Transcript Highlights:

• I’m here to share some data as well regarding unaffordability in Boston specifically.
• We share the goal of the importance of access to secure connectivity for consumers, but I want to share
• But I want to share another piece here, and I really want to emphasize this point.
• I’m happy to share a little bit more in the Q&A on that.
• And I'm happy to share a little bit more in the Q&A on that.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy opened its hearing with testimony on several broadband, towing, and rideshare-related bills. The first major issue was H. 3470/S. 2259, which would add data privacy and integrity protections for transportation network driver information. Rideshare drivers and labor advocates strongly opposed the bill, saying it would delay implementation of Question 3, which Massachusetts voters approved to give rideshare drivers a path to unionize. Drivers described low pay, deactivations, harassment, safety risks, and the need for a union to negotiate fairer working conditions. Legal and labor experts testified that the bill was largely duplicative of existing law and regulations and would unnecessarily postpone drivers’ organizing rights. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee also heard extensive testimony on broadband affordability and access bills, including S. 2318/H. 3527 and related measures. Supporters, including legislators, digital equity advocates, senior advocates, and service providers, said low-income households need a permanent affordable broadband option after the federal Affordable Connectivity Program ended. They argued that internet access is now essential for jobs, school, health care, housing, and daily life, and supported a flat-rate low-income plan around $15 per month with protections such as no installation fees or termination fees. Opponents from cable and wireless industry groups argued the bills would impose artificial price mandates, discourage investment, and reduce consumer choice, noting that providers already offer discounted programs. The committee also heard support for broadband deployment and pole-attachment streamlining bills, with providers and municipal broadband advocates saying permitting delays and pole access bottlenecks slow expansion and raise costs. Additional testimony covered H. 3566, which would exempt municipal broadband projects from surety bond requirements, and towing-related bills including S. 2235, H. 3507, H. 3516, and H. 3482. Insurance and anti-fraud witnesses supported stronger towing protections, saying some towers charge excessive fees and hold vehicles hostage, while one witness urged broader consumer safeguards. The hearing ended after the chairs shortened testimony to fit the room schedule, asked for final comments on remaining bills, and then adjourned by motion and voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m happy to follow up with you and share the latest data there.
• So I think those are examples that can be shared and scaled throughout the state.
• You shared it, and I haven't read it completely yet. I just read it before I started.
• And I'm just curious if you can share your priorities for the agency and also in light of...
• , and then we'd be happy to share additional information afterwards.

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Dorka Keene to the California Arts Council, Luciana Profaca to the Commission on Disabilities, Sarah Han Shapiro to the Commission on Disability Access, Robin Umberg and Veronica Zoror to the California Veterans Board, and Daniel Curtin to the California Water Commission. Two appointments to the State Park and Recreation Commission, Phil Ginsburg and Francesca Viter, were approved on split votes of 3-2. The committee also unanimously approved a motion to refer bills to committees. The committee then heard testimony from three appointees to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors: Jesse Melgar, Tom Epstein, and Joseph Williams. They emphasized student success, affordability, workforce alignment, dual enrollment, basic needs support, housing, and adapting to AI. Members questioned them about financial aid and ghost-student fraud, regional career technical education needs, enrollment declines, standardized testing and AB 705, community college baccalaureate degrees, and the new career passport initiative. Public commenters strongly supported the nominees, and the committee voted 5-0 to send all three appointments to the full Senate for confirmation. Finally, the committee heard from Mark Beckley, nominated as Chief Deputy Director for Operations at the Department of State Hospitals. He described his background in state operations and said his priorities would include recruitment and retention, improving treatment through a new electronic health record system, maintaining aging facilities, and supporting community providers. Senators asked about high vacancy rates at state hospitals, especially Atascadero and Patton, and about coordination with law enforcement oversight on patient deaths and safety trends. The committee voted 5-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate for confirmation.

Transcript Highlights:

• We share our sincere condolences with Barney's husband, Jim Reedy, his sister, Anne Lewis, Doris Breed
• her boys, Miles and Calvin Brown, Megan made multiple trips from the island to the State House to share
• For the families who have shared their stories with us, this bill represents something For the families
• who have shared their stories with us, this bill represents something deep and personal.
• I believe all of us in this chamber share the same fundamental goal: healthy children, informed families

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• $150,000 each to homeowner education, counseling, and training services, and the Minnesota Nice Home Share
• 00:04:02.320><c> Minnesota</c><00:04:02.840><c> nice</c><00:04:03.200><c> home</c><00:04:03.440><c> share
• nice home share pilot to match<00:04:05.000><c> seniors</c><00:04:05.480><c> who</c><00:04:05.680><c
• We do recognize, and where we share concern, is that we do have a housing crisis.
• I appreciate the effort and the concern and the shared priority of Chair Port and other members, but

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Paying your fair share of the gas tax when that is not accurate.
• all these different classifications of hybrid, and we've got all this information we would gladly share
• I think you treat everybody equally and the state takes care of its share too.
• It allows them to share the risk with each other and supplement each other if needed.
• It allows them to share the risk with each other, allows them to supplement each other if needed.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs met on May 11, 2026, approved the April 27 minutes, and then took up several House bills. HB 618, by Rep. McMakin, would update Louisiana Economic Development fees and filing charges by indexing them to inflation and allowing some discretion to waive or reduce fees for small businesses; it was reported favorable. HB 732, by Rep. Owen, drew extensive discussion because it combined two issues: temporary OMV relief for a hospice-related ID problem and a suspension of the new hybrid vehicle road usage fee. Members and the OMV commissioner raised constitutional and drafting concerns about waiving or eliminating obligations, and the committee discussed how newer vehicle classifications blur the line between electric, hybrid, and gas-powered vehicles. The committee ultimately reported HB 732 favorable, with the understanding that amendments and further work would be needed before floor action. The committee also reported favorable on HB 217 and HB 214 by Rep. Henry, which would authorize local governments to grant property tax exemptions for the rehabilitation of blighted property and place the related constitutional amendment before voters. Testimony emphasized that the measure is permissive for local governments, applies only after a property is formally blighted and rehabilitated, and is intended to encourage redevelopment while preserving some tax revenue. Members discussed the exemption level, duration, and the need for clearer definitions of blight, but no objections were raised. HB 593, also by Rep. Henry, would raise the maximum service fee for OMV public tag agent offices statewide; the commissioner explained that many offices are locally operated and that the increase would help cover costs, and the bill was reported favorable. Later, HB 514 and HB 961, by Rep. Foreman, were reported favorable. HB 514 would allow local governments, by referendum, to provide additional property tax relief for seniors who meet income and freeze requirements, with phased age-based eligibility steps; HB 961 would extend a similar concept to certain homesteads held in trust. Members discussed the optional local nature of the program and the need to avoid overly broad rules. HB 908, by Rep. Mina, would increase certain Secretary of State business services fees to support operations and system upgrades; agency officials said the fees had not been comprehensively adjusted since 2013 and remained below regional averages, and the bill was reported favorable. The committee then heard an informational update on the capital outlay bill from the Division of Administration, including the use of bundled projects for universities and DOTD, the status of P1/P2/P5 funding, and available cash capacity. Finally, HB 1010, by Rep. Deshotel, was reported favorable after brief discussion; it would require assessors to report property tax collections to the Louisiana Tax Commission for centralized public reporting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those ties between our two states represent a shared past and collaborative future together in policies
• They shared about their investments in innovation and technology.
• We've shared a lot of commonalities in that regard, in addition to our people.
• Council leaders have shared concerns about non-Indigenous individuals entering their communities and
• And Indigenous communities is grounded in our shared values of dignity, safety, and justice for all.

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call, heard a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a large daily file of bills and resolutions. Early procedural motions were adopted, including re-referrals and a motion to allow the Appropriations Committee to notice SB 73, which passed 46-15. Members also introduced several guests, including young legislators, schoolchildren, a championship girls’ basketball team, realtors, and CASA advocates. On the floor, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments to AB 1389, a tribal gaming compact urgency bill for the Yurok Tribe, which passed 55-0 on the urgency and measure. The body then passed a series of bills on topics including trespass enforcement (AB 1632), pest control fees (AB 2380), county investment authority (AB 2080), pupil achievement gap reporting (AB 2149), transit board stipends (AB 1625), e-filing for workplace violence restraining orders (AB 2179), election eligibility restrictions for registered sex offenders (AB 2753), juvenile firearm possession and deferred entry of judgment (AB 2636), court access and First Amendment issues (AB 1544), physician medical record integrity (AB 1637), forced marriage protections (AB 2534), and local authority to restrict under-12 e-bike use in San Mateo County (AB 2595). Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, with votes ranging from 53-0 to 63-0. The Assembly also adopted ACR 173, reaffirming California’s sister-state relationship with Jalisco, Mexico, after adding 50 coauthors. Later, it adopted ACR 163 designating May as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month after extensive testimony from the author and multiple caucus members emphasizing the crisis, data gaps, tribal sovereignty, and the need for more resources and action; 64 coauthors were added before the resolution passed by voice vote. The chamber likewise adopted ACR 180 designating Compost Awareness Week and ACR 182 establishing Youth Mental Health Awareness Week, both after coauthor roll calls and voice votes. The day concluded with urgent action on AB 108, which provides up to $25 million in one-time emergency bridge funding for distressed hospitals facing imminent closure. Members from both parties spoke in support, citing rural access, prior hospital closures, and the need to protect community health care; the bill passed 59-0 and was sent to the Governor immediately. The Assembly then handled consent calendar items, heard an adjournment in memory for labor leader Larry Mazzola Sr., and adjourned until Monday, May 11 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm sure that we share this experience. And so I can see the need right up close.
• I would share that that would be great advice for all of you.
• And so you need to really make sure this is probably an experience you've shared.
• We had a group from Landall that shared that I don't believe that it's a good platform.
• We just wanted to share our deep gratitude for that interest and your response to our needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Maybe 16 people might share it at a party or something like that.
• We have a shared interest in that.
• Thank you for just the information you've shared.
• There's a lot of complexity in this whole market and how we sort of share that out.
• But importantly, sharing that the risk associated with cannabis, especially in that brain development

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Chair Faiola, and thank you for reaching out ahead of time to share that testimony.
• I just wanted to share a little bit about how this bill came about.
• I have a picture I can share when I submit my letter to the committee.
• My mother and I shared students at East Boston. My father and I shared students as well.
• There’s a quote that I shared with him when I had the opportunity to speak on his behalf.

Bills: H4783, H4826, H4876, H5111, H5116, H5244, S2975, S2976

Keywords: homelessness, homeless, unsheltered, unhoused, shelter rights, anti-camping, anti-loitering, public space, public land, encampment, sleeping in public, life-sustaining activities, right to rest, right to sleep, vehicle dwelling, RV living, tiny home, civil rights, municipal liability, affirmative defense

Transcript Highlights:

• We just had them all go around and introduce themselves and share a fun fact about them.
• We just had them all go around and introduce themselves and share a fun fact about them.
• We have officers that have shared they probably would have retired or quit a year ago.
• </c><00:15:54.880><c> they</c> have officers that have shared they have officers that have shared they
• And now, even more artists can share their experiences with legislators and visitors.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: This episode of Senate Spotlight focused on several nonpartisan Senate offices and programs that help lawmakers and the public understand the legislative process. It highlighted the Civility Caucus, where Republican Sen. Zach Duckworth and DFL Sen. Grant Hauschild work to build relationships across party lines, especially important in a closely divided Senate and during a bonding year that requires a two-thirds vote for infrastructure spending. Speakers emphasized that the caucus is about civility, empathy, and laying groundwork for future bipartisan work rather than guaranteeing agreement on specific bills. The program also explained how Minnesotans can track legislative activity through the Senate Journal and the fiscal review. Staff described the Journal as a public record of votes, amendments, roll calls, and other actions, useful for checking how senators voted on bills that passed or failed. The fiscal review was presented as a nonpartisan, award-winning summary of the enacted budget, with examples of how readers can find spending details by page and a discussion of plans to make the document more interactive and web-based. Viewers were also directed to the Senate website to look up senators’ contact information and to the Legislature’s bill-tracking system. Another segment covered Senate File 901, a bipartisan bill by Sen. Eric Pratt that funded an equine-assisted therapy program for first responders dealing with trauma. Testimony described how the program has helped police, firefighters, dispatchers, and correctional officers stay on the job and recover mentally, with lawmakers noting its strong support and practical benefits. The episode also featured Senate pages and interns, who described their behind-the-scenes work supporting committee meetings and learning the legislative process, and concluded with a segment on Capitol art and a new public gallery meant to inspire good government and showcase Minnesota artists.

Transcript Highlights:

• turn will place added fiscal pressure on both the state and the counties to cover this change in the share
• In the counties to cover this change in the share of administrative funding. Thank you.
• turn will place added fiscal pressure on both the state and the counties to cover this change in the share
• of administrative funding. in the counties to cover this change in the share of administrative funding
• Consistent with spending projection tables that were recently shared with the Legislature, HDAP funds

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For decades, that ministry has worked to share the gospel through Southwest Virginia.
• Speaker, it is also my distinct honor to share with you that just last month, the Union Bell Baptist
• Shared commitment to democratic-republican governance that unites us.
• These shared values form the basis for our strong relationship.
• These shared values form the basis for our strong relationship.

Keywords: March 09, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We had a study that I've shared with a committee before.
• And any information that you may have, if you could please not share that publicly.
• None of that information should be shared publicly in this room from any of our members.
• And any information that you may have, if you could please not share that publicly.
• And as Casey mentioned, I don't think we have a lot to add that hasn't already been shared, but I'll

Bills: SB6013, SB6291

Keywords: ski areas, winter sports, terminology, recreation, economic development, SB6291, on-site wastewater treatment, onsite wastewater treatment, septic system, sewage treatment, wastewater inspection, environmental health, local board of health, public health, professional engineer, land surveyor, certificate of competency, inspection standards, design review, supervised practice

Transcript Highlights:

• And because they don't require sharing credit card numbers, they reduce the risk associated with data
• I'm happy to share more about that later. Thank you.
• I'm happy to share more about that later if there's any questions around it.
• I'm happy to share the... Yeah, that's very quickly. I think, yeah. I'm happy to share the...
• If you could definitely share those slides so that we can share them with our team.

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee held an informational hearing on digital asset innovation, with opening remarks framing cryptocurrencies, blockchain, stablecoins, tokenization, and decentralized finance as a growing part of the financial system. Dennis Porter of Satoshi Action Fund presented on the market size, institutional adoption, use cases such as remittances and small-business payments, and policy developments at the federal and state levels. He also discussed risks including volatility, cybersecurity, and illicit use, while arguing that clear regulation can support innovation and consumer protection. State Controller Malia Cohen then updated the committee on implementation of SB 822, California’s unclaimed digital asset law. She explained that the law applies to custodial accounts, not self-custodied wallets, and requires holders to conduct outreach before dormant digital assets are transferred to the state in native form. Committee discussion focused on how abandonment is determined, what counts as account activity, the expected timeline for notices and custodian procurement, and the administrative costs and staffing needed to run the program. Controller staff said the state is still building procedures, working with Oregon, and expects a significant increase in claims once the program is operational. Porter returned with a proposal for a California digital asset reserve fund built on unclaimed digital assets under SB 822. He argued the fund could be cost-neutral, use only high-quality digital assets, and include guardrails such as an advisory board, audits, and public reporting. Committee members expressed interest in diversification and consumer protection, but also raised concerns about volatility, documentation, and market downturns. The hearing ended after public comment from industry and advocacy representatives, including support from the California Blockchain Advocacy Coalition, the Crypto Council for Innovation, and Coinbase, all urging clear, technology-neutral policy to keep innovation and jobs in California.

Transcript Highlights:

• It shares monetary properties with gold, but also adds digital portability and programmatic scarcity.
• I'm happy to share more about that later. Thank you.
• I'm happy to share more about that later if there's any questions around it.
• I'm happy to share the... Yeah, that's very quickly. I think, yeah. I'm happy to share the...
• If you could definitely share those slides so that we can share them with our team.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He shared on social media a video containing racist imagery that dehumanized the first Black president
• Speaker, I believe that is up to each one of us to ensure that the spirit of respect and shared humanity
• this resolution because in this resolution it simply says that all the women have come together to share
• He shared on social media a video containing racist imagery that dehumanized the first Black president
• I believe that is up to each one of us to ensure that the spirit of respect and shared humanity reigns

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 06:11 Orders of the Day 06:59 HB 7 07:15 HB 48 17:57 HB 266 20:32 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 22:33 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 31:03 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 33:29 ConC/Rules Report 36:49 Floor Amendments 37:57 Adjournment 38:24, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to share concerns about Senate Bill 1620 because it doesn't simply refine oversight.
• And since portions of this legislation originated in Volusia County, I would like to share that as a
• And because we share an attorney with the school district, I had to pay for an attorney out of my own
• And if you don't know the story, I'm sure they're happy to share it with you.
• We're here today sharing your story and helping us understand the ground. ...today, sharing your story

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Education Pre-K-12 Committee met and took up several education bills. It first heard SJR 1104 on religious expression in public schools, which would place a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot to protect voluntary religious expression by students and school personnel. The sponsor said it would codify existing protections and not require prayer or religious activity, while opponents argued it was unnecessary, could be used to advance Christian nationalism, and could make minority-faith students uncomfortable. The committee reported the resolution favorably. The committee then approved SB 1738 on educational facilities, as amended, to require the Department of Education to review school facility requirements and recommend design and construction practices intended to improve safety and accountability. It also approved SB 824 on charter schools, as amended, which shifts the bill to a transparency-focused strike-all requiring districts to submit annual reports on unimproved land holdings to the Department of Education. The committee also confirmed appointees on Tabs 7 and 8. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 1620 on public education, described by the sponsor as a “school board members’ bill of rights.” The bill would give board members broader access to district documents and staff, limit nondisclosure agreements, clarify attorney representation, and strengthen budget transparency and nepotism rules. Supporters said it would help board members do their oversight jobs, while opponents warned it could undermine superintendents, expose confidential student or employee information, and create confusion in district governance. The committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 1170 on education, as amended, which would allow parents of students with disabilities to request cameras in self-contained classrooms and set district procedures for reviewing those requests. Supporters, including parents and disability advocates, testified that cameras would protect non-speaking and vulnerable students and provide accountability, while one opponent argued the measure should be funded if adopted. The committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also adopted a committee-bill motion for SPB 7036, a broad education package covering school turnaround, literacy, safety, early learning, instruction, and educator pipeline issues, though members raised concerns about a possible state role in producing instructional materials; the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, I'm going to share with you our current status of the U.S. 395 North Spokane Corridor.
• Today, I'm going to share with you our current status of the U.S., the North Spokane Corridor.
• Those two bridges will be enhanced to meet current shared-use multimodal design standards and connect
• Additional risks that I would like to share with you: as you are aware, this is the major connection
• Additional risks that I would like to share with you, as you are aware, this is the I would like to share

Bills: SB6131, SB6155, SB6238, SB5824, SB6110, SB5839, SB6032, SB6148

Keywords: traffic safety, roadway fatalities, Washington traffic safety commission, policy update, road safety, accident prevention, disability, parking privileges, accessibility, special parking, local government, oil tankers, restricted waters, environmental safety, maritime regulations, state law, fifth-wheel, travel trailers, vehicle regulation, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you share with the committee the impacts this would have?”
• I won't belabor it because I think that all of my colleagues here have stated sentiments that I share
• and sentiments that I shared with you too.
• The gentleman that came, I talked to him about my bill, and he said, well, let me just share this with
• Can I'm sharing? Please. Great job to the sponsor and then also great job to Mr. Shepherd.

Summary: The House Committee on Science and Technology met for its first meeting of the session, with members and staff introducing themselves and reviewing committee rules and amendment deadlines. The committee then heard several bills, beginning with HB 2121, which would prohibit original equipment manufacturers from disabling consumer electronic devices when owners make modifications, including through firmware or remote updates. Sponsor Rep. Nick Cooper described it as a “True Ownership Act” aimed at consumer products like printers and phones, while members raised concerns about manufacturing, security, and implementation. An amendment by Rep. Fink narrowed the bill to consumer products and excluded commercial, industrial, business-to-business, off-road, and retail-channel equipment. The amendment was adopted, and HB 2121 as amended passed 7-1-1, with one member voting no and one present. The committee next considered HB 2134, which would prohibit Chinese-produced critical infrastructure equipment and restrict government entities and critical communications providers from contracting with Chinese companies that have access to critical infrastructure. Rep. Cooper and supporters framed the bill as a cybersecurity and national security measure, while some members questioned costs, implementation, and the role of the Arizona Corporation Commission. Testimony from State Armor representatives and an attorney cited federal NDAA restrictions, alleged fraud in sales of certain devices, and examples from other states. The Arizona Corporation Commission director said the agency was neutral but would need several new positions to implement the bill. HB 2134 passed 5-4. The committee also approved HB 2451, which updates the Arizona Space Commission’s board terms, extends the strategic plan deadline, and adds astronautic educational opportunities to the commission’s scope. Rep. Justin Wilmeth and Space Commission members described the measure as a technical “trailer bill” to support Arizona’s growing space industry and long-term competitiveness, and the bill passed 8-0. Finally, the committee heard HB 2700, which would create a Technology Study Committee focused on assistive technology and Technology First initiatives. Rep. Connolly, constituent Sam Shepard, and advocates for people with developmental disabilities testified that the committee would help Arizona identify and expand assistive technologies and remote supports. After adopting a Connolly amendment clarifying the committee’s purpose and membership, HB 2700 passed 8-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And assure us once again of the compassion you call us to share.
• And share all the good work that aerospace is doing in our great state. Seeing no objection?
• So I just want to make sure to pass that message along that they shared of your guys' work.
• But I want to share just the work that they've done in the background.
• But I want to share just the work that they've done in the background.

Keywords: 996, all