Transcript Highlights:

• Because only the taxpayers in that jurisdiction in North Miami Beach and in other cities around pay for
• But when we talk about being fair, fair would be to stop allowing one city. Being fair.
• So if we want to be clear on that, we're going to operate in honesty and want to talk about fairness.
• Fairness is when this became in this situation.
• , in a way in which it cannot be advertised or promoted.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several bills, reporting each favorably after hearing sponsor presentations, public testimony, and member questions. SB 578 would allow wine to be sold in recyclable containers, aligning wine with beer container rules; it received support from Americans for Prosperity and passed without debate. SB 606 clarified when guests in public lodging or food service establishments may be removed for nonpayment, updated notice and checkout provisions, and removed a mandatory arrest requirement, with support from hotel and restaurant industry groups; it also passed favorably. Members then heard SB 202, which addresses a municipal water utility surcharge issue affecting Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach by requiring the utility to charge residents where the plant sits the same rate it charges its own residents. The sponsor and supporters described it as a fairness issue, while North Miami Beach argued it would shift costs and threaten utility finances; the bill was reported favorably. SB 570 modernized and clarified the scope of work for swimming pool and spa contractors, and SB 928, as amended, regulated non-approved disposable nicotine devices by restricting advertising and display, increasing inspections and penalties, and adding a school-buffer provision; both were reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 346, which repeals state preemption over local regulation of hoisting equipment and cranes, prompted by concerns after Hurricane Milton and a crane collapse in St. Petersburg. Supporters said local governments need authority to address storm-related crane safety, while industry representatives warned against patchwork regulation and said local oversight already exists in some areas. Finally, the committee took up SB 652, creating Veterinary Professional Associates to perform certain tasks, including limited surgeries under veterinarian supervision; animal welfare groups supported it as a way to expand access, while some veterinarians opposed the surgery provisions. The bill was reported favorably after amendment. The committee then began SB 354, a major overhaul of Public Service Commission oversight, including expanding the commission, adding financial expertise, tightening rate-setting and storm-hardening review, and increasing transparency for nonprofit water and wastewater utilities; the substitute amendment was adopted and public testimony was heard from consumer advocates and utility-related groups, but the transcript ends before final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we must look ahead and modernize our transportation funding system in a way that is fair, accountable
• , and sustainable to ensure that we have the... ...system in a way that is fair, accountable, and sustainable
• in 2023.
• some circumstances in some states, perhaps paying more than their fair share.
• So Utah believes in fairness and responsibility when it comes to transportation funding.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee first took up three highway naming resolutions on its consent calendar: ACR 109, SCR 78, and SCR 90. The committee approved the consent calendar with 11 aye votes and no no votes, then adjourned the bill-hearing portion. Members also recognized committee science fellow AJ Mendeola for his service, noting his contributions to bill analysis and staff support. The committee then held an informational hearing on alternatives to the gas tax, focused on the projected decline in fuel-tax revenue and the need for a more sustainable transportation funding model. The chair and invited experts described how inflation, improved fuel efficiency, and growth in electric and other alternative-fuel vehicles are eroding gas-tax revenues. Presenters from the National Conference of State Legislatures and the University of California discussed state options such as higher or indexed gas taxes, EV registration fees, road usage charges, delivery fees, public EV charging fees, transportation network company fees, and managed lanes, emphasizing tradeoffs among revenue adequacy, fairness, administrative cost, and public acceptance. Committee members raised concerns that mileage-based fees or EV fees could function as new taxes on commuters and lower-income drivers, especially if the gas tax is not repealed. Presenters responded that road usage charges are generally intended as replacements for the gas tax, not additions, and argued that mileage-based systems better preserve the user-pays principle while being less tied to vehicle fuel efficiency. They also noted that flat EV registration fees are easy to administer but can be less equitable because they are not linked to actual road use. Officials from Hawaii, Utah, and Oregon described their state programs and policy choices. Hawaii said its new road usage charge began July 1, 2025, for EVs, offers a choice between a per-mile charge and a flat annual fee through 2028, and will transition to mandatory EV participation before expanding to all light-duty vehicles by 2033. Utah described its voluntary EV road usage charge program, quarterly reporting, privacy protections, and legislative scenarios for removing the cap or making participation mandatory. Oregon outlined its constitutional cost-responsibility framework and broader transportation funding challenges, including reliance on user fees and limited use of general-fund support.

Transcript Highlights:

• , uh, given the earlier discussion about soda, um, but a lot of the buildings in the State Fair were
• </c><01:42:48.199><c> the</c><01:42:48.320><c> State</c> fair a lot of the buildings in the State fair
• a lot of the buildings in the State Fair<01:42:48.760><c> were</c><01:42:48.880><c> built</c><01:42:
• 49.080><c> in</c><01:42:49.159><c> the</c><01:42:49.440><c> 1930s</c><01:42:50.440><c> that's</c> Fair
• were built in the 1930s that's Fair were built in the 1930s that's that's<01:42:50.880><c> a</c><01:

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're just paying more in taxes. And that doesn't seem fair to me on balance.
• Washington State needs a tax code that's fair. Standing in strong support of this bill.
• It's about making sure that those folks who pay their fair share pay their fair share in taxes.
• That is fair. And we have chances to make investments in housing more affordable.
• What's before us today is a shared investment in fairness, and it means shared responsibility.

Bills: SB5223 , SB6071 , SB5966 , SB6061 , SB6016 , SB5973 , SB5053 , SB5249 , SB5899 , SB6190 , SB5574 , SB5873 , SB5924 , SB6263 , SB6282 , SB5950 , SB6074 , SB6096 , SB5609 , SB5901 , SB5943 , SB5975 , SJM8016 , SB5907 , SB6031 , SB6155 , SB6158 , SB6227 , SB5947 , SB6085 , SB6234 , SB6274 , SB5909 , SB6044 , SB6239 , SB6045 , SB6089 , SB6170 , SB5954 , SB5762 , SB6032 , SB6066 , SB6082 , SB6164 , SB6176 , SB6319 , SB6308 , SB6200 , SB6080 , SJM8014 , SB6177 , SB6052 , SB6182 , SB5828 , SB6335 , SB6017 , SB5470 , SB5990 , SB5046 , SB5387 , SB5637 , SB5647 , SB5839 , SB5888 , SB5962 , SB6018 , SB6037 , SB6047 , SB6078 , SB6130 , SB6147 , SB6151 , SB6197 , SB6220 , SB6256 , SB6311 , SB6343

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, overpayment recovery, modernization, health care, legislation, healthcare, nutrition, medically tailored meals, dietary support, food security, chronic illness, tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• Legislature included in the FY 2025 Fair Share surtax budget that you passed this past session.
• We think that the Fair Share has a lot of capacity still left in it. That there's more to be done.
• We think that the Fair Share has a lot of capacity still left in it.
• the budget, the first fiscal year we collected a full year of Fair Share revenue, we programmed in a
• And to be fair to the senators who made it to the committee hearing today, I think in all fairness we

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on the BRIGHT Act, a higher education capital bill that would use Fair Share surtax revenue to fund major repairs, modernization, and decarbonization projects across UMass, state universities, and community colleges. UMass leadership described a $4.8 billion deferred maintenance backlog, aging buildings, and the need to modernize facilities, improve accessibility, and reduce emissions. Administration officials said the bill would authorize $2.5 billion in capital funding, split roughly 50-50 between UMass and the rest of public higher education, plus additional targeted funding for housing planning, smaller modernization projects, campus master plans, and workforce skills grants. They emphasized that the financing structure is modeled on the Commonwealth Transportation Fund and would not raise student costs, while also supporting affordability through financial aid and free community college. Members raised questions about regional equity, the distribution of funds among the five UMass campuses and the 24 state university/community college campuses, project labor agreements, whether the bill would unlock private or federal matching funds, and how the system is preparing for AI and changing workforce needs. UMass officials said project selection is data-driven, based on deferred maintenance, safety, accessibility, sustainability, and programmatic needs, and that the flagship campus in Western Massachusetts would likely receive a large share because of its size and needs. They also said UMass Boston would receive its own share and would not be shortchanged by the Bayside project. On labor, they said PLAs are commonly used and they would follow existing board and building authority policies. On affordability, they said the university has shifted hundreds of millions into need-based aid and that the state’s recent support has helped keep tuition low for many students. DCAMM and higher education officials said the state’s public campuses account for a large share of state-owned building space and a disproportionate share of operational carbon emissions, making decarbonization a major driver of the bill. They said the legislation would allow larger, more comprehensive projects that can address deferred maintenance, energy efficiency, and program needs at the same time, while also making some projects shovel-ready through the Fair Share supplemental funding already appropriated. A later panel from the State Universities Council of Presidents argued the bill’s authorization is still too small to meet long-term needs and urged the committee to increase the bond cap and ensure a more equitable distribution among segments. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And rather than weigh in on a small case, and if we bring in our 200-pound gorilla litigation team in
• And then in rebuttal.
• It's not in the rate case statute. So we're going to apply fair, just, and reasonable.
• I have peers in other states that, and I think in the past, in the distant past, I've heard of the Public
• How do you, in a very abstract way, if you can answer this question, how do you determine what is a fair

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight met with a quorum present and heard an update from Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler on the work of the Office of Public Counsel. Trierweiler described the office’s role in representing Florida utility customers in rate cases and related proceedings, including investor-owned electric, water, and wastewater matters. He emphasized the office’s use of depositions, expert witnesses, customer correspondence, and service hearings to challenge unsupported utility costs while seeking outcomes that are “fair, just, reasonable, and affordable.” A major focus of the presentation was the office’s work on large utility dockets, especially the Florida Power & Light rate case, as well as other recent cases involving Duke, TECO, Sunshine, and St. Joe. Trierweiler said the office had settled some cases but not others, had two appeals pending, and had filed motions for reconsideration where required. He also discussed storm cost recovery, affordability concerns, and the new challenge of data center tariffs and related energy and water demands. He said the office brought in new experts on affordability and data centers and was trying to get ahead of those issues through workshops and settlement efforts. Members asked questions about how customer input is gathered, how the office evaluates a fair profit for utilities, the role of settlements and counterproposals, and the impact of data centers on energy and water use. Trierweiler said customer voices come in through hearings and correspondence, that utilities are entitled to a fair return but not imprudent costs, and that the office is concerned about data center growth and its resource demands. No votes were taken, and the committee concluded its agenda and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope that the arbitrator looks for equity and fairness in negotiating a contract, not only relative
• Having those procedures in place would absolutely make those negotiations fair, equitable for both entities
• So I think doing those in a timely manner and having a fair and equitable practice and policy that's
• And then recently, with people that are fair and bargaining in actual good faith, four meetings, they
• comes out and it's fair for both sides, the elected body still gets to weigh in.

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Thank you.
• All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Thank you.
• Members, next item is item 10, the Arizona State Fair Board review. Mr.
• for different funding amounts in the December 2024 meeting.
• that we do in the other buildings, as they're adding a... ...the fair itself and other flat shows that

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Capital Review

Summary: The Joint Committee on Capital Review met on May 6 and first approved the minutes from its January 29, 2026 meeting. It then took up the consent calendar, which included agenda items 1 through 7, 8A, 8B, and 9B, plus item 9A with standard university financing provisions; the committee gave favorable review or approval to all consent items without opposition. The only non-consent item was agenda item 10 for the Arizona Exposition and State Fair Board. JLBC staff explained that the fair was seeking an additional $400,000 for prefabricated restrooms at the exhibit building and another $400,000 for replacement of the Veterans Memorial Coliseum risers, both after earlier approvals in December 2024. State Fair Executive Director Dale Adams said the projects were important for safety and expanded use of the grounds, and noted the revised amounts followed a more thorough cost analysis. Committee members questioned why the request had increased and emphasized that agencies should come prepared with accurate costs and ready-to-implement plans. After discussion, the committee voted to give agenda item 10 a favorable review. The meeting ended with no opposition on any action items, and members were told it was likely the committee’s last meeting until the fall before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> in here. in here.
• </c> gets in place, that third party gets in gets in place, that third party gets in place,<01:47:46.280
• </c> it is in number 103 in the old language. it is in number 103 in the old language.
• </c> repealer in it. repealer in it.
• Dominic's Hospital in in that St. Dominic's Hospital in in that general<03:06:45.440><c> area.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 11 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And rather than weigh in on a small case, and if we bring in our 200-pound gorilla litigation team in
• And then in rebuttal.
• In a small case, the attorney fees are huge. In these big cases, it's dust.
• I have peers in other states that, and I think in the past, in the distant past, I've heard of the Public
• How do you, in a very abstract way, if you can answer this question, how do you determine what is a fair

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight met to receive an overview from Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler on the work of his office. He described the office’s role in representing Florida utility customers in rate and service cases, including investor-owned electric, water, and wastewater matters, storm cost recovery, fuel clauses, storm protection plans, and specialized dockets. He emphasized the office’s use of depositions, expert witnesses, customer correspondence, and service-hearing testimony to challenge unsupported utility costs and seek “fair, just, reasonable, and affordable” outcomes for customers. Trierweiler highlighted several current issues, including affordability, data centers, and the growing use of AI in reviewing large utility filings. He said the office has begun using affordability experts and data center witnesses, and that data center-related utility proposals raise concerns about energy demand, water use, and community impacts. He also expressed caution about AI and machine learning because of confidential utility information, while acknowledging that utilities, regulators, and his office are increasingly using such tools. Members asked questions about how customer input is gathered, how profit is evaluated in rate cases, the role of settlement agreements, and whether the office is considering water consumption impacts from data centers. Trierweiler said customer feedback largely comes in through hearings, correspondence, and direct calls rather than office-led canvassing, and that his office seeks to limit imprudent costs while allowing utilities a fair return. He also explained that the office may file motions for reconsideration and appeals after PSC orders, and that it sometimes submits alternative settlement proposals even when approval is unlikely, to present a different option for the commission’s consideration. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after concluding its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• and integrity in preserving fairness and integrity in women's<00:50:25.520><c> sports</c><00:50:26.280
• I rise today in strong support of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which ensures fairness
• I rise today in strong support of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which ensures fairness
• </c> fairness in our athletic competitions fairness in our athletic competitions and<03:10:08.000><c>
• sports and as LGBTQ... our women can continue to compete in our women can continue to compete in Fair

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My dad always told me that fair or fairness is what you do. You show hogs at the fair.
• My dad always told me that fair or fairness is what you do. You show hogs at the fair.
• President, would you believe that I use the word fair because it appears in our judicial system quite
• President, would you believe that I use the word fair because it appears in our judicial system quite
• What they do is they go in there in secret.

Bills: HB4248 , HB4429 , HB2588 , HB3472 , HB4317 , HB3462 , HB2035 , HB3501 , HB3127 , HB3143 , HB3144 , HB3260 , HB4321 , HB3011 , HB3522 , HB3530 , HB3940 , HB3078 , HB3043 , HB3005 , HB3007 , HB3403 , HB1907 , HB3175 , HB3986 , HB3466 , HB3411 , HB4246 , SJR49 , HB3281 , HB4319 , HJR1086 , HJR1024 , HJR1087

Keywords: HB4248, hemp beverage, hemp drinks, THC beverage, cannabis beverage, intoxicating hemp, age restriction, under 21, minor possession, youth access, public health and safety, Title 63, Oklahoma Statutes, retail sales, alcohol-style regulation, controlled substances, beverage regulation, proxy advisory services, shareholder rights, financial transparency

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, and several introductions recognizing the Doctor and Nurse of the Day, visiting school groups, and other guests in the galleries. Members also heard a personal privilege statement from Senator Peterson marking the 100th anniversary of his father’s immigration to the United States, followed by a reception announcement in the lounge. The chamber then took up H.J.R. 1024, a proposed constitutional amendment revising the Judicial Nominating Commission by removing political affiliation restrictions, changing term rules, and allowing consecutive service. An amendment was adopted to move the special election date to August 25, 2026, but the special-election provision later failed on a 27-17 vote. After extended debate over judicial independence, transparency, and political influence, the resolution itself passed 35-8. The Senate next considered H.J.R. 1087, which would place before voters a constitutional amendment on the five-year ad valorem tax exemption for qualified manufacturing facilities and allow the Legislature to set reimbursement levels for local entities. Supporters said it would give the state more control over costly reimbursements; the measure passed 38-7, and the special-election provision also passed 38-7. The Senate then laid over two agenda items, made committee and event announcements, and adjourned until Monday, April 13 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• But in that instance, it should be a parent-doctor clinical decision as to how to mitigate symptoms.
• I know how to give an intramuscular injection, so in all fairness, I'm just trying to understand that
• in in in medical deal of of progress in in in medical health<02:26:38.720><c> in</c><02:26:38.960><c
• So putting these major public health decisions in their hands is not safe and, quite frankly, not fair
• but in in buildings and in isolated but in in buildings and in neighborhoods<04:17:12.560><c> with</c

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > from</c><00:23:27.039><c> 2015</c> know, in fair market value from 2015 know, in fair market value
• Chairman, and thanks for having us in your fair city.
• Chairman, and thanks for having us in your fair city.
• </c> thanks for having us in your fair city. thanks for having us in your fair city.
• </c> There is a fair bit of volatility in a There is a fair bit of volatility in a real<02:18:12.399>

Committee: Joint Revenue

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No, it's a fair interpretation that that's up in, from interpretation of lawyers, I guess. Lawyers.
• And so, to be fair to the people building these, to be fair to the people that has the land, to be fair
• data center in that's going in now?
• Although if I decided to buy property in your county, I'm not going to tell you. Fair enough.
• They need to pay their fair share of taxes because they are utilizing the fire protection districts in

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House Utilities Committee resumed hearing on House Bills 2402 and 2816, which address utility-scale solar development. The chair asked witnesses to keep comments to informational purposes, and testimony focused on setbacks, taxation, land conversion caps, county authority, decommissioning, and impacts on neighboring landowners and rural communities. Several witnesses said they supported solar in limited settings such as rooftops or industrial sites, but opposed or wanted changes to the bills’ treatment of agricultural land, especially the proposed 4% cap on cropland conversion and the 500-foot setback from homes. Testimony from landowners and farm groups emphasized concerns about property rights, viewshed impacts, fire risk, drainage and floodplain issues, and the loss of agricultural tax base and local economic activity. They argued the proposed $2,500 per megawatt tax was too low and suggested higher rates, with some recommending $6,000 per megawatt or more, along with decommissioning requirements and stronger county-level protections. A Renew Missouri representative supported much of the bill but preferred a smaller setback and raised constitutional concerns about changing solar land from agricultural to commercial assessment. Other witnesses, including a county commissioner, described local regulations already in place in some counties and asked for clearer statewide standards. Industry and utility representatives said the legislation was generally workable but needed further discussion on setbacks and property tax treatment. Clean Grid Alliance and related witnesses argued that tax comparisons with other states should account for total tax burden, not just nameplate taxes, and said higher taxes would raise electricity costs for consumers. Ameren Missouri said it was acceptable with most provisions, but cautioned against overly aggressive real-property assessments and noted its current and planned solar buildout. The hearing ended without a vote; the committee adjourned after taking testimony on both bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we're being asked what is fair today, right? And what's fair in pensions?
• It may not be equitable in an actuary's mind, but is it fair? >> Mr. Anderson. >> Mr.
• It may not be equitable in an actuary's mind, but is it fair? >> Mr. Anderson. >> Mr.
• In<01:37:35.440><c> the</c><01:37:35.600><c> in</c><01:37:35.840><c> this</c><01:37:36.000><c> fairness
• </c><01:37:36.400><c> discussion,</c><01:37:37.119><c> a</c> In the in this fairness discussion, a In

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• fair share in Minnesota if they're going to take Minnesotans' personal data.
• their</c><00:04:26.080><c> fair</c><00:04:26.320><c> share</c><00:04:26.479><c> in</c> should really
• pay their fair share in should really pay their fair share in Minnesota<00:04:26.960><c> if</c><00:04
• helium</c><00:04:35.360><c> in</c> Minnesota and in fact even helium in Minnesota and in fact even helium
• </c> fair share from this. Right. fair share from this.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If they want to come in, I'll introduce them when they come in. Thank you so much.
• In February, I got to visit the students during the Regional Science Fair, and I was able to see firsthand
• In addition to the recognition they’ve received through their science fairs, some of the students here
• today have also received In addition to the recognition they’ve received through their science fairs
• The Senate will stand in recess. The Senate will stand in recess.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• sports</c><00:30:37.440><c> and</c> and fairness are critical in sports and and fairness are critical
• And this bill is simply to provide the opportunity for girls to compete in a fair manner and to have
• And this bill is simply to provide the opportunity for girls to compete in a fair manner and to have
• And this bill is simply to provide the opportunity for girls to compete in a fair manner and to have
• I think it would be fair to say Minnesotans, in fact, 80% have been polled nationwide in support of female

Bills: HF1233

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: women's athletics, gender, sports competition, Human Rights Act, biological sex, participation limits, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• You cited the Fair case. I'm going to go this over so I don't have to lean in.
• And so part of what the Fair case was about is that in Gregby-Dudley in 1930, the court said that elected
• And so in the Fair case, Senator Fair claimed under the federal Constitution that that violates equal
• In the Fair case, did Mr. Fair actually vote on the pay increase?
• That distinction takes this case outside the rule applied in Fair.

Summary: The Oklahoma State Election Board held a special meeting to address several candidate contests and related procedural matters. After roll call and opening remarks, counsel explained the hearing procedures, burden of proof, and possible outcomes. Several cases were noted as resolved or withdrawn, including Timmons v. Jones, Banning v. Sutterfield, and Roberts v. Gaw. In Ranson v. Riley, the board accepted constructive service after the respondent did not appear, heard that Riley was not a registered voter in the required district for the required period, and voted 3-0 to sustain the petition and strike him from the ballot, with costs assessed to the petitioner. The board then heard Hasenbach v. Pugh, a contest challenging Senator Adam Pugh’s candidacy for Superintendent of Public Instruction under the Oklahoma Constitution’s emoluments ineligibility clause. The petitioner argued that Pugh was a sitting legislator whose office’s salary and benefits had increased during his term, relying on stipulated facts, a compensation commission order, and prior case law. The respondent argued the salary increase came from an independent commission that expressly excluded current legislators and that benefit changes were automatic under a preexisting statute, so no qualifying increase applied to Pugh. The board resolved several procedural issues first, including striking a reply brief as beyond the original petition and admitting joint stipulations into the record. After a recess and executive session, the board returned to open session and voted 3-0 to deny the petition in Hasenbach v. Pugh, retaining Pugh as a candidate on the ballot and assessing costs to the petitioner. The meeting concluded with closing remarks from the secretary and a unanimous vote to adjourn.