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NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (02/17/2026)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Furthermore, current state law allows state-initiated audits under RSA 21J:20, and, furthermore, RSA
- So, as I stated<04:51:46.560><c> before,</c> stated before, stated before, when<04:51:48.638><c> changes
- , it's just stated as such.
- </c><06:00:23.120><c> I</c> authority in a state agency. I authority in a state agency.
- </c> we must help the state do that. we must help the state do that.
Committee:
House Municipal and County Government
Summary:
The Municipal and County Government Committee met in executive session on February 17, 2026, to act on a series of bills. Early in the meeting, members agreed that they could consult the online submission summaries rather than have changing submission counts read aloud. The committee then took up House Bill 1386, which would have allowed citizens in a municipality to vote to require a financial audit of a local school district. Members opposing the bill argued that school districts already have audit authority and reporting requirements under existing law, and that the proposal was unnecessary and potentially burdensome. The committee voted 17-0 to recommend the bill inexpedient to legislate, placing it on the consent calendar.
The committee next considered House Bill 1181FN on public hearing notice requirements for zoning board of adjustment appeals. Members who opposed the bill said newspaper publication provides independent third-party verification and archival value, and that removing that requirement would weaken public notice. The committee voted 17-0 ITL and sent the bill to the consent calendar. It also voted 17-0 ITL on House Bill 1327, concerning the definition of commercially zoned land, largely because the sponsor was absent and members said they could not do due diligence without hearing from the sponsor.
The committee then acted on House Bill 1473FN, concerning the use of agricultural fairground property, and House Bill 1147, concerning the use of capital reserve funds. In both cases, members cited the sponsor’s absence and the need for more information as reasons to recommend inexpedient to legislate; both votes were 17-0 and both bills were placed on the consent calendar. House Bill 1220, which would have allowed municipal governing bodies to review and approve school budgets, was also recommended ITL by a 17-0 vote after members raised concerns about local control, legal conflicts between separate entities, and technical drafting problems.
The committee recommended ought to pass on House Bill 118, which raises the amount of money municipal treasurers may hold before depositing it in the bank, with supporters saying the higher threshold would reduce unnecessary trips to the bank and improve efficiency. It also recommended ought to pass on House Bill 1151, a housekeeping bill correcting statutory references related to conservation commission appropriations, and it approved House Bill 1309 as amended after adopting Amendment 2026-0411H to clarify town meeting warrant language. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 1385, prohibiting negative property tax rates in certain municipalities, and recommended ITL by a 17-0 vote after testimony indicated the practice at issue had already ended and that a blanket prohibition could create problems for municipalities with excess revenues. The committee also began work on House Bill 1369, relating to posting warrants for special town meetings, and discussed an amendment to preserve newspaper notice while also allowing website posting where available.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- . state. state.
- , declines to appear, Texas will then go to that provider's home state here and ask them to enforce the
- , declines to appear, Texas will then go to that provider's home state here and ask them to enforce the
- Now we can't control what the laws are in Texas, Florida, Alabama, whatever state you want to name.
- Um, Texas sued those states because they wanted to challenge that shield law.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, February 25, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Nven was named the Texas Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Association of School Boards.
- </c> District of Texas proud. With that, Mr. District of Texas proud. With that, Mr.
- </c> climate states. climate states.
- </c><03:51:06.239><c> by</c><03:51:06.479><c> state,</c> policies side by side, state by state, policies
- States. States.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 35 (2-26-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- State law does.
- State law does.
- </c> and encouraging participation in state and encouraging participation in state government. government
- It's Kentucky's only neighboring states.
- </c><01:07:54.359><c> Police</c> by our Kentucky State Police by our Kentucky State Police Professional
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.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I guess the first one would be, do you see then that it would be okay for the state and you as a state
- I guess then the question becomes, if we start giving state funds to, say, schools, we're using state
- I guess then the question becomes, if we start giving state funds to, say, schools, we're using state
- Constitution, that the state can't set a religion. So that's what would keep the state out of it.
- That the state can't set a religion. So that's what would keep the state out of it, in my opinion.
Committee:
House State Affairs
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Jan 12th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- He was the chief workforce officer for the state of Alabama, so Nick understands the state and how we
- operate at the state level.
- state plan.
- employ a state-level infrastructure funding agreement rather than each local area in the state having
- States that are not Office of Apprenticeship states, or, excuse me, state apprenticeship agencies that
Summary:
The committee heard a presentation from Nick Moore, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Office of Career and Technical Education, focused on integrating workforce, education, training, and human services systems. Moore argued that WIOA, Perkins, and ESSA should be aligned more closely, with fewer federal and state bureaucratic layers, more state flexibility, and a stronger emphasis on labor force participation, postsecondary attainment, and training tied to in-demand jobs. He said the federal agencies are moving toward combined plan timelines for 2026, encouraged states to pursue combined plans and waivers, and described efforts to streamline reporting, reduce administrative overhead, and expand tools such as integrated intake, cross-training, virtual and mobile service delivery, apprenticeship, and talent marketplaces.
Moore also emphasized accountability and outcomes, saying states should measure training-related employment, retention, and the share of funds going to direct services rather than administration. He criticized the current workforce system as too costly and ineffective, and said states should use primary labor market information, better wage records, and employer input to align training with actual job demand. Members asked about balancing flexibility with accountability, the role of employers versus postsecondary institutions, serving rural “training deserts,” state waivers, and data-sharing systems such as Mississippi’s workforce technology efforts. Moore said states can use waivers and technology to create common intake and co-enrollment across programs, and that enhanced wage records are key to better workforce planning.
The committee then received a separate update from DHS Secretary Janet Mann and Director Jay Hill on reimbursement rates for aging and adult behavioral health services. They said DHS had compiled more than 100 public comments, submitted a recommendation to the governor to hold current rates, and was awaiting executive review, which they estimated could take 30 to 60 days. Members asked about the timeline and the scope of the legislation requiring monthly reports. The meeting ended with notice of a later audit presentation scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the Big Mac building.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Steering and Policy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Senate Committee on Steering and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- A number of states have adopted it and learned from it.
- By way of example, we know that states like Texas and Louisiana have initiated civil and criminal cases
- by states to further restrict and undercut access to this care, even in states that protect it.
- Establishing this framework will put trusted state experts...
- not shared with out-of-state institutions.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Steering and Policy held a public hearing on potential updates to Massachusetts’ 2022 Shield Law to strengthen protections for reproductive and gender-affirming health care. Chair Cindy Friedman said the hearing was prompted by escalating federal and out-of-state threats, and testimony was sought on loopholes and clarifications involving emergency abortion care, limits on cooperation with outside investigations, protection of patient data, and safeguarding licenses of providers and attorneys involved in this care.
The Attorney General’s Office, ACLU of Massachusetts, GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders, Reproductive Equity Now, the Massachusetts Medical Society, TransHealth, and Health Imperatives all supported strengthening the law. Witnesses urged broader bans on sharing health data with hostile states, explicit AG enforcement authority, exclusion of reproductive and gender-affirming prescriptions from the prescription monitoring program, protections for electronic medical records, and allowing clinicians to use practice names on prescription labels. Several speakers also called for protections for parents of transgender youth, attorneys, and nonprofit organizations, and some raised related concerns about insurance discrimination and the burden of post-24-week abortion restrictions.
Committee members asked questions about enforcement mechanisms, data privacy, patient consent, and how to balance interoperability with privacy protections in electronic records. Witnesses said the goal was to prevent immediate harm while preserving patient control and access to care. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair closed by inviting written testimony and then moved to adjourn the hearing.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Banking and Insurance Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Morrow Oaks, the state treasurer of Utah. He's the 26th state treasurer.
- Now most states do not tax gold and silver at the state level.
- of Texas.
- So the research that I've done over the past 3 years, I think one of the things in the state of Texas
- be very important as this is in the state of Texas.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jan 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The Military Division oversees the state armed forces within the state and is established under Title
- But it's been an absolutely incredible honor to serve the great state of Idaho and the United States
- for the state veterans' homes.
- You do such a great job that it attracts out-of-state vets.
- In my opinion, it takes the risk away from the state.
Summary:
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard budget presentations for the Idaho Military Division, the Division of Veterans Services, and PERSI. For the Military Division, analysts reviewed the agency’s structure, recent transfers of emergency medical services into the division, and the fiscal year 2027 request, which included hazardous materials response funding, a pay-parity adjustment for 223 state employees, a small enhancement for grant administration overhead, and rescissions tied to vacant positions and reduced tuition assistance and state match funding. General Donnellan said the division had absorbed the 3% rescission, but further cuts to state education assistance for Guardsmen would be concerning. Members also asked about the EMS transition, CEC-related pay parity, and the general’s military service.
The committee then reviewed the Division of Veterans Services budget. Analysts described the state veterans homes, cemeteries, and veterans assistance programs, along with ongoing staffing challenges and the use of a temporary nursing pool to reduce reliance on contract nurses. Administrator Mark Champal said the division is making progress on staffing, expects to save nearly half a million dollars through the new pool, and continues to manage near-capacity homes while the new Boise veterans home is under construction. He also highlighted outreach efforts for homeless and vulnerable veterans, the division’s high satisfaction rates, and recent gains in benefits claims, education certifications, and community support connections.
Finally, PERSI’s budget and operations were discussed. Analysts outlined the retirement system’s dedicated funding, the ongoing pension software upgrade, and requested one-time funding for the final year of that project, a continuity-of-operations and records management plan, and IT replacements. Director Mike Hampton reported strong investment returns, a funded ratio around 90%, and more than $1.3 billion in annual benefits paid. Committee members asked about retiree cost-of-living adjustments, the PERSI Choice 401 plan, the possibility of moving toward defined contribution or hybrid plans, and the meaning of “other” participating employers. Hampton said the board had recommended a retroactive retirement allowance adjustment through 2022, explained that PERSI’s structure supports retention, and noted that board meetings are now livestreamed. The committee adjourned until the next morning.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Elect Committee Meeting - 2025-03-26
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- I haven't served in city office, but I do represent the largest city in the state and the state that
- Please state your name and proceed with your testimony. Mr.
- We have several committees: State Gov, and then you have State Ops, State Government.
- So, I’d like to make a motion to send this to State Gov, State Government Finance. Okay.
- over that particular chapter of state law.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Feb 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have representatives from 10 state agencies.
- And we have a library of different programs to help state agencies with consistency and with coordination
- as we try to make the state more affordable for our residents.
- To see to meet our state requirements.
- Other partner state agencies.
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee held a work session on electric vehicles, renewable fuels, hydrogen, and related transportation investments, followed by public hearings on several bills. Agency presenters from WSDOT, Commerce, and Ecology described the Electric Vehicle Coordinating Council’s work, Washington’s slowing EV adoption growth, charging infrastructure gaps, and programs such as NEVI, ZEVIP, and a new medium- and heavy-duty incentive program. Members asked about fast-charging standards and whether higher-capacity chargers could be supported. Commerce also outlined renewable fuels and sustainable aviation fuel efforts, including the Office of Renewable Fuels, hydrogen and SAF modeling, technical assistance, and the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator’s partnerships and funding. WSDOT then discussed hydrogen investments in transit, aviation, backup power, and corridor planning, while Ecology explained the alternative jet fuel programmatic environmental impact statement, its scope, timeline, and how it will support future project review.
In the public hearing on Substitute House Bill 2114, the committee heard testimony supporting a no-fee replacement process for defective license plates within two years of issuance, with optional fee waivers later; the sponsor and county auditors said peeling or unreadable plates are a real customer-service problem, especially in eastern Washington. The hearing on House Bill 2111 concerned allowing the I-5 Bridge Replacement Project toll facility bond retirement account to keep its interest earnings instead of sending them to the general fund; the prime sponsor said it is a straightforward fix requested by the state treasurer. Substitute House Bill 1823 would update Transportation Improvement Board statutes by replacing “non-motorized” with “active transportation” and removing obsolete references; TIB said it is a cleanup bill that aligns statutes with current grant practices and complete streets policy.
The committee also heard House Bill 2495, which would let the City of Seattle direct immediate impoundment of unattended vehicles blocking streetcar operations, similar to existing authority for Sound Transit. Seattle’s streetcar manager said blocked tracks cause frequent delays and that the bill would reduce waits for police authorization and restore service faster. Public testimony and sign-in counts were noted for each bill, but no votes were taken in the transcript, and the meeting concluded after the final public hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- When I first learned the state properties were not under any obligation to comply with state fire code
- fire code wouldn't apply to state properties.
- In state properties, we do not have that option.
- This coordinates it throughout the state.
- This coordinates it throughout the state.
Summary:
The Public Safety and Homeland Security Joint Committee heard testimony on several bills focused on accessibility, fire safety, and transportation safety. House 2569, expanding adaptable housing for people with disabilities and seniors, drew broad support from Rep. Christine Barber, disability advocates, and members of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council. Witnesses said the bill would close gaps in the Architectural Access Board’s authority, require more adaptable housing in rehabs and older conversions, and extend accessibility requirements to employee-only work areas. They emphasized the shortage and cost of accessible housing, the benefits for aging in place, and the risk of institutionalization when accessible units are unavailable.
The committee also heard strong support for House 2577, which would allow local fire departments to inspect and enforce fire code compliance in state-owned buildings. Rep. Robert Cataldo and Boston Fire Chief Pat Ellis described this as closing a long-standing loophole that leaves state properties outside local fire-code enforcement, despite the hazards posed by aging state buildings and life-safety systems. Fire service representatives also supported bills to create a statewide technical rescue system under the Department of Fire Services, standardizing training, equipment, funding, and coordination across regional rescue teams, and they backed related fire-safety measures including sprinkler-related legislation and professionalism measures.
Rep. James O’Day testified for House 2676, which would require window screens to prevent child falls, arguing it is a common-sense safety measure and noting recent fatal incidents. Ann Shuey and John Kalura testified for House 2601, which would require motor coach passengers to wear seat belts, citing a family tragedy, low seat-belt use, and research showing signage can improve compliance. Steven Poglisi of NAGE supported House 2568, requiring carbon monoxide alarms in public buildings, describing a past CO exposure incident involving a union member. The committee took no votes on the bills during the hearing and adjourned after testimony concluded.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Property Tax Reform Feb 26th, 2026
Special Committee on Property Tax Reform
Transcript Highlights:
- So the remedy we came up with is that if the state passed it, the state should pay for it.
- But the other big piece of that is the state coming in and...
- I think going around the state is probably a great idea.
- So the idea is the State Tax Commission or the State Assessment Commission or whatever it is by the time
- Dan Hutton, State and the budget and slash legislative liaison for the State Tax Commission.
Summary:
The Special Committee on Property Tax Reform heard public testimony on House Bills 3253 and 3254, presented by Representatives Steinhoff and Jobe. The bills would expand assessor training and continuing education requirements, require physical inspections for large assessment increases on commercial property as well as residential property, allow greater use of technology and remote imagery in assessments, create optional electronic notices and communications for taxpayers, and move toward setting property tax levies by subclass with a small-parcel exception. The bill also included provisions to raise the per-parcel reimbursement floor for assessors, reimburse local governments for revenue losses tied to SB 190 and SB 3, provide payment options during appeals, and require counties to offer installment payment options for property taxes.
The sponsors said the proposal was built from bipartisan committee discussions and statewide listening sessions, and they emphasized assessor professionalism, taxpayer flexibility, and fairness in the assessment process. Committee members asked about assessor training, the fiscal note, the parcel reimbursement formula, and how the subclass levy system would work in small jurisdictions. Witnesses from the Missouri Special Districts Association and school administrators generally supported the concepts of better assessor training, more resources, and taxpayer payment flexibility, while also warning about implementation burdens and the fiscal impact of state backfill for SB 190 and SB 3.
Testimony also focused on the accuracy of ratio studies and the fairness of moving to subclass-based levies. Some members argued the current system can shift tax burdens unfairly between residential, commercial, and agricultural property owners, while others cautioned that the new structure could create winners and losers depending on local assessment practices. A representative from the State Tax Commission clarified that commissioners do receive training, corrected the parcel reimbursement discussion to note the first 20,000 parcels are treated differently under current law, and said the commission already provides assessor training. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after public testimony.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Taxation and Revenue Feb 4th, 2026 at 08:32 am
House Taxation & Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- Because I know again some of our neighboring states, like Texas, they are able to hold off recession-like
- Chairman, Representative, yes, many states do have this.
- And Texas does have a very robust R&D credit.
- And So stories like that happen all over the state.
- It gives them real hope to be able to stay in the state and do R&D and then stay In the state to manufacture
Committee:
House House Taxation & Revenue
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Mar 26th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- If you travel this state, there are alumni associations all across the state for Miami Northwestern.
- So today I ask you: are we truly a law-and-order state? Are we a 'don't tread on me' state?
- So I started traveling the state.
- And so I started traveling the state.
- I talk to people all over the state, like I said.
Summary:
The committee first reviewed the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget proposal for transportation, tourism, and economic development, which totals about $18 billion and includes major funding for the Department of Transportation work program, Visit Florida, affordable housing, library/cultural/historical initiatives, National Guard tuition assistance, and Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles needs. Members approved staff technical adjustments and then adopted the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee.
The committee then heard and approved CS/SB 666, which creates a specialty license plate for the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association, with proceeds supporting scholarships and school academic, athletic, and arts programs. CS/SB 1318, the hands-free driving bill, drew extensive testimony from the sponsor, law enforcement, advocates, and victims’ families. Supporters argued it would create a clearer, easier-to-enforce prohibition on holding a wireless device while driving and help reduce crashes and deaths; some senators raised concerns about enforcement, privacy, and impacts on drivers with older vehicles, but the bill was reported favorably.
The committee also approved SB 1408, designating memorial highways for Tampa Police Officer Jesse Madsen and Charlotte County Sergeant Elio Diaz, and SB 1516, which would create the International Aerospace Innovation Fund administered by Space Florida to support partnerships between Florida and international aerospace companies. Both bills had supportive testimony and no opposition noted. The meeting ended with adjournment after the final votes.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Our community band is one of just over 30 community bands in the state.
- We are a state agency.
- We want to honor their service and their investment in our state.
- Minnesota FFA has a rich, long history in our state.
- Things like the steam engine will capture not only state but also multi-state attention.
Committee:
House Legacy Finance
Keywords:
cultural heritage, funding, White Earth Nation, tribal community, construction, Delano, sesquicentennial, community events, fall of Saigon, Saigon anniversary, Vietnam War commemoration, Vietnamese Minnesotans, Cambodian Minnesotans, Lao Minnesotans, Southeast Asian refugees, Asian American heritage, cultural heritage fund, Minnesota Humanities Center, Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, equity funding
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Doing so would also allow us as a state to be role models for other states in the country to follow.
- Doing so would also allow us as a state to be role models for other states in the country to follow.
- State your name. >> Sure. Please go ahead. State your name. >> Thanks. >> Thanks.
- </c> state school board or the state state school board or the state institutions. institutions. institutions
- Arizona. >> Texas, Arizona.
Committee:
House Education
Summary:
The joint Education and Higher Education committees met on February 10, 2026, first hearing HB 1676, which would create an AI and education task force, require documentation from AI vendors before procurement or use, and appropriate funds. The Department of Education, Public Charter School Commission, and University of Hawaii all supported the bill’s intent and described existing AI literacy efforts, teacher training, guidance for students and staff, and privacy/monitoring safeguards. DOE said it had already convened an AI task force, produced a report, trained over 10,000 educators, and embedded AI into computer science and broader curricular guidance. Members questioned DOE about student privacy, harmful content monitoring, personal devices, cell phone policy, teacher training, and whether AI literacy should extend beyond computer science into all subjects and across rural schools.
After discussion, the chair announced HB 1676 would be deferred to Friday, February 13, and that a HD1 draft would be prepared. The chair said the committee would revisit the task force composition and procurement standards, with possible elimination of the procurement section, and circulate the revised draft before the next hearing. The committee then recessed and later reconvened for HB 1811, a student loan repayment program for educators. Testimony from the Department of Education, Public Charter School Commission, University of Hawaii, Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, HSTA, and the Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus was generally supportive, with HSTA and the Teacher Standards Board emphasizing teacher recruitment and retention, student loan burden, and the need to address the teacher shortage.
In decision-making on HB 1811, the committees adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments. The main amendment collapsed the repayment structure into a single disbursement of up to $25,000 after five years of service, with technical/non-substantive changes and a corrected effective date. Both the Education and Higher Education committees voted unanimously in favor. Later in the meeting, the Education Committee began hearing HB 1561 on student meals, which drew broad support from the Public Charter School Commission, Department of Health, HSTA, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and many individuals. Appleseed requested amendments to ensure charter schools are treated the same as other public schools if eligibility expands and to address reimbursement issues for schools already participating in the federal Community Eligibility Provision; members discussed those concerns but no action was taken in the portion of the transcript provided. The committee then moved on to HB 779, on expanding student meal coverage, where DOE supported the intent but said it could not support the bill in its current form because of fiscal constraints.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jan 23rd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And last year we had the Park Fire and many other fires throughout this state.
- For homelessness programs throughout the state.
- Do you know what this state has done to its state building code since 2008?
- People lost the library they would walk to, the living room they would gather in.
- Prevention they said our hands are tied with some of the state regulations.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 092 Apr 16th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a state institution that actually It's a state institution that actually received state funding.
- Since 2022 until now, this has been four years, and actually 14 years that the states of Texas, Colorado
- In your opinion, if it's a state-run college or a state-run university, which actually we see funding
- CCW permit process is run by DPS according to state statute, and state statute is pretty broad in giving
- This bill just comports our state law to federal law, which already supersedes our state law.
Committee:
House House Judiciary Committee of Reference
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several Senate bills and one House bill. SB 1039 would allow attorneys prevailing in disciplinary matters to recover lost earnings and seek reputational harm damages from the State Bar; SB 1148 would require the Arizona Supreme Court to directly license attorneys rather than delegate that function; both received due pass recommendations. SB 1061, lowering the fentanyl enhanced-penalty threshold from 200 grams to 9 grams, also passed after opposition from the ACLU and defense counsel argued it would sweep in personal-use cases and increase incarceration, while supporters said it targets trafficking. SB 1068, which limits campus firearm restrictions for concealed-carry permit holders, passed over strong opposition from gun-safety advocates and university faculty, and SB 1069, removing suppressors from the definition of prohibited weapons, also passed despite concerns about public safety and prohibited possessors.
The committee then approved SB 1099, which sets statutory elements for defamation claims based on whether the plaintiff is a private or public figure and whether the matter is of public or private concern. The ACLU opposed it, warning that codifying defamation law could chill speech and conflict with evolving First Amendment precedent; supporters said it largely codifies existing case law and adds an internet-related limitation period. SB 1271, barring municipalities from penalizing businesses for legitimate emergency calls unless there is a pattern of false or frivolous reports, passed unanimously after testimony that some cities were discouraging 911 calls for theft and other incidents.
The committee also passed SB 1127, requiring mandatory reporters with direct knowledge of child abuse or neglect to report immediately and personally to DCS. Phoenix Children’s Hospital and DCS supported the bill but asked for clarification so medical emergencies would not be disrupted, and members discussed possible amendments. SB 1426, changing forcible detainer procedures by removing the written demand-to-vacate requirement and expediting claims, passed despite landlord-group concerns that it could affect holdover tenant cases. Finally, SB 1448, as amended, passed to expand aggravated assault protections to utility, telecommunications, video service, and related workers; supporters cited rising threats and assaults, while opponents argued existing assault laws already cover the conduct and the bill is overly broad.