Transcript Highlights:

• I am open to questions.
• And I'm open to any questions.
• And I'm open to any questions.
• And I'm open to any questions.
• I'm opening the public hearing on HB 351.

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We operate two main locations in Boston and in Waltham, and we're proud to share that we also just opened
• DCF has 430 of these open for a total of $2.8 million for youth transitioning out.
• That group finished its work in 2022, and the state opened applications for the funding in early 2024
• That group finished its work in 2022, and the state opened applications for the funding in early 2024
• I'm also speaking in support of S. 136, and I am a primary care doctor at the MGH Chelsea Health Center

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting foster youth, child welfare oversight, homelessness services, juvenile justice, social work licensure, and human services workforce supports. Committee co-chairs Senator Robyn Kennedy and Representative Jay Livingstone opened the hybrid hearing by outlining testimony procedures and accessibility measures. Several members and legislators participated throughout the day, and many witnesses were invited to submit additional written testimony after speaking. A major portion of the hearing focused on House 227/Senate 105, which would protect federal benefits owed to children in foster care. Supporters, including advocates from Hopewell, the Disability Law Center, CPCS, the Children’s Law Center, More Than Words, Friends of Children, and youth witness Onyx Rosario, said DCF had already ended the practice of taking most Social Security and SSI benefits and now conserves them in accounts for youth, but argued the policy should be codified to prevent future reversals. Witnesses described how conserved benefits help with basic needs, housing, education, transportation, and transition to adulthood, and several noted the bill also adds financial literacy and transparency requirements. Senator Joan Comerford and others said the change would protect vulnerable youth, especially children of color, LGBTQ youth, and youth with disabilities. The committee also heard testimony on House 225, which would expand the grandparents-raising-grandchildren commission by adding appointments and helping with quorum and representation. The committee also took testimony on Senate 136, which would improve emergency housing assistance for families experiencing homelessness by easing documentation requirements, allowing use of existing state data to verify eligibility, requiring notice before benefit reductions, and creating an ombudsperson. Senator Adam Gomez and other supporters said the bill would reduce barriers for families in crisis. On House 262/Senate 148, an omnibus child welfare bill, witnesses supported provisions on data reporting, education coordination, and Office of the Child Advocate reforms, while CPCS raised concerns about expanded access to sensitive records and the OCA’s role in certain proceedings. The Office of the Child Advocate supported codifying current practices and also backed child fatality review changes in House 234/Senate 133. The committee additionally heard support for Senate 108, which would require attorneys and audio/video recording during juvenile custodial interrogations, and for House 247/Senate 116, which would update the Juvenile Justice Policy and Data Board to add supported lived-experience seats. Finally, the committee heard competing testimony on Senate 135, a bill to ensure parity in social work licensure. SEIU Local 509 and supporters argued the current exam requirement disproportionately harms Black, Latino, multilingual, and multicultural applicants and worsens workforce shortages, while the Association of Social Work Boards opposed the bill, saying the exam is a necessary public-protection measure and that removing it would conflict with interstate compact efforts. The hearing also included testimony in support of a loan repayment program for human service workers, with providers and workers describing low wages, high student debt, and the need to retain staff in essential services. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• This request addresses a critical infrastructure and safety liability across all three primary Division
• So, we get a lot of folks just coming in and wanting to sit and visit because it's open for them to do
• When that unit opens up, we will add those to our count, but it won't increase our actual 225 count.
• >> Um, it's a—I just had that page open. >> Yes, right here. So, about $250,000. >> Great.
• Their facility in Stratford is open for use.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'd like now to turn it over to Chair Gibson for any opening remarks he may have.
• One story I heard was about a company that was looking for venture capital to open up a pharmaceutical
• And basically, the venture capitalist said, if you're going to open up a business in California, then
• We want to give you money to open up a business outside of the country somewhere so we don't have to
• It's open to— You shouldn't. You made my testimony very easy. I mean, my testimony very easy.

Summary: The joint informational hearing examined California’s taxation of multinational corporations, especially the state’s water’s-edge election versus worldwide combined reporting. The LAO and Franchise Tax Board explained the basic mechanics of unitary taxation, apportionment, and how water’s-edge generally excludes most foreign subsidiaries while worldwide reporting includes the full unitary group. FTB officials said water’s-edge filers are a small share of corporate filers but account for a large share of tax liability, and they described filing trends, industry mix, and the administrative steps needed to administer either system. Members and witnesses debated the policy trade-offs. Supporters of moving away from water’s-edge argued that it enables profit shifting, especially for large multinational and IP-heavy firms, and that eliminating it could raise significant revenue and improve fairness for smaller domestic businesses. They cited estimates of billions in potential revenue and said California already has the audit and reporting infrastructure to handle worldwide reporting, though some transition time would be needed. Opponents argued that worldwide reporting would tax foreign activity unrelated to California, create double taxation, increase compliance burdens and litigation, and could be difficult for foreign-based multinationals to document. They also warned that some of the revenue estimates are highly uncertain because foreign affiliate income is not directly observable. Committee members asked about foreign government pushback, the risk of companies leaving California, the effect on intellectual property shifting, and whether federal or Supreme Court action could block a change. Witnesses generally said major firms would be unlikely to leave because California taxes sales rather than physical presence, but some costs could be passed on to consumers. The panel also discussed alternatives such as conforming to federal international tax rules like NCTI/GILTI and adding anti-abuse rules. No vote or bill action was taken; the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'd like now to turn it over to Chair Gibson for any opening remarks he may have.
• One story I heard was about a company that was looking for venture capital to open up a pharmaceutical
• And basically, the venture capitalist said, if you're going to open up a business in California, then
• We want to give you money to open up a business outside of the country somewhere so we don't have to
• It's open to— You shouldn't. You made my testimony very easy. I mean, my testimony very easy.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on California’s taxation of foreign subsidiaries of U.S. corporations, especially the state’s water’s-edge election versus worldwide combined reporting. Committee members and witnesses discussed how unitary taxation and sales-factor apportionment work, why multinational corporations are a small share of filers but a large share of tax liability, and how foreign income, profit shifting, and double taxation concerns affect policy choices. The Franchise Tax Board explained current filing rules, the seven-year water’s-edge election, and recent filing statistics showing about 21,562 water’s-edge returns in 2023, roughly 6% of C corporation filers but about half of corporate tax liability. The Legislative Analyst’s Office and FTB staff emphasized that revenue effects from eliminating water’s edge are uncertain because foreign affiliate income is not directly observable, and they noted possible revenue volatility and administrative complexity. Several committee members asked about foreign government pushback, the burden on FTB, whether certain industries are more likely to shift profits, and whether companies would leave California; witnesses generally said there was no strong evidence that firms would exit the state because tax liability is driven mainly by California sales. They also discussed how California already administers both methods, how the election can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on a firm’s facts, and how federal reforms like GILTI/NCTI, CAMT, and OECD Pillar Two may affect the issue. The second panel presented sharply contrasting views. One professor and a tax policy advocate argued that water’s edge creates unfairness, encourages profit shifting, and leaves California with billions in lost revenue, while a Tax Foundation witness argued that mandatory worldwide reporting would tax the wrong income, create double taxation and litigation risk, and impose heavy compliance burdens, especially for foreign-based multinationals. A later panel from the California Budget and Policy Center supported closing the “water’s-edge loophole,” saying it would raise needed revenue for public services and level the playing field between large multinationals and smaller domestic businesses. No vote or formal action was taken; the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our center is now open, going on its third year, and even though our communities are really small, There's
• We have a small conference room, we also have a business center for our local people, and it's open to
• But I think it's misleading to say, "Oh, look, we have an open local option."
• We plan to open up some of our resources, such as math and science tutors, for high school students.
• And hopefully the x-ray technician stays, you know, because it's hard to keep even a primary doctor.

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2021, the City of Amarillo opened the Thompson Park Pool, which was funded through a $7.9 million
• So you think this would open up the door to some more additional affordable housing?
• As far as this particular bill, it actually saves a million, million and a half, which would open the
• If you think there's a better number, I'm open to discussing it.
• I work on money cases; that is my primary assignment.

Bills: HB1453 , HB1718 , HB2043 , HB2207 , HB2798

Committee: House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Keywords: local governments, anticipation notes, certificates of obligation, public works, flood control, financial management, local government, municipal financing, private activity bonds, closing definition, real estate finance, bond issuance, government regulation, bond election, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, political subdivision, city bonds, county bonds, school district bonds

Transcript Highlights:

• In December, we celebrated the opening of Sierra on 66, a housing development that created 221 new affordable
• That opened up those homes to first-time homebuyers in the marketplace as well.
• policy and the opportunity for fraud and for waste and the inefficiency there, and those are our primary
• through Class Wallet is not a curated marketplace because it's almost impossible to curate a vast open
• market, especially in the because it's almost impossible to curate a vast open market, especially in

Committee: House House Appropriations Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2584, which would prohibit public monies from being used for genetic sequencing procedures involving devices made by companies owned or substantially controlled by entities domiciled in a foreign adversary. The sponsor said the bill is intended to protect genetic data from being sold or used against the United States. There was no public testimony, and the committee approved the bill on a 13-5 vote for a do pass recommendation. The committee then took up HB 2804, which creates a rural development and housing tax credit capped at $2 million per year and tied to federal low-income housing tax credit projects in counties under 800,000 population. Supporters, including the sponsor, the Flagstaff mayor, and housing investors/developers, argued it would leverage private capital to address rural affordable housing shortages, especially for seniors, veterans, and low-income residents. Opponents, including the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, argued state LIHTC programs are inefficient, costly, hard to oversee, and can add complexity and higher per-unit costs. The bill passed 13-4 with one not voting. HB 2388, as amended, appropriates $100,000 for the Arizona Commerce Authority to study the economic benefits of small modular reactors and data centers, with a report due June 30, 2027. Supporters said the study would help Arizona plan for energy demand and data center growth, while opponents argued the agency should use existing funds instead of a new appropriation. The committee adopted the amendment and then approved the bill 10-7 with one not voting. The committee also received a presentation from the Auditor General on county treasurer procedural reviews, including the response to the Santa Cruz County treasurer embezzlement case and the office’s ramp-up plan for reviews and staffing. Later, the committee approved HB 2352, which appropriates $2,385,900 in FY2029 to make the Auditor General’s county treasurer review funding ongoing. Members supporting the bill said the office needs certainty to plan audits and retain staff, while opponents objected to funding it so far in advance during budget uncertainty. The bill passed 11-7. The committee also approved HB 2418, as amended, which directs $600,000 to be evenly distributed among five county sheriff task forces in Cochise, Coconino, Navajo, Pinal, and Yuma counties; supporters said it codifies the long-standing distribution practice, and it passed 17-1. Finally, the committee heard HB 2499, which would provide $2.6 million and 12 FTEs to the Department of Education for ESA administration; supporters argued the program’s rapid growth requires more staff for enrollment, reviews, and accountability, while members questioned the lack of standardized testing data and how to measure student outcomes. The transcript ends during that discussion, before a final vote on HB 2499.

Transcript Highlights:

• So family members, team of nurses, the primary care physician, and the mental health physician to advise
• So family members, team of nurses, the primary care physician, and the mental health physician to advise
• So family members, team of nurses, the primary care physician, and the mental health physician to advise
• The primary care physician and the mental health physician to advise.
• We're going to substitute the word woman with the phrase primary caregiver, as requested by a number

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 3025, relating to medical debt, with multiple organizations and individuals, including the Office of Wellness and Resilience, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Queens Health Systems, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Aloha Care, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction, Hawaii Data Collaborative, and Hawaii Appleseed, all speaking in support. No opposition was heard, and the member present had no questions. The committee then took up SB 3199, which would establish a mental health emerging therapies task force. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with speakers including veterans, clinicians, researchers, and advocacy groups describing personal experiences with PTSD, depression, traumatic brain injury, and treatment-resistant conditions, and arguing that Hawaii should prepare for regulated access to emerging therapies such as MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and ibogaine. The Department of Health and some medical organizations provided comments, and one opposition witness was called but not present. The chair noted broad support, especially from veterans, and no vote was taken during the excerpt. The final measure discussed was SB 3324, relating to Medicaid. The Department of Human Services, Department of Health, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Aloha Care, and numerous care-provider and aging/disability organizations testified in support, while one witness was in opposition and several others offered comments. The discussion then moved to SB 2563, relating to homelessness, where the Department of the Attorney General offered comments on specific sections and recommended adopting suggested amendments if the bill proceeds. Additional testimony on SB 2563 began with support from several individuals, including Shelby Pikachu, who emphasized the severity of homelessness and related social problems in the community.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this spring open and cause harm.
• They're about opening doors.
• They're about opening doors.
• They're about opening doors.
• That is because this bill opens the door to mutual fund investments in BDCs.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, June 23, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so I want to give the stay open.
• There open and providing instruction.
• that have occurred and delayed openings that have occurred and delayed openings<00:38:23.119><c> were
• </c> for discrimination is sunlight and open for discrimination is sunlight and open discussion<01:31
• </c> &gt;&gt; I think we have to open up. &gt;&gt; I think we have to open up.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But the fact that the federal government has a lower list price, but it's actually exchanging on the open
• Market at a much higher price the Open Market at a much higher price it<00:14:16.040><c> that</c><00
• </c> I I think we have to you have to open I I think we have to you have to open your<00:34:52.639><c
• I just think that opens the door for corruption.
• And there's also a Tarantino's pizza that had opened up while I was there.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up an amendment to a bill dealing with digital assets, zoning, utilities, and noise. Members discussed removing the “private key” language, clarifying that the bill would prohibit state or local governments from treating digital asset mining differently from other industrial uses, and narrowing several provisions based on feedback from the Municipal Association. There was also discussion about electricity use, rate schedules, and whether the bill would allow payment of electric bills in Bitcoin; members clarified that bills would still be paid in dollars and that discriminatory rates were not allowed. The amendment was approved on a straw vote, and the committee then voted 7-1 to adopt the amended bill. The committee then considered a separate bill related to a paint stewardship program. The sponsor explained that the amendment would remove references to a fee structure that had troubled him in public hearing, while still preserving the plan and oversight by the Department of Environmental Services. Members discussed whether the bill’s liability and disclosure language affected antitrust concerns, and a representative from the American Coatings Association testified that the program’s environmental management practices and liability provisions were intended to ensure responsible handling and cleanup. The committee ultimately voted 7-1 to adopt the amended bill. Later, the subcommittee moved to liquor-related business. It first voted unanimously, 7-0, to retain a cannabis-related item. It then discussed a tavern license bill that would create a 21-plus tavern category, with the Liquor Enforcement Division explaining that the restriction was tied to alcohol-only venues and the potential for late-night entertainment and nightclub-style operations. Members raised concerns about local control and public safety, and the discussion referenced existing cocktail lounge rules and the possibility of towns opting into such a license. The transcript cuts off before a final vote on that item is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• build orphanages, do whatever, proselyte, whatever the case may be, but who intend to return to their primary
• build orphanages, do whatever, proselyte, whatever the case may be, but who intend to return to their primary
• And recent interpreter, Their primary residence once their service is complete.
• current code as it stands for military service people, for them to lease their household out, their primary

Summary: The House Revenue and Taxation Committee approved minutes from February 2, 3, 5, and 9, 2026, then considered several revenue-related measures. RS 33317, a clarification to last year’s urban renewal district changes, would require agencies not to deny fire district or ambulance service district withdrawal requests when no outstanding bonded or written contractual obligations remain, and it was introduced after brief questions about consultation and fiscal impact. The committee then heard House Bill 506 and related RS 33329 on the STARS program, which allows developers to front infrastructure costs for qualifying projects and receive a rebate of up to 60% of new sales tax revenue. Representative Monks explained the bill would raise the program’s floor and ceiling, while the RS would instead lower the floor and keep the ceiling at $100 million; after questions about timing, windfalls, and project scope, the committee held HB 506 in committee and introduced RS 33329 with a due pass recommendation to the second reading calendar. House Bill 610, which would extend homestead exemption treatment to people away on religious missions in the same way it applies to military service members, was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 594, which codifies a Supreme Court ruling directing late property tax fees and interest to the jurisdictions that assess them, also received a due pass recommendation after supportive testimony from county treasurers and a city administrator. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This time we'll now open the public...
• Products displayed on open shelves.
• Um, products displayed on open shelves.
• </c> &gt;&gt; And with that, I thank you and I'm open &gt;&gt; And with that, I thank you and I'm open
• But I don't marijuana shop opens up.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In Florida preterm deliveries and primary C sections were agency calculated measures of focus in the
• Florida's rates, primary C sections have fluctuated but improved as well.
• So the shared care plan with primary care practitioner.
• is a percentage of long-term care participants who had a person center plan transmitted to their primary
• But in the past, both of these measures where the primary standardize dental measures used in Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• Next we have Eric Ab of the Hawaii Primary Care Association in support. that uh we are strongly requesting
• you very much next we have Eric ab thank you very much next we have Eric ab Hawai<00:04:37.840><c> Primary
• </c><00:04:38.280><c> Care</c><00:04:39.080><c> Association</c><00:04:40.080><c> in</c> Hawai Primary
• Care Association in Hawai Primary Care Association in support<00:04:42.479><c> Elizabeth</c> Elizabeth
• Next, we have Eric Abby of the Hawaiian Primary Care Association in support, Michael Galu Jr. of Pride

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee heard several resolutions focused on health care access, Medicaid services, and regulatory reform. SR 6 urged the Director of Health to create a working group on health insurance reform to reduce prior authorization delays; testimony was generally supportive, with DHS, SHIPA, the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, the Hawaii Medical Association, and HMSA all offering comments or support. SHIPA said House Bill 250 would provide a better mechanism for the same goal, but the committee still moved forward with the resolution. SR 7 asked DHS Med-QUEST to cover behavioral health services for children in school-based settings, and SR 9 sought a program to incentivize community care foster family homes to accept people eligible under the Medicaid IDD waiver program. DHS supported the intent of both measures but raised concerns about regulatory limits. Testifiers on SR 9, including the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Hawaii Disability Rights Center, argued the state should be more creative in expanding residential capacity, especially on the neighbor islands, while the chair questioned whether the barriers were state administrative rules or federal requirements. The committee also heard SC 14/SR 10 on a sunrise analysis for lactation consultant licensure. Supporters said lactation services can improve health outcomes and save costs, and that Medicaid coverage remains limited. After discussion, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations: SR 6 and SC 14/SR 10 were passed with technical, non-substantive amendments; SR 7 was deferred; and SR 9 was deferred for further work. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Senator Muhammad, you have some opening Senator Muhammad, you have some opening remarks<00:03:25.519
• We were assisted the primary agency.
• We're not going to open up the floor for questions.
• So I'm open to that. >> Senator How? >> Uh, Mr.
• So I'm open discussion with a few folks. So I'm open to<02:05:19.360><c> that.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we'll have opening remarks.
• up the mic to those ...members of the Assembly, and now we'll open up the mic to those on the dais if
• itself and being open to some of the criteria that they could present while protecting and honoring
• We opened in 2016 and generated some revenue.
• Now we'll open it up to the dais. Assemblymember Harabedian. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Summary: The Select Committee on Native American Affairs met on Barona tribal land to examine rising homeowners insurance costs affecting tribal communities, with opening remarks from tribal leaders and Assembly members emphasizing tribal sovereignty, the history of forced settlement in high-risk areas, and the need for the state to recognize mitigation work already being done on tribal lands. The committee heard that wildfire, drought, and other climate-driven disasters have sharply increased insurance premiums and reduced coverage options, especially for tribes located in rural or mountainous areas that were not chosen by the tribes themselves. Cal Fire Deputy Director Frank Bigelow described the state’s wildfire response and tribal engagement efforts, including tribal liaisons on incident management teams, a Southern Region Tribal Affairs Deputy Chief, cultural burning agreements, and more than $30 million in tribal wildfire resilience grants over the last three years. Members questioned why tribal communities receive only a small share of grants, whether Cal Fire should do more outreach and budget proposals for tribes, and whether mitigation work is being recognized by insurers. Bigelow said Cal Fire is working with insurers and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety on mitigation standards, but acknowledged that more tribal outreach and participation are needed. Tribal chairpersons and fire chiefs testified that their communities are already investing heavily in fire protection through dedicated fire departments, fuel reduction, defensible space, prescribed burns, firebreaks, and home-hardening efforts, yet premiums remain high or coverage is denied. Barona leaders said premiums can range from $6,000 to $18,000 and urged insurers to assess properties individually rather than by broad high-risk zones. Soboba, Hamu, and Pechanga representatives described similar efforts and said grant rules, environmental review, and insurer practices can make it difficult to translate mitigation into lower rates. Several members suggested short-term state assistance or a tribal insurance mitigation fund, and the committee discussed the possibility of requiring insurers to better account for tribal mitigation and sovereignty in risk assessments.

Transcript Highlights:

• So our vision at the department is to be the primary destination for venturesome travelers.
• And we really need to take that away Because you know, Riodoso is safe and it's open.
• If they have a new brewery that they opened, or you know, there's a new shop there.
• We're going to have a four-story hotel that will be opened up.
• This year in January, we have a 25 Match for anyone who opens up an account.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just that you're thinking it opens the door to further preemption in the future? Absolutely.
• It's just that you're thinking it opens the door to further preemption in the future? Absolutely.
• Senator Yarbrough, thank you for reaching out and having an openness about discussing this bill.
• I'm very open to that to make sure we make that... ...distinction, and that would be good.
• And so my door is always open. I think all the stakeholders know that.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1134, which would extend and clarify the use of qualified private providers and computer-based tools in the building permit and inspection process for residential solar energy systems. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce long delays in solar permitting and make the process faster and cheaper; Senator Pizzo questioned whether the problem was limited to specific local governments, and a late-filed amendment clarifying the word “application” was adopted. After brief testimony from an industry representative supporting the measure, the committee reported the bill favorably, with Senator Pizzo voting no. Next, the committee considered SB 784, dealing with issuance of addresses and parcel identification numbers for plats and new development. The bill sets a 14-day timeframe, and an amendment was adopted that would allow use of a private provider if the deadline is missed and would bar fee collection if the local government fails to act within five business days. County representatives said they wanted to keep working on the bill and raised concerns about the private-provider language and the short deadlines, while several senators discussed whether the process should be handled earlier on the front end. The committee then reported the bill favorably. The committee also passed SB 1738 on transportation concurrency, which would let counties that previously opted out of concurrency opt back in by maintaining current levels of service. SB 1080, a local government land regulation bill, was described as a measure to speed development approvals by setting stricter timelines, limiting repeated information requests, and imposing penalties for noncompliance; local-government testimony opposed it as a loss of local control, while builders supported it. After debate, SB 1080 was reported favorably. SB 1260, which clarifies county constitutional officer budget procedures and creates an appeal process for clerks and supervisors of elections similar to sheriffs, was also reported favorably after members discussed possible adjustments to avoid burdening county budget negotiations. Finally, the committee took up SB 420, as amended by a strike-all, which would prohibit counties and municipalities from adopting or funding DEI-related ordinances, policies, programs, offices, or contracts, and would expose officials to misfeasance/malfeasance claims and local governments to lawsuits. The sponsor said the amendment removed retroactive language, delayed the effective date, and added definitions and contract-certification requirements, but many senators and public speakers argued the bill was overbroad, vague, and would chill local efforts such as Black History Month, women-owned business programs, minority contracting, and community outreach. Supporters said it would ensure merit-based government action and consistency with state standards. The amendment was adopted, but the bill drew extensive opposition testimony and debate over its scope and potential conflict with federal and state law.