Transcript Highlights:

• it but not getting rid of the critical pieces they need to know how to do their work, as well as revising
• it but not getting rid of the critical pieces they need to know how to do their work, as well as revising
• So it is our second-largest statewide matching event that we do for kids who are waiting for foster care
• an increase in the hotline, but really an increase in strengthening of our relationship with our statewide
• Again, I'm really proud of the work our CACs are doing statewide, our strong partnerships that we've

Transcript Highlights:

• on the companion showed that if all the transportation benefit districts utilized this, then the statewide
• They are being revised from the original fiscal note since the form of the bill has changed.
• We've asked for revisions on that.
• There are statewide organizations such as the Northwest Motorcycle Association that are well suited to
• I represent Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, a statewide nonprofit organization that advocates for,

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> access for students statewide. access for students statewide.
• So this slide prioritizes statewide facilities needs.
• </c> sites statewide. sites statewide.
• The revi our revisited and revised.
• 01:22:24.960><c> the</c><01:22:25.120><c> foundation</c> revised vision builds on the foundation revised

Transcript Highlights:

• The second recommendation is to revise the statutes addressed by the municipal water law and grant Ecology
• For the legislature, which provides a high-level statewide picture of sexual exploitation fines, the
• Our interviews and research revealed three commonly mentioned reasons why courts statewide might not
• Our interviews and research revealed three commonly mentioned reasons why courts statewide might not
• Over the last decade, legislators have revised certain laws to reduce or eliminate other types of fines

Committee: Joint JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee I-900 Subcommittee heard JLARC’s annual update on the status of legislative implementation of State Auditor recommendations, followed by two State Auditor performance audits. JLARC staff reported that for the 2024 review period there were three new legislative recommendations and three unresolved older recommendations. They said the legislature did not convene a work group on civil asset forfeiture, and no formal action was taken on two water-use-efficiency recommendations. Two recommendations related to concurrent Medicaid enrollments were addressed in a bill introduced this session, but that bill was not adopted. The first audit examined how Washington can ensure climate-resilient electricity infrastructure. The State Auditor found the state has opportunities to better adapt new energy infrastructure by using more site-specific climate information, broader collaboration, and vulnerability assessments. The report recommended expanding climate analyses through the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group if funding is available, using forecasted information in DNR wildfire maps, designating a non-regulatory office to coordinate siting and conflict resolution, and expanding vulnerability assessments in Ecology and Commerce processes. Agency witnesses generally agreed resilience is important but emphasized existing efforts, the need to avoid duplicative requirements, the importance of affordability and efficiency, and the role of current forums such as the Clean Energy Siting Council and SEPA processes. The second audit reviewed fines for human trafficking and related sexual exploitation crimes. Auditors found courts assessed fines inconsistently, collection rates varied, some revenues were sent to the wrong local government, and some jurisdictions did not use the money as required for enforcement, prevention, or survivor services. The audit recommended courts work with prosecutors to improve awareness of mandatory fines, and that King and Pierce County improve coding, templates, and tracking so revenues are routed and used correctly. King County testified that it appreciated the audit and described its existing prevention and survivor-support work. The committee took no votes or formal actions and adjourned after the presentations and testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• In case there's any updates, we'll try to make sure that the revisions are on our website as well.
• And those are largely tied to the standard statewide adjustments of $13.2 million.
• There's also a $4.9 million decrease for various statewide adjustments.
• GOSEP has remained vigilant in its statewide emergency mission.
• There’s a $744,363 decrease in various statewide adjustments.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee began a series of House Appropriations budget hearings focused on the fiscal year 2026-2027 executive budget, the preamble, and the executive department. Staff presented revenue and spending trends showing projected declines in revenues alongside increasing expenditures, with members emphasizing the need for a standstill budget and additional efficiencies. The House Fiscal Division also reviewed the FY25 surplus and FY26 excess, the constitutional uses of surplus funds, and the overall FY27 budget structure, including the distinction between discretionary and non-discretionary spending. The commissioner of administration described the administration’s use of one-time money, efficiency reviews, and budget reductions, while members asked about revenue forecasts, the motor vehicle sales tax dedication, corporate tax changes, and the impact of federal policy changes on state costs, especially SNAP and Medicaid administration. The committee then moved through several executive department agencies. The Division of Administration presentation covered its budget, vacancies, debt service, and reductions tied to statewide adjustments and efficiency measures. GOSEP’s functions were described as transferred into the Department of Military Affairs under Act 262 of 2025, and military officials outlined the new combined structure, emergency response duties, overseas deployments, youth programs, and concerns about future federal funding. The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority reviewed its largely dedicated funding and explained that large apparent balances reflect long-term project planning and multi-year capital work. The Office of the State Inspector General presented a budget increase for consulting services tied to the governor’s DOGE-style efficiency initiative, and the inspector general said the effort had identified nearly $1 billion in savings across the executive branch, largely through eligibility reviews in Medicaid and SNAP and implementation of prior audit recommendations. Members raised questions throughout about how budget figures were calculated, why some totals appeared to rise while state general fund support fell, and how federal changes would affect state agencies. There were also questions about the transition of GOSEP into Military Affairs, the status of school safety centers, and whether the new structure would change local emergency responsibilities. No formal votes or amendments were taken during the portion provided; the meeting consisted of presentations, explanations, and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• It funds a wide array of legal services statewide that help people manage critical life issues.
• Our office is located in Oakland, but we provide services statewide.
• As you know, these costs are also rising, consistent with statewide trends.
• Chief Justice and adjust your May revision numbers based upon that hearing.
• The statewide panel, and you probably know that our statewide panel handles non-capital cases.

Summary: The committee heard budget and workload presentations from the Office of the State Public Defender, legal aid organizations, and the Judicial Branch. OSPD requested permanent funding for positions that had been temporarily funded to implement the Racial Justice Act, explaining that the work has become ongoing and now includes additional Supreme Court briefing, habeas proceedings, investigations, expert analysis, and data requests. The State Public Defender also presented the AB 625 public defense workload report, which found statewide staffing shortages, caseloads above recommended standards, and major gaps in investigators and support staff. Senators asked about racial bias claims, the volume of data requests, and the impact of Prop. 36, and OSPD said it would provide additional written information. The legal aid panel asked for a $50 million increase to the Equal Access Fund, $20 million to restart homelessness prevention services, and $10 million for health care access work, while also supporting Access to Justice Commission requests for loan repayment assistance, immigrant family preparedness services, and innovation grants. Witnesses described legal aid as homelessness prevention and cited examples involving eviction defense, domestic violence survivors, and immigration detention cases. Los Angeles Superior Court Presiding Judge Sergio Tapia discussed eviction data, low tenant representation, and court pilots in Compton and at Stanley Mosk that combine mediation, rental assistance, and legal help. Senators asked for service maps, outreach materials, and more detail on funding needs and federal funding losses. For the Judicial Branch overview, the Judicial Council and trial court representatives supported the Governor’s proposed budget, including $70 million for trial court operations, $21.7 million for employee health and retirement costs, and funding for appellate counsel, case processing, and courthouse construction. They said rising costs, staffing retention, and interpreter shortages continue to strain the courts, and described efforts to reallocate interpreter funds and recruit hard-to-find languages such as Mixteco. Senators pressed the branch and the Department of Finance on courthouse facilities, noting that the long-term need is far larger than the current budget proposal; Finance said the branch’s facility needs were estimated at about $22.5 billion over 10 years to start 68 projects and $29.4 billion to complete the remaining projects. The committee requested follow-up information on facilities, judgeships, and interpreter needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• I met with the statewide leadership twice over two years ago.
• And so that was one of the reasons why I wanted to include a statewide alert.
• I'm also very concerned about statewide alerts. Mr.
• And then also, for the statewide alerts, the only reason why I put a statewide alert in there is because
• As far as what they're trying to do, we oppose the statewide alert.

Bills: SB1071 , SB1315 , SB1317 , SB1416 , SB1493 , SB1537 , SB1542 , SB1584 , SB1626 , SB1740 , SB1751 , SB1804 , SCR1047 , SCR1049

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Sections two through seven, which start on page eight line 21, revise mandatory inspection schedule for
• 32</c><00:36:57.680><c> and</c><00:36:57.880><c> 33</c><00:36:58.960><c> uh</c><00:36:59.040><c> revise
• </c><00:36:59.600><c> the</c> sections 32 and 33 uh revise the sections 32 and 33 uh revise the requirements
• At line 17, section 63 requires DPS to implement a statewide information campaign regarding the safe
• </c> implement implement a statewide implement implement a statewide information<00:43:34.000><c> campaign

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• So to have, you know, a couple dozen schools or even a couple hundred statewide getting those services
• So those are statewide, and they're increasing by about 1,000, you said, a year.
• So we need a better statewide presence in order to more strategically investigate these cases.
• But, you know, as we look to the May Revise and beyond, But, you know, as we look to the May Revise and
• With current CNET funding, only 40% of the farmers' markets statewide can offer Market Match.

Summary: The subcommittee heard a series of budget presentations from the Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), and related agencies. CDFA discussed its overall budget, ongoing support for the Farm to School program and climate-smart agriculture, and a proposed climate bond expenditure plan. Members focused heavily on whether the Farm to School proposal should become ongoing, how schools and suppliers are selected, whether the program is reaching disadvantaged and food-insecure communities, and whether the trailer bill language creates new duties. The LAO recommended rejecting the ongoing Farm to School proposal as presented, suggesting the Legislature consider Prop. 98 funding instead, while CDFA argued the program supports children, farmers, and local economies and helps build long-term supply-chain infrastructure. Several members also questioned the bond plan’s timing, program metrics, and workforce impacts, while LAO said the bond plan was generally reasonable and should be guided by legislative input. The committee also discussed CDFA’s proposal to eliminate vacant positions; the department said the positions were largely long-vacant or unfunded and could be reclassified if needed, while LAO recommended retaining the special-fund positions and weighing the General Fund positions on their merits. CDFA’s IT support request for additional ongoing funding and four positions was presented as necessary to address staffing shortages, legacy systems, and cybersecurity risks, and LAO had no concerns. The committee then took public comment and voted to approve items 9 through 13, including CDFA dog importation and carcass disposal items, a Gambling Control Commission IT item and tribal grant fund item, and an ABC office relocation item. DCC presented a request to strengthen enforcement against the illicit cannabis market by opening a North State office in Redding and adding sworn and non-sworn staff. The department said most cannabis consumed in California still comes from the illicit market, that it receives about 1,500 complaints annually but can close only about 400 cases, and that it has a backlog of roughly 4,000 cases. DCC argued that a northern office would reduce travel time, improve coordination with local agencies, and help target cross-county and cross-border criminal networks. Finance supported the request as a targeted investment, and LAO had no comment. Members asked about public safety, office security, and whether a North State presence would increase complaints or referrals; DCC said safety is considered in every office opening and that a local presence would likely improve case development. The director also described the broader regulatory strategy as balancing consumer safety, illicit-market enforcement, consumer awareness, and reducing friction for legal operators. The discussion continued into broader concerns about the size of the illicit market and the long-term goals for the cannabis program.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Scarfa, fiscal staff, House nonpartisan staff, the reviser, MMB, and MHFA are all comfortable with
• :35.279><c> nonpartisan</c><00:10:36.000><c> staff,</c><00:10:36.320><c> the</c><00:10:36.480><c> reviser
• ,</c> house nonpartisan staff, the reviser, house nonpartisan staff, the reviser, MMB,<00:10:37.519><
• The first is the first-generation community down payment assistance program developed in a statewide
• The first is the first-generation community down payment assistance program developed in a statewide

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, the Kentucky Revised Code 258.195 specifically gives locals the authority to contact animal
• First of all, the Kentucky Revised Code 258.195 specifically gives locals the authority to contact animal
• First of all, the Kentucky Revised Code 258.195 specifically gives locals the authority to contact animal
• I do appreciate the chairman's and this committee's attempts to make a statewide regulation here as we
• </c> understand the importance of Statewide understand the importance of Statewide controls<00:30:28.799

Summary: The Senate Agriculture Committee took up Senate Bill 122, a measure dealing with pet stores, breeders, and the scope of local regulation. The chair explained the bill was intended to balance private business rights with local control, and said he wanted to clarify definitions such as qualified breeder, local authority, and where fees and fines would go. He also said he would work on a floor amendment and noted concerns about whether the bill would allow localities to outright ban pet stores or instead only regulate them. The committee first adopted a committee substitute by motion and voice vote. Supporters of the bill, including representatives from Petland and an attorney who had worked on animal-related regulation in Ohio, argued that the bill would create statewide standards, protect responsible pet retailers from what they described as politically motivated local bans, and preserve consumer choice. They said local governments would still be able to inspect, require documentation, and enforce licensing, but not shut businesses down without due process. A senator from Campbell County asked whether the bill would interfere with strong local ordinances; supporters responded that the bill would set standards higher than USDA rules and still allow local regulation, while opposing local bans. Opposition came from the Kentucky League of Cities and representatives of Kentucky animal care and control agencies. KLC said local decisions should remain at the local level and noted that several cities and one county already had ordinances that could be affected; it also said the bill was opposed by its board and might overlap with pending litigation. Animal control representatives said the bill did not clearly define breeder verification or enforcement responsibility, could restrict local authority, and did not address animal care conditions or consumer transparency. After questions and debate, the committee voted on the bill; the roll call ended in a 5-5 tie, and Senate Bill 122 failed to pass out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• And those services are starting to expand statewide. It's imperative that we are able to innovate.
• Since I'm in favor of a statewide sales tax and getting rid of our income tax, I'd like to see that put
• The state law in terms of the county treasurer, Chapter 54, needs to be revised to make that process
• The county treasures under Chapter 54 of the revised state statute only has a $20,000 assurity bond,
• The state law in terms of the county treasurer, Chapter 54, needs to be revised to make that process

Committee: House Local Government, Elections and Pensions

Summary: The Local Government Committee first met in executive session and voted do pass on two House committee substitutes: House Bills 3283 and 3306 passed 11-1, and House Bills 1728, 2161, and 1830 passed 12-1. The committee then moved into public hearings. Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 914, dealing with septic system regulation, was presented as a measure to replace percolation testing with soil morphology testing as the baseline standard and to address a permit fee issue. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill would improve accuracy, consumer protection, and local public health administration; one witness noted the continuing-education language already exists in regulation and pointed out a minor wording change in the substitute. No opposition testified. House Bill 3467, sponsored by Representative Houseman, would allow county developmental disability boards to seek voter approval for a sales tax of up to one-half of 1% if property tax revenue is reduced or eliminated. The sponsor and multiple witnesses from county disability boards, sheltered workshops, and related associations said the bill was intended as a safeguard to preserve services, transportation, employment supports, and community-based care for people with developmental disabilities. Some members raised concerns about shifting from property tax to sales tax and the burden on low-income taxpayers, while others supported the measure as a revenue-diversification tool. No vote was taken. House Bill 312, relating to county treasurer duties and bank signature authority, drew testimony from the sponsor, county treasurers, auditors, and association representatives. Supporters said the bill clarifies that the county treasurer should have sole authority over county funds and reflects current practice, while also noting a forthcoming amendment to address what happens when a treasurer is absent. Some witnesses asked for stronger safeguards, including a bonded backup designee and clearer succession procedures, and one witness urged updating surety-bond requirements. The hearing closed with no opposition testimony and no committee action taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislative intent is revised to reflect a broader focus on health science workforce needs and to
• The bill also revises the definition of students.
• The bill also revises the definition of student to include a resident for tuition purposes who is enrolled
• SB 1246 also revises allowable uses of LINC Fund monies for nursing and health science education programs
• The bill also revises grant proposal evaluation criteria to include how funds will expand health science

Bills: S0086 , S0554 , S0760 , S0774 , S0778 , S0844 , S1022 , S1230 , S1246 , S1594 , S1630

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Summary: The Fiscal Policy Committee met and first reported favorably SB 774, which extends enhanced workers’ compensation benefits to 9-1-1 public safety telecommunicators for mental or nervous injuries, after adopting a late-filed amendment declaring an important state interest. The committee also heard supportive testimony from a Palm Beach County dispatcher. SB 770, which updates the definition of forensic clients so certain individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism can be housed with other Chapter 916 residents in secure forensic settings, was reported favorably as well. Members then approved CS/SB 86, which declares unauthorized operation of a commercial vehicle by an unauthorized alien an imminent safety hazard and imposes driver, carrier, and enforcement consequences, despite questions about vehicle impoundment and cargo handling and one appearance in opposition. SB 1594, which protects veterans’ benefits received on behalf of foster youth from being used as reimbursement and instead sets them aside for education and transition services, was reported favorably after supportive testimony. The committee also approved CS/SB 760, creating a new offense for willful violations of no-contact pretrial release conditions in certain violent crime cases, though the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers raised concerns about expanded warrantless arrest authority in one section. The committee next reported favorably CS/SB 554, a complete rewrite of Chapter 617 governing nonprofit corporations, after a technical delete-all amendment. It also approved CS/SB 844, requiring continuing education on sickle cell disease care for certain health care professionals; the bill drew extensive supportive testimony from advocates and patients describing pain management gaps and health disparities. SB 1022, expanding Florida Children’s Initiatives by adding programs in Bay County and Broward County, and CS/SB 1246, broadening the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund to include health science workforce programs and related uses, were both reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved CS/CS/SB 1230, which restricts the use, sale, and distribution of aqueous film-forming foam containing intentionally added PFAS and requires inventory and disposal reporting, after adopting amendments that removed airports from one provision. It also approved CS/CS/SB 128, directing DEP to erect markers for the Andrew Red Harris Spoil Island water body designation. Several senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on specific bills, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislative intent is revised to reflect a broader focus on health science workforce needs and to
• The bill also revises the definition of students.
• The bill also revises the definition of student to include a resident for tuition purposes who is enrolled
• SB 1246 also revises allowable uses of fund monies for nursing and health science education programs
• The bill also revises grant proposal evaluation criteria to include how funds will expand health science

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1908 relates to a study by the Coordinating Board on the feasibility of implementing a statewide
• Texas Education Agency to publish a monthly update on its website regarding the number of complaints statewide
• the State Board of Education regarding the health standards plenty of times, especially the 2020 revision
• While they're currently in the health TEKS, if they have a revision process, which they will, they're
• Members, in 2022, the State Board of Education (SBOE) considered major revisions to the state's social

Bills: SB205 , SB582 , SB625 , SB1884 , SB1903 , SB2600 , SB2617 , SB2751 , SB111 , SB3061 , SB1908

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:

• committee substitute corrects drafting errors from the original version and includes several minor revisions
• But the statute that has been revised is in direct conflict with this ruling, which guarantees the civil
• These revisions tinker a bit with some timing issues, but this decision says that there is no tinkering
• Does this bill statewide? Yes. Interesting. Okay. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr.
• Does this bill statewide? Yes. Interesting. Okay. Thank you. Thank you very much. statewide? Yes.

Bills: SB1113 , SB1117 , SB1206 , SB1460 , SB1802 , SB1906 , SB1917 , SB2340 , SB2455 , SB2680 , SB2690 , SB705 , SB748

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Summary: The committee took up pending business first and reported several bills favorably, including SB 2139, SB 2610, SB 1856, SB 2530, SB 2401, SB 2858, and SB 3016, with most of those measures moving out on committee substitutes and being sent to the local and uncontested calendar or to the full Senate. The committee also heard SB 1906 on expanding Chapter 342E consumer lending rates; supporters argued it would modernize Texas law and expand access to safe, regulated credit, while opponents from Texas Appleseed and AARP warned it would raise costs on already expensive loans and worsen debt burdens. SB 1906 was left pending after testimony. The committee also reconsidered and re-voted SB 1856 after a procedural issue, with the substitute ultimately adopted and the bill reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1113, which would clarify that certain vehicle converters, including a Texarkana business, do not need an additional dealer license to sell converted vehicles. The bill’s supporters described a long-standing business model and said the new metal license plate rules had created problems, while the Texas Automobile Dealers Association opposed the bill in its current form and said it could be resolved through DMV action or narrower changes. DMV said it was still researching a possible administrative fix, and SB 1113 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 2680, a Public Information Act cleanup bill dealing with emergency deadlines, business-day exclusions, and litigation timing; broadcasters and other open-government advocates argued the issues were already addressed by prior law and court rulings, while the Attorney General’s office said the bill would help with catastrophe notices and timing conflicts. SB 2680 was left pending. Other bills heard included SB 1117, which would allow any Texas-licensed dentist to administer botulinum toxin neuromodulators for aesthetic purposes in the oral and maxillofacial region; the author and dental witnesses said it would clarify scope and improve access, and the bill was left pending. SB 2340 would clarify the Attorney General’s investigative authority over Texas corporations, including pre-suit depositions and sworn written questions; opponents raised due process and separation-of-powers concerns, and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard SB 705 and SB 748, both TDLR cleanup bills, and SB 1206, which would impose timelines and notice requirements on municipalities reviewing transmission projects; SB 1206 was supported by an electric cooperative and left pending. SB 1460, creating an ethics violation registry tied to licensing consequences, drew constitutional and due-process objections from several witnesses and was also left pending. After a recess, the committee heard SB 1802 on landlord duties to repair mobility assistance devices like elevators and ramps in rental housing, with the author describing prolonged outages affecting seniors; the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 2455, creating an Energy Waste Advisory Committee to coordinate efficiency and demand-response programs, drew support from energy-efficiency and environmental witnesses and was left pending, and SB 2690, targeting deceptive business-certification solicitations, was laid out and opened to testimony before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• ensuring continued growth in Louisiana by investing more than $211 million in capital improvement statewide
• HB 546 amends Revised Statute 28:53, Section L1, which offers the information necessary to authorize
• HB 546 amends Revised Statute 28:53, Section L1, which provides the information necessary to authorize
• House Bill 588, by Representative Domain, revises the Seafood Safety Task Force to add members to the
• And Representative Gabberry moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of submitting a revised weekly

Bills: HR94 , HR95 , HR96 , HR97 , HR98 , HR99 , HR100 , HR101 , HR102 , HR103 , HR104 , HR105 , HR106 , HR107 , HR108 , HR109 , HR110 , HR111 , HCR45 , HCR46 , HCR47 , HCR48 , HCR49 , HCR50 , HR92 , HR93 , HCR44 , SB11 , SB72 , SB78 , SB151 , SB207 , SB210 , SB219 , SB241 , SB286 , SB324 , SB351 , SB376 , SB409 , SB411 , HR74 , HCR26 , HB4 , HB98 , HB108 , HB131 , HB151 , HB161 , HB244 , HB288 , HB294 , HB305 , HB310 , HB320 , HB336 , HB380 , HB392 , HB403 , HB420 , HB459 , HB476 , HB513 , HB540 , HB596 , HB608 , HB615 , HB631 , HB637 , HB648 , HB665 , HB682 , HB789 , HB813 , HB815 , HB835 , HB870 , HB905 , HB915 , HB933 , HB938 , HB944 , HB971 , HB987 , HB1040 , HR15 , HR20 , HCR14 , HCR6 , HCR19 , HCR10 , HB81 , HB134 , HB154 , HB163 , HB170 , HB194 , HB217 , HB220 , HB254 , HB259 , HB290 , HB308 , HB311 , HB360 , HB382 , HB401 , HB410 , HB417 , HB463 , HB575 , HB592 , HB718 , HB723 , HB750 , HB755 , HB776 , HB812 , HB844 , HB882 , HB888 , HB961 , HB966 , HB980 , HB54 , HB67 , HB73 , HB125 , HB133 , HB158 , HB168 , HB169 , HB191 , HB195 , HB245 , HB280 , HB283 , HB296 , HB319 , HB339 , HB399 , HB407 , HB448 , HB550 , HB591 , HB826 , HB995 , HB1085 , HB1086 , HB722 , HB140 , HB468 , HB546 , HB746 , HB842 , HB923 , HB166 , HB349 , HB352 , HB429 , HB436 , HB588 , HB747 , HB780 , HB782 , HB911 , HB827 , HB953 , HB796 , HB901 , HB9 , HB52 , HB58 , HB193 , HB284 , HB400 , HB570 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB733 , HB735 , HB868 , HB952

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long morning of personal privileges, commemorations, and resolution introductions. Members recognized Coca-Cola United for its Louisiana economic impact and community work, designated April 7 as Coca-Cola Day, celebrated Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival Day, Dad’s Day, and other guests and honorees, including a science fair participant, Jack and Jill of America, and a birthday recognition. The House also introduced numerous resolutions on topics including awareness days, condolences, civic education, health, and local commemorations, and several were adopted or advanced without objection. The chamber then took up a series of bills and committee reports. Among the measures advanced were bills on constitutional convention procedures, criminal justice and post-conviction relief, public meetings, health care, education, insurance, natural resources, and local government. Several bills were reported favorably or with amendments and moved to third reading, including measures on school resource officers, pharmacy benefit managers, rural health clinics, the LSU Energy Institute, and live broadcasting of public meetings. The House also passed bills recreating the Department of Treasury, requiring cash acceptance or cash-to-credit options at state public facilities, funding municipal fire and police civil service administration, naming a highway segment for Sgt. Michael J. Guillory, and clarifying legislative review of certain contract amendments. Floor debate centered on a few substantive bills. HB 134, which would prohibit platforms from delivering pornography to minor accounts and authorize Attorney General enforcement, passed 98-0. HB 170, clarifying when the prescriptive period begins for certain construction-related claims, passed 89-7 after discussion of substantial completion and owner occupancy. HB 217, creating an optional property tax exemption for rehabilitation of blighted residential property, passed 83-13 after amendment. HB 259, addressing damage to infrastructure during broadband excavation and requiring notice, repair, and payment accountability, passed 98-0 after amendments. HB 308, requiring state public facilities to accept cash or provide a cash-to-credit machine, passed 98-0. HB 360, naming a highway memorial for Sgt. Michael J. Guillory, passed 101-0. HB 382, streamlining budget committee review of certain contract amendments, passed 96-0. The House also debated HB 410, a privacy bill requiring notice when a participant in a direct in-person conversation is being recorded, with exceptions for law enforcement, evidence of crime, and certain civil or administrative proceedings. Members raised concerns about the scope of the exceptions, undercover journalism, and the relationship to Louisiana’s one-party consent wiretapping law, but the bill’s sponsor said it would not change criminal wiretapping law and was modeled on other states’ approaches. The transcript ends during that debate, with no final vote shown for HB 410.

Transcript Highlights:

• the companion, [it] showed that if all the transportation benefit districts utilize this, then the statewide
• They are being revised from the original fiscal note since the form of the bill has changed.
• We've asked for revisions on that.
• There are statewide organizations such as the Northwest Motorcycle Association that are well suited to
• I represent Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, a statewide nonprofit organization that advocates for,

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several transportation bills. ESSB 6262 would raise the maximum vehicle weight subject to transportation benefit district vehicle fees from 6,000 to 9,000 pounds for vehicles subject to gross weight license fees; the sponsor and city representatives said it would close a loophole, make fees more equitable, and help fund road maintenance, while the fiscal note was described as indeterminate. SB 5824 would clarify how fifth-wheel travel trailers are measured, aligning Washington with other states and supporting RV dealers; the bill drew support from the RV industry. SB 6110 would exclude certain faster electric vehicles from the e-bike definition and create a Department of Licensing work group to recommend a framework for electric motorcycles; testimony generally supported the effort but urged clearer e-motorcycle definitions and earlier work-group action, with some concern about youth safety and local enforcement. SB 5833 would allow a person to leave a vehicle running for up to 30 minutes to heat or cool a pet inside, with locking and brake requirements; the sponsor and a sheriffs’ association witness discussed balancing pet safety with auto-theft concerns, and the committee heard no fiscal impact. The committee also heard ESSB 6066, which would establish crash prevention zones in areas with unusually high serious-injury or fatal-crash rates, initially for a specific stretch of U.S. 395 and later more broadly beginning in 2029. The bill would allow local governments and WSDOT to designate zones, conduct engineering and traffic studies, increase enforcement, use speed cameras in the zones, and dedicate related revenues to safety improvements; supporters from Pasco and county risk pools backed the approach, while the sponsor asked for broader geographic coverage. ESSB 6311 would require continuous, accessible pedestrian passage during construction near hospitals, parks, and school routes, with temporary routes, safety plans, inspections, and enforcement tools such as stop-work orders and penalties; the sponsor said it was modeled on local practices and aimed at protecting pedestrians during construction, and contractors and transportation advocates supported it with a requested amendment clarifying design responsibility in design-bid-build projects. No votes were taken; the chair closed each public hearing and adjourned the meeting after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there something that you may be considering for the May Revise on this front?
• And I think there's some work going on around that statewide right now.
• And I think there's some work going on around that statewide right now. So.
• Some work is going on around that statewide right now, so we are still grappling with that.
• I also work with the team that coordinates the annual review process for the statewide general...

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held an oversight hearing on the California State University system covering enrollment, core operations, Title IX/civil rights, and basic needs. The Department of Finance said the Governor’s 2026-27 budget does not change CSU enrollment targets from the prior year and proposes a 5% ongoing General Fund increase for core operations as the final year of the compact. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended a lower resident undergraduate enrollment target than the Governor’s proposal, separate funding for enrollment growth rather than folding it into base, a smaller or no base increase tied more closely to inflation, earmarking some base funds for capital renewal, retiring deferred payments, and avoiding new multi-year compact commitments. CSU said enrollment has rebounded for three straight years, but growth is uneven across campuses, with several Northern California campuses still facing structural declines tied to demographics and community college pipelines. CSU described a multi-year reallocation plan shifting about 10,000 FTE and $89 million in ongoing funding toward higher-demand campuses, plus $40 million in one-time support, and said seven campuses submitted turnaround plans aimed at recovering enrollment over the next several years. The system highlighted strategies such as dual enrollment, guaranteed admission pathways with community colleges, outreach to high school students, retention and advising efforts, and new degree models for working adults and military-connected students. Members raised questions about how campus targets are set, whether the May Board of Trustees discussion will address a systemwide enrollment framework, and how CSU will manage future deficits if projected out-year funding does not materialize. On core operations and facilities, CSU said it faces about $320 million in mandatory cost increases in 2026-27 and is pursuing shared services, procurement consolidation, campus administrative sharing, and program redesigns to reduce costs. CSU and the LAO emphasized the system’s large deferred maintenance backlog, estimated at $8.6 billion, and discussed whether CSU’s bond/debt capacity is sufficient to address it; CSU requested up to $1.1 billion for deferred maintenance, while the administration did not propose new funding. The committee also heard CSU’s annual Title IX and civil rights update: CSU said it has implemented 15 of 16 State Auditor recommendations, has dedicated Title IX coordinators at every campus, is using a systemwide case management dashboard, and is piloting centralized investigations at five campuses. Finally, on basic needs, the Governor maintained current funding levels for food assistance/basic needs, rapid rehousing, and mental health. CSU reported heavy use of food pantries, CalFresh support, emergency housing, and counseling services, while warning that federal changes to CalFresh and related funding could make it harder to serve students in need.

Transcript Highlights:

• I see the bill presenter in the corner, and that will be Senate Bill 260, which revises provisions relating
• I see the bill presenter in the corner, and that will be Senate Bill 260, which revises provisions relating
• And when I first brought the bill forth, I wanted to create a standard that we could all mimic statewide
• It revises provisions relating to certain deadlines for automatic voter registration.
• It creates the statewide health care access and recruitment program account, provide certain transfers

Bills: SB6 , SB62 , SB74 , SB90 , SB104 , SB119 , SB132 , SB133 , SB135 , SB182 , SB185 , SB193 , SB207 , SB217 , SB229 , SB233 , SB260 , SB262 , SB280 , SB281 , SB300 , SB306 , SB378 , SB382 , SB393 , SB403 , SB422 , SB427 , SB431 , SB434 , SB442 , SB452 , SB456 , SB468 , SB472 , SB487 , SB503 , SB6

Committee: Assembly Ways and Means