Transcript Highlights:

• Marsha Robinson, who is recognized and honored for her years of meritorious service on behalf of veterans
• Marsha Robinson, who is recognized and honored for her years of meritorious service on behalf of veterans
• States behalf of veterans of the United States armed<00:04:06.000><c> forces</c><00:04:07.000><c> for
• and women women recovering from veterans and women women recovering from incarceration<00:05:01.800>
• collects and distributes school Veterans collects and distributes school supplies<00:05:19.440><c> for

Summary: The committee began with procedural reminders that the meeting would be short, that bill changes should generally be provided with 24-hour notice, that testimony would be limited at the chair’s discretion, and that no signs were permitted in the room. After roll call established a quorum, members led the pledge and prayer. The chair also recognized Marsha Robinson of Fort Knox for her service to veterans and military families and for receiving the Association of Defense Communities’ National Military Spouse Leadership Award. The sole bill considered was Senate Bill 61, relating to swimming pools. The sponsor, Senator Craig Richardson, said the bill was intended to protect private property rights by clarifying that homeowners who rent out their private swimming pools through platforms such as Swimly.com would still be treated as operating private pools rather than public recreation pools subject to additional regulation. Senators asked about parking impacts in residential neighborhoods and about liability and insurance coverage. The sponsor said the bill did not address parking or homeowners association issues, and a representative from Swimly.com testified that homeowners insurance and platform-backed insurance products can provide coverage for rentals. The committee voted to advance SB 61. The roll call showed unanimous support from members present, with Senator Wilson briefly explaining his yes vote and joking that the sponsor should ask for it in the future. The chair congratulated the sponsor on getting his first bill through committee and said it would be heard again on the floor. The meeting ended with an announcement about Military Kids Day on Tuesday, February 25, and an invitation for families to contact the Senate clerk for details.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do not want our veterans using these hemp derivatives.
• I'm a veteran and a young adult.
• I'm a military veteran.
• . through the veteran VFW posts throughout Texas.
• We are a Texas-based, veteran-owned canna therapy company.

Bills: SB3 , SB810 , SB965 , SB1073 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB 3

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the ninth meeting of the 2026 session of the House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military
• We lift up our military and our veterans, and we thank you for all you do. In Jesus' name, amen.
• And for me and veterans on this operate.
• Cook has done to try to protect our veterans who need to get the benefits that they deserve and they've
• </c> named the number one school for veterans named the number one school for veterans in<00:10:27.080

Committee: House Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• Everybody Tab 7 Cs for SB 116 on veterans by Senator Burgess.
• the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs.
• I am a retired Air Force veteran from the Vietnam Air.
• And I know that Florida is such a heavily populated veteran state.
• of Veterans Affairs.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of the, you know, three years ago the version I filed got after funding veterans' homes and veterans
• A lot of the, you know, three years ago the version I filed got after funding veterans' homes and veterans
• maintenance and operation of our veterans’ homes and our veterans’ cemeteries.
• Veterans Commission.
• As I heard you say how, which I love that it represents the veterans, I'm a veteran, but besides all

Committees: House Emerging Issues , House Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on several House bills related to transgender health care and sports participation, with Representative Thomas speaking in strong opposition. Thomas argued the bills were not supported by medical science, would criminalize doctors and parents following mainstream medical guidance, and were being driven by campaign politics rather than Missouri testimony or need. The committee adopted House Committee Substitutes and voted do pass on House Bills 2033, 1608, 1672, and 1854 by a vote of 9-4, and then voted do pass on House Bills 1663, 1607, and 1973 by the same 9-4 margin. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bills 2404 and 2172, which would bar political subdivisions from using deed restrictions to prevent former public school buildings from being sold or leased to charter schools and would give public entities a right of first refusal on unused school property. The sponsors and charter school supporters said the bills would help repurpose vacant buildings for educational use, while St. Louis Public Schools and AFT opposed them, arguing local school boards should control their property and that existing restrictions were lawful and sometimes necessary. Kansas City Public Schools testified that the issue was less pressing there and that it already had a robust repurposing process, though charter advocates described difficulty obtaining former school facilities. No vote was taken in the hearing. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2989, a major proposal to legalize and regulate video lottery terminals. Representative Hardwick said the bill would eliminate gray machines, create a licensed and taxed system for bars, VFWs, and similar establishments, and direct revenue to education, veterans, and enforcement. Supporters said the bill would clarify the law and provide a regulated alternative to existing unlicensed gaming, while opponents argued it was unconstitutional, would expand gambling, and should instead focus on enforcement against illegal machines. Members questioned details such as age verification, surveillance retention, municipal opt-in/opt-out timing, the definition of amusement devices, the felony penalty, and the need for a new gaming bureau; Hardwick said he was open to changes in a committee substitute. The hearing ended without a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:19.840><c> who</c> long deployments, and by veterans who long deployments, and by veterans
• </c> parking for disabled veterans. parking for disabled veterans.
• . veterans. veterans.
• </c> veterans, and their families deserve. veterans, and their families deserve.
• </c> this provides that spouses of veterans this provides that spouses of veterans or<00:38:29.880><c

Transcript Highlights:

• There is... if a veteran could take an ATV and not think about taking their life, this is worth it.
• The veterans, obviously, it's not a large group of people that are in that group, so it's not going to
• The bill is supported by the Minnesota chapter of Disabled Veterans of America.
• You are, in fact, an Army veteran, correct? Who, uh, 19 Delta 11 Bravo? Perfect. Perfect. So, Mr.
• correct who uh 19 Delta 11 veteran correct who uh 19 Delta 11 Bravo<00:02:44.319><c> perfect</c><00:

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, we've lost thousands of veteran drivers who are retiring.
• Also, we've lost thousands of veteran drivers who are retiring.
• I'm also a commissioner with the Louisiana Department of Veteran Affairs, and I am a Marine Corps veteran
• Veterans know what it means to stay...
• Elena Branzara: For many veterans, service does not end when a veteran comes home.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first took up HB 987, which would move the Louisiana Geological Survey under the LSU Energy Institute to streamline energy-related programs. The author and members described it as an efficiency measure, and the committee reported the bill favorably without objection. Members then heard HB 513 on name, image, and likeness rules for intercollegiate and interscholastic athletes. The bill was presented as a product of a task force and was supported by the Attorney General’s office, coaches, and a student athlete, who emphasized the need for guardrails, education, and protections against exploitation by agents or third parties. Questions focused on high school enforcement, parental consent, and what students may legally do; the committee ultimately reported the bill favorably. The committee also considered HCR 26, which asks BESE to incorporate the science of human growth and development, including prenatal development, into science or health standards and to provide instructional materials. Supporters said it would improve science education and show fetal development more clearly, while opponents raised concerns about medical accuracy, political influence, and lack of safeguards. An amendment requiring parental consent for instruction was offered but failed on a roll call vote, and the resolution was then reported favorably. Later, the committee reported HB 608 favorably as amended to protect confidentiality of documents tied to intercollegiate athletics revenue-sharing, while preserving public disclosure of overall institutional spending. It also advanced HB 380, creating a pilot program to expand CDL workforce training through a community college and school partnership, and HB 392, which would require suicide hotline information on school websites, student ID cards, and, through amendment, visible signs in schools. The committee then reported HB 476 as amended, requiring Safe Haven law flyers in school restrooms, and began discussion of HB 682 to authorize veterans as school resource officers, with amendments addressing qualifications and training.

Transcript Highlights:

• He's a Marine veteran.
• I'm a disabled Army veteran retiree and the commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for California.
• I'm a disabled Army veteran retiree and the commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for California.
• On average, more than 21 veterans die by suicide every day here in America.
• The motion is due pass to the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

Committee: House Health

Transcript Highlights:

• that reduce veterans homelessness.
• We've looked at the statistics from the Veterans Affairs office here and we see the homeless veterans
• The impact that would be statewide for veterans who give so much.
• And you know what, Representative Gantt also had a veterans bill.
• I think there's so many things we could do for veterans and we need to be doing for our veterans.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas is home to over 1 million veterans.
• . veterans in 2009 and later expanded it to include surviving spouses.
• We are very appreciative of the opportunity to serve our veterans, the many veterans that live in our
• for the Disabled Veterans exemption program.
• face similar strains, especially those with growing veteran populations.

Bills: HB511 , HB972 , HB 1035 , HB2481 , HB2723 , HB2742 , HB2894 , HB2962 , HB3077 , HB3093 , HB3307 , HB3684 , HJR67 , HJR72

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: ad valorem taxation, caregiver exemption, Medicaid, long-term services, tax relief, assisted living, housing support, property tax exemption, caregiver support, residence homestead, tax exemption, unpaid caregiver, state tax code, property tax, caregiver, waiting list, intellectual disability, developmental disability, ad valorem tax, family support

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I voted no on a veterans appropriation bill the other day.
• I have two daughters that are veterans.
• of veterans have never gotten help.
• have veterans that are homeless, this is helping. ...veterans, or if we have veterans that are homeless
• I know in the bipartisan Veterans Caucus we discuss a lot of things that are good for veterans, and unfortunately

Transcript Highlights:

• . ...to establish a veteran civil service preference for public employment.
• So under state law in order to receive veterans benefits, it's...
• We have Jerry Fuzik from the Veterans Legislative Coalition.
• For the record, I'm Jerry Fudrick, Chairman of the Veterans Legislative Coalition.
• The Veterans Legislative Coalition most strongly supports and endorses this bill.

Summary: The Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee met on January 16, 2026, and took executive action on four measures before moving to public hearings on two bills. The committee held Senate Bill 5842 for further discussion, then considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406, Senate Bill 5825, Senate Bill 5863, and Senate Bill 5840. SCR 8406 would reestablish the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health and was advanced unanimously to the Rules Committee. SB 5825, which authorizes the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts, grants, and endowments, was amended with a technical change and then advanced. SB 5863, extending the moratorium on destruction of Lakeland Village records and addressing access to certain historical records, also advanced without opposition. SB 5840, which changes campaign finance expenditure reporting schedules, was amended to adjust the implementation date to January 1, 2028 and then advanced after the committee waived the amendment publishing rule due to the short session timeline. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5827, sponsored by Senator Gildon, which would allow veterans to use a pre-discharge certification to claim civil service preference before receiving a DD-214. Staff explained the bill and clarified that the underlying qualifying discharge categories would remain unchanged. Senator Gildon said the bill was prompted by a constituent who could not access preference points before leaving active duty, and the Veterans Legislative Coalition testified in strong support. The hearing record noted 40 people signed in in favor and two opposed. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 5968, sponsored by Senator Krishna Dawson, which would codify and expand the governor’s executive order on permitting and licensing timelines, require agencies to publish processing deadlines, phase in coverage of all credentials by 2030, and authorize fee refunds if deadlines are missed. The sponsor and staff said the bill is intended to improve predictability, accountability, and customer service, while agency flexibility would remain through OIRA. Support testimony came from the governor’s office, cosmetology, labor, construction trades, ports, business, and the Department of Health, all emphasizing delays’ impacts on jobs, projects, and access to care. The Department of Health reported substantial recent reductions in licensing times and said it lacked authority to issue refunds without the bill. The hearing closed with 26 people signed in, including supporters and opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was, and by the way, our veterans, it isn't about doing affecting our veterans negatively in any way
• And by the way, our veterans, this isn't about affecting our veterans in any way whatsoever, for anyone
• Which focuses on the Disabled Veteran Assistance Payments Program.
• No, I mean, he's got veterans, okay, in Hood County.
• have changed what it means to be 100% disabled as a veteran...

Bills: SB 1 , SB1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:33:26.240><c> establishing</c> act relating to veterans establishing act relating to veterans
• And after a wonderful Veterans Home.
• </c> consolidated voice on veterans issues. consolidated voice on veterans issues.
• But the more Veterans Memorial.
• Veterans Memorial individualized Veterans Memorial individualized 58,000<00:48:26.480><c> people,</c>

Transcript Highlights:

• It saves veterans $60 a year, every year that they renew their card, which keeps some of those veterans
• And I just want to say again, thank you to her on behalf of a grateful veteran and veterans around the
• I want to ensure that we continue to push towards advocacy for veterans.
• Veteran survivor benefits provided by the U.S.
• Department of Veterans Affairs help support the surviving spouse or child of a veteran who has died during

Transcript Highlights:

• The veterans opportunity pilot, did that never just never got off the ground?
• Program within our Department of Veterans Affairs that pays minimum wage.
• My name is Mary Greene, and I am the fiscal manager of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• So we have a pharmacy that takes care of our veteran patients in the health care center.
• So we're really happy to report that we're able to take care of a lot of veterans.

Summary: The Finance Advisory Committee approved the minutes of its April 2 meeting and then took up three budget transfers. The first, FAC 2026-6 for the Office of the State Treasurer, moved $75,000 from personal services to other expenses to pay for consultant help applying for federal energy credits under the Inflation Reduction Act’s direct pay provisions. Treasurer’s office staff said the agency had one open position and several others pending posting, and members discussed how the transfer related to vacant positions and the committee’s budget display. The second item, FAC 2026-7 for the Office of the State Controller, transferred $700,000 from personal services to other expenses to cover higher Core-CT software maintenance and licensing costs. Comptroller staff said the office had 21 open positions, most in Core-CT, and explained that the system, implemented in 2003, receives regular quarterly and monthly updates from Oracle. Members also discussed how the system serves payroll, HR, purchasing, accounting, and related functions for many state agencies, including UConn and the Board of Regents. The final item, FAC 2026-8 for the Department of Veterans Affairs, transferred $700,000 from personal services, the veterans opportunity pilot, and headstones accounts to other expenses for year-end operational needs. Commissioner Ron Welch said most vacancies were in the skilled nursing facility, food service, and physical plant, with staffing challenges especially for nurses and aides. He also explained that the veterans opportunity pilot never fully launched, that the Institutional General Welfare Fund has been depleted and the agency now relies more on general fund support, and that the department faces rising food, utility, and pharmaceutical costs, including a federal VA reimbursement change that will leave the state responsible for medication costs by 2027. All three transfers were approved, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's called VETS, Veterans Exploring Truth. Treatment Solutions.
• with the Department of Veterans Affairs, is also mentioned.
• Affairs. safety and Veterans Affairs.
• Public Safety and Veterans Affairs.
• counties for the Subcommittee on Defense and Veterans Affairs.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a Vietnam veteran.
• I'm Bobby McDonald, Vietnam veteran, for the Vietnam Veterans of Orange County and also for the Buffalo
• Soldiers and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
• We have many Korean veterans, but we also have, of course, Vietnam veterans, and they say, when are you
• I have one grandfather who was a Vietnam veteran and another grandfather who was a World War II veteran

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of natural resources and related bills, with several measures taken up as the committee reached quorum and many others moving on consent or with due-pass recommendations. Early items included AB 80 on carpet recycling, AB 452 creating a local process for state surf reserves, and AB 823 restricting microplastics in personal care and cleaning products. AB 80 drew broad support from recycling, labor, and environmental groups and was described as a follow-up to earlier carpet recycling reforms. AB 452 was backed by surf, tourism, environmental, and local government interests as a voluntary, community-driven way to recognize and protect surf breaks. AB 823 generated the most extensive debate, with supporters citing public health and environmental harms from microplastics and opponents warning the bill’s language could sweep in products such as sunscreens, cosmetics, and fragrance-encapsulation materials; the committee discussed possible ambiguity and EU comparisons before voting the bill out on a due-pass-as-amended basis to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. The committee also advanced AB 1046, which would create a narrow exemption from SB 1383 organic-waste requirements for certain crop preparers and tree nut processors that do not send organic waste to landfills. Agricultural witnesses said the bill would clarify that their operations already reuse byproducts and should not face duplicative reporting, and the measure passed with support from agricultural and rural county representatives. AB 252, the “Stop Laying Off Firefighters Act,” proposed year-round Cal Fire staffing; the author and Cal Fire supporters argued that wildfire conditions are now year-round and that maintaining trained crews would improve response and prevention, and the bill was sent to Appropriations. AB 571, a targeted CEQA exemption for the Southern California Veterans Cemetery in Anaheim, drew strong bipartisan and veterans’ support and also passed out. Later, the committee approved AB 1455, which would authorize emergency rulemaking and streamline future updates for ember-resistant building regulations after recent wildfire emergencies, and AB 687, which would let public agencies use forest-practice rules and timber-harvest plans for certain publicly funded fuel-reduction projects; AB 687 drew some opposition over scope and enforceability concerns but was still advanced. The committee also moved AB 652, allowing alternate members on the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District board to prevent quorum problems, and AB 317, a first-time homebuyer housing bill that would exempt certain small, lower-cost homes from CEQA and defer some property taxes; AB 317 prompted discussion about guardrails to avoid unintended use on larger subdivisions. Finally, AB 900, requiring the Natural Resources Agency to develop a stewardship plan for 30-by-30 lands, was heard with broad support from land trusts and conservation groups and advanced on a due-pass recommendation, and AB 738, a wildfire-rebuild bill easing solar requirements for certain disaster survivors, was introduced and discussed with questions about its narrow scope and the number of homes affected.

Transcript Highlights:

• Olson, I believe is a widow of a veteran. Okay. And Mr. Chair, Rep.
• are eligible for the exemption, shall be treated as if owned only by the veteran.
• I wanted to make sure that we're focusing on service-connected veterans, yes, right?
• We are now receiving applications for those veterans with 100% service disability.
• I'm thrilled that we're giving more to our veterans. I think it's fantastic.

Bills: HB2120 , HB2173 , HB2261 , HB2786 , HB2792

Committees: House Ways & Means , House House Ways & Means Committee of Reference

Keywords: property tax exemption, disability, veterans, widows, income limits, Arizona Revised Statutes, property tax, electronic communication, tax assessment, tax correction, real estate, agriculture, tax classification, land use, nonprofit organizations, transaction privilege tax, tax exemption, textbook rental, education, business leasing