Transcript Highlights:

• My family had moved all out of the state.
• My family had moved all out of the state.
• My family had moved all out of the state.
• </c> story and is serving the entire state story and is serving the entire state which<00:19:38.840><
• </c><00:19:59.360><c> to</c> relationships throughout the state to relationships throughout the state

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And we obviously saw that really high-profile one in the Boise State University presidential search in
• That was something that the State Board did for this most recent search and for prior searches.
• libraries, schools, and more.
• Libraries, schools, and more. And our efforts are showing in the increases.
• A lot of that work has been initiated throughout the state.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One is, is Florida going to be the only state with this reference, Gulf of America?
• We would be the first state in the Union to do this measure.
• It says that our Florida statutes, libraries, media centers, collections, libraries, all this educational
• This is a really weird time to be a Florida constituent and seeing our state House and state Senate debate
• will see the states follow.

Committee: House Education & Employment Committee

Summary: The Education Employment Committee held its first meeting and heard three bills. Chair Kennedy opened with remarks about the committee’s work and the goal of moving Florida from “excellent to eminent.” The committee first considered PCS for CS for HB 151 on private school participation in interscholastic sports and extracurricular activities. Representative Abbott explained that the bill would let private school students participate in sports at FHSAA member schools when their own school does not offer that sport, clarify treatment of single-sex versus co-ed teams, adjust FHSAA board appointment authority, require appeals panels to include a majority of member-school representatives, set timelines for eligibility appeals, and post appeals decisions online. An amendment by Representative McFarland added FHSAA board decisions to the transparency requirement. The bill drew supportive public testimony and was reported favorably as amended by a 19-0 vote. The committee then took up HB 549 on the “Gulf of America.” Representative Porras said the bill would align Florida’s geographic materials and academic standards with the federal designation replacing the Gulf of Mexico, with a later amendment to phase in the change only for materials adopted or acquired on or after July 1, 2025. Members questioned the timing, costs, and impact on instructional materials; the ranking member and others argued the bill was unnecessary and could burden districts, while supporters said Florida should lead in adopting the federal terminology. Public testimony included support from Florida Citizens Alliance and opposition from a speaker who called the bill a waste of time. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably with committee substitute by a 16-2 vote. Finally, the committee considered CS/HB 85 on hazardous walking conditions. Representative Kendall described the bill as addressing elementary students who live within the two-mile walk zone but must cross interstates, freeways, highways, or ramps, and said the measure would provide bus service in those hazardous situations. An amendment clarified the language by tying it to the statutory definition of a limited access facility. Members from both parties described local safety concerns and personal experiences, while one member noted the likely added cost to districts. Public testimony listed opponents, but the chair later clarified they had submitted cards with the wrong bill number. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably with committee substitute by a 20-0 vote, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That means that those students at Imperial Valley or Fresno State or San Diego State or Sonoma State
• That means that those students at Imperial Valley or Fresno State or San Diego State or Sonoma State
• with a model library in the area, and so on, taking over the state building where our offices used to
• The library would be top of mind.
• Street over to 3rd Street to walk right into San Jose State Library, actually 4th Street, so it's two

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several Senate measures focused on student access, workforce needs, and institutional stability. Senator Laird presented SJR 4, which urges the federal government to restore NIH funding cuts and protect California’s research universities; UC testified in support and there was no opposition. Senator Ashby presented SB 761, the CalFresh for Students Act, to connect Cal Grant applicants with potential CalFresh eligibility and expand qualifying programs; the bill drew broad support from higher education, student, anti-hunger, and county groups, with members sharing personal experiences with food insecurity and no opposition. Senator Cabaldon presented SB 520 to create a California Nurse Midwifery Education Fund for a new master’s-level nurse midwifery program, citing maternal health disparities and provider shortages, especially in rural and Central Valley communities. Supporters from the California Nurse Midwives Association and the Black Wellness and Prosperity Center emphasized workforce shortages and maternal mortality; one member raised concerns about the bill’s use of inclusive language, but the bill was otherwise well received. Cabaldon also presented SB 640, which would create a statewide direct admissions process to CSU for eligible high school seniors using existing data systems; supporters said it would reduce barriers, improve equity, and help declining-enrollment campuses, while members raised questions about special education students, rural access, dual enrollment, and measuring effectiveness. The committee voted SB 640 out on a 6-0 roll call. Cabaldon’s SB 744 would preserve California students’ access to enrollment and financial aid if a federally recognized accrediting agency loses approval, by treating affected institutions as accredited for state purposes; the bill drew no public testimony and advanced on a 4-2 roll call. Senator Cortese’s SB 494 would require classified school employees’ disciplinary appeals to be heard by an administrative law judge, matching protections already available to teachers and community college faculty; labor groups supported the bill, while school districts and administrators opposed it over cost, local control, and implementation concerns. The committee also heard SB 550, a revised pilot to allow San Jose State and a nonprofit, state-accredited law school to jointly develop a public law school pathway; supporters argued it would expand affordable legal education and public-interest careers, while UC and independent colleges opposed it as inconsistent with the Master Plan. Members debated access, jurisdiction, funding, and bar pass rates, and the bill advanced on a 4-2 roll call to the Judiciary Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• of public defense quality, and it also reports that in a vast majority of states, the state is a major
• Phased state funding commitment look like?
• And so, to highlight a couple of the recommendations, they state that the state should provide funding
• militarization and enforcement in our state.
• militarization and enforcement in our state.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> uh</c><00:08:18.599><c> but</c> 90% is by state and local funds uh but 90% is by state and local
• </c> supplements that State uh State mandated supplements that State uh State mandated mandated<00:53
• aside for staff and operations salaries at MDE for the administration of the State Library Services
• aside for staff and operations salaries at MDE for the administration of the State Library Services
• aside for staff and operations salaries at MDE for the administration of the State Library Services

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• library.
• to support the State Library, the Historic Preservation Division, and New Mexico Arts, which are three
• State Library, we've used capital to replace the Wonders on Wheels bus.
• Then, or a different state.
• We follow all the state standards and use SAVIS, which is a recommended state teaching curriculum.

Committee: House New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Furthermore, we also do recommend an overhaul of the way the state budgets.
• Secretary of State and that estimate did Secretary of State and that estimate did not<00:21:08.320><c
• </c> decrease GDP thus affecting State decrease GDP thus affecting State revenues<00:30:10.279><c> but
• generated by the state.
• </c><00:35:23.160><c> budget</c> right now we have the full state budget right now we have the full state

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So not just federal dollars or state dollars. TIB is state dollars, but... So I will.
• So not just federal dollars or state dollars. TIB is state dollars, but... So I will.
• It says state review process and regulations.
• So we know that 15 states have active exchanges.
• Now let's talk about the state review processes.

Committee: Joint Joint Transportation Committee

Summary: The meeting began with introductions from members of the Joint Transportation Committee and a presentation from the Association of Washington Cities and the public works directors of Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, and West Richland. The cities described the Quad Cities region as one of the fastest-growing in the state and outlined shared transportation priorities that align with the committee’s focus on safety, multimodal access, climate resilience, and economic development. They emphasized Vision Zero efforts, complete streets, ADA accessibility, regional trail and bike/pedestrian planning, and coordinated long-range transportation and land-use planning to manage growth. The city officials also discussed major funding and delivery challenges, including rising construction costs, project phasing, pavement preservation, right-of-way acquisition, and delays caused by state and federal permitting and review processes. They highlighted regional cooperation through the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments, Good Roads, and local funding tools such as impact fees, transportation benefit districts, REET, tax increment financing, and state and federal grants. Specific projects discussed included Richland’s SR 240/Aaron Drive complete streets project and downtown connectivity work, Kennewick’s Columbia Center Boulevard improvements and rail study, Pasco’s Court/Road 68, Sylvester Street corridor, I-182 bridge/interchange work, and a new north-south bridge study, and West Richland’s SR 224 Red Mountain corridor project, which officials said was awarded under budget and is scheduled to begin construction. Committee members asked questions about sidewalk connections to schools, state-agency right-of-way timelines, apprenticeship utilization, contractor selection, and whether complete streets requirements add burdens to pavement preservation projects. The city officials said new development is generally meeting sidewalk standards, but older infill areas remain a gap; that state right-of-way transactions can take much longer than expected; that apprenticeship requirements are common but harder for smaller contractors and local labor markets; and that low-bid contracting leaves little room to screen for performance history. They also said complete streets requirements are usually manageable on major projects but can be difficult to absorb in smaller preservation work. The committee then shifted to a JTC-funded study on transit-oriented development, presented by Urban Institute researcher Yona Freemark. The study examined TOD conditions in 33 cities in Snohomish, King, Pierce, Clark, and Spokane counties near rail and bus rapid transit stations. Freemark said Washington’s housing affordability crisis is severe, especially near transit, and found that high-cost cities have seen more development near stations but also signs of gentrification and loss of affordable housing, while lower-cost cities have had less development and worsening affordability relative to income. He identified barriers including high debt costs, land costs, infrastructure costs, zoning and parking rules, and limited subsidies for affordable housing. He recommended more neighborhood infrastructure funding near stations, stronger affordable housing investment, and better use of public land, noting that HB 1491 and related legislation are already changing some local requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lulu, you have united this state.
• This would make it into law for our state purposes that we would... for our state purposes, we would
• The states, uh, the gentleman before me indicated what the states are.
• Sometimes moving from states to states, and this has... ...states and this has occurred.
• What this bill does is allow state and local law enforcement to enter state and local law enforcement

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No state appropriation is required. This bill does not require new state spending.
• 3,000 in the United States.
• So it's not a state mandate.
• The state of Arizona has done no state. was 2014.
• In the United States, there's a lot of states that say that they are pro-veteran.

Committee: House House Education Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2076, which would create a program and fund within ADE, in consultation with AZPOST, to reimburse eligible schools and employees for approved training, certification, and school safety equipment, and would allow schools to adopt policies permitting certain employees to carry concealed firearms on campus if they meet training, notification, and confidentiality requirements. The sponsor, Rep. Bliss, framed the bill as an optional, fiscally responsible medical-response measure focused on bleeding control and emergency preparedness, not a mandate to arm schools. Supporters said the bill adds guardrails, expands access to training, and could help staff respond in emergencies. Opponents, including Giffords, Arizona for Gun Safety, and the Arizona Education Association, argued it would normalize firearms in classrooms, create confidentiality and law-enforcement concerns, expose students and staff to new risks, and divert attention from prevention, mental health, and other school safety investments. After debate, the committee voted 6-5-1 to give HB 2076 a do-pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 2830, which directs the State Board of Education to adopt science standards requiring instruction on fetal and prenatal development and specifies that the content is not sex education. Supporters, including the sponsor, a school board president, and a biology teacher, said the bill is about age-appropriate, medically accurate science, parental rights, and clear statewide guidance. Opponents, including the AEA and Reproductive Freedom for All, said it fragments science instruction, politicizes the curriculum, and omits the broader reproductive and public health context students need. Members debated whether fetal development can be taught without discussing reproduction, and whether the bill is an education measure or an anti-abortion effort. The committee approved HB 2830 on an 8-4 vote. The transcript also included discussion of House Bill 2093, which would repeal required mental health instruction and social-emotional learning in schools; supporters argued it restores parental control and refocuses schools on academics, while opponents said school-based mental health education saves lives and helps students who may not have support at home.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, House Concurrent Resolution 79 by Representative Butler memorializes Congress and the United States
• We still have other states that are doing it. It was taken, I think, around 2008 or 2009.
• We still have other states that are doing it, and I think it may become a political thing.
• 87 by Representative LaCombe expresses legislative support for correspondence issued by a United States
• Members, House Concurrent Resolution 54 by Representative Fontenot urges and requests the United States

Bills: HCR54 , HCR79 , HCR87 , HCR94 , HCR104 , HB1209

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Keywords: migratory waterfowl, hunting regulations, flooded crops, wildlife management, environmental impact, hunting, Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, deer hunting, dogs, conservation, hunting heritage, federal regulations, Senator Kennedy, wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, legislative support, environment, protective measures, boating safety

Summary: The Senate Natural Resources Committee met on March 27 with a quorum present, approved prior minutes, and then took up several resolutions and one bill related to wildlife, water resources, and conservation. H.C.R. 79, as amended, urged the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to work together to allow the use of dogs for hunting in Kisatchie National Forest; supporters described it as a traditional hunting practice that has been restricted for years and could benefit local hunters and businesses. H.C.R. 104, as amended, asked the Department of Conservation and Energy and the Louisiana Geological Survey to study and modernize the collection, retention, and access to subsurface data, with members emphasizing the need to avoid sharing company-specific information. H.C.R. 87 was reported favorably to support correspondence from U.S. Sen. Kennedy regarding duck flyway management, H.C.R. 54 was reported favorably to study the impact of flooded corn on migratory waterfowl and restore an enforcement mechanism related to hunting over intentionally flooded crops, and H.C.R. 94 was reported favorably to require annual boating safety reports to legislative committees. The committee then heard HB 1209, which would have paused new cooperative endeavor agreements for surface water withdrawals while allowing existing agreements to continue and be renewed through December 31, 2036. The author said the bill was intended to give the state time to develop a more comprehensive, data-driven surface water strategy and to address invasive species such as giant salvinia, which he said has severely affected waterways in his district. Members and witnesses acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, but there was concern that the bill was too complex to move quickly in the session. The committee discussed converting it into a study resolution instead, and the bill was deferred without objection. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because LSBA, the Louisiana State Bar Association, is a nonprofit, I would have to then report on the
• LSU, best baseball team in the state right now. Put them up against LSU's national champion.
• It's not to do more legislation or to look into expanding and expanding transgender care in the state
• So whether they're getting it out of state or what's happening, there are children in the state of Louisiana
• So whether they're getting it out of state or what's happening, there are children in the state of Louisiana

Bills: HR290 , HR298 , SB405 , SCR61 , HR318

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: gender-affirming care, gender affirming therapy, gender-affirming hormone therapy, transgender health, trans youth, LGBTQ, mental health, psychosis, psychiatric conditions, puberty blockers, androgen blockers, cross-sex hormones, estrogen, testosterone, informed consent, screening, monitoring protocols, Louisiana Department of Health, LDH, House Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• And I can tell you on page 6, which is not in your handout, the state funding, our state law clearly
• Well, yeah, we look at other states to see that, yes, in other states there are pregnancy centers that
• But particularly page six says state law clearly defines the four services eligible for state funding
• So they have adopted it in some states already? Yes. Yes. Four states have signed it into law.
• Many states do license directors, and in all those states that do, we're recognized.

Bills: HB611 , HB897 , HB902 , HB931 , HB1030 , HB1092 , HB1100 , HB1118 , HB1138 , HB1143 , HB1160 , HB1185 , HB1216

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: pregnancy help centers, healthcare services, licensure, Department of Health, medical services, counseling, regulatory compliance, public health, healthcare data, privacy, pregnancy services, confidentiality, client rights, Louisiana Pregnancy and Baby Care Initiative, trauma-informed, child education, mental health, training program, adverse childhood events, religious instruction

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that a state agency? No, sir.
• I now still train law enforcement across the state.
• The state bears zero cost on returning those defendants.
• All of our oaths are logged with the state and the parish.
• State police and Internet Crimes Against Children.

Bills: HB343 , HB378 , HB394 , HB396 , HB426 , HB439 , HB491 , HB523 , HB622 , HB676 , HB772 , HB1025 , HB1038

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Keywords: parole eligibility, juvenile offenders, rehabilitation, first-time offenders, reentry programs, substance abuse treatment, education programs, emergency responders, law enforcement, obstructing traffic, public safety, penalties, parole, criminal justice, release extension, prison reform, autopsy, criminal evidence, photographs, court proceedings

Transcript Highlights:

• State, local, and family budgets.
• </c> every part of our state. every part of our state.
• There is no state of Minnesota.
• </c> this state maybe needs to be different. this state maybe needs to be different.
• </c> Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico. Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico.

Bills: HF3373 , HF4449 , HF3486 , HF4180 , HF4227 , HF2505

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: transportation, interchange, funding, bonds, St. Paul Park, transit, Metropolitan Council, Twin Cities, metro area, high-frequency transit, bus rapid transit, busway, guideway, transportation policy plan, transit performance measures, regional transit benchmarks, transit-oriented development, TOD, zoning, land use

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. only project in the state that's only project in the state that's actually<00:18:49.880><c
• </c> States allow non-disclosure agreements States allow non-disclosure agreements in<00:21:41.320><c
• </c> at the state level is transparent. at the state level is transparent.
• I'm pro data center. people in government across our state. people in government across our state.
• </c> help every size county to the state. help every size county to the state.

Bills: HF4077 , HF3809 , HF3639 , HF4478 , HF3363 , HF3874

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: municipal nondisclosure agreement, NDA, public records, transparency, local government, county, city, town, school district, housing and redevelopment authority, economic development authority, port authority, economic development, land development, public financing, tax increment financing, TIF, abatement, municipal bonds, debt obligations

Summary: The Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee approved the minutes from March 25 and March 26, then took up House File 4077, a bipartisan bill authored by Representatives Greenman and Roach. The bill would prohibit municipalities from entering into non-disclosure agreements with private entities that restrict disclosure about land development, economic development, or publicly funded projects, while preserving existing Chapter 13 data practices rules and trade secret protections. The authors argued the bill is needed to prevent secret agreements and backroom decision-making that undermine public transparency, and they moved that the bill be re-referred to the general register. Several local officials and residents testified in support, including a St. Louis County commissioner, the mayor of Lonsdale, and residents from Farmington and Hermantown. Supporters said NDAs had been used in connection with data center and other development projects to keep elected officials and the public in the dark, eroding trust and limiting community input. They described the bill as a common-sense transparency measure and said existing law already protects legitimate trade secrets. Opposition came from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Business Partnership, which argued that NDAs are often necessary in early-stage economic development discussions to protect sensitive business information and remain competitive with other states. They warned the bill could discourage investment, jobs, and tax growth, and said it would impose a one-size-fits-all state mandate that limits local discretion. Committee members then debated whether the bill was too broad and whether it should be narrowed to data centers; supporters responded that the issue extends beyond data centers to other forms of economic development. A roll call vote was requested on the motion to re-refer the bill to the general register, but the final vote result was not stated in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And one of the concerns I have is, is this something that as a state we would want to be giving up in
• And one of the concerns I have is, is this something that as a state we would want to be giving up in
• reservations as well, and my concern is that the building itself has an owner, and the owner is out of state
• itself it has an owner, and the owner<00:08:00.760><c> is</c><00:08:01.040><c> out</c><00:08:01.280><c> state
• ,</c><00:08:01.960><c> and</c><00:08:02.240><c> I'm</c> owner is out state, and I'm owner is out state

Bills: HB2583 , HB1591 , HB1749 , HB2423

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: HB2583, Hawaii Micro-Lending Credit Enhancement Program, DBEDT, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, micro-loan, microloan, small business lending, small business financing, loan loss reserve, first-loss reserve, credit enhancement, partial guarantee, risk-sharing, community development financial institution, CDFI, working capital, inventory financing, equipment financing, leasehold improvements, startup loans

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Consumer Protection meeting was a decision-making session on a series of House bills, with no oral testimony taken. The committees first acted on HB 2583, recommending passage on amended, and HB 1591, recommending passage with amendments related to health care. They also recommended passage on amended for HB 1749 on cesspools and HB 2423 on biodiesel, with each recommendation adopted by the members present. The committees then considered a second agenda block that included HB 2080, HB 1520, HB 1576, HB 1711, HB 1785, HB 1802, HB 1838, HB 1842, HB 1853, HB 1976, HB 2104, HB 2218, HB 2246, HB 2270, HB 2289, HB 2361, HB 2551, and HB 2606. Most were recommended for passage unamended and adopted without objection. HB 1520 was deferred because the Senate bill had already crossed over. HB 1711 was amended to replace the option period established by the corporation with a period of up to 10 years. HB 2289 was amended to remove repeal of a ceiling and set a $1 million expenditure ceiling for the automated victim information and notification system special fund. Several members noted reservations on HB 1842, which involved transfer of the Westridge parcel near a rail station; concerns were raised about the property’s value, the long-term lease status, and whether the city would actually accept or pursue the transfer. HB 1853 was passed unamended, with the committee noting the Lions Association had suggestions that could be addressed later in conference. HB 2218 was passed unamended while adopting DLNR testimony to clarify collaboration with community groups in stewarding public lands and recreational areas. In each case, the stated recommendations were adopted, often with members voting no with reservation rather than in opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• State Chamber also supported State Question 780 and 781, which made almost all drug crimes misdemeanors
• Out of state conglomerates that have been caught over and over and over with their hand in the cookie
• jar, stealing from the state and also stealing from our constituents.
• The State Chamber, we're not taking their lies anymore. Don't let them in your offices.
• of State Chamber.

Bills: SB1684 , SB1443 , SB1447 , SB378 , SB1920

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: SB1684, Oklahoma Highway Remediation and Cleanup Services Act, highway cleanup, roadway remediation, tow truck, wrecker service, liability insurance, DEQ, Department of Environmental Quality, motor vehicles, licensing, public safety, cleanup operators, roadside services, commercial towing, insurance requirement, license fee, revocation, suspension, Turnpike Authority

Transcript Highlights:

• And when we began to look at our neighboring southern states and our peer states that have really significant
• And this is done in, what are the states? Florida and Texas. This call over-the-counter.
• So they become to almost a state of disrepair? Correct.
• kind of burden whatsoever on state government?
• “Those costs currently include state sales tax.

Bills: HCR35 , HB440 , HB515 , HB543 , HB614 , HB1010 , HB1039 , HB1088 , HB1122 , HB1179 , HB1200

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: tax delinquency, property sale, rehabilitation, Louisiana State Law Institute, legislation, homestead exemption, property tax, parish governance, Louisiana Constitution, voter approval, adjudicated property, real estate, political subdivisions, property sales, government authority, residential lease, tax credit, property valuation, Louisiana constitution, disaster response