Transcript Highlights:

• Gracious God, we pray that you would send your Holy Spirit to lead and guide our Representatives in Congress
• The Chair will lead the House in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Chair Robins, Lead Pinto, Good morning, Chair Robins, Lead Pinto, and<00:02:12.760><c>
• So, what would lead you to believe that the whistleblower information would not lead to a credible allegation
• So, what would lead you to believe that So, what would lead you to believe that the<00:38:00.400><c>
• So, we've lead to a credible allegation?
• I see one leading to the exclusive.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• child suffered abuse at the licensed daycare, and we are sharing our family story and hope that it leads
• child suffered abuse at the licensed daycare, and we are sharing our family story and hope that it leads
• Obviously, our children are very precious, but it is something that would likely again lead to increased
• 00:24:12.400><c> would</c><00:24:12.559><c> likely</c><00:24:13.360><c> again</c><00:24:13.840><c> lead
• </c> something that would likely again lead something that would likely again lead to<00:24:14.240><c

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• We as leading care strictly saw that we needed to have a Minnesota model because we don't see that the
• We<00:21:09.280><c> as</c><00:21:09.919><c> leading</c><00:21:10.400><c> care</c> We as leading care
• We as leading care strictly<00:21:12.720><c> saw</c><00:21:13.039><c> that</c><00:21:13.200><c> we</c
• </c><00:34:54.079><c> Right</c> field to lead, not just react. Right field to lead, not just react.
• </c><01:35:29.840><c> to</c> information uh that leads to information uh that leads to investigations

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Senator Republican lead on the Human Services Committee.
• </c><00:07:14.400><c> agencies</c><00:07:14.960><c> and</c><00:07:15.199><c> the</c> submitted to lead
• agencies and the submitted to lead agencies and the department.<00:07:18.160><c> House</c><00:07:18.479
• When there are disagreements between lead agencies and an individual that cannot be resolved outside
• When there are disagreements between lead agencies and an individual that cannot be resolved outside

Transcript Highlights:

• Chenalt, who was the doctor that was leading the project, one doctor that was leading the project, one
• role of little tour playing the lead role of little tour playing the lead role of little Michael Jackson
• Which leads me to just wonder time. Which leads me to just wonder time.
• to a assimilate folic acid and it leads to a assimilate folic acid and it leads to a buildup of toxins
• to a buildup of toxins in actually lead to a buildup of toxins in actually lead to a buildup of toxins

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> uh climate change may very likely lead uh climate change may very likely lead to<00:35:50.000><c
• So I know there's multiple state agencies involved, and who is the lead from the state in terms of...
• So I know there's multiple state agencies involved, and who is the lead from the state in terms of...
• Vice Chair, just to clarify, I think you had a question earlier about who's the lead agency.
• Vice Chair, just to clarify, I think you had a question earlier about who's the lead agency.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several water, land, and conservation measures. HB 86, which would fund a permanent DLNR Makai Watch coordinator position, drew strong support from DLNR and community advocates. Testifiers said the coordinator is needed to connect community-based nearshore monitoring groups with government, support training and reporting, and provide stable civil-service funding instead of relying on grants and philanthropy. The committee discussed the position’s duties and cost, estimated at about $110,000 with fringe benefits, and noted broad support from organizations including Kuaʻulu, The Nature Conservancy, OHA, and others. HB 36, relating to state water code penalties, was also supported in principle by DLNR, but the agency proposed amendments to create two tiers of violations, distinguish first-time/non-harmful violations from repeat or harmful ones, and give the commission discretion on whether each day counts as a continuing violation. DLNR said the bill is intended to address egregious cases such as Red Hill while avoiding undue impact on small farmers and others without malicious intent. Testifiers from the Board of Water Supply, Lono Initiative, and others supported stronger penalties and transparency, while Earthjustice raised concerns about broader structural issues and the risk of penalties being applied unfairly. The committee then heard HB 316, which appropriates funds to continue the Green Jobs Youth Corps program. DLNR, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, Kōkua, The Nature Conservancy, and other groups testified in support, describing the program as a workforce pipeline that places young professionals in communities, builds trust, and helps recruit future state employees. Supporters said the program has expanded capacity in watershed and reef management and has drawn extensive public backing. Finally, HB 506, funding equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, received support from DLNR and others. DOCARE said recent recruit classes are moving through training, that the new positions will expand patrol capacity, including nighttime enforcement, and that the Oʻahu-specific funding is tied to priorities such as the Māʻili Bay herbivore rules. The committee also began hearing HB 510 on water shortage and emergency declarations. DLNR proposed limiting shortage declarations to 90 days unless extended, capping groundwater reductions at 20% for lower-priority permits, removing climate-crisis language as a standalone criterion, and moving the process into rulemaking for more public input. The Board of Water Supply supported the bill and the proposed changes, while Earthjustice urged deferral absent broader Water Commission reforms. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided; the chair indicated the committee would be decision-making after the hearing on items on the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• represents 39A, which is Fridley, Hilltop, Columbia Heights, and Spring Lake Park, and that he is the DFL lead
• <c> representative</c> outside those lines um representative outside those lines um representative lead
• 08.280><c> talked</c><00:04:09.079><c> and</c><00:04:09.480><c> that's</c><00:04:10.120><c> uh</c> lead
• Kel and I have talked and that's uh lead Kel and I have talked and that's uh a<00:04:10.439><c> shared
• do</c><00:04:36.400><c> you</c><00:04:36.639><c> have</c><00:04:36.880><c> any</c> the meeting um lead

Bills: HF5

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• That includes the Molly Steinsapier Foundation, which is the organization that I founded and lead, Team
• Do we have any lead opposition in the room on this bill? Please come forward.
• Do we have any lead opposition on this bill? Please come forward.

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee met to consider several insurance-related bills, with SB 1301 by Senator Allen and SB 876 by Senator Padilla receiving the most discussion. SB 1301 would reform residential property insurance non-renewals by requiring clearer written explanations, giving policyholders a chance to fix identified issues, and limiting non-renewals based on unreasonable grounds. The bill was supported by consumer advocates, fire survivors, local officials, and several organizations, while insurers said they had worked extensively with the author and were moving to neutral, though they still raised implementation and proprietary-information concerns. The committee voted to pass SB 1301 as amended to Appropriations, with the roll left open briefly before the bill was declared out. SB 876 would overhaul wildfire and disaster claims handling by requiring updated replacement-cost estimates, stronger extended replacement-cost and building-code coverage options, faster status updates when adjusters change, and other consumer protections. Supporters included the Department of Insurance, United Policyholders, consumer groups, and local representatives, who argued the bill addresses underinsurance, delays, and inconsistent claims handling exposed by recent wildfires. Several industry groups said recent amendments resolved major concerns and moved them to neutral, while the California Fair Plan remained respectfully opposed pending further review. The committee approved SB 876 as amended to Judiciary, again leaving the roll open briefly before finalizing the vote. The committee also took up a consent item, SB 536 by Senator Archuleta, which was approved unanimously to Appropriations. Other bills listed at the start of the hearing, SB 555 and SB 795, were pulled at the request of the authors and were not heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jesse, would you like to lead that and ask for a motion? I'll make that motion.
• We got great feedback from DisabilityIN, leading to ongoing efforts to continue our improvements on inclusivity
• They are the ones who should be leading the floor. Well, thank you so much. Next slide.

Summary: The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities subcommittee on Disability Employment approved the prior meeting minutes, welcomed new commission member Victoria Gill, and heard an opening quote on leadership before moving to presentations and planning. The main presentation was from Kristen Grip and Katie McCarthy of Boston Children’s Hospital’s Disability Alliance employee-led group, which described its mission to build an inclusive workplace through education, community-building, and advocacy. They discussed monthly disability-awareness programming, intersectional events, accommodation and accessibility efforts, internal ableism, universal design, and BCH’s recognition in the 2025 Disability Equality Index. They also described their own lived experience and emphasized that employees with disabilities should lead disability-related workplace efforts. Committee members asked how to start a disability employee resource group and what external partnerships might help. The presenters said BCH’s HR diversity team helped launch the group over about a year, and members noted related resources, including a Work Without Limits guide and possible connections with Spalding Rehabilitation and other hospitals. The committee also discussed BCH’s continued support for disability inclusion work despite broader political pressure, and members praised the hospital’s efforts and offered to share additional contacts and resources. The subcommittee then turned to possible collaboration with SEED, the State Exchange on Employment and Disability, on Massachusetts as a model employer and benefit cliff analysis work. Members agreed SEED could help with policy framing, comparative data, stakeholder education, and youth disability employment efforts, and they approved inviting SEED to brief the subcommittee in January or February. The group also discussed possible links to CAPE-Youth, Commonwealth HR and DEI offices, and a future partnership with the Office of the Veterans Advocate. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was seconded and approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to go on to lead opposition. Two witnesses. We're doing two after? Yes. Thank you.
• Lead opposition. Two minutes for lead opposition. Good morning, Madam Chair, members.

Summary: The Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee heard SB 1094 by Senator Weber Pearson, which would expand pharmacist and health plan authority to substitute biosimilars for reference biologic drugs in order to lower prescription drug costs. The author and supporters, including Blue Shield of California, Sharp HealthCare, and several business and health groups, argued that biologics are a major driver of rising health care spending and that biosimilars can provide substantial savings while maintaining safety and efficacy. The bill also included transparency provisions and committee amendments, including notice requirements and clarifications around substitution and exceptions. Opposition came from the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, the California Rheumatology Alliance, and Biocom, who said the bill was not scientifically justified, could undermine FDA standards, and might lead to unwanted switching, side effects, or delays in care for patients with chronic conditions. They emphasized that pharmacists can already substitute interchangeable biosimilars and that non-interchangeable products can be changed with prescriber contact. Committee discussion focused on patient safety, the meaning of “do not substitute,” the 30-day notice provisions, and the distinction between biosimilars and interchangeable biosimilars. After debate, the committee adopted a due pass as amended motion to the Senate Health Committee. The bill passed the committee on a 10-0 roll call vote and was sent onward.

Transcript Highlights:

• you know, in the legislature at least, said, you know, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts should be leading
• way... ...in the legislature at least, said, you know, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts should be leading
• ...in the legislature at least, said, you know, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts should be leading the

Summary: The meeting was the first organizational session of the special commission created by Chapter 238 of the Acts of 2024 to study the future of payments and sales transactions by credit card and the impacts on small businesses. Chair James Murphy and Senator Paul Feeney explained that there would be no testimony at this meeting; instead, commissioners introduced themselves and discussed how the commission would structure its work and future hearings. The commission’s charge includes examining payment trends, cashless transactions, credit card fees, mobile payments, buy now, pay later financing, and the impact of Section 28A of Chapter 140D on small businesses, with a final report and recommendations expected. Members and stakeholders generally supported the proposed approach, including hearings focused on business and consumer experiences, the legal and regulatory landscape, and policy options such as transparency measures, fee disclosures, reporting requirements, and possible limits. Several participants emphasized that swipe fees are a major and growing cost for retailers and restaurants, and that the issue is timely given changes in payment habits and developments in other states. One member suggested the commission also consider cryptocurrency in transactions, and another raised the possibility of holding hearings in locations outside the State House to improve access for small businesses across the Commonwealth. The chairs said staff is still organizing hearing topics and may group testimony by subject matter. They announced a tentative first hearing date of April 8 in Gardner Auditorium, with testimony allowed in person, online, or in writing, and noted that the number of hearings will depend on public interest. The commission also agreed to invite members to suggest experts or additional topics, and the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• And as I understand, Representative Mosley, you're going to take the lead on this. Is that correct?
• All right, happy to take the lead here. Mr.
• A financially literate population leads to more successful entrepreneurs, strengthening Missouri's small

Committee: House Financial Institutions

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and approved House Bill 2863 by a 14-0 vote. It then took up House Bill 2967, adopted a committee amendment that removed a fixed one-third allocation and allowed funds to be allocated by the body as needed, rolled the amendment into a substitute, and passed the House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2967 by a 15-0 vote. Members discussed how the bill related to another expungement-fund measure already passed by the House, and were told the two bills were intended to mirror each other and would not conflict. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2303 and the mirrored House Bill 2867, both aimed at expanding Missouri’s personal finance education requirements. Sponsor testimony said the bills would require a half-credit in personal finance for graduation beginning in 2027-28, broaden instruction to include budgeting, credit, investing, fraud prevention, taxes, contracts, and major purchases, and create a DESE work group with industry and educator input to update standards every seven years. Sponsors and supporters said the goal was to better prepare students for real-world financial decisions, reduce debt traps, and improve workforce readiness. Witnesses from the Missouri Bankers Association, mortgage bankers, consumer credit groups, financial advisors, and individual advocates testified in support, emphasizing the need for updated, practical financial literacy instruction and regular curriculum review as financial products change. Committee members asked about the bill’s interaction with existing personal finance requirements, whether it would apply to public, private, homeschool, and GED pathways, and how early course completion waivers would work. Members also suggested adding insurance and gambling/probability topics to the curriculum discussion. No opposition testimony was offered, and House Bill 2119 was postponed to a future hearing before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a predatory practice that almost never leads to the advantage of the property owner, who, by
• And I will agree with the good member and sponsor when he states that it almost never leads to good results
• And I will agree with the good member and sponsor when he states that it almost never leads to good results

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee met on February 4, 2026, and removed House Bill 2629 from consideration. The committee received briefings on House Bill 2428, which would require insurers to give 30 days’ written notice before an individual life insurance policy lapses for nonpayment and to notify policyholders of the right to designate a third party for lapse notices; an amendment clarified the notice requirements and proof-of-delivery language. The committee also reviewed House Bill 2399, which would prohibit assignment of post-loss property insurance benefits, and House Bill 2087, which would enact the Washington Travel Insurance Act and regulate travel insurance products, producers, retailers, and administrators. Members also noted they had already been briefed on House Bills 2483 and 2477 before taking executive action after caucus. House Bill 2428 was amended and passed out of committee unanimously with a due pass recommendation. Supporters said it would help prevent unintentional life insurance lapses and protect consumers, especially older policyholders and families relying on coverage later in life. House Bill 2399 also advanced, but only after a divided vote of 8-7; supporters described post-loss assignments as predatory and harmful to insured homeowners, while opponents argued the bill was too broad and could hinder homeowners who use contractors to repair damaged property and resolve insurance disputes. House Bill 2087, as a proposed substitute, was reported out with a due pass recommendation by a 12-3 vote. Members said the substitute reflected stakeholder and Office of the Insurance Commissioner work to resolve conflicts in the underlying travel insurance framework and add guardrails for consumers. House Bill 2483, dealing with data broker registration, was amended several times to narrow exemptions, add Department of Licensing implementation details, and make the registry public; it then passed 8-7 after debate over privacy, public safety, and whether the bill was too limited or too broad. House Bill 2477, which concerned appraisal-related liability and reports, was amended to clarify appraiser liability and intended users, then passed unanimously with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• We currently have disclosures for lead paint and now for flooding. Really, I'm not...
• We currently have disclosures for lead paint and now for flooding.
• And when you say the science isn't exact, then that leads me to understand that if the science isn't

Summary: The State Affairs Committee opened with a tribute to the late Representative Joe Casello, with remarks from the chair and Ranking Member Eskamani honoring his service, especially his advocacy for first responders, veterans, and working people. The committee then turned to its only bill, HB 167, which would remove strict liability for certain previously mined phosphate lands if the landowner notifies the county and requests a Department of Health radiation survey. The sponsor said the bill is intended to create a voluntary process, add data about the land, and provide notice through the public record and title process. Members asked extensive questions about who pays for the surveys, how notice would reach future buyers, whether the bill affects renters or construction workers, and whether it would impact pending lawsuits. The sponsor said the landowner would pay for the survey needed to remove strict liability, plaintiffs would pay for surveys in litigation, the bill does not address OSHA or rental disclosures, and it would not apply retroactively to current cases because the complaint must include a survey. Supporters argued the bill simply replaces automatic liability with recorded notice and due diligence, while opponents said it could leave families and renters without adequate warning and should include stronger disclosure protections. Public testimony was in support from the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Associated Industries of Florida, and one individual. After debate, the committee voted 18-8 to report HB 167 favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Further, please note that the guidelines for bills in certain committees allow for testimony from two lead
• witnesses in support and two lead witnesses in opposition to speak for no more than two minutes each
• Okay, so I see the chair nodding, and so I thank you, Senator Padilla, for leading this effort.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee met in a special hearing and took up SB 638 by Senator Padilla, a workforce development bill aimed at creating a coordinating entity called the Middle Class Pipeline Project. The bill would streamline interagency education and workforce programs, improve career technical education and career pathways, and direct resources toward high-unemployment, low-income regions through changes to the CTE incentive grant program. Supporters, including the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, the California Edge Coalition, National University, Long Beach City College, and United Ways of California, argued that California needs a statewide coordinating body to reduce silos, improve access to high-quality jobs, and better align education with labor market needs. Committee members focused heavily on whether the proposed entity would duplicate existing bodies such as the California Workforce Development Board and other education/workforce agencies, and whether its broad duties could be carried out with the $1.5 million budget allocation. The author said the bill is intended to move an operational coordinating entity into broader tri-party negotiations with legislative leadership and the Governor, and that the final structure and staffing would depend on those talks. Some members supported the concept but raised concerns about scope, duplication, and whether the bill should be delayed or audited; one member opposed it as too broad and underfunded. The committee ultimately voted to pass SB 638 to the Assembly Appropriations Committee on a courtesy vote. The roll call showed five ayes and three noes, with one member not voting, and the chair later allowed additional members to add on, including an additional aye from Assemblymember Haney. The hearing then adjourned with the chair noting that further conversations would continue on the coordinating entity and its responsibilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assemblymember Arambula will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
• So, And much obrigado to the Majority Leader for taking the lead on this resolution.
• She was particularly proud of her work, singularly leading the effort to raise funds to build a central

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions recognizing the League of Women Voters of San Francisco Youth Council, the Jane Center of Northern California, a departing UC Sacramento intern, and members of the Sam Yup Benevolent Association/Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association. The chamber then moved to the Daily File, where most items were passed and retained on file, and AB 1044 was moved to the inactive file at the author’s request. The main floor action was on ACR 91, authored by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry, which recognized June 2025 as Portuguese Heritage Month, June 10 as the Day of Portugal, and April 18 as the Day of the Azores. Supportive remarks highlighted the long history and contributions of Portuguese Americans in California, especially in agriculture, business, public service, and culture, and Assembly Member Macedo spoke as a co-author and second-generation Portuguese American. The resolution received 64 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. Macedo also shared Portuguese sweet bread with members, and Aguiar-Curry introduced Portuguese dignitaries and community leaders in the chamber. The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournments in memory. Members honored Phil Jerizzo, Dr. Marvin Lavelle Boomer Jr., and Elizabeth Starr, describing their public service, mentorship, community leadership, and family legacies. The Assembly then announced upcoming session dates and adjourned until Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• mortgage. so if there's not enough to satisfy, let's say, a tax lien, so then that would potentially lead
• In this situation, it could lead to some larger down payments or higher interest rates, or a little more
• It ensures accountability, promotes long-term safety, and reflects the values of justice, leading to

Bills: HB368 , HB3311 , HB1734 , HB2495 , HB2716 , HB793 , HB3376 , HB2524 , HB3421 , HB3446 , HB3181

Committee: House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:

• It leads to thousands and thousands. thousands and thousands of apprehensions, arrest, and rescues.
• One problem leads to another, leads to another.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, they may end up engaged with the criminal justice system as defendants, which can lead to
• In addition, they may end up engaged with the criminal justice system as defendants, which can lead to
• In addition, they may end up engaged with the criminal justice system as defendants, which can lead to

Summary: House File 128 was heard and then laid over for possible inclusion in the committee omnibus. The bill, authored by Representative Ric, would raise penalties for prostituting a minor so they align with existing criminal sexual conduct penalties: from 20 to 30 years for victims under 14, from 10 to 15 years for ages 14 to 16, and from 5 to 10 years for ages 16 to 18. The author said the bill addresses a statutory mismatch that makes prostitution of a minor carry a lower penalty than some sexual conduct offenses, and noted it was part of a broader, ongoing effort to reform criminal sexual conduct laws. Caroline Palmer of the Minnesota Department of Health provided technical assistance and described the harms of child sexual exploitation, including trafficking, survival sex, coercion, and long-term physical and mental health consequences. She said children are exploited in many settings, including online, and that vulnerability factors such as housing instability, abuse, disability, and lack of support increase risk. She also cited research showing buyers of trafficked minor girls often came from varied backgrounds, and emphasized that victims can face lasting trauma and collateral consequences in education, employment, housing, and the justice system. Members asked about the administration’s position, and Palmer clarified she was there only to provide technical assistance, not to represent a formal endorsement. Representative Mher noted that current law may already allow criminal sexual conduct charges in some cases involving very young victims, suggesting other tools remain available. Representative Pinto said he understood the policy concern but wanted to examine the bill’s structure and penalty levels further. No amendments or votes were taken, and the bill was simply laid over.