Transcript Highlights:

• A procurement like this definitely would benefit because it is so unique.
• and their needs to access certain systems change, is important.
• So, let me change the question: how many unique people are using the system now?
• We could not execute a change order after the obligation date.
• So a change order would not be possible after that.

Transcript Highlights:

• The box is not going to change.
• Most of the communications are going to change, but the surveillance is not going to change.
• <02:00:40.440> it changed it but you haven't changed it changed it but you haven't changed
• > games definitions yeah definition wager games definitions yeah definition wager games of chance
• I guess, well, actually, that's all definitions. Yeah, that's all definitions.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The public hearing opened on HB 728-FN, which would authorize video lottery terminals at charity gaming facilities and repeal historic horse racing licensing. Representative Om explained that the bill would convert the current historic horse racing terminals into true video lottery terminals/slot machines and change the revenue split, reducing the operator share from 75% to 70% while increasing the state share from 25% to 30%. He also noted the bill would increase the amount going to charities and other state beneficiaries. Former State Rep. Pat Brammy, who had served on the Charitable Gaming Study Commission, testified in support of the bill’s basic structure. He said a consultant’s report found historic racing machines cost facilities 12% to 18% more to operate because of totalizer and track-related fees, and that slot machines would be cheaper because there are more manufacturers and more competition. He argued that although the operator share drops by 5%, facilities could still benefit from lower operating costs, and he said the commission concluded that moving to slot machines would increase revenues to facilities, charities, and the state. He also said the bill would create a more stable stream of funding for problem gambling, since the current HHR “breakage” funding mechanism is limited and dependent on a single vendor. Brammy also discussed the commission’s concerns about market concentration in HHR machines, saying the commission found the market was dominated by only a few manufacturers and recommended legislation to address that issue under Article 83 of the state constitution. He interpreted the bill as allowing a phase-in of slot machines upon passage, with the remaining HHR provisions phasing out by January 1, 2028, and said facilities would likely transition as leases expire. Committee members asked about HHR contracts, machine programming, testing, and whether removing HHR would reduce competition; Brammy said he believed leases were likely short-term, machines are tested by a lab, and the legislature could decide whether the change is appropriate. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I recommend changing them.
• I recommend changing them. I I advocate. I recommend changing them.
• no change in headcount. no change in headcount.
• The proposed changes would result in a more narrow definition of the duties. He said Mr.
• The proposed changes would result in a more narrow definition of the duties. He said Mr.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 525, which would have transferred administration of the program for the deaf and hard of hearing and the related board to OPLC. The chair said the sponsor was no longer interested in moving forward, and Representative Schmidt moved ITL. The motion passed 14-0 with two members absent, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. The committee then considered Senate Bill 182 on the maternal mortality review committee. The chair described a narrower amendment that would keep the name change, clarify operations so recommendations are returned to the appropriate entities, and expand contact with family members and close contacts, while dropping a proposed addition of a Department of Corrections member. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was then moved ITL and placed on the consent calendar. Senate Bill 185, dealing with OPLC investigations and backlog reduction, received an update from OPLC General Counsel Nicholas Fry. He described efforts to improve public communication, clear the complaint backlog, standardize intake and expert review, add automated responses and website updates, use weekly legal-viability reviews, create preliminary investigation protocols, and establish a process for law-enforcement referrals. Members asked about board involvement and criminal-conviction cases; Fry said boards are kept informed and that such matters can proceed either through complaints or application/background-check processes. Representative Groa requested a follow-up update in January, and the committee agreed to an oral report then if needed. The bill was then voted ITL unanimously and placed on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 349 on optometrists performing ophthalmologic laser procedures. Dr. Angelique Sawyer testified in support, saying the amendment adds more specific proctoring and qualification requirements, based on language requested after earlier hearings, and that similar systems exist in other states. Representative Sers confirmed that the new sections were the key additions, while Representative Schmidt said he remained open to the concept but wanted a thorough review and asked about a subcommittee. The discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended, with no vote recorded on HB 349.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we're changing the chronic absenteeism definition to 10% or more of school days.
• It's simply definitions.
• It's simply definitions.
• Section two, definitions.
• So, we're changing the law right now. So, I'm not... We're not changing the law.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 10 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Dr. Denise Pope, and led the pledge of allegiance. The body then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests were introduced, including the doctor of the day, student pages, Carthage Christian Academy, Mississippi Valley State University visitors, the University of Southern Mississippi’s DuBard School and related programs, and members of the Mississippi Association of Nurse Anesthetists. The Senate took up Senate Bill 2896, which revises the Department of Public Safety salary schedule for MHP and MBN officers. Senator Hopson explained it as the vehicle for possible pay raises for troopers, NBI, and MBN officers, and the chamber adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill by morning roll call. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 2917, a recurring appropriations cleanup measure; its main change would allow Mississippi Valley State University to use previously designated dormitory funds for repair and renovation instead. A reverse repealer amendment was adopted before final passage by morning roll call. Senate Bill 2825, the Mississippi Health Care Industry Zone Act, was then considered. Senator Harkins said the bill extends the repealer for the health care industry zone incentive program to 2028 and noted the program has generated significant investment and jobs statewide. An amendment requested by the Mississippi Development Authority was adopted to revise eligibility language, including replacing a CON requirement with a requirement that a hospital have at least 25 acute care beds and deleting a section under current law. The bill then passed by morning roll call. Finally, the Senate considered Senate Bill 2894 on local improvement projects and the return of unexpended funds and earned interest. Senator Harkins explained that the bill would require older local improvement project funds to be returned if projects were not moving forward, require reporting to DFA and the Legislative Budget Office, allow audits, and permit limited extensions, while also withholding a portion of other state distributions for noncompliance. Senators raised concerns about projects that are already obligated or delayed by workforce and engineering constraints, and Harkins said the bill would be refined with a reverse repealer to work with LBO and avoid disrupting active projects. The bill was discussed but not finally disposed of in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I insert the word climate change everywhere.
• It provides definitions and provides for covered civil liability actions for climate change damages from
• It provides definitions and provides for covered civil liability actions for climate change damages from
• Nothing in this bill changes that.
• If there is some language, it needs to be changed; we'll change it.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• would be able to manage the change would be able to manage the change without<00:14:11.600> a
• Uh, the definition on page 27, no, page 1, line 17, but the definition of the pure land tax means land
• no page one line 17 but the definition no page one line 17 but the definition of<00:21:20.799>
• Change.
• Can your process change? Can your process change?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it adds actuarial principles into the definition.
• And you can imagine our schedule that had to change day in and day out.
• Senator Chang is offering a substitute to the bill.
• Senator Chang is offering a substitute to the bill.
• Senator Chang is offering a substitute to the bill.

Keywords: 983, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Amendment 6 changes proposed plan and review to report detailing the condition on page... 6 changes proposed
• Amendment 14 changes quarterly to biannual, and Amendment 15 changes review and proposed to proposed
• We're changing it up. Mr.
• You all know what my definition is. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• The problem I have is not only is it changing the name, but it's also changing where the funds will be

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on Monday, April 27, and took up a series of Senate bills and resolutions, most of them memorial highway designations or prestige license plate measures. The committee first adopted amendments and reported Senate Bill 122, which directs the Department of Transportation and Development to plan, maintain, and report on bridge conditions statewide, with a focus on proactive bridge maintenance and public reporting. Members also reported favorably SCR 6 supporting an LNG facility at Port Fourchon, SCR 18 directing a study of commercial driver licensing privileges compared with neighboring states, and SB 50 naming the Bayou DeLarge Basque Bridge as the Elwood T. Brady Jr. Memorial Bridge. The committee then approved several memorial and honorary measures, including SB 70 for Officer Mark Brock Memorial Highway, SB 96 creating a Fallen Heroes prestige license plate, SB 460 naming a highway for Hayden Lane Mangum, SB 24 designating Interstate 49 as the Senator J. Bennett Johnston Jr. Memorial Highway, SB 101 naming highways for Daniel Edward Didillo and Bill Blue Evans, SB 160 naming the Speaker Joe R. Salter Memorial Highway, SB 418 naming the Dick and Jacques Schuford Memorial Highway, SB 114 creating a prestige plate for the Foundation for Moral Law, SB 103 and SB 159 naming Franklin Parish highways, SB 412 naming a portion of Highway 13 for Roy Chaffin, SB 182 naming a highway for Mayor Billy Cobb, SB 104 naming the Ernest J. Gaines Memorial Highway, and SB 2 naming the Falcons Band Highway. Most of these items were reported favorably without objection after brief testimony from authors, family members, or supporters. One measure drew more discussion: SB 19, which changes the name and design of the state employee retired prestige license plate and redirects proceeds to a private nonprofit associated with retired state employees. Representative Schlegelhorn objected, but after testimony that the organization is a tax-exempt nonprofit funding scholarships and that no money had previously gone to LASERS from the plate, the committee adopted a motion to report the bill favorably by a 13-1 vote. The committee also adopted amendments to HCR 69, which urges DOTD to improve Interstate 12 in Livingston Parish with attention to drainage, flood risk, and evacuation resilience, and then reported it favorably. HCR 63, creating a task force to study whether certain active-duty military personnel can operate federally owned vehicles on state highways without civilian licenses, was also reported favorably. The meeting ended after the agenda was cleared and a motion to adjourn was made.

Transcript Highlights:

• Have you seen a change in those? You're recognized?
• Have you seen a change in those? You're recognized?
• And since creation, there have been several changes to the program, mostly clarifying definitions, increasing
• Several changes to the program, mostly clarifying definitions, increasing access to the program for
• If you go to a certain definition with NOAA, it gets up to like 1,300.

Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee heard two informational presentations. First, the Department of Environmental Protection gave an overview of Florida’s water quality framework, explaining how numeric nutrient criteria, monitoring, TMDLs, and Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs) are used to address impaired waters. DEP described recent changes intended to increase accountability, including five-year milestones in BMAPs, requirements for advanced wastewater treatment by 2033 in certain cases, limits on new conventional septic systems where sewer is available, enhanced nutrient-reducing septic requirements where sewer is not available, and a new agricultural regional water quality improvement element. The department also highlighted the Water Quality Improvement Grant Program, which has received nearly $1.4 billion over four years and funded more than 300 projects, as well as a public dashboard showing funded projects and a forthcoming trend-analysis dashboard for monitoring data. Members asked about enforcement of BMAP milestones, septic-to-sewer coordination with local governments, PFAS and microplastics monitoring, septic system performance standards, wastewater facility compliance, and how many facilities remain below advanced wastewater treatment standards. DEP said it can enforce BMAP obligations through administrative orders, consent orders, court action, fines, and permit conditions, and that it inspects and verifies wastewater facilities while relying on reporting and site inspections for sewer infrastructure. The department also said nutrient-reducing septic systems must achieve a 65 percent reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus, with verification required when projects seek BMAP credit. The committee then heard from the chief resilience officer on the Resilient Florida program, created in 2021 to address sea-level rise and coastal flooding. The presentation reviewed planning grants, vulnerability assessments, and the statewide critical-asset assessment, noting that all counties and most municipalities are expected to complete assessments by the end of 2026 and that vulnerability is now an eligibility requirement for future project funding. The program reported major statewide outcomes, including stormwater storage, miles of infrastructure and roadway protection, acres restored, and coastal protection projects, and highlighted examples such as breakwater improvements and lift-station elevation. Members asked about project delays, funding totals, overlap with other funding sources, and project prioritization; the program said delays often stem from design and permitting after award, that its reported totals reflect only grants it administers, and that projects are scored under the same criteria rather than being prioritized by asset type. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sure seems to be a change in mood here today from Friday.
• And so anyway, the definitions lay out what kratom is.
• The first substantive change is in Section 1.
• We know that people change jobs, they change their investment strategies, or they have changes in relationships
• That change is also made on line 15 of page 2, where you have that high water levels; that is changed

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then moved through a series of conference committee appointments and reconsideration motions. Senator Axtman successfully moved to reconsider House Bill 1160, which had previously failed, and the chamber later passed it. HB 1160 creates a statewide bell-to-bell policy restricting personal electronic devices during instructional time; supporters argued it would reduce distractions, improve mental health and academic outcomes, and help teachers, while opponents raised local control concerns. The bill passed 42-4. The Senate also passed several other measures, including HB 1247 on protecting student victims of sexual offenses, HB 1489 consolidating civil protection orders into one chapter, HB 1032 making municipal courts courts of record and updating related procedures, HB 1487 authorizing a Minot facility for the Highway Patrol and Bureau of Criminal Investigation with a line of credit and emergency clause, HB 1469 requiring annual online statements of interest for public officials, HB 1199 creating the Missing and Indigenous People Task Force and related MMIP initiatives, HB 1169 regulating paid veterans benefits claim assistance with consumer protections, HB 1209 directing a foreign adversary threat assessment, and HB 3018 as amended to study water, wetlands, and taxation of inundated lands. Most of these passed with strong bipartisan support, though HB 1169 drew substantial debate over veterans’ service options and HB 1209 passed on a narrower 40-7 vote. The chamber rejected or declined several other measures. HB 1455, which would have required the Indian Affairs Commission to review introduced legislation for tribal implications, failed 7-40 after concerns about an unfunded mandate and duplicative duties. HB 1259, which would have put North Dakota on year-round daylight saving time, was defeated 15-32 after debate over time zones, construction, recreation, and whether the issue should be left to future legislatures. HB 1555, dealing with statements of ownership for foreign organizations of concern, also failed 3-44. The Senate then moved to announcements and committee scheduling for later meetings and conference committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is subject to change regularly.
• Are you concerned about climate change? Do you hear anything about climate change? Yes.
• So they're going to have to be changed.
• Our law definitely needs a makeover.
• I want to speak definitely in support.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused mainly on two subjects: expansion of the Massachusetts bottle bill and bills to remove woody biomass from state clean-energy and greenhouse-gas programs. On the bottle bill, supporters from municipal, environmental, public health, and local government groups argued that the 5-cent deposit is outdated, redemption rates have fallen, and expanding coverage to more beverage containers—especially water, sports drinks, and small alcohol bottles—would reduce litter, cut plastic waste and microplastics, and save cities and towns money. Several speakers also backed raising handling fees for retailers and redemption centers, and some supported restoring a Clean Environment Fund so unclaimed deposits would support recycling-related purposes. Opponents, including the Massachusetts Beverage Association and the National Waste and Recycling Association, argued that curbside recycling and transfer-station systems are more convenient, that the targeted containers are valuable to local recycling programs, and that the proposal would shift costs onto consumers and municipalities. Committee members questioned witnesses about redemption rates, handling fees, the 2014 ballot question, and whether the bill had changed from prior sessions. The biomass portion drew strong support from Springfield officials, state legislators, environmental advocates, and public health groups. They said woody biomass should not count as clean energy because burning wood produces particulate pollution and carbon emissions, and they warned that current law contains a loophole that could help finance the proposed Palmer Renewable Energy biomass plant in Springfield. Witnesses emphasized Springfield’s air-quality and asthma burdens, the public health impacts of PM2.5, and the need to close the loophole before a January 1, 2026 deadline. One forest-industry witness supported a separate bill promoting modern wood heat with pollution controls, arguing it is cleaner than older wood systems and has minimal ratepayer cost, while noting that those credits would be affected if the governor’s broader energy affordability bill repeals the alternative energy portfolio standard. No votes were taken during the hearing. The chairs managed testimony by alternating between the bottle bill and biomass topics, asking speakers to keep remarks brief and to note when they agreed with prior testimony. Several legislators also testified in support of the bills, and committee members asked follow-up questions on deposit levels, retailer handling fees, recycling economics, and the public-health rationale for the biomass restrictions.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was subsequently changed. The change involved a compounding COLA.
• So that was a big change.
• A big change, and that's actually one of the changes that really helps us going forward.
• We did change that, and it was changed specifically to encourage long public service and to strengthen
• This shows also any plan design changes for our self-insured plans, whether we make any co-pay changes

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think, though, the issues that are still outstanding can definitely be addressed with the E911
• , and that's listed in our definition, and that's listed in our testimony.<00:19:44.160> Uh<00
• We we had a bill protocols are changing.
• <00:25:24.799> dramatically see that that has changed dramatically see that that has changed
• Uh, we definitely think this is a public health measure.

Bills: HB1577, HB1870

Keywords: Smart911, 911, 911 Board, emergency response, public safety answering point, PSAP, next-generation 911, NG911, dispatch, dispatcher, emergency profile, safety profile, medical information, disability access, access needs, functional needs, kupuna, aging, developmental disabilities, communication access

Summary: The committee reconvened on March 19, 2026, for decision-making on measures heard earlier in the week. It first took up HB 812 on agriculture, agreeing to move it forward with amendments and a Senate draft, and then HB 2388 on public notice, which was also passed with amendments after concerns about transparency and the need for local newspaper notice on Maui were discussed. HB 1414 on procurement and HB 2469 on a regular session review working group were both deferred to March 24 for further work with the author, while HB 322 on voter registration was deferred indefinitely in favor of a Senate vehicle. The committee then heard HB 1577, which would create a statewide emergency safety profile system pilot program and working group for 911. Testimony from disability advocates, emergency medical services, and others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing benefits for people without smartphones, better sharing of medical and emergency information, and improved response in the field. Committee members and witnesses discussed whether the 911 Board already had the authority to implement the system without legislation, and the bill was not immediately acted on in the portion of the transcript provided. The final major item was HB 1870 on protected community locations. Testimony in support came from the University of Hawaii, the Legal Clinic, immigrant-rights groups, public health advocates, and many individuals, while the Department of Education supported the measure but requested clarity on federal compliance and raised concerns about a 1,000-foot perimeter beyond campus. Supporters said the bill would protect sensitive locations and help immigrant families feel safe accessing schools, health care, and other services. No final vote on HB 1870 is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've had a little change in chairmanship.
• We've had a little change in chairmanship.
• We've had a little change in chairmanship.
• So, I think it constantly changing.
• definitely needs to be brought together. definitely needs to be brought together.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met for an overview of the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE). After approving the prior meeting minutes, staff from CPE explained that the council was reconstituted in 1997 and serves as Kentucky’s statewide coordinating body for higher education, with responsibilities including advising the General Assembly and governor, coordinating the postsecondary system, supporting budget and performance funding work, and using data to track outcomes. They described Kentucky’s governance structure, including the KCTCS governing board, independent boards at public universities, and CPE’s role in licensing private institutions and overseeing transfer, closed-school records, and tuition approval. CPE staff emphasized statewide strategic planning and the “60 by 30” goal of having 60% of working-age Kentuckians hold a meaningful credential by 2030. They said the agency uses dashboards, KPIs, and peer comparisons to set targets for institutions and monitor enrollment, retention, and graduation. They also highlighted the Kentucky Graduate Profile, a voluntary effort to embed 10 essential workforce skills into general education and major programs, and noted ongoing work on academic program approval, performance funding, and a biennial budget request. The presentation also focused on student support and workforce alignment initiatives. Staff described the Kentucky Advising Academy, the Commonwealth Education Continuum, and the Kentucky Student Success Collaborative, which work with K-12 partners and campuses to improve advising, transfer, wraparound supports, and career planning. They also discussed GEAR UP, the Futurity career-planning platform, and efforts to connect education pathways to workforce needs, including healthcare, veterans, and other adult learners. CPE reported that student debt at graduation has fallen to $10,168 at public institutions and that six in ten Kentucky undergraduates graduate debt free.

Transcript Highlights:

• committee substitute for Senate Bill 1232 and recognizes its author, Senator Hancock, to explain the changes
• The committee substitute makes the following changes from the filed version.
• It expands the definition of facility fee as proposed by THA to capture insurance-owned facilities and
• A 90-day notice before the facility fee, or a change in facility fees, per health plan, is added.
• Uh, added in a 90 day notice before the facility, uh, or provide change for facility fees per health

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services met with a quorum and considered several pending bills. The main discussion was on Senate Bill 1232, where the committee adopted a substitute that removed national provider identifier requirements, added an all-payer claims database study on facility fees, narrowed the facility-fee ban, created a telehealth exception when the patient is physically located in the facility, expanded the definition of facility fee, and added a 90-day notice requirement. The author noted the Texas Hospital Association had effectively neutralized the bill, though some nonprofits still opposed it. The substitute was adopted and then reported favorably by a 6-1 vote. The committee then took up multiple House bills, including HB 37, HB 388, HB 879, HB 913, HB 1115, HB 2809, and HB 116, each of which was moved out favorably and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. HB 37, HB 388, HB 913, HB 2809, and HB 116 were reported with unanimous or near-unanimous support, and HB 879 and HB 1115 were also advanced without recorded opposition. Senate Bill 1782 was also reported favorably on a 7-0 vote, with a brief remark that it involved a criminal offense and would be sent to the floor. The committee also adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 2919 and then reported the substituted bill favorably by a 6-1 vote. After completing the agenda, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that a legal term or is there a definition?
• I just want to make sure the newspaper association is okay with that so that, you know, the definition
• Does anyone wish to change their vote? Ask the clerk to close the key and take the roll.
• Does anyone wish to change your vote? I'll ask the clerk to close the key and take the roll.
• This one will have to go to conference committee, probably, because of the changes we've made on the

Bills: SB2069

Keywords: legal notices, publication requirements, transparency, state agency, public access, 908, all

Summary: The Political Subdivisions Committee met to reconsider Senate Bill 269, which concerns legal notices and newspaper publication requirements. Representative Motschenbacher explained that a prior version had a mistake in Section 2 and that the revised amendment, worked out with the Public Service Commission and the North Dakota Newspaper Association, would limit the change to state agencies rather than all governmental units because the broader version would have required thousands of affidavits and been too burdensome. The committee also discussed the meaning of “immediate publication,” with the newspaper association stating the intent was to post notices on the website as soon as a print notice is received, even before newspaper publication, so notices would still appear online if the print version was missed. Members raised questions about whether posting notices online before print publication could affect statutory notice periods, such as 30-day notice requirements. The response given was that the clock would begin when the notice is published on the agency website. After discussion, the committee adopted the amendment 11-0, with two members absent and not voting. The committee then approved Senate Bill 269 as amended and further amended on a 11-0 vote, again with two absent and not voting. Representative Motschenbacher agreed to carry the bill, though members noted it would likely go to a conference committee because of differences between the House and Senate versions. The chair thanked those who worked on the bill and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Chang. >> Excuse.
• Senator Chang. >> Vice Chair Road. Senator Chang.
• those changes as noted in our testimony. those changes as noted in our testimony.
• I don't could change again in that time or could change again in that time or change<00:23:26.720>
• They keep changing the districts on us. They keep changing the districts on us.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SB 888, which would bar operators of smart household security devices from sharing user data with law enforcement unless the user consents or police obtain a warrant. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection offered comments and Judiciary submitted written support. Several individuals also submitted written support. The committee recommended passage with amendments clarifying that the Office of Consumer Protection may enforce violations and adopting Judiciary’s recommended changes, while also deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. The motion passed unanimously among members present, with one senator excused. The committee then took up SB 2777 on insurance disclosures. The bill would require authorized insurers to disclose claim-handling data to consumers, including claims open at the start of a period, closed with payment, closed without payment, and open at the end of the period. The committee described amendments to clarify the bill, remove a requirement for the DCCA insurance division to handle publication, and defer the effective date to July 1, 2050. The measure was passed with amendments and the recommendation was adopted, with one member voting no and another excused. In a joint Commerce and Consumer Protection/Judiciary hearing on SP2738 relating to tax haven abuse, the Department of Taxation offered comments and the Tax Foundation testified in opposition, arguing the state should rely on IRS audits and existing worldwide reporting rules rather than create a separate state approach. Other written testimony was noted in both support and opposition. The committees recommended passage with amendments adopting Taxation’s technical changes and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050; the recommendation was adopted, with one senator noting reservations. The joint hearing then moved to health-related bills, including SB 2690 on primary care spending, SB 3103 on energy assistance, SB 3137 on Department of Health authority over food, drugs, and cosmetics, SB 3164 on child welfare service organizations, and SB 3206 on cannabinoids. SB 2690 drew strong support from physicians and advocates who said it would address primary care shortages, especially on neighbor islands, while HMSA and others warned a fixed spending percentage could raise costs and suggested a working group. SB 3164 drew support from child welfare providers and opposition from the Attorney General over indemnification language, and SB 3206 drew mixed testimony: state agencies raised federal-law and vagueness concerns, while hemp and cannabis advocates and some farmers supported the measure and urged broader legalization or amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1676, definition; defense of sexual offenses. SB 1677, appropriation; salt heater mitigation.
• SB 1764, property tax definitions. SB 1765, gambling fraud. SB 1766, inmate labor wages.
• Sv. 17164, property tax definitions. Finance. 1765, a rent, raging, problem, gambling, fraud.
• We continue to express those changes.
• SB 1827, verified definition designations, ATT.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So how does this change the price of existing structures if there's changes of building code?
• So how does this change the price of existing structures if there's changes of building code?
• But the other aspect is in terms of climate change and how we combat climate change.
• There are certain provisions that allow for changes, emergency changes, to be made midstream.
• I think it's one that we definitely need to have.

Summary: The committee heard a series of housing and wildfire-recovery bills, with members repeatedly framing the package as a response to the Los Angeles fires and the state’s broader housing affordability crisis. AB 306, by Assembly Member Schultz, would place a six-year moratorium on new residential building-code updates and local code modifications except for health-and-safety emergencies. Supporters argued it would reduce costs and provide certainty for rebuilding and new housing production, while opponents from environmental, clean-energy, and labor groups warned it would freeze beneficial code improvements, delay innovation, and limit local control. Despite those concerns, several members said they would support the bill while seeking amendments, and the committee voted it out on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. The committee also approved AB 301, which would require state agencies to follow shot-clock style deadlines for reviewing building permits, and AB 253, which would allow licensed third-party professionals to conduct certain post-entitlement permit reviews if local departments take more than 30 days. Supporters said both bills would reduce delays, lower costs, and speed rebuilding and housing production; some members emphasized that safety reviews must remain intact. AB 301 passed on a due pass vote to Appropriations, and AB 253 passed 8-0 to Local Government. AB 462, by Assembly Member Lowenthal, would exempt accessory dwelling units in Los Angeles County’s coastal zone from coastal development permit requirements, with the goal of speeding ADU construction for disaster recovery and housing supply. Supporters said ADUs are a proven tool and that the bill would help displaced residents and future coastal disaster areas; one member of the public opposed the bill, arguing ADU proliferation can change neighborhood conditions. The committee sent AB 462 to Appropriations on an 8-0 vote. The final bill discussed, AB 299, would let disaster-displaced families stay in hotels, motels, and short-term rentals for more than 30 days without triggering landlord-tenant rules, mirroring an earlier homelessness-related law; the transcript ended as the author began presenting the bill and its support.

Transcript Highlights:

• I definitely read your name, Senator Gallivan. How could I slip up there?
• I definitely read your name, Senator Gallivan. How could I slip up there?
• Yeah, but if it's definitely, they have our panel to it. It would be found.
• So it was, so this starts from that point of view, and society's changed with tattoos.
• So the shift is from the definition of what the tattoo is more toward what can absolutely not be covered

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Codes met in a different room due to scheduling conflicts and considered a series of bills, mostly criminal procedure, penal law, civil rights, and executive law measures. Several bills had previously passed the Senate unanimously and were quickly moved through committee, including measures sponsored by Senators Harkham, Scootis, Bernardis, Scarsella Spanton, Conrad, Ryan, Jimenez, and others. The committee also considered Senate Print 1004A by Senator Brisport, which would amend the Criminal Procedure Law and Mental Hygiene Law to address prolonged detention of incapacitated individuals; Senator Palumbo supported the bill’s intent but objected to the mechanism, and the bill was reported to finance with Palumbo in the negative and Gallivan without recommendation. Senator Bailey’s Senate Print 4525, focused on language access in criminal procedure, drew supportive comments about ensuring non-English speakers are not denied justice, but it was reported with Senator Kavanagh without recommendation and Senators Murray and Palumbo in the negative. The committee also advanced Senate Print 5110A by Senator Scarcella Spanton, which would increase protections for HPD inspectors by making assaults on them a low-level felony; members expressed concern about increasing penalties but agreed the bill had merit, and it was reported with Kavanagh without recommendation and Brisport and Sepúlveda in the negative. The most extended discussion centered on Senate Print 3021C by Senator Hinchy, which would require a uniform tattoo policy for state and local law enforcement. Members debated First Amendment concerns, subjectivity in determining what is “offensive,” and whether the bill should set clearer guardrails or simply require agencies to adopt a policy. Supporters said the bill aimed to create statewide consistency and reflect changing norms around tattoos, while critics worried about subjective enforcement and potential constitutional issues. The bill was moved by Senator Myrie and reported, with Senators Sepúlveda and Brisport without recommendation. The meeting then adjourned after the chair thanked members for the discussion.