Transcript Highlights:

• Mara Hover, Legislative District 12. The Doctor of the Day is Dr.
• Mara Hover, Legislative District 12.
• They are interns interning in Legislative District 4 and Legislative District 5.
• They're here today to watch some action on the floor. legislative district five.
• Wynne Stanley, also former chairman of Legislative District 15 Republican Party.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day and several guests and community groups, including correctional officer Jacob Polanco, Pima Community Land Trust representatives, student interns, and Arizona PTA members. Members also adopted a proclamation recognizing Kosovo’s Independence Day in Arizona, with remarks highlighting the Kosovo American community’s contributions to the state. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole on a calendar of bills and resolutions. HB 2307 and HB 2758 were considered first; HB 2307 received committee amendments and was recommended do pass, while HB 2758 drew extensive debate over groundwater transport in La Paz County. Supporters argued the measure preserved a transportation-basin framework and added protections, while opponents warned it would facilitate water export for private investors and harm rural residents. After a division and recorded vote, HB 2758 failed to receive a due-pass recommendation. The House also considered HCR 2003, a referral related to transgender athletes in sports, where supporters framed it as a fairness and women’s sports issue and opponents argued it targeted a small population and should be left to athletic associations; it received a due-pass recommendation. HCR 2047 and HCR 2002, both relating to Judea and Samaria, also received due-pass recommendations after remarks citing biblical and historical references. After the Committee of the Whole report was adopted, the House referred the approved measures to engrossing and noted HB 2758 failed. The chamber then took up third-reading votes on several bills, passing HB 251, HB 262, HB 272, HB 296, and HB 2459, with brief explanations on some votes, including support for a Buffalo Soldiers monument, AHCCCS-related changes, water infrastructure authority, and mobile home park utility billing protections. The House also heard personal privilege remarks and announcements, including comments on antisemitism after vandalism at a University of Arizona campus center, a request to wear pink or green in support of a murder victim’s mother testifying on a bill, tributes to Jesse Jackson and Bishop Peter Bowie, and committee meeting notices before adjourning until February 18, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And how are we looking to have that enforced through this legislation, Madam Chair?
• And how are we looking to have that enforced through this legislation, Madam Chair?
• The legislation is also a very smart, long-term investment in New Mexico's future.
• The legislation is also a very smart, long-term investment in New Mexico's future. Thank you.
• But I do like the idea, and so I will be supporting the legislation. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 124, which would create a permanent Office of New Americans within the Department of Workforce Solutions. The sponsor and supporters said the office would help immigrant and refugee workers access training, licensing, language support, and other workforce resources, while also helping employers fill labor shortages in industries such as construction, agriculture, oil and gas, health care, and child care. Support came from advocates, business groups, faith organizations, and immigrant-rights groups; there was no opposition. Members asked about data protection, the number of other states with similar offices, and whether the office could help recruit and credential foreign-trained medical professionals. The bill passed on a do-pass motion with several yes votes and some no votes recorded, and the sponsor explained the vote as a way to support families and workforce integration. The committee then considered House Bill 314, which would authorize zero-interest loans through the Local Government Division for political subdivisions to repair flood- and debris-damaged public infrastructure and remove debris from the October 19, 2024 storm event. There was no public testimony in support or opposition. Members briefly asked about the $150 million appropriation and whether it was already in the budget, and the sponsor said it was. The bill received a do-pass motion, a second, and was approved without opposition. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 64, as amended, to codify the Office of Special Education and a deputy secretary position within the Public Education Department. The sponsor and department officials said the bill would formalize an office already created by executive order, improve statewide coordination, support compliance with IDEA and the Yazzie-Martinez case, and develop a statewide IEP template to reduce inconsistency across districts. They emphasized that gifted education would remain in Curriculum and Instruction and that the bill would not add new paperwork or mandates for districts. Supporters included education leaders, disability advocates, vocational rehabilitation, and special education professionals; there was no opposition. Members raised questions about parent understanding of IEPs, monitoring and enforcement, funding, charter school coverage, and the treatment of gifted and twice-exceptional students. The bill passed on a do-pass motion with unanimous support from those present.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation is about public health, consistency, prevention, and particularly our young people.
• We have seen the pattern before with other products that were widely available before legislators acted
• There's active legislation and I think about seven or eight more. Okay. All right, thank you.
• There's active legislation and I think about seven or eight more. Okay. All right, thank you.
• This legislation does not create new permitting requirements, does not add cost to the Commonwealth,

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on late-filed bills and home rule petitions, with testimony taken both in person and virtually. The chairs reviewed hearing logistics and testimony limits, then heard a series of bill presentations covering public health, alcohol licensing, professional licensure, consumer issues, and automotive warranty reimbursement. Committee members asked questions throughout, particularly on interstate licensure compacts and the structure of proposed regulatory changes. Representative John Barrett testified in support of H 4907, which would regulate the sale of nitrous oxide to curb recreational misuse and protect young people, and members echoed concerns about its health risks. Southbridge officials Peg Dean and David Adams supported H 488, seeking an extension of district liquor licenses to match delayed downtown revitalization and business development. Leslie Ross and Keith Buckout testified on S 2636, a cosmetology licensure compact, with Buckout explaining that compacts improve mobility for workers and military families; Melissa Willett of the Defense State Liaison Office also supported the compact for the same reason. Representative Mindy Domb testified for H 559, proposing a commission to study the effects of electronic textbooks and automatic textbook billing on students and affordability. George Cronin of MassPack supported H 4597, which would limit new alcohol retail licenses within 500 feet of another alcohol seller after 2026 to address oversaturation; he said the bill would not disturb existing licenses. Luke Van Horn testified for H 559 and also raised concerns about H 4719, describing the burden of costly course materials and access codes on students. Mike Capuccio and Ryan Williams supported H 4719, which would create HVAC construction supervisor licensing, arguing it would improve consumer protection, accountability, and clean-energy outcomes; no opposition was heard on that bill in the excerpt. On H 4019, the Massachusetts State Auto Dealers Association supported a change to warranty reimbursement rules, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and Subaru New England opposed it, warning it would raise costs and allow overpayment using aftermarket time guides. The committee concluded by reading the agenda items and then voted unanimously to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation is about public health, consistency, prevention, and particularly our young people.
• We have seen the pattern before with other products that were widely available before legislators acted
• We've had that legislation before our committee before, but New Hampshire doesn't have that and it's
• There's active legislation, and I think about seven or eight more. Okay. All right, thank you.
• This legislation does not create new permitting requirements, does not add cost to the Commonwealth,

Bills: S2636, S2628, S2913, H4907, H4877, H4661, H4662, H4597, H4719, H4019, H559, H4588

Keywords: cosmetology, cosmetologist, beauty industry, hairdresser, esthetician, salon, licensure compact, interstate compact, multistate license, license reciprocity, professional licensure, occupational licensing, workforce mobility, license portability, military spouse, military family, background check, disciplinary action, scope of practice, consumer protection

Transcript Highlights:

• So this next slide comes right out of the legislative budget book.
• So this next slide comes right out of the legislative budget book.
• My name is Christopher LaHocet, and I'm with the Legislative Services Office.
• So this is where you can track legislative decisions that are happening during sessions.
• So this is where you can track legislative decisions that are happening during sessions.

Summary: The House Revenue and Taxation Committee met on January 22, 2012, for budget briefings from Legislative Services Office staff. Keith Bybee gave an overview of Idaho’s general fund structural balance, explaining that recent revenue projections for FY 2026-2028 still show pressure on the budget if spending continues to grow at historical rates. He reviewed how prior surpluses were used for stabilization funds, transportation, building projects, and other one-time investments, and noted major budget drivers such as Medicaid expansion, the state public defender system, and water-related spending. He also walked through the state’s cash position, explaining beginning balances, reappropriations, carryforwards, reversions, and the governor’s proposed use of cash transfers and temporary spending reductions to help balance the budget. Members asked questions about whether JFAC discusses raising revenues versus cutting spending, whether the figures were inflation-adjusted, and how sales tax exemptions affect the overall picture. Bybee said the charts were nominal, not inflation-adjusted, and estimated sales tax exemptions and exclusions at about $2 billion, with current collections around $3.3 billion. He also addressed contract inflation and health insurance costs, saying health care growth is driven more by actual program costs than contract terms. The committee then discussed the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and Idaho tax conformity, with Bybee summarizing Tax Commission estimates for provisions such as the standard deduction, overtime, tips, senior deductions, car loan interest, and research and experimentation expensing; members also raised questions about bonus depreciation and the possible budget impact of conforming to federal changes. Christopher LaHocet then demonstrated LSO budget and revenue tools available online, including the general fund budget monitor, daily updates, the budget book, sales tax distribution tables, and the base budget dashboard. He explained that these resources help track revenue performance, legislative budget actions, and the buildup of agency base budgets over time. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after announcing a follow-up RS hearing on tax conformity for the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this next slide comes right out of the legislative budget book.
• So that would be cash in the Treasury that was reserved for legislative-authorized reappropriation.
• My name is Christopher LaHocet, and I'm with the Legislative Services Office.
• So this is where you can track legislative decisions that are happening during sessions.
• This is where you can track legislative decisions that are happening during sessions.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee received a budget update focused on Idaho’s general fund structural balance, cash position, and revenue outlook. The presenter explained that while the state remains in a solid financial position, projected revenue growth is not keeping pace with appropriation growth over the out-years, creating a structural imbalance if current trends continue. He reviewed recent revenue forecasts, major spending growth areas such as public schools, Medicaid/health and welfare, corrections, and other agencies, and noted that past surpluses had been used for stabilization funds, transportation, building projects, and other one-time investments. The presentation also walked through the current fiscal year cash reconciliation, including beginning balances, reappropriations, executive carryforwards, year-end reversions, transfers, supplementals, and the temporary spending reduction from Executive Order 2025-2. Members asked about whether JFAC discusses raising revenues versus reducing costs, inflation adjustments, sales tax exemptions, and the effect of contract and health insurance costs on the budget. The presenter said JFAC generally focuses on setting the budget against adopted revenue forecasts rather than debating tax increases, and that the figures shown were nominal, not inflation-adjusted. A second major topic was the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and possible Idaho tax conformity. The Tax Commission’s estimated impacts were reviewed for provisions such as the increased standard deduction, overtime and tip exclusions, the senior deduction, car loan interest, research and experimentation expensing, and bonus depreciation. Members asked several clarifying questions about how those provisions would work and whether Idaho would conform; the presenter noted that some estimates were uncertain or disputed, especially for overtime, tips, and research expensing. No votes were taken. The committee also received a short demonstration of LSO budget and revenue tracking tools, including the General Fund Budget Monitor, the daily update/green sheet, the budget book, and the base budget dashboard. The meeting ended with notice of an RS hearing on tax conformity scheduled for the next morning, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm with the Legislative Council Service. I'm a drafter.
• Uh, Chloe Dixon, uh, district legislative aide, uh House District 20 Representative Mereth Dixon, and
• There was some good legislation or important legislation.
• Um, and, and I know there's been some legislation to try to, um, you know, restrict social media for
• OK, what sort of legislation might you want to introduce? What works, what doesn't work?

Transcript Highlights:

• As background, following the passage and approval of Senate Bill 431 of the 82nd legislative session,
• Senate Bill 507 of this legislative session would implement the office's long-term funding plan and would
• So in our hearings that we've had over the legislative session, and we've been talking about the fact
• Our cost allocation is based on the budgeted amount that it will be approved through the legislatively
• I don't understand why this is happening on day 119 in a legislative session.

Bills: SB507

Keywords: SB507, Nevada, governmental administration, Office of Nevada Boards Commissions and Councils Standards, Department of Business and Industry, professional licensing boards, occupational licensing, regulatory fees, state account, nonreverting fund, Commission on Postsecondary Education, taxicab, taxi technology fee, Nevada Transportation Authority, Taxicab Authority, transportation network company, TNC, rideshare, Uber, Lyft

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a number of reforms legislation considering the 119 Congress should be making the Indian Health
• Over the past several Congresses, NFOA has worked with both the Senate and the House on legislation to
• Another critical provision in our legislative recommendation is the creation of the annual $175 million
• , and there's bipartisan legislation.
• This is our responsibility here in the legislative branch to make sure that we are representing those

Keywords: tribal sovereignty, healthcare, education, public safety, Economic Development, Tax Parity Act, PROTECT Act, trust obligations, bipartisan support, Indian Health Services

Summary: The committee meeting focused on crucial issues facing tribal nations, particularly emphasizing the federal government's trust and treaty obligations. The discussions highlighted ongoing challenges such as disparities in healthcare, education, and public safety within Native communities. Chair Murkowski underscored the importance of listening to Native leaders and aligning congressional efforts with community needs, advocating for legislative actions that support tribal sovereignty and economic development. Various initiatives, including the Tax Parity Act and the PROTECT Act, aimed at addressing jurisdictional and financial disparities, were discussed in detail. A call for bipartisan support to alleviate the funding shortages affecting Indian Health Services was made several times during the meeting. Testimonies from tribal leaders and representatives emphasized the dire need for legislative support to enhance infrastructure, healthcare access, and public safety initiatives in tribal communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• I ask that you guide our legislators' minds that they may clearly perceive solutions to sometimes difficult
• Speaker, and gentlemen, that this booklet is given to us legislators.
• Well, you know, I'm introducing legislation.
• Speaker, I move we go to the next order of business, introduction of legislation.
• Well, as presentations from the Legislative Finance Committee. Thank you very much.

Transcript Highlights:

• that absent members be compelled to attend and that those who remained absent would forfeit their legislative
• Other states have done fines for members, for legislators who don't show up for work by withholding their
• to receive per diem for the 2025-26 legislative session.
• who uh don't members for for legislators who uh don't show<00:09:00.440><c> up</c><00:09:00.600><c>
• to receive per diem for the 2025-26 legislative session.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• There will be additional legislative council support staff on the floor to assist you today if you have
• You were sent the rules from the last legislative session with my request.
• You were sent the rules from the last legislative session with my update.
• And so, this bothers me because this represents a sea change from where this legislation has gone.
• Members, my final words today on the significance of our legislative mission. Mr.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we'll be covering 19 legislative proposals.
• I do want to note that this is my sponsored legislation before the committee today.
• All right, that is everyone that we have signed up for this piece of legislation.
• Next piece of legislation. Sorry. Oh. Oh. Do we have you? Becca? No. Okay. All right.
• Next piece of legislation. We’ll try to get the Future Farmers of America back here.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries held a public hearing on 19 legislative proposals, with testimony limited to three minutes per speaker and seven minutes per panel. The hearing opened with testimony on bills promoting urban agriculture and vacant-lot conversion, including H.121/S.61, which Green Roots staff and community members supported as a way to turn vacant lots in environmental justice communities into urban farms and gardens that improve food access, health, community cohesion, and climate resilience. Rep. James Arena-DeRosa also spoke in support of H.109/S.56, the PFAS bill, describing it as a measure to protect soil and farms from contamination and to create relief for affected farmers. A major portion of the hearing focused on H.109/S.56, which would ban land application of sewage sludge/biosolids, provide liability protection and relief funds for farmers, and address PFAS contamination in soil, water, crops, and animals. Testimony came from environmental groups, farm organizations, and individual farmers, including the Mass Food System Collaborative, Conservation Law Foundation, Clean Water Action, CEMAP, NOFA, Sierra Club, and several farmers who described contamination in Maine and Massachusetts and urged the committee to act. Witnesses emphasized that PFAS poses serious health risks, that farmers should not bear responsibility for legacy contamination, and that the bill should be paired with funding for testing, remediation, and assistance. Committee members asked questions about farm liability, the scope of the bill, contamination in different ownership situations, and the costs and timelines of remediation, with Senator Comerford and others clarifying that the bill is intended to protect farms and farmers rather than non-agricultural landholders. The committee also heard strong support for H.416, a farm-to-institution pilot program, from Rep. Lee Davis, Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, and Berkshire Bounty. They said the pilot would connect Massachusetts farms to schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and other institutions, creating new markets, strengthening local supply chains, and supporting food-is-medicine efforts. Members discussed whether the model could be statewide and referenced existing programs such as Island Grown Initiative and local hospital and insurance partnerships. Another agricultural bill, H.1058, was supported by Rep. Mark Sylvia and the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association as a way to allow unused cranberry water rights to be transferred within the same watershed for municipal mitigation while helping growers retire or consolidate bogs. The hearing also included testimony on the broader farm omnibus bill H.112/S.55 and related measures, with the Massachusetts Farm Bureau and others praising the committee’s work on agricultural resilience, food security, agritourism, workforce development, and farmland access, while suggesting additional transportation-related fixes for farmers. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Brian Metzger from the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• We'd be glad to work with legislative and department staff over the next few weeks.
• Zinma with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• We are working with Legislative Counsel right now.
• Legislative Analyst's Office. Hi, Heather Gonzalez with the Legislative Analyst's Office.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank the ladies of the Women Legislative Missouri Caucus.
• Further discussion on the legislation.
• Charles County—approve and support this legislation.
• Charles County have been asking for this legislation for years. Mr.
• Charles County have been asking for this legislation for years. Mr.

Summary: The House met on the final day of session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous day’s journal by a 126-0 vote. Much of the early floor time was devoted to points of personal privilege, with members and the Speaker offering lengthy tributes to departing colleagues, House staff, law enforcement, veterans, and family members. Several members reflected on their service, discussed the challenges of the session, and thanked staff in the chamber and across the Capitol for their work. The chamber then took up Senate messages and committee reports, followed by several bills and resolutions. House Bill 2636, dealing with mortgage modification and related consumer protections, was adopted as amended and finally passed by votes of 142-1 on adoption and 144-1 on final passage. House Bill 2397, concerning water district dissolution procedures and related safeguards, was adopted and finally passed by votes of 129-16 and 127-17. House Bill 2576, a naming and designation bill adding observances and memorial highways/bridges, was adopted and finally passed by votes of 136-4 and 134-6. The House also debated Senate Joint Resolution 95, which proposed creating a constitutional Show Me Prosperity Fund as a sovereign wealth fund intended to eventually replace state taxes through long-term investment returns. Supporters argued it was a forward-looking fiscal strategy based on compound interest and could reduce reliance on taxes over generations. Opponents warned that the state was facing near-term budget shortfalls and that locking money away could make it inaccessible during emergencies or when needed for current services. The transcript ends during continued debate on the resolution, with no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, this is the legislative branch budget.
• President, this is the legislative branch budget.
• And I encourage the adoption of the passage of this legislation.
• And I encourage the adoption of the passage of this legislation.
• </c><00:52:42.240><c> Research</c> people of the Legislative Research people of the Legislative Research

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Commission on Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota<00:03:39.360><c> Resources.
• And those draft work plans are all available to you as legislators for you to review.
• And those draft work plans are all available to you as legislators for you to review.
• This includes funding carry forwards, or what we call legislative extensions.
• </c> what we call legislative extensions. what we call legislative extensions.

Bills: HF3426, HF3428

Keywords: natural resources, environment, sustainability, conservation, outdoor recreation, land acquisition, real property, trust fund, commissioner approval, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, conservation easement, land purchase, state land, public lands, property acquisition, value assessment, tax assessed value, Metropolitan Council, Board of Water and Soil Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• I would welcome those amendments to strengthen the legislation.
• We can use parking fees and taxes as well through this legislation.
• My name is Adam Bernbaum from the 24th Legislative District.
• This proposed legislation would give counties another tool.
• I urge your support of this important legislation.

Summary: The committee first held an executive session on several transportation measures heard earlier in the session, including bills on rounding cash transactions to eliminate pennies, vehicle title transfers to insurers, a memorial bridge naming, BAT lane access for private employer transportation services, oil tanker escort requirements, Traffic Safety Commission authority, fifth-wheel trailer length, electric vehicle sales and funding, and vehicle loads on public highways. Most of the measures were advanced with due pass recommendations to the Rules Committee, and the committee adopted amendments on the penny-rounding bill, the EV funding bill, and the vehicle-loads bill. Members noted some opposition or reservations on a few items, including the penny-rounding proposal and the vehicle-loads amendment, but the motions carried. The committee then returned to public hearing on several bills. Substitute House Bill 2323 would create a blue envelope program for neurodiverse drivers to help communicate with law enforcement during traffic stops; the Department of Licensing and State Patrol fiscal notes were described, and the bill drew strong support in signed-in testimony. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2588 would expand county ferry district authority to include vehicle ferries and require voter approval for new taxes after the effective date; testimony was mixed, with Whatcom County officials and ferry users supporting the bill as a funding tool, while one opponent criticized the tax and timing provisions. The committee also heard public testimony on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2172, which would change the route jurisdiction transfer and abandonment process for state highways by requiring agreements or legislative review for longer abandonments or bridge transfers; cities, counties, the Transportation Commission, and the TIB supported the bill as a more transparent process. Additional public hearings covered Substitute House Bill 2203, creating reckless interference with emergency operations for drivers who bypass emergency road closures; a defense-lawyer witness opposed the mandatory license suspension, while the sponsor described the bill as a response to flood and fire rescues. Substitute House Bill 2410 would create a Commercial Truck Safety and Education Council and raise the commercial vehicle safety enforcement fee from $16 to $32 per vehicle; the trucking industry and business groups supported it as a safety and training investment. The committee also heard a staff briefing and sponsor testimony on Second Substitute House Bill 1923, the Mosquito Fleet Act, which would expand passenger-only ferry district options and was presented as a local tool to improve ferry access and relieve Washington State Ferries congestion.

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislation does not change garnishment law.
• That is when we pass legislation. There may be challenges to that.
• President, this legislation is about community safety. Mr.
• President, this body passed the legislation unanimously in 2024.
• President, this body passed the legislation unanimously in 2024.

Bills: SB5223, SB5067, SJM8002, SB5855, SB5865, SB5272, SCR8406, SB5000, SB5500, SJM8006, SB5325, SB5286, SB5937

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, impaired driving, driving safety, alcohol regulation, public health, transportation, Medicare, healthcare, insurance, elderly, budget impact, face coverings, civil liberties, garnishment, debt, form standardization

Summary: The Senate opened with a ceremonial welcome for the Washington National Guard, including a color guard, prayer, and a resolution recognizing the Guard’s service. Senate Resolution 8668 was adopted unanimously, with members praising the Guard’s flood response, election support, counterdrug work, youth programs, and community assistance. The Senate also confirmed three gubernatorial appointments to college boards of trustees: Ann M. McQuaid to Bellingham Technical College, Eliza Munoz Estee to Grays Harbor College, and Felicia Hancock-Lewis to Wenatchee Valley College, each by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. On legislation, the Senate passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5865 on garnishment forms after adopting an amendment delaying the effective date to May 1, 2027. The chamber also passed Substitute Senate Bill 5855 on law enforcement face coverings after rejecting several amendments that would have broadened or clarified exceptions, including proposals related to timing after transport, warrants, and other scenarios. Debate centered on federal immigration enforcement, public safety, accountability, and whether the bill would affect local law enforcement; the bill ultimately passed on a 30-19 vote. The Senate then passed Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5105, with a technical amendment, to address explicit depictions of minors and AI-generated or altered child sexual abuse material. It also passed Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5268, updating community custody provisions for unlawful firearm possession after a date-fixing amendment. Engrossed Senate Bill 5081, revising unattended motor vehicle rules for remote starts, passed unanimously. Senate Joint Memorial 8002, urging action on Medicare Advantage overpayments and fraud and supporting original Medicare, also passed unanimously. Finally, the Senate advanced Substitute Senate Bill 5067, lowering the DUI blood alcohol threshold from 0.08 to 0.05. Supporters framed it as a public safety measure to reduce impaired driving, while opponents argued it would have limited effect and that enforcement and staffing issues were more important. The bill was debated at length and then passed 38-11.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we're going to hold questions until after the Legislative Analyst's presentation.
• We're going to hold questions until after the Legislative Analyst's presentation.
• So let me ask the legislative analyst. you the comments that you just made.
• Senator Brian Euler with the Legislative Analyst's Office. I think...
• The legislative analysts, like most legislative analysts, always to me seem a little Canadian, very,

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard opening remarks on the Governor’s 2026-27 budget, which the chair described as roughly balanced in the budget year but still facing large out-year structural deficits. The vice chair criticized the revenue assumptions as overly optimistic and stressed the need to review recent program expansions and address the state’s $20 billion federal unemployment insurance debt. The Department of Finance said the budget is a “workload” plan with about $350 billion in total spending, $23 billion in reserves, a projected $2.9 billion budget-year deficit, and out-year gaps above $20 billion, while the LAO warned of downside revenue risk tied to stock market volatility and urged earlier action on the structural deficit rather than waiting for May. Finance and the LAO discussed major budget components, including Proposition 98 funding, higher education base increases for UC and CSU, climate and wildfire spending, a new ZEV incentive, child care COLAs, and tax proposals involving marketplace facilitators, renewable aviation fuel, and an extension of the California Competes tax credit. Members raised concerns about proposed Medi-Cal and CalFresh changes tied to federal HR1 impacts, the MCO tax extension, hospital finances, county costs, and the decision not to backfill all federal funding losses. Finance said the administration is not in a position to replace all lost federal funds, but wants to work with the Legislature on priorities and timing before the May Revision. Several senators used the hearing to preview subcommittee priorities and request more detail on spending growth, reserves, and program cuts. Topics included homelessness funding, Care Court throughput, wildfire and climate investments, AB 617, data centers, the judicial branch’s facilities backlog, displaced workers, transit funding, and preparations for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics. No budget action or vote was taken at this hearing; the committee mainly received presentations and member questions, with public comment scheduled later.