Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1562, public building state fire code. Government.
• SB 1818, re-pending, cities and towns. ATT. SB 1819, very parts, design, zoning. ATT.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and several guest introductions recognizing Arizona Dental Hygienists Association visitors, deaf and hard of hearing advocacy groups, Arizona Society of Anesthesiologists members, the Doctor of the Day, tribal voting advocates, and other guests. Members also observed a moment of silence for two DPS officers killed earlier that morning. The chamber then received a long list of bills and resolutions for first reading and committee referral, covering elections, education, public safety, health, tribal affairs, housing, agriculture, and other topics. The main floor action was in Committee of the Whole on SB 1425, an elections bill dealing with the July primary and related election procedures. The bill was amended in committee, then further amended on the floor, and the Committee of the Whole recommended it do pass as amended. During third reading, members spoke in support of the measure as a bipartisan election fix that would move the primary up two weeks, improve ballot timing, and require observers in every county. Senator Hatathlie highlighted persistent tribal voting barriers such as mail ballot issues, dual-addressing problems, ID access, funding shortages, misinformation, and polling-place disruptions, while Senator Gonzalez voted no because of the emergency clause. The bill passed 27-1 with two not voting and was transmitted to the House. The Senate also adopted two proclamations: one naming September 4, 2026, as Taekwondo Day in Arizona and another declaring February 2026 as American Heart Month, encouraging CPR and AED awareness. After a recess, the Senate returned briefly to introduce additional bills, refer SB 1315 to Public Safety and SB 1090 to Finance, announce upcoming committee meetings, and then adjourn until Monday, February 9, 2026.

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• utility renovation site site or certain surface facilities in accordance with the national electric code
• or municipality of for all or part of the appraised value of a real property used by the county or city

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We must ensure that every child in every zip code and every income level has access to quality education
• We must turn back the flood of illegal immigration that erases our borders, strains our cities, and drains

Bills: SB 2 , SJR 36 , SB 2 , SR 19 , SR 27 , SR 30 , SR 32 , SCR 11

Keywords: Houston East End, Chamber of Commerce, East End Day, economic development, community involvement, scholarships, business events, McAllen, celebration, community pride, cultural events, economic growth, McAllen Day, community recognition, South Texas, local pride, Wise County Day, Texas Senate, Wise County, state recognition

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• I am a child care provider in Alameda, the city of Alameda.
• attorney for the City of Oakland.
• Our coalition is comprised of seven city attorneys and county counsels from the cities of Oakland, San
• My name is Luke Edwards, and I'm here today as a supervising deputy city attorney for the Oakland City
• In fact, the city and county of San Diego, along with a number of our cities, have called on us to advise

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• also that we do have our Mayor Pro Tem Daisy Lita behind me here on my left, and then also our Deputy City
• The City of Sunland Park has embarked on a course. of redefining the culture of this border community
• We have put in place, as we speak, a new municipal development code that is in the tail end of public
• The City of Sullivan Park is really a bedroom community and provides housing where the industrial park
• Additionally, the City of Sunland Park has signaled that they are looking to create their own public

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• So I welcome you all to my former workplace and to our city hall here in Seattle.
• Do we have a contact at the city that we're working with now? It's part of the TAG.
• So right now, the City of Seattle... I have to apologize.
• The City of Seattle is part of those committees.
• It is a city street.

Summary: The committee met to hear an update from Washington State Ferries on capital projects and workforce issues, beginning with a briefing on the agency’s long-term fleet and terminal needs. WSF officials described the history of underinvestment after the late 1990s, the current fleet reduction from 25 to 21 vessels, and the need to keep older boats in service while moving toward a 26-vessel long-range fleet and hybrid-electric operations. They said the agency is transitioning to a new vessel procurement strategy, with Eastern Shipbuilding selected to build up to three 160-car hybrid-electric ferries, and outlined a schedule that includes contract execution, about a year of design work, steel cutting in fall 2026, and several years of construction. Members raised concerns about the higher cost of electrified vessels, the length of the schedule, the adequacy of liquidated damages and incentives, the risks of building in Florida and transporting vessels to Washington, and whether the contract sufficiently protects the state from cost overruns and design problems. The committee also received an update on the Wenatchee conversion, which officials said is days away from entering service as the first large hybrid-electric ferry conversion. WSF explained that the conversion combined required midlife preservation work with propulsion upgrades and battery installation, and that the project took longer and cost more than originally expected because it was a prototype with significant lessons learned. Officials said the Tacoma and Puyallup conversions would follow later, but those decisions were being delayed until after the World Cup to avoid service disruptions. Members asked about the cost-effectiveness of the conversion, the expected fuel and emissions reductions, and what happens to engine crews during long conversion periods; WSF said crews were embedded in the project and that the conversions should reduce diesel use substantially once terminal charging is available. The meeting then shifted to workforce development, with Siegel consultants reviewing their 2021 and 2024 studies of ferry staffing, overtime, recruitment, and workplace culture. They said the earlier problems stemmed from seasonal staffing practices, low winter hours, limited career progression, a narrow maritime recruiting pipeline, and a culture that made retention difficult. Since then, they reported major improvements: staffing has increased from about 1,500 to 1,900, turnover has fallen, captain and engineer shortages have eased, and recruitment has broadened beyond the traditional maritime pool, including more women and other underrepresented workers. They credited new programs such as guaranteed hours, paid pilotage, AB-to-mate pathways, and the “Turning of the Tide” culture campaign, while noting remaining issues with communication, HR access, accountability, and quality of life. Members generally acknowledged the progress but asked whether staffing levels are now sufficient and how interchangeable crews are across vessels and routes. Finally, terminal engineering staff began a presentation on capital terminal work, starting with the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal. They described the terminal’s age, low elevation, vulnerability to sea level rise and earthquakes, and the need for replacement piles, beams, and improved vehicle circulation. The agency said it has completed a planning and environmental linkage study, is moving into NEPA/state environmental review, and has been working with the community to balance the needs of Southworth and Vashon riders with neighborhood concerns in Fauntleroy. The preferred alternative is a larger offshore dock footprint that would improve capacity and reliability while reducing impacts to eelgrass habitat. The meeting ended before the terminal discussion was complete.

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• And then there's also a structure for contract code exemptions and then some other issues.
• It is really hard for cities and counties to enter into contracts and leases when they don't have any
• I have a hospital in my district, Tri-City Medical Center, and financial stability is really critical
• Also on behalf of Inclusive Action for the City, along with our Economic Mobility for All coalition,
• Also on behalf of Inclusive Action for the City, along with our Economic Mobility for All coalition,

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Keywords: 987, senate, all

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• Okay, this, okay, yes, Century City. There we go. Thank you so much.
• Caroline Grinder on behalf of the League of California Cities.
• Cal Cities urges the Legislature to reject the proposed elimination of the mobile crisis benefit.
• Cities recognize the important role that mobile crisis plays in responding to homelessness, reducing
• law enforcement involvement, and connecting people to resources and care in our cities.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

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• </c><00:28:12.799><c> neighborhoods</c> out in towns and city neighborhoods out in towns and city neighborhoods
• </c><00:51:27.920><c> of</c> Rivertown residents and the city of Rivertown residents and the city of
• Our loophole tilled tax code overseas.
• . 18 cities, 11 ago to deal with this. 18 cities, 11 states,<04:06:33.520><c> three</c><04:06:33.760>
• ,</c><04:13:18.319><c> the</c> point of their sanctuary cities, the point of their sanctuary cities,

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 1012, house, all

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• City College tends to have an amazing success and pass rate because they have the support services in
• would also just add more broadly when we receive, so in general, we find that Business and Professions Code
• As a result, the only language addressing animal chiropractic appears in the veterinary code.
• Establishing clear language in the code improves public safety by allowing the BCE to cite or discipline
• Placing this language in the Chiro code keeps chiropractors regulated by the board that already licenses

Keywords: 988, house, all

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• And so how you read Table Three is that... we compared the top 20 behavioral health codes for... on page
• We compared the top 20 behavioral health codes in the state that were used and we compared them to both
• And so, for Utah, in one behavioral health code, you are 3% above what Utah's behavioral health code
• You're actually 5% above what Utah pays for that behavioral health code rate.
• We know we're not a coast city; we are geographically isolated.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

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• Yeah, I'm just I guess I'm thinking more at the scene, because you're, I mean, there in even smaller cities
• ><00:18:46.040><c> even</c><00:18:46.320><c> in</c><00:18:46.560><c> smaller</c><00:18:47.080><c> cities
• </c><00:18:47.600><c> there</c><00:18:47.840><c> are</c> in a even in smaller cities there are in a even
• in smaller cities there are dozens<00:18:48.640><c> of</c><00:18:48.760><c> incidents</c><00:18:49.440
• That child is our client." >> Mhm. >> So, In our juvenile code currently In our juvenile code currently

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:09 State of the Judiciary: 00:02:33 The Corrections - KCTCS Reentry Program: 00:49:44 Update on 2022 RS SB 90: 01:27:49, 958, all

Summary: The Juvenile Justice Oversight Council met with a quorum, approved the October 8, 2025 minutes, and welcomed guests including Marshall County Attorney Jason Darnall. The main topic was juvenile interrogation, with a presentation from Kentucky Youth Advocates by Courtney Downs and Shannon Moody. They said their organization is supporting a 2026 Blueprint priority requiring children to consult with an attorney before waiving Miranda rights, and they emphasized research on adolescent brain development, susceptibility to peer pressure and impulsive decision-making, and the risk of false confessions. They cited National Registry of Exonerations data showing high rates of false confessions among exonerated youth, especially younger children, and described approaches in other states such as Maryland’s Child Interrogation Protection Act, Indiana’s statute allowing certain adults to waive rights in some circumstances, and laws in other states requiring recording of interrogations or limiting deceptive tactics. Members asked about trauma and adverse childhood experiences, whether the proposal would require attorney consultation in every juvenile interview, whether parents could instead be the ones consulted, and how such a rule would affect law enforcement investigations and juvenile accountability. Senator Carroll and others raised concerns about feasibility, delays, and whether juveniles might avoid accountability if attorneys are required before questioning. The presenters responded that they were focused on ensuring children understand their legal rights, that some states use age- or offense-based limits, and that parent consultation is another model used elsewhere, though they said a lawyer is best suited to explain legal rights and process. Members also discussed the role of the Department of Public Advocacy and whether legislative action or court decisions should address the issue. The council did not take final action on the policy, but requested additional materials, including the text of laws from Maryland, Indiana, and North Carolina, for further review.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I was wondering about the water, whether we're digging a well or drilling a well or city water is
• a well or city water is somewhere<00:16:26.880><c> near.
• With the cities, it's always been easier because we can get back to a city council and they can vote
• My understanding was we had an extensive conversation for a few hours as part of code.
• We talked about hours as part of code.

Committee: Senate Capital Budget

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> again, the the city is paying the price. again, the the city is paying the price.
• And I served as the city council in the city of Lebanon for 12 years.
• </c> person's now in our city. person's now in our city.
• </c> from cities, how is information shared. from cities, how is information shared.
• MRF codes or code types are obscure and inadequate for identifying items or services.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's your city council member or that's your mayor, right?
• Although we do have percentage increases for each of the rate models due to the changes in service codes
• A lot of that rate reform has been on rate changes, service code realignment, and ultimately QIP qualification
• provisions for toddlers exiting early intervention programs in the current law into a new Government Code
• Department of Rehabilitation as a vocational counselor in the Orange San Gabriel District, in the city

Keywords: 988, house, all

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• Our monthly CalFresh issuance is $21 million, which is expended locally in 30 cities and communities
• And I'm sure the majority of it is more coding expenses.
• And, Lord, I know, another state coding, state programming project.
• It's an awful term, but it's what's in the code.
• And the largest detention center in our state was just opened in California City, also in the Central

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services opened its first hearing of the year with a discussion centered on CalFresh, the Department of Social Services, and related anti-poverty and immigrant services programs. Chair Jackson framed the hearing as a response to the “historic and enormous challenges” created by H.R. 1, emphasizing that the committee’s goal was to minimize harm to vulnerable Californians. No votes were taken in the hearing. The first major topic was the impact of H.R. 1 on CalFresh eligibility and administration. CDSS estimated major federal funding reductions, with hundreds of thousands of Californians potentially losing benefits under new time limits and work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents, and additional losses among certain non-citizen groups. County welfare directors, eligibility workers, SEIU, and other advocates argued that counties are underfunded and understaffed to implement the new rules, and urged release of the previously authorized $20 million General Fund, a county match waiver, and an additional ongoing workforce investment. LAO and the Department of Finance said they were reviewing the administration’s proposals and emphasized the need to use existing data, automation, and statutory direction to reduce administrative burden and improve implementation. A second panel addressed county administrative backfill and the broader fiscal effects of H.R. 1. CDSS explained that the law shifts more administrative costs to the state and counties beginning in federal fiscal year 2027 and could also create future state benefit costs tied to payment error rates. County and food bank representatives warned that many counties will struggle to absorb the higher match and that penalties tied to payment error rates could worsen budget pressure. Members pressed Finance and CDSS for clearer timelines, written responses, and more detailed workload assumptions, while Finance said it was still analyzing the federal guidance and county resource needs. The final major topic was the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) and possible state responses for people losing federal CalFresh eligibility. CDSS said CFAP remains limited by statute and by the federal structure it currently uses, but that the planned expansion to Californians age 55 and older regardless of immigration status remains on track for October 1, 2027, subject to funding. Immigrant advocates urged the state to fold newly excluded humanitarian immigrants into CFAP and to invest in outreach and administration, while Western Center on Law and Poverty proposed a broader state-funded anti-hunger response for people cut off by H.R. 1. LAO noted that the CFAP expansion is difficult to estimate and that further policy and technical work would be needed to assess costs and implementation options.

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• </c><00:26:03.240><c> of</c> requires subsidies from the city of requires subsidies from the city of
• The reason I brought you back up, Chief, is your city owns your PSA.
• I brought you back up, Chief, because your city owns your PSA.
• The reason I brought you back up, Chief, is your city owns your PSA.
• I brought you back up Chief is your city I brought you back up Chief is your city owns<00:35:55.720><

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, under the current occupations code in the Texas Racing Act, uh, medication or drug testing performed
• um, racetrack reimbursements, uh, for drug testing services as, uh, contemplated in the occupations code
• So we have to enter this code to make sure it reminds us to not miss this deadline.
• We follow the HUD HU guidelines set out by the government code and the Comptroller.
• But, um, it's offered in over 50, um, cities across the state.

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• House File 4201 also allows hemp products to replace many of the labeling requirements with a QR code
• Imagine being a liquor store and having to scan a bunch of QR codes to see what was recalled.
• </c> the QR code for the sake of recalls. the QR code for the sake of recalls.
• to see what to scan a bunch of QR codes to see what was<01:23:29.040><c> recalled.
• available on cannabis have that QR code available on cannabis packages,<01:23:40.720><c> again</c><01

Bills: HF3794 , HF4472 , HF4410 , HF4347 , HF4412 , HF4398 , HF4397 , HF4201 , HF4199 , HF4203 , HF3706 , HF4071 , HF4120 , HF4175 , HF4188

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: surveillance, price discrimination, wage discrimination, automated decision systems, consumer protections, data privacy, biometrics, school district health insurance, charter school health benefits, employee benefits, public sector health insurance, health insurance survey, Legislative Budget Office, LBO report, premium costs, retiree coverage, broker commissions, third-party administrator, health plan transparency, health reimbursement arrangement

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, representative Garner Shimizu, District 32, which is Moanalua, Red Hill, Halawa, Pearl City
• um so it it basically Building Code um so it it basically gives<01:44:11.880><c> a</c><01:44:12.119>
• I haven't set codes or anything like that.
• </c><01:46:31.199><c> that</c><01:46:31.480><c> the</c><01:46:31.880><c> fire</c> Statewide Fire code
• , and we lack a section of the fire code, which is the Wildland Urban Interface fire code, which dictates

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee held its first hearing of the 2025 session and began with housekeeping on testimony deadlines, hybrid participation rules, time management, and expectations for civility. The chair said testimony posted at least 24 hours in advance would be available to members and the public at the same time, late testimony would still be processed, and decision-making would generally be deferred to later in the day so morning hearings could adjourn before the noon floor session. The first bill heard was HB 673 on emergency management. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency administrator James Barros testified in opposition, saying the bill could undermine the executive’s unity of command during emergencies and objecting to provisions allowing the legislature to terminate a state of emergency by a two-thirds vote. Members asked about the difference between an emergency order and a state of emergency, whether other states use legislative checks and balances, and whether long-running emergencies such as COVID-19 or homelessness should have clearer end conditions. Barros said the agency, along with the Attorney General’s office and the governor’s office, would review the language and that the issue is setting conditions for when an emergency ends. The committee then heard HB 596, also on emergency management, which would clarify types of events that count as dangers and emergencies. Barros opposed the bill, saying the current list covers known hazards but should remain open-ended for future threats; he cited COVID-19 as an example of an unforeseen event and said the bill could limit flexibility. Members asked whether the list could be expanded, and Barros said the agency would look at that possibility. Testimony included support from the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii and concerns from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii about the bill’s special fund provisions; the committee also corrected testimony that had been submitted for the wrong bill. The final measure discussed was HB 1060 on emergency preparedness and the Community Readiness Center Program. Barros explained the proposal as part of HEMA’s effort to build local readiness centers and community hubs, with an initial target of 10 communities through a federal grant and a longer-term concept of roughly 100 statewide. The Climate Advisory Team supported the bill’s intent but urged that centers be developed with strong community and nonprofit involvement through the HARRP program. The Department of Taxation offered comments on the special fund, and members raised questions about cost, size, use of existing school facilities, public messaging, and equity across communities. Barros said the centers would provide backup communications, power, water, and food for a community group, would not function as general shelters, and would be designed to help communities hunker down and recover after a disaster.