Transcript Highlights:

• The housing crisis in our community is at an all-time high, making it impossible for many people to afford
• The housing crisis in our community is at an all-time high, making it impossible for many people to afford
• The housing crisis in our community is at an all-time high, making it impossible for many people to afford
• And so I'm hopeful that something like this can be a good foundational starter for figuring out when
• And so I'm hopeful that something like this can be a good foundational starter for figuring out when

Bills: HF3806 , HF2687 , HF497

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: housing, infrastructure bonds, funding, appropriation, Minnesota Statutes, HF2687, single-family homes, corporate landlords, corporate ownership, real estate investment trust, REIT, landlord registry, landlord database, tenant transparency, housing affordability, homeownership, deed tax, transfer tax, property tax, affordable housing

Transcript Highlights:

• The first, for a special education high-needs fund, currently has a related policy bill, Senate Bill
• the purchase of statewide curriculum contracts for LEAs for ELL programs.
• out on a per support unit basis for janitors, for lunch cooks, for front desk assistance, things like
• out on a per support unit basis for janitors, for lunch cooks, for front desk assistance, things like
• I had to worry for a minute there, didn't I? For Monday.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee first approved a technical correction to the Health and Welfare Division of Licensing and Certification budget, restoring 2 FTP that had been cut in error while leaving funding intact. The committee then adopted language extending the deadline for Medicaid’s state plan amendments and waivers related to the move to comprehensive managed care, after discussion of delays tied to the MMIS procurement and litigation. Both items received do-pass recommendations. The committee next considered Public School Support, beginning with a FY 2026 supplemental for the Division of Student Support to add $7.8 million in federal spending authority so schools can access full federal grant allocations. That supplemental passed. For FY 2027, members debated several competing motions on the Student Support Division budget, including proposals to reduce classified staff funding, add health insurance funding, and cut virtual school-related funding. After multiple failed motions, the committee ultimately approved a motion reducing the general fund by $14,751,600, including a $3 million reduction to virtual school discretionary funding, and adopted related language. Additional language was also approved to require reporting on virtual enrollments, shift English learner funding from central services to direct LEA distribution, modify technology curriculum contract requirements, require special education expenditure reporting, and reduce transportation funding by $7.5 million by undoing a prior statutory change. The committee then turned to the Idaho Digital Learning Academy. After extensive debate over alleged double-funding, rural access, and the absence of a policy bill, members rejected a larger $15 million reduction and then approved a smaller $13,500 reduction tied to the pending policy bill’s fiscal note. They also adopted language restricting PCIF access, requiring compliance reporting on DEI-related courses, and requesting a detailed report on IDLA expenditures, enrollments, and usage, including synchronous versus asynchronous instruction and course-level data by LEA. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would next take up the Secretary of State budget and trailer bills, with an additional 7:30 a.m. meeting before the Monday session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Established time limit for public testimony for this hearing.
• So I hope that you will vote for this, and I hope it hits the Senate floor as soon as possible.
• builders such as Builders for Hope, Habitat for Humanity.
• The return on investment for our state and our people is really undeniable, and so we really hope that
• This is for safety for exiting during a fire of the residence and for the ability of firefighters to

Bills: SB208 , SB628 , SB777 , SB1042 , SB2354 , SB2477 , SB2521 , SB2523 , SB2608 , SB2703 , SB2778 , SB2835 , SB2965 , SB2367 , SB3044

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: workforce housing, capital investment fund, affordable housing, housing development, Texas housing laws, loan programs, community development, Texas housing, zero-interest loans, low-income housing, nonprofit organizations, construction, economic stability, housing affordability, capital investment, Texas housing policy, county fire code, fire marshal, local government code, interlocal agreement

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met with a quorum at the start, adopted a two-minute limit for public testimony, and heard a series of housing, local government, fire code, and district-governance bills. Several measures were laid out with committee substitutes, including SB 628 on county fire code administration through interlocal agreements with emergency service districts; SB 208 creating a Workforce Housing Capital Investment Fund for zero-interest loans to nonprofit builders; SB 2835 allowing cities to opt into single-stair apartment buildings; and SB 2477 easing office-to-residential conversions in certain cities. Other bills addressed ESD spending thresholds (SB 2778), hospital district updates (SB 1042), subdivision/platting issues (SB 1708), public housing tax credit eligibility (SB 2608), groundwater district representation for Marfa and Presidio (SB 3044), park board authority in Waller County (SB 2367), ETJ removal procedures (SB 2523), and reporting death certificates to appraisal districts to help address squatting and homestead issues (SB 2521). Testimony was largely supportive on the housing bills. Supporters of SB 208, including Habitat for Humanity affiliates, a Brownsville nonprofit developer, Texans for Housing, and an educator, said the revolving fund would help nonprofit builders finance land, infrastructure, and development costs for affordable homes, especially for families earning 30% to 80% of area median income. SB 2835 drew support from architects, planners, and housing advocates who argued that single-stair buildings can be safe, more efficient, and better suited to missing-middle housing, though the Texas APA registered qualified opposition, saying the proposal bypasses the usual code-development process and may not be sufficiently studied. SB 2477 also received broad support from housing groups and policy organizations, who said office conversions could help address vacancy and housing shortages, though Corpus Christi raised a concern about fee recovery and local cost reimbursement. The committee also heard support for SB 628 from a county fire marshal and an ESD representative, who said the bill would reduce duplicate fire-code enforcement and costs. SB 2778 was backed by a Bexar County ESD fire chief, who said the current $2,000 expenditure approval threshold is outdated and slows emergency purchases and repairs. SB 2608 was supported by the El Paso housing authority, which said adding certain Section 8 projects to the at-risk LIHTC set-aside would help renovate aging subsidized housing. SB 3044 was presented as a way to give Marfa and Presidio representation on the groundwater district board while preserving permitting authority. Each bill heard public testimony was left pending subject to the call of the chair, and the committee recessed to reconvene after the Senate adjourns.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee substitute for committee substitute for committee substitute for Senate Bill 88, a bill to
• Committee substitute for committee substitute for committee substitute for Senate Bill 88, the bill to
• This bill removes the statewide mandate for middle schools and high schools to start at specific times
• This bill removes the statewide mandate for middle schools and high schools to start at specific times
• and, and, being such a champion, certainly for for your community and certainly for for the military,

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard several member introductions and recognitions, including awareness resolutions and visiting groups in the galleries. The chamber then moved to special order bills. Senate Bill 88 on utility terrain vehicles passed 32-5 after debate over allowing local governments to opt in to street use of UTVs under safety restrictions; Senator Smith opposed it over safety concerns. Senate Bill 102 on exceptional student education passed 36-0, creating a workforce credential/badge program for students with autism or on modified curricula; supporters emphasized employment opportunities and safety training, while Senator Davis raised concerns about added costs to school districts. Senate Bill 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults passed 37-0, allowing alternative service on scammers through the same apps used to contact victims. Senate Bill 130 on compensation for victims of wrongful incarceration passed 38-0, extending filing deadlines and removing restrictive barriers; supporters called it a long-overdue justice fix. Senate Bill 158 on diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations passed 38-0, eliminating cost sharing for follow-up breast tests in the state employee health plan to encourage early detection. The most contentious measure was Senate Bill 234 on criminal offenses against law enforcement officers. The bill sought to clarify that violent resistance to officers is not justified by claims about the legality of the detention and to add manslaughter of a law enforcement officer to offenses carrying life imprisonment without release. An amendment by Senator Jones to restore “in good faith” language failed, after debate centered on due process, racial profiling, and the role of juries and suppression motions. Several senators spoke in support of law enforcement but objected to the bill’s breadth and mandatory life penalty; Senator Leek ultimately postponed the bill temporarily rather than taking a final vote. Senate Bill 262 on trust code technical changes passed 36-0. Senate Bill 274 designating roads for Harris Rosen and Geraldine Thompson passed 38-0, followed by a successful co-sponsorship motion and remarks honoring Thompson’s legacy. Senate Bill 280 on candidate qualification passed 38-0, creating an enforcement mechanism for party-affiliation filing requirements. Senate Bill 296 on middle and high school start times passed 38-0, repealing the statewide start-time mandate and shifting implementation decisions to local districts while requiring public reporting and discussion. Senate Bill 356 designating January 27 as Holocaust Remembrance Day also passed unanimously, with senators emphasizing remembrance, anti-Semitism, and the educational value of the memorial and observance.

Transcript Highlights:

• So thank you for being a great example for all of us to see how to do that well. For Ms.
• So it's been a challenge for me. Best for them. So it's been a challenge for me.
• And I hope that you will continue to fight hard for those that need you the most. God bless you.
• Turns out he was actually doing that for me because we both get the high blood.
• But I love your unwavering passion for education, for our kids, for workforce.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have been advocating for the U.S. 12 fix for a long time and asked for money from the Legislature.
• That would be a big boost for our preservation efforts in the current high-inflation construction environment
• For our preservation efforts and the current high-inflation construction environment.
• So I'm paying for a year, a license for my vehicle. I pay a year for weight fee for my vehicle.
• Mayor, or was it for the mayor, or was it for the previous? Oh, for staff, sorry.

Bills: SB6253 , SB6311 , SB6262 , SB6335

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: public transportation, governing bodies, transit authorities, local government, community planning, pedestrian safety, construction, accessibility, public safety, urban planning, vehicle weight, transportation, fees, public infrastructure, funding, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• For school districts.
• More funding for our schools is a win for Wisconsin.
• And delivering for the people of Wisconsin something that they need. Costs are high.
• Yes, that accounted for individual... Yes, that accounted for it.
• Yeah, I was going to wait until my motion, the correct motion, I hope you all vote for.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Finance

Keywords: 970, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, while this technology is built for the worst day we hope never comes, it is just as valuable on
• And with that, I'm open for any questions. Questions for the bill sponsor.
• hours in hopes of finding someone who would do a forensic exam for them because the one hospital near
• How do we kind of maybe we can incorporate this into workforce for our high schoolers or whatever the
• And I thank you for the opportunity to voice support for Bill 3434.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Summary: The Committee on Crime and Public Safety met with a quorum and first took up several bills in executive session. House Bill 2323, relating to a domestic violence registry, was discussed as a private law-enforcement database for domestic abuse offenders; members noted it was similar to other registry bills already advanced, though some said it differed in details. House Bill 2530, described as the scrap metal bill, was also voted do pass without discussion. House Bill 1882 was withdrawn from consideration after members noted it had been rolled with another bill and had been sent back from fiscal review and Rules. The committee then adopted a House committee substitute and two amendments for House Bill 3332, which concerns public safety personnel recruitment and retention and employment benefits for first responders; the substitute removed additional degree programs from scholarship eligibility and the amendments fixed scholarship prioritization language and removed a sunset from the line-of-duty death benefit. HB 3332 was voted do pass. In public hearing, Representative Justice presented House Bill 3174, Missouri’s version of Alyssa’s Law, requiring each school employee to have access to a wearable panic alert system tied to local emergency responders and school personnel. He said the bill is subject to appropriations and would use a qualified vendor list; members questioned cost, funding, liability, and whether schools could already implement such systems. Support testimony came from Lori Alhadeff, Alyssa’s mother, who described the Parkland shooting and argued that faster alerts save lives, including in medical emergencies, and from a teacher who said the system would help in both active shooter and non-shooter emergencies. No opposition testimony was offered. Representative Williams then presented House Bill 3434, which would create a Missouri statewide sexual assault response task force to examine reporting, investigation, medical response, advocacy, and prosecution and report recommendations by December 31, 2028. She said the task force would build on progress made reducing the sexual assault kit backlog but address ongoing inconsistencies across jurisdictions. Members asked about overlap with a prior expired task force, appointment structure, and whether the group should include more medical or law-enforcement representatives. Support testimony from the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence described the history of the kit backlog, the Telesane program, uneven services across the state, and the need for continued coordination and accountability; the Missouri Emergency Nurses Association also supported the bill, citing the need to address both rural and urban response challenges.

Transcript Highlights:

• He sent a text to a gay friend, hoping for a connection that never came.
• And the suicide rates for trans youth are four times high than that of their peers.
• for CTA.
• Many families are forced to travel long distances for care or pay high out-of-pocket costs due to inadequate
• provider networks. ...long distances for care or pay high out-of-pocket costs due to inadequate provider

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on March 17 and first approved a consent calendar of several bills, then heard AB 1540 by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, which would restore the 988 “Press 3” LGBTQ youth crisis line. Supporters, including suicide prevention advocates, behavioral health groups, and local governments, argued the service is a vital, identity-affirming suicide prevention tool for LGBTQ youth. Opponents, including detransitioners and conservative advocacy groups, argued it would steer vulnerable youth toward organizations they viewed as harmful. The committee approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended motion to the Communications and Conveyance Committee, with several no votes; the bill was later held on call and then advanced. The committee next heard AB 1671 by Assemblymember Tangipa, creating a Rural Medical Provider Grant Program to help providers serving rural communities with operational costs, equipment, workforce needs, and related expenses. Supporters said the bill would help retain providers and improve access in areas where patients travel long distances for care; committee members also discussed telehealth as an important rural access tool. The bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 1876 by Assemblymember Addis, the Fair Care for All Act, which would codify federal health care nondiscrimination protections into California law, including protections related to race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, and gender identity. Supporters said the bill is needed because federal protections are vulnerable to rollback and because patients, especially transgender and intersex Californians, face coverage denials and care disruptions. Opponents argued the bill would force coverage of gender-affirming care and raised concerns about detransitioning. The committee approved the bill on a due-pass motion to Judiciary, with some no votes, and later held it on call before it advanced. Finally, the committee heard AB 1629 by Assemblymember Haney, which would require dental plans to honor assignment-of-benefits requests and improve reporting on network adequacy. Supporters said the bill would reduce upfront costs for patients and improve transparency, while opponents, including Delta Dental and dental plan groups, warned it could weaken networks and increase out-of-pocket costs. After discussion about network participation and patient access, the committee passed the bill on a due-pass motion to Appropriations. The committee then completed the remaining votes, including the consent items, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• If all things being equal, if you were hopeful, how much do you think we would need for this particular
• And thank you for your service. Any questions for Nancy?
• the Congress, for the national policies to be... ...wait for the Congress, for the national policies
• I thank you for your consideration and ask for your support for this bill. And go.
• Thank you, all committee members, for your leadership, for your Thank you all, committee members, for

Bills: HB2357 , HB2365 , HB2446

Committee: House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Keywords: civil air patrol, military, Washington, emergency services, public safety, digital opportunities, accessibility, technology, economic growth, education, quantum technology, economic development, workforce development, innovation, technology industry, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If all things being, if you were hopeful, how much do you think we would need for this particular program
• And thank you for your service. Any questions for Nancy?
• Congress, for the national policies to be... ...wait for Congress, for the national policies to be set
• Thank you for your consideration and ask for your support for this bill. And go.
• Thank you all committee members for your leadership, for your consideration, and for your support of

Summary: The Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee held public hearings on three bills and then a work session on tourism. House Bill 2365, concerning digital equity programs, would shift more responsibility to the Broadband Office, rename the Digital Equity Opportunity Program as the Digital Opportunity Program, expand the forum’s role, and require more reporting and outreach on broadband adoption and affordability. The prime sponsor and several advocates from community organizations, PTA, and digital navigation groups supported the bill, emphasizing the need for digital skills, cybersecurity, affordability, and trusted community partners. Commerce testified that the bill has technical and fiscal concerns and would add costs, and the sponsor said amendments were likely to reduce the fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2365 was then closed. House Bill 2446 would direct the Department of Commerce to develop a state quantum strategy by June 30, using non-state funding if possible, to identify growth areas, partnerships, and workforce and economic impacts for the quantum industry. The prime sponsor, industry representatives, and technology organizations supported the bill as a way to keep Washington competitive with other states and build a quantum ecosystem. Committee members raised questions about fiscal impact, private funding, regulatory capture, and cybersecurity risks, including concerns about quantum’s effect on passwords and AI-related harms. A Microsoft representative requested a technical amendment to broaden the definition from quantum computing to quantum technology and said the company would follow up on funding and AI-regulation questions. The hearing on HB 2446 was closed. House Bill 2357 would create a Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol within the Military Department, allowing the governor to activate it for cadet training, communications, disaster relief, cybersecurity, search and rescue, and related missions. The sponsor, the adjutant general, the Civil Air Patrol commander, and a veterans coalition representative all supported the bill, citing recent flood response work, emergency preparedness, and youth training benefits. Testimony emphasized that the proposal would clarify coordination, not change federal authorities, and would not create a fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2357 was closed without any amendment requests. In the work session on tourism, State of Washington Tourism and industry partners presented recommendations from an advisory group calling for a more sustainable, industry-led funding model, likely through an assessment or visitor-fee structure. They argued Washington is underfunded compared with western peers and estimated that a competitive program could generate $14.6 billion in additional visitor spending over the next decade, along with significant tax revenue and lodging tax growth. Speakers from tourism, the wine commission, hospitality, and advisory group leadership stressed predictable funding, industry governance, and statewide benefits, while committee members discussed international tourism, regional access, and the need to avoid further decline in the sector. The meeting adjourned early after the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• THEY WOULD HAVE TO APPLY FOR ENROLLMENT IN AN INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIGH
• Smith: THANK YOU CHAIR HOOPER AND THANK YOU SENATOR GRUTERS FOR THAT RESPONSE BECAUSE I'M HOPEFUL BASED
• OUR DEPUTIES OR FOR ANY LAW NO CONCERNS ABOUT ANYTHING IN THIS BILL FOR OUR DEPUTIES OR FOR ANY LAW
• I THINK YOU SPEAK FOR MANY OF US ON THE COMMITTEE AND I AM HOPEFUL SOMETHING WILL HAPPEN WITH THAT PROVISION
• SO I AM OPPOSED TO THE BILL FOR THE REASONS MY COLLEAGUES HAVE SO ELOQUENTLY STATED AND I HOPE THAT WE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So thank you very much for hearing the bill. Thank you for your time.
• So it was a no-brainer for me. and Party voted for and voted in. So it was a no-brainer for me.
• Thanks for this bill.
• Just for people watching at home or in the crowd here, would you give us a very conceptual high-level
• Just for people watching at home or in the crowd here, would you give us a very conceptual high-level

Bills: SB6011

Committee: House Civil Rights & Judiciary

Keywords: court security, bailiffs, threat assessment, judicial safety, law enforcement, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, malice is a very high standard. Malice is a very high standard.
• for the neighbors.
• Thank you for being here. Thank you for sharing your story.
• CD8 for the ACGOP.
• I hope to reach out to Senator Bullock, but for now I think there needs to be a healthy balance, and

Bills: SB1254 , SB1431 , SB1478 , SB1566 , SB1787

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: workers' compensation, industrial commission, safety regulations, employee protection, penalties, compliance, municipal planning, homeowners associations, design regulations, property rights, building permits, single-family homes, liquor, alcohol, spirituous liquor, liquor license, liquor licensing, Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control, restaurant to-go cocktails, mixed cocktails

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:07.519><c> shareholders</c> maximize profit for shareholders maximize profit for shareholders
• </c> &gt;&gt; Thank you for your testimony, doctor. &gt;&gt; Thank you for your testimony, doctor.
• care for all Minnesotans.
• Hansen for her bill?
• Thank you for action by this committee. Thank you for your<00:20:02.960><c> time.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Section six defines high-dollar claims for claims edit purposes.
• </c> This section specifies that high-dollar claims for which health insurers may conduct prepayment
• all plans except for the high-deductible plans on our health exchange.
• ><c> high-deductible</c> plans except for the high-deductible plans except for the high-deductible plans
• It is my sincerest hope that my additional support today indicates to you just how grateful I am for

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will continue to provide high-quality, accessible care for patients while supporting the tremendous
• </c><00:32:02.039><c> for</c> means for our for our communities for means for our for our communities
• I would certainly hope, and I will lobby for that within the restrictions of the budget.
• I would certainly hope, and I will lobby for that within the restrictions of the budget.
• </c><01:38:47.880><c> for</c> reach out um thank you again for for reach out um thank you again for for

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </font> <font color="aaaaaa">So those mandates to high for </font> <font color="aaaaaa">have access to
• </font> <font color="aaaaaa">school would have hoped for </font> <font color="aaaaaa">their students
• at the high </font> <font color="aaaaaa">school would have hoped for </font> <font color="aaaaaa">your
• favorable support on this </font> <font color="aaaaaa">school would have hoped for </font> <font color
• </font> <font color="aaaaaa">And so for this to be the </font> <font color="aaaaaa">first high school

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for uh for HHSC a lot of the impacts for uh for HHSC probably<00:14:27.519><c> will</c><00:14:27.680>
• high it is.<01:04:26.480><c> Um</c><01:04:26.960><c> for</c><01:04:27.280><c> federal</c><01:04:27.680
• For the current ones. Yes, for for &gt;&gt; Yes. For the current ones.
• It is one of our high revenue-producing parks for sure, and that will help with the crowding and overflow
• </c> there for uh for future considerations. there for uh for future considerations.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For many... Oh, for many... For many, Jesus, on behalf of Habitat for Humanity. Thank you.
• people who are high risk, to use artificial intelligence to target resources for people who are high
• Thank you so much for your work on this, for accepting the committee amendments, for working with us,
• And for over 100 years in this country, safety for...
• Thank you for your concern and just for...

Committee: House Housing and Community Development

Keywords: 988, house, all