Transcript Highlights:

• We read the news articles every day.
• The other thing that you see in the headline news articles as you continue to click through these is
• We read the news articles every day.
• The other thing that you see in the headline news articles as you continue to click through these is
• However, and you see this in the headline news articles that we were just clicking through, the retail

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration held an informational hearing on budget issues for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and the California Arts Council. The chair noted there would be no votes. CalVet gave an overview of its programs serving veterans and families, including transition assistance, county veterans service officers, education approvals, housing and homelessness programs, home loans, long-term care homes, and state veterans cemeteries. Members asked about future long-term care needs for aging veterans, staffing and recruitment challenges at veterans homes, and the Yountville steam infrastructure replacement project, for which CalVet sought a $38.8 million reappropriation and said federal reimbursement was expected. CalVet also discussed the role of county veterans service officers in helping veterans file claims and avoid predatory unaccredited representatives. The Department of Cannabis Control described its regulatory role from seed to sale and requested one position to implement SB 1064’s combined activities license. Members and public witnesses focused heavily on the illicit cannabis market, enforcement staffing, and the impact of taxes and fees on the legal market. DCC said it had roughly 87 enforcement positions with about a 15% vacancy rate and more than 200 compliance staff. Its economist presented the 2024 cannabis market report, which found licensed production and retail quantity were up, but retail value and prices were down, with an estimated 11.4 million pounds of illicit production and about 60% of California consumption still coming from the illicit market. Industry witnesses argued the legal market is in crisis, urged repeal of the scheduled excise tax increase, stronger enforcement against illicit cannabis and hemp-derived intoxicants, and expanded retail access. The Department of Consumer Affairs briefly presented nine budget proposals, including a $2.6 million ongoing request to maintain a business modernization system for several boards and bureaus. The Commission on the Status of Women and Girls described its work on economic and educational equity, health care, violence prevention, student rights, and archival and outreach projects, and said its budget request would convert limited-term positions to permanent. A member urged the commission to narrow its priorities toward current issues such as affordability, child care, and women’s health. The California Arts Council outlined its role as the state’s only statewide arts funder and requested restoration of $5 million in local assistance; supporters testified that the funding would leverage additional local investment and help sustain arts access, especially in rural communities. The hearing ended after the non-presentation items were noted and no further public comment was offered.

Transcript Highlights:

• 2477, and this one will show the state and local government article. 2433, excuse me.
• 2477, and this one will show the state and local government article. 2433, excuse me.
• And the first one in there shows the actions on state and local government article.
• </c><00:08:59.560><c> and</c> licensing modernization articles and licensing modernization articles and
• </c><00:10:39.480><c> included</c> in the appropriations articles included in the appropriations articles

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• 2 All right, we are now going to start on article seven. I believe that's where we are, correct?
• Okay, LBB, article seven, you're recognized beginner. Yes, ma'am. My name is George Duke.
• I will be laying out the decisions for our Article 7 began on page 3 of your packet with the Department
• information resource technology. budget project is adopted and that concludes the adopted items. for Article

Bills: SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• was grading them on Martina's lawsuit, we studied the Constitution very carefully, and we looked at Article
• 12, and Article 12 encompasses all of education.
• Anything education is in Article 12.
• But in the Constitution, they're all together in Article 12. So I'm wondering.

Committee: House House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• To the Honorable Members of the Florida Senate and House of Representatives: Whereas Article 3, Section
• DeSantis, Governor of the State of Florida, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by Article
• Tallahassee, to the Honorable Members of the Florida Senate and House of Representatives, whereas Article
• Whereas Article 3, Section 3C1 of the Florida Constitution permits the governor to convene the legislature
• DeSantis, governor of the state of Florida, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by Article

Transcript Highlights:

• currently in the housing support account to the general fund for appropriation under the appropriation article
• Then in Article 2, Section 1 on line 24, this authorizes the $100 million in housing infrastructure bonds
• Turning to Article 3 on page 11, Section 1 of this article would require an annual report from the Minnesota
• Finally, the last section of this article, beginning on page 15, Line 26 would establish an Accessible

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Pursuant to Article 24, Section 1 of the Oklahoma Constitution, the special election provision provided
• Pursuant to Article 24, Section 1 of the Oklahoma Constitution, the special election provision provided
• Original text: provided in Article 5, Section 24 of the Oklahoma Constitution.
• Pursuant to Article 24, Section 1 of the Oklahoma Constitution for special election provision provided
• Currently, as we've already talked about today, it's 5% in Article 10. Thank you, Madam President.

Bills: SB65 , SB248 , SB330 , SB378 , SB844 , SB1330 , SB1410 , SB1475 , SB1476 , SB1565 , SB1618 , SB1623 , SJR39 , SJR47 , SB2084 , SB1655 , SB1679 , SB2174 , SB1775 , SB1873 , SB1204 , SB1884 , SB1916 , SB1937 , SB1447 , SB1500 , SB2007 , SB2074 , SB1944 , SB2018 , SB1984 , SB2026 , SB2045 , SB2049 , SB2062 , SB2112 , SB2118 , SB2127 , SB2134 , SB2135 , SB2139 , SB2154 , SB1195

Keywords: SB65, naloxone, Narcan, opioid overdose, overdose reversal, opioid antagonist, emergency opioid antagonist, substance abuse services, harm reduction, public health, overdose prevention, good samaritan, civil immunity, criminal immunity, controlled substances, addiction treatment, fentanyl, opioid crisis, school overdose response, first aid

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I move that, in compliance with Article 4, Part 2, Section 9 of the Constitution of Arizona,
• Speaker, I move that in compliance with Article 4, Part 2, Section 9 of the Constitution of Arizona,
• Senate Bill 1099, amending Title 12, Chapter 6, Article 6, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section
• Title 12, Chapter 6, Article 6, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section 12-651.01, relating to civil
• House Bill 1452, amending Title 41, Chapter 1, Article 5, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1038: An act amending Title 16, Chapter 4, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by amending
• Senate Bill 1133: An act amending Title 16, Chapter 3, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating
• proceed with the next bill on the calendar: Senate Bill 1247, an act amending Title 36, Chapter 4, Article
• Senate Bill 1038, an act amending Title 16, Chapter 4, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding
• Senate Bill 1247, an act amending Title 36, Chapter 4, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and routine journal and calendar actions, including a gubernatorial nomination referral and bill references. Members also introduced guests in the gallery before the chamber resolved into the Committee of the Whole to consider several election, health care, and child welfare measures. In Committee of the Whole, senators considered SB 1038 on cast voter records and public records, SB 1133 on nominating procedures and candidate financial disclosures, SB 1247 on assisted living centers, and SCR 1001, a constitutional election-requirements referral. Each measure was amended and given a do-pass recommendation. SB 1133 received a floor amendment exempting certain statewide and legislative candidates in an emergency-related provision, SB 1247 was amended to allow a person not receiving care services to live with a resident in an assisted living center, and SCR 1001 was amended to make major election changes, including proof-of-identity requirements, changes to early ballot and drop-off rules, and language affecting mail voting and election administration. Debate on SCR 1001 was extensive, with supporters saying it would improve election security and speed results, and opponents warning it would reduce access, create confusion, and disproportionately burden voters, especially those who vote by mail or in rural and communities of color. On third reading, SB 1038 passed 17-12, SB 1133 passed 23-6 with the emergency clause, SB 1247 passed 28-1 with the emergency clause, and SCR 1001 passed 17-12-1. The Senate also passed SB 1172 and SB 1175 by 28-1 votes. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, the measures were properly assigned, committee meeting announcements were made, a moment of silence was held for Jesse Jackson, and the Senate adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• doing business in other jurisdictions and other countries and consenting to those by way of their articles
• of incorporation and articles of organization or in certain other instances which are carved out in
• of incorporation and articles of organization or in certain other instances which are carved out in
• And there are many different articles and many different videos on that.
• We do, And there are many different articles and many different videos on that.

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Summary: The Committee on Government Efficiency first established a quorum and then went into executive session, where it voted House Bill 2809 do pass by an 11-0 vote, with two members present. The committee then moved to public hearings after noting House Bill 3108 would not be heard that day. Senator Nick Schroer presented Senate Bills 977 and 1011, which were described as “American law for American courts” measures restating that the U.S. Constitution, the Missouri Constitution, and state law cannot be superseded by foreign laws, foreign treaties, or outside organizations, except in narrow circumstances such as voluntary business agreements and certain Hague-related matters. Supporters said the bills were needed to prevent courts or local governments from relying on foreign or religious law in ways that could override fundamental rights, while opponents and questioners raised concerns about private arbitration, family-law contracts, tribal jurisdiction, and whether the bills were unnecessary or targeted specific religions or organizations. A witness from Liberty Link Missouri testified in favor, saying the law should be restated even if it is technically unnecessary. No vote was taken on the Senate bills during the hearing. The committee also heard House Bill 2589, which would require only a rear license plate on vehicles. The sponsor argued the change would save money and align Missouri with many other states, while noting he had consulted a sheriff who did not object. Members raised concerns about law enforcement, camera enforcement, stalking victims, and whether some vehicles or commercial categories would still need two plates. Supporters cited fiscal savings and convenience, while opponents emphasized public-safety and identification concerns. No vote was taken on House Bill 2589, and the hearing was closed after no additional witnesses came forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's read the next bill, please: House Bill 2592, enacting Title 18, Chapter 1, Article 1, and revising
• it so ordered let's read the next bill please House bill 2592 in that committee title 18 chapter 1 article
• Household 2592 enactment in title 18, Chapter 1, Article 1, and Vice Statue, Binding, Section 18105,
• Third reading of bills: House Bill 2592, an act relating to Title 18, Chapter 1, Article 1, amending
• Amending Title 41, Chapter 21, Article 1, Section 41-105, relating to state...

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2010, amending Title 44, Chapter 2, Article 5, A.R.S., by adding Section 44-1484, relating
• House Bill 2155, repealing Section 41-3026, A.R.S., remaining Title 41, Chapter 27, Article 2, A.R.S.
• House Bill 2178, amending Title 41, Chapter 57, Article 1, A.R.S., by adding Section 41-5902 relating
• House Bill 2178, amending Title 41, Chapter 57, Article 1, A.R.S., by adding Section 41-5902 relating
• Members, Article 7, Section 2 of the Arizona Constitution...

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of Dr. Jimmy Sade as Doctor of the Day. Members also read a proclamation honoring law enforcement officers involved in rescuing an eight-year-old boy from a human trafficking situation, with several members praising interagency cooperation and the officers’ actions. The chamber then handled routine business, including committee substitutions, referral of HB 2245 to Appropriations, and first and second readings of numerous bills covering topics such as energy, taxes, education, health, public safety, commerce, and elections. The House resolved into Committee of the Whole and considered HB 2096, HB 2173, HB 2451, and HCR 2001. HB 2096, HB 2173, and HB 2451 were all recommended do pass. HCR 2001, a proposed constitutional amendment on election requirements, drew extensive debate over voter ID, citizenship verification, foreign funding restrictions, and changes affecting early voting and mail ballots. A sub-floor amendment to HCR 2001 passed 32-26, and the resolution then received a do-pass recommendation in Committee of the Whole. HB 2121 was retained on the calendar. On third reading, HB 2010 passed 59-0 on digital consumer licensing disclosures; HB 2132 passed 59-0 on drug offenses; HB 2155 passed 57-2 on continuing the Arizona Beef Council; HB 2178 passed 51-9 on state agency medical credential requirements; HB 2310 passed 59-0 on employment relationships; and HB 2395 passed 59-0 on a Department of Education-related fitness/PE reporting measure. HCR 2001 then passed the House 32-27 and was sent to the Senate. The House also adopted the Committee of the Whole report, referred the passed measures to engrossing, and later adjourned until Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• It fixes the names for conservation corps, so it's consistent throughout that article and then clarifies
• On line 220, you'll see the start of Article 3.
• I'm going to talk about the policy portions of the arts article.
• I'm going to talk about the policy portions of the arts article, which start on page 70.
• I spent the morning reviewing the Minnesota Constitution, Article 11, Section 15, which deals with the

Bills: HF2563

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• , Howie Morales, Lieutenant Governor of the State of New Mexico and Acting Governor, pursuant. to Article
• 5, Section 7 of the New Mexico Constitution, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article 4, Section
• In accordance with Article IV, Section 6, this second special session is called for the purpose of considering
• Article 1, introduced by Representatives Small, Dixon, Silva, and Little, an act relating to general

Transcript Highlights:

• This agency bill from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner updates provisions within Articles 4 and
• 5 of Chapter 23 of the West Virginia Code, articles that cover the administration of workers' compensation
• This bill creates a new article in insurance. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• This bill creates a new article in the insurance code entitled Guaranteed Issue Rights for Medicare Supplement
• states in there, 'The Legislature hereby finds the duties and responsibilities of insurers under this article

Summary: The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee met with a quorum present and approved the March 4, 2026 minutes by voice vote. The committee first considered House Bill 55, which updates and modernizes workers’ compensation statutes to reflect the privatized system, remove obsolete provisions, and adjust the Workers’ Compensation Board of Review from five members to three. The Insurance Commissioner testified that the bill is part of the cleanup from privatization and would give the governor more flexibility in appointments. After adopting a strike-and-insert amendment and a title amendment, the committee reported HB 55 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass. The committee then took up House Bill 5463, which would reduce BRIM’s required liability coverage for county boards of education from $1.25 million to $1 million per occurrence and eliminate the separate $5 million excess coverage requirement. BRIM’s director testified that the excess market was difficult to access and costly, but several senators raised concerns that lowering coverage could reduce protection for victims and school-related claims. After a divided vote, the motion to report the bill failed, and HB 5463 was not passed by the committee. Next, the committee considered House Bill 4869, creating guaranteed issue rights for Medicare supplement policies, including annual birthday replacement rights and a special right for certain Medicaid recipients losing eligibility. Counsel said the bill would prohibit underwriting barriers during the guaranteed issue periods and require an annual report on premium trends. With no amendments offered, the committee reported HB 4869 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 5462 on mine subsidence insurance. The bill would allow the mine subsidence fund to offset payments by amounts received from other sources and limit lawsuits over claims reported to BRIM. Members debated a proposed strike-and-insert amendment that would have softened the litigation limits and added notice and remedy provisions, but the amendment was rejected. The committee then reported HB 5462 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This agency bill from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner updates provisions within Articles 4 and
• 5 of Chapter 23 of the West Virginia Code, articles that cover the administration of workers' compensation
• This bill creates a new article in the insurance code. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• This bill creates a new article in the insurance code entitled Guaranteed Issue Rights for Medicare Supplement
• states in there, the legislature hereby finds the duties and responsibilities of insurers under this article

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a follow-up article that came out from Reuters just fairly recently that talked about Meta's
• There's a follow-up article that came out from Reuters just fairly recently that talked about metas,
• to do more to vet advertisers, the The quote in the article is, “Rather than voluntarily agreeing to
• The top one is a New York Times article. Spokane... are we One is a New York Times article.
• And then we have this other CNN article that came out very recently. It was a new story.

Summary: The committee began with a work session on the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee’s cannabis market study, presented by JLARC staff member Susanna Pratt. The report found Washington’s cannabis production in 2023 was likely two to three times higher than retail sales, with production estimated at 292,000 to 443,000 pounds of THC versus 139,000 pounds sold. Pratt explained that canopy data are inconsistent and that the Liquor and Cannabis Board’s traceability system is incomplete and unreliable, limiting data-driven regulation, tax verification, recall tracking, and diversion enforcement. JLARC recommended that LCB submit a plan by the end of 2025 for obtaining accurate licensee data by the end of 2026; LCB partially concurred and said a 2027 timeline may be more realistic. JLARC also concluded that the social equity producer licenses would likely have only a minimal effect on statewide production capacity, and suggested the legislature consider broader ways to increase equity in the industry. Members asked about the slow issuance of social equity licenses and about comparable traceability systems in other states. The committee then heard a series of presentations on fraud and scam prevention. Paul Benda of the American Bankers Association described the scale of fraud losses, the role of telecom spoofing, social media scam ads, SIM farms, and crypto ATMs, and argued for a shared-responsibility approach involving banks, telecoms, and platforms. Katie Clark of IQ Credit Union described member-to-member fraud, romance scams, and the operational and financial impacts on credit unions, and recommended better information sharing, safe harbors for returning scam-related funds, and stronger fraud education. Kyle Innes of SIFMA highlighted investor fraud and Washington’s 2009 report-and-hold law, which he said helped shape similar protections in most states, and emphasized the need for better communication among financial firms, APS, and law enforcement. Brian Gerard and Ali Higgs from the Department of Financial Institutions discussed “pig butchering” and other investment scams, focusing on how scammers build trust through social media, dating apps, fake websites, and crypto schemes before extracting funds. Across the fraud presentations, witnesses repeatedly stressed consumer education, interagency information sharing, and stronger controls on telecom, social media, and crypto ATM activity. Members asked about model laws from other states, the role of financial education in schools, and whether crypto ATMs should be regulated or banned. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We recognize that the Constitution, Article I, Section 10, allows the states to make gold and silver
• Under Article I, Section 10 and the U.S.
• First of all, Article 1, Section 8 refers to money that is being created by the central government.
• But this, on the other hand, is not Article 1, Section 8.
• By the way, I will mention that Article 1, Section 10, there's two prohibitions related to money.

Bills: SB524 , SB782 , HB42 , HB 1056 , HB2894 , HB3033 , HB3474 , HB3594 , HB4738 , HB5246 , HB42

Committee: Senate Finance

Summary: The committee heard Senator Flores lay out the committee substitute for HB 2894, which would expand state reimbursement eligibility for local governments disproportionately affected by the disabled veterans homestead exemption. Flores said the bill would add certain municipalities in Bell, Coryell, and Lampasas counties if lost ad valorem tax revenue equals or exceeds 10% of general revenue, while existing recipients would remain under the current 2% threshold. Lampasas and Bell County officials and the City of Killeen testified in support, describing significant revenue losses and urging adequate funding. One witness, Howard Avery, argued any reimbursement should be counted as property tax revenue for voter-approval rate purposes to avoid a windfall. The committee later adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably, with one nay. The committee also heard SB 782, which would create a temporary severance tax exemption for restimulated inactive oil and gas wells, intended to encourage investment in mature wells. The Comptroller explained the revised fiscal note as effectively zero because the wells are currently marginal and not generating meaningful tax revenue, while industry witnesses said the bill could extend well life, support local economies, and reduce orphan-well liabilities. Public testimony was supportive, and the bill was left pending. Members then heard HB 3033, a DPS-related grant program funded by voluntary $3 donations on driver’s license and ID applications to support nonprofits aiding injured or fallen DPS officers and their families, including memorial highway signs. The DPS Officers Association supported the bill, citing existing foundation assistance and the need for a steady funding stream. The committee later reported the bill favorably. The committee also considered SB 524, which would permanently extend the franchise tax and fee exemption for qualifying veteran-owned businesses for their first five years; testimony from a veteran business owner and veterans advocates supported the measure, and the committee adopted the substitute and reported it favorably. Additional measures were laid out and left pending or voted out: HB 3594, a local San Antonio retiree health care fund bill with agreed changes for contributions, spouse benefits, and remarriage rules, was supported by stakeholders and reported favorably; HB 4738 would repeal small administrative fees tied to certain loans and was reported favorably; HB 42 on HEAF funding and HB 5246 on the Texas Space Commission were heard and left pending. The committee also reported HB 3474, a cleanup bill for the Pension Review Board’s investment performance review schedule, and HB 2802, the Austin firefighter retirement fund bill, both favorably. Finally, the committee took up HB 1056, which would allow gold and silver held in the Texas Bullion Depository to function as legal tender through debit-card transactions. Supporters framed it as a way to use hard assets and expand financial options, while bankers and some senators raised major operational, consumer-protection, tax, and constitutional questions; the bill remained under discussion as testimony began.

Transcript Highlights:

• A joint resolution proposing amendments to Sections 4, 6, and 9 of Article VII and the creation of a
• And it's an article. And that's Matt Caldwell some time ago, actually last year.
• section of Article 12 of the state constitution. and to provide effective date.
• section of Article 12 of the Senate State Constitution.
• And the creation of a new section of Article 12 of the state constitution.

Summary: The Senate took up Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 2F, a proposed constitutional amendment to expand homestead property tax relief, lower the assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and limit county and municipal ad valorem tax revenues to specified uses. Senator Avila presented the measure as a major property tax reform intended to provide relief to homeowners and restrain local government spending, while opponents argued it would shift costs to fees, services, and state appropriations and could harm local budgets, public safety, schools, and other services. Several senators also raised concerns about the ballot language and the lack of a completed fiscal analysis. The chamber considered and rejected multiple amendments. Senator Sharif’s income-based “circuit breaker” amendment failed, as did Senator Smith’s sunset clause amendment and Senator Berman’s amendment to rewrite the ballot statement for greater accuracy. During questioning, Avila said the revised language was meant to preserve flexibility for local governments and that future legislatures could set implementing procedures and, if necessary, prohibit certain local expenditures by general law. He also confirmed that the proposal would not affect refinancing or portability, and said the measure would not prevent local governments from continuing to fund many services such as libraries, parks, animal control, code enforcement, mosquito control, public housing, county health departments, and elections. Debate on final passage was extensive. Supporters described the proposal as overdue relief for homeowners and a way to force local governments to prioritize spending, while critics called it a risky tax shift that could reduce local revenue by billions and force cuts or higher fees. Some senators emphasized concerns about public safety funding, mental health and social services, and the accuracy of the ballot summary; others argued the measure would give voters a chance to decide on property tax reform. After debate, the resolution was rolled over for third reading and the Senate continued discussion, but the transcript provided does not include a final vote on the joint resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• Article I, Section 1 of our Constitution, if I may read briefly, Madam Speaker. Please proceed.
• Public information, anybody could have read the newspaper article.
• Under Article 6 of the U.S.
• Article 6. And over again, including in this bill.
• Article 6, excuse me, Article 11 of the Washington State Constitution clearly delineates the Office of

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB5831 , SB6134 , SB6136 , SB6137 , HB2689 , SB5922 , SB5944 , SB5957 , SB5988 , SB5994 , SB6011 , SB6065 , SB6103 , SB6151 , SB6244 , SB5420 , SB5868 , SB6044 , SB6132 , SJM8002 , HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5831 , SB6137 , SB6244 , SB5420 , SB5868 , SB6044 , SB6132 , SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives