Transcript Highlights:

• Hello, thank you, Senator Brownsberger, and thank you, senators on the committee, for hosting me once
• Also want to acknowledge that Senator Montigny has joined us. Thank you, Senator Montigny.
• Thank you, Senator Montigny, has joined us. Thank you, Senator Montigny.
• Senator Miranda. Thank you.
• Do we have Tim Reardon online? I am here, Senator. Thank you. Thank you for being with us.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on the Census heard presentations on Massachusetts population trends and how they affect state housing planning. Susan Strait of the UMass Donahue Institute reviewed recent Census Bureau estimates, saying Massachusetts grew strongly over the last decade but that growth has slowed sharply in the newest estimates, largely because net international migration has fallen from a post-pandemic surge. She also described the four components of population change—births, deaths, domestic migration, and international migration—along with aging trends, declining fertility, the importance of the millennial cohort, and the role of foreign-born residents in births and the labor force. Committee members asked about college students in group quarters and about counting incarcerated people, and Strait explained the Census Bureau’s current methods and noted that some issues remain under discussion. Jesse Guerrero of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council then explained how MAPC uses UMass Donahue population projections to build household and local land-use forecasts for MassDOT and the statewide housing plan. He said the earlier transportation projections anticipated slower statewide growth and regional decline in western Massachusetts and on the Cape, with more growth in eastern Massachusetts. He also described how household formation, development patterns, zoning, and affordability are modeled, and noted that newer housing-plan scenarios use updated Census data and different assumptions about migration. Senator Miranda raised concerns about Cape Cod population loss and whether seasonal residents are being counted, and Guerrero and Strait said the projections focus on permanent residents, not seasonal populations. Tim Reardon of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities tied the demographic forecasts to the statewide housing plan, saying housing demand exists even under low-growth or slight-decline scenarios. He said the plan estimates about 115,000 homes are needed to address existing shortages, including doubled-up households, shelter families, seasonal conversion losses, and the need for healthier vacancy rates, plus additional units tied to future household formation. He added that the state’s total housing target is about 222,000 units, or as high as 262,000 under a higher-growth scenario. Senators pressed him on whether the scenarios are now too high given the recent drop in immigration, on affordability and out-migration, and on whether the housing plan adequately reflects homelessness and overcrowding in Boston and elsewhere. Reardon said the plan includes production, rental assistance, shelter prevention, and preservation strategies, and noted that HLC is also using grant programs and MBTA Communities-related infrastructure funding to support housing production statewide.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator G. Senator G.
• And the governor appointed Tim Tim too.
• gt;> Anyway, so Senator Hoffman, >> Anyway, so Senator Hoffman, >> Senator, >> Senator
• Senator Aki. any other member? Senator Aki.
• Senator Gh. payment withholds. Senator Gh.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Here. >> Senator Neal? >> Senator Nemes? >> Present. >> Senator Reed?
• >> Senator Wheeler?
• ]. >> Senator Nemes, I. >> Senator Reed, [response unclear]. >> Senator Stivers, hi. >> Senator Thomas
• >> Hi. >> Senator Stivers. >> Senator Thomas. >> I. >> Senator Wheeler, Chair Storm. >> I.
• Senator<00:58:58.480> Thomas, Senator Thomas, Senator Thomas, >> I.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and took up Senate Bill 50, sponsored by Chair Storm and President Stivers, a broad probate and trust measure. Stivers and attorney Barry explained that the bill updates Kentucky probate and intestacy procedures to better fit electronic filing and modern family structures, adjusts inheritance tax classifications to reflect longer lifespans and more complex family relationships, and adopts newer trust tools used in other states, including electronic wills and directed trusts. They also described a domestic asset protection trust provision, saying it is intended to level the playing field with other states and is not meant to help people evade existing creditors; they noted one non-uniform section may have fiscal impact and could warrant referral to Appropriations and Revenue. Members asked about the asset protection trust language, especially whether it could shield assets after a lawsuit is pending or threatened. Barry said the bill would not allow transfers to defeat existing or threatened claims and that the protection only applies where there are no such claims at the time of transfer. Senators also discussed whether the trust could be used for spendthrift-style family planning, with Barry noting trusts can already be drafted for that purpose and that the bill is not aimed at that issue. Senator Thomas requested more detail on the inheritance tax changes, and Stivers explained that the bill would move more beneficiaries into the no-tax category because estates now often pass to older children, grandchildren, and step-relatives, creating unexpected tax liability. He and others said the changes were meant to reflect modern family patterns and longer life expectancy, and Thomas said he was not opposed to the tax changes but wanted the public to understand them. Tim Shank of the Kentucky Bankers Association testified that the bankers were not opposing the bill overall but had concerns about the domestic asset protection trust section, particularly its treatment of existing mortgages and creditor claims. He said the bill’s notice and claim-extinguishment provisions could create unintended consequences for mortgage holders, and he urged changes to protect existing debt. In response, Senator Thomas questioned whether a lender that takes no action for the bill’s six-month-to-two-year claim period should lose its claim, but Shank replied that federal mortgage rules and payment status could complicate that assumption. The discussion ended with acknowledgment that the mortgage issue was likely unintended and would need further review.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Elkins, >> Senator Funky, >> Fermy, >> Senator Girdler, >> Senator Given, >> Senator Haron, >
• > Senator Hickden, >> Senator Howell, >> Senator Maiden, >> Senator Maize Bledsoe, >> Senator McDaniel
• Senator Neil, >> Senator Neas, >> Senator Nun, >> Senator Rocky Adams, >> Senator Rawlings, >> Senator
• Styver, >> Senator Storm, >> Senator Thomas, >> Senator Tishner, >> Senator Webb, >> Senator West, >
• > Senator Wheeler, >> Senator Williams, >> Senator Wilson, >> Senator Wise, >> Senator Smith, &

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, then established a quorum and approved the journal from January 13, 2026. Committee reports were received and several bills were advanced on first reading, including Senate Bills 38, 29, 49, 10, 51, 7, 28, and 30, along with Senate Concurrent Resolution 9. New measures were introduced covering credit union financial services (SB 87), protection from extreme weather (SB 88), and resolutions recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day (SR 38), Kentucky member mentorship month (SR 39), and Burn Awareness Week (SR 40). The chamber then recessed for committee meetings and later received a Committee on Committees report referring bills to Education, Judiciary, Veterans/Military Affairs/Public Protection, and placing Senate Resolutions 33 and 34 on the floor calendar. Members also made several announcements and co-sponsorship requests. Senator from Shelby highlighted Transportation Committee approval of Senate Bill 7 by a unanimous 9-0 vote and described it as priority legislation to return driver’s license renewals to local county offices. The Senate also heard that the Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee would meet the next morning, the Economic Development Committee would not meet that week, and legislators were invited to a breakfast reception hosted by Kentucky credit unions. Additional co-sponsorships were requested for various bills, including SB 7, SB 38, SB 39, SB 46, SB 51, SB 57, SB 76, SB 77, SB 86, SB 101, and SB 3851. The chamber adopted Senate Resolution 32, honoring the life of Tatum Elizabeth Dale, a Kentucky public servant and congressional staff member, after several senators spoke in support and shared personal remembrances. The resolution expressed sympathy to her family and directed that a copy be delivered to them. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 28, honoring Charles William Kennedy. No floor amendments were introduced, and the Senate adjourned until 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Rouson? Here. Senator Berman? Yeah. Senator Brodeur? Yeah. Senator Burgess?
• Senator DiCeglie? Yeah. Senator Garcia? Senator Grall? Senator Harrell? Thank you. Senator Garcia?
• Senator Grall? Senator Harrell? Senator Martin? Senator McClain? Senator Pizzo? Senator Polsky?
• Senator Berman, Senator Brodeur, Senator Burgess, Senator DiCeglie, Senator Garcia, Senator Grall, Senator
• Harrell, Senator Martin, Senator McClain, Senator Pizzo, Senator Polsky, Senator Sharief, Senator Smith

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee met with a quorum present and took up two bills. The first, SB 250 on rural communities by Senator Simon, was described as a broad rural development package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance grant program, housing and transportation investments, added funding for rural education consortiums, and health care initiatives for rural areas. Senator Harrell asked about overlap between road funding programs, and the sponsor explained that eligible counties could receive both SCRAP and FARM funding. Several organizations waived in support or spoke in support, and the bill was reported favorably by unanimous vote. The committee then heard SB 318, the committee substitute for educational scholarship programs by President Gates. The bill was presented as a response to Auditor General findings about the rapid growth and administration of Florida’s school choice and scholarship programs. It would separate Family Empowerment Scholarship funding from the FEFP, require more frequent student enrollment verification, lower scholarship funding organization administrative fees, require return of overpayments, create a student ID system, establish a $250 million stabilization fund, require annual audits, and direct DOE to recommend future program administration through competitive procurement. Gates also offered five amendments, including technical changes to eligibility documentation and a substantive amendment requiring a DOE report on future administration and competitive selection; all five amendments were adopted. During debate and public testimony, senators and witnesses discussed accountability, software solutions, reimbursement delays, monthly attestations, and impacts on public schools and families. Supporters and opponents alike raised concerns about bureaucracy, fraud prevention, special education services, and whether the bill would help or burden parents. Gates said the bill aimed to fix tracking and payment problems without capping the program, and he noted the IEP timeline would be aligned with public school timelines. After debate, the committee reported CS for SB 318 favorably by unanimous vote, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senator from Essex, Ms.
• The Senate will be in a brief recess.
• The Senate will come to order. Several matters come before the Senate for their final passage.
• The Senate will be in a brief recess.
• The Senator from Worcester and Hampden, Mr. Fattman, moves that the Senate now adjourn.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, recognized an intern in the chamber, and adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Helen Riley Curtin of Salem, with a moment of silence held in her honor. The body also welcomed former Senator Richard Moore to the chamber. The Senate then took up several local and special bills for final action. It passed to be enacted House No. 3898, amending the charter of the town of Natick, and House No. 4502, amending the town manager act for the town of Arlington. It also passed to be engrossed House No. 2275, authorizing the City of Revere to pay a sum of money to Denise Matera Condelli, widow of former school committee member Anthony Matera. Additional measures were advanced without objection: House No. 4292, amending the Hopkinton charter to address appointment powers of the board of library trustees, was passed to be engrossed; House No. 4143, authorizing Wellesley to amend the income threshold for senior real property tax deferments, was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed. The Senate also suspended rules to advance House No. 4962, establishing a sick leave bank for Sally DeRogers of the Department of Correction, and House No. 4763, validating the results of a Bourne annual election, both to third reading. Finally, the Senate adopted an order to reconvene the following Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have joining us from the Senate committee members Senator Feeney and Senator Dooner.
• Of committee members, Senator Feeney and Senator Dooner.
• Now we have Senator Cyr here to testify. Senator Cyr? Senator Jaylen? Okay. Thank you, Mr.
• Senator Friedman?
• Senator Moore, former Senator Moore, I was going to testify on House Bill 1411, House Bill 842, and Senate

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing focused largely on senior long-term care issues, family caregiving, post-acute care access, and direct care workforce pay. Testimony strongly supported bills to raise the personal needs allowance for nursing home and rest home residents (including H. 1411, S. 482, and related bills), with speakers from Mass Senior Action, Dignity Alliance, nursing home residents, providers, and former state officials arguing that the current $72.80 monthly allowance has been unchanged since 2008 and is inadequate for basic items like clothing, toiletries, haircuts, and transportation. Witnesses also backed bills to increase MassHealth asset and income limits for seniors and to stop counting life insurance as cash, describing the current rules as outdated and harmful to low-income elders. The committee also heard testimony on bills allowing family members, including spouses and guardians, to be paid caregivers (H. 1394/S. 886), with supporters saying this would help families keep loved ones at home and reduce reliance on costly institutional care. Another set of bills (H. 1412/S. 903) drew support from a physician who said clearer MassHealth communication and improved post-acute care determination processes would help reduce delays and backlogs for patients awaiting skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or other post-acute placement. Several speakers emphasized that better home- and community-based care can prevent hospital readmissions and support independence. A major portion of the hearing focused on S. 877, which would establish an enhanced care worker minimum wage of $25 per hour, indexed to inflation, for certain home care and human services workers. Union representatives and direct care workers from SEIU Local 509, 1199 SEIU, and the AFL-CIO described severe staffing shortages, burnout, low wages, and high turnover across home care, mental health, disability services, and crisis response. They argued that higher pay is necessary to recruit and retain workers and to stabilize services for vulnerable residents. Committee members asked about costs, comparisons with other states, and whether non-wage incentives could help, but witnesses repeatedly said wages were the central issue. The hearing concluded after all registered testimony was heard, with the committee noting it would continue accepting written testimony and then adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Osgood? Here. Senator Polsky? Senator Simon? Here. Senator Smith? Here. Senator Wright?
• Senator Wright is excused from today's meeting, and Senator Polsky is running late.
• Senator Osgood? Yes. Senator Polsky? Senator Simon? Yes. Senator Smith? Senator Wright?
• Thank you, Senators.
• Senator Polsky? Senator Simon? Yes. Senator Smith? Yes. Senator Wright? Senator Yarbrough? Yes.

Summary: The Criminal and Civil Justice Committee met with a quorum present and began with a notice that the committee would not present its budget that day, instead planning to roll it out the following week in coordination with House counterparts and Senate notice requirements. The chair also noted several members were excused or late, and the committee proceeded to the agenda items. The committee heard CS for SB 760 by Senator McLean, relating to violations of pretrial release conditions for violent crimes. There was no debate, and the Florida Sheriffs Association waived in support. The bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee also took up SB 1536 by Senator Pizzo on digital voyeurism, described as expanding the reasonable expectation of privacy to include a privately fenced yard; no questions, appearances, or debate were recorded, and the bill was closed on without further action noted in the transcript. Next, the committee considered SB 102 by Senator Yarbrough on inmate services. A leave-filed amendment was adopted that addressed correctional facility maintenance and repair deductions, Medicaid supplemental reimbursement participation, emergency medical transport reimbursement, and negotiated rates for certain community health care providers, including telehealth arrangements. The Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida spoke in information and indicated the amendment was a positive step, while the Florida Department of Corrections waived in support. The bill, as amended, was reported favorably by roll call vote. Two additional agenda items, CS for SB 1582 on statewide data sharing of secondhand dealer and pawnbroker transactions and SB 1792 on public records for pawnbroker transactions, were temporarily postponed, and the committee adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Boyd? Yeah. Senator Burton? Senator Hooper? Senator Martin? Senator Osgood?
• Senator Hooper? Senator Martin? Senator Osgood? Senator Passidomo? Senator Pizzo?
• Senator Boyd, Senator Burton, Senator Hooper, Senator Martin, Senator Osgood, Senator Passidomo, Senator
• Senator Boyd? Senator Burton? Senator Hooper? Senator Martin? Senator Osgood? Senator Passidomo?
• Senator Boyd, Senator Burton, Senator Hooper, Senator Martin, Senator Osgood, Senator Passidomo, Senator

Bills: S0198, S0570, S0772, S0808, S1038, S1040, S1286, S1440, S1504, S1668

Keywords: virtual currency, kiosks, money services business, regulation, financial services, consumer protection, cryptocurrency, registration, payment scams, task force, fraud prevention, property insurance, roofing requirements, inspector, insurance policies, homeowners insurance, roof age, residential structures, insurance renewal, investment

Summary: The Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 1286 by Senator Wright. That bill expands the law enforcement recruitment bonus program to include firefighters, creates a DFS grant review panel for fire-related grants, and establishes an institute for PTSD and first-responder behavioral health. Testimony from fire chiefs and others supported the measure, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee then considered several insurance and financial regulation bills. CS/SB 198 by Senator Rousan, as amended, regulates virtual currency kiosks with transaction limits, notice and receipt requirements, and OFR enforcement authority; witnesses described it as a needed anti-fraud measure, especially for seniors, and it was reported favorably. CS/SB 772 by Senator Burgess, as amended, allows limited licenses for portable electronics and eyewear insurance, and CS/SB 1504 by Senator Claudio, as amended, creates a pathway for high school students to qualify for insurance customer representative licensure; both were reported favorably. The committee also approved two cryptocurrency reserve bills by Senator Gruters: CS/SB 1038 creates the Florida Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve framework, and CS/SB 1040 creates the related trust fund; both received technical amendments and favorable reports. CS/SB 1440 by Senator Martin, as amended, creates public records exemptions and cybersecurity reporting provisions for financial institutions and related entities, and it was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1668 by Senator Burton, which updates the NICA program’s funding and benefit structure, and CS/SB 570 by Senator Polsky, which creates a task force on payment scams, were both heard with supportive testimony and reported favorably. Senators later recorded additional affirmative votes on selected bills before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Middleton, Senator Cook, Senator Gutierrez, Senator Nichols, Senator Paxton, Senator West.
• Senator Middleton aye. Senator Cook... Senator Gutierrez... Senator Nichols... Senator Paxton...
• Senator Middleton aye. Senator Cook no. Senator Gutierrez. Senator Nichols. Thank you.
• Senator Paxton. Senator Nichols? Senator Paxton? Aye. Senator West.
• Senator Middleton: aye. Senator Cook: aye. Senator Gutierrez: aye. Senator Nichols: aye.

Bills: HB198, HB303, HB1535, HB2742, HB3305, HB3348, HB3505, HB3711, HB4753, HB2715, HB21, HB30

Keywords: HB 198, Wade Cannon Act, firefighter cancer screening, occupational cancer screening, fire protection personnel, local government, political subdivision, Texas Commission on Fire Protection, National Fire Protection Association, NFPA standards, occupational medical examination, public safety, firefighter health, cancer prevention, annual health screening, confidential medical exam, pulmonary function test, electrocardiogram, chest x-ray, blood test

Summary: The Committee on Local Government heard and discussed a series of House bills dealing with municipal structure, tax payment timing, local provider participation funds, firefighter cancer screenings, sunset review of the Trinity River Authority, replacement certificates of occupancy, and open meetings enforcement. HB 303 would remove the 501-resident floor so very small type A and B municipalities can convert to type C cities; HB 2742 would give property owners a later first split-payment deadline when tax bills are mailed after November 30; HB 3305 and HB 3348 were local provider participation fund measures with committee substitutes; HB 198 would require political subdivisions to offer occupational cancer screenings for firefighters; HB 1535 was a sunset bill for the Trinity River Authority; HB 4753 would allow a municipality-issued proof of a certificate of occupancy to substitute for a lost original; and HB 3711 would treat certain Open Meetings Act violations as offenses against public administration and require public explanation when prosecutors decline to act. Testimony was generally supportive or limited, with several witnesses and senators emphasizing practical fixes, firefighter health and cost savings, local government transparency, and administrative cleanup. For HB 198, firefighter representatives gave emotional testimony about cancer deaths and the value of early screening. On HB 3711, a witness supported the bill but urged stronger enforcement and broader application. Several senators raised policy concerns on HB 2715 about routing removal proceedings through a regional presiding judge rather than the local county, arguing it could politicize the process. The committee took no public testimony on most bills and repeatedly left them pending subject to call of the chair before later voting them out. HB 21, HB 30, HB 1535, HB 1520, HB 198, HB 303, HB 2742, and HB 4753 were reported to the full Senate, generally by unanimous or near-unanimous votes, and several were also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. HB 30 passed on a 5-1 vote, while the other reported bills were approved unanimously or with no recorded opposition. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll go to Senator Lang first and then we'll let Senator Her finish up, so go ahead, Senator.
• Tim Humphrey: "To whom it may concern, my name is Tim Humphrey.
• Senator Wesenberg: Thank you, Chair and Senator Kunesh.
• Okay, Senator H.
• Well, Senator Wesenberg, sorry, thank you, Chair. you Mr chair uh Senator you Mr chair uh Senator weisenberg

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Chang here. Senator DeCoite here. Senator Dela Cruz here. Senator Elefante here.
• Senator Fevella here. Senator Fukunaga. Senator Gabbard. Senator Hashimoto. Senator Ihara present.
• Senator Inouye present. Senator Kanuha excused. Senator Keohokalole. Senator Kidani. Senator Kim.
• Senator Lee. Senator McKelvey. Senator Moriwaki present. Senator Richards excused.
• Senator aino thank you Senator president Senator aino thank you Senator president I'm<00:12:42.079>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we have passed a bill in both the Senate we have passed a bill in both the Senate and<00:15:58.720
• Um was it Tim? Do placement currently. Um was it Tim? Do you<00:51:02.240> remember?
• letter last time from um Senator Hassan. letter last time from um Senator Hassan.
• because um both Senator Hassan and Senator<01:11:16.400> Shaheen<01:11:17.199> signed<
• Senator S.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission met to approve the May 18, 2026 minutes and then focused on how SB 57’s special education cost study should inform HB 1099, which creates a separate study committee on residential placements and related education costs. Members discussed sending the commission’s minutes and findings to that new committee, noting the short timeline for its work and the need to be specific about unresolved issues so the new group does not duplicate the same questions. A major topic was the cost and responsibility for students placed at Spalding and similar residential programs, especially transportation and whether costs are paid through the Department of Education’s episode-of-treatment (EOT) fund, local districts, DHS, or Medicaid. Staff explained that for students with disabilities, EOT funds cover special education and transportation costs tied to the placement, while students without disabilities are handled through DHS care-management and best-interest meetings. Members raised concerns about whether some students at Spalding are receiving no schooling, whether transportation costs are substantial, and whether Medicaid reimbursement could offset some expenses. The commission also discussed confusion over district responsibility when students placed in residential programs attend school in another district, using Winnisquam as an example. Several members said the receiving district was not notified that DHHS-approved programs could bring in additional students and costs, and they suggested DHHS or its care-management entity should notify both the district of residence and the receiving district when a program is approved. The group agreed this notification issue, along with transportation funding, privacy concerns in Medicaid-to-schools billing, and the distinction between special education placements, EOT placements, and other voluntary residential placements, should be passed to the HB 1099 study committee for further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 287 with Senate Amendment 2, 8 on its merits, and Senate Bill 346 with Senate Amendment 1
• Senate Bill 340 with Senate Amendment 1, Senate Bill 341, and Senate Joint Resolution 20.
• Madam Speaker, Senate Bill 303, sponsored by Senator Sturgeon and Senator Townsend and Senator Lockman
• Madam Speaker, Senate Bill 292, sponsored by Senator Hansen and Senator Richardson and Representative
• Madam Speaker, Senate Bill 302, sponsored by Senator Sturgeon and Senator Coons and Senator Lockman and

Summary: The House convened with a quorum present, opened with a moment of silence for Ted Williams, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then accepted the previous day’s minutes and moved into a series of recognitions, beginning with House Resolution 27 designating June 24, 2026 as Staff Appreciation Day. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and the chamber spent much of the meeting honoring legislative staff across both caucuses, with members and staff introducing themselves and being recognized for years of service and behind-the-scenes work. The House also recognized staff member Justin, who is leaving for a position with the Delaware State Board of Education, and later gave farewell remarks for Representative Kevin Hensley and Representative Charles Postles, both of whom are retiring. Numerous members spoke in tribute to their service, constituent work, and personal character, and both Hensley and Postles offered remarks thanking colleagues, staff, and family. The House then received communications from the Senate, including several bills and resolutions passed and returned, and a notice of Senate concurrence on other measures. Representative Wilson-Anton made a brief statement explaining her vote on Senate Bill 100 and reaffirming support for marriage equality and related civil rights issues. The chamber also took up Senate Joint Resolution 16 and Senate Joint Resolution 17, which set the official revenue estimates for fiscal years 2026 and 2027; both were read, called to roll, and passed by constitutional majority votes of 37-4 and 40-1, respectively. Finally, the House considered Senate Bill 335, the operating budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. Representative Williams presented the budget on behalf of the Joint Finance Committee, describing major funding items including raises for state and education employees, health insurance and retiree benefit funding, developmental disability services, Medicaid growth, purchase of care, and maintenance of reserve funds. Several members praised the committee’s work, while Representative Shupe said he would vote no, citing concerns about the budget’s 6.3% growth despite appreciating the committee’s effort. After the budget presentation and comments, Leader Harris moved that the House recess for party caucuses, and the House stood in recess until the call of the bell.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator Menendez. Senator West. And Senator Menendez, I'm headed in the same direction.
• Yes, Senator Brown.
• I think Scott Brister, the Senate, but the rest of the group, Tim... So what was your score?
• Senator Parker. Oh, Senator Hinojosa first.
• Senator Parker. Oh, Senator Hinojosa first. Thank you, Madam Chair. Senator Hinojosa first.

Bills: HB4, HB20

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, fraudulent solicitation, disaster relief, nonprofit organizations, criminal penalties, consumer protection, fraud prevention, charitable donations

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2853, which would allow the UT System Board of Regents to adjust the University of Texas at El Paso student union fee above the current statutory cap, subject to student approval, to help fund a new student union building. Senator Blanco explained the bill and the committee substitute, there were no questions or witnesses, public testimony was closed, and the committee adopted the substitute and left the bill pending subject to the call of the chair. The committee then heard House Bill 610, which would limit severance payments for terminated independent school district superintendents to six months’ salary and benefits. Senator Paxton described large severance payouts and said the bill had passed the House overwhelmingly. There were no witnesses, public testimony was closed, and the bill was left pending. A lengthy hearing followed on House Bill 4623, which would waive school district immunity in certain cases involving negligent hiring, supervision, or employment of professional school employees who commit abuse or related misconduct against students. Senator Paxton and several witnesses, including survivors and parents, argued the bill was needed to address cover-ups, delayed reporting, and repeated failures to remove dangerous employees; some members raised concerns about liability caps, litigation, and how the bill would interact with the Tort Claims Act. The committee also heard from TEA staff and employee-group witnesses who discussed possible injunctions and stronger no-hire protections. Public testimony was then closed and the bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 4, an accountability and assessment bill that would restore A-F ratings, change the state testing system, and replace STAAR with shorter, more instructionally useful assessments. Senator Bettencourt explained the committee substitute, including annual ratings, limits on taxpayer-funded lawsuits, and a phased-in testing redesign with beginning, middle, and end-of-year assessments. Testimony was generally supportive from education and business groups, though some witnesses favored norm-referenced testing while others emphasized criterion-referenced, TEKS-aligned assessments; one witness noted social studies assessments were restored in the bill. The hearing concluded with additional invited testimony and no final vote reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Aal excused. Senator Chang. Senator Dit excused. Senator Chang. Senator Dit here.
• Senator Deort here. Senator Dela Cruz here. Senator Elephante here. Senator Favlla here.
• Senator Fukunaga present. Senator Gabard here. Senator Gabard here. Senator Hashimoto.
• Senator Ihara present. Senator Inoe present. Senator Kuha here. Senator Kohole. Senator Kedani.
• Senator Kim here. Senator Lee here. Senator McKelie, hi. Senator Moriwalki present.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• by Senator Miranda.
• Welcome to the Senate. Thank you. Welcome to the Senate.
• Shope, Arizona State Senator, LD 16; signed Tim Dunn, Arizona Senator, LD 25; signed Priya Sundareshan
• , Arizona Senator, LD 18.
• Shope, Arizona State Senator, L.D. 16. Signed Tim Dunn. Arizona Senator, L.D. 25.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and electronic roll call showing 24 members present, zero absent, and six excused. The Journal for March 23, 2026 was approved, and Senator Dunn introduced an intern from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Natural Resource Users Law and Policy Center. The main substantive item was a legislative proclamation recognizing April 26 through May 2, 2026 as Arizona Water Professionals Week. Senator Gabaldón read the proclamation and introduced guests from the Arizona water community, emphasizing the importance of water professionals, water reliability, and the state’s water management efforts. Senators Dunn, Sundareshan, Shope, and Gabaldón were listed as signatories, and Gabaldón also congratulated Trey Harris of Community Water Company of Green Valley for an upcoming award. The chamber then handled routine business: House and Senate bills were read into the record and referred to committees, including measures on local government investment pools, housing zoning in historic neighborhoods, juvenile penalties, workers’ compensation fraud notice, the Arizona State Trade Commission, justice court administration, and a sexual abuse prevention pilot program. House Bill 2673 was withdrawn from committee. Committee meeting announcements were made for the next day, and the Senate adjourned by motion until March 25, 2026 at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well done, Senator. We'll turn it back to committee members. Well done, Senator.
• But the senator is absolutely correct. But the senator is absolutely correct.
• Thank you, Senator.
• Absolutely, Senator. Senator Blake's bill? Absolutely, Senator. Senator Blake's bill. Welcome.
• Thank you, Senator.

Summary: The committee first established a quorum, adopted the consent calendar for SB 423 and SB 581, and then heard a series of bills, most of which were presented as streamlining or safety measures tied to transportation, climate, public lands, health care, and higher education. SB 71 by Senator Wiener would extend and expand a CEQA exemption for sustainable transportation projects, adding modes such as microtransit, paratransit, shuttles, and ferries, while also accepting committee amendments that narrowed a Tier 4 diesel rail provision, restored existing right-of-way language with utility protections, and set a new sunset date. Support came from transit agencies, local governments, and advocacy groups; some members raised concerns about the diesel rail language and possible interactions with housing-related legislation, but the bill advanced on a due pass vote as amended. The committee then heard SB 614 by Senator Stern on carbon dioxide pipeline safety. The bill would direct the State Fire Marshal to adopt safety standards for intrastate CO2 pipelines, building from federal draft rules and adding state discretion and possible enhanced protections such as planning zones and more detailed exposure modeling. Supporters argued California needs to fill a federal regulatory gap to advance carbon capture and climate goals, while environmental justice and conservation groups opposed unless amended, citing risks from CO2 leaks and asking for stronger siting restrictions and more specificity. The bill passed on a due pass vote to Appropriations, with members noting the need for continued work on the safety provisions. Senator Arreguín also presented SB 304, which would temporarily lift public trust use restrictions on specific land at Jack London Square to allow the Port of Oakland more leasing flexibility under conditions and annual reporting. The measure was described as a limited, time-bound effort to address high vacancy and revitalize the waterfront, and it drew support from Oakland city and county representatives with no opposition in the room. The committee then approved SB 304 on a due pass vote. Arreguín’s SB 830 followed, creating CEQA streamlining for Sutter Health’s new Emeryville hospital campus and designating the City of Emeryville as lead agency; supporters said it would preserve East Bay hospital access before seismic deadlines, and the bill passed with broad support and no opposition. Finally, Senator Caballero presented SB 486, a higher education planning bill intended to align UC and CSU enrollment growth with regional sustainable communities plans and to remove the need to analyze a no-project alternative in certain long-range development plans. Supporters said the bill would better integrate university enrollment forecasting into regional planning, while opponents warned that eliminating the no-project analysis could weaken accountability for housing and infrastructure impacts around campuses. Committee members expressed mixed views and asked for further clarification, but the bill was moved out on a due pass as amended vote to Appropriations. The transcript then shifted to SB 629, a fire response and rebuilding bill, with the author describing amendments to apply fire safety requirements in wildfire-burned areas, update fire mapping, and require annual defensible space inspections, though the discussion was cut off before any final action was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Carter, please move Senate Bill 1018. Mr.
• It's Tim Fleming for the Rules Attorney's Office. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Members, it's Tim Fleming for the Rules Attorney's Office. We've taken a look at Senate Bill 1018.
• Vice Chair Carter, please move Senate Bill 1095. Mr.
• Vice Chair Carter, please move Senate Bill 1635. Mr.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee met to consider several bills for constitutionality and proper form. Senate Bill 1018, which expressly adds Sharia law to Arizona’s definition of foreign law and bars its enforcement where it would conflict with constitutional or state/federal law, drew a Rules Attorney warning that it could raise Establishment Clause and possibly Free Exercise concerns, citing the Oklahoma Sharia-law case. Despite that caution, the committee recommended the bill by a 5-3 vote, with members on both sides explaining their votes. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1075, which restricts conveyances of real property to hostile foreign governments or their agents and creates a state commission to review such transfers. The Rules Attorney flagged possible federal preemption and foreign affairs doctrine issues because federal law already regulates foreign-controlled land transactions tied to national security. The bill was nevertheless recommended 5-3. Senate Bill 1095, a measure on gender transition procedures for minors, was described as consistent with recent Supreme Court precedent on state bans, but the attorney flagged the provision barring medical referrals as potentially vulnerable under First Amendment speech doctrine; it was also recommended 5-3. Senate Bill 1635, dealing with alerting a person to an imminent law-enforcement arrest effort, was found generally permissible with a suggested drafting clarification, and it too passed 5-3. At the end of the meeting, the committee took up a mass motion covering a large group of additional Senate bills and Senate Concurrent Memorials. The Rules Attorney stated that all of the measures had been reviewed and were, in the committee’s view, constitutional and in proper form. The mass motion was approved unanimously, 8-0, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Milligan, sent the text to Scott.
• Milligan, sent the text to Scott.
• Milligan, sent the text to Scott.
• Milligan, sent the text to Scott.
• Milligan, sent the text to Scott.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met for an opening/orientation session in which members introduced themselves and explained their interest in the committee. Several members noted backgrounds in trucking, piloting, boating, motorcycles, road safety, or constituent concerns about transportation issues. The chair also noted several absent members and said the committee would first hear agency presentations before covering committee procedures. The Department of Safety gave the main presentation, outlining its seven divisions and how they relate to transportation policy and the Highway Fund. The assistant commissioner emphasized that Highway Fund revenue supports both the Department of Transportation and the Department of Safety, with collections coming largely from the road toll/gas tax, DMV fees, and the new electric vehicle surcharge. He also noted that 12% of Highway Fund revenues go to local road repair through the DOT Betterment Fund, and warned that the fund has had a structural deficit for several biennia, requiring General Fund transfers that may be uncertain this session. He said the department aims to provide data and fiscal context on legislation and fiscal notes. State Police then provided a detailed overview of its structure and operations, including the Operations Bureau, Investigative Services Bureau, and Justice Information Bureau. Testimony highlighted Troop G’s role in vehicle inspections, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, fraud investigations, and consumer complaint handling, as well as statewide staffing shortages. The division reported rising calls for service, motor vehicle stops, DWI arrests, and other arrests despite a vacancy rate of about 17%. It also described aviation, K-9, bomb squad, special events response, SWAT, narcotics, major crime, forensic laboratory, and other specialized units, with statistics on drug seizures, investigations, and lab workload. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.