Transcript Highlights:

• That's over 500 jobs that are unionized under a UFCW contract.
• To say that these businesses... ...that are unionized under a UFCW contract.
• AB 1416 would ensure that victims of a disaster are not caught up in the bureaucratic process before
• and file item order. spend through tax codes the fewer resources we have to allocate in the budget process
• I want to thank the committee for your diligence and your patience in this process.

Summary: The Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee met with a delayed start while waiting for quorum, then heard several bills before moving to the suspense file. AB 564 by Assemblymember Haney would freeze the planned cannabis excise tax increase at 15% rather than allow it to rise to 25%; supporters argued the legal cannabis industry is struggling against the illicit market and high taxes, while opponents said the measure would reduce funding for children, youth programs, environmental restoration, and enforcement promised under Prop. 64. The bill was sent to suspense during regular order and later approved out of suspense on a 6-0 vote with amendments, including a five-year sunset and a reduced rate. AB 1265, also by Haney, would extend and expand the state historic tax credit to encourage rehabilitation of vacant historic buildings for housing and mixed-use projects; preservation and housing advocates supported it, and it was also sent to suspense rather than voted on immediately. The committee then heard AB 1377 by Assemblymember McKenna, which would require studios seeking optional diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility film tax credits to complete the plans they submit to the California Film Commission. Labor supporters said studios should do more than make good-faith efforts, and the bill passed 5-1 to Appropriations. AB 1416 by Vice Chair Ta would clarify disaster-related property tax deferrals for homeowners who have requested installment plans, and it passed 7-0 to the Assembly Floor. Afterward, the chair gave a general warning that the bills on suspense represented large revenue losses and emphasized the committee’s need to weigh tax expenditures against other state priorities. On the suspense file, the committee approved AB 27, AB 53, AB 97, AB 231, AB 232, AB 429, AB 613, AB 984, and AB 1485, mostly on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, while AB 547 passed 5-1. Several other bills, including AB 386, AB 389, AB 490, AB 6991, AB 814, AB 1057, AB 1219, AB 1282, AB 1354, AB 1431, AB 1435, and AB 1481, were held in committee. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning after completing the suspense-file actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We contracted with Blacklands Rail, the 2010 Portland Operator of the Year.
• This gap has created an issue in the process of the Lisa Torrey Smith Act, including one instance where
• And in the beginning of that process, the Attorney General of the state had to come in and halt that
• process because there's a provision in federal law.
• business opportunities and customer needs and permits more nimble operations on updates to approved contracts

Bills: SB 682 , SB 1013 , SB 1369 , SB 1422 , SB 2001 , SB 2080 , SB 2366 , SB 2705 , SB 2841

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: memorial highway, Captain Kevin Williams, Firefighter Austin Cheek, Smith County, transportation, pedestrian right-of-way, sidewalk users, bicycle safety, micromobility, electric scooter, motor-assisted scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, skateboard, roller skates, driveway crossing, alley crossing, traffic safety, yield law, Texas Transportation Code, vehicle-pedestrian collision

Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on several bills aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of Texas transportation and port authorities. Key discussions included the implications of SB2080, which seeks to streamline operations for navigation districts by raising procurement authority, exempting security discussions from recording requirements, and aligning Texas ports with national standards to foster economic growth. Senator Alvarado advocated fervently for the bill, emphasizing its positive impact on competitiveness with ports in states like Virginia and New Jersey. Public testimony reflected mixed responses, with strong support from industry representatives but opposition from some municipal authorities concerned about the potential overreach of port authorities into local development.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you give me a sense of what percentage of landlords run credit reports in the process of trying to
• Currently, the process for victims of coerced debt and other identity theft victims to take legal action
• Currently, when a fee is collected by a third party, these fees are not regulated for processing a motor
• of the Finance Code, which states that the Department of Banking shall regulate prepaid funeral contracts
• provision to perpetual care cemeteries, which mirrors the confidentiality provision for prepaid funeral contracts

Bills: HB3803 , HB3804 , HB3805 , HB3806 , HB3833 , HB4134 , HB4233 , HB4238 , HB4243

Committee: House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Keywords: HB 3803, Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 712, perpetual care cemetery, perpetual care trust fund, cemetery regulation, financial confidentiality, confidential records, regulatory examination, Texas Department of Banking, commissioner disclosure, interagency information sharing, state agency enforcement, federal agency disclosure, trust fund oversight, burial services, cemetery trust, consumer protection, state banks, Texas Finance Code

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the full permitting process of a site. the full permitting process of a site.
• </c> &gt;&gt; uh by the per permitting processing &gt;&gt; uh by the per permitting processing process
• </c> weaken or override the current process. weaken or override the current process.
• But why does the process matter?
• The process should be slowed down.

Committee: House Environment and Agriculture

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I wasn't part of that decision-making process.
• AI doesn't have to have a lot to start the alert process.
• And so that's the process that we go through.
• So what would, if I may, what would be your annual cost for the contract for 25 cameras? $25,100?
• And that contract includes all of the hardware, server, and things like that that you...

Summary: The meeting focused on school safety funding and security practices in Oklahoma schools, especially how districts have used school resource officer (SRO) allocation money and related security grants. Kevin Rey of the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s Office of School Safety and Security explained that the program, created under HB 2903, allows districts to use funds for SROs and physical security improvements such as cameras, access control, fencing, window film, bollards, metal detectors, and vape detectors. He said more than 170 districts used the money to hire SROs in 2024-25, and that the 2024 change allowing retired officers and armed security guards to qualify was a major help. Members questioned whether the money should also support prevention and mental health services, and Rey said the current program is mainly for security hardware and related measures. Mark Stout, chief of police for Putnam City Schools, described the district’s layered security approach, including weapon detection at middle and high schools and the ZeroEyes AI camera system, which monitors existing cameras for visible guns and sends alerts to trained monitoring staff and then to district police. He said the system is used as one layer among others, alongside officers, weapon detection, and school procedures, and noted the district is expanding coverage at athletic facilities. He also explained that the system is more economical than full weapon-detection setups, with annual costs based on the number of cameras. Tecumseh Superintendent Kinsey, Chief Kennedy, and Pottawatomie County law enforcement described the October threat investigation involving a student who posted a photo with a handgun and knife and discussed violence online. They said the FBI tip, rapid coordination among agencies, and an SRO already embedded in the district helped lead to a search warrant and arrest within hours, preventing a possible attack. Kinsey also described the district’s safety measures, including secure entrances, cameras, ALICE training, crisis communication planning, mental health support, clear backpacks, and a new staff alert system. He said community feedback after the incident favored more law enforcement partnership, limited entry points, handheld metal detectors, more SROs, stronger training, and more mental health support. Matt Riggs, former superintendent of McComb, said smaller districts face different security challenges because of limited local law enforcement and long response times. He explained that McComb used its funding for facility upgrades rather than hiring a full-time SRO because the district wanted improvements that would last beyond the three-year funding window. Throughout the discussion, several members emphasized the tension between visible security measures and prevention, with repeated calls for more counselors, mental health supports, and threat-assessment efforts alongside hardening measures. No formal votes or actions were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're looking to initially fund those projects and then develop the application process and guidelines
• </c><00:21:23.640><c> and</c> develop the application uh process and develop the application uh process
• if we didn't get the funds this year in the continuing budget, we didn't want to go through that process
• process they shall also<00:43:06.000><c> this</c><00:43:06.160><c> group</c><00:43:06.400><c> shall<
• and it may be collaborative process and it may be different<00:44:44.920><c> for</c><00:44:45.160><c

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on March 19, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures before taking up decision-making. Senate Bill 1381, relating to the Hawaii National Guard, received support from the Department of Defense and other testifiers and was recommended to pass as is. Senate Bill 422, relating to education and high school diplomas for veterans, also drew support from the Department of Education, the Military Affairs Council, and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, and was recommended to pass as is. Senate Bill 414, relating to restoring access to disaster-affected areas in Lahaina, was discussed with testimony from HHFDC and others; members agreed to amend the bill to refer to the Department of Transportation as the acquiring agency, and the measure was recommended to pass with amendments. The committee then considered Senate Bill 223, relating to fire prevention. The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the bill but recommended changes to make the wildland-urban interface code a matter for the State Fire Council/State Fire Marshal rather than statute, and noted it lacked authority to mandate fuel reduction work on lands outside its control. Members also discussed community fuel reduction funding, with DLNR indicating that $10 million would be an effective amount and describing current funding for equipment, outreach, and positions. The chair proposed amendments to make fuel reduction on non-set-aside lands permissive rather than mandatory, to allow the State Fire Council to amend the state fire code to include easement holders, and to note a defective date and the funding request in the committee report. The bill was recommended to pass with amendments, with one member voting with reservations. In a later decision-making session, the committee considered Senate Bill 1379, relating to emergency preparedness and Community Readiness Centers, and Senate Bill 371, relating to property damage of critical infrastructure facilities. For SB 1379, the chair proposed an HD1 incorporating the Hawaii Advisory Council on Emergency Management and county emergency management in site-selection criteria, adding geographic resilience considerations, changing the defective date, and noting $10.8 million for site design plus $1.2 million for contract support; the bill passed with amendments, with reservations from some members over county input and funding. For SB 371, the chair amended the bill to remove recklessly/negligently causing damage and require intentional conduct throughout, while leaving other issues for Judiciary review; the bill passed with amendments, with at least one member voting with reservations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Within 30 days of receiving sufficient funds, the SEC must begin selecting and contracting with a sculptor
• So that's why I think it's time that we start this process.
• It's going to take a while, but it takes a lot longer if we don't get the process started now.
• Thank you for hearing it, and I hope that we can advance this through to get this process started.
• If there's a choice between consultation at the beginning of a process, developing the relationships,

Bills: HB2514 , HB2551 , HB2236 , HB2470

Committee: House Capital Budget

Keywords: HB 2514, global war on terror, GWOT, war on terror memorial, Capitol campus memorial, Washington veterans, fallen service members, military memorial, post-9/11 veterans, Iraq War, Afghanistan War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation New Dawn, veterans memorial, capitol grounds, state memorial, Secretary of State, Capitol Committee, Department of Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• And industry is really involved in that process. They're aware of how those things change.
• So those of you that have been watching our budget process will see, when we do our presentation each
• You can see that blue bar steadily increasing, which is more food processing really providing a lot of
• The decrease into 2025 is largely due to layoffs in the potato processing sector that were fairly well
• The decrease into 2025 is largely due to layoffs in the potato processing sector that were fairly well

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The Senate Agricultural Committee approved the January 27, 2026 minutes and then reviewed several Idaho State Department of Agriculture rules. Andrea Thompson presented updates to seed production and distribution rules, explaining that the changes mainly clean up redundant language, incorporate national and international testing standards by reference, and remove outdated rapeseed/canola and bluegrass district requirements that industry said were no longer necessary. She also outlined updates to commercial feed, fertilizer, and soil/plant amendment licensing rules to reflect the 2026 editions of AAFCO and related publications, and described bean planting rule changes clarifying that edible bean seed planted in Idaho must have approved green tags. The committee also heard temporary and pending invasive species rules tied to Snake River quagga mussel response and the addition of golden mussel to Idaho’s emergency invasive species list; members asked about the temporary-rule process and whether the standards should have publication dates, and staff explained the need for rolling updates and immediate quarantine authority. The committee said it would vote on the rules later in the week. The committee then received a presentation from Deputy Director Lloyd Knight on Idaho’s authorities for dealing with pests and invasive species, prompted by recent discussion about rats. He explained that the Plant Pest Act and Invasive Species Act give the department broad authority over pests such as Japanese beetle, grasshoppers, Mormon crickets, quagga/zebra mussels, and other listed species, but that some problems may be better handled through county abatement districts or other local tools. Senators asked about Mormon cricket response in rural counties, coordination with federal land managers, and whether a GIS-based public reporting system could be used for rat sightings; Knight said the department could likely build a low-cost reporting tool and that response options depend on land ownership, funding, and statutory direction. Brett Wilder of the University of Idaho then briefed the committee on the financial condition of Idaho agriculture. He said agriculture and agribusiness account for a significant share of Idaho’s economy, with livestock performing relatively well while crop producers face heavy pressure from high input costs, low commodity prices, and weak credit conditions. He noted record or near-record cash receipts overall, but emphasized that sugar beets and other crops are under strain, that export markets remain important, and that government payments are unlikely to solve the structural problems. Senators asked about sugar beet imports, market distortions, demand trends, and the likely impact of federal bridge payments; Wilder said the payments would help cash flow but would mostly go to existing debts and would not resolve the broader oversupply and profitability issues. The meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• And industry is really involved in that process. They're aware of how those things change.
• So those of you that have been that watch our budget process will see when we do our presentation each
• You can see that blue bar steadily increasing, which is more food processing really providing a lot of
• The decrease into 2025 is largely due to layoffs in the potato processing sector that were fairly well
• The decrease into 2025 is largely due to layoffs in the potato processing sector that were fairly well

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're in that process now.
• It does not politicize the process, it democratizes it.
• The appraisal process is a very scientific, mathematical process.
• Tara has long maintained that elected officials have no place in the appraisal process. process due to
• Politics in the appraisal process was one of the primary.

Bills: HB1952 , HB3258 , HB3524 , HB3851 , HB4478 , HB4613 , HB4703 , HB4742 , HB4744 , HB4809 , HB4864

Committee: House S/C on Property Tax Appraisals

Keywords: county appraisal district, board of directors, governance, taxing units, public representation, penalty, property report, taxation, timely filing, chief appraiser, appraisal district, ad valorem tax, property appraisal, tax protests, unequal appraisal, property rights, property tax, public employees, protest leave, appraisal review board

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> freezing uncomfortable process again. freezing uncomfortable process again.
• That you're processing one voter differently than another.
• Just like any private contract, right?
• </c><01:58:16.400><c> I</c><01:58:16.560><c> mean</c> figure out what their processes.
• I mean figure out what their processes.

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And in each wind project contract, there is a section that says you can't sue.
• And so, you know, how that process happens and that resource and the rest.
• Could they just make a policy and stick to it, or how would that process work?
• Although townships do have an process.
• We're in the process of committee.

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's been an incredibly exceptional process based on a recent shift to a Maxient reporting system
• Currently, we have 10 bachelor-level programs, and an 11th program is in the approval process.
• programs, and an 11th program is in the approval process.
• We began, as I said, with selecting the vendor, went through a very rigorous process.
• We began, as I said, with selecting the vendor, went through a very rigorous process.

Summary: The committee spent much of the meeting hearing presentations on student mental health supports at Central Washington University, Washington State University, the University of Washington, and the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges. CWU described high levels of student distress, loneliness, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and basic-needs insecurity, along with a campus-wide holistic well-being model that includes behavioral intervention teams, emergency aid, peer outreach, community partnerships, and a collegiate recovery community. WSU emphasized loneliness, common presenting concerns such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and relationship distress, and the role of housing and residence life, resident advisors, living-learning communities, and coordinated crisis response in identifying and supporting students. UW highlighted prevention and support programs through LiveWell, including alcohol and other drug consultations, confidential advocacy, suicide intervention, student needs navigation, peer health educators, and peer wellness coaches. The community and technical college system reported persistent access barriers, especially for students ages 18 to 24 and those facing housing or food insecurity, and said the legislature-funded mental health pilot at four colleges expanded counseling access, telehealth, and referral pathways, while broader system efforts focus on awareness, telehealth, basic-needs supports, and workforce training in behavioral health fields. Members asked each panel how they gather student feedback, and the institutions said they use surveys, evaluations, and ongoing outreach to students in services. Questions also focused on substance-use and recovery resources, Greek life outreach, and whether colleges have enough licensed mental health staff versus academic advisors; the community college board said not all colleges have licensed mental health providers on staff, and some rely on community contracts or telehealth. The committee also discussed whether counseling services are increasing because of post-pandemic effects or because students are more willing to seek help, with presenters saying both factors likely play a role. The committee then shifted to artificial intelligence in higher education. Washington State University, the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and the community and technical college system described campus AI task forces, governance structures, and efforts to set policies for students, faculty, and staff. Presenters said institutions are requiring course-level AI use statements, promoting ethical and transparent use, expanding access to approved tools such as Microsoft Copilot, and using AI for teaching, research, advising, and administrative support while guarding privacy, equity, and academic integrity. Members raised concerns about deepfakes, bias, student monitoring, and whether AI should be used to screen applications or evaluate student work; presenters said human review remains essential and that some institutions prohibit AI use in hiring or admissions screening. The final presentation, from OSPI, described the statewide rollout of the School Links high school and beyond plan platform under 2023 legislation, saying it will standardize career and college planning across K-12, provide better data and student guidance, and connect students to postsecondary pathways and employers; OSPI said the rollout is underway but current funding only extends through June 30, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> parameters that they get due process parameters that they get due process that<00:16:11.759><c>
• And the provision that has been placed in 085 would violate due process as we know it.
• Property without due process of law.
• So we want to try to keep that process in mind going on.
• </c><00:59:39.400><c> worth</c> people that sign contracts worth people that sign contracts worth hundreds

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 669, sponsored by Representative Smith, which was presented as a response to a September shooting incident in his district that led to school closures and missed instructional days. Smith said the bill was intended to help school districts recover lost days caused by extraordinary emergencies and not to set a broad precedent. Members asked whether districts had adjusted calendars to make up time, and Smith said many had already extended days or moved calendars into June. The committee then voted to pass House Bill 669, with all members present voting yes. The committee next heard House Bill 621, as amended by a committee substitute that removed a homeschooling-related section and left only the school-threat provisions. The bill would allow courts to impose a fine on parents when a child is adjudicated for terroristic threatening if law enforcement incurred excessive costs, and it would require a mental health assessment for the child. Representative Duvall and Officer Steve Chappelle supported the measure, arguing that online school threats spread fear, disrupt attendance, pull law-enforcement resources from other schools, and should create more parental accountability. Representative Riley also supported the accountability goal, citing lost instructional time and a recent student suicide tied to online issues. Several members raised concerns about the bill’s scope and due process. Representative Josh Callaway questioned why this offense should be the starting point for parental fines and warned about a slippery slope in holding parents liable for children’s crimes. Representative Willner said the bill seemed more like a judiciary issue, questioned whether punishment can make parents better parents, and asked about diversion programs and the meaning of the detention language. Representative Tipton pointed to existing statutes on mental health assessments and terroristic threatening penalties, and said the committee substitute would alleviate many concerns. Scott West, speaking for Kentucky Policy and the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, argued that the mandatory detention language would remove judicial discretion and that the parental fine provision could conflict with existing due process protections requiring notice, a hearing, and a finding that lack of supervision was a substantial factor in the child’s delinquency. The transcript does not show a final vote on House Bill 621 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> &gt;&gt; the appeal process, &gt;&gt; the appeal process, &gt;&gt; the<00:08:58.720><c> appeal,
• </c> [clears throat] process on the invoice. [clears throat] process on the invoice.
• </c> Charlotte's Web, which are all processed Charlotte's Web, which are all processed at<00:33:49.519
• </c> actually some people don't process actually some people don't process edible<01:12:01.679><c> cannabis
• It's the state through that contract.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> budget formulation and execution process budget formulation and execution process warrant<05:12:
• </c><05:22:24.560><c> of</c> care and compassion to the process of care and compassion to the process
• Thank you, and I yield back. the claims process. I want to thank the claims process.
• </c> can make the claims process can make the claims process retraumatizing<05:27:50.878><c> for</c><
• </c><05:45:22.718><c> the</c> claims preparation and processing the claims preparation and processing

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, May 19, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if it's a nuisance, why don't they just go through the condemnation process?
• That whole process would allow for more input from the public into that process.
• lands have never run through it before—and that process was an iterative process that was developed
• </c><02:38:39.560><c> that</c> process was an iterative process that process was an iterative process
• </c><02:59:06.439><c> that</c> lnr has a point there's a process that lnr has a point there's a process

Committee: House Water & Land

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 114, concerning employment in the State Historic Preservation Program, drew support from DLNR, which said the measure would help retain qualified archaeologists, architects, and other professionals by preserving current pay levels for a limited number of positions. Members raised concerns about expanding exempt positions and the effect on union coverage, and DLNR said it was also working with DEHRD on longer-term reclassification issues. No vote was taken on the bill in the portion provided. HB 12, relating to tort liability, drew strong opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice, which argued the bill would create overly broad immunity for landowners, conflict with Hawaii’s comparative fault framework, and undermine existing recreational liability law. Supporters said it would reduce liability concerns and encourage landowners to allow hiking, hunting, search-and-rescue training, and firearms-related uses on private land. The committee then moved on without any recorded vote in the excerpt. The committee also discussed HB 29 on counties, but no county representative was present, and members questioned whether the proposal should instead proceed through condemnation if it involved a forced sale. HB 175 on property maintenance received DLNR comments that the bill should be narrowed to noxious weeds and that fire-related provisions were more properly handled by county fire departments and the State Fire Marshal. HB 331 on permits drew support from several state agencies, but the Honolulu Board of Water Supply opposed it unless “repetitive construction” was defined more clearly; members and agencies discussed narrowing the bill to avoid unintended impacts on water and utility infrastructure. The committee also heard strong support for HB 3 on North Shore beach management, HB 309 on fish ponds, and HB 306 on water code penalties, though the Board of Water Supply raised concerns about increased fines and suggested an alternative governor’s bill and clearer administrative rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> recession from from these contracts. recession from from these contracts.
• </c> process, isn't it? process, isn't it? &gt;&gt; That's<02:14:07.440><c> correct.
• House Bill 1158, Calvert County contracts for infrastructure or asset management contract duration.
• <c> infrastructure</c><02:31:49.440><c> or</c> County contracts for infrastructure or County contracts
• </c> asset management contract duration. asset management contract duration.

Keywords: House streaming session for Monday, March 23, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that process started January 1st.
• And we think that I personally think it's a good process. If a.
• What was the process they had to go through?
• Outside of the hearing process, which they're not getting paid for.
• We have a lot of people that are in the process of being re-elected.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:38:30.720><c> The</c><00:38:30.800><c> the</c><00:38:31.200><c> process</c> legal process, right
• The the process legal process, right?
• Um the process in inappropriate ways.
• </c><01:33:14.800><c> with</c> breached its employment contract with breached its employment contract
• Process, I suspect a federal process, as Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers has said,

Bills: HB0103 , HB0070 , HB0091

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: First Amendment, free speech, lawsuits, immunity, public participation, strategic lawsuits, foreign censorship, digital innovation, constitutional rights, Wyoming GRANITE Act, extraterritorial laws, civil actions, speech protection, legal jurisdiction, joint liability, artificial intelligence, social scoring, biometric data, privacy rights, government regulation