Transcript Highlights:

• Potential 15-day extension, is that feasible, even if you get... get your appropriations request and
• The appropriated amounts. So just point that out. Next thing, you know, we.
• I'll be glad to answer any questions and would respectfully We request the right to close.
• Chairman, thank you for filing. this bill and recognizing the need for this new legislation.
• This legislation will promote transparency. transparency, and municipal waste contracting.

Bills: HB5057, HB4519, HB5033, HB3997, HB 1237, HB1904, HB4400, HB 1227

Keywords: solid waste management, exclusive contracts, public agency, contract amendment, notification requirements, Texas Health and Safety Code, Texas Emissions Reduction Plan, TERP, air quality, emissions reduction, clean fleet, alternative fuel, natural gas vehicles, hydrogen fuel, hydrogen infrastructure, diesel replacement, fleet grants, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, clean school buses

Transcript Highlights:

• We've just done an appropriate placement of our direct care staff.
• An area of legislation that I've been working on heavily.
• and Administration, but this legislation died.
• What you all have on slides 23 and 24 is a list of appropriations that you all, as legislators, have
• They are working with a $2.5 million special appropriation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and 124 and respectfully request and 124 and respectfully request concurrence<00:03:22.400><c> of
• Speaker. much needed legislation. I think um we much needed legislation.
• </c><02:13:39.679><c> Without</c> appropriations and revenue. Without appropriations and revenue.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Call the legislative citation, Mr. &gt;&gt; Call the legislative citation, Mr.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Call legislative citation, please. &gt;&gt; Call legislative citation, please.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, excused absent members, and suspended rules to allow co-sponsorship and vote modifications. The Senate reported passage of Senate Bills 52 and 124, and several House committees reported favorable action on bills including HB 1, HB 2, HB 94, HB 246, HB 282, HB 299, HB 307, HB 519, HB 613, and HB 648. Most of those measures were ordered to first reading and placed on the calendar; HB 1 and HB 307 were sent to the Rules Committee after having had two previous readings. The House then recessed briefly before returning to the orders of the day. The chamber took up HB 568, relating to public adjusters. The sponsor explained that the bill would prohibit new public adjuster licenses, allow current licensees to renew, impose conflict-of-interest and contract requirements, set a 5% fee cap, and bar public adjusters from negotiating claims, citing consumer protection concerns and legal opinions about the practice of law. After debate and a brief explanation of vote from a member citing local storm-related abuses, the House voted on roll call and passed HB 568 with one nay vote. The House then considered HB 1, which would opt Kentucky into the federal education freedom tax credit program. Supporters said it would allow private donations to scholarship-granting organizations to benefit Kentucky students without using state general funds, and argued it could help public, private, and homeschool families with education-related expenses. Opponents criticized the speed of the process, warned it could open the door to vouchers and charters, and argued it would mainly benefit wealthier donors while public schools remain underfunded. Members also questioned the bill’s waiver of 11th Amendment immunity and received explanations that the waiver was limited to federal-court jurisdiction over the federal program and would not create individual liability for state actors. A motion to table the bill failed with 19 votes in favor, and debate continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think if you had it any other appropriations committee so far, it has been noted that President, all
• Britain's encourage all of our appropriations committees to spend some time examining how our departments
• So each year we get appropriation with the budget.
• 1700 of the 7,000 requests to Rehome Non native pets.
• The most requested species to rehome include red-eared slider turtles ball pythons.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And if you don't request a hearing, it's done in near real time.
• But if they do not request a hearing, and most people do not request a hearing, once the 10-day period
• If the hearing was requested.
• Can we request that data?
• We share the legislators' and the families' goal of preventing tragedies.

Summary: The joint Senate Public Safety and Transportation hearing focused on DUI, impaired driving, traffic violence, speed management, and how criminal and administrative systems interact. Chairs Jesse Arreguín and Dave Cortese said the hearing was intended to inform upcoming legislation and noted that no bills would be acted on that day. They emphasized the scale of roadway deaths and serious injuries, the need for a holistic Safe System approach, and the importance of hearing from law enforcement, researchers, victims’ advocates, judges, and DMV officials. The first panel reviewed current DUI law and research. Thomas Nozowitz of the Committee on Revision of the Penal Code outlined California’s DUI penalties, including escalating misdemeanor and felony consequences, ignition interlock device requirements, license suspensions, Watson advisories, and homicide-related offenses. Stephanie Doherty of the Office of Traffic Safety described statewide crash trends, the role of alcohol, drugs, speed, and vulnerable road users, and the state’s Safe System and safety corridor efforts. Dr. Julia Griswold of UC Berkeley presented research supporting systemic interventions such as self-explaining roads, safer speed limits, speed safety cameras, ignition interlocks, sobriety checkpoints, and treatment for chronic offenders; she also noted that many DUI fatalities involve first-time offenders and that punitive measures alone have limited effect on high-risk drivers. Members pressed witnesses on ignition interlocks, speed governors, DUI treatment, diversion, and whether current penalties are strong enough. Several senators, including Archuleta and Blakespear, argued for stronger immediate consequences and better use of in-car technology, while witnesses said chronic offenders often need treatment and that some existing programs may be underused or inconsistently effective. The discussion also touched on data gaps, the need to distinguish alcohol- from drug-involved crashes, and the possibility of allowing diversion for some first-time DUI cases while preserving consequences for repeat offenses. The second panel addressed DMV and court processes. DMV Director Steve Gordon said the department handles mandatory, court-ordered, and administrative actions, and that recent process changes have reduced DMV hearing delays from roughly 170 days to under 70 days in many cases. Judge Lisa Rodriguez explained that county-by-county court practices, case filing delays, sentencing timelines, and paper or mixed electronic systems can slow reporting to DMV, especially for misdemeanors and felonies. She said courts are reviewing reporting requirements, training, and case-management coding to improve transmission of DUI orders, while DMV said it is open to simplification and better coordination but is constrained by aging systems and the motor vehicle account’s financial limits. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in 2021, many of you were here and supported the legislation.
• sessions, including through the 2026 legislative session.
• or linguistically appropriate services.
• and linguistically appropriate services became very difficult.
• I thank you for your hearing on this piece of legislation.

Summary: The House Education Committee held a work session on the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group and its school-based behavioral health and suicide prevention subgroup, followed by a public hearing on House Bill 1634, as amended in a proposed second substitute. Work group leaders Lisa Callan and Tisha Kirschbaum described the group’s statewide, cross-agency structure, its Washington Thriving strategic plan, and the goal of moving toward a more integrated “system of care” for children and youth. They emphasized that behavioral health, physical health, and education are interconnected, that families and schools often face a fragmented system, and that Washington’s youth flourishing outcomes show a need for stronger supports. Committee members raised concerns about regional disparities, rural access, language and cultural responsiveness, and the burden on schools and educators, while the presenters stressed that schools should be supported to identify needs and connect students to outside clinical services rather than carry the full burden themselves. Representative My-Linh Thai and Christian Stark then outlined the school-based subgroup’s work and recommendations. They said the subgroup meets monthly, includes students, parents, educators, providers, and agencies, and has focused on prevention, early identification, early intervention, and crisis response in schools. For the 2026 session, the subgroup recommended maintaining current investments in school behavioral health programs, strengthening statewide guidance on school behavioral health, and creating a coordinated technical assistance and training network for schools. They explained that the proposed substitute for HB 1634 would direct OSPI and the educational service districts to work with behavioral health agencies and community partners to conduct a needs assessment, map resources, and build a statewide framework for technical assistance and training, with public posting required by August 1, 2027. Testimony in support came from school staff, OSPI, behavioral health professionals, students, parents, and advocacy groups, who described high student anxiety, suicide risk, staffing shortages, and the need for coordinated, accessible supports. One witness from a psychiatric watchdog group opposed the bill, arguing it could increase labeling and drugging rather than holistic care. No vote was taken in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then also whether UM is the appropriate means or whether more med pay is an appropriate means.
• Means or whether med pay is an appropriate means.
• There are 12 other states that have passed this legislation.
• I said 12 states have passed this legislation.
• I know how hard you guys work on all this legislation.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 774, which would extend required hearing-aid coverage for certain individuals up to age 26. Representative Boyer said the bill helps young adults maintain access to hearing aids during school and early work years. The Louisiana Academy of Audiology supported the measure, and the committee adopted technical amendments and reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee then heard extensive testimony on HB 702, which would require transportation network companies to provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Representative Landry and supporters argued that current law and court rulings have left injured drivers and passengers without meaningful coverage in some cases, especially for riders who do not own cars and therefore lack personal UM coverage. Insurance agents and legal witnesses said they cannot currently find a product to cover the driver in certain ride-share phases, while Uber representatives opposed the bill, warning it would raise fares and noting that drivers already have optional occupational accident coverage and that passengers’ own UM coverage would generally apply. After debate over costs, coverage gaps, and whether the issue should instead be studied further, the committee voted to voluntarily defer the bill. The committee next considered HB 477, as substituted, which would require coverage for prosthetic and custom orthotic devices and associated services. Representative Ebert and witnesses described the bill as a modernization of existing coverage rules so people with limb loss can obtain more than one medically necessary device, including activity-specific prosthetics. Testimony from amputees and a physical therapist emphasized the impact on mobility, work, sports, and quality of life. The committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably by substitute. The committee also reported HB 76, which updates oral anti-cancer medication parity rules, by adopting amendments that clarify applicability and exempt certain limited-benefit and ERISA self-funded plans. HB 903, which increases the commissioner of insurance’s fine authority, was amended to set higher aggregate caps and then reported favorably. Finally, HB 291, which would prohibit health plans from penalizing hospitals when a member of the care team is out of network, drew support from the sponsor and the Louisiana Hospital Association as a preventative measure against insurer pressure tactics; Louisiana Blue opposed it, citing cost concerns and questioning the need for the bill. The transcript ends during that bill’s hearing, before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:40:36.159><c> a</c> Oh, Senator Rosenwald has requested a Oh, Senator Rosenwald has requested
• </c><01:45:21.119><c> prescribing</c> the second is legislating prescribing the second is legislating
• 58.320><c> licensed</c> This legislation would prohibit licensed This legislation would prohibit licensed
• The clerk will call the roll. requested by Senator Rosenwall, seconded requested by Senator Rosenwall
• an appropriations for the expenses of an appropriations for the expenses of certain<04:13:58.479><c>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Carlos Silva, Bureau of Legislative Research.
• The subcommittee reviewed reports, reviewed requests, and approved the following various temporary appropriations
• , Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act appropriations.
• The subcommittee reviewed reports, reviewed requests, and approved the following various temporary appropriations
• and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act appropriations.

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer, approval of the prior minutes, and a monthly revenue report from the Bureau of Legislative Research. The report showed gross general revenue collections up year to date and net general revenue above forecast, with the increase attributed in part to income tax growth, a fiscal-year shift, and lottery-related collections. Members asked no questions, and no action was required on the revenue report. Several subcommittee reports were then presented and adopted, including executive, administrative rules, game and fish/state police, hospital/Medicaid/developmental disability, occupational licensing, PEER, revenue, state insurance programs, and personnel. The executive report noted a waiver request for Jackson County School District construction services and an audit with no findings. The administrative rules report covered agency directives, rulemaking updates, and a few rules pulled for later consideration. The revenue subcommittee held one District 4 tire removal contract until its next meeting, while the state insurance subcommittee reviewed the EBD contract with Boston Consulting Group and approved pharmacy formulary and drug recommendations. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the State Insurance Department’s examination of pharmacy benefit managers, especially Navitus Health Solutions. Commissioners and staff explained that Navitus objected to producing certain claims data for self-funded plans, raising an ERISA preemption argument, and that the matter was being set for an administrative hearing, likely in April. Members questioned compliance, due process, and the implications of the objection, while the department said the state initiated the examination and was continuing to seek resolution. The committee also reviewed an Arkansas Teacher Retirement System agreement, with one member noting a potential conflict and abstaining. The meeting ended after members reviewed additional reports with no further action and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Carlos Silva, Bureau of Legislative Research.
• Carlos Silva, Bureau of Legislative Research.
• The subcommittee reviewed reports, reviewed requests, and approved the following various temporary appropriations
• , Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act appropriations.
• The subcommittee reviewed reports, reviewed requests, and approved the following various temporary appropriations

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It does they believe are appropriate.
• :14:04.959><c> burden</c> legislation puts a transparency burden legislation puts a transparency burden
• With the co-sponsorship request.
• I have the appropriate Senate Bill 153. I have the appropriate paperwork. paperwork. paperwork.
• </c> name them, but I do have the appropriate name them, but I do have the appropriate paperwork. paperwork

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I appreciate the support when the appropriate time comes. Thank you.
• And with that, I look forward to supporting this measure at the appropriate time.
• This was not the intent of the initial legislation.
• This legislation would have meant that trained employees could recognize the signs.
• Thank you, and I respectfully request an I vote. Thank you so much.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard a series of bills focused on student access, equity, and campus support services. AB 2660 would codify the CalBridge and ENLACE STEM pipeline programs to help underrepresented students move from high school through Ph.D. and faculty or industry careers; AB 2121 would let community colleges temporarily exclude certain local backfill dollars from the 50% instructional spending law so they can replace lost federal funding for MSI and TRIO programs; and AB 1920 would clarify that students do not lose California College Promise eligibility if they earn a certificate as part of a stackable pathway to an associate degree. AB 1636 would authorize Cerritos College to use voluntary data-sharing agreements with K-12 districts to create ready-to-enroll student records, AB 1845 would add human trafficking training and reporting requirements to campus Title IX-related processes, AB 1784 would extend pregnancy and parenting protections to undergraduate students, AB 2229 would create a CSU reentry support program for stopped-out students, AB 1852 would create a conditional pathway for a Kern County medical school if UC does not act, AB 1928 would allow both an advisor and a support person in campus sexual misconduct proceedings, and AB 2392 would require training before AI tools are deployed to students, faculty, or staff. Testimony was largely in support of the measures, with authors and witnesses emphasizing student success, equity, and removing administrative barriers. Supporters included community college and university officials, student leaders, advocacy groups, and survivors. AB 2121 drew the most mixed testimony: community college leaders and students supported it as a temporary response to federal cuts, while faculty groups opposed it or raised concerns about weakening the 50% law and the need for the proposal. AB 1852 also drew opposition from the CSU Chancellor’s Office, which argued the proposal could have broader operational and governance implications, though supporters said Kern County’s doctor shortage justified a local solution. AB 1784, AB 1845, and AB 1928 were framed as protections for vulnerable students in pregnancy, trafficking, and sexual misconduct proceedings, respectively, while AB 2392 was presented as a modest training and transparency requirement to accompany AI adoption. The committee took action on the bills after testimony. Most measures were approved on bipartisan roll calls and re-referred to the appropriate committees, including AB 1636, AB 1784, AB 1845, AB 1920, AB 1928, AB 2229, AB 2392, and AB 2660. AB 2121 and AB 1852 also advanced, though AB 1852 had several members not voting and AB 2121 drew one no vote. The committee also approved a consent calendar that included AB 1591, AB 2203, and AB 2572, and members were invited to add on to bills after the votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to call the Joint Legislative Audit Committee to order.
• that we have submitted the appropriate reports.
• Basically, they've been used appropriately.
• Any public comment on this audit request, please come forward now.
• Senator Cortese's request asks the appropriate question: is the procurement and oversight process used

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee met to hear new audit requests and receive a status update from the State Auditor. The auditor reported 10 JALAC audits in progress, noted that all 2025-approved audits are underway, said the first 2026 audit is focused on DMV license revocations, and described several statutory and high-risk audits already in progress. The committee also approved a consent calendar of four audit requests: UC library resources, law enforcement information sharing, EDD unemployment insurance claims, and Housing and Community Development housing development monitoring. The committee then considered Assembly Member DeMaio’s audit request on SANDAG road project management. DeMaio argued the audit was needed to examine whether transportation funds, including voter-approved and restricted revenues, were used for allowable purposes and whether past management failures warranted outside review. SANDAG’s CEO and CFO said the agency already undergoes extensive oversight and audits, that funds are tracked by multiple “colors of money,” and that internal controls have improved. Several members questioned whether the issues were already addressed in public records or existing audits, and the request failed on a roll call vote. Next, Senator Valadares presented an audit of the Board of State and Community Corrections’ Proposition 47 grant administration, arguing that more transparency is needed on outcomes, recidivism data, and oversight of grantees. The BSCC said it already has oversight mechanisms, that the State Controller conducts biennial audits, and that program data shows positive outcomes. The committee approved the audit unanimously. Senator Cortese then presented an audit of CalHR’s dental benefits procurement and Delta Dental contract, citing long-standing benefit caps, provider network concerns, and retiree out-of-pocket costs. CalHR said its network remains strong, that it recently completed an RFP adding MetLife as a second carrier starting in 2027, and that contracts include performance guarantees. Members from both parties expressed concern about access and competition, and the audit was approved unanimously. The committee then completed add-on votes on the consent calendar and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to call the Joint Legislative Audit Committee to order.
• We do feel that we have submitted the appropriate reports.
• Basically, they've been used appropriately.
• Any public comment on this audit request, please come forward now.
• Senator Cortese's request asks the appropriate question: Is the procurement and oversight process used

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Lydia Hernandez, Legislative District 24.
• Thank you. ...that will be age appropriate.
• A roll call vote has been requested.
• The amendment in Appropriations has been withdrawn.
• Explanation requested. Explanation requested.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:25:39.840><c> They</c><00:25:40.080><c> are</c> Appropriations Ed Committee.
• They are Appropriations Ed Committee.
• Um, the bill proposes appropriations for the development of an electronic data collection system.
• Um, the bill proposes appropriations<00:35:34.240><c> for</c><00:35:34.480><c> the</c><00:35:34.960><
• We have Ocean Legislative &gt;&gt; Thank you.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related bills. HB 1602 HD1 drew support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Ulupono Initiative, and others, with testimony emphasizing the value of a dedicated grant writer who had secured nearly $9 million in federal funds and was pursuing additional grants. Members discussed how much time grant applications take and how the position helps position projects for implementation. The committee then moved on without objection. HB 1832, relating to aquaculture, received support from state agencies and industry groups, with one individual opposed. HB 1707 HD1, relating to agriculture, also drew broad support. A committee question focused on the bill’s definition of “necessary supplies,” and the Hawaii Farm Bureau said the language was broad enough to cover the inputs farmers need, including transportation-related costs, and would help reduce production costs and food prices. HB 2155 HD1, relating to agricultural statistics, prompted testimony in support of better data collection to help Hawaii compete for federal agriculture funding. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity explained that its role would focus on production, import, and export data, distinct from the scientific data collected by another unit, and said it wanted an electronic system tied to existing manifest and GIS tools to avoid duplicative clipboard-based collection. HB 1831 HD1, relating to agricultural lands, was heard with support and no questions. HB 1650 HD1, relating to environmental assessments, drew opposition from several individuals who argued it would weaken environmental protections and resident input; no action was taken. The committee then heard HB 1652 HD1, relating to storm water management systems. The engineering industry supported clarifying that low-risk green stormwater infrastructure such as rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavement should not be treated like detention or retention ponds subject to fencing and other safety requirements. Opponents, including family members affected by a drowning and other residents, argued the bill would weaken Act 281’s safety protections and increase liability. The Hawaii Farm Bureau questioned whether agricultural water infrastructure should be exempted from the fencing requirements and said the costs would vary by system, but the committee did not take final action during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• They requested it and it was denied. It stayed on the consent agenda.
• And that's why we have a need for legislation like this.
• I just don't know if that's the appropriate role for a school...
• And that's why we have a need for legislation like this.
• I just don't know if that's the appropriate role for a school.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:23.920><c> where</c> licensing is not appropriate where licensing is not appropriate where
• </c><01:04:51.079><c> that</c> the legislation that the legislation that is<01:04:53.240><c> kind</c>
• So if ultimately it's determined that some legislation is appropriate and necessary, I think that it's
• </c><01:20:51.800><c> is</c><01:20:52.000><c> appropriate</c><01:20:52.440><c> and</c> some legislation
• is appropriate and some legislation is appropriate and necessary<01:20:53.679><c> I</c><01:20:53.760

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:06:47.600><c> Um,</c> legislation.
• Um, legislation.
• </c> legislation like this? legislation like this? &gt;&gt; 100%. &gt;&gt; 100%. &gt;&gt; 100%.
• </c> We cannot pass legislation like this. We cannot pass legislation like this.
• </c> behind bringing this legislation behind bringing this legislation forward,<01:38:40.239><c> I</c

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:03:45.160><c> and</c> fiscal note has been requested, and fiscal note has been requested, and
• <00:16:20.040><c> of</c><00:16:20.560><c> 187,000,</c> appropriation of 187,000, appropriation of 187,000
• So this would allow part of the appropriation that was originally appropriated to be used for admin,
• </c> appropriations bill, a governor's bill. appropriations bill, a governor's bill.
• Legislator Wire: Aye. Legislator Runadal: No. Representative Boner: Yes.

Bills: HF4401, HF4466

Keywords: HF4401, Minnesota Medical Assistance, dental reimbursement, dental rates, critical access dental providers, Medicaid dental, MinnesotaCare, managed care plans, county-based purchasing plans, fee-for-service, oral health access, safety-net clinics, federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, Indian health services, state-operated dental clinics, low-income patients, children's dental care, provider reimbursement, dental access