Transcript Highlights:

• There's not a check on. Okay.
• And so this bill simply says we're creating a joint committee with our own actuary so that should we
• So because this is a joint committee with an actuary, it will serve kind of of the own auditor because
• And so there's there's actually multiple mechanisms by which should we is this new joint committee find
• Chairman and so like other joint committees that usage we would review. We do utilization review.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• schedule, as it depends on the number of bills and amendments referred to this subcommittee by the Joint
• Please remember to look and check the web, as meetings will be posted there.
• Personnel Subcommittee will discuss the personnel sections, and the appropriations will be taken up in Joint
• Please remember to look and check the web, as meetings will be posted there.
• Personnel Subcommittee will discuss the personnel sections, and the appropriations will be taken up in Joint

Summary: The Special Language subcommittee met with a quorum and reviewed several governor’s letters containing special language for appropriations bills. Members heard housekeeping about the subcommittee’s call-based schedule and its role in reviewing only special language, not appropriations or personnel items. The committee then considered amendments affecting the Department of Finance and Administration, Department of Correction, Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, Department of Public Safety, shared administrative services, Commerce/Workforce Services, and Environment and Quality. Key items included language directing DFA to limit administrative costs for pregnancy help organizations to 25% of awards; removing conflicting language so county jail reimbursement funds can only receive transfers in, not out; updating code to assign child nutrition responsibilities to the Department of Agriculture; implementing Act 909 of 2025 changes for school district EBD employer contributions and teacher equalization funds; and allowing the state CFO to waive a 3% central services fee for agricultural promotion boards to keep more funds in the industry. Members also discussed using Camp Robinson facility revenues for maintenance, allowing shared services billing under the Arkansas Forward Initiative, designating Arkansas Rehabilitation Services as the state unit for vocational rehab grants, and capping used tire program reimbursement rates at $2.31 starting July 1, 2026. There was brief discussion on the agriculture fee waiver, with questions about its purpose, duration, and possible precedent; agency officials said it was a discretionary, point-in-time waiver meant to help the farm sector during a crisis. Another question addressed reporting on crisis pregnancy center grants, with DFA noting no grant funds had yet been distributed this fiscal year. Each amendment was adopted by voice vote, item 9 was skipped because it was superseded by item 10, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 448, Representative Hampton, an act relating to background checks.
• House Bill 490, to background checks.
• House Joint Resolution 25 is a joint resolution declaring Kentucky a food is medicine state and directing
• Is there any Joint Resolution 25.
• House joint resolution 25 is adopted. House joint resolution 25 is adopted.

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 05:09 Calendar/2nd Readings 05:59 Report of Committees 07:10 Orders of the Day 08:11 HJR 25 08:26 HB 66 11:58 HB 305 16:20 HB 432 22:44 HB 313 27:29 HB 44 30:26 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 34:30 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 42:07 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 43:38 ConC/Rules Report 47:26 Floor Amendments 48:25 Adjournment 48:54, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 94 members present. The chamber excused absent members, suspended rules to allow co-sponsorship and vote modifications, and received notice that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 136 and 183 and requested concurrence. The journal was approved, and several bills were reported for second reading, including measures on vehicle wheels, proactive post-secondary admission, choking prevention in schools, state parks, background checks, public post-secondary employment, tuition waivers, veterans benefits, and a resolution urging a federal accreditation pathway for veterans-benefits assistance companies. Committee reports advanced a number of bills, including measures on privacy protection, theft by deception, social work, licensed occupations, members of the bar, and alternative high school diplomas. The House then adopted House Joint Resolution 25, which declares Kentucky a “food is medicine” state and directs agencies to coordinate pilot studies and partnerships around nutrition, public health, and Kentucky-grown products; the resolution passed 95-0. The chamber also passed House Bill 66, as amended, on video teleconference meetings for agencies and boards. The bill requires posting board member contact information, permits video-only meetings for informational or routine matters, requires a physical quorum for final actions on law, regulation, taxation, and large grants, and allows agencies to set their own video-meeting procedures; it passed 95-0 after adoption of a committee substitute, floor amendment, and title amendment. House Bill 305, the grand jury service bill renamed the Crystal Rogers Act, was amended by committee substitute and floor amendment after a successful motion to suspend the rules for a technical correction. The bill strengthens grand jury confidentiality rules, prohibits knowing recording or disclosure by those present, and extends the statute of limitations for violations; supporters cited the Crystal Rogers case as the reason for closing a gap in the law. It passed 93-0. House Bill 432 on local purchasing also passed, 82-7, after committee substitute changes clarified the 75% threshold for used vehicles and equipment and updated rules for noncompetitive purchasing and local government flexibility. The House then passed House Bill 313, reducing the notice period for city utility franchise agreements from 18 months to 6 months, by a vote of 93-0, and House Bill 44, which creates a robotics program trust fund and grant program for grades 7-12 to support STEM and workforce training, by a vote of 91-0. The session concluded with motions and announcements, including the bringing up of House Resolution 60 from committee and a resolution recognizing February 11, 2026 as Recovery Advocacy Day in Kentucky, with remarks on overdose deaths, recovery efforts, and the importance of prevention and services. Members also announced upcoming receptions and meetings, and one bill, House Bill 372, was withdrawn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Joint resolution number 64 by Senator Joint resolution number 64 by Senator Stewart<00:15:25.360>
• Senate Joint Resolution Number 66 by Senate Joint Resolution Number 66 by Senators<00:18:08.400> Jones
• application<00:42:36.960> process creates a a joint application process creates a a joint
• you would probably want them checking you would probably want them checking for<00:52:33.599>
• been checked." been checked." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 29 members present. The chamber adopted routine motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with reading the prior journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be taken up throughout the day. The Committee on Banking and Insurance reported Senate Bill 269 favorably with a substitute, and the bill was placed on the calendar for the next legislative day. The Senate also welcomed several guest groups in the gallery, including homeschool families, Blount County leaders, and the Alabama Iron and Steel Council. A series of resolutions were introduced and adopted immediately. Senator Stewart’s Joint Resolution 64 honored Joanne Blackman Bland, recognizing her role as a young freedom fighter on Bloody Sunday and later work in voting rights and economic development. The Senate also adopted Joint Resolution 65 congratulating Maplesville High School on its 2025 Class 1A state football championship and Joint Resolution 66 honoring the long-standing partnership between Quebec and Alabama. The Senate then took up local legislation and several calendar bills. Senate Bill 319 for Shelby County, House Bill 460 and House Bill 459 for Henry County, and House Bill 467 regarding the city of Tuscumbia were all advanced and passed, with certification motions adopted where required. The Rules Committee reported Senate Resolution 67, setting the special order calendar, which the Senate adopted. The special order calendar included bills on corrections, services evaluation, retirement benefits, the Growing Alabama Act, health, vessels, homestead exemption, the National Guard, the state port, early childhood education, tourism investment, pardons and paroles, and health-related matters. Under the special order calendar, the Senate passed House Bill 274 on Department of Corrections unmanned aircraft systems, Senate Bill 317 creating the Commission on the Evaluation of Services, House Bill 159 cleaning up retirement provisions for certain circuit clerks, Senate Bill 289 revising the Growing Alabama Act, and House Bill 182 requiring military education to count toward EMS licensure. The chamber also considered House Bill 254 on vessel inspections, with discussion focused on limiting law enforcement stops and boarding of vessels for safety or marine sanitation inspections absent another reason; the transcript cuts off before final disposition of that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before the committee now are Senate Bill 1410, Senate Bill 1717, and Senate Joint Resolution 63.
• Is there anyone else wishing to testify on, for or against Senate Joint Resolution 63, S.J.R. 63?
• Last time I checked, the rainy day fund hadn't stopped the rain at all in Harris County. So yes.
• You're going to have a code check.
• , checking to make sure, as you said, the equipment is in functioning condition.

Bills: SB801, SB1200, SB1410, SB1717, SB1862, SB1863, SB2216, SB2681, SB506, SB2626, SJR63

Keywords: SB 801, birth certificate, birth record, certified copy, homeless, homelessness, unhoused, vital records, state registrar, local registrar, county clerk, fee waiver, identity documents, ID access, housing insecurity, shelter, transitional housing, Health and Safety Code, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard testimony on several bills, with most measures left pending after public testimony closed. SB 801, by Sen. Menéndez, would require DSHS and local clerks to issue birth certificates at no cost to people experiencing homelessness. The author and Maria Benavides of SA Youth said the fee and mailing requirements are major barriers to obtaining ID, housing, and work, and Benavides described clients who were able to secure housing and employment after getting birth records and IDs through her program. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard a set of bills related to the Gulf of Mexico/Gulf of America naming issue: SB 1410 would require state agencies to use “Gulf of Mexico” in official documents, SB 1717 would conform state law to the federal renaming to “Gulf of America,” and SJR 63 would amend the Texas Constitution to match that change. Support testimony for the latter two emphasized alignment with federal action and the use of different geographic names by different countries. All three measures were left pending. Members then heard SB 1200, which would require plaintiffs suing defense contractors to disclose in discovery whether they are receiving litigation funding from adversarial nations such as China, Russia, or Cuba. The author and Texans for Lawsuit Reform said the bill targets third-party litigation funding and foreign influence on lawsuits, especially those affecting defense contractors; the committee substitute narrowed the definition of defense contractor and expanded applicability to actions involving defense contractors’ activities. SB 2626, which requires continuing medical education on pregnancy-related emergencies for OB-GYN physicians and nurses, drew support from witnesses who said it would reduce confusion about Texas abortion law and improve care in emergencies. SB 506, SB 2681, SB 1862, SB 1863, and SB 2216 all focused on elections, including ballot language standards, voter registration challenges, interstate voter-roll cleanup, procedural audits, and election equipment security; testimony split between supporters who said the bills improve transparency and integrity and opponents who warned of vague standards, added costs, and possible voter disenfranchisement. Each of those bills was left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• In virtual, Chair Daniel Donahue, the House co-chair of the Joint Cannabis Policy Committee.
• Good morning, esteemed members of the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy.
• Good morning, esteemed members of the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy.
• Good afternoon, members of the Joint Committee.
• We deal with fees, background checks, trainings, reports.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy held its first hearing of the 194th session to take public testimony on 21 cannabis-related bills. Chairs Donahue and Gómez outlined hearing procedures and noted that written testimony would also be accepted. Much of the hearing focused on the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), with Senator Mike Moore urging support for S. 90 to create an inspector general unit within the CCC. He argued the commission has suffered from dysfunction, workplace harassment allegations, delayed governance reforms, missed fee collections, and high legal costs, and said stronger legislative oversight is needed. Committee members largely agreed the CCC needs reform, though some expressed hope that new leadership would improve operations. A major theme was market structure and business viability. Representative Tyler testified for H. 183 to raise adult-use purchase limits from one ounce to two ounces, saying the change would reduce confusion and help retailers compete with neighboring states. Senator Payano supported S. 100, which would require a study of cannabis supply and demand to guide cultivation licensing, warning that oversupply is driving down prices and threatening cultivators. The Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition, represented by Ryan Dominguez, backed a package of bills aimed at increasing revenue, reducing regulatory burdens, attracting investment, and stabilizing the market, including higher purchase limits, simpler badge and testing rules, and a phased increase in the retail license cap. Attorneys Kevin Conroy and Mike Ross also supported raising the cap, arguing that the industry lacks capital and that more investment and exit opportunities are needed for provisional and distressed licensees. The most contentious issue was whether to raise the retail license cap from three to six. Supporters, including several business owners and industry advocates such as Peyton Shubrick, Tito Jackson, Armani White, Sean Burt, and others, said the current cap traps owners in declining businesses, prevents exits, and limits access to capital. They argued that many social equity and economic empowerment operators are struggling, that oversupply has pushed prices down, and that allowing more ownership could help businesses scale or sell. Opponents, including Senator Liz Miranda and several social equity operators, warned that lifting the cap now would let larger operators and multi-state companies dominate the market and harm equity-owned businesses. Miranda’s S. 88 would instead strengthen enforcement of ownership limits through audits, whistleblower protections, an anonymous tip line, and greater transparency. Another major topic was worker and consumer safety: Laura Bruno, Danny Carson, Al Vega, and others supported H. 194 after the death of Lorna McMurray, arguing for a CCC workplace and consumer safety department, better ventilation and PPE standards, stronger testing oversight, and retaliation protections for workers. The hearing ended without votes, with members thanking testifiers and indicating the committee would continue reviewing the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:18:34.120> address guest for the president's joint address guest for the president's joint
• Senate Joint Resolution 11, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter
• the joint resolution shall be red the joint resolution shall be debatable<00:19:26.559> for<00
• chairman of the board of the um joint chairman of the board of the um joint economic<03:05:45.520
• supposed to do when we had the joint supposed to do when we had the joint session<03:25:21.680><

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, March 6, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We heard from the Joint Fiscal Office and also Legislative Council. The committee vote was 5-0.
• We heard from the Joint Fiscal Office and also Legislative Council. The committee vote was 5-0.
• We took testimony from the Joint Fiscal Office and we voted 7-0.
• <00:13:12.160> fiscal testimony from um the joint fiscal testimony from um the joint fiscal
• Uh, and my second announcement is check.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:38.720> and assurance of that through a checks and assurance of that through a checks
• We can have an checks and balance.
• interim and and the committee the joint interim and and the committee the joint committee<01:40:
• <01:40:50.719> and heard today it it'll be a check and heard today it it'll be a check and
• hand counting is just a double check. hand counting is just a double check. and<01:43:01.280>

Bills: HB0022, HB0052, HB0076

Keywords: municipal officers, recall election, petition requirements, local governance, voter participation, elections, hand counting, recounts, vote auditing, Wyoming legislature, electoral process, annexation, landowner rights, municipal law, city planning, property, local government, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate will recess to meet in joint convention.
• The Senate is in recess for the purpose of joint convention with the House.
• convention. will recess to meet in joint convention will recess to meet in joint convention the<00:11
• chamber immediately following the joint chamber immediately following the joint convention<00:11
• Here we feel the passions and desires of men, though checked by the rod of slavery.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But instead, he is barely able to stretch his monthly check for just the basics.
• At present, my rent is only $350 less than my monthly SSDI check.
• As we said, our wait list last month—I checked ours—was 9,743 households.
• Good afternoon, Chair Jalen, Chair Stanley, and members of the Joint Committee.
• We're also required by these regulations to do 'I'm okay' checks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several aging-related bills, with most speakers focusing on housing stability, home-based services, and care transitions. Representative Badger and a commissioner testified in support of H4039, which would create a universal breakfast and lunch program at senior centers funded through a new Senior Breakfast and Lunch Fund, arguing it would reduce food insecurity and social isolation among older adults. Representative Lipper-Garabedian and multiple providers then supported H780/S495, the hospital-to-home partnership program, describing how embedded aging-services liaisons help older patients transition safely from hospitals to home, reduce readmissions, and avoid nursing facility placement; witnesses from Mystic Valley Elder Services and Mass Aging Access cited pilot results, including hundreds of patients served and examples of substantial cost savings and successful discharge planning. The committee also took testimony on S478, which would require continuing care retirement communities to disclose entrance-fee refund policies more clearly at enrollment. Senator Lovely and LeadingAge Massachusetts said the bill would improve transparency for residents and families, while a consumer witness said her family experienced delays and confusion in getting a refund after her mother left a CCRC. Members noted the issue is also being examined by a special commission on CCRCs. A large portion of the hearing focused on S475, a statewide bridge subsidy program for older adults facing housing instability. Advocates from the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, Western Massachusetts, Somerville, Northampton, East Hampton, Old Colony Elder Services, and Somerville’s Office of Housing Stability described rising senior homelessness, long waitlists for subsidized housing, and cases where short-term rental assistance kept older adults housed while they waited for permanent housing. Somerville witnesses said the pilot program helped nine households remain housed and that some participants have since moved into permanent housing. Members asked about wait times, program design, and how to prioritize applicants; witnesses emphasized flexibility, emergency risk, and the need for a statewide expansion. The hearing also included testimony on S465, an ALS bill that would expand home care access regardless of age and bar the use of quality-adjusted life-year metrics in coverage decisions, with the sponsor and ALS Association arguing the measure would reduce discriminatory treatment and better center patient care. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee.
• No financial thresholds or income requirements, few parameters, few checks and balances.
• So we have a check and balance on that. So yes, my understanding is there's no raise in that.
• There was a lot of discussion about this today in joint budget.
• There was a lot of discussion about this today in joint budget.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Essentially, what it does is codify what current federal law is with regard to what is a joint employer
• Or, you know, maybe they didn't do a good background check, and this individual has a history of stealing
• We're just defining what is and is not a joint employer relationship.
• We're just defining what is and is not a joint employer relationship. Nothing outside that context.
• I would have to double check on that. But again, I know.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Airbus Joint from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• <00:14:36.079> and<00:14:36.240> the joint session at 10:00 a.m. and the joint session
• people don't understand that that check people don't understand that that check and<01:56:42.880
• , Has to do with background checks, Has to do with background checks, paid<02:47:38.240> leave
• may obtain background check information. may obtain background check information.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My check 123 my check 123. General government transportation appropriation will come to order.
• The Air Force provides a joint use agreement on a regular basis that was not in peril as a part of the
• Joint seal is the sealant between the concrete slabs, and then there's spall repair, maybe the...
• March and April, we can do some of the temperature-dependent projects, mostly the markings and the joint
• There are 91,000 linear feet of joint seal, 7,000 square yards of panel replacement, and about 400 cubic

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is just simply allowing a check to be accepted.
• When you sent your bond, your check for your filing?
• , this is cases where you have joint custody.
• You know, you get joint custody, you... ...something that's not needed.
• Do you mind if I check that part of the? Yeah, we can check that part. That's fine. Thank you.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Check with him for the location and the time. We've got some guests in the gallery as well.
• I don't know what that means, but go check it out. Get your red plates. I don't have one.
• House Joint Resolution 6, introduced by Representatives Stefani Lord (member_13875), John Block (member
• _14069), and Mark Duncan (member_13964), is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to Article 20 of
• House Joint Resolution 7, introduced by Representatives Alan T.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> The Speaker has signed Senate Joint Resolution 25.
• We submitted all the background checks.
• Yes, much of that checking and balancing Yes, much of that checking and balancing happens through institutions
• Shebo, please read the title to House Joint Resolution 1032.
• House Joint Resolution 1032, concerning the appointment of a joint committee to notify the Governor that

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is our Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.
• DHS doesn't check that, and they don't check it themselves.
• Quickly, Chair Cahill, esteemed members of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
• Good afternoon, Chair Cahill and members of the Joint Committee. My name is Jennifer Bertrand.
• Thank you, Chair Cahill and members of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of public safety bills, with strong support from law enforcement, advocates, and other stakeholders. Several measures focused on police and correctional officer wellness and protections, including bills on critical incident leave and post-incident support for officers, a bill to improve POST Commission representation, and a bill to protect correctional officers from assaults and exposure to synthetic drugs like K2. Witnesses described traumatic incidents, rising assaults in prisons, staffing shortages, and the need for confidentiality in peer-support debriefings. Committee members asked questions about assault classifications, K2 smuggling, tablet-related contraband, and whether counseling records would remain confidential. No votes were taken during the hearing. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to canine-related bills. Testimony supported creating a fund for retired police dogs and expanding emergency care training for working dogs injured in the line of duty. Speakers described police dogs as partners who locate suspects, missing persons, drugs, and weapons, and said retirement and medical costs are currently borne by handlers or nonprofits. The committee also heard testimony in favor of a purple alert system for missing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with advocates citing wandering risks, drowning dangers, and data from other states showing faster recovery times. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to expand the definition of sexual assault by an officer to cover situations beyond formal custody, including investigations and other encounters where police have coercive power. Advocates for sex workers and anti-trafficking organizations said the change would close a loophole, protect vulnerable people, and address documented abuses. In addition, testimony was taken on a bill to protect Massachusetts residents from federal surveillance through fusion centers, with critics calling for stronger oversight of BRIC and related databases. Representative Jeff Turco also testified on bills to change POST Commission membership, arguing for more law enforcement representation.

Transcript Highlights:

• So let's talk about jointness with regard to Lieutenant General King.
• Finally, the Joint Force is fundamentally about people.
• General Kane, if confirmed, you will lead the joint force at a momentous time.
• Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for political and personal reasons.
• What I trust is that the joint staff and the joint chiefs are looking carefully and thoughtfully considering

Keywords: national security, military readiness, Kane nomination, defense budget, China threats, Russia, collaboration, modernization

Summary: The meeting centered on the nomination of retired Lieutenant General Dan Kane for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delving into various security concerns and the strategic environment facing the U.S. today. Testimonies highlighted the growing threats from adversaries such as China and Russia, with discussions around the necessity of maintaining and modernizing military capabilities to address these challenges. The need for agility in military operations and enhancing collaboration among various defense agencies was underscored. Further, concerns were raised regarding the defense budget and the importance of a strong national defense strategy were prevalent throughout the discussions. The committee members collectively emphasized the need for superior readiness and modernization to keep pace with global threats.