Transcript Highlights:

• Um, but, uh, just a synopsis of this bill is under existing law, existing law is the policy of the state
• I thought that, and it's amending a lot of things that are currently in the code now, and I wanted you
• Uh, what we don't want in the state of Alabama is, for lack of a better word, deadbeat parents putting
• And<00:34:14.159><c> other</c><00:34:14.399><c> states</c><00:34:14.800><c> have</c><00:34:15.040><c>
• And other states have done this because they<00:34:16.480><c> have</c><00:34:16.800><c> they</c><00:

Bills: HB19 , HB170 , HB171 , HB173 , HB174 , HB19 , HB170 , HB171 , HB173 , HB174

Committee: House Children and Senior Advocacy

Keywords: Ebony Alert, missing youth, public safety, law enforcement, racial equity, HB170, supplemental appropriations, Education Trust Fund, Alabama education budget, school funding, K-12 education, local boards of education, textbook adoption, school buses, school safety, charter schools, summer programs, afterschool programs, reading intervention, college and career readiness

Transcript Highlights:

• But we exceeded Wisconsin in 2018, and our industrial energy rates are the highest among competing states
• But we exceeded Wisconsin in 2018, and our industrial energy rates are the highest among competing states
• But we exceeded Wisconsin in 2018, and our industrial energy rates are the highest among competing states
• But we exceeded Wisconsin in 2018, and our industrial energy rates are the highest among competing states
• But we exceeded Wisconsin in 2018, and our industrial energy rates are the highest among competing states

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• program, I go to work for ABC Plumbing Company, I work for them for a year, they sign an affidavit stating
• from 9 to 15, including the lieutenant governor, the labor commissioner, the adjutant general, the state
• With Section B, it stated before that they could not be an employee of the government.
• city more than a week or two, and then they move all of those people at the same time to the next state
• They load those people up and they're headed for another state, so it's a cash-only payment most likely

Bills: HB3239 , HB4317 , HB4321 , HB4322 , HB3832 , HB3673 , HB3783 , HB3800 , HB2956 , HB3960 , HB2471 , HB3338

Committee: House Business

Keywords: veterinary medicine, definitions, animal husbandry, board of veterinary examiners, telemedicine, veterinarian-client relationship, accounting, CPA, licensure, educational requirements, reciprocity, professional conduct, elevator safety, inspections, Department of Labor, safety standards, regulatory compliance, funeral services licensing, funeral director, embalmer

Transcript Highlights:

• So are we changing, and that is the only funeral program in the state, so are we changing the curriculum
• program, I go to work for ABC Plumbing Company, I work for them for a year, they sign an affidavit stating
• from 9 to 15, including the lieutenant governor, the labor commissioner, the adjutant general, the state
• With Section B, it stated before that they could not be an employee of the government.
• city more than a week or two, and then they move all of those people at the same time to the next state

Bills: HB3239 , HB4317 , HB4321 , HB4322 , HB3832 , HB3673 , HB3783 , HB3800 , HB2956 , HB3960 , HB2471 , HB3338

Committee: House Business

Keywords: veterinary medicine, definitions, animal husbandry, board of veterinary examiners, telemedicine, veterinarian-client relationship, accounting, CPA, licensure, educational requirements, reciprocity, professional conduct, elevator safety, inspections, Department of Labor, safety standards, regulatory compliance, funeral services licensing, funeral director, embalmer

Summary: The committee considered and advanced a series of occupational licensing, workforce, and regulatory bills, often after adopting proposed committee substitutes (PCSs) and, in some cases, live amendments. House Bill 437 updated CPA licensure pathways to align with the 2025 Uniform Accountancy Act and passed 6-0-9. House Bill 4321 added a restriction on the Department of Labor retroactively applying new rules to existing structures absent written findings of obvious safety hazards, and passed 6-0-9. House Bill 4322 removed the requirement that a funeral director in charge also hold an embalmer license, with supporters saying it would help rural funeral homes and opponents raising concerns about embalming coverage; it passed 7-1-1. House Bill 3783, a constituent-request bill for career tech/CIB testing changes in the plumbing field, was discussed as a work in progress to clarify experience-hour requirements and passed 8-0-2. House Bill 2956 made cleanup changes related to the Appraisers Board after a federal audit and passed 8-0-0. House Bill 2471 expanded and adjusted the Oklahoma Workforce Commission’s membership and quorum rules and passed 8-0-0. House Bill 3239 updated the Veterinary Practice Act and passed 8-0-0. House Bill 3673 allowed journeymen and contractors to renew expired licenses without reexamination if they meet fee, education, and disciplinary requirements, and passed 9-0-0-8. House Bill 3338, a constituent-request bill regulating the pool industry to address bad actors, also passed after adoption of a PCS, with the Attorney General reviewing the issue. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 3960, which would have required larger grocery stores and drugstores to employ more workers relative to self-checkout kiosks in an effort to increase staffing and reduce retail theft. Supporters framed it as a workforce and anti-theft measure, but the bill failed on a 2-6 vote. House Bill 3832 drew substantial discussion about human trafficking in exotic entertainment establishments; the sponsor explained that the bill was intended to require photo identification rather than lower the age threshold, so law enforcement could more quickly identify workers and shut down trafficking operations. Members asked about the practical effect of the proposal and related enforcement concerns, and the bill passed after the sponsor clarified the PCS was still being finalized. The committee then adjourned after the final bill was handled.

Transcript Highlights:

• and local building codes.
• least one hour... training period on state and local building codes.
• We're not just talking about blue states or even red states exclusively.
• and other states.
• in the state.

Bills: HB712 , HB722 , HB946 , HB1687 , HB1809 , HB1899 , HB2528 , HB2583 , HB2741 , HB2750 , HB3021 , HB3150 , HB3265 , HB3658 , HB3812 , HB3960 , HB4392 , HB4432

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: prostate cancer, health benefit plans, insurance coverage, cost sharing, preventive health care, auto insurance, total loss evaluation, disclosure, insurance materials, vehicle appraisal, HB 946, Texas Insurance Code, automobile insurance claims, oral release, written release, settlement agreement, claim release, property damage, bodily injury, psychological injury

Transcript Highlights:

• They're just not, you know, they work in all the states; they're just not going to work in the state
• This is the portion in 559.054 of the code. We have two concerns.
• It's used in the vast majority of states around the country.
• We encompass 100 city entities in the state of Texas for July 4th displays.
• And now it's been passed in nine states and it's being considered in seven.

Bills: HB712 , HB722 , HB946 , HB1687 , HB1809 , HB1899 , HB2528 , HB2583 , HB2741 , HB2750 , HB3021 , HB3150 , HB3265 , HB3658 , HB3812 , HB3960 , HB4392 , HB4432

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: prostate cancer, health benefit plans, insurance coverage, cost sharing, preventive health care, auto insurance, total loss evaluation, disclosure, insurance materials, vehicle appraisal, HB 946, Texas Insurance Code, automobile insurance claims, oral release, written release, settlement agreement, claim release, property damage, bodily injury, psychological injury

Transcript Highlights:

• , local, and federal law enforcement and our state, local, and federal decision makers.
• For a number of years now, the state of Texas...
• That is roughly nine farms per day going out of business in the state.
• We're trying and continuing to... make Texas the most business-friendly state in the United States and
• Governor Abbott talked about making Texas the financial capital of America doing his state-of-the-state

Bills: HB195 , HB247 , HB255 , HJR2 , HJR4 , HJR6 , HJR31 , HJR34 , HB195 , HB247 , HB255 , HJR6 , HJR31 , HJR34

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: school district, ad valorem tax, local revenue, tax collection, education funding, border security, tax exemption, ad valorem, real property, infrastructure, Texas-Mexico border, ad valorem taxation, farm products, livestock, timber, death tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, property transfer, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• Aaron Frazier with the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council.
• About 50% of the states go through DOL. About 50% of the states have councils like Washington does.
• Our council is the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Committee.
• The Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council mimics this platform.
• Also wanted to highlight that Washington State was selected as one of five states for the National Governors

Summary: The work session focused first on Washington’s apprenticeship system, especially building trades programs and support services. Labor and Industries staff explained how registered apprenticeship works in the state, including the role of the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council, the requirements for paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction, and the difference between apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship. Panelists emphasized that apprenticeship is tied to actual jobs and training agents, and that many waitlists reflect a shortage of job openings and employer participation rather than a lack of interest. They also discussed youth apprenticeship, the growth of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, and the use of Career Bridge and L&I’s database to help people find programs. Representatives asked whether the state should expand apprenticeship programs and how people can find openings. Speakers said more programs alone would not solve the backlog without more employers signing on as training agents and more apprenticeship utilization on projects. The panel also highlighted the Constructed Career Initiative, a grant-funded navigation and support program that helps people enter and stay in building trades apprenticeships through outreach, case management, and wraparound aid such as transportation, tools, and work clothes. A related nonprofit, Build Up, described similar support services, including prison-based boot and PPE programs and assistance for reentry participants. The panel said these services are especially important because apprentices often face unstable income, housing, food, and transportation barriers. The panel also discussed House Bill 2084 and the new Construction Training Pathway Oversight Committee, which is examining construction training in correctional facilities and how to create clearer pathways from prison-based training to apprenticeship, college, or work. Speakers said the committee is still in its early stages and will report to the legislature. The session ended with committee members thanking the panel and noting the importance of support services and referral networks for apprentices. The meeting then resumed at Renton Technical College, where college leaders and faculty discussed serving non-traditional students. The college reported strong enrollment growth, a median student age of 30, a diverse student body, and high job placement rates, while also noting significant budget cuts and program reductions from the prior year. Health care and early childhood education programs were highlighted, including efforts to expand access through hybrid scheduling, evening and Saturday classes, Spanish-language offerings, and in-person wraparound support for admissions, financial aid, and registration. Faculty said these changes were driven by student data and were aimed at helping working parents, English learners, and other non-traditional students complete credentials and enter family-wage careers.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state did not.
• the state because of the project.
• , and he asked for those zip codes.
• And now with the state, which not all the states have been able to do, we've been able to pull down that
• I mean, these are all over the state.

Committee: House Budget

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That does happen here in your state legislature.
• costs; SB 1381, State Lands leases groundwater use; SB 30.
• SB 1380, low-income consumers energy costs; SB 1381, State Lands leases groundwater use; SB 1382, groundwater
• SCR 1020, elective state officers inflation. Thank you.
• Peterson, President of the Arizona State Senate, LD-14.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the journal and recorded attendance. Members observed a moment of silence for former Representative Noel Campbell, and several guest groups were recognized in the gallery, including Greater Phoenix school district leaders, GCU Government and History Club students, Arizona Food Bank Network representatives, and local and tribal officials visiting for appropriations and transportation-related discussions. The chamber also adopted a proclamation recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Senators and guests offered remarks about the Holocaust, rising antisemitism, and the importance of education and remembrance, followed by a moment of silence. Later, the Senate received and unanimously adopted House Concurrent Resolution 2045 honoring the life and public service of former Congressman Raul Grijalva, with members of the Grijalva family present on the floor and several senators sharing personal tributes. The Senate then processed a long list of governor’s nominations, first readings, and second-reading bill referrals, including measures on natural resources, education, health, public safety, elections, taxation, utilities, and appropriations. Senator Bolick also read a proclamation for National School Choice Week. The body recessed briefly, returned to consider SCR 1036 on Attorney General public statements, and then received committee announcements before adjourning until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Other support and opposition witnesses will be stated at the standing mic when called upon; simply state
• more investment into the state.
• The bank lobby stated that establishing a California state public bank would cost billions of dollars
• Washington State has done a study of all the studies, and no public banks have been created because they
• Washington State has done a study of all the studies, and no public banks have been created because they

Committee: House Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that it really holds the promise of a scaled clean future, clean energy future for the state
• I think Washington State has had a performance-based regulation, but in some sense, every state has performance-based
• budget, when it comes to energy ...through the state and federal budget when it comes to energy are
• energy goals of the state, do so reliably, and do so while delivering customers as affordable energy
• Today, on a day like today in March, 25 gigawatts or so is what the state needs to meet its energy need

Summary: The Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications held an oversight hearing focused on electric rates, utility regulation, affordability, reliability, and wildfire-related costs. The chair framed the discussion around the challenge of transitioning to a cleaner grid while keeping bills affordable and the system reliable, and noted the hearing also served as the annual update from the CPUC and Public Advocates Office. Professor Severin Borenstein gave a primer on utility regulation, explaining the split between deregulated generation and regulated transmission/distribution, the basics of cost-of-service regulation, and the role of return on equity. He argued that high allowed returns can encourage capital-intensive spending and that many public policy costs now embedded in rates would be better funded through the state budget, while warning that price caps or performance-based regulation are not silver bullets. CPUC President-designate Alice Reynolds described the commission’s role as economic regulator of investor-owned utilities and said affordability is being addressed through rate case scrutiny, reasonableness reviews, and legislative direction. She said wildfire mitigation and insurance costs have been major drivers of rate increases, but some wildfire-related costs are time-limited and will roll off rates over time. She also highlighted progress on clean energy procurement, battery storage growth, and integrated resource planning to meet climate goals while maintaining reliability. Reynolds said the CPUC is reviewing utility spending, disallowing imprudent costs where appropriate, and litigating at FERC to challenge transmission costs. Members pressed both witnesses on several issues, including whether rates are being inflated by legislative mandates and balancing accounts, whether utility returns are too high, and whether the state should shift more public-policy costs off electric bills and into the General Fund. Senators also raised concerns about load growth from data centers and ports, gas-system stranded assets as electrification advances, and whether the CPUC is over-regulating or discouraging innovation. Reynolds said the CPUC is working with the Energy Commission, CAISO, and the Air Resources Board on a holistic planning process, and pointed to tools such as interconnection reforms and demand flexibility. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with several follow-up requests for reports and data.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Alabama. state of Alabama.
• What that did is put it in line with all state immunity and we... in line with all state immunity and
• ID. state ID, etc.
• I always looked at it as being energy stuff. That's an energy thing.
• I don't want nothing with energy.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• How about require state?
• the provisions of the Elections Code ensuring that state election laws are enforced, promoting voter
• And so if there's any changes in state statute to implement the changes that would be seen as a state
• deliver through the state.
• From telework to fair pay, we're fighting for a state that works better for everyone, including state

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're here because the state of Minnesota is concerned about what's going on in Washington, D.C.
• We're here because the state of Minnesota is concerned about what's going on in Washington, D.C.
• We're here because the state of Minnesota is concerned about what's going on in Washington, D.C.
• We're here because the state of Minnesota is concerned about what's going on in Washington, D.C.
• We're here because the state of Minnesota is concerned about what's going on in Washington, D.C.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , but that other states are moocher states, using funds that California provides.
• that is under the State Treasurer's office.
• Twenty other States have similar all-payer state-run data systems.
• per California Civil Code.
• We were established as an independent state entity that receives no state general fund to support our

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to petition the Office of the State Fire Marshal to exempt county-owned buildings from state fire code
• to petition the Office of the State Fire Marshal to exempt county-owned buildings from state fire code
• We really want to set a precedent that the state fire code is the minimum standard.
• We really want to set a precedent that the state fire code is the minimum standard.
• Okay, and currently we have the 2018 International Fire Code as the current state fire code, and there

Committee: House Government

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that it really holds the promise of a scaled clean future, clean energy future for the state
• I think Washington State has had a performance-based regulation, but in some sense, every state has performance-based
• of our energy bills today.
• energy goals of the state, do so reliably, and do so while delivering customers as affordable energy
• Today's, on a day like today in March, 25 gigawatts or so is what the state needs to meet its energy

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Summary: The Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications held an oversight hearing focused on electric rates, utility regulation, affordability, wildfire costs, and the California Public Utilities Commission’s role. Chair and members framed the discussion around the challenge of transitioning to a cleaner grid while maintaining reliability and keeping bills affordable. The hearing also served as the annual update from the CPUC and the Public Advocates Office, with testimony from Professor Severin Borenstein and CPUC President-designate Alice Reynolds. Borenstein gave a primer on utility regulation, explaining that generation is largely deregulated while transmission and distribution remain regulated, and that most rate-setting follows cost-of-service regulation. He emphasized that the hardest issue is setting the allowed return on equity: too high can raise bills and encourage capital-heavy spending, while too low can deter investment and harm reliability. He argued there is no silver bullet, said performance-based regulation and price caps have limits, and suggested some costs now charged through electric bills—such as climate programs, low-income subsidies, and wildfire-related public policy costs—might more appropriately be paid through the state budget. Reynolds described the CPUC’s oversight role, saying the commission reviews utility spending through general rate cases, balancing accounts, and other proceedings, and that affordability is addressed through front-end scrutiny, post-spend accountability, and legislative direction. She highlighted wildfire mitigation as a major driver of rate increases, noted recent progress on clean energy procurement and battery storage, and said the CPUC is working on return-on-equity decisions, FERC advocacy on transmission costs, and implementation of SB 254 and other statutes. Members pressed on a range of issues, including wildfire securitization, load growth from EVs and data centers, gas-system stranded assets, balancing accounts, and a water-service dispute in Keene involving Union Pacific. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with several follow-up commitments from the CPUC to provide data and updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• uniform across the state.
• And even as we lose students throughout the state...
• V-Org students that we have throughout the state.
• It will be a benefit to our state, to every state in the union, that they spend those dollars where they
• A book, actually, that is put out by a certain national organization, is called Rich States, Poor States

Committee: Senate Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that it really holds the promise of a scaled clean future, clean energy future for the state
• I think Washington State has had a performance-based regulation, but in some sense, every state has performance-based
• Through the state and federal budget when it comes to energy are paid for through raising rates.
• Of our current state of progress on moving to our energy future, as well as some of the challenges ahead
• energy goals of the state, do so reliably, and do so while delivering customers as affordable energy

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Keywords: 987, senate, all