Transcript Highlights:

• On this day, when our nation's power is transferred from President Joseph Biden to President Donald Trump
• I've also submitted my notice to Governor Ron DeSantis to advise him of my resignation.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is basically exactly what the governor filed in her, I guess it was back in the budget, and that's
• And ultimately, it gives power back to artists to set their own ticket prices and allows fans to affordably
• turned your and your family's pain in Susan, you've turned your and your family's pain into profound power
• President, if I had unlimited power to go after these absolute losers who are going after seniors in
• But we don't have that power to go to other countries and stop these scams before they happen.

Summary: The Senate considered a large number of amendments to an economic development bill and adopted them one by one, with repeated brief recesses as members finalized language. Early amendments made permanent the option for hybrid public meetings and added procedures for alleged open meeting law violations, authorized speed camera enforcement in school and construction safety zones, and created a retirement credit option for part-time teachers who reduced hours to care for children. Other adopted amendments updated gateway municipality designations every three years, capped ticket resale prices and banned speculative “ghost tickets,” and addressed vulnerable road users, crumbling concrete, and a fund for seasonal communities housing. Members also approved amendments to create a new framework for responding to crimes against women, including better investigation of staged suicides and adding sex and gender to the hate crimes statute; to establish a trigger law protecting private-sector labor organizing rights if federal labor law is weakened; to create a bottom-up “Enough Act” fund to fight poverty; to allow airport restaurants and bars at Logan to operate during flight hours; and to protect seniors and adults with disabilities from financial scams by allowing temporary delays of suspicious transactions and reporting to protective agencies. Additional housing-related amendments were adopted for rural communities, residential PACE financing, and a five-community tenant opportunity to purchase pilot program. A Senate Ways and Means amendment was then adopted, the substitute draft was applied to the underlying bill, and the bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed. The chamber also adopted an order to reconvene the following Monday at 11 a.m. and to dispense with printing a calendar. The Senate then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• legislative district, in statewide seats for treasurer, insurance commissioner, attorney general, and governor
• With the power of progressive revenue, college and child care have become more affordable for thousands
• Please do everything in your power to keep the University of Washington healing, inventing, and educating
• When you take a look around and you see folks lining up, that is what power looks like.
• We've got the power, we've got the people, and we've got the fire.

Summary: The meeting was a press conference and Q&A led by Rep. Shaun Scott to promote the proposed Well Washington Fund, a new dedicated account intended to raise about $3 billion annually through a corporate payroll tax on wages above $125,000. Scott said the bill would help offset expected federal cuts under Trump-era policies and support programs most at risk, including cash assistance, higher education, health care, housing, and wildfire mitigation. He also referenced two related proposals: restoring wildfire mitigation funding by ending a tax break for large banks, and allowing counties to raise corporate taxes. Several advocates and affected residents testified in support of progressive revenue. Michelle Thomas of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance warned that federal homelessness policy changes and state underinvestment could worsen homelessness and evictions. Christina Savitsky, a disabled veteran, described how Medicaid, food assistance, and work requirements would affect her family. Representatives from the University of Washington AAUP said federal cuts and Medicaid changes threaten teaching, research, workforce training, and hospital finances. Fatima Boxwala of Tech for Taxes and Mikey Stramskis of the Washington Federation of State Employees argued that large corporations and the wealthy should pay more to sustain public services and address understaffing, burnout, and service backlogs. In the Q&A, Scott said the bill may need an emergency clause to make it referendum-proof and argued that the legislature has a mandate to act, citing the 2024 capital gains tax referendum and the state’s regressive tax system. He acknowledged concerns about businesses leaving but said he was more concerned about working people being displaced by unaffordable housing, child care, and health care. No vote or formal committee action occurred; the event was a call for a hearing in the House Finance Committee in 2026 and for legislative passage in both chambers.

Transcript Highlights:

• And some of these are on-site power facilities that might involve solar, Some of these are on-site power
• rather than bringing fossil power.
• Bringing clean power to meet their needs rather than bringing fossil power.
• To put it in perspective, if a virtual power plant...
• He said that instead of overloading it by drawing power out, this time you are pushing power in.

Summary: The committee heard public hearings on four bills. SB 5982 would expand Clean Energy Transformation Act coverage to include port districts and certain single-customer utilities, and would revise definitions for market customers and affected market customers. Supporters, including environmental groups, Commerce, Ecology, and some port and utility representatives, said it would close loopholes and ensure large loads such as data centers and port-based generation are subject to CETA. Opponents from ports, PUDs, business groups, and industrial consumers argued the bill could sweep in existing single-customer utilities and burden smaller ports or industrial projects. No vote was taken; the chair closed the hearing after noting substantial pro, con, and other testimony. SB 6008 would create a statewide residential battery incentive and flexible demand program administered through Commerce, with higher incentives for low- and moderate-income customers and requirements tied to utility flexible demand programs. Supporters said it would improve grid resilience, lower bills, and help deploy virtual power plants and distributed storage. Utilities and some advocates supported the concept but asked for changes on funding, low-income verification, compensation, deadlines, and program design. No action was taken beyond the public hearing. SB 6050 would allow portable plug-in solar devices and one meter-mounted device per premises, while restricting utilities, landlords, and HOAs from blocking them and setting safety and certification conditions. Supporters called it a low-cost way to expand distributed solar access, especially for renters and lower-income households. Opponents, including labor, utilities, and safety-focused witnesses, raised concerns about fire risk, backfeeding, lack of existing electrical code standards, utility worker safety, and the need for interconnection review. The committee then heard SB 6056, which would direct Ecology to exempt utility service vehicles from certain clean vehicle emissions standards; Ecology said it was already pursuing a similar rule and flagged the bill’s broad definition and potential policy implications, while utility associations supported the exemption for emergency response vehicles and environmental advocates opposed the statutory approach. No votes were taken on any of the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Messages from the Governor, there are none. Messages from the Governor, there are none.
• As we celebrate the Lunar New Year, we are reminded of the power of cultural traditions to inspire connection

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and brief procedural business, including approval of a motion to withdraw SB 107 and SB 117 from the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and place them on third reading. Members also approved procedural requests for adjournment-in-memory remarks and guest seating, and later took up the daily file. The main floor item was H.R. 80, a resolution recognizing Lunar New Year. Assembly Member Fong presented the resolution, and several members from different caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing the holiday’s cultural significance, themes of renewal and family, and California’s large AAPI community. The resolution was opened for coauthors, received 62 coauthors, and was then adopted by voice vote. Fong also distributed prosperity cookie boxes to members after passage. The chamber also observed moments of silence for Reverend Jesse Jackson and later for Babatunde Akinlola and Harold Tripp during adjournments in memory. Members gave tributes highlighting Akinlola’s film and education career and Tripp’s leadership in the Karuk Tribe and work on tribal restoration and natural resources. The session ended with announcements of upcoming committee meetings and adjournment until Thursday, February 19 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Messages from the governor, there are none. Messages from the governor, there are none.
• As we celebrate the Lunar New Year, we are reminded of the power of cultural traditions to inspire connection

Transcript Highlights:

• President Albritton: Are there messages from the Governor or other executive communications?
• other means of technology to see how we can assist them with things like this and doing some of the power
• Carlos Ray walked over himself and made sure tomorrow the Governor issued an order to fly flags at half

Transcript Highlights:

• And as our former governor once said, injustice towards some is injustice towards all.
• Veteran entrepreneurs are powerful economic engines and job creators.
• The power of the American people is stronger than any one administration.
• We the people hold the power to safeguard our history.
• We the people hold the power to safeguard our history.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:30:39.240><c> will</c> think what the incoming Governor will think what the incoming Governor
• We've submitted it and we're obviously working with Governor Sununu's team and now Governor-elect Ayotte's
• We've submitted it, and we're obviously working with Governor Sununu's team and now Governor-elect Ayotte's
• We've submitted it, and we're obviously working with Governor Sununu's team and now Governor-elect Ayotte's
• My name is Gina Powers.

Summary: The meeting began with introductory remarks for new and returning members of the House Commerce Committee, led by Chairman John Hunt. Members briefly introduced themselves and their backgrounds, and several noted the committee’s bipartisan, collegial tone. Hunt explained the committee’s structure and traditions, including the division into three subcommittees: banking and business, consumer protection, and liquor commission matters, with insurance now handled as a single area. He also reviewed basic hearing procedures, including decorum, questions for information only, and the committee’s practice of moving bills through subcommittees before full committee executive sessions. The committee then heard an overview from the New Hampshire Insurance Department, led by Commissioner DJ Bettencourt and staff. The department described its mission as promoting a safe and competitive insurance marketplace and emphasized consumer protection, market competition, and affordability. Officials outlined the department’s responsibilities, including licensing insurers, producers, adjusters, and TPAs; reviewing insurance forms; regulating companies and market conduct; overseeing financial solvency; and investigating insurance fraud. They also noted that the department is self-funded through assessments on insurers, collects premium taxes and fees for the state, and returned more than $2.7 million to companies in fiscal year 2024 due to underspending. The presentation also covered the broader regulatory framework for insurance, including the role of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in promoting uniform standards across states and territories. Officials said New Hampshire licenses about 1,200 insurance companies and roughly 245,000 producers and adjusters, and that the department’s financial examinations are part of an accreditation system used nationwide. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided; the session was primarily organizational and informational, with the insurance department presentation beginning the committee’s substantive work for the term.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:40:36.480><c> Steve</c> gallery former Lieutenant Governor Steve gallery former Lieutenant Governor
• </c> and Will Ainsworth, Lieutenant Governor. and Will Ainsworth, Lieutenant Governor.
• I think that was Winston County. wound up being Governor Guy Hunt. wound up being Governor Guy Hunt.
• Governor has that power to do so.
• Governor<05:23:19.520><c> has</c><05:23:19.800><c> that</c><05:23:20.000><c> power</c><05:23:20.360><

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then adopted a resolution honoring Dr. Todd Freeman, Superintendent of Vestavia Hills City Schools, as Alabama Superintendent of the Year. Senators praised his leadership in public education and noted the recognition was especially meaningful as one of the last such honors in the current chamber. The Senate also adopted a resolution commending the 2026 Alabama Law Institute Senate interns for their service, and members offered personal remarks thanking the interns and encouraging them to remain and contribute to Alabama in the future. The chamber then took up several conference committee and House messages. The Senate concurred in the conference report on Senate Bill 341 after extended remarks, and later concurred in the conference report on Senate Bill 32, described as a veterans-related bill that would make benefits automatic for those under the federal poverty level and allow cities and counties to opt in for veterans above that level. The Senate also received House amendments to Senate Bill 199, concerning sex offenders, and voted to non-concur and send the bill to conference, naming conferees. In resolutions from the Rules Committee, the Senate adopted an amended House Joint Resolution 198 establishing the Alabama Mental Health Task Force. It also adopted House Joint Resolution 326, which recognizes the need for a north-south transportation route in East Alabama. Throughout the meeting, senators made extended floor remarks about slowing down on legislation, focusing on rural hospitals and other priorities, and the importance of treating children, seniors, and low-income residents fairly.

Transcript Highlights:

• CPS has investigatory powers.
• Therefore, they investigatory powers.
• We worked governor um, did not like.
• </c> got this bill exactly where the governor got this bill exactly where the governor wants<01:28:58.080
• Um the reemployment by the governor.

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment does not expand government power.
• It stabilizes a successful system power.
• I thought I heard you say something about a governor of a state that disallowed bear hunting.
• Would this amendment not allow the governor, whoever that might be, to sign such a bill?
• It doesn't say signed by the governor, but that Fish and Game laws apply.

Committee: House Fish and Game and Marine Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Governor DeSantis and his team have made this a priority for years.
• or any future governor if the bill becomes law.
• I cannot speak for someone else in the case of our current governor or a future governor.
• Can the governor replace those who he... Senator Polsky: Thank you.
• And, of course, our governor for ...and, of course, our governor for adding this legislation to his puppy

Transcript Highlights:

• itself strips millions of Californians of their congressional representation and forcefully removes power
• Legislation to rush this process and hand our governor his special election does not constitute anything

Summary: The Rules Committee met, called the roll, and established quorum. After a consent agenda was presented, one member requested that item 7 be removed for separate consideration, arguing that the urgency request did not meet the constitutional standard for immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety and was instead driven by political expediency. The remainder of the consent agenda was approved by roll call. The committee then took up item 7, an urgency clause request for SB 280 by Senator Cervantes. A point of order was raised that the amendments were not germane under Rule 92, but the chair ruled the motion was limited to the urgency clause and not the merits of the bill. The committee proceeded to a roll-call vote and the urgency clause request passed. After the vote, a member moved to refer item 7, along with ACA, to the Judiciary and Elections Committees, arguing the measures would significantly affect Californians and democracy and needed more time and hearings. The chair ruled that motion out of order because the matter before the committee was only the urgency clause request. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• itself strips millions of Californians of their congressional representation and forcefully removes power
• Legislation to rush this process and hand our governor his special election does not constitute anything

Committee: House Rules

Summary: The Rules Committee met to consider a consent agenda and a separate item involving SB 280 and an urgency clause request. One member asked to remove item 7 from consent, arguing the urgency request did not meet the constitutional standard for immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety and was instead driven by political expediency. The committee voted on that procedural motion and it passed. The committee then took up the urgency clause request for SB 280 by Senator Cervantes. A point of order was raised claiming the amendments to SB 280 were not germane to the original bill, but the chair ruled the matter was a procedural motion limited to the urgency clause and not the bill’s merits. The roll was called and the urgency clause request passed. A member then moved to refer item 7 and ACA to the Judiciary and Elections Committees, arguing the measures would significantly affect Californians and democracy and needed more public input and hearings. That motion was ruled out of order because the item before the committee was only the urgency clause request. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let us be mindful that power is not a possession, but a practice, one that asks for humility, courage
• convention at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025, to receive the message of the Honorable Tim Walz, Governor

Transcript Highlights:

• They have federal agent powers.
• We are aligned with Governor Abbott’s directive to HHS.
• We want to congratulate you on the appointment from Governor Abbott.
• This is not consumer directed services because I have no power.
• We have a number of charges from the lieutenant governor, Governor Patrick, that we will be sending out

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened to discuss interim charges regarding fraud, waste, and abuse in Texas human services, particularly focusing on Medicaid and childcare programs. The meeting highlighted the importance of preventing misuse of taxpayer funds, with testimony from various stakeholders emphasizing the need for increased oversight and accountability in these programs. Key points included the alarming rise in healthcare fraud in other states, the necessity for Texas to enhance its fraud prevention measures, and the potential financial repercussions of failing to meet federal compliance standards. Several committee members expressed concerns about the impact of fraud on vulnerable populations, particularly those relying on Medicaid services. Testimonies from experts underscored the effectiveness of Texas's Office of Inspector General (OIG) in combating fraud, yet pointed out existing vulnerabilities, such as inconsistent enforcement and the need for better data sharing among agencies. The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by hospice care providers, with a significant increase in the number of hospices in Texas raising concerns about quality and oversight. The committee heard from various witnesses, including representatives from health plans and advocacy organizations, who provided insights into the complexities of managing Medicaid and the importance of maintaining program integrity. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore legislative solutions to enhance oversight and ensure that resources are directed to those in genuine need.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do everything in your power to ensure that our communities are supported.
• Do everything in your power to ensure that our communities are supported and protected at a time when
• I am the vice chair of the CalSAWS Joint Powers Agreement, so kind of on behalf of CalSAWS here.
• I want to thank our presenters for their powerful words. May I ask the name of the young girl?
• California must commit to immigration inclusion in our most powerful anti-poverty programs.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services opened its first hearing of the year with a discussion centered on CalFresh, the Department of Social Services, and related anti-poverty and immigrant services programs. Chair Jackson framed the hearing as a response to the “historic and enormous challenges” created by H.R. 1, emphasizing that the committee’s goal was to minimize harm to vulnerable Californians. No votes were taken in the hearing. The first major topic was the impact of H.R. 1 on CalFresh eligibility and administration. CDSS estimated major federal funding reductions, with hundreds of thousands of Californians potentially losing benefits under new time limits and work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents, and additional losses among certain non-citizen groups. County welfare directors, eligibility workers, SEIU, and other advocates argued that counties are underfunded and understaffed to implement the new rules, and urged release of the previously authorized $20 million General Fund, a county match waiver, and an additional ongoing workforce investment. LAO and the Department of Finance said they were reviewing the administration’s proposals and emphasized the need to use existing data, automation, and statutory direction to reduce administrative burden and improve implementation. A second panel addressed county administrative backfill and the broader fiscal effects of H.R. 1. CDSS explained that the law shifts more administrative costs to the state and counties beginning in federal fiscal year 2027 and could also create future state benefit costs tied to payment error rates. County and food bank representatives warned that many counties will struggle to absorb the higher match and that penalties tied to payment error rates could worsen budget pressure. Members pressed Finance and CDSS for clearer timelines, written responses, and more detailed workload assumptions, while Finance said it was still analyzing the federal guidance and county resource needs. The final major topic was the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) and possible state responses for people losing federal CalFresh eligibility. CDSS said CFAP remains limited by statute and by the federal structure it currently uses, but that the planned expansion to Californians age 55 and older regardless of immigration status remains on track for October 1, 2027, subject to funding. Immigrant advocates urged the state to fold newly excluded humanitarian immigrants into CFAP and to invest in outreach and administration, while Western Center on Law and Poverty proposed a broader state-funded anti-hunger response for people cut off by H.R. 1. LAO noted that the CFAP expansion is difficult to estimate and that further policy and technical work would be needed to assess costs and implementation options.

Transcript Highlights:

• None of our great economic engines have been powered by the private sector alone.
• So I think, like the governor indicated, it is state of the state.
• I don't anticipate the governor overriding our primary federal mission.
• I don't anticipate the governor overriding our primary federal mission.
• Anything activated under the governor would be through the governors and the Washington military department's

Summary: The Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee held public hearings on three bills and then a work session on tourism. House Bill 2365, concerning digital equity programs, would shift more responsibility to the Broadband Office, rename the Digital Equity Opportunity Program as the Digital Opportunity Program, expand the forum’s role, and require more reporting and outreach on broadband adoption and affordability. The prime sponsor and several advocates from community organizations, PTA, and digital navigation groups supported the bill, emphasizing the need for digital skills, cybersecurity, affordability, and trusted community partners. Commerce testified that the bill has technical and fiscal concerns and would add costs, and the sponsor said amendments were likely to reduce the fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2365 was then closed. House Bill 2446 would direct the Department of Commerce to develop a state quantum strategy by June 30, using non-state funding if possible, to identify growth areas, partnerships, and workforce and economic impacts for the quantum industry. The prime sponsor, industry representatives, and technology organizations supported the bill as a way to keep Washington competitive with other states and build a quantum ecosystem. Committee members raised questions about fiscal impact, private funding, regulatory capture, and cybersecurity risks, including concerns about quantum’s effect on passwords and AI-related harms. A Microsoft representative requested a technical amendment to broaden the definition from quantum computing to quantum technology and said the company would follow up on funding and AI-regulation questions. The hearing on HB 2446 was closed. House Bill 2357 would create a Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol within the Military Department, allowing the governor to activate it for cadet training, communications, disaster relief, cybersecurity, search and rescue, and related missions. The sponsor, the adjutant general, the Civil Air Patrol commander, and a veterans coalition representative all supported the bill, citing recent flood response work, emergency preparedness, and youth training benefits. Testimony emphasized that the proposal would clarify coordination, not change federal authorities, and would not create a fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2357 was closed without any amendment requests. In the work session on tourism, State of Washington Tourism and industry partners presented recommendations from an advisory group calling for a more sustainable, industry-led funding model, likely through an assessment or visitor-fee structure. They argued Washington is underfunded compared with western peers and estimated that a competitive program could generate $14.6 billion in additional visitor spending over the next decade, along with significant tax revenue and lodging tax growth. Speakers from tourism, the wine commission, hospitality, and advisory group leadership stressed predictable funding, industry governance, and statewide benefits, while committee members discussed international tourism, regional access, and the need to avoid further decline in the sector. The meeting adjourned early after the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The lieutenant governor has told me I have to, by April 1st, and he's giving me an eviction notice to
• The lieutenant governor has told me I have to, by April 1st, and he's giving me an eviction notice to
• The lieutenant governor has told me I have to, by April 1st, and he's giving me an eviction notice to
• It deals with the police powers of the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol.
• It deals with the police powers of the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol.

Committee: Joint Judiciary, Division B