Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to that, we establish specific specialty codes so we can see how the dollars are being tracked
• We call the specialty codes to be able to identify so we can see how the dollars are being tracked, to
• project. it's going for the intended purpose and we actually report out on the projects by project code
• And then we worked to make sure that we had transportation so that wherever those children were assessed
• They struggle with transportation, they struggle with housing, they struggle with the ability to follow

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee held a panel discussion on Florida’s mental health and substance abuse system, with representatives from DCF, AHCA, two managing entities, and two providers describing how the state’s behavioral health network is funded and operated. Members focused on the implementation of prior legislative investments, especially the $50 million in recurring funding from Representative Maney’s bill and the earlier $126 million community behavioral health appropriation. Witnesses said the newer funds were used mainly for crisis beds, discharge planning, outpatient services, regional collaboratives, and a USF Marchman Act report, while the larger behavioral health appropriation supported CAT, FACT, FIT, forensic teams, residential and outpatient services, and crisis care, with most dollars going directly to services and only a small share to administration. A major theme was access to crisis care and the role of mobile response teams, 988, and central receiving facilities in diverting people from Baker Act admissions and reducing readmissions. DCF and providers said mobile response teams have expanded, are being used to de-escalate crises and connect people to care, and have shown strong diversion results and reductions in Baker Acts in some regions. Members also asked about waitlists, children in crisis, and how to handle people without housing or support; providers said discharge planning is individualized but often constrained by homelessness, transportation, and a lack of safe placements, and several witnesses identified housing as one of the biggest barriers to recovery and stability. The committee also examined provider sustainability, reimbursement, and funding gaps. Witnesses described delays caused by contract timing, cost allocation rules, and Medicaid reimbursement rates that do not always keep pace with labor and operating costs, especially for smaller providers and rural networks. DCF and AHCA said managing entities can provide advances, retroactive rate adjustments, and technical assistance, and that Medicaid managed care plans have network standards and complaint/dispute processes. Members raised concerns about a reported $7 million loss in federal non-sustainable funds, provider closures, and whether there is a formal ombudsman process for disputes; DCF said the federal reductions were known and tied to one-time funds, and that the department generally handles provider issues informally while working with managing entities to preserve continuity of care.

Transcript Highlights:

• That machinery and... ...and compressed natural gas as a transportation fuel.
• It was listed on the yellow section.
• That will be in the green section for the natural gas for transportation.
• The green section for the natural gas for transportation. Andy Knopfsinger Meadows. Scott Edwards.
• Section of the combined Commissioner comments. Andy Noffsinger-Meadows. Aye. Dr. Grant Forsyth.

Committee: Joint Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences

Summary: The Citizens Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on October 22, 2025, approved the September 22, 2025 meeting minutes, and reviewed a draft 2026 meeting schedule. The commission informally settled on four 2026 meeting dates: May 6, August 4, September 15, and October 20, with no vote required. One commissioner noted a possible travel conflict for the August meeting, but the schedule was accepted as planned. The bulk of the meeting focused on adopting commissioner comments and recommendations for tax preference reviews. Commissioners discussed and refined language on several items, including liquefied natural gas preferences, natural gas for transportation, energy sales to silicon smelters, nonprofit low-income housing development, veterans’ housing adaptations, and other preferences. Commissioner Forsyth recused himself from the natural gas for transportation and silicon smelter items, and the commission handled those separately. Staff clarified several technical questions about reporting requirements, the rationale for recommendations, and how to reconcile differing comments. The commission ultimately adopted the recommendations in multiple grouped votes, with unanimous approval on each vote. The commission also addressed a yellow-item recommendation related to reporting burden and another item concerning whether a preference is exempt from automatic expiration or subject to review. After discussion, the commission adopted revised consensus language for those items as well. No members of the public appeared to testify in person, and the chair reminded the public that written testimony could still be submitted by email or mail. The meeting concluded with thanks to staff and commissioners, and the next meeting was set for May 6, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this part of code just governed that actual group.
• I thought you were talking about the Payette section of code.
• of code that Representative Scott's bill...
• But I believe it's the same section of code that Representative Scott's bill repeals that would be repealed
• Again, back to this section, right, the end of page one, section two, A and B.

Committee: House Environment, Energy and Technology

Transcript Highlights:

• at the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
• Department of Transportation.
• Of course, our transportation network is not just roads.
• Of course, our transportation network is not just roads.
• This bill requires any bonds that are issued pursuant to Section 2A or Section 2B, the G.O., unless the

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets

Summary: The Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets held a public hearing on H. 5279, a transportation bond bill financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges. MassDOT and A&F testified in support, describing the bill as a major transportation investment package centered on a $300 million annual Chapter 90 local aid program, with $200 million distributed by the traditional formula and $100 million by lane miles to better support rural communities. They also outlined funding for MBTA rail reliability and modernization, transportation projects that support housing production, a new DCR parkway resilience and safety program, and reauthorizations of existing highway and municipal grant programs such as the Municipal Pavement Program and Shared Streets and Spaces. Witnesses said the bill would help address aging infrastructure, improve safety and resilience, support housing development, and leverage Fair Share surtax revenue through the Commonwealth Transportation Fund. They explained that some authorizations are structured to allow the state to issue special obligation bonds, and clarified that the bill authorizes the full spending amount for federally aided projects even though the state only borrows the 20 percent match, with the federal government reimbursing the rest. Committee members asked about bridge repair needs, the size of the backlog, how housing-related transportation funds would be allocated, MBTA vehicle procurement, and whether rural communities would have fair access to the new funding streams. Several members praised the administration’s financing approach but urged future Chapter 90 increases to keep pace with inflation and requested more attention to rural municipal capacity and bridge safety needs. The Massachusetts Municipal Association also testified in strong support, emphasizing that Chapter 90 is the most important tool for cities and towns to maintain local roads and bridges and urging prompt passage before construction season. No votes were taken; after testimony concluded, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• really liken housing to a type of infrastructure in the state, the way you might think about transportation
• </c> It might have been the transportation It might have been the transportation bill,<00:19:30.200><
• We had transportation, we got a new tax. We had a payroll tax increase.
• If we're not looking at some of the easier fixes that I think are building codes.
• If we're not looking at some of the easier fixes that I think are building codes.

Bills: HF3279 , HF1879 , HF1417 , HF2462

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: housing, sales tax, homeownership, rent assistance, community stability, education, counseling, financial assistance, housing development, culturally appropriate services, HF1417, manufactured home parks, manufactured housing, mobile home parks, housing development fund, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, MHFA, infrastructure grants, infrastructure loans, affordable housing

Transcript Highlights:

• the Senate Budget Subcommittee Number 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation
• We will now move to the third section of Part B.
• We'll now move to the third and final section, which is transportation.
• The issues under the transportation section are 3, 4, 6 through 11, 16 through 19, 21, 23, 27 through
• Our final section in Part C of transportation will cover three issues: 5, 22, and 53. 33.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation met with a quorum present and took up a vote-only agenda on a large set of budget issues across corrections, public safety, judiciary, labor, and transportation. One public commenter, Edward Hasbrook of the Identity Project, opposed the DMV state-to-state Real ID proposal, arguing that uploading driver data to the AMVA/Spex database would expose Californians’ information to federal and out-of-state access and should be removed from the budget for fuller consideration. The committee then voted on multiple grouped items in Part A, Part B, and Part C, generally adopting staff recommendations. Most votes passed with either unanimous support or two-to-one margins, with Senator Seyarto occasionally voting no or not voting. The actions were described as reflecting the Senate’s budget plan and were intended to be folded into the broader budget agreement. In closing comments, the chair and members highlighted several issues they want to continue pursuing in negotiations, including privacy and security concerns with the Real ID state-to-state system, rehabilitation and reentry programming, workforce training, and expansion of the Wildfire Mitigation Grant Program. Senator DeRazzo also emphasized support for justice-system programs, public defenders, trauma recovery centers, and workforce initiatives, while Senator Seyarto stressed transportation funding, court capacity for Prop. 36 implementation, and broader workforce and business development. The chair thanked public participants, staff, consultants, sergeants, and the Department of Finance and LAO, and the subcommittee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• and through the sections, the articles and sections<00:03:34.879><c> of</c><00:03:35.120><c> the</c>
• transportation?
• </c> transportation? Sure. transportation? Sure.
• schools for transportation.
• But it's also my understanding that the transportation provision has been upheld in court. 13, section

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides the State Transportation Commission with the authority to issue up to $1.5 billion in transportation
• It left House Transportation with some...
• As the former Chair of Transportation, Mr.
• Our Transportation Commissioner is Ms.
• It's currently a heaving concrete section.

Transcript Highlights:

• , a state on a 2021 code, and counties on the 2018 code.
• , a state on a 2021 code, and counties on the 2018 code.
• , a state on a 2021 code, and counties on the 2018 code.
• , a state on a 2021 code, and counties on the 2018 code.
• </c><00:08:43.680><c> and</c> a 2024 code a state on 2021 code and a 2024 code a state on 2021 code and

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard several bills on building codes, taxation, police reports, National Guard benefits, and discriminatory reporting. SB 48 would have required the State Building Code Council to assess financial impacts of code adoption on homes and include utility costs; testimony was mixed, but the bill drew concerns about housing costs and code timing. SB 120 would have changed the State Building Code Council’s responsibilities and code adoption process; the International Code Council and Sierra Club opposed it, while BIA Hawaii and others supported it, arguing current code cycles raise costs and counties need more flexibility. The committee later noted that county building departments had not submitted testimony on SB 48 or SB 120. SB 138 would create a nonrefundable income tax credit for hurricane-resistant safe rooms. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation raised concerns about blank provisions and revenue uncertainty, while Hawaii Emergency Management stood on written comments. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including a clarifying tax language change and an effective date of July 1, 2077. SB 112 would allow immediate family members of deceased persons to receive police closing reports after a set period; the Attorney General and prosecuting attorney supported access in principle but requested explicit redaction authority for minors and confidential personal information. The committee adopted amendments reflecting those concerns and passed the bill. SB 88 would authorize allowances for TRICARE, dental, and vision coverage for Hawaii National Guard personnel ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. It received support from National Guard and Department of Defense representatives and was passed as is. SB 16 would create civil remedies for discriminatory reporting to law enforcement based on protected characteristics and require public guidance from the Department of Law Enforcement and Civil Rights Commission; it received support from the department and several advocates, with one opposition testimony. The committee passed SB 16 with an amended effective date and technical changes. In final action, the committee deferred SB 48 and SB 120, and adopted the chair’s recommendations on the remaining measures before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the two sections, one titled Washington State Legislative Ethics Compliance and one titled Lobbying
• o'clock in the morning trying to cut and paste why kids in certain school districts and certain zip codes
• also are... ...also are food deserts, and there's no good transportation, and that it seems like a very
• through the state, foundations, and nonprofits and really understand how housing, health care, transportation
• what I wanted to do was actually expand my dashboard to be much more inclusive of the different zip codes

Summary: The hearing resumed on day two of the Legislative Ethics Board fact-finding matter involving Representative Tara Simmons. After opening remarks and confirmation that board members had not engaged in outside research or ex parte communications, Simmons’s counsel moved to dismiss two allegations at the close of the board staff’s case: that Simmons pressured the Administrative Office of the Courts to alter a contract in favor of her employer, and that she improperly combined a legislative proviso for AEJG with a personal donation to the organization. Board staff opposed the motion, arguing the evidence showed Simmons’s legislative and private conduct were intertwined and that the board had enough evidence to require a defense. After deliberation, the board denied the motion to dismiss and proceeded to hear defense testimony. The first defense witness, Sharon Navas, testified that she met Simmons through advocacy work, later hired her at the Equity and Education Coalition (EEC), and maintained written employment policies intended to separate Simmons’s legislative role from her work for EEC. Navas said Simmons was never compensated for lobbying or legislative acts, that EEC paid her from unrestricted funds, and that Simmons did not work on the AEJG dashboard project or participate in the contract dispute with Anthony Powers and Chris Stanley. Navas described the proviso request and later contract issues as separate from Simmons’s legislative duties, and said she continued to pay invoices while the project was being completed. Simmons then testified about her background, legislative career, disability accommodations, and extensive efforts to seek ethics advice before taking outside employment or pursuing provisos. She said she repeatedly consulted House ethics counsel and reviewed prior board decisions to ensure her outside work and legislative actions were separated. Simmons described her relationship with Anthony Powers, the dashboard project, the proviso process, and her understanding that the work was distinct from her legislative role. The hearing paused for lunch after part of Simmons’s direct examination, with testimony set to continue after the break.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today is Monday, April 13th, and this is a hearing of the House Transportation Committee.
• you what, we're going to go ahead out of respect for Madam Secretary making her first trip to Transportation
• Chairman, members, House Bill 655 by Representative Brough authorizes the Department of Transportation
• Transportation and Development. Thank you, Ms. Champagne. So, Mr.
• Department of Transportation published a report of the top 150 ports in the nation.

Bills: HB345 , HB502 , HB511 , HB655 , HB667 , HB713 , HB714 , HB730 , HB743 , HB777 , HB803 , HB836 , HB871 , HB1037 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1175

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Summary: The committee heard several transportation and aviation measures. HB 1175, by Rep. Turner, updated aeronautics-related definitions and was reported favorably without objection. HB 655, by Rep. Brough, authorized DOTD to use cost-plus contracts for operation and maintenance of state ferry systems, with Secretary Glenn LaDay explaining it was intended to give DOTD flexibility for possible privatization or contracting of ferries such as Cameron; it was also reported favorably. HB 1037, by Chairman Borek, shifted certain DOTD operational responsibilities to a chief operating officer and was reported favorably, and HB 1174, also by Chairman Borek, recreated DOTD and was reported favorably as a cleanup measure. HB 714 and HB 502 were voluntarily deferred. The committee then considered several port-related bills. HB 871, by Rep. Carver, would have added two St. Tammany Parish appointees to the Port of New Orleans board, but the author asked to voluntarily defer it, saying the timing was premature given ongoing work on the Louisiana International Terminal and related access projects. HB 345, by Rep. McMakin, expanded the Rail Infrastructure Improvement Program to include rail infrastructure at ports and was reported favorably. HB 713, by Rep. McCormick, would cap the Caddo-Bossier Port executive director’s compensation at the statewide average of the top ten port directors; after extensive debate and testimony from the port, the Port Association, and Caddo Parish opposing the bill, the committee voted 12-1 to involuntarily defer it. HB 667, also by Rep. McCormick, would change Caddo-Bossier Port commissioners from appointed to elected; witnesses argued it would politicize the board, create election costs, and conflict with the port’s current structure, and the committee again voted 12-1 to involuntarily defer the bill. The committee also advanced local infrastructure and flood-protection measures. HB 743, by Rep. St. Blanc, creating the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport District in St. Mary Parish, was reported favorably after testimony that the district would help the parish manage the airport as an economic development asset. HB 836, by Rep. Hilferty, would reconfirm members of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East by Senate confirmation; after concerns that the original August 1 date could interfere with hurricane-season operations, the committee adopted an amendment moving the reconfirmation date to December 1, 2026, and then reported the bill favorably by substitute. Finally, HB 730, by Rep. Cruz, was presented to prohibit the use of ADS-B aircraft tracking data to assess taxes or fees on aircraft owners, with an amendment narrowing the bill to smaller aircraft; the discussion continued into questions about enforcement and exemptions for carrier airports.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today is Monday, April 13th, and this is a hearing of the House Transportation Committee.
• Chairman, members, House Bill 655 by Representative Brough authorizes the Department of Transportation
• Transportation and Development. Thank you, Ms. Champagne. So, Mr.
• Department of Transportation published a report of the top 150 ports in the nation.
• Usually it sends you a code, I believe. I think I've done that before.

Summary: The committee first heard and favorably reported House Bill 1175, which updates aeronautics-related definitions to make Louisiana more attractive to the aviation industry. It then approved House Bill 655, giving DOTD clearer authority to contract for operation and maintenance of state ferry systems on a cost-plus basis, with testimony focused on flexibility for the Cameron Ferry and other state-run ferries. House Bill 1037, which reorganizes certain DOTD operations by shifting duties to a chief operating officer and extending work on a unified permitting platform, was also reported favorably, as was House Bill 1174, which recreates the Department of Transportation and Development on a revised cycle. House Bill 714 was voluntarily deferred. The committee next took up several port-related measures. House Bill 871, which would have added two St. Tammany appointees to the Port of New Orleans board, was voluntarily deferred after the author said the timing was premature given ongoing work on the LIT project and regional trade zone issues. House Bill 345, expanding the Rail Infrastructure Improvement Program to include rail infrastructure at ports, was reported favorably. House Bill 713, which would cap the Caddo-Bossier Port executive director’s compensation at the statewide average of the top ten port directors, drew extensive testimony for and against; supporters argued the salary was excessive and the port needed accountability, while opponents said ports are different from one another, the local appointing authorities already oversee the board, and the bill could hurt recruitment. The committee voted 12-1 to involuntarily defer HB 713. House Bill 667, which would change the Caddo-Bossier Port Commission from appointed to elected members, also drew strong opposition over cost, voter confusion, and loss of local appointing authority, and it too was involuntarily deferred by a 12-1 vote. The committee then favorably reported House Bill 743, creating the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport District in St. Mary Parish, after testimony that the airport should be managed as a dedicated economic development asset. House Bill 836, which would reconfirm members of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East, was amended to move the reconfirmation date from August 1, 2026, to December 1, 2026, to avoid disrupting hurricane-season operations, and was reported favorably by substitute. Finally, House Bill 730, concerning the use of ADS-B aircraft tracking data, was discussed with an amendment limiting the bill’s application to smaller aircraft; the measure was presented as a privacy and safety bill to prevent assessors or others from using ADS-B data to impose fees or taxes on aircraft owners.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:08:59.880><c> shall</c> Department of Transportation shall Department of Transportation shall
• Transportation Transportation everything<02:08:27.559><c> one</c><02:08:27.679><c> more</c><02:08:27.920
• Transportation has changed. We see it.
• Transportation has changed. We see it.
• Transportation has changed. We see it.

Summary: The Public Works and Highways Committee heard testimony on House Bill 375, which would allow municipalities to designate certain road segments for ATV travel, create maps and signage for those routes, set seasonal limits, and require certain equipment on ATVs such as lights, a horn, flashers, and directional signals. The sponsor, Rep. Dan Maguire, said the bill is intended to support tourism and give towns a structured, optional way to permit ATV use on roads, not to override existing uses. Members asked about possible overlap with agricultural vehicle rules, golf carts, speed limits, and whether the bill could allow ATV use on busier roads or expressways; the sponsor said he did not intend to interfere with existing lawful uses and believed golf carts would only be included if they met the relevant statutory requirements. NHDOT State Maintenance Engineer Alan Hennessy said the department had concerns with language exempting municipalities and the Bureau of Trails from the permitting process, arguing that the existing permit system provides needed review, public notice, and signage requirements. He also raised questions about road funding and maintenance if ATVs were allowed on state highways. Fish and Game Captain Michael Eastman testified that his commission opposed the bill as written, citing concerns about the ATV definition, the distinction between ATVs, UTVs, and other OHRVs, and the potential impact on state highways and road maintenance. He said towns can already open roads to OHRV use under existing law, and he noted that accident data for road use would generally be handled by local police or State Police rather than Fish and Game. Craig Reny, chief of the Bureau of Trails, said the current Bureau of Trails/DOT permit process for highway crossings and connectors works well and is used to ensure safety through engineering review. He said his bureau was not taking a position on the bill but wanted to clarify that existing procedures already address many of the issues the bill appears to cover. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then home-to-school transportation, the state changed, the ASES program.
• And then home-to-school transportation, the state changed this model and now allows districts to get
• in how much the state spends, and the idea being that we can increase access to transportation at the
• In transportation, the opportunity to expand your program beyond what your previous allocation was, that
• The home-to-school transportation plans are a little bit shorter, but they also similarly have a lot

Summary: The joint hearing focused on coherence in California’s education planning and reporting systems, especially the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and related grant plans. Committee chairs and members described widespread frustration with duplicative, lengthy, and sometimes conflicting reporting requirements, while emphasizing that the goal was not to reduce accountability but to make planning more useful, stable, and student-centered. State Superintendent Tony Thurmond also previewed the Governor’s education budget priorities, including expanded learning, community schools, universal transitional kindergarten, literacy supports, and concerns about the proposed Prop. 98 deferral. Panelists from the State Board of Education, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, and the Legislative Analyst’s Office said the LCAP was intended to balance local flexibility with statewide transparency, but has become overloaded by repeated revisions and additional requirements. They argued for fewer core reporting elements, more stability over time, better alignment of planning cycles, and integrated systems that reduce duplication. Fresno County staff described a multi-year calendar and support tools that help districts manage timelines, but said these tools only ease the burden rather than solve the underlying problem. The LAO noted that some newer plans, such as expanded learning and transportation plans, are narrative-heavy and often less informative than separate reporting requirements. Local district leaders and county officials described the practical effects of the current system: staff time diverted from instruction, multiple portals and forms, audit risk aversion, and planning documents that can exceed 100 pages. Several superintendents said coherent systems work best when districts have clear priorities, stable governance, and aligned budgets, and when state requirements are predictable and tied to outcomes like literacy, attendance, and student achievement. The California Federation of Teachers added that coherence also depends on meaningful collaboration with educators, classified staff, parents, and communities. Committee members repeatedly asked whether the state should streamline reporting, create a uniform portal, or develop a more unified grant-reporting structure, and Thurmond said the department was piloting a simplified common form and was willing to work with the Legislature and districts on broader solutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> explaining it starting with um section explaining it starting with um section one<00:16:47.759><
• Um sub uh section two of the bill 2032.
• Um and section three of the bill 2025.
• </c> I'm sorry in section I'm sorry in section 453.52<01:05:25.440><c> subdivision</c><01:05:26.000><
• </c> resource plan filed under section resource plan filed under section 216B-<01:05:41.039><c> or</c

Bills: HF1833 , HF148 , HF1127 , HF1227 , HF1681 , HF1974 , HF1106 , HF1016 , HF2197

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: sales tax, education funding, construction, Aitkin Public Schools, tax exemption, refundable credit, HF148, use of force training, deadly force, peace officer training, police training, law enforcement, POST Board, Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training, scenario-based training, de-escalation, defensive tactics, force-on-force training, stress management, officer wellness

Transcript Highlights:

• It retains Section 2 and repeals Revised Statute 32:707.2G.
• Section 4 specifies that certain provisions become effective upon signature of the governor.
• Retains Section 2 and repeals revised statute 32707.2G.
• Section 4. January 1st, 2031, whichever is sooner.
• Section 4 specifies that certain provisions become effective upon signature of the governor.

Bills: HR243 , HB939 , SB56 , SB72 , SB129 , SB171 , SB252

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Summary: The committee first adopted Amendment Set 527 without objection, then took up Senate Bill 56 concerning the Lafitte Area Independent Levee District and its possible transfer into the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West. Amendment Set 5327 was adopted to add a compliance officer with specified qualifications, described as a checks-and-balances measure separating that role from the chief of police. Testimony in support emphasized the district’s limited recurring revenues, the need for professional management, and the West Bank authority’s ability to provide administrative and operational support. A witness for affected landowners raised concerns about unpaid takings claims and urged amendments to preserve liability and avoid litigation, but the committee ultimately reported SB 56 favorably with amendments. The committee then received an update from DOTD Secretary Glenn Laude on the department’s transformation initiatives, including outsourcing operations and maintenance, construction process improvements, faster contractor payment times, quicker change-order approvals, and improved project delivery rates. After that, the committee reported favorably Senate Bill 171, which makes cleanup changes to the new water resources authority, and Senate Bill 252, which updates driver’s license organ-donor authorization to record both yes and no choices. Senate Bill 72, dealing with electronic titles and vehicle registration, was amended extensively to modernize OMV processes, support electronic lien and title transactions, and set standards for secure digital titles; it was then reported with amendments. House Bill 939, which would have created a Louisiana New and Used Motor Vehicle Commission, was converted into a substitute bill creating a Louisiana Vehicle Commission and consolidating the existing new and used vehicle commissions. After discussion of implementation, governance, funding, and employee-transition concerns, the committee adopted the substitute amendments and then deferred the bill. Senate Bill 129, creating a Master Combat Infantry Specialty license plate, was amended to add designated state officials for a related special plate request tied to security and parking around the Supreme Court in New Orleans, and it was reported with amendments. Finally, House Resolution 243, as amended, urged safety warning signage on the Tickfaw River after a fatal boating accident; the amendment shifted responsibility from DOTD to surrounding parish governing authorities, and the resolution was reported with amendments before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alice M., Deputy Code Revisor of the Code Revisor's Office. Jen?
• in the code.
• used to be in the code, the sections that were being repealed.
• to one section.
• Section.

Committee: Joint Statute Law Committee

Summary: The Statute Law Committee met on December 10, 2025, with members and staff introducing themselves and approving the June 10, 2025 minutes. The office reported on publications, noting that the 2025 RCW volumes and session laws are available, sales remain generally steady but modestly declining, and selected volumes have been ordered. The committee also heard a presentation from retired Judge Ann Levinson about how decodified or repealed laws are displayed online, using the civil protection order reforms in E2 SHB 1320 as an example. She argued that current disposition-table language can be confusing to the public and suggested clearer cross-references to the new chapter so readers can find the law more easily. Code Reviser staff responded that their office generally avoids editorializing and has limited tools in the current system, but they discussed possible solutions such as “later enactment” language, brief notes directing readers to the new chapter, and clickable links to session laws. Members generally supported making the code more reader-friendly while preserving neutrality, and staff said they would explore options further, including possible updates to the 7.105 RCW dispositions and improved hyperlinks. The committee then received financial and operational updates. Staff reported the office remains fully staffed, is managing its budget conservatively, and expects to revert some funds to the general fund while maintaining a healthy publications fund reserve. They also updated the committee on the move from the modular office back into the rebuilt Pritchard building, expected in late 2026, and on proposed office-hour changes from 8 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, with exceptions for active work, requests from clients, and floor action. The committee also recognized the upcoming retirement of longtime editor Barb Sage and Vice Chair Sam Thompson’s impending departure from the committee, with members expressing appreciation for their service.

Transcript Highlights:

• Maybe that's where I was getting confused because it's section 2 said that section 184506 Idaho Code
• And I want you to know that the, you know, the initial bill, the initial code section, There are a lot
• And I want you to know that the, you know, the initial bill, the initial code section, you to know that
• This bill amends Section, Idaho, Section Idaho Code, Section 18-8303, and 18-8329, in order to better
• This legislation amends Chapter 9, Title 18, Idaho Code, by the addition of a new section to be known

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• Section two, if you flip the page, is the Department of Transportation.
• </c> that's section one of the bill section that's section one of the bill section two<00:40:13.920><
• On page eight, the bottom of the page is section 14. This is the Department of Transportation.
• This is the page is section 14.
• </c> And<00:43:27.280><c> section</c> And section And section 17<00:43:30.480><c> is</c><00:43:30.720

Committee: Senate Capital Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a potpourri of various transportation topics.
• It's a potpourri of various transportation topics.
• and our transportation, our road builders, our transportation project builders, and others. ...and our
• transportation, our road builders, our transportation project builders.
• In section 17, here's how the timeline will go.

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee heard several transportation and infrastructure bills. HB 1239, Energy Infrastructure Investment, would let the Public Service Commission create a mechanism for utilities to recover costs for renewable natural gas infrastructure; supporters said it could diversify energy supply and help agriculture, while members raised concerns about consumer rates and asked whether savings from RIN credits should be passed to customers. The bill drew supportive public testimony and was reported favorably after debate, with members noting the PSC would set costs and that the sponsor was open to further discussion on consumer protections. The committee then took up HB 313, which exempts Purple Heart recipients from paying Florida tolls. With no questions or opposition, it passed unanimously. The committee also considered HB 567, a broad transportation omnibus/strike-all bill covering EV tax revenue for roads, airport and MPO changes, workforce funding, traffic signal modernization, speed limits, and a pilot to streamline airport permitting. A major amendment added utility right-of-way notice, response, and incentive/penalty provisions, and another amendment authorized local governments to set age and ID rules for e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices after testimony about a fatal crash. The bill was reported favorably after extensive debate and public testimony from transportation and utility stakeholders. HB 112, dealing with municipal sewer collection systems, would allow cities to use sewer revenues to expand wastewater infrastructure. Sponsors said it was aimed at helping cities like Hollywood reduce septic use and improve water quality; testimony supported the measure as a way to unlock funding for sewer expansion, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee also approved HB 7009, preserving public records and meeting exemptions for 911 and public safety radio communications systems and expanding them to next-generation 911. Finally, PCS for HB 1397, a large transportation package addressing airport, seaport, spaceport, and workforce issues, was amended and passed 14-1 after questions about federal testing notifications, removal of certain business preference language, and a provision redirecting some transit funds to highway projects if not timely used.