Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1053 authorizes the County Board of Supervisors of any county affected by a disaster declared by the
• I want to thank the author.
• I thank the author for the presentation.
• Again, I want to thank the author.
• Thank the author. We now have three bills which are on proposed consent.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard two main bills before taking several votes. SB 1053 by Senator Nilo would let county boards of supervisors in counties affected by a governor-declared disaster on or after January 1, 2026, extend by up to three years the five-year deadline for transferring a damaged property’s base-year property tax value to replacement property. Nilo argued the measure is needed because recent wildfires and other disasters make rebuilding within five years unrealistic, and members from both parties supported the bill as a common-sense local-control measure for disaster recovery. The committee voted 5-0 to pass SB 1053 to Appropriations. The committee then heard SB 888 by Senator Sayarto, which would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. Sayarto said the current rule can unfairly disqualify disabled veterans by counting their disability benefits as income, creating a catch-22 that can threaten housing stability. Members praised the bill as bipartisan, fair, and helpful to veterans on fixed incomes, and Sayarto accepted committee amendments. The committee voted 5-0 to pass SB 888 as amended to the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. The committee also adopted a consent calendar containing SB 999, SB 1073, and SB 881. After the roll was completed, SB 1053 was confirmed out on a 5-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1053 authorizes the County Board of Supervisors of any county affected by a disaster declared by the
• I want to thank the author.
• I thank the author for the presentation.
• Again, I want to thank the author.
• Thank the author. We now have three bills which are on proposed consent.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard two main bills before taking up a consent calendar. SB 1053 by Senator Nilo would allow county boards of supervisors in counties affected by a governor-declared disaster on or after January 1, 2026, through January 1, 2031, to extend by up to three years the five-year period for transferring a property tax base-year value to replacement property. The author said the measure responds to recent wildfires and other disasters that make rebuilding within five years difficult, and committee members broadly supported local control and disaster recovery flexibility. No opposition was heard, and the bill was approved 5-0 and sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard SB 888 by Senator Seardo, as amended, which would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income calculations for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. The author argued that counting disability benefits as income creates a catch-22 for disabled veterans and can disqualify them from tax relief despite fixed incomes and high medical costs. Members described the bill as a common-sense, bipartisan fairness measure that would help veterans remain housed in California. No opposition was presented, and the bill passed 5-0 to the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. The committee also adopted the consent calendar, which included SB 999, SB 1073, and SB 881. After the consent items, SB 1053 was again called up and confirmed out of committee on a 5-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an alternate water supply for Putnam County, very important.
• Putnam County wasn't considered locally.
• Recently, a group of residents sent a letter to the Putnam County Board of County Commissioners expressing
• I had the pleasure of serving Putnam County as a County Commissioner for eight years and as their Tax
• Chair Botana: Robert Reyes, Monroe County, proponent waives in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• We serve 41 counties in Minnesota and 18 counties in Western Wisconsin.
• We serve 41 counties in Minnesota and 18 counties in Western Wisconsin.
• </c><00:52:02.599><c> and</c><00:52:02.799><c> authors</c> thank you to the co-authors and authors thank
• you to the co-authors and authors Senators<00:52:03.680><c> Balden</c><00:52:04.079><c> Coleman</c><
• </c> these meals around in in the Five County these meals around in in the Five County area<01:52:57.199

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am with the California State Association of Counties.
• I am with the California State Association of Counties, representing all of California's 58 counties.
• Item number three, SB 454, authored by Senator McNerney.
• Item number four, SB 724, authored by Senator Richardson.
• Item number four, SB 724, authored by Senator Richardson.

Summary: The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee heard SB 615 by Senator Allen, which would create a Department of Toxic Substances Control program for end-of-life electric vehicle battery management. The bill is intended to promote reuse, repurposing, recycling, tracking, and responsible handling of EV batteries, with producer responsibility and certification of recyclers as key features. Supporters, including the Union of Concerned Scientists, California State Association of Counties, automakers, recyclers, and environmental groups, said the measure would help prevent hazardous waste problems, reduce illegal dumping, and prepare for a coming wave of battery retirements. Opponents, including Tesla, Rivian, the California Chamber of Commerce, and others, raised concerns about liability, burdens on smaller entities, and the bill’s structure, while some groups supported it if amended. Committee members discussed the current low recycling rate for EV batteries, the difference between reuse, repurpose, and recycling, and whether the bill appropriately places responsibility on producers rather than consumers. The author said the bill builds on prior work and stakeholder input and is designed to create a workable system without overburdening DTSC. After quorum was established, the committee voted SB 615 out on a 5-1 vote, with one member voting no. The committee also took up a consent calendar containing SB 39, SB 454, SB 724, and SCR 3, and those measures were approved. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Colleagues, any questions or comments for the author or any of the witnesses?
• Colleagues, any questions or comments for the author or any of the witness?
• Colleagues, any questions or comments for the author or any of the witnesses?
• The committee attempted to work with the author, and as you know, Mr.
• First, I want to thank the author.

Summary: The Assembly Public Safety Committee heard several bills dealing with firearms, hit-and-run penalties, domestic violence, and sexually violent predator placement. AB 256 by Assemblymember DeMaio would add a one-year enhancement for certain firearm felonies involving controlled substances and require toxicology testing; supporters said it would provide transparency about the causes of gun violence, while opponents argued it duplicated existing law, was overbroad, and raised privacy concerns. AB 1281, also by DeMaio, would increase penalties for hit-and-run cases involving death or serious injury; supporters framed it as a response to a fatal case in the author’s district, while opponents said current law already provides strong penalties and the bill would remove judicial flexibility. Both bills drew no formal support beyond the author and were opposed by public defenders, civil liberties groups, and other advocates. AB 292 by Assemblymember Patterson, as amended, would increase punishment for repeat felony domestic violence offenders, including higher prison terms and a longer mandatory jail minimum for probationers with prior domestic violence convictions. The author and a survivor witness argued that early release can endanger victims and children, and the California State Sheriffs’ Association and California District Attorneys Association supported the measure. Opponents, including public defenders and advocacy groups, said existing law already escalates penalties, warned the bill could sweep too broadly or reduce flexibility, and urged more prevention-oriented responses. After discussion, the committee approved AB 292 as amended and sent it to Appropriations. AB 767 by Assemblymember Alanis would clarify that private and home-based schools, as well as daycare facilities, are covered by existing restrictions on conditional release placements for sexually violent predators. Supporters said the bill would better protect children and resolve inconsistent court interpretations, while opponents argued it could effectively bar placement in large parts of the state and undermine rehabilitation and due process. The committee passed AB 767 to Appropriations. The committee also approved the consent item AB 277. AB 1092, a vote-only reconsideration item from the prior year, was brought up without the author present and was defeated. Final reported outcomes were: AB 256 failed, AB 277 passed, AB 292 passed, AB 767 passed, AB 1281 failed, and AB 1092 failed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Procurement authority, no spending authority. That where we require them to, um, To file a PFS.
• Sports Authority.
• by, um, a member of the Harris County Houston Sports Authority.
• And authorize him to negotiate that.
• Commissioner Schmidt moves to, uh, uh, extend the contract and authorize, uh, authorize, uh, the executive

Transcript Highlights:

• Within the environmental silo, this includes reductions in excess federal budget authority and reduction
• The first issue provides for 14 FTEs and a total of $3.3 million in trust fund authority for two new
• The first issue provides for 14 FTEs and a total of $3.3 million in trust fund authority for two new
• Currently, the state has 29 fiscally constrained counties. And 2024.
• Currently, the state has 29 fiscally constrained counties.

Summary: The committee convened with a quorum, welcomed new member Senator Ralph Massullo, and first took up confirmation of five appointees to water management district and basin board positions. Senator McLean moved favorable confirmation of Ted Everett, Jerome Pate, Michael Romano, Paul Bissfam, John Hall, and Virginia Johns, and the motion passed by roll call. The main agenda item was the Governor’s Florida First budget presentation for the environmental agencies. Kim Kramer and DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert outlined proposed environmental funding of about $5.8 billion, including more than $1.4 billion for water resources, $810 million for Everglades restoration, $408 million for water quality, $202 million for Resilient Florida, $75 million for beach renourishment, $150 million for Florida Forever, $70 million for state park infrastructure, and $221 million for hazardous waste cleanup. They also highlighted proposed funding for FWC operations, manatee care, python removal, oyster reef restoration, forestry and wildfire equipment, and citrus research and disease response. Members asked about Florida Forever funding, state park wastewater and septic needs, a cut to the Florida Wildlife Research Institute, and how beach renourishment is handled after storms. The committee then heard the general government budget presentation. Agencies highlighted included DBPR, Gaming Control, the Lottery, DMS, PERC, DFS, OIR, and Revenue. DBPR discussed funding for license processing, an animal abuse hotline, vehicle replacement, and IT recruitment; Gaming Control requested new law enforcement squads and a licensing/enforcement IT system; the Lottery emphasized marketing, retail engagement, IT, and retention funding; DMS proposed building, fleet, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and local government grant investments; PERC described workload growth after SB 256 and requested staffing, operations, and pay increases; OIR sought more staff for consumer protection and market oversight plus building renovations; DFS highlighted My Safe Florida Home funding, fire marshal and first responder support, financial investigations, and gold and silver legal tender implementation; and Revenue requested operational, IT, and fiscally constrained county funding. Members questioned DBPR about unfunded HOA fraud and condo transparency items, DMS about cybersecurity grants, and DFS about My Safe Florida Home funding levels, abandoned grants, and reduced program uptake. No further action was taken, and the committee adjourned without additional votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> punishable by a fine authorized punishable by a fine authorized uh<00:02:28.800><c> by</c><00:02
• </c> authorized otherwise. authorized otherwise. except<00:02:33.440><c> as</c><00:02:33.680><c> provided
• </c><00:02:59.200><c> by</c> punishable by a fine authorized by punishable by a fine authorized by statute
• I'm the Laram County District Attorney and I am appearing here on behalf of the Wyoming County and Prosecuting
• and Prosecuting Attorneys Wyoming County and Prosecuting Attorneys Association.

Bills: SF0009

Keywords: fentanyl, controlled substances, minors, drug distribution, enhanced penalties, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In Minnesota State Statute, broadly, anywhere where you become a port authority, you do have taxing authority
• Uh the Minnesota port authority.
• ,</c><00:02:40.760><c> you</c> where you become a port authority, you where you become a port authority
• </c> uh do have taxing authority. uh do have taxing authority.
• </c> the author? the author?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• of a county.
• </c><00:04:18.160><c> representatives</c> available to authorized representatives available to authorized
• Uh then section of a county.
• Section 10 authorizes a systems.
• authorizers authorizers review.<00:14:08.880><c> Section</c><00:14:09.279><c> 8</c><00:14:10.240><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Of the 40,018 currently authorized positions, the total change— Of the 40,018 currently authorized positions
• But at the same time, I know that the board has the authority, and I will execute their authority to
• I know that the Association of Counties does a report on how much it actually costs the counties, but
• counties that have been late on sending back their invoices.
• So there's an increase of about $43 million there from fiscal year 26 authorized.

Summary: The committee first considered revisions to the JBC rules, which staff said were all prompted by acts passed in the 2025 legislative session. The rules were adopted without objection. Members then received a balanced budget presentation from DFA Secretary Jim Hudson on the governor’s FY27 proposal, which he said was built around three priorities: limiting state government growth, continuing investments in education, and advancing income tax cuts. He highlighted major additions for education funding, EFA growth, pay plan costs, higher education productivity funding, drug task forces, corrections medical costs, the governor’s 1033 initiative, SNAP error-rate reduction, and Medicaid sustainability, while also explaining a new A/B funding category structure intended to prioritize recurring costs and preserve room for tax cuts. Members questioned Hudson about the cost of income tax reductions, the constitutional balanced-budget requirement, education funding, the Educational Adequacy Fund, Medicaid trust fund balances, and the impact of federal changes on Medicaid and SNAP. Hudson said each tenth of a percent income tax cut would cost about $58 million, the budget remained balanced, public education would still receive historic increases, and the Medicaid trust fund would be monitored closely with additional set-asides proposed. He also said the FY27 SNAP administrative cost increase would be about $18 million. The committee then heard from the Division of Higher Education, which reported institutions were 2.61% more productive overall and that the budget recommendation followed the statutory productivity formula. Questions focused on why some institutions were receiving decreases or large increases, how the formula works, and how the new return-on-investment metric and committee composition would affect future funding. The committee approved several higher education-related actions, including personnel changes for nine institutions and special language for North Arkansas College’s move into the University of Arkansas system. Staff then walked members through the higher education appropriation summary, explaining large percentage increases at several institutions were tied to federal funds or corrected carry-forward issues, including the U of A School of Mathematical, Sciences and the Arts, South Arkansas College, SAU Tech, ASU Mountain Home, and ASU Newport. Members also discussed UAPB’s 1890 extension program and the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s land-grant matching funds; officials said UAPB’s recommendation was being aligned with actual spending and that the Division of Agriculture’s Smith-Lever and Hatch matches were included within its overall appropriation. The committee ultimately adopted the Higher Education Coordinating Board’s recommendations for all institutions and then moved on to the Department of Corrections section, with the chair outlining how the committee would proceed through those appropriations by section.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also applies to the county of St. Louis and the county of St.
• And Madison County, similar to my county, is very small, very, very limited in tax revenue.
• Well, the mine operators would, but I'm talking about the county specifically, because the county is
• Louis County, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Louis County, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Boldon for authoring the appropriation for this year.
• Suburban and county governments are just not well enough equipped for ending homelessness.
• Waivers for housing are usually closed in Dakota County.
• Port moves the A1 authors amendment. All those in favor say aye; those opposed?
• I don't know if the author maybe remembers a bit more what happened in that committee.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Arizona Commerce Authority, Pinal County, and the town continue to receive significant interest in
• I'm the Cochise County Superintendent of Schools for Cochise County.
• , Mohave County.
• It's available to counties, cities, and towns, not just counties.
• About 9.4 of that went to counties. It's available to county, cities, and towns, not just counties.

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2615, as amended by a strike-everything amendment creating an Independent Oversight Committee on the Department of Child Safety with 15 members, authority to review DCS data and practices, request briefings and audits, conduct site visits, and receive confidential complaints, with a $2.2 million FY 2027 appropriation. The sponsor and several parents and foster/adoptive caregivers testified in support, describing child safety failures and arguing for independent accountability, while some members questioned whether the Ombudsman’s office was the right home for the committee and suggested other oversight structures. The amendment was adopted, but the bill itself failed on a 5-5 vote. House Bill 2620, which would appropriate $300,000 annually from FY 2027 through FY 2031 to the Arizona Department of Veterans Services for grants to emergency shelters serving veterans, received strong support from the sponsor and shelter advocates who said the funding would help move homeless veterans toward stable housing and connect them with VA services. Members emphasized veterans’ service and the need for trauma-informed case management, and the bill passed with a 10-0 do-pass recommendation. House Bill 2321, requiring DCS to place and later remove a credit freeze for children in care to prevent identity theft, also passed unanimously after the sponsor and members discussed the administrative process and protections for foster youth. The committee then considered House Bill 2601, directing ADOT to seek federal segmentation for the Interstate 11 project between Casa Grande and Wickenburg so environmental review could proceed separately from litigation affecting the southern portion. Supporters framed the bill as a bipartisan way to keep the project moving, while opponents from environmental groups and several members argued it would encourage sprawl, harm desert habitat, and add cost and delay; the bill passed 6-4. House Bill 2992, a pilot program for child sexual abuse and grooming awareness education in six public schools, drew testimony from a trafficking survivor and others who supported prevention efforts, but some members argued the topic should be handled through broader sex education or parent education; it passed 6-4. Later bills also advanced: HB 2156, appropriating $250,000 to the Livestock Compensation Fund, passed 7-3; HB 2165, exempting certain veterans and National Guard members from state park admission fees, passed 6-4 after amendment narrowing the exemption; HB 2960, creating a veterans specialty court grant program and related data-sharing requirements, passed 8-0; HB 2014, directing studies on gasoline blends and fuel feasibility amid EPA waiver concerns, passed 6-2; and HB 2957, preserving non-Real ID licenses and limiting biometric/data retention with a Kavanaugh amendment, passed 5-4-1.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> We'll go to the bill uh bill author, We'll go to the bill uh bill author, co-chair<00:15:35.199
• Um, as the author of the original author of local affordable housing aid and state affordable housing
• Um, as the author of the original author of local affordable housing aid and state affordable housing
• Um, as the author of the original author of local affordable housing aid and state affordable housing
• They're going to be one county.

Bills: HF1141

Keywords: housing, finance, affordable housing, infrastructure bonds, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, supportive housing, homeless prevention, elderly assistance, community development, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And manage county jails.
• Jurisdiction: sheriffs have the authority throughout their county, particularly in unincorporated areas
• within a county has no valid basis in the text. ...and federal law enforcement authorities within a
• All 15 counties protect us. And we love our sheriffs. All 15 counties protect us.
• In Maricopa County.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, guest introductions, and a proclamation recognizing March as International Women’s Celebration Month. Members also welcomed guests from several school districts and the Arizona FFA. The chamber then moved through first readings of numerous Senate bills and took up several motions, including reconsideration of HB 2169 and referral of HB 210 and HB 2103 to an additional Committee of the Whole for further amendment. In Committee of the Whole, the House advanced HB 2100 and HB 2103 with technical amendments and due-pass recommendations. It then considered a series of bills on Calendar 2, including HB 2048, HB 2364, HB 2415, HB 2775, HB 2833, HB 2862, HB 2870, HB 2995, and HB 4067. Debate centered on election administration, sovereignty and international organizations, private school regulation, law enforcement face coverings, domestic violence and coercive control, and voter roll categories. HB 2862 drew the most procedural attention, with a division vote on a substitute amendment; the House rejected a motion to replace the adopted amendment, and the report was later adopted. On Calendar 3, the House considered education bills. HB 2093, which repeals the requirement for K-12 health education to include mental health instruction, prompted extensive debate over student suicide prevention, school counseling, parental responsibility, and whether schools should provide mental health support; it received a due-pass recommendation by a 27-22 division vote. The House also advanced HB 2313, which was described as responding to a Tucson Unified School District work stoppage tied to a political protest, and HB 2423, HB 2478, and other education measures after amendments and, in one case, withdrawal of an appropriations amendment. The session continued into HB 2830 as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• a data center preference in Pierce, King, and Snohomish counties.
• I serve as the CEO of the Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority.
• Data centers have helped diversify the economy in Chelan and Douglas counties.
• I live in Okanogan County, and I'm the state director of the Sierra Club.
• Grant County, over since 2025, has seen a 131% increase in its tax revenue for the city and county.

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on Senate Bill 5941, which would exempt certain school districts from a Washington State Energy Code requirement for onsite renewable energy systems on large new commercial buildings or additions. The committee adopted Senator Short’s amendment narrowing the eligible school district definition from 1,000 or fewer students to 500 or fewer students, then approved the bill as amended and sent it to the Rules Committee with a do pass recommendation. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6171, a proposed substitute addressing emerging large energy use facilities, primarily data centers. Staff explained that the bill would require utilities serving such facilities to adopt tariffs or policies to protect other ratepayers, require long-term contracts and full cost recovery, allow curtailment during emergencies, add reporting and sustainability requirements, create a fee to fund energy assistance, weatherization, and higher education programs, and impose new clean energy and labor-related requirements. The prime sponsor said the bill is intended to protect affordability, reliability, transparency, and the public interest as data center demand grows. Testimony was mixed. Supporters, including community action groups, environmental organizations, some utilities, Ecology, and student representatives, argued the bill would prevent cost shifting, improve transparency, support low-income energy assistance, and help manage grid and climate impacts. Opponents, including data center representatives, public utility district and business groups, and some local government and port officials, said the bill was too prescriptive, could raise costs, threaten competitiveness, duplicate existing utility practices, and interfere with existing CCA/CETA provisions and local flexibility. No vote was taken on SB 6171 during the hearing, and the meeting adjourned after public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• He is from a small town in northeast Oklahoma named Merrimack, Oklahoma, in Pawnee County.
• He is from a small town in northeast Oklahoma named Merrimack, Oklahoma, in Pawnee County.
• This deal, what this bill does is it authorizes the sale of unpasteurized raw milk.
• Yes, that is House District 57, Custer County.
• Next on the list is Senate Bill 722, but before the author explains his bill.

Bills: SB1346, SB1509, SB1928, SB2028, SB2071, SB2110, SB2117, SB2127, SB2134, SB722, SB3

Keywords: water infrastructure, wastewater, investment program, loans, local government, SB1509, groundwater, water wells, well spacing, water rights, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, OWRB, basin, subbasin, maximum annual yield, aquifer management, water allocation, water permits, temporary permits, irrigation

Transcript Highlights:

• So at one time, 13 cities in one county had this as an ordinance, and Ada County rescinded theirs after
• Ada County rescinded theirs after trouble just this last December.
• Every city or county in this state possesses only the authority that the state delegates to them.
• That accounts for Ada, Boise, Canyon, Gem, and Owyhee counties.
• That accounts for Ada, Boise, Canyon, Gem, and Owyhee counties.

Summary: The House convened with 64 members present, approved the previous journal, and received Senate Concurrent Resolutions 117, 118, and 119 for first reading and committee referral. Standing committee reports moved several measures forward, including House Bills 500, 533, 555, 551, and 526, House Joint Resolution 7, and House Joint Memorial 11, while a number of newly introduced bills were read and referred, including bills on environmental cleanup and hazardous waste provisions, property tax administration, emergency response programs in schools, city annexation, IT services, campaign finance, and digital content funding. The main floor debate centered on House Bill 557, which would preempt local ordinances imposing anti-discrimination requirements beyond state law. Supporters argued it would create statewide uniformity, protect religious freedom, and prevent local ordinances from creating litigation or conflicts over business and private-space access. Opponents argued it was an overreach that would weaken local control, ignore the ability of cities to address local concerns, and send a hostile message to LGBTQ residents and businesses. The debate included references to the Sandpoint YMCA situation, the Hitching Post case, and broader arguments about state versus local authority. House Bill 557 passed the House on a roll call vote of 53 ayes, 16 nays, and one absent excused, with the title approved and the bill transmitted to the Senate. The House also unanimously held House Joint Memorial 12 and House Concurrent Resolution 5 on the third reading calendar for one legislative day, then moved to announcements and adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026.