Transcript Highlights:

• We’ve bonded together across UCs. We’ve developed a class to teach essential needs. Thank you.
• We’ve bonded together across UCs.
• Labor costs, pharmaceutical costs, inflation, all increasing far more than the upcoming OCA limits.
• The challenging part about a breathing apparatus is that it is limited in air.
• The challenging part about a breathing apparatus, that is limited in air.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee held an informational hearing on the health impacts of wildfires and the effects on health care systems and access to care. The first panel focused on public health consequences, with testimony from UCLA and UCSF physicians, a community organizer, and an Altadena recovery leader. Witnesses described acute and long-term physical harms from wildfire smoke and ash, including asthma and COPD exacerbations, cardiovascular and stroke risks, pregnancy impacts, infection risk, and possible added hazards from lithium-ion battery fires. They also emphasized mental health effects such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, “firebrain,” and the need for psychological first aid, trauma-informed community networks, and youth-focused resilience programs. Community advocates stressed that Latine, Indigenous, undocumented, and Black communities face disproportionate harm because of language barriers, unsafe work conditions, lack of insurance, and exclusion from disaster aid, and they called for stronger language access, worker protections, permanent disaster relief, and better outreach. Committee members asked about air monitoring, masks, wind events, lithium-ion batteries, and how to reach communities with translation and emergency information. Panelists said AQI is useful but incomplete, that N95s help for smoke but P100 masks are needed for ash/asbestos exposure, and that communities should be warned to stay indoors and avoid windy dust-ups after fires. They also discussed the importance of building relationships during non-emergency periods, using text alerts and trusted community organizations, and providing culturally and linguistically appropriate information. Several members and witnesses highlighted the need for more research on long-term health effects, especially for people with chronic lung disease, workers who cannot stay indoors, and residents exposed to repeated disasters. The second panel addressed health care system response and access to care. DHCS and DMHC described emergency flexibilities used during the Southern California fires, including federal waivers, extended Medi-Cal renewal deadlines, reinstated coverage for some disenrolled members, suspension of prior authorization and prescription refill barriers, out-of-network access at in-network cost-sharing, and communication through websites, toll-free numbers, and social media. Hospital and community health center leaders described major operational strain: emergency room surges, canceled surgeries, dialysis disruptions, staff displacement, temporary housing needs, and financial losses. Huntington Health and AltaMed reported using incident command systems, temporary care spaces, bilingual and culturally tailored services, mobile clinics, infection control measures, and community health workers to keep care going. Members and witnesses also discussed the need for better disaster staffing pools, more flexible facility rules, stronger mental health coverage, child care planning, and statewide coordination for future emergencies; no formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're making sure we have limited English proficiency understand, you know, letters and and doing all
• I know the question was just made, what should be the limit.
• I know that's probably not realistic, but limiting the exposure and products we buy, the food we eat,
• I mean, there's a limit. And I think of benzene, I think of gas and oil, and it's not a good thing.
• If you want, but the crosswalk that we've submitted to EPA at this point was limited in scope.

Committee: House Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• half-mounted and appropriately framed and placed in the Capitol a portrait of the Honorable Yvonne Bond
• both the House and the Senate passed resolutions relating to the portrait of the Honorable Yvonne Bond
• It needs to be a report that is bonded and, yeah, yeah, as a—it's some kind of different kind of document

Keywords: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commission, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All out-of-state, including foreign nationals, will be required to post a bond of $25,000.
• alternate nicotine products in the state of Idaho, if you're from out of state, you're going to have to bond
• their records for five years, that they produce records upon inspection, that they impose a surety bond

Summary: The House Revenue and Taxation Committee met on March 12, 2026, and took up three RS drafts for introduction only. RS 33573, by Representative Raymond, would create a permitting and licensing framework for vape and alternative nicotine products, define those products, require out-of-state sellers to post a bond, allow permit denial for fraud or felony-related issues, establish contraband rules, and impose a modest tax with revenues split among Health and Welfare, public education for cessation/education, and the general fund. Supporters said the bill was the product of years of stakeholder work and was intended to address youth vaping and black-market sales; opponents, including Representative Barbieri, argued it would overregulate a cessation product and could amount to double taxation. The committee voted to introduce the bill, with some nays recorded. RS 33664, by Representative Raybould, proposed a state property tax tied to occupancy, aimed at returning funds to counties and cities for law enforcement, fire, EMS, infrastructure, and property tax reduction. Several members said they were willing to introduce it for discussion but did not support a statewide property tax as a policy matter. The committee voted to introduce the draft. RS 33659, also by Representative Raybould, would tighten homestead exemption verification by requiring the Idaho ID address to match the claimed property address, allowing an Idaho income tax return as an alternative for those without a state ID, and clarifying that applicants cannot claim a similar exemption in another state unless they are on active military service or a religious mission. The sponsor said counties would handle verification and could check other state records when needed. The committee voted to introduce this draft as well, and then adjourned with a meeting scheduled for the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reading through these materials, I saw somewhere it talked about bond money.
• So is any of this bond money?
• And no bonds. Thank you.

Bills: SB193

Committee: House House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources

Keywords: SB193, acequia, community ditch, irrigation works construction fund, water infrastructure, ditch infrastructure, irrigation, New Mexico water law, agricultural water, farmers, Rio Grande, acequia association, forest land protection revolving fund, state fund transfer, irrigation projects, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The pushback that I got, Joe, the bond that you and I created outweighed, brother.
• The bond that you and I created outweighed, brother.
• But the reason why is because, you know, the first, I always tell people, when you have term limits,
• President Gruters, this bill is intended to create clarity on when the statute of limitations would toll
• It streamlines the bail bond application and appointment process by eliminating redundant requirements

Summary: The Senate began with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognitions, including the doctor of the day and a lighthearted “Cannoli Day” introduction. The chamber then held an extended farewell celebration for Senator Joe Gruters, with numerous senators, colleagues, and family members praising his loyalty, political skill, family focus, and service in the Legislature and Republican Party. Gruters was presented with a commemorative gift recognizing his work on a 2019 public-safety and immigration bill that prohibited sanctuary cities and required local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The Senate adopted a motion to spread Gruters’s remarks upon the journal and then recessed briefly. After recess, the Senate returned to regular business and took up third-reading bills. Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 354, relating to blue ribbon projects, was temporarily postponed. The chamber then considered Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1758, relating to public assistance, with Senator Gates explaining that it contained five reforms to the public assistance system discussed earlier in session. During debate on SB 1758, Senator Berman opposed the bill, saying he could not support it in its current form because he believed the Medicaid-related provisions would create a coverage cliff after the one-year transition period and could leave people without care while increasing costs to hospitals and taxpayers. He also said SNAP error reduction should be a priority, but argued the state should focus on fixing administrative errors and fraud rather than imposing a work requirement whose costs and effects were uncertain.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are asking anybody testifying to limit their testimony to three minutes so we can not be here all
• trooper in Delaware, so there was an interesting similarity there, and I think that's how we built a bond

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing on several public safety-related bills, with testimony focused heavily on firefighter cancer presumptions, death benefits, and age-limit waivers for public safety appointments. Boston Firefighters Local 718 and the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts testified in support of legislation tied to the late Boston firefighter Matt Troy, describing his service, his occupational cancer diagnosis, and the family’s ineligibility for benefits because his diagnosis fell just short of the statutory presumption period. Witnesses urged the committee to advance the bill so his widow could receive accidental death benefits and to address broader concerns about cancer risks, bunker gear, and early detection programs for firefighters. Committee members asked questions about how the diagnosis date affected eligibility and discussed the need for broader systemic changes rather than repeated home-rule petitions. Senator Nick Collins and Representative Dan Hunt both testified in support of the Troy-related bills, and the committee also heard that written testimony had been submitted by additional supporters. The committee also heard local home-rule petitions to extend the employment of fire chiefs in Rochester and Northfield. Representative Alan Silvia supported H. 4235 to allow Rochester Fire Chief Scott Wego to continue serving until age 70, citing his nearly 50 years of service and leadership in department improvements. A Northfield select board chair testified virtually in support of H. 4236 to keep Fire Chief Floyd “Skip” Dennell on the job, explaining that he has been central to building planning, volunteer recruitment, training documentation, and an organizational review as the town prepares for his eventual retirement. Both local bills were presented as measures to preserve continuity and support ongoing public safety planning in their communities. Another major topic was S. 2583, which would waive the maximum age requirement for Jonathan Lewis to be appointed to the Massachusetts State Police. Senator Collins described Lewis’s community service and strong exam score, and Lewis testified about his background in Dorchester, his prior interest in becoming a trooper, and his recent ranking on the eligibility list. Committee members expressed support and noted the importance of recruiting qualified candidates and diversifying the force. The committee also heard support for H. 4443, which would raise the maximum age for original appointment to firefighter or police officer positions, and members discussed related retirement and health-review issues that have arisen in prior home-rule cases. At the end of the hearing, no further witnesses came forward, and the committee voted to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, they can take this money now all free and clear and go out and get another bond and do yet another
• I guess I'm supportive that we limited the length of this, and I think we can take another look here

Committee: House Finance and Taxation

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met and first took up Senate Bill 2093, described as providing a small amount of income tax relief for widowed law enforcement peace officers. The committee briefly discussed the limited scope of the relief, then recommended a due pass by roll call vote, with all members present voting yes. Representative Hagert was assigned to carry the bill to the floor. The committee then spent most of its time on Senate Bill 2023, which concerned the Prairie Dog/energy impact grant funding formula and support for debt incurred by oil-impacted cities. Members debated whether the bill unfairly shifted money from the remaining 1% pool that also serves non-oil-producing cities and counties. Supporters argued that Williston, Dickinson, and Minot took on substantial debt to accommodate Bakken growth and that the state has already benefited from that development; opponents said the formula has been repeatedly eroded and that the bill would further disadvantage other political subdivisions. An amendment was offered to narrow the bill’s duration from six bienniums to two, increase the grant amount to $25 million per year, correct distribution percentages, and require reporting to legislative management. A legislative staffer explained the added guardrails: the money could only be used for debt incurred within a specified date range and only for debt service, not new projects or operations. The amendment passed on a roll call vote, and the committee then recommended the amended bill due pass and re-refer to Appropriations by a 7-6 vote, with one member absent. Representative Steiner was designated to carry the bill. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh of course, we saw that is a bill that would limit access to school sites by um federal immigration
• Chair: So, members, the bill before us specifically has some language about limiting access.
• </c><00:25:09.560><c> So,</c> limiting access. So, limiting access.
• It sets out a separate subdivision relating to statute limitations.
• for violating the protective post bond for violating the protective order.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> bonds under the strain of incarceration. bonds under the strain of incarceration.
• </c><00:58:58.799><c> services</c> Uh, but the fact that we limit services Uh, but the fact that we limit
• ASAM 4 does not limit SUD assessments solely to LACs.
• ASAM 4 does not limit SUD assessments solely to LACs.
• ASAM 4 does not limit SUDD principles.

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Uh an EOB can include but is not limited Uh an EOB can include but is not limited to<00:12:34.959
• /c><00:41:38.560><c> referral</c> areas, it essentially limits referral areas, it essentially limits
• </c> comply with. um it's going to limit comply with. um it's going to limit their<01:03:41.680><c> ability
• </c><02:25:02.960><c> and</c> The scope of this bill is limited and The scope of this bill is limited
• But a markets and limited government.

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When cities limit housing, the people don't disappear.
• When cities limit housing, the people don't disappear.
• When cities limit housing, the people don't disappear.
• The options are limited, and housing is simply too expensive.
• </c><01:34:45.320><c> Transportation</c> incredibly limited Transportation incredibly limited Transportation

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But if you can try to limit your testimony, I will interrupt.
• One other question: there's no time limit.
• Is there not a limit to how long you need to hold any evidence?
• And there's no age limit in this statute.
• Right, but that... ...others that are limited by nighttime versus daytime.

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2777 by Representative Rose, which would bar the death penalty for defendants who can prove by clear and convincing evidence that they had schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and active psychotic symptoms at the time of the offense. Rose said the bill would still hold defendants accountable through life without parole, would save money by avoiding lengthy capital litigation, and would address cases where severe mental illness was not adequately considered. Supporters from NAMI Texas, the Catholic bishops, and a forensic psychologist said the bill is narrowly tailored, consistent with neuroscience and moral principles, and would prevent executions of people whose psychosis substantially impaired reality testing. Committee members questioned how the bill interacts with existing competency and insanity law, whether the diagnosis is sufficiently defined, and whether the statute requires active psychosis at the time of the offense. An opponent argued the death penalty should remain available for juries to decide in all cases. The bill was left pending. The committee then heard House Bill 1221 by Representative Lozano, which would raise the cap on pretrial intervention program fees from $500 to $1,200. Lozano and a district attorney witness said the increase is needed because program costs have risen and the fees help make diversion programs self-sustaining, allowing first-time or low-level offenders to complete rehabilitation and potentially obtain expunction. Opponents from the Texas Fair Defense Project argued the higher fee could make diversion unaffordable for indigent defendants and undermine an important alternative to incarceration, especially where related supervision and monitoring costs already add up. Members discussed whether the fee applies only to PTI participants, how payment plans and waivers work, and whether ability to pay should be addressed more explicitly. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1738 by Representative Jones, which would repeal Penal Code Section 21.06 and related Health and Safety Code references concerning homosexual conduct. Jones said the law is unconstitutional under Lawrence v. Texas, remains harmful on the books, and has led to confusion and unnecessary costs even though it is unenforceable. Supporters said the bill simply removes outdated language and protects civil liberties, while opponents from Texas Values argued the statute still serves as a statement that homosexual conduct is unacceptable and should remain as a warning, even if unenforceable. Members debated whether the law’s remaining language is merely symbolic or still harmful, and whether other criminal statutes already cover conduct such as prostitution, incest, and offenses involving minors. The bill was left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• compensation and emergency medical transport at 110% of the Medicare allowable reimbursement rate and limits
• for public nuisances to $500 per day, if not abated within one calendar year, up from the current limit
• Without clear limits, this creates uncertainty about the types of development and infrastructure that
• With regard to auto bonds concerns, line 277, it clearly states that the plan must be recorded.
• It talks about it limits judicial oversight of legislative errors.

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee heard a full agenda of local and policy bills, with most measures receiving favorable reports. Early in the meeting, the committee approved HB 4019, capping Lake County inmate health care and emergency transport reimbursements at percentages tied to Medicare; HB 97, allowing small counties to opt back into transportation concurrency; HB 267, expanding SHIP/local housing assistance eligibility to mobile home owners paying lot rent; HB 351, creating a framework for concurrent state jurisdiction over certain matters involving military installations, with an amendment changing the bill to say the state “may accept” jurisdiction; HB 4013, revising and merging fire district boundaries in Lee County; HB 481, increasing public nuisance fines and strengthening nuisance abatement and foreclosure procedures; HB 4025, conveying state land to the Village of Tequesta for continued park use; and HB 4017, repealing an obsolete Nassau County recreation and water control district, as amended. The most extensive discussion centered on HB 299, the “Blue Ribbon Projects” bill, which would create a voluntary framework for very large developments that dedicate 60% of land to conservation while allowing compact, walkable development and affordable housing on the remainder. The sponsor argued it would balance growth, conservation, and housing affordability without new bureaucracy, while opponents from Audubon Florida, county groups, and local governments warned the bill could weaken local planning, lack enforceable conservation safeguards, and allow nonconservation uses within reserved areas. Supporters said it could preserve large tracts of land at no taxpayer cost and improve long-range planning. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying reserve areas, allowing use of the state’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, requiring easements be provided without charge, and aligning affordability definitions with existing programs. The bill then passed favorably as amended, with some members voting no. The committee also approved HB 4023, a local bill adjusting the boundaries of the Ave Maria Stewardship Community District in Collier County, with no change to the district’s powers and duties. Several bills drew supportive testimony from local officials, industry groups, or affected residents, and some had amendments adopted without objection. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted it was the last interim committee week meeting, thanked members and staff, and encouraged continued stakeholder engagement ahead of session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Public testimony will be limited to no more than 2 minutes per witness.
• There will be a limit of no more than 2 minutes per witness during public testimony.
• I know we got limited time. This is Senate Bill 2530.
• It relocates TWIA headquarters to a tier 1 or tier 2 coastal county, removes the 100-mile limitation
• for TWIA, which has been problematic for a number of years because that costs TWIA money to issue bonds

Committee: House Insurance

Summary: The committee first took up several bills and voted them out favorably without amendment: SB 2857, relating to prescription drug purchasing proof for certain health benefit plan issuers and employers; SB 1307, relating to the biennial health coverage reference guide; and SB 527, relating to health benefit coverage for general anesthesia for certain pediatric dental services. Each of those motions passed on a 7-0 roll call. The main discussion centered on SB 1643, which would require prior approval from the Texas Department of Insurance for property and casualty rate changes above 10% from a previously filed rate. The chair framed it as a response to rate volatility and rising homeowners and auto premiums, while several members questioned whether it would slow a market that is already stabilizing and could encourage insurers to file repeated increases just under the threshold. Witnesses from consumer groups supported tighter oversight and argued for a lower threshold, while insurance industry representatives opposed the bill, saying Texas’s file-and-use system and competitive market work better and that the proposal could increase costs or create uncertainty. After testimony, SB 1643 was left pending. The committee then heard SB 1642, which would replace the single Texas Department of Insurance commissioner with a three-commissioner structure and an executive director. Supporters said it could improve accountability and transparency, while opponents argued the current single-commissioner model is more efficient and avoids confusion and added cost. Witnesses also raised concerns about open meetings issues, administrative expense, and the lack of a clear model from other states. SB 1642 was also left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2530, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association omnibus bill. The bill would make a number of changes to TWIA’s governance and finances, including exempting TWIA from certain taxes, moving its headquarters to a coastal county, changing board composition and voting rules, and lowering the probable maximum loss standard from 1-in-100 to 1-in-50. Supporters said the bill would strengthen TWIA’s reserve funding and improve local relevance, while opponents warned it could increase assessments, reduce reinsurance protection, and create operational risks by relocating the headquarters to the coast. The bill was left pending, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• to um uh well what really just limited to um uh well what is<00:09:19.279><c> the</c><00:09:19.399><
• </c><00:21:16.440><c> redundancy</c> constraints due to to limited redundancy constraints due to to limited
• potentially considering a one-gallon bag limit.
• </c><01:08:38.600><c> was</c> possibility of new quantity limits was possibility of new quantity limits
• that where that particular limit where that where that particular limit came<01:08:48.719><c> from</

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, and we do have a two-minute time limit, as most of you have testified here before are aware.
• Oh, and we do have a two-minute<00:01:54.240><c> time</c><00:01:54.479><c> limit</c><00:01:54.720><c>
• as most of you two-minute time limit as most of you have<00:01:55.680><c> testified</c><00:01:56.159
• Lance and Noi for Ralph Esseno Company Limited in support.
• Thank you very much. limited, I would be relying more so on limited, I would be relying more so on my

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Governor’s Message 790, the nomination of Karen T. Nakasone to serve as chief judge of the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals for a 10-year term. The chair announced that no vote would be taken that day and that the committee would vote on Thursday. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with the chair reading that there were 103 supporters, zero opposed, and one comment. Supporters included current and retired judges, public defenders, bar association representatives, former elected officials, and community members. They described Nakasone as intelligent, fair, hardworking, well respected, and a strong leader with deep legal experience. Several speakers emphasized her judicial temperament, her work as an advocate and judge, and her community involvement, including leadership in civic and civil rights organizations. One pro se litigant also testified that she had been treated kindly and respectfully by Nakasone in prior interactions. The Hawaii State Bar Association reported that it had conducted an interview and review process and found her qualified for the position. In her own remarks, Nakasone introduced family and colleagues, described her 30-year legal career, and said her first job after law school was as an ICA law clerk. She highlighted the court’s backlog reduction efforts under Acting Chief Judge Katherine Leonard, saying the number of older pending appeals had dropped significantly through team-based reforms, and stated that she would continue that work if confirmed. The hearing ended without questions from the committee and with the nomination held for a later vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• and regaled us with many of her dog stories on the bonding bus.
• </c> bonding bus. bonding bus.
• And last but not least, my bonding bestie, Karin Housley. Thank you so much, Karen.
• </c> &gt;&gt; And last but not least, my bonding &gt;&gt; And last but not least, my bonding bestie,<
• </c> on a bonding conference committee. on a bonding conference committee.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a limited footprint. We have two parallel runways and a crosswind.
• We have a limited but primarily UPS?
• We have a limited footprint.<00:15:04.800><c> We</c><00:15:04.959><c> have</c><00:15:05.040><c> two</
• Again, very limited footprint for us, but $542 million really is being driven by customer demand and
• Again, very limited footprint for us, but $542 million really is being driven by customer demand and

Keywords: The live stream for this meeting was prematurely interrupted. The full version will be uploaded in the next few days., 958, all

Summary: The committee heard an update from Kentucky’s three major commercial airports: Lexington Blue Grass Airport, Louisville Regional Airport Authority (SDF and Bowman Field), and CVG. Lexington’s Eric Franco described post-COVID growth that has already exceeded pre-pandemic activity, along with a master plan focused on the whole airport, expanded surface parking, relocation of the air traffic control tower, and a major terminal project estimated at $500 million to $700 million. He emphasized the airport’s role in serving both passenger and corporate aviation across central Kentucky and thanked the legislature for prior funding, including $5 million for parking. Louisville’s Dan Mann reported record passenger growth, expanded nonstop service, and especially strong cargo activity driven by UPS, noting SDF is now among the busiest cargo airports in North America and Bowman Field remains the state’s busiest general aviation airport. He highlighted major infrastructure needs, including airfield and terminal work, parking expansion, and a planned federal inspection service facility to support international flights around events like the Kentucky Derby.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we've got Senate bond initiatives number three. Clerk will read the first bill.
• Uh we've<00:13:14.240><c> got</c><00:13:14.639><c> Senate</c><00:13:14.959><c> bond</c><00:13:15.200>
• <c> initiatives</c><00:13:15.839><c> number</c> we've got Senate bond initiatives number we've got Senate
• bond initiatives number three.<00:13:16.480><c> Clerk</c><00:13:16.720><c> will</c><00:13:16.880><c>
• The bond initiative is ordered to the capital budget subcommittee.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, January 22, 2026, 960, senate, all