Transcript Highlights:

• If this is for co-authors, the clerk will close the roll. There are 70 co-authors added.
• Members, this is for co-authors. All those vote who desire to vote.
• Ayes 60, noes 0, excuse me, there are 60 co-authors.
• Would you like the first roll to be open for co-authors? Yes please.
• Members, the clerk will open the roll for co-authors. All those.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just thank you and appreciate the almost 40, over 40 co-authors.
• Thank you to the Chair for co-authoring last year.
• You, Madam Chair, I want to thank the author.
• So I thank the author for this bill.
• I would also love to be added as a co-author if I'm not already.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on January 22, 2026, for its regular order hearing and suspense-file hearing. In regular order, the committee approved consent-calendar bills AB 683, AB 763, AB 1126, and AB 1278 on unanimous due-pass motions, and AB 34 and AB 442 on a second unanimous due-pass motion. The committee then heard and advanced several bills, including AB 35, which would create an APA exemption for Proposition 4-funded programs to speed implementation of water, wildfire, energy-storage, and grid-support projects; AB 748, establishing pre-approved housing programs for local agencies; AB 939, allowing immediate transfer of certain affordable homeownership units to qualified nonprofit housing organizations; AB 643, adding a narrow organic-waste-derived agricultural fertilizer product to SB 1383 procurement options; and AB 96, removing the high school diploma requirement for certified Medi-Cal peer support specialists. Testimony on these bills was largely supportive, with sponsors and coalition representatives emphasizing reduced delays, lower costs, and improved housing, environmental, or behavioral-health outcomes. The Department of Finance offered general budget comments but no bill-specific positions. The committee voted the bills out, with AB 643 and AB 96 receiving no recorded opposition in the transcript and AB 939 passing with some members noting support and interest in coauthoring. The committee also received a presentation-only discussion of AB 1091, a proposal to authorize eight-letter specialty license plates, which the author said could generate revenue for rural programs such as the Williamson Act; the bill was not acted on at that time. After public comment, the committee moved to the suspense-file hearing on 53 bills. Using a substituted motion for due-pass and due-pass-with-amendments items, the committee held some bills and advanced many others, often with amendments that narrowed scope, deleted provisions, or required reports or studies. Bills held in committee included AB 405, AB 298, AB 333, AB 296, AB 1091, AB 1241, and AB 577, among others. The committee reported moving 43 bills to the Assembly floor, with several on A roll calls and others on B roll calls or with amendments, and noted that amendment language would be posted later online.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:41:46.880><c> or</c> I want to clarify that any county or I want to clarify that any county or
• </c><01:53:52.320><c> for</c> would just kind of use the authority for would just kind of use the authority
• Tourism Authority with &gt;&gt; Thank you. Tourism Authority with comments.
• </c> while with other counties other states? while with other counties other states?
• </c><03:41:10.479><c> the</c> medium income and authorize the medium income and authorize the Department

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2021, a transportation measure creating a framework for electric bicycle and micromobility regulation. The bill would define electric bicycle and electric micromobility device, set age and helmet rules, restrict class 3 e-bikes from sidewalks, allow limited sidewalk use for class 1 and 2 bikes, prohibit high-speed electric devices and certain nonconforming devices in specified locations, update county tax definitions, and change related terminology. Testimony was largely supportive from DOT, police, Honolulu officials, Hawaii Bicycling League, AAA Hawaii, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, and several individuals, while DCCA’s Insurance Division asked for clarity on whether insurance would be required. Committee discussion focused on safety, enforcement, and the fact that no insurance market currently exists for these e-bike classes; members also discussed the need to target bad actors rather than ordinary riders. The chair then proposed and the committee adopted amendments to HB 2021, including clarifying that road-legal, permitted, classified electric bicycles are not subject to insurance requirements at this time; allowing properly classified electric bicycles on sidewalks at 10 mph or less subject to county restrictions; barring high-speed electric devices and other nonconforming devices from public roadways; authorizing impoundment of non-road-legal or improperly registered devices; and requiring direct parental supervision for riders under 16 on class 2 or 3 e-bikes. The committee also made technical and effective-date changes. The recommendation to pass HB 2021 with amendments was adopted unanimously by the members present. The committee next took up HB 1641, a related transportation bill addressing high-speed electric devices. The chair explained that the measure would prohibit the sale, lease, rental, distribution, possession, or operation of high-speed electric devices and establish penalties, but the committee’s version would narrow the focus to devices covered by HB 2021. The amended bill would prohibit offering high-speed electric devices for lease or rent, require sellers to comply with the new regulatory framework, ban operation on bicycle lanes, highways, roadways, and streets, and set a civil penalty of $250 to $1,000 per violation. After no further questions, the committee voted to pass HB 1641 with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. The meeting then moved to HB 1709, which would transfer regulation of the Hawaii Water Carrier Act from the Public Utilities Commission to the Department of Transportation and make conforming changes with an appropriation. DOT testified in support, while the PUC and DCCA’s Consumer Advocacy Division raised concerns about preserving consumer protections and the complexity of moving the regulatory framework. Young Brothers supported the bill and said the current system is outdated, but the discussion remained ongoing; the transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1709 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Like if you look at Hawaii, County of Hawaii, County of Maui, they don't have any HPH provider in their
• </c> Haima, uh, alongside with the county. Haima, uh, alongside with the county.
• In terms of the training and authority, these folks would not have law enforcement authority.
• </c> authority to make that kind of decision. authority to make that kind of decision.
• Maui County. And we are currently Maui County.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so our existing statutory authorities are broad.
• And so that's what I had mentioned as part of the 13-267-13-304 authorities.
• So in Contra Costa County, there's a few initiatives underway.
• I live in Contra Costa County. These are my neighbors.
• I live in Contra Costa County.

Summary: The Senate Environmental Quality Committee held an informational hearing on the environmental impacts and planning considerations associated with refinery closures. In opening remarks, the chair framed refinery shutdowns as a complex part of California’s decarbonization transition and said the committee would focus on environmental and land-use issues, while Vice Chair Gunda argued closures reflect years of policy-driven disinvestment and warned that supply disruptions and higher prices could harm working families. State agency witnesses from the Energy Commission, CARB, and the Water Boards described the state as being in a “mid-transition,” with declining gasoline demand, growing zero-emission vehicle adoption, and increasing conversion of some refinery assets to renewable fuels, but also with abrupt capacity losses that can force greater reliance on imports and storage. They emphasized the need for proactive planning, transparency, and coordination across agencies, and noted that refinery closures can stress pipelines, terminals, and other linked infrastructure, with potential liabilities falling to the state if those assets are not financially supported. The Water Boards explained their cleanup authorities and tools for refinery decommissioning, including investigation, monitoring, remediation, and enforcement under the Water Code, and said site-specific cleanup plans depend on contamination, groundwater conditions, and future land use. They noted that decommissioning can reveal previously inaccessible areas and require additional sampling or wells, and that cleanup costs can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars. Committee members pressed the witnesses on whether the state has enough information to plan for land transitions, whether current tools are adequate, and whether more standardized procedures or financial assurances are needed. The witnesses generally said existing tools are useful but that more transparency and better data sharing would help communities and policymakers understand liabilities and long-term redevelopment opportunities. Members also questioned the relationship between California policy, refinery closures, imports, and global emissions. CARB said its programs apply to transportation fuel suppliers whether fuel is refined in-state or imported, and that its climate and air-quality rules are designed to reduce emissions and avoid leakage. Some senators argued that California’s policies have accelerated closures and that demand has not fallen fast enough to offset lost refining capacity, while agency witnesses responded that closures are also driven by global market forces, aging infrastructure, crude quality, and changing fuel demand. The committee then heard from outside experts, including a Notre Dame professor who said closure costs are often underestimated and that stronger financial assurance requirements can shift company behavior, a Stanford/SLAC researcher who outlined five drivers of refinery closures, and an environmental attorney who discussed community impacts and lessons from the Phillips 66 Los Angeles refinery closure. No votes or formal actions were taken; the hearing was informational and focused on testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• 58 counties and the California State Association of Counties, otherwise known as CSAC.
• Counties are... Counties are California's operational backbone. We know that.
• As a former county supervisor at Santa Clara County, I know firsthand the weight of...
• As a former county supervisor, Santa Clara County, I know firsthand the weight of the decisions supervisors
• This clarifies that stock albuterol is authorized.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of gubernatorial appointments and floor items. The chamber confirmed Dina Eltawasi as Director of Caltrans, Allison Salt Install to the Court Reporters Board, and Olivia May Assumption to the California Commission on Disability Access, and later confirmed William Adams to the California Exposition and State Fair Board. Each appointment was presented by Senator Grove and approved on roll call, with final confirmation votes recorded after calls were lifted. Several measures were taken up on third reading. SCR 143, by Senator Umberg, honored Hmong and Laotian special guerrilla unit veterans who served with U.S. forces during the secret war in Laos; Senator Archuleta also spoke in support, and the resolution passed unanimously. SR 96, by Senator Cortese, proclaimed April as National County Government Month and highlighted the role of counties and CSAC; it also passed unanimously. SB 1347 clarified that stock albuterol authorization applies to all public schools, including preschools; SB 977 required chain restaurants offering children’s meals to provide at least one healthier option meeting nutrition standards; SB 1234 required fentanyl testing when juvenile dependency drug testing is already ordered; SCR 161 designated May 2026 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month; SR 101 updated the Senate Rules Committee membership by replacing Senator Jones with Senator Ochoa Bogh; and SB 1111 addressed liability for unauthorized AI-generated digital replicas. All of these measures were approved, most by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The Senate also adopted SCR 128, by Senator Perez, declaring April 13–24, 2026, as High School Voter Education Weeks to encourage civic education and youth participation in elections. The consent calendar was then approved after Senator Cervantes removed SB 1381; the remaining consent items passed 35-0. Throughout the session, members introduced visiting groups, including Hmong and Laotian veterans, CSAC representatives, and students in the gallery. The day concluded with Senator Wiener’s adjournment in memory of disability rights activist Alice Wong, after which the Senate announced its next floor session and recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:59:01.440><c> to</c> new enforcement tool, the authority to new enforcement tool, the authority
• </c> law enforcement authority law enforcement authority to<01:54:02.400><c> the</c><01:54:02.719><c>
• </c> the inspection by a duly authorized the inspection by a duly authorized police<02:08:27.119><c>
• </c> There is no county level workaround. There is no county level workaround.
• c> for</c><03:01:19.840><c> the</c> Denver County or other authority for the Denver County or other authority

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Louis County. For what purpose does the gentleman rise?
• Louis County. Discussion on House Bill 2016. Lady from St. Louis County.
• Louis County in the front. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Louis County, Black Bear County. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speak on the bill. Proceed, gentlemen.
• Louis County, Black Bear County. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speak on the bill. Proceed, gentlemen.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the previous House Journal by a 101-0 vote, and numerous special guest introductions, including student groups, robotics teams, artists, and a choir. Committee reports from Fiscal Review recommended passage of several bills, including HB 1869, HB 2387/HB 2480, HB 2061, HB 2481, and HB 2885. The chamber then took up Senate changes to HB 2016, a bill addressing anti-Semitism in educational institutions. Supporters said the Senate amendments clarified that schools should consider context, protected criticism of Israel, added charter schools, and required reporting of all Title VI complaints; opponents argued the bill was redundant, could chill speech, and did not match the state’s broader anti-discrimination rhetoric. After a successful previous-question motion, the House adopted the Senate substitute 101-19 and then gave final passage to the bill 100-17. Several third-reading bills followed. HB 2481, dealing with SNAP and Medicaid-related verification and program restrictions, drew sharp debate over fraud prevention versus added bureaucracy and harm to low-income Missourians; it passed 95-44. HB 1869, creating a process to repair veteran gravestones damaged by natural causes, passed 137-2. HB 2927, requiring written settlement demands in bad-faith liability claims to remain open for 90 days and reference the statute, passed 90-50. HB 2387/HB 2480, reinstating the presidential primary and moving it to the first Tuesday in March, passed 116-23. HB 2885, redirecting the final $1 million from boat registration fees to fund the water patrol, passed 112-27. HB 2517, a real estate wholesaler disclosure bill, passed 130-6. HB 3107 was moved to the informal calendar. Debate also began on HB 1730, which would legalize firearm suppressors in Missouri; supporters framed it as a freedom, hearing-protection, and economic bill, while opponents warned it would make gun violence harder to detect and could aid criminals, but no final vote on that bill appears in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> inspection-related licensing authority. inspection-related licensing authority.
• </c><01:05:15.960><c> to</c> The board currently has authority to The board currently has authority to
• provider types in the program. tightened up that authority and um tightened up that authority and um
• </c> involves a county-based purchasing. involves a county-based purchasing.
• </c> County-based purchasing.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, it's Brazoria County, Mr. President. It's Brazoria County, absolutely.
• You know, Brazoria County is a great place. It's a diverse county.
• He does great things for Brazoria County.
• Eric Mellis and Joe Ripple are Brazoria County Day co-chairs and...
• President and members, it is my pleasure to author SCR 20.

Bills: SB 26, SJR 36, SB 26, SB 616, SB 565, SB 384, SB 28, SR 109, SR 122, SR 126, SR 130, SR 136, SR 137, SR 141, SR 142, SCR 20

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement, enforcement suspension, utility consolidation, regionalization, water supply, sewer

Summary: The meeting was marked by significant resolutions recognizing various contributions to Texas and celebrating community initiatives. Key discussions included the adoption of resolutions commemorating Texas Hispanic Judges Day and highlighting the 100th anniversary of Memorial Park. Senators expressed appreciation for the judges' dedication and legacy, with notable mentions of individual judges and their impact on the community and legal landscape in Texas. The Senate also honored students and organizations contributing positively to their communities, showcasing the interconnectedness of public service and the legislative process.

Transcript Highlights:

• That hiring authority is the warden, correct? Correct.
• The hiring authority has independent discretion...
• Authority? I'm asking. We have enough authority? Authority?
• We also are co-authors of 337, authored by Assembly Member Cork Silva, which is to do some more preventative
• providers, 11 of those counties or 11 prisons are in counties that together have a high shortage.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:33.440><c> and</c> fundamental City Authority and fundamental City Authority and dismantles
• Washington County CDA has been tracking Washington County CDA has been tracking pre<01:46:43.440><c>
• </c><01:46:53.719><c> pre</c> concerning in washt County pre concerning in washt County pre forclosure
• With that, authors, do you have closing comments?
• With that, authors, do you have closing comments? With that, authors, do you have closing comments?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, and I know that the author also wants to do that.
• Okay, seeing none, I invite the author to close. We are still in the subcommittee.
• We're happy to work with the author, but this bill goes far beyond what the author and sponsors said
• I want to thank the author for bringing the bill as well.
• We'd be happy to have you as co-authors.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is an ambitious schedule, but I see there are 11 different counties.
• Have you gone through and looked at the counties that are missing?
• So those other counties will show up in future audit schedules that we plan. Mr.
• Murray is the new chief deputy for the county school superintendent's office.
• Mojave County superintendent's... is... It’s ironic, because these are new.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um regarding and some city county funds.
• Uh the it's here for authorization only.
• That was a little um authorizations.
• Uh from Larry County Community College.
• So, yes, we appreciate the authorization for the projects that do just need authorization.

Bills: HB0111, HB0112, HB0122

Keywords: capital construction, state funding, Wyoming, major maintenance, community colleges, task force, legislative services, budget appropriation, unexpended funds, sunset clause, healthcare, rural health, transformation program, funding, incentives, training, access, perpetuity fund, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Office, $125,600 to the Greenlee County Sheriff's Office, $124,200 to the La Paz County Sheriff's Office
• to the Navajo County Sheriff's Office, $217,400 to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office, and $372,700
• Office, $125,600 to the Greenlee County Sheriff's Office, $124,200 to the La Paz County Sheriff's Office
• to the Navajo County Sheriff's Office, $217,400 to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office, and $372,700
• Sheriffs in those counties can use state dollars to assist federal immigration counties can use state

Summary: The meeting began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and a guest introduction for Deputy Frank Sloop. The Senate then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, with most measures receiving do-pass recommendations after brief explanations and, in several cases, floor amendments. Topics included public records, capital outlay review, local government, taxation, state budget implementation, higher education appropriations, utility regulation, towing regulation, homeowners association disclosures, nursing board regulation, veteran services, criminal justice, human services, K-12 education, state property management, and the continuation of the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Several bills were amended on the floor before receiving favorable recommendations. House Bill 2114 on motorcycle-related provisions was amended to require that at least one registered owner be legally licensed to operate a motorcycle in Arizona. House Bill 2397 on HOA/condominium disclosures was amended to change disclosure timing and fee rules and make other conforming changes. House Bill 2408 on nursing board regulatory action was amended to remove a clear-and-convincing-evidence burden in disciplinary matters and clarify complaint-sharing procedures. House Bill 2957 on driver’s license/handheld provisions, House Bill 2305 on towing regulation, and House Bill 2321 on DCS-related reporting also received amendments before do-pass recommendations. The largest item was Senate Bill 1847, the 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act. Senators offered extensive floor amendments affecting agriculture, corrections, criminal justice, school safety, law enforcement equipment, vehicle theft task force funding, liquor licensing, and other budget items. During third reading and debate on the budget, Democratic senators praised negotiated gains such as funding for aging services, food assistance, civil legal aid, school meals, heat relief, and a three-year moratorium on new data center tax incentives, while criticizing border-related funding, ESA/voucher policy, and cuts to higher education and adult education. One member’s remarks were ruled dilatory after repeated off-topic comments, and the ruling of the chair was sustained by a 16-12 vote. The transcript ends with additional budget-related explanation of votes continuing after the budget’s third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your Cass County, your home county, uses it.
• We pay the counties’ witness fees up to $30,000 per county per biennium.
• Most, I think, well, certainly the rural counties don’t have any.
• Most, I think, well, certainly the rural counties don’t have any.
• And then can you remind us of what authority you have?

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to hear the Attorney General’s budget and related agency presentations. Legislative Council first reviewed the compliance with legislative intent report and the base budget worksheet, highlighting current and ongoing appropriations, FTE changes, one-time funding items, continuing appropriations, and major special and federal funds. Members asked about items such as the Missing Indigenous People Grant Fund, the Internet Crimes Investigation Fund, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit grant funding, and staff explained the funding sources and status of those programs. Assistant Attorney General Clare Ness then outlined the Attorney General’s office structure, staffing, and budget pressures. She emphasized the office’s broad statutory duties, the value of its legal and investigative work for state and local governments, and concerns about attorney salary competitiveness, the new and vacant FTE pool, and the impact of the 3% operating budget reduction on BCI, IT, and the crime lab. Members also discussed AG opinions, boards and commissions training, and the office’s litigation and settlement recoveries. Ness and committee members raised the possibility of broader attorney salary benchmarking across state government. The crime lab director described severe space and infrastructure constraints, including overcrowding, shared workspaces, glycol leaks, air handling limits, and aging fire and burglar alarm systems. She said the 2024 study projected a much larger facility would be needed and that a new building on the current health department site would best address the lab’s needs. She also reported that backlogs have improved significantly in DNA, drug, fingerprint, and firearms work, though toxicology had a recent delay after an air compressor failure. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit director described the unit’s fraud, abuse, and neglect work, noted federal-state funding and recent federal scrutiny, and said the unit needs more staff. The gaming division reviewed charitable gaming growth, e-tabs, trust accounts, and compliance issues, while BCI covered its caseload, cybercrime and child sexual abuse material investigations, the missing indigenous person task force, and the use of lottery funds for drug task forces. No formal votes or budget actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Hidalgo County, Luna County, and all of Catron County.
• The central part of the county all the way through the Hatch Valley to Sierra County is my district.
• The state of New Mexico, one of which is my home county, Grant County.
• We're doing that in Curry County for individuals impacted by PFAS, as well as in Santa Fe County, La
• So, we need that authority.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, we have the Clerk of Chambers County, Lisa... the Clerk of Chambers County, Lisa Burette
• I used to represent Cusa County, so... represent Cusa County, and large parts of the area where I live
• Understand that there are people that live in counties like Cowser or Loun that are rural counties, and
• Speaker, was that the counties were concerned that... ...the counties were concerned that this 10 years
• would be served in the county jail.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's going to another committee, County. Um thanks for giving me the County.
• </c> county for payment. county for payment.
• </c> excellent co-author for you. excellent co-author for you. Thank<00:51:57.840><c> you.
• . authority. authority.
• </c> us to make sure we have that authority. us to make sure we have that authority.

Bills: HF1234, HF3528, HF3672, HF3679, HF3680, HF1944

Keywords: payment transparency, public contracts, contractor rights, government accountability, construction payments, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, data transparency, Legislative Budget Office, state agencies, fiscal notes, public data, standard time, federal law, time zone