Transcript Highlights:

• that process.
• So could you describe any limits to this process that might be in place?
• Thank you, Madam... ...the renewal process by prior authorization. That was my intent.
• consumer, this bill would prohibit almost all data processing unless it seemed necessary.
• By process, we can still make a motion.

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 20, a prior-authorization measure aimed at exempting certain medications and treatments for seriously mentally ill adults from repeat insurance prior authorization, while also extending prior authorization approvals to three years for chronic maintenance drugs. The sponsor described the bill as the latest in a series of bipartisan prior-authorization reforms and accepted an amendment from the Health Care Authority and the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance to apply the bill to adults only and to cover PBMs in the interagency purchasing collaborative. Supporters, including NAMI New Mexico and state health officials, argued the bill would reduce barriers to needed care, especially for mental health treatment. Opponents from health plans, PBMs, and insurers warned the bill was too broad, lacked clear definitions for serious mental illness and chronic conditions, created patient-safety concerns, and should have a shorter reauthorization period and later implementation date. After committee discussion, the sponsor agreed to work on a committee substitute, and the bill was rolled over for a later meeting. The committee then heard Senate Bill 53, the Chispa data privacy bill, which would impose broad limits on the collection, sale, and use of personal data, require opt-in consent for many uses, strengthen rights to access, correct, and delete data, and create enforcement mechanisms including a private right of action. Supporters from advocacy, women’s, behavioral health, reproductive health, and civil rights groups said the bill was needed to protect sensitive health and location data, prevent surveillance and criminalization, and give New Mexicans real control over their information. Business, technology, insurance, and hospital representatives opposed the bill, arguing it was more restrictive than other states’ privacy laws, would burden small businesses and health-related services, create compliance uncertainty, and risk limiting digital services and innovation. After extensive questioning about data breaches, opt-in consent, nonprofit exemptions, and the bill’s impact on businesses and health care access, a motion to table failed 5-4, and the committee then passed SB 53 on a 5-4 vote. The committee next heard Senate Bill 86, which updates the state’s harassment-by-telephone law to cover electronic communications such as social media, messaging apps, and email. The sponsor and a Las Cruces police chief said the change would modernize an outdated 1967 statute and help law enforcement address harassment and domestic violence through current technology. The bill drew support from the governor’s public safety advisor and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, and members asked a few clarifying questions about the wording. The committee approved SB 86 unanimously, 9-0. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 96, on regulated childcare zoning requirements, using a committee substitute. The sponsor and the Early Childhood Education and Care Department said the bill would reduce confusing zoning and fire-code barriers to opening or expanding child care homes and centers, helping address a statewide shortage of child care slots and supporting working families. The discussion began with the committee substitute and an explanation that the measure is intended to streamline local requirements and expand child care supply.

Transcript Highlights:

• That decision... ...making is vital to our democratic process.
• and makes better I think the tenant rights in that process.
• , the entire eviction process.
• We do a wholesale review and change in the eviction process.
• We're not removing them from the education process.

Keywords: legislation, Senate Joint Resolution 40, Senate Bill 871, constitutional amendment, emergency powers, governor authority, legislative oversight

Summary: The meeting focused on several crucial pieces of legislation, notably Senate Joint Resolution 40, which proposed a constitutional amendment to clarify the powers of the governor, the legislature, and the Supreme Court during emergencies. Senator Birdwell presented the resolution, emphasizing the need for legislative involvement during prolonged crises. It garnered broad support, passing with 29 votes in favor and only 1 against. Following this, Senate Bill 871, considered the enabling legislation, was also moved for discussion, with the aim of reinforcing the legislature's authority during emergencies while establishing clear guidelines for the governor's powers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please do not hesitate to ask her any questions as we move along the budget process. process, and I think
• So if a charter school wants to build a new building, what's the process?
• That is probably a count of any amendments processed.
• Maybe blue bonnet and the other half was the new SBOE approval processes.
• The approval process is one-third blue-bodded.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to find solutions that both combat these adversities and ensure that we stay ahead of them in the process
• </c><04:06:56.120><c> the</c> throughout the ruem process the throughout the ruem process the department
• The list goes on. technical process and my colleagues technical process and my colleagues across<04:17
• disclosure requirements and potentially banning contracts from foreign entities of concern.
• </c><04:46:44.558><c> contracts</c><04:46:44.920><c> from</c> potentially Banning contracts from potentially

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This was an exciting process. got time to do it.
• This was an exciting process. Trustees. This was an exciting process.
• Well, we can't do anything to affect that process. We shouldn't do anything to affect that process.
• are out to honor the contracts that are out there.
• Um, pinpoint the the electrical process.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 28 senators present. The body agreed to excuse absent senators, dispense with reading and adopt the previous journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The presiding officer also recognized several guests on the floor and in the gallery, including an intern from the Lieutenant Governor’s office and guests of Senator Chambliss. Committee reports focused on confirmations for Alabama State University’s Board of Trustees. Patricia Anne Jones (Confirmation 79), Angela Star (Confirmation 80), and Bobby Singleton (Confirmation 78) each received favorable committee reports and were confirmed by the full Senate, with roll-call votes showing unanimous or near-unanimous support. The chamber spent considerable time in lighthearted debate and personal remarks during Singleton’s confirmation before adopting the motion and confirming him. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 81 commending the Coach Safely Foundation for youth sports injury mitigation, and several other resolutions honoring individuals and organizations, including Johnny Williams, Jim America, Senior Trooper Hunter Woodruff, and retired Army Colonel Shawn Thomas Prricett. A resolution encouraging Alabama public high schools to form a consortium was also adopted. On local bills, the Senate passed Senate Bill 243 regarding Jefferson County and House Bill 532 regarding Shelby County, both by using the previous roll and with no opposition. The Rules Committee then reported a special order calendar for the 22nd legislative day, which the Senate adopted 30-0. The special order calendar included bills on the Board of Funeral Services, the Public Service Commission, tax abatements, electric utilities, child support, dogs, school lands, Chambers County, and real property. The first special-order bill taken up was Senate Bill 107 by Senators Figures and Gudger, concerning the Alabama Board of Funeral Services. Senators discussed the bill’s purpose of funding the board’s increased duties, the effect on funeral home license fees, and an amendment offered by Senator Bell to reduce certain fees. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was explained as not affecting pre-need funeral arrangements. Debate continued as members asked questions about costs to families and funeral homes, but the chamber had not yet reached final disposition of the bill by the end of the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• This touches a lot on regulatory and rate-paying processes, rate-making processes, but we're finding
• We have a public notification process.
• Like I said, Century Code lays out, Process.
• One is the first word says it's a process. It is a long process. It's not just a one-stop.
• Processing site of Belfield.

Committee: Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 930 updates and aligns election code with modern election processes and procedures.
• This is sweeping overhaul changes to California's direct democracy process.
• These changes don't restrict anyone's ability to participate in the process.
• It takes the deliberative process out of what the legislature is doing.
• and referenda that would increase processing times and is not supported by current.

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Appreciate everybody being here today to go through this process.
• That's for county, county, and out-of-state placement, and the medical contract.
• The labor market is slowing, but it’s not contracting.
• The labor market is slowing, but it's not contracting.
• A lot of that decline is going to be due to some layoffs in the potato processing sector.

Summary: The committee was convened to review Idaho’s economic outlook and general fund revenue projections, with members instructed to complete and submit individual “homework” revenue projections for fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028 by noon the next day. Chairmen explained the binder materials, the committee’s constitutional charge, and the plan to compile member projections into an average and median for deliberation and a recommendation to JFAC. They also noted the meeting was being broadcast publicly and thanked staff and presenters. Keith Bybee of Legislative Services Office outlined the state’s general fund budget picture, emphasizing structural imbalance between revenues and expenditures, the impact of statutory spending growth, and the need to decide whether to address the gap through spending cuts, cash balances, or other policy changes. He highlighted major budget drivers such as Medicaid expansion, public defender costs, IT consolidation, public school funding changes, and water resources spending, and discussed available cash reserves, including the budget stabilization fund. Committee members asked about Medicaid’s net cost, the treatment of the $330 million school funding adjustment, the Millennium Fund, and whether rainy-day funds or interest earnings were being used in the governor’s budget. Aaron Phipps of the Division of Financial Management presented the executive revenue forecast and explained changes in reporting for sales tax and the tax relief fund, including how certain transfers would now be treated as accrued general fund revenue. She described a sharp but likely temporary drop in corporate income tax collections tied to federal tax changes and taxpayer behavior, especially the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the SALT workaround, and said the overall income tax forecast remained relatively steady. Robert Spindlove of Zions Bank described national conditions, including lower Fed rates, a re-steepening yield curve, higher tariffs, mixed inflation signals, slowing but not contracting labor markets, and continued consumer spending, and said 2026 looked like a rebuilding year. Sam Wilkenhauer of the Idaho Department of Labor reported that Idaho’s labor market remained strong, with low unemployment, steady job growth, balanced industry expansion, and wage growth moderating from the overheated post-pandemic period; he forecast continued but more sustainable growth over the next two years.

Transcript Highlights:

• It creates a defined process for when an agency fails to report agreements to the Controller's Office
• So the Controller, if an agency doesn't report a contract, would issue a written notice.
• So you’ve already had to have shown ID at some point in the process.
• I agree very much with what Senator Lenny said: the mere act of putting in the process, like delaying
• Secretary McGrane continued: ...this process up, but still allowing it to remain available.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• representatives to request the Secretary of State and the Chief Clerk of the House, respectively, to contract
• their residential address and associated parcel number from public inspection, and it establishes processes
• The full extent of the aforementioned processes and timelines can be found on the EBB in the striking
• next bill before us is Substitute House Bill 2248 concerning corporate filings and other documents processed
• just automatically provide carte blanche approval for what they ask for; we go through the total process

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a working process right now.
• And that would be up to the department in the rulemaking process, but that would certainly satisfy my
• that we're talking about during the school day, like that 17-minute period when a teacher is on contract
• That 17-minute period when a teacher is on contract, mingling with students.
• is, if this bill passes, are the ones that are already doing this going to have to go through this process

Bills: HB4491 , HB3240 , HB4146 , HB4158 , HB4159 , HB3718

Committee: House A&B Education Subcommittee

Keywords: extracurricular activities, charter schools, student eligibility, virtual education, Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association, prayer, religious freedom, public schools, consent, First Amendment, school policy, paid maternity leave, school employees, public health, childcare, work-life balance, education, family leave, tuition, grant

Transcript Highlights:

• FARMS IN FLORIDA ESPECIALLY CROPS PRODUCTION IS THE PREDOMINANT CROPS WE GROW AND EVERY STEP OF THE PROCESS
• >> WE SHARE OUR PROCESS AND USE OF AI WITH ANY FARMER THAT'S INTERESTED, WE SUPPORT AND HAVE SEVERAL
• THINGS HAPPEN YOU WOULD NOT HAVE DREAMED OF HAVING AND SO THERE IS A TESTING PROCESS AND THEN YOU ALSO
• DAD IS IN CITRUS AND HE SAID HARVESTING WOULD BE TOUGH TO AUTOMATE BECAUSE IT'S JUST A VERY FLUID PROCESS
• SO TO BE ABLE TO KNOW IF THEY CAN FILL THAT CONTRACT OR IF THEY ARE IN EXCESS AND IT HELPS THEM PLAN

Transcript Highlights:

• ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS BUILT IT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE STATE AND PROCESS TO THE LOCAL SPONSOR AND IF
• WHEN WE DID THE UPDATE AND WERE CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF DOING AN UPDATED MODEL WHICH WILL REALLY
• BUT WHAT WE HAVE DONE IS ACCEPTED INTO OUR PROCESS TO REVIEW IT OURSELVES AND THEY STILL OWE US A LOT
• WE DO NOT HAVE CONTRACTS EXECUTED YET.
• I'M SURE THAT THE PROCESS WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD AND WE WILL BE IN TOUCH AND WHO KNOWS, PERHAPS

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, the process can see inequitable outcomes for candidates from underrepresented groups and
• this bill include improving teacher retention and efficacy and modernizing the teacher licensure process
• And then after that process, you would take the Praxis in your subject area.
• They right now contract with a third-party outside agency who then places them into a school district
• And I would assume that these agencies contract with other states.

Bills: SB175 , SB277 , SB374 , SB400

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: military, veterans, education, teaching, Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, licensure, certification, public schools, charter schools, school social worker, school counselor, school psychologist, internship, practicum, student support services, mental health, harassment, bullying, power-based violence, school safety

Transcript Highlights:

• It helps speed up the process of the appointment.
• </c> process of the appointment. process of the appointment.
• Well, fortunately, I serve on the Government Services Contract Review Committee.
• And that's something we look at at the Government Services Contract Review Committee.
• </c> on the government services contract on the government services contract review<01:09:02.080><c>

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:16.079><c> or</c><00:13:16.320><c> county</c> contract or county contract or county approval.<
• So they want be a part of the process.
• And we're here to manage the process.
• They shouldn't be forced to process.
• </c> process worked. process worked.

Bills: HF2115 , HF2276 , HF1644 , HF99 , HF2068 , HF2707 , HF2704 , HF2406 , HF1674 , HF1579

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: human services, aging services, disability services, behavioral health, long-term care, nursing home, nursing facility, assisted living, waiver services, medical assistance, Medicaid, case mix reimbursement, PDPM, RUG, direct care and treatment, developmental disabilities, day services, positive support, guardian, conservator

Transcript Highlights:

• Furthermore, in addition to its focus on consumer protection and fairness in contracts, I believe this
• Requiring all fees, charges, surcharges, terms, and conditions to be plainly spelled out in the contract
• Having fought for this bill for 11 years, I can say that this relatively minor tweak in propane contract
• I learned that natural gas causes a process. And my friend's story isn't unique.
• In a time when I feel many fundamental democratic processes are being threatened, this kind of hearing

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of late-file energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on battery storage siting, gas system expansion, propane consumer protections, gas workforce safety, and a Taunton home-rule petition on water rates for manufactured housing communities. Representative Sweeney urged support for H. 4689 and H. 4690, which would impose a moratorium and setback requirements for lithium battery storage facilities, citing fire risk, proximity to homes, and environmental concerns. Several local officials and residents from Oakham, Tewksbury, and other communities described proposed battery projects near homes, schools, wetlands, and conservation land, while industry and clean-energy advocates argued the bills would effectively block storage development and conflict with state energy goals and existing fire-safety standards. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2290/H. 3547, a bill to prevent gas expansion near environmental justice communities, from environmental justice advocates, municipal officials, and clean-energy groups. Testimony emphasized rising gas bills, the cost of new pipelines, methane and health impacts, and the need to avoid locking in long-term gas infrastructure costs. Witnesses also discussed related bills on gas workforce safety, gas shut-off valves, and gas meter replacement plans, with labor representatives supporting safety-focused measures and opposing changes they said would weaken inspections, while consumer and environmental advocates argued that some utility replacement practices are unnecessarily expensive and should be reined in to reduce ratepayer costs. Other testimony included support for H. 3518 on propane gas ratepayer protections, with the witness arguing for clearer contract terms and website price disclosure, and support for S. 2652, which would authorize Taunton to create a separate water billing rate for manufactured housing communities because residents there are effectively paying higher water costs through rent due to a single master meter. No committee votes or final actions were taken during the hearing, and members mostly asked brief clarifying questions or made no comment after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we thought it was appropriate that we are involved in that decision-making process.
• I've been in the building contracting, working on buildings my whole career.
• I've been in the building contracting, working on buildings my whole career.
• And they routinely are through our court's processes, through our strict timelines, and federal... ..
• .through our court's processes, through our strict timelines, both state and federal guidelines.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call, then approved journal corrections and moved to elect Senator Kyle Davison as President Pro Tem. Davison was nominated, elected by unanimous ballot, escorted to the rostrum, sworn in, and gave remarks thanking his family, colleagues, and faith, emphasizing relationships, service, and stewardship. The chamber also recognized National Public Health Week with a floor statement honoring public health workers and training programs, and that statement was ordered printed in the journal. The Senate then considered several House bills, beginning with HB 1485, which increases the personal needs allowance for Medicaid residents in certain facilities by $15 per month and indexes it to inflation; the amendment was adopted and the bill passed 46-1. HB 1018, the State Historical Society budget, was amended to adjust one-time and ongoing funding for museum exhibits, repatriation compliance, archives storage, local historic grants, and the military gallery project, then passed 42-0 with one senator excused from voting due to a conflict. HB 1181, defining gender in state code as an individual’s sex and removing a broader application section, passed 41-6. HB 1144, adding a penalty and enforcement mechanism related to transgender student accommodations and restroom use in public schools, passed 40-7 with its emergency clause. The Senate also passed HB 1600, creating an immigration law clinic at the University of North Dakota School of Law and shifting its funding to the strategic investment and improvements fund, by 34-13. HB 1019, the Parks and Recreation budget, was amended to fund deferred maintenance, technology, sewer work, matching grants, and other park projects, add language requiring legislative approval for new or renamed state parks, and clarify use of the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library line of credit; a proposed amendment to remove funding for the International Peace Gardens cactus conservatory failed 20-27, and the bill then passed 39-8. HB 1417, dealing with parole/probation violations, court fees, and a study of criminal justice fees, passed 40-7 after amendments. The most extensive debate centered on HB 1450, which would require parent or guardian access to a minor’s medical exam room and notice of questions asked of the minor, with exceptions for emancipation and suspected abuse or trafficking. Supporters framed it as a parental rights and transparency measure, while opponents warned it could hinder screening for abuse, neglect, mental health concerns, and confidential care; multiple senators shared personal experiences on both sides. A proposed amendment to narrow the bill failed 21-26, and the transcript ends amid continued debate on the bill itself, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you're paying your premiums, you should get the care that you deserve and that you've contracted for
• 00:04:29.160><c> and</c><00:04:29.240><c> that</c><00:04:29.360><c> you've</c><00:04:29.759><c> contracted
• </c> you deserve and that you've contracted you deserve and that you've contracted for<00:04:30.600><
• you put it, that we're starting this session with, you are a, you know, you add stability to this process
• you put it, that we're starting this session with, you are a, you know, you add stability to this process

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:30.720><c> We'll</c><00:02:30.959><c> be</c> contract performance.
• We'll be contract performance.
• Establishes a process to allow any resident to petition for modifications to an established EA.
• <c> allow</c><00:10:10.320><c> any</c> Establishes a process to allow any Establishes a process to allow
• So with that again thank you for the opportunity to testify. processing, market access and state processing

Bills: SB2064 , SB2662 , SB2862 , SB2343 , SB2075 , SB2781 , SB2927 , SB3068 , SB3015 , SB2929 , SB2938 , SB3230 , SB3249 , SB3332 , SB3216

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Keywords: state architect, construction projects, design approvals, building codes, state agency oversight, government accountability, external consultants, procurement reform, cost efficiency, in-house expertise, gubernatorial appointments, senate confirmation, executive branch, accountability, civil service, SB2343, Hawaii Legislature, regular session, lengthened session, continuous legislature

Summary: The committee met on February 12, 2026, to take decision-making on measures previously heard earlier in the month. Several bills were deferred indefinitely or set for later discussion, including SB 2064 on the Office of the State Architect, SB 3068 on procurement, and SB 3216 after its contents were moved into another measure. SB 2862 on gubernatorial appointments, SB 2781, and SB 315 were all deferred to Tuesday, February 17 at 3 p.m. in Room 225 for further work. The committee also noted that if technical problems interrupted the meeting, it would reconvene later for outstanding decision-making. The committee passed SB 2343 on the Legislature with amendments incorporating language from SB 3216, technical changes, and a defective date of 2525. SB 2075 was advanced as a Senate draft 1 after amendments responding to constitutional concerns raised by the attorney general and SPO. SB 2927 on procurement was also passed with amendments clarifying debriefing requirements and adding technical changes, and SB 2938 on search and rescue was amended to place the position in Hima rather than the Governor’s office before being adopted. SB 3249 on procurement protests was amended to remove the term "frivolous," reduce the forfeiture to half the bond amount, and note unresolved issues, then adopted. The committee also took up SB 3332 on state-funded travel, amending it to remove certain lines, report travel by position number to protect confidentiality, remove subsection G, and add a defective date of 2525; it was adopted. SB 2929 on public notice was amended into a pilot project for counties with populations between 100,000 and 175,000, with a year-end report to the Legislature, and was adopted. Later, the committee returned to SB 2094 on environmental action levels, heard testimony from the Department of Health in support of its current scientific process and from an environmental caucus witness in strong support of the bill’s transparency and petition provisions, and then deferred decision-making to February 17 at 3 p.m. in Room 225. In the joint hearing portion, SB 3233 on agricultural workforce housing drew generally supportive testimony from ADC, the Farm Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce, the Hawaii Farmers Union, and the State Procurement Office, with concerns focused on clarity, flexibility for smaller farms, and avoiding concentration of benefits in one large operation. The committee ultimately recommended passing SB 3233 with the State Procurement Office’s clarifying amendments and the Hawaii Farmers Union’s amendment to ensure workforce housing incentives benefit multiple farmers, and the measure was adopted.