Transcript Highlights:

• analysis, and also allowing electric utilities to require customers with plug-in solar generation devices
• Starting the device if the electric utility delays putting its form up.
• Or so-called balcony solar devices so that Californians can use this simple technology to lower their
• In terms of the cost, these devices start at like $500 or $600.
• These devices will be subject to strong safety standards, as you heard today.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on SB 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, which would streamline approvals for portable plug-in solar devices while setting safety standards. The author and supporters argued the bill would help renters and homeowners with high electricity bills by allowing low-cost balcony solar systems to reduce monthly costs, and they emphasized that the devices would not feed power back to the grid. Supporters included environmental and consumer groups, solar advocates, and many members of the public. Opponents, including electrical workers, firefighters, utilities, and PG&E, raised concerns about shock, fire, overloading, and the need for California-specific building standards. After discussion, the author agreed to committee amendments and later to add compliance with the California Electrical Code in addition to the National Electrical Code; several opponents said that change would move them to neutral. The committee then voted to pass SB 868 out as amended to Senate Judiciary, with some members expressing support while reserving concerns about safety as the bill moves forward. The committee then took up SB 886, dealing with data center electricity use and ratepayer protections. The author said the bill is intended to prevent large data centers from shifting grid and infrastructure costs onto other customers, citing rapid growth in data center demand and examples from other states. Supporters, including TURN and climate groups, said the bill would require data centers to pay for their own grid impacts, pre-fund long-term clean energy resources, participate in demand response, and cover related costs. Opponents from the data center industry, tech and business groups, utilities, and some energy users argued the bill was unnecessary, could duplicate CPUC processes, and could create discriminatory rate treatment or operational problems, especially around mandatory demand response and limits on backup generation. Committee staff described amendments narrowing the bill to large data centers, clarifying tariff and cost-allocation provisions, replacing a storage requirement with a long-term zero-carbon procurement mechanism, and exempting certain public and utility facilities. Members discussed the balance between affordability, reliability, and clean energy, with the bill framed as a way to protect ratepayers while allowing data center growth.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> limited to cutout Bypass or simar device limited to cutout Bypass or simar device that<01:07:36.559
• We’re going to insert language that any modification or alteration to an e-bike or micromobility device
• We’re going to insert language that any modification or alteration to an e-bike or micromobility device
• We’re going to insert language that any modification or alteration to an e-bike or micromobility device
• We’re going to insert language that any modification or alteration to an e-bike or micromobility device

Summary: The meeting included a joint public hearing of the House Housing and Transportation committees, followed by a Transportation Committee hearing. In the joint hearing, members considered SB 662 SD1, which concerned transportation and included two parts: transferring certain streets to the city and clarifying police authority on state streets. The chair recommended moving the bill out as an HD1 with Part One removed, explaining that the street-transfer issue should be worked out by the county and state and that removing it would improve the bill’s chances. The committees voted to pass the measure with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. The Transportation Committee then heard several bills. SB 1095, relating to license plates, would increase decal size restrictions for special number plates; the Department of Transportation offered written comments, with testimony split between two individuals in opposition and one in support, and no questions were raised. SB 344 would require skateboard users under 16 to wear helmets; DOT supported the bill, as did TRIAA Hawaii, the Injury Prevention Coalition, and other individuals, while two individuals opposed it. SB 30 would require all moped riders to wear helmets regardless of age; DOT supported it, but Moped Doctors and Hawaiian Style Rentals and Sales opposed it, arguing the bill was overreaching, could be hard to enforce, and should be more narrowly targeted or replaced with education efforts. The committee also heard SB 1216, which would tighten noisy muffler and exhaust enforcement by conditioning inspection certificates, adding inspection-station penalties, increasing fines, and prohibiting repair or installation of noisy systems. DOT supported the measure, and Waiʻanae Neighborhood Board testified in support, while Moped Doctors and the Motorcycle Industry Council opposed it, saying the bill would burden inspection stations, create liability concerns, and raise questions about insurance-related language as applied to mopeds. The hearing included discussion of enforcement, inspection burdens, and whether the bill’s insurance references applied to mopeds. No final vote was taken on the Transportation Committee bills in the portion provided, and the hearing adjourned after testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please silence all electronic devices.
• These devices are installed in the OBD2 port, which is located under the dash.
• Devices connect.
• Many of the devices contain crash detection technology, including accelerometers and gyroscopes.
• The devices contain crash detection technology, including accelerometers and gyroscopes.

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Summary: The Committee on Government Oversight and Accountability met with a quorum and heard several presentations on state fleet management. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services described its new fleet tracking rollout using AT&T/GeoTab devices, funded with $804,000, to monitor vehicle location, fuel use, idle time, driver behavior, and maintenance needs in real time. Members asked about whether the system was unique to FDACS and whether it duplicated reporting to the Department of Management Services; the agency said it was still implementing the system and would follow up on those questions. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission presented on its large and diverse fleet, including more than 4,000 assets, and explained that it uses both the statewide FleetWave system and the Samsara telematics platform. FWC said FleetWave is used for monthly reporting and replacement tracking, while Samsara provides real-time location and diagnostics, reducing administrative burden and improving accountability. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and Florida Highway Patrol then outlined their fleet operations, emphasizing that most assets support law enforcement, that multiple manual systems create data inaccuracies, and that they are seeking a $750,000 increase to modernize fleet management with telematics, automated receipt processing, and a centralized database to improve safety and efficiency. The committee also considered SPB 7010, which would authorize the Department of Financial Services and local governmental entities to allow post-tax Roth contributions in deferred compensation plans, in addition to existing pre-tax contributions. After a brief explanation, there was no debate or public testimony, and the committee voted to submit the bill as a committee bill. The roll call showed the measure was favorably reported, and the meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• pyrotechnic devices meant to disperse and disorient enemy combatants.
• The device fragmented on impact, resulting in the permanent amputation of one of his fingers.
• SB 937 would prohibit the use of these demonstrably dangerous devices for crowd control.
• I would also note that the bill's definition of flashbang grenades or devices, whatever these devices
• to devices that are actually designed to expel some other item.

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1130, Reyes, wearable recording devices, do pass as amended to limit manufacturer liability, create
• SB 868, Wiener, plug-in solar, due pass as amended to apply a 1,200-watt limit to a series of devices
• devices, and for a sunset of the interconnection exemption as of December 31, 2030.
• SB 868, Wiener, plug-in solar, due pass as amended to apply a 1,200-watt limit to a series of devices
• devices, and for a sunset of the interconnection exemption as of December 31, 2030.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee held its August 13, 2026 suspense-file hearing on Senate bills, with the chair opening by thanking staff and recognizing consultant Jennifer Swenson’s retirement after 30 years in the Legislature. The committee explained that it was weighing the fiscal impact of 293 bills and that some would move forward while others would be held because of cost, duplication, or competing budget priorities. The committee then took up the suspense file in alphabetical order and acted on a large number of measures, sending many to the Assembly floor as due pass or due pass with amendments. Examples included bills on battery recycling, wildfire resilience loans, mobile home park disaster assistance, price gouging, veterans’ property tax exemptions, housing and insurance issues, energy and utility regulation, election procedures, criminal justice, health care, education, housing, environmental protection, and artificial intelligence. Many bills were amended to narrow scope, delay implementation, add reporting requirements, clarify definitions, or reduce costs; others were held in committee. Among the notable actions, several bills were advanced on roll calls while others were held, including measures related to water quality, utility rate information, juvenile detention, CARE Court, and various housing and energy proposals. The committee also moved a number of sunset and technical cleanup bills, and several members requested to be added as principal or joint authors on amended measures. At the end of the hearing, the chair noted that the committee had moved a large number of bills to the Assembly floor, usually with amended language, and that the amended versions would be posted online. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• and another source that said the devices are required to be turned on, federal law.
• It sounds like it is required to have the device on if you're near a large airport.
• So for me now, the bill says don't use this kind of device for billing.
• problem, and the airport's probably on ...to make sure people are leaving their safety devices on.
• So why not work on enforcing that they're keeping their devices on?

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2003, which would lower the instruction-permit eligibility age for Class D, G, and M licenses from 15½ to 15, while increasing supervised driving requirements for minors and extending the permit-holding period before licensure. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill builds on Arizona’s graduated driver licensing system and would improve teen safety based on data from other states; one senator raised concerns about parents certifying driving hours and another cited a study suggesting higher crash risk from lowering the permit age. After discussion, the bill received a do pass recommendation by a 9-1 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 2063, appropriating $1.5 million from the General Fund to the Corrections Oversight Fund, and heard emotional testimony from a mother describing her son’s mental illness, incarceration, and death in prison, along with support from advocates who said the oversight office is needed, especially in light of federal receivership over prison health care. The sponsor emphasized prison transparency, public safety, and accountability. The bill passed unanimously, 10-0. The committee also heard House Bill 2210, which would prohibit state, local, and private entities from using ADS-B aircraft surveillance data to calculate or collect landing fees. Pilots argued the technology is meant for safety and that using it for billing could discourage compliance, while airport representatives and city officials opposed the bill as an unnecessary statewide restriction on local fee-setting. After extensive debate over safety, federal law, and local control, the bill received a narrow 4-4 do pass recommendation. Later, the committee heard House Bill 2116, which appropriates $1 million to the Colorado River litigation fund. The sponsor said the money is needed to prepare for possible litigation over Colorado River cuts and to signal Arizona’s seriousness in negotiations; members discussed whether the funding should come from the General Fund or WIFA resources. The bill passed 8-0. Finally, HCM 2007, a memorial urging renaming sections of State Route 69 to honor veterans of multiple wars, was approved 5-4 after some members objected to emphasizing war memorialization. The committee also briefly noted that House Bill 2111 was held, and after the votes, a pilot and flight instructor offered additional testimony on HB 2210, reiterating safety concerns about turning off ADS-B and saying the bill addresses a real risk even though Arizona airports are not currently using the technology for fee collection.

Transcript Highlights:

• On page 2, line 9, after 'device,' include 'a device mounted in a window or'. Senator Gildon.
• On page 2, line 29, after 5, strike 'a portable cooling device, a U-shaped portable cooling device, or
• Devices must comply with building codes, safety standards, and manufacturer guidelines.
• Devices must comply with building codes and safety standards and manufacture guidelines.
• When I first heard about it, you couldn't prohibit someone from having a cooling device.

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

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:

• All senators and guests in the gallery, please silence all electronic devices.
• Senators, this amendment renames the task force to the micro-mobility device safety task force.
• If it fits the description of e-mobility or micro-mobility devices, I would say yes.
• Senators, this amendment renames the task force to the micro-mobility device safety task force.
• If it fits the description of e-mobility or micro-mobility devices, I would say yes.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence honoring former Senator Charlie Dean. Senators also introduced guests, including family members, church leaders, and visiting students. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar, where several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on Citizens Property Insurance, artificial intelligence, public records, and data centers. The Senate passed a series of bills focused on consumer protection, transportation safety, health, and financial regulation. CS/HB 505 on virtual currency kiosks passed 37-0 after being substituted for SB 198 and amended to adopt Senate language aimed at limiting fraud and setting transaction controls. SB 382 on electric bicycles passed 37-0 after amendment to broaden the task force to micro-mobility devices. SB 844 on sickle cell disease continuing education passed 37-0, requiring certain health professionals to complete training on care management. SB 1014 on municipal utility service outside city limits passed 37-0, and SB 428 on the swimming lesson voucher program passed 36-0 after amendments expanding the program to ages 1 through 7 and adding drowning-prevention education for new parents. The Senate also passed CS/CS/CS/SB 540 on the Office of Financial Regulation, which creates cybersecurity program requirements for certain licensees, expands oversight of some investment advisers, and updates credit union and anti-money-laundering provisions; it passed 36-0. CS/CS/SB 1440 on public records passed 35-1 after technical amendments tied to related cybersecurity exemptions and reporting requirements. SB 1594 on veteran benefit payments to minor clients passed 36-0, directing certain benefits for foster youth toward post-secondary education or aftercare rather than agency reimbursement. At the end of the session, the Rules Chair moved to certify all passed bills to the House and retain postponed bills on the special order calendar, and the Senate adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please silence all electronic devices, and anyone wishing to speak before the committee should complete
• an appearance form and Please silence all electronic devices, and anyone wishing to speak before the
• And that is Senator Leak, SB 1168, on installation or use of tracking devices or applications.
• Section 923.425 makes installing, placing, or using a tracking device or application on another person's
• There is currently not an increased penalty for unlawful installation or use of a tracking device or

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met and considered five bills, all of which were reported favorably. The committee first heard SB 1168 by Senator Leek, which increases the penalty for unlawfully installing or using a tracking device or app on another person’s property when done in furtherance of a dangerous crime; an amendment broadened the bill to cover both furtherance of and commission of such crimes. The bill passed unanimously. The committee then approved SB 1286 by Senator Grall, clarifying that parents allowing children to engage in unsupervised activities like biking, walking, or playing outside does not by itself constitute child harm or neglect unless the conduct is reckless and endangers the child. That bill also passed without opposition. The committee next took up CS for SB 1198 by Senator DiCeglie, creating a new statute addressing fraudulent use of gift cards and setting penalties and guidelines for such conduct. Several organizations and businesses, including AARP, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Walgreens, and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, appeared in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 774 by Senator Wright, which requires clerks of court to electronically transmit certain involuntary mental health, substance abuse, and risk protection order paperwork to the county sheriff within six business hours after entry; the bill was presented in response to a fatal delay in serving an ex parte order in Volusia County. An amendment clarified the six-hour requirement applies to business hours, and the bill passed unanimously. Finally, the committee considered CS for SB 806 by Senator Yarbrough, which clarifies that the Florida Attorney General is the exclusive public official with standing to assert the rights of qualified beneficiaries in Florida charitable trusts. Senator Ruson raised concerns about whether the bill could limit out-of-state attorneys general and potentially affect litigation over trust distributions, but said he would support the bill while continuing discussions before Rules. The committee adopted the bill and it was reported favorably. Senator Simon later asked to be recorded in support of SB 1168 and SB 1286, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• They very clearly said that those games in question were gambling devices.
• There's a device, X number of devices based on your municipality and your bar.
• It's a gaming device. And, like, is it gambling?
• If it's a gambling device, right, and it violates 572, which I think their devices... ...a gambling device
• And it violates 572, which I think their devices like that out there.

Transcript Highlights:

• So page 17, line 4, we talk about devices used for amusement purposes.
• We talk about devices used for amusement purposes. Oh, right.
• device.
• It was a Kansas company that had issued a, put in a couple illegal devices.
• Tax avoidance is enabled by these illegal gambling devices.

Committees: House Emerging Issues , House Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on several House bills related to transgender health care and sports participation, with Representative Thomas speaking in strong opposition. Thomas argued the bills were not supported by medical science, would criminalize doctors and parents following mainstream medical guidance, and were being driven by campaign politics rather than Missouri testimony or need. The committee adopted House Committee Substitutes and voted do pass on House Bills 2033, 1608, 1672, and 1854 by a vote of 9-4, and then voted do pass on House Bills 1663, 1607, and 1973 by the same 9-4 margin. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bills 2404 and 2172, which would bar political subdivisions from using deed restrictions to prevent former public school buildings from being sold or leased to charter schools and would give public entities a right of first refusal on unused school property. The sponsors and charter school supporters said the bills would help repurpose vacant buildings for educational use, while St. Louis Public Schools and AFT opposed them, arguing local school boards should control their property and that existing restrictions were lawful and sometimes necessary. Kansas City Public Schools testified that the issue was less pressing there and that it already had a robust repurposing process, though charter advocates described difficulty obtaining former school facilities. No vote was taken in the hearing. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2989, a major proposal to legalize and regulate video lottery terminals. Representative Hardwick said the bill would eliminate gray machines, create a licensed and taxed system for bars, VFWs, and similar establishments, and direct revenue to education, veterans, and enforcement. Supporters said the bill would clarify the law and provide a regulated alternative to existing unlicensed gaming, while opponents argued it was unconstitutional, would expand gambling, and should instead focus on enforcement against illegal machines. Members questioned details such as age verification, surveillance retention, municipal opt-in/opt-out timing, the definition of amusement devices, the felony penalty, and the need for a new gaming bureau; Hardwick said he was open to changes in a committee substitute. The hearing ended without a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• That a person may not use a wireless communication device inside a voting station.
• Excuse me, there are other sections of that code that address recording devices and photos.
• Someone could come in with a Bluetooth device or a computer and hack into the system.
• Otherwise, we just need to then be collecting all devices at the... ...problems.
• Otherwise we just need to then be collecting all devices at the problems.

Bills: HB1968 , HB2279 , HB2739 , HB2803 , HB3909 , HB3918 , HB4253 , HB4475 , HB5115 , HB5430

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: election services, contracting, political subdivisions, county elections, election code, voter registration, citizenship status, election law, cancellation, disqualification, Texas Election Code, voter identification, registration, election integrity, identification documents, election, watcher, polling place, removal, Texas Elections Code

Summary: The committee first voted out two previously heard Senate bills without amendment: SB 688, relating to the date of the meeting of presidential electors, and SB 914, relating to authorizing certain cities to change the date of their general election for officers. Both motions passed on 8-0 votes with one member absent. The committee then heard HB 3909, which would change the current prohibition on wireless device use from a 100-foot boundary around a voting station to only inside the room where voting is taking place, with a committee substitute also adding state-prescribed signage. The author and supporters said the change would reduce confusion and make enforcement easier for election workers, while opponents argued the existing 100-foot rule helps prevent electioneering, recording, and possible technical interference with election equipment. The bill was left pending. Members also heard HB 1968, which would repeal a provision that requires counties to provide election services to certain political subdivisions in odd-numbered years but not even-numbered years, making county-provided election services consistent across years. Supporters said it would improve consistency for smaller cities and school districts, while opponents warned it could strain county equipment and staffing during heavy election cycles. The bill was left pending. HB 2279 would require voter registrars to remove a person from the rolls if the person swears under oath during jury service that they are not a U.S. citizen; supporters said this would streamline removal of ineligible voters, while opponents raised concerns about mistaken identity and loss of due process. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard HB 2803, which would require a presiding judge to give a poll watcher a signed statement explaining any removal from service. Supporters said this would improve documentation and accountability, and one witness asked for clarification that improper removal would remain a criminal offense; the author said he would consider a floor amendment and further discussion. The committee also heard HB 4253, which would create a more uniform voter-roll maintenance process based on inactivity, sending confirmation notices to voters who have not voted in the prior 25 months and eventually removing those who do not respond after multiple election cycles. Supporters said it would clean up outdated records and help keep voters registered where they actually live, while opponents argued it could wrongly remove eligible voters who simply do not vote regularly. HB 4253 was left pending as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• analysis, and also allowing electric utilities to require customers with plug-in solar generation devices
• Starting the device if the electric utility delays putting its form up.
• Or so-called balcony solar devices so that Californians can use this simple technology to lower their
• In terms of the cost, these devices start at like $500 or $600.
• These devices will be subject to strong safety standards, as you heard today.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Transcript Highlights:

• There are AAC devices, or augmentative alternative communication devices, that can help people be able
• It’s not just giving devices and running away. Obviously, we know that.
• What about the breathalyzer device?
• In my mind, a breathalyzer or interlock device is a compromise that makes sense.
• It's a huge loophole around the interlock or breathalyzer device in general.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2134, which would create the Arizona Critical Infrastructure Protection Act to bar state and critical infrastructure entities from contracting with the People’s Republic of China or Chinese companies for access to Arizona critical infrastructure, and to prohibit Chinese-produced software in critical infrastructure. The sponsor and a witness from State Armor argued the bill was needed to reduce cyber and sabotage risks and to align Arizona policy with national security concerns. Some members questioned costs, overlap with federal law, and the Corporation Commission’s capacity, but the bill was approved on a 6-4 vote for a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered House Bill 2051, which would require AHCCCS contractors, subject to federal approval, to cover breastfeeding and lactation care services and, under a proposed amendment, create a voluntary state certification for lactation care providers through the Department of Health Services. Testimony from lactation consultants, maternal health advocates, and researchers emphasized improved maternal and infant outcomes, access gaps for Medicaid families, and potential cost savings. AHCCCS and ADHS were neutral but noted implementation costs and the need for CMS approval; the committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a 9-0 due pass recommendation. House Bill 2700 would establish a 15-member technology-first study committee focused on assistive technology for people with disabilities, with an amendment adding appointments by legislative minority leaders. Supporters said the committee would help Arizona catch up on assistive technology, improve independence, and address staffing shortages and aging-population needs. The committee discussed the amendment and then approved the bill 9-0. House Bill 2800, which would increase penalties for knowingly lending a vehicle to a person with a DUI-related driving restriction if that person later causes serious injury or death, drew extensive debate over whether the felony penalty was too broad; the sponsor and family members of a victim supported it as a targeted deterrent, while some members raised due process and knowledge concerns. It passed 9-1. House Bill 2114, which would use motorcycle safety fund money for scholarships for rural and low-income riders and require at least one registered owner to have a Class M license before a motorcycle registration is issued, received supportive testimony from the sponsor, motorcycle advocates, and safety supporters; members noted a possible wording issue with existing endorsements, but the bill passed 10-0. The committee also took up House Bill 2127, a large special-plates bill that had been expanded into an omnibus measure; after discussion of a Kavanaugh amendment removing a duplicate Grand Canyon plate and withdrawal of an Alston amendment, the committee adopted the Kavanaugh amendment and gave the bill a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Silence all electronic devices.
• But let's start with the biofeedback devices.
• of what is a biofeedback device?
• So biofeedback device.
• And I think there was a good description, biofeedback devices within the analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bureaucracy has led to delays in approving new medicines and devices, restricting patients' access
• In addition to using FDA-approved devices and medications, my research, which has now spanned over 300
• And looking at post approval monitoring of devices. Great. Thank you.
• But medical device instructions are still required to be on paper.
• They handle, for example, drug safety, as you know. when we think about reviewing medical devices and

Committee: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Keywords: nominations, labor, health, veterans, Social Security, Elon Musk, transparency, government accountability

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on various executive nominations and their implications on labor and health affairs. Significant discussions surrounded the nomination of Mr. Sonderling as the Deputy Secretary of Labor, with members expressing concerns about workforce cuts affecting veterans and Social Security employees. There was also a debate led by a member regarding the authority and influence of private individuals, specifically citing Elon Musk's involvement in government decisions. Such discussions raised questions about transparency and accountability within governmental agencies, leading to a proposal for Mr. Musk to provide testimony before the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• They got used to it, and they looked up from their devices.
• In this bill, we essentially ban access to personal electronic devices from the first bell to the last
• District-issued devices like Chromebooks or laptops are left alone. They're not touched.
• That separates access to that phone device from the student during the school day.
• We knew that for generations, schools communicated effectively without personal devices.

Summary: The House first recognized several student athletes and teams, including East Bridgewater cheerleaders, Medway athletes and teams, and the Housatonic Valley basketball team, and adopted a resolution congratulating the William Diamond Jr. Fife and Drum Corps on its 25th anniversary. Members also suspended Joint Rule 12 to advance a petition concerning an extension of a lease authorization for conservation land. The chamber then took up Senate 2581, as amended, a major education and youth technology bill. The bill was rewritten to promote safe technology use and distraction-free education, including restrictions on personal electronic devices in public schools and limits on social media access for children. Members debated whether the policy should be bell-to-bell or allow more local flexibility, and several amendments were offered. An amendment from Attleboro to preserve district-specific policies was rejected, while a consolidated amendment tightening social media restrictions and related protections was adopted. The House also considered and passed several other bills, including measures amending the Sandwich charter, authorizing Springfield to help certain residents with local tax obligations, authorizing charity alcohol auctions, and directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for a specific police applicant. In addition, the House rejected concurrence on a Senate version of a higher education infrastructure bill and instead appointed a committee of conference. Later, the House accepted a conference report on modernizing cannabis laws after debate focused on regulatory streamlining, equity, ownership caps, and hemp regulation. The report was adopted by roll call, and the House then passed the amended education bill to be engrossed before adjourning to the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are 12,721 video gaming devices activated at 1,380 locations.
• Net device revenue for January 2026 was $64,225,846, a decrease of $3 million, or 4.3%, when compared
• Whereas Jackpot Digital has applied for a manufacturer of slot machines and video draw poker devices
• Again, this is sort of the same situation, same device owner, same problem.
• with three-machine locations, to process their renewal, unbeknownst to the new device owner.

Summary: The Louisiana Gaming Control Board met on February 26, 2026, and first approved the January minutes and received revenue reports showing year-over-year gains in several sectors. Riverboat gaming, Caesars New Orleans, racetrack slots, video gaming devices, sports wagering, and daily fantasy sports all reported January activity and state fee collections, with board members asking no questions. The chairman also noted recent meetings with casino and racetrack general managers around the state to discuss operational challenges and possible regulatory efficiencies. The board then approved fourth-quarter 2025 employment and procurement compliance reports for riverboats and racetracks. Staff reported that some licensees met all goals, while others missed specific employment or procurement targets, including several riverboats and racetracks that fell short in Louisiana resident, female, or minority categories. The board also approved annual certificates of compliance for Bally’s Shreveport Casino and Hotel and Live Casino and Hotel after inspection reports showed deficiencies had been corrected or no issues were found. In other gaming matters, the board approved Jackpot Digital-related petitions allowing Alpha North Partners Fund and Alpha North Asset Management to qualify as institutional investors, approved a transfer of membership interest in Bonus Casino, LLC, and approved several settlements involving late filings, expired permits, ownership-notification failures, and an expired security ID card. Civil penalties ranged from $750 to $9,250. The board also considered two requests to reconsider prior license revocations: it granted reconsideration for Burritos Grill LLC, finding a good-faith but misdirected hearing request and technical issues warranted further review, but denied reconsideration for Toby’s Dead, Inc. doing business as The Gemini, concluding the licensee missed the hearing deadline and had not shown grounds for rehearing. The meeting adjourned after announcing the next meeting would be March 16, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are 12,721 video gaming devices activated at 1,380 locations.
• Net device revenue for January 2026 was $64,225,846, a decrease of $3 million, or 4.3% when compared
• Again, this is sort of the same situation, same device owner, same problem.
• with three-machine locations, to process their renewal, unbeknownst to the new device owner.
• I have worked with the device owner to ensure that these will not happen again.

Summary: The Louisiana Gaming Control Board met on February 26, 2026, and first approved the January minutes and received revenue reports showing year-over-year gains in several sectors, including riverboats, racetrack slots, video gaming devices, sports wagering, and daily fantasy sports. Staff also reported on fourth-quarter 2025 employment and procurement compliance for riverboat and racetrack licensees, noting several properties that missed employment or procurement targets, while others were fully compliant. Under casino gaming issues, the board approved annual certificates of compliance for Bally’s Shreveport Casino and Hotel and Live Casino and Hotel. It also approved two petitions finding Alpha North Partners Fund, Inc. and Alpha North Asset Management to be institutional investors in connection with Jackpot Digital’s pending manufacturer and supplier applications. Under video gaming issues, the board approved a transfer of membership interest in Bonus Casino, LLC. The board then approved a series of proposed settlements involving late filings, permit lapses, and ownership-notification violations, including matters involving American Amusements, McKinley’s Pub, Whispering Pines Plaza and Casino, Ms. Mamie’s Rain Casino, Pablo’s Truck Stop Casino, Clearly Tavern and Sports Bar, and Golden Lantern, with civil penalties ranging from $750 to $9,250. In the final agenda items, the board granted reconsideration for Burritos Grill LLC after finding a good-faith but misdirected hearing request, but denied reconsideration for Toby’s Dead, Inc., doing business as The Gemini, concluding that the licensee missed the hearing deadline and that no sufficient grounds for rehearing were shown. The board then adjourned and announced its next meeting for March 16, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> record that information on the device record that information on the device log<00:04:35.560><c>
• during the testing of the device.
• ><c> these</c><00:19:51.799><c> devices</c><00:19:52.440><c> are</c> be purchased um these devices are
• </c> um if they have a voting Works device um if they have a voting Works device and<00:22:34.400><c>
• </c> and non-federal elections these devices and non-federal elections these devices are<00:25:04.399

Committee: House Election Law