Transcript Highlights:

• I'm with the New Mexico Land-Grant Council.
• , continue to build our land grants.
• We need to build houses faster.
• I use is we should be building more houses faster, but that doesn't mean we should abandon building codes
• For them building those out.

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• We want our state to be safe.
• That's all laid out in Century Code as well as administrative code.
• On this slide, we show a generalized map of our groundwater aquifers across the state, and this is color-coded
• You look at other states.
• And certainly in the state.

Committee: Joint Energy Development and Transmission Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, our codes coursework provides detailed instruction in the International Building Code and
• Well, actually, no, it's a building code. And interior designers follow the same codes.
• However, to the best of my knowledge, there's no requirement in current building code that call for the
• Without a clear connection between the well-established national building code requirements that protect
• However, engineering design and architecture design is very clearly laid out in national building codes

Summary: The committee first continued the public hearing on House Bill 2897, which would expand optometrists’ authority to perform certain office-based procedures. Supporters, including an optometrist from rural Missouri, argued the bill would improve access to care in counties without resident ophthalmologists, reduce wait times and travel burdens, and better align scope of practice with optometry training. Opponents, including representatives of osteopathic physicians, raised concerns about patient safety, the lack of live-human-eye training in Missouri, and whether the bill would actually direct services to rural areas. The hearing then closed on HB 2897 without a vote. The committee next heard House Bill 2353 on interior designers’ licensure and sign-and-seal authority. The sponsor and supporters said the bill modernizes the profession, moves oversight under the state’s architecture/engineering board, and would let licensed interior designers stamp their own non-structural work after education, testing, and experience requirements. Supporters emphasized workforce retention, consumer savings, and that interior designers are trained in fire/life safety, ADA, and code compliance. Opponents from engineering groups said they were still negotiating language but objected to provisions that could be read to require interior designers for broad categories of buildings or blur boundaries with architecture and engineering; they asked for clearer scope language and continued collaboration. No final action was taken. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2241, which would create a framework for certain faith-based residential child care facilities to operate outside the standard foster care licensing system under a new oversight board. The sponsor said the bill is intended to address a shortage of foster placements while allowing Christian homes to maintain their religious mission, with background checks, inspections, and reporting still required. Supporters from Christian child care agencies said the bill would preserve religious freedom and expand placement capacity. Opponents, including child advocacy and child abuse prevention groups and several legislators, argued the proposal would create a separate, less accountable system for vulnerable children, weaken state oversight, and risk repeating past abuse scandals; they said existing licensing rules already allow faith-based providers to participate. The discussion was extensive, but no vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 1228 does not prohibit a municipality or county from conducting code inspections of residential buildings
• So it's Texas Water Code 16315, um.
• codes and stuff purposes as well, right?
• I'm Skip Overdeer from the Granbury City Council.
• , a locked and coded gate, it's private to that community, right?

Bills: HB24

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Keywords: groundwater, conservation, water permits, sustainability, resource management

Transcript Highlights:

• more than any other state in the United States.
• In the United States.
• code provisions.
• code provisions.
• That's 50 states.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several local government bills, with most of the discussion focused on HB 2480, which would require cities and counties planning under the Growth Management Act to allow residential uses in commercial and mixed-use zones and limit local requirements for ground-floor retail or mixed-use conditions. The bill sponsor and supporters, including the Lieutenant Governor, Governor’s Office, Commerce, builders, business groups, and housing advocates, argued it would unlock underused commercial land, reduce housing costs, and help address Washington’s housing shortage. Opponents and some cities said the bill could undermine local planning, walkable mixed-use centers, tax base, and neighborhood retail, and asked for more exemptions or narrower application. Several speakers supported the proposed substitute as a compromise, while others urged not to weaken the bill further. No vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 2223, which would create an exception to the conflict-of-interest rules for irrigation district directors whose spouses work for a district contract, modeled on an existing exception for public hospital district commissioners. The sponsor and the Washington State Water Resources Association said the change would help irrigation districts recruit and retain volunteer board members in rural areas while preserving disclosure and recusal requirements. The hearing was brief and no action was taken. HB 2530 would extend the deadline for forming a public facilities district for regional aquatics and sports facilities from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2028. Supporters from Olympia and Tumwater said the extension would give local governments more time to collaborate and pursue an aquatic center that has long been a community priority; one testifier said removing the deadline entirely would also be acceptable. The committee then heard HB 2459, which would expand authority to site certain schools outside urban growth areas and extend utilities to serve them. Supporters, especially representatives of the Tahoma School District and related groups, said the bill would let districts use land they already own to relieve overcrowding. Opponents, including Futurewise, argued it would weaken Growth Management Act planning and local multicounty policies and should remain a local process. Finally, HB 2129 on agritourism was briefly heard, with the sponsor describing it as a way to help farms stay viable and preserve rural character; the committee heard supportive comments about farm preservation and openness to a work group or amendments. No votes or final actions were taken on these bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would create a new Chapter 12 of Florida's Uniform Commercial Code.
• As far back as 1892, the Uniform Commercial Code came into being, and it was at a time when the states
• The Uniform Commercial Code came into being.
• All nine articles currently have been adopted by all 50 states.
• Right now in the state of Florida, if you go back and look from 2010 to 2024, the state of Florida has

Committee: House Commerce Committee

Summary: The Commerce Committee met with a quorum and heard three bills. First, CS/HB 515 on the Uniform Commercial Code was presented as a Florida Bar-backed update creating a new chapter to address digital assets and ledger technologies, including rules for perfection of security interests and lien priorities involving items such as Bitcoin. The bill drew support from the Florida Bar’s business law section and the Florida Bankers Association, had no amendments or opposition, and was reported favorably after a unanimous roll call. The committee then heard HB 1427 on rural communities, a broad package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a rural resource directory, a Renaissance grant program, a rural arterial road monetization program, housing and school support measures, and new health care grant programs for telehealth, staffing, training, and mobile units. Sponsors and many local officials, economic development groups, chambers, utilities, and other organizations testified in strong support, emphasizing infrastructure, workforce, housing, and health care needs in rural Florida. Members from both parties praised the bill’s focus on rural counties, and it was reported favorably. Finally, HB 299 on elevator accessibility requirements would allow an additional shorter interior support well in elevators while keeping the existing 42-inch support well requirement, with the goal of improving accessibility and flexibility for building owners. The National Elevator Industry supported the measure, there was no opposition or amendment, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would prohibit political subdivisions preventing residential property owners from building accessory
• We appreciate your time and help us build more ADUs in Dallas. Thank you.
• You did it in 2019 when it came to, to building permit fees.
• The lobbyists today, you've noticed this, hey, let's build these ADUs.
• The residents' ability or say to build a community or the way they want. I cannot imagine.

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Transcript Highlights:

• The state said we couldn't do that.
• local barriers to building ADUs.
• or the Berkeley City Council.
• And even though there is a lot of criticism on homelessness and housing in the state, until we can build
• on homelessness and housing in the state, until we can build these permanent supportive housing units

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee met with a quorum and announced that SB 340 would be moved to a later hearing. The consent calendar included HR 44, SB 233, and SB 410, which were later approved. The committee then heard several housing-related bills, with testimony largely focused on streamlining accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules, regional planning, and homelessness response. SB 9 would require local agencies to submit ADU ordinances to HCD within 60 days and respond to HCD findings within 30 days, or the ordinance would become null and void and state standards would apply. Supporters, including California YIMBY, Casita Coalition, UnidosUS, Housing Action Coalition, and Power California, argued the bill would strengthen enforcement of existing ADU law and reduce local barriers. The bill passed 7-0 with two abstentions and was sent to the Assembly Local Government Committee. SB 486 would exempt UC and CSU projects from having to analyze a no-project alternative under CEQA while requiring the universities to share enrollment forecasting data and participate in regional sustainable communities planning. It passed 9-0 and was referred to the Assembly Natural Resources Committee. SB 748, as amended, would expand funding and authority for safe parking sites and related services for people living in RVs or vehicles, using encampment resolution funding and requiring reporting by the California Interagency Council on Homelessness. The City of Compton, the Western Manufactured Housing Communities Association, and the League of California Cities supported the measure, emphasizing public health, neighborhood safety, and humane alternatives to displacement. The committee members discussed the limits of current encampment cleanup approaches and the need for services and temporary shelter; the bill passed 11-0 and was sent to the Assembly Human Services Committee. SB 543, a cleanup bill for ADU and junior ADU law, clarified review timelines, size standards, and consistency with existing ADU statutes; it also passed unanimously and was referred to the Assembly Local Government Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1300, by the State Affairs Committee, regarding state government.
• Senate Bill 1300, by the State Affairs Committee, regarding state government.
• What this legislation does is bring it to current code where they no longer have to state a religious
• What this legislation does is bring it to current code where they no longer have to state a religious
• the act was presented to the State Affairs Committee, it was again stated, creating a Bureau of State

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , local, state, and national economy.
• or by any state on account of sex.
• Civil rights codes, education codes—27 years, scores of bills—and yet men are still not women.
• This bill puts the falsehood into 29 state codes, and after it passes, men will still not be women.
• state home.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Against Hunger, and then Council Member District 5 from Pierce County Council, Brian Yambi.
• Their voices should guide our state solutions.
• And, of course, the viability of the state. Available for farmers throughout the state.
• County and our state.
• that leads to the Invasive Species Council website. ...with a QR code that leads to the Invasive Species

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee opened its first formal public hearing agenda of the session with House Bill 2238, which would direct the Department of Agriculture to coordinate statewide food security efforts and develop a food security strategy due to the Legislature by December 1, 2027. Staff explained the bill would add food security coordination and food system monitoring to the department’s duties and require collaboration with state agencies, nonprofits, experts, and tribes. Prime sponsor Rep. Christine Reeves described the bill as a way to codify and continue work the department had done under COVID emergency authority, while also addressing food insecurity, farm viability, food access, and supply chain resilience. She and several testifiers emphasized rising food costs, food deserts, and the need for a coordinated statewide approach. Testimony in support came from Second Harvest of Spokane, Northwest Harvest, Washington wheat, potato, onion, and cattle groups, the Washington State Farmers Market Association, Harvest Against Hunger, Pierce County Councilmember Brian Yambay, the Washington Food Industry Association, Food Lifeline, the Coalition of Accountable Communities of Health, and small producers, many of whom stressed the importance of coordination, affordability, data, and including people with lived experience and small farmers in the process. No one testified in opposition during the hearing, though the sign-in record showed 137 pro and 166 con positions overall. The committee then moved into executive session on several 2025 bills, including measures on gray wolf management (HB 1311), farmed octopus (HB 1608), force-feeding birds and foie gras (HB 1735), grizzly bear management (HB 1825), invasive species education for pet sales (HB 1976), and maple syrup processing operations (HB 262). Staff briefed each bill, and members discussed proposed amendments on HB 1735 and HB 1976, but the committee deferred action on all bills except HB 1608. During caucus, members indicated HB 1608 was the only bill to be voted on that day. On HB 1608, which would ban knowingly possessing, transporting, or distributing farmed octopus and authorize a civil penalty, members debated animal welfare and the bill’s policy merits. Rep. Birnbaum supported the measure as a humane step, while Rep. Dent said he had concerns and was not ready to support it. The committee then voted 6-5 to report HB 1608 out of committee with a do pass recommendation. The meeting adjourned after that vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• With me to testify today is James Thurwachter with the California State Council of Laborers, Michelle
• Members, James Thurwachter with the California State Council of Laborers.
• James, Director, California State Council of Laborers, in strong support. Mr.
• So at a time where we, as a state, should be building ...people and reduce system contact.
• So at the time where we, as a state, should be building trust in mental health care, we need to be investing

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to public safety, juvenile justice, criminal procedure, and human trafficking. SB 1157 by Sen. Archuleta would create a framework for less restrictive juvenile placements in probation settings, with Judicial Council rules on issues such as insurance, staffing, background checks, notice to local governments, and zoning. Supporters, including county probation and local government representatives, said the bill would add needed oversight and safety standards; opponents argued it would impose rigid standards on a diverse continuum of community-based placements and that the Judicial Council was not the right body to set substantive program rules. The bill was discussed but no vote was taken at that point due to quorum issues. SB 1012 by Sen. Smallwood-Cuevas, the Fire Camp to Career Act, would connect incarcerated fire camp participants to state-approved apprenticeships and require apprenticeship programs to consider their prior training and experience. The author and supporters from labor, fire training, and formerly incarcerated workers described it as a fair pathway to stable careers and a way to recognize skills gained in conservation camps. Committee members generally supported the concept, with one member noting that certification should still require demonstrated competence. The bill was moved forward after discussion. SB 1306 by Sen. Cortese would align state law with federal exemptions for certain low-concentration GBL chemical mixtures used in semiconductor manufacturing and research, while leaving rules for pure GBL unchanged. Supporters said the bill would reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and help keep semiconductor work in California; there was no opposition testimony, and members described it as a practical measure. SB 1401 by Sen. Stern would align felony incompetent-to-stand-trial procedures with existing misdemeanor rules, including timelines, information-sharing, and conservatorship referral provisions. Supporters said it would improve treatment pathways and prevent people from being released without care, while opponents warned it would expand court control, weaken confidentiality, and reduce due process protections. The committee approved SB 1401 on a do-pass motion to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1027 by Sen. Strickland, which was amended to create a task force to study street prostitution, human trafficking, victim services, and related community impacts. Local officials and law enforcement supported the bill as a data-driven way to address trafficking and neighborhood harms, while some advocacy groups remained opposed to the bill as introduced and wanted to review the amendments. After discussion, the committee passed it as amended to the Governmental Organization Committee. Later, SB 1307 by Sen. Jones, dealing with fraudulent or forged real estate documents and clouded titles, was amended to focus on voiding false instruments in criminal cases; supporters said it would help victims clear title more quickly, and the bill was moved forward on a do-pass motion to the floor. The committee also heard the beginning of SB 1276 by Sen. Rubio, which would clarify that viewing live-streamed or AI-generated child sexual exploitation content is a crime; the author said it closes a loophole created by new technology, and supportive testimony began from child exploitation prosecutors and treatment specialists.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, we're one of the bigger states.
• In addition, we operate state psychiatric hospitals and state-supported living centers.
• That's both state and federal dollars.
• We have commissioned peace officers who work in our state-supported living centers and state hospitals
• And sometimes those codes are added impermissibly.

Committee: House Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Land use codes.
• Because neither the state nor the United States EPA approaches are comprehensive when it comes to the
• This bill will also require a specific set of state agencies, including CNRA, the State Water Board,
• This bill will also require a specific set of state agencies including CNRA, the state water board, and
• We had managed to create such a wealth in this state. ...to create such a wealth in this state, that

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to jump back up for the gubernatorial appointment of Nicholas Gouho of Eagle to the State Building
• I also serve on the Idaho Building Code Review. I've been on that board for almost six years.
• I'm going to jump back up for the gubernatorial appointment of Nicholas Gouho of Eagle to the state building
• I also serve on the Idaho Building Code Review. I've been on that board for almost six years.
• being able to do so on the building authority with its unique authority to help build the state of Idaho

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: Senate State Affairs began by taking up HCR 31, a resolution honoring former Representative Lyndon Bateman. Senator Anthon, Tess Molitor, and former Lieutenant Governor David Leroy spoke in tribute, describing Bateman’s long legislative service, his work on Idaho Day, his advocacy for cursive and Idaho history, and his humor and letter-writing. The committee moved HCR 31 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation, and the motion carried. The committee then heard gubernatorial appointments to the State Building Authority from Nicholas Gouho and Todd Christensen, both of whom outlined extensive backgrounds in construction, development, finance, and public service. The committee also considered and approved confirmations for Robert Donaldson and Irving Littman to the Idaho Endowment Fund Investment Board, sending both to the floor with recommendations for confirmation. Several RS requests were introduced and sent to print, including measures on liability protections for polling places, a legislative salary reduction resolution, revisions to 340B drug reporting, surveyor access, and cremation identification requirements. The committee also advanced HB 637 on gold and silver legal tender, HB 573 expanding who may teach enhanced concealed carry courses, and HB 561 on government flag displays. HB 542, the social media bill aimed at limiting addictive features and requiring age estimation and parental controls for minors, drew extensive testimony both for and against; after debate over the effective date and private cause of action, the committee sent it to the 14th order for possible amendments rather than directly to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• State aid streets must be designed to meet state aid standards, and the State requires the streets in
• </c> performance stand standard State performance stand standard State Building<01:04:56.599><c> Codes
• </c><01:04:57.400><c> existing</c><01:04:57.880><c> public</c> Building Codes existing public Building
• They went back to council and proposed buildings with the same height and density, same building really
• In 2023, we obtained federal tax credits and state funding to build the project.

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Kristen Heidelbach here on behalf of UFCW Western States Council in support.
• Kristen Heidelbach here on behalf of UFCW Western States Council in support.
• Kristen Heidelbach here on behalf of UFCW Western States Council in support.
• But Mike West, proud co-sponsor on behalf of the state building trades.
• Workers, the California State Pipe Trades Council, and the Western States Council of Sheet Metal Workers

Summary: The committee heard several labor-related bills, with AB 1424, AB 1340, AB 288, and AB 746 all advancing on due-pass motions to Appropriations after testimony and roll calls. AB 1424 would require climate resiliency and extreme-heat protections in CDCR facilities; supporters described dangerous heat conditions for incarcerated workers and staff, while no opposition testified. AB 1340 would allow rideshare drivers to unionize and collectively bargain; drivers, labor groups, and researchers testified that app-based work is low-paid and unstable, while TechNet, Uber, Lyft, and other business groups argued the bill conflicts with Proposition 22 and could raise costs. AB 288 would let PERB step in when federal labor remedies are unavailable; supporters said it is needed because of NLRB dysfunction, while the Chamber of Commerce raised preemption and enforcement concerns. AB 746 would create an inmate cooperative program and a green reentry reserve; supporters framed it as a recidivism-reduction and reentry strategy, and there was no opposition testimony. The committee also heard AB 858, which would extend hotel and hospitality worker recall rights after declared emergencies and extend existing COVID-era protections. Hospitality workers and unions supported the bill as a way to protect jobs after pandemics, wildfires, and other disasters, while hotel, chamber, retail, restaurant, trucking, travel, and attractions groups opposed it, saying the current recall rules were meant to sunset and that the bill would create broad liabilities and hiring complications. The bill was moved to Appropriations but remained on call after the roll. AB 291, creating a credentialed educator apprenticeship program to address teacher shortages and improve diversity, drew support from education groups and stakeholders who said apprenticeships could lower preparation costs and provide better support; it was also moved to Appropriations and placed on call. Later, the committee took up AB 1104, a solar-energy bill intended to clarify that private solar customers are not “awarding bodies” and to ease certain business-to-business solar transactions while preserving prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements for contractors. Supporters said the current interpretation has chilled commercial solar adoption and harmed jobs, while opponents from electrical workers, PG&E, and others warned about expanded “over-the-fence” power sales and the need for clearer limits. Members questioned the lack of a definition of “small,” and the bill was held without a second. The committee also heard AB 338, which seeks $50 million for Los Angeles and Ventura wildfire workforce recovery; the author and county officials described major job loss and business destruction and said the funds would support displaced workers and rebuilding, with the testimony continuing beyond the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:45.680><c> is</c> Statewide economic impact the state is Statewide economic impact the state
• </c> adus uh duplexes those types of builds adus uh duplexes those types of builds would<00:24:02.960
• By building affordably.
• </c> housing and the need for our state housing and the need for our state government<00:27:18.880><c
• and state law..."

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 1987, the Minnesota Starter Home Act, and first adopted the A1 author’s amendment, which made minor cleanup changes, removed sections two and three, adjusted ADU language, and tweaked density language. The bill authors described the measure as a bipartisan effort to address Minnesota’s housing shortage by allowing more starter homes, duplexes, townhomes, and accessory dwelling units, while also limiting some local zoning barriers and preserving city protections in certain sensitive areas. They emphasized that the state has a large housing gap, rising home prices, and that the bill is intended as one part of a broader housing package. Supportive testimony came from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Housing First Minnesota, Habitat for Humanity, AARP Minnesota, and Americans for Prosperity. These witnesses argued that workforce and starter-home shortages are hurting families, employers, and economic growth; that restrictive zoning and lengthy approval processes raise costs; and that more middle housing and ADUs would expand options for older adults, caregivers, working families, and people seeking homeownership. Several supporters said the bill would reduce regulatory barriers, lower development costs, and help communities add needed housing supply. Opposition or cautionary testimony came from city and municipal representatives, including officials from Cambridge, Eagan, and Mankato, as well as the League of Minnesota Cities and related groups. They argued that local governments already are approving substantial housing growth and need flexibility to manage zoning, parking, infrastructure, stormwater, and community input. They warned the bill could weaken local control, remove practical standards, and create unintended impacts such as more rental conversion in some neighborhoods or development without adequate infrastructure. No final vote on the bill itself was shown in the transcript beyond adoption of the A1 amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that building is the New Hampshire building on the Avenue of the States at the Eastern States Exposition
• 00:17:48.480><c> state</c><00:17:48.720><c> building</c><00:17:49.360><c> uh</c> state to build uh the
• state building uh state to build uh the state building uh that<00:17:49.919><c> opened</c><00:17:50.240
• They're all scale models of the original state buildings of the New England states, but your building
• </c> only the state buildings are beautiful. only the state buildings are beautiful.

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• codes, and constant building code changes.
• I'm going to certify that it's fine because we're doing everything to the building codes.
• If we can start moving the building code and allowing residential building code to be used for that third
• After the third unit, you have to go into the commercial building code rather than the residential building
• code.

Keywords: 988, house, all