Transcript Highlights:

• There was one application from out of my area, and it was 11 or 12 co-ops that got together and applied
• From a date perspective, with the amendment, the commission of application shall simply close down the
• If retroactive changes in law were routine, can you imagine the impact this would have on businesses?
• You used the applicable retail rate until they had the value of solar.
• So they asked to use retail rates, not the applicable rate, which was the full cost, but the average.

Bills: HF2103 , HF2793

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• application periods for small systems and large systems.
• We also intend to have a more transparent process for our applications.
• The Water Trust Board currently opens its applications in July.
• So we'll start that application process in July of 2029 to make certain that we have a vetted application
• We have a one-size-fits-all application process of 30 days.

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Summary: The committee heard several water-related bills and one memorial in a Saturday session near the end of the legislative term. House Bill 63, the annual NMFA Water Project Fund authorization bill, would authorize grants and loans for 113 eligible water projects across 28 counties. NMFA and municipal interests supported the bill, and members emphasized the need to move water infrastructure funding quickly. The committee voted unanimously do pass. House Bill 109 would temporarily remove the requirement for the legislature to separately authorize Water Trust Board-vetted projects through 2029, allowing the New Mexico Finance Authority and Water Trust Board to move projects forward more quickly. Sponsors and witnesses said the change would reduce a six- to 12-month delay, improve access for small and tribal systems, and allow more flexible application periods and technical assistance. Some members raised concerns about transparency, legislative authority, and equitable access, but the bill also received broad support from local governments, tribes, and advocacy groups. The committee voted unanimously do pass. House Bill 111 would modernize water enforcement penalties by increasing fines for illegal water use, including unlawful diversions, unlicensed well drilling, and failure to meter, while exempting valid water-right holders from monetary penalties for simple over-diversion and preserving existing adjudication orders. Support came from environmental groups, irrigation districts, the Interstate Stream Commission, the Pueblo of Laguna, and others, who said stronger penalties are needed to deter illegal use. Members questioned how the bill would affect farmers, acequias, service of notices, and existing water-right disputes, and sponsors said the bill had been revised to address prior concerns. The committee voted unanimously do pass. The committee also approved Senate Memorial 27, which urges state agencies to help publicize expanded federal RECA benefits for New Mexicans exposed to Trinity radiation fallout; supporters said the memorial would help eligible residents learn about and apply for compensation before the deadline.

Transcript Highlights:

• application periods for small systems and large systems.
• complete their application.
• So we'll start that application process in July of 2029 to make certain that we have a vetted application
• We have a one-size-fits-all application process of 30 days.
• If this bill is to pass, would this bill be retroactive?

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• repeals Section 39-7408, Idaho Code, relating to the duties of the director relative to siting applications
• Amending Section 39-702, Idaho Code, to revise provisions regarding the applicability of the Act.
• Repealing Section 39-7408C, Idaho Code relating to citing license applications.
• . 9-7408 Idaho Code relating to the duties of the director relative to citing applications.
• application.

Transcript Highlights:

• Subdivision K4 permits retroactive application of the statute of limitations for bringing an action under
• Subdivision K4 permits retroactive<00:21:56.400><c> application</c><00:21:56.880><c> of</c><00:21:57.039
• ><c> the</c><00:21:57.200><c> statute</c> retroactive application of the statute retroactive application
• for disorder resulting from trauma in a negligence claim and applies a statute of limitations retroactively

Transcript Highlights:

• So I have, like, December of this year is when applications are in and the Lottery begins to issue licenses
• So I have like December of this year is when applications are in and lottery begin to issue licenses.
• It creates unequal regulation within the same industry, it retroactively...
• Second, I'd like to discuss retroactive leniency for unlawful operators.
• And I do say I would imagine that retroactively, I think the chamber does wish that we could have engaged

Committees: House Emerging Issues , House Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on several House bills related to transgender health care and sports participation, with Representative Thomas speaking in strong opposition. Thomas argued the bills were not supported by medical science, would criminalize doctors and parents following mainstream medical guidance, and were being driven by campaign politics rather than Missouri testimony or need. The committee adopted House Committee Substitutes and voted do pass on House Bills 2033, 1608, 1672, and 1854 by a vote of 9-4, and then voted do pass on House Bills 1663, 1607, and 1973 by the same 9-4 margin. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bills 2404 and 2172, which would bar political subdivisions from using deed restrictions to prevent former public school buildings from being sold or leased to charter schools and would give public entities a right of first refusal on unused school property. The sponsors and charter school supporters said the bills would help repurpose vacant buildings for educational use, while St. Louis Public Schools and AFT opposed them, arguing local school boards should control their property and that existing restrictions were lawful and sometimes necessary. Kansas City Public Schools testified that the issue was less pressing there and that it already had a robust repurposing process, though charter advocates described difficulty obtaining former school facilities. No vote was taken in the hearing. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2989, a major proposal to legalize and regulate video lottery terminals. Representative Hardwick said the bill would eliminate gray machines, create a licensed and taxed system for bars, VFWs, and similar establishments, and direct revenue to education, veterans, and enforcement. Supporters said the bill would clarify the law and provide a regulated alternative to existing unlicensed gaming, while opponents argued it was unconstitutional, would expand gambling, and should instead focus on enforcement against illegal machines. Members questioned details such as age verification, surveillance retention, municipal opt-in/opt-out timing, the definition of amusement devices, the felony penalty, and the need for a new gaming bureau; Hardwick said he was open to changes in a committee substitute. The hearing ended without a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• They modify felony murder and accomplice liability provisions and provide retroactive relief for certain
• </c> provisions and provide retroactive provisions and provide retroactive relief<00:16:16.320><c> for
• is Senator Howe's bill relating to local government background checks for adult business license applicants
• 18:48.400><c> 14</c><00:18:48.880><c> is</c><00:18:49.120><c> from</c><00:18:49.440><c> from</c> applicants
• Section 14 is from from applicants.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you explain to me, is it retroactive for all reporting, and how far back does it go?
• I want to stress, too, that outreach to unrepresented communities expands applicant pools.
• I want to stress, too, that outreach to unrepresented communities expands applicant pools.
• I want to stress, too, that outreach to unrepresented communities expands applicant pools.
• Why are we retroactively applying this? And when we talk about resolutions, right? So...

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum established. Members approved the journal and adopted the special order report setting the day’s calendar. The chamber also recognized Sheriff Mike Chitwood as law enforcement officer of the day and later held several introductions and farewell remarks, including lengthy closing speeches from Representatives Eskamani and Overdorf reflecting on their service and legislative priorities. The House then took up and passed a series of Senate bills, often after adopting House strike-all or conforming amendments. CS/SB 590 on mandatory child abuse reporting was clarified to apply prospectively only and passed 111-0. SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism was amended to incorporate House language, including blue-envelope provisions, and passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1668 on the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) was amended to preserve House provisions and passed 112-0. CS/SB 1246 on the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund was amended to expand eligible health science programs and allow certain non-health-care contributions, then passed 112-0. CS/CS/SB 1404 on memory care passed 111-0. Later bills also advanced with broad support: CS/CS/SB 1030 on recovery residences passed 168-0 after debate over medication-assisted treatment; CS/CS/SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools passed 112-0 after amendments allowing limited coach support for student-athletes with parental consent; CS/CS/SB 422 on automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts passed 108-2; and CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services passed 111-0 after an amendment on exclusive arrangements. The chamber then began debate on CS/CS/SB 1134, which would restrict counties and municipalities from official DEI-related actions and contracting practices. Members questioned its scope and exceptions, and Representative Gant offered an amendment to narrow the bill’s DEI definition; debate on that amendment was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2025, the Department of Revenue approved applications that requested over $104 million in tax credits
• Because the cap is only $9 million, each applicant only receives 8.6% of the credit amount determined
• in their application.
• It will reduce administrative burden on both the department and applicants, increase flexibility, target
• We don't have a retroactive provision in our bill, so I don't have any reason to believe that the now

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism considered a series of bills affecting tax policy, workforce development, business regulation, consumer protection, rural development, and artificial intelligence. SB 1076 would raise Florida’s research and development tax credit cap from $9 million to $50 million beginning with the 2027 allocation, and it was reported favorably. CS/SB 1266 would create a cybersecurity experiential internship and clearance-readiness program with the Department of Commerce and Cyber Florida; an amendment removed an appropriation from the bill, and the committee reported it favorably. SB 554, a broad update to Florida’s not-for-profit corporation law, was also reported favorably after supportive testimony from Florida Bar representatives. SB 1004, aimed at protecting buyers of dogs and cats from deceptive sales and predatory financing practices, received strong support from animal welfare advocates and was reported favorably. SB 1074, which provides rounding rules for cash transactions if pennies are unavailable, was likewise reported favorably. SB 214, expanding the rural community definition to include special districts in rural counties for economic development purposes, was reported favorably. SPB 7030, a public records exemption tied to Department of Legal Affairs investigations, was adopted as a committee bill and favorably reported. The committee also heard extensive discussion on SB 998, the Department of Commerce package. The bill would modernize the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program, clarify rural community eligibility for certain unincorporated areas, exempt military entities from a reverter clause on land conveyances, and revise E-Verify enforcement procedures. Members questioned the E-Verify provisions, including penalties, protections for workers incorrectly flagged, and the treatment of gig workers. Senator Smith opposed the bill, arguing it creates unequal treatment between employers and immigrant workers, while Senator Wright supported the military-related provisions. Despite the debate, SB 998 was reported favorably, with Senators Bracy Davis, Smith, and Errington voting no. The committee also took up SB 482, an “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights” that would create consumer protections for companion chatbots, require parental consent and access for minors, mandate periodic disclosures that users are interacting with AI, restrict certain uses of personal data and likenesses, and give the Attorney General enforcement authority. The bill drew both support and criticism: supporters emphasized child safety, transparency, and consumer protection, while opponents raised concerns about privacy, broad definitions, lack of audit mechanisms, and the absence of a private right of action for adults. Senators Smith and Davis urged clearer definitions and stronger accountability, but both said the bill was a starting point. The committee reported SB 482 favorably. The meeting ended with recorded affirmative votes requested by Senators Yarbrough, Wright, and Davis on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• A retroactive application of the legislation to those of us already retired was shocking and has taken
• independent contractor application.
• If they do, then they have multiple applications.
• We review that application a second time.
• on each individual application.

Committee: House Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• For an application relatively soon. Thank you for that, Chair.
• Um, this is a retroactive bill. **Mr.
• Once it gets approved, if this goes through, it won't be retroactive.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides for retroactive application of the uniform 10-point grading scale requirement to the grades
• And so I'd like you to make this bell retroactive back so that I can get an A. I made a 91B.
• And so if you do retroactivity, it impacts the cost of the change.
• But really, because of that, that's why it's difficult to go back retroactive with stuff.
• But it's retroactive. So it doesn't affect anyone who's graduated already? No, ma'am.

Bills: HB113 , HB342 , HB632 , HB690 , HB1003 , HB1078 , HB1132 , HB1146

Committee: House Education

Keywords: grading scale, education reform, students, public schools, academic policy, data sharing, student information, privacy, education, LA FIRST, foreign adversaries, terrorism, contracting, school funding, overcapacity, school board, charter schools, education policy, local superintendent, tuition

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill applied retroactively, allowing some youth to return to the juvenile system.
• We have put in a request for a retroactive authority to spend during our full grant award period. of
• Because then the lawsuit was filed, and my understanding is that's applicable, so we...
• These programs get 8 percent of the applicants to the state for the naloxone distribution fund.
• More than half, more than every other applicant combined.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, in addition, it clarifies that the bill is not retroactive.
• And after reviewing language and case law and some of the legitimate concerns about retroactivity and
• If I were to apply for a job where the application asked for my sex, as defined in this bill, I should
• Also, paragraphs 87 to 90, a job applicant or other related employment form that requires an applicant
• to mark his or her sex may inquire if the applicant is male or female.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard and voted on a series of bills covering child abuse reporting, firearms products liability, crime victim records, guardianship eligibility, historic monuments, animal welfare, juvenile justice, and restrictions on sex reassignment care for minors. HB 373, on the statute of limitations for violations involving required child abuse reports, passed unanimously. HB 1551, as amended, clarified that a firearm is not defective merely because it lacks optional safety features and preserved design-defect claims and nonretroactivity; after substantial testimony and debate, it passed 13-5. CS/HB 1113, expanding public-records protections for crime victims and briefly exempting law enforcement victims, passed unanimously. CS/HB 737, allowing courts more discretion in appointing guardians with prior felony convictions and adding a narrow exception for certain older convictions, also passed unanimously as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• My second bill is AB 1294, which would establish a universal application for home building.
• It also ensures that local governments cannot impose unnecessary hurdles like costly pre-application
• In particular, the criteria for a housing development application to be deemed complete.
• AB 1294 would limit application requirements to a defined... ...list.
• We do think that there's a benefit to everybody, all the stakeholders that will use this application,

Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard a long agenda of housing, water, and local finance bills, with the chair repeatedly reminding attendees about hearing rules and noting that several measures were being heard without a quorum at first. Early items included AB 407, which would broaden eligibility for state-run loan and financing programs to help small businesses fund environmental, seismic, and ADA upgrades, and AB 93, which would require data centers to estimate and report water use and follow state best practices. AB 93 drew support from water advocates and local government groups, while the Data Center Coalition opposed it, arguing the bill could be overly restrictive, difficult to retrofit, and raise trade secret or security concerns. The committee also heard AB 650 on housing element review, AB 1044 on creating a new Tulare County groundwater sustainability agency, and AB 523 on allowing proxy voting for single-representative member agencies on the Metropolitan Water District board; all drew broad support from local agencies and related stakeholders and no recorded opposition in the room. Several housing bills were presented as part of a broader fast-track housing package. AB 507 would streamline adaptive reuse of office buildings into housing, especially in downtowns with high vacancy; supporters said it would revive urban cores and help meet housing and climate goals, while the League of California Cities and a few cities opposed it unless amended, citing concerns about one-size-fits-all by-right approval and fee limitations. AB 1294 would create a universal housing application and limit early application requirements; it drew strong support from housing and business groups, with the American Planning Association and League of California Cities seeking more flexibility and input. AB 610 would require local governments to disclose housing constraints in their housing elements and limit new constraints after certification for three years unless disclosed; supporters said it would improve transparency and certainty, while opponents warned it could chill legitimate local policy choices and inclusionary housing requirements. Both AB 610 and AB 698, which would require analysis of the housing and property tax impacts of proposed transfer taxes, were moved out of committee on 7-0 votes after discussion and amendments. The committee also heard AB 1112, which would repeal an outdated Riverside County property tax provision affecting Rancho Mirage; the city argued it was the only qualifying no-low property tax city not receiving the standard minimum and sought equal treatment. After quorum was established, the bill was passed 6-0 with amendments and sent to Appropriations. AB 1021, heard later, would make it easier for school districts and other local education agencies to build employee housing, with the author citing teacher recruitment and retention problems and support from education stakeholders. Throughout the hearing, members and witnesses repeatedly emphasized the need to balance housing production, local fiscal tools, and infrastructure needs, and several authors accepted committee amendments and committed to continued negotiations with opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• January 1, 2023, those who were currently incarcerated and sentenced to death became eligible for retroactive
• Numerous studies throughout the years have demonstrated that the application of the death penalty is
• So retroactive RJA relief in these cases is particularly impactful and can be an important step toward
• reducing the impact of racial bias in the application of the death penalty in California.
• Lastly, we must do all of this retroactive work in the midst of the permanent increased workload of assessing

Summary: The committee heard budget and workload presentations from the Office of the State Public Defender, legal aid organizations, and the Judicial Branch. OSPD requested permanent funding for positions that had been temporarily funded to implement the Racial Justice Act, explaining that the work has become ongoing and now includes additional Supreme Court briefing, habeas proceedings, investigations, expert analysis, and data requests. The State Public Defender also presented the AB 625 public defense workload report, which found statewide staffing shortages, caseloads above recommended standards, and major gaps in investigators and support staff. Senators asked about racial bias claims, the volume of data requests, and the impact of Prop. 36, and OSPD said it would provide additional written information. The legal aid panel asked for a $50 million increase to the Equal Access Fund, $20 million to restart homelessness prevention services, and $10 million for health care access work, while also supporting Access to Justice Commission requests for loan repayment assistance, immigrant family preparedness services, and innovation grants. Witnesses described legal aid as homelessness prevention and cited examples involving eviction defense, domestic violence survivors, and immigration detention cases. Los Angeles Superior Court Presiding Judge Sergio Tapia discussed eviction data, low tenant representation, and court pilots in Compton and at Stanley Mosk that combine mediation, rental assistance, and legal help. Senators asked for service maps, outreach materials, and more detail on funding needs and federal funding losses. For the Judicial Branch overview, the Judicial Council and trial court representatives supported the Governor’s proposed budget, including $70 million for trial court operations, $21.7 million for employee health and retirement costs, and funding for appellate counsel, case processing, and courthouse construction. They said rising costs, staffing retention, and interpreter shortages continue to strain the courts, and described efforts to reallocate interpreter funds and recruit hard-to-find languages such as Mixteco. Senators pressed the branch and the Department of Finance on courthouse facilities, noting that the long-term need is far larger than the current budget proposal; Finance said the branch’s facility needs were estimated at about $22.5 billion over 10 years to start 68 projects and $29.4 billion to complete the remaining projects. The committee requested follow-up information on facilities, judgeships, and interpreter needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• January 1, 2023, those who were currently incarcerated and sentenced to death became eligible for retroactive
• Numerous studies throughout the years have demonstrated that the application of the death penalty is
• So retroactive RJA relief in these cases is particularly impactful and can be an important step toward
• reducing the impact of racial bias in the application of the death penalty in California.
• Lastly, we must do all of this retroactive work in the midst of the permanent increased workload of assessing

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation heard presentations on the Office of the State Public Defender, civil legal aid funding, and Judicial Branch operations. The State Public Defender requested permanent funding for positions that had been temporarily funded to implement the Racial Justice Act, explaining that the workload has grown substantially through retroactive capital-case briefing, habeas proceedings, data requests, and related statistical analysis. She also presented findings from a public defense workload and staffing report showing that California’s county-based public defense system is under-resourced, with too few attorneys, investigators, and support staff, especially in rural counties, and that statewide standards and funding are lacking. Committee members asked about the scope of racial bias claims, the impact of collaborative courts and Prop. 36, and the need for statewide cost estimates and phased funding options. The committee then heard from legal aid advocates and a Los Angeles Superior Court judge in support of increased civil legal aid funding. Witnesses described the Equal Access Fund, homelessness prevention services, health care access, and immigration detention defense as cost-effective ways to prevent evictions, stabilize families, and reduce downstream public costs. They requested a $50 million increase to the Equal Access Fund, $20 million to restart homelessness prevention services, and $10 million for health care access work, along with additional targeted investments from the California Access to Justice Commission. Testimony emphasized the severe shortage of legal aid attorneys, the high demand for immigration representation, and the role of legal aid in domestic violence, housing, and family law matters. Senators asked for more information on service locations, outreach, funding losses, and how the requested amounts were calculated. In the Judicial Branch overview, Judicial Council and trial court representatives supported the Governor’s proposed budget, including a $70 million increase for trial court operations, $21.7 million for employee health and retirement costs, and funding for appellate counsel and case processing. They said the money is needed to offset inflation, supply chain costs, and staffing pressures, and to preserve access to justice. Senators pressed the branch and Department of Finance on interpreter shortages, midyear funding flexibility, courthouse facilities needs, and judgeship needs in inland counties. Finance officials said they were aware of the broader facilities backlog, and the committee requested follow-up information on the full capital and maintenance needs, interpreter funding, and updated judgeship and workload data. No formal votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• a House bill back in 2020, House Bill 562, that amended the statute and removed the April 15th application
• deadline, stating that the exemption is effective upon the date of the application.
• date, and instead it should apply retroactively to January 1st of the tax year in which that application
• On page three, if you go to page three, it says an application received after the second Monday in July
• but a use tax is applicable.

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• This change is retroactive to 2022.
• I'm curious about the retroactivity portion of this.
• Normally, we advise against any kind of retroactive impact in legislation.
• Therefore, we are making a change retroactively, and then courts have upheld that retroactive change
• like we know who we're going to be applying retroactivity to.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held its last scheduled public hearing of the year on March 9, 2026, taking testimony on House Bill 2487, Substitute House Bill 2689, and Engrossed House Bill 2681. For HB 2487, staff and the Department of Revenue explained that the bill would narrow a B&O tax exemption for insurance-related businesses after a 2024 Supreme Court decision, make several related changes including annuity and assigned risk plan exemptions, adjust the advanced computing surcharge threshold for certain affiliated groups, and allow a penalties-and-interest waiver with a repayment plan. DOR supported the bill as clarifying the original intent and preventing double taxation, while insurers and health plan groups opposed it, arguing it would create higher costs, retroactive tax liability, and uncertainty; consumer and policy groups testified in support, saying it closes a loophole and restores the intended tax structure. Committee members questioned the retroactivity, the number of affected businesses, and the fiscal estimates, and the chair reminded members that amendment requests were due by noon for the next day’s executive session. For Substitute HB 2689, staff described changes to the Working Connections Child Care program that would keep income eligibility at 60% of state median income, reduce future rate-setting from the 85th to the 75th percentile, block enhanced rates for certain cross-region providers, cancel the planned move to enrollment-based prospective payments, revise attendance-based reimbursement to a full month for absences of 10 days or fewer and half-month for longer absences, and require a 65% market survey response rate for validity. The fiscal note projected substantial savings, offset by implementation and staffing costs. SEIU 925 and Head Start representatives supported the simpler House approach to attendance billing but raised concerns about the new survey threshold and the risk of increased audits and provider burden; they also noted an amendment under discussion to address the 2026 survey issue. Committee questions focused on how a full month is defined under the attendance rules. For HB 2681, staff said the bill would raise annual issuance and renewal fees for cannabis producer, processor, and retail licenses by $400, generating about $866,000 per year for the dedicated cannabis account with minimal administrative cost. No one signed up to testify, and the chair closed the hearing without a vote on any of the bills. The chair also thanked committee staff for their work and reiterated that amendments for the heard bills were due by noon that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:57.680><c> payments</c> the 1st, 2026 with retroactive payments the 1st, 2026 with retroactive
• :25:13.600><c> filed</c><00:25:13.919><c> by</c> 75 CO applications were filed by 75 CO applications
• And our concern is, why would an applicant ever request a hearing to oppose its own application?
• For an application.
• Griff mentioned that all applications or all hearings requested for applications are to oppose, and I

Committee: House Health Services