Transcript Highlights:

• the general fund, not limited to their agency fund, which includes whether they have dues or ticket fees
• That would boil down to $3,000 per kid per sport in activity fees.
• , the cost-based aspects of it, where there were errors, effectively inaccuracies, I'll say, were hidden
• , and they were hidden in health insurance, for example, and other things like that.
• So there's a simple one: utility fees. So there's a simple one: utility fees.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's right, I didn't say that cable companies pay a 5% franchise fee.
• I said that residents pay a 5% franchise fee.
• Similarly, telecom customers pay a fee per access line, and the fee per line is set by the municipality
• Despite the fees already paid by residents to be in the right of way, they have to pay again.
• We do not set the fees that we collect. The Public Utilities Commission sets those fees.

Transcript Highlights:

• City residents currently pay a 5% franchise fee for the cable to be located in the city's right-of-way
• franchise fee.
• Similarly, telecom customers pay a fee per access line, and the fee per line is set by the municipality
• Despite the fees already paid by residents to be in the right-of-way, they have to pay again.
• Going forward, we do not set the fees that we... elect; the Public Utilities Commission sets those fees

Bills: HB3713, HB3953, HB4055, HB4272

Keywords: telecommunications, local exchange companies, universal service fund, rate maintenance, business expansion, broadband access, internet service, multiunit residential properties, urban areas, affordability programs, fiber-optic cables, public land, construction permits, environmental impact, notification requirements, municipal projects, infrastructure, facility relocation, public right-of-way, 1184

Transcript Highlights:

• costs for... ...mind you that on the civil side there are treble damages, attorneys' fees and costs
• Sexual abuse in schools is a hidden epidemic.
• This hidden public many survivors of child sexual assault.
• Sexual abuse in schools is a hidden epidemic.
• This hidden public health epidemic is preventable.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures, with extensive testimony on firearms regulation, disability and sexual assault, mental health diversion, emergency response, and law enforcement masking. SB 704 by Senator Arreguín would require firearm barrels to be purchased through licensed dealers with a background check, as a response to the rise in ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms; supporters said barrels are a key component of untraceable guns, while opponents argued the bill burdens lawful gun owners and does little to stop criminals. SB 258 by Senator Wahab would eliminate the remaining spousal rape exception for victims unable to consent because of disability; supporters called it a needed closure of an archaic loophole, while disability-rights advocates opposed it unless amended, warning it could worsen misunderstandings about capacity to consent and harm disabled people’s autonomy. After debate, SB 258 passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, with several members voting aye and the bill held on call. Senator Umberg presented SB 398, which closes a loophole in the law prohibiting paying or offering money or other value to induce someone to vote or register to vote; there was little opposition, and the bill passed on a due-pass motion to Appropriations and was held on call. He also presented SB 27, a CARE Court cleanup measure that would allow certain misdemeanor defendants found incompetent to stand trial to be routed into CARE Court and would expand eligibility to some people with mood disorders with psychotic features. Supporters said it would improve access to treatment and reduce unnecessary incarceration, while county behavioral health directors and disability advocates warned it could blur the line between voluntary civil treatment and coercive criminal proceedings and expand CARE Court beyond its intended scope. SB 27 passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 36 from Senator Umberg, a price-gouging measure tied to wildfire-related emergency conditions that also expands search-warrant authority for certain misdemeanor investigations. Public defenders opposed the search-warrant expansion as unnecessary, while a late supporter from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spoke in favor; the bill was moved on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and held on call. SB 571 by Senator Arreguín would increase penalties for impersonating emergency personnel and related conduct during disasters; supporters cited post-fire looting and impersonation, while opponents argued longer sentences do not deter crime and that existing law is sufficient. The bill passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and was held on call. Finally, Senator Wiener presented SB 627, which would prohibit law enforcement from wearing extreme masks except in limited circumstances, aimed largely at masked federal immigration enforcement operations. Supporters said masked, unidentified officers create fear and undermine trust, while law enforcement groups argued the bill wrongly sweeps in local officers, is too broad, and should instead target federal agents or impersonators. Testimony was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SB 627 is shown here.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:06:28.799> hidden empowerment and social justice. hidden empowerment and social justice
• . hidden figure<01:06:29.680> web.
• , the hospital provider fee, starts to get reduced.
• the provider fee, the hospital provider<02:20:01.760> fee<02:20:02.800> starts<02:20:03.120
• provider fee starts to get reduced. provider fee starts to get reduced.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, approved the journal, and then moved out of order to consider Senate Joint Resolution 10, a resolution celebrating Lunar New Year 2026. The resolution highlighted Colorado’s observed Lunar New Year holiday, the cultural significance of the holiday to Asian-American communities, and the contributions of Asian-Americans in Colorado. Several members spoke in support, including remarks about the Far East Center, Asian-American heritage, and the importance of recognizing the holiday statewide. The chamber also welcomed a number of guests and groups for the Lunar New Year observance, including state and international dignitaries, community leaders, and lion dancers. Representative Soer and others introduced guests and offered brief remarks; the House then recessed briefly for the celebration. After returning, the House adopted Senate Joint Resolution 10 by a vote of 60 ayes, with five excused and no no votes. Following the resolution, members made announcements about committee meetings and visiting student groups, including District 6 Day, Disability Rights Advocacy Day, and several school groups at the Capitol. The House then took up third reading of supplemental appropriations bills. House Bill 1150, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Agriculture, passed on third reading. House Bill 1151, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Corrections, prompted extended debate over prison funding, inmate care, staffing, and parole-related concerns; members argued both for humane treatment and for fiscal restraint, and discussion was still ongoing in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• from Michael sonunu that any carbon fee from Michael sonunu that any carbon fee automatically<01
• <01:06:03.599> and economic argument against fee and economic argument against fee and dividend
• A carbon fee is a polluter fee, so those energy sources that don't pollute carbon don't pay the fee.
• It's a fee on polluters; it's not a tax on energy.
• is a polluter talking point a carbon fee is a polluter fee<01:17:15.400> so<01:17:16.120>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And there's nothing hidden, Mr. Speaker, about fees on overdraft.
• And there's nothing hidden, Mr. Speaker, about fees on overdraft.
• fees just like the overdraft fee fees just like the overdraft fee Republicans<01:41:43.440> are
• without the fee. And and Mr. Mr. without the fee. And and Mr. Mr.
• What the opposition has argued today is these fees are hidden. They're not.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• from the public that these hidden from the public that these reports<00:20:33.120> currently<
• And then in committee, I know we did have an amendment to clarify the interest rate or fee equivalent
• And then in committee, I know we did have an amendment to clarify the interest rate or fee equivalent
• c><00:27:17.120> interest<00:27:17.360> rate<00:27:17.520> or<00:27:17.679> fee
• to clarify the interest rate or fee to clarify the interest rate or fee equivalent equivalent equivalent

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and maintain our roads on top of another $10 billion or so that comes from user fees.
• Uh, the, the fee, as we discussed, would only be, uh, provided for a $10 additional registration fee
• Uh, we're supported by the current $10 fee.
• Stop raising taxes and fees and no more tolls. Texas taxpayers have had enough.
• Senator Donna Campbell already passed a bill to allow a $10 fee hike in the area.

Bills: SB2347, SB2911, SB2033, SB2158, SB2993, SB2778, SB2672, SB2014, SB3144, SB3096, SB3097, SB2968, SB2363, SB3154, SB2400, SB3313, SB2896, SB3279, SB2614, SB2687, SB2754, SB2549, SB3325, SB2658, SB2659, SB2602, SB2611, SB2877, SB3063, SB2615, SB3232, SB2875, SB3272, SB2854, SB3203, SB2803, SB2804, SB3302, SB3229, SB2969, SB2412, SB2657, SB2880, SB2540, SB2414, SB3142, SB3202, SB2281, SB2852, SB2272, SB2479, SB2589, SB2936, SB2720, SB2730, SB2749, SB2688, SB2798, SB3040, SB3107, SB3010, SB3109, SB3140, SB3187, SB2057, SB2377, SB3048, SB3083, SB3182

Keywords: tenant rights, landlord obligations, housing crisis, eviction prevention, multilingual access, intoxicating liquor, direct shipment, breweries, distilleries, Hawaii, renewable energy, grid-ready homes, interconnection process, electric utility, energy independence, surcharge, customer access, energy storage, smart inverters, veterinary workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• that comes out of their fee.
• Their fee would be $1,000.
• It's an 8.2% tax at The eBay fee, the online marketplace fees are one of her largest expenses.
• There won't be a tax on their fees.
• This is a hidden cost.

Bills: HB19, HB30, HB851, HB1663, HB1681, HB1769, HB1937, HB1979, HB2428, HB2433, HB2825, HB3159, HB3424, HB3486, HB3487, HB3504, HB3605, HB3879, HB3994, HB4382, HB4752, HB5444, HB5446, HB5447, HB3199, HB4847, HB19

Keywords: local government debt, property tax, ad valorem tax, bond election, certificate of obligation, anticipation note, school district tax rate, voter-approval rate, debt service cap, municipal finance, county bonds, flood control district, hospital district, public works, tax transparency, property tax notice, November uniform election date, general obligation bonds, local debt reform, taxpayer notice

Transcript Highlights:

• And then farther down, there's a mention of out-of-state fees in the bill.
• So again, The out-of-state fee established in subsection three.
• bill unfortunately creates space for dissent to be criminalized and for voices to be silenced and hidden
• or not attorney's fees if you prevail.
• I did get the statutory reference to 119.12; it's attorney's fees.

Summary: The committee first considered CS/SB 536, which updates Florida’s criminal gang statutes to reflect modern gang recruitment and communication methods, including social media and encrypted messaging. Senator Martin said the bill does not criminalize gang membership, but clarifies definitions used for gang-related enhancements and law enforcement investigations. Members raised concerns about the meaning of “observed in the company” of gang members and possible impacts on businesses and bikers; Martin said the language was not intended to reach ordinary business customers and that the bill still requires other criteria. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably after debate, with some members supporting it and others warning it was still too broad. The committee also approved CS/SB 762, allowing cross-jurisdictional assignment of conflict capital cases with cost and reporting requirements, after an amendment emphasizing judicial economy and geographic proximity; the bill was described as a cost-saving measure and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1742, creating a new offense for indecent exposure or sexual acts directed at minors under 16, was amended to align with the House version and to cover observing a child for sexual gratification, then reported favorably. CS/SB 1750, increasing penalties and mandatory minimums for serious sex crimes and child sexual abuse material offenses, was amended to restore some current-law provisions and limit reclassification to offenders who were 18 or older at the time of the offense, then reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 1582 on statewide data sharing for secondhand dealer and pawnbroker transactions, along with its companion public-records bill SB 1792, both described as theft-prevention and law-enforcement tools with confidentiality protections and stakeholder support. CS/SB 500, providing FDLE protective security for major-party nominees for statewide constitutional offices, was also reported favorably after a technical amendment. The longest and most contentious discussion was on CS/SB 1632, which would create a process for Florida to designate foreign and domestic terrorist organizations, restrict courts from enforcing foreign or religious law when it conflicts with state or federal law, and bar public funds from supporting designated organizations. Senator Graal said the bill targets conduct, not belief, and creates due-process protections through written findings, public notice, cabinet action, and judicial review. Senator Smith and Senator Polsky repeatedly questioned whether the bill’s use of terms like “promotion” could chill protected speech, academic debate, protest activity, or legal representation, and whether the designation process could be used politically or against religious and advocacy groups. Graal said promotion was meant to cover support for illegal acts, not mere disagreement or academic speech, and said she was open to clarifying language. Numerous speakers opposed the bill, arguing it was vague, unconstitutional, and likely to be used against Muslim communities, students, nonprofits, and dissenting political speech; a few supporters argued it was needed for public safety and to prevent state support for terrorism. The committee did not take a final vote on CS/SB 1632 in the portion provided, and the transcript ends during public testimony on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sports Advisory Council, so MMA and martial arts, and other boxing-type activities, licensing, and fees
• 27:57.399> situation Um, and this was a situation where the employer was charging employees fees
• Uh, but the fund, um, is paid for by fees that are charged, uh, which you are very well aware of, um,
• that are charged uh which you are fees that are charged uh which you are very<00:46:35.880> well<
• think it's it's one of those hidden think it's it's one of those hidden items<01:03:02.960> that

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee met under a new Senate power-sharing arrangement with co-chairs, began with member and staff introductions, and then received a jurisdiction overview from Senate counsel. The overview explained that the Labor Committee’s jurisdiction has not changed from the previous biennium and covers fair labor standards, minimum wage, workers’ compensation, occupational safety and health, and related agencies and boards such as the Department of Labor and Industry, Bureau of Mediation Services, PERB, and the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals. It also noted that some topics, including paid leave, fall under other committees, while earned sick and safe time remains within Labor and Industry jurisdiction. Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach and Josiah Moore then gave a detailed Department of Labor and Industry presentation. They reviewed the department’s funding sources, emphasizing that workers’ compensation funds and construction codes/licensing revenues make up most of the budget, while the general fund is a small share. They described the department’s major divisions, including workers’ compensation, construction codes and licensing, labor standards, nursing home workforce standards, and OSHA consultation and compliance, and highlighted practical examples of their work. Examples included return-to-work assistance for an injured worker, compliance training that reduced penalties for self-insurers and claim administrators, and use of the Special Compensation Fund when an employer lacked workers’ compensation insurance. The labor standards section highlighted enforcement actions involving unpaid overtime, pregnancy and parental leave retaliation, wage deductions, and child labor violations, along with totals for 2024 collections and inquiries. The presentation also noted the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board’s adopted rules, the expansion of construction licensing exams statewide, and OSHA consultation programs such as Min-SHARP and MINSTAR, including a Minnesota employer that recently achieved MINSTAR status. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then the district pays their attorney fees and other things.
• Then the district pays their attorney fees and other things.
• Then the district pays their attorney fees and other things.
• Then the district pays their attorney fees and other things.
• So the legal fees, the, uh, custom, it's really throughout the entire country that a prevailing party

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1430 is a simple bill that helps our county recorder fees catch up with inflation. I have Mr.
• This bill does not increase any existing surcharges or fees and is revenue neutral.
• Especially seniors, families, and low income individuals from excessive and hidden fees for DMV related
• like the. the official DMV site, misleading consumers and charging up to $150 more than the actual DMV fee
• With little to no transparency, AB 1190 will address this by capping fees to no more than 5%. cost of

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• have a PBM 938, and it's a different way of looking at how we regulate PBMs between administration fee
• , dispensing fee, reimbursements, what the department can do in reverse auction.
• There's no reason for us to keep those fees.
• Typically, in our industry, that's two of which have committed to go to a fee-for-service model.
• , then we're going to have a data fee, then we're going to have a market access fee, and before you know

Summary: The Senate Insurance Committee met on May 13, 2026, adopted the May 6 minutes, and then took up several bills dealing with pharmacy benefit managers, prescription access, behavioral health coverage, and Citizens Property Insurance. HB 938, as amended, was the main PBM reform measure. After the committee adopted a large amendment set that narrowed the bill, members heard extensive testimony in support from Mark Bloom, Justin Joseph of Capital Rx, and Kathy Ue of Pontchartrain Cancer Center, all emphasizing transparency, pass-through pricing, reverse auctions, and patient access. Supporters described savings from reverse auctions and administrative models, while the cancer center testified that PBM-owned specialty pharmacy requirements can delay cancer medications and create financial hardship. The committee reported HB 938 favorably with amendments. The committee also heard HB 1154, which prohibits prior authorization for certain generic medications prescribed by qualified physicians, with a $250 cap discussed as a safeguard against higher-cost generics. The bill was supported by representatives from Ochsner Health and the Louisiana State Medical Society and was reported favorably. HB 909, which requires commercial coverage for behavioral health crisis services, was amended to clarify the insurers covered and then reported favorably with support from the Office of Behavioral Health and several outside groups. Testimony on HB 909 focused on reducing emergency room and law enforcement burdens and expanding crisis response capacity across the state. HB 1187, dealing with excess emergency assessment funds from Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, was explained by the Insurance Commissioner as a way to transfer remaining Katrina-era assessment funds to the Fortified Roof Program. The committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, SB 511 and SB 512 were deferred and converted into a study resolution approach because there was not yet consensus on the underlying issue. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would check the vent for hidden cameras. I was afraid to go outside.
• , and $20,000 for annual fees.
• These fees are the norm in both blue and red cannabis legal states, except those state fees are actually
• The taxpayers will even cover the legal fees. How is that responsible.
• They collect fees, and in that process, they do have contract lobbyists.

Bills: SB5, SB11, SB12, SB 5, SB 11, SB 12

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes, election law enforcement, criminal prosecution, Election Code, Government Code Chapter 402, local prosecutors, county attorney, district attorney, grand jury, probable cause reports, state election offenses, voter fraud, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• Thirty-nine percent was tuition and fees, so it cost more to live than to go to school.
• At CSU, housing made up 53% of the cost, while tuition and fees accounted for 28%.
• I earned... ...of that ballot, hidden in some booklet that most people probably have long discarded.
• cap on oversight fees.
• We cannot allow this to... ...unjustified fees to her own school. We cannot allow this to continue.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long floor file of bills. Early measures passed with little or no debate, including AB 698 on local transfer taxes and affordable housing analysis, AB 456 on mobile home sales, AB 1129 on reportable infant health conditions, AB 69 on Fair Plan insurance notices and voluntary market searches, AB 357 on expedited student and faculty housing permits, AB 383 on firearms code cleanups, AB 426 on drones interfering with emergency response, AB 825 on energy affordability and transmission financing, and AB 699 on ballot transparency for local tax and bond measures. Most of these bills passed unanimously or with strong bipartisan margins, while AB 825 drew the most extended debate over whether it would lower costs or expand state control of energy infrastructure; it ultimately passed 45-5. The most contentious item was AB 84, which would strengthen oversight of non-classroom-based charter schools and tighten accountability for charter spending and operations. Supporters argued it was needed to stop fraud and misuse of public education dollars, citing major scandals and audit findings, while opponents warned it would harm legitimate charter schools, reduce educational options, and disproportionately affect rural and special-needs students. Several members said they supported the bill only to keep negotiations going, and others urged more targeted or delayed action. After extensive debate and multiple amendments, the Assembly passed AB 84 on a 41-22 vote. The chamber also took up AB 610, a housing bill that would require cities and counties to disclose planned housing restrictions and limit new constraints for three years after housing element approval. The author framed it as a certainty and transparency measure to help address the state’s housing shortage, while noting continued discussions with local governments and housing advocates. The transcript ends with the bill’s presentation and request for an aye vote, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• likely they'll now pay on fee schedules. likely they'll now pay on fee schedules.
• in here or what's not hidden in here.
• in here or what's not what is hidden in here or what's not hidden<06:40:41.520> in<06:40:41.680
• The fact of the matter hidden in here.
• It's right there for everybody hidden.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The legal cannabis industry, which is subject to state and local taxes and fees, is coming...
• California's excise taxes and licensing fees are 124% and 162% higher, respectively, than Michigan's.
• And altogether, our taxes and fees account for about 77.5% of total wholesale value.
• They're funding the entire regulatory system through their fees.
• And now we... ...any of the fines and fees that aid in enforcement.

Summary: The Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee met with a delayed start while waiting for quorum, then heard several bills before moving to the suspense file. AB 564 by Assemblymember Haney would freeze the planned cannabis excise tax increase at 15% rather than allow it to rise to 25%; supporters argued the legal cannabis industry is struggling against the illicit market and high taxes, while opponents said the measure would reduce funding for children, youth programs, environmental restoration, and enforcement promised under Prop. 64. The bill was sent to suspense during regular order and later approved out of suspense on a 6-0 vote with amendments, including a five-year sunset and a reduced rate. AB 1265, also by Haney, would extend and expand the state historic tax credit to encourage rehabilitation of vacant historic buildings for housing and mixed-use projects; preservation and housing advocates supported it, and it was also sent to suspense rather than voted on immediately. The committee then heard AB 1377 by Assemblymember McKenna, which would require studios seeking optional diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility film tax credits to complete the plans they submit to the California Film Commission. Labor supporters said studios should do more than make good-faith efforts, and the bill passed 5-1 to Appropriations. AB 1416 by Vice Chair Ta would clarify disaster-related property tax deferrals for homeowners who have requested installment plans, and it passed 7-0 to the Assembly Floor. Afterward, the chair gave a general warning that the bills on suspense represented large revenue losses and emphasized the committee’s need to weigh tax expenditures against other state priorities. On the suspense file, the committee approved AB 27, AB 53, AB 97, AB 231, AB 232, AB 429, AB 613, AB 984, and AB 1485, mostly on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, while AB 547 passed 5-1. Several other bills, including AB 386, AB 389, AB 490, AB 6991, AB 814, AB 1057, AB 1219, AB 1282, AB 1354, AB 1431, AB 1435, and AB 1481, were held in committee. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning after completing the suspense-file actions.