Video & Transcript : 'State Building Code Council' :
Page 280 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Elections Committee Jul 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Action, we work to build youth power in California through civic engagement.
- SB 316 ensures that no matter your zip code...
- Yes, yes, I've been racing around the building. Well, thank you, members.
- Building and Construction Trades Council.
- Step up to the mic, state your name, organization, and position.
Summary:
The Assembly Elections Committee met on July 16, 2025, and heard five measures focused on election administration, voter participation, judicial retention elections, charitable solicitation by officials, and local transportation tax initiatives. The chair noted the committee’s rules for limited witness testimony and accepted written testimony through the legislative portal. Several authors presented their bills in person or through a committee member due to scheduling conflicts.
SB 3 by Senator Cervantes would tighten and clarify the ballot signature-cure process, including requiring standardized forms from election officials and adding a reminder on vote-by-mail envelopes about signature matching. Supporters said the bill would reduce rejected ballots and make the process more reliable; there was no opposition. The committee voted do pass as amended and re-refer to Appropriations. SB 316 by Senator Reyes, presented by Assembly Member Pellerin, would expand high school voter registration and pre-registration outreach to students, with testimony from students, education groups, disability advocates, and civic organizations in support. One member opposed on the grounds that it could be an unfunded mandate for schools. The bill passed 4-1.
ACA 8 by Assembly Member Pellerin would change appellate and Supreme Court judicial retention elections so justices would appear on the ballot only if voters file a petition requesting it. Supporters, including the Secretary of State, the League of Women Voters, and the California Judges Association, said it would reduce ballot length, voter fatigue, and costs while preserving accountability. One member raised concern about the future petition threshold and the possibility it could be set too high, and voted no. The measure passed 4-2. SB 760 by Senator Allen would narrow behested payment reporting requirements for public appeals to charities, especially in disaster response, while preserving disclosure where officials, family members, or staff have conflicts of interest. Good-government groups supported the bill as a balance between transparency and encouraging charitable appeals; it passed unanimously on the recorded vote.
SB 512 by Senator Perez would clarify that voters in transportation districts may use citizen initiatives to propose transportation sales taxes where the district already has taxing authority. Supporters argued it aligns Elections Code with Proposition 218 and recent case law, while opponents from business and real estate groups objected to the measure’s implications for tax approval rules. The committee approved the bill 5-2. After calling absent members, the committee cleared the calendar and adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I am not an expert in building codes or county building codes.
- I am not an expert in building codes or county building codes.
- I am not an expert in building codes or county building codes.
- codes or county building codes.
- I will state beforehand...
Committee:
House Water & Land
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several agriculture, water, invasive species, and land-use bills. HB 299 and HB 1220, both relating to invasive species, drew broad support from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, C-GAPS, Sierra Club, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and others. Testifiers said HISC funding fills gaps between agency mandates, supports research and technology, and helps respond to both terrestrial and marine invasive threats. On HB 1220, C-GAPS described a marine anemone infestation in Kāneʻohe linked to aquarium release and said control and restoration would be difficult without the bill’s funding. A committee member asked for tracking information on the species, and the Division of Aquatic Resources said it maintains monitoring data and annual reports. No opposition was noted on either measure.
HB 506, relating to conservation enforcement, also received support from DLNR and Malama Pu‘u Ma. Committee discussion focused on the bill’s scope and how the funding would be used. Members asked about a prior boat purchase mentioned in opposition testimony and about whether mainland vendors were being used; the department said it did not buy that boat and that procurement follows the normal state process, with total bid price including delivery, taxes, and other fees. The department explained that the bill’s funding is primarily for marine enforcement work in nearshore fisheries, including herbivore protection around O‘ahu.
HB 915, relating to water use, had mixed testimony. DLNR supported alternative water sources and amendments to the water code, while the Department of Agriculture opposed the bill as drafted, saying its irrigation program is designed for non-potable agricultural use and is not structured for residential or mixed-use development. The Department of Health said it needed more information on its reuse guidelines and noted concern about removing the recycled water manager requirement, which it said helps ensure safe operation and maintenance of reuse systems. Members questioned the bill’s preemption language and whether county or state rules would be displaced, and Agriculture suggested county water agencies might be better suited for some of the proposed uses.
HB 502, concerning land use, drew support from the Attorney General’s office, the Land Use Commission, Hawaii Realtors, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Farmers Union, with the Department of Agriculture standing on its written testimony. The Attorney General warned that allowing important agricultural lands to be redistricted through a declaratory ruling process could conflict with the state constitution and recommended excluding IAL from the bill. The Land Use Commission said it has an inventory of IAL lands and did not believe the bill would affect them, and it agreed to the suggested protection. Supporters said the bill could help move lands with limited agricultural value into the rural district, reduce pressure on productive farmland, and better align land use with actual farming potential. HB 929, relating to the agricultural land conveyance tax, received comments from the Department of Taxation and opposition from Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Realtors; Farm Bureau said it supports preserving agricultural land but was concerned about unintended consequences and questioned whether speculative flipping of ag land is a current problem.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Today is New Mexico State University Day, New Mexico Association of Regional Councils of Government Day
- She is our state 4-H vice president.
- Regional Councils play in strengthening collaboration and development across our state.
- in Action; Madison Sal's, Student Council; and Camilla Fierro, Student Council.
- State University.
Summary:
The Senate convened, established a quorum, offered an invocation and pledges, and then spent much of the session on ceremonial recognitions and guest introductions. Certificates and remarks highlighted the 30th anniversary of 529 education savings plans and 4-H Day, with senators praising 529 plans as a family education-savings tool and 4-H as a major youth leadership program in all 33 counties. Members also recognized Scouts in America, including Michaela Kern as the first female Eagle Scout from Eddy County, and heard additional presentations tied to New Mexico State University, the College Assistance Migrant Program, and regional councils of government.
Several senators used the floor to introduce students and community members from across the state, especially 4-H participants, NMSU CAMP students, and local youth leadership groups. Comments emphasized agriculture, leadership development, public service, and the importance of volunteer support. One senator also raised concerns about a prior Indian Day incident involving the Navajo Nation being placed at the back for the pledge, urging better decorum and respect in the chamber.
The Senate then processed a governor’s message authorizing Senate Bill 149 for consideration and adopted multiple committee reports moving bills and memorials through the process, including measures referred to education, health and public affairs, tax/business/transportation, rules, finance, and judiciary committees. The body also introduced Senate Memorials 24 and 25 and Senate Joint Memorial 4. A call of the Senate was ordered after objection to moving to third reading, and the sergeant-at-arms reported Senators Sanchez and Tobiassen missing; the chamber remained under call while other business continued. The session ended with committee schedule announcements and a recess until noon the next day.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- Church, Prince George, and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States
- the United States Air Force, where he worked with the military police.
- Here's a problem: there's no definition in the code for electioneering.
- The Senate substitute helps us clean up the language of the code.
- The Senate made technical amendments to cross-reference other sections of the code.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration May 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It states that we are planning to purchase the lot that is kind of kitty-corner to the May Lee Building
- I work for a state fund.
- payroll cuts for state workers in the May Revision of the state budget.
- I am a state worker who can already barely afford to live in this state.
- The council will improve alignment, support data-driven policy, and build clear pathways for student
Summary:
The subcommittee heard an informational update on the state’s generative AI implementation and related oversight. Administration officials said several proof-of-concept projects have moved into minimum viable product phases, including work at CDTFA and Caltrans, and that CDPH has a May Revision request for up to $8 million to scale up its healthcare facilities inspections project. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the administration to publish a report on lessons learned from each POC and recommended limiting the new generative AI approval process to a pilot through the first two rounds of projects, with continued monthly meetings and stronger legislative oversight. Members pressed for more transparency and questioned why the CDPH request was not included in January; the administration said the cost estimate was not available then and that only one project is seeking additional resources beyond existing departmental budgets.
The committee then reviewed a proposed $400 million loan from the Labor and Workforce Development Fund to the General Fund. Finance and the Labor Agency said the fund has grown because civil penalty revenues have risen sharply, and the loan would be repaid in 2029-30 with provisional language allowing earlier repayment if needed. The LAO agreed the fund could support the loan but warned that recent PAGA reforms may reduce future revenues. Public commenters, including labor and community groups, argued the money should instead support labor-law enforcement and outreach programs such as CWOP, and urged rejection of the loan.
Members also heard a Department of Industrial Relations request for $19.1 million for phase two of Public Works Information Technology System Enhancements, which officials said will support labor-law enforcement and apprenticeship registration. The department said the project was delayed because a prior procurement did not result in a contract award and that completion is now expected in October 2026. The committee then took up an EDD Next reappropriation technical adjustment to extend UI fund spending authority through June 30, 2026; the LAO said the request was fine but again raised concerns about oversight of the larger modernization effort, which EDD said now totals more than $660 million and is expected to continue through 2029.
Finally, the committee discussed DGS’s request for new parking facilities near the May Lee Building and a trailer bill shifting statewide telework policy language from DGS to CalHR while also expanding NDI eligibility for certain CEA employees. The LAO said the telework trailer bill should likely go through the policy committee process instead of budget, and union and employee witnesses strongly opposed it, arguing it would undermine bargaining rights and could be used to narrow telework. In a separate item on the governor’s return-to-office order, administration officials said departments are being directed to move to a four-day in-office expectation starting July 1, 2025, but they had no statewide cost estimate yet because departments are still assessing vacancies, exemptions, and space needs. Members criticized the lack of analysis and said the state should have clearer numbers before moving forward.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- here... ...Lord, and recognize that we have in this state, and recognize not only in our house family
- House Resolution 19, House Bills 501 and 504 were referred to the State Affairs Committee.
- , amending Chapter 21, Title VI, Idaho Code, by the addition of a new Section 6-2110 Idaho Code to establish
- And House State Affairs Committee will meet Thursday, January 22nd, at 9:00 a.m. in Room EW40.
- The state of Idaho has a legitimate interest in the security of courthouses where state-employed judges
Summary:
The House convened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the journal from the previous legislative day. In committee reports, several measures were printed and referred: House Joint Memorial 9, House Resolution 19, House Concurrent Resolution 22, and House Bills 499 through 506 were assigned to the appropriate standing committees or calendars. Later, House Bills 507 through 510 were also introduced and referred for printing, including a transportation bill on vehicle inspections, a government transparency and ethics bill, and other technical or policy measures.
The House also took up House Resolution 20, a State Affairs Committee resolution condemning political violence, honoring victims, and urging Idahoans to reject political violence. During announcements, members noted the Chief Justice’s scheduled address, a birthday recognition for the Sergeant at Arms, a gallery introduction, and an invitation to a legislative reception hosted by the Idaho Association of Building Officials. Committee meeting schedules for the week were also read into the record.
Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan addressed the House on the state of Idaho’s judiciary, emphasizing fiscal restraint, rising caseloads, treatment courts, mediation, access to justice, courthouse modernization, security concerns, cybersecurity threats, and civic education efforts. He highlighted the judiciary’s use of existing resources, the importance of peer support in mental health courts, and ongoing collaboration with counties and the legislature. The House responded appreciatively, and then adjourned until 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jul 1st, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Third, other states, ...competition. Third, other states have already taken action.
- Third, other states have already taken action.
- press. ...to build our way out and to solve a supply-driven crisis by building more housing.
- It's simply less expensive to build new with a heat pump.
- with, has cost more money to build.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It is extremely important that we, as a reproductive state, a state that believes in allowing people
- It's if you want to scan a QR code, if the consumer goes the next step to actually scan the QR code.
- That QR code has to be linked to someplace. Where is your QR code linked to? To their website.
- So if there's a QR code that's reference to—thank you for that—if there's a QR code that references stuff
- So then let me ask you, this QR code, Assemblymember Rodriguez, this QR code that's going to link to
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Health heard a series of bills focused on access to care, insurance coverage, and public health. AB 387 on youth sports AED access drew support from the author and safety advocates, but opposition from school, park, city, and county groups over liability, cost, and access concerns. The author said he would continue working on amendments to shift the bill toward requiring access to existing AEDs rather than mandating facility procurement. Committee members emphasized the life-saving purpose of the bill while also raising affordability and access concerns for youth sports programs.
The committee also heard AB 1682, which would require health plans and insurers to cover FDA-cleared scalp cooling devices for chemotherapy patients. Supporters, including breast cancer survivors and health groups, described the emotional and quality-of-life benefits of preventing hair loss and said cost is the main barrier to access. There was no formal opposition, though one senator raised concerns about whether the mandate could exceed essential health benefits. The chair and members expressed support for the bill’s goals and said it would be taken up when quorum was established.
AB 2093, a follow-up to the 988 crisis line law, sought to clarify statewide leadership, improve coordination among 988, 911, and mobile crisis teams, and create a more sustainable funding structure. Behavioral health organizations and crisis center representatives supported the bill, saying implementation challenges and demand growth require statutory fixes. Committee members generally supported the concept but noted the bill was a gut-and-amend and that additional work was needed with county and behavioral health stakeholders.
The committee then heard AB 1843 on hepatitis C treatment, AB 1629 on dental assignment of benefits, AB 2540 on community college access to medication abortion services, and AB 1929 on disclosure of health plan investments. AB 1843 had broad support from medical and public health groups but opposition from health plans, which argued it conflicted with the prior-authorization framework in SB 306 and could raise drug costs. AB 1629 was supported by dental and patient advocates but opposed by dental plans and insurers over concerns about network participation and out-of-pocket costs. AB 2540 drew strong support from reproductive health advocates and student representatives, while community college health services and some others opposed or were neutral pending amendments; the author said the bill was about equity and accepted amendments to reduce burdens. AB 1929 was backed by labor and immigrant rights groups as a transparency measure, but opposed by health plans and insurers who said Covered California was not the right entity to administer the disclosures and that the information was already publicly available. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly weighed public access and transparency against cost, administrative burden, and implementation concerns.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- President and President Pro Tem, and they want to build medium-income apartments where the state fairground
- President, it's the state. This will be state-owned land. Mr.
- President, it's the state, this will be state-owned land. Mr.
- I tell you what this state needs. This state needs a city.
- I wonder if we're going to be willing to build a state fair. And what would that cost?
Summary:
The Senate convened for an Indian Day/Native American Day session featuring prayers, drum and color guard presentations, and extensive recognition of tribal leaders, students, royalty, and community advocates from across New Mexico and neighboring tribal nations. Senators used the morning to introduce guests and speak about Native sovereignty, language preservation, education, water access, economic development, and the importance of tribal-state relationships. Several speakers highlighted personal and family ties to Native communities, while others emphasized ongoing work on issues such as clean water for Navajo communities, Native youth leadership, and missing and murdered Indigenous women and relatives.
A major non-ceremonial item was the reading of Senate Executive Messages from the governor authorizing consideration of Senate Bills 306, 309, 312, and 313. Those bills would, respectively, change licensure rules for certain institutions, alter lottery tuition fund deposit requirements, and repeal or revise provisions related to safety helmets and child restraint devices in negligence and damages law. The Senate also received committee reports advancing House Bill 34, Senate Bills 204, 241, 77, 152, 190, and 143, along with confirmations for Elaine Luna and Grace Margaret Herrera to the New Mexico Highlands University Board of Regents. The Rules Committee also reported on the governor’s appointment of Don Walters as child advocate for the Office of the Child Advocate.
The chamber also adopted a Senate resolution recognizing February 6, 2026, as New Mexico Speech, Language, and Hearing Association Day, with Senator Pope speaking in support of audiologists and speech-language pathologists. Throughout the session, members repeatedly acknowledged the prior night’s Senate-House basketball game, which raised more than $26,000 for cancer, and used the occasion to thank participants and guests. No roll-call votes were recorded in the transcript beyond voice votes adopting the committee reports and the unanimous-consent actions on floor procedures and guest access.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee Jun 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently, California state law does not provide adequate protections for their sensitive data.
- For our great state. I'm happy to answer any technical questions you have here today. Thank you.
- And again, city council meetings and letters to the editor are used by very few folks.
- AB 2023 builds on the great work of Mr. Padilla and Ms.
- In 2022, California enacted the Age-Appropriate Design Code, AADC.
Summary:
The committee heard AB 1979, which would limit the use of AI in health care by requiring licensed professionals to retain final clinical judgment, prohibiting automated systems from directing unlicensed individuals to perform licensed clinical functions, and clarifying medical-record privacy rules for direct-to-consumer health chatbots. Supporters, including nurses and labor groups, said the bill preserves patient safety and keeps care decisions in human hands. Hospital and industry groups opposed unless amended, arguing the bill could create compliance burdens and interfere with training and legitimate AI-assisted care. The bill was approved 6-1 and placed on call.
Members then considered AB 2624, which would expand California’s Safe at Home confidentiality program to immigrant service providers, employees, and volunteers facing harassment or doxing. The author and supporters described threats, stalking, and online targeting of immigrant advocates and said the bill would let them use substitute addresses to protect their safety. Opposition focused mainly on concerns about the bill’s legal enforcement language, though the author said it mirrors existing Safe at Home provisions and does not create a new private right of action. The measure passed 4-1 and was placed on call.
AB 2103 would make Engaged California a permanent statewide public engagement program. The author and the Office of Data and Innovation said it is meant to broaden civic participation through structured deliberation and transparent publication of results. Some members raised concerns about partisan balance and topic selection, while supporters emphasized the need to reach Californians who do not typically participate in hearings. The bill passed 6-0 and was placed on call. The committee also heard AB 2, a social media accountability bill for harms to children and teens, and AB 883, which would expand privacy protections and shorten data-broker deletion timelines for elected officials and judges; both drew support and opposition, were approved on committee votes, and placed on call. Later, the committee began AB 2023, a chatbot safety bill for children that would require age verification, safety audits, default protections, and limits on ads and data sharing; testimony was strongly supportive from child-safety advocates, while industry groups raised concerns about vague standards, audits, and liability.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- That's what we do in the state.
- Have any other states passed this legislation, and if so, how has it impacted that state?
- I am a native Idahoan who has lived out of state and in state, and now in the Boise area.
- They choose another state.
- In the '60s, states used similar language of states' rights, local control, and consistency with state
Committee:
House Local Government
Summary:
The committee met to hear House Bill 557, which would preempt local governments from adopting or enforcing anti-discrimination ordinances that go beyond state law. The sponsor, Rep. Bruce Skaug, and supporters argued the bill would create statewide uniformity, reduce burdens on businesses, and protect religious liberty and conscience rights. Testifying in support were representatives from Alliance Defending Freedom and Idaho Family Policy Center, a former Hitching Post owner, Sandpoint’s mayor, and several private citizens who said local ordinances had created legal risk, especially in housing, employment, and public accommodations. They emphasized concerns about compelled participation in same-sex weddings, gender identity policies, and the cost and uncertainty of local enforcement.
Opponents, including the Association of Idaho Cities, officials from Victor, Boise, and Moscow, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, clergy, and other residents, said the bill would strip local control and weaken protections for LGBTQ people. They argued that city ordinances fill gaps in state law, improve safety and trust, and help with housing and employment discrimination. Boise and other city representatives said their ordinances were adopted in response to constituent concerns and had not produced the harms claimed by supporters; Boise also said it had no complaints from businesses alleging coercion under its ordinance. Several opponents said the bill would make communities less welcoming and could harm economic development.
Committee members questioned witnesses about uniformity, local authority, housing protections, and whether similar laws exist in other states. Supporters cited state preemption examples and said other states have enacted similar laws; opponents cited constitutional concerns and the Romer v. Evans case. No final vote or action on HB 557 was taken in the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair continued taking testimony from both sides.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets
Transcript Highlights:
- We're also making sure that our building code reflects today's and future climate conditions.
- , we're building for the future, or we're building that better, right?
- We develop plumbing codes, mechanical codes, and water efficiency standards.
- It would also establish a state-level urban forestry advisory council to provide technical assistance
- Product Stewardship Council.
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on S.2542, the Mass Ready Act, a $3 billion environmental bond bill aimed at climate resilience, water infrastructure, conservation, and related permitting reforms. Secretary Rebecca Tepper and administration officials described the bill’s major investments in flood control, coastal resilience, DCR roads/bridges/dams and parks, drinking water and wastewater upgrades, PFAS remediation, land conservation, food security infrastructure, and expanded Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness funding. They also explained proposed streamlining measures for environmental permitting, flood risk disclosures, a Connecticut River Resilient Commission, and a new Resilience Revolving Fund to provide low-cost financing for municipal resilience projects. Committee members asked about affordability, useful life of projects, how the revolving fund would be capitalized, and how the bill would help communities such as Lawrence, Methuen, and coastal towns; officials said the fund would initially use existing trust resources, not new fees, and could later support special obligation bonds once it has a track record.
Several witnesses supported the bill but urged larger authorizations or additional provisions. Boston Harbor Now asked for more funding for MVP and the state’s resilient coast plan, and supported permitting reforms for nature-based and hybrid solutions. The Massachusetts Rivers Alliance urged inclusion of drought-management language from separate bills, plus a statewide flood buyout program and a water reuse commission. Green Roots called for dedicated funding for outdoor and indoor air quality monitoring and indoor air quality improvements, especially in environmental justice communities affected by traffic and airport pollution. Conservation and forestry advocates requested more funding for urban tree canopy, local nurseries, and workforce training, while also raising concerns about PFAS impacts and the need for clearer municipal reforestation language.
Agriculture and water infrastructure groups focused on food security and drinking water needs. The Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership and the Mass Food System Collaborative backed the food security infrastructure grant program and farmland protection funding, warning that the program needs continued support in fiscal 2027 and that farmland loss is accelerating. The Massachusetts Waterworks Association said the bill does not go far enough on drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, citing large statewide capital needs and PFAS compliance costs, and asked for recurring funding and broader eligibility for climate resilience grants. A Product Stewardship Council representative also urged funding for a waste reduction needs assessment, citing growing landfill constraints and rising disposal costs. No votes were taken during the hearing."}{
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- Because if you're having to build a bigger, larger-scale apartment building because of building code
- Existing building codes and other rules around fire rating of interior and exterior walls, as well as
- Council will include in the new 2027 building code.
- For example, the 2021 building code was finally adopted last year and is currently under litigation.
- Currently building code requirements, especially and targeted reform to help address that gap.
Committee:
Senate Housing and Human Services
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services met with a quorum, adopted the June 16, 2026 minutes, and then unanimously adopted S-1 substitutes for House Bills 5570 and 5571. The chair said the committee would take testimony and likely not move to final passage that day, in order to allow more discussion and questions. The bills, as substituted, would allow local governments to permit certain multifamily buildings up to four stories to be built or converted with a single staircase, subject to conditions such as limits on units per floor, floor size, and existing fire safety requirements. A sunset provision was described as ending the statute once LARA adopts corresponding building code rules.
Representatives Fairbairn and Wooden testified in support, saying the bills are intended to address Michigan’s housing shortage by making smaller infill and “missing middle” projects more feasible and less costly. They argued the current two-stair requirement drives up costs, makes land assembly harder, and limits development on narrow or irregular lots. Senators asked about stair width, emergency safety, the choice of four stories instead of six, and why the American Institute of Architects opposed the approach; the sponsors said the 48-inch stair width was intended to allow two-way movement, four stories was a compromise aligned with expected code changes, and the architects preferred rulemaking over statutory change.
Supportive testimony came from Pew Charitable Trusts, which said research from New York City, Seattle, and other places found fire death rates in modern single-stair buildings to be indistinguishable from other multifamily buildings, and that modern safety features such as sprinklers, alarms, and fire-rated construction make these buildings safe. A developer from Ann Arbor and the Michigan Home Builders Association said the reform would improve floor-plan efficiency, reduce wasted circulation space, lower construction costs, and help smaller projects pencil out. Abundant Housing Michigan also supported the bills, estimating they could reduce apartment construction costs by nearly 13%. The clerk read in numerous written cards in support from business, housing, municipal, and advocacy groups, while the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs and the Michigan Professional Firefighters Union were listed as neutral. The committee adjourned without further business.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- in our state for them.
- buildings in the state of Idaho.
- buildings in the state of Idaho.
- Our city council voted to fly certain flags. I vote for my city council.
- The night of the hearing, when the council did take action—so the council took action last April after
Committee:
House State Affairs
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- While the state enforces laws to ensure the creation of new affordable housing, the state should also
- California Lawyers Association from the State Bar.
- and local building codes.
- Others here opposed that would like to state?
- As stated, my name is Michael McBride.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 12, February 23, 2026-AM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They listen to local school boards across our state. local school boards across our state.
- ,</c> National Honor Society, Girls State, National Honor Society, Girls State, Girls<00:18:50.160><c
- </c><00:21:29.679><c> Office</c> House Bill 112, Riverton State Office House Bill 112, Riverton State
- </c> 23 counties and then the state system. 23 counties and then the state system.
- </c> say that almost all 50 states have it. say that almost all 50 states have it.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Housing Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- is far behind its stated goal of building a million affordable homes by 2030.
- Keith Dunn here on behalf of the State Building and Construction Trades Council.
- Keith Dunn here on behalf of the State Building and Construction Trades Council.
- It is difficult to expand new housing opportunities in the state without building out the necessary infrastructure
- Green Building Council California and the Association for Energy Affordability, in support.
Summary:
The committee heard AB 736, the Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, which would place a $10 billion housing bond on the ballot to fund multifamily housing, supportive housing, homeownership, preservation of deed-restricted units, acquisition/rehabilitation of naturally affordable housing, farmworker housing, and tribal housing. The author and supporters said the bond is needed because existing housing bond funds are exhausted and California still faces a severe affordability and homelessness crisis. Support was broad, with many local governments, housing groups, labor, and business organizations testifying in favor; Habitat for Humanity opposed unless 10% of proceeds were reserved for CalHome. Committee members raised the CalHome issue and other priorities, but the bill passed on a do-pass motion to Senate Appropriations with a roll-call vote, with some members voting aye and the measure held on call for absent members.
The committee then took up SB 1361, which would limit how SB 79 transit-oriented housing rules can be used to interfere with planned transit stops and routes. The author and supporters from L.A. Metro and the building trades argued the bill would prevent local governments from stalling transit projects out of concern that future density requirements could apply, while preserving existing housing standards. Several groups that had initially opposed or had concerns, including the League of California Cities, Streets for All, Greenbelt Alliance, California YIMBY, and Bay Area Council, withdrew opposition or moved to neutral after amendments. The bill was approved as amended to Senate Local Government and placed on call.
Senator Grayson presented SB 1003, creating a pro-housing infrastructure financing program to help local governments and developers fund infrastructure needed for infill housing, and SB 1014, requiring local agencies to provide early good-faith estimates and itemized lists of on-site and off-site improvements so projects are not hit with late surprise costs. Both bills were supported by housing advocates, Habitat for Humanity, and other groups, with limited opposition or concerns from some cities about implementation details. Each measure received a do-pass-as-amended motion to Senate Appropriations and was held on call. The committee also heard SB 908 on window replacement streamlining, which would ease permitting for energy-efficient residential window replacements statewide and limit certain new-construction provisions to San Francisco; it passed as amended to Appropriations and was held on call.
Later, Senator Allen presented SB 1092 and SB 1093 on mobile home park preservation and post-disaster protections. SB 1092 would require park owners who intend to sell to give residents or their representatives an opportunity to make a competitive bid to buy the park, with supporters citing wildfire losses and the need to preserve unsubsidized affordable housing; opponents argued it would devalue property and create litigation risk. SB 1093 would require clearer communication, access, and compensation protections for residents after disasters, and would require owners to consider rebuilding versus closure. Supporters emphasized the uncertainty faced by displaced residents in the Palisades and other fire areas, while opponents said the bill could impose onerous obligations, liability, and valuation requirements. Both bills were moved do pass as amended to Appropriations and held on call.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/16/26
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- It's 12:37 p.m., and we're in the Minnesota State Building, Room 1150. A quorum is present.
- Folks, this is National Electrical Code. Folks, this is National Electrical Code.
- </c> available to deploy across the state. available to deploy across the state.
- </c> private, philanthropic, or state money. private, philanthropic, or state money.
- . state. state.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Committee on state affairs will come to order. Good morning. Will the our caller roll.
- It doesn't build family relationships.
- What is the state of the law today?
- There are nearly 1000 courts of record in the state.
- State your name and your position on the bill and Enlighten us. Um Mr.
Committee:
Senate Jurisprudence
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Jan 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Under the bill, the Washington State Commercial Truck Safety and Education Council is established in
- We like that this bill establishes a council that brings together industry experts, state agencies, and
- We like that this bill establishes a council that brings together industry experts, state agencies, and
- Washington State.
- With fuel tax being high, the leasehold tax, building code, and now an excise tax, we are not a receptive
Summary:
The committee first held a public hearing on House Bill 2410, which would establish a commercial truck safety and education council, increase the commercial vehicle safety enforcement fee from $16 to $32, and direct the new revenue to a dedicated account for truck safety and training programs. Committee staff outlined the bill’s CDL and training requirements, council structure, confidentiality provisions, and fiscal impacts. The prime sponsor said the bill was intended to improve truck safety through industry-led education and noted that a substitute was expected because details still needed work. Testimony from the Washington Trucking Associations, insurers, the Association of Washington Business, and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission was generally supportive of the safety goals, though the commission said operational details and agency roles still needed clarification. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing.
The committee then heard House Bill 2347, which would repeal the recently enacted luxury aircraft tax on non-commercial aircraft valued above $500,000. Staff explained that the tax is scheduled to take effect April 1 and that repeal would reduce revenue to the Sustainable Aviation Fuel account. Representative Dent, the sponsor, argued the tax is harming business aviation, emergency services, wildfire response, agricultural operations, and rural access, and said aircraft and related jobs were already leaving the state. Most public testimony came from aviation businesses, airport operators, industry associations, and related employers, all urging repeal and warning of aircraft departures, lost hangar tenants, reduced fuel sales, and job losses. One witness from the Port of Seattle supported addressing the tax’s impact but urged working toward a narrower fix rather than full repeal so sustainable aviation fuel funding would remain stable.
After closing the hearing on HB 2347, the committee received a work session on tolling technology. Transportation Commission staff presented the results of a pilot using a smartphone app to support toll collection, explaining that the current tolling system remains accurate but that new technologies could reduce costs and improve flexibility over time. The pilot found high accuracy when the app was paired to a vehicle by Bluetooth, lower accuracy without pairing, strong customer satisfaction, and some privacy concerns. The commission recommended keeping the current system in place for now, conducting a more fully operational smartphone-based pilot in the near term, and eventually developing a broader technology marketplace for future tolling systems. Members asked about the role of tags versus apps, video tolling accuracy, and the timeline for replacing existing tolling methods. The meeting ended with adjournment for caucus.