Transcript Highlights:

• raising it in a discussion.
• I think we are feeling it at home. We're seeing it in our communities.
• We're seeing it in our local governments. We even see it here at the state level.
• Oh, got it. Okay. Item number four, Senate... Oh, got it. Okay.
• It only says that it just goes into the existing fund. Okay. All right.

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 1277, which would create a California Cost of Living Tax Credit modeled on the 2022 middle-class tax refund to provide refundable relief to low- and middle-income Californians facing high housing, fuel, energy, and general living costs. Senator Grove and supporters, including the California Policy Center and some local government representatives, argued the bill would put direct relief into the hands of working families. Opposition came from the California Tax Reform Association and the California Teachers Association, which said California already has progressive tax credits and that the proposal would be costly to the General Fund and reduce money for schools and other services. After extended debate, the bill was not advanced; a roll call vote on a motion to pass it to Appropriations failed 1-4, and the bill was held/fails on the floor with a request for reconsideration noted. The committee then heard SB 1287, which would create a capped tax credit to encourage private investment in short-line railroad infrastructure. The author and rail industry witnesses said the measure would improve safety, reliability, emissions, and freight movement, especially for rural communities and agriculture, and that it was a public-private partnership rather than a handout. Opposition from CTA and the California Tax Reform Association argued a direct grant program would be preferable to a tax credit. The bill was accepted with committee amendments and placed on call without a final vote in the transcript. Members also considered SB 1407, which would fully exempt military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefits from state income tax, increasing the prior partial exemption. The author, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and veterans’ groups said the change would help retain veterans in California, support local economies, and align California with most other states. CTA and CTRA opposed on General Fund grounds. The committee approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended motion to the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, with the roll call showing support and the bill placed on call. Later, the committee heard SB 1349, directing the Legislative Analyst’s Office to review major tax expenditures and evaluate their goals, beneficiaries, and effects on revenues and Proposition 98 funding. CTA, CTRA, and several local government and labor supporters backed the bill as a way to improve accountability for roughly $94 billion in annual tax expenditures. The bill was accepted with committee amendments and placed on call. The committee also heard SB 1078, authorizing Santa Cruz County to ask voters for a temporary half-cent sales tax to help fund health care and safety-net services amid federal cuts; it was placed on call. SB 1120, extending the California Competes Tax Credit through 2035 and making it refundable for certain strategic industries, received strong support from business and manufacturing groups and was passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1275, which would replace the state sales tax on vehicle purchases with a vehicle license fee structure intended to increase federal deductibility for Californians, was passed 4-0 as amended to the Committee on Transportation.

Transcript Highlights:

• It it uh it takes a cast of committee.
• Yes, it does. Chair Davis. Yes, it does.
• </c> Williams, take it away. Williams, take it away.
• Appreciate it. Um, so that thank you. Appreciate it.
• And it was a Beatles song. >> We can work it out. There we go. All right. We can work it out.

Bills: HF9

Keywords: energy policy, renewable energy standard, carbon-free standard, solar standard, hydroelectric, hydropower, electric utility, Public Utilities Commission, PUC, renewable portfolio standard, carbon capture and sequestration, CCS, greenhouse gas emissions, climate policy, nuclear power plant, certificate of need, fossil fuel plant demolition, utility compliance delay, beneficial electrification, sales tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> The eyes appear to have it. The eyes appear to have it.
• it lacks enough preschool capacity for even its own resident students.
• lacks</c> states on its website that it lacks states on its website that it lacks enough<00:28:08.760
• </c> The eyes uh appear to have it. The eyes uh appear to have it.
• </c> The eyes appear to have it. The eyes appear to have it.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It varies by the skill level, it varies.
• I've looked at it. I like it. I don't really have a question.
• </c> I've enjoyed it. Thank you. I've enjoyed it. Thank you.
• </c> appreciate it. Thank you. appreciate it. Thank you.
• Whereas it is whereas it is families.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. Any discussion?
• It is comprised of Koki Oda. Koki, please stand.
• Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate the<00:23:38.400><c>
• Madam Speaker, it occurs to me that voting is both a right and a responsibility.
• It has been and humility they deserve.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 46 members present and five excused, deferred reading of the journal, and noted there were no messages from the governor or Senate communications. Members then offered several introductions recognizing guests in the gallery, including LifeSmarts awardees, DCCA and LifeSmarts program officials, former Representative Pono Chong and his children, an intern from District 39, a landback advocate, and staff from the Education Committee office. The chamber also marked the close of Education Week 2025 with applause and recognition of the visiting students and supporters. The main floor presentation was House Resolution 211, which congratulated the first- and second-place teams at the 2025 Havi LifeSmarts State Competition and the 2025 U.S. Senate Youth Program delegate. Representative Tam presented the resolution, praising the Eolani Raiders for winning first place and wishing them well at the upcoming Chicago competition. Representative Hashimoto recognized Kalanianaole High School’s second-place team, and Representative Woodson honored Wilson Chow of Maui High School for his leadership and service. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and the House recessed briefly to allow members to congratulate the honorees. After recess, the House took up a large block of standing committee reports, moving reports 1406 through 1504 with a series of member notations including no votes, reservations, and a few brief explanations. Several members raised concerns about specific measures involving emergency readiness centers, immigration-related legal access, blank votes on ballot questions, electricity costs and Hawaiian Electric, and gambling. Some members spoke in support of measures while noting reservations about cost, process, or policy effects. The full package of reports was ultimately adopted by voice vote. During announcements, Representative Garcia read a statement from Representative Jean Ward announcing her resignation effective at the end of the month due to ongoing health issues, including anemia, sciatica, and pneumonia, after nearly 27 years of service. The House then adjourned by voice vote until 12:00 noon on Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• It’s not that one person called me today and said, “Put it in writing and send it to me.”
• Someone asked me today, while I was in the hospital, to write it down and send it in.
• If you want to do that, write it down and send it to the chair. That’s my point.
• The basic rule is not just to write it down; it has to be able to be carried out in the right place.
• form it is required.

Keywords: Judiciary, Division A - Room 216, 2 February, 2026; 3:30 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it.
• We just think we can actually make it better. So I think it was wise to wait and do it next year.
• it in?
• That's an easy way to say it. There's easy ways to do it.
• That's an easy way to say it. There's easy ways to do it.

Bills: SB480, HB621, HB637, HB804, HB841, HB1056

Keywords: fishing gear, Oyster Bayou, shrimping, regulation, marine resources, HB621, Act 658, renewable energy, recycling, decommissioning, wind energy, solar power, solar facilities, wind turbines, energy infrastructure, end-of-life disposal, universal waste, recyclable materials, waste reduction, Department of Environmental Quality

Transcript Highlights:

• It modernizes broadband speed standards to align with FCC definitions, current technology, and controller
• It is not a clarification; it is a wholesale change in the law.
• A fee for the right to use it. It is the right to use it. It is like a lease.
• These guys are using it. We allege that they're using it. And why shouldn't they pay for using it?
• It tracks it word for word. It says that they provide their services through wireline facilities.

Bills: HB2838, HB2964, HB3213, SB924

Keywords: broadband, internet access, digital equity, tax reduction, government funding, rural counties, fiber-optic, state funding, infrastructure, digital divide, economic development, fiber-optic cable, excavation, utilities, civil penalties, municipal regulations, video services, regulation, public right-of-way, franchise authority

Transcript Highlights:

• it.
• We just think we can actually make it better. So I think it was wise to wait and do it next year.
• it in?
• That's an easy way to say it. There's easy ways to do it.
• That's an easy way to say it. There's easy ways to do it.

Bills: SB480, HB621, HB637, HB804, HB841, HB1056

Keywords: fishing gear, Oyster Bayou, shrimping, regulation, marine resources, HB621, Act 658, renewable energy, recycling, decommissioning, wind energy, solar power, solar facilities, wind turbines, energy infrastructure, end-of-life disposal, universal waste, recyclable materials, waste reduction, Department of Environmental Quality

Summary: The Senate Committee on Natural Resources met on May 14 and approved the April 29 minutes. The committee first heard HB 1056, which authorizes transfer of certain state property in Natchitoches Parish tied to a former school building now considered dilapidated and a nuisance; it was reported favorably. HB 841, described as a landman code of conduct bill and expropriation-related measure, was voluntarily deferred so the sponsor could work on additional changes over the interim. The committee then took up HB 804, the Louisiana Energy Protection Act, which would bar future lawsuits seeking climate-change damages against fossil fuel companies and other entities. Supporters said it would prevent speculative climate litigation while preserving legitimate claims for permit violations and other existing statutory causes of action. Opponents from coastal litigation and the Sierra Club argued the bill was drafted too broadly and could affect legacy cases, property rights, and regulatory enforcement; the committee adopted Amendment 3875 to grandfather existing filed cases and make the bill effective upon gubernatorial signature, then reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 621, requiring recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure and updating the state’s waste framework for modern energy components, was reported favorably. HB 637, which revises oil field site restoration fees and lowers rates for marginal, stripper, low-pressure, and incapable wells, was also reported favorably. Finally, SB 480, as amended, allowed boats to anchor in Oyster Bayou so long as they are not within an oyster lease and someone remains on board; the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• it.
• So it is a little...
• It doesn't matter. So that's why it is important to keep the law as it is, I believe.
• And right now it does say, they edit it annually.
• So if you're going to cite to it, then cite to it and let us see it. Both all of us, go ahead.

Bills: HB1193, HB2495, HB2733, HB3104, HB3395, HB4325, SB3009

Keywords: HB 1193, informal marriage, common-law marriage, declaration of informal marriage, confidentiality, privacy, county clerk, vital statistics unit, Family Code, Health and Safety Code, marriage records, public records, personally identifying information, PII, legal representative, Texas marriage law, child enrollment, parent rights, managing conservator, education

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, what this bill does is it basically, even though they want to use a different term, it kicks it
• I didn't have it. Is it? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• It is an issue.
• It sounds like the fiscal impact was put to it pretty late, so it probably wasn't recognized with fiscal
• It is successful, it is creative, and it works.

Bills: HB2650, HB3277, HB3386, HB3419, HB3430, HB3742, HB3791, HB3835, HB3905, HB3968, HB4119, HB4153, HB4408

Keywords: probate, estate administration, summary administration, decedent, inheritance, vehicle inspection, title registration, salvage vehicles, ownership, Oklahoma Statutes, evictions, forcible entry, mediation, residency proof, children, housing law, corruption, nonpublic information, government accountability, criminal law

Summary: The committee considered a series of House bills dealing with criminal justice, courts, public safety, housing, and related administrative issues. Early measures included HB 3419, which would extend penalties for sharing bid information before public release and bar violators from contracting with the state or its subdivisions, and HB 4153, which reinstates a repealed driver-qualification statute and updates it to include service in Oklahoma. Members also advanced HB 3430 on court costs, fines, and fee collection, though it drew concerns about terminology, collection practices, and whether it conflicted with earlier reform efforts; the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association testified that the bill would not authorize incarceration absent willful nonpayment and that collection fees have long been set at 20%. The committee also approved HB 3791, a health-care-for-minors bill worked out with the DO and MD boards, and HB 4119, a cleanup measure on VIN inspections for salvage vehicles. HB 4408, a LOFT request bill tied to calculating savings from State Questions 780 and 781 and directing funds to the Community Safety Investment Fund, was presented as a zero-fiscal-impact technical fix after court and DOC data issues were resolved. HB 3905 would allow judges to order GPS monitoring for certain stalking and domestic-violence-related defendants, with the victim able to receive proximity alerts; members questioned the scope of victim notification and the fact that the bill applies in civil VPO proceedings as well as criminal cases, but it was advanced. Later, HB 3968 was presented as codifying a Supreme Court decision, though members raised a late-added fiscal note and possible ODOT/OTA issues; the bill was still passed out of committee, with discussion of striking title on the floor if needed. HB 3835 would create a path for trafficking survivors to seek relief from convictions tied to their victimization, and HB 3386 would require mediation in eviction cases involving minor children; that bill prompted extensive debate over whether it created an affirmative defense, potential Fair Housing Act concerns, and whether it shifted costs to landlords, with the author agreeing to strike title and revise the language. The committee also advanced HB 2650 on summary administrations in probate and HB 3742, a negotiated criminal discovery bill, after adopting a small amendment limiting certain recordings to those directly related to the case and changing “approximate” to “appropriate.”

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, go get it. I can email it to you. You sent it to me, didn't you?
• Is it something that's already out, and I've missed it?
• So we do need to have it accessible, whether it be an 800 number to a... ...whether it be an 800 number
• It would make it feel like we're doing something.
• Tell them I didn't start it; I saw it and I sent it to Anon. What about seniors?

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also was impacting counties, and now it no longer does.
• Is it forcing the other cities that are not currently allowing it?
• Is it forcing them to make sure that they have to allow it? Ms. Packer. Thank you, Mr.
• You know, it is interesting.
• So if you send somebody an email, it happens to be they just don't see it, it gets deleted, whatever,

Summary: The Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee heard Senate Bill 1353, which would allow twin homes and duplexes in areas where detached single-family homes are permitted, while prohibiting local rules that would effectively block them through minimum lot sizes, parking requirements above one space per unit, or higher impact/utility fees than single-family homes. The bill was revised to remove impacts on HOAs and counties, and the sponsor said it is intended to expand housing options and homeownership. The Association of Idaho Cities said it was still finalizing a formal position but was likely to be neutral or supportive after working with the sponsor on amendments; a representative from Pacific Legal Foundation supported the bill as a way to reduce exclusionary zoning. Some senators raised concerns about local control, rental use, and whether demand exists, while others supported the idea as a way to add more affordable and multigenerational housing. The committee voted to send SB 1353 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1345, a State Tax Commission proposal to allow taxpayers to opt in to secure electronic communication instead of receiving certain notices by certified mail or first-class mail. The Tax Commission said the bill would improve efficiency, reduce postage and printing costs, and preserve taxpayer choice by making electronic notice optional and revocable through the Taxpayer Access Point system. Members asked about protections for older taxpayers, what happens if an email is missed or deleted, and how notice would be tracked; the sponsor said the system would remain opt-in and the agency could monitor delivery and follow up if needed. The committee voted to send SB 1345 to the floor with a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It takes a lot of money for the private sector to do it. It takes a lot of resources.
• I think it died, and it kind of upset me because it said the shared parenting, the shared overnights
• But it scared me.
• I mean, I have it with me in case you wanted it.
• It is.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met to conduct the statutorily required four-year review of Oklahoma’s child support guidelines, which DHS said had not been reviewed on schedule in recent years. Deputy Director Don Zellner of DHS Child Support Services presented data on the number of children served, child poverty, rising costs of raising a child, wage trends, and the volume of child support orders handled by DHS. He also explained how the current guidelines work, including income withholding, shared overnight deductions, daycare, medical, transportation, and self-employment adjustments, and noted that the guidelines are based on gross combined income and currently cap at $15,000 combined income. Committee members, especially Senator Boren, questioned whether the current model fairly reflects modern family economics, including the cost of housing, the impact of shared overnights, and whether visitation issues should be addressed alongside child support. DHS said the guidelines are over 25 years old, that other states generally use similar gross-income models with shared-overnight deductions, and that Oklahoma’s administrative courts have been more receptive than district courts to DHS’s lower-income deviation approach. Zellner said DHS has also updated its practices to better account for low-income obligors, including allowing zero orders in some cases and reducing imputed minimum-wage assumptions, which DHS said has improved collections. Members also asked about transparency and public access to the calculations. DHS said the formula and income chart are in statute, the calculator is available on the DHS website, and the Excel-based tool applies the statutory chart and deductions. A public commenter asked where parents could see how amounts are calculated, and DHS explained that the statutory chart and calculator are the main sources. The committee discussed possible future reforms, including higher income caps, possible changes to shared overnight rules, and whether extracurricular or special child-related expenses could be considered through judicial deviation. No vote was taken; the meeting ended with the chair noting it was the last Judiciary meeting of the 60th Legislature and adjourning the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• I can't shoot it all. there.
• Let's just let it die.
• It preserves property rights. It restores decision-making ability.
• It addresses Texas's housing needs. for working Texans and modernizes outdating zoning processes that
• When it goes wrong, it goes really wrong.

Bills: SB434, SB844, SB898, SB1177, SB1214, SB1454, SB1920, SB1927, SB1935, SB1965, SB2010, SB2046, SB2068, SB2073, SB2183, SB2260, SB3034, SB907

Keywords: SB 434, Harris County Hospital District, hospital district police, peace officers, commissioned officers, law enforcement authority, Health and Safety Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, public safety, hospital security, county hospital district, local government, Texas criminal procedure, district police, armed security, SB 898, low income housing tax credits, LIHTC, affordable housing, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• It updates it with modern language, as well as bringing it concurrent with the FRS ability for police
• And then it comes to the delegation, where it was unanimously approved before it comes to us today.
• didn't make it anywhere.
• We are now codifying it.
• and then to work it out, but it's great that they have an avenue to fight it out.

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee heard and voted on several local and statewide bills. HB 69, by Rep. Andrade, preempted local zoning and land-use authority to the state for presidential libraries; after an amendment clarifying the scope of preemption, it passed 13-2. HB 63, by Reps. Gerwig and Cassel, created a public-records exemption for city and county administrators and their deputies, citing threats and harassment against local administrators; it included a 10-year sunset and passed 15-0. HB 4045, by Rep. Alvarez, updated the City of Tampa firefighters’ and police officers’ pension plan, including extending the DROP period by three years; it passed 14-0 with a committee substitute. HB 4023, by Rep. Hunschofsky, tightened conflict-of-interest rules for officers and employees of the North Springs Improvement District after prior audit concerns; it passed 16-0. HB 4017, by Rep. Oliver, codified the Bermont Drainage District’s charter and corrected a statutory cross-reference via amendment; it passed 16-0 with committee substitute. HB 4009, by Rep. Kendall, renamed the St. Johns County regional airport to the St. Augustine Airport and passed 16-0. The committee also considered PCB IAS 25-01, by Vice Chair Griffiths, which would standardize county constitutional officers’ budget procedures and create an appeal process for clerks of court and supervisors of elections similar to that used by sheriffs; after testimony from the clerks and supervisors’ associations, it passed 16-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• Could not make it.
• It was somehow a half chuckle, half giggle, and a half cackle. It had a calming presence to it.
• It was somehow a half chuckle, half giggle, and a half cackle. It had a calming presence to it.
• it.
• Hit the next one, loaded it up, put it on the stock trailer.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I can't shoot it off there.
• Let's just let it die.
• It addresses Texas's housing needs for working Texans and modernizes outdated zoning processes that hinder
• Chair, about how this, this law goes wrong, because when it, when it goes wrong, it goes really wrong
• She loved it as a teacher.

Bills: SB 434, SB 844, SB 898, SB 1177, SB 1214, SB 1454, SB 1920, SB 1927, SB 1935, SB 1965, SB 2010, SB 2046, SB 2068, SB 2073, SB 2183, SB 2260, SB 3034, SB 907

Keywords: SB 434, Harris County Hospital District, hospital district police, peace officers, commissioned officers, law enforcement authority, Health and Safety Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, public safety, hospital security, county hospital district, local government, Texas criminal procedure, district police, armed security, SB 898, low income housing tax credits, LIHTC, affordable housing, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• And so what it does is it moves that to September 2027 and it allows for operators and the Railroad Commission
• It is adopted.
• Members of the Railroad Commission of Texas requested this bill to modernize its permitting fee structure
• The agency has funding in its budget that would let it handle what its responsibilities are and apart
• It wouldn't be a requirement for things to continue to go as they are right now, but if it was, if it

Bills: HB16

Keywords: judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments

Transcript Highlights:

• Certain it would unfold one way. You saw it succeed, but not the way you imagined.
• to those who study it.
• It was focused on homeschoolers originally, and it expands it to include, using the terminology, non-public
• Ayes have it. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed say no? Ayes have it.
• This is how we do it? This is how we do it. This is how we do it. This is how we did it.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the corrected journal. The chamber then moved through routine business, including petitions, resolutions, memorials, committee reports, gubernatorial appointments, and messages from the House. Several measures were referred to committees or placed on the appropriate reading orders, including Senate Concurrent Resolution 121 and Senate Joint Memorials 112, 113, and 114, as well as a number of House bills transmitted from the House. The Senate also received and referred gubernatorial appointments for Irving Littman, Judge Rudolph Rick Carnaroli, and Terry Kirkham. The Committee of the Whole considered Senate Bills 1241, 1270, 1271, and 1285, along with House Bill 494. SB 1241 was amended to clarify language about carriage driving, zoning, Idaho care law, and public health/safety ordinances. SB 1270 was amended to replace references to “alternative” with “cell cultivated,” add a definition, and soften a penalty provision. SB 1271 was substantially rewritten to narrow authority, remove summary abatement language, add legislative oversight, and make fiscal protections for cities and counties explicit. SB 1285 was amended across multiple sections to broaden the bill from homeschoolers to non-public schools, adjust licensure-related language, and change the effective date to upon passage and approval. All four bills were reported back as amended without recommendation, while House Bill 494 was reported as progress. The Senate also advanced a slate of bills from second reading to third reading, including SB 1300, 1301, 1331, 1332, 1308, 1309, 1311, 1317, 1272, and 1283, along with several House bills. At the end of the day, members made brief announcements, including a birthday note for Senator Nichols and notice of an Energy Caucus luncheon on an INL reactor project update. The Senate then adjourned until 11 a.m. the following day.