Transcript Highlights:

• that youth and their families consistently report that they find this complicated or unclear, which leads
• are dedicated to serving young people and families, the disconnected structure of the current system leads
• use challenges, and behavioral health workers experience high caseloads and administrative demands, leading
• And behavioral health workers experience high caseloads and administrative demands, leading to burnout
• In Washington State, suicide remains the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 24.

Summary: The House Education Committee held a work session on the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group and its school-based behavioral health and suicide prevention subgroup, followed by a public hearing on House Bill 1634, as amended in a proposed second substitute. Work group leaders Lisa Callan and Tisha Kirschbaum described the group’s statewide, cross-agency structure, its Washington Thriving strategic plan, and the goal of moving toward a more integrated “system of care” for children and youth. They emphasized that behavioral health, physical health, and education are interconnected, that families and schools often face a fragmented system, and that Washington’s youth flourishing outcomes show a need for stronger supports. Committee members raised concerns about regional disparities, rural access, language and cultural responsiveness, and the burden on schools and educators, while the presenters stressed that schools should be supported to identify needs and connect students to outside clinical services rather than carry the full burden themselves. Representative My-Linh Thai and Christian Stark then outlined the school-based subgroup’s work and recommendations. They said the subgroup meets monthly, includes students, parents, educators, providers, and agencies, and has focused on prevention, early identification, early intervention, and crisis response in schools. For the 2026 session, the subgroup recommended maintaining current investments in school behavioral health programs, strengthening statewide guidance on school behavioral health, and creating a coordinated technical assistance and training network for schools. They explained that the proposed substitute for HB 1634 would direct OSPI and the educational service districts to work with behavioral health agencies and community partners to conduct a needs assessment, map resources, and build a statewide framework for technical assistance and training, with public posting required by August 1, 2027. Testimony in support came from school staff, OSPI, behavioral health professionals, students, parents, and advocacy groups, who described high student anxiety, suicide risk, staffing shortages, and the need for coordinated, accessible supports. One witness from a psychiatric watchdog group opposed the bill, arguing it could increase labeling and drugging rather than holistic care. No vote was taken in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the process leading up to that, when the bills were actually debated on the floor, you saw a lot of
• So the process uh leading<00:18:00.960><c> up</c><00:18:01.200><c> to</c><00:18:01.360><c> that</c><00
• up to that when the bills were leading up to that when the bills were actually<00:18:02.960><c> debate
• 00:20:53.760><c> can</c> save the state money and that it can save the state money and that it can lead
• </c> lead to worse health outcomes for some. lead to worse health outcomes for some.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I was just going to say that generally Texas is also the leading state when it comes to foreign direct
• My name is Frank Campa and I serve as the lead mentor for Men of Honor.
• We need border communities to help lead the development of policies that affect them.
• So Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . took the lead in doing so.
• But so far it is not passed and I think that Texas needs to take the lead and take control.

Bills: HB256 , HB1308 , HB1554 , HB1743 , HB2308 , HB2351 , HB2858 , HB3676 , HB3784 , HB4312 , HB4552 , HB4823 , HB4852 , HB5007 , HB5010 , HB5520 , HB5524 , HCR19 , HB256 , HCR19

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: E-verify, employment verification, illegal employment, state contracts, government entities, license suspension, immigration compliance, state grant funding, E-Verify, compliance, penalties, immigration, government contracts, employee status, state contractors, E-verify program, legally present, employment practices, legal services, public money

Transcript Highlights:

• , then I would like to turn it over to State Superintendent Tony Thurmond about how California can lead
• the way. to lead the way as we have for our students, despite the threats from a federal administration
• And within a year could be out of cash, leading us to discuss state receivership.
• Oakland, leading into this first interim, we had 14 consecutive qualified certifications, and at first
• After that, we really do have statute that would lead us down what we call lapsation.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Jordan Rasmusson, Senator from Fergus Falls and the Republican Senate lead on the Human Services
• It is important to recognize that this increase would not only strain our local budget but could lead
• to further cuts budget but could lead to further cuts for<00:04:55.240><c> other</c><00:04:55.520><c
• These cost shifts lead to higher costs for counties without funding.
• These cost shifts lead to higher costs for counties without funding.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair will lead the House in the Pledge of Allegiance.
• The Chair will lead the House in the Pledge of Allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
• The Chair will lead the House in the Pledge of Allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance, I pledge allegiance

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Saturday, January 3, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so that's going to lead to my next question.
• I think it's time we let Texas lead.
• I think it's time we let Texas lead.
• This leads me... This leads me directly into our request.
• This leads me directly in to our request.

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:44.720><c> her</c> you very much M uh Mr chair uh lead her you very much M uh Mr chair uh
• And that can lead to price increases.
• </c> um I piggybacking a bit of of of uh lead um I piggybacking a bit of of of uh lead her's<01:02:28.079
• </c><01:15:04.440><c> to</c> and that additional traffic leads to and that additional traffic leads to
• </c><01:41:51.159><c> the</c> make sure that we're not leading the make sure that we're not leading the

Bills: HF1865 , HF2014 , HF2028

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: mortgage, qualified mortgage, QM, points and fees, conventional loan, consumer lending, home loan, residential real estate, lender fees, service charge, finance charge, closing costs, Minnesota Statutes 47.20, housing finance, borrower protections, cooperative apartment loan, contract for deed, real estate lending, foreclosure, notice requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• Each state's governor designates a lead agency as the single line of authority for the Part C program
• , and lead agencies vary from state to state.
• Each year, the lead agency is required to submit an application for continued participation in Part C
• </c> DCF making Minnesota a Cod lead DCF making Minnesota a Cod lead State<00:38:00.160><c> this</c><
• </c><01:59:39.199><c> up</c><01:59:39.360><c> to</c> reduction um leading up to reduction um leading

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that leads to this large increase that's still ongoing.
• </c><00:55:38.119><c> to</c> we observe for individuals leads to we observe for individuals leads to
• to intimate partner bet vience so lead to intimate partner bet vience so we<01:04:27.520><c> look</c
• can lead to intimate partner<01:04:50.599><c> violence</c><01:04:51.599><c> and</c><01:04:51.799><c>
• to intimate partner violence that leads to intimate partner violence um<01:08:32.679><c> Kardasian</

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That leads to the third existing land use issue or challenge.
• It helps us retain a leading-edge workforce, creates multiple housing options to grow or downsize the
• It helps us retain a leading edge workforce, creating multiple housing options to grow, a leading edge
• our communities, lead our municipalities, instead of just saying it's up to you?
• But for us to be able to lead, to partner together, and say, you know, you must identify starter home

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-03, House Bill 5000, which would allow single-family homes on small lots in areas with adequate infrastructure. Committee chairs outlined the Article 48 process and the hearing format, then heard first from two subject-matter experts. Under Secretary Chris Clutchman of Housing and Livable Communities explained that the proposal would amend Chapter 40A’s Section 3 (the Dover Amendment) to require most municipalities, except Boston, to allow single-family homes on residentially zoned lots of at least 5,000 square feet with 50 feet of frontage and access to public water and sewer, while still allowing reasonable local regulations on setbacks, height, bulk, and short-term rentals. He distinguished the proposal from Chapter 40Y starter-home zoning, said implementation would likely require regulations to address issues such as wetlands, infrastructure capacity, and nonconforming lots, and answered committee questions about lot subdivision, MBTA Communities, and the relationship to existing zoning tools. Attorney Susan Murphy testified that the petition would significantly override local zoning and could create conflicts with existing statutes, including Chapter 40A Section 6 protections for certain nonconforming lots, subdivision control law, and other residential zoning districts. She raised concerns about how “access” to water and sewer would be defined, whether the measure could apply in business or industrial districts where residential uses are allowed, and whether the proposal could allow large homes on small lots without any affordability limits. She also warned that the measure could have significant infrastructure impacts and argued that the Legislature should consider broader, more comprehensive housing legislation rather than expanding exceptions to the zoning framework. Committee members asked both experts about frontage, lot size, infrastructure capacity, and how the proposal would interact with 40Y and MBTA Communities. The proponents, led by Andrew McCulla of the Legalized Starter Homes Coalition, argued that Massachusetts faces a severe housing shortage and affordability crisis, citing high home prices, high rents, declining listings, and outmigration of younger residents. They said the measure would legalize modest single-family homes on smaller lots, increase housing supply, and help first-time buyers and downsizing seniors, while leaving most other local rules in place. Other proponents, including representatives from Abundant Housing Massachusetts, the Charles River Regional Chamber, and individual residents, emphasized workforce retention, the need for more starter homes, and the view that large minimum lot sizes are a major barrier to production. Committee members pressed the panel on the lack of any home-size or affordability requirement, possible effects on 40B compliance, the number of new lots and homes that might result, and the fact that the ballot initiative would not be amendable by the Legislature. The hearing then turned to opponents from the Massachusetts Municipal Association, who urged the committee to take no action. MMA leaders said zoning should remain a local decision made by residents and elected local officials, and argued that the proposal would preempt local control with a one-size-fits-all mandate. They also said the measure is impractical because many communities with water and sewer are already at or near capacity, so infrastructure availability does not necessarily mean development capacity. The hearing ended during the MMA’s testimony, with no vote or final committee action taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the interviewees that I have in the book, a state data center lead in the South, says that the
• That leads us to confidentiality.
• possible to reconstruct even from aggregate statistics who the populations may be, and that could lead
• The 2026 test was supposed to be a test of operations leading up to the 2030 census, and ideally, in
• So this year, what's happening right now should have been It's a test of operations leading up to the

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on the Census

Summary: The hearing focused on census data privacy, administrative data sharing, and the role of state and local governments in improving census accuracy, especially for the 2030 census. Dr. Philip Rocco testified first, arguing that the census is increasingly intergovernmental and that state and local investments in address list work, outreach, and complete count commissions can materially improve self-response and reduce undercounts. He emphasized that hard-to-count communities are most affected when states delay planning, politicize census work, or lack capacity, and he pointed to examples such as LUCA participation, outreach funding, and group quarters review as important tools. He also warned that recent federal actions and a broader climate of distrust could threaten 2030 operations, and urged Massachusetts to begin readiness planning now. Members then questioned Dr. Rocco about the use of administrative data such as DMV, TANF, SNAP, and WIC records, and about group quarters enumeration. He explained that those data-sharing efforts were voluntary agreements with the Census Bureau, unlike group quarters data, which are often provided by facility administrators and sometimes state agencies. He said the Trump-era effort to use DMV and other records was tied to Executive Order 13880 and was widely resisted because states had confidentiality and legal concerns, and because the stated purpose appeared to shift toward citizenship-related uses. On group quarters, he described e-response, paper response, in-person enumeration, and administrator-provided directory information, noting that privacy issues arise mainly from FERPA limits on university data and from missing demographic details in administrative records. A second panel, Beth Giroz and Amy O'Hara, then explained how administrative data are used by the Census Bureau and why data quality and privacy concerns matter. They described administrative data as records collected for operational purposes, useful for frame-building, nonresponse follow-up, enumeration, and post-enumeration evaluation, but often incomplete or mismatched on key census variables such as race, ethnicity, household relationships, and residence timing. They highlighted that some sources, like IRS, Medicare, USPS, SSA, and Bureau of Prisons records, are especially valuable, while others such as SNAP, TANF, WIC, Medicaid, CHIP, foster care, and driver’s license data vary in completeness and sharing. They stressed that privacy means collecting only what is needed, and that the Bureau typically uses limited header or roster data rather than full records. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing, and the committee recessed briefly before continuing testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, I'll turn to our lead witnesses here.
• Lead witnesses in opposition? Any other witnesses in support? Lead witnesses in opposition?
• Lead witnesses in opposition? Any other witnesses in support? Lead witnesses in opposition?
• Any lead witnesses in opposition? Welcome. You have two minutes. Won't take me that long.
• Anyone, do we have any lead witnesses in opposition? Anyone else in opposition wants to comment?

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Summary: The committee heard SB 872, which would direct $300 million annually for 20 years to repair Central Valley subsidence damage and Delta levees to protect State Water Project deliveries. The author and supporters said the bill is needed to safeguard water for 27 million Californians, prevent threats to life and billions in infrastructure, and address long-standing levee and canal vulnerabilities. Testimony in support came from Restore the Delta, the Central Coast Water Authority, and a broad coalition of water agencies, environmental groups, local governments, and business interests; one organization, the California Chamber of Commerce, supported if amended to include federal conveyance infrastructure. No opposition witnesses appeared. Members from both parties praised the bipartisan coalition and discussed funding, beneficiary-pays concerns, and the need to prioritize water infrastructure. The committee voted 5-0 to pass SB 872 as amended to Appropriations, with the bill placed on call. The committee then heard SB 1305, a study bill on the feasibility of reintroducing the California grizzly bear. The author and tribal co-sponsors framed the measure as a science-based, consultation-driven roadmap that would not authorize reintroduction but would evaluate habitat, impacts, and implementation. Supporters, including tribal representatives, conservation groups, and animal welfare organizations, emphasized the grizzly’s cultural significance, ecological role, and the value of planning for coexistence. Opposition came from retired and current law enforcement, county officials, ranching and hunting groups, and rural representatives, who raised public safety, staffing, livestock, and wildlife-management concerns, arguing the Department of Fish and Wildlife lacks resources for another apex predator. Committee members debated whether risk, public safety, local control, and potential reintroduction areas should be addressed earlier in the process. The author agreed to consider amendments on those points and on funding and local authority. The committee voted 4-1 to pass SB 1305 as amended to Appropriations, with the bill held on call. The committee also heard SB 1079, which would create a Cal Fire Fire Innovation Unit to identify firefighter needs, test new technologies, and speed deployment of successful wildfire tools. The author said the bill would formalize a pipeline from pilot projects to statewide use and build on existing Cal Fire technology efforts. Support came from Megafire Action, Fireworks, Aurora Tech, and the Orange County Fire Authority; the California Association of Realtors supported if amended to allow nonprofits to administer grants directly to homeowners. With no opposition testimony, the bill was moved on a 2-0 vote and held on call pending additional members. The committee later took up SB 997, a district bill for the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency that would grant lien authority so it can enforce groundwater fees and sustainability plan requirements without relying on civil litigation. Support came from water contractors, rural counties, and county associations; members discussed whether similar authority should be extended to other GSAs. The bill was moved on a 2-0 vote to Judiciary and held on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're the tenth leading state in the nation, with electric vehicle populations now estimated to be
• Representative Gunther was a Democrat and the leading voice on water issues on a bipartisan basis in
• concepts, laying them down on top of the McMullen Valley statute, with a private entity being able to lead
• What they're doing in Harquahala, for instance, is leading that project and, along with their partners
• Power are constantly moving forward, but we believe the necessity of additional power should lead to

Committee: Senate Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard an informational presentation on transportation fuel supply in Arizona from Gordon Shemp of Nemecu Analytics. He described Arizona’s dependence on pipeline deliveries, limited terminal inventories, and the resulting vulnerability to outages and price spikes. He also discussed recent refinery closures in California, increased imports from overseas, and a proposed Kinder Morgan project that could add east-to-west capacity into Phoenix. Committee members asked about fuel formulations and how many fuel types move through the system; Shemp said the project would not change destination fuel specifications and that multiple fuel products already move through the pipelines. The committee then took up House Bill 2758, which would allow groundwater transport from the McMullen Valley basin to an initial AMA and related uses, with provisions for eligible entities, transportation fees, and water improvement programs. Supporters, including Stan Barnes, Jim Downing, and Barry Arons, argued the bill follows the 1991 transfer-basin framework, provides needed water augmentation for urban Arizona, and includes local benefits and guardrails. Opponents, including La Paz County Supervisor Holly Irwin, Devonna Sater, and Ed Curry, said the bill would worsen groundwater decline, subsidence, and well failures in Salome and Wenden and favored rural communities being used to solve urban water shortages. The committee approved HB 2758 on a 4-3 vote. The committee also considered HB 2078, which clarifies that certain aggregate mining reclamation notice requirements apply only to new reclamation plans and new aggregate operations, not existing mines. The sponsor said the bill fixes confusion from prior legislation, and the committee passed it 5-0. HB 2031, extending the deadline for applying for a certificate of grandfathered right in the Wilcox AMA from 15 to 27 months, also passed after some members argued the extension was needed for affected applicants while others said it would delay needed protections. HB 2102, allowing county improvement districts in certain basins to use eminent domain for a well and standpipe site and to operate domestic water delivery systems, and HB 2103, allowing gifts and fee revenues to support water hauling and local water improvement programs, both passed 4-3 despite opposition that they were only partial fixes. Later, HB 2117, which increases the annual distribution cap for conservation district education centers and shifts Environmental Special Plate Fund disbursements to the Natural Resource Conservation Board, passed 5-2 after supporters called it a technical cleanup and one member objected to changing the administering entity. HB 2261, revising agricultural property tax valuation terminology and requiring income-based valuation for agricultural real property, passed 4-3 after assessors and county representatives warned it would remove agricultural improvements from the tax rolls and shift costs to homeowners, while farm groups said it would clarify and stabilize agricultural taxation. Finally, HB 2262, transferring the Resource Analysis Division from the State Land Department to the Arizona Geological Survey and changing related geospatial advisory duties, was presented with State Land Department concerns that the bill left several duties and funding questions unclear; the transcript ends before any final action on HB 2262.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if gifted students aren't identified or served, it leads to untapped potential.
• Could this also lead to an exodus? like to testify for informational purposes only.
• Could this also lead to an exodus? We've talked about the benefits of recruitment.
• Could this also lead to an exodus because of the compact?
• I'm the policy analyst lead on the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact.

Committee: House Elementary and Secondary Education

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And these are the three leading reasons why entities are having ransomware attacks that are successful
• It's just we're all kind of like the blind leading the blind. So this was so timely for me.
• Please understand it's important that while we're leading the way, we need other states to come with
• In addition, we attended one of the leading identity conferences out there called Identity.
• I just want to congratulate you on taking a lead.

Committee: Joint Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Interim Committee

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• witnesses in support and two lead witnesses in opposition to speak for no more than two minutes each
• As we've stated, your two lead witnesses will each have two minutes each to provide testimony.
• This is why SB 437 calls on the California State University system to take the lead in determining the
• This is a negotiation that the governor will have to lead, and our task has been to craft a bill that
• This is a negotiation that the governor will have to lead and our task has been to craft a bill that

Summary: The committee heard several higher education bills. It first approved the consent calendar, which included SB 67 and SB 619. The main discussion centered on SB 437, which would direct the CSU system to develop a fair, evidence-based process for verifying whether someone is a descendant of a person enslaved in the United States, as part of the state’s reparations work. Supporters said the bill fills a gap left by the Reparations Task Force and would create a transparent, credible lineage-verification process; opponents argued genealogy methods already exist, the bill would waste money and delay action, and some raised constitutional concerns. The committee took a vote on SB 437, but the roll was left open after the initial tally showed three ayes and three noes. The committee then heard SB 790, which would allow California to join the interstate reciprocity agreement for online postsecondary education. The author and supporters said the bill would improve consumer protections for California students taking out-of-state online courses and help California institutions compete more effectively by reducing the burden of seeking separate state approvals. Opponents, including University of Phoenix and other groups, argued the bill conflicted with the existing reciprocity framework, could exclude some institutions, and might not actually secure California’s entry into the agreement. The committee voted 3-1 to pass SB 790 as amended to the Business and Professions Committee, with the roll left open. The committee also heard SB 391, which would authorize the Community College Chancellor’s Office to charge fees for research partners seeking access to data. Supporters said the office is absorbing significant unfunded workload from data requests and that fees would help recover costs; opponents, including the California Teachers Association community college association, warned the fees could create barriers for faculty and smaller researchers. Members discussed possible exemptions and implementation details. The committee voted 5-1 to pass SB 391 as amended to the Appropriations Committee, with the roll left open. Finally, the committee heard SB 685, a pilot program to provide cost-of-attendance assistance at four CSU campuses for students who experienced homelessness in high school. Supporters said it would help students cover housing, food, and transportation costs and reduce dropout risk; members asked about eligibility and implementation, and the author explained the bill would use McKinney-Vento homelessness designations and target students at risk of “summer melt” and college homelessness.

Transcript Highlights:

• May we lead with humility, listen with intention, and legislate with courage.
• Assembly Member Koloza will lead us in the pledge.
• From building the Transcontinental Railroad to leading in fields like technology, education, and the
• the algorithms are responsible for serving a young lady obvious posts on extreme weight-loss fads leading
• An analysis of leading curriculum materials reveals that approximately 35% of the content is redundant

Summary: The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month ceremony. Members adopted House Resolution 35 recognizing May as AAPI Heritage Month, with extensive floor remarks from caucus leaders and members highlighting AAPI history, contributions, and solidarity with other communities. The chamber then honored 14 AAPI honorees from across the state, including public servants, advocates, artists, health professionals, and community leaders, before moving to the regular file. On the floor, the Assembly passed a series of bills on social media harms to minors, labor privilege, foster care family-finding, low-impact camping areas, student body association governance, drink-spiking prevention at music festivals, behavioral health access, greenhouse gas recapture, physical therapy access, housing enforcement, insurance licensing, density bonus clarification, water district proxy voting, park district updates, secured transactions, and property tax relief during emergencies. Most measures passed with broad or unanimous support; notable votes included AB 2 on social media platform accountability passing 59-0, AB 1109 on union communications privilege passing 45-4, AB 409 on student body association open meetings passing 55-6, AB 518 on low-impact camping passing 55-0, AB 668 on drink-spiking protections passing 72-0, AB 348 on behavioral health access passing 69-0, AB 663 on HFC recapture passing 71-0, AB 574 on physical therapy access passing 68-0, AB 712 on housing enforcement passing 57-1, AB 943 on insurance pre-licensing reform passing 63-0, AB 87 on density bonus law clarification passing 63-0, AB 523 on Metropolitan Water District proxy voting passing 62-1, AB 769 on park district code cleanup passing 68-0, AB 771 on secured transactions passing 69-0, and AB 1416 on property tax installment deferrals passing 66-0. The Assembly also took up AB 446, the Surveillance Pricing Protection Act, which would prohibit businesses from using personal data to charge different prices for the same product or service. Supporters described the practice as predatory and discriminatory, while noting ongoing concerns about preserving legitimate discounts and loyalty programs. The bill was presented as a consumer protection measure aimed at preventing hidden price discrimination and reducing cost-of-living pressures. The transcript ends amid repeated and partially duplicated readings of AB 446, without a final vote shown for that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will provide a brief overview and we have certainly our lead administrative us from the some of the
• in the community in 23. now joining us to provide additional information on FIDDLER'S are several lead
• New are which leads me.
• There are leads within schools to show, but ultimately that's a professional responsibility.
• So that leads me to my second question when when the performance of the department with respect to the

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• represents a necessary step forward for Massachusetts cities to be able to follow cities and other states’ leads
• the city of Boston, but I also think that Boston and Massachusetts are great cities and states to lead
• Massachusetts is able to lead to ensure that we are managing our public spaces responsibly and that we
• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car and motorcycle crashes are the leading

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 41 bills covering accessibility, motorcycles, vehicle operation, and water transportation. The chair and vice chair outlined the hearing process and noted the committee members present. Testimony was taken in person and remotely, with written testimony accepted throughout the hearing. Several bills drew testimony in support. Representative Lee Davis supported H. 4130, which would renew and expand the accelerated bridge program, arguing it would speed repairs to structurally deficient bridges, especially in rural areas, and reduce long-term costs. Testimony also supported H. 4402 and S. 2639, which would authorize automated curb enforcement and improve parking violation procedures; witnesses said automated curb management could reduce double parking, improve safety and traffic flow, and should include privacy protections and local opt-in authority. The committee also heard strong testimony for S. 2611, which would require motor coach passengers to wear seatbelts, with witnesses from Sarah’s Wish Foundation citing a fatal crash involving their daughter and low seatbelt usage on buses. Senator O’Connor and Vincent DeAndrea testified for S. 2430, which would tighten motorcycle permit rules for drivers under 18 by requiring rider training, a junior operator’s license, and a clean driving record; they cited teen crash risks and Mr. DeAndrea’s son’s death in a motorcycle crash. The hearing ended after a brief recess and a final request to report out another bill concerning breakdown lanes and fines, followed by a motion to adjourn.