Transcript Highlights:

• USA shows that at age 10, only half passed the five-step test for safety belt fit, and proper fit depends
• I'd also add that our current law also depends on children not saying their age or saying their age.
• Once again, it's dependent on probably something else.
• And so it just depends. Not all vehicles have that. My vehicle has it in the front seat.
• It depends. Not all vehicles have that.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee met and began without a quorum, first hearing AB 612 by Assembly Member Rogers and later AB 435 by Assembly Member Wilson. AB 612 would direct Caltrans to update the highway design manual so local jurisdictions consult with fire departments on major road improvements. Supporters, including the California Professional Firefighters and labor representatives, said the bill would improve emergency response and prevent road designs from hindering fire apparatus. County representatives said they were not opposed but wanted the bill narrowed to avoid mandatory consultation on minor maintenance projects or in areas without a local fire district. Several members praised the bill as common-sense safety legislation, and it was moved forward to Appropriations. The committee then adopted its rules and approved a seven-bill consent calendar. AB 435 would update California child passenger safety law to require children under 10 to be properly restrained in the back seat, require children ages 10 to 13 to remain in the back seat unless they pass the five-step seat belt fit test, and require the five-step test before a child may ride in the front seat. The author and supporters, including Safe Kids Greater Sacramento, Safety Belt Safe USA, AAA, the Automobile Club, and hospitals, argued the bill would align state law with national best practices and improve child safety. Committee members raised concerns about enforceability, implementation timing, pickup trucks, large families, and low-speed vehicles, and the author said he was open to amendments and additional data, including California-specific information. AB 435 was advanced to the Committee on Appropriations after discussion. AB 612 also received a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. The committee held rolls open to allow additional members to add on, then later confirmed the votes and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It all depends on a lot of conditions.
• It all depends on a lot of conditions.
• It all depends on a lot of conditions.
• It all depends on a lot of conditions.
• It all depends on a lot of conditions.

Bills: HF3174, HF3800

Keywords: background study, disqualification, set-aside, permanent disqualification, Office of Administrative Hearings, chief judge, human services licensing, substance use disorder treatment, SUD treatment, chemical dependency, recovery, rehabilitation, abstinence, foster care, child foster care, vulnerable adults, caregiver background check, license holder, direct contact, risk of harm

Transcript Highlights:

• higher education Partners is dependent higher education Partners is dependent on<00:13:52.600>
• <00:26:56.399> not and your and your trajectory depend not and your and your trajectory depend
• So that is the differentials between dependent and independent, with dependent it also reverts the deadline
• the differentials between dependent the differentials between dependent independent<01:20:22.920
• dependent dependent it<01:20:26.000> also<01:20:26.480> reverts<01:20:27.040> the

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so that happens, um, again, dozens of times every single week, and it just depends.
• Um, so that happens, um, again, dozens of times every single week, and it just depends.
• Um, so that happens, um, again, dozens of times every single week, and it just depends.
• I'm just thinking about, depending on the crop, since there's sometimes in agriculture, I feel like we
• I'm just thinking about, depending on the crop, since there's sometimes in agriculture, I feel like we

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They also filter pollutants and excessive nutrients that can harm all life that depends on clean waterways
• I am asking you: you have multiple different organizations depending on which district you happen to
• the public interest to protect the port, the environment, the community, and the businesses that depend
• This is particularly the case for Westport, which is almost totally dependent on septic systems for all
• This is particularly the case for Westport, which is almost totally dependent on septic system for all

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to environmental, natural resources, and maritime issues. Representative Markey testified in support of H. 1000, which would create a commission to study financing wastewater infrastructure, especially in southeastern Massachusetts and the South Shore, citing combined sewer overflows and impacts on aquaculture. Members agreed the core challenge is finding long-term financing for wastewater solutions. The committee also heard testimony on H. 902 to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, with supporters describing its role in expanding access, supporting underrepresented communities, and helping grow the outdoor economy. Related testimony also supported H. 986, which would codify the Division of Ecological Restoration and the Office of Fishing and Boating Access within the Department of Fish and Game, with witnesses emphasizing habitat restoration, flood reduction, public access, and boating/fishing opportunities. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 901/S. 597, “An Act Providing Nature for All,” which would dedicate existing sporting goods sales tax revenue to a new conservation fund. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Appalachian Mountain Club, Trust for Public Land, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and conservation groups argued the bill would provide a sustainable revenue stream for land conservation, parks, trails, wetlands, water protection, and climate resilience, while also advancing environmental justice and outdoor recreation. They said the state needs roughly $300 million more per year to meet land conservation goals and that the bill could generate about $100 million annually without raising taxes. Committee members asked about balancing conservation with housing and development, and witnesses said the goals are compatible and that the bill includes safeguards. Witnesses also noted similar funding models in other states. The hearing also included H. 1053, a bill to create a Merrimack River Collaborative. Regional planning and watershed advocates said the river faces bacterial contamination, heavy metals, combined sewer overflows, and other pollution, and that a formal collaborative would help coordinate municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofits across the watershed and possibly across state lines. Another bill, H. 4109, would relocate harbor lines in New Bedford Harbor to allow reconstruction of deteriorating bulkheads at a waterfront industrial site; the New Bedford Port Authority, engineers, and the property owner said the change is needed for permitting and would support port modernization and jobs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on S. 641 regarding marine pilotage in New Bedford. Supporters argued the bill would remove a District 3 pilotage restriction and improve port flexibility and offshore wind operations, while opponents warned it would undermine the state’s compulsory pilotage system, weaken safety, and allow ship owners to shop for pilots. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is calculated on an average, somewhere between $68 and $84, depending on how you use the system.
• So one of them is that the amount of funding that that revenue source brings in are really dependent
• So one of them is that the amount of funding that that revenue source brings in are really dependent
• Yeah, so, again, it depends on the scope that you're assuming.
• No, with 198 specifically, I think it depends on what the Legislature's priorities are.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held an informational hearing on the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s 2026 draft business plan and next steps for the project. Chair Cortese opened by noting major changes since the 2024 plan, including new leadership, a bottoms-up review, scope changes in the Central Valley, loss of federal funds, and renewed interest in private investment and value capture. The Authority’s CEO, Ian Chaudhary, presented the project as moving into a construction and track-laying phase, citing progress on Central Valley structures, right-of-way acquisition, utility relocations, and a new procurement for track and systems. He said the plan reflects a more disciplined, optimized approach, with the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment targeted for revenue service around 2033 and the broader Phase 1 corridor envisioned as commercially viable through ancillary revenues, public-private partnerships, and future private financing. Committee members questioned the Authority about station relocations, single-tracking, tax increment financing, utility relocation authority, transparency, and the feasibility of private financing. Chaudhary said the Merced and Bakersfield station locations were still under discussion with local governments and that no contracts had been finalized. He defended the reduced scope and single-track approach as a just-in-time strategy to avoid overbuilding, while maintaining high-speed standards. He also said the Authority was exploring land value capture, broadband, energy, and other corridor-based revenue sources, but acknowledged that some tools would require legislative action and that private financing options were still being evaluated. Several senators expressed support for the project but raised concerns about permitting delays, local opposition, constitutional and statutory limits, and the need for stronger accountability. The Legislative Analyst’s Office and the High-Speed Rail Inspector General then gave critical assessments of the draft plan. LAO staff said the plan assumes major statutory changes, understates risk, lacks transparency about scope changes, and may not fully fund even the smaller Merced-to-Bakersfield segment once borrowing costs and other uncertainties are considered. Inspector General Ben Belknap said the draft plan does not comply with newer statutory requirements in SB 198 and AB 377, citing three main deficiencies: unauthorized scope changes to the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment, an inadequate funding plan that omits financing costs, and missing procurement milestone dates. He said the Authority’s presentation obscures the true cost and schedule impacts of the project changes, and that incomplete reporting limits legislative oversight. The Authority responded that it would address the OIG’s findings in the final business plan, and committee members indicated they expected a written response on compliance issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without them, we have a system that depends on individual people being superheroes.
• Without them, we have a system that depends on individual people being superheroes.
• Without them, we have a system that depends on individual people being superheroes.
• Without them, we have a system that depends on individual people being superheroes.
• Without them, we have a system that depends on individual people being superheroes.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• For the office of the governor, what is currently in the base budget is depending on which side of the
• Yeah, area median income, so it depends on.
• If they're lucky, if it's a rural area, and depending on the maybe there's gonna be a corporate income
• It's dependent, but all the inspectors are very well trained in this area in which they operate.
• Counties are dependent on property taxes. to meet their responsibilities.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> their eligible spouses and their their eligible spouses and their eligible<00:09:08.160> dependence
• <00:09:08.959> that<00:09:09.120> was<00:09:09.399> pre eligible dependence
• that was pre eligible dependence that was pre previously<00:09:11.120> not<00:09:11.839> granted
• He is no longer considered a dependent of that veteran, so it is not allowed.
• on the veteran for the rest be dependent on the veteran for the rest of<00:12:30.720> their of

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate VMAP Committee met with a quorum and heard three bills. Senate Bill 144, sponsored by Senator Danny Carroll, would require destruction of firearms used in homicides and allow destruction of certain defaced, hazardous, unsafe, or owner-requested firearms, while prohibiting agencies from intentionally damaging firearms before transfer and requiring written agency policies. Senator Tichenor asked about lost auction revenue; KSP said it could not track homicide weapons separately, that auctions bring in about $1.2 million annually, and that most proceeds support Kentucky Homeland Security. Senators Boswell and others said they generally oppose destroying firearms but supported moving the bill forward; the bill passed favorably with no nays. House Bill 191, sponsored by Representative Aaron Thompson and presented with state and veterans’ officials, would align Kentucky law with federal changes to allow additional burials in state veteran cemeteries for certain National Guard and Reserve veterans, their spouses, and dependents who were not previously eligible. Testimony explained the bill would cover veterans who served in reserve components without Title 10 activation, including those who assisted during floods, fires, and tornadoes, and clarified eligibility rules for spouses and children. Senators asked about minimum service and dependent eligibility, and the committee passed the bill favorably and unanimously. Senate Bill 198, sponsored by Senator David Yates, addressed protection of veterans’ benefits by regulating third-party claims consultants. The committee adopted a substitute adding definitions and accreditation-related provisions, and Yates said the bill was intended to curb abusive fee practices and direct penalties to the special license plate fund for veterans. He explained the bill’s fee limits, including a cap tied to three times the monthly increase in benefits and an overall ceiling, while senators questioned whether the cap might discourage good actors and how the dollar limits would work. A veteran witness, Bob Casher, supported the bill and urged more public information on free claims assistance; the committee held further action while allowing guest comments, and the discussion focused on balancing consumer protection with access to legitimate consultants.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I heard a lot of talk about the Southwest line, but this line is not dependent on anything regarding
• And I heard a lot of talk about the Southwest line, but this line is not dependent on anything regarding
• And I heard a lot of talk about the Southwest line, but this line is not dependent on anything regarding
• And I heard a lot of talk about the Southwest line, but this line is not dependent on anything regarding
• on transit to meet their daily dependent on transit to meet their daily needs<00:16:02.600> the

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We are still working through all those outstanding donations that were out there, depending on where
• The most often given reason for a course not transferring, well, the top two, depending on the year,
• The most often given reason for a course not transferring, well, the top two—and depending on the year
• Each eligible student may receive a different amount depending on several factors, including financial
• It depends on the level of education.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <04:47:02.000> for our need for or our dependence for our need for or our dependence for additional
• <04:56:56.638> It's depending on our due diligence. It's depending on our due diligence.
• everything, and it depends on the day. everything, and it depends on the day.
• Thank you. and we have to depend on our and we have to depend on our generators. generators. generators
• on your utility and points depending on your utility and depending<06:14:29.680> on<06:14:29.840

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is that that assumed income does change with market conditions, which means that SRP benefits are dependent
• So that's really the unique piece about this plan: benefits can depend on when members choose to retire
• We're all available to answer questions during the presentation or after, depending on your preference
• Naturally, the actual rates for the 2029-31 biennium will look different depending on actual experience
• And it will depend on the system here, but with the return of employer funding towards PERS 1 and TERS

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, it happens at different times, you know, depending on the judge.
• Well, it happens at different times, you know, depending on the jurisdiction.
• So whether it's a judge or a hearing officer is going to depend on the jurisdiction.
• , if a judge wants this filed and goes up to the judge or the hearing officer or a commissioner, depending
• If a judge wants this filed and it goes up to the judge or the hearing officer or a commissioner, depending

Bills: HR245, SCR30, SCR40, SB259

Keywords: transparency, justice, Epstein, Maxwell, investigation, human trafficking, government accountability, domestic violence, protective orders, online application, judicial administration, Louisiana, 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Show Low was probably twice the size, and then depending on the time of the year, we would have an emergency
• Well, we have, you know, depending on where you're at, there's one way out.
• Depending on where you're at, there's one way out.
• It is three— it depends on which way you go.
• If you go through Globe, it's going to be about four hours... ...it depends on which way you go.

Bills: SB1272

Keywords: appropriation, Douglas port of entry, state funding, infrastructure, federal support, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Depending on the pursuit and the outcome of the pursuit, those charges are enhanced.
• So it just depends. But, you know, and to your point, that's if someone is facing...
• We can, and we have done that in the past, depending on the seriousness of the issue.
• Depending on the seriousness of the issue.
• an officer is decertified, and maybe there are no criminal charges filed against the officer, but depending

Summary: The committee first heard from Arkansas State Police leadership about efforts to reduce vehicle pursuits and fleeing from law enforcement. Members discussed prior legislation that made fleeing a felony and enhanced penalties when suspects exit moving vehicles, and the State Police reported those changes, along with a social media/public service campaign and work with prosecutors, were associated with a 29% decline in pursuits from 2023 to 2025, or 180 fewer pursuits last year than in 2023. Members also asked about a recent mistaken PIT/TVI incident involving the wrong vehicle; the agency said the family was not injured, had requested privacy, and the trooper involved was terminated. The committee also received an overview of the Arkansas State Police Foundation, which funds scholarships, emergency assistance for troopers’ families, and facilities and training support, with no lobbying role reported. The committee then heard from the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training on officer decertification and hiring accountability. Director Chris Chapman explained that every officer separation must be reported, that files are flagged when conduct may warrant decertification even if it does not meet that threshold, and that hiring agencies must be told about prior misconduct before they can add an officer to their roster. He said the commission now receives more decertification requests than before, with requests rising from 158 in the prior three-year period to 256 in the last three years, and that 147 officers were pending hearings, down from a prior backlog that had stretched to about four and a half years. He also said the commission meets every other month for two-day hearings, and that most decertifications involve integrity or honesty issues. Members asked about open investigations, citizen complaints, appeals, and public access to decertification records. Chapman said resignations during internal affairs or criminal investigations are flagged, citizen complaints are usually handled through supervisors, chiefs, sheriffs, or prosecutors and may lead to decertification review if warranted, and decertified officers can appeal to circuit court. He added that decertification records are subject to the Freedom of Information Act and may be used in civil claims. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after discussion of a possible future committee meeting at the fish hatchery in Lonoke.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it varies depending on the metric that you look at. Um, and just so you know how...
• So, it depends on the performance metrics.
• So, it depends on the performance metrics that you want to look at.
• So, it depends on what you look at.
• it back instead of going into the program, what is it about three years that they have to serve depending

Bills: SB197, HB140, SB214, HB214, HB147, HB270, SB73

Keywords: business regulation, nonprofit entities, electronic filing, merger agreements, limited liability companies, partnerships, property transfer, termination fees, HB140, private sewer systems, wastewater utilities, Public Service Commission, PSC jurisdiction, utility regulation, rate setting, rate consolidation, affiliated systems, common ownership, private utilities, sewer rates

Transcript Highlights:

• It depends things again.
• It really is very dependent on the state.
• So I know, again, like you said, it depends, right?
• So I know, again, like you said, it depends, right?
• Again, it depends.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It depends. It depends on the nature of how the co-location is designed.
• It depends. It depends on the nature of how the co-location is designed.
• It really is very dependent on the state.
• So I know, again, like you said, it depends, right?
• Again, it depends.

Summary: The committee held its first meeting on artificial intelligence and data centers, established a quorum, and heard introductory remarks from Majority Leader Hogue and the chair about the committee’s charge. Members said the goal was to build a factual foundation on AI, hear from experts and stakeholders, and develop practical North Dakota-focused recommendations rather than simply produce a large volume of bills. Legislative Council also reviewed interim committee rules and procedures before the informational presentations began. Staff and NCSL presenters then gave overviews of AI concepts and the state and federal policy landscape. The background memo and presentations covered AI categories and terms, state laws in areas such as consumer protection, algorithmic discrimination, deepfakes, chatbots, children’s safety, health, education, and government use, as well as data center siting and economic impacts. NCSL described a growing number of AI bills introduced and enacted across the states, with comprehensive laws in places like Utah, Colorado, Texas, California, and Illinois, and noted recurring issues around transparency, privacy, liability, and protections for minors. A major focus of the discussion was federal preemption and the tension between state regulation and national AI policy. NCSL said a recent White House executive order and related federal framework seek a light-touch, innovation-friendly national standard, with possible challenges to state laws and possible funding conditions tied to compliance, though no broad federal preemption has yet been enacted. Members asked about Commerce Clause concerns, industry pushback, oversight models, and whether AI policy is bipartisan; presenters said the issue cuts across party lines, with broad agreement on child safety and deepfake restrictions but more disagreement on broader regulatory approaches. No votes or formal actions were taken at the meeting, and the committee recessed briefly for technical issues during the second presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• We proudly serve Minnesota's veterans, their dependents, and survivors by connecting them with federal
• >> Um, Madam Chair, Representative Carol, um, it depends.
• It just depends on what comes in.
• Those grants have um, it it depends.
• And as I just depends on what comes in.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee first approved the March 5 minutes, then heard a presentation from Balig Engineering on cost drivers for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in small Minnesota communities. The testifier said most Minnesota communities are small, and that limited local staff, complex funding requirements, and the need to combine multiple funding sources make projects expensive and labor-intensive. He cited examples of aging infrastructure, including a Tracy street collapse and failing water mains, and said federal funding can help but often requires extensive reports that can cost tens of thousands of dollars and hundreds of staff hours. He also pointed to inflation, supply-chain disruptions, colder climate requirements, higher material and labor costs, limited competition among contractors and suppliers, and newer treatment requirements such as PFAS removal and cybersecurity controls as major cost drivers. Members asked whether reduced bonding or less frequent state funding would lower prices, whether annual bonding bills provide market certainty, how regionalization could be encouraged, and whether tightening specifications adds costs. The testifier said stopping work would likely drive contractors out of the market and reduce competition, which could raise prices later, and that consistent funding helps keep contractors in Minnesota. He said regional water systems such as Red Rock Rural Water and Lincoln Pipestone Rural Water are already helping lower costs and that legislators could encourage more regionalization through incentives. He also said some specifications and federal requirements, especially around treatment plant controls and cybersecurity, increase costs, though some standards like deeper water-main burial are necessary. The committee then moved on to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, where John Kelly began presenting the governor’s 2026 capital budget recommendations and described the department’s mission, statewide network of veterans homes and cemeteries, and service to nearly 300,000 veterans and dependents.