Transcript Highlights:

• It saves veterans $60 a year, every year that they renew their card, which keeps some of those veterans
• And I just want to say again, thank you to her on behalf of a grateful veteran and veterans around the
• I want to ensure that we continue to push towards advocacy for veterans.
• Veteran survivor benefits provided by the U.S.
• Department of Veterans Affairs help support the surviving spouse or child of a veteran who has died during

Transcript Highlights:

• As a reminder, today is our Veterans Caucus meeting. We'll be meeting at 11:30.
• Gino Talas is the director of Hopi Veterans Services.
• HB 2603, veterans, military affairs and elections. HB 2607, veterans. HB 2616, waivers, education.
• I'll give you a minute to introduce yourself to the Veterans Caucus and any...
• that relate to the veterans or military family community.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in the Upshore County of the Petty Officer Millie Bridge referred the Subcommittee on Defense of Veterans
• Memorial Highway for the Subcommittee on Defense of Veterans Affairs.
• status, providing notice of the Texas veterans.
• Public Safety and Veterans Affairs.
• Homeland Security, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:33:26.240><c> establishing</c> act relating to veterans establishing act relating to veterans
• And after a wonderful Veterans Home.
• </c> consolidated voice on veterans issues. consolidated voice on veterans issues.
• But the more Veterans Memorial.
• Veterans Memorial individualized Veterans Memorial individualized 58,000<00:48:26.480><c> people,</c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• seeking help preparing claims for federal veterans' benefits.
• The legislation protects veterans from deceptive or predatory practices while preserving their right
• The legislation protects veterans from deceptive or predatory practices while preserving their right
• The legislation requires disclosure of free assistance options, written consent from the veteran, and
• . ...growth in paid non-accredited claims assistance targeting veterans.

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee heard several bills and resolutions and took action on each. RS 23-983, a dietician licensure compact, was introduced by Senator Cook; he said the compact has already been enacted in 15 states and would not give the compact authority over Idaho law or licensing standards. After questions about sovereignty, the committee voted to send it to print. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1265, a code cleanup measure tied to the DOGE Task Force that removes outdated provisions related to the Petroleum Clean Water Trust Fund, and RS 33125, which would recognize a homeschool high school diploma as equivalent to a standard diploma or GED for professional and occupational licensing purposes. RS 33153, sponsored by Senator Nichols, would create Idaho consumer protection standards for paid assistance to veterans filing federal benefits claims, including disclosure, fee limits, and bans on deceptive practices; it was also sent to print. The committee approved minutes from February 3 and February 5, 2026. It then heard Senate Bill 1261, which would allow certain retired PERSI members appointed to fill elected local offices after a vacancy to keep their existing retirement benefits if they meet the bill’s conditions. Senator Lakey and Sheriff Getz said the measure is intended to treat appointed officials the same as elected ones in this context, and noted support from sheriffs, counties, cities, and no objection from PERSI. The bill was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1262, which would give insurance companies more flexibility in miscellaneous investments by replacing a confusing lesser-of standard with a clearer 10% of assets allowance. Senator Guthrie and United Heritage Life’s Jeff Niemeyer said the change would help insurers diversify, reduce risk, and potentially improve returns for policyholders; the Department of Insurance had no concerns. The committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Olson, I believe is a widow of a veteran. Okay. And Mr. Chair, Rep.
• are eligible for the exemption, shall be treated as if owned only by the veteran.
• I wanted to make sure that we're focusing on service-connected veterans, yes, right?
• We are now receiving applications for those veterans with 100% service disability.
• I'm thrilled that we're giving more to our veterans. I think it's fantastic.

Bills: HB2120 , HB2173 , HB2261 , HB2786 , HB2792

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: property tax exemption, disability, veterans, widows, income limits, Arizona Revised Statutes, property tax, electronic communication, tax assessment, tax correction, real estate, agriculture, tax classification, land use, nonprofit organizations, transaction privilege tax, tax exemption, textbook rental, education, business leasing

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a Vietnam veteran.
• I'm Bobby McDonald, Vietnam veteran, for the Vietnam Veterans of Orange County and also for the Buffalo
• Soldiers and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
• We have many Korean veterans, but we also have, of course, Vietnam veterans, and they say, when are you
• I have one grandfather who was a Vietnam veteran and another grandfather who was a World War II veteran

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of natural resources and related bills, with several measures taken up as the committee reached quorum and many others moving on consent or with due-pass recommendations. Early items included AB 80 on carpet recycling, AB 452 creating a local process for state surf reserves, and AB 823 restricting microplastics in personal care and cleaning products. AB 80 drew broad support from recycling, labor, and environmental groups and was described as a follow-up to earlier carpet recycling reforms. AB 452 was backed by surf, tourism, environmental, and local government interests as a voluntary, community-driven way to recognize and protect surf breaks. AB 823 generated the most extensive debate, with supporters citing public health and environmental harms from microplastics and opponents warning the bill’s language could sweep in products such as sunscreens, cosmetics, and fragrance-encapsulation materials; the committee discussed possible ambiguity and EU comparisons before voting the bill out on a due-pass-as-amended basis to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. The committee also advanced AB 1046, which would create a narrow exemption from SB 1383 organic-waste requirements for certain crop preparers and tree nut processors that do not send organic waste to landfills. Agricultural witnesses said the bill would clarify that their operations already reuse byproducts and should not face duplicative reporting, and the measure passed with support from agricultural and rural county representatives. AB 252, the “Stop Laying Off Firefighters Act,” proposed year-round Cal Fire staffing; the author and Cal Fire supporters argued that wildfire conditions are now year-round and that maintaining trained crews would improve response and prevention, and the bill was sent to Appropriations. AB 571, a targeted CEQA exemption for the Southern California Veterans Cemetery in Anaheim, drew strong bipartisan and veterans’ support and also passed out. Later, the committee approved AB 1455, which would authorize emergency rulemaking and streamline future updates for ember-resistant building regulations after recent wildfire emergencies, and AB 687, which would let public agencies use forest-practice rules and timber-harvest plans for certain publicly funded fuel-reduction projects; AB 687 drew some opposition over scope and enforceability concerns but was still advanced. The committee also moved AB 652, allowing alternate members on the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District board to prevent quorum problems, and AB 317, a first-time homebuyer housing bill that would exempt certain small, lower-cost homes from CEQA and defer some property taxes; AB 317 prompted discussion about guardrails to avoid unintended use on larger subdivisions. Finally, AB 900, requiring the Natural Resources Agency to develop a stewardship plan for 30-by-30 lands, was heard with broad support from land trusts and conservation groups and advanced on a due-pass recommendation, and AB 738, a wildfire-rebuild bill easing solar requirements for certain disaster survivors, was introduced and discussed with questions about its narrow scope and the number of homes affected.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's called VETS, Veterans Exploring Truth. Treatment Solutions.
• with the Department of Veterans Affairs, is also mentioned.
• Affairs. safety and Veterans Affairs.
• Public Safety and Veterans Affairs.
• counties for the Subcommittee on Defense and Veterans Affairs.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a Marine Corps veteran and Iraq War veteran and service-connected disabled veteran, though I should
• I'm with the Veterans Legislative Coalition.
• The Veterans Legislative Coalition represents over 24 different veteran organizations throughout Washington
• I am also here on behalf of the Veterans Legislative Coalition.
• I am also here on behalf of the Veterans Legislative Coalition.

Summary: The committee met to take executive action on House Bill 2523, concerning the Community Reinvestment Program, and House Bill 2606, concerning the Office of Privacy and Data Protection. Staff briefed a proposed substitute for HB 2523 and several amendments. The substitute would change how Community Reinvestment Account funds are distributed, require tribal consultation, update the community reinvestment plan on a regular cycle, expand reporting and Office of Equity responsibilities, add definitions, and broaden the WSIPP study. Amendments to shorten the plan update cycle, restrict recipients from receiving other state housing assistance, bar certain officers and family members from grants, require independent audits, and expand WSIPP review were debated; only the amendment changing the plan update cycle from 10 years to 5 years was adopted. The committee then voted 8-5 to report the substitute HB 2523 out of committee with a do pass recommendation. HB 2606, which was described as implementing JLARC recommendations to reduce redundancy and improve efficiency in privacy/data protection functions, was then approved unanimously and reported out with a do pass recommendation. The committee then held public hearings on House Bill 2684 and House Joint Memorial 4012. HB 2684 would establish rebuttable presumptions that members of certain groups are socially disadvantaged for purposes of OMWBE certification, including adding Middle Eastern and North African individuals to the framework. Testimony was split: some speakers opposed the bill as discriminatory or constitutionally problematic, while others, including representatives of MENA businesses, CAIR Washington, and OMWBE, supported it as a needed fix to improve access to certification and contracting opportunities. The chair noted that amendments could still be submitted before the next day’s executive session, and the bill was set for further consideration the following morning. House Joint Memorial 4012 urges Congress to bring the Major Richard Star Act to a floor vote. The prime sponsor and veteran advocates testified that the memorial seeks to address the “wounded veteran tax” by allowing combat-injured service members who retire before 20 years of service to receive both retirement pay and VA disability compensation. Supporters said the change would correct an inequity affecting Washington veterans and their families. The committee closed the hearing on the memorial and announced that both HB 2684 and HJM 4012 would be considered the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've lost thousands of veteran drivers who are retiring.
• We've lost thousands of veteran drivers who are retiring.
• I'm also a commissioner with the Louisiana Department of Veteran Affairs, and I am a Marine Corps veteran
• For many veterans, service does not end when a veteran comes home.
• So this is in support: Pablo Cardone, veterans. And then, yeah, no, that's it.

Bills: HCR26 , HB113 , HB380 , HB392 , HB476 , HB513 , HB608 , HB682 , HB905 , HB987

Committee: House Education

Keywords: human growth, development education, prenatal education, state standards, biological science, grading scale, education reform, students, public schools, academic policy, community college, technical education, pilot program, driver training, transportation, Safe Haven Law, flyers, child safety, infant relinquishment, name image likeness

Transcript Highlights:

• in this chamber, Senator Pope, if you could lead off tomorrow's Veterans Day.
• I think it's important to recognize our veterans, and I yield to Senator Pope and Senator Brant.
• Share any other veterans. Senator Ramos, anyone else veterans in the chamber? Senator Pope.
• I will yield to other veterans. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Senator Pope.
• President, I'm not a veteran, but it's a long history in my family.

Transcript Highlights:

• Once you pass the veteran spouse sells.
• . similar guidance for the other veterans similar guidance for the other veterans exemption?
• </c> director for the Wyoming Veterans director for the Wyoming Veterans Commission.
• ,</c> I'm here on behalf of Wyoming's veteran, I'm here on behalf of Wyoming's veteran, service<00:08
• ><c> themselves</c> thought that the veteran themselves thought that the veteran themselves would<00:

Bills: HB0068 , HB0062 , HB0127 , HB0109

Committee: House Revenue

Keywords: veterans, property tax exemption, disabled, service-connected disability, Wyoming, governmental claims, liability limits, inflation adjustment, public safety, local government insurance, HB0127, recreation mill levy, recreational facilities, public recreation, mill levy, property tax, local tax, county commissioners, school district levy, voter approval

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security will now come to order.
• Next, we'll take up tab 3, Senate Bill 1602 on housing for veterans by Senator Wright.
• Senate Bill 1602 creates the Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Pilot Program within the
• , to establish and oversee a... ...and case managers assigned to the veterans, to establish and oversee
• with the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and took up several measures. The committee first heard SM 1714, urging Congress to pass the federal No Tax Dollars for Terrorist Act to prevent U.S. funds from benefiting the Taliban; after brief explanation and no testimony or debate, it was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 1512 on Space Florida, which expands certain sales and use tax exemptions for qualifying tangible personal property and allows Space Florida to bypass competitive bidding for certain purchases when state funds are not used; support was noted from Space Florida and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 1656, designating the SS American Victory as Florida’s flagship, with discussion focused on the ship’s World War II and later service, museum role, and lack of known fiscal impact; it too was reported favorably. The committee next approved SM 1186, which urges Congress and the National Guard Bureau to increase the Florida National Guard’s force structure, with the sponsor citing Florida’s population, emergency history, and outdated allocation levels; one senator voiced support and the memorial was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 1602, creating the Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Pilot Program in selected counties to help landlords house veterans through vacancy relief and risk mitigation trust funds; two amendments were adopted, including technical and clarifying changes, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Finally, SB 1604 created the related vacancy relief and risk mitigation trust funds within the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to support the pilot program; one technical amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as amended. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, I have Alex, Navy veteran; Derek, an Army veteran; Ricardo, Marine Corps veteran; and Vic, Air
• Force veteran.
• veterans.
• First, I have Alex, Navy veteran, Derek, an Army veteran, Ricardo, Marine Corps veteran, and Vic, Air
• veterans.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> veteran uh honorable discharge in 1955. veteran uh honorable discharge in 1955.
• He’s a member of the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame.
• Veterans Hall of Fame. He served 42 Veterans Hall of Fame.
• </c> distingu distinguished American veteran distingu distinguished American veteran respected<00:14:
• c> all</c><01:13:37.040><c> the</c><01:13:37.199><c> veterans</c> recognized today and all the veterans

Committee: Joint Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She is a veteran who served in Afghanistan.
• As far as the legislation that you're introducing, I can't say how much, as a veteran, it speaks to my
• One thing that Senator Perry mentioned in the initial hearings for SB 5 was the veteran suicide rate,
• That's true for veterans.
• Jail vendors who make money off of food trade contracts every time a veteran goes to jail instead of

Summary: Senator Nathan Johnson presented a pair of bills he described as a comprehensive cannabis reform package for Texas. He said one bill would regulate hemp-derived THC with a 21-and-over purchase age, a 5 mg THC threshold, testing, labeling, licensing, packaging, and marketing standards, an advisory committee to report to the Legislature, and a tax structure that would direct revenue to public health, law enforcement, testing, and the Texas Compassionate Use Program. He also said the legislation reflects work by Chairman Ken King and is intended as an alternative to a total ban, which he argued would be unenforceable and undesirable. Johnson said the second bill would decriminalize possession and personal use of up to 2 ounces of marijuana, allow limited home cultivation, and create a path to expunction for people convicted of conduct that would no longer be illegal. He argued current Texas THC laws are inconsistent, harmful, and disproportionately affect communities of color, while also diverting law enforcement resources. He said the bills aim to create a more consistent and enforceable framework and to support medical THC use. Supportive testimony came from Shawn Salvahi, a veteran and Texas Cannabis Collective representative, who said decriminalization and homegrow would help veterans and first responders and that leaders should correct mistaken policy. Senator Molly Cook, an ER nurse, also backed Johnson’s approach and opposed SB 5, saying prohibition has failed, worsened safety, and created criminal and economic harms. In questions, Johnson said the Senate is likely to move SB 5, that the House could still change the outcome, and that he has been consistent in opposing a ban since 2018. The discussion also briefly touched on redistricting, with participants urging attention to flooding and criticizing proposed maps, but the main action was the presentation and defense of the THC bills ahead of floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• that is spent in this budget for veterans is only for those veterans who are housed within the state
• veterans' homes or receiving medical services there.
• The veteran services that help those veterans who are not housed within the institution or state housing
• That's why we have the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• California veterans. Just for your comparison.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met to consider the final three-party agreement for the 2026-27 state budget and 19 implementing bills, including two budget bill juniors and 17 trailer bills. Committee leadership and administration officials described the budget as a balanced plan that reduces out-year structural deficits, maintains large reserves, and makes major investments in health care, education, housing, child care, public safety, and other core services while also responding to expected federal cuts and fiscal uncertainty. The Department of Finance outlined the package’s major components, including Medi-Cal adjustments, education funding increases, higher education changes, child care and human services updates, housing and homelessness funding, energy and transportation provisions, and tax and general government changes. Members asked questions about several provisions, including CSU enrollment targets and turnaround plans, the Prop. 98 settle-up mechanism, the plastics market development payment program, housing accountability measures, NextGen 9-1-1 implementation, and veteran services. Staff and administration witnesses explained that the higher education language is intended to improve campus-by-campus reporting and oversight, that Prop. 98 settle-up would be finalized later through the statutory certification process, and that NextGen 9-1-1 now includes one-time funding, quarterly reporting, an independent technical review, and a state audit. Members also discussed the HAP homelessness funding increase to $900 million and the balance between accountability and timely distribution of funds. The most extended exchange centered on comparisons between funding for veterans and Medi-Cal/immigrant health coverage. Republican members argued the budget spends far more on undocumented immigrant services than on veterans, while Democratic members and Finance staff responded that the comparison was misleading because many veterans’ services are federally funded and the state budget also includes dedicated veteran support. The chair and other members emphasized that the budget reflects difficult tradeoffs and that the package protects vulnerable populations, preserves health care access, and advances affordability. No final vote was described in the excerpt, but members indicated support for the overall package and said they would support it on the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I voted no on a veterans appropriation bill the other day.
• I have two daughters that are veterans.
• of veterans have never gotten help.
• have veterans that are homeless, this is helping. ...veterans, or if we have veterans that are homeless
• I know in the bipartisan Veterans Caucus we discuss a lot of things that are good for veterans, and unfortunately

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions and proclamations, including a proclamation designating March 10 as Cade’s Day in honor of Cade Keller and suicide prevention efforts. Members also welcomed guests from schools, cities, and medical and advocacy groups, and the clerk announced committee assignments and bill referrals. The chamber then moved through committee-of-the-whole action on several bills. HB 2946 and HB 4018 were amended and given do pass recommendations. In a later committee-of-the-whole, HB 2083, HB 2308, HB 2388, and HB 2389 were considered; HB 2083, HB 2308, and HB 2388 received do pass recommendations as amended, while HB 2389 drew debate over environmental review for power plants, with supporters arguing it would lower energy costs and opponents saying it weakened oversight. The House also retained HB 4030 and HCR 2052 on the calendar. The House then took up third-reading votes on a long list of measures. Bills that passed included HB 2047 on forcible entry and detainer, HB 2127 on special license plates, HB 2344 on the local government investment pool, HB 2371 on dissolution of marriage, HB 2140 and HB 2620 on financial institutions and veterans services, HB 2429 on short-term rentals, HB 2434 on the prescription monitoring program, HB 2437 on emergency medical services, HB 2444 on pharmacy-based testing and treatment, HB 2573 on DUI-related psychotherapy treatment, HB 2601 on state highways and routes, HB 2781 on solar energy power plants, HB 2914 on cameras in long-term care rooms, HB 2968 on evidence in child custody proceedings, HB 4043 on public schools, HB 4064 on municipal improvement districts, HB 4130 on local government budgets, and HCM 2016 renaming a stretch of U.S. Route 191 as Chief Barbonsito Highway. HB 2726 on sleep apnea treatment failed, and HB 2123 failed on reconsideration after a close vote. Several votes featured debate over housing, energy, veterans’ services, pharmacy scope, family-court evidence rules, and the balance between local control and state oversight. The session ended with committee announcements for the following week, personal privilege remarks, and a motion to adjourn until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, which was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill created the Veterans Dental Care Grant program.
• Representative Edmonds, thank you so much for considering the veteran community.
• And that happens to a lot of veterans.
• This pushes us further to making it better for our veterans in our community.
• Veterans give so much to us and sacrifice so much.

Transcript Highlights:

• I started along this path a long time ago talking to veterans in this state.
• the only answer that they had from the Veterans Administration.
• Cannabis is what has saved the lives of so many veterans in this country.
• I urge you, by the way, to watch that documentary because you'll see veteran after veteran after veteran
• But some people, especially kind of veterans who are maybe currently using a product from.