Transcript Highlights:

• And good afternoon, Chair Cleveland and members of the committee.
• We have a community advisory committee.
• HCA does intend to submit comment on the rule by tomorrow.
• HCA does intend to submit comment on the rule by tomorrow.
• Good afternoon, Chair Cleveland and committee members.

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee met on July 30, 2026, to hear two main briefings. The first, from the Health Care Authority, focused on implementation of federal H.R. 1 Medicaid changes and Washington’s rural health transformation funding. HCA said the state is preparing for major eligibility changes, including the October 1 loss of Medicaid coverage for about 14,000 lawfully present non-citizens and January 1, 2027 work requirements, six-month renewals, and reduced retroactive coverage for roughly 600,000 Medicaid expansion adults. Officials described outreach efforts, new automated verification systems, a verification hub, and plans to use available data sources to reduce manual paperwork, while noting that about one-third of the affected population may still need manual processing. They also said H.R. 1 will limit state-directed payments over time, with an estimated long-term impact of up to $1.5 billion in hospital reimbursements. On rural health transformation, HCA said it is moving quickly to obligate its $181 million federal award through contracts and competitive grants for rural hospitals, workforce, behavioral health, technology, and tribal and community partners. Committee members asked about the impact on rural providers, community service as a work-requirement pathway, emergency Medicaid, tribal and federal reimbursement issues, and whether the state would submit comments on the federal work-requirement rule. HCA said it would file comments, that emergency Medicaid coverage for certain services remains available, and that it is working with tribes and other agencies to avoid erroneous terminations and to move eligible people into other coverage where possible. Members also raised concerns about the administrative burden on families and providers and the need for congressional attention on issues such as TRICARE reimbursement. The second briefing addressed maternal health and the Department of Health’s Maternal Mortality Review Panel report. DOH said maternal mortality in Washington increased for the first time in the report series, but most pregnancy-related deaths remain preventable. Nearly half were linked to behavioral health conditions, especially overdose deaths, with suicide, cardiovascular disease, and COVID-19 also significant causes; most deaths occurred postpartum rather than during delivery. The report found higher mortality rates among American Indian and Alaska Native, Black, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, multiracial, rural, and Medicaid-covered populations, and identified lack of access to care, financial hardship, housing instability, discrimination, bias, and systemic inequities as major contributors. DOH highlighted existing state actions such as one-year postpartum coverage, doula reimbursement, inpatient substance use treatment coverage for birthing people, and vaccine coverage requirements, and offered 12 legislative recommendations focused on affordable and high-quality care, basic needs and community supports, and equitable, culturally responsive services. Presenters from the Suquamish Tribe and Kitsap OBGYN described how the tribe acquired and stabilized a threatened OB-GYN practice to preserve regional access amid provider shortages and hospital service losses. They said rural obstetric care is difficult to sustain because of thin margins, workforce shortages, long travel distances, and higher-risk patients, and emphasized that tribal health systems can offer stronger reimbursement and integrated family-centered care. The Foundation for Healthcare Quality and the Bree Collaborative then outlined statewide maternity-care quality efforts, including work on perinatal behavioral health, care coordination, postpartum screening, doula support, and better-aligned payment models. They said Washington has strengths in innovation but still needs more OB-GYN capacity, better transitions of care, and more culturally responsive, trauma-informed maternal and Native health services.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Judiciary and Rules Committee reports that the Senate Journal proceedings of March 28, 2020, The
• Judiciary and Rules Committee reports that the Senate Journal proceedings of March 28, 2006, were read
• House Bill 896 will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee.
• House Bill 856 will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee.
• The Judiciary and Rules Committee.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the group that you had a chance to see during the committees.
• House bills reported by committee.
• tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. in Committee Room 5.
• rules for the purpose of adding an agenda item and adopting the rules for that agenda.
• Transportation meets tomorrow in Committee Room 3 at noon.

Bills: HR19 , HR20 , HR21 , HR22 , HR23 , HR24 , HR25 , HR26 , HR27 , HR28 , HR29 , HR30 , HR31 , HR32 , HR33 , HR34 , HR35 , HR36 , HR37 , HR38 , HCR15 , HCR16 , HCR17 , HCR18 , HB115 , HB208 , HB465 , HB832 , HB964 , HB965 , HB966 , HB967 , HB968 , HB969 , HB970 , HB971 , HB972 , HB973 , HB974 , HB975 , HR14 , HR15 , HR16 , HR17 , HR18 , HCR14 , SCR4 , SCR7 , SCR8 , HB362 , HB963 , HB207 , HB300 , HB331 , HB428 , HB464 , HB587 , HB618 , HB629 , HB801 , HB853 , HB891 , HB78 , HB112 , HB148 , HB149 , HB190 , HB221 , HB346 , HB354 , HB355 , HB356 , HB358 , HB384 , HB427 , HB657 , HB675 , HB716 , HB901

Keywords: HR19, House Resolution 19, Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association Day, LNLA, nursery industry, landscape industry, horticulture, green industry, environmental stewardship, beautification, sustainability, state capitol, special day resolution, commemoration, trade association, wholesale growers, landscape architects, grounds maintenance, interiorscapers, Louisiana agriculture

Summary: The House convened with 97 members present, heard an invocation by Pastor Morris St. Angelo, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The chamber then received Senate messages noting concurrence in HCR 8, HCR 9, and HCR 12, and the adoption of SCR 10, which expressed condolences on the death of Dr. Norman Christopher Francis. The House also received an enrollment report confirming several resolutions as properly enrolled. A series of personal privilege recognitions highlighted local and civic observances, including Amite Oyster Festival Day, Opportunity in Action Day at the Capitol, and a visit from international policy fellows. The House introduced numerous resolutions and bills, including measures to designate special days and highways, express condolences, commend individuals and organizations, create or modify local districts, address bail, parole, rural health clinic Medicaid reimbursement, and establish a Department of Public Service. Several committee reports were also received, including transportation and ways and means reports on multiple bills. The House adopted, without objection, several resolutions already lying over, including HR 14, HR 16, HR 18, SCR 4, SCR 7, and SCR 8, while other resolutions and bills were referred or left to lie over. Members also moved to discharge and withdraw certain bills from committee files without objection. The chamber was reminded of upcoming committee meetings, an interim emergency board ballot deadline, and adjourned until 1:00 p.m. the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House has received a privilege report from the Committee on Enrollment.
• This is the group that was seen during committee meetings.
• House bills reported by committee.
• meets tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. in Committee Room 5.
• rules for the purpose of adding an agenda item, adoption of rules to that agenda.

Bills: HR19 , HR20 , HR21 , HR22 , HR23 , HR24 , HR25 , HR26 , HR27 , HR28 , HR29 , HR30 , HR31 , HR32 , HR33 , HR34 , HR35 , HR36 , HR37 , HR38 , HCR15 , HCR16 , HCR17 , HCR18 , HB115 , HB208 , HB465 , HB832 , HB964 , HB965 , HB966 , HB967 , HB968 , HB969 , HB970 , HB971 , HB972 , HB973 , HB974 , HB975 , HR14 , HR15 , HR16 , HR17 , HR18 , HCR14 , SCR4 , SCR7 , SCR8 , HB362 , HB963 , HB207 , HB300 , HB331 , HB428 , HB464 , HB587 , HB618 , HB629 , HB801 , HB853 , HB891 , HB78 , HB112 , HB148 , HB149 , HB190 , HB221 , HB346 , HB354 , HB355 , HB356 , HB358 , HB384 , HB427 , HB657 , HB675 , HB716 , HB901

Keywords: HR19, House Resolution 19, Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association Day, LNLA, nursery industry, landscape industry, horticulture, green industry, environmental stewardship, beautification, sustainability, state capitol, special day resolution, commemoration, trade association, wholesale growers, landscape architects, grounds maintenance, interiorscapers, Louisiana agriculture

Bills: HB146 , HB322 , HB469 , HB1183 , HB1481 , HB1509 , HB1510 , HB1511 , HB1514 , HB1515 , HB1516 , HB1520 , HB1522 , HB1524 , HB1531 , HB1535 , HB1548 , HB1550 , HB1559 , HB1573 , HB1574 , HB1590 , HB1593 , HB1601 , HB1603 , HB1615 , HB1628 , HB1643 , HB1644 , HB1645 , HB1648 , HB1663 , HB1667 , HB1671 , HB1678 , HB1679 , HB1682 , HB1688 , HB1691 , HB1692 , HB1695 , HB1696 , HB1697 , HB1716 , HB1721 , HB1724 , HB1725 , HB1728 , HB1730 , HB1733 , HB1737 , HB1738 , HB1739 , HB1740 , HB1741 , HB1742 , HB1752 , HB1753 , HB1764 , HB1768 , HB1769 , HB1777 , HB1782 , HB1790 , HB1799 , HB1810 , HB1823 , HB1824 , HB1832 , HB1839 , HB1840 , HB1844 , HB1845 , HB1850 , HB1851 , HB1858 , HB1860 , HB1864 , HB1870 , HB1873 , HB1875 , HB1877 , HB1878 , HB1880 , HB1881 , HB1886 , HB1888 , HB1890 , HB1892 , HB1893 , HB1898 , HB1921 , HB1934

Keywords: judiciary, Hawaiian language, Ōlelo Hawaiʻi, language access, cultural preservation, voter registration, automatic registration, state agencies, electoral participation, opt-out system, disability, parking, travel placard, accessibility, mobility, retirement, pension, law enforcement, public safety, Hawaii Revised Statutes

Bills: HB146 , HB322 , HB469 , HB1183 , HB1481 , HB1509 , HB1510 , HB1511 , HB1514 , HB1515 , HB1516 , HB1520 , HB1522 , HB1524 , HB1531 , HB1535 , HB1548 , HB1550 , HB1559 , HB1573 , HB1574 , HB1590 , HB1593 , HB1601 , HB1603 , HB1615 , HB1628 , HB1643 , HB1644 , HB1645 , HB1648 , HB1663 , HB1667 , HB1671 , HB1678 , HB1679 , HB1682 , HB1688 , HB1691 , HB1692 , HB1695 , HB1696 , HB1697 , HB1716 , HB1721 , HB1724 , HB1725 , HB1728 , HB1730 , HB1733 , HB1737 , HB1738 , HB1739 , HB1740 , HB1741 , HB1742 , HB1752 , HB1753 , HB1764 , HB1768 , HB1769 , HB1777 , HB1782 , HB1790 , HB1799 , HB1810 , HB1823 , HB1824 , HB1832 , HB1839 , HB1840 , HB1844 , HB1845 , HB1850 , HB1851 , HB1858 , HB1860 , HB1864 , HB1870 , HB1873 , HB1875 , HB1877 , HB1878 , HB1880 , HB1881 , HB1886 , HB1888 , HB1890 , HB1892 , HB1893 , HB1898 , HB1921 , HB1934

Keywords: judiciary, Hawaiian language, Ōlelo Hawaiʻi, language access, cultural preservation, voter registration, automatic registration, state agencies, electoral participation, opt-out system, disability, parking, travel placard, accessibility, mobility, retirement, pension, law enforcement, public safety, Hawaii Revised Statutes

Bills: HB146 , HB322 , HB469 , HB1183 , HB1481 , HB1509 , HB1510 , HB1511 , HB1514 , HB1515 , HB1516 , HB1520 , HB1522 , HB1524 , HB1531 , HB1535 , HB1548 , HB1550 , HB1559 , HB1573 , HB1574 , HB1590 , HB1593 , HB1601 , HB1603 , HB1615 , HB1628 , HB1643 , HB1644 , HB1645 , HB1648 , HB1663 , HB1667 , HB1671 , HB1678 , HB1679 , HB1682 , HB1688 , HB1691 , HB1692 , HB1695 , HB1696 , HB1697 , HB1716 , HB1721 , HB1724 , HB1725 , HB1728 , HB1730 , HB1733 , HB1737 , HB1738 , HB1739 , HB1740 , HB1741 , HB1742 , HB1752 , HB1753 , HB1764 , HB1768 , HB1769 , HB1777 , HB1782 , HB1790 , HB1799 , HB1810 , HB1823 , HB1824 , HB1832 , HB1839 , HB1840 , HB1844 , HB1845 , HB1850 , HB1851 , HB1858 , HB1860 , HB1864 , HB1870 , HB1873 , HB1875 , HB1877 , HB1878 , HB1880 , HB1881 , HB1886 , HB1888 , HB1890 , HB1892 , HB1893 , HB1898 , HB1921 , HB1934

Keywords: judiciary, Hawaiian language, Ōlelo Hawaiʻi, language access, cultural preservation, voter registration, automatic registration, state agencies, electoral participation, opt-out system, disability, parking, travel placard, accessibility, mobility, retirement, pension, law enforcement, public safety, Hawaii Revised Statutes

Transcript Highlights:

• With the consent of the House, the rules will be suspended, and House Bill...
• With the consent of the House, the Rules Committee is relieved of the following bills, and the bills
• With the consent of the House, the Rules Committee is relieved of the following bills, and the bills
• With the consent of the House, the Rules Committee is relieved of the following bills, and the bills
• With the consent of the House, the Rules Committee is relieved of the following bills, and the bills

Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1002 , HB1065 , HB1155 , HB1916 , HB2264 , HB1078 , HB1687 , HB1701 , HB1717 , HB1795 , HB1859 , HB2088 , HB2091 , HB2107 , HB2109 , HB2110 , HB2113 , HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2133 , HB2134 , HB2140 , HB2151 , HB2152 , HB2155 , HB2165 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2211 , HB2219 , HB2228 , HB2229 , HB2230 , HB2235 , HB2238 , HB2242 , HB2245 , HB2249 , HB2253 , HB2254 , HB2269 , HB2272 , HB2283 , HB2304 , HB2317 , HB2340 , HB2343 , HB2385 , HB2406 , HB2417 , HB2426 , HB2445 , HB2452 , HB2472 , HB2492 , HB2501 , HB2531 , HB2574 , HB2606 , HB2664 , HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1065 , HB1717 , HB1795 , HB1859 , HB2107 , HB2113 , HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2133 , HB2134 , HB2140 , HB2151 , HB2155 , HB2165 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2211 , HB2219 , HB2242 , HB2245 , HB2253 , HB2283 , HB2317 , HB2343 , HB2385 , HB2406 , HB2417 , HB2426 , HB2501 , HB2531 , HB2574 , HB2606 , HB1170 , HB1544 , HB1834 , HB2111 , HB2156 , HB2188 , HB2199 , HB2206 , HB2296 , HB2360 , HB2436 , HB2471 , HB2478 , HB2510 , HB2525 , HB2532 , HB2543 , HB2605 , HB2624 , HJM4012 , HB1759

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Transcript Highlights:

• Report of a committee.
• A report of a committee.
• The Committee on Rules of the Two Branches, acting concurrently, reports recommending that Joint Rule
• The Committee on Rules of the Two Branches is acting concurrently on several Senate petitions and reports
• committees.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate convened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a brief acknowledgment of Transgender Day of Remembrance, with remarks honoring transgender and gender non-conforming individuals and reaffirming a commitment to safety and dignity for all. The chamber then took up several Election Laws committee reports involving local validation and ratification measures, including legislation to validate the proceedings of the Millbury annual town meeting and Senate 2679, which ratifies acts and proceedings related to Plymouth town meeting and actions by Plymouth officials. The Senate ordered the Millbury bill to a third reading and likewise ordered Senate 2679 to a third reading. It also considered reports from the Committee on Rules of the Two Branches recommending suspension of Joint Rule 12 for several Senate petitions, and the Senate voted to suspend the necessary rules so the matters could be considered forthwith and referred to their respective committees. One measure was passed to be enacted and sent to the Governor for approval. After a brief recess, the Senate adopted an order to adjourn until Monday at 11:00 a.m., and then adjourned accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> rules with state law. rules with state law.
• rules?
• And what type rules or permanent rules?
• </c><00:55:57.200><c> Uh,</c> emergency rules or regular rules.
• Uh, emergency rules or regular rules.

Bills: SF0023 , SF0057

Committee: House Labor, Health & Social Services

Keywords: mental health, involuntary hospitalization, examiners, public safety, Wyoming legislature, hospital pricing, healthcare transparency, public health, civil penalties, shoppable services, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This violates Rule 56.
• I move that House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2989, as perfected, be referred to the Committee
• Is that not the plain reading of the rules?
• I think if you read the rules, you would—I think anybody who read the rules in plain language would agree
• , be referred to the Committee on Fiscal Review.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal by a 134-0 roll call vote, and then moved through a series of introductions recognizing guests and student groups at the Capitol, including Turning Point USA chapters, CASA volunteers and staff, JAG students, university groups, nursing students, and several legislative interns. The chamber also handled a point of order about an unauthorized prop in the room, which was removed. The first major bill taken up was House Bill 1766, dealing with personal property tax treatment and new construction calculations. Supporters argued it would treat personal property more like real estate under Hancock-style limits and provide fairness to taxpayers, while opponents warned it could reduce revenue for taxing districts. After debate, the House passed HB 1766 by a vote of 94-50. The House then considered House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2989, a major gaming measure that would criminalize illegal gaming machines, create a regulated framework for video lottery terminals, give local governments an opt-out, and expand enforcement authority for the Attorney General and prosecutors. Members debated whether the bill was a needed enforcement tool or an inappropriate expansion of gambling, with concerns raised about addiction, local control, revenue distribution, and whether the bill should have gone to Fiscal Review. A motion to refer the bill to Fiscal Review failed 69-44, and the bill itself passed 83-66 with one present. The chamber next took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2014, the supplemental appropriations bill. The sponsor said it provided just over $3 billion in additional authority, including tax refund authority, disaster relief, St. Louis tornado recovery funding, and major MoDOT funding, along with other smaller items. Members from both parties supported the bill, while also noting concerns about reliance on supplementals and the need to budget more accurately in the future. The House adopted an amendment reducing some general revenue authority, then adopted the bill and perfected and printed it. The meeting ended with announcements, including a notice that the Super Committee on Tourism would meet immediately in Hearing Room 6.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we are simultaneously going to have a meeting of the Rules Committee in Room 332.
• CALL A MEETING OF THE RULE COMMITTEES AND CALL ON SENATOR SEPÚLVEDA.
• The report of the Rules Committee is accepted. Senator Serrano.
• He move to accept the report of the Rules Committee. >> All in favor of accepting the report of the Rules
• &gt;&gt; I MOVE TO RECOMMIT THE CALENDAR TO THE RULES COMMITTEE.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on June 3, 2026, approved the prior day’s journal, and then moved through a long list of discharge motions and substitutions to place many bills on the third reading calendar. The chamber also adopted Resolution J.2314 honoring the New York chapter of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, with remarks emphasizing domestic workers’ role in care work, labor organizing, and protections such as paid sick leave and family leave. Another adopted resolution, J.2298, mourned labor and social justice advocate Minerva Solla, with senators highlighting her work with 1199, the Young Lords, Puerto Rican solidarity efforts, and women’s organizing. A third resolution recognized Olympic curler Daniel Casper for representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Games. The Senate then confirmed a large slate of judicial and executive nominations. It accepted the Judiciary Committee report and confirmed four interim Supreme Court justices, seven Court of Claims judges, and 21 reappointments/extensions by a vote of 44-12. The Finance Committee report was also accepted, and the Senate confirmed a broad set of appointments to state boards and authorities, including the MTA, State Commission of Correction, Power Authority, NYSERDA, Financial Control Board, public health councils, SUNY and Cornell boards, gaming and bridge authorities, and others. One notable confirmation was Alexander Dockery to the State Commission of Correction; supporters called it the first time a formerly incarcerated person had been confirmed to that commission, while Senator Murray criticized the practice of voting on large nomination blocks rather than individually. The chamber then took up and passed many bills, mostly by wide margins, covering labor, health, education, transportation, public service, criminal justice, municipal, tax, insurance, and environmental topics. Several members explained their votes on major measures: Senator Ramos supported a bill modernizing temporary disability benefits and another protecting construction workers from lost pay when jobs are canceled; Senator Baskin spoke about a correction bill tied to the death of India Cummings; Senator Skoufis described a family-court custody bill intended to prioritize child safety; Senator Mayer backed a proposal to reimburse parents of medically fragile children for providing care; and Senator Hinchey defended a bill requiring employers to report AI-related job impacts, while Senator Borrello opposed it as burdensome. Most bills were passed, some were laid aside, and the session concluded with multiple roll-call votes and confirmations before adjournment-related business.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a Rules Committee.
• Rights Committee.
• This is the Rules Committee. Is this relevant?
• So just based on that, us being the rules committee and not a gatekeeping committee, our job is to see
• The committee rules are very clear that letters cannot be written, read, or stated in committee without

Committee: All HOUSE RULES

Summary: The committee first considered House Resolution 1016, presented by Rep. Marcus Richmond, which sought permission to file a bill aimed at consumer protection in certain housing arrangements where buyers purchase an interest in an entity rather than the property itself. Richmond said the measure was intended to improve transparency, prevent deceptive real estate practices, and ensure disputes would be handled in Arkansas or federal courts rather than private tribunals. Members raised concerns about overlap with existing law, possible effects on homeowners associations, arbitration clauses, hunting clubs, religious organizations, and the bill’s 25-acre exemption. After discussion, the committee voted down the resolution. House Resolution 1006, by Rep. Bart Schultz, proposed increasing the homestead tax credit by $75, from $600 to $675, using a fund created for property tax relief. Schultz argued the increase was supported by the annual report on the fund and was timely because of higher costs for gas and groceries. Members asked about using special language instead, whether the increase could be made retroactive later, and whether the governor had included it on the call. The committee approved the resolution. The committee then heard House Resolution 1007, presented by Sen. Brian King and Rep. James Eaton, which would have changed how turnback sales tax revenue is distributed to counties, with the first $150 million of sales tax revenue going into a fund for county infrastructure and each county receiving an equal share. Supporters said it would help counties with roads, jails, water, sewer, and other critical needs, while opponents questioned whether taking revenue off the top would harm other state services and whether the issue was urgent enough for a fiscal session. The resolution failed. House Resolution 1008, by Rep. Jim Wooten and Sen. King, sought changes to the LEARNS Act and school choice funding, including performance-based eligibility and reporting requirements. Wooten argued the program was financially unsustainable and that accountability was needed; members questioned whether the proposal would create a larger emergency and whether it should instead be handled through budget language. The resolution failed after a point of order interrupted the closing remarks. Finally, House Resolution 1009, presented by Rep. Ron McNair and Sen. King, aimed to restore local control over crypto mines and data centers, citing concerns about water use, electricity demand, Chinese ownership, and litigation tied to prior legislation. Members questioned whether the issue was truly emergent and whether the resolution was the right vehicle. The resolution failed. House Resolution 1015, by Rep. Howard Beatty, proposed amending the prior IDA bill to address concerns raised by constituents, including board accountability and removing eminent domain authority. Supporters said it would improve the bill before next session, but the resolution also failed. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• , ruling that the Illinois law was preempted.
• It's not in the MasterCard rules or the Visa rules, and it has nothing to do with the issuing banks.
• It's not in the MasterCard rules or the visa rules, and it has nothing to do with the issuing banks.
• In fact, our entire modern payment system is based on similar rulings.
• So thank you, and happy to take any questions from the committee.

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The Special Commission on the future of credit card payments and their impacts on small businesses heard extensive testimony from credit unions, retailers, payment industry groups, and a credit card issuer. Much of the discussion focused on proposed state laws that would limit interchange fees on the tax and tip portions of transactions, especially Illinois’s Interchange Fee Prohibition Act and similar efforts in other states. Witnesses opposing the proposals argued that interchange helps fund fraud protection, cybersecurity, rewards, and access to credit, and warned that state-by-state rules would create a patchwork that could harm state-chartered banks and credit unions, raise compliance costs, and reduce consumer access to credit. Supporters of reform argued that swipe fees are a significant burden on merchants, especially small businesses, and that current pricing is opaque and often bundled with other processor charges. Several witnesses emphasized that the current payment system provides major benefits to merchants and consumers, including security, convenience, faster settlement, online commerce, and broader access to credit. One witness from Capital One said the industry’s losses from fraud and default are substantial and that interchange helps offset those risks; he also noted that merchants already have some tools, such as surcharging where allowed and negotiating clearer processor contracts. Retail representatives and the National Retail Federation countered that small businesses are under pressure from many costs and that interchange and related fees remain a real pain point, with some urging the commission to consider reforms that would return more money to businesses without disrupting the system. There was also discussion of the recent Visa/Mastercard antitrust settlement, with industry witnesses describing it as a significant merchant win that includes temporary rate reductions, more surcharge flexibility, and the ability to decline certain card tiers. No votes were taken. The meeting concluded after all scheduled testimony was heard, with the commission chair saying the session had been productive and that the committee would continue gathering testimony and written comments before making recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those opposed, nay. on committees and rules committee for on committees and rules committee for just<
• on committees and is a meeting committee on committees and rules<01:03:05.200><c> committee.
• </c><01:03:13.119><c> rules</c> committee on committees and the rules committee on committees and the
• 03:19.440><c> at</c><01:03:19.599><c> the</c> committees and rules committee at the committees and rules
• </c> committees and rules committee. Mr. committees and rules committee. Mr.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, members of the committee.
• much as we want to hear in this committee and all the other committees about money for school, money
• Just a brief refresher on Rule A and Rule B from Assessor Cook's Rule B presentation in our last session
• We're just here not to initiate the Rule B.
• That would trigger a Rule B. Mr.

Bills: SB1090 , SB1293 , SB1414 , SB1429 , SB1503 , SB1536 , SB1633 , SB1724 , SB1764

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: savings and loan, technical correction, Arizona Revised Statutes, financial institutions, prohibitions, GPLET, abatement, tax incentives, local government, property improvement, central business district, insurance, settlement demands, time limits, third-party claims, regulatory compliance, initiative, referendum, ballot measures, petition circulators

Transcript Highlights:

• I serve as the Chair of the committee.
• I serve as the Chair of the committee.
• Thank you, Chair Berner, and thank you committee.
• I expect my committee members to equally be involved in the decisions that this committee makes.
• undertake as a committee bill?

Committee: House Communications and Conveyance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, thank you, committee.
• Committee...
• Committee, you're right. Okay, committee will be back to order here.
• Chairman, committee.
• has changed, whatever cap is developed in the rule, the committee doesn't have a chance.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee began with roll call and a brief update on remaining work, then took up Senate Bill 2213, the “science of math” bill. Members clarified that the appropriation for the program was not included in the DPI budget and would remain attached to the policy bill for now. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a do pass recommendation, 21-2. The committee next considered Senate Bills 2036 and 2037, both juvenile justice/Human Services bills involving mental health and criminal responsibility evaluations for minors. Testimony explained that the bills create new processes and require DHS to contract with specialized providers, with appropriations of $500,000 in 2036 and $300,000 in 2037. Members debated whether the funding should come from existing DHS resources or remain as separate appropriations, and whether the programs were one-time or ongoing. The committee adopted amendments on both bills and then recommended both do pass, with 2036 passing 14-6 and 2037 passing 17-4. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2021, the Information Technology Department budget. Representative Bosch outlined major themes in the budget, including migration from PeopleSoft and the mainframe, onboarding/off-boarding automation, double-counting of IT spending, and the transition of education technology from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus. Members also discussed a study amendment related to a statewide enterprise resource planning system, and added language on grant management and compliance management. The committee adopted the amendments and gave the budget a do pass recommendation, 20-0-3. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2011, the Highway Patrol budget. Representative Pyle explained the House changes, including shifting some one-time costs to the motor carrier electronic permit fund, funding for body armor, breath tests, road course resurfacing, fleet costs, handgun replacement, and carryover authority for federal technology funds. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the budget 21-0-2. The committee then began Senate Bill 2399, a Human Services bill on Medicaid reimbursement for psychiatric residential treatment facilities, but deferred action after testimony from a facility representative and committee discussion about therapeutic leave days, reimbursement rates, and whether a cap on reimbursable days should be set in statute or rule. The chair said the committee would seek more information from DHS and take the bill up the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and adopt the rules. and adopt the rules.
• With<00:17:32.559><c> those</c><00:17:32.799><c> rules,</c> With those rules, With those rules, you'll
• > weren't</c> know the rules because the rules weren't know the rules because the rules weren't codified
• </c> from the committee. from the committee.
• One committee<01:54:26.159><c> amendment.</c> committee amendment. committee amendment.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee, we do have House Bill 496.
• And so that's sort of the high-level view of this RS committee.
• He's presenting in another committee. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Chairman, committee members.
• Committee, I'm not seeing any other questions or lights on.

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee opened with roll call, approved the February 3 and 4 minutes, and set aside House Bill 496 at the sponsor’s request for a later date. The committee then introduced RS 33187, sponsored by Representative Wheeler, which would create an evidence-based cardiac emergency response framework for Idaho schools, including AED access, staff training, and coordinated response plans. Wheeler cited a real-life school cardiac incident and said the American Heart Association supports the concept; the committee voted to introduce the RS. The committee next heard House Bill 526 from Representative Ehlers on cottage food operations. The bill would allow small sellers with annual sales of $5,000 or less to sell certain time- and temperature-controlled foods, such as ice cream, bacon, and salsa, under cottage food rules rather than requiring commercial kitchen inspections and permits. Ehlers said the measure is intended to reduce barriers for entrepreneurs while keeping labeling requirements in place, including contact information, home-kitchen disclosure, and allergen warnings. Elizabeth Criner of Food Northwest testified in opposition to the bill as drafted, saying the current cottage food rules are designed for shelf-stable products and that expanding to time- and temperature-controlled foods raises food safety concerns. She also said the bill was unclear about whether existing labeling and safety rules would still apply, especially for allergens. Committee members asked about allergen labeling, the $5,000 threshold, and consumer responsibility. Despite those concerns, the committee voted to send House Bill 526 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then adjourned and announced it would meet again the next day at 8:30 a.m.