Transcript Highlights:

• Also want to note that Senator Jones has been appointed by the Rules Committee to replace Senator Dahlia

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee met to hear new audit requests and receive a status update from the State Auditor. The auditor reported 10 JALAC audits in progress, noted that all 2025-approved audits are underway, said the first 2026 audit is focused on DMV license revocations, and described several statutory and high-risk audits already in progress. The committee also approved a consent calendar of four audit requests: UC library resources, law enforcement information sharing, EDD unemployment insurance claims, and Housing and Community Development housing development monitoring. The committee then considered Assembly Member DeMaio’s audit request on SANDAG road project management. DeMaio argued the audit was needed to examine whether transportation funds, including voter-approved and restricted revenues, were used for allowable purposes and whether past management failures warranted outside review. SANDAG’s CEO and CFO said the agency already undergoes extensive oversight and audits, that funds are tracked by multiple “colors of money,” and that internal controls have improved. Several members questioned whether the issues were already addressed in public records or existing audits, and the request failed on a roll call vote. Next, Senator Valadares presented an audit of the Board of State and Community Corrections’ Proposition 47 grant administration, arguing that more transparency is needed on outcomes, recidivism data, and oversight of grantees. The BSCC said it already has oversight mechanisms, that the State Controller conducts biennial audits, and that program data shows positive outcomes. The committee approved the audit unanimously. Senator Cortese then presented an audit of CalHR’s dental benefits procurement and Delta Dental contract, citing long-standing benefit caps, provider network concerns, and retiree out-of-pocket costs. CalHR said its network remains strong, that it recently completed an RFP adding MetLife as a second carrier starting in 2027, and that contracts include performance guarantees. Members from both parties expressed concern about access and competition, and the audit was approved unanimously. The committee then completed add-on votes on the consent calendar and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also want to note that Senator Jones has been appointed by the Rules Committee to replace Senator Dahlia

Committee: House Joint Legislative Audit

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, um, this is a little bit in the weeds, but we swap out, meaning replace, a lot of these wind

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The interview focused on Minnesota’s clean energy policy, energy affordability, and the state’s path toward its 100% clean electricity goal. The senator said Minnesota’s clean energy reputation comes from environmental concern, job creation, and lower long-term costs, noting that wind is now the lowest-cost generation source and that solar costs have fallen sharply. He said rising electricity demand has led to some increased coal use, but argued the state can still meet its 2040 clean energy target through continued renewable buildout, permitting reform, conservation, and demand response. A major topic was data centers. The senator emphasized both concerns and benefits, saying hyperscale data centers can bring substantial construction jobs, property tax revenue, and, under the 2025 law, payments to low-income energy assistance. He cited the Pine Island Google data center as air-cooled, with no water concerns, and said it will pay $5 million annually while funding 1,600 MW of wind, solar, and battery resources at its own expense. He also said Xcel’s filing projected a $1.1 billion ratepayer savings over 10 years, while urging the public to weigh both pros and cons, especially around water use and local tax impacts. The discussion also covered nuclear power and climate costs. The senator said the Senate has passed a nuclear study three years in a row and expects it to advance, while the moratorium on new nuclear plants remains tied to the Prairie Island Indian Community and unresolved nuclear waste storage. He argued Minnesota likely cannot reach its emissions goals without nuclear in the mix, though he acknowledged current nuclear is not cost-competitive and said future advanced or small modular nuclear could change that. On affordability, he pointed to climate-driven costs such as higher homeowners insurance and storm damage, and described Senate energy omnibus provisions including conservation, plug-in solar, and renewable development account projects such as a Como Zoo clean energy project. No votes were taken in the interview itself, but the senator referenced the recently announced budget deal and said he still needed to negotiate a renewable development account agreement between the House and Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• identification cards so that students and universities would not be required to have a physical card or pay to replace

Bills: SCR12 , HB221 , HB509 , HCR58 , HB75 , HB1222 , SB121 , SB312 , SB348 , SB485 , SCR9 , SCR58 , SB65 , SB215 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , SB514 , HCR54 , HCR79 , HCR87 , HCR94 , HCR104 , HCR32 , HB944 , HB17 , HB41 , HB73 , HB223 , HB244 , HB410 , HB750 , HB759 , HB906 , HB966 , HB1006 , HB1009 , HB1086 , HB1107 , HB1112 , HB1215 , HB1242 , SB208 , SB217 , SB283 , SB387 , SB389 , SB401 , SB408 , SB469 , HB74 , HB119 , HB368 , HB414 , HB552 , HB732 , HB776 , HB848 , HB870 , HB953 , HB956 , HB1236 , SB29 , SB42 , SB43 , SB78 , SB149 , SB274 , SB300 , SB341 , SB382 , SB441 , SB449 , HB134 , HB210 , HB258 , HB359 , HB468 , HB784 , HB1117

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, Mississippi River bridge, Trump Expressway, transportation, federal funding, Louisiana highways, injection wells, public hearing, geologic sequestration, environmental impact, public comment, Ascension Parish, state capitol, economic development, community partnership, celebration day

Transcript Highlights:

• So, for $5,000, not $800,000, which is what we were asked for, we're able to replace all 200 trees, and

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's replaced the institutions. We need to continue to invest in it.

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on floor privileges and recognitions. Members welcomed a delegation from Catalonia on the 40th anniversary of the California-Catalonia sister-state relationship, Solano Community College’s speech and debate team, and several small business honorees, including Royal Clothiers and Old California Botanicals. The chamber also recognized Tennessee Rep. Justin Jones for his advocacy on democracy and voting rights, with multiple senators speaking in support of his visit. On business, the Senate confirmed Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Laura Ederton Speed as Executive Director of the State Bar, both by unanimous 35-0 votes. The body adopted SCR 163 designating May as California Tourism Month, highlighting tourism’s economic impact, and SCR 170 declaring Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Week, with extensive testimony from senators about the trauma firefighters and first responders face and the need to reduce stigma and expand support. The Senate also adopted SCR 174 marking the 60th anniversary of California’s pilot regional centers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, emphasizing the system’s role in community-based care. The Senate adopted SR 111 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia after extended debate focused on LGBTQ rights, hate violence, and the need for allies to speak out; the resolution passed 26-0. The chamber then approved a second-day consent calendar of multiple bills by 34-0, moved SCR 116 to the inactive file, granted reconsideration on SR 111 for a later session, and heard motions to adjourn in memory of Carl Anthony and Lupe Estrella. The Senate announced committee hearings and then adjourned to reconvene Monday, May 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It’s replaced the institutions. We need to continue to invest in it.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• unfortunate that what we're hearing right now is that DHS is working on their own version of a replacement

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I leave you to wonder where the replacement words are coming from.

Summary: The Supreme Court of Texas held a ceremonial investiture for two new justices, James Sullivan and Kyle Hawkins. Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock opened the session with welcoming remarks and led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the National Anthem sung by Trooper Alena Gallardo. The event included an invocation by Father Dean Wilhelm, emphasizing the importance of justice and the rule of law. Governor Greg Abbott praised the new justices, highlighting their qualifications and the significance of their appointments to the court. Justice Samuel Alito administered the oath of office to Justice Hawkins, while Judge Thomas Griffith administered the oath to Justice Sullivan. Both justices expressed gratitude for their appointments and acknowledged the support of their families, mentors, and colleagues. The ceremony also honored former justices Jeff Boyd and Nathan Hecht, with heartfelt tributes reflecting on their contributions to the court and the legal community in Texas. The event concluded with a benediction by Reverend Greg Davidson, encouraging the justices to work diligently and honorably in their new roles.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's why we put $80 million into replacing every single one of our headarts because headadart works

Bills: SB1287 , SB1983 , SB1796 , SB1806 , SB1558 , SB2135 , SB483 , SB1198 , SB1265 , SB2154 , SB2139 , SB1552 , SB2118 , SB1775 , SB259 , SB1344 , SB1380 , SB2007 , SB1572 , SB2074 , SB1423 , SB1425 , SB1502 , SB1503 , SB1833 , SB1561 , SB1555 , SB2044 , SB1749 , SB904 , SB1565 , SB1500 , SB667 , SB1484 , SB1562 , SB1644 , HR1045 , SB227 , SB1627 , SB1475 , SB1966 , SB2049 , SB1531 , SB80 , SB1734 , SB1630 , SB1894 , SB1975 , SB1432 , SB1437 , SB1812 , SB346 , SB710 , SB1489 , SB1614 , SB2045 , SB1250 , SB1304 , SB1501 , SB1946 , SB592 , SB65 , SB1257 , SB444 , SB640 , SB2178 , SB1242 , SB1642

Keywords: abstraction, licensing, Oklahoma Abstractors Board, criminal background, good moral character, SB1983, foster care, resource family partner, resource family partners, Department of Human Services, DHS, child welfare, foster homes, foster children, placement data, data sharing, de-identified data, aggregated data, sibling groups, placement disruptions

Transcript Highlights:

• So I don't believe in laying people off and replacing them with AI.

Bills: SB1786

Committee: House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation

Keywords: artificial intelligence, content verification, provenance data, transparency, digital content, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So you don't even have that evidence in order to be able to replace where that center line once was.

Committee: House Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and took up House Bill 2280, a bill to address abandoned railroad rights-of-way in Missouri by assigning the state land surveyor the duty of surveying them over a 20-year period. Supporters said the bill would help clarify boundaries and ownership where old rail corridors have been abandoned and physical evidence of the centerline has disappeared. Members discussed the bill’s fiscal note and the possibility of shifting survey costs to railroads in the future. The committee voted 21-0 to do pass HB 2280. In public hearing, Representative Farnan presented House Bill 3014, a conveyance bill authorizing the sale of about 59 acres owned by Northwest Missouri State University to Nottoway County Economic Development for a fairground, expo center, and campsites. Members asked about the acreage and whether the bill directed a specific buyer, and the sponsor said the county group was the intended purchaser if it secures funding. No witnesses testified, and the hearing closed without action. The committee then heard House Bill 3392 from Representative Haley, which would remove the requirement that retailers and distributors keep Form 149 exemption certificates on file for dyed diesel sales at retail pumps. Haley and supporting witnesses from Geyer Oil, the Missouri Petroleum and Convenience Association, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, and Missouri Corn Growers said the current paperwork requirement is burdensome, especially for unmanned or rural stations, and had led to a large audit assessment against one company. Department of Revenue staff explained that the current law requires the form, that refunds are available through DOR if a retailer does not accept it, and that they were reviewing proposed amendment language to avoid unintended consequences. No vote was taken on HB 3392, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• an emergency clause in cases where a school may lose a highly qualified teacher and can't find a replacement

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'd like to replace every apple on a school lunch menu with banana.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first considered three gubernatorial nominations. GM510, Faith Tui Pulotu to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board, received strong support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, though the nominee was not present online. GM614, Mark Gordon to the Environmental Advisory Council, also drew unanimous support from state and private testifiers; Gordon described his environmental health and safety background and said he could commit the time needed. GM696, James Falconer to the Advisory Board on Pesticides, was supported by the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau; Falconer discussed his long experience in coffee and sugar, including work responding to coffee leaf rust and the need for timely pesticide tools. All three nominations were recommended for advise and consent and were adopted by four-member votes. The committee then heard several agriculture bills. HB 1603 HD1 would allow the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to extend agricultural park leases without the current county-population restriction; supporters called it an equity measure and asked that it apply to all ag park leases, while the department gave standard testimony. HB 1707 HD1 would create a local agricultural transportation cost reimbursement program; supporters said transportation is a major production cost and suggested amendments to define “necessary supplies” and explicitly include honey. HB 2155 HD1 would establish an agricultural statistics program, with supporters emphasizing the need for better data to guide planning. HB 2594 HD1 would direct a study on insurance coverage for small producers, which supporters linked to recent storm damage and the lack of tailored insurance products. HB 2595 HD1 would create a regional agricultural feasibility and food systems production working group; supporters said it should consider markets as well as crop suitability and regional conditions. Members asked questions about lease competition, transportation reimbursement amounts and anti-double-dipping safeguards, the usefulness of agricultural data, and whether state or federal insurance models could be used as templates. Testifiers generally said the bills would help reduce costs, improve planning, and support small and neighbor-island producers, while noting that implementation details and funding levels would need further work. The committee then voted to pass all five bills with amendments, generally including a deferred effective date of July 1, 2050, and in the case of HB 1707, the committee adopted the suggested amendments to define necessary supplies and add honey to the covered commodities.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill proposes to solve that problem by replacing the inconsistent property tax with a stable, reliable

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5831 , SB6244 , SB6044 , SB5109 , SB5877 , SB6258

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, mortgage modification

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, offered the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, approved the prior day’s minutes, and then recessed briefly for caucus. The chamber received several Senate messages, including concurrence on amendments and the signing of Engrossed Senate Bill 5068, before moving into third reading and final passage of multiple bills. Most of the floor debate centered on concurrence with Senate amendments and the policy effects of those changes. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1170 passed 55-38 and was described as reorganizing and clarifying how Climate Commitment Act auction revenues are distributed among state accounts; supporters said it would create a clearer budget process, while opponents objected to shifting funds away from transportation and capital uses and reducing tax relief. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2251 passed 54-40 after debate over Climate Commitment Act account structure and operating-account allocations. Engrossed House Bill 2445 passed 66-29 on probate-related changes, with supporters citing clarifications and opponents saying it did not go far enough to limit outside involvement in probate matters. The House also passed Substitute House Bill 2334 80-15, with little debate after Senate “perfecting” changes. Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1960 passed 86-9; supporters said it would replace an inconsistent property tax on wind, solar, and battery storage facilities with a stable excise tax to benefit rural communities, counties, and labor, while opponents focused on tax impacts and local burdens. Additional bills passed included Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1500 on HOA resale certificates (61-34), Second Substitute House Bill 1909 creating a Court Unification Task Force (57-38), Engrossed House Bill 2156 expanding Attorney General investigative authority over economic and financial crimes (54-41 on reconsideration), Substitute House Bill 2539 on inmate funds and related deductions (57-38), Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548 on health care facility mergers and market oversight (55-41), Engrossed House Bill 2588 on local control for the Lummi ferry system (56-40), and Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2320 on gun violence prevention and 3D-printed firearms (58-38). The House also agreed not to concur in Senate amendments to Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1408 and retransmitted it to the Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill proposes to solve that problem by replacing the inconsistent property tax with a stable, reliable

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5831 , SB6244 , SB6044 , SB5109 , SB5877 , SB6258

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, mortgage modification

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, approved the previous day’s minutes, heard Senate messages on several bills, and then took up a series of third-reading and concurrence votes. The chamber also received notice that the Senate had concurred in House amendments to several other bills and that the Senate President had signed Engrossed Senate Bill 5068. Members then considered a slate of bills dealing with climate commitment account revenue, court administration, attorney general investigative authority, inmate funds, health care facility transactions, ferry governance, gun violence prevention and 3D-printed firearms, and renewable energy tax treatment. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1170, Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2251, Engrossed House Bill 2445, Substitute House Bill 2334, Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1960, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1500, Second Substitute House Bill 1909, Engrossed House Bill 2156, Substitute House Bill 2539, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548, Engrossed House Bill 2588, and Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2320 all received final passage after Senate amendments, with several members speaking in support or opposition. Supporters generally described the measures as clarifying revenue accounts, improving court access, protecting consumers, updating inmate account limits, addressing hospital consolidation, enabling local ferry management, and strengthening gun-violence prevention or renewable-energy tax policy. Opponents raised concerns about reduced transparency, expanded bureaucracy, shifting costs, attorney general overreach, limits on local control, and First Amendment or property-rights issues. Recorded votes showed passage on each of those bills, with margins ranging from narrow to broad: 55-38 on HB 1170, 54-40 on HB 2251, 66-29 on HB 2445, 80-15 on SHB 2334, 86-9 on ESHB 1960, 61-34 on ESHB 1500, 57-38 on SSB 1909, 54-41 on EHB 2156 after reconsideration, 57-38 on SHB 2539, 55-41 on ESHB 2548, 56-40 on EHB 2588, and 58-38 on ESHB 2320. The House also agreed to retransmit Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1408 to the Senate after deciding not to concur in the Senate’s fourth amendment. The meeting ended with both caucuses called and the House at ease.

Transcript Highlights:

• our community-based mental health system matures, there are opportunities to improve systems and replace

Bills: SB1113 , SB1115 , SB1122 , SB1123 , SB1125 , SB1165 , SB1188 , SB1193 , SB1243 , SB1318 , SB1477

Committee: House Health & Human Services

Keywords: mental health, involuntary evaluation, service of process, court-ordered treatment, evaluation agencies, AHCCCS, remote work, state agency, employment, public health, healthcare, behavioral health, prior authorization, American Indian health program, medicaid, medical examiner, death investigation, body disposal, autopsy, veteran burial

Transcript Highlights:

• You know what What if it's something minor, like light fixtures that they just haven't had time to replace

Bills: HB1016 , HB1453 , HB1992 , HB2015 , HB2940 , HB2959 , HB2997 , HB3037 , HB3045 , HB3053 , HB3087 , HB3267 , HB3301 , HB3453 , HB3495 , HB3521 , HB3581 , HB3584 , HB3586 , HB3587 , HB3662 , HB3691 , HB3695 , HB3697 , HB3742 , HB3743 , HB3845 , HB4058 , HB4125 , HB4198 , HB4227 , HB4425

Committee: House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight

Keywords: minors, content creation, trust account, compensation, civil action, digital content, Oklahoma statutes, foreign ownership, property rights, agricultural land, Attorney General, divestment, real estate, felony penalties, motor vehicles, towing services, combination vehicles, wrecker fees, possessory lien, landlord

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, so, because I didn't want the idea of making people replace doing the right thing made absolutely

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: State Representative Nolan West announced “Harvey’s Law,” a proposal to require child care centers that receive state funding through CCAP, early learning scholarships, or Great Start compensation to install cameras in infant and toddler rooms and retain footage for 28 days. West said the bill is an expansion of portions of House File 1915 passed last year, arguing that cameras are needed for transparency, accountability, and child safety, and that waiting for a maltreatment violation before requiring cameras is too late. He also said the measure is aimed at centers rather than family child care, and that he would like to see cameras more broadly but is focusing this bill on state-funded centers. West and Harvey’s parents, Catherine and Hunter Mucklebust, described Harvey’s death at daycare and said cameras could have revealed earlier abuse, prevented later harm, and led to stronger accountability. They said they believe Harvey would still be alive if cameras had been installed, and that even if the bill does not pass in full, any step toward cameras would be meaningful. A statement from Blaine Police Captain Mark Borboom was read, saying a 2024 child care abuse investigation showed how a 7-day retention period can cause critical evidence to be lost and that cameras are about transparency and protection, not surveillance. During questions, West addressed privacy and cybersecurity concerns, saying the bill uses closed-circuit systems, access controls, and audit logs, and that cybersecurity experts would testify at the committee hearing. He said the main opposition is the risk of hacking, but he believes child safety outweighs that concern. West also clarified that the bill discussed at a separate 3:00 hearing was a different measure related to CCAP fraud and attendance verification, not Harvey’s Law. The Mucklebusts said they expect a long legislative process but remain committed to pushing the bill forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• implementation of budget-based rates and advanced metering capabilities, development of an in-house pipeline replacement

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a largely ceremonial floor session with multiple guest introductions and recognitions. Members honored the retirement of long-serving committee secretary Marisa Lancaster, recognized Assemblymember Rubio’s parents on her mother’s 80th birthday, welcomed school and agency guests, and celebrated Crescenta Valley Water District’s 75th anniversary. The body also adopted several resolutions recognizing Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day and California FFA, with strong bipartisan support and co-author additions. The main policy item was AJR 27, a resolution urging federal disaster aid for Los Angeles-area wildfire recovery, especially the Palisades and Eaton fires. Supporters from both parties emphasized the need for immediate, unconditional federal assistance for displaced residents, businesses, and communities still rebuilding, while some Republicans argued the state and local governments should move faster on permitting, recovery, and mitigation and criticized state spending priorities. After debate, the resolution was opened for co-authors and then adopted on a 68-0 roll call vote. The Assembly also adopted ACR 133 on Girl Day by voice vote after 70 co-authors were added, ACR 138 honoring FFA with 73 co-authors and voice adoption, and ACR 136 on Engineers Week with 69 co-authors and unanimous consent on the consent calendar. The chamber then heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for Juan Antonio Pacheco and Paul L. McAiley, and adjourned until Monday, March 2, at 1 p.m.