Transcript Highlights:

• And to your statement, Representative Chair Gomez, that there's no proof that $5 per acre will solve
• uh representative chair Gomez statement uh representative chair Gomez that<00:30:51.519><c> there's<
• So I would say that your statement is not the way I see it.
• So I would say that your statement is not the way I see it, and why would it make sense to, conversely
• thank you for bringing this statement thank you for bringing this bill<00:42:03.240><c> to</c><00:42

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a statement. Just a statement. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you.
• I think I asked and made quite a few statements on Friday about my concern on how we got here.
• Lou's statement about... And I appreciate Mr. Senna and Mr.
• Liu's statement about we as a legislature, Mr.
• I just wanted to raise those key questions and make those statements, Mr. Chair.

Bills: SB23 , SB73 , SB210 , SB234 , SB243 , SB244 , SM16

Committee: House House Education

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, driver education, driver's ed, driving school, motorcycle safety, traffic safety, vulnerable road users, pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, cyclist, bike lane, micromobility, scooter, moped, motorcycle training, DWI prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• in that green environmental box, which means we are still in a supplemental environmental impact statement
• Our final supplemental environmental impact statement, that is our next major, major milestone in the
• will be an amended record of decision, and that will complete the supplemental environmental impact statement
• about the updated deadline for just its overall schedule for both the final environmental impact statement
• The final supplemental environmental impact statement is projected in early 2026, and on the heels of

Committee: Joint Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee

Summary: The committee met jointly with the Washington-Oregon Legislative Action Committee for an update on the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement (IBR) program. Members first adopted the proposed committee rules, then received program updates from staff on environmental review, permitting, design, tribal consultation, and public engagement. Staff said the project remains in the supplemental EIS process, with a final supplemental EIS and amended record of decision expected in early 2026, which would allow construction to begin. They also described ongoing work on Coast Guard navigation clearance, Section 106 historic-property coordination, and architectural guidelines for the bridge and five-mile corridor, emphasizing that the visualizations shown were conceptual and that public and partner feedback has already influenced design considerations such as accessibility and shared-use path connections. Members raised concerns about schedule delays, rising costs, and whether the project is being designed to be functional, safe, and economical. Staff acknowledged that the timeline has slipped from earlier expectations and said the delay reflects the complexity of the environmental and federal review process, as well as the need to avoid redoing steps. They said the updated cost estimate is being prepared now that design has advanced to roughly 30 percent, and that it will account for inflation, risk factors, and both fixed-span and movable-span options. Staff estimated a movable span would add more than $400 million and said the first construction work after environmental approval would likely be preliminary freeway and retaining-wall work in late 2026, followed by the bridge procurement. The committee also received funding and tolling updates. Staff reported that major federal grants have been executed, including Mega and Bridge Investment Grant agreements, and that state STIP amendments are advancing to allow access to federal funds. The tolling team described Level 3 traffic-and-revenue work, a bi-state tolling subcommittee process, and possible toll scenarios aimed at supporting either about $1.24 billion or $1.6 billion in toll revenue. Members questioned low-income toll relief timing, truck toll rates, and the effect of tolls on freight users. Staff said low-income discounts are being analyzed for both revenue and operational feasibility, that tribal exemptions and other policy exemptions are under review, and that the commissions expect to move into public outreach on toll rates and policies in 2026, with tolling on the existing bridges currently projected to begin in spring 2027.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam President, unanimous consent to make a brief statement.
• I seek unanimous consent to make a brief statement.
• Does the Senator ask unanimous consent to make a brief statement? Please, Senator Kennedy.
• I request unanimous consent to make a brief statement.
• Everybody's didn't quite requesting a statement.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate considered a series of amendments to a supplemental appropriations bill and related measures, with several adopted and several rejected or withdrawn. Early amendments on equitable approaches to public safety and a Holyoke local account clarification failed, while amendments providing $2.5 million for Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers technical assistance and expanding access to gender-affirming medications and mifepristone were adopted. The chamber also adopted a technical amendment on alternative protein grants, a clarification to ETF modernization, and an energy storage systems amendment. Other proposals on homeowner protections, La Casa funding, emergency contract reform, an energy dashboard, EV charging ratepayer impacts, hate crimes, distressed hospital payments, and task force membership were rejected or withdrawn. A substantial portion of the debate focused on health care, food assistance, and public safety. Senators spoke in support of funding for community health centers, hospital relief, and EBT anti-skimming protections, including $15.5 million for chip-enabled EBT cards and related replacement-benefit support. One amendment to strengthen protections against impersonating federal officers was rejected, while another on professional protections was withdrawn after discussion of ballot address privacy and security concerns. The Senate also adopted amendments to continue prior appropriations for a North Shore food pantry and drought management efforts, and it later approved a sick leave bank for a Department of Mental Health employee. The chamber then took up the fiscal year 2025 fair share supplemental budget conference report, which Ways and Means described as $1.39 billion in spending split between transportation and education, including MBTA improvements, Chapter 90 aid, regional transit authorities, special education circuit breaker reimbursements, higher education deferred maintenance, and career technical education capital grants. After a roll call, the bill passed, with one recorded negative vote. The Senate also adopted a separate Ways and Means amendment and ordered the bill to third reading before final passage. The session ended with adjournment motions and a moment of silence honoring Melissa and Mark Hortman and other victims of political violence, along with a memorial adjournment for firefighter Jeffrey DeSanchez.

Transcript Highlights:

• some testimonials about it from various folks who weren't able to be here today but have submitted statements
• And so I've got statements respectively from each of them, which I'd like to share with you.
• in Iowa just completed a reverse auction, and I would like to just read to you very quickly the statement
• And so I've got statements respectively from each of them, which I'd like to share with you.
• in Iowa just completed a reverse auction, and I would like to just read to you very quickly the statement

Bills: SB511 , SB512 , HB591 , HB909 , HB938 , HB1154 , HB1187

Committee: Senate Insurance

Keywords: automobile repairs, insurance transparency, repair shop liability, non-OEM parts, policyholder rights, automobile insurance, appraisal process, insurance policyholders, dispute resolution, claim valuation, family leave, insurance, paid leave, employment benefits, caregiver support, behavioral health, crisis services, mental health care, insurance coverage, healthcare access

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, and it does make sense to have more mission statements, so to speak, cost more and what those universities
• So that would explain a little bit of how and why those mission statements are so competitive and important
• Well, and it does make sense to have more mission statements, so to speak, cost more and what those universities
• So that would explain a little bit of how and why those mission statements are so competitive and important
• We don't care how many—that's a flippant statement—but we don't care how much we're spending per FTE

Committee: House Joint Committee on Education

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I want to make it clear that you made the statement that for those who are listening, five acres
• In fact, the statement was, 'It's not my job to read them the law.'
• We will now go to witness statements.
• We will now go to witness statements, and we'll start out with those who are here to testify on behalf
• So when you're done, would you please pull a witness statement and fill that out?

Committee: House Special Committee on Tax Reform

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We all had to have a statement of economic interest on file with the Ethics Commission.
• But uh there was a provision in here that we had to prove to the Ethics Director that we had a statement
• Uh, there was a provision in here that we had to prove to the Ethics Director that we had a statement
• Uh, there was a provision in here that we had to prove to the Ethics Director that we had a statement
• Uh, there was a provision in here that we had to prove to the Ethics Director that we had a statement

Bills: HB358 , SB92 , SB194 , SB230 , HB358 , SB92 , SB194 , SB230

Committee: House Ethics and Campaign Finance

Keywords: juvenile justice, detention, age of majority, jurisdiction, child welfare, K-12 education, wireless communication devices, digital safety, social media education, classroom distraction, agriculture authority, eminent domain, property rights, tax exemption, agriculture center, SNAP, nutrition assistance, benefits theft, state reimbursement, food security

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, a budget is a statement.
• A budget is a statement of priorities, fundamentally a statement of priorities.
• It's a statement of priority of our job creators. It's a statement of priority of our job creators.

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard AB 106, an early-action budget bill providing $90 million one-time General Fund to support reproductive health providers affected by the federal H.R. 1 prohibition on Medicaid funding. Department of Finance staff explained that the money would be administered as grants through the Department of Health Care Access and Information because affected providers can no longer bill Medi-Cal during the federal restriction, which lasts through July 4, 2026. Members also discussed why the amount increased from an earlier $60 million estimate, with Finance saying the figure was updated based on additional claims data and provider information. The committee debate focused heavily on the policy implications of the funding. Supporters argued the bill is an emergency response to a targeted federal attack on Planned Parenthood and related family planning services, emphasizing that the funding would backfill non-abortion services such as cancer screenings, contraception, STI testing, mammograms, and prenatal care. Opponents questioned the use of General Fund dollars, the grant structure versus loans for other distressed providers, the Public Records Act exemption, and the bill’s priority compared with rural hospitals, developmental services, public safety, and other budget needs. Finance clarified that the federal funds at issue do not pay for abortion services and that the grant program would be open to eligible providers meeting criteria set by the department. Public testimony was overwhelmingly in support from Planned Parenthood affiliates, Essential Access Health, Western Center on Law and Poverty, the California Medical Association, family physicians, OBGYN groups, and others, while some commenters used the opportunity to raise unrelated budget concerns such as Medi-Cal dental cuts, IHSS, and CalHome funding. After discussion, the committee approved AB 106 on a 12-4 vote and reported it out. The chair also noted that a later hearing would examine broader H.R. 1 impacts in more detail.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, a budget is a statement.
• Now, a budget is a statement of priorities, fundamentally a statement of priorities.
• It's a statement of priority of our job creators. It's a statement of priority of our job creators.

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard AB 106, an early-action budget bill providing $90 million one-time General Fund to support reproductive health providers affected by the federal H.R. 1 Medicaid funding prohibition. Department of Finance staff explained that the money would be administered as grants by the Department of Health Care Access and Information because affected providers can no longer bill Medi-Cal during the federal restriction, which runs through July 4, 2026. The Legislative Analyst’s Office had no additional comments. Members also discussed related budget context, including the broader estimated loss to California providers, the use of grant funding rather than loans, and provisions exempting some contract and records information from public disclosure. Committee debate focused on whether the funding was an appropriate priority amid other budget pressures. Supporters argued the bill is an emergency response to a targeted federal attack on Planned Parenthood and other family planning providers, emphasizing that the clinics provide broader primary care services such as cancer screenings, STI testing, contraception, and prenatal care, and that the funding is not for abortion services because federal Medicaid dollars cannot be used for abortion. Opponents questioned the size of the appropriation, the use of General Fund dollars, the transparency exemptions, and why similar aid was not being directed to rural hospitals, disability services, Proposition 36, or other budget needs. Public testimony was overwhelmingly in support from reproductive health, medical, and health equity organizations, with some unrelated comments urging funding for dental care, disability services, housing, and county health systems. After public comment, the committee voted on AB 106 and passed it on a 12-4 vote. The bill was reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• That statement is not just wrong, it's dangerous. Chris?
• That statement is not just wrong, it's dangerous.
• In that beginning of the letter, he said, “I came across your recent statement calling our present activities
• “I came across your recent statement calling our present activities unwise and untimely.
• I would like to answer your statement in what I hope will be patient and reasonable terms.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, and thanks to all of you for being here and your heartfelt statements very much needed.
• Before I start my questions, I want to read a statement here from a good friend of mine.
• I appreciate your reading that statement from Coach Pearl who stopped at AJC Global Forum in New York
• And I personally do not understand why anybody hasn't. anti-Jewish statement. It floors me.
• We will keep the record open for additional questions and statements from senators until next Wednesday

Committee: Senate Aging (Special) Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll give my opening statement and then Senator Bozeman is going to take the gavel while I run out. of
• Dreyfus-Wells for five minutes. for her opening statement. Good morning.
• below-market interest rates, deferred principal, extended terms, no need for audit. documents or official statements
• Gillette, this is for you, I mentioned in my opening statement several times the challenge rural communities
• Efes-Wells, I want to talk about the cooperative federalism principles that I outlined in my opening. statement

Committee: Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Keywords: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, water infrastructure, lead service lines, federal reauthorization, sustainability, cybersecurity

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and its implications for local water systems. Various witnesses highlighted the transformative impact of the bipartisan infrastructure law, which has provided an unprecedented amount of funding to help address long-standing issues in drinking water infrastructure, particularly concerning lead service line replacements and sustainability in water management. The discussions emphasized the urgent need for federal reauthorization to continue supporting these initiatives, as many rural and disadvantaged communities still face substantial barriers in upgrading their water systems. Additionally, cybersecurity risks were noted, raising concerns over the vulnerability of water systems across the nation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, again, the reason why I brought this forward is because of the statements made by, you know, the
• And, again, the reason why I brought this forward is because of the statements made by, you know, the
• But I also want to make a clarifying statement as well.
• And I, you know, I heard Senator Choi talk about. ...make a clarifying statement as well.
• It's a statement of our values.

Committee: Senate Governmental Organization

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sometimes we pooh-pooh the statement resolutions. Oh, it's just a resolution.
• But what's also true is that a statement by this legislature of how important that is will, I believe
• I think it's more important than just a statement resolution.
• It was adopted in 2004, so while we trust the current mine inspector to uphold the policy statement,
• mine inspectors come and go, and another mine inspector could undo the policy statement at any time.

Bills: HB2026 , HB2027 , HB2028 , HB2031 , HB2078 , HB2094 , HB2095 , HB2101 , HB2102 , HB2103 , HB2260 , HB2278 , HB2827 , HB2932 , HB2933 , HB2934 , HB2986 , HCM2009 , HCR2038

Committee: House Natural Resources, Energy & Water

Keywords: assured water supply, groundwater, commingling, commingled water, water supply, Arizona Department of Water Resources, ADWR, active management area, AMA, subdivision plat, development approval, water rights, municipal provider, private water company, certificate of assured water supply, written commitment of water service, groundwater savings credits, gray water reuse, replenishment district, Central Arizona Project

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that's in recognition of our 1,200 facilities throughout the Commonwealth and, um, a statement
• , a policy statement, in a way that we need funding to keep up our facilities.
• ,<00:24:57.520><c> a</c><00:24:57.760><c> policy</c><00:24:58.159><c> statement</c><00:24:58.640><c>
• in</c><00:24:58.880><c> in</c><00:24:59.039><c> a</c> statement, a policy statement in in a statement
• , a policy statement in in a way<00:24:59.360><c> that</c><00:24:59.679><c> that</c><00:25:00.000><c>

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:47 Maintenance 12:40 Approval of Minutes 12:55 Vehicle Regulation 21:08 General Admin and Highways 34:11 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met without a quorum at first, then later approved the minutes once quorum was established. The committee heard presentations from Transportation Cabinet officials Mike Hancock, Jeremy Slinker, and Sean McCarnieran on maintenance, vehicle regulation, general administration, highways, and related capital projects. Hancock emphasized that maintenance is the cabinet’s most visible public service, especially for snow and ice removal and routine roadway upkeep, and said rising costs have outpaced funding. He cited a 61% increase in highway construction costs since 2020 and said maintenance spending was $488 million in FY 2024 and $511 million in FY 2025, while the FY 2026 baseline request was $483.3 million. The cabinet’s additional maintenance request would add $23.6 million in FY 2027 and $38.6 million in FY 2028, with expected impacts on litter pickup, mowing, vegetation management, and pothole repair if not funded. The cabinet also outlined five maintenance-related capital projects: additional funding for Ballard County maintenance/salt storage, Hopkins County maintenance/salt storage, Whitley County maintenance/salt structure, and the District 2 office and materials lab, plus reauthorization of the Breckinridge County maintenance and salt facility. Hancock also asked for budget language allowing the cabinet to use unexpected restricted and federal funds more quickly, similar to existing authority for federal earmarks. McCarnieran described the governor’s inclusion of funding for the ASHTOWare system, employee health exams, priority IT projects, and a District 7 office renovation request, noting that some items were not funded because they ranked low among competing projects. He also said the governor’s budget included a $7.5 million annual maintenance pool for the cabinet’s 1,200 facilities and requested additional restricted fund authority for Trimark and the Cumberland Gap Tunnel. Slinker focused on the Department of Vehicle Regulation, saying recent investments in staffing and equipment had reduced wait times and improved customer service in driver licensing offices. He requested $535,600 to keep temporary contract workers in place for the rest of the year, warning that without it regional office operations would have to be reduced. He said the surge in demand was driven by new 15-year-old licensing requirements, vision testing, and Real ID implementation, but believed the volume was beginning to level out. He also outlined FY 2027 and FY 2028 plans totaling $20.38 million and $19.85 million, including six new regional offices and a shift away from temporary workers toward state positions. Additional requests included $106,000 for debt service on the new driver’s license modernization system and operating costs of $5 million in FY 2027 and $2.5 million in FY 2028 to support the transition from the old system. Members asked about the cabinet’s funding sources, and officials said the road fund is the primary source, supported by motor fuels tax, usage tax, driver-related receipts, and some restricted funds; they stressed that the requests were not for additional general fund dollars. Questions also covered employee health exam reimbursements, the annual Trimark/Cumberland Gap contract, and the District 7 renovation request. No votes were taken on the budget items during the meeting, beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also are concerned with requiring an environmental impact statement as a blanket for any project meeting
• We also are concerned with requiring an environmental impact statement as a blanket for any project meeting
• We also are concerned with requiring an environmental impact statement as a blanket for any project meeting
• We also are concerned with requiring an environmental impact statement as a blanket for any project meeting
• Requiring an environmental impact statement as a blanket for any project meeting these conditions.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's more of a statement. Thank you for bringing this bill and your co-sponsors.
• She may wish to make a brief statement as well. We also have an amendment, Madam Chair.
• We'll hear your statement, then we'll talk a little bit about the amendment and move forward.
• Statement, but I'd be curious to hear your response.
• Is that a fair statement, Madam Chair? Madam Chair, Representative, I think they do.

Committee: House House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• And with that, you are welcome to make your opening statement.
• I wanted to actually ask you a question in your opening statement.
• I'm over, but just one final statement. If confirmed, Mr.
• Well, I think you've articulated the problem statement very well.
• I'm going to get into one quick area and then make a short closing statement.

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• on the statement, so there’s not much of a report there; that’s more a letter.”
• An audit is to verify the accuracy of financial statements.
• um I'm reading this report statements um I'm reading this report over<00:20:36.320><c> onethird</c><
• </c> then in every uh certification statement then in every uh certification statement that's<01:22:16.040
• </c><01:22:19.120><c> uh</c><01:22:19.239><c> voter</c> registration statement uh voter registration

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Keywords: 1183, house