Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Ishener's sister, and I'm here in full support of S.J.M. 8014.
• Please support the SJM-8014. in which it happened. Please support the SJM-8014.
• We worked directly to support her family during this most devastating time in their lives.
• So please support this resolution. Thank you. Thank you so very much.
• So please support this resolution. Thank you. Thank you so very much.

Summary: The Law and Justice Committee heard multiple Senate bills and took executive action on several of them. Bills discussed included SB 5837 on guardianship and conservatorship, SB 6011, SB 6009 on consent language in proceedings, SB 5868, SB 5974 on sheriffs and related law enforcement volunteers, SB 5720 on consumer debt default judgments, SB 5833 on leaving engines running to protect pets, SB 5936 on human trafficking remedies, SB 5993 on medical debt interest, SB 6070 on missing persons alerts and investigative tools, and SB 6002 on driver privacy and ALPR data. Staff summarized proposed substitutes and amendments for each, with members raising concerns about scope, constitutionality, consumer protections, law enforcement authority, privacy, and debt collection practices. Several amendments were adopted, withdrawn, or rejected during the discussion. In executive session, the committee adopted proposed substitutes or amendments for SB 5837, SB 6009, SB 5974, SB 5720, SB 5833, SB 5936, SB 5993, SB 6070, and SB 6002. SB 6011 also received a due pass recommendation. SB 5974, after debate over sheriff certification and recall provisions, was advanced to Ways and Means. SB 5993, dealing with medical debt interest, drew multiple proposed amendments that were withdrawn, and the committee ultimately advanced the bill with the substitute. SB 6002 on ALPR privacy was advanced after discussion of retention periods, ownership of data, and evidentiary use. The committee then held a public hearing on SB 6086, which would strengthen security protections for judicial officers and court personnel by expanding who may request removal of personal information, broadening Address Confidentiality Program eligibility, and allowing AOC security consultants to conduct threat assessments. Proponents, including judges, clerks, and court officials, described rising threats and the need for stronger protections; county officials and prosecutors raised implementation, constitutional, and records-management concerns. The committee also heard Senate Joint Memorial 8014, requesting a U.S.-led investigation into the killing of Washingtonian Aishanur Esgi Yegi. The memorial drew extensive testimony from family members, advocates, academics, and community groups in support, while a few opponents argued the memorial was factually incomplete or politically selective. No final action was taken on SB 6086 or SJM 8014 during the hearing, and the committee closed after noting very large numbers of signed-in supporters and opponents for the memorial.

Transcript Highlights:

• We partner with DSHS on supporting the benefit side.
• Here today in strong support of Senate Bill 5292.
• We are also here in support of this bill as it exists. We like the substitute.
• We're in support of this bill.
• So we encourage your support of this good little bill. Thank you. Thank you.

Bills: SB6014, SB5972, SB5869, SB5874

Keywords: pregnancy accommodations, pregnant workers, workplace accommodations, reasonable accommodation, undue hardship, lactation, breastfeeding, express milk, maternity leave, childbirth, pregnancy discrimination, employment law, labor and industries, L&I, confidential records, public records exemption, health care certification, workplace standards, employee rights, employer obligations

Transcript Highlights:

• We partner with DSHS on supporting the benefit side.
• Here today in strong support of Senate Bill 5292.
• We are also here in support of this bill as it exists. We like the sub.
• We're in support of this bill.
• So we encourage your support of this good little bill. Thank you.

Summary: The Senate Labor and Commerce Committee opened its 2026 session with member introductions and a work session on the Employment Security Department’s structure and programs. ESD officials described their roles and reviewed paid family and medical leave, WA Cares, unemployment insurance, workforce services, and agricultural worker outreach. Senators raised concerns about call volume, program solvency, fraud detection, employer access to information, and whether workers can receive leave benefits while working other jobs. ESD said WA Cares is in a limited pilot, PFML has seen rapid growth, UI trust fund solvency is projected to be near the statutory trigger level, and they would follow up with more detailed information on eligibility, fraud referrals, and employer scenarios. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5292, which would replace the current PFML rate-setting formula with a forward-looking actuarial model and require a four-month reserve beginning in 2030. Supporters, including the sponsor, JLARC staff, labor advocates, and employer groups, said the change would improve stability and follow JLARC recommendations; opponents warned it could lead to higher payroll taxes and argued the program is already too costly. The chair said she intended to keep the bill narrow as it moved forward. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6014, a technical bill on pregnancy-related accommodations that would preserve the ability of pregnant workers to request certain accommodations without a doctor’s note and create a public records exemption for sensitive complaint and investigation records; the sponsor and supporters said it corrects a drafting error and protects privacy. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 5972, which would remove the population threshold limiting interest arbitration for correctional officers in jails, and Senate Bill 5869, which would make permanent and expand from residential to all building construction sites a requirement that L&I notify employers or owners within 10 working days when a hazard is identified. Correctional officers’ representatives and labor groups supported SB 5972 as a fairness and safety measure, while the sponsor said it would create consistency across jurisdictions. Construction industry groups supported SB 5869, and L&I said it had no concerns but wanted the bill kept narrow; the chair noted the bill’s purpose was to speed hazard communication. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 5874, which would allow ESD to waive penalties for minor errors in quarterly unemployment reports, especially missing SOC/job-title information. The sponsor said small businesses were being hit with unnecessary fines, and ESD said it had identified a sharp rise in penalties and was working with the sponsor on possible fixes. The committee adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here today to support Senate bill.
• Today I'm offering my support to Senate Bill 5754.
• I support Senate Bill 5754, and I encourage you to do the same. Thank you.
• I ask for your support of this Senate bill. Thank you. Great. Thank you.
• I'm testifying in support, and I'm urging the committee to pass this out of committee.

Bills: SB5754

Keywords: public bank, state bank, finance, banking regulations, economic development, state investment, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we're ready for other supporters.
• How many online are supporting? Nine supporting online, how many opposing?
• I stand in full support—well, I sit in full support—of this bill.
• So I encourage support and sit in full support of this bill. Thank you.
• I strongly urge you to support the Clear Horizons Act. Here are three reasons to support this bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> what kind of supports are really needed? what kind of supports are really needed?
• </c><05:23:36.000><c> um</c> subsidized apartment with supports um subsidized apartment with supports
• </c> that were done, would you then support that were done, would you then support this<05:28:39.200>
• One of which is added support.
• So I am glad to support from that.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, we had unanimous support in the Senate, open to continue the support.
• So trying to maintain—this is why I got unanimous support in the Senate.
• And I support it all, or a very close version of it all.
• Chairman Mezzard, do you support the chairman's amendment today? Mr.
• I support what is needed to get it out of committee. Understood.

Summary: The House Ways and Means Committee considered several Senate bills dealing largely with cryptocurrency, county tax liens, and tax conformity. SB 1042 would allow state retirement systems to invest up to 10% in virtual currency holdings, and SB 1043 would let state agencies accept virtual currency payments through agreements with providers; both were described as permissive rather than mandatory and were returned with due pass recommendations on 5-3 votes. Members expressed caution about volatility and government involvement in digital assets, but supporters said the bills simply create options and could improve efficiency. The committee then took up SB 1067, which addresses county cleanup assessments for blighted properties in unincorporated areas. Chairman Olson offered an amendment removing the bill’s original mechanism for placing the assessment directly on the property tax bill, while preserving the lien so it survives a tax lien sale. County officials and the County Supervisors Association testified in support, saying counties currently absorb cleanup costs for hazardous properties and the amendment would help make counties whole without broadening property tax use. The amendment was adopted and the bill was returned with a due pass as amended recommendation on an 8-0 vote. SB 1180, on Department of Revenue tax conformity forms and instructions, prompted extended debate over whether DOR should presume conformity with federal tax changes and how to avoid an automatic tax increase without legislative action. Chairman Olson’s amendment would have DOR presume conformity only when federal changes reduce income or tax liability, while nonconformity would be presumed for increases; the sponsor said he wanted the bill to move but did not prefer the amendment. The amendment and the bill as amended both passed 5-3, with members noting the issue needed further work and clearer statutory language. SB 1221, requiring DOR to notify legislative tax chairs before new interpretations that adversely affect taxpayers and to testify if asked, also passed 5-3 after adoption of an intent-clause amendment. SB 1292, clarifying PSPRS’s 5% voting-stock cap applies to publicly traded corporations, passed unanimously, and SCR 1033, a nonbinding resolution encouraging retirement systems to monitor digital asset ETFs and report back before the next session, passed 5-3. SB 1503 was held at the sponsor’s request, and the committee adjourned at the end of the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, we had unanimous support in the Senate, open to continue the support.
• So trying to maintain, this is why I got unanimous support in the Senate.
• And I support it all, or a very close version of it all.
• Chairman Mezzard, do you support the chairman's amendment today? Mr.
• That's— I support what is needed to get it out of committee. Understood.

Bills: SB1042, SB1043, SB1067, SB1180, SB1221, SB1292, SB1503, SCR1033

Keywords: public funds, virtual currency, bitcoin, investment, Arizona Strategic Digital Asset Reserve Act, state treasurer, retirement system, state payments, cryptocurrency, Arizona law, payment methods, government transactions, tax lien, property tax lien, real property tax lien, foreclosure, right of redemption, redeem, excess proceeds, county abatement lien

Transcript Highlights:

• We are supported by 16 maintenance patrols, five construction offices, and four special crews.
• We support four ports of entry, and we operate six rest areas.
• Once the rural air service enhancement money has been encumbered, $17 million remains to support 2026
• our communities, supports commerce, and inspires the next generation of aviators.
• We also provide an economic growth component in addition to supporting local businesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Redman said, “I am supportive of this bill. I was supportive of the original motion.
• So I won’t be in support of Representative Furman’s substitute motion and do intend to support the original
• So I won’t be in support of Representative Furman’s substitute motion and do intend to support the original
• I am here in support of House Bill 550.
• Thank you for the opportunity to support, or to express my support of HB 550.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we support the bill and urge the committee to support it. Thank you. Thank you.
• HB 3923 supports...
• I'm appearing in support of House Bill 4518.
• I'm here on behalf of the Association of Dental Support Organizations in support of the bill.
• I'm here to support HB 3778.

Bills: HB111

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Teacher support is student support.
• Student support is teacher support.
• Student support is teacher support.
• Student support is teacher support.
• Student support is teacher support.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• any financial impact statement or any kind of actual numbers that the health department provided to support
• and liberty to choose what they want in this case, raw milk, if that's what they so choose, and supported
• freedom and liberty to choose what they want in this case raw milk if that's what they so choose and supported
• And then we can put that to work in a practical demonstration sense with new tech agriculture.
• the driving, West Memphis being the driving force because of how much money is in that area to help support

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its October 27 meeting and then heard testimony on the economic and regulatory effects of Arkansas’s raw milk law, Act 698. Clinton Ballard of Milk and Honey Hill Farm said the law helped his family farm expand from 8 to 12 cows and from serving about 75 families to about 150, increasing sales by roughly $50,000 and allowing about $10,000 in raw cheese sales through retail outlets. He argued the law supports small-farm income, food security, and local processing, but said state health agencies still do not inspect raw milk producers unless they sell to a commercial buyer, which he said limits access to USDA grants and other opportunities. He and members discussed safety practices, including rapid chilling, sick-animal removal, sanitation, customer education, and whether any optional state certification or inspection program should be created without adding burdensome regulation. Members asked about herd management, bee production, market channels, and whether raw milk producers should receive training or certification. Ballard said his farm uses Jerseys, removes sick cows from production, sells on-farm and through retail locations, and relies on best-practice guidance from groups such as the Weston A. Price Foundation and the Raw Milk Institute. Several members expressed support for consumer choice but also raised concerns about food safety, especially for children and pregnant women, and about possible “mission creep” if the state creates a voluntary inspection or training system. The discussion ended without any vote or formal action on the raw milk issue. The committee then heard a lengthy presentation from Terrence Bolden of TLB Enterprises on hydroponic and container-based farming as a response to food insecurity, food deserts, and workforce needs. Bolden described a three-year career and technical education model using retrofitted shipping containers to grow food year-round with low water and energy use, paired with training in drones, robotics, agribusiness, and entrepreneurship. He said pilot projects are underway or planned with UAPB, the Little Rock School District, and other partners, and projected that five regional hubs could create significant economic impact and multiple jobs per container. Members asked about costs, target communities, school partnerships, food desert locations, and whether the model could include aquaponics or protein production; Bolden said the program is intended as a public-private partnership and that the committee could tour a container site once it is operational. The meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• any financial impact statement or any kind of actual numbers that the health department provided to support
• and liberty to choose what they want in this case, raw milk, if that's what they so choose, and supported
• folks who are retraining from jobs have learned, and then we can put that to work in a practical demonstration
• force, West Memphis being the driving force because of how much money is in that area, ...to help support
• driving force, West Memphis being a driving force because of how much money is in that area to help support

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we're pretty fortunate because of the support that we continue to get from the governor, as well
• folks will run through the wall and do whatever is necessary, and the 1B would be important is the support
• folks will run through the wall and do whatever is necessary, and the 1B would be important is the support
• And honestly, I think that we certainly have demonstrated that that is the spirit in which we have operated
• I would greatly appreciate your support. With that, I close. Missy, please call the vote.

Summary: The State Administration Budget Subcommittee met for budget day, heard agency follow-up questions, and then presented its recommended budget for fiscal year 2025-2026. Chair Lopez opened with remarks about reducing spending, emphasizing vacancy reductions and recurring savings across agencies. The recommendation eliminated 452.5 vacant positions and produced recurring savings of $57.2 million overall, while still funding selected priorities. Notable funded items included $500,000 for a new DBPR website for condominium complaints and document filing, $481.3 million for the MICEF Florida Home Program in DFS, funding for Florida PALM implementation, $330,000 for a Tampa office in the Office of Insurance Regulation, $835,000 for warehouse space for confiscated gambling machines, $821,000 for the Lottery gaming system contract, and major DMS capital and facilities funding. Lopez also criticized DMS leadership and said the secretary’s salary would be held in reserve pending answers on fleet management, remote workers, SUNCOM billing, and other issues. The committee then questioned DBPR Secretary Griffin about condominium records, structural integrity reserve studies, and milestone-inspection compliance. Members focused on how the division tracks condominiums, whether it can identify buildings with three habitable stories, and whether the current filing system can be improved to better capture building height and story count. Griffin said the division relies heavily on self-reporting and complaint-driven checks, but has updated forms to capture whether a condominium has buildings three stories or higher and has received additional submissions. Members also asked about staffing and the Miami-area office; Griffin said DBPR now has two Fort Lauderdale offices and a Doral office, with about 82% of new positions filled. Secretary Davis of the Florida Lottery also testified, defending travel to Paris and other conferences as part of industry engagement, technology research, and best-practice sharing. He said the travel was reimbursed through lottery-related organizations, described the Lottery as an enterprise fund that receives no general tax revenue, and said the agency has remained a top revenue generator nationally. Members questioned Orlando travel reimbursements and dues to the Multi-State Lottery Association, and asked for more information on how increased revenue translates into more Bright Futures scholarships. Davis said he would provide additional details. The subcommittee then unanimously passed two conforming bills. PCB SAB 25-01 removed statutory references to the legacy FLAIR accounting system in preparation for Florida PALM and was reported favorably. PCB SAB 25-02 addressed Capitol Center space after the planned House lease cancellation, declaring the governor, cabinet, and legislature permanent tenants, protecting existing space and parking allocations, giving the legislature first right of refusal on vacant space, and giving legislative leaders control over utilities in their space; it also passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned after the bills were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• EEL also supports new pathways and accreditation support for the field.
• We do have the Preschool Development Grant, and we are looking at support, and we are supporting infant
• December um e also supports new Pathways and<00:24:52.039><c> accreditation</c><00:24:52.720><c> support
• </c><00:25:30.080><c> and</c> Grant and we are looking at support and Grant and we are looking at support
• But what is the process of support to get them to, uh, support?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> direct much needed resources to support direct much needed resources to support our<00:07:42.680
• </c> helps to finance services and support helps to finance services and support for<00:11:25.320><c>
• We provide support and are dedicated to providing resources and support for people impacted by the sex
• supporting survivors.
• </c> be directly channeled into vital support be directly channeled into vital support services<00:30

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think now more than ever this is a time to consider supporting this measure.
• Well, I'll have to sort of Supporting this measure.
• It's the only one that has support behind it. Perhaps there's other bills filed.
• But anyway, I don't support it. I'm sorry.
• And so I have to support the concurrent House resolution. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there anyone here in support of the substitute? I did see someone who raised their hand.
• Is there anyone here in support substitute? I did see someone who raised their hand.
• We do support the bill. We're a little concerned about one of the changes that got made.
• Is there anyone in the audience in support of the committee substitute?
• I’m speaking in support of SB 14.

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 20, a prior-authorization and step-therapy measure, on a committee substitute that had already incorporated many stakeholder changes. The sponsor and agency witnesses described revisions to definitions of chronic health condition and serious mental illness, shorter prior-authorization periods, and limits on reporting requirements. Supporters, including a nurse practitioner and disability advocates, said the bill would reduce barriers to needed medications and urged broader protections for chronic and behavioral health conditions. Health insurance and pharmacy benefit management representatives remained opposed, arguing prior authorization is an important patient-safety tool and objecting to the bill’s limits on its use. Senator Hickey offered two amendments: one to conform electronic prior-authorization response times to existing law by changing seven days to three, and one to restore the prior-authorization period from 12 months to three years. The first amendment was accepted; the second passed on a 5-4 vote. The committee then approved the amended substitute 6-3. The committee next heard Senate Bill 111, which would expand the confidentiality of personal information held by the Motor Vehicle Division to include sex, gender identity, national origin, and immigration status. Tax and Revenue officials explained that the bill would not change what documents MVD collects, but would limit disclosure of sensitive information contained in scanned records unless a statutory exception applies. Members asked about what appears on licenses, what is stored in MVD’s system, and whether law enforcement access would change; officials said criminal law enforcement exceptions would remain in place and that the bill mainly affects public disclosure requests. The committee voted 8-1 to give the bill a do-pass recommendation. Senate Bill 218, funding a Los Alamos Emergency Operations Center, was presented as a regional disaster-response and training facility for northern New Mexico. Los Alamos County witnesses said the project would support emergency management training and coordination across the region and requested $5 million. Several senators questioned whether the county had explored bonding, intergovernmental agreements, or regional cost-sharing, and raised concerns about Los Alamos’s debt capacity and whether the project was truly regional. Supporters said the county has a long capital backlog and that the center would serve communities from Santa Fe north. The committee ultimately voted 9-1 to advance the bill. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 14, a major health professional loan-repayment proposal. Senator Hickey described it as an effort to recruit and retain physicians, nurses, and other allied health professionals by increasing repayment amounts, prioritizing physicians and doctors of osteopathic medicine for 50% of the fund, and allowing service commitments with some flexibility, including part-time work. Supporters from medical, nursing, and behavioral health groups said the bill would help address workforce shortages and make New Mexico more competitive. Committee members asked about the inclusion of physician assistants, the 90-day start requirement, anti-donation concerns, tax treatment, tribal and IHS providers, and whether the 50% physician set-aside would leave enough for other professions. After discussion, the committee voted 10-0 to send the bill forward with a do-pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support. of HJR 112.
• we support it for two reasons.
• Appreciate y'all support. Of course, thank you.
• Lauterbach supported it last session.
• We support this.

Bills: HB170, HB865, HB748, HJR112, HB 1110, HB1495, HB786, HB 1130, HB170

Keywords: civil liability, self-defense, force, deadly force, legal immunity, attorney's fees, criminal justice, firearms, liability, veterans, gun ownership, immunity, firearm hold agreement, sexual abuse, nondisclosure, confidentiality, public policy, Trey's Law, parental rights, child upbringing