Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> resolutions to Health Services, resolutions to Health Services, Senate<00:33:11.840><c> Joint</
• </c> possible a public service possible. possible a public service possible.
• </c> your service, and your example. your service, and your example.
• </c> health care services. health care services.
• </c> Because in this day of technology Because in this day of technology it<00:40:34.160><c> may</c><

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and excused absent members. The chamber received second readings of several bills and resolutions, including measures on ad valorem taxes, planning and zoning, tax-dollar restrictions, provisional medical licensing, Medicaid oversight, environmental regulations, municipal financial reporting, nuclear workforce development, and county law libraries. Committee reports advanced bills on economic development, education, judiciary, and veterans/public protection, and the body also received a list of newly filed bills and resolutions covering topics such as rural revitalization, athletics, SNAP eligibility, diaper tax exemption, domestic violence, middle school math, pedestrian bridges, constitutional amendments, education, and several honorary resolutions. The Senate then took up House Bill 314, which would reorganize the Kentucky Communications Network Authority (Kentucky Wired) by moving it under the Commonwealth Office of Technology, restructuring its board, and adding members representing cities and counties. Supporters said the bill was an administrative change, not a funding measure, intended to focus the network on students, teachers, and public users while awaiting an audit. Critics argued the project has been a costly taxpayer burden and called for stronger oversight. The bill passed final passage 32-6. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 157, which aligns Kentucky law with federal mortgage rules so that certain rate buy-down payments do not count against borrower fee caps, with supporters saying it would help housing affordability and reduce costs for borrowers. Senate Bill 214 also passed unanimously; it allows the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to accept non-federal funding for grants without routing those funds through the Department of Finance. The Senate later adopted several resolutions, including Senate Resolution 61 recognizing Links Incorporated Day, Senate Resolution 114 commemorating the 80th Southern Legislative Conference, and Senate Resolution 118 honoring Joseph H. Mattingly Jr. Additional remarks highlighted a Black History Celebration event and a lengthy floor speech criticizing the Kentucky Hospital Association’s reserves and urging investigation, followed by consideration of Senate Resolution 55 on Profound Autism Day in Kentucky.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Committee on Health and Human Services Committee on Health and Human Services is<00:27:48.559><c
• But if there is a new design, that we'll just say, um, finger grip, um, fingerprint technology.
• But if there is a new design, that we'll just say, um, finger grip, um, fingerprint technology.
• But if there is a new design, that we'll just say, um, finger grip, um, fingerprint technology.
• </c> department of health and human services department of health and human services to<02:08:58.800>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And accountability from the Missouri Technology Corporation, approving qualified businesses, monitoring
• The Missouri technology, right, would be the mechanism.
• The technology, maybe I said it wrong. The technology, maybe I said it wrong.
• The Missouri technology, did I not see that they were the ones creating, who's creating the framework
• So on record as informationally, I just want to thank you for your service always and your willingness

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I happen to answer any questions. ...to order an abortion-inducing drug via mail service.
• The City of Phoenix Human Services Department provides eviction legal services to residents who are facing
• For this particular law, you have to intentionally do it and intend to disrupt the service.
• it's done to disrupt the service.
• And actually, red light cameras are a great technological solution.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee heard a full slate of bills, beginning with HB 2749, which would allow certain nonviolent class 4, 5, or 6 felonies to be redesignated as misdemeanors after completion of sentence and a waiting period. The committee adopted a chair’s amendment narrowing eligibility and excluding some offenses, then passed the bill 6-0 with one not voting. Supporters described it as a redemption and reintegration measure for people who have completed their obligations. The committee then considered HB 2870, a constituent-driven bill restricting level 2 and level 3 sex offenders from living together in the same single-family dwelling unless they are related or in certain supervised facilities. The sponsor and neighborhood witnesses described a Chandler/Ocotillo situation involving multiple offenders in one house and argued the bill would protect families; opponents warned it could push offenders into homelessness and make supervision harder. After debate and testimony from both sides, the bill passed 3-2 with two not voting. HB 2862, which enhances penalties for offenses committed while wearing a mask to conceal identity, also passed 3-2 with two not voting after the Scottsdale city attorney testified in support and the ACLU argued it would chill protected protest and anonymity. HB 2364, which creates criminal penalties for mailing or delivering abortion-inducing drugs and for ordering them by mail, drew strong support from anti-abortion witnesses and strong opposition from lawmakers who said it conflicts with Proposition 139 and constitutional protections for abortion access. The bill passed 4-3. HB 2244, supported by Phoenix Vice Mayor Keisha Hodge Washington, would require landlords to respond to motions to satisfy eviction judgments and allow sealing of eviction records when tenants have paid; it passed unanimously 7-0. HB 2573, which removes a 45-day waiting period before some DUI offenders can apply for an ignition interlock restricted license, passed 7-0. The committee also advanced HB 4117, a strike-everything amendment creating penalties for interfering with religious services by obstructing access or engaging in disorderly conduct intended to disrupt worship. The ADL and Jewish community advocates supported it as a protection for worshippers, while the ACLU argued it could criminalize protected protest and speech; it passed 4-3. Finally, HCR 2004, a mirror resolution on photo enforcement systems that would require voter approval for continued operation and periodic reauthorization, passed 4-3 after testimony from the League of Cities and Towns and a discussion of traffic safety versus civil-liberties concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• Service said it ER resulting me taking to a different hospital where he died of septic shock despite
• level of comfort, think about a 20 up severely intellectually disabled young man who was refused service
• I was actually going to come before you today with the clean bill to volunteer my services.
• This technology reduces the burden on our aquifers.
• That's another technology that perhaps should be regulated differently.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Legal precedents change, techniques change, technology changes.
• And we have the technology, I think, to do that.
• The technology has obviously improved dramatically over the years.
• So even though she's not on my staff, we pay for her and her services and the Donahue Institute services
• to service our constituents.

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on the Census

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on census preparation, focusing first on testimony from U.S. Census Bureau staff James Whitehorn and Andrea Grace Johnson. They described the Bureau’s decade-long geographic and redistricting programs, including the Boundary and Annexation Survey, School District Review Program, Participant Statistical Area Program, and Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA), along with the Block Boundary Suggestion Project and voting district collection. They emphasized that Massachusetts has been a strong partner in these efforts and explained how the Bureau is using updated street data, building footprints, machine learning, and change detection to improve address lists and track new housing. Whitehorn also reviewed the 2030 redistricting data program, the legal basis for it under PL 94-171, the role of state nonpartisan liaisons, and the expected timeline for data delivery. He noted that OMB’s revised race and ethnicity standards will merge those questions into one and add a Middle Eastern/North African category. Committee members asked about the new standards, state contacts, and how boundary updates are submitted, and the witnesses said they would provide the slide deck and contact information. Wendy Underhill and Helen Brewer of NCSL then testified about why census preparation matters for states, stressing its impact on data, federal funding, and political representation. They outlined optional steps states can take before 2030, including staying in touch with Census Bureau staff, identifying state and local personnel involved in census work, supporting local participation in Bureau programs, and creating complete count committees or commissions. They cited Massachusetts’s prior complete count committee and grantmaking efforts as an example and said such efforts can improve self-response and overall accuracy. They also noted that state legislatures can act as conveners and trusted messengers, and they discussed broader issues such as privacy protections, differential privacy, budget uncertainty, and the possibility of future litigation or a citizenship question. Secretary of State William Galvin then gave extended remarks on Massachusetts’s 2020 census experience and the need to prepare early for 2030. He said the state faced major challenges in 2020 from the pandemic, litigation, and rhetoric about citizenship, and that Massachusetts relied heavily on local records, university data, and community outreach to document residents, especially students and non-native-born populations. He argued that the state should strengthen local recordkeeping now through LUCA, annual resident lists, assessors’ and zoning records, and other local data sources, and he urged support for a proposed $500,000 appropriation for census-related grants and technical assistance. Galvin said better preparation is needed because housing patterns, population shifts, and local administrative capacity have changed since 2020, and he emphasized that the goal is to improve the completeness of the records the Census Bureau will use in 2030.

Transcript Highlights:

• H.B. 4162, human services. H.B. 4163, K-12 education. Thank you. H.B. 4164, local government.
• Throughout his life, Daniel demonstrated a love of learning, innovation, growth, and service through
• he believed in, but something he lived each day through kindness, ministry, and selfless acts of service
• Daniel's life was a blessing to all who knew him, and he leaves behind a legacy of service, integrity
• His legacy of service, integrity, faith, leadership, and love will continue to inspire his family, his

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Human Services Subcommittee will come to order. Sabrina, please call the roll. Chair Mellow.
• Baker Act commitments and reduce inpatient care for individuals better served through outpatient services
• Through these post-Baker Act direct contact services, Polk County has seen a reduction in repeat Baker
• , assist individuals with connection to mental health services, and reduce Baker Act recidivism.
• Crisis intervention services, assist individuals with connection to mental health services, and reduce

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee considered three bills and reported all of them favorably. HB 1013, relating to crisis care coordination, would create a pilot program in Polk and Volusia counties to connect people who have had Baker Act-related crises with follow-up counseling, assessments, and outpatient services through partnerships between law enforcement and community providers. The sponsor said the program has reduced repeat Baker Act commitments in Polk County, and the committee adopted a strike-all amendment moving the pilot to a different statute, formalizing partnerships, and requiring an independent DCF evaluation due in January 2029. The bill drew support from mental health and justice advocates and passed unanimously. The committee then heard PCS for HB 511, which addresses child protective investigations involving specific medical diagnoses. Sponsors and several parents, attorneys, and advocates described cases in which children were removed after injuries were initially treated as abuse but later linked to conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, metabolic bone disease, or other medical fragility. They argued the bill would require notice of the right to a second medical opinion, better consideration of preexisting conditions and medical records, and more coordination before reports are sent to law enforcement, while still preserving protections for abused children. Members expressed sympathy for the families and emphasized the need for fairness and accurate medical review; the bill passed 17-0. Finally, HB 1439, based on recommendations from the 2025 Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder, was presented as a broader mental health and substance use disorder measure focused on crisis response, access to care, and workforce development. An amendment aligned the bill more closely with commission recommendations, including assessment tools, trauma-informed practices, school-based behavioral health access, telehealth, discharge planning, and long-acting injectable treatment access. The commission chair testified that the bill reflected a vetted set of recommendations from subject matter experts and commissioners, and the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably by unanimous vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• anywhere to contain them, which should— Because Lincoln County doesn’t have an animal service anywhere
• Our technology has outpaced what we have done in statute.
• Yes, there have been technological changes that have occurred to require modification of the operations
• There have also been other circumstances that have developed in past few years, not technological, that
• Should be two electronic forms, as long as technology hasn't defeated me, which may be.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal law prohibits intimidating voters, prohibits anyone in the civil or military service of the United
• ordering, bringing, or keeping troops or armed persons, whether in the civil, military, or naval service
• they don't even have the means of checking their email or requesting another ballot through modern technology
• whether it be within or outside, you know, outside of their home county, we provide them with the technology
• whether it be within or without, you know, outside of their home county, we provide them with the technology

Bills: SB264 , SB261

Committee: Senate Senate Rules

Keywords: election integrity, voter coercion, public safety, emergency procedures, polling place security, health regulations, community welfare, peace promotion, legislative reforms, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal law prohibits intimidating voters, prohibits anyone in the civil or military service of the United
• ordering, bringing, or keeping troops or armed persons, whether in the civil, military, or naval service
• they don't even have the means of checking their email or requesting another ballot through modern technology
• whether it be within or without, you know, outside of their home county, we provide them with the technology
• whether it be within or without, you know, outside of their home county, we provide them with the technology

Bills: SB264 , SB261

Committee: Senate House Rules & Order Of Business

Keywords: election integrity, voter coercion, public safety, emergency procedures, polling place security, health regulations, community welfare, peace promotion, legislative reforms

Summary: The committee heard two election-related bills. SB 264, sponsored by Sen. Duhigg and others and presented by the Secretary of State, would add definitions and new offenses to New Mexico election law to prohibit interference with elections, including the presence of troops or armed persons at polling places or ballot drop boxes, attempts to impose election rules contrary to state law, and intentional obstruction of access to polling places. It also would create civil enforcement options, strengthen existing election offenses by adding “under color of law” language, and include emergency voting procedures for voters displaced by natural disasters. Supporters, including Common Cause, the Center for Civic Policy, and the League of Women Voters, said the bill protects voters from intimidation and outside interference. Several county clerks and rural legislators raised concerns about late changes, lack of consultation, rural logistics, and possible litigation. The committee adopted the Rules Committee substitute and advanced SB 264 on a 5-3 roll call vote. SB 261, presented as a companion election measure, would remove the existing exception that allowed law enforcement to carry firearms at polling places, but the sponsor offered an amendment to allow armed law enforcement to respond when called by the presiding judge, county clerk, or Secretary of State. Supporters said firearms do not belong in or around polling places because they can intimidate voters and poll workers, while opponents argued the bill was unnecessary because existing law already covers law enforcement response and that the amendment created confusion. After a recess caused by members leaving the room, the committee returned, adopted the Rules Committee substitute including the amendment, and advanced SB 261 by unanimous voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• in this process is then to find a district or charter school that they can work in to provide the services
• Are we using tribal libraries so that people don't have to commute, but that we can use technology to
• Navajo Nation does a lot of work in using technology.
• So we have some tribes who are not comfortable using technology, and I don't know that it ever will make
• it to technology, which is fine.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you all for the invitation to be here today and thank you for your service.
• That the system can be more adaptive and fluid to modern technology.
• </c> resolution directing the Public Service resolution directing the Public Service Commission<01:42
• services more affordable for the people of Kentucky.
• services more affordable for the people of Kentucky.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we'll transition to LED debt service and state commitments.
• LED debt service receives funding from four dedicated funds.
• LED debt service is now home to the LED debt service is now home to the newly created high-impact jobs
• By choice, the Public Service Commission participates in that with us.
• Services.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee first heard the FY27 executive budget review for Louisiana Economic Development (LED). House Fiscal outlined a $59.4 million LED budget, with major funding from state general fund, self-generated revenue, federal funds, and a marketing dedication, and explained reductions tied largely to the removal of one-time funding and carryforwards. The Secretary highlighted recent economic development results, including major capital investment announcements, job creation, the high-impact jobs program, Louisiana Fast Sites, and efforts to support existing businesses and small business growth. Members repeatedly asked for clearer public-facing materials on the tax and economic benefits of incentives, the use of the entertainment development fund, the structure of the high-impact jobs and Fast Sites programs, and how LED competes with other states. LED also discussed its Storyteller Initiative, regional project distribution, and the role of major events and film-related incentives. The committee then reviewed Louisiana Works’ FY27 budget of $352.7 million. Staff explained that the budget is driven mainly by federal funds and statutory dedications, with changes largely attributable to the One Door to Work Act and the transfer of workforce functions and positions into the department. The Secretary noted a planned $5 million move for the Louisiana STEM Council and a small request for elevator repairs, and members discussed the unemployment insurance trust fund’s improved balance, which lowered employer tax rates and increased benefits. Questions focused on workforce shortages, coordination with LCTCS and other training partners, the new Louisiana Talent Accelerator and workforce modernization efforts, the need for marketing to attract workers back to Louisiana, and remaining gaps in funding for rehabilitation services and disability employment programs. Finally, the committee took up the Department of Conservation and Energy’s FY27 budget of $201.3 million. Staff described decreases tied to the end of the Solar for All grant, lower orphan well spending as prior balances were drawn down, and reductions in some one-time funding and interagency transfers. The Secretary said the department’s reorganization is now largely complete and emphasized a focus on eliminating duplicative functions, strengthening enforcement and permitting, and using available funds more efficiently. Members questioned the reduction in orphan well funding, the impact of the Solar for All repeal, the use of settlement dollars, and the department’s plans for AI-assisted permitting and modernization of the Sunrise database. They also discussed ongoing work on seismic activity in Red River Parish, commercial fishermen’s claims for gear damaged by energy infrastructure, and efforts to improve financial security requirements for operators so future orphan well liabilities are better covered.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee is now in session.
• I represent Republic Services, which used to be U.S. Ecology Corporation.
• implement large language models, and is the agency not allowed to communicate or work through these technologies
• large language models, and is the agency not allowed them to communicate or work through these technologies
• Representative Schurz, I just want you to set my heart at ease here, because technology is a big part

Committee: House Environment, Energy and Technology

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And through my own experience many more decades ago, um, I have found services, student programming,
• , technology, technology, the<00:37:28.160><c> ability</c><00:37:28.560><c> for</c><00:37:28.960><c>
• The project will consolidate student services into a one-stop service center, repurpose old classrooms
• </c> programs including facility services programs including facility services technology,<00:50:11.680
• ><c> that's</c><00:50:11.920><c> like</c><00:50:12.079><c> HVAC,</c> technology, that's like HVAC, technology

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Basically, we have the community-based treatment recovery services.
• Do you know was that due to service utilization. Was it new services?
• So absolutely medicaid in it really doesn't matter are in need of services then services will be provided
• Doing is getting us core stable mental health services right.
• Anybody who's receiving services has to keep receiving services.

Committee: House Appropriations and Budget

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:02:59.360><c> You</c><02:02:59.520><c> know</c> preservation services.
• You know preservation services.
• but at this point um I believe services but at this point um I believe we<02:03:13.360><c> will</c><
• Oh, next up is House Bill 784, relating to emergency medical services in the form of an ambulance on
• </c> be used to modernize the technology be used to modernize the technology that's<02:26:03.359><c>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I began my career in civil service in 2006.
• I began my career in civil service in 2006 as a disability valuation analyst with social services.
• I work at the Department of Health Care Services.
• Annika Walls, Disability Determination Services Division with the Department of Social Services and proud
• I work at the Department of Health Care Services.

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to public employment. AB 1601, by Assemblymember Rogers, would give Sonoma County flexibility to work with its retirement board and actuaries on a possible retiree cost-of-living adjustment; supporters said Sonoma is the only 1937 Act county system without an automatic COLA and that retirees have gone since 2008 without an increase, while no opposition testified. The bill passed on a do-pass vote and was placed on the floor. AB 1729, by Assemblymember Lee, would update state telework policy by requiring written telework plans, adding more structure before return-to-office decisions, and restoring public reporting on telework savings. Supporters, including SEIU Local 1000, the Association of California State Supervisors, and many state workers, argued telework improves productivity, reduces emissions and commute costs, and could save the state about $225 million annually; there was no opposition. The committee approved the bill 6-0 and re-referred it to Appropriations. AB 1630, by Assemblymember Colosa, would allow union representatives to invite bargaining-unit members to observe meet-and-confer sessions, including remotely, to increase transparency and engagement. UC and CSU opposed the measure, saying observer rules should be negotiated at the table and warning the bill lacked clear limits on the number of observers and could create logistical and security problems. The bill passed 5-0 with one member not voting and was sent to Appropriations. AB 1750, also by Assemblymember Colosa, would require school employees who exhaust sick leave and are absent due to illness or injury to receive full salary for an additional five months. CTA supported the bill as a needed safety net for teachers and classified staff, while school districts and administrators opposed it over cost, staffing, and student stability concerns, saying it could encourage longer absences and strain already tight budgets. The committee passed the bill 5-0 and sent it to Higher Education. AB 1896, by Assemblymember Gonzalez, would bar people who participated in immigration enforcement from holding California public employment, with supporters framing it as a response to ICE and Border Patrol actions and opponents warning it was overbroad and could exclude otherwise qualified applicants from law enforcement jobs; the bill passed 5-1 and was referred to Public Safety.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1212 was drawn from the Committee on Health and Human Services and additionally referred
• Senate Bill 1776 is drawn from the Committee on Health and Human Services and additionally referred to
• Senate Bill 1776 is drawn from the Committee on Health and Human Services.
• SB 1046, telecommunications; science and technology. SB 1086, HCCS. SB 1086, HCCS; government.
• Speaker Pro Tem, Science and Technology will be meeting in 10 minutes in Hearing Room 5.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Kai Sun. Members also welcomed newly sworn Representative Cody Rhyme and congratulated Sergeant-at-Arms Chuck Fitzgerald on his recent wedding. Several members introduced guests and visiting groups, including pharmacists at Pharmacy Day at the Capitol, the Arizona Education Association, the Well-Being Collaborative of Arizona, and local officials and constituents from around the state. The chamber then took up House Resolution 2001, which designated March 18, 2026 as Health Workforce Well-Being Day in Arizona. The resolution cited burnout and workforce shortages among physicians, nurses, medical students, residents, pharmacists, and other health professionals, and urged state officials and health organizations to prioritize workforce well-being. It was adopted without objection to waive first and second reading, and Representative Bliss introduced guests connected to the Well-Being Collaborative. The House also considered several bills on third reading. House Bill 2375, relating to housing and historic neighborhoods, drew extensive debate over local control, historic preservation, housing shortages, and concerns about exclusion and segregation; it passed 31-24, but without the required two-thirds vote for its emergency clause. House Bill 2931, concerning the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board, passed 36-19, and House Bill 2992, creating a child sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention pilot program, passed 35-20 after debate over whether funds should instead support broader sex education. Senate Bill 1010, substituted for House Bill 4027 and relating to historic names, passed 33-22. The House also handled committee assignments, referrals, and first readings of additional Senate bills before adjourning until the next day.