Transcript Highlights:

• And they were really involved in that, so they kept our head above water, and they have got us on track
• They kept our head above water, and they have got us on track this year for this committee to meet.
• Morales was working the I-75 corridor and received a tip of a bull terrier tied to a fence in chest-deep water
• , and the water was rising.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met and considered nine bills, with members hearing brief presentations, limited debate, and mostly unanimous support. Early measures included CS/HB 421, which expands peer support access for first responders to include support personnel, and HB 205, which creates a new offense for abandoning a restrained dog during a natural disaster (“Troopers’ Law”). Both bills drew support from law enforcement and animal welfare-related witnesses, and both were reported favorably; HB 205 was adopted with a technical amendment. The committee also approved CS/HB 157 on service of process, which clarifies that a prior statutory change applies to all causes of action, creates a safe harbor for compliance, tightens substituted service requirements, and allows individual registered agents to be served anywhere in the state. HB 693, which adds an aggravating factor for capital felonies committed where people are gathered for school, religious, or public government activities, drew both support and opposition; the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops opposed expanding the death penalty, while supporters argued juries should have more tools in capital cases. The bill was reported favorably after debate. Members then approved CS/HB 113, increasing penalties for fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, after discussion about marked versus unmarked vehicles and an amendment that restored current penalties for two related offenses. Rep. Bracey Davis voted no, citing concerns about unmarked cars and public safety perceptions. The committee also passed HB 91 on misdemeanor probation, PCS/CS/HB 383 allowing certain officers and service members to purchase firearms without the three-day waiting period, and CS/HB 195 to let correctional education count toward professional licensure requirements for incarcerated people. Finally, CS/HB 479 was approved to allow judges to order restitution in hit-and-run property-damage cases. All bills were reported favorably, most by unanimous or near-unanimous votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• it's located, but at that moment in time, if it doesn't have, you know, functioning electrical or water
• 43.319><c> functioning</c><00:05:43.919><c> electrical</c><00:05:44.520><c> or</c><00:05:44.840><c> water
• </c> know functioning electrical or water know functioning electrical or water sewer<00:05:45.720><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee discussed HB 694, focusing on how to set fair market rates for lease renewals involving state agencies and political subdivisions. Members and the New Hampshire Association of Counties worked through draft language defining fair market value, including how appraisals, depreciation, and building deficiencies should be considered. Testimony emphasized that market value and appraised value can differ significantly, and that the bill should allow flexibility rather than require a rigid formula. The group also debated what expenses should be included in lease terms. After discussion of examples such as utilities, custodial services, insurance, maintenance, and newer needs like communications or internet service, members agreed not to create an overly specific list. They settled on language stating that additional expenses, including but not limited to utilities and custodial services, would be negotiated separately. The final amendment was revised to apply to lease renewals for land, buildings, or space between a political subdivision and the State of New Hampshire, with renewals at fair market rate unless otherwise agreed by the lessor. The subcommittee agreed to have the amendment drafted at OLS and then closed the public subcommittee meeting on HB 694.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE ARE HOLDING WATER ON THIS RANCH, WHICH IS AN AQUIFER RECHARGE AND THEN WITH THE GRASSLANDS WE HAVE
• WE WORK ACROSS THE STATE FROM PENSACOLA THE FLORIDA KEYS PROTECTING WATER AND WILDLIFE AND WILD PLACES
• LAND KNOWING THAT WHEN WE DO SO AND WE WORK WITH OUR PRODUCERS IN THE STATE WE ARE ALSO CONSERVING WATER
• SO HONEYBEES ARE BETTER FOR BLUEBERRIES AND WATER FERTILIZATION AND JUST NOT SOIL AND SUNSHINE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• building a plant here, or one of over 100 megawatts, and if it doesn't seem like we even have the water
• </c><00:10:15.000><c> have</c><00:10:15.160><c> like</c><00:10:15.279><c> the</c><00:10:15.399><c> water
• </c> like we even have like the water like we even have like the water capacity<00:10:16.079><c> to</

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So would it be fair to say that if your town can’t support, you don’t have the water infrastructure,
• So would it be fair to say that if your town can’t support, you don’t have the water infrastructure,
• We receive our water services from the city of Portsmouth.
• We receive our water services from the city of Portsmouth.
• </c> demonstrating a lack of water demonstrating a lack of water accessibility<02:04:24.480><c> because

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a result, Massachusetts has closed its waters, more than 12,000 square miles, to lobstering during
• allow them to access the state's unemployment system during those months they're forced out of the water
• These men and women are still on the water today, not because it's easy.
• from this now can't sell their business at what its full value would be because of being out of the water
• It may take a month to pull traps to adhere to the timeline, and then when you can go back in the water

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries held its second hearing and heard testimony on a wide range of bills, including food security, cottage food entrepreneurship, hemp regulation, lobster industry support, pesticide restrictions, pollinator protections, pet cemeteries, and municipal land rights. Committee chairs outlined hearing procedures, noted that 19 bills were on the docket, and took testimony both in person and remotely, with several legislators testifying out of turn because of scheduling conflicts. Several speakers supported food access and local economic opportunity bills. Representative Howard and Senator Oliveira backed the Food Justice Frontline Program and a cottage food/food entrepreneur bill, arguing they would fund nonprofit food security organizations, create jobs, improve SNAP/HIP outreach, and reduce barriers for home-based food businesses. Eastie Farm representatives and a student testified in favor of the food justice bill, describing food insecurity in East Boston and the need for grants, youth involvement, and multilingual outreach. Sidney Travis of the Institute for Justice also supported cottage food reforms, saying current municipal permitting rules create unequal access and that cottage foods are generally safe. The committee also heard sharply divided testimony on hemp legislation. Senator Comerford supported S. 54 as a public health measure to ban synthetic THC products, restrict intoxicating hemp sales to licensed dispensaries, and fund local enforcement, while Laura Beiner, John Nathan, and Elizabeth Wendorf opposed the bill or parts of it, warning it would harm compliant hemp businesses and small farmers. Representative Arena-DeRosa testified in support of a related pollinator bill, and Adam Karachi opposed pesticide restrictions for schools while Deborah Smith supported them, arguing existing protections should be expanded to other child-centered locations. The committee also heard support for a bill to aid lobstermen affected by right whale protections, a bill to preserve private pet cemeteries, and a municipal right-of-first-refusal bill for agricultural and recreational land. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes $60 million for commuter rail upgrades and $15 million for statewide water transportation
• seem small in the grand scheme of a multi-billion-dollar fair share supplemental, but there's a ...water
• crisis and declared water emergency in Bridgewater, and there has been for almost a year.
• get earmarks added together to result in $250,000 to support a filtration system, ...to install a water
• And again, we've been working in various ways to find resources and funding to address this water crisis

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the legislature has decided on numerous occasions that they do not want to water down the strength
• of, On numerous occasions that they do not want to water down the strength of the privacy and consent
• And the legislature has decided on numerous occasions that they do not want to water down the strength
• of, on numerous occasions that they do not want to water down the strength of the privacy and consent
• just urge caution and appreciate the sponsor's willingness to work with us in those sorts of rough waters

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Summary: The Committee on Health and Mental Health heard testimony on several bills. Senate Bill 1019, sponsored by Sen. Crawford, would let district and municipal hospitals invest up to 50% of non-operating funds, up from 25%, and would also allow municipal hospitals in third-class cities to operate in areas where hospital district and county hospitals operate. The sponsor and a hospital representative said it would improve returns and rural access; there was no opposition, and the hearing closed without questions. House Bill 2606, sponsored by Rep. Caton, would give patients stronger control over their health records by requiring informed consent before providers or medical entities sell or disclose information for marketing or research, with civil remedies and damages for violations. Supporters argued it restores patient ownership, strengthens privacy beyond HIPAA, and closes loopholes, citing Minnesota’s law as a model. Opponents, including the Missouri Hospital Association, Missouri State Medical Association, Washington University, and the Missouri Ambulance Association, warned it could disrupt care coordination, quality improvement, research using de-identified data, and data reporting obligations, and could create administrative burdens and lawsuits. The Secretary of State’s office said it wanted an amendment so records could still be used 50 years after a patient’s death for archival and genealogy purposes. House Bill 1638, sponsored by Rep. Overcast, would extend the Alzheimer’s State Plan Task Force to 2033, add an assisted living facility representative, create staggered terms, remove Senate confirmation requirements, and require updated reports every five years. The sponsor and the Alzheimer’s Association said the task force has been delayed by appointment problems and needs to be fully staffed to continue its work. The committee also discussed the task force’s prior incomplete staffing and the need for continuity, and the hearing concluded with no opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• When credible concerns are raised, especially involving basic needs like food, water, and heat for a
• And so my job, when I go out there, you know, we check to make sure they have water.
• I have lots of people that live without running water, but they have bottled water.
• Health and Welfare with the limited information, I get to a trailer, okay, it doesn't have running water

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They train more than 5 million people annually in first aid, water safety, and other lifesaving skills
• They train more than 5 million people annually in first aid, water safety, and other lifesaving skills
• They train more than 5 million people annually in first aid, water safety, and other lifesaving skills
• People annually in first aid, water safety, and other lifesaving skills, and to Senator Mayer’s point
• And then let the water drain out, wipe out the tub, and get back in.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the prior journal and took up motions and resolutions. Senator Gianaris moved to reconsider and restore Senate Print 3179A, an Environmental Conservation Law bill, to the third reading calendar, and amendments were also received on Senate Print 8491. The chamber then considered and adopted Resolution 1716, designating March 2026 as Greek History Month in New York, with remarks from several senators about Greek heritage, Greek independence, immigration, and the contributions of Greek Americans. The Senate also adopted Resolution 1607, proclaiming March 2026 as American Red Cross Month, with extensive testimony praising Red Cross disaster relief, blood donation, preparedness work, and volunteers; several senators highlighted local volunteers and urged greater support for the organization, including budget resources. The Senate welcomed guests, including Red Cross representatives and students from Brooklyn, and later opened the resolutions for co-sponsorship. The chamber then moved through the calendar and passed multiple bills, including measures affecting mental hygiene, elder law, penal law, public authorities, labor, public service, correction, education, election law, alcoholic beverage control, and state administrative procedure. Most bills passed by wide margins, though some drew recorded opposition, including the public authorities bill and several election, public service, and correction measures. Senator Ramos explained her support for the labor bill as a workplace dignity and anti-bullying measure, and Senator Ryan explained his support for the small-business regulatory website bill as a way to simplify access to agency rules and guidance. Senator Skoufis’s Public Health Law bill was also recalled from the Assembly, restored to the third reading calendar, and amended. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, March 12 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Shlam, born and raised resident of Washington State, and I'm a mother who's being asked to carry the water
• I was her first water, her first drumbeat, her first song, her first protector, and when the least of
• our little ones ask for water, it's our duty to provide water, not deny it.
• We are the parents, and we carry the water.

Summary: The Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2735, the “Troxel 2” bill relating to establishing a constitutional floor in family law cases. Staff explained that the bill would add legislative findings and intent to Chapter 26.09 RCW, emphasizing parental fitness, equal standing for similarly situated parents, and a duty to cooperate. The prime sponsor and public testifiers largely supported the bill, arguing that family courts too often restrict fit parents’ access to children without sufficient due process and that the bill would restore constitutional protections and reduce conflict. Some testimony also framed the proposal as a way to improve child safety, stability, and outcomes. No action was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then moved into executive session on multiple bills. It advanced bills on garnishment forms (ESSB 5865), child hearsay/testimony rules (SSB 5169, amended), immigration-enforcement policies for health care and related facilities (ESSB 5906, amended), compensation claims for wrongly convicted persons (SSB 5520), reinstating the Indigent Defense Task Force (ESSB 5912), preserving streamlined administrative and land-use review procedures (SSB 6009), authorizing court security threat assessments (ESSB 6086), adding superior court judges in Skagit and Yakima counties (SB 5868), requesting reinstatement of the limited license legal technician program (SJM 8006), expanding personality rights to digital likenesses (SSB 5886), and liability protections for certain children’s item donations, including car seats (ESSB 6087). Several bills were amended before passage out of committee. Votes were recorded on each measure, with most passing on strong bipartisan margins. Notable split votes occurred on SSB 5169 and ESSB 5906, reflecting concerns about balancing child protection, due process, and immigration-related enforcement issues. The committee concluded by thanking staff and adjourned after reporting all listed executive-session bills out of committee with do pass recommendations, some as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• and farm plans, floodplains, which I have maps here that I'll present to you showing the impact of waters
• Also, a hydrology map that shows how much water I have: four different waterways that come onto my property
• When we had someone testify the other day, they were building where the water table is 10 feet below
• the ground. ...building where the water table is 10 feet below the ground.
• I couldn't build a water treatment plant on my farm.

Summary: The House Utilities Committee resumed and then concluded a hearing on HB 2402 and HB 2816, both dealing with utility-scale solar development. The chair asked witnesses to testify for informational purposes where they supported some provisions but opposed others, and the discussion centered on setback distances, taxation, cropland conversion caps, local control, and decommissioning/oversight. Several witnesses described concerns about large solar projects encircling farms, impacts on neighbors, glare, fire risk, wetlands, and property values, while others emphasized the need for reasonable statewide standards and the importance of preserving Chapter 100 agreements and county flexibility. Testimony from landowners and advocacy groups largely urged stronger protections: higher setbacks, more local authority, lower caps on cropland conversion, and higher tax rates than the bill’s proposed $2,500 per megawatt. Some witnesses argued solar should be taxed as commercial property rather than agricultural land, while others raised constitutional concerns about changing agricultural assessment. A county commissioner described local regulations his county adopted, including road agreements, decommissioning bonds, hydraulic studies, and buffering, and said counties need clearer rules, especially where there is no zoning. Industry and utility representatives said the bills were generally workable but wanted further discussion on setbacks and tax treatment. They argued tax comparisons should account for the full package of taxes and incentives, not just nameplate taxes, and said higher taxes can raise electricity costs for customers. Ameren Missouri said most of the bill was acceptable, but cautioned about how real property would be assessed and noted its current and planned solar buildout. The committee took no vote; after hearing the final witness, the chair closed testimony on HB 2402 and HB 2816 and adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then I would like to request that we hear an update about the Gallup Navajo Water Project.
• , um, relate issues related to the production and sustainable management of tribal lands including water
• And just trying to, uh, with, with the with the Gallup Water project that's in my district now, uh, the
• GPS and, and that chair at Hajali we could, we could actually see the fruits of our labor with the water
• , um, the whole water system that was put in, and it's been a community effort, um, through many, many

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• placed in a pool, sounds an alarm upon the detection of accidental or unauthorized entry into the water
• You hear the gunshot, then you hear him hit the water.
• Florida Department of Environmental Protection has developed a recovery strategy and partnered with two water
• management districts and four water utilities to save the springs.
• The big issue for the three-story condos inland is water damage and mold.

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up several bills, beginning with CS for SB 592, the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program. The bill was explained as revising condominium eligibility and grant rules, lowering the approval threshold to 75%, changing roof project rules, capping reimbursement at $175,000 per association, and excluding detached units. Two amendments were adopted, including one clarifying the three-story threshold and another adding wind-driven rain mitigation devices for sliding glass doors as an eligible improvement. A late-filed amendment to appropriate $500 million for the program was adopted on a roll call vote, but the bill itself was then reported favorably. Testimony generally supported the program, with members noting strong demand and the need for more funding, though one amendment drew concern from a window manufacturer and some members about product approval and fairness. The committee then approved CS for SB 622 on pari-mutuel permit holders, which would allow certain facilities to be leased to Hialeah permit holders and other same-class permit holders, with an amendment making the lessee eligible to apply for, rather than automatically receive, a license for inter-track wagering or Hialeah games. CS for SB 1404 on illegal gambling was also reported favorably after amendments added a declaratory judgment process for veterans organizations, strengthened ethics/revolving-door restrictions for Gaming Commission personnel, and then withdrew a late amendment concerning a Miami casino property. Prosecutors and the Gaming Control Commission supported the bill as a tool to target criminal gambling operations, while amusement machine operators and veterans groups raised concerns about overbreadth and uncertainty for lawful operators. SB 604 on residential swimming pool requirements was temporarily postponed after questions about how the new sale/transfer disclosure and safety-feature requirement would work in practice, especially for cash transactions and whether home inspectors would be involved. SB 1682, adding 911 dispatchers to the definition of first responder, was reported favorably with support from dispatchers and members who emphasized the trauma and public safety role of telecommunicators. SB 818 on utility relocation and SB 1228 on spring restoration were both reported favorably, with counties opposing the utility bill as a cost shift to taxpayers and the spring bill drawing support from JEA. The committee also approved CS for SB 948 on flood disclosures for tenants and condo buyers, and CS for SB 1742, a major condominium and cooperative association reform bill that would adjust reserve funding rules, allow temporary reserve pauses after milestone inspections, require substitute budgets over a certain threshold, permit lines of credit in lieu of reserves through 2028, expand disclosure and data reporting, and add conflict-of-interest and governance changes. The condo bill drew extensive discussion and testimony, with supporters praising the flexibility and transparency provisions and some owners urging additional relief for inland, lower-rise buildings; it was ultimately reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you put a little microgrid right next to it, and then in terms of the water, you fill the cooling
• President, you add this filtration system that has specialized oil in this water.
• What it does is it takes the water and cools the data center, and it reduces by approximately 90% the
• amount of water that's needed to power and operate one of these data centers for approximately 15 years
• data centers eventually become the size of this cup I'm holding here right now, and that amount of water

Transcript Highlights:

• area when we're talking about, you know, even a couple days later when there was no clean drinking water
• in some communities, right, and people were saying drink the water, don't drink the water, drink the
• water, don't drink the water.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on California’s emergency alert and warning systems, especially in light of recent Southern California wildfires and the January 9 evacuation alert that was mistakenly sent to millions of residents. Opening remarks emphasized the loss of life, the strain on first responders, the importance of timely warnings, and concerns that public trust in alerts has been undermined by delays, confusion, and over-alerting. Members repeatedly raised questions about how to improve speed, accuracy, coordination across jurisdictions, and public understanding of the difference between evacuation warnings and orders. Cal OES staff described the state’s alert and warning framework, including SEMS, the State Warning Center, IPAWS, WEA, and EAS, and said local governments retain primary responsibility for issuing alerts because they know local roads, shelters, and hazards best. They said Cal OES supports local agencies with training, technical assistance, testing, and backup alerting help when requested, and that local alerting authorities must test their systems every 30 days and complete FEMA-required training. Members pressed Cal OES on gaps in smaller or under-resourced jurisdictions, the lack of a statewide unified system, compliance monitoring, redundancy for people without reliable technology, and whether the state should take a more active role. Cal OES said it could assist smaller jurisdictions and step in during emergencies, but that a statewide system would require further analysis and funding. Sheriff Eric Taylor of San Benito County emphasized that local control is essential because counties differ widely in structure, geography, and alerting responsibilities, and he described the challenges of rural areas, limited cell coverage, and multiple platforms such as Nixle, Reverse 911, and social media. Nick Russell of Watch Duty said the nonprofit fills gaps by providing fast, geospatially detailed wildfire information from volunteers and public data, and argued that context and redundancy are critical because official alerts often arrive too late or lack enough detail. Members praised Watch Duty’s usefulness and asked about incorporating similar capabilities into state systems. Public commenters also raised the need for broader redundancy, including earthquake-warning partnerships, and wildfire survivors urged the committee to address the confusing patchwork of alerts and to honor prior compensation commitments to PG&E fire survivors. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational only and adjourned after member questions and public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:10:49.360><c> Senator</c><00:10:49.760><c> Waters,</c> Senator<00:10:54.640><c> Rosenol.
• Chair, Senator Waters, Good morning, Mr.
• Um, I was whispering to Senator Waters because and I should have been over here.
• Senator Waters with a question. Thanks.
• </c> Senator Waters with a question. Thanks. Senator Waters with a question. Thanks.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• from the Wastewater and that water from the Wastewater and that really<00:47:05.720><c> preserved</c
• </c><00:47:17.240><c> rainwater</c> the areas where fresh water rainwater the areas where fresh water
• Paul, you know, there were still wooden pipes that were moving water, uh, so leakage was pretty good
• But yet that bucket of water leaks out every year.
• Of water leaks out every year as buildings naturally deteriorate.

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , so, we started focusing on some city-owned property, about 23 acres, uh, that had existing trunk water
• And that includes the storm water, sewer, curb, gutter, street, and so forth.
• </c><00:03:16.239><c> and</c><00:03:16.400><c> sewer</c> that had existing trunk water and sewer that
• And that includes the<00:03:38.560><c> storm</c><00:03:39.200><c> water,</c><00:03:40.120><c> sewer,<
• /c><00:03:40.600><c> curb,</c><00:03:40.880><c> gutter,</c> the storm water, sewer, curb, gutter, the

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Water skiing. Not that I'm a good water skier, but when I was younger, I did water ski.
• Water skiing. Not that I I'm a jail. Water skiing.
• Not that I I'm a good<00:58:57.040><c> water</c><00:58:57.280><c> skier,</c><00:58:57.520><c> but</c>
• ><c> did</c><00:58:59.040><c> water</c><00:58:59.799><c> ski.
• So, what's the younger, I did water ski. So, what's the limit<00:59:02.720><c> here?

Keywords: 1189, house, all