Transcript Highlights:

• . >> And this this committee, the state trusted me as a minute to transport myself to school.
• So their parents are not trusted adult.
• How can you trust? >> That these people won't be saved.
• So I think your bill does move us a step in the right direction on making sure that we protect not only
• you got my key of real talk, which is a book to encourage children to share their feelings with a trusted

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm trusting the Department of Transportation has a similar list for us.
• > highlight that the nature conservancy highlight that the nature conservancy and<00:39:31.400> Trust
• 39:32.640> did<00:39:32.839> do<00:39:33.000> a<00:39:33.119> poll and Trust
• for Public Lands did do a poll and Trust for Public Lands did do a poll of<00:39:33.599> visitors
• <00:56:11.119> of that have gone in this direction of that have gone in this direction of

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We released a report on Tuesday that shows that the state would save $4 million in direct incarceration
• save 7 $4 million in direct save 7 $4 million in direct incarceration<00:27:01.760> costs
• Due to how much I knew my mom had suffered, all the struggles she faced after her arrest, I lost trust
• I lost trust in people and especially authority figures.
• in people and especially lost trust in people and especially authority<00:31:51.120> figures<

Keywords: 00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 00:01:20 Discussion of 25RS HB 479 00:03:22 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 479 00:04:51 Discussion of 25RS HB 574 00:21:49 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 475 00:23:41 Discussion of 25RS HB 291 01:04:38 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 291 01:05:42 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Families and Children met and first took up House Bill 479, which would require one hour of dementia training for DCBS workers. Representative Derrick Lewis and the Alzheimer’s Association said the bill was a straightforward, bipartisan effort to address dementia awareness and improve worker training, with no fiscal impact. Members spoke in support, including remarks about personal family experiences with dementia and the importance of recognizing symptoms early. The committee voted 11-0 to pass the bill with favorable expression. The committee then heard House Bill 574, the “Baby Maya” child protection bill, sponsored by Representatives Dossett and Lewis. The bill would require reporting when a child is born to a parent who previously had children removed for neglect or abuse, create a rebuttable presumption allowing the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to make an initial safety determination, authorize emergency custody procedures, and name the measure the Baby Maya Law. Sponsors said it was intended to add guardrails after the Baby Maya case and stressed that it would not automatically remove children or add new mandatory-reporter penalties. Members asked about hospital involvement, HIPAA, and information-sharing; the Cabinet commissioner said the agency would be open to better data-sharing with hospitals, but currently has no such system. The bill passed 12-1 with favorable expression. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 291, the Family Preservation and Accountability Act, with a committee substitute. The bill would expand sentencing alternatives for primary caregivers convicted of nonviolent offenses, allowing judges to consider family status and use options such as counseling, parenting classes, and related services. Supporters argued it would keep families together, reduce harm from parental incarceration, and save money; one witness cited a report estimating $4 million in direct incarceration savings and broader economic benefits. Another witness, Amanda Hall, gave emotional testimony about the long-term harm of parental incarceration and said access to help would have been better for her family than prison. The committee adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill 12-1 with favorable expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, no, in directions on the floor. I apologize. Thank you. Sorry, so moved.
• Oh, no, in a direction is on the floor. I apologize. Thank you. Sorry, so moved. Thank you.
• I'd also like to thank Governor Gavin Newsom for the appointment and his trust in me to take on this
• And to further elaborate, we talk about trust.
• There's a lot of individuals and organizations that do not have full trust in CDCR.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules first established quorum and took up several routine items, including two governor’s appointments to the Court Reporters Board, references of bills to committees, and floor acknowledgments. Heather Lynn Gonzalez’s appointment was approved 3-1, Allison Salton-Sall’s appointment was approved 4-0, and the other routine items were approved 4-0. The committee then heard testimony on two Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation appointments, Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, both associate directors in the Division of Adult Institutions. Senators focused heavily on the California model, staff safety, prison violence, sexual abuse prevention, retaliation concerns, and visitation. Ratliff and Tuggle said the California model is meant to balance rehabilitation with safety, that CDCR has improved communication and training, and that incidents such as the pepper-spray event at Central California Women’s Facility led to discipline, investigations, retraining, and policy review. They also described PREA reporting systems, anti-retaliation protections, statewide visiting meetings, and efforts to make visiting more family-centered and consistent. Public commenters largely supported both nominees, citing their work on rehabilitation, reentry, and sexual abuse response. The committee unanimously voted 4-0 to send both Ratliff and Tuggle to the Senate floor for confirmation. It then heard from Jason Johnson, nominated as CDCR Undersecretary of Operations. Senators questioned him about parole supervision, public safety, contraband, prison rape prevention, workplace culture, whistleblower retaliation, and repeated allegations in late-filed opposition letters. Johnson said parole risk is assessed through established scoring and supervision levels, that sex offenders are subject to GPS monitoring and treatment, and that operations use investigations, training, and collaboration with law enforcement to address contraband and misconduct. He emphasized rehabilitation, culture change, accountability, and his commitment to staff and public safety, while acknowledging criticism and the difficulty of leading a large institution. No vote on Johnson was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't even know where to direct them, and that is why this office is so important, is to have somewhere
• I have some last comments they're mostly directed to my colleagues.
• Everybody, law enforcement, district attorneys, school systems, they have major trust he has major trust
• Um, but it was a, it was a direct exchange with, with the inmates, and there was an issue with medical
• And under the auspices of Justice, the, um, Pew Charitable Trust Foundation did a fantastic study on

Transcript Highlights:

• So this would direct the DPU to conduct an investigation.
• So my question is really directed to you.
• Again, another direct savings for all ratepayers.
• It's a direct affront to democracy.
• We support sections two and three because we think it heads in that direction.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on H. 4144, the Governor’s Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act, with the administration arguing the bill would lower bills in the short and long term while expanding clean energy supply and innovation. The Governor and Secretary said the bill would reduce or restructure charges on customer bills, reform Mass Save, expand securitization as a financing tool, speed interconnection, create energy-ready zones, strengthen consumer protections in competitive supply, and allow broader state procurement of energy resources. They said the package could save consumers billions over time and would help address high energy costs, especially during extreme heat and winter spikes. Committee members pressed the administration on several provisions, especially securitization, asking whether the bill requires an apples-to-apples comparison of total costs over time, including interest and lost tax revenue, versus paying through rates. Administration witnesses said DPU review and public comment would be required and said they would work to clarify the language if needed. Members also questioned the bill’s solar and procurement provisions, including reduced net metering compensation for some large facilities, the scope of all-resource procurements, and whether hydro, solar, and nuclear would be included; the administration said those resources were contemplated and that procurement would still be reviewed by DPU. Other questions focused on the short-term relief from bill changes, the treatment of low- and moderate-income discounts, and whether the bill’s heat pump and Mass Save reforms would help customers who cannot afford upfront costs. Several witnesses and committee members discussed Mass Save reforms, including securitization of program costs, on-bill financing, pre-approval of rebates, and shifting program administration away from gas utilities. Administration witnesses said the changes were intended to reduce volatility, lower administrative costs, and better align costs with long-term savings. Questions also touched on geothermal permitting, municipal participation in offshore wind procurement, and the proposed repeal of the ballot requirement for nuclear power, which the administration defended as preserving future options under heavy review. No votes were taken during the hearing portion described. Supportive testimony came from labor, environmental, business, planning, and development groups. The AFL-CIO, NECA, and the Environmental League of Massachusetts backed the bill, emphasizing lower bills, job creation, labor standards, just transition protections, and cleaner energy. NAIOP, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, and MAPC supported provisions on energy-ready zones, interconnection reform, microgrids, extreme-heat shutoff protections, and Mass Save improvements. A HEET representative praised the bill’s use of securitization, geothermal, and utility financing tools but urged guardrails and workforce protections. Overall, testimony was broadly favorable, with most witnesses calling for refinements rather than opposing the bill outright.

Transcript Highlights:

• resource and that they will continue seamlessly, maintaining the transparency, accessibility, and trust
• place to report invasive single trusted place to report invasive se<01:01:48.799> species.
• process is created to build trust process is created to build trust improves<01:04:06.240> reporting
• So, we're getting directing information.
• , and other trusted sources for guidance<01:07:25.680> on<01:07:26.000> how<01:07:26.240

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He said that in the past Democrats didn't trust corporations and Republicans didn't trust the government
• , but now he doesn't know if we trust these big tech companies either.
• It's a step in the right direction.
• It's a step in the<00:31:22.480> right<00:31:23.200> direction.
• Again, um I just the right direction.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up House File 4138, a bill aimed at limiting harmful social media features for children and requiring social media companies to report potential mass-shooting threats to the BCA. Members first reconsidered and then adopted the Smith amendment (A13), while a proposed amendment to that amendment (A18) failed on a 67-67 tie. Representative Bonner then introduced a technical amendment (A14) but withdrew it after explaining it needed further work to avoid liability and legal problems. The bill was then read for third reading as amended. Debate centered on the bill’s approach to child safety online. Supporters, including Representatives Scott, Eng, Feist, Greenman, and Gilman, argued that social media is addictive, harmful to children’s mental health, and too often exploits kids, and they said the bill is an important bipartisan first step. Several members also emphasized that parents should be involved, though some questioned whether parents can realistically understand the technology and legal terms well enough to make informed decisions. Representative Leeing raised concerns about location privacy, parental consent, possible liability waivers, and whether the bill should instead restrict addictive features for all children rather than only those whose parents consent. The discussion also broadened to related public-safety issues. Representative Greenman contrasted the difficulty of advancing this bill with the Legislature’s inability to move gun-related provisions, arguing that organized interests like the gun lobby and big tech are blocking stronger protections for children. Representative Bonner later described specific cases of children harmed through social media, including sextortion and fentanyl-related deaths, to argue that the bill does not yet cover all vulnerable youth and should be strengthened. No final vote on passage is included in the transcript excerpt, but the amended bill advanced to third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• If a company causes direct harm and there are real damages, those claims can be brought.
• This is a public trust resource. It is not mine. It is not yours.
• I actually had direct communication with the man in this case, as well as the attorney, and her and I
• So the man, in his senses, and now mind you, it wasn't at the necessary direction of anybody here today
• So it wasn't at their direction. But in any event, organically, the officer winds up at the house.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 804, the Louisiana Energy Protection Act, which was presented as a narrowly focused ban on climate-change damages lawsuits rather than a measure affecting emissions claims, pollution claims, or private property rights. The author and supporters said the bill was intended to stop speculative suits targeting energy producers, farmers, truckers, manufacturers, and other businesses for global climate impacts, while preserving claims for actual legal violations under state or federal environmental and safety laws. After a substitute amendment was adopted to clarify and streamline the bill, the committee heard extensive support from oil and gas, chemical, business, port, and legal reform groups, along with a few opposition speakers who argued the bill could still be read to shield industry too broadly or weaken climate accountability. HB 804 was reported favorably as amended. The committee then considered HB 802, as amended, which creates a watershed conservation fund tied to the Amite River Basin. The author explained that the bill was narrowed from a statewide proposal to a basin-specific program to reduce flood risk and restore watershed areas using existing severance revenue from sand mining, modeled in part on coastal restoration funding. Supporters from the concrete industry, landowners, levee boards, and conservation groups described it as a practical, low-cost, non-government solution to help remediate old sand and gravel pits and improve flood control. With no opposition cards and no objections, HB 802 was reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard HB 934, as substituted, which would allow licensed wildlife rehabilitators to possess white-tailed deer fawns under specific conditions, including disease monitoring, release only within the same management zone, and other handling requirements. The author said the bill was meant to prevent the euthanizing of orphaned fawns that could be rehabilitated and to create a lawful pathway for licensed care. A supporter described her experience rescuing an orphaned fawn that was later confiscated and killed, while the Louisiana Wildlife Federation opposed the measure, warning it could effectively create a captive deer program, undermine wildlife conservation principles, and lead to dangerous or inhumane facilities. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 934, before final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I didn't hear any direct specifics.
• Uh I didn't hear any<00:25:45.279> direct<00:25:45.679> specifics.
• :47.039> and<00:25:47.600> if<00:25:48.000> if<00:25:48.240> this any direct
• Um, and if if this any direct specifics.
• you know set up as uh kind of a trust you know set up as uh kind of a trust foundation.<00:28:37.360

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have directed adding to the language we had last year.
• > the<00:18:13.200> language<00:18:13.520> we have directed adding to the language
• we have directed adding to the language we had<00:18:13.919> last<00:18:14.240> year.
• The impact trust fund is spending authority of $35 million. These three are special fund spending.
• The impact trust<00:52:55.359> fund<00:52:55.680> is<00:52:55.920> spending<00:52

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 18 February, 2026; 11:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee began with process instructions about using committee substitutes, identifying bills with reverse repealers, and taking up noncontroversial items in blocks. It then approved Senate Bill 3051, the DFA budget, which included LBR-level funding with a reverse repealer and agency-by-agency allocations for the status of women, DFA, tort claims, state property insurance, BEAM, and Mississippi Home Corporation. Senate Bill 3052, the governor’s support budget, was also approved as a final-action bill without a reverse repealer, with members noting the reduction from the prior year was tied to lower federal funding. The committee then handled the IHL budget bills. Senate Bill 3053, the general support bill, included a 3% across-the-board raise for IHL professors and $20 million for repair and renovation at universities, plus $5 million for UMMC; it passed as a committee substitute with a reverse repealer. Senate Bill 3054, the original IHL-related bill, passed without a committee substitute. Bills 3055 through 3059 were taken up in block and approved, providing 3% increases for A units at Alcorn State and Mississippi State. Senate Bill 3060, student financial aid, added about $7.7 million for scholarship costs, including MESG, MTAG, and Winters-Reed loan repayment, and passed as a committee substitute. The committee also approved the larger IHL budget bill with a reverse repealer and discussed, but did not fund, a UMMC cancer center request at that stage. Subcommittee 3 presented education-related bills. Senate Bill 3062 was approved at LBR with a reverse repealer and included a large transfer from the education enhancement fund. Senate Bill 3063 added $15 million for repair and renovation and $8.11 million for faculty pay raises, and passed as a committee substitute with a reverse repealer. On Senate Bill 3064, the Employment Security Commission budget, members discussed whether the committee substitute included a reverse repealer and noted they might revisit that on the floor if needed; the bill was advanced. Subcommittee 4 then took up Senate Bills 3065, 3066, 3068, and 3069 in block and approved them: Ethics Commission funding increased for salary realignment and a database; Judicial Performance Commission language was tightened to freeze the director’s salary and ensure youth court oversight funds were used solely for that purpose; Tax Appeals Board funding was increased to restore cuts and vacancy funding; and Workers’ Compensation Commission funding rose to cover commissioner salary increases and related language changes. Later, the committee approved Senate Bill 3067 for the Department of Public Safety, which included a reverse repealer, LBR-level funding, additional money for furniture for the new headquarters, and reappropriation language. Senate Bill 3071, the GCRF bill, was approved with a reverse repealer and reappropriation language for prior-year projects. Senate Bill 3072, the Department of Mental Health budget, was approved with a reverse repealer and included $12 million for the Canopy project, prior-year invoice funding, and language tied to mental health-related legislation. Finally, Senate Bills 3073 through 3075 were taken up in block for licensing boards, with increases for the Chiropractic Examiners, Dental Examiners, and Pharmacy boards, including funding for licensing system updates, vacancy funding, and expansion of the pharmacy recovery program.

Transcript Highlights:

• of rights and safety without consent or imposing religious viewpoints with the force of law is in direct
• with the force of law is in direct with the force of law is in direct opposition<00:26:51.440>
• Senate Bill 72 undermines trust, worsens stigma, and puts patients at risk.
• ,<00:36:33.200> worsens Senate Bill 72 undermines trust, worsens Senate Bill 72 undermines
• trust, worsens stigma,<00:36:34.000> and<00:36:34.240> puts<00:36:34.480> patients<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and first moved through administrative regulations without comment. The committee then heard Senate Bill 56, sponsored by Senator Gerald Neal, which would require Medicaid and its managed care entities to treat non-opioid pain medications on equal footing with opioid analgesics by prohibiting more restrictive coverage controls, prior authorization, or step therapy for non-opioids. Neal argued the bill would improve access to safer pain treatment options and reduce the risk of opioid use disorder, and Billy O'Brien of Young People in Recovery testified in support, describing personal experiences where non-opioid options were difficult to obtain despite a desire to avoid opioids. After discussion, the bill received a motion and second and passed the committee on a 10-0 vote. The committee then took up Senate Bill 72, sponsored by Senator Don Douglas and presented with Greg Chaffin of Alliance Defending Freedom. Douglas described the bill as a provider recruitment and retention measure intended to protect health care workers from being compelled to act against their conscience and to address workforce shortages and pressure in health care settings. He said the bill would protect individual beliefs while maintaining professionalism. A large number of witnesses then testified, and the chair limited public comments to two minutes each because of the number of speakers and the controversy surrounding the bill. Most public testimony opposed SB 72. Speakers including representatives of the Kentucky Council of Churches, a psychologist, an ordained minister and nurse, a nurse practitioner, and an ACLU policy strategist argued the bill was overly broad, could allow refusals of care by a wide range of health care workers, and could delay or deny treatment, especially for vulnerable patients and in rural or emergency settings. Several cited concerns about discrimination, patient safety, and the lack of adequate protections for patients. One witness recounted the death of an 18-year-old pregnant patient as an example of the harm that can result from delayed care. The transcript ends during additional testimony on SB 72, before any committee vote or final action on that bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have to get to a point where we trust them to do that.
• That is a direct cut. That will mean less teachers.
• we have to get to a point where we trust we have to get to a point where we trust them<00:31:39.840
• That is a<00:32:25.840> direct<00:32:26.559> cut.
• That will mean less a direct cut.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• that I get to talk to lawyers all the time, some of which are in the legislature, some of which I trust
• Chair, that I believe I want to direct to our Senate counsel.
• believe<00:42:50.120> I<00:42:50.200> want<00:42:50.400> to<00:42:50.480> direct
• to our Senate believe I want to direct to our Senate counsel. counsel. counsel.
• Who is the direct person we call outside of 911?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I don't know who this question should be directed to.
• And I don't know who this question should be directed to.
• But increasingly, we are moving more and more in that direction.
• But increasingly, we are moving more and more in that direction.
• But increasingly, We are moving more and more in that direction.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And 75% per the law is restricted funds; they have to be used for direct patient care in state. 25% is
• Direct payments are supposed to reach about $1.1 billion in FY 26, which would then be reduced by 10%
• So on page 14, H.R. 1 CAHPS Medicaid Directed Payment. H.R. 1 CAHPS Medicaid Directed Payment.
• When it's proprietary, then we are basically told, "Trust us," and I'm...
• Of the opinion of trust, but verify.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, staff is directed to do so. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• We're right in the middle of the tank, and I think you're heading in the right direction of taking that
• We've been moving in that direction.
• I mention that because not only do the universities or the land trusts have that challenge, right?
• That answered my question. ...similar to a community land trust, almost really.

Transcript Highlights:

• But you've got my support getting out today, and I trust that. Good, so just my two cents on it.
• And we'd prefer to see it go the other direction, where if the judge says comply immediately, comply
• But that was more of a direct, you know, direct communication, right? Definitely hateful speech.
• itself is only intended for direct communications.
• Are we the first state to go in this direction?

Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to privacy, consumer protection, and online harms. SB 259 by Senator Wahab would prohibit surveillance pricing based on device data such as geolocation or battery level; supporters argued it would curb discriminatory and predatory pricing, while opponents raised concerns about geolocation definitions, legitimate location-based pricing, and impacts on discounts and loyalty programs. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the Judiciary Committee and passed 8-1, with members noting amendments and ongoing discussions with stakeholders. SB 22 by Senator Laird would raise the amount of gift cards that can be redeemed for cash, with the author saying the goal is to update the long-standing $10 threshold for inflation and preserve consumer value. Consumer advocates supported the bill, while retailers, restaurants, grocers, and chambers of commerce opposed or opposed unless amended, citing fraud concerns, safety issues, and the need for clarification on donated or returned gift cards. The committee voted the bill out on a 6-1 vote and kept it on call. SB 576 by Senator Umberg would apply broadcast-style loudness rules to streaming advertisements. The author said the bill is intended to prevent ads from being much louder than programming, especially for children, while the opposition argued that streaming ad insertion is technically different and that existing industry standards and FCC oversight already address the issue. The bill passed 8-0. SB 683 by Senator Cortese would clarify that people can seek injunctive relief, including a TRO, for unauthorized use of name, image, or likeness; supporters said it strengthens privacy protections, while opponents warned about prior restraint and First Amendment concerns. The bill was moved out on a due pass motion and kept on call. The final bill discussed, SB 771 by Senator Stern, would clarify that existing civil rights and hate-related laws apply to social media platforms and their algorithms, with higher penalties for intentional or reckless violations. Supporters, including the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Islamic Networks Group, described online hate as fueling real-world violence and urged stronger accountability; opponents argued the bill could conflict with Section 230, chill lawful speech, and create vague standards. Members raised questions about constitutionality, definitions, and whether the bill would be workable, but several expressed support for the author’s goals.

Transcript Highlights:

• I completely trust you and proudly vote aye on this bill. Representative Mathis? Nay.
• The bill directs the State Mine Inspector to establish a statewide registry and monitoring program for
• Madam Chair, members, House Bill 2912 directs the Arizona Corporation Commission to require an electric
• I indeed trusted the water that came out of the faucet, came out of the refrigerator through the filter
• I indeed trusted the water that came out of the faucet, came out of the refrigerator through the filter

Bills: HB2099, HB2263, HB2264, HB2330, HB2341, HB2492, HB2757, HB2782, HB2843, HB2889, HB2912, HB2915, HB2918, HB4025, HB4100, HCR2020, HCR2057

Keywords: water storage, long-term storage credits, groundwater management, drought contingency, Arizona water regulations, Colorado River, replenishment, groundwater savings facility, groundwater storage, underground water storage, active management area, irrigation non-expansion area, Arizona water law, water rights, water replenishment, recharge, water conservation district, multi-county water conservation district, CAP water, Central Arizona Project

Transcript Highlights:

• REMOVES THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS, TRANSFER A PORTION OF SALES TAX REVENUE TO THE STATE TRANSPORTATION TRUST
• BUT FOR YOUR CHILDREN AND YOUR GRANDCHILDREN, FOR EVERY FAMILY IN FLORIDA WHO LOVES THE WATER AND TRUST
• WANT TO AIR ON THE SIDE OF INVESTIGATION IF WE BELIEVE FRAUD IS OCCURRING SO WE CAN IN SURE THAT THE DIRECT
• IT'S THE ONLY TOOL THEY HAVE TO MAKE DIRECT ACTION.
• SB 7016 IS JUST ANOTHER ATTEMPT TO DIRECT DEMOCRACY IN FLORIDA, AN EXAMPLE OF THOSE IN POWER NOT WANTING

Keywords: 999, senate, all