Transcript Highlights:

• family and youth support programs, transportation assistance, after-school tutorial, and summer enrichment
• 50 years of coordinated partnerships with the University of South Alabama. tutorial and summer enrichment
• Original tutorial and summer enrichment.

Committee: House Mobile County Legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• And we all benefit from the cultural enrichment brought by the AAPI community, which truly shapes our
• creating over 116,000 jobs and strengthening our neighborhoods with deep cultural exchanges that enrich
• creating over 116,000 jobs and strengthening our neighborhoods with deep cultural exchanges that enrich

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Asia, California, Trade and Investment held its first informational hearing to examine California’s economic ties with Asia, the effects of federal tariffs, and ways the state can strengthen trade, investment, tourism, and subnational diplomacy. Chair Jessica Caloza opened by emphasizing California’s role as the world’s fourth-largest economy and a major exporter to Asia, and several members and guests highlighted the importance of AAPI communities, sister-city relationships, and coordinated state outreach. Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis described California’s trade missions, APEC hosting, and ongoing climate and trade partnerships, while Japan’s deputy consul general underscored Japan’s role as a major investor and trading partner and encouraged continued engagement. The first panel, featuring leaders from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation/World Trade Center Los Angeles, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and Visit California, focused on trade, tourism, and investment trends. Witnesses said tariffs and federal uncertainty are disrupting logistics, manufacturing, business travel, higher education, and tourism, with particular concern about port activity, international student declines, and reduced visitation from Asia. They urged California to remain “open for business,” invest in promotion and infrastructure, and use trade missions, MOUs, and sister-city ties to maintain relationships and attract investment. The second panel, with economist Kyle Handley and trade expert Glenn Fukushima, focused on the mechanics and consequences of tariffs. Both said tariffs function as taxes on importers and consumers, raise costs for businesses, and create uncertainty that delays investment, hiring, and supply-chain decisions. They warned that California is especially exposed because of its ports, cross-border trade, and reliance on global supply chains, and said new federal vessel fees and shifting trade routes could divert commerce away from California. They argued that the long-term damage includes lost growth and reduced U.S. credibility, and recommended that California “tariff-proof” its economy through faster ports, better infrastructure, export assistance, and reduced permitting barriers. In the final panel, representatives from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Asian Business Association California, and the Small Business Development Center emphasized future opportunities and the needs of small businesses. They said California should deepen ties with Asia through conventions, tourism, and sector-specific partnerships in life sciences, clean tech, semiconductors, hospitality, and small business trade. The witnesses stressed that small and minority-owned businesses need more access to trade missions, capital, technical assistance, and state support, and that California’s economic strength depends on coordinated efforts across regions and industries.

Transcript Highlights:

• So first, we focused on really enriching the Washingtonian experience.
• So first we focused on really enriching the here.
• So first we focused on really enriching the Washingtonian experience.

Committee: House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Summary: The committee held a work session focused on technology use in government, AI policy and oversight, and federal broadband funding. The first panel featured Seattle CTO Rob Lloyd, who described the city’s AI approach as centered on public trust, responsible use, privacy, security, and community partnership. He said Seattle is using small pilots and a data strategy to test AI for tasks such as public records processing, infrastructure inspection, and housing/permitting improvements, while keeping human decision-makers responsible. Members asked about permit review, training on best practices, labor engagement, and public records risks; Lloyd emphasized that AI should assist rather than replace human judgment and that the city is still testing solutions for records redaction and search. Washington Technology Solutions CTO Nick Stow and Deputy Director Mark Quimby then outlined the state’s AI policy work, noting that the state’s guidance now covers more than generative AI and is built into existing privacy and security review processes. They described a statewide AI community of practice, a sandbox used by more than 15 agencies, and use cases including a resident portal with opt-in consent features, cybersecurity screening, and wildfire detection. Committee members raised questions about labor, data privacy, and the status and effectiveness of wildfire detection tools. The AI Task Force update from the Attorney General’s office reported progress through eight subcommittees on topics including governance, consumer protection, labor, health care, public safety, education, government efficiency, and climate/energy, with an interim report due December 1 and a final report due July 1, 2026. The presenter also warned that a pending federal budget reconciliation provision could bar state AI regulation for 10 years, and a member noted ongoing work on prior AI bills for the 2026 session. The broadband portion of the meeting began with Commerce’s Dave Pringle, who said the BEAD broadband program is being reshaped by new NTIA guidance issued June 6. He explained that Washington’s original multi-round application process has been compressed into an expedited roughly 30-day application window, with a September 4 state submission deadline, and that earlier rounds are effectively being replaced under the new federal rules. He noted that no projects have been built yet, that four counties did not receive round-two applications, and that the state is working with applicants, the Governor’s Office, and the Attorney General’s Office while also managing a leadership transition in the broadband office. The Office of Equity then reported on the Digital Equity Forum’s growth, membership expansion, outreach, and draft recommendations, including better interagency coordination, improved data for underserved communities, and elevating digital equity as a statewide priority; members discussed the loss of federal digital equity operating funds and the forum’s transition back to Commerce. The final presenter, Lumen’s Rob Thoms, discussed private-sector broadband deployment, saying the company continues investing in fiber overbuilds and working with local governments, but faces permitting, regulatory, and geography challenges. He said Washington has strong backbone fiber and is well positioned for enterprise and AI-related demand, but that rural and legacy telecom transitions remain difficult and that satellite and wireless options may play a larger role over time.

Transcript Highlights:

• He was an aerospace engineering graduate from Iowa State University and a recent United States Air Force
• He was an aerospace engineering graduate from Iowa State University and a recent United States Air Force
• He was an aerospace engineering graduate from Iowa State University and a recent United States Air Force
• He was born in Angola, Iowa, and he was 35 years old.

Transcript Highlights:

• road as a long-haul trucker, putting all nine kids in the back of the station wagon, driving up from Iowa
• back of the station wagon driving<00:13:35.160><c> up</c><00:13:35.320><c> from</c><00:13:35.519><c> Iowa
• <00:13:36.120><c> and</c><00:13:36.279><c> vacationing</c><00:13:36.720><c> in</c> driving up from Iowa
• and vacationing in driving up from Iowa and vacationing in Minnesota<00:13:38.040><c> this</c><00:13

Bills: HF1359 , HF1829 , HF290 , HF1933 , HF926

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: solid waste management, resource management account, environmental fund, taxation, Minnesota statutes, homestead, property tax, classification, disability, resort properties, recreational use, commercial property, tax refund, estimated tax, interest on refunds, income tax, corporate franchise tax, S corporation, partnership, corporation

Transcript Highlights:

• Enriching private vendors and expanding government control over our economy. our children.
• pass HB 2, you're handing him and T.E. be a total control over the future of Texas education. while enriching
• As opposed to the enrichment list.
• stands right now, there's really not a lot of difference in practice between the foundation and the enrichment
• you might have districts who are scrambling, certainly at first, who are trying to pull certified enrichment

Bills: HB2 , HB2

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• Delaware corporation, but I do not operate here, but I'm only operating in, let's say, the state of Iowa
• comment: there's undoubtedly, it's not about nexus to be in a Delaware-registered corporation based in Iowa
• that there's, undoubtedly, it's not about nexus to be in a Delaware registered corporation based in Iowa

Summary: The committee heard several bills, but much of the meeting focused on House Bill 306, which would require disclosure when a consumer is interacting with a chatbot rather than a human. Sponsor Senator Townsend described it as a consumer protection measure and said the bill is meant to keep pace with rapidly changing AI technology. Committee members and witnesses raised concerns about the bill’s enforcement structure, especially private rights of action and penalties that could apply even without actual consumer harm. The Department of Justice said the bill would apply where the conduct has a Delaware nexus, and that the disclosure requirement is the key consumer protection. Industry witnesses and chambers of commerce opposed the bill as drafted, arguing it would create broad compliance burdens and expose businesses to excessive litigation risk without a harm requirement or clearer safe harbor language. Earlier in the meeting, the committee discussed House Bill 429, which would update Delaware’s step therapy exception process to include biosimilars and interchangeable biologics. Senator Poore and supporters from Highmark and the Department of Insurance said the bill would modernize insurance law, improve access to effective treatments, and reduce costs; they cited national savings from biosimilars and said the bill has agency support. Members asked about Delaware-specific savings, patient switching, and how the process would work, but no vote was taken during the discussion. The committee also heard House Bill 310, which would exclude large data centers from Blue Collar Jobs Act tax credits; the sponsor said the bill is intended to ensure large energy users contribute more to state and local revenues, while supporters and opponents debated competitiveness and community impacts. House Bill 406, on allowing insureds to choose their auto repair shop, and Senate Bill 347, a cleanup bill related to medical debt collection and personal property levies, were also presented without opposition in the hearing. House Bill 253, concerning who may receive letters testamentary or of administration, was described as a cleanup to align statute with existing practice. The committee approved the meeting minutes, but the transcript does not show final votes on the bills discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, which has been enacted by five states: Washington, Montana, Wisconsin, Iowa
• Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, which has been enacted by five states, Washington, Montana, Wisconsin, Iowa

Summary: The committee met, approved the March 5, 2026 minutes, and then took up several health- and human-services-related bills. House Bill 5086, concerning peer support programs for covered caregivers, was explained as creating training and testimonial privilege protections; the committee adopted an amendment clarifying that boards may still require participation in a board-designated professional health program, and then reported the bill to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass. House Bill 5004, an educational bill on PANS and PANDAS, was supported by the sponsor, who described his family’s experience and the importance of earlier diagnosis; it was reported to the Senate without amendment. House Bill 5327, which would require the Department of Human Services to create an ALS services program, also received supportive testimony from the sponsor and members, but the transcript reflects the bill being reported as House Bill 537; it was moved forward without amendment. The committee then considered House Bill 5096, which would remove personal care and intellectual/developmental disability waiver services from certificate-of-need review. The sponsor argued the change would reduce regulatory burden and expand access, while a county aging-program director testified that certificate-of-need revenues help fund senior meals and services and that eliminating the requirement would reduce important support for aging providers. After a division vote, the motion to report the bill failed 3-9. House Bill 4695, allowing PEIA patients to switch to an alternative medically appropriate covered treatment without new prior authorization if it costs no more than the original treatment, was explained as carrying an estimated $13 million annual cost to PEIA and was reported to the Senate. The committee also advanced House Bill 5582, enacting the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, after discussion of a committee amendment removing a new-background-check-at-initial-licensure provision; the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported. Another House Bill 5582, concerning the TANF drug screening program, was described as removing the sunset date and allowing oral fluid testing in addition to urine samples; it too was reported. Finally, House Bill 5466 renamed the batterer intervention program as an abuse intervention program and allowed live synchronous virtual delivery with an in-person option; the sponsor said the change would expand access statewide, and the bill was reported to the Senate. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• legislation to try to have Missouri adopt processes similar to Texas, Florida, Kansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Iowa
• , California, Illinois. ...to Texas, Florida, Kansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Iowa, California, Illinois

Committees: House Insurance , House Insurance and Banking

Transcript Highlights:

• there are five states that are part of the compact, which are Washington State, Montana, Wisconsin, Iowa
• Montana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Alabama.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard a series of health care-related bills, with Chair Tuck emphasizing respectful debate and noting that all bills on the agenda would be voted on that day. The first measure, HB 743, would give the Attorney General authority to investigate and bring civil actions against health care practitioners who violate Florida’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and would make aiding or abetting such conduct a third-degree felony. Supporters said it closed loopholes and protected minors and parental rights, while opponents argued it was vague, overbroad, and could chill lawful care and professional judgment. The bill passed 13-4 and was reported favorably. The committee then unanimously approved PCS for HB 567, which narrows a continuing-education requirement for podiatrists so only those who prescribe controlled substances must take the related two-hour course. It also unanimously approved HB 439, allowing chiropractors, under specified training and certification requirements, to inject vitamins and nutrients while continuing to prohibit intravenous injections. The committee also passed HB 1235 to enter Florida into the respiratory care interstate compact, and HB 1237, a linked public-records/public-meetings exemption needed to implement that compact; both measures were supported as workforce and access-to-care bills and passed without opposition. Later, the committee approved PCS for HB 809, which addresses temporary physician certificates in areas of need and aims to prevent doctors from losing the ability to practice when area designations change. Members asked about licensure pathways and the effect of federal or board designation changes, and supporters framed the bill as protecting continuity of care in underserved communities. The committee also unanimously passed HB 1347 to align clinical laboratory personnel licensing with federal CLIA standards amid staffing shortages, and HB 1515, a public-records exemption tied to a uterine fibroid research database. Finally, the committee approved HB 169 updating acupuncture statutes, including terminology changes and limits on injection therapy, and HB 1021, Representative Young’s first bill, allowing qualified hospital pharmacists in Level I and II trauma centers to administer emergency medications at a physician’s direction during life-threatening situations. HB 1021 drew the most questions, mainly about scope, definitions, and who could authorize the pharmacist, but after a technical amendment it passed unanimously. All remaining bills were reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• if you think about this, eight states, seven besides Alabama — Texas, Florida, West Virginia, Ohio, Iowa
• , Virginia, Missouri — have left Ohio, Iowa, Virginia, Missouri have left ERIC.

Bills: SB320 , HB67 , HB247 , HB161 , HB165 , HB91 , HB90 , HB471 , HB363 , HB479

Committee: Senate County and Municipal Government

Keywords: liquefied petroleum gas, safety regulations, public gathering places, cylinder storage, proximity regulations, parental rights, drag performances, public schools, public libraries, overnight programs, gender identity, minor safety, Gulf of America, name change, state compliance, educational materials, local resources, historical reference, building codes, standardization

Transcript Highlights:

• We know Washington, Iowa, Michigan, New York, Illinois, Nevada. Federal law.
• We know Washington, Iowa, Michigan, New York, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, Maine, and Massachusetts

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs met as a subcommittee because a quorum was initially lacking, and heard six bills. AB 81 by Assemblymember Ta would require CalVet to study the mental health needs of women veterans; supporters from county veterans service officers, veterans organizations, and behavioral health groups said women veterans face higher rates of military sexual trauma, PTSD, depression, and suicide, while no opposition appeared. The bill was later passed 7-0 and re-referred to Appropriations. AB 826 by Assemblymember Gonzalez would prohibit unaccredited individuals or businesses from charging veterans fees to file or assist with VA benefits claims, impose a civil penalty, and direct penalty revenue to veterans services and district attorneys. Supporters argued the bill would curb predatory “claim sharks” and protect veterans from exploitation, while opponents from private claims consulting firms and several veterans said the measure could restrict access to legitimate help and should be narrowed to target bad actors instead of banning paid assistance broadly. After extensive testimony and discussion about federal law, accreditation, and possible amendments, the committee passed the bill 8-0 and re-referred it to Judiciary. AB 556 by Assemblymember Patterson would clarify that campus-level mandatory fees are covered under the CalVet fee waiver for dependents of certain veterans and Medal of Honor recipients. Supporters said the bill would fulfill the state’s promise to veterans’ families, while concerns were raised about fiscal impacts on CSU campuses and the need for more precise cost estimates. The bill was passed 6-0 and sent to Appropriations. The committee also adopted its rules 7-0 and approved the consent calendar, which included AB 264, AB 1508, and AB 1509, all re-referred to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• No, the governor is in Iowa most of the time.
• Well, tonight he's in Texas, but Iowa and Texas are the same once you get south.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we can't help a child who wants to stay in their resident district and just needs enrichment or
• And so we can't help a child who wants to stay in their resident district and just needs enrichment or
• And so we can't help a child who wants to stay in their resident district and just needs enrichment or
• And so we can't help a child who wants to stay in their resident district and just needs enrichment or
• </c><04:25:51.279><c> of</c> focus on the academic enrichment of focus on the academic enrichment of

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• access, and this change would align us with other states, including our neighbors, North Dakota and Iowa
• ,<00:02:20.600><c> North</c><00:02:20.880><c> Dakota</c><00:02:21.400><c> and</c><00:02:21.680><c> Iowa
• </c><00:02:22.600><c> This</c> neighbors, North Dakota and Iowa.
• This neighbors, North Dakota and Iowa.
• Attorney General that look at Iowa.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're not just coming typically from over the border, whether that's Iowa or Wisconsin or something
• <00:25:47.679><c> Um</c><00:25:48.159><c> whether</c><00:25:48.480><c> that's</c><00:25:48.799><c> Iowa
• Um whether that's Iowa over the border.
• I was at a meeting uh<01:27:22.719><c> in</c><01:27:23.040><c> Iowa</c><01:27:23.760><c> last</c><01:
• last winter in the De Moines uh in Iowa last winter in the De Moines area<01:27:26.159><c> and</c><01

Bills: HF4912 , HF4664

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• throughout the state of Minnesota, up as far north as the Canadian border and down as far south as Iowa
• throughout the state of Minnesota, up as far north as the Canadian border and down as far south as Iowa
• throughout the state of Minnesota, up as far north as the Canadian border and down as far south as Iowa
• throughout the state of Minnesota, up as far north as the Canadian border and down as far south as Iowa
• </c><01:03:47.840><c> that</c> states including Wisconsin and Iowa that states including Wisconsin and

Bills: SF856 , HF4482 , HF3672 , HF1234 , HF4591 , HF3554 , HF936

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: Inspector General, fraud prevention, state audit, public funds, misuse, transparency, government accountability, HF4482, Minnesota Historical Society, state historic sites, historic site management, historic preservation, county historical society, local historical society, municipality, county government, admission fees, grants-in-aid, site operations, site maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• you're driving to North Dakota, whether you're driving to South Dakota, whether you're driving to Iowa
• :11.440><c> to</c> South Dakota, whether you're driving to South Dakota, whether you're driving to Iowa
• , whether you're driving to Iowa, whether you're driving to Wisconsin<00:03:14.320><c> to</c><00:03:14.440
• And Iowa has allowed E10 equipment to dispense E15 since 2010.
• And<00:32:19.280><c> Iowa</c><00:32:19.800><c> has</c><00:32:19.960><c> allowed</c><00:32:20.400><c>

Bills: HF3547 , HF3651 , HF4043 , HF4282 , HF4095

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: fireworks, public safety, regulation, tax revenue, local government, sale, safety standards, fire safety, ethanol, fuel equipment, compatibility standards, law enforcement, peace officer, unauthorized practice, criminal justice, civics education, jail medication, correctional facility, detention, incarcerated persons

Transcript Highlights:

• state of Minnesota, excuse me, and over 55,000 home care workers represented by SEIU Minnesota and Iowa
• by SEIU, homeare workers represented by SEIU, Minnesota,<01:09:54.239><c> and</c><01:09:54.400><c> Iowa
• </c><01:09:54.800><c> All</c><01:09:54.960><c> of</c><01:09:55.040><c> the</c> Minnesota, and Iowa.
• All of the Minnesota, and Iowa.
• Yeah, the bargaining unit is and Iowa.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• We're uncompetitive with our neighbors: Iowa, Wisconsin, South Dakota, North Dakota.
• Iowa has a 3.9 single rate. Wisconsin has a 3.5 lowest bracket.
• > state we're uncompetitive with our state we're uncompetitive with our neighbors<00:01:59.280><c> Iowa
• </c><00:01:59.640><c> with</c><00:01:59.920><c> Wisconsin</c><00:02:00.360><c> South</c> neighbors Iowa
• brackets than we do Iowa has a 3.9<00:02:07.240><c> single</c><00:02:07.640><c> rate</c><00:02:08.479

Committee: House Taxes