Transcript Highlights:

• Again, with the Senate, the temporary salaries for temporary staff and an office intern, we've agreed
• Can you remind us as a group, what is the base for operation intern?
• Can you remind us as a group, what is the base for operation intern?
• Operation intern, we've agreed there. Keep it with the Senate amount at $2 million.
• Section 6 is OMB as the internship fund for the Department of Commerce to administer Operation Intern

Bills: SB2018

Committee: House Appropriations - Education and Environment Division

Summary: The committee took up Senate Bill 2018, the Department of Commerce budget, and walked through the long sheet and a series of proposed changes. Members discussed restoring a vacant workforce FTE that Commerce said it could fill soon, monitoring federal funding delays but reporting no known cuts, and adjusting several one-time items including Operation Intern, the North Dakota Development Fund, the Global Talent Office, and tourism-related funding. The chair also proposed separating tourism marketing and Good Life funding again, rather than combining them, and members raised concerns about ensuring tourism dollars are used only for tourism purposes. A number of program amounts were reviewed or adjusted in discussion, including UAS grants, Vantus/Beyond Visual Line of Sight funding, Grand Sky, Grand Farm autonomous agriculture grants, base enhancement grants, Native American small business grants, regional workforce impact grants, technical skills training grants, and tribal college workforce grants. Commerce officials explained that some grant language would be changed to require competitive RFP processes, and they clarified that the housing opportunity and community property improvement items were handled in other bills or programs. The committee also discussed apprenticeship efforts across state agencies and Commerce’s role in workforce development. The committee reviewed carryover and exemption language for prior appropriations, including federal weatherization and energy funds, and Commerce said three one-time FTE tied to those federal programs should become ongoing because the federal dollars continue over several years. A motion to add $1.5 million for the North Dakota Safety Council failed for lack of a second. The committee then planned to return the next day to continue work on Commerce and take up the CTE budget, including a pending amendment related to CTE’s possible move from the 15th floor of the Capitol.

Transcript Highlights:

• ...rule relating to internal legislative procedures, not a law, and is therefore not improperly introduced
• 2, Section 3, of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth, by mandating changes to internal
• Stipends and which is pending before the General Court, violate Article 48 by making changes to internal
• House of Representatives and Senate, who are officers of those bodies and whose duties are set by internal
• of Representatives and the Senate, who are officers of those bodies and whose duties are set by internal

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and several ceremonial items, including introductions of championship Tri-County High School football and boys’ cross-country teams and adoption of a resolution honoring Auburn and the Robert and Esther Goddard Centennial Committee for the 100th anniversary of the first liquid-fueled rocket launch. The chamber then gave final passage to several local bills, including measures authorizing payment by the City of Revere, adjusting Wellesley’s senior property tax deferral income threshold, amending the Hopedinton/Hopkinton town charter regarding library trustees, and other local matters, all of which were passed to be enacted and sent to the Governor. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer House petitions to committees and took up several local bills from the Orders of the Day. These included bills enhancing the powers of the Cotuit Fire District’s Board of Water Commissioners, authorizing the Cotuit Fire District to raise money for the Historical Society of Santuit and Cotuit, further regulating the Salem licensing board, and validating the results of Bourne’s May 20, 2025 annual election. Each was advanced by unanimous consent, read a third time, and passed to be engrossed. A major portion of the session focused on two orders from Senator Friedman requesting advisory opinions from the Supreme Judicial Court on initiative petitions. One concerned a public records proposal that would extend public records law to the General Court and Governor’s office; the other concerned a legislative stipends proposal that would alter internal legislative procedures and compensation rules. Senator Feeney argued the requests were needed to clarify constitutional issues before the Legislature acts on the initiatives, and both orders were adopted. The Senate also received a Ways and Means report on Senate Bill 2720, a bill banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and pet sharks, with a new draft, Senate No. 3014, recommended. The chamber adopted an order placing the bill on the Orders of the Day for second reading on March 19, 2026, with amendments in order, and then adopted a separate order to adjourn until Monday at 11 a.m., dispensing with the printing of a calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• These internal plans will go a plan.
• </c> no secret that weak international no secret that weak international internal<03:12:20.399><c> controls
• </c><03:15:09.920><c> controls,</c> financial reporting internal controls, financial reporting internal
• </c> strengthen international strengthen international counterterrorism<04:21:41.680><c> cooperation.
• </c> best negligently violating international best negligently violating international law,<05:21:02.718

Bills: HB8428 , HB8466 , HB5248 , HB6338 , HB7668 , HB8665 , HB7037 , HB6230 , HB6297 , HB1744 , HB3429 , HB2505 , HB6028 , HR428 , HB8107 , HB8340 , HB8467 , HB6916 , HB8463

Keywords: fraud prevention, improper payments, anti-fraud training, government oversight, federal program administration, grants management, internal controls, waste and abuse, Treasury Department, Office of Management and Budget, Office of Personnel Management, GAO fraud framework, OMB Circular A-123, Do Not Pay, data analytics, payment integrity, state and local governments, tribal governments, federal grants, program integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• Airport, Miami International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Tampa International
• Trump International Airport.
• Orlando International Airport, Miami International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
• , Tampa International Airport, Southwest Florida International Airport, and the Palm Beach International
• Trump International Airport, Donald J. Trump International Airport, and D.J.T.

Bills: S0092 , S0110 , S0192 , S0212 , S0260 , S0350 , S0394 , S0422 , S0434 , S0442 , S0484 , S0546 , S0556 , S0684 , S0696 , S0706 , S0748 , S0786 , S0820 , S0824 , S0838 , S0840 , S0848 , S0856 , S0962 , S1000 , S1014 , S1036 , S1050 , S1054 , S1080 , S1118 , S1134 , S1338 , S1480 , S1500 , S1506 , S1622 , S1724

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Committee on Rules met with a quorum and considered a long agenda of bills, many of them retained from the prior week. The most debated measure was CS for SB 706, which would preempt naming of major commercial service airports to the state and designate Palm Beach International Airport as the Donald J. Trump International Airport, subject to FAA approval and a trademark agreement. Amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to prevent private financial benefit from the naming. Several senators spoke in opposition, citing concerns about naming an airport after a sitting president, lack of local input, and the trademark/licensing arrangement; supporters argued there was no cost to the airport and that the bill simply set a state naming policy. The committee reported the bill favorably after a roll call vote. The committee also reported favorably CS for SB 546 on conservation land notice requirements, CS for CS for SB 1014 on municipal utility service to properties outside city limits, CS for SB 1500 on uncontested probate proceedings, SB 962 on excluding farms from certain zoning definitions, and CS for SB 820 on problem-solving court reporting requirements. The committee then approved several bills from Senator DiCeglie and Senator Arrington. SB 840, addressing land-use regulations for local governments affected by natural disasters, was supported by local-government and environmental advocates who said it would restore local control after SB 180’s hurricane-related restrictions; the sponsor said it was intended to correct unintended consequences of last year’s law. CS for SB 856, requiring online listing platforms to show estimated ad valorem taxes on residential listings, was amended to exclude social media platforms and broaden liability protections; the sponsor and a county property appraiser described it as a consumer-transparency measure. CS for SB 110, clarifying homestead exemption treatment for long-term leases that end at death, was also reported favorably. The committee took up a controversial strike-all amendment to SB 212, which focused on public swimming pools and added residency and related restrictions for certain sex offenders and offenders on community control or probation. The amendment drew strong opposition from advocates and affected families, who argued it would worsen homelessness, impose broad geographic restrictions, and lack evidence of improving child safety; supporters said it was a targeted public-safety measure. Despite the objections, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also approved SB 684 on electronic signatures for total-loss vehicle and vessel titles, SB 394 on reinsurance intermediary managers, SB 434 on property tax assessment treatment for wind-hardening improvements, CS for CS for SBs 658 and 608 on water-safety requirements for rental properties with pools or nearby water, SB 748 on adding voting-rights restoration information to sentencing score sheets, and CS for SB 824 requiring school districts to inventory unimproved real property. The meeting ended while the committee was beginning SB 848 on stormwater treatment, with an amendment being introduced as the transcript cut off.

Transcript Highlights:

• Airport, Miami International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Tampa International
• Orlando International Airport, Miami International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
• , Tampa International Airport, Southwest Florida International Airport, and Palm Beach International
• Trump International Airport, Donald J. Trump International Airport, and D.J.T.
• Trump International Airport, Donald J. Trump International Airport, and D.J.T.

Bills: S0092 , S0110 , S0192 , S0212 , S0260 , S0350 , S0394 , S0422 , S0434 , S0442 , S0484 , S0546 , S0556 , S0684 , S0696 , S0706 , S0748 , S0786 , S0820 , S0824 , S0838 , S0840 , S0848 , S0856 , S0962 , S1000 , S1014 , S1036 , S1050 , S1054 , S1080 , S1118 , S1134 , S1338 , S1480 , S1500 , S1506 , S1622 , S1724

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: employee protections, whistleblower, retaliation, public trust, ethics complaint, Commission on Ethics, Public Employees Relations Commission, public employee, local government attorney, public officer, adverse personnel action, protected disclosure, whistleblower retaliation, state agency, independent contractor, public employment, civil service, reinstatement, back pay, front pay

Transcript Highlights:

• In the past, in fiscal year 2022-23, the International Institute received 700,000 from the Workforce
• In the past, in fiscal year 2022-23, the International Institute received 700,000 from the Workforce
• The International Institute received 1.1 million from the general fund. Thank you so much.
• We have a long history of collaboration with the International Institute.
• </c> cultural support that International cultural support that International Institute<00:09:47.760><

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, secondly, was there an internal DOC memo which allowed those to happen?
• Uh, secondly, was there an internal DOC memo which allowed those to happen?
• Uh, secondly, was there an internal DOC memo which allowed those to happen?
• Allowed through an internal DOC memo, based on an internal DOC memo.
• Was there an internal DOC memo which allowed those to happen?

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and welcomed new members before taking up Council on Postsecondary Education regulations 13 KAR 2:120 and 13 KAR 2:130. The regulations, as amended by staff and agency amendments, update public university and KCTCS performance funding models to conform to 2024 Senate Bill 191 and the performance funding work group’s recommendations. Changes discussed included replacing the underrepresented minority metric with an underrepresented students metric defined as first-generation students, adding an adult learner metric, increasing the low-income degree premium, adjusting small-school and nonresident credit-hour weights, revising data aging and progression metrics, and adding STEM+H criteria in 13 KAR 2:120. Travis Pal of the Council on Postsecondary Education explained that the changes reflect the work group’s three-year review process and that the work group ultimately voted to define underrepresented students as first-generation students and to apply half-weighting between research and comprehensive universities for the new metric. Michael Frasier of the Kentucky Student Rights Coalition and Eastern Kentucky University student government opposed 13 KAR 2:120, arguing that the regulation improperly applies weights where the statute does not clearly authorize them and that the funding changes disadvantage comprehensive universities and vulnerable students. He asked the committee to find the regulation deficient or, alternatively, recommend legislative clarification and a revised fiscal analysis. Pal responded that weighting has been part of the model since 2017, that CPE was following the statute and work group recommendations, and that the model could be changed by future legislation. Members asked about the timing of the broader performance funding review, and Pal said the full model is reviewed every three years, with the next work group cycle beginning in 2026. No motion to find the regulation deficient was made, and the committee allowed the regulations to proceed to the committee of jurisdiction. The committee then approved a staff amendment to Teachers’ Retirement System regulations 102 KAR 1:195 and 102 KAR 1:340, which require annual reporting of accumulated sick leave, leave policies, and salary schedules to TRS and make technical changes to the final average salary calculation and related definitions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, as I mentioned, a third of that public markets exposure is international markets, and while international
• So, as I mentioned, a third of that public markets exposure is international markets, and while international
• So, as I mentioned, a third of that public markets exposure is international markets, and while international
• markets and while intermar international markets and while intermar International<00:32:19.200><c> markets
• </c><00:32:29.679><c> markets</c> policy perspective International markets policy perspective International

Transcript Highlights:

• What we found while talking to the program staff is that requirements and internal structures within
• The horizontal axis starts with your more internally facing programs at the bottom and then moves to
• The third criteria is about internal capacity.
• Why was that still perceived internally as such a high risk?
• Why was that still perceived internally as such a high risk?

Committee: Joint Joint Transportation Committee

Summary: The committee began with member introductions, then heard a presentation on a draft final report studying alternative funding mechanisms for sidewalks and related pedestrian infrastructure. Consultants said current local funding sources are insufficient, with most jurisdictions unable to complete planned sidewalk networks within 50 years. They evaluated four options: a sidewalk utility fee, a modified transportation benefit district sales tax, a new real estate excise tax option, and expanded stormwater fee use for ADA sidewalk ramps. The consultants recommended authorizing the modified TBD sales tax and new REET option, considering a sidewalk utility despite legal uncertainty, broadening any authorization to all pedestrian improvements, and not pursuing the stormwater fee option. Members asked about legal authority, fairness, revenue adequacy, and whether jurisdictions had been consulted; the presenters said state enabling legislation would likely be needed for a sidewalk utility and that fairness could be defined either by direct benefit or by need. The committee then received an update on the 2025 assessment of city transportation funding needs. The consultants reported that city transportation revenues have grown in some local and federal categories since 2019, but state revenues have remained relatively flat and smaller cities are especially affected by declining fuel tax revenues and limited tax bases. They estimated annual city transportation needs at $4.25 billion, average annual spending at $1.89 billion, and a funding gap of $2.37 billion, larger than in the prior study because of updated data, inclusion of system improvements, and higher preservation costs. Draft recommendations focused on reducing costs and improving efficiency, preserving and increasing state support, and expanding local funding options, including preservation-first spending, a permanent federal fund exchange program, streamlined review processes, better coordination with WSDOT, possible property tax flexibility, and exploration of new local tools. Members raised questions about design standards, the role of density and transit, federal compliance, and whether the report would identify specific consolidation or process changes. The committee also heard a project update on evaluating zero-emission vehicle and electrification programs funded by the Climate Commitment Act. Consultants said they had reviewed roughly 23 programs and projects across seven agencies and were now evaluating options to improve delivery, including process improvements, reorganizing programs, or consolidating governance and administrative functions. Early findings highlighted staffing shortages, duplication and variation across agencies, differing levels of risk, and the challenge of coordinating climate priorities across agencies with other core missions. Members asked about program outcomes, administrative costs, whether some programs should have exit strategies, and how to strengthen the EV Coordinating Council. Finally, WSDOT provided an implementation update on its new public-private partnership authority under SB 5801, saying work is underway to prepare governance, legal, policy, and organizational structures ahead of the January 1, 2027 effective date.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, to introduce a special guest on your right and my left is the two interns.
• Speaker, to introduce a special guest on your right and my left is the two interns.
• I've been able to have two interns this year in my office, Jacob.
• and also the gentleman from Texas's intern.
• So my intern, Halle Harcrader, who attends Mizzou, also a neighbor of mine.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the House Journal by a 125-0 roll call vote. Members then spent a large portion of the morning recognizing special guests, interns, students, and constituents, including school groups, interns, a Savannah Bananas player, and several birthday and personal privilege announcements. On legislation, the House agreed to conference on Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1421. The chamber then took up Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1000, a bipartisan measure to reauthorize the Missouri Tourism Supplemental Revenue Fund and continue support for the Division of Tourism and Missouri Film Office. Supporters from both parties emphasized tourism’s economic importance statewide; the bill passed 136-6. The House next debated House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1020, an omnibus Department of Revenue bill covering fee office contracting, vehicle registration penalties, Real ID document retention, and other DOR changes. The body adopted an amendment lowering late registration penalties, making document retention opt-in, and restoring a five-year plate option, followed by a second amendment removing cosmetic damage as a basis for rejecting rebuilt-vehicle inspections. The bill then passed 130-10. Later, the House began debate on a combined judiciary/civil legislation bill involving insurance assignment-of-benefits restrictions, anti-SLAPP protections, workers’ compensation and court administration changes, and expungement-related funding; members adopted a title change and several amendments, including one to make attorney-fee awards more even in anti-SLAPP motions, while also debating a proposed St. Louis police legal expense fund amendment and whether it had been properly vetted.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1790 is an assault on long-standing international tax norms.
• In the past, this type of policy led to international disputes with states.
• America has long held tax treaties with many of our strongest international trading partners.
• I'm a CPA and run a firm specializing in international companies operating in the United States.
• We're open to other ideas as to how we can smooth over international relations.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills dealing with tax policy, local revenue authority, consumer protections, and incentives for development. AB 1726 would create catastrophe savings accounts for homeowners to save pre-tax dollars for disaster mitigation and recovery costs; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and the California Bankers Association, while the California Teachers Association opposed it because of the General Fund and Prop. 98 impact. The bill was referred to suspense. AB 1768 would authorize Los Angeles and Contra Costa counties to ask voters to approve local transaction and use taxes to offset projected federal funding cuts affecting health care and safety-net services; it received broad support from health providers and county representatives, opposition from one member and a resident, and passed the committee 5-2 to the Assembly Local Government Committee. The committee also considered AB 1790, which would repeal the Waters Edge corporate tax election and require worldwide combined reporting for multinational corporations. The author and supporters argued it would close a loophole, raise several billion dollars annually, and help fund schools, Medi-Cal, and other programs; opponents warned of double taxation, compliance burdens, retaliation from foreign governments, and job losses. After extensive testimony and member debate, the bill was referred to suspense. AB 2020 would provide a full property tax exemption for the primary residence of 100% disabled veterans and surviving spouses, and AB 2069 would create a targeted sales and use tax exemption to spur development projects at fairgrounds; both measures had support from sponsors and related organizations, no opposition, and were referred to suspense. Finally, AB 2705 would regulate third-party “asset finders” who help claim excess proceeds from tax sales by requiring written agreements, disclosure that claims can be filed free with the county, and a cap on fees at 10%. County officials and local government groups supported the bill as a consumer protection measure, while recovery companies and related firms opposed it, arguing the work is complex and the cap would reduce access to services. The committee moved AB 2705 to the Assembly floor on a 4-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• marketing of our state's agricultural products at the local level, the national level, and the international
• marketing of our state's agricultural products at the local level, the national level, and the international
• We do a lot in the sphere of international market collaborations, trying to sell more product that's
• So that's kind of in a nutshell what we've been doing internally.
• So I won't reiterate, but there's a lot of things we're doing internally to try to help.

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held an interim work session focused on Washington agriculture’s viability, workforce, and competitiveness. Director Derek Sanderson of the Washington State Department of Agriculture and WSU Dean Raj Kosla described the size and diversity of the state’s farm sector, declining farm numbers, major export markets, and pressures from labor costs, low commodity prices, trade barriers, drought, regulatory burdens, and pests and disease. Kosla emphasized WSU’s land-grant role in education, research, and extension, including precision agriculture, broadband needs in rural areas, and the need for state support to help producers adopt new technologies and train the next generation of agricultural workers. Members asked about retaining farmland, increasing workforce capacity, and the role of precision agriculture. Kosla said precision agriculture can help address labor shortages and water scarcity, but adoption is limited by cost and rural broadband gaps. He explained precision agriculture as tailoring inputs to the right place, time, amount, and manner, and said WSU is working on low-cost sensor technologies and other innovations. Members also asked about how widely precision agriculture is used and whether it improves farm bottom lines; Kosla said adoption varies by tool and that he would follow up with more data. The committee then heard from Dr. Randy Fortenberry of WSU’s Impact Center on an agricultural competitiveness study and the effects of tariffs and trade. He reported that Washington’s competitiveness has generally declined relative to peer states in dairy, grapes, hops, apples, and wheat, with potatoes as the main bright spot. Surveyed producers said a substantial share of revenue is tied to regulatory compliance, with labor-related costs a major driver, and small diversified farms reported land access, capital, and profitability as bigger barriers than regulation. On trade, Fortenberry said Washington agriculture is highly export-dependent and vulnerable to retaliation, citing past losses in wheat, apples, pulses, and cherries when tariffs disrupted markets, while noting current uncertainty around China and India. The committee asked follow-up questions about compliance time, peer-state comparisons, and regulatory burdens; no votes were taken, and the department said it plans an interim report by the end of the year and a final report by June 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the director of the Gulf Coast Programs for the International Crane Foundation.
• So the International Crane Foundation advocates for appropriate siting of wind energy.
• In recent years, states like California have begun phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles in
• In recent years, states like California have begun phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles in
• Internal combustion engine vehicles in favor of electric vehicles, often through mandates or backdoor

Bills: SB3074 , HB49 , HB2440 , HB3556 , HB3619 , HB3866 , HB4042 , HB4112 , HB4271 , HB4413 , HB4426 , HB5033 , HB49

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Summary: The committee heard and laid out several natural resources and environmental bills, with testimony focused on balancing development, public health, wildlife protection, and regulatory authority. SB 3074 would allow the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators to communicate in writing with TCEQ about matters before the commission, with safeguards requiring the communication to be part of the record and allowing other parties to respond; a committee substitute narrowed it to written communications about permits only, limited legislator communications to facilities in their districts, and adjusted conflict-of-interest rules. HB 3556, as substituted, would require notice to Texas Parks and Wildlife for certain very tall structures in specified coastal counties and give TPWD a limited right to seek injunctive relief if mitigation is insufficient to prevent material harm to migratory birds; supporters said it would address ignored wildlife recommendations and protect key flyways, while opponents argued the bill was too broad, singled out wind energy, and gave one agency unusually strong enforcement power. HB 49 would expand liability protections for produced-water recycling and beneficial use; supporters said it would encourage reuse of a large wastewater stream and reduce disposal pressures, while opponents warned it could shield operators from responsibility before the science and standards are mature. HB 4413 would authorize mass-balance accounting for renewable biomass feedstocks, and HB 3866 would regulate intermediate bulk container recycling facilities near homes, with a committee substitute adding a grandfather clause and making implementation contingent on funding. The committee also heard bills affecting air and energy regulation. HB 5033 would create a trigger to end vehicle emissions inspections if federal law changes to allow it; the substitute removed a Supreme Court-related trigger, and the lone public witness opposed the bill, warning it would worsen air quality and harm nonattainment areas. HB 4112 would clarify that on-site storage of high-level radioactive waste is allowed at current and future nuclear reactors and university research reactors only for waste generated at that site; the substitute clarified the language and removed an inoperative permit condition, and witnesses from environmental and nuclear groups said the clarification was needed to prevent unintended restrictions while avoiding off-site storage. HB 2440 would prohibit state agencies from using air-quality rules to ban or restrict vehicles based on energy source, including internal combustion vehicles, and no public testimony was offered. HB 4271 would require TCEQ to hold public meetings on request for composting facility authorizations; the substitute limited the requirement to future applications and was presented as a transparency measure after a denied local request and extensive public comments. Additional bills addressed landowner protections and Railroad Commission oversight. HB 3619 would require the Railroad Commission to restore surface land after plugging or replugging operations and indemnify landowners from damages tied to authorized entry; a witness supported the bill but urged fixing a separate statutory loophole that he said allowed operators to enter unrelated tracts without notice. HB 4042 would extend Railroad Commission pipeline safety and fee provisions to propane distribution systems by removing the word “natural” from the relevant definitions. HB 4426 would set a 10-year permit term for commercial surface disposal facilities, allow renewal based on compliance history, and require renewal applications 120 days before expiration. The committee took no votes because a quorum was not initially present, and each bill was left pending after testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am an intern pharmacist from Sacramento, California, and I am in full support of this bill.
• Hello, Eliza Tong, general internal medicine physician, and strong support. Thank you.
• I am an intern pharmacist from Sacramento, California and full support of this bill. Thank you.
• Hello, Eliza Tong, General Internal Medicine Physician and Strong Support. Thank you.
• I'm Isaiah Saibaf, and I'm an intern pharmacist, and I'm in support of the bill. Thank you.

Committee: House Governmental Organization

Summary: The committee met without quorum for much of the hearing and heard testimony on a series of bills, mostly on business, alcohol licensing, transparency, and public health. AB 342 by Haney would allow local governments to create hospitality zones with 4 a.m. last call on Fridays, Saturdays, and state holidays; supporters argued it would help tourism, nightlife, conventions, and major events, while opponents warned it would weaken California’s 2 a.m. statewide last-call standard and create public safety risks. AB 684 by Patel would subject the UC Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools to the Bagley-Keene Open Meetings Act, with supporters saying admissions-related changes should be more transparent and inclusive. AB 1008 by Addis would add up to 10 new on-sale general licenses in San Luis Obispo County to reflect tourism growth, and AB 1039 by Hart would require state agencies to offer nonprofits up to 25% advance payment on new grants and contracts; both drew support from local officials and nonprofit advocates. AB 221 by Ramos would streamline the Tribal Nations Grant Fund to provide equal annual grants to eligible non-gaming and limited-gaming tribes, and AB 795 by Jeff Gonzalez would create a commission to plan California’s participation in the nation’s 250th anniversary, with supporters emphasizing civic engagement and fiscal safeguards. AB 28 by Mark Gonzalez would authorize additional neighborhood-restricted liquor licenses in Los Angeles County to reduce secondary-market costs and support restaurants, AB 1246 by Hoover would raise craft distiller sales limits and address brandy barrel storage, AB 1428 by Ta would expand reporting of surplus and underutilized state land, and AB 957 by Ortega would prohibit tobacco sales in pharmacies; each received supportive testimony, with AB 957 backed by health and pharmacy groups and no opposition. Several measures were voted out to Appropriations, some on consent, and the committee later recorded roll-call votes after quorum was established, with AB 957 receiving one no vote and the other bills advancing with broad support.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we'll go on to Alberto Tano for Florida International University. Alberto, are you there?
• Next, we will hear from Jesus LeBena for Florida International University. Mr.
• My name is Jesus Elevenia, and I was born and raised in Miami, Florida, home of Florida International
• She is also an alum of Florida International University's College of Education, a proud teacher.
• We will hear next from George Thomas Heissel for, again, for Florida International University. Mr.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education first took up a block of confirmation hearings for trustees and board members at several public universities and state colleges. Appointees from Florida A&M University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Pasco-Hernando State College, South Florida State College, Valencia College, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of Florida described their backgrounds and emphasized themes such as governance, student success, workforce alignment, fiscal stewardship, research growth, and institutional reputation. Members asked a few questions, but most nominees received no substantive opposition. The committee then voted unanimously to recommend confirmation of the group of appointees on tabs 3 through 18 and forwarded them to Ethics and Elections. The committee next heard Senate Bill 114 by Senator Trumbull, which would create the Florida Center of Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at Florida State University, move the public hurricane loss projection model from FIU to FSU, and provide funding for the effort. Trumbull said the bill is intended to strengthen the state’s insurance research capacity and broaden study of insurance lines beyond wind risk. Senators asked about the impact on FIU and the distinction between the new center and existing FIU work; Trumbull said FIU’s Wall of Wind would remain and that the state-owned model would simply be contracted to FSU instead of FIU. The committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1624 by Senator Calatayud, a wide-ranging higher education bill addressing tuition, workforce programs, institutional operations, and naming changes. Amendments were adopted to create state college regional consortium service organizations for rural colleges, remove a proposed out-of-state fee change for nonresident online students, extend university master plan update cycles from five to 10 years, and rename Hillsborough Community College as Hillsborough College. The bill also changed several references from specific minority categories to “underrepresented,” revised aid and waiver provisions, adjusted adult education and career program rules, and made other technical changes. Senators Smith and Davis questioned the shift away from enumerated categories, arguing it could obscure disparities affecting groups such as Black students, women in STEM, and students with disabilities; Calatayud said the intent was to focus on socioeconomic access and flexibility for institutions. After debate, the committee voted 6-2 to report the bill favorably, with Senators Davis and Smith voting no, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The members of the Arizona Senate joined the international military community in mourning the untimely
• Luke Air Force Base is recognized as a premier international training center for the F-35 fighter aircraft
• Carpetano and extend their deepest condolences to his family, fellow service members, and the international
• He wholeheartedly served as part of the backbone of allied air power and international security.
• He served as part of the backbone of allied air power and international security.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem, then recorded attendance and approved the prior journal. Senators also welcomed radiologists in the gallery for Radiology Advocacy Day. The chamber adopted a motion to request House consent to adjourn after completing business on Thursday, April 2, 2026, and return Tuesday, April 7, 2026; the motion passed and the House was to be notified. The Senate also noted that House messages would not be read and that Senate bills 1020 and 1247 were transmitted to the Governor. The main substantive item was Senate Resolution 1002, a death resolution honoring Lieutenant Colonel Salvatore Capitano, an Italian Air Force officer who served at Luke Air Force Base as an F-35 instructor and evaluator pilot. The resolution and floor remarks emphasized his military service, leadership, support for allied cooperation, and his role in Arizona’s partner-country driver’s license reciprocity effort. Senators introduced several guests connected to the Italian military and consular community, and the resolution was unanimously adopted, followed by a moment of silence and transmission of the resolution to the Secretary of State. Before recess, a senator introduced a student guest in the gallery. Senate Democrats also entered a statement into the journal protesting the earlier floor handling of HB 2072, the bill repealing Cesar Chavez Day, saying amendments were not fully heard and criticizing the lack of dialogue and transparency. The Senate then recessed for caucus and later adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The members of the Arizona Senate joined the international military community in mourning the untimely
• Luke Air Force Base is recognized as a premier international training center for the F-35 fighter aircraft
• Carpetano and extend their deepest condolences to his family, fellow service members, and the international
• He wholeheartedly served as part of the backbone of allied air power and international security.
• He served as part of the backbone of allied air power and international security.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker Murphy has a background in both international and national transport management, establishing
• Speaker Murphy has a background in both international and international.
• Speaker Murphy has a background in both international and national transport management, establishing
• He is my special intern today because it's spring break. And so he's hanging around here.
• She is here as a youth member and intern for Living United for Change in Arizona.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Jasleen Chatwal. Members also introduced a number of guests and visiting groups, including Irish dignitaries for St. Patrick’s Day recognition, labor organizations such as AFSCME and CWA, the Arizona Farm Bureau, the Arizona chapter of the American College of Surgeons for Stop the Bleed training, and advocates for rare skeletal conditions. A proclamation recognizing St. Patrick’s Day was read, and the House later heard a proclamation honoring AFSCME Arizona. On the floor, the House took up several procedural motions, including requests to have the Senate return HB 4027 and HB 2444 for reconsideration, and received multiple Senate bills on first and second reading. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole and approved HB 2750 with a friendly floor amendment, sending it forward as amended. The House also sent HB 2999 to an additional Committee of the Whole, adopted a floor amendment, and advanced it as amended for engrossing. During third reading, HB 2197, relating to water access and camping near water sources, failed on reconsideration after members debated whether it imposed unnecessary criminal penalties and enforcement concerns. HB 2429, relating to vacation and short-term rentals, passed after supporters said it restored local control to cities and towns. HB 2950, creating special districts for tourism improvement areas, passed after amendments made participation voluntary and added notice requirements. HB 4001, relating to nicotine products, also passed after debate over youth vaping, enforcement authority, and whether the bill struck the right balance between regulation and parental responsibility. The House then made committee announcements and adjourned until Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And these are the best of the best, the international competition.
• <00:37:34.160><c> Music</c><00:37:34.640><c> and</c><00:37:34.880><c> Arts</c> International Music and
• Arts International Music and Arts Competition.
• </c><00:37:42.079><c> And</c><00:37:42.320><c> we</c><00:37:42.560><c> have</c> international competition
• And we have international competition.

Bills: HB1952 , HB1951 , HB1929 , HB2497 , HB2208 , HB2572 , HB1953 , HB2551 , HB2549 , HB1737 , HB1628 , HB1769 , HB2493 , HB2264 , HB1997 , HB2168 , HB2427 , HB1805 , HB2180 , HB2184 , HB2219 , HB2469 , HB2233 , HB2519 , HB2141 , HB1904 , HB2201 , HB2410 , HB2007 , HB2385 , HB2444 , HB2349 , HB2235 , HB1872 , HB2416 , HB2291 , HB2292 , HB2263 , HB2359 , HB2455 , HB1509 , HB1514 , HB1515 , HB1648 , HB2164 , HB2323 , HB1825 , HB2172 , HB1888 , HB2005 , HB2387 , HB2358 , HB2119 , HB2276 , HB2472 , HB1714 , HB2325 , HB1541 , HB1960 , HB2140 , HB2315 , HB2367 , HB2388 , HB1696 , HB2333 , HB2138 , HB2332 , HB2283 , HB2059 , HB2057 , HB2589 , HB2417 , HB2337 , HB1588 , HB2217 , HB2020 , HB1915 , HB1742 , HB2026 , HB1965 , HB1546 , HB2360 , HB1563 , HB1749 , HB2614 , HB1511 , HB1753 , HB1849 , HB1641 , HB2161 , HB2194 , HB1721 , HB2284 , HB2188 , HB1897 , HB1880 , HB1573 , HB1876 , HB20 , HB2137

Keywords: HB1952, Hawaii agriculture, University of Hawaii, CTAHR, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, Kauai, agricultural research station, extension station, capital improvements, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, appropriation, ADA compliance, Americans with Disabilities Act, certified kitchen, greenhouse, laboratory, field research, cesspool decommissioning, invasive species

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to electronic and other internal to electronic and other internal components<00:59:13.520><c> p<
• </c><00:59:19.960><c> electronic</c> related to the internal electronic related to the internal electronic
• </c> relates to electronic and other internal relates to electronic and other internal components<01:
• </c> for electronic components and internal for electronic components and internal components components
• </c> Minneapolis St Paul International Minneapolis St Paul International airport<01:03:27.720><c> transition

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy