Transcript Highlights:

• told the House last week, we realize that the decisions y'all make daily in here make you a hero or a zero
• back home. makes you a hero or a zero back home.

Bills: HB352 , HB366 , SB272 , SB296

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Keywords: HB352, cotton, cotton bale assessment, cotton levy, cotton producers, agriculture, forestry, Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee, per bale fee, commodity assessment, producer referendum, cotton sales tax, Alabama Code 2-8-199, cotton commission, agricultural funding, HB366, Lakyn Canine Act, police dog, K9, K-9

Transcript Highlights:

• suspensions because there we increased the fine to $150 and changed it to a non-moving penalty, so it was zero
• possibility to be able to get the numbers to find out how many offenses that we currently have are from zero

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee opened with a hearing on HB 1596, which would change low-level marijuana and THC possession and paraphernalia offenses into non-criminal citations or infractions, with fines and court procedures varying by amount and age. The bill’s sponsor said it was intended to reduce burdens on law enforcement, prosecutors, indigent defense, and the courts, while still deterring possession; testimony from the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents supported the bill but suggested an amendment to keep those under 21 in infraction status rather than non-criminal citation status, to align more closely with alcohol laws. Committee members questioned whether the bill was based on weight rather than potency, how it would affect criminal records, and whether the proposed amendment would treat 20-year-olds with marijuana similarly to 20-year-olds with alcohol. Opposition came from the Chiefs of Police Association, Ward County Sheriff’s Department, and the Sheriffs’ and Deputies’ Association, which argued the bill would decriminalize a Schedule I substance and move North Dakota toward legalization contrary to voter decisions. They also said existing local plea practices already reduce workload and that the bill would still leave law enforcement with evidence handling and reporting duties. After debate, the committee adopted a do not pass recommendation on HB 1596 by a 5-2 vote. The committee then took up HB 1416, a gaming-related bill involving charitable gaming and the ability to conduct multiple gaming activities at a site. Members discussed concerns about rural facilities, local flexibility, and whether the bill was necessary given that gaming activities can be paused or covered during another event. Senator Myrdal moved a do not pass recommendation, which passed on a 5-2 vote. The committee then adjourned until the next morning, with two bills still pending for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• There being four ayes and zero nays, the committee substitute to Senate Bill 393 is reported to the Senate
• There being four ayes and zero nays, Senate Bill 2406 does pass.

Bills: SB 1079 , SB 1243 , SB 1504 , SB 1579 , SB 1708 , SB 1844 , SB 1851 , SB 1879 , SB 1921 , SB 1951 , SB 2237 , SB 2238 , SB 2406 , SB 2407

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: SB 1079, Texas, county government, commissioners court, Local Government Code, Chapter 263, surplus property, salvage property, data storage device, hard drive, electronic media, digital records, confidential information, protected information, privacy, records retention, information security, data destruction, device disposal, sensitive data

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Government was marked by significant discussions on multiple bills aimed at enhancing governance and protecting taxpayer interests. Among the notable legislations was SB1951, where Senator Paxton emphasized reforms to reduce erroneous penalty notices imposed by appraisal districts, eliminating the financial incentive for such penalties. The session concluded with public testimonies that highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in taxpayer dealings. Additionally, Senator Middleton presented SB1504 and SB2237, focusing on the operational frameworks of local authorities and executive severance payments, respectively, both of which sparked considerable debate among committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is out, so that vote is four to zero. We'll keep the roll open for our members to add on.
• That bill is out five to zero. We'll keep the roll open for our absent members.

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on March 26, 2025, adopted its 2025-26 committee rules, and approved a five-bill consent calendar. The committee then heard several election-related measures focused on transparency, accessibility, and election administration. AB 775 (Fong) would modernize behested payment reporting by extending filing deadlines, requiring direct filing with the FPPC in most cases, and improving online public access; the FPPC chair testified in strong support, and the bill drew no opposition. AB 287 (Lackey) would require vote centers and polling places to provide accessible parking and curbside voting accommodations for voters with disabilities; Los Angeles County election officials and Disability Rights California supported the bill, while LAUSD raised concerns about parking shortages and storage costs and requested amendments. AB 331 (Pellerin) would clarify that certification of election results is a ministerial duty, address misleading ballot return envelopes, and ensure voter information guides reach incarcerated voters in a usable format; the Attorney General’s office sponsored the bill, while the Secretary of State expressed concerns about the feasibility of a state takeover of county canvassing and said it was working on a solution with the author. The committee members generally supported the bills, emphasizing transparency, voter access, and election integrity. AB 775 and AB 287 both received favorable votes after brief discussion, with members noting the importance of transparency in campaign-related reporting and accessibility for voters with disabilities. AB 331 also passed, though the Secretary of State’s office flagged implementation concerns about the proposed certification backstop and the lack of state equipment and staff to canvass ballots. The chair indicated she would continue working with the Secretary of State and other stakeholders on amendments or a workable remedy. All items ultimately passed out of committee. AB 775 was approved 5-0 and re-referred to Appropriations, AB 287 passed 6-0, and AB 331 passed 6-0 and was re-referred to Public Safety. The committee also later confirmed the votes of absent members and adjourned after all agenda items were disposed of.

Transcript Highlights:

• somebody's grandfather puts their life savings into this currency, cryptocurrency, and it goes to zero
• somebody's grandfather puts their life savings into this currency, cryptocurrency, and it goes to zero
• somebody's grandfather puts their life savings into this currency, cryptocurrency, and it goes to zero
• over the last three years with some zero over the last three years with some of<02:25:43.280><c> the
• ,</c> cryptocurrency, and it goes to zero, cryptocurrency, and it goes to zero, they're<02:25:58.479>

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because this goes from zero to this, right? So where was the stuff that we replaced?
• /c><00:45:07.359><c> this</c><00:45:07.520><c> goes</c><00:45:07.800><c> from</c><00:45:08.119><c> zero
• CU this goes from zero to this right<00:45:09.720><c> so</c><00:45:09.960><c> where</c><00:45:10.160
• balance and the New Hampshire zero balance and the New Hampshire disaster<03:16:22.760><c> relief</c
• thank you madam clerk okay so that zero thank you madam clerk okay so that one<04:24:26.880><c> goes

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division 2 hearing took testimony from the director of New Hampshire Police Standards and Training on the agency’s budget request and operations. He described the agency’s role in setting hiring, education, certification, and discipline standards for police, corrections, probation and parole, and court security officers, and noted that the agency runs the full-time, part-time, corrections, and court security training programs. He also outlined the agency’s staffing, facility, and budget request for FY 2026-27, including a request to keep funding level with the governor’s recommendation while shifting funds to support an IT manager position by defunding a vacant administrative slot. The agency requested several statutory changes in Chapter 106, including clarifying the definition of police misconduct, allowing a temporary member on the Conduct Review Committee, clarifying reporting requirements for misconduct allegations, and codifying the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. The director also reviewed new responsibilities added in recent years, including crisis intervention training, statewide accreditation, the Conduct Review Committee, and increased annual in-service training requirements. He explained that crisis intervention funding is carried in a continuously appropriated, non-lapsing account and that some budget lines were reclassified, including software and janitorial services, to reflect actual spending needs. Members asked about national standards, the different academy tracks, crisis intervention funding, maintenance and contract changes, temporary positions, and the court security training program. The agency said it coordinates with national peers through IADLEST, that the part-time and corrections academies are longstanding programs, and that the new court security academy can be delivered either as a full academy or as in-service training depending on resources. The director also said the agency has been running extra full-time academies because of high vacancy rates, but expects to return to three full-time academies this year, with two corrections academies and one or possibly two part-time academies. He also explained the current approach to misconduct records and public disclosure, saying sustained findings under RSA 106-L are heard by the council and published, replacing the older, less standardized exculpatory list process.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clear the vote. 93 aye, zero nay. Have your seat.
• Declare the vote 93 aye, zero nay. And we received 2/3 of those elected to the House.
• Zero nay, majority votes elect to close the bill to pass. Floor leader, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Chairs, brand clothes, declare the vote. 95 yeas, zero nays, received majority votes.
• Colour vote 94 to zero nay of those bills to Pass you later. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Bills: HB4420 , HB3974 , HB3016 , HB3062 , HB3021 , HB3145 , HB4128 , HB3131 , HB3015 , HB3472 , HB3453 , HB1638 , HB4126 , HB2696 , HB2710 , HB3552 , HB3031 , HB3544 , HB3521 , HB4490 , HB4488 , HB1746 , HJR1069 , HB4428 , HB4429 , HB1170 , HB3538 , HB4124 , HB3904 , HB4106 , HB2999 , HB3982 , HJR1077 , HB3464 , HB2588 , HB3462 , HB4440 , HB3674 , HB3345 , HJR1067 , HB4326 , HB4331 , HB4337 , HB4338 , HB4359 , HB4392 , HB3557 , HJR1076 , HB4003 , HB3495 , HB3497 , HB3501 , HB3505 , HB3749 , HB3011 , HB4336 , HB4346 , HJR1087 , HB3240 , HB3647 , HB3796 , HB3969 , HB3972 , HB3983 , HB3984 , HB3989 , HB3383 , HB3130 , HB4358 , HB3327 , HJR1055 , HB3386 , HJR1089 , HB3087 , HB2970 , HB3314 , HB4129 , HB4199

Keywords: reading, intervention, literacy, education, third grade retention, teacher training, funding, Strong Readers Act, tort claims, inmate housing, government immunity, public trust, private prison, emergency legislation, vision screening, binocular vision, kindergarten, elementary education, health, firearm rights

Transcript Highlights:

• estimate from the department that includes the kind of estimate you would like this year, which is zero
• estimate you would like this year which estimate you would like this year which is<00:32:32.240><c> zero
• </c> is zero. So, yes, I know I I'm smiling. is zero. So, yes, I know I I'm smiling.
• uh<00:32:46.399><c> even</c><00:32:46.640><c> though</c><00:32:46.799><c> it's</c><00:32:47.039><c> zeros
• uh to the um uh even though it's zeros uh to the um revenue<00:32:52.080><c> uh</c><00:32:52.320><c>

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My understanding is that something like, for children who are zero to five, that there's 51% of our children
• policies that were cut because of the passage of Prop 35, continuous Medi-Cal eligibility for children zero
• policies that were cut because of the passage of Prop 35, continuous Medi-Cal eligibility for children zero
• policies that were cut because of the passage of Prop 35: continuous Medi-Cal eligibility for children zero
• policies that were cut because of the passage of Prop 35: continuous Medi-Cal eligibility for children zero

Summary: The committee heard a budget oversight hearing on the Department of Health Care Services, focusing first on the overall Medi-Cal budget and a March General Fund loan to cover a current-year shortfall. DHCS said the 2025-26 budget proposal totals $193.4 billion, with Medi-Cal projected at $188.1 billion total funds and $42.1 billion General Fund, driven by higher enrollment, pharmacy costs, managed care growth, and costs tied to eligibility expansions and the COVID-era redetermination unwinding. The department said the $3.44 billion loan was needed to manage cash flow and ensure timely payments to providers and plans, while the LAO noted Medi-Cal’s cash-basis budgeting creates volatility and that more detailed estimates would come with the May Revision. Members discussed federal Medicaid threats, the need for transparency on cost drivers, and the impact of pharmacy spending, long-term care, and immigration-related coverage expansions. The second major topic was family health programs, including California Children’s Services, the continuous coverage unwinding, and opioid settlement fund spending. DHCS described CCS funding methodology changes, ongoing county stakeholder work, and a delayed rollout of CCS monitoring and oversight until July 1, 2025, while county representatives and advocates argued the program is underfunded and asked for more technical assistance and a delay in implementation. On the unwinding, the department explained that federal redetermination flexibilities helped maintain coverage after the pandemic, but the Governor’s budget proposes ending them at the end of June 2025; advocates urged making the flexibilities permanent to avoid coverage losses. For opioid settlement funds, DHCS and Finance said the budget increases funding for naloxone distribution while reducing other harm-reduction spending based on updated settlement revenues, prompting criticism from members and public commenters who argued the change would weaken effective harm-reduction programs. The hearing also included an update on Proposition 35 implementation. DHCS said the voter-approved measure continuously appropriates MCO tax revenues beginning in 2025, with up to $4.6 billion annually available for specified Medi-Cal and provider investments in 2025 and 2026, but implementation depends on consultation with the required stakeholder advisory committee. The department and LAO noted uncertainty about future federal rules affecting the MCO tax after 2026. Public testimony largely supported maintaining Medi-Cal expansions, protecting immigrant coverage, preserving harm-reduction funding, and increasing support for community health workers, pediatric dental care, and CCS county administration. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the CRTEL is essentially zero, correct? Or close to it?
• So the CRTEL is essentially zero, correct? Or close to it?
• **Chair:** Well, the CRT law is essentially zero, correct? Or close to it?
• Essentially zero, correct? Or close to it. People don't think of insurance until they need it.
• And the overall risk amount is $112 billion, and the CRTF had zero.

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There have been 65 ayes and zero nays. The bill is passed and its title agreed to.
• </c> There have been 65 eyes and zero nays. There have been 65 eyes and zero nays.
• There have been 67 yeas and zero nays. The bill is passed and its title agreed to.
• There have been 67 ayes and zero nays; the bill is passed and its title agreed to.
• There being 67 ayes and zero nays, the bill is passed and it title agreed to.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the water level in the subsidence which was progressive all the way until the mid-70s, is virtually zero
• I mean, we're, uh, when New owners came in, I've had zero contact with them at all.
• Zero. One. One. Yeah, he's saying one. Same guy. Same one. Thank you, commissioners.
• So when you use billions of gallons and acre feet it confuses everyone so we're asking for point zero
• eight percent so point zero zero zero eight percent of the recoverable We are not asking for huge amounts

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• put in place for the state, and that includes the centerpiece of our climate initiative: that net zero
• </c><01:08:33.120><c> a</c><01:08:33.359><c> net</c> to get to 2045 100% um or net zero a net to get
• I cannot say that I advocate for 2045 100% or net zero.
• </c><01:12:41.440><c> or</c> would have getting to 2045 net zero or would have getting to 2045 net zero
• I went to college for free because I had a zero FAFSA.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committees received an informational briefing from Hawaii DOT and related partners on the Navahine settlement and the department’s plan to meet its climate and transportation commitments. Speakers described the settlement as a first-of-its-kind agreement rooted in the state constitution, the public trust doctrine, and prior legislative findings and laws, including Act 131. They said the settlement is intended to formalize DOT’s work, establish milestones, and keep climate and transportation policy less dependent on changes in administration. The presentation emphasized that transportation is Hawaii’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and that the plan is aimed at meeting 2030 and 2045 clean energy goals. DOT outlined several major implementation pieces: creation of a new Office of Energy Security and Community Outreach, formation of a youth council, and development of an emissions reduction plan that will be updated over time. The youth council reported on its membership, statewide representation, meetings, and work on charter, bylaws, and committees focused on policy and legislation, events and advocacy, and ground transportation. Youth members said they provided feedback on the energy security plan and discussed walk audits and safe routes to school. The department also described a new project-scoring tool to measure greenhouse gas impacts of every DOT project, which it said is intended to make Hawaii a national leader in evaluating transportation emissions. A major topic was the settlement’s transportation network requirement, which speakers said compresses roughly 15 years of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit network work into five years and will require about $40 million to $50 million per year over the next five years. They said a GIS map is being developed to identify gaps and that the work will involve counties and other partners, with benefits for safety, connectivity, and emissions reduction. Other topics included clean fuel standards, electrification of ground transportation, sustainable aviation fuel, marine fuel transitions, cold ironing at ports, and the costs and availability challenges associated with those transitions. DOT also reported progress on EV charging infrastructure, including two completed sites and more planned, and said it is using a sustainability partner contract to maintain chargers and recover only electricity costs. The briefing also highlighted carbon sequestration and fire mitigation work, including native tree planting. DOT said it has exceeded its minimum annual tree-planting commitment, with 3,000 trees planted in 2024 and 4,200 by mid-2025, and noted that the Legislature provided $15 million for fire mitigation that is being used for this work. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then in fiscal year 2028 and 2029, it would be reduced to zero, which is a savings of $1,250,000
• </c><00:10:48.480><c> which</c><00:10:48.720><c> is</c><00:10:48.800><c> a</c> would be reduced to zero
• , which is a would be reduced to zero, which is a savings<00:10:49.360><c> of</c> savings of savings
• </c><00:27:39.440><c> Madam</c><00:27:39.760><c> chair,</c> Equal zero in each biennium.
• net change to state levies under zero net change to state levies under the<00:28:41.600><c> A3</c><00

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > doldrums sort of settled in uh and we doldrums sort of settled in uh and we had<00:41:36.000><c> zero
• wind or negative wind at times had zero wind or negative wind at times I<00:41:38.680><c> mean</c><00
• . you had 40 hours of essentially zero win you had 40 hours of essentially zero win wind<01:01:26.400
• And the amazing thing about marginal cost in renewables, it ties back to that zero fuel cost.
• fuel cost it it ties back to that zero fuel cost it it does<01:33:47.800><c> some</c><01:33:48.080><

Bills: HF75

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF75, earned incentive release credit, earned incentive credits, revocation, revocable credits, corrections, Minnesota Department of Corrections, prison discipline, incarcerated persons, inmate misconduct, facility rules, sentence reduction, supervised release, Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act, public safety, rehabilitation, prison credits, executed sentence, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We try very hard to make this a zero-cost program, so we will be working very closely with DEES as our
• As I said, our goal is to make this a zero-cost program for the State of New Hampshire.
• Shouldn't it be six to zero? Uh, sure, yes, that's right. Okay, all right. One, same.
• Shouldn't it be six to zero? Uh, sure, yes, that's right. Okay, all right. One, same.
• roadside test they have other basis zero roadside test they have other means<04:01:48.760><c> of</c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 451, which would create a postconsumer paint stewardship program in New Hampshire. Prime sponsor Representative Karen Ebel described the bill as a bipartisan, broadly supported model based on PaintCare programs used in other states. She said consumers and businesses could drop off leftover paint at participating retailers or municipal household hazardous waste sites, with the paint then collected and recycled by the stewardship organization. She emphasized that the program is intended to reduce landfill disposal, improper dumping, and contamination of groundwater and soil, while also helping municipalities save on hazardous waste handling costs. Members asked several questions about how the program would work and how it would be funded. Ebel explained that the program would be financed by a small fee charged at the point of sale on paint products, not a general sales tax, and that retailers could either list it separately or roll it into the price. She said the fee would cover the Department of Environmental Services’ administrative costs, which were described as minimal, and that the program’s structure was developed with DES and industry input. Questions also addressed whether cans would be recycled and how collected paint would be processed; Ebel said the ACA and PaintCare representatives could provide more detail, but that the paint and containers would be handled through recycling or other approved disposal methods rather than landfilled. Representative Judy Aron, a co-sponsor and chair of the House Environment and Agriculture Committee, testified in support, saying the bill had been developed over several years with stakeholders and would keep toxic paint out of landfills while saving municipalities and taxpayers money. Representative Peter Bixby, the ranking member of Environment and Agriculture, also supported the bill, saying his committee had heard it many times and that it had strong bipartisan enthusiasm. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that cost is zero. There is a 0 fiscal note.
• It does have zero<01:08:01.760><c> cost.
• Um something that uh leader zero cost.
• There being 134 eyes's and zero nays, There being 134 eyes's and zero nays, the<01:40:21.840><c> bill
• </c><01:46:06.320><c> nazs,</c> There being 134 eyes's and zero nazs, There being 134 eyes's and zero

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Tatone is excused with a $1 fine. 60-63, I zero no and two excused.
• </c> with60 63 I zero no and two excused. with60 63 I zero no and two excused.
• With 62 aye, zero no, and three excused, House Bill 1198 is adopted. Co-sponsors.
• And if we drove a fiscal note, the fiscal note wouldn't be magically zero. Let's see. Zero.
• And if we drove a fiscal note, the fiscal note wouldn't be magically zero. Let's see. Zero.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also here on behalf of the Minnesota Zero Waste Coalition, which we're a founding member.
• I'm also here on behalf of the Minnesota Zero Waste Coalition, which we're a founding member.
• I'm also here on behalf of the Minnesota Zero Waste Coalition, which we're a founding member.
• I'm also here on behalf of the Minnesota Zero Waste Coalition, which we're a founding member.
• I'm also here on behalf of the Minnesota Zero Waste Coalition, which we're a founding member.

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; 16<00:33:41.919><c> to</c><00:33:42.159><c> zero.</c> &gt;&gt; 16 to zero.
• &gt;&gt; 16 to zero. &gt;&gt; 16<00:33:43.279><c> to</c><00:33:43.519><c> zero.
• 00:33:43.840><c> Our</c><00:33:44.080><c> recommendation</c><00:33:44.799><c> is</c> &gt;&gt; 16 to zero
• Our recommendation is &gt;&gt; 16 to zero.
• Well, I don't think we would be starting at ground zero. We've got this.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met in a transportation work session and executive session, with the chair explaining the format change to allow fuller discussion and possible expert input before votes. The committee first took up House Bill 209, which would have allowed a new vehicle purchased in the model year or before to be inspected in the second year after purchase. Members said the bill was rendered unnecessary by the broader repeal of vehicle inspections, and the committee voted 16-0 to deem it inexpedient to legislate (ITL), with consent. The same outcome followed for House Bill 212, which would have allowed a 180-day operation waiver when a motor vehicle failed an emissions control test, and House Bill 533, which concerned civilian employees and commercial truck inspections. In both cases, members said the inspection repeal made the bills unnecessary, and in the commercial truck bill there were also concerns that the language did not fit federal requirements and referenced state inspection laws rather than federal ones. Both bills were voted ITL 16-0 and adopted by consent. House Bill 298, dealing with vehicle identification number-related issues and antique vehicle authenticity, also received an ITL recommendation 16-0. Members said the proposal raised fraud concerns and could affect the value and authenticity of antique vehicles, and several said the bill needed more work before any future consideration. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 150, which would define electric vehicle charging stations and establish annual testing fees for the Division of Weights and Measures. That bill drew the most discussion: Representative Sykes described a personal experience with a malfunctioning charging station and a large, unclear bill, arguing that consumer protection regulation is needed. Representative Miller said the fee structure seemed high compared with other inspections and that third-party inspectors were not allowed, though he acknowledged some need for consumer protection. Senator David Watters, the sponsor, said the bill should be improved and suggested a lower annual fee and a fund-based approach to build an inspection program over time. Cheryl, the director of Weights and Measures, testified that the division needs authority, staffing, licensing categories, and expensive test equipment to oversee EV chargers, and that current rules do not adequately cover this emerging technology.