Transcript Highlights:

• It's actually NFPA Chapter 13 that has this spelled out about the committee, the multidisciplinary elements
• Those elements are actually in NFPA Chapter 13.
• CMS, the feds, in their infinite wisdom, when they adopted elements of the NFPA chapters, left out 7,
• 13, and 8 chapters, and safety and security in 13 was not adopted. ...of the NFPA chapters, left out
• 7, 13, and 8 chapters, and safety and security in 13 was not adopted.

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and adopted a substitute for House Bill 1962, then voted House Committee Substitute for HB 1962 do pass by 16-0. The substitute was described as making changes related to an epinephrine-related database and pricing. The committee then adopted a substitute for House Bill 2371 and voted House Committee Substitute for HB 2371 do pass by 16-0; the sponsor said the bill would codify existing Medicaid/state-plan coverage for a blood pressure-related issue and make the private insurance language consistent. House Concurrent Resolution 28 was also voted do pass by 16-0. The committee then heard House Bill 3457, “Maddie’s Law,” which would create an electronic medical-record alert for medically complex children so hospitals can quickly access individualized emergency care plans. Representative Burns presented the bill as a response to the death of a child named Maddie, and multiple family members and advocates testified in support, describing repeated emergency-room delays, the burden of carrying binders of records, and the need for one-click access to care plans. Questions focused on how the alert would work with existing systems, whether QR codes or bracelets might help, whether the bill should also apply to adults, and how the voluntary language fits with the goal of ensuring the information is available. An SSM Health lobbyist testified for information purposes, explaining that the STARS program is a voluntary EMS care-plan system started in 2014 and now includes about 1,800 children in Missouri and Illinois; he said the sponsor was willing to work on the language. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3401, which would require hospitals to develop workplace violence prevention plans, multidisciplinary committees, risk assessments, training, reporting, and incident review processes, while keeping the bill flexible for different facilities. The sponsor and several health care groups cited high rates of threats and assaults against emergency and hospital staff and argued that violence is a preventable workplace risk that contributes to burnout and staffing shortages. Witnesses from emergency physicians, nurses, the Missouri Hospital Association, and other medical groups supported the bill, with some suggesting the signage language be broadened or simplified. No votes were taken on HB 3457 or HB 3401 before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the definitions that exist are in Title 22, Chapter 17, which is the Hemp Act that was passed in 2021
• And then you would also look at the Controlled Substances Act, which is Title 37, Chapter 17, and that's
• And then you would also look at the Controlled Substances Act, which is Title 37, Chapter 27, and that's
• have read the Controlled Substances Act and read the marijuana definition and the THC definition and Chapter
• have read the Controlled Substances Act and read the marijuana definition and the THC definition and Chapter

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 771, which would create a licensing and inspection framework for retail hemp products and give the Idaho State Department of Agriculture authority to test products for THC. Representative Shirts said the bill was still being worked on and asked that it be held at the call of the chair. Testimony from the Idaho Farm Bureau, Boise Police Department, and the Idaho Retailers Association generally supported the goal of closing loopholes and ensuring products sold as CBD are actually THC-free, while also raising concerns about the bill’s scope and the need to narrow it so it would not unintentionally cover non-consumable hemp items such as shampoos, clothing, rope, and other retail goods. Committee members also asked about THC thresholds and enforcement, and ISDA Director Chanel T. Walt explained existing hemp and controlled-substances definitions and said the proposal would shift routine oversight from law enforcement to an administrative licensing process. The committee then voted to hold HB 771 in committee at the call of the chair. The committee next took up House Bill 772, which would clarify when hemp producers do not commit a negligent violation if their crop exceeds the THC limit under certain conditions. Representative Shirts said the bill would align Idaho’s rules with federal standards and would not change the 0.3% THC limit, but would define a negligent violation for grain or fiber hemp when the producer made a reasonable effort to comply and the crop did not exceed 1% THC. Braden Jensen of the Idaho Farm Bureau supported the bill, explaining that it would protect growers from losing licenses over THC spikes caused by heat stress or other factors outside their control. The committee voted unanimously to send HB 772 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. After the hemp bills, the committee received an informational presentation from Dairy West and the Idaho Dairy Products Commission. Dairy West CEO Steve Seppi described the organization’s regional structure, funding through producer assessments, board governance, and programs focused on marketing, research, nutrition, exports, and industry relations across Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Utah. He highlighted Idaho’s large dairy sector, continued growth in production and processing investment, and efforts to promote dairy consumption and innovation. Chairman Don Galswick added comments about the value of Dairy West’s work in countering plant-based protein competition and supporting the industry’s sustainability message. At the end of the meeting, the committee approved the minutes from February 26, 2026, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• University student-run radio station KCWU and is the treasurer for Central Washington University's chapter
• will read: An act relating to establishing the Washington Health Care Board, adding a new section to Chapter
• , and accessible pedestrian passage during certain construction projects, adding a new section to chapter
• That painful chapter in our state's history reminds us of the dangers of xenophobia and racism, and the
• to perform chiropractic diagnosis and adjustments on non-human animals and adding a new section to Chapter

Bills: SB5223 , SB6071 , SB5966 , SB6061 , SB6016 , SB5973 , SB5053 , SB5249 , SB5899 , SB6190 , SB5574 , SB5873 , SB5924 , SB6263 , SB6282 , SB5950 , SB6074 , SB6096 , SB5609 , SB5901 , SB5943 , SB5975 , SJM8016 , SB5907 , SB6031 , SB6155 , SB6158 , SB6227 , SB5947 , SB6085 , SB6234 , SB6274 , SB5909 , SB6044 , SB6239 , SB6045 , SB6089 , SB6170 , SB5954 , SB5762 , SB6032 , SB6066 , SB6082 , SB6164 , SB6176 , SB6319 , SB6308 , SB6200 , SB6080 , SJM8014 , SB6177 , SB6052 , SB6182 , SB5828 , SB6335 , SB6017 , SB5470 , SB5990 , SB5046 , SB5387 , SB5637 , SB5647 , SB5839 , SB5888 , SB5962 , SB6018 , SB6037 , SB6047 , SB6078 , SB6130 , SB6147 , SB6151 , SB6197 , SB6220 , SB6256 , SB6311 , SB6343

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, overpayment recovery, modernization, health care, legislation, healthcare, nutrition, medically tailored meals, dietary support, food security, chronic illness, tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development

Summary: The Senate convened with all members present, heard a prayer and pledge, approved the prior day’s journal, and then moved through committee reports and House messages. Several bills were referred to committees, including low-income energy assistance and real property use restrictions. The chamber then took up a series of gubernatorial appointments, confirming Apollonio P. Hernandez to the University of Washington Board of Regents, Violet M. Frolov to the Central Washington University Board of Trustees, and Monica U. to the Washington Student Achievement Council, each after sponsor remarks and roll-call votes. The Senate also recessed briefly for caucuses and later resumed floor action on bills. On final passage, the Senate approved SB 6220 on nonprofit housing property tax exemptions for temporary community use, SB 5947 creating the Washington Health Care Board, ESSB 631 on safe pedestrian passage during construction, ESSB 6066 establishing crash prevention zones, SB 6044 recognizing Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, SB 5899 allowing qualified chiropractors to treat non-human animals under a licensing framework, SB 6151 dedicating environmental program fee accounts, ESSB 6200 allowing renters and mobile home occupants to install portable cooling devices with safeguards, SB 5901 adjusting school construction assistance for on-base schools, and SB 6080 governing federal detention contracts with county and municipal jails. Most of these bills passed with strong bipartisan support, though SB 5947, SB 5924, SB 6200, and SB 6080 drew notable opposition from some senators who raised concerns about cost, scope, safety, or implementation. The Senate also adopted amendments to several measures, including technical or stakeholder-driven changes to SB 5947, ESSB 631, ESSB 6066, SB 5899, and ESSB 6200. SB 5924, expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice, passed after a lengthy debate over access to care, professional training, and the role of collaborative drug therapy agreements; supporters framed it as a response to provider shortages, while opponents argued it moved too quickly or needed more study. SB 6080, concerning jail contracts for federal detainees, saw failed amendments seeking an attorney general opinion and a good-faith extension, before passing on a 30-19 vote. The meeting ended with a personal privilege statement marking Lunar New Year and a motion to recess for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a result of the 2005 Workers' Compensation Reform, Chapter 504.053 of the Texas Labor Code created
• It expressly waives sovereign immunity for these claims to the extent of liability under Chapter 451.
• The current damages caps under Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code are the... same as under federal law
• Actually, in 2017, the legislature passed House Bill 19— 1983—that amended Chapter 504 of the Labor Code
• Things that can lead to PTSD, but that provision was put in a section of the chapter code that only applied

Bills: HB875 , HB1667 , HB2369 , HB3844 , HB4415 , HB4479 , HB4483 , HB4676 , HB5118 , HB5400 , HB5545

Committee: House S/C on Workforce

Keywords: workers' compensation, municipal construction, bidding requirements, small municipalities, contracting policies, first responders, PTSD, mental health, emergency services, medical expenses, injury claims, insurance carriers, opportunity youth, workforce development, employment, education, federal funds, employment discrimination, immunity waiver, public employees

Transcript Highlights:

• Tim Adam representing the California chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians. Mr.
• Chair, members, Tim Madden, representing the California Chapter of the American College of Emergency
• And today with me, Kimberly Wormsley, here from the California chapter of the National Association of
• The California Association of Social Workers is the largest chapter of professional social workers in
• The NASW California chapter mobilized over 2,000 social workers across the state to address support,

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a long agenda of licensing, health care, and workforce bills. Measures discussed included AB 957, which would prohibit tobacco sales in licensed pharmacies; AB 447, which would allow patients to take home certain unopened medications started in emergency rooms; AB 427, joining the Social Work Licensure Compact; AB 667, allowing interpreters for certain licensing exams; AB 742, prioritizing descendants of slaves in licensing review; AB 873, changing infection-control training timing for dental assistants; AB 360, requiring a report on menopause education for physicians; and AB 1175, modernizing CPA licensure requirements and mobility. Testimony generally emphasized public health, access to care, workforce shortages, language access, and economic opportunity, while opposition or concerns focused on implementation, worker protections, compact authority, and constitutional issues in AB 742. Several bills drew broad support from sponsors, professional associations, and advocacy groups. AB 957 was backed by cancer and pharmacy advocates and pharmacists who said pharmacies should not sell tobacco; AB 447 was supported by emergency medicine and hospital representatives as a way to reduce waste and help patients leave with needed medication; AB 427 drew support from social work and mental health groups but concerns from AFSCME about standards and displacement; AB 667 was supported by immigrant-rights and community groups, with questions about whether translated exams would be preferable to interpreters; AB 360 received extensive support from women’s health advocates and medical groups, and opposition from CMA and ACOG was removed after amendments; and AB 1175 was supported by the Board of Accountancy and CPA groups as a way to expand the pipeline and improve mobility. The committee took votes after quorum was established. AB 360, AB 427, AB 447, AB 667, AB 873, AB 1175, and AB 742 were all approved and sent to their next committees, with AB 742 going to Judiciary and AB 1175 to Appropriations. AB 957 was initially held on call, then later passed after additional votes were recorded. The consent calendar bills AB 375, AB 1107, and AB 1496 were also approved. Most measures passed on largely party-line or near-unanimous votes, with some members not voting on certain items during the roll calls.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter of the American College of Physicians.
• Next we'll hear from Chris Newland from the Florida Chapter of the American... Thank you very much.
• Next we'll hear from Chris Newland from the Florida Chapter of the American College of Surgeons.
• Ancossum Bonsal from the Florida chapter of ACP.
• I'm also president of the Florida chapter of the American College of Physicians.

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Summary: The committee took up a large health policy agenda. SB 1568 on electronic prescribing was explained as a federal conformity measure, but members raised concerns about preserving patients’ ability to obtain paper prescriptions and about exemptions for emergency, hospice, and other situations. Emergency physicians testified in support of e-prescribing but asked for flexibility, and the bill was reported favorably despite Senator Harrell’s opposition. SB 1606 on patient access to records sought to standardize record-production timelines and require electronic delivery when available; after an amendment correcting a drafting error, the bill drew concerns about HIPAA, behavioral health confidentiality, and the distinction between personal and legal representatives, and it was reported unfavorably as a committee substitute. The committee then approved SB 1346 on fentanyl testing, with a technical amendment, to require hospitals and campus emergency departments to test for fentanyl in urine testing for suspected overdose or poisoning. SB 1224 on administration of controlled substances by paramedics was amended to clarify language and reported favorably. SB 656 on health care billing and collection activities was substantially revised by strike-all amendment to allow sale of medical debt to third parties under new limits, including no interest or fees and return of debt if charity care applies; it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 68 expanded health facilities authority financing to include not-for-profit LLCs and parent companies, and SB 524 added Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the newborn screening panel; both were reported favorably. Later, the committee approved SB 1842 on out-of-network referrals after multiple amendments, requiring providers to verify network participation at the point of service and notify patients in writing, though several members and physicians warned it could burden providers and increase workload. The committee also advanced proposed committee bill SB 7028, which revises the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, adds oversight and reporting requirements, creates a pediatric cancer research incubator, and establishes the Bascom-Palmer VisionGen initiative; cancer center representatives testified in strong support, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill. SB 172 on specialty titles and designations was amended to clarify enforcement and was reported favorably after supporters said it would prevent misleading use of specialist titles, while opponents argued it could confuse practitioners’ titles. Finally, SB 1690 on surrendered infants was reported favorably after supporters said it would codify and expand safe-haven baby box procedures and opponents raised safety concerns about the devices. The committee also noted SB 1606 remained pending for reconsideration next week before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislation modernizes Chapter 57 of Title 15, which governs how election results are canvassed and
• Madam Speaker, the roll call reveals 32 yes, nine no.
• representatives, an act to amend Title 16, Title 18, Title 29, Title 31 of the Delaware Code, and Chapter
• Title 18, Title 28, Title 29, Title 31 of the Delaware Code, and Chapter 237, Volume 83 of the Laws of

Summary: The House convened on June 30, 2026, with opening ceremonies, guest introductions, and moments of silence for Gerlindy Lancelotti and Iva Durham. Members then took up a long agenda of bills and resolutions, including consent calendar items and several measures related to agriculture, lottery reporting, health care, fire service membership standards, inmate work, telecommunications, rent increases, youth camp licensing, primary elections, respiratory care practice, and marriage equality. The chamber also heard extended debate on Senate Bill 233, concerning removal of snow and ice from vehicles, and on House Bill 188, which would allow unaffiliated voters to choose a party primary while barring participation in both parties’ primaries. Among the notable actions, House Concurrent Resolution 157 passed as amended, directing the State Lottery to report on options to support traditional lottery retailers. Senate Bill 53, preserving the Delaware Farm to Community Program if federal support declines, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 307, giving the Public Service Commission authority to designate eligible Lifeline carriers, and Senate Bill 339, clarifying advance health care directives, also passed. Senate Bill 235, removing a sunset on manufactured home rent increase calculations, passed, as did Senate Bill 325 after House Amendment 1 narrowed disqualifying offenses for fire service membership and adjusted related background-check rules. Senate Bill 309, discharging remaining incarceration-cost balances, and Senate Bill 324, addressing constable-related firearm permit provisions, both passed. The chamber tabled Senate Bill 233 once to consider a proposed amendment for trucks and other hard-to-clear vehicles, but the amendment failed and the bill later passed as amended by the Senate. Senate Joint Resolution 19, directing DHSS to study strategies to reduce health care costs, was tabled pending legal review. Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 100, proposing a constitutional amendment to protect the right to marry, passed after extensive floor debate and personal statements from members on both sides. Senate Bill 293, creating a licensure pathway for summer camps to participate in purchase-of-care, passed after House Amendment 1. House Bill 188 on open primary access for unaffiliated voters passed 22-17, and Senate Bill 94, concerning respiratory care practitioners and ECMO medication delivery, passed after House Amendment 2. The transcript ends as the House begins consideration of House Substitute 1 for House Bill 404.

Transcript Highlights:

• 164. ...pipe replacement process under Section 145 of Chapter 164 of the General Laws.
• We should take it out of the purview of the DPU, out of the purview of Chapter 164 and Chapter 25, and
• Well, it's not going to get it in the heavily regulated conventional environment of the DPU and Chapter
• Laura Knott, Mothers Out Front, Brooklyn Chapter. Mothers Out Front, Brooklyn Chapter. Thank you.
• I'm the deputy director for the Sierra Club Massachusetts Chapter, and I'm submitting this on behalf

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on several climate and utility-related bills, especially H. 3449/S. 2292 to expand the municipal fossil fuel-free building demonstration program from 10 to 20 communities and related home rule petitions for Somerville and other municipalities. Witnesses from Somerville, Salem, Worcester, Cambridge, Newton, Arlington, Wellesley, Watertown, and the Massachusetts Municipal Association argued that local governments should be allowed to opt into fossil fuel-free or net-zero building standards, citing climate goals, environmental justice concerns, housing production, and data showing all-electric construction can cost about the same as or less than mixed-fuel construction. Committee members repeatedly pressed witnesses for cost data and asked for written follow-up, while also discussing whether strong environmental standards affect housing supply; witnesses responded that the main housing constraints are financing and that they would provide more data from local projects and state studies. A second major topic was H. 3564, which would require gas companies to provide municipalities with detailed multi-year pipe replacement plans, allow local review and objections, and limit reimbursement for projects not previously disclosed except in emergencies. Municipal leaders and advocates said the bill would improve coordination of street work, reduce disruption and costs, and help cities plan for electrification, network geothermal, and non-pipeline alternatives. Testimony from Wellesley, Cambridge, Arlington, Newton, and others emphasized repeated problems with last-minute gas main work, the need for advance notice, and the value of municipal participation in planning gas system retirement and alternatives. The committee also heard testimony on the “tactical transition” bills, S. 2249/H. 3539, aimed at managing the gas-to-clean-energy transition. Supporters from Gas Transition Allies, Rewiring America, and 350 Mass said the bills would require joint gas-electric planning, create an advisory council, eliminate subsidies for new gas hookups, shift investment toward repairs and clean alternatives, protect workers through retraining, and make utility plans more transparent. They argued these changes would reduce ratepayer costs, avoid stranded gas assets, and support orderly decarbonization. In addition, HEET testified on H. 3541, which would update greenhouse gas accounting to better reflect methane’s short-term climate impact, and H. 3543, which would establish a framework for managing shared thermal resources and thermal energy networks; committee members asked several questions about the meaning, ownership, and consumer-cost implications of the proposed “thermal commons.” No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, I just remembered a chapter meeting I attended, a Shiprock chapter, and they expressed concerns
• student from our chapter to ever get the Chief Manuelito Scholarship.
• I want to get to this report, support on page 15, the chapter of senior centers.
• In Cove, Arizona, with the chapters from Northern Agency, and one of the chapter officials, I must have
• Out through my district through 10 chapters.

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Vindu Mukhamla, on behalf of the National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter, in strong
• Hello, Bindu Mukamla, on behalf of the National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter, in
• In the O'Kamla, on behalf of the National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter, in strong
• The National Association of Social Workers, California chapter, in strong support.
• Bindon McComla with the National Association of Social Workers, California chapter, in strong support

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard several bills focused on homelessness, child care, food security, public assistance, immigration legal services, and veterans’ benefits. SB 479 would allow city-based local health jurisdictions, including Berkeley and Oakland, to use multidisciplinary homeless response teams and share specified information across departments; supporters said the change would improve coordination and outcomes, and no opposition testified. SB 902 would allow electronic signatures for child care and development services paperwork while preserving paper options; supporters said it would reduce burdens on families and providers, and the bill passed to the Assembly Education Committee 4-0. The committee also heard SB 1025, creating an Office of Food Security and Affordability to coordinate California’s food assistance efforts, and SB 1030, repealing the CalWORKs “man-in-the-house” rule. Supporters of SB 1025 said the state’s food system is fragmented and needs a coordinated strategy; SB 1030 supporters argued the rule is outdated, redundant, and rooted in racist and sexist assumptions. Both bills received no opposition testimony and were approved on 4-0 votes, with SB 1025 sent to the Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee and SB 1030 to Appropriations. The committee then approved SB 1077, which would require CDSS to create a communications and contingency plan for CalFresh disruptions during federal government shutdowns, including a public webpage and planning for state-funded benefits; it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 1194 would codify the Immigration Legal Fellowship Project to expand immigration legal services in underserved areas, and supporters emphasized the need for legal representation in rural and Central Valley communities; it passed 4-1 to Judiciary. SB 1201 would seek federal waivers to protect veterans from CalFresh time limits, require referrals to county veterans service officers, and adjust treatment of job-search expenses; it passed unanimously 6-0 to Military and Veterans Affairs. The consent calendar, including SB 557 and SB 1051, also passed unanimously. After all items were heard, the committee completed roll calls for absent members and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Junior League of Phoenix, through its various chapters, embodies the very best of civic engagement
• Senate Bill 1193, amending Title 36, Chapter 1, Article 1A, A.R.S., Section 36-104.01, relating to personal
• Amending Title 36, Chapter 1, Article 1A, A.R.S., Section 36-104.01, relating to personal identifying
• Senate Bill 1448, amending Section 13-204, A.R.S., as amended by Laws 2025, Chapter 172, Chapter 1, Section

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. May Modi. A series of personal privilege introductions followed, including the Chief of Security, members of the Junior League of Phoenix, several Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year candidates, and a student guest. Members also read a proclamation honoring the Junior League of Phoenix for civic engagement and volunteer service. The chamber then handled several procedural matters, including a motion to not concur in Senate amendments to HB 2010 and appoint a conference committee. The House moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars and adopted recommendations on a number of Senate bills. On the first calendar, SB 1009, SB 1046, SB 1143, SB 1221 as amended, and SB 1613 were advanced, with SB 1221 receiving an Olson floor amendment. On the second calendar, SB 1013, SB 1338, SB 1540 as amended, and later SB 1121 as amended, SB 1318, SB 1549, and SB 1786 as amended were all reported do pass, while SB 1270, SB 1400, and SB 1582 were retained on the calendar. Several bills drew debate. SB 1013 prompted discussion over merit-based hiring and whether the bill’s exclusions of sexual orientation and gender identity were appropriate. SB 1540 drew criticism as special legislation favoring the fuel industry, while supporters said it was a fairer approach to theft penalties. SB 1121 was described as a bipartisan health-care worker safety measure addressing radiation exposure, though opponents called it a vendor-driven mandate. SB 1318 was presented as a cleanup bill to align breast cancer notification language with federal standards, and SB 1786 received a technical amendment. The House also passed SB 1113, SB 1193, SB 1448, and SB 1503 on third reading, with SB 1503 receiving the required three-quarters vote and emergency clause. The House appointed a conference committee on HB 2003, and adjourned until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• veterans, and governmental organization members who are working over 100 years later to safeguard this chapter
• veterans, and governmental organization members who are working over 100 years later to safeguard this chapter
• veterans, and governmental organization members who are working over 100 years later to safeguard this chapter
• veterans, and governmental organization members who are working over 100 years later to safeguard this chapter
• Time passed, and what was meant to be a lasting tribute became an unfinished chapter in our history.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal from the previous day, and heard several announcements about committee schedules and visiting groups, including Greeley Day at the Capitol and students from Wildcat Mountain Elementary. Committee notices covered upcoming hearings in Judiciary, Business Affairs and Labor, Education, Transportation/Housing/Local Government, Health and Human Services, and Capital Development. The main floor action was consideration of House Joint Resolution 1022, which designates a portion of Arapahoe Road in Boulder County as the “Road of Remembrance.” Sponsors and supporters described the history of the World War I memorial effort, the stone pillars at Arapahoe Road and US 287, and the current effort to preserve and relocate the pillars while marking the roadway. Several members spoke in favor, emphasizing veterans’ remembrance and historic preservation. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 60-0, with five excused, and Representative Bottoms was added as a co-sponsor. Afterward, the House heard additional recognitions for advanced placement students and an announcement that the majority leader had paid outstanding fines. The chamber then laid over the balance of the calendar until the next day and recessed later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Dawkins Haggler; chapter president Lillian Morris from the North Mississippi chapter; chapter president
• Mona Arnold McBride from the Jackson, Mississippi chapter; and my vice president, Tanisha Winter, from
• the Jackson, Mississippi chapter.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 16 February, 2026; 4:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This PCS revamps Chapter 984 in Florida Statutes.
• Chapter 984 concerns ungovernable, runaway, and truant youth, known as status offenders, and provides
• In the area of cleanup, it consolidates legislative intent into one section at the front of the chapter
• and adds necessary definitions, and removes references to delinquency, as that's handled in another chapter
• Sponsor, and also the Department of Juvenile Justice, for their intentional efforts in approving this chapter

Committee: House Education & Employment Committee

Summary: The Education and Employment Committee heard and passed HB 921, which adds cursive writing to required instruction for grades 2 through 5 and requires students to demonstrate proficiency by the end of fifth grade. The bill sponsor argued cursive is important for historical literacy, everyday signatures, and possible early identification of learning differences. Opponents and several members supported teaching cursive but objected to the testing/proficiency requirement, saying students and teachers are already overburdened and that reading cursive is not currently part of the standards. Some members also raised concerns about fairness to charter schools and the bill’s application only to public schools. Despite those concerns, the bill passed 21-0 and was reported favorable. The committee then took up PCS for HB 1405, a major rewrite of Florida’s juvenile prevention and truancy statutes in Chapter 984, covering children in need of services/families in need of services. The bill updates definitions and procedures, strengthens truancy intervention, requires earlier and more detailed school reporting, adds parent involvement through child study teams, allows virtual participation, and sets review timelines for shelter placement. Sponsors said the goal is prevention and family support rather than punishment, with court involvement only after school-based intervention. Members asked about school compliance, court capacity, parent accountability, and whether all counties have child study teams; the sponsors said the bill expects CSTs in every school and can escalate cases to court and, if needed, to prosecutors for noncompliant parents. Public testimony on the juvenile justice bill was supportive, including from the Department of Juvenile Justice, youth services groups, and juvenile justice advocates. In debate, members praised the modernization effort and the emphasis on early intervention and family participation, while also noting the bill’s size and suggesting further attention to attendance thresholds. The PCS for HB 1405 was then approved unanimously and reported favorable. The committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• many of those challenges. and barriers and today Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has over 50 challenges. chapters
• miss Rose thank you mr. speaker I will be remiss if I did not acknowledge the alpha sigma lambda chapter
• Also, I would like to acknowledge another chapter in.
• Dallas County, which is the Gamma Upsilon Lambda chapter. With the president, Mr.
• Your father, who is going on to our mega chapter.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
• Okay, I'll show you, it's Jesse Williams testifying on behalf of of Texas Cannabis Collective, DAV Chapter
• Texas Cannabis Collective, DAV Chapter 219 itself and against the bill, is that correct?
• That's over meth, 32% can convert to schizophrenia. is strong and it's clear and most of these studies
• DAV chapter 219 itself and you are against the bill is that correct? That is correct.

Bills: HB 28 , SB 3

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, HB28, public testimony, committee decorum, bill substitute, legislative process

Summary: The meeting featured significant discussions regarding HB28, where the chair outlined the plans to bring forward a substitute for the bill. The chair emphasized the importance of maintaining order and decorum during the proceedings. Members engaged in deliberations, and a number of public witnesses were invited to testify, thereby enriching the discussion around the bill. This interaction provided valuable insights into public sentiment regarding the issues at hand.

Transcript Highlights:

• Going through the bill, 48-2101 creates a new chapter known as the Conversational AI Safety Act. 48-2102
• establishes the definitions to be used in this new chapter. 48-2102 establishes the definitions to be
• used in this new chapter. 48-2103 establishes requirements for operators of an available conversational

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Arkell with Habitat for Humanity, California, and I'm here representing the views of our Habitat chapters
• Arkell with Habitat for Humanity, California, and I'm here representing the views of our habitat chapters
• Which includes condos and townhouses, just like one of our Habitat chapters is currently building throughout

Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard AB 748 by Assemblymember Harabedian, a bill to expand California’s pre-approved housing plan program beyond accessory dwelling units to single-family and small multifamily developments under 10 units. The author said the measure builds on the earlier AB 1332 model, is intended to reduce time and cost in plan review, and gives local governments flexibility to choose designs while preserving permitting fee revenue. He also noted the bill had been worked to remove local government opposition and that similar pre-approved approaches have been used in Altadena and by Los Angeles County after recent fires. Support testimony came from Habitat for Humanity California, which said the bill would streamline the costly and labor-intensive early design and plan review phase and help affordable builders, nonprofits, and small developers move more quickly to permits. A representative from Abundant Housing Los Angeles and SPUR also spoke in support. No opposition witnesses appeared. Committee members expressed support, with Assemblymember Ward offering to coauthor and move the bill. The committee voted 7-0 to pass AB 748 to the Appropriations Committee, and the roll was briefly held open for an absent member before being closed.

Transcript Highlights:

• We contributed a few chapters.
• We wrote the chapter about where the resources are. We also used that...
• That's a very interesting chapter, opening up some potential research directions, which we'll circle
• So we used one model in our chapter in Project Interspace.
• There is a policy chapter in the report with about 8 to 15 different recommendations.

Committee: House Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• allowed for all entities under the Texas Business and Organizations Code, but it's ambiguous in the chapters
• ... ...ambiguous in the chapters governing condominium associations, that's Chapter 82, well, 82 and
• 81, and Chapter 209, which governs single-family homeowners associations.
• And the Property Code, you know, Chapter 82 and Chapter 209 don't explicitly provide for it, and it's
• background checks to enhance consumer safety, and authorizes a fee to cover the cost of administering this chapter

Bills: SB438 , SB512 , SB647 , SB648 , SB1495 , SB2121 , SB2145 , SB2154 , SB2167 , SB2184 , SB2211 , SB2268 , SB2349 , SB2443 , SB2629 , SB2702 , SB2902

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: SB 438, Texas, State Office of Administrative Hearings, SOAH, administrative law judge, ALJ, public information act, open records, confidentiality, privacy, home address, home telephone number, emergency contact information, social security number, family members, Government Code 552.117, Government Code 552.1175, Tax Code 25.025, public records, government transparency

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and took up several pending bills, voting favorably on SB 1612, SB 2717, SB 1468, SB 1642, and SB 1789. SB 1612 was reported favorably with objections to the local and contested calendar, while SB 2717, SB 1468, SB 1642, and SB 1789 were reported favorably, with SB 1642 and SB 1789 sent to the floor. SB 2717 would create the Texas Energy Efficiency Council; SB 1642 would add an executive director to the Texas Department of Insurance structure; and SB 1789 would establish pole standards and clarify PUC authority and remedies. The committee also heard an ERCOT update from CEO Pablo Vegas on the updated long-term load forecast, which showed a much higher unadjusted growth projection driven largely by data centers. ERCOT described an adjusted forecast using historical delays and lower realized build rates, and members discussed reliability, generation timelines, and the importance of SB 6 for demand response and flexibility. The committee then heard and left pending SB 2629, which would allow condominium and property owners’ association meetings and voting by electronic means; SB 2702, which would let nationally certified professionals test backflow prevention assemblies without a separate TCEQ license; SB 2167, which would let TDLR pause new license applications tied to human trafficking emergency orders or pending SOAH cases; SB 2349, which would exempt short-term leases and certain leasebacks from flood disclosure requirements; SB 2121, which would tighten the data broker registry law; and SB 2443, which would authorize TDLR electronic delivery of notices and other documents. Testimony generally supported these bills as cleanup, modernization, or workforce-streamlining measures, with some members expressing caution about electronic meetings and emphasizing in-person accountability. The committee also heard SB 2902 on coerced debt and identity theft, with testimony from a law professor and family violence advocates supporting stronger protections for survivors and suggesting a police report as an additional proof option. SB 512, a refiled bill restricting money transmission license holders from fining users for terms-of-service violations, also received supportive testimony and was left pending. Later, the committee heard SB 2145 on allowing certain TIF boards to meet virtually in narrow circumstances, SB 2268 on extending Texas Energy Fund loan deadlines in some cases, SB 1495 creating an EV supply equipment advisory board, SB 2154 regulating delivery network companies under a statewide framework, SB 2184 lowering the age for pyrotechnic operator and fireworks display permits from 21 to 18, SB 2211 on combining data centers, power generation, and produced-water desalination projects, and SB 647 on title theft protections and clerk authority to refuse fraudulent filings. Most of these bills were left pending after brief testimony and questions, with members focusing on reliability, regulation, and safeguards against fraud.