Transcript Highlights:

• I, my vote is to put them in a facility no matter where it is because the safety of my constituents and
• It's about safety. It's about dignity of care, continuum of care.
• Just like we document pets, firearms, and other safety concerns or safety risks, it's just an environmental
• While surveillance is often proposed with the intent of increasing safety, it gets unintentional... .
• ..proposed with the intent of increasing safety, it can unintentionally undermine the very foundation

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2307, as amended by a strike-everything amendment, which would require the Department of Health Services to contract with an out-of-state facility when a person found dangerous and incompetent under a court commitment order cannot be placed in an Arizona secure mental health facility. Supporters, including the sponsor and Senator Angus, said the measure was a temporary stopgap to prevent dangerous individuals from being released because Arizona lacks secure behavioral health beds. Opponents raised due process, disability rights, family access, cost, and interstate-legal concerns, and DHS said it had no fiscal estimate and little experience with such contracts. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill 6-5. The committee then took up House Bill 2083, which updates diabetes-related insurance coverage to include items such as continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, smart insulin pens, and certain injectable medications. Supporters said the bill reflects modern diabetes care and can prevent serious complications, while an insurer representative warned that putting the coverage in statute could create state-mandated costs and raised concern that the language might be read to include GLP-1 drugs. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 11-1. House Bill 2673, dealing with mental illness screening and treatment for incarcerated people, would require sheriffs to ensure prisoners showing symptoms of mental disorder are examined within 24 hours and, if appropriate, referred for evaluation and treatment. Representative Hernandez said she intended to revise it into a study committee-style measure after stakeholder feedback, and a family member testified about her son’s death after untreated psychosis in jail. Opposition focused on competency and civil-commitment concerns, costs, and the burden on jails, but the committee passed the bill 12-0. House Bill 2923, which revises timelines and notice procedures for judicial review of court-ordered mental health treatment, also passed 12-0 after supporters said it would clarify outdated language and improve communication with families and guardians; opponents argued it shifted burdens onto patients and could prolong confinement. The committee next passed House Bill 2251, as amended, which expands licensed midwives’ authority to dispense certain medications and devices, adds reporting and oversight requirements, and creates an advisory committee. The sponsor said the amendment narrowed the medication list, clarified transfer-of-care triggers, strengthened oversight, and added sentinel-event reporting after stakeholder discussions with medical groups. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2914 on electronic monitoring in resident rooms at nursing care and assisted living facilities, with the sponsor’s statement emphasizing the bill as a protection against abuse or neglect and noting similar laws in other states; the transcript cuts off before testimony or a final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I filed this bill last year, and it went through public safety.
• There's also been some concerns about safety, and as others have reiterated, the safety profile for psilocybin
• So the safety profile of psilocybin compared to ibogaine is completely different. And Dr.
• Regarding safety, data from Oregon's Regarding safety, data from Oregon's legalized state-regulated program
• indicates that serious safety incidents have been very uncommon.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• -00001; LNR 801, sequence 2060-001; and LNR 906, sequence 2060-00001 for the Department of Public Safety
• :43:25.280><c> Public</c> 2060-00001 for Department of Public 2060-00001 for Department of Public Safety
• :43:26.079><c> page</c><00:43:26.319><c> 299</c><00:43:27.599><c> uh</c><00:43:28.400><c> PSD</c> Safety
• we have here is a highlights that we'll present, but it does look at the essentials on health and safety
• ,</c><00:51:10.960><c> on</c> essentials on health and safety, on essentials on health and safety, on

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> ignore the pre-established safety ignore the pre-established safety standard<03:40:05.479><c> and
• </c><03:40:20.439><c> of</c> have a good system to track safety of have a good system to track safety
• </c> bill is maybe a concern about uh safety bill is maybe a concern about uh safety or<04:09:22.119>
• safety data link and others um safety safety data link and others um and<04:10:59.279><c> so</c><04:
• </c> establish their first safety establish their first safety trials<04:29:52.560><c> any</c><04:29:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs heard testimony on House Bill 606, as amended, a bill aimed at preventing physicians from denying medically necessary sterilizing or fertility-affecting treatment based on a patient’s age, number of children, marital status, or a doctor’s speculation about future reproductive intentions. Representative Ellen Reed, the sponsor, described the bill as a response to her own long experience with PCOS, heavy bleeding, and repeated refusals by doctors to perform a hysterectomy despite her clear wishes. She said the amendment narrows the bill to medically necessary care, adds definitions for “medical condition” and “appropriate reproductive care,” and removes earlier provisions about voluntary sterilization referrals. She also said the bill does not target religious objections, and that doctors could still refuse for medical, payment, or existing religious reasons not addressed by the bill. Committee members asked about religious freedom, informed consent versus waivers, and the scope of the new definitions. Reed responded that religion was not added to the list of prohibited reasons for denial, and that the amendment is intended to protect doctors when patients sign informed consent or waivers. She explained that “appropriate reproductive care” includes procedures such as hysterectomy, oophorectomy, orchiectomy, salpingectomy, and endometrial ablation, and that the bill now focuses on medically necessary treatment rather than elective sterilization. She said the change was intended to make the proposal narrower and more tailored after earlier concerns. Several witnesses supported the bill with personal accounts of being denied hysterectomies or other procedures despite serious symptoms. Representative Lauren Selig described a decade-long effort to obtain a hysterectomy after years of cycle problems and migraines, saying doctors dismissed her concerns and treated her symptoms as normal. Jade Flad also testified in support, saying she had long been told to simply endure her cycle problems and noted that her husband was offered a vasectomy without similar barriers. The sponsor said online support was strong and that there was little or no written opposition testimony. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Number four, Department of Public Safety, Division of Arkansas State Police, with U.A.
• Richard White, DPS Program Manager, Highway Safety Office. Senator Rice. Thank you.
• Richard White, DPS program manager, Highway Safety Office. Senator Rice. Thank you.
• Number 20, Department of Public Safety, Arkansas State Police, with Central Flying Service.
• Number 20, Department of Public Safety. Department of Public Safety.

Summary: The subcommittee reviewed multiple methods of finance and construction items, including projects for Arkansas State University, Black River Technical College, UAMS, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and UCA. The UAPB Allied Health and Sciences Building appeared both as a method of finance and as an alternative delivery construction project, with East Harding Construction selected and AMR Architects as designer. Members approved the methods of finance, the alternative delivery project, and several discretionary grants, including Department of Health grants for a heart attack center designation and community health worker training, and DHS grants related to homeless services, behavioral health transition support, and an enabling technology pilot. The committee then reviewed service contracts, including RFQs, construction-related contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and a large number of out-of-state and in-state contracts. Testimony focused heavily on DHS staffing and state hospital contracts, the Arkansas State Police seatbelt survey, AEDC’s lithium supply chain analysis, and Shared Administrative Services’ new SuccessFactors performance-management contract. Members asked detailed questions about contract nursing costs, turnover, hiring timelines, and whether some contracts were being renewed or amended beyond their original projected costs. DHS and Veterans Affairs officials explained staffing shortages, retention incentives, and the use of contract labor as a supplement to state employees. Several contracts drew scrutiny and were held for further review. Representative Wardlaw raised concerns about projected costs and repeated amendments on the Department of Education security contract and on DHS staffing contracts, arguing that some had exceeded their original projected totals. The committee voted to hold contracts 5, 7, and 8 until Friday, while adopting the remaining contracts. The meeting ended after informational reports on service contract amendments without material change, executed contracts, and emergency procurements were presented, with no further business before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, your Committee on Public Safety, having had consideration of public safety requirements, recommends
• There is a Public Safety amendment. Mr.
• Majority Leader, I move that the Public Safety Committee amendment to Senate Bill 1046 be adopted.
• HB 4044, Public Safety Parity Fund. ATT. HB 4064, municipal improvement districts petitions.
• HB 4044, Public Safety Parity Fund. ATT. HB 4064, municipal improvement districts petitions.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When it comes to student discipline and school safety, the final call has to be made by people fairly
• This amendment is designed to avoid possible unintended consequences for public safety.
• When I heard about... ...avoid possible unintended consequences for public safety.
• So in this situation, I'm really worried about school safety.
• This is not a bill that is about school safety. This is about disproportionate discipline.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Director of Arkansas State Police and Secretary of the Department of Public Safety.
• I'm the Director of Arkansas State Police and Secretary of Department of Public Safety.
• We had their safety in mind.
• We had their safety in mind when we came to you, the legislature, and asked for laws that would make
• We could not have added those troopers without your commitment to public safety.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And every decision that I made had to do with safety, safety of the students, safety of the staff, safety
• So with that, looking at safety, I think it's important, critically important, because of the safety
• You know, with these limitations that we have and the safety and the water issues that we have, you know
• It's a safety hazard for the men in blue. It needs it.
• It's a safety hazard for the men in blue because they're right at the border.

Summary: The committee began with a presentation on modernization of the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona. Testimony from local officials and port authority representatives described the port as outdated, flood-prone, and a major congestion and safety concern because CBP equipment and officers are positioned near the international boundary and stormwater/sewer infrastructure. Speakers said the port is vital to local and state commerce, estimated modernization could cost $1.5 billion to $2 billion, and requested state support and letters of support for federal advocacy. Committee members discussed the economic and safety impacts, and leadership said a joint letter would be prepared. The committee then considered several bills. HB 2237 would appropriate $4.5 million for Apache Junction’s Superstition Trails and a visitor gateway; it passed 4-2. HB 2926, the Workforce Housing Accelerator Act, would create expedited permitting for workforce housing, exempt the state portion of prime contracting tax for such projects, and adjust bond-related rules; after an amendment, it passed 6-1. HB 2113 would require RUCO to intervene in utility rate cases when proposed residential rate increases are 100% or more; testimony focused on large rate hikes in rural areas versus RUCO’s limited staff and budget, and the bill passed 5-1 with some members asking for continued discussion about RUCO’s priorities. The committee also passed HB 2824, which authorizes local governments to establish voluntary C-PACE programs for financing commercial property improvements through special assessments, with supporters saying it would help attract investment without using state general funds. HB 2939, the “Lucid bill,” would add a rural-location tax credit tied to large qualifying investments and new jobs; Lucid Motors testified that it would support advanced manufacturing and rural job creation, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee adjourned after noting HB 2950 would be held due to time and heard first at the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And thank you for your longstanding support of public broadcasting and public safety in the state of
• Beacon represents a modern extension of our public safety mission. It moves the...
• Beacon represents a modern extension of our public safety mission.
• Florida is seen as a leader in public safety innovation precisely because of the partnership between
• Beacon exists because of that... to explore new technologies to strengthen public safety.

Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met to discuss the use of artificial intelligence in emergency management and related public-safety applications. The panel included the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the University of Florida, and Florida International University. FDEM described current uses of AI for invoice anomaly detection, automated situation report drafting, and data synthesis in WebEOC, emphasizing that AI is used to speed analysis and improve efficiency but not to replace human decision-making. The agency also said counties retain access through backup communications such as Starlink and generators, and that WebEOC provides shared visibility, archived documentation, and a common operating picture across all 67 counties. University of Florida representatives highlighted Beacon, an AI-enabled public safety audio service developed with FDEM and public media partners to distribute official alerts across multiple platforms, including mobile devices and digital streams. UF IFAS described a geospatial AI “Gaia bot” that turns satellite data into natural-language answers and maps for crop damage assessment and flood-risk mapping, with a focus on making complex Earth-observation data more accessible to growers and policymakers. FIU presented AI models that predict water levels and flood mitigation settings much faster than traditional simulation tools, with comparable or better accuracy, and said the work includes explainability features and broader research on compound flooding. Members asked extensive questions about storm surge, hallucinations, whether generative AI or large language models were being used, data vetting, and hardware needs. The witnesses repeatedly stressed that their systems are not autonomous, that human review remains central, and that the models used are primarily data-driven predictive tools rather than chatbot-style generative AI. The meeting ended with thanks to the panelists and an announcement that the committee’s policy chief was leaving for another position. Representative Mooney then moved that the committee rise, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• coordinate with law enforcement, inform families, and take other precautionary steps to ensure the safety
• While we fully support efforts to increase public awareness and safety, this bill raises significant
• That's not just inefficient; it's a barrier to safety and basic mobility in emergencies where we need
• While we fully support efforts to increase public awareness and safety, this bill raises significant
• That's not just inefficient, it's a barrier to safety and basic mobility in emergencies where we need

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard a series of mostly local transportation and memorial designation bills. Several measures would rename highway segments in honor of fallen service members or public servants, including HB 2026 (Gary C. Johnston memorial highways in Archer County), HB 4429 (McIlroy Family Memorial Highway in Blanco and Burnet counties), SB 3062 (Hamby-Webb Memorial Highway in Panola County), HB 3510 (Sergeant Mark Butler Memorial Highway in Brazos County), and HB 3986 (Corporal Speedy Espiriueta Memorial Highway in Mission). The committee also heard HB 2560, which would create an optional county-road “adopt-a-road” style program allowing donations for county road repair and maintenance. Two bills drew more substantive policy discussion. HB 2427 and HB 2455 concerned oversized/overweight freight corridors and permit authority in Hidalgo County tied to cross-border trade near the FARR International Bridge. Supporters, including the bridge director, said the measures would correct prior road descriptions, put existing TxDOT actions into statute, improve truck routing, and support trade and bridge expansion. The committee substitute for HB 2427 also removed Roma permit language, barred certain hazardous-material permits, raised permit fees, required local cost responsibility for road maintenance, and made the bill contingent on SB 2949. HB 5436 would allow licensed automotive recyclers to buy certain older, long-unregistered vehicles for dismantling or scrap without a title, with reporting, lienholder notice, and anti-theft safeguards; recyclers and dealers supported it as a way to curb illegal untitled-vehicle sales and VIN cloning. HB 3966, authored by Sen. Alvarado, was the most contested bill. It would require commercial passenger bus companies to mail advance notice to residents within one mile before opening a new stop or terminal. Alvarado said the bill responded to the relocation of a Greyhound terminal into a Houston neighborhood without notice and to resulting crime and nuisance concerns. Greyhound opposed the bill, arguing the notice requirement would be burdensome and could delay emergency relocations during hurricanes, flooding, or lease changes. After testimony, the committee voted to report most bills favorably, with HB 3966 passing on a 5-2 vote; the other reported bills passed unanimously. Several bills were also placed on the local and uncontested calendar, and the committee recessed to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, well, speaking of that, you know, school safety is a concern, and it's one that you've talked about
• <00:04:49.880><c> is</c><00:04:50.000><c> a</c><00:04:50.160><c> concern</c> that you know school safety
• is a concern that you know school safety is a concern and<00:04:50.680><c> it's</c><00:04:50.840><c>
• Are there other school safety concerns that you've heard from constituents that are being addressed by
• concerns that you've heard from safety concerns that you've heard from constituents<00:07:06.800><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That bill is referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety.
• ><00:08:19.400><c> Public</c> committee on Judiciary and Public committee on Judiciary and Public Safety
• if you proceed to page number Safety if you proceed to page number five<00:08:23.479><c> you</c><00:
• :14:46.720><c> Public</c> on Judiciary and Public safy Public on Judiciary and Public safy Public Safety
• to that motion all in favor say Safety to that motion all in favor say I<00:14:50.560><c> all</c><00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I refer to the Committee on Homeland Security Public Safety and Federal Affairs, HB 181, HB 192 by Bella
• the Committee on Public Education, HB 222 by Tallarico, relating to the permissible use of school safety
• H.B. 256 by Leo Wilson relating to the Department of Public Health and Safety reporting rapid crossing
• by the two minute pause the 86 by Morales affairs relating to a study by the Department of Public Safety
• license or person identification certificate referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just to give a little background, the city of Taunton is in the process of building a new public safety
• so that Chief Walsh could help with that transition period of everybody moving into the new public safety
• Chief Walsh could help with that transition period of everybody moving into the new public safety facility
• new cameras, new 911 systems, just to be able to keep a smooth transition for the sake of public safety
• and the safety of the residents in the city of Taunton.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several public service and retirement-related bills. Senator Kelly Dooner and Rep. O’Rourke supported a Taunton home rule petition to extend Chief Walsh’s service during the city’s transition to a new public safety facility, citing the need to manage new equipment, cameras, and 911 systems smoothly. Senator Lovely testified in favor of bills expanding retirement savings access through the SMART Plan and the CORE Plan, arguing that automatic enrollment and broader eligibility would help state, municipal, and nonprofit workers save for retirement. No questions were raised on the Taunton petition, and the hearing later moved through the remaining testimony without any votes taken during the transcript. Mary Waldron of the Old Colony Planning Council and Jeffrey Walker of the Southeast Regional Planning and Economic Development District urged support for legislation protecting regional planning agencies from being required to make retroactive payments to the State Retirement Board for past employer contributions. They warned that the costs would be unsustainable, could force layoffs or closures, and would jeopardize their ability to provide transportation, housing, economic development, and planning services. Bill Keith and Patrick Charles of PEREC testified on several retirement administration bills, including measures to ease statement-of-financial-interest filing rules, require payment for certain creditable service purchases, and clarify the definition of wages to include sick, vacation, and personal time; committee members asked questions about regional transit authorities joining retirement systems and about adding local retirement board representation to a proposed commission. Jonathan Osimo and Rob Fabino of the Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System supported bills to penalize delinquent pension reporting by employers and to create a special commission to study retirement credit purchases, saying better reporting would improve retirement processing and that a broader review could improve fairness and sustainability. Eddie Boynton of the Braintree Education Association backed the SMART Plan bill, describing how automatic enrollment and low-fee fiduciary oversight could protect educators from high-cost supplemental retirement products. Matthew Nugent testified for a bill to divest public pension funds from firearms and ammunition. After the final witnesses, the chairs asked if anyone else wished to testify, heard none, and then adjourned the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The purpose of that was, the original purpose of that was to make sure that we increase air safety, GPS
• positioning, to know— ...increased air safety, GPS positioning, to know where aircraft were traveling
• And it was to make sure that the air traffic controllers was able to do their job, and safety was being
• So back on the bill, HB 730 still allows the original intent of that device to promote safety.
• The original intent of that device is to promote safety.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works met with five members present and approved the May 14, 2026 minutes. The committee first considered HCR 32, which urges the Port of New Orleans to secure backup motors for the aging St. Claude Avenue Bridge; members discussed the bridge’s importance, the relatively low cost of the motor, and the traffic and emergency-response impacts of repeated breakdowns. HCR 32 was reported favorably. HCR 68, a request to Congress for funding to remove unusable bridges along Highway 90 as part of reconnecting the corridor toward New Orleans East, was also reported favorably after brief discussion about federal representatives and coordination with DOTD. House Bill 582 was deferred without objection. The committee then took up HB 762, which clarifies that the Office of Motor Vehicles may, rather than must, refer certain delinquent reinstatement-fee debts to the Office of Debt Recovery or other collection channels. Testimony from OMV and the bill author emphasized that the measure was intended to clean up prior language and preserve OMV discretion, while senators raised concerns about political influence, collection practices, and the impact of fees and debt on drivers. HB 762 was reported favorably. HB 730, concerning automatic dependent surveillance broadcast devices on aircraft, was amended to limit its application to aircraft over 2,500 pounds and to prohibit the use of the imposed fees on smaller aircraft. Supporters said the bill restores the original safety purpose of the devices and prevents their use for fee collection; the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee also reported favorably on HCR 53, which creates a study committee on oversized vehicle permits and their parish-level impacts, and HCR 60, which urges DOTD to pursue the DRIVE initiative to study and improve safety on the I-12 corridor. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm appointing Senator Sundareshan to the Committee on Public Safety to temporarily replace Senator Gabaldón
• Introduction and first reading and reference of bills: HB 2611, group homes safety training rights, HHS
• alternative nicotine products regulation; HB 4018, sheriff exclusive authority auxiliary; HB 4109, safety
• any medical product, and it strips employers of the ability to verify claims or manage workplace safety
• bureaucracy, legal conflict, costly litigation for businesses, and worse, it could weaken vaccine and safety

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Public safety. SB 1773, peace officers, cameras, disclosures, recordings. Public safety.
• DPS public safety. SB 1798, school safety identification system appropriation. ATT education.
• SB 1692, ESAs tutors safety rules.
• Through their swift actions, sound judgment, and unwavering commitment to public safety, these deputies
• protected a vulnerable child from further harm and helped restore his path to safety and hope.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a recorded roll call showing 30 members present. The journal was approved, no guests were introduced at first, and the Governor’s signed bill HB 2022 was reported. The President also announced temporary committee substitutions for the Rules Committee on February 9. Senator Shamp introduced licensed naturopathic physicians in the gallery and highlighted SB 1178, which would expand their authority to administer certain intravenous drugs, including antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals. The chamber then read a lengthy calendar of first- and second-reading bills and resolutions covering elections, education, health care, water, criminal justice, housing, taxation, and other topics, with no floor action taken on those measures during the reading. The Senate recessed to recognize law enforcement personnel involved in the rescue of an eight-year-old boy from a human trafficking situation. A proclamation commended Deputies Gregory Sanders and Jacob Montoya, along with Cochise County and Border Patrol personnel, for their courage and professionalism. After returning to order, members made personal privilege remarks urging the Joint Legislative Budget Committee to review $2.85 million in election-related funding for the Secretary of State, and another senator spoke about water security and the need for long-term planning. Additional announcements included caucus and committee meeting notices, an invitation to Arizona Aerospace Day, and a motion to adjourn until Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 1:15 p.m. The transcript ends as the chamber was considering adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Public safety. SB 1773, peace officers, cameras, disclosures, recordings. Public safety.
• Public Safety. SB 1798, school safety identification system appropriation.
• SB 1692, ESA's tutor safety rules.
• And whereas, through their swift actions, sound judgment, and unwavering commitment to public safety,
• these deputies protected a vulnerable child from further harm and helped restore his path to safety

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He's had concerns for both public safety and law enforcement and said that it wouldn't be enforceable
• He's had concerns for both public safety and law enforcement and said that it wouldn't be enforceable
• But this is a huge safety risk for our law enforcement officers and for people on our streets because
• Senator Wellman had said would come forward because of stakeholder concerns over the privacy and safety
• But this is creating a huge lack of safety in our state, and this is one of the reasons why you see all

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: State legislative leaders held a press availability focused on the upcoming session’s priorities, framing the federal government as the main source of pressure on Washington residents’ access to health care, food assistance, housing, and other services. They said the session would center on defending Washingtonians from federal overreach while also addressing affordability, with emphasis on a balanced 2025-27 budget, possible spending cuts, and longer-term tax reform. Leaders also said they expect to pursue measures on housing costs, transportation, child care, preventive health care, and energy/data-center impacts. A major topic was a proposed “millionaire tax” or income tax on adjusted gross income over $1 million. Leaders said the basic mechanics are largely agreed upon between House and Senate sponsors, though a draft is still pending and stakeholder outreach remains ahead. They described the proposal as part of a broader effort to rebalance the tax code, with some revenue potentially used to reduce more regressive taxes such as property taxes or to support credits for working families and small businesses. They also said any major new revenue would likely not arrive in time to solve the current biennial budget gap, though smaller tax changes and loophole closures could contribute. The leaders also discussed the House and Senate response to two citizen initiatives, saying the legislature will not hold hearings on them and that they will instead go to voters if certified. They rejected claims that the state constitution requires hearings or floor votes on such initiatives, and questioned the signature-gathering process described by the Secretary of State’s office. Another issue was a public records exemption bill related to child care providers; leaders said they were not tracking it closely but defended broader privacy and safety concerns for child care businesses and families. The press availability included a lengthy exchange about allegations of fraud and reports of journalists or others knocking on child care doors. Leaders said concerns should be reported to DCYF, the state auditor, or legislative auditors rather than handled by ad hoc visits, and they tied those concerns to broader fears about masked individuals, ICE activity, and public safety. On the budget, they said the rainy day fund is likely to be considered this year, especially if it helps avoid cuts to education, child care, and health care, and noted that federal policy changes could impose significant state implementation costs.