing major audit items and began hearing audit presentations from the State Auditor’s Office and private auditors on a range of state agencies and organizations. Several audits were reported as clean, including the Bank of North Dakota, the North Dakota Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation’s flexible transportation fund, Lake Region State College, and the Department of Environmental Quality. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association also received an unmodified opinion, though repeat findings were noted for limited segregation of duties and financial statement preparation due to its small staff. The Council on the Arts audit found two findings: payroll charged to federal awards without adequate timekeeping records, and unallowable expenditures from a restricted cultural endowment fund. The Department of Public Instruction audit identified unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, though additional testing showed the funds were used for their intended purpose. The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which identified four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating limit, grant conditions not being met, improper Breeders Fund awards, and improper procurement for advertising services. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson acknowledged complacency and weak controls, said the agency would tighten procedures, and explained that the commission had since worked with procurement and would follow the rules more closely. Auditors also explained that the commission would now be audited every two years because of the findings. Another major discussion involved the University of North Dakota School of Law, where auditors found a lack of documentation supporting admissions decisions for post-baccalaureate programs. UND officials said they remain in good standing with the American Bar Association but agreed better documentation and tools are needed; the committee pressed for more transparency and follow-up on admissions criteria. The committee also received an update on Dakota College at Bottineau, where Minot State University reported that bank reconciliations had been brought current after a significant backlog and would now be maintained through shared services. Members requested a written follow-up report on the issues and corrective actions. Finally, the North Dakota Fair Association explained that its foundation has been dissolved and remaining funds were transferred to another nonprofit for continued support of the state fair, and the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, saying the reported amount was about $1.1 million from a partial district survey and that debt remains a local issue, though it could be revisited if school meal funding changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• It just takes the power to go from $5,000 to $25,000.
• that power to government at all?
• What raw power, divorced from principle, looks like.
• That answer wasn't about math; it's about power.
• Power doesn't belong to...

Bills: SB 8 , HB7 , HB15 , HB 265 , HCR 13 , SB 8 , HB 7 , HB 15 , HB 265 , HCR 13

Keywords: sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam, prohibition, state law, youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• We are, the governor calls me his ambassador.
• the Office of the Governor.
• And that concludes the Office of the Governor proper.
• I think I will say that Robert and I both worked for Governor Perry, and now we work for Governor Abbott
• governor, and the comptroller.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What gives the Governor and what gives the Department of Health and Welfare the ability...
• What gives the Governor and what gives the Department of Health and Welfare the ability to move forward
• , including the current governor.
• While in Washington, we lived through 800 days of emergency powers at the hands of While in Washington
• , we lived through 800 days of emergency powers at the hands of Inslee.

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee first heard Senate Bill 1292, which would require prospective foster parents to complete 10 hours of basic training before licensure, replacing the current practice where most training is available but optional. Senator Brandon Shippey said the bill was developed with the Department of Health and Welfare as a middle ground between burdensome in-person training and no training at all, with the goal of improving foster parent retention and child safety. A foster parent testified in support, describing crises among new foster families who had not taken training. The committee moved the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and it passed unanimously. The committee then took up House Bill 862, creating an Idaho Rural Health Transformation Fund and oversight committee for federal rural health transformation dollars. Rep. Jordan Redmond said the bill was intended to give the legislature oversight of nearly $1 billion in federal funds over five years and to ensure grants include sustainability plans. Members raised concerns about whether the state should accept the funds at all, whether committee members would be paid, and what happens when the money runs out. Supporters argued the bill was about legislative oversight and accountability, while opponents warned it resembled unsustainable federal spending and criticized the underlying federal program. The bill was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation, with three no votes recorded. The committee began hearing House Bill 808, an expanded medical freedom bill that would make school and daycare immunizations voluntary, make the immunization registry opt-in rather than opt-out, and limit local governments from imposing medical mandates. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would protect informed consent, prevent coercion, and clarify that the Medical Freedom Act applies statewide. Opponents, including pediatricians, nurses, and school nurses, argued it would weaken public health protections, reduce immunization rates, and make it harder to track and prevent outbreaks. An insurer and other witnesses also warned that the bill’s language could unintentionally restrict emergency responders and public hospitals from recommending or providing medical care. The committee did not finish testimony and recessed, planning to continue the hearing the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• For Western Governors University, which is a legislative-authorized online competency-based nonprofit
• For Western Governors University, which is a legislative-authorized online competency-based nonprofit
• So the purchasing power of the dollar has been adjusted.
• Now that I'm thinking about it, I would think it was fiscal year 26 that the governor included that in
• It's simply out of our power, which is why I stand here today.

Bills: HB2148 , HB2132

Committee: House Postsecondary Education & Workforce

Keywords: education, pay it forward program, tuition, student loans, financial aid, state financial aid, financial aid application, postsecondary education, higher education, student aid, Washington Student Achievement Council, public records exemption, privacy, student records, personally identifying information, financial information, data sharing agreement, enrollment assistance, institutional records, FERPA

Transcript Highlights:

• The governor is going to talk about part of it today. You know, this is part of it.
• The governor is going to talk about part of it today. You know, this is part of it.
• That language was inserted in 2013, and it was in a bill that was vetoed by Governor Nixon and then..
• I mean, that's, you know, a family's going to save 100 bucks, but how much is the power line company
• I mean, that's, you know, a family's going to save 100 bucks, but how much is the power line company

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Keywords: 959, house, all