Transcript Highlights:

• So with that I would ask for your support.
• So with that I would ask for your support.
• So with that I would ask for your support.
• So with that I would ask for your support.
• The current support in favor of this.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I strongly urge your support of this bill, 1426.
• I strongly urge your support of this bill, 1426.
• I'm here to support SB 1110.
• This kind of support reduces harm. I do want to ask for your support.
• I am in support. Aye. Thank you. Madam Chair, briefly. Yes. Thank you.

Summary: The Judiciary and Elections Committee met with a hard stop at 4:30 p.m. and approved the February 4, 2026 minutes. Members announced several bills would be held for a later supplemental meeting, then took up SB 1426, the “squatter” bill, which would expand forcible detainer law to cover certain unauthorized occupants who refuse to leave after a reasonable request and require immediate writs of restitution after judgment. Law enforcement and county representatives testified in support, and the committee voted 7-0 to give SB 1426 a do-pass recommendation. The committee next considered SB 1687, a strike-everything amendment moving Arizona’s primary election date from late July to the Tuesday before Memorial Day beginning in 2027. The sponsor said the goal was to create more time between the primary and general elections and align Arizona more closely with other states. County election officials were neutral but raised implementation concerns, including filing deadlines, redistricting timelines, polling place availability, and interactions with presidential preference and local elections. The committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a 4-3 do-pass recommendation, with some members voting no over concerns about clean elections timing and local control. Members then heard SB 1110, creating a home confinement program for certain nonviolent inmates with GPS monitoring, work requirements, and DOC rulemaking, while excluding serious and violent offenses. Supporters said it would reduce recidivism, save money, and help families; an opponent questioned the fiscal impact and monitoring costs. The bill received a 5-1 do-pass recommendation. The committee also heard SB 1275, which would allow judges limited discretion to depart from mandatory minimum sentences for qualifying veterans and first responders with diagnosed service-related PTSD or similar conditions; supporters framed it as a narrow safety valve, while opponents warned it could undermine mandatory sentencing and victims’ rights. SB 1275 passed 7-0. Finally, the committee considered SB 1140, a misdemeanor expungement bill. The amendment adopted by the committee extended the waiting period for expungement of convictions to five years for all eligible misdemeanor convictions, while keeping a three-year period for eligible matters that did not result in conviction. Supporters said the bill would remove barriers to employment and housing and help survivors and people who have turned their lives around; the committee adopted the amendment and then passed SB 1140 as amended 7-0. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> housing support for people who need it. housing support for people who need it.
• I support<00:32:13.360><c> this</c> support this support this because<00:32:15.760><c> of</c><00:32:15.919
• You know, do support that. But at this time, uh, do support that.
• </c> that you guys will support my amendment. that you guys will support my amendment.
• guys would support this and the over guys would support this and the over 4,000<01:35:44.480><c> state

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• where, you know, we get to large scale, that's where sequestration has to come in, because it can support
• We have climate leadership and political support, a policy mandate to reduce greenhouse gas...
• We have climate leadership and political support, a policy mandate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Ecology supports product stewardship for hard-to-manage items.
• It is driven by consumer behavior, storage, and time.

Summary: The committee held an interim work session focused first on carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS), then on hazardous waste and extended producer responsibility (EPR). On the CCUS topic, industry and nonprofit presenters described point-source capture, direct air capture, mineralization, and geologic sequestration, emphasizing Washington’s basalt formations and state trust lands as strong candidates for storage. They argued that CCUS can help hard-to-abate industrial sectors, support jobs and investment, and provide a pathway for compliance, while also noting the need for clearer permitting, subsurface rights, pipeline authority, and storage infrastructure. Ecology and Commerce staff explained current state policy touchpoints, including Cap-and-Invest offsets and exemptions for permanently stored CO2, the public comment process underway to define “thousand-year” permanence, and how CCUS might fit within the Clean Energy Transformation Act without counting emitting generation as non-emitting. Some presenters supported more state action and primacy over federal permitting, while others warned about costs, energy use, uncertain capture performance, and the need to ensure real net greenhouse gas reductions and long-term liability protections. Members asked about public meetings, whether mineralized carbon would qualify as exempt under the Climate Commitment Act, the timeline for Ecology guidance, aquifer and water-quality concerns, energy intensity of capture systems, and liability if storage later proves problematic. Responses said Ecology’s guidance process is already underway, public meetings will be virtual, mineralized carbon would likely qualify if it meets the permanence standard, and EPA rules require storage in deep saline formations below drinking water aquifers. Industry speakers said capture energy use varies by source and concentration, and one presenter noted that some states use trust funds funded by injectors to address long-term liability. The second half of the session shifted to hazardous waste and EPR. Ecology staff reviewed existing product stewardship programs for electronics, paint, batteries, and mercury lights, and described moderate risk waste and household hazardous waste management in Washington. They highlighted that E-Cycle and PaintCare are producer-funded, that the battery stewardship program will begin in 2027, and that the mercury lamp program is in transition after its prior stewardship organization exited, prompting enforcement notices and a pending replacement plan. Ecology recommended best practices for future EPR programs, including clear producer and product definitions, full producer funding, convenience standards, annual reporting, and strong agency enforcement and plan approval authority. Local government speakers from King County and Douglas County described rising collection costs, equity and access barriers, rural travel distances, and the need for stable funding and flexible local implementation. King County said it collected over 3 million pounds of hazardous products in 2025 and supports EPR as a way to shift costs from ratepayers to producers, while Douglas County emphasized that rural residents will participate when services are accessible and that future systems should account for geography and local infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:25:21.679><c> our</c> financial analysts that support our financial analysts that support our
• I mean, clearly it's helping support the people of Minnesota, every county, helping to support our county
• I appreciate the consideration for including it in the omnibus and appreciate the support.
• We're just going to lay it over instead for possible inclusion. the support thank you very the support
• First Express our support to for art the First Express our support to for art the inclusions<01:19:43.880

Bills: HF627 , HF474 , HF361 , HF1837

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF627, fiscal note, fiscal notes, Minnesota Legislature, state government, committee procedure, ranking minority member, minority party, standing committee, Ways and Means, Finance Committee, legislative process, budget analysis, fiscal impact, Minnesota Statutes 3.98, committee chair, legislative transparency, HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here today in strong support of House Bill 2467.
• Our business supports local sports teams and school athletic programs, and we are strong supporters of
• I'm here today in support of House Bill 2467.
• I am here today representing Sound Transit in support of House Bill 2552.
• Finally, and critically, HB 2552 supports contractors in the workforce.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on three transportation-related bills. HB 2467, sponsored by Rep. Timmons, would clarify how fifth-wheel RVs are measured for length purposes by measuring from the king pin to the rear-most point, allowing fifth wheels up to 46 feet under that method without increasing the current roadway length limits. The staff report said the bill has no fiscal impact for most agencies and a small indeterminate impact for Labor and Industries; the proposed substitute makes technical clarifications. The sponsor and several RV dealers, the Association of Washington Business, and the RV Industry Association testified in support, saying the bill would improve clarity, preserve safety, and help Washington dealers compete with neighboring states. No one testified in opposition during the hearing. The committee briefly suspended HB 2467 to hear HB 2495, sponsored by Rep. Thomas, which would give the City of Seattle authority to immediately remove vehicles blocking streetcar tracks or otherwise jeopardizing streetcar operations without waiting for police to first cite the vehicle. Staff said the bill applies only to Seattle, includes an emergency clause, and has no fiscal impact because impound fees are expected to offset costs. Rep. Thomas and Seattle Streetcar Program Manager Alison Redenz supported the bill, describing frequent track blockages and delays to service, especially after hours, and saying the change would speed restoration of transit operations. The committee then heard public testimony on HB 2552, which would authorize WSDOT and Sound Transit to use multiple award task order contracting (MATOC) for transportation construction projects. Staff explained that MATOC would let agencies prequalify contractors and then compete task orders among them, with required award and protest processes. Rep. Zahn said the bill would give agencies another tool to streamline delivery while preserving competition and including WMBE firms. Sound Transit supported the bill as a faster, more flexible procurement method that could broaden opportunities for smaller firms, while the Washington Aggregate and Concrete Association opposed it, arguing the approach is not well tested in Washington, could reduce competition, and should be reviewed by the Capital Projects Advisory Review Board. After testimony, the committee closed the public hearing on HB 2552 and adjourned after caucusing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Church in Minnesota to share our support Church in Minnesota to share our support for<00:56:02.480
• </c> would encourage you to support HF 44138. would encourage you to support HF 44138.
• </c> collection, locationbased and behavioral collection, locationbased and behavioral tracking<01:12
• I'm glad to support it."
• </c> glad to support it. glad to support it.

Bills: HF3479 , HF4205 , HF3782 , HF4081 , HF4138

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: foreclosure, mortgage, redemption period, homestead, Minnesota Statutes, automated license plate reader, ALPR, license plate recognition, vehicle surveillance, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, data privacy, government data practices, law enforcement data, surveillance technology, location data, vehicle tracking, warrant requirement, probable cause, exigent circumstances

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the history of the general fund support the history of the general fund support and<01:05:40.319
• It's for behavioral health, right? Behavioral health. Thank you.
• ><c> behavioral</c> right behavioral health behavioral right behavioral health behavioral health<02:55
• </c><02:57:31.560><c> 40</c> with 72% of the funds supporting 40 with 72% of the funds supporting 40
• </c> systems and data analysis to support systems and data analysis to support Public<02:59:03.000><c

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Division 2 Finance Committee heard an overview and budget presentation from New Hampshire Fish and Game, led by new Executive Director Stephanie Simi and Business Division Chief Kathy Leonti. The agency described its mission to conserve and manage fish, wildlife, and marine resources, and emphasized growing pressures from disease, climate impacts, habitat change, and increased public demand. Simi said the department is largely funded by hunting and fishing license revenue and federal grants, is reviewing staffing and internal processes, and faces critical needs including permanent funding for environmental review staff, infrastructure and IT modernization, and possible service reductions if additional support is not found. Members asked about specific program and policy issues, including chronic wasting disease in deer, hemorrhagic disease in rabbits and hares, moose population decline, and a proposed bait-disease bill. The department said it is actively monitoring diseases and did not see a need for the bait bill at this time. Legislators also discussed the Hike Safe program, which the department said has grown from an expected $100,000 annually to more than $300,000, and a possible boating version of that program, which the department said remains under consideration but would involve complex logistics and multiple agencies. Questions were also raised about rescue costs, out-of-state hikers, and whether boat registrations could be used as a revenue source; Fish and Game said boat registration is handled by the Department of Safety, though the department receives $5 per registered boat for the public boat access program. The budget discussion focused on revenue projections, use of unrestricted Fish and Game funds, and dependence on federal reimbursements. Leonti said the department met the governor’s general fund target but not the Fish and Game fund target without using surplus unrestricted funds, leaving only about $100,000 in the fund by the end of the biennium. She said the budget uses more than $18 million in Fish and Game funds annually against about $14 million in unrestricted revenue, and that five of 193 full-time positions remain unfunded. The department warned that if federal grants were halted, it could cost about $5 million over five months and force the Fish and Game fund to cover the gap. Committee members also requested that future presentations be sent electronically in advance, and the department agreed to do so.

Transcript Highlights:

• I ask for your support. individuals. I ask for your support. Thank<00:34:19.440><c> you.
• supports.
• <00:41:24.720><c> supports.
• </c> a green vote and your support. a green vote and your support.
• </c> in support of the O'Driscoll amendment. in support of the O'Driscoll amendment.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your support in this matter.
• I think this is an amazing idea, and I strongly support it because I think it just opens the door to
• I am a board-certified behavior analyst.
• My role just happens to be behavior analyst.
• Supporting daylight saving time provides for outdoor recreation, exercise, and family activities.

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• these parametric policies are mostly being offered by insurance-linked security specialist funds in support
• And anything that will help support that effort, I think, would be helpful.
• And anything that will help support that effort, I think, would be helpful.
• But what this does do is provide supporting evidence of a relationship between the two, a relationship
• If this is just being driven by treatment behavior, it would have to be that treatment is differentially

Summary: The committee heard a work session on earthquake insurance, beginning with background from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. OIC staff explained that earthquake and earth movement are generally excluded from standard property policies, that earthquake coverage is usually purchased through endorsements or standalone policies with high deductibles and relatively high premiums, and that surplus lines are a limited backstop market not covered by the state guarantee fund. They also described parametric insurance and captive insurance as more specialized products generally suited to commercial or governmental buyers rather than ordinary consumers. A second panel of insurance and banking experts focused on commercial earthquake exposure, especially for older buildings, collateralized loans, and potential knock-on effects to banks and consumers if a major quake caused widespread damage. Members asked about consumer impacts, mitigation incentives, inventories of vulnerable buildings, and whether legislation such as prior work on unreinforced masonry could help reduce risk. The Washington Bankers Association said earthquake insurance is expensive and that affordability is a major concern, while also noting banks participate in disaster-recovery planning and would be affected by major regional losses. No votes or formal actions were taken. The committee then received a presentation from the Washington State Institute for Public Policy on its cannabis and Initiative 502 research. WSIPP staff described the agency as a nonpartisan research institute that conducts legislative-directed studies and explained that its long-term I-502 assignment includes periodic reports leading to a final benefit-cost evaluation in 2032. Staff summarized findings from a 2023 report showing that cannabis possession convictions fell sharply after legalization, though some racial disproportionalities persisted, and that closer retail access was associated with higher reported adult cannabis use, more fatal traffic crashes involving drivers from nearby areas, and higher rates of cannabis use disorder diagnoses among Medicaid enrollees. A 2023 youth-focused report found that students attending schools near retailers were more likely to report cannabis use, had more unexcused absences, and were less likely to graduate on time. In the newest 2025 Medicaid study, staff said retail access was associated with higher probabilities of cannabis use disorder diagnoses, related hospitalizations, inpatient treatment, and co-occurring mental health diagnoses, with event-study analysis suggesting the increases appeared after retailers opened rather than before. Members asked about racial disproportionality, the meaning of cannabis use disorder diagnoses, THC and impairment, whether the findings reflected medical versus recreational use, and how the results should be interpreted in light of broader trends and data limitations. No formal committee action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• willing to give people a chance to improve the bills that come before the committee, so he would support
• </c> and so because of that I would support and so because of that I would support the<00:15:59.360><
• So for those reasons, I intend to support the OTP motion.
• So for those reasons, I intend to support the OTP motion.
• <00:39:20.359><c> um</c> support um support um uh<00:39:23.240><c> this</c><00:39:23.640><c> bill</c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 313 and, on motion by Representative Perez, voted to retain the bill because members felt it needed further work and was not ready for final action. The motion passed 18-0, and no further action was taken on the bill. House Bill 391, an anti-SLAPP measure, was then discussed; supporters said it addressed a real problem and should move forward, while opponents raised concerns that it was too broad, could affect criminal cases, and might create procedural complications. The committee voted 18-0 to retain HB 391 as well, and it was placed on consent. The committee next considered House Bill 462, establishing a cause of action for unwarranted video imaging of residential properties. Representative McFarland moved OTP, saying the bill raised First Amendment and property-rights concerns. The motion passed 18-0, and the bill was also placed on consent. The committee then turned to House Bill 509, which would require reporting on forfeitures. Supporters argued the information was useful for future legislation, while opponents said the reporting would be costly, duplicative, and potentially split data across fiscal years. The committee voted 11-7 to recommend OTP, with a minority of members opposed. House Bill 520, authorizing Department of Education hearing officers to issue subpoenas, drew the most extended debate. Supporters argued DOE needed the same tools other agencies have, while opponents said DOE already had access to needed information, the Attorney General could handle subpoenas, and the bill would create an unbalanced process and raise due process and student-record concerns. Representative Tur offered Amendment 0842H to shift subpoena power from DOE hearing officers to the Attorney General; after debate, the amendment failed 10-8. The transcript cuts off as the committee begins the roll call on the underlying bill after rejecting the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> centers and um and threatening support centers and um and threatening support for<00:10:23.480><
• It asks that we stop unconstitutional behavior on campus.
• Can I support or endorse any statements by Martin Luther King Jr.?
• Can I support or endorse any statements by Martin Luther King Jr.?
• Can I support or endorse any statements by Martin Luther King Jr.?

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education met to consider House Bill 4, relating to postsecondary education. Before taking up the bill, the committee adopted a committee substitute. The substitute removed language creating a private right of action and immunity provisions, added a definition of “indoctrinate,” revised language tied to the Attorney General, and added a new section directing the Auditor of Public Accounts to review compliance every four years. If an institution is found out of compliance, it would have 180 days to cure the issue or become ineligible for formula funding increases in the following fiscal year, with an opportunity to petition the Attorney General. The substitute also added language barring licensing authorities from requiring diversity, equity, and inclusion training as a condition of initial or renewal licensure. Representative Decker presented the bill as an effort to end what she described as unconstitutional DEI practices in Kentucky’s postsecondary system and to refocus colleges on academic instruction, equal opportunity, and affordability. She argued that DEI offices and initiatives have cost taxpayers heavily and have not improved enrollment outcomes for low-income and underrepresented students. Michael Frasier, testifying in support, framed the bill as an equal-protection measure rather than simply an anti-DEI bill, saying it targets preferential treatment and discrimination while exempting traditional civil-rights compliance offices such as Title IX, disability, and other anti-discrimination functions. He also argued that the bill aligns with recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent and that Kentucky should shift toward socioeconomic-based approaches. Several members raised concerns about the bill’s assumptions and effects. Representative Willner questioned the claim that DEI initiatives caused enrollment declines and asked why the state would not make such programs more inclusive instead of eliminating them. Representative Stalker argued that the bill ignored decades of exclusion in higher education and asked what would replace DEI efforts aimed at closing achievement gaps and preventing brain drain. Supporters responded that the bill addresses unconstitutional preferences and that the state should move toward equal treatment and socioeconomic factors rather than race-based criteria. After discussion, the committee substitute was adopted, and the committee continued consideration of House Bill 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• An additional 3 375,000 for Puauke Pueblo Behavioral Health Facility, an additional million for community
• Anybody in support? See, nobody likes Kappa Alley, but they're all here. Zoom in opposition?

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Cassidy's question and he couldn't even give him the answer that yes, the data. is there to support
• It's accompanied by sober judgment and behavior, because the person who leads a major organization has

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• and Poverty in support.
• Desire Wynn Orth of East Bay Community Law Center, strong support. Strong support.
• In strong support, Aynan Harris with Initiate Justice Action, strong support.
• I’m in support of ARC. I’m in support of ARC. My name is SCO. I’m here with ARC.
• My name is Skow, and I'm in support. My name is Skow, and I'm in support.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety-related bills. AB 383 by Assembly Member Davies would expand and clarify firearm restrictions tied to juvenile adjudications, allow certain minor firearm possession for hunting or training with guardian approval, and authorize warrants in some domestic violence-related firearm surrender situations. Supporters, including a district attorney representative, argued it would close gaps in existing law and improve public safety; opponents said it would over-criminalize youth and disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 400 by Assembly Member Pacheco would require law enforcement K-9 units to meet statewide POST standards covering training, use of force, and handler skills. Supporters said the bill would create consistency, accountability, and safer deployments; opponents argued the standards were inadequate and would legitimize harmful canine practices. After debate over whether the bill expanded canine use or simply standardized it, the committee approved AB 400 and sent it to Appropriations. AB 380 by Assembly Member Gonzalez would extend price-gouging protections during emergencies, including for hotels, food, essential goods and services, and commercial property, and would remove the 12-month lease limit loophole for rent gouging. Supporters said the bill responds to wildfire-related exploitation and provides clarity for disaster victims; business and landlord groups warned it could amount to commercial rent control and create uncertainty for future emergencies. The author said he would continue working on amendments, and the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 358 by Assembly Member Alvarez would create a narrow exception to Cal-ECPA so law enforcement could inspect tracking or surveillance devices found in a person’s home, vehicle, or property with the finder’s consent. Supporters said the change would help stalking and domestic violence victims preserve evidence quickly; privacy advocates argued warrants and existing emergency exceptions already cover these situations. The chair proposed narrowing the language to “tracking or surveillance device,” and the bill was held on call after an initial roll with only three votes in favor. The transcript also began AB 247, which would raise pay for incarcerated hand crew firefighters, with testimony from formerly incarcerated firefighters in support, but the discussion was not completed in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion is due pass as amended per author to narrow the scope of predictive behavior analysis, modify
• SB 874, Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Treatment. The motion is due pass.
• SB 874, Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Treatment. The motion is due pass.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members, Arizona HB 2960 represents an important step in supporting veterans who enter the
• Chair, members of the committee, I'm here to respectfully request your support of HB 2620.
• We appreciate your support, and I'm happy to answer any questions. Any questions? Yes, Senator.
• Smith goes forward, as the CEO, you have the support.
• Smith goes forward, as the CEO, you have the support.

Bills: HB2620 , HB2960

Committee: Senate Military Affairs and Border Security

Keywords: homeless veterans, emergency shelters, state funding, veterans' services, grant distribution, veterans, treatment court, rehabilitation, recidivism, mental health, substance abuse, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> that came into the HSS housing supports that came into the HSS housing supports and<00:18:30.240
• The fact is that it was something that passed Congress with Republican support.
• The fact is that it was something that passed Congress with Republican support.
• </c> passed Congress with Republican support. passed Congress with Republican support.
• welcome your support for this effort. effort. effort.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> appreciate your support. appreciate your support.
• . supports. supports.
• </c> overwhelmingly supported. overwhelmingly supported.
• </c> or and they feel supported. or and they feel supported.
• So I absolutely support understands. So I absolutely support this<04:16:57.439><c> motion.

Keywords: 981, all