Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so I'm closing the public hearing, and we will move on.
• Okay, so I'm closing the public hearing, and we will move on to our next bill: House Bill 2374.
• We had the Bull Creek fire pretty close to my district in the old 39th District, where people had to
• There is no one wishing to testify, so I'll close public hearing on 2379, and we will go into recess
• So I'll close public hearing on 2379, and we will go into recess for hopefully only five minutes.

Bills: HB2307 , HB2374 , HB2379 , HB1823 , HB2111

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: commute trip reduction, definitions, transportation, environmental impact, urban planning, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, regulation, vehicle classification, tolling, emergency suspension, public access, state highways, transportation improvement board, TIB, transportation improvement account, motor vehicle fund, arterial streets, local match, private match

Transcript Highlights:

• And we went back to our primary list that we were working on for the last couple years.
• He's been very close to a lot of other initiatives happening around Cape Verdean culture.
• He's been very close to a lot of other initiatives happening around KVirdian culture.
• Motion to close nominations. Second. All right. Who do we get here first to second? Was it?
• So, since we need to close pretty soon, I'm going to make a couple of suggestions.

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The commission met to continue work on planning a Cape Verdean Cultural Center in Massachusetts, with a focus on finalizing membership and preparing for a feasibility study. After roll call and introductions, members reviewed and unanimously approved the November 25 minutes. The chair described the commission’s mandate, including monthly meetings, cultural institution visits, listening sessions, and hiring a consultant to conduct the feasibility study. Members also discussed the historical importance of the project in light of Cape Verde’s 50th anniversary of independence and the 250th anniversary of the United States. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to a draft nomination criteria document for expanding the commission. The criteria emphasized geographic, generational, gender, and sector diversity, along with needed expertise in areas such as arts and cultural programming, history, museum work, architecture, fundraising, nonprofit governance, higher education, language preservation, community organizing, economic development, legal issues, and communications. Members highlighted several organizations and institutions as important designees, including Bridgewater State’s Pedro Pires Institute, Mili Mila, the Schooner Ernestina Morrissey Advisory Board, and the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The criteria document was amended to explicitly include Cape Cod, and then approved unanimously. The commission then reviewed a slate of 16 additional nominees to fill the remaining seats, discussing gaps in legal expertise, Taunton representation, and other regional needs. Members noted that some nominees could also support a separate Cape Verdean associations body rather than serve on the commission itself. After discussion, the body approved forming a three-member nominating committee consisting of the chair, Commissioner Monica Vega, and Commissioner Manny Lopes to narrow the list and report back. Commissioners also agreed to schedule another meeting later in the month to vote on final appointments, and the meeting adjourned after those action steps were set.

Transcript Highlights:

• What we have seen as a general business practice throughout the industry is that once they close the
• kitchen, many cocktail lounges can close the kitchen at 9 and become a just-serve-alcohol facility.
• the food at 9 like restaurants can close the food at 9 and<01:10:06.640><c> they</c><01:10:06.760><c
• </c><01:10:35.320><c> the</c> many the cocktail lers uh can close the many the cocktail lers uh can close
• It's closed now; it's boarded up.

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:

• But just to briefly close here, higher education, which we cannot forget.
• But just to briefly close here, higher education, which we cannot forget.
• Members, Dennis Cuarez Romero with the California Primary Care Association.
• We cannot expand access if providers are being forced to close.
• Since 2020, this program has served close to half a million homes.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met to consider the 2026 Budget Act, which leaders said was the negotiated compromise with the Senate and was expected to move to the floor that evening. Opening remarks emphasized that the plan balances the budget over two years, reduces the structural deficit, and builds reserves, while also protecting core services in the face of federal cuts. Jason Sisney outlined the legislative budget framework and the likely floor bills, including AB 109, SB 110, SB 122, and SB 125. Department of Finance representative Eric Khali said the administration appreciated the two-year balanced approach and supported the modification in SB 122, while noting the package uses additional revenues and new spending to soften or reject some proposed cuts. Most of the discussion focused on major spending areas. Members and subcommittee chairs highlighted protections and additions for health care and human services, including rejecting the proposed Medi-Cal asset limit change, delaying premium increases, restoring clinic and dental funding, supporting distressed hospitals and county indigent care, and expanding county eligibility staffing to handle H.R. 1-related workload. Education members described record or expanded support for TK-12 schools, child care, special education, community colleges, teacher recruitment, and higher education, including a change to extend Cal Grant eligibility to age 30 for some community college students. Housing and homelessness funding was increased for HAP, multifamily housing, and the low-income housing tax credit, while public safety members pointed to investments in victims’ services, restorative justice, and prison closure savings. Several members also raised concerns or priorities tied to the budget deal. Some praised the package as a moral document that protects vulnerable Californians, immigrant communities, LGBTQ residents, seniors, and people with disabilities. Others noted unresolved issues, including the MCO tax’s impact on districts, the need for more support for local journalism, arts, biotech R&D incentives, transit and GGRF-related concerns, and the need for continued work on Prop. 98 and long-term fiscal resilience. The vice chair cautioned that despite the current progress, the state remains vulnerable to revenue volatility and warned that the budget should build more resilience against a possible downturn. No formal vote was taken in the portion provided, but the committee was preparing the budget package for floor action and final negotiations.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair recognizes Representative Morgan Close.
• I close. Members, questions? All right.
• Many of them are going out of business. 1,700 farms have closed down.
• As soon as I get close to my cattle, they take off like deer.
• There being none, the chair recognizes Representative Lopez to close.

Bills: HB 43 , HB 3364 , HB 3469 , HB 3479 , HB 43 , HB 3364 , HB 3469 , HB 3479

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Keywords: agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, veterinarian, veterinary medicine, veterinary telemedicine, telehealth, telemedicine, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, animal health, livestock, pets, remote care, electronic means, telephone consultation, controlled substances, prescription drugs

Summary: The second bill, House Bill 3469, was introduced to address pest control regulations concerning nuisance birds. Representative Campos explained how the bill proposes non-lethal methods to deter these birds, such as the use of laser lights and sounds, which avoids conflict with both state and federal regulations. The committee heard impassioned testimonies from members of the public who shared firsthand experiences regarding the adverse effects of these birds on property and public health. The meeting concluded with both bills being left pending, reflecting a desire for further deliberation among the committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• spouse as long as that spouse remains spouse as long as that spouse remains unmarried and in that primary
• unmarried and in that primary unmarried and in that primary residence Mr Speaker but that I ask for
• be fine Miss clerk that's okay that'll be fine Miss clerk Us open it up for co-sponsors M clerk has close
• it 64 co-sponsors M clerk has close it 64 co-sponsors thank you sir thank you co-sponsors thank you
• it 84 Co got all right let's close it 84 Co sponsors on the bill 85 thank you Mr sponsors on the bill

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to collect pre-hospital care data for all emergency responses within each municipality within each primary
• data collection will help improve transparency within Minnesota's ambulance industry and will ensure primary
• Thank you. primary service area license holders primary service area license holders will<00:04:10.360
• </c><00:34:30.240><c> contact</c> child care settings where close contact child care settings where close
• When I met her for the first time, she was being held by her mother, resting closely against her.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> has seen the digital divide uh up close has seen the digital divide uh up close and<02:42:01.840
• And so I see it up close.
• And so I see it up close.
• </c> hold the first in the nation primary. hold the first in the nation primary.
• Not even close. >> Other questions?

Committee: House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Regular unstructured play is the primary Regular unstructured play is the primary way<01:59:17.119
• Seeing none, we will close the hearing.
• Seeing none, we will close the hearing.
• And with that, we will close the hearing on 1341.
• And with that, we will close the hearing And with that, we will close the hearing on<04:40:44.638><c>

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If the main grocery store was to close down in Lafitte right now, what would you be doing?
• G's fried chicken that closes at 6 o'clock.
• G's fried chicken that closes at 6 o'clock.
• Anything you’d like to say on closing?
• Chairman, you can close on the bill.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 105, which reinstates a sunset-expired TOPS Tech benefit for eligible veterans. Senator Kathy said the bill would use existing TOPS dollars, not new funding, and would help veterans stay in Louisiana and enter the workforce. After brief questions about eligibility and funding, Representative Marcelle moved the bill favorably, and it was reported favorably without objection. House Resolution 3, by Representative Newell, asked the Louisiana Housing Corporation to study whether vacant state-owned property could be repurposed for housing and rental assistance for cost-burdened state employees. Members discussed the high fiscal note and whether the work could be absorbed in existing budgets. Fiscal staff said LHC had requested a full-time position and four part-time positions for the study, but the committee also talked about narrowing the study’s scope. Representative Marcelle moved the resolution favorably, and it was reported favorably without objection. The committee then debated House Bill 189, which would extend supplemental pay to fire protection officers at the Lakefront Management Authority’s airport fire department. Representative Newell and airport representatives argued the firefighters perform specialized, hazardous ARFF duties and should receive the same supplemental pay as other qualifying public firefighters. Some members questioned whether the airport and its employees qualify under existing law and whether the supplement should be expanded further. After discussion, Representative Marcelle moved the bill favorably, but the motion failed on a roll call vote of 8 yeas to 10 nays. Later, Senate Bill 461, concerning Office of Group Benefits coverage for certain small employee groups, was reported favorably without objection. House Bill 623, creating a three-tier permitting system for vapor products, was amended to clarify direct-to-consumer shipment restrictions and then reported favorably as amended. House Bill 1222, creating a grocery initiative grants and financial support program through LED to address food deserts, drew extended debate over whether it would amount to government-run grocery stores; supporters framed it as an incentive and grant program for private grocers, while critics raised concerns about government involvement. After amendment, it was reported favorably as amended by a vote of 16 yeas to 2 nays. Finally, House Resolution 80, directing a comprehensive fiscal audit related to Board of Regents and university system spending on certain executive budget metrics, was amended into a substitute version. Members debated whether the resolution would require universities to do additional work and whether it belonged in Appropriations at all, especially since the fiscal note had been removed. The discussion also raised concerns about the listed schools and the resolution’s purpose in light of a federal civil rights investigation. The transcript ends while the committee is still discussing the resolution and related procedural motions.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the primary goal of the board. And so we talk all... All focused on student achievement.
• That's the primary goal of the board.
• In closing, I just want to reiterate that USBE...
• And like Representative Ivory had mentioned, if we had a magic wand, it would be to say how close to
• They'll just close the door and do what they need to believe.

Committee: Joint Education Interim Committee

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, in closing, um, Lundstrom is a days.
• So want to thank the the closing. Yeah.
• Seeing none, Senator for closing. Yeah, thank you.
• Well then, Senator, any closing comments?
• Well, then Senator, any closing<01:55:06.080><c> comments?</c> closing comments? closing comments?

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:21.039><c> any</c> team is tracking really closely any team is tracking really closely any
• </c> maximizing funds through four primary maximizing funds through four primary work<00:27:47.679><c
• </c><00:29:31.919><c> with</c> we work extremely closely with we work extremely closely with Transportation
• </c> developer that's working in close developer that's working in close partnership<00:44:23.880><c>
• </c> the developments on this front closely the developments on this front closely we'll<01:12:08.400

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:29:23.440><c> package</c><00:29:24.360><c> um</c><00:29:24.600><c> the</c><00:29:24.799><c> primary
• </c> in the governor's package um the primary in the governor's package um the primary difference<00:
• Does—and that we're not closing the door on that, correct? So this bill...
• c><00:44:25.680><c> not</c> motorcycle does and that we're not motorcycle does and that we're not closing
• the door on that correct so this closing the door on that correct so this build<00:44:28.359><c> okay

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation heard a 10 a.m. agenda covering a range of transportation, liability, harbor, and bicycle-related bills. Testimony was mixed on several measures: HB 263, which would exempt full-time college students from vehicle weight tax, drew opposition from the Department of Transportation and others; HB 135, authorizing general obligation bonds to purchase property on the North Shore of Oʻahu, had support; HB 860, granting immunity to the state or county for repairs on roads with disputed jurisdiction, drew support from DOT, DLNR, and the City and County of Honolulu but opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice; and HB 996, which would abolish joint and several liability for government entities in highway-related civil actions, also drew strong opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice and support from the Attorney General’s office and DOT. The committee also heard HB 1167, an emergency appropriation for motor carrier enforcement, and HB 1259, which would remove the need for an engineering study before reducing speed limits within 10 mph of the current limit; both had support from DOT and related groups. HB 1156 and HB 960, both related to harbor financing and capital advancement contracts, were supported by DOT, with DOT explaining that higher bond and contract ceilings were needed because project costs have increased since the limits were set decades ago. HB 142, exempting certain nonprofit community-based transportation providers from motor carrier regulation, and HB 914, creating a water carrier inflationary cost index mechanism and allowing PUC exemptions, also received support from multiple stakeholders, with the Consumer Advocacy Division noting that the inflationary adjustment issue was already active in a rate case. The committee also took testimony on several electric bicycle and micromobility bills. HB 486 would restrict where electric bicycles may operate, prohibit unsafe operation and removal of speed-limiting devices, and fund a safety education campaign; it drew opposition from the Hawaii Bicycling League and several individuals, with one supporter. HB 435 would redefine and classify electric bicycles, raise the minimum operating age, and add registration and use rules; it was supported by DOT and the Hawaii Bicycling League, with one individual opposing. HB 958 would regulate motorized bicycles and electric micromobility devices, require helmets for minors, and fund a coordinated education campaign; it drew support from the City and County of Honolulu, Council Member Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, but opposition from Moped Doctors and others, who argued the bill could harm the moped industry and that more study was needed. After testimony, the committee recessed and then reconvened for decision-making. In decision-making, the committee deferred HB 263 and HB 996. It passed HB 135, HB 860, HB 1167, HB 1259, HB 1156, and HB 960 with amendments, generally adopting HD1 versions, making technical changes, and setting effective dates to July 1, 3000 for the amended measures. The chair explained that HB 263 was deferred because a blanket tax exemption for one class could create inequities and a tax credit might be a better approach. HB 996 was deferred because the chair said the state’s long-standing policy of ensuring safe roads and maintaining accountability for highway design and maintenance remained important. For HB 960, the chair said the current contract caps were too low for modern harbor projects and that higher limits would improve flexibility and efficiency. The committee also noted Representative Cochran was excused for the remaining votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, that's their primary school.
• <00:14:21.920><c> so,</c><00:14:22.560><c> that's</c><00:14:22.920><c> their</c><00:14:23.120><c> primary
• </c> And so, that's their primary school. And so, that's their primary school.
• They're closing 8 to 10 buildings at a time in districts.
• Committee, we're going to close public comment unless there is any online? No. Okay.

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The Select Committee on School Facilities met to satisfy its quarterly statutory requirement and to discuss interim priorities. Staff from LSO reviewed the committee’s duties: monitoring K-12 school facilities statewide, prioritizing needs for the interim, and preparing a budget request due by November 1. They also noted the ongoing litigation related to the Chapter 3, Section 8 exception process and said the committee would move forward with securing a consultant to study that issue, as previously authorized by Management Council. A major topic was school funding formulas, especially how average daily membership (ADM) affects routine and major maintenance funding and how excess square footage is treated. Members revisited an earlier proposal to fund 135% of allowable square footage, which did not advance this session, and discussed whether some schools should instead be funded at a minimum percentage of their actual square footage. Staff explained that some districts have buildings larger than their formula allowance, and that the issue is complicated by older buildings, pools, and other unique facilities. They also noted that recent changes to the major maintenance multiplier increased funding and that some districts are still not fully covered by the formulas. Safety and security funding was another focus. The State Construction Department reported that $10 million was appropriated this year for safety and security upgrades, with some funds expected to go toward vestibules, bollards, and design work, and the rest through a district application process. Officials said the last comprehensive safety assessment was done more than 10 years ago and suggested a new consultant-led study to update priorities, since technology and building conditions have changed. Members also discussed the role of school resource officers and whether the committee should continue leading this work rather than handing it off to the recalibration committee. The committee also examined declining enrollment and excess capacity across the state, citing examples such as Newcastle, Shoshoni, Casper, Campbell County, and Fremont County. Officials said some districts are right-sizing by taking schools offline, while others cannot easily reduce capacity because the buildings are essential to the community. Charter school leasing was raised as a related concern, including the Mills charter school and the fact that the state pays lease costs based on ADM and allowable square footage. No formal votes were taken, but the committee agreed to continue studying these issues, likely including site visits and further data requests during the interim.

Transcript Highlights:

• It regulates the addictive features of social media, the primary source of harm to kids, and empowers
• Features of social media, the primary source of harm to kids, and empowers the parents to take control

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The House State Affairs Committee first heard RS 33104, a proposal to revise temporary rule procedures. The sponsor said it was the same concept as a bill from the prior session that passed the Senate 35-0 but did not finish the process, and explained that the measure would require a statement of necessity for temporary rules and limit repeated reissuance after legislative rejection. The committee moved to introduce RS 33104 and approved that motion without objection. The committee then considered RS 32976 C1, a bill aimed at protecting minors from harmful effects of social media. The sponsor argued that addictive platform features contribute to youth mental health problems, including suicide and bullying, and said the bill is intended to let parents control children’s online access while surviving First Amendment challenges. Members asked about the age threshold in the draft, and the sponsor explained the original choice of 15 as a child age benchmark tied to driving age and other Idaho law. Representative Mickelson moved to introduce the bill with all references to age 15 changed to 16, and several members spoke in support, saying the state has protected children physically but not adequately in the cyber world. The sponsor described the bill’s mechanics as requiring large social media platforms to verify a child’s age and use their targeting technology in a way that protects minors. The committee approved the motion to introduce RS 32976 C1 with the age changes, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It regulates the addictive features of social media, the primary source of harm to kids, and empowers
• the people... ...features of social media, the primary source of harm to kids, and empowers the parents

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If the main grocery store was to close down in Lafitte right now, what would you be doing?
• G's fried chicken that closes at 6 o'clock.
• If the main grocery store was to close down in Lafitte right now, what would you be doing?
• G's fried chicken that closes at 6 o'clock.
• Chairman, you can close on the bill. Louisiana. Chairman, you can close on the bill?

Bills: HR3 , HR80 , HB4 , HB172 , HB189 , HB623 , HB944 , HB1185 , HB1199 , HB1222 , SB105 , SB125 , SB461

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: housing assistance, state-owned property, cost-burdened, state employees, affordable housing, fiscal audit, higher education, public funds, underrepresented minorities, Board of Regents, Louisiana legislation, constitutional convention, Louisiana constitution, electoral process, government structure, delegate elections, airport authority, fire protection, supplemental pay, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Series 12 restaurants are bona fide restaurants where the primary business is the sale of food, and the
• There are three critical gaps that this bill closes: the photo gap.
• The national recidivism rate is close to 50 percent.
• The national recidivism rate is close to 50 percent.
• We've been working closely with them and the Department of Corrections.

Bills: SB1004 , SB1012 , SB1100 , SB1110 , SB1170 , SB1213 , SB1317 , SB1402 , SB1413 , SB1416 , SB1476 , SB1511 , SB1573 , SB1655 , SB1656 , SB1709 , SB1720 , SB1723 , SB1725 , SCR1040

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: sex offender registration, sex offender registry, A.R.S. 13-3821, sexual offenses, public safety, GPS monitoring, electronic monitoring, transient offender, homeless registrant, online identifiers, internet identifiers, sheriff notification, Department of Public Safety, DPS, DNA collection, juvenile adjudication, kidnapping of a minor, unlawful imprisonment of a minor, lifetime registration, community notification

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to say you all heard about three primary things from LEAC staff throughout the interim, including
• Those three primary things are pretty critical in your overarching goal of building local capacity—the
• If we were to get the $233,872, that's going to be pretty close to what the percent of the total budget
• I hope you watch and pay very close attention to the language, because by the time it gets to us in the
• I will give you a 15-second reminder when you're getting close.