Transcript Highlights:

• </c> authority and responsibility. authority and responsibility.
• Maybe the author would know.
• </c><01:48:52.280><c> for</c> Man, this is a year good author for Man, this is a year good author for
• </c> balance county budgets. balance county budgets.
• </c><02:20:57.760><c> reversed</c> was notified that the county reversed was notified that the county

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><03:37:47.040><c> I</c> authority. I shouldn't have asked you. I authority.
• These 10 counties all have county houses of correction.
• But the bottom line is that we have authorities at the county level.
• <04:17:21.520><c> at</c><04:17:21.680><c> the</c><04:17:21.840><c> county</c> authorities at the county
• authorities at the county level.<04:17:24.640><c> It</c><04:17:25.080><c> seems</c><04:17:26.080><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 254, which Senator David Roford described as a technical correction to controlled substance inventory law for pharmacies. He said the bill would remove outdated language requiring inventories to be done in an odd-numbered year, while keeping the existing requirement that pharmacies conduct a full controlled substance inventory every two years in line with federal law. Members asked several clarifying questions about whether the requirement is pharmacy-by-pharmacy, whether new pharmacies would be affected, and whether the change would alter scope or compliance; the sponsor and a representative of the New Hampshire Pharmacist Association said it would not, and that it mainly provides clarity for pharmacies and inspectors. The public hearing on SB 254 was then closed, and the committee also heard support from a representative of the pharmacist community, who said the association supports the bill. The committee then discussed a non-germane amendment to SB 254 dealing with FBI background checks for educational surrogate parents under the Department of Education. Representative Leyon explained that the amendment was requested by the Department of Education after the FBI rejected prior statutory language, and that the goal was to allow people serving as educational surrogate parents to complete FBI fingerprint-based background checks so they can perform their duties. Department of Education and Department of Safety staff testified that the amendment mirrors language that has worked in other education-related background check statutes, including provisions with specific disqualifying offenses tied to child safety, and that the FBI requires precise statutory language and direct transmission of records through the Department of Safety. Members questioned why the FBI’s approval was needed, whether individuals could simply provide their own records, and whether changing federal leadership could require future changes; witnesses said the state needs both state and national records, that records must come directly from the FBI through the Department of Safety, and that the language is intended to satisfy current federal requirements. During the discussion, some members expressed skepticism about the need for the amendment and about placing it on a bill about controlled substance inventories, but no vote was taken during the portion of the transcript provided. The committee also briefly discussed a separate bill on physician assistants/physician associates, with members noting that the proposed name change would not alter scope of practice and that some outside groups had raised concerns about transparency, but that discussion was interrupted and not concluded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The county assessed division co-administers the welfare exemption with the county assessors.
• The closest level we work with the counties is actually with the county assessors.
• We also work on a county level with the county auditors and the tax collectors.
• I'm a longtime resident of Contra Costa County, specifically West Contra Costa County.
• Dixon and Solano County.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's what, in talking to the county attorney, we were talking about: five to seven years.
• I don't know if that's what, in talking to the county attorney, we were talking about: five to seven
• In Maricopa County, well, I know in the case of Miami-Dade County, they passed an ordinance that was
• I just fundamentally disagree that that's right I'm Mount Chair well I know in case of Miami Dade County
• they passed an ordinance that was county wide and the Well, I know in case of Miami-Dade County, they

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee heard a full slate of bills, beginning with HB 2749, which would allow certain nonviolent class 4, 5, or 6 felonies to be redesignated as misdemeanors after completion of sentence and a waiting period. The committee adopted a chair’s amendment narrowing eligibility and excluding some offenses, then passed the bill 6-0 with one not voting. Supporters described it as a redemption and reintegration measure for people who have completed their obligations. The committee then considered HB 2870, a constituent-driven bill restricting level 2 and level 3 sex offenders from living together in the same single-family dwelling unless they are related or in certain supervised facilities. The sponsor and neighborhood witnesses described a Chandler/Ocotillo situation involving multiple offenders in one house and argued the bill would protect families; opponents warned it could push offenders into homelessness and make supervision harder. After debate and testimony from both sides, the bill passed 3-2 with two not voting. HB 2862, which enhances penalties for offenses committed while wearing a mask to conceal identity, also passed 3-2 with two not voting after the Scottsdale city attorney testified in support and the ACLU argued it would chill protected protest and anonymity. HB 2364, which creates criminal penalties for mailing or delivering abortion-inducing drugs and for ordering them by mail, drew strong support from anti-abortion witnesses and strong opposition from lawmakers who said it conflicts with Proposition 139 and constitutional protections for abortion access. The bill passed 4-3. HB 2244, supported by Phoenix Vice Mayor Keisha Hodge Washington, would require landlords to respond to motions to satisfy eviction judgments and allow sealing of eviction records when tenants have paid; it passed unanimously 7-0. HB 2573, which removes a 45-day waiting period before some DUI offenders can apply for an ignition interlock restricted license, passed 7-0. The committee also advanced HB 4117, a strike-everything amendment creating penalties for interfering with religious services by obstructing access or engaging in disorderly conduct intended to disrupt worship. The ADL and Jewish community advocates supported it as a protection for worshippers, while the ACLU argued it could criminalize protected protest and speech; it passed 4-3. Finally, HCR 2004, a mirror resolution on photo enforcement systems that would require voter approval for continued operation and periodic reauthorization, passed 4-3 after testimony from the League of Cities and Towns and a discussion of traffic safety versus civil-liberties concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead, it authorizes the Secretary... ...requirements around rulemaking and portal design.
• the ballot portal and instead authorizes them to conduct a study.
• It involved, at least in the underlying provision, both state and local county officials.
• It takes out the county officials. So the amendment simplifies that.
• It's found in eastern Washington and four counties in Washington.

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on several bills. On Second Substitute Senate Bill 6035, dealing with voting services for military, overseas, Native American, and disabled voters, members considered amendments affecting tribal meeting requirements and an electronic ballot portal; one amendment to study the portal rather than authorize it was adopted, while the tribal-meeting amendment was not. The bill was then reported out with a due pass as amended recommendation. Substitute Senate Bill 6081, concerning nondisclosure of sex designation records, saw an amendment adopted to limit the privacy protections to survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, but the amendment was later rejected on final passage and the bill was reported out due pass. Substitute Senate Bill 6034, codifying the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs, was amended to require Senate confirmation of the executive director and was reported out due pass as amended. Senate Bill 6084 on repeat voting was reported out due pass without amendment. Second Substitute Senate Bill 5968, implementing Executive Order 25-03 on agency credentials, had one amendment adopted on annual ORIA reporting and another rejected; it was reported out due pass as amended. Senate Bill 6137 on sports wagering was amended to restrict certain prop bets and to make threats tied to wagers a gross misdemeanor, then reported out due pass as amended. The committee then opened public hearings on a number of bills. The most extensive testimony was on Gross Substitute Senate Joint Memorial 8014, which calls for a U.S. investigation into the death of Aishanur Ezgi Eygi; family members, University of Washington students and staff, advocates, and others testified in support, emphasizing accountability and the need for an independent investigation, while one speaker opposed the memorial as a misuse of legislative time. The committee also heard testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 5840, which would change campaign finance reporting schedules and participation rules; Public Disclosure Commission staff supported the bill as a transparency and consistency measure, while campaign treasurers and compliance officers opposed it, arguing the added reporting would be burdensome and costly. Substitute Senate Bill 6049, expanding Public Records Act exemptions for certain survivors, anonymized demographic data, and Healthy Youth Survey responses, drew support from OFM and opposition from a public-records advocate who warned against adding more exemptions. Substitute Senate Bill 6160, reducing or changing the frequency of numerous agency reports, was supported by OFM as a way to right-size reporting requirements. The committee also heard brief testimony on Senate Bill 5000 designating “The Evergreen State” as the official state nickname, Senate Bill 5325 designating the state cactus, Senate Bill 6044 recognizing Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas as a legislatively recognized day, Senate Bill 6313 creating a Capital Centennial Stewardship Account, and Substitute Senate Bill 5827 expanding veterans’ preference documentation to include pre-discharge certification. No votes were taken during the public hearing portion, and the meeting adjourned after closing testimony on the final bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent District 2, San Juan County, the west side of San Juan County.
• I am Carrie Armijo, the Cabinet Secretary of the Health Care Authority.
• I think there are the Union County Hospital.
• Correctly, in McKinley County, you're talking about 55.7% of the population in that county is being served
• County-by-county maps are available here, and it's updated every month.

Committee: House Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent House District 17B, which is most of Carver County and parts of McLeod County.
• House District 17B, which is most of Carver County and parts of McLeod County.
• I'm Terry Stier, District 22B, which is Le Sueur County, a little bit of Scott County, including Blue
• Earth County and Rice County.
• In my county, we have an international pipeline that comes through the middle of our county and then

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Washington County. Washington County.
• </c> worked in cities and counties and state. worked in cities and counties and state.
• </c> Pennington and Marshall counties. Pennington and Marshall counties.
• Chair and the author. Thank you.
• Chair and the author. Thank you, Mr. Chair and the author.

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And the amendment is acceptable to the author and its adoption.
• Acceptable to the author, and it's a great amendment.
• To ask the author of the bill some questions. Will the author yield? Yes, sir. The lady yields.
• To ask the author of the bill some questions. Does the author yield? I do, thank you. She yields.
• Does the author yield? I do, thank you. She yields. Thank you.

Summary: The Senate took up and passed Senate Bill 945, which concerns political shareholder proposals by insurers and insurance holding companies. Senator Hughes argued the bill would protect Texas-based insurers from activist shareholder pressure, especially proposals aimed at limiting insurance coverage for oil and gas companies for ESG or political reasons. The motion to suspend the regular order was adopted over objection, and SB 945 passed to engrossment on a 20-10 vote with one present not voting. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 1117, allowing any Texas-licensed dentist to administer botulinum toxin in oral or maxillofacial regions for aesthetic purposes, and House Joint Resolution 98, renewing Texas’s application for an Article 5 Convention of States to propose amendments on fiscal restraints, federal power limits, and term limits. Both measures advanced after debate and roll-call votes; SB 1117 passed unanimously after suspension of the three-day rule, and H.J.R. 98 was adopted on a 17-14 vote. Members then approved several other measures, including the committee substitute for House Bill 142 on HHSC’s Office of Inspector General and Medicaid overpayment recovery, Senate Bill 2373 on AI-enabled financial fraud and deepfake/phishing schemes, Senate Bill 2221 on fraudulent UCC financing statements, and Senate Bill 2681 on the basis for third-party voter-registration challenges. The Senate also adopted a resolution authorizing a Texas Life Monument replica at the Capitol complex, and passed S.J.R. 59 creating funds for Texas State Technical College capital needs. The body debated and passed Senate Bill 946, which would bar credit discrimination against organizations based on social, political, religious, or similar value-based considerations and require credit decisions to rest on creditworthiness. Senators raised concerns that the bill could create a special protected class for non-human entities or conflict with existing state policies, but the bill advanced to engrossment on a 20-11 vote. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 2477 to ease office-to-residential conversions in large cities after adopting an amendment negotiated with municipal stakeholders, and began consideration of Senate Bill 715 on ERCOT reliability requirements for generators, including existing generation, with extensive debate over impacts on renewables, power purchase agreements, and grid reliability.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know the, well, Pinal County also came in. Was it Pinal County?
• Yeah, it was Pinal County as a treasurer. Yeah.
• I know the, well, the Pinell County also came in. Was it Pinell County?
• Yeah, it was Pinell County as a treasurer. Yeah.
• They just need the authorization for additional FTEs.

Bills: HB2174 , HB2496 , HB2744 , HB2863 , HB2910 , HB2938

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: insurance regulation, modeling organizations, financial disclosure, rate-making, predictive models, revitalization districts, construction contracts, infrastructure, municipal services, intergovernmental agreements, user fees, landowner agreements, overtime, wages, employee rights, industrial commission, complaints, adjudication, landlord, tenant

Transcript Highlights:

• state road fund authority.
• So MoDOT is now short of that authority. Pass. So MoDOT is now short of that authority.
• We just need the authority.
• It's just using authority and then replacing authority.
• We're seeing an increase in county participation, so this has created a need for additional authority

Committee: House Budget

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:44.960><c> permit</c> to be exempt from County permit to be exempt from County permit requirements
• </c><00:01:51.040><c> that</c> Specific agreement with the county that Specific agreement with the county
• </c> for review and acceptance by said County for review and acceptance by said County and<00:01:56.280
• </c><00:02:27.160><c> permitting</c> exemptions from County permitting exemptions from County permitting
• </c> integrate such processes with the county integrate such processes with the county and<00:02:49.200

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee met on February 4, 2025, for decision making on previously heard measures, then later held hearings on additional bills. Early action focused on several measures that were amended and advanced, including SB 161 on state project exemptions from county permitting, which was heavily revised to allow programmatic or project-specific agreements with counties, require public reporting of exempted projects, and create a working group to study broader permitting and construction coordination issues. The committee also advanced SB 635 on energy efficiency with changes shifting survey leadership to the Hawaii State Energy Office, SB 700 on resilience hubs after narrowing it to focus on emergency-service-capable hubs and removing distributed energy language, SB 869 on community outreach boards with a technical amendment, SB 1081 on a legislative budget office by converting it to a feasibility study, SB 711 on gubernatorial appointments with a salary threshold change, SB 405 on neighborhood board agendas with a committee-report note about OIP concerns, SB 381 with privacy issues deferred to Judiciary, SB 2 as a two-year pilot for fruit tree planting in selected districts, SB 239 on disaster preparedness with sheltering revisions, and SB 998 as introduced with a cost estimate for site selection work. Several measures were deferred or not advanced, including SB 615, which was deferred indefinitely, SB 1132, which the chair said would be set aside in favor of another childcare bill, and SB 111, which was not taken up further because of confusion during an earlier hearing. During the later hearing portion, SB 1175 on procurement drew testimony from the State Procurement Office, which supported the bill but corrected its estimated database revision cost from $7,500 to $30,000; the Department of Transportation also appeared, while the General Contractors Association submitted opposition. Committee members questioned whether the past-performance database should include more detailed quality information and whether a one-year post-completion review would be useful, but no amendment was adopted at that time. SB 1587 on retainage received written support from the Subcontractors Association of Hawaii and no opposition in the room. SB 1543 on government accountability, which would require justification for outside consultants and cap consultant spending, drew opposition from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Hawaii, which argued it could slow procurement, reduce flexibility, and worsen delays given existing vacancies and limited in-house expertise. The Public First Law Center supported the related transparency bill discussed in the hearing, arguing it would close a loophole by making contractor-created records used in government functions subject to disclosure under UIPA, while the Attorney General’s office opposed it. The transcript ends with that testimony still underway, and no final vote is shown for the later hearing bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022, I secured funding for a blimp-based radar system at South
• every single county in North Carolina is a border county, largely because of the prior administration's
• The county next to where I live of the sheriff there, he said, we just had a traffic stop.
• I think much stronger and closer relationships with tribal authorities, local and state and federal authorities
• , our state's largest county, increased by 97 percent.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: Coast Guard, maritime drug enforcement, illegal drugs, fentanyl crisis, legislative reforms, public testimony

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation addressed critical issues surrounding maritime drug enforcement and the Coast Guard's role in stopping the influx of illegal drugs. The chairman highlighted the alarming consequences of current policies allowing drugs to cross borders, emphasizing the need for legislative reforms, such as the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2025. There was an intense discussion regarding the operational challenges faced by the Coast Guard, which has recently made significant drug seizures, indicating progress but also revealing gaps that need addressing. Several witnesses, including victims of the drug crisis, shared their compelling testimonies, which underscored the urgency for stricter controls and comprehensive support for law enforcement agencies involved in drug interdiction efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• well as the Solano County Water Agency.
• There are 10 counties that have taken advantage of that program.
• of Governments, San Mateo County Transit District, and SunLine Transit.
• and Climate Authorities, and the Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority, all in alignment with the concerns
• Transportation and Climate Authorities, and the Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority, all in alignment

Summary: The hearing focused on the governor’s May Revision proposals for transportation, natural resources, climate, and related programs, with the Department of Finance and the LAO presenting competing views on the state’s fiscal condition. Finance said the budget remains balanced over two years, with major climate-bond, water, parks, transportation, DMV, and agriculture proposals, while the LAO argued the state still has a structural deficit and should reject or defer many new discretionary spending items, preserve reserves, and be cautious about ongoing commitments. The LAO specifically questioned the timing and scale of new spending for programs such as Clean California, Healthy Rivers and Landscapes, and the Golden Gate Fields acquisition, and urged more clarity on future obligations and revenue scenarios, including for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes proposal for Bay-Delta water quality implementation. Secretary Wade Crowfoot and Finance described it as an enforceable, science-based alternative to a more traditional regulatory approach, with the state’s $25 million request intended to support early implementation, monitoring, habitat restoration, and environmental flows. The LAO countered that the Water Board has not yet adopted the updated Bay-Delta plan, that the proposal may be premature, and that the Legislature should wait for more information on the state’s total funding commitment and the program’s long-term costs. Several members expressed support for the program as a way to reduce conflict and protect water reliability, while others echoed concerns about timing and fiscal exposure. The committee also examined the proposed $125 million Proposition 4 contribution toward acquiring the Golden Gate Fields property for a shoreline park and habitat project. State officials said the acquisition is a time-sensitive, once-in-a-generation opportunity, with an appraised value of $175 million and additional philanthropic and local funding expected to close the gap. Members questioned whether the project had gone through the usual competitive process, whether the site is the best use of scarce park bond dollars, and how public access, habitat, and disadvantaged-community priorities would be protected. The discussion ended without a vote, and the committee moved on to transportation items including Clean California litter abatement, the Games Route Network, homeless encampment coordinators, and DMV modernization and field office proposals, with LAO recommending rejection or delay on several of those requests as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• , please allow the author to complete their opening remarks regarding the bill before making a motion
• For authors and their staff, you'll know. Will be recognized at the appropriate time.
• For authors and their staff, you'll note that our hearing is public noticed as file order.
• Eric Lairn, on behalf of the California State Association of Counties, the Urban Counties of California
• I'm really proud to author this bill.

Committee: House Public Employment and Retirement

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment adds to the bill authorization for counties and municipalities to set lower speed limits
• I've seen that in action in Osceola County.
• And it authorizes law enforcement. So another year of yellow stickers. All right.
• Abby Healy, Orange County Sheriff's Association, waves in support.
• Abby Healy, Orange County Sheriff's Association, waves in support.

Bills: S0828 , S1274 , S1310 , S1378 , S1562

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: sovereign immunity, public transit, contractors, liability, state agents, transportation, traffic signal modernization, seaports, commercial space launch, micromobility, automated license plate recognition, railroad crossing safety, railroad crossings, grade crossing, public railroad-highway grade crossing, rail safety, crossing technology, advanced detection systems, monitoring systems, sensors

Summary: The Transportation Committee took up several measures and adopted amendments on multiple bills. SB 1274, as amended, removed a number of provisions from the original bill and added items including local authority to lower residential street speed limits, clarification on obscured license plates, FDOT funding for certain rural airport aviation projects, limits on yellow-light timing changes tied to red-light cameras, changes to private use of license plate readers, and other transportation-related revisions. After brief questions and supportive testimony, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also approved SB 1310, which was converted into a study bill directing FDOT to study advanced detection and monitoring systems at public railroad crossings and report findings and policy options to the governor and legislature. Railroad industry testimony supported the study but raised concerns about interoperability with train safety systems and suggested the study consider additional safety tools such as red-light cameras and wayside horns. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 828, as amended, would extend sovereign immunity protections to private contractors providing public transit services on behalf of governments, with supporters saying it would reduce costs and provide certainty for transit providers, while opponents warned it was an overbroad expansion of sovereign immunity and could conflict with railroad employee protections under federal law. The committee reported that bill favorably as well. The committee then passed SB 1378, which strengthens traffic enforcement by clarifying when vehicles may be treated as abandoned, adding penalties for unlawfully attached plates or stickers, and allowing forfeiture of vehicles used to flee law enforcement even without an immediate arrest. It also approved SB 1562, which aims to prevent manufacturers from concentrating sales of certain vehicle brands through a single dealer group and instead promote competition among independent dealers. In addition, the committee unanimously confirmed a slate of appointees, and members later recorded additional affirmative votes on several bills before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> team also is recognized including County team also is recognized including County Manager<00:27:
• , Alabama, Pike County, Alabama, Monroe County, Alabama, and Bullock County, Alabama—places that most
• like Mon County, Alabama, Pike County,<04:16:05.279><c> Alabama,</c><04:16:06.000><c> Monroe</c><04:
• 16:06.479><c> County,</c><04:16:06.800><c> Bullet</c> County, Alabama, Monroe County, Bullet County,
• </c><04:49:00.958><c> of</c> to yield five minutes to the author of to yield five minutes to the author

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Harris County and Fort Bend Counties are where my Senate district is.
• Authorized by a two-thirds vote, the chair is authorized to issue subpoenas to a number of financial
• I meet with the people in these counties regularly.
• Fort Bend counties.
• Being a county is the most diverse county within the state of Texas and is growing.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, Teton County, up in the Teton, they do great things with it as well.
• It's like a little dot in Lemhi County. And we're excited about this mine.
• It's going to be a boom for Lemhi County. Salmon needs this. Challis needs this.
• They still have their authority, their abilities to carry out their jobs.
• So there's some one-time spending authority there.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> consistent and parallels our authority consistent and parallels our authority with<00:37:01.200>
• Um the council makes authority.
• </c> the people that wind up uh in county the people that wind up uh in county jails<00:58:19.680><c>
• </c> author? Senator Miller. author? Senator Miller.
• </c> communities in Scott and Carver County communities in Scott and Carver County saw<01:31:00.880><

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all