Transcript Highlights:

• The statement of purpose of amendment? Yes. Page two of nine? Yes. Okay.
• Does it make sense to do that instead of going through the statement of purpose?
• The statement of purpose has a lot of information that's included there, but in this particular bill
• The advantage, I guess, of doing the statement of purpose is, if you look at eight of nine, it shows
• And as a matter of interest, you're looking at the top of page seven.

Bills: SB2015

Committee: Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Human Resources Division met with all members present and took up several bills, focusing most of the discussion on SB 1577 and SB 1619, along with a detailed review of the HHS budget bill draft. On SB 1577, Senator Magrum explained that the bill was being revised to focus on wastewater rather than raw water, possibly shifting the Washburn project to the Department of Water Resources so it could access matching funds, and potentially converting the bill into a line of credit if federal money is restored later. Members discussed whether to keep an emergency clause or instead use a date-based approach, and agreed the bill would likely be handled through the full committee and possibly reconsidered later. On SB 1619, Senator Davison said amendments were still being worked on, including changes requested by the Bank of North Dakota, and the committee planned to hold it for possible amendment before full committee consideration. The bulk of the meeting was a section-by-section review of the HHS appropriations bill draft. Members discussed one-time funding items such as technology projects, child care programs, housing programs, behavioral health facility grants, infant and toddler care provider support, juvenile justice diversion, medical housing, and other public health and human services projects. Several adjustments were noted, including reductions or changes to IMD-related funding, incarcerated-person treatment funding, the child welfare technology project, and the provider rate increase. The committee also discussed the FTE block grant structure at length, with staff explaining that the apparent increase in positions reflected budgeting mechanics, zero-dollar “phantom” positions, and positions approved previously but not counted in the FTE total. Members raised concerns about transparency and whether the bill should list FTE numbers, but staff said the block grant was intended to give the department flexibility while quarterly reporting would provide oversight. Other topics included Medicaid expansion funding and provider reimbursement rules, the move toward certifying human service centers as certified community behavioral health clinics, a moratorium on new ICF beds, and studies or reports on Medicaid, obesity, disability services, truancy, and behavioral health facility grants. The committee also discussed removing or revising broad intent language in Section 31 so the department would report findings rather than implement changes without further legislative action. No final votes were taken in the transcript; instead, members agreed to make a few technical adjustments, continue reviewing the bill, and likely revisit it the next day before moving it to conference committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when you look at the interest of the state, I mean, first of all, first and foremost, in order to
• who have demonstrated views or opinions that are a threat to the interests of the state of Florida based
• Views or opinions that are a threat to the interests of the state.
• the state of Florida, outside of the borders of the state.
• instead of just sort of signing up and all of a sudden getting deputized for this.

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• > me I'm a little leerary of of of that of me I'm a little leerary of of of that of sports<00:21:29.039
• your statements, and I'm glad that you have given me a kind of a teaser because I look forward to rebutting
• your statements, and I'm glad that you have given me a kind of a teaser because I look forward to rebutting
• your statements, and I'm glad that you have given me a kind of a teaser because I look forward to rebutting
• </c><01:08:21.120><c> yesterday</c> You made the statement yesterday, and even to some of the members

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• And then also, I think the financial statement shouldn't be presented as a one line in the budget.
• The rest of it is in non-interest-bearing accounts in the Wells Fargo thing, which drives me absolutely
• We've gone quite a bit of time, and I appreciate the committee's participation and interest in a very
• We've gone quite a bit of time, and I appreciate the committee's participation and interest in a very
• In the case of statute of kid exists.

Bills: HB99 , HJR5 , HM39 , HB206 , HB213 , SB41 , SB153 , SB165 , SB261 , SB264

Committee: Senate House Judiciary

Summary: The committee first took up a lengthy informational presentation on the Patient Compensation Fund (PCF) and New Mexico medical malpractice insurance. Teresa Hassey, a plaintiffs’ attorney, described the PCF’s origin in the 1976 Medical Malpractice Act, its role as a state-backed excess coverage system, and her view that it was mismanaged when hospital participation expanded without individualized risk assessments. She argued that hospitals underpaid surcharges, that the fund was depleted by claims, and that the 2021 amendments and later legislative infusions were meant to shore up deficits and phase hospitals out. Superintendent of Insurance Alice Kane and LFC analyst Julia Rodriguez presented a different perspective, emphasizing recent general fund infusions, current surcharge collections, the use of actuarial reviews, and the PCF’s budget and settlement activity. Kane said the market is highly concentrated, New Mexico’s malpractice costs and defense expenses are high, and the fund still provides lower-cost coverage than the open market, while also noting ongoing issues with future medical claims, TPA transition, and investment management. Committee members questioned the presenters at length about why New Mexico malpractice premiums are so high, whether defense costs were being conflated with claim payouts, how the PCF works with primary coverage and excess coverage, and whether hospitals were properly assessed when they entered the fund. Several senators raised concerns about punitive damages, corporate practice of medicine, and whether the state’s legal environment is driving doctors away. Others challenged the data comparisons, noting differences between one-year figures and multi-year averages, and asked why New Mexico’s costs remain far above neighboring states. Kane and Hassey disagreed on the causes, with Kane pointing to high claims and defense costs over time and Hassey arguing that hospital participation and punitive-damage exposure distorted the market. The chair concluded the discussion by saying the committee had not exhausted the topic and that he still wanted a clear path to reducing doctors’ insurance costs. After a break, the committee moved on to Senate Bill 41. Senator Charlie introduced the bill, which would eliminate the statute of limitations for the most serious sexual crimes in New Mexico. He argued that trauma, coercion, fear, and delayed disclosure often prevent survivors from reporting promptly, and said the law should reflect that reality. The bill was presented as a response to survivor testimony heard in a prior hearing, and the sponsor framed it as part of a broader effort to modernize the justice system for sexual violence cases.

Transcript Highlights:

• think about the role of agriculture within all of this.
• of knew someone who might be on the program, and it helped get rid of some of that stigma.
• So in terms of So in terms of some of the effects of SNAP on the economy, here's a few data points.
• of that part of the economy.
• You're kind of in the middle of the pack.

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session on food systems and food security, with no public testimony. The first panel focused on household food security and data. Marie Spiker of the University of Washington explained what food insecurity means, its health impacts, and the importance of reliable measurement, warning that the federal Census food security data is being terminated and that there is no true replacement. She described Washington’s WaFOOD surveys as a useful complement, not a substitute, and noted that they show food insecurity affects households at a range of income levels. Katie Raines of WSDA described the state’s food systems work, the need for shared data and dashboards, and the role of agriculture in both food production and the hunger safety net. Committee members asked about the $2.2 million state food assistance allocation, the scale of the SNAP gap, and how household size, housing costs, and other factors intersect with food insecurity. The committee then heard from Tracy Roof of the University of Richmond on the history of SNAP and its relationship to agriculture. She traced the program from Depression-era commodity distribution through the modern farm bill, emphasizing that food assistance has long functioned both as anti-hunger policy and as an agricultural and economic stabilizer. She highlighted how SNAP expands during recessions, supports retailers and farmers, and has become more important since the Great Recession because participation stayed high even as the economy recovered. Roof also noted that Washington has relatively high SNAP participation and low payment error rates, but that recent federal changes could reduce eligibility and shift more costs to states. Members asked how Washington compares to other states and why the program is structured as it is. A later panel featured the Washington State Food Policy Forum and a joint systems presentation from the Washington Farm Bureau, Washington Retail Association, and Washington Food Industry Association. The Food Policy Forum described its consensus-based recommendations on food insecurity, climate and water, regional food infrastructure, farmland protection, and farm viability, including more support for producer purchasing, water planning, and farmland conservation. The industry groups presented a systems map showing how agriculture, processing, retail, and transportation are interconnected, and argued that rising costs, regulations, labor and fuel expenses, retail theft, and thin margins make it harder to keep farms and stores viable. They said food security depends on store viability and local agricultural profitability, and promised to provide a more detailed list of policy recommendations. The final panel included state agency staff from DSHS, DOH, and WSDA. Bryce Montgomery said the Basic Food program serves about 920,000 Washingtonians monthly and warned that H.R. 1 could require Washington to pay up to 15% of SNAP benefits, broaden work requirements, and restrict immigrant eligibility. Karen Mullen described DOH nutrition programs, including WIC, farmers market nutrition benefits, fruit and vegetable incentives, and a fruit-and-vegetable prescription program, while noting funding instability and the end of SNAP-Ed. WSDA’s Katie Raines began describing ongoing food assistance and farmer support challenges, including farmer mental health and the need to address food insecurity across both producers and consumers.

Transcript Highlights:

• that line of reasoning, but that is an interesting question.
• </c><02:22:47.399><c> interesting</c><02:22:48.080><c> because</c> ID which was kind of interesting because
• > and</c> of my problem statements and of my problem statements and solutions<02:55:25.920><c> um</c>
• I want to thank everybody today for their contributions: a lot of thoughtful statements, a lot of good
• ><c> good</c><03:15:36.120><c> um</c> thoughtful statements a lot of good um thoughtful statements a

Committee: House Election Law

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Kenny F of the Department of Health.
• >> Because that's a lot of money we spending for people investing that again have no vested interest
• >> Because that's a lot of money we spending for people investing that again have no vested interest
• </c> one case of MS and two cases of measles. one case of MS and two cases of measles.
• </c> of p of um weed killer on the system. of p of um weed killer on the system.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:17:46.200><c> of</c> serve finally the office of of serve finally the office of of collaboration
• Our statement of purpose legislatively is to provide oversight to the executive branch of government
• </c><01:36:35.719><c> of</c> to as contested cases our statement of to as contested cases our statement
• They are free of political and economic conflicts of interest.
• </c><01:41:32.800><c> of</c> pays the cost of that of that hearing of pays the cost of that of that hearing

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• One is that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
• , some of the successes, failures, and other areas of improvement.
• So I echo the sentiments of our colleagues, of all of the presentations that we've heard.
• Out of session, that we'll have some type of immediate reprieve for the users of that system, either
• You have a CIO, a CEO of each one of these of the state, and those people direct down the change that

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 1183, by Rep. G. Lombardo, as amended by a strike-all. The bill would provide liability protection for local governments and private-sector entities that substantially comply with certain cybersecurity practices, including multi-factor authentication, disaster recovery plans, and related policies and procedures. Rep. Lombardo said the measure is intended to create incentives for better cybersecurity and to limit class-action exposure after incidents, while still allowing suits where negligence can be shown. Supporters included TechNet, the Florida Justice Reform Institute, the Florida League of Cities, Associated Industries of Florida, the Florida Association of Counties, and Dr. Edward Long of the James Madison Institute; Vice Chair Steele, Rep. Blanco, and Rep. McFarland also spoke in favor. Ranking Member Bracy Davis opposed the bill, saying she was not comfortable granting liability protections to entities that may have contributed to breaches and questioning whether substantial compliance would be self-attested. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably by a 14-2 vote. After the vote, the committee shifted into an extended discussion about Florida’s state IT governance structure, procurement, and project management. Members criticized the current federated model as fragmented and lacking clear accountability, with repeated references to long-running problems such as cost overruns, weak vendor oversight, workforce shortages, and the troubled I-Connect system. Several members argued that the state needs a single accountable leader or stronger enterprise authority over agency technology decisions. Ranking Member Bracy Davis raised concerns about the impact of broken systems on vulnerable populations and asked about the role of advisory councils. Rep. G. Lombardo, Vice Chair Steele, Rep. Miller, and Rep. Groh all emphasized the need for centralized leadership, better alignment of authority and budget, and more disciplined procurement and integration practices. A public witness, Victoria Zep of Team 180, testified in support of a more enterprise-wide approach and said the private sector also wants more organization and transparency. She criticized short procurement timelines, limited competition, and poorly written scopes, and urged the state to post procurements more openly and seek broader vendor input. She also discussed the need to respect agency-specific federal requirements while still improving statewide coordination. The chair closed by asking members to bring forward ideas for immediate and long-term reforms, including review of Senate Bill 7026, and the meeting adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's really our environmental goals to get to 100%, but also significant financial goals of trying
• </c><00:12:09.040><c> goals</c><00:12:09.360><c> of</c> also significant financial goals of also significant
• financial goals of trying<00:12:09.760><c> to</c><00:12:09.920><c> minimize</c><00:12:10.399><c> our
• And they, um, you know, have an interesting feature too, which is that because of the way the electric
• And Kawaii's interesting because we don't have to do a ton of very sophisticated analysis.

Bills: SCR48 , SCR28 , SCR74 , SCR62 , SCR60 , SCR89 , SCR147 , SCR179 , SCR182 , SCR59 , SCR54 , SCR180

Transcript Highlights:

• of assets of a decedent.
• of assets of a decedent.
• The bill is set up at the request of the Department of War, Department of Defense, to take care of juveniles
• the appraisal of each, what percentage is going to be kept in conservation, and finally, the why statement
• This is a man who only thinks about how he can improve his financial situation as the President of the

Transcript Highlights:

• That's kind of handy. Okay, employment disclosure forms. None. That's kind of handy. Totally.
• And on page two of the draft opinion, there is a list of the items that There is a list of the items
• And there are a lot of, they print a lot of things. So anybody have any questions?
• Well, it was interesting.
• The House almost—I mean, the votes were very interesting initially out of the Senate.

Summary: The committee approved the minutes as corrected and noted there were no employment disclosure forms. It then discussed a draft advisory opinion on legislative stickers, pens, business cards, and similar items. Members agreed the opinion should identify historically provided items as presumptively within normal legislative conduct, but add clearer language that such items still cannot be used in a campaign-related way or otherwise conflict with ethics rules on use of public resources. Staff said Legislative Support Services and administration would be the main points of review for questionable requests, and the draft would be revised for board review. The committee also reviewed a second advisory opinion request about legislative and caucus staff interacting with caucus social media posts. The discussion focused on whether staff may like or engage with posts about legislation or policy positions. Members generally agreed that liking or otherwise engaging with caucus posts could be viewed as support and could create ethics problems, especially because social media content remains online and could later be tied to legislation. The draft was to be revised to draw clearer lines for compliance. Members then discussed a long-running project to review and either retain or retire older advisory opinions, and agreed to continue and complete that review process. They also discussed the recently passed ethics bill and supported issuing an ethics alert summarizing major changes, including concerns about a House amendment affecting social media and website references during the election year activity period. Finally, the committee approved spending about $19,171 to digitize archived case files into searchable format, with members expressing support for moving away from paper records. After public business ended, the committee adjourned the public session and planned to reconvene in executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've already mentioned interest rates as one of the inputs that guideline 3 analysis is sensitive to,
• interest rates as one of<00:10:47.760><c> the</c><00:10:48.000><c> inputs</c><00:10:48.800><c> um</c
• rate forecast from the state economist or are those independent of whether that interest rate goes up
• That's what I was more interested in, is why use those instead of appropriation bonds. Sure.
• Today, the MSFA makes decisions in the best interests of the people of Minnesota by overseeing the maintenance

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:17.199><c> of</c> is is one of the largest emitters of of is is one of the largest emitters
• The clerk must transmit those statements and any clerk response to the Secretary of State with the audit
• </c><01:02:00.720><c> of</c> elector or the board of of elector or the board of of commissioners,<01:
• </c><01:08:21.440><c> when</c> statement of the qualified electors when statement of the qualified electors
• It seems to me that in the statement here that any county officer is guilty of misconduct is a little

Bills: SF0069 , SF0070 , SF0016 , HB0078 , HJ0002 , HB0085 , HB0086

Committee: House Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Of course, this is hugely important for our community: entrepreneurship, workforce development, financial
• I see a very interesting leadership profile forming right in front of my eyes, and I'm a big fan of Danielle's
• I think she's now coming up interesting. Speaking of Danielle, MLK Dream Week is on.
• As I listened to you, you talked about a number of things that are of great interest.
• Just a reminder that that other revenue consists of user fees, license leases, and interest.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• All of us Jennings cousins, we kind of grew up together.
• The next order of business is introduction of special guests.
• And when we talk about some of those counties, some of them are on the west line of the state.
• And when we talk about some of those counties, some of them are on the west line of the state.
• of St.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for February 10, 2026 by roll call vote, 120-0. Members then used personal privilege and guest introductions to recognize fraternity members, students, advocacy groups, and other visitors. One member delivered remarks honoring Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and another gave a personal statement about a cousin who died in a domestic violence-related murder-suicide, followed by a moment of silence. The main floor action focused on House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2780 and 2668, a major property tax reform package. The sponsor described the bill as a broad effort to stabilize Missouri’s property tax system after extensive statewide hearings and testimony. The bill and amendments addressed issues including clearer ballot language for tax measures, moving tax-related ballot questions to November general elections, prohibiting “no tax increase” ballot descriptions, standardizing ballot wording, changes to assessed valuation and inspection rules, quarterly tax payment options in some counties, and a fix to a CPI-related provision. Members debated the size and scope of the bill, concerns about local control, election timing, voter fatigue, and possible litigation. Amendments were adopted to narrow the title, add clear ballot language, exempt township counties from the election timing requirement, and remove duplicative language. After the previous question was ordered, the committee substitute as amended was adopted and ordered perfected and printed. The House also perfected House Bill 1917, a Jefferson County-specific water district bill. Supporters said it would allow detachment of a ratepayer from a water district under certain conditions so a large manufacturing project could proceed, describing the district’s demands as obstructive to economic development. The bill passed committee unanimously and was ordered perfected and printed after discussion about the federal loan issue, the district’s refusal to cooperate, and whether the measure should be limited to one district or expanded later. The chamber then moved to announcements, including upcoming committee meetings, a property tax issues presentation by FFA students, birthday wishes, and a recess until 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think it's a lessening of the burden of proof.
• It has a lot of community violence, a lot of crime, and ...community has a lot of community violence,
• people who are mentioned in the statement of public interest.
• study to the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House.
• In terms of the original intent of your bill, I do have some issues.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard and voted on a series of bills dealing with traffic enforcement, drug-related homicide charges, vessel regulation, crime-stoppers records, cyber harassment, pawn data sharing, hotel removals of nonpaying guests, and Fish and Wildlife Commission authority. Members and witnesses generally framed the bills around public safety, law enforcement efficiency, victim protection, and property rights, while several bills drew concerns about criminal penalties, due process, and impacts on workers or families. Public testimony included support from sheriffs, police chiefs, AARP, hospitality workers, civil liberties groups, and industry representatives, depending on the bill. PCS for CSHB 351, creating a criminal offense for dangerous excessive speeding, passed 13-4 after debate over whether the new offense would expand search-and-seizure authority and whether the penalties were too harsh. HB 457, which expands third-degree murder to include unlawful distribution of controlled substances resulting in death and removes the under-18 exclusion, was amended to add a knowledge/should-have-known fentanyl standard and then passed unanimously 17-0. CS for HB 1285 on disposition of migrant vessels and HB 1149 on vessel accountability both passed unanimously after brief discussion and a cleanup amendment on HB 1149. HB 397, providing a public records exemption for Crime Stoppers organizations, passed 16-0 after a clarifying amendment. HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment also passed 16-0 after an amendment expanding definitions, penalties, civil remedies, and limitations periods. PCS for HB 1359, requiring FDLE to study a statewide pawn database, passed 16-0 with support from law enforcement and concerns about linking local systems and private vendors. CSHB 535, which clarifies when guests in public lodging establishments may be removed for nonpayment and also addressed service-charge language affecting gratuities, generated the most extended debate and strong opposition from hospitality workers and labor advocates over due process and tipped income. Supporters argued it would clarify transient occupancy and protect property owners, but the bill passed 11-6. Finally, CS/HB 1133 on Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission appointments and warrant requirements for FWC officers passed 16-0 after an amendment requiring warrants or probable cause for entry onto private land. The meeting adjourned after all agenda items were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• of him for a good deal of time on the House Financial Services Committee.
• of him for a good deal of time on the House Financial Services Committee.
• </c><01:31:27.840><c> Financial</c> good deal of time on the House Financial good deal of time on the
• Incompetence in financial ability is not and should not be something that truth at the heart of this
• </c> of veterans deemed to be financially of veterans deemed to be financially incompetent<02:44:42.399

Transcript Highlights:

• The majority of that borrowing over the next 10 years is interest and Medicare.
• A single point of interest on U.S. debt, and it takes years for it to roll in because of how much we
• A single point of interest over 10 years costs you $3 trillion.
• collections, all of it, is interest.
• So let's parse that statement. A goal of 2045 going from Palmdale to Gilroy.

Transcript Highlights:

• abduction of Nancy Guthrie, and our sheriff is taking the lead on that, just one of many examples of
• , impairment, or hindrance of the making of an arrest.
• ate up a lot of time and a lot of money.
• Chairman, members of the committee, I might have to go vote right after I give this opening statement
• I want to thank Representative Winninger for always looking after the best interest of the DPS.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures. HCR 2059, a resolution reaffirming support for county sheriffs and recognizing their constitutional authority, drew debate over language describing sheriffs’ authority as “supreme” or “supreme constitutional.” Supporters said it was a tribute to sheriffs’ work, especially in rural areas, while opponents objected to the phrasing as tied to fringe legal theories. The resolution passed with a do-pass recommendation, 8-3. HB 2811 was presented as closing a gap in Arizona law by making interference with a lawful arrest involving violence or threats of violence a felony under obstructing governmental operations. Supporters said it would clarify the law and align it more closely with federal standards; opponents argued the conduct was already covered by existing resisting-arrest and hindering statutes and that the bill was duplicative and confusing. The bill received a do-pass recommendation, 8-4. HB 4129 would create a Department of Public Safety mental health and wellness program for law enforcement officers and appropriate $15 million for confidential counseling, peer support, family counseling, telehealth, and related services, with some funding reserved for smaller agencies. The sponsor and supporters emphasized officer trauma and suicide prevention, while opponents said similar services already exist and raised cost concerns. Before a final vote, the sponsor requested the bill be held for further work, and the committee agreed. The committee also advanced HB 2270, which expands protections for county seals, logos, insignia, and related identifiers and gives sheriffs exclusive authority over naming and dissolving posses. Sheriffs and county officials said the bill was needed after disputes over posse names and branding; critics warned the language was too broad and could raise First Amendment and due process concerns. The bill passed 12-1. HB 2416, appropriating $20 million for local border support and law enforcement costs related to drug trafficking, smuggling, prosecution, detention, and equipment, also passed after testimony both for and against the funding, 7-5. HB 4018, a strike-everything amendment clarifying sheriffs’ authority over volunteer posses and reserves, passed 10-0 after testimony from sheriffs’ office staff and a member of the public who opposed expanded use of armed volunteers. HB 2253, barring retaliation against employees who testify in law-enforcement disciplinary appeal proceedings, passed unanimously after an amendment removed language voiding restrictive policies. The committee then began hearing HB 4044, which would create a Public Safety Parity Fund using investment earnings from the state rainy day fund to pay DPS and corrections salaries, with the sponsor saying he intended to remove the forfeiture component before floor consideration.