Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Health and Human Services is called to order.
• Chairman Warner and members of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, I'm Kayla Black.
• Services Committees of the House and Senate that summarizes the... ...oversight and instead requires
• Services Committees of the House and Senate that summarizes the findings of the review, identifies areas
• This is a full-circle moment for me because as we had a Family Service Committee, we had Senator Mary

Summary: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee met and first recognized Physical Therapy Day at the Capitol, welcoming Arizona physical therapy leaders and students. The committee then took up several bills related to SNAP, health care regulation, child welfare, dementia services, and safe haven newborn surrender. SB 1334 would bar DES from seeking or renewing SNAP work-requirement waivers for able-bodied adults without dependents unless required by federal or state law; supporters said it would curb administrative expansion and opponents argued it would reduce flexibility during high unemployment and harm food-insecure Arizonans. The bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 4-1 vote. SB 1333 would require DES to reduce the SNAP payment error rate to 3% by 2030, with annual reporting, corrective action plans, Auditor General oversight, and possible funding penalties if targets are missed. After adopting a committee amendment changing reporting to quarterly updates and replacing a forensic audit with a special audit, the committee approved the bill as amended on a 4-1 vote. SB 1331 would require able-bodied adults under 60 receiving SNAP to participate in mandatory employment and training unless exempt; proponents said it would strengthen work expectations, while opponents and DES raised concerns about administrative burden and food bank impacts. The bill passed 4-2, with members explaining no votes due to child care, rural access, and food insecurity concerns. The committee also advanced SB 1162, which clarifies DHS’s role in licensing and monitoring health care institutions and, as amended, requires DHS and AHCCCS/Access to coordinate to reduce duplicative oversight and report periodically to the legislature; it passed 6-0. SB 1017, requiring additional signatures and witness verification on emergency informed consent forms for surgical procedures, passed 4-2. SB 1149, which adds reporting and procedural requirements for DCS periodic review hearings, passed as amended 5-1. SB 1249, designating DHS as the lead agency on Alzheimer’s and dementia and creating a state plan and services program funded through lottery monies rather than the general fund after amendment, passed 6-0. Finally, SB 1253 clarified that a parent may surrender a newborn at the hospital of birth without leaving and returning, and requires updated safe-haven reporting; it passed 5-0, after testimony from hospital and safe-haven advocates in support. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• act relating to human services, reports the same back with a recommendation that the bill be amended
• </c> products that department of human products that department of human services<00:25:59.200><c> can
• As a member of the Senate Human Services Committee, I really appreciate Senator Abeler bringing this
• As a member of the Senate Human Services Committee, I really appreciate Senator Abeler bringing this
• As a member of the Senate Human Services Committee, I really appreciate Senator Abeler bringing this

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no one approaching, let's bring it back to committee for questions by committee members.
• Questions by committee members? Yes, Dr. Weber Pearson. Questions by committee members? Yes, Dr.
• All right, let's bring it back to committee for questions and comments by committee members. Yes.
• In this committee, I believe I'll see it again in health, which is a different committee. Um.
• In this committee, I believe I'll see it again in health, which is a different committee.

Summary: The committee heard and acted on several bills. SB 479 by Senator Arreguín would allow Berkeley, Long Beach, and Pasadena, as local health jurisdictions, to use multidisciplinary homeless response teams and share specified information across departments; supporters said it would improve coordination and services for unsheltered residents, and the bill passed 9-0 to Appropriations. SB 46 by Senator Umberg would direct the Secretary of State to keep constitutionally ineligible presidential candidates off the California ballot, including anyone who has already served two terms; supporters argued it was a constitutional enforcement measure, while Senator Niello questioned whether it was needed, and it passed 6-1 to Appropriations. SB 99 by Senator Blakespear would improve coordination between military and civilian systems by requiring courts and law enforcement to account for military protective orders and notify military authorities of possible violations; the Department of Defense supported it, while the ACLU raised due process concerns, and it passed 6-0 to Appropriations. SB 719 by Senator Cabaldon would extend the sunset on state reporting about high-risk automated decision systems from 2029 to 2032, and it passed 6-0 to Appropriations. SB 300 by Senator Padilla would strengthen California’s new AI chatbot law by requiring operators to prevent minors from being exposed to sexually explicit material; supporters said the existing law was insufficient, while industry groups warned against expanding a brand-new regime before it had been tested, and it passed 9-0 to Appropriations. SB 381 by Senator Wahab would allow adult adoptees, and descendants of adoptees, to obtain original birth certificates and create a nonbinding contact preference form for birth parents; supporters described health, identity, and dignity concerns, while some members raised privacy concerns, and it passed 13-0 to the Senate Health Committee. SB 33 by Senator Cortese would eliminate the sunset on the public works contractor claim-resolution process, with supporters saying it reduces litigation and speeds payment, and it passed 10-0 to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> that, I'll turn to your committee. that, I'll turn to your committee.
• No, I, you know what, and you add that to the shift on the human services side of it and the counties
• /c><00:37:07.359><c> and</c><00:37:07.520><c> the</c> human services side of it and the human services
• </c><01:35:26.000><c> or</c><01:35:26.400><c> human</c> of a human um a human person or human of a human
• believe people also have human rights. believe people also have human rights.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Governmental Organization Committee will come to order.
• Good morning, Chair and members of the committee.
• The public deserves to know when they are interacting with AI rather than a human being.
• Motion is due pass to the Appropriations Committee. AB 2731.
• Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you to the rest of the committee.

Summary: The Senate Governmental Organization Committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2294, which would designate April 14 as Sylvia Mendez Day in honor of the Mendez v. Westminster civil rights case. Assembly Member Ta and supporters from the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and HACU described the case’s role in ending school segregation in California and influencing Brown v. Board of Education. Committee members from both parties spoke in strong support, and the bill was later approved 13-0. The committee also heard AB 2412, which would require state agencies to disclose when generative AI is used in public announcements and provide a way to reach a human employee. The author and California Civil Liberties Advocacy said the measure is about transparency and public trust, not banning AI. The bill was moved forward and ultimately passed 12-1. AB 2663, a sunset extension for the law allowing cocktails-to-go, drew support from the California Restaurant Association, a restaurant owner, and industry groups, who said it has helped small businesses and should continue; it passed 13-0. AB 2731 would expand the number of Type 47 liquor licenses available in Santa Cruz County, with licenses reserved for Watsonville and other communities to support small businesses and reduce inflated secondary-market costs. Supporters included Santa Cruz County and the city of Watsonville, and the bill passed 13-0. AB 2751 would standardize the personal importation limit for alcohol brought into California from outside the United States, addressing a disparity at land borders; it also passed 13-0. Several items were initially held on call because the committee lacked a quorum, but after members returned, the committee completed roll calls and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to resubmit to the Centers for Medicare
• This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to resubmit to the Centers for Medicare
• </c> specifically on Senate Health and Human specifically on Senate Health and Human Services<02:11:41.360
• This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to establish an administrative day rate
• </c> the Department of Health and Human the Department of Health and Human Services<02:20:53.600><c>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is going to be a great committee this year.
• This is an important committee for me.
• you know, our budget committee more efficient.
• I'm very excited to be on this committee.
• Thanks for your service.

Summary: The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee met to organize for the session, take roll, and hear introductory remarks from members and agency heads. Members briefly introduced themselves and their districts, with several noting transportation, economic development, emergency response, military, and hurricane recovery issues in their areas. Chair Shove then outlined the subcommittee’s jurisdiction and current-year budget, noting a total of about $20.3 billion, with most funding coming from trust funds and only a small share from general revenue. The committee also heard that upcoming meetings would include presentations from major agencies in the subcommittee’s purview. The first agency presentation was from the Department of Military Affairs and the Florida National Guard. Major General John Haas described the Guard’s three missions—supporting national security, responding to state emergencies, and adding value to the state—and highlighted deployments for hurricanes, border security support, and ongoing support to the Department of Corrections. He emphasized that the Guard is understrength relative to Florida’s size and demand, said recruiting is strong, and identified force structure growth as the main challenge. Members asked about aircraft, funding sources, and recruiting; Haas explained the Guard’s helicopter and fixed-wing fleet, said aircraft purchases are funded through legislative appropriations, and reported strong interest in the Florida State Guard’s recruiting pipeline. Executive Director Mark Thieme then described the Florida State Guard’s expansion into air, ground, and maritime capabilities, including Black Hawks, boats, drones, canine search-and-rescue teams, and ground support units. He said the agency supported immigration enforcement and hurricane response, and asked for continued legislative support to expand aviation, maritime, and medical capabilities. Members praised the Guard’s disaster response work and asked about aircraft, funding, and staffing. Secretary Cord Byrd of the Department of State followed, focusing on election administration, election security, the SunBiz and voter registration IT systems, arts and culture, corporations, libraries, and historical resources. He said Florida’s election system remains a national model, reported two prosecutions for non-citizen voting, and discussed modernization needs for legacy IT systems. The committee also asked about voter lookup tools, password privacy for SunBiz, and arts funding vetoes. Secretary Alex Kelly of the Department of Commerce described the agency’s broad portfolio, including workforce, economic, community, and international commerce functions, plus housing recovery, broadband, small business support, rural infrastructure, defense-community grants, and law enforcement recruitment bonuses. He said access to capital is the biggest barrier for small businesses and noted ongoing work with CareerSource, the Department of Corrections, and other partners on workforce and reentry. Secretary Jared Perdue of the Department of Transportation then outlined FDOT’s record budget and five-year work program, emphasizing emergency response, preservation and maintenance, safety, and major investments in roads, ports, airports, transit, and spaceport infrastructure. He said the department has removed millions of cubic yards of storm debris, is ahead of schedule on the Moving Florida Forward initiative, and faces a large unfunded project backlog. Members asked about supply chain issues, project priorities, and workforce needs, and Perdue said FDOT is open to collaboration on recruitment and retention.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs will come to order.
• So we just want to thank the legislature, especially this committee, members of this committee, for the
• Employment Services.
• This is a mental health program that we work in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services
• This is a mental health program that we work in conjunction with the Department of Health Human Services

Summary: The Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs heard a briefing from the Texas Veterans Commission on its major programs and outreach efforts. TVC described its claims assistance, health care advocacy, education oversight, employment services, entrepreneurship support, mental health and suicide prevention work, women veterans services, grant funding for nonprofits and local governments, and support for veteran treatment courts. The agency also highlighted its communications strategy, including media outreach, events, newsletters, social media, and the Texas Veterans State Benefits Booklet, and noted that less than 58% of veterans were aware of TVC in the latest needs assessment. A committee member asked about performance metrics, and TVC said each appropriation has associated measures and that it could provide recent results. The committee then took up Senate Bill 651, which would allow a county veterans service office in a large county to report either directly to commissioners court or to a designated county executive official. Senator West explained the bill as a cleanup of current practice, and Dallas County testified in support, saying the change would streamline internal management. No opposition was heard, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 897 would reduce the non-state matching requirement for the Texas Veterans and Family Alliance grant program in larger counties from 100 percent to 75 percent in the committee substitute, rather than the 50 percent reduction in the filed version. Supporters from MetroCare and Emergence Health Network said the lower match would help sustain and expand veteran mental health services, citing increased demand and program growth. The bill was left pending after testimony. The committee also adopted its rules. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1814, which would create an interagency database to collect and coordinate contact information for transitioning veterans so agencies could proactively connect them with services. Senator Hancock said the goal was to better use information already being collected, though he noted the bill had a significant fiscal note. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1818, which would create a temporary six-month licensing and certification process for military members and spouses assigned to Texas while they wait for letters of good standing from other states. VFW testified in support, emphasizing the importance of employment for military families. Both bills were left pending, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice.
• We have a three-minute rule in this committee.
• But I would ask the committee to take one more step.
• Jury service is fundamental, right?
• Jury service is part of that.

Summary: The committee first handled housekeeping items, voluntarily deferring HB 63 and HB 622 at the authors’ requests. It then heard HB 131 on post-conviction relief, which would remove the word “inexcusably” from the PCR statute and delay bail eligibility after relief until the state’s appeals are exhausted through the Louisiana Supreme Court. The bill drew support from the Attorney General’s office and district attorneys, with opposition cards from the Southern Poverty Law Center, and it was reported favorably. HB 789, concerning seizure of off-road vehicles used unlawfully on roadways, was amended to direct forfeiture proceeds to the Attorney General when acting as district attorney ad hoc; it was then reported as amended with support from law enforcement and no opposition testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> something that's within the human something that's within the human services<00:42:17.440><c> committee's
• on Health and Human Services.
• I serve as a child and family services manager for Wright County Health and Human Services.
• County Health<02:10:46.480><c> and</c><02:10:46.719><c> Human</c><02:10:46.960><c> Services.
• One of the Health and Human Services.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, I'm chair of C-SAC's Health and Human Services Committee.
• And I tell you what, the first month of school, nobody wants services. Everybody wants services.
• I follow the stand on the shoulders of those of you who have been chairs of Health and Human Service
• And let's be clear, child care services are not throwaway services. They're not optional services.
• And let's be clear, child care services are not throwaway services. They're not optional services.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have now had a committee hearing in the Senate Business, Trade, and Economic Development Committee
• One is our standard goods and services amount.
• When there is litigation, the bill, the agency is billed for AGO services or attorney time and services
• And you find out, like, things that you think would not take a human being do take a human being.
• But then when you... ...would not take a human being do take a human being, but then when you, because

Summary: The committee held a special hearing on a tentative amended, restated gaming compact between the State of Washington and the Squaxin Island Tribe. Washington State Gambling Commission Director Tina Griffin said the state and tribe had reached tentative agreement after collaborative negotiations, and explained the approval process: public comment and a commission vote with ex officio legislative members, followed by governor review, tribal submission to the Secretary of the Interior, and Federal Register publication before the compact becomes effective. Squaxin Island representative Ray Peters said the tribe supports the amendments, describing them as clarifications that improve casino regulation and align the compact with other state compacts while supporting jobs and funding for housing, health care, and other services. Commission staff member Johnny Bray walked through the compact changes, including restating several appendices, removing the CX2 addendum, and adding new appendices on limitations and electronic table games. He said the limitations appendix raises certain wagering and facility ceilings, including higher table-game and tribal lottery system limits, authorization for credit for qualified patrons, and screening requirements for high-limit areas. He also described the new electronic table games appendix, which allows wager limits up to $500 and a nine-to-one ratio of electronic games to gaming stations, along with additional responsible-gaming commitments. Members asked about the location of the tribe and whether higher limits could increase problem gambling; staff said the limits are ceilings, other tribes already have similar authorizations, and the tribe must screen patrons and implement protections. The committee then held a work session with Secretary of State Steve Hobbs and staff on the office’s fiscal note process. Tim Gallivan explained the office’s three-day turnaround, workload-based FTE estimates, use of assumptions and ranges, and how fiscal notes include both salary/benefit costs and broader operating costs such as enterprise support and administration allocations. He also described how litigation costs are estimated in coordination with the Attorney General, including when costs are known, estimated from comparable cases, or marked indeterminate. Members questioned whether fiscal notes can reflect policy disagreements and how assumptions differ across agencies, and discussed examples involving the Washington Voting Rights Act and ranked choice voting. Hobbs and staff said fiscal notes are based on bill language, not intent, and that early sponsor contact can help refine estimates. No votes were taken in the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Opilia Bernett, Healing Justice Program associate with American Friends Service Committee.
• </c> associate with American friend service associate with American friend service committee<01:25:13.119
• And then in return, in 169-C:38, we, DCF, the Department of Health and Human Services, are mandatory
• </c><04:45:33.878><c> Services</c> Department of Health and Human Services Department of Health and Human
• He said that so far, from what he had got from the committee, there were some marketing and some Human

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 146, which would require longer retention and quicker disclosure of certain video recordings from traffic stops and similar motor vehicle violations when a citation is disputed. The prime sponsor described the bill as a response to a constituent who challenged a speeding ticket but could not obtain a cruiser video before it was deleted under the current 30-day retention practice. Supporters argued the bill is about fairness and access to potentially exculpatory evidence, and one member suggested a simple 60-day retention period might avoid confusion over different timelines. The sponsor also noted that the bill would not affect criminal cases and that victims and complainants should have access to the same evidence as law enforcement when a recording is relevant to a defense. Major Brendan Davey of the New Hampshire State Police testified in opposition. He said the proposal would create a different discovery standard for one type of evidence, could discourage agencies from adopting body-worn or cruiser cameras, and would add cost and administrative burden. He explained that the State Police already retain routine traffic-stop videos for at least 30 days, but keep videos much longer when complaints or possible litigation are involved, and said the current system balances efficiency with accountability. He also argued the underlying speeding case did not make the trooper video directly material to the citation, though he acknowledged the legislature could choose a longer blanket retention period if it wished. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then opened a public hearing on House Bill 638, which would allow people serving life without parole sentences to become eligible for a parole hearing at age 60 after serving at least 18 years, provided they have had no major conduct violations in the prior 10 years. The sponsor said the bill is intended to give a narrow second look to a small number of elderly prisoners, citing the high cost of incarceration and the health challenges of aging in prison. He emphasized that the bill would not automatically release anyone, would not apply to capital murder convictions under RSA 630:1, and would still allow victims to participate in the parole process. Testimony on HB 638 was mixed. Alexander Bailey, a survivor of violent crime and domestic violence advocate, supported the bill, saying many survivors favor rehabilitation, second chances, and restorative justice, and that people in prison often age faster and face serious health and safety problems. Another supporter, Russell Roy, began offering a personal story about crime, addiction, and violence in Concord, but the transcript cuts off before his full remarks. Committee members asked about why age 60 was chosen, how released individuals would support themselves, and whether victims or families would be consulted; the sponsor said 60 was meant to limit eligibility and reflect the health realities of prison, and that parole boards already consider support networks and victim input. No action or vote was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and service. and service.
• We've been in Health and Human Services, and we've heard these stories.
• </c><00:46:00.000><c> Services,</c> We've been in Health and Human Services, We've been in Health and
• Human Services, and<00:46:00.680><c> we've</c><00:46:00.880><c> heard</c><00:46:01.080><c> these</c>
• And I think that HHS and Human Services.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee, Representative Justin Woodson, and to my left is the Vice Chair of the Education Committee
• be the human training on human oversight for fairness and equity.
• </c> protection we also emphasize the human protection we also emphasize the human involvement<00:42:
• </c> human the training on human human the training on human oversight<00:42:36.839><c> for</c><00:42
• So that's in my suite of services that we provide for the institution.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It splits the general fund into three categories: Education, Health and Human Services, and all other
• Education, Health and Human Services, and all other.
• E-12 education and Health and Human Services, as you can see, grow faster than the rest of the state
• But for the first time ever, Health and Human Services is expected to become the largest area of the
• </c><00:50:43.680><c> Services</c><00:50:44.559><c> paid</c> Department of Human Services paid Department

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Human Services Committee will Health and Human Services Committee will meet<00:40:10.200><c> today</
• Yes, we urge an I vote on the Health and Human Services Committee report.
• </c><03:56:37.000><c> Services</c><03:56:37.520><c> Committee</c> Health and Human Services Committee
• Health and Human Services Committee report?
• </c><03:56:42.480><c> All</c> Human Services Committee report. All Human Services Committee report.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Senate committees.
• It generally provides protections for service members during periods of military service.
• They also help coordinate mental health first aid in collaboration with Health and Human Services.
• As clarified in Section 3 of this bill, if no new money is appropriated, uh, the Health and Human Services
• initiatives from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to the Texas Veterans Commission.

Bills: HB101

Keywords: voter approval, local tax, disaster declaration, tax rate increases, community funding

Transcript Highlights:

• Services Committee Chairman Rogers, and Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Smith to introduce the
• SERVICES COMMITTEE RESPONSE TO THE DC ACCIDENT SEEK TO RESPOND TO THIS TRAGEDY IN THEIR OWN WAYS.
• TNI Committee Chair Graves, Armed Services Committee Chair Rogers, Ranking Member Smith, and I introduced
• The House TNI Committee purposely partnered with the House Armed Services Committee to make sure both
• and with the House Armed Services Committee to bring that bill into markup and committees and onto the

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is our Florida legislative committee.
• that are currently serving on a legislative committee to include myself.
• And I didn't see any participation here on this committee for our area.
• So these are just simply sheriffs that are on this committee guarantee, a grubby Tony's on other committees
• And there's an emphasis on illegal smuggling and human trafficking as well.

Keywords: 999, senate, all