Transcript Highlights:

• Read the last section. Section 2, this act shall take effect immediately. Call the roll.
• Read the last section. Section 5, this act shall take effect immediately. Call the roll.
• Read the last section. Section 2, this act shall take effect immediately. Call the roll.
• Read the last section.
• Read the last section. Section 3, this act shall take effect immediately. Call the roll.

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation focused on memory, gratitude, and recognizing the unseen people who sustain public life, then approved the prior day’s journal and moved through introductions of guests, including domestic violence advocates, medical scholars, and student advocates. Senator Webb’s Resolution 1633, designating February 23, 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day, was adopted after remarks describing the scope of domestic violence in New York and the need for more survivor services. The chamber also adopted memorial Resolution 1558 honoring Margaret D. Williams, a vocalist, public servant, and community leader, and Resolution 1630 marking the 20th anniversary of Park and Public Lands Advocacy Day, with comments emphasizing the health and community benefits of parks and green space. The Senate then took up a series of bills on the calendar, passing measures including amendments to the Environmental Conservation Law, Labor Law, Education Law, Administrative Code of New York City, General Municipal Law, Tax Law, Cannabis Law, and Executive Law. Senator Ramos explained her support for the labor bill as the Anti-Waiver of Employment Rights Act, which would prevent employers from forcing workers to waive labor and human rights protections in applications or onboarding documents. Several bills were passed by wide margins, while some were laid aside for the day. The chamber also restored Senate Print 438 to the third reading calendar after reconsideration. A contested amendment to Calendar 234, Senator Comrie’s Executive Law bill, was ruled non-germane by the chair; Senator Walczyk appealed, arguing the amendment addressing the state energy code and all-electric building mandate was relevant to housing costs, but the Senate voted 20 to sustain the chair’s ruling. The underlying bill was then returned to the non-controversial calendar and passed. Finally, the Senate adopted a concurrent resolution electing two members to the Board of Regents, with supporters praising the nominees’ experience and critics objecting to the limited vetting time; the resolution passed 42-15. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, February 26 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2127, Department of Transportation special place.
• Senate Bill 1011, amending Section 11-590, concerns the county medical examiner.
• Article 1, amending Section 32-32-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-201, relating to health professionals.
• Section 13-38-38, amending Title 13, Chapter 38, Article 3, and revised by Section 13-138-01, relating
• Senate Bill 1274, enacting sections 28-2351 and 28-2404, amending section 28-2065, Title 28, Chapter

Transcript Highlights:

• That's largely local sales taxes that are dedicated to specific projects like county transportation projects
• </c><00:04:52.720><c> projects</c><00:04:53.120><c> and</c> like county transportation projects and like
• county transportation projects and in<00:04:53.520><c> some</c><00:04:53.680><c> cases</c><00:04:54.080
• So, I'm going to pick my reason code that's different from the cash assistance.
• These codes don't make sense.

Bills: HF3396

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• You can't always know what a student is going through, whether it's financial hardship, transportation
• If I may, I will just say... ...that removing this from the Penal Code does absolutely nothing to stop
• And putting truancy and absenteeism in the Penal Code does nothing to address the root causes of why
• But the DSM-5 diagnoses that are specifically mentioned in the code are very limited.
• In 2022, Governor Newsom signed SB 357 into law, repealing Penal Code sections that made it a misdemeanor

Committee: House Public Safety

Summary: The committee heard several measures, with AB 366 on ignition interlock devices for DUI offenders receiving the most extensive debate. The author, Senator Archuleta, and MADD representative Colin Campbell testified in support, describing personal losses to drunk driving and arguing that mandatory interlocks would prevent repeat offenses and save lives. Support also came from firefighters, law enforcement groups, AAA, medical and traffic safety organizations, and others. Opposition from public defenders and criminal justice advocates argued the bill removed judicial discretion, could impose costs on low-income people, and relied on a policy they said had inconclusive recidivism benefits. After discussion, the committee adopted AB 366 as amended and sent it to Appropriations on an aye vote. The committee also heard AB 1380, which would create a permanent pathway for formerly incarcerated Cal Fire hand crew members into firefighting careers, and AB 461, which would remove criminal penalties for certain school attendance violations and replace them with supportive responses. AB 1380 drew broad support from reentry, labor, and justice organizations, and opposition from Cal Fire-related interests was withdrawn after negotiations, though concerns remained about implementation and a possible two-tier system. AB 461 was backed by education, poverty, youth justice, and public defender groups, with testimony emphasizing family hardship, immigration fears, and the limits of punitive truancy enforcement; no opposition appeared. Both bills were moved forward but remained on call pending additional votes. The committee also adopted ACR 60, a Downey Police Department resolution highlighting voluntary special-needs stickers, yard signs, and dispatch alerts to help officers interact more effectively with people with disabilities or communication challenges. Later, AB 746 on prison cooperatives and a green reentry reserve was presented as a recidivism-reduction and workforce-development measure, with support from reentry and legal advocacy groups and no opposition testimony; it was advanced to Appropriations but also left on call. Finally, AB 379 on human trafficking was heard with strong support from survivor advocates, law enforcement, and local officials who said it would fund survivor services and target buyers, while opponents warned it could revive harmful loitering enforcement and criminalize survivors. The bill drew significant committee debate and was left pending after testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> new section based on advocate feedback. new section based on advocate feedback.
• Section 6, access to those reports.
• So, under United States Code Title 18 section 921, um it lists off what qualifies as a uh a form of domestic
• 32:32.320><c> 18</c><01:32:32.880><c> section</c><01:32:33.280><c> 921,</c> United States Code Title
• 18 section 921, United States Code Title 18 section 921, um<01:32:35.199><c> it</c><01:32:35.520><c>

Bills: HF3465 , HF3782 , HF4075 , HF391 , HF3946 , HF2976 , HF3350

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I think this model would be really, really significant in some industries like transportation, where
• I because I spend so much time on the transportation side, we see that we see a pipeline with tens of
• Receiving credit for courses you successfully completed should not depend on your zip code.
• Michelle Gill on behalf of California Association of School Business Officials also one of the proud code
• been in existence since 1979, playing instrumental roles in the enforcement of regulations under Section

Summary: The committee began without a quorum and first heard AB 302, which would prohibit schools from requiring students to use addictive social media feeds as a condition of participating in extracurricular activities and would require schools to offer a non-social-media way to communicate with students and families. The author and a student witness argued the bill protects minors from being forced onto addictive platforms, while senators asked how coaches and clubs would communicate; the author said email, built-in messaging, and other direct methods would still be allowed. The bill was held on call for absent members. The committee then took up AB 2504, creating a pilot program to train creative-industry workers for AI-related changes through partnerships among community colleges, employers, unions, and tech companies. Supporters from WME and the Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office said the program would help workers adapt to rapid industry change, while senators discussed the pilot’s size, geographic diversity, and sunset date. The bill passed on a due-pass motion to the Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee. AB 1534 followed, adding state guardrails for federal Workforce Pell short-term training programs, including limits on tuition, restrictions on certain financing products, and transparency rules for partnerships with unaccredited entities. Support came from TICAS, EdTrust-West, and the Campaign for College Opportunity; senators questioned the scope of state authority and why private institutions were not clearly included, and the author said the broader approval framework was being handled in trailer bill language. The bill passed on a due-pass motion to the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee. The committee also heard AB 1381, a gut-and-amend proposal to strengthen screening for school teachers with histories of egregious misconduct while balancing due process and privacy concerns. Supporters and opponents both emphasized student safety and the need for reliable information-sharing, and members noted the bill was similar to a previously held measure; the author said amendments were still being worked out. The bill passed to the Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee. AB 2202, which would create a Closing the Achievement Gap Commission to coordinate statewide efforts, drew broad support from school board and education groups but also concern that it could duplicate existing work and add bureaucracy; after extended debate about whether the commission would identify causes or solutions, it passed to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Finally, AB 1547, requiring a UC feasibility study for a branch medical school in Kern County, drew local support but opposition from a senator who argued the Legislature cannot direct UC’s internal operations under the state Constitution; the chair said the Legislature can make recommendations and the bill remained under discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Assembly Transportation Committee is called to order. Good afternoon, and welcome, everyone.
• You know, we are focusing on transitioning away from fossil transportation fuels.
• I'm pleased to come before you to present my second transportation safety bill, AB 1874.
• And that's one thing great about our transportation system.
• So we do have that alternate transportation method.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several bills, with most of the discussion focused on AB 2672 (Hart), which would require the California Energy Commission to set parameters for using an existing waiver process to allow non-CARBOB gasoline during fuel supply shocks, with fees used to offset emissions and help fund cleaner vehicles. Supporters said the bill would reduce gas price spikes and provide needed flexibility in emergencies; opponents, including the Western States Petroleum Association and union refinery representatives, argued it would function as a tax, create market uncertainty, and could undermine in-state refining and fuel-system compliance. Members raised concerns about affordability, refinery impacts, and delegation of authority to CARB/CEC, while the author said the bill was intended to be cost-neutral and protect consumers. The committee initially held the bill open and later advanced it on a divided vote. AB 2761 (Petrie-Norris) was heard next and would modernize California crash data reporting by creating a single statewide electronic system for fatal and injury crash reports. The author and AAA supported the measure, saying current paper-based reporting is slow, fragmented, and outdated, delaying safety improvements and federal funding opportunities. There was no registered opposition, and the bill moved forward unanimously to Appropriations. AB 1874 (Wilson) would prevent people convicted of certain serious driving offenses from serving a license suspension while incarcerated, so the suspension would begin when they are actually back on the road. Supporters, including law enforcement and roadway safety groups, said current practice makes suspensions meaningless and weakens accountability for dangerous drivers. Some members questioned whether the bill creates a double penalty, but the author argued the measure is limited to the most serious offenses and ensures the suspension has real public safety effect. The committee approved the bill on a strong vote. The committee also passed its consent calendar bills, and several measures were held open for later vote tallying before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We’re convening the Committee on Transportation, Culture and Arts on our 3:02 p.m. agenda here in State
• Up first is House Bill 229, House Draft 1, relating to transportation, which was previously heard jointly
• Testifying first is the Department of Transportation.
• </c><00:04:48.919><c> and</c> Department of Transportation and Department of Transportation and testifying
• <00:04:52.400><c> good</c> Transportation good Transportation good afternoon<00:04:54.479><c> good</c

Summary: The committee first took up HB 229 HD1, a transportation measure previously heard jointly with another committee. Members recommended passing it with amendments. The amendments would shift the left-lane restriction from a speed-based standard to apply to vehicles over 10,000 pounds and vehicles towing another vehicle or trailer on roads with three or more lanes in the same direction. The committee also indicated the Judiciary Committee would handle the penalty amounts, while preserving exemptions for passing, left turns, public transit, school buses, and emergency vehicles, and keeping the bill limited to counties with populations over 500,000. The motion was adopted without discussion. The committee then considered HB 1 HD2 relating to the HCDA and transit-oriented development financing. The proposed amendments would give HCDA authority to develop parcels outside community development districts, allow community facilities districts within TOD zones, authorize CFD bonds and HCDA bonds to finance infrastructure, especially transit infrastructure, and incorporate the structure and intent of SB 1669, along with technical changes. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted. Later, the committee heard HB 1167 HD1, an emergency appropriation to the Department of Transportation. DOT testified in support and clarified that the requested appropriation was $1 million from state highway funds. The committee recommended passing the bill with amendments, including changing the defective date to July 1, 2025 and noting the $1 million request in the committee report for further consideration by Ways and Means. The motion passed, with the chair, Senator Kanuha, and Senator Dort voting in favor and the vice chair excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• Natalie McDermott: Of course, Section 571.069 of the Government Code states that the Commission shall
• Chair: section 572.069 of the code would prohibit a former employee of a state agency from accepting
• Natalie: This opinion is a revolving door opinion under section 572.069 of the Government Code.
• Chair: section 255.003 of the election code. Assistant General Counsel Carmen, thank you.
• B is impermissible under section 255.003 of the election code.

Summary: The Texas Ethics Commission convened at 9:03 a.m. and held an executive session, reconvening at 10:18 a.m. During the meeting, the Commission approved a settlement agreement with Michael Quinn Sullivan, ending ongoing litigation. The agreement involved Sullivan dropping his legal challenges regarding a civil penalty previously imposed by the Commission. The Commission also announced personnel changes, including the departure of the director of enforcement, Marie Prim, and the appointment of Jordan Hun as interim director. The Commission discussed outside counsel contracts, approving the addition of Bickerstaff, Heath, Delgado, Acosta LLP to their pool of qualified vendors. They scheduled their next meeting for September 23rd and approved minutes from previous meetings. The agenda included several rulemaking items, with three rules adopted and five proposed for publication in the Texas Register. Notably, amendments to Chapter 20 regarding reporting contributions and expenditures were approved, as well as changes to lobbyist registration thresholds in Chapter 34, which were proposed for publication. The Commission also addressed advisory opinions, adopting several, including one regarding political advertising by charter schools and another concerning the revolving door prohibition for former state employees. Appeals for administrative waivers and reductions of fines were considered, with several fines waived or reduced based on individual circumstances. Lastly, the Commission discussed policies related to alternative dispute resolution and clarified responsibilities between the Commission and staff, concluding the meeting at 11:15 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• topics of focus will include public education, public health, state affairs, trade and workforce, transportation
• The issues sometimes are completely separated between juvenile and other parts of the criminal code.
• And I know you all have done a good job on balancing family, juvenile, and criminal code.
• Some of those issues are long settled, but others, like transportation, education, and water are still

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 5.5 is a good example.
• This is in Section 14.65.
• , but on section 56.5 I'm on the amendment, so maybe my sections will be incorrect, but on section 56.5
• Section 10, subsection 6.
• Section 77.5, Department of Education grants for transportation of pupils who would otherwise attend

Committee: Assembly Education

Transcript Highlights:

• So if you go to that section of code, it says in subsection 3, except as otherwise provided by a court
• And secondly, when you look at 32-717, not alpha, just regular 7, that section of code also makes it
• And I was contacted by a number of people, including a Boisean, who told me that this section of code
• And secondly, when you look at 32-717, not alpha, just regular 7, that section of code also makes it
• , and it doesn't matter what other sections are in the code.

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> school buses used to transport school buses used to transport Minnesota's<00:03:12.239><c> children
• </c> for over 400,000 students transported for over 400,000 students transported over<00:03:20.000><c
• It's a transportation bill of original jurisdiction, and the transportation committee referred it over
• It's a transportation bill of original jurisdiction, and the transportation committee referred it over
• </c> place and and the second uh section place and and the second uh section section<00:41:59.319><c>

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the 41.5 going to active transportation. the 41.5 going to active transportation.
• Regional solicitation of active transportation, a little bit from active transportation, a little bit
• Then in section 92, this is a new section.
• It is House section 45, Senate section 63.
• It is House section 45, Senate R 109. It is House section 45, Senate section<01:35:58.320><c> 63.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've done sections of this.
• </c> times other benefits are transportation times other benefits are transportation and<01:11:18.560
• </c> $1,500 maybe not counting transportation $1,500 maybe not counting transportation to<01:37:12.639
• this section throughout yeah is would I this section throughout yeah is would I be<01:52:17.960><c> to
• </c><02:03:07.280><c> that</c> trail the pond to Cherry section that trail the pond to Cherry section

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of Title 5, United States Code
• </c><02:27:54.359><c> and</c> production and transportation and production and transportation and delivery
• Those were the tracks that separated Black Greenwood from the white sections of Tulsa.
• Those were the tracks that separated Black Greenwood from the white sections of Tulsa.
• A perfect example would be Section 42 low-income tax credits.

Bills: HJR20

Keywords: energy conservation, gas-fired water heaters, Department of Energy, regulatory disapproval, energy standards

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we're taking the definitions right from federal code, U.S. Code.
• of our code."
• Now, is this the same part of code, right? All this is included in this code that we're looking at.
• see section 3A.
• So section 19-50-7 is just... you'll see section 5, that section 19-50-5 is repealed, and then we just

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• Code says that I can't be mandated to take an emergency use version.
• It's that middle section. That middle section has now become politicized. Public health policy.
• These must always be approved by voters: jails, flood control, transportation.
• G3 says the section doesn't prohibit growth in the tax base.
• It is also likely a violation of the Arizona Constitution, Article 2, Section 8, that says no person

Committee: Senate Senate Government Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from the prior February meetings and then took up several measures. HCR 2013, designating June 2026 as “Celebrate Life Month” in Arizona, drew emotional testimony from Crystal Cooper and Bella Stockton about their lives with spina bifida and support for the resolution. Senator Kennedy and others questioned the purpose of the resolution, arguing the state should focus on concrete supports for families, but the motion passed 4-1 with two not voting. Members then advanced HB 2327, which clarifies protections for eligible persons’ identifying information in county recorder records, with an amendment excluding voter registration records; it passed 5-0 with two not voting. HB 2258, adding La Paz County to the Tourism Advisory Council’s geographic area, also passed unanimously among those voting. HB 2397, expanding HOA/COA disclosure requirements for prospective buyers, was amended twice and passed 5-1; supporters said it would improve transparency about assessments and defects, while opponents warned about cost and administrative burdens, especially for smaller associations. HB 2015, imposing penalties for late federal/state financial reporting by state organizations, passed 4-2 despite concerns that the automatic penalties were too harsh and could be out of agencies’ control. The committee also approved HB 4049, allowing DCS to hire its own counsel and directing the Attorney General to represent the state’s interest in certain cases involving alleged DCS misconduct, though some members argued current law already addresses conflicts and that DCS had not been consulted. HB 4087, authorizing placement of a Barbara Love memorial in the governmental wall, passed without opposition. HB 2100, allowing counties to authorize certain small land subdivisions, passed 4-2 amid debate over water adequacy and the risk of “wildcat” development. HB 2460, preempting local fees and penalties tied to abandoned or stolen movable business property such as shopping carts, passed 4-2 after extensive testimony from cities, retailers, and advocates over local control, costs, and theft prevention. Finally, HCR 2056, a proposed constitutional amendment recognizing a right to refuse medical mandates, began hearing testimony; supporters framed it as bodily autonomy, while opponents, including pediatric and public health advocates, warned it would weaken vaccine requirements and outbreak protections for schools and children.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:48.080><c> each</c> go section by section and discuss each go section by section and discuss
• So towns already have the discretion to follow the fire code and the building code.
• So towns already have the discretion to follow the fire code and the building code.
• So sections one or two. Anybody have any comments on these sections from the public?
• So sections one or two. Anybody Okay. So sections one or two.

Summary: The subcommittee opened discussion on SP 170 and worked through the bill section by section, focusing first on housing discrimination language and then on land-use and development provisions. On the housing section, members discussed adding “school enrollment status” or a similar term as a protected class to prevent municipalities from steering students into specific zones, especially in Durham. Some members questioned whether “status” was too vague and suggested “enrollment status” or “school enrollment status” for clarity. Public testimony raised concerns that adding a new protected class could have broader implications beyond this bill and could affect municipal zoning authority, while supporters argued the language was needed to prevent discrimination against students in housing access. The committee then heard testimony on provisions limiting municipal authority over septic test pits and well-siting requirements. DEES officials and a builder testified that state standards are already protective of groundwater and surface water and that some local requirements are more stringent than the state’s, adding cost and delay to housing projects. Supporters said uniform state standards would make housing development faster and more predictable. Opponents warned that local rules can protect aquifers, wellhead areas, and drinking water in specific communities, and that removing municipal flexibility could weaken those protections. The subcommittee appeared comfortable keeping these sections, though members discussed whether to clarify the language and whether some local review authority should remain. The meeting also covered road-length limits, caps on the number of lots on dead-end roads, and subdivision design rules. Members generally supported prohibiting municipalities from using maximum road length or lot caps to block development, with one amendment suggested to allow such limits where adequate water and sewer capacity is lacking. The committee also discussed allowing utilities and infrastructure such as septic systems, wells, electric systems, drainage structures, and shared leach fields to be placed in subdivision open space or perimeter buffers when those areas are not protected wetlands or shoreland. Finally, the committee reviewed a provision requiring municipalities to stamp and accept plan changes within three days after initial review, with members explaining that the goal is to prevent repeated, incremental changes from dragging out the approval process. No final votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided, but members indicated general comfort with several sections as amended or clarified.

Transcript Highlights:

• health care providers on the transport.
• they need to transport the patient.
• An ED nurse would be more appropriate for that type of transport.
• transports.
• These are transports between hospitals.

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held public hearings on several House bills and later took executive action on two others. The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2242, which would let the Department of Health issue immunization recommendations and tie preventive-service coverage to federal recommendations as of June 30, 2025, while preserving access to vaccines and other preventive services. Supporters, including the Governor’s office and the Insurance Commissioner, said the bill would protect access, affordability, and stable vaccine purchasing; opponents argued it politicizes vaccine policy and gives too much influence to state agencies and outside groups. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 2152, allowing terminally ill patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice facilities to use medical cannabis under facility policies, with supporters emphasizing dignity, symptom relief, and safeguards, and House Bill 2088, joining the dietitian licensure compact, which supporters said would help military spouses, telehealth, and workforce shortages. House Bill 2110, on ambulance inter-facility specialty care transports, drew support from rural hospitals seeking more staffing flexibility and opposition from nurses and EMS personnel concerned about training, accountability, and patient safety. House Bill 2247, on veterinarian-client-patient relationships and telemedicine, drew support from the sponsor and some stakeholders as a workforce and access measure, but also criticism from the state veterinarian and others who said it could conflict with federal VCPR requirements and public health protections. House Bill 2340, expanding substance use disorder monitoring program eligibility to nursing assistants and stipend support, was presented as a way to help low-wage health workers stay in the workforce; there were no in-person testifiers against it. In executive session, the committee considered House Bill 2155, concerning the use of nursing titles, and House Bill 2531, aligning the ambulance transport fund quality assurance fee with federal regulations. Both bills received do-pass recommendations and were sent to the Rules Committee. For the public hearings, no final committee votes were taken on the other bills in this transcript, and testimony concluded on each measure after the committee heard from sponsors, agency officials, advocates, and opponents.