Transcript Highlights:

• to sort of propose to sort of propose um<00:26:55.120> uh<00:26:55.360> various<00
• proposed in this bill. proposed in this bill.
• Then, next, I propose we turn to HB 1509, and the chair recognizes Representative Berch.
• So, but today's testimony is about 72A. 72A was deceptively proposed to the voters in 1966.
• was deceptively proposed to the voters<04:35:38.958> in<04:35:39.280> 1966.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first one is that this is a narrower proposal than we originally introduced.
• Secondly, the proposal reflects significant collaborations with stakeholders.
• :45.560> we<00:56:45.680> originally narrower proposal than we originally narrower proposal
• , the proposal reflects Secondly, the proposal reflects significant<00:57:01.480> collaborations
• <00:57:12.600> reflects discussed, this proposal reflects discussed, this proposal reflects

Bills: HF3426, HF3896, HF1426, HF3793, HF4061, HF4246

Keywords: natural resources, environment, sustainability, conservation, outdoor recreation, wild rice, watercraft regulation, environmental protection, aquatic ecosystems, HF1426, product stewardship, extended producer responsibility, EPR, electronics recycling, e-waste, battery recycling, circuit boards, printed circuit boards, electrical products, covered products

Transcript Highlights:

• thoughtfully while continuing to seek input from all stakeholders who would be affected by this proposal
• would be affected by this proposal. would be affected by this proposal.
• And so that's why I'm proposing at least, you know, bringing back at least half of the cuts that were
• And so that's<00:51:33.920> why<00:51:34.000> I'm<00:51:34.240> proposing<00:51:
• , you that's why I'm proposing at least, you know,<00:51:36.079> uh<00:51:36.480> bringing<

Bills: HF4080, HF3693, HF1857, HF4350

Keywords: agriculture, livestock, retailers, ownership interest, exclusive contracts, meat packing companies, dominant retailers, state law, Department of Agriculture, appropriation, funding, agriculture policy, state budget, animal welfare, cat declawing, animal cruelty, therapeutic procedures, civil penalties, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, aquatic life

Transcript Highlights:

• These are the new policy proposals that Senator Muhammad has put forward in the DE.
• These are the new policy proposals These are the new policy proposals uh<00:26:32.120> that
• testimony regarding the proposed testimony regarding the proposed requirements<00:49:06.680>
• , the proposed requirements However, the proposed requirements around<00:49:14.240> surety<00:
• think the bill that they the proposal think the bill that they the proposal from<01:23:46.800>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The timelines in the proposed bill only work if one book is challenged.
• Um the timelines in the proposed answer.
• standard, uh, um, that this proposes. standard, uh, um, that this proposes.
• . proposed. proposed.
• >> interim study has been proposed >> interim study has been proposed >> correct

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We respectfully ask the committee to propose this amendment.
• As Senator Wesenberg just mentioned, each year the DNR proposes policy-related and technical changes
• mentioned each year the DNR proposes mentioned each year the DNR proposes policy<01:26:17.080>
• <01:26:24.400> changes<01:26:24.800> will DNR this year's proposed changes will DNR
• This proposed change will allow burbot caught as bycatch in Lake Superior commercial fisheries to be

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've been working on this proposal since 2022 with many of the supporters that you see listed on the
• We've been working on this proposal since 2022 with many of the supporters that you see listed on the
• since 2022 with many of the proposal since 2022 with many of the supporters<01:15:11.560> that
• <01:18:14.199> to stakeholders to provide a proposal to stakeholders to provide a proposal
• <01:21:20.400> a to rise in January Excel proposed a to rise in January Excel proposed a nearly

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Does that carve-out that I proposed work or not? It probably does.
• Is this July... as long as a roadway or propose roadway as long as a roadway or propose roadway or<01
• so we recommend um removing the proposed so we recommend um removing the proposed amendment<01:28
• <01:34:37.639> conservation they said um propose conservation they said um propose conservation
• Um, I'd propose striking lines six...

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:20.720> does<00:10:21.200> is<00:10:21.760> uh bill what this proposal
• does is uh bill what this proposal does is uh currently<00:10:22.200> strip<00:10:22.519>
• this bill is proposing seems to be<00:25:47.799> a<00:25:47.880> little<00:25:48.080><
• And I believe in the Department of Revenue in the governor's budget proposal.
• I can't remember if it's in his policy or budget proposal.

Bills: HF1, HF779, HF1034

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

Transcript Highlights:

• about the regional impacts of the business community in Watertown generally and what this particular proposal
• Others today will speak about the health and environmental benefits of the proposed bills, but today
• Others today will speak about the health and environmental benefits of the proposed bills, but today
• This represents a loss of revenue that far exceeds what is being proposed in this bill.
• This represents a loss of revenue that far exceeds what is being proposed in this bill.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on 17 late-file and miscellaneous bills, with testimony focused on several local tax and fee proposals. The first major item was H. 4687 for Watertown, which would permanently continue a special property tax classification allowing the city to maintain a 50% residential minimum factor and a 175% commercial shift. Watertown officials and local legislators said the measure is needed to prevent an estimated 18% residential tax increase when the current temporary authority expires, arguing that the city’s commercial growth and 1988 tax rules have created an unintended burden on homeowners, especially seniors. Committee members asked about the regional business impact, whether major taxpayers might leave, and why a permanent change was sought instead of another short extension; Watertown officials said the policy had not deterred commercial growth and that the city’s fiscal planning and stabilization funds were being used for schools, infrastructure, and bond rating support. The committee also heard H. 4435 from Charlemont, which would authorize a local tax on commercial recreation services. Town officials described Charlemont as a small rural community with a large visitor burden from skiing, rafting, and other recreation, saying police, fire, and EMS costs rise sharply during peak seasons and that the tax would help shift some of those costs to visitors rather than local residents. A committee member questioned the legal structure of taxing recreation services versus goods, but the town said the proposal was modeled on the meals and rooms tax and had local business support. Finally, testimony was taken on H. 4722, promoting fair tax treatment for zero-emission vehicles, especially electric school buses and Class 3-8 trucks. Supporters, including EV advocates, a school transportation company, and Rep. Gentile, said the bill would cap sales and excise taxes on EV vehicles at the level of comparable diesel vehicles to remove an unintended tax penalty, keep revenue neutral, and support the state’s climate goals while helping school districts and private bus operators manage higher upfront costs. Rep. Gentile also spoke in support of H. 4755, which would amend Sudbury’s means-tested senior property tax exemption so the town would not need new special legislation if the program is renewed again in the future. No votes were taken, and the hearing concluded after public testimony and committee questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The department proposes to amend the Arkansas rules on pesticides... Thank you, sir.
• The department proposes to amend the Arkansas rules on pesticide use, which is codified at two Code of
• This proposed rule amendment sets forth the requirements for dealers, applicators, training, and record
• The department proposes amendments to 23 Code of Arkansas Rules, Part 203, Arkansas Workers' Compensation
• the provisions in the rating rules that are filed by the NCCI with the department, The department proposes

Summary: The Arkansas Administrative Rules Subcommittee met to review a large slate of agency rules and related reports. The chair announced that several items were stricken from the agenda and that the maternal health providers and remote monitoring rules were pulled by the agency. The committee filed reports on emergency rules, ALC subcommittee rule reviews, and administrative directives, then moved through agency rules from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce/Insurance, Department of Corrections, and multiple divisions of the Department of Human Services. Most rules were explained as technical updates or implementations of 2025 legislation and were approved without objection. Examples included repeal of obsolete equine ID-chip rules, updates to agriculture financing and pesticide rules, removal of duplicative workers’ compensation plan language, a unified visitation rule for correctional facilities, DHS marketing rules for PASS programs, a comprehensive DCFS policy manual revision, Medicaid-related changes for fictive kin, ABLE accounts, presumptive eligibility for pregnant women, SNAP work requirements and alien eligibility, coverage for certain incarcerated youth, nurse aide training updates, and permanent rules for state employee insurance and procurement. The committee also approved requests to exclude the Insurance Department from rulemaking requirements for Act 772 on forced organ harvesting and for restorative reproductive medicine, with the department saying it would issue rules later when more guidance is available. The most extended discussion concerned DHS’s dental Medicaid rate rule under Act 1025. Members and witnesses debated whether the statute’s language covered only oral surgeons or also general dentists performing oral surgery procedures, and whether the rate increase should apply more broadly to the services rather than the provider title. DHS said it was following the black-letter language of the law and could not confirm a broader interpretation without further approvals and funding, while legislators and a Dental Association representative said the intent was to increase payment for the services, especially in rural areas. Members also discussed the possibility of fixing the language in a future session or through a new rule if approvals and CMS review allow. Despite the concerns, the committee approved the rule. The meeting ended with approval of rule review reports and monthly updates, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The department proposes to amend the Arkansas rules on pesticides... Thank you, sir.
• The department proposes to amend the Arkansas rules on pesticide use, which is codified at two Code of
• This proposed rule amendment sets forth the requirements for dealers, applicators, training, and record
• The department proposes amendments to 23 Code of Arkansas Rules Part 203, Arkansas Workers' Compensation
• the provisions in the rating rules that are filed by the NCCI with the department, The department proposes

Summary: The Arkansas Administrative Rules Subcommittee met to review a large set of agency rules and reports. Early items were routine filings: emergency-rule reports, subcommittee review reports, and administrative directive reports were filed without objection. One rule from the Department of Agriculture on maternal health providers and remote monitoring was noted as pulled by the agency and not considered. The committee then reviewed and approved several Agriculture rules, including repeal of equine ID-chip rules after Act 703 of 2025, updates to finance rules adding a new water and sewer treatment facilities grant and consolidating revolving-fund rules, and a pesticide rule creating a Class J pesticide category for feral hog toxicant use. It also approved a Commerce/Insurance rule removing duplicative workers’ compensation plan provisions, and a Corrections rule creating a unified visitation rule for correctional facilities and community correction centers. A member asked about prison visitation hours during COVID, and staff said they would check on that. The committee next approved multiple Department of Human Services rules. These included marketing rules for provider-led organizations under Act 301 of 2025, a comprehensive revision of the DCFS policy manual, changes to Medicaid eligibility to include fictive kin placements and to expand ABLE account eligibility under Act 875, presumptive eligibility changes for pregnant women to align with federal rules, and a follow-up SNAP/TEA/Work Pays rule with updated work requirements, mandatory employment and training, alien eligibility changes, and job-search requirements for certain applicants. DHS also presented a rule implementing federal coverage for certain incarcerated youth before and after release, and the committee approved it. Another DHS rule updated nurse aide training requirements to match federal CNA hour standards and moved criminal-records-check procedures to the agency website. The most extended discussion involved DHS Division of Medical Services’ dental rate rule under Act 1025. The agency explained that it was increasing pediatric dental rates and certain oral-surgery-related rates, but not orthodontic rates or a broader special-needs benefit limit because CMS would not approve a diagnosis-based limit. Members debated whether the statutory language was intended to cover general dentists performing oral surgery procedures, with legislators, the Dental Association, and DHS discussing legislative intent, fiscal impact, and whether a future fix or emergency rule might be needed. Despite the disagreement, the committee approved the rule. The committee also approved other DHS medical rules: adverse-decision appeal changes and prior-authorization posting requirements, an increased RSV administration fee for children, expanded emergency treat/triage/transport ambulance authority, and clinic-based physical and occupational therapy coverage. Later, the committee approved permanent rules for the new state insurance program under Shared Administrative Services, procurement rule revisions recommended after an ACASO review, and commodity-management rule updates including a new revenue distribution model. Under Act 595 of 2021, the committee granted two Department of Commerce/Insurance requests to be excluded from rulemaking requirements: one for Act 772 on forced organ harvesting, and one for restorative reproductive medicine, with the department saying it would promulgate rules later when clinical guidelines are available. Finally, the committee accepted a recommendation to keep and extend the Department of Education, Division of Career and Technical Education rules, filed outstanding rulemaking updates, and adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Was this a request for proposal and they came back and they received this for $180,000?
• And yes, Representative Lundstrom, this was in response to request for proposals.
• And yes, Representative Lundstrom, this was in response to request for proposals.
• In response to request for proposals, this is the electronic recycling program that we actually sunsetted
• We're just writing down some funds, and these are the ones that got the proposal. Correct.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This proposal would create a Freedom of Speech Monument Committee to accept nominations of individuals
• This proposal would create a Freedom of Speech Monument Committee to accept nominations of individuals
• would defer to an artist, an artist that was licensed to the committee that was overseeing a newly proposed
• The Arizona Legislature should adopt this proposal to allow Arizonans who have contributed to preserving
• Your amendment proposes to bifurcate them because you don't like what he was saying, using his First

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House Committee on Government heard several measures related to property fraud, assisted living regulation, and memorials tied to free speech. SB 1479 would require photo identification and other identifying measures for deeds and real property documents notarized at county recorder offices, and would increase the penalty for knowingly submitting a false claim or forgery against real property from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class 5 felony. Testimony from a deed fraud victim, county assessors, the Attorney General’s Office, and an online notary stakeholder emphasized the prevalence of deed fraud and the value of parcel-specific notification systems; the chair also said he would run a floor amendment to tighten the bill. The committee voted 7-0 to return SB 1479 with a do pass recommendation. SB 1473 would bar municipalities and counties from capping the number of residents in assisted living homes, restricting such homes on residentially zoned property, or imposing extra administrative requirements based solely on resident count. Supporters from the Arizona Assisted Living Homes Association and an assisted living home operator said recent local occupancy reductions, especially in Paradise Valley, threatened small homes, affordability, and access to care for seniors and vulnerable adults. Members discussed parking concerns and the need for residential care options; the bill was described as a property rights issue as well as a care-access issue. The committee approved SB 1473 on a 7-0 vote. The committee then considered SB 1663, which creates a Freedom of Speech Monument Committee to nominate two deceased individuals each year from different political parties for recognition on a monument in the Governmental Mall. The sponsor’s statement framed the measure as honoring Arizonans who preserved free speech, while one public witness opposed it. The bill passed 4-1, with Rep. Márquez voting no. Finally, SB 1686, which renames Wesley Bolin Plaza and authorizes memorials for Charlie Kirk and Don Bowles, drew extended debate over whether the memorials should be combined. An amendment to separate the memorials failed 3-4, and after sponsor testimony and public comment both for and against, the committee approved SB 1686 on a 4-3 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• They received a total of 10 proposals, and they interviewed four contractors, and the ultimate choice
• They received a number, a total of 10 proposed. 2,000 square feet.
• They received a number, a total of 10 proposals, and they interviewed four contractors, and the ultimate
• this month that were procured using the traditional RFP method, as well as the most advantageous proposal
• She states that the public comment period for these proposed rule changes ended on March 3rd, and so

Summary: The ALC-Review Subcommittee reviewed seven methods of finance, including university projects at ASU Jonesboro and Mountain Home, Black River Technical College deferred maintenance, UA Batesville’s Farm Project Gateway Center, UAMS PET cyclotron equipment, a new allied health building at UAPB funded by a federal grant, and UCA’s multi-purpose arena design work. The committee also approved an alternative delivery construction project for UAPB’s Allied Health and Sciences Building, with East Harding Construction selected and AMR Architects as designer. Members then approved discretionary grants from the Department of Health and DHS, including support for a heart attack center designation, community health worker training, homeless services funding corrections, behavioral health transition support, and an enabling technology pilot. In the contracts section, the committee reviewed RFQs, construction-related contracts, intergovernmental contracts, and a large slate of out-of-state and in-state contracts covering topics such as seatbelt survey data collection, Medicaid and DHS systems, state hospital staffing and services, veterans’ services, education assessments, and state IT and procurement projects. Several contracts drew extended questioning. Senators and representatives pressed DHS and the Department of Veterans Affairs about heavy reliance on contract nursing and staffing costs, and officials said they were using pay incentives and recruitment efforts to increase state employee staffing. Members also questioned AEDC’s lithium supply chain study and the Department of Education’s security contract, with concerns about projected costs and repeated amendments. The committee held three in-state contracts—Department of Education security services and two DHS staffing contracts—until Friday, then adopted the remaining contracts and received informational reports on contract amendments, executed contracts, and emergency procurements before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The current proposed bill takes important steps forward for e-bikes.
• When it was originally proposed, it included e-scooters, and so I was quite disappointed when e-scooters
• I'm speaking as an individual, and I'm speaking in favor of this proposed legislation because I agree
• We do a lot of work about kids' online safety, and I know that those conversations around various proposals
• We look forward to working with the legislature going forward on various proposals related to kids' online

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met with a quorum present and took up a full agenda of bills, beginning with agency and records measures from Senator Massullo. SB 488, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles agency package, would update reporting thresholds for crashes, expand DHSMV’s use of email for certain transactions, and align tank vehicle definitions with federal rules; it was reported favorably. Its companion, SB 490, creates a public records exemption for certain email records and also passed favorably. The committee also approved SB 892, revising enhanced sentencing procedures for repeat offenders, and SB 124, which cleans up outdated Florida Virtual School language without changing day-to-day operations. Later, SB 584 on commercial driving schools, SB 656 codifying the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and related grant program, and SB 816 establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute all passed favorably as well. The most extensive debate centered on SB 216, which would tighten reemployment assistance eligibility by adding job-search requirements, interview attendance rules, identity and immigration verification every two weeks, and fraud-reporting duties for the Department of Commerce. Senator McLean argued the bill targets fraud and improves program integrity, while opponents and several members raised concerns about fiscal impact, administrative burden, and reduced access for unemployed workers, especially seniors and rural residents. Dr. Rich Templin of the Florida AFL-CIO testified against the bill, warning it could sharply reduce recipiency and worsen an already restrictive system. Despite opposition, the bill was reported favorably on a divided roll call. The committee also approved CS/SB 382 on electric bicycles, which requires riders to yield to pedestrians on shared pathways, sound an audible signal before passing, and limits speed near pedestrians; it also creates a task force to study further regulation. Michelle Lynch, whose son was killed in an e-scooter crash, testified in support of broader safety rules and urged the committee to add e-scooters back into the bill. Several members echoed concerns about e-scooter safety and asked for further work, but the bill advanced favorably. At the end of the meeting, members requested to be recorded on specific tabs, and the committee adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• The current proposed bill takes important steps forward for e-bikes.
• When it was originally proposed, it included e-scooters, and so I was quite disappointed when e-scooters
• I'm speaking as an individual, and I'm speaking in favor of this proposed legislation because I agree
• We do a lot of work about kids' online safety, and I know that those conversations around various proposals
• We look forward to working with the legislature going forward on various proposals related to kids' online

Bills: S0124, S0216, S0382, S0488, S0490, S0524, S0584, S0656, S0816, S0892, S1156

Keywords: Florida Virtual School, FLVS, virtual school, online education, distance learning, K-12 education, public school choice, charter-like franchise, student enrollment priorities, home education, homeschool, military families, active duty military, rural schools, inner-city schools, accelerated graduation, education technology, supplemental funding, direct-support organization, foundation

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and first postponed SB 524 and SB 1156. It then heard and favorably reported several bills, including SB 488 and SB 490 by Sen. Massullo, which update Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles procedures, raise the crash-reporting threshold, expand email use, and create a related public-records exemption. The committee also favorably reported SB 892 by Sen. Martin on enhanced sentencing for repeat offenders, SB 124 by Sen. Rodriguez updating Florida Virtual School statutes, and SB 584 by Sen. Yarbrough strengthening oversight of commercial driving schools and tax collector authority. SB 656 by Sen. Bradley, codifying the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and related grant program, and SB 816 by Sen. Bradley, formally establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute, also passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The most extensive debate centered on SB 216 by Sen. McLean, which would tighten unemployment assistance eligibility by adding job-search requirements, more frequent verification, and fraud-reporting measures. Supporters argued the bill would reduce fraud and improve program integrity, while opponents from labor groups and several senators warned it would burden claimants, especially rural residents, seniors, and workers facing layoffs, and could sharply reduce access to benefits. Despite those objections, the committee reported the bill favorably on a divided vote. The committee also considered CS/SB 382 by Sen. Truenow on electric bicycles, requiring riders to yield to pedestrians, sound an audible signal before passing, and limit speed near pedestrians, while creating a task force to study broader regulation of e-bikes and related devices. A mother whose son was killed on an electric scooter urged the committee to restore scooters to the bill, and several members expressed support for further work on that issue. The committee reported the bill favorably. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional affirmative votes on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposal before you is not coupled with Whether the State Fair stays or is relocated.
• I've seen fairground proposals come and go.
• The The next step, which is the sale of the proposed bonds, is logical, limited in scope, and just plain
• So this was not included in the initial LFC recommendation, but is with the HAFC proposal.
• And then moving on to the AOC proposal.

Bills: SB48, SB64, SB100

Keywords: State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance, special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP

Transcript Highlights:

• It strengthens notice requirements by making it clear that proposed changes to allowable uses within
• House Bill 5679 proposes the creation of the Hills of Walnut Creek Municipal Utility District in Parker
• One solution proposed by local stakeholders is... ...It's a creation of a municipal utility district
• The proposed San Benito municipality... ...Municipal Utility District No. 1 would span approximately
• This bill proposes the establishment of a new municipality utility district in Montgomery County, Texas

Bills: HB407, HB871, HB882, HB2011, HB3572, HB3578, HB4038, HB4866, HB4897, HB4978, HB5380, HB5555, HB5668, HB5670, HB5674, HB5676, HB5679, HB5688, SB673

Keywords: solar energy, residential construction, building code, municipal regulations, energy compliance, building codes, interconnection, education, funding, teacher support, student resources, school infrastructure, municipal requirements, environmental sustainability, municipalities, construction, agricultural operation, International Code Council, county regulations, construction fees

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposed state CRA, AB 801, But these entities are not covered by federal CRA.
• The proposed state CRA, AB 801, would incentivize state banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, and
• We appreciate the committee amendments as outlined in the analysis; however, as proposed to be amended
• Second, we believe that extending CRA obligations to non-bank mortgage lenders, as proposed in this bill
• Second, we believe that extending CRA obligations to non-bank mortgage lenders, as proposed in this bill

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee met to hear several bills, beginning with a consent calendar that included AB 665 and AB 866, both adopted on a do pass basis and referred to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 801, which would create a California Community Reinvestment Act to require covered financial institutions, including state-chartered banks, credit unions, residential mortgage lenders, and money transmitters, to meet the financial needs of low- and moderate-income communities and communities of color. The author and supporters argued the bill would close gaps left by the federal CRA, address redlining and discriminatory lending, and expand investment in housing, small business, and community development. Support came from community groups, CDFIs, labor, and housing advocates, while opposition from mortgage bankers and credit unions argued the bill would impose costly new reporting and regulatory burdens, especially on institutions they said already serve underserved borrowers well. Committee members discussed the scope of the bill, the experience of other states with state CRA laws, and possible carve-outs or tiered treatment for smaller credit unions. AB 801 was passed as amended and referred to Appropriations, with the roll left open and later completed; one member voted no and others were not voting or voted aye as the roll was finalized. The committee also heard AB 743, which would require licensing and surety bonds for commercial lawsuit financing and bring those transactions under DFPI oversight. The author said the bill was aimed at a largely unregulated, multi-billion-dollar industry and was intended to increase transparency and address concerns about foreign interests, fraud, and abusive litigation funding practices, while not affecting consumer legal funding. Supporters, including Unified Patents, the Civil Justice Association of California, the California Chamber of Commerce, the California Trucking Association, and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, said the bill was an important first step toward disclosure and regulation. There was no opposition testimony. AB 743 passed unanimously as amended and was referred to Appropriations, with the roll held open briefly for absent members before the committee adjourned.