Video & Transcript : 'sensitive discussions' :

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HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

EIG-AEN Public Hearing 03-21-2025

Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Any discussion?
  • Any discussion? If not, recommendation. Any discussion?
  • Any discussion?
  • Any discussion? resolutions. Any discussion?
  • Uh any discussion? Chair votes I. AEN. Uh any discussion? Chair votes I.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee heard several resolutions focused on agriculture, invasive species, biodiversity, and clean energy finance. STR 34/SR 20 asked Hawaii’s congressional delegation to urge USDA to address unequal treatment of Hawaii in exporting agricultural goods; the Department of Agriculture supported the measure. STR 41/SR 25 encouraged each county to develop its own biosecurity plan, with testimony from the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, and the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species supporting county-level planning and coordination. Testifiers emphasized the importance of local response capacity for invasive species, while also noting that quarantine authority should remain at the state level; one witness requested an amendment to include possible legislative changes needed at the state and county levels. STR 110/SR 91 requested a study on the feasibility of a state green bond program, with support testimony submitted by Coalition Earth and no oral testimony from the energy office. Members asked questions about how county biosecurity plans would interface with existing state efforts, and witnesses described current interagency work and county response plans already being developed for species such as little fire ant, coconut rhinoceros beetle, and coqui frogs. The discussion also referenced a recent Oahu coqui detection on Sand Island and the need for flexible treatment options. For the green bond measure, members described it as a potential tool for renewable energy goals. No opposition testimony was presented on the measures discussed. On decision-making, the committees recommended passage of STR 34/SR 20 with technical non-substantive amendments, STR 41/SR 25 with the suggested amendment from CAPS, STR 56/SR 40 without amendment, and STR 110/SR 91 with technical non-substantive amendments. The recommendations were adopted by the committees, and the agenda concluded with adjournment.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • So those are the different strategies we discussed, and the pros and cons have been discussed there.
  • discussed in there.
  • We've heard some of that discussion today.
  • I think that's a discussion we should absolutely continue to discuss.
  • We want to echo the discussion in panel one.
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held a hearing on the impact of the Iran conflict and global oil supply disruption on California fuel markets. Committee members and administration witnesses from the California Energy Commission and the Division of Petroleum Market Oversight described California’s heavy reliance on imported crude and refined products, the state’s shrinking refining base, current inventory levels, and how global supply tightness is affecting gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel prices. CEC officials said near-term supply looked adequate for roughly the next six weeks, but warned that continued disruption would likely raise prices further and increase competition for imports. DPMO said the conflict is a real supply shock, but also emphasized a separate, longstanding problem of unusually high California retail gasoline prices, especially among major branded stations. Witnesses and members debated the causes of high prices and the state’s longer-term fuel strategy. Professor Severin Borenstein argued that much of the price gap beyond taxes and environmental costs comes from a “mystery gasoline surcharge” downstream of refineries, while also noting that California’s shrinking number of refineries creates market-power and supply-resilience concerns. Western States Petroleum Association CEO Jody Mueller argued that state policies have weakened California’s refining system and made it more vulnerable to global shocks, urging the state to protect remaining refining capacity and improve infrastructure for imports. United Steelworkers Local 675 Vice President Norman Rogers stressed the need for safe, reliable refinery operations and adequate staffing. Several members pressed witnesses on whether California should rely more on imports, how to manage inventories and port/storage capacity, and whether the state needs clearer authority and better data collection to coordinate fuel policy. Discussion also covered branded versus unbranded gasoline pricing, the role of California fuel specifications, and whether a floating gas tax or other policy tools could buffer consumers from global price spikes. No formal votes or committee actions were taken during the hearing.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • We discussed court-ordered placements.
  • And we see that there's a lot of issues associated with this. discussion on Monday with HHS discussion
  • We we discussed discussed discussed uh<00:05:30.240><c> court-ordered</c><00:05:30.880><c> placements
  • <00:08:45.920><c> how</c> discussed how discussed how this<00:08:47.560><c> bill</c><00:08:48.320><c>
  • </c> them that reflect what we've discussed. them that reflect what we've discussed.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
Summary: The conference committee first discussed HB 1099, which creates a committee to study private business providing special education services and local school district reimbursement. Members explained that the issue is broader than special education alone, involving residential placements, foster care, court-ordered placements, and questions about which entity pays for education and care costs when students are placed in residential facilities. The House proposed an amendment to expand the study to include students placed in residential facilities by school districts as well as those placed through episodes of treatment or court order, and members agreed the existing commission would not resolve the issue before its July 1, 2026 expiration. Representative Coker raised concern about the phrase “but not limited to,” but members said the broader language was needed to capture placements beyond the existing statutory categories. The committee then agreed to accede to the Senate version of HB 1099 with a committee amendment, and the House voted unanimously to adopt amendment 2026-1845H. The bill was placed on the consent calendar, and the meeting adjourned. The transcript also includes a separate conference committee discussion on HB 1807, concerning mandatory reporting to voters. The main dispute was how to present administrator compensation: the House favored total administrative cost, while the Senate initially preferred average administrator salary. Members debated whether voters would be better informed by totals or averages, and whether the bill should define “administrator” more clearly by reference to DOE rules. The committee reached a tentative compromise to add both an average administrator salary graph and a total administrator cost graph, define administrators by reference to ED 501.02(B), scale the graph more precisely, and list the top 10 highest-paid administrators plus any employee earning over $100,000. Both chambers then gave unanimous support to the revised approach, with the understanding that the draft would be finalized and signed later.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/26/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Is there any further discussion? Senator Sunderation. Mr.
  • We discussed one... ...have listed.
  • It was brought up during discussion before that we're moving too fast.
  • Senator Epstein, are we even on the bill anymore in this discussion?
  • All right, any further discussion?
Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and several personal privileges recognizing guests and proclamations, including a Coolidge centennial proclamation, a Pre-born Day of Rights proclamation, and a tribute to retired public servant Carmen Green Smith. The chamber also welcomed various guests and groups in the gallery, including Arizona Right to Life, Reproductive Freedom for All, a doctor of the day, schoolchildren, and community visitors. A motion to suspend the rules and immediately advance SB 1396 on contraception rights failed by a vote of 12 ayes to 16 nays. The Senate then considered House Concurrent Resolution 2053 honoring Brad Brower, adopted it unanimously, observed a moment of silence, and transmitted the resolution to the House. In Committee of the Whole, members considered HB 2072, HB 2307, and HB 2874. HB 2072, dealing with holidays and the César Chávez Day repeal/renaming debate, drew extensive floor debate over a Miranda amendment to rename the day for farm workers; that amendment failed 12-15, and the bill was ultimately advanced as amended by the committee’s striker/repeal language. HB 2307, concerning dangerous and incompetent defendants and a state facility process, received committee and floor amendments and was advanced as amended. HB 2874, relating to campaign committee termination statements and contributions, also received committee and technical floor amendments and was advanced as amended. On final third readings, HB 2874 passed 18-11 with one not voting and was transmitted to the House. HB 2307 passed 27-2 with one not voting and was transmitted to the House, with supporters emphasizing public safety and the emergency clause. HB 272 passed after a lengthy and contentious debate over whether to repeal or rename the holiday associated with César Chávez and the farm worker movement; supporters of repeal cited allegations against Chávez and the need for accountability, while opponents argued the holiday should preserve recognition of farm workers and the movement’s history. The Senate also adopted the Committee of the Whole report and assigned the bills accordingly.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/17/2026 - Senate Natural Resources

Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • Any further discussion? Hearing none, Jackson... ...motioning for the discussion. Hearing none.
  • All right, any further discussion? Seeing none, Mr. Dunn. Mr.
  • Is there any further discussion? Hearing none... Jackson, Mr. Chair, please. Mr.
  • discuss it.
  • Is there any further discussion? Hearing none, Jackson, please call the roll. Okay.
Summary: The committee approved the minutes from February 3 and February 10, 2026, then heard two nominations. Jessica Manuel was introduced as a nominee to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. She described a science-focused background and experience with state and multi-agency work, and members discussed wildlife management, including gray wolves and conservation. The committee voted 8-0 to recommend her confirmation. Stephen Williams was then introduced as a nominee to the Arizona Livestock Loss Board. He emphasized his experience with the State Land Department and livestock operators, and members asked about compensation claims and wolf-related livestock losses. The committee voted unanimously to recommend his confirmation as well. The committee next considered SB 1785, which would codify ADWR’s existing one-mile safe-harbor policy for recovery wells near groundwater storage facilities. Supporters said it would provide certainty and preserve current practice, while ADWR requested clarifying language about the bill’s definitions. Opponents argued it would lock current policy into statute and could reduce flexibility. The bill received a 5-3 do-pass recommendation. SB 1082, which would impose sanitation and handwashing requirements on petting zoos and similar animal encounter exhibits, drew emotional testimony from a parent advocate describing children hospitalized with STEC HUS after a state fair petting zoo exposure, while opponents said the bill was unnecessary and overly burdensome. The committee adopted the sponsor’s amendment but then deadlocked 4-4, so the bill failed. The committee then took up SB 1336, a continuation and reform bill for the Arizona State Land Department that also created a temporary oversight committee and, through a large amendment, added lease, notice, and committee-structure changes. Supporters from mining and agriculture backed the measure as a way to improve predictability and transparency, while some members objected to the amendment’s scope and the committee’s composition. The amendment passed 4-3 and the bill as amended was recommended 6-2. SB 1200, an emergency measure directing ADWR to revisit certain Phoenix AMA assured water supply applications using older groundwater models, was supported by the sponsor but opposed by CAP/GRD and ADWR, who warned it would add replenishment obligations and rely on outdated models; it passed 5-3. SB 1335, requiring the Arizona Water Banking Authority Commission to post its annual report online, passed 7-0-1. SB 1559, creating rural groundwater management work groups in each basin with NRCD involvement and annual reporting to ADWR, drew support from conservation district representatives and opposition from Mohave County interests concerned it would not address overpumping; it passed 5-3. Finally, SB 1761, appropriating $47.7 million to the University of Arizona for its desert agriculture, Cooperative Extension, and experiment station programs, was presented as a land-grant mission funding measure and received broad support from agriculture and several members, with some concerns about budget priorities and the size of the appropriation.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight Jul 18th, 2025

Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So if there is, can be some discussion, I would really appreciate it.
  • on the agenda to discuss that very issue.
  • Have that discussion ever?
  • It is also a time for us to discuss changes for the new fiscal year.
  • I imagine that your board is going to be discussing that as well.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Financial Institutions Feb 4th, 2026 at 12:00 pm

Financial Institutions

Transcript Highlights:
  • Is there any discussion?
  • Any discussion? Seeing none, please call the roll. Chair Owen? Vice Chair Oehlerking? Aye.
  • Any discussion? Yes, gentlemen. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have an amendment ending in 0.1H.
  • Is there any discussion? Yes, gentlemen. To inquire? Inquire.
  • Any further discussion? The way it was drafted, so. Okay. Thank you. Any further discussion?
Keywords: 959, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session - 04/09/26

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Any other discussion before we vote?
  • :09.520><c> the</c> Seeing no additional discussion, the Seeing no additional discussion, the secretary
  • Members, if Let's have this discussion.
  • discussion on the A4 amendment?
  • </c> discussions later. discussions later.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

House Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, February 27, 2026

Labor, Health & Social Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:20:50.000><c> uh</c> committee, this has been discussed uh committee, this has been discussed
  • Discussion<00:31:39.840><c> and</c><00:31:40.080><c> amendments.</c> Discussion and amendments.
  • Thank you. >> Discussion on the amendment. >> See no discussion.
  • Thank you. >> Discussion on the amendment. >> See no discussion.
  • </c><01:16:23.120><c> was</c> why there was a lot of discussion was why there was a lot of discussion
Bills: SF0023 , SF0057
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 4/2/25

Elections Finance and Government Operations

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:08:30.639><c> was</c> the audience um that discussion was the audience um that discussion was
  • </c><00:40:04.200><c> those</c> policy Bill we'll discuss those policy Bill we'll discuss those Provisions
  • </c><00:48:23.079><c> um</c> we spent a good 10 minutes discussing um we spent a good 10 minutes discussing
  • in the dark money politics discussion.
  • Any further discussion? Any further discussion? Then let's take the roll. Co-Chair Quam, no.
Keywords: 1183, house
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary - 03/18/2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • Any discussion on the bill? Motion by Senators Cufus, seconded by Senator Zem.
  • Any discussion on the bill? Move the bill. Yes, Chairman, I just want to say this is a good bill.
  • Any further discussion? Motion by Senator Luke to move the bill. Second. Second.
  • Any discussion? Just a quick comment, Chairman, if I can. I've been against this bill.
  • Is there any discussion on the bill? Move the bill.
Committee: Senate Judiciary
Keywords: 993, senate, all
Summary: The Judiciary Committee met on March 18 for its third meeting of the year and considered a series of bills, mostly reporting them to the floor. Early measures included a bill by Senator Gernardis on releasing certain claims by employees, a bill by Senator Brooke barring people convicted of elder abuse from inheriting from the elder’s estate, and a bill by Senator Mayer requiring the Chief Administrator to report court data, including information on town and village courts. Members also advanced a bill on notice requirements for self-storage lien enforcement and a bill by Senator Sepulveda concerning mercantile establishments and collections after a finding of not guilty in a larceny case. The elder-abuse inheritance bill drew supportive comments, with one member noting a related gap in the law involving parental abandonment and inheritance rights. The most extended discussion centered on the mercantile-establishment bill, where some members raised concerns that a criminal acquittal or dismissal on technical grounds could unfairly limit a business’s ability to pursue civil recovery, while supporters argued that a not-guilty finding should prevent further collection efforts tied to the alleged crime. After debate, the bill was moved and reported to the floor, with at least one member voting no or without recommendation. The committee also advanced a bill on judicial staffing levels, with no substantive discussion noted. Later, the committee approved a bill prohibiting undisclosed reporting of mediation and court-annexed alternative dispute resolution proceedings, and a broad bill by Senator Sepúlveda replacing references to paternity and affiliation with parentage across multiple laws. Most measures were reported to the floor, and one bill on court data reporting was sent to finance. The meeting concluded with no further business.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Consent and Procedure Feb 24th, 2026

Consent and Procedure

Transcript Highlights:
  • Any discussion? Seeing none, please call the roll. Chair Pouche: Aye. Vice Chair Hovis: Aye.
  • Any discussion? It is an LLC bill, basically just moving stuff around.
  • Any discussion? Please call the vote.” Chair Pouche: Aye. Vice Chair Hovis: Aye.
  • Any discussion? Seeing none, call the vote. “House Resolution 413 be voted do pass. Any discussion?
  • Any discussion? Yes.
Keywords: 959, house, all
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Tribal and State Relations Committee May 13th, 2026

Tribal and State Relations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Any more discussion? Seeing none, we'll keep moving right along.
  • Any more discussion? Any more discussion? Seeing none, we'll keep moving right along.
  • We discussed it, but I did not make a motion, or no one did.
  • If no other discussion, Casey, would you call the roll?
  • Any other discussions? If not, we'll leave it there.
Summary: The committee met at Spirit Lake Tribe and heard an extended discussion with Spirit Lake tribal leaders and program directors about government-to-government relations with the state. Chairwoman Street and others outlined a number of concerns and requests, including taxation of tribal and trust lands, state school support for non-beneficiary students, homelessness services, Indian-managed health care, gaming/e-tabs, the Feather Alert system, industrial farming near waterways, tourism and cultural issues, and the need for more consistent tribal consultation. Committee members responded that many of these issues had previously been passed along without direct action, and several members emphasized the committee’s role in education, communication, and preparing possible legislation or resolutions for the next session. Tribal representatives also offered to provide training on treaties, IHS 638, and compact services to help legislators better understand tribal jurisdiction and billing issues. A major portion of the meeting focused on Spirit Lake Fish and Wildlife concerns, especially jurisdictional “gray areas” around hunting and fishing on the reservation, recognition of tribal licenses, and the boundary of the reservation around Spirit Lake/Devils Lake. Tribal officials said they wanted a co-stewardship agreement or MOU with the state to clarify jurisdiction, improve cooperation, and address invasive species and aquatic nuisance species. Committee members discussed whether to draft legislation or a resolution directing the executive branch and state agencies to negotiate such an agreement, and they asked for further input from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at a future meeting. The committee also discussed county involvement in land status changes and trust land issues, with Spirit Lake leaders describing a past Benson County resolution that tried to block fee-to-trust transfers and saying it was later rescinded. The committee then heard from Benson County tax equalization director Randy Thompson, who explained how the county values land and handles tax-exempt, inundated, and fee-to-trust parcels. Members asked about the impact of tax-exempt lands on county services and discussed prior legislation that helped counties with large tax-exempt bases. The committee also received a presentation from Dr. Steven Smith of Sisseton Wahpeton College, who described the college’s programs, economic impact, and funding needs, including support for non-beneficiary students and workforce training. Members asked about expanding tribal college education into correctional settings, and Smith said the idea was worth exploring through the tribal college system. Finally, HHS interim medical services director Christoph Framing presented remotely on 1115 Medicaid waivers and the IMD exclusion, explaining current state funding mechanisms for inpatient and residential behavioral health services and the bill draft directing HHS to pursue a waiver for IMD payments.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Ethics Committee 4/10/25

Ethics

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:02:25.040><c> Are</c> discussion. And I said a lot there. Are discussion.
  • There were pre-trial discussions that were not on the transcript in which it was discussed about whether
  • </c> pre-trial discussions uh pre-trial pre-trial discussions uh pre-trial discussions<00:29:16.480><
  • in which it was discussed transcript in which it was discussed about<00:29:19.919><c> whether</c><00
  • Representative Myers: "Madam Chair, can we discuss that?" Chair: "Oh, sure. We can discuss that."
Committee: House Ethics
Keywords: 1183, house
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Commerce Feb 25th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • Any discussion? Seeing none, I do have an amendment ending in .01H.
  • Any discussion? Rep. Kimble, please proceed.
  • Seeing no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Oh, excuse me.
  • Any discussion? House Bill 1664 be voted due pass. Any discussion?
  • Any discussion? Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please call the roll.
Committee: House Commerce
Keywords: 959, house, all
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Because there are no amendments, we'll move on to discussion. Is there discussion? Rep. Arbara.
  • Is there further discussion? Rep. Intamin? Thank you, Mr. Chair.
  • Is there discussion? Rep. Leavitt? Thank you, Mr. Chair.
  • Is there further discussion? Rep. Keaton? Thank you, Mr. Chair.
  • Was that a discussion you've had with anybody?
Summary: The Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee met on January 27 and first took executive action on three bills. House Bill 2311, which makes administrative changes to the Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board, was reported out with a do pass recommendation after the Leavitt amendment was withdrawn; supporters emphasized transparency, accountability, and student success metrics, while one member opposed moving it forward and urged more interim work. House Bill 2324, which extends tuition waiver access for children of eligible veterans when a disability determination occurs after age 18, passed unanimously. House Bill 288, the Dietitian Licensure Compact, was amended to delay implementation until July 1, 2028 and then passed unanimously as a substitute bill; members cited workforce shortages and the value of broader licensure portability. The committee then held public hearings on several bills. House Bill 2422 would shift private security guard licensing fees from individual guards to their employers, eliminate transfer fees, and penalize companies that require reimbursement; the sponsor and workers testified that the current system burdens low-wage guards and contributes to high turnover, while some members asked about whether fees could instead be lowered or eliminated. House Bill 2438 would create the SEEDS scholarship for early childhood education students using up to $10 million from the GET account if it remains sufficiently funded; the sponsor described it as a targeted test of surplus GET funds to address early learning workforce shortages, and testimony from educators, providers, and advocacy groups strongly supported it, while WASAC said the bill may need technical changes to avoid conflicts with existing 529 rules. The committee also heard House Bill 2525, which would create a WSU heritage orchard program and registry for old or rare apple varieties; the sponsor and industry witnesses said it would preserve agricultural history, support research, and aid future breeding and education. Finally, House Bill 2586 would align Passport to Careers with federal financial aid formulas and automatically deem Passport-eligible youth financially needy for the Washington College Grant; the sponsor and WASAC said it would help foster youth and homeless students access aid earlier and more predictably, and multiple students and advocates testified in strong support. No final action was taken on the bills heard in public testimony during this portion of the meeting.
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 041 Feb 24th, 2026

Colorado Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> &gt;&gt; Further discussion on L004. &gt;&gt; Further discussion on L004.
  • Further discussion on the amendment. Further discussion on the amendment.
  • Further discussion on this amendment. Further discussion on this amendment.
  • Any further discussion? &gt;&gt; Thank you. Any further discussion?
  • Any discussion?
Keywords: 981, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 01/30/25

Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:01:13.960><c> on</c><00:01:14.119><c> the</c> any discussion on the any discussion on the A2<
  • </c><00:30:12.480><c> at</c> of why we're having this discussion at of why we're having this discussion
  • </c><00:42:26.280><c> last</c> but um we've had this discussion last but um we've had this discussion
  • Chairs, great discussion on the last bill, and I'm sure we'll have equal discussion on this bill.
  • I discussed this bill in the first session.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • Any<00:04:57.880><c> further</c><00:04:58.160><c> discussion?
  • I recognize the Any further discussion?
  • Any<00:05:14.400><c> further</c><00:05:14.640><c> discussion?</c> Any further discussion?
  • Any further discussion?
  • Seeing no further discussion, the clerk will take the roll.
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: The House took up Senate File 1714, a bill on state government and payment transparency in public contracts. Representative Scott explained that the measure is intended to help Minnesota contractors and subcontractors know when public project payments have been made by requiring public owners, upon written request, to provide pay application and payment information within seven days at no cost. He said the bill had bipartisan support and backing from stakeholder groups, including trade associations and public entities, and that it would improve transparency for small businesses and workers waiting to be paid. The bill was amended with a technical change adding a missing word, and the amendment was adopted without opposition. During floor discussion, Representative Cleborn supported the bill, while Representative Berg asked whether trade unions supported it and noted that unions already have collective bargaining rights. Representative Sexton responded that IBEW and several trade unions had reached out and were very supportive. Scott later said he had received a text from Berg indicating support as well. After discussion ended, the House took a roll call vote. The bill passed as amended by a vote of 133 ayes and 0 nays.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Ways & Means Mar 10th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Any further discussion? Asking for a no on this amendment.
  • Is there any discussion? Senator Mazzal. Thank you Madam Chair.
  • Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed? No.
  • Is there any discussion? Senator Wilson, do you want to speak to your amendment?
  • Is there any discussion on final passage? Is there any discussion on final passage?
Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met in executive session on March 10, 2026, and first reviewed engrossed House Bill 2487, which concerns taxes imposed on insurers. Staff explained the bill’s B&O tax exemption changes, the advanced computing surcharge adjustments, and the preliminary fiscal note. Amendment 1 had been withdrawn before action. The committee then considered and rejected Amendment 2, which would have further lowered the surcharge cap; Amendment 4, which would have removed retroactivity for tax payments; and Amendment 5, a striking amendment that would have conformed the B&O exemption to a court decision and removed the advanced computing surcharge provisions. The committee then advanced HB 2487 to the Rules Committee with a due pass recommendation. The committee next took up Substitute House Bill 2689 on the Working Connections Child Care Program. Staff described the bill’s changes to attendance-based reimbursement, rate-setting, and eligibility, with an estimated four-year savings of $565 million. Amendment 6, offered by Senator Wilson, was adopted and changed the market rate survey response threshold by delaying the 65% requirement and allowing validity with lower response rates under certain conditions. Amendment 7, offered by Senator Robinson, was also adopted and revised the attendance reimbursement tiers, with staff indicating it would increase projected savings to about $770 million over four years. The amended bill was then moved to the Rules Committee with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered engrossed House Bill 2681, which raises annual issuance and renewal fees for cannabis producer, processor, and retail licenses by $400. Staff said the bill would increase deposits to the dedicated cannabis account by about $866,000 per year, or $2.6 million over four years. With no amendments offered, the committee approved HB 2681 and sent it to the Rules Committee with a due pass recommendation. The meeting ended with thanks to staff and adjournment.