Transcript Highlights:

• And where those counties are is where the supply of affordable housing units that are affordable and
• In those counties where the 80 to 120 exists, or for the supply, that can be market-rate housing.
• The supply is already there.
• And in that third-party study, they have to show that the supply already exists in their community.
• Supply is a huge reason why the cost is so high for out around it.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on April 16, 2025, with one agenda item: PCB WMC-2502, the committee’s tax package. Chair Duggan presented the bill as a broad tax measure covering sales tax, tourist development taxes, ad valorem/VAB procedures, affordable housing property tax changes, tangible personal property, special assessments, fuel taxes, communication services taxes, corporate income tax updates, pari-mutuel/card room taxes, local incentives, and a redistribution of horse industry trust fund money. He also noted emergency rulemaking authority for the Department of Revenue and estimated a recurring state impact of $34.6 million in FY 2025-26. Members questioned several provisions, including the aviation fuel tax repeal, the delay of the natural gas fuel tax, the extension of the local communication services tax freeze, the charitable trust corporate income tax clarification, the reduction in card room taxes, and the affordable housing changes tied to the Live Local Act. Public testimony included support from airlines, UPS, child care management, and others, while the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association opposed the lifeguard/TDT change, the Florida Association of Counties and Florida League of Cities opposed the missing-middle exemption changes, and local government representatives raised concerns about revenue impacts and the loss of local opt-out authority. The committee also adopted Amendment 1 by Representative Rizzo, which limits certain special assessments on RV parks when based on square footage. During debate, members split on some provisions but generally supported the package, with comments focused on aviation competitiveness, preschool assessment relief, lifeguard funding, affordable housing, and the horse industry funding shift. Representative Duggan closed by emphasizing that the bill was only the beginning of the process and would continue through conference and floor consideration. The committee then voted 16-1 to report PCB WMC-2502 favorably, with Representative Alvarez voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• chain—farmers, supply chain companies, and users, and the public sector as well.
• But the supply chain, in my opinion, still needs work.
• The second program, the supply chain grant through the MTA, has been and will be equally important in
• But the supply chain, in my opinion still needs work.
• The second program that supply chain grant through the MTA has been and will be equally important in

Bills: HF3692

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas in our communities, the need for a diverse blood supply is constant, but the supply is not
• </c><00:30:45.560><c> during</c><00:30:45.960><c> a</c> a short be in short supply during a a short be
• in short supply during a blood<00:30:46.400><c> emergency.
• </c> supplies are historically low. supplies are historically low.
• </c> providing safe and reliable blood supply providing safe and reliable blood supply to<00:32:15.560

Transcript Highlights:

• seeing higher estimates than we have in times past, and it's been really hard to get a gauge on supplies
• seeing higher estimates than we have in times past, and it's been really hard to get a gauge on supplies
• seeing higher estimates than we have in times past, and it's been really hard to get a gauge on supplies
• seeing higher estimates than we have in times past, and it's been really hard to get a gauge on supplies
• for cleanup and temporary supplies for cleanup and temporary treatment<00:19:58.280><c> process</c>

Summary: The committee first approved the January minutes and then received several informational reports on school district tax levies, revenue bonds, lease advertisements, and previously rejected lease transactions. Members were told that one rejected lease for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Hardin County would be canceled and rebid, while a Perry County lease modification for the Energy and Environment Cabinet would proceed. The Kentucky Communications Network Authority also submitted its quarterly capital projects report, and Eastern Kentucky University reported revisions to asset preservation projects. Janice Thomas, Deputy State Budget Director, presented four capital project action items. These included a Kentucky State University Betty White Building renovation funded by USDA grant money, a Department of Education state schools dormitory and cottage renovation appropriation increase because bids exceeded estimates, a restricted-funds scope increase for the Elizabethtown CTC science building expansion, and a pool project report for the Department of Corrections’ KCIW kitchen drain line repair and replacement. Representative Petrie asked about how often the statutory authority for midstream project increases is used and whether bids are typically competitive; Thomas said the increases are used often when bids come in above estimates and that bids are generally competitive, though construction costs have been difficult to gauge. The committee unanimously approved the first three action items, and the KCIW project was reported with no action required. H. Sandy Williams of the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority then presented six loans and one emergency grant. The items included loans for Frankfort’s East Frankfort Interceptor wet weather facility project, Sturgis wastewater improvements, Scottsville inflow and infiltration work, Morganfield wastewater treatment plant planning and design, Western Pulaski County Water District transmission improvements, and Springfield water system planning and replacement work, plus an emergency Kentucky Waters grant for Eddyville following a sewer treatment plant failure and local emergency declarations. After no questions, the committee unanimously approved the seven KIA transactions. Chelsea Couch then presented a Kentucky Housing Corporation conduit issuance for $38.4 million to finance a multifamily rental project in Jefferson County; members asked how the committee participates and were told it was a conduit issuance rather than state debt. The committee approved that item. Finally, the committee heard an informational Turnpike Authority refunding issuance of about $53 million for present value savings, then approved four SFCC debt issues for Henderson, Pulaski, Scott, and Trimble counties to finance school renovations and construction. The meeting ended with notice of the next meeting date and location.

Transcript Highlights:

• special commission to study and recommend ways to regulate micromobility vehicles, including mopeds, electric

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted a resolution commending the Greater Boston Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals for recognizing North American Occupational Safety and Health Week and Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day. Senators welcomed guests from the chapter, and the resolution was adopted by voice vote. The chamber also briefly recessed for a photo with the guests. The Senate then received a message from the Governor filing the Ride Safe Act, which would enhance the safe use of micromobility devices such as mopeds, electric scooters, and bikes. The message noted the bill’s connection to the Mass Leads Act and a special commission on micromobility regulation. The matter was referred to the Committee on Transportation. The Senate next took up and passed to be engrossed House No. 5245, establishing a sick leave bank for Courtney Cochran, an employee of the Department of Children and Families. The Senate also adopted an order setting its next formal session for Thursday at 11 a.m. and later considered an order governing filing deadlines for amendments to the General Appropriation Bill and scheduling its second reading on May 19, 2026. The session ended with a motion to adjourn, which was approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our presentation and sponsor will be Oklahoma Electric Cooperatives.

Bills: HB3281 , HB3320 , HB3081 , HB3127 , HB3128 , HB3498 , HB2035 , HB3765 , HB4324 , HB3678 , HB4170 , HB3495 , HB3040 , HB3062 , HB4140 , HB4106 , HB4109 , HB4104 , HB3581 , HB3620 , HB3942 , HB3279 , HB3378 , HB3383 , HB3413 , HB3414 , HB3415 , HB3420 , HB3130 , HB3700 , HB3379 , HB3129 , HB3132 , HB3315 , HB2950 , HB3242 , HB3041 , HB4428 , HB4429 , HB1064 , HB3265 , HB3721 , HB3028 , HB3313 , HB3588 , HB3020 , HB3724 , HB3392 , HB3466 , HB4060 , HJR1074 , HB3501 , HJR1070 , HB3794 , HB3796 , HB3928 , HB2955 , HB4453 , HB4460 , HB4128 , HB3659 , HB3270 , HB3145

Transcript Highlights:

• chain to secure the U.S. supply chain.
• chain to secure the U.S. supply chain.
• chain to secure the U.S. supply chain.
• Because again, this is the only supply that there is in the U.S.
• Because again, this is the only 234 supply that there is in the US.

Bills: SB1757 , SB1758 , SB1898 , SB2050

Committee: House Environmental Regulation

Summary: The committee first took up SB 2203, relating to certification of discovery issues in TCEQ contested cases referred to SOAH. The chair noted the House had already passed the companion HB 3249, then moved SB 2203 without amendments. The motion prevailed on a 5-0 vote, and the bill was reported favorably to the full House. The committee then heard SB 1898, which would prohibit the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam for testing and training, while still allowing it in emergency firefighting. The sponsor described PFAS as “forever chemicals” and said the bill would protect firefighters, water supplies, and public health. Testimony in support came from Environment Texas, which cited contamination concerns and noted other states and federal actions restricting PFAS foams. No one testified against the bill, and after closing testimony the committee left SB 1898 pending. The remainder of the hearing focused on SB 1758, a Grayson County pilot program aimed at addressing potential conflicts between Global Wafers’ semiconductor wafer facility and a proposed Black Mountain Cement/aggregate operation. Supporters, including Global Wafers, Grayson County officials, and manufacturing groups, argued that vibration from mining or blasting could threaten a major national-security semiconductor investment and that an independent BEG study was needed to set safe parameters. Opponents from Black Mountain Cement and related industry groups argued the bill would improperly interfere with a lawful permitting process, pick winners and losers, and harm Texas’ pro-business climate; they also said they had already revised operations and removed blast mining. The discussion included extensive questioning about geology, vibration, the permitting timeline, and whether the issue was really about mining rather than the air permit. No vote was taken on SB 1758 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The lack of supply is another, and the lack of supply and the increased demand is obviously going to
• </c><00:09:42.160><c> and</c> greater hardship or less of supply and greater hardship or less of supply
• shortage of supply already shortage of supply or<00:09:45.279><c> it</c><00:09:45.519><c> increases<
• </c> other data that shows um that supply other data that shows um that supply will<00:18:19.679><c>
• It's supply and demand. in my opinion. It's supply and demand.

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• Just for background, the purpose of the supply and demand assessments is not regulatory in any fashion
• Just for background, the purpose of the supply and demand assessments is not regulatory in any fashion
• I believe that we need to make sure that our food supplies are protected.
• I believe that we need to make sure that our food supplies are protected.
• I believe that we need to make sure that our food supplies are protected.

Bills: SB1005 , SB1202 , SB1278 , SB1279 , SB1280 , SB1287

Committees: Senate Natural Resources , Senate Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Keywords: cosmetics, animal testing, prohibition, manufacturers, sales regulation, state preemption, groundwater, water conservation, Arizona water resources, drought management, water quality, solar radiation management, environment, regulation, Arizona Revised Statutes, weather modification, licensing, environmental impact, public safety, cloud seeding

Transcript Highlights:

• To stabilize the supply, strengthen the seafood economy, and protect local jobs.
• Inflation and operating costs have skyrocketed since COVID, affecting all of our inputs and supplies
• We are so thankful for the funding that was allocated to supplying dairy products through the Farmers
• Some people would call that supply management. I'm actually a big proponent of supply management.
• I think that's what would sustain better prices longer, is if we met our supply with the demand.

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture convened, took roll, and heard Senate Bill 58 by Senator Harrow, which would create regulation for companion animal cremation. Harrow described a case involving mishandled pet remains and said the bill would require written service descriptions, prohibit false or misleading statements, require certification with returned remains, authorize Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services rulemaking, and impose civil penalties for violations. With no questions or public opposition, the committee voted the bill favorably. The committee then heard presentations on robotics in agriculture and aquaculture. Dr. Nathan Boyd of UF/IFAS discussed the rapid growth of agricultural robotics, including AI-driven weed detection, targeted spraying, autonomous tractors, and harvesting technology, emphasizing reduced pesticide use, lower input costs, and labor-saving automation. Dr. Nicole Kirchoff of Live Advantage Bait and Adrian Johnson of the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association highlighted aquaculture’s economic and environmental value, Florida’s strong position in the industry, and challenges including hurricane losses, lack of insurance, land-use instability, capital access, and water quality. They urged support for working waterfronts, risk mitigation, and policies to help the sector commercialize and expand. The committee also heard from dairy producers Kevin Lusher and Jacob Larson. Lusher described his family’s dairy and artisan cheese business, noting reliance on USDA grants, rising costs, labor shortages, and regulatory burdens, and asked for more grant support, marketing for Fresh From Florida products, and permanent funding for Farmers Feeding Florida. Larson discussed the broader dairy market, declining herd sizes due to efficiency gains, high production costs in Florida, and competition from out-of-state processing, suggesting incentives for local processing and supply management. Finally, FDOT Chief Planner Wayway Schen presented on arterial and local road funding programs, including ART, ARTW, SCOP, SCRAP, CIGP, and TRIP, and said rural road needs remain significant, with more than $16 billion in unfunded or partially funded project needs. The committee adjourned after brief discussion and thanks to the presenters.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's where that gap is coming from. fixing housing Supply um and I've seen a fixing housing Supply
• </c><00:15:45.920><c> and</c> policies to increase housing Supply and policies to increase housing Supply
• </c><01:09:54.520><c> challenges</c> Florida's housing Supply challenges Florida's housing Supply challenges
• </c><01:10:58.080><c> in</c> cost and ultimately restrict Supply in cost and ultimately restrict Supply
• The water supply issues in the East Metro are a real thing.

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• California has some of the cleanest electricity, the toughest efficiency standards, and the cleanest
• first large-scale factory, not here but in Louisville, Kentucky, where roughly two-thirds of the electricity
• first large-scale factory, not here but in Louisville, Kentucky, where roughly two-thirds of the electricity

Committee: House Labor and Employment

Transcript Highlights:

• international The Uniform Commercial Code, just as we do the International Building Code, the National Electric
• conformity issues, and we always have the right to have exceptions like we do with the National Electric
• And what I have for you here with House Bill 585 is the plan to put shot clocks on mechanical, electrical

Committee: House Business

Transcript Highlights:

• owners to opt into the creation of a street light improvement district, or SLID, and then fund electricity
• property owners to opt into the creation of a street light improvement district or slid and then fund electricity
• costs primarily along residential streets and community parks through the levy of a property ...electricity

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

Committees: Senate Finance , Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference

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:

• Plug-in solar is essentially deregulation of a part of residential or small business electric bills.
• Representative Wheeler, who, as most of you know, is an electrical contractor, heard about this product
• Yes, today we do have regulations that require that all electricity that you use in your house is supposed

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• that our Anaheim Public Utilities is working on on behalf of the city for this project require electrical
• over Gypsum Canyon, the intersection improvements, the offsite water main, storm drain, water, electrical
• So we're trying to get them going in that manner, because having electricity and water on site is very

Summary: The hearing focused on the long-delayed Southern California Veterans Cemetery project at Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim, with opening remarks from Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, Senator Tom Umberg, and Assemblymember Avelino Valencia emphasizing the project’s importance to Orange County veterans and families. Anaheim city leaders, including the mayor pro tem and council members, voiced strong support and described the city’s role in planning, utilities, and final approvals. Quirk-Silva reviewed the project history, including prior legislation, county and state funding commitments, and the recent federal determination that the site meets VA criteria for a state veterans cemetery. The first panel, representing the veterans community, included the American Legion, American Gold Star Mothers, and Valor. They argued that Orange County—home to a large veteran population—still lacks a local veterans cemetery, forcing families to travel long distances to Riverside or elsewhere. Testimony stressed the emotional and practical burden on aging veterans and grieving families, and called for immediate action and possession of the property. Some speakers were sharply critical of CalVet and the pace of the process, saying veterans have waited too long and that the project should move forward without further delay. The second panel, from Orange County, described the county’s and cemetery district’s support and the unique opportunity to develop a shared site for a public cemetery and a separate state veterans cemetery. County officials said the county has dedicated land and funding, and that shared infrastructure—roads, utilities, grading, and access—could reduce costs substantially if the two projects are coordinated. They also said the county is ready to transfer the property to CalVet when appropriate and that the project has already cleared major local approvals and litigation. The final panel from DGS and CalVet explained the state’s feasibility study and current planning work. DGS said the 2023 study estimated the state’s portion of phase one at about $126 million, largely driven by site work and grading, though that estimate may change as assumptions are updated. CalVet said it is working with DGS and the county on a revised concept plan to lower costs and refine the timeline, and that legislative budget action will be needed to authorize spending from the Southern California Veterans Cemetery fund. No formal vote was taken; the hearing was informational, and the main action was continued coordination among the state, county, city, and veterans groups, with public comment at the end overwhelmingly urging faster construction.

Transcript Highlights:

• Relating to the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority. Chairman Lee, you are recognized.
• This is dealing with the Alabama Electric Municipal Authority.
• To give you an idea of what they do, there are 11 cities that own this wholesale electrical company.

Transcript Highlights:

• Consolidated Water Supply Corporation, close to my hometown, is testifying neutrally on the bill.
• Most of our members are nonprofit water supply corporations and water districts.
• we also contacted a representative from the other CCN. the CCN holder to gauge their capacity to supply
• We would have to supply water to the section or development from separate entities.
• The property is in Armstrong Water Supply Corporation's CCN service area.

Bills: HB937 , HB2078 , HB2080 , HB3322 , HB3350 , HB4212 , HB4630 , HB4896 , HB4951 , HB5348 , HB5675 , SB565 , SB971 , SB1662 , SB2124

Committee: House Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, we have a supply problem, and because we have a supply problem, we have a price problem.
• You know, we have a supply problem, and because we have a supply problem, we have a price problem.
• You know, we have a supply problem, and because we have a supply problem, we have a price problem.
• You know, we have a supply problem, and because we have a supply problem, we have a price problem.
• You know, we have a supply problem, and because we have a supply problem, we have a price problem.

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• We send them home with supplies.
• home with supplies we give them<05:29:04.200><c> supplies</c><05:29:04.638><c> when</c><05:29:04.840
• </c> period and don't don't have supplies period and don't don't have supplies period<05:29:39.760><c
• and we Supply earlier and need supplies and we Supply them<05:29:53.520><c> and</c><05:29:53.680><c>
• and schools supplying them only them and schools supplying them only makes<05:29:55.320><c> sense</c>

Summary: The House Education Policy and Administration Committee heard testimony on House Bill 71, which would bar public elementary and secondary schools and higher education facilities from being used as shelters for certain non-citizens, with a stated exception for short-term emergency sheltering of up to 72 hours and for community-wide emergency use. Prime sponsor Rep. Juliet Harvey-Bolia said the bill was modeled on federal and out-of-state proposals and was prompted by examples in New York and Massachusetts where schools or other facilities were used as shelters, causing disruption. She argued the bill does not truly “ban” anything, but instead places a condition on receipt of state funds, and said the fiscal note’s projected loss of federal funding was unsupported and should have been described as undeterminable. Committee members questioned the bill’s scope and practical effects, including whether it would apply to vacant school-owned buildings, schools used during summer, charter schools, and situations where other states send people without advance notice. Harvey-Bolia said vacant buildings not functioning as schools would not be covered, and that the bill would still allow short-term emergency sheltering and community-wide use during weather events. She also said the bill would not prevent remote learning, and that its purpose was to avoid displacing students. Several members pressed her on the fiscal note and whether any federal or state program would actually be at risk; she said she found no evidence that funding would be lost and that DHHS had not identified a real threat. A witness from the New Hampshire Association of School Administrators, Jerry FW, raised practical concerns about who would determine eligibility at a shelter site, how the 72-hour limit would be enforced, and whether the bill would apply to charter schools. He also noted that remote learning is no longer an option in New Hampshire, making one of the bill’s stated concerns less relevant. The discussion also included clarification of the terms “refugee” and “asylum seeker,” with members and the sponsor debating the distinction and whether refugees are vetted. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.