Transcript Highlights:

• For those reasons, we respectfully oppose Senate Bill 6346 and look forward to working with lawmakers
• When lawmakers talk about tightening budgets, what that means in my community is fewer behavioral health
• When lawmakers talk about tightening budgets, what that has meant in my community is fewer behavioral
• They've said the purpose of SJR 8206 is to give courts the power to force lawmakers' hands.
• I respectfully encourage lawmakers to consider adjustments that ensure enforcement is fair and targeted

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on February 6, 2026, and first voted to suspend the five-day notice rule for all bills on the agenda. Senators Braun and Gildon objected, arguing the bill needed more public review and that the fiscal note had only just been released, but a roll call vote passed 15-9 and the committee proceeded to Senate Bill 6346. Staff briefed SB 6346 as a proposal to create a 9.9% income tax on Washington taxable income above a $1 million per-household standard deduction, with a $50,000 charitable deduction, apportionment rules for nonresidents and certain professions, quarterly estimated payments, and credits for capital gains tax and certain business taxes. Staff said the tax would begin in 2029 and eventually raise about $3.5 billion annually from roughly 30,000 taxpayers. The bill also would expand the Working Families Tax Credit, create a sales tax exemption for grooming and hygiene products, increase the small business B&O tax credit and filing threshold, and end the B&O surcharge on high-grossing businesses one year early. Members questioned the bill’s constitutionality, its exemption from referendum, treatment of student athletes, natural-resource industries, and whether real estate gains would be captured. Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including labor groups, educators, health care advocates, counties, child care workers, and some business owners and high-income individuals, said the bill would make the tax code more progressive and provide stable funding for health care, education, child care, public defense, and other services, while expanding the Working Families Tax Credit. Opponents, including many small business, construction, housing, and taxpayer advocates, argued the measure would function as a tax on pass-through businesses and retained earnings, harm housing production and investment, encourage wealthy residents and businesses to leave the state, and violate the state constitution or the will of voters. No final action on SB 6346 was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We offer our members as a resource to lawmakers as you craft this proposal that could have significant
• We offer our members as a resource to lawmakers as you craft this proposal that could have significant
• We offer our members as a resource to lawmakers as you craft this proposal that could have significant
• We offer our members as a resource to lawmakers as you craft this proposal that could have significant
• We offer our members as a resource to lawmakers as you craft this proposal that could have significant

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• we're passing sure that these bills that we're passing sure that these bills that we're passing as lawmakers
• of this state that we're as lawmakers of this state that we're as lawmakers of this state that we're
• audience you know to me is totally audience you know to me is totally beyond what we should be as lawmakers
• beyond what we should be as lawmakers beyond what we should be as lawmakers upholding because the citizens

Transcript Highlights:

• We gather in this chamber knowing the work of lawmaking is not merely civic; it is sacred.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is my right and obligation to engage the lawmaking process, from bill drafting to protesting the

Transcript Highlights:

• We make choices every day on this floor because we are lawmakers.

Bills: HB3057 , HB3130 , HB4113 , HB3310 , HB3314 , HB3985 , HB4486 , HB3040 , HB3407 , HB4343 , HB2981 , HB3764 , HB3765 , HB3767 , HB3982 , HB3321 , HB3322 , HB3323 , HB4126 , HB4130 , HB4170 , HB3345 , HB2941 , HB3062 , HB3244 , HB3298 , HB2977 , HB3304 , HB3299 , HB3297 , HB4260 , HB3906 , HB3648 , HB3319 , HB2933 , HB3544 , HB1322 , HB4104 , HB4105 , HB4106 , HB4107 , HB4108 , HB3974 , HB3134 , HB3055 , HB3115 , HB3471 , HB3497 , HB3500 , HB3505 , HB3755 , HB4202 , HB4226 , HB4236 , HB4139 , HB4144 , HB4422 , HB4423 , HB4317 , HB4321 , HB4322 , HB3176 , HB3239 , HB3263 , HB3673 , HB3794 , HB3796 , HB4265 , HB4266 , HB2123 , HB3048 , HB2445

Keywords: government reporting, information technology, child welfare, environmental policy, state agency compliance, gender transition, minors, health services, punitive damages, parental rights, health care providers, voter registration, voter eligibility, felony disenfranchisement, restoration of voting rights, formerly incarcerated, reentry, parole, probation, supervision

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm excited to spend the day getting a snapshot of a day at the Capitol and hear the voices of the lawmakers

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, electronic roll call showing 27 present, and approval of the previous day’s journal. Members then introduced guests, including Dr. Kelly Arari as Doctor of the Day, visitors from Arizona Western College and its health-care programs, a Tempe Leadership participant, a Flagstaff county attorney and city council member who were there to testify on a public safety bill about detox centers, and participants in the Doty London Excellence in Public Service class. The chamber also adopted a legislative proclamation honoring Dr. Daniel P. Korr for his decade of leadership as president of Arizona Western College, citing record enrollment, expanded transfer and dual-enrollment success, financial stability, and broader impact on rural higher education and workforce development. Senators noted ongoing efforts to address rural health-care shortages, including support for a future University of Arizona regional medical campus in Yuma. On the floor, the President announced a temporary committee appointment and referred SB 1176 from Natural Resources to Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency. The clerk then read a long list of bills on second reading, covering topics such as taxes, water, housing, education, public safety, health care, elections, labor, and appropriations, along with two Senate concurrent resolutions. No debate or votes on those measures occurred in this transcript. Committee meeting announcements were made for the following day, and the Senate adjourned until Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We call on our lawmakers to act with courage and resolve to ensure that every child in Texas, regardless

Keywords: special education, funding, equity, advocacy, Texas Legislature, SB568, HB2, disabilities

Summary: This was a press conference calling on the Texas Legislature to increase and reform funding for special education, with speakers arguing that the current system leaves a roughly $1.7 billion gap and forces districts to stretch general education dollars to cover mandated services. Sabrina Gonzalez Ocedo of The Arc of Texas opened by framing the issue as one of equity and self-determination for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and noted support for legislative efforts including Senate Bill 568 and House Bill 2. She also thanked a coalition of advocacy groups and legislators involved in special education funding work. Representative Steve Toth spoke in favor of investing surplus dollars in special education, citing high rates of functional illiteracy and dyslexia among prison populations and saying earlier intervention could change life outcomes. Amy Litzinger described how accommodations and assistive technology helped her succeed in school and urged continued investment so other students can access similar supports. Sarah Harden, a parent and disability advocate, shared her daughter’s positive experience in a well-supported district but warned that many Texas districts cannot provide comparable services because of funding shortages and that families are increasingly worried about cuts. Rachel Hull, a special education director, said well-resourced special education is transformational and outlined the need for individualized services, therapies, vocational training, and college readiness supports. Jean Mayer, a school trustee, said districts are struggling to meet state and federal requirements because funding does not match actual costs, pointing to staffing shortages and the need for parent engagement and professional development. The speakers repeatedly urged lawmakers to fully fund Senate Bill 568 and broader special education reforms this session; no votes were taken, as this was an advocacy event rather than a committee hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• But please remember that you are lawmakers on this committee, and you are supposed to uphold the laws
• So I truly hope that our lawmakers, when you look at these things, you look at the requirements for environmental
• But please remember that you are lawmakers on this committee, and you are supposed to uphold the laws
• c><01:15:18.120><c> that</c><01:15:18.239><c> you</c> For them, but please remember that you are lawmakers
• Is the Ala Wai Canal, so I truly hope that our lawmakers, when you look at these things, you look at

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. On HB 211 relating to stream maintenance, DLNR supported the intent but requested amendments to clarify that responsibility for removing abandoned property rests with the entity that has jurisdiction or ownership of the stream, and asked for appropriations to help cover cleanup costs. Members discussed existing county authority to clean streams and then seek reimbursement from private owners, and the City and County of Honolulu’s written testimony was noted as arguing the bill conflicts with a federal court stipulation requiring notice and storage of personal property before disposal. On HB 502 relating to land use, OPSD and the Land Use Commission supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about the short timeline and the need for rule changes, with OPSD recommending a more permanent county plan-based district boundary amendment process instead of a temporary one. The Department of Agriculture asked counties to make concurrent revisions to ordinances and rules affecting agricultural land partitioning. Testimony also noted the bill is aimed at legacy agricultural subdivisions and would require Land Use Commission rulemaking. On HB 510 relating to declaration of water shortage and emergency, DLNR and the Board of Water Supply strongly supported the measure, saying it would give CWRM a more timely tool to respond to emergencies outside designated water management areas and would require rulemaking, permit classifications, and criteria for declaring shortages. In response to opposition concerns from the Land Use Research Foundation and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, DLNR said the rulemaking process would allow public input and that permit classifications could help balance agricultural and other water uses. On HB 511 relating to public lands, DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, and Hawaii Farm Bureau supported removing the survey requirement before setting aside public lands between state agencies, saying it would speed Act 90 transfers and save time and money, though one testifier cautioned against misuse of agricultural lands. No votes were taken during the excerpted portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is my right and obligation to engage the lawmaking process, from bill drafting to protesting the

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through introductions of guests and several ceremonial recognitions. Guests included a local justice of the peace, the doctor of the day, McDonald’s representatives visiting for the All-American Games, and AFL-CIO members at the Capitol. Senators also read proclamations recognizing Lobo Week in support of the Mexican gray wolf and McDonald’s All-American Games Week, highlighting the economic and charitable impact of McDonald’s in Arizona and the importance of wolf recovery efforts. During floor business, Senator Gonzalez submitted a statement criticizing Senate rules as undemocratic and unconstitutional, particularly in relation to House Bill 2072 and broader chamber procedures. The Senate then took up a motion by Senator Mesnard to reconsider House Bill 2874, which had previously passed third reading. After a division vote, the motion to reconsider passed 16-12. House Bill 2874, relating to campaign contributions and expenses, was then brought back for third reading. Senator Gonzalez spoke against the emergency clause, arguing there was no emergency and objecting to the bill’s reconsideration process. The Senate voted to pass HB 2874 on reconsideration without the emergency clause and ordered it transmitted to the House. The chamber also noted that Senate Bills 1125 and 1415 had been transmitted to the governor, announced upcoming caucus and committee meetings, and adjourned until Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's our role as lawmakers, as policymakers, to do what is right for public safety, to protect our communities

Transcript Highlights:

• We urge lawmakers to continue prioritizing policies that respect property rights, promote market-driven
• We urge lawmakers to continue prioritizing policies that respect property rights, promote market-driven
• We urge lawmakers to continue prioritizing policies that respect property rights, promote market-driven
• We urge lawmakers to continue prioritizing policies that respect property rights, promote market-driven
• We urge lawmakers to continue prioritizing policies that respect property rights, promote market-driven

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• still bring that to the table, and we want to be resources for all Minnesotans when it comes to lawmaking
• 50.360><c> that</c><00:06:50.479><c> many</c><00:06:50.720><c> practitioners</c><00:06:51.560><c> lawmakers
• </c> not that many practitioners lawmakers not that many practitioners lawmakers like<00:06:52.440><c
• </c><00:08:14.199><c> thank</c><00:08:14.520><c> you</c><00:08:15.520><c> Miss</c> it comes to lawmaking
• thank you Miss it comes to lawmaking thank you Miss Timmons<00:08:16.599><c> yes</c><00:08:16.960><c

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• But during my time at each facility, I tried to answer questions about voting, but also about the lawmaking
• But during my time at each facility, I tried to answer questions about voting, but also about the lawmaking
• but also answer questions about voting but also about<00:20:19.760><c> the</c><00:20:19.880><c> lawmaking
• </c><00:20:20.559><c> process</c><00:20:20.960><c> you</c><00:20:21.080><c> all</c> about the lawmaking
• process you all about the lawmaking process you all should<00:20:21.400><c> know</c><00:20:21.679><c

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Transcript Highlights:

• As a lobbyist, I'm prohibited from contributing to lawmakers' campaigns during session for a reason.
• current version restricts contributions only within the same branch, effectively eliminating state lawmakers
• Executing the contract effectively eliminating state lawmakers and county officials entirely.
• contribution prohibition to the same branch of government executing the contract, which means that state lawmakers
• funding gets approved, when projects get prioritized, executing the contract, which means that state lawmakers

Bills: HCR93 , HCR14 , HR85

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: image-based sexual abuse, working group, gender-based violence, Hawaii Commission on the Status of Women, prevention efforts, survivor protections, new technologies, legal reform, HCR14, House Concurrent Resolution, perpetual easement, non-exclusive easement, state submerged lands, submerged lands, shoreline easement, drainage outfall, stormwater outfall, lagoon outfall, pipelines, Kahala Hotel & Resort

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank God Superman doesn't exist, because if he did, GOP lawmakers would find a way to reverse-engineer
• tired of trying to defend myself, my community, and people that I love against bigoted attacks by lawmakers
• I mean, first, the lawmakers in this Capitol have a weird little unhealthy obsession with genitalia,
• So to any lawmaker who is pretending that trans people are the threat, I have bad news for you.
• Texas lawmakers can repeat past mistakes or lead with integrity.

Bills: SB7 , SB14 , SB 7 , SB 14

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• paycheck to paycheck, cannot afford to take time off, or are suffering from an emergency because lawmakers
• When extremist lawmakers in the state chose to sell our freedoms for votes, city officials across Texas
• Having lawyers and lawmakers in a room, I don't see how that helps. Moving on to SB33. Okay. Okay.
• It substitutes state lawmakers for local decision-making.
• If lawmakers truly care, We would appreciate responsible regulation and education to the public about

Bills: SB31 , SB33 , SB510 , SB871 , SB1868 , SB2024 , SB2166 , SB2309 , SB2880 , SJR27 , SJR39 , SJR40 , SB 31 , SB 33

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• We recommend lawmakers ensure those funds may be used by schools to employ campus safety personnel. specialists
• For a more comprehensive and longer-term approach, lawmakers should increase the state's contribution
• As lawmakers consider ways to provide funding for public schools, we've heard many claims about how school
• One lawmaker stated that funding should be directed to a teacher raise simply because districts cannot
• To lawmakers who are concerned that an increase in the basic allotment won't benefit teachers, TEA data

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• And if the concern is public confidence, lawmakers should be careful not to oversell a reform whose results
• businesses are leaving, or even ballot questions we pass go ignored, where just 28% of residents view lawmakers
• businesses are leaving or even ballot questions we pass go ignored where just 28% of residents view lawmakers

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-12, H.503, a proposal to implement all-party state primaries for Massachusetts state and federal elections. The committee opened with procedural remarks explaining Article 48 requirements and then heard first from two subject-matter experts. Professor Costas Panagopoulos of Northeastern University testified that top-two primary systems in other states have produced mixed results: they may modestly increase primary turnout in some cases, but the research does not show a reliable reduction in polarization, and such systems can weaken party gatekeeping, increase strategic behavior, raise campaign spending, and reduce general-election choice for voters whose preferred party is not on the ballot. Katie King of the National Conference of State Legislatures outlined the different primary models used nationwide, explained that Massachusetts currently uses an open-to-unaffiliated primary, and reviewed legal distinctions between blanket primaries and top-two systems; she noted that blanket primaries were struck down by the Supreme Court, while Washington’s top-two system was upheld because it narrows the field rather than nominating party candidates. She also said voter education and administrative preparation would be important if the system changed. The proponents’ panel, led by Danielle Allen of the Coalition for Healthy Democracy, argued that Massachusetts has chronically uncompetitive elections, low turnout, and too many uncontested races, and that all-party primaries would give every voter a meaningful choice in the first round and force candidates to appeal to a broader electorate. Allen said the proposal is designed specifically for Massachusetts and differs from other states by allowing party endorsements to appear on the ballot, which supporters said would preserve useful information while shifting control of the preliminary election from party insiders to voters. Jim Henderson, the coalition’s counsel, said the bill is narrowly tailored to state-level primaries and would amend Chapter 53 to put all voters on equal footing. Other supporters, including Kevin Johnson, Kate Kavanaugh, and Spencer Reynolds, emphasized that the reform could increase competition, reduce polarization, improve participation by independents and underrepresented voters, and create more accountability to the full electorate. Committee members pressed the witnesses on turnout, the practical effect of endorsements, whether the proposal would simply shift party influence to an earlier stage, and whether it could disadvantage minority-party or independent candidates. Senator Fattman repeatedly asked about evidence that turnout would materially increase, while Representative Peisch and others questioned whether requiring or seeking endorsements would create new barriers or pressure candidates to clear the field. Supporters responded that the system would modestly increase primary participation, that the general election would remain the decisive contest, and that endorsements would be optional and handled through party rules. No vote was taken at the hearing; the committee heard testimony and questions only.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know it's kind of been a nuisance, kind of a lot of lawmakers are wringing their hands.
• With the quads, I know it's kind of been a nuisance, kind of a lot of lawmakers are wringing their hands
• One of my... with the quads I know it's kind of been a nuisance kind of a lot of you know lawmakers are

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on the governor’s Ride Safe Act, S. 3077, and related micromobility bills. Chairs and administration officials described the bill as a statewide, speed-based framework for e-bikes, scooters, mopeds, and similar devices, intended to replace outdated device categories with clearer rules for age limits, helmets, equipment, operating locations, registration, insurance for higher-speed devices, and restrictions on tampering. They also emphasized improved crash-data collection, a working group for future updates, and battery safety standards such as UL certification to reduce fire risk. Committee members asked about enforcement, shared-use paths, commuter rail accommodations, battery storage, and how the bill would apply to other vehicles like quads; the administration said some issues would need further study or follow-up. Testimony from advocates, municipal officials, and commission members was mixed but generally supportive of clearer statewide rules. Transportation and safety advocates backed the speed-based tier system but urged additional measures, including a default speed limit on shared-use paths, automated enforcement, and more funding for Complete Streets and Shared Streets programs. Bike shop and police representatives said current laws are confusing for riders and law enforcement and that better definitions and data reporting are needed. Several speakers stressed that enforcement and education will be critical, and that local patchwork rules are difficult to apply consistently. Medical testimony strongly supported tighter protections for young riders. Pediatric emergency and trauma doctors described a sharp rise in serious injuries and deaths involving e-bikes and scooters, including severe pediatric cases, and urged amendments adding a minimum age for faster devices and a universal helmet requirement. They argued that the force and weight of these devices make crashes more dangerous than conventional bicycles and pointed to past Massachusetts safety laws as evidence that age and equipment restrictions can reduce injuries. Some public testimony opposed the bill as written, especially from moped commuters who argued that gas-powered mopeds are being treated differently from comparable electric devices and should be included in the framework. They called for clearer rules on bike-lane access, insurance, parking, and statewide standards for mopeds as vulnerable road users. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and questions only.