Transcript Highlights:

• And I have been trying to do the best that I can to convey the different machinations of, I'm not soliciting
• budget extender that addresses, that gives the DOB the opportunity to start moving that money or soliciting
• budget extender that addresses, that gives the DOB the opportunity to start moving that money or soliciting

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on May 6, 2026, approved the prior journal, and accepted a Rules Committee report advancing the government appropriations bill to third reading. The chamber then took up the tenth budget extender, which sponsor Senator Serrano said would keep state government operating through Monday, May 11 and contained $482 million in new spending, bringing the total across extenders to $20.3 billion. In questioning, Senator O’Mara and Senator Helming pressed Serrano for details on the reported $268 billion budget deal, policy outcomes, revenue raisers, and whether local governments, schools, and rural health programs would receive certainty; Serrano said final budget bills were not yet in print and declined to speculate on unresolved issues. The extender passed 60-1, with Senator Weik voting no. The Senate also adopted several previously adopted resolutions honoring the North Tonawanda High School girls varsity basketball team, the Tappan Zee High School girls basketball team, and SUNY student Chriss-Ann Pryce. Members praised the teams’ state championships and Pryce’s academic and leadership achievements through the Educational Opportunity Program. The chamber then returned to legislation and passed a bill designating May 9 as Overdose Awareness Day in New York; Senator Fernandez said it recognized the harm of overdose and the need to continue funding harm reduction and recovery services. Additional bills passed included a statewide domestic violence lethality assessment measure, with Senators Murray, Rolison, Webb, and Ramos describing it as a tool to identify dangerous situations and prevent fatalities; a mental health insurance bill limiting step therapy/prior authorization for serious mental health medications, supported by Senator Fahy; and measures on education, real property tax, election law, general business law, kitchen incubator economic impacts, public buildings, state finance, and mental hygiene. Several bills drew recorded opposition, including the real property tax bill and the election law and general business law measures. The Senate concluded by adjourning until Monday, May 11 at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days designated legislative.

Transcript Highlights:

• must sign off that it will, for the 24 hours if you're going to protest on the content of the solicitation
• We're in support because that gives us time to kind of correct the solicitation if needed and then to
• /c><00:22:50.360> the to protest on the content of the to protest on the content of the solicitation
• uh we're in support because solicitation uh we're in support because that<00:22:53.039> gives
• if needed and then to the solicitation if needed and then to to<00:22:59.360> issue<00:22:59.679

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The concern that I have with this is that nowhere in this language does it say we're going to solicit
• cultivation location would<00:42:10.560> be<00:42:10.720> located<00:42:11.599> solicit
• <00:42:12.160> input<00:42:12.480> from would be located solicit input from would be
• located solicit input from qualifying<00:42:13.359> patients,<00:42:14.000> designated
• "Um, the solicitation 20." "Okay, okay, I got you. Sorry. Thank you. I didn't have it ID'd."

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 487 by Senator Bob Owen provides for charitable gaming raffles, bingo, keno licensing law
• this basically the present law prohibits lease agreements from providing rental arrangements for charitable
• the Louisiana video draw poker devices, the Riverboat Economic Development and Gaming Act, the charitable

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 12 and took up a series of bills, mostly on juvenile justice, gaming-related background checks, bail/electronic bonds, and corrections policy. Early in the meeting, the committee reported favorably SB 258 on juvenile traffic violations, SB 321 on electronic bonds, SB 134 on limiting certain child sexual abuse material offenses for juveniles under 17 in specific circumstances, HB 75 on promotional play for racetracks as amended, and SB 422 on unsupervised probation for certain fourth-offense impaired driving cases. Later, the committee also advanced SB 440 on the Renaissance District board membership, SB 393 on explosives regulation, SB 487 on charitable gaming rental arrangements, SB 339 and SB 288 on criminal background check procedures in the gaming and related regulatory systems, and SB 325 on excluding certain persons from sports wagering. A major portion of the hearing focused on SB 201, which would change juvenile homicide sentencing procedures, including first- and second-degree murder cases, and how reviewing courts consider parole eligibility and prior death sentences converted to life. Supporters said the bill aligns sentencing with existing Supreme Court precedent and gives courts clearer guidance; opponents from children’s rights and civil liberties groups argued it weakens the “rarest and uncommon” safeguard for juvenile life-without-parole sentences and could expand harsh sentencing beyond constitutional limits. After debate and testimony, the committee adopted an amendment and reported SB 201 favorably by a 7-3 vote, with Representatives Adams, Knox, Moore, and others voting no. The committee also heard SB 523 on clemency and sentencing considerations for defendants who are victims of domestic abuse, human trafficking, or sexual assault. Survivors’ advocates and domestic violence organizations supported the bill’s overall purpose but objected to the mandatory pre-sentence investigation language, warning it could introduce biased information and harm survivors; the Board of Pardons and Parole said its staff and trauma-informed victim assistance coordinators are trained to handle these cases. The committee adopted an amendment narrowing the bill and then reported SB 523 favorably. Finally, SB 320 on DNA detection and crime lab reporting was advanced without opposition, and SB 470 on pregnant women in custody passed after testimony from the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association and discussion of pregnancy testing, bonding options, and prohibiting shackling during delivery and postpartum periods.

Transcript Highlights:

• Another type of deduction is the charitable entity contribution deduction.
• On the next page, Section 170P, this makes the charitable deduction for non-itemizers permanent.
• And so, as I pointed out, Helen, about what was it before and what was it like for non-profit charitable

Transcript Highlights:

• generate a sufficient number of qualified applications, and the decision was made to reissue the solicitation
• generate a sufficient number of qualified applications, and the decision was made to reissue the solicitation
• During the second RFP period, reissue the solicitation to encourage broader participation.
• They are soliciting proposals for good things happening in states that other states ought to know about

Summary: The committee began with a presentation on the 520 Native American Language and Culture certificate, created to let proficient tribal language and culture speakers teach in K-12 schools without a bachelor’s degree. LESC staff, PED, and HED described the certificate’s statutory basis, the role of tribes and pueblos in setting proficiency standards, and ongoing challenges such as uneven MOAs, limited professional development, rural access barriers, data gaps, and retention concerns. PED said oversight of 520 is moving from the licensure bureau to the Indian Education Division, and HED reported that the tribal education technical assistance centers authorized in 2023 are still in procurement but are expected to be awarded in early 2026. A student, Alonzo Hughes, testified about how learning Tewa from 520-certified teachers helped him understand his culture and speak with elders, and members praised the program’s role in language revitalization and asked about funding, teacher pathways, and whether similar models exist in other states. Committee members then discussed several PED rule updates. Staff reviewed an adopted rule implementing HB 54 on AEDs and cardiac emergency response plans, including staff training requirements and staggered compliance dates, and a proposed rule for school nurse licensure under HB 195 that would create a three-tier system and align nurse pay with teacher pay. They also reviewed proposed changes to the Community Schools Act rule, including a full-time community school coordinator requirement, updated grant language, and broader coalition membership criteria; PED said the broader language would not conflict with the Martinez-Yazzie work. A proposed bilingual teacher rule would standardize coursework requirements, add trans-languaging and culturally relevant curriculum competencies, and allow Native American language certification applicants to demonstrate proficiency using tribal standards. In questions, members raised concerns about AEDs being present at athletic events, the need for the amended school nurse bill to move experienced nurses directly into higher levels, and whether the community schools rule’s broader coalition language could affect current education litigation. Members also asked about funding for 520 programs, teacher residency or cohort models, and how to support advanced language instruction and sustainability. PED said the Indian Education Fund and school budgets can support some of the work, but additional strategic funding and cross-training are needed. The committee also heard that New Mexico’s 520 system is unusually robust compared with other states, and members encouraged staff to present the model at national conferences. The meeting ended with the director’s report, which noted a flat budget request of $2,024,300, staff turnover including Natasha Davalos’s departure, and appreciation for the committee’s work before adjournment for the holidays.

Transcript Highlights:

• We designate 47% to the Minnesota State Arts Board to do their own solicitation for community arts to
• <00:25:06.159> own<00:25:07.080> um<00:25:08.240> uh<00:25:08.480> solicitation
• <00:25:09.279> to to do their own um uh solicitation to to do their own um uh solicitation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When will CPUC start to study and solicit public comment and complete the study required under AB 3264
• project will come online next year, and all of them have to be completed per the terms of our solicitation
• These resources were procured through competitive solicitations led by nearly 40 load-serving entities
• At this point, we have no unencumbered funds available to run a solicitation. But the DSGS account?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It will make sure that charitable funds can be effectively used and targeted to help keep a tenant in
• It would allow<01:45:31.280> charitable<01:45:31.760> giving<01:45:32.080> from<
• 01:45:32.320> a<01:45:32.560> variety allow charitable giving from a variety allow charitable
• It will make sure that charitable<01:45:45.440> funds<01:45:45.760> can<01:45:46.000>
• used charitable funds can be effectively used and<01:45:47.760> targeted<01:45:48.159> to<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• healthcare provider practitioners license when the individual is arrested for committing attempting soliciting
• It establishes clear procurement standards, including competitive solicitation requirements and mandatory

Transcript Highlights:

• Subparagraph B is the rule prohibits the solicitation or the receipt of campaign donations while we are
• No person shall knowingly<00:08:24.560> solicit,<00:08:25.680> offer,<00:08:26.560>
• deliver,<00:08:27.120> or knowingly solicit, offer, deliver, or knowingly solicit, offer,
• <00:08:44.560> a Senate shall knowingly solicit a Senate shall knowingly solicit a legislative
• <00:09:15.600> the affirmative act to solicit the affirmative act to solicit the contribution

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• lost their charitable status because they were late with their filing application.
• 2022 2023 when a lot of charitable 2022 2023 when a lot of charitable organizations<01:39:28.000
• > lost<01:39:28.400> their<01:39:28.639> charitable organizations lost their charitable
• organizations lost their charitable status<01:39:29.600> because<01:39:29.840> they<01
• uh other other other uh charitable uh other other exemptions<01:39:42.400> and<01:39:42.639><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Municipal and County Government Committee met in executive session on February 17, 2026, to act on a series of bills. Early in the meeting, members agreed that they could consult the online submission summaries rather than have changing submission counts read aloud. The committee then took up House Bill 1386, which would have allowed citizens in a municipality to vote to require a financial audit of a local school district. Members opposing the bill argued that school districts already have audit authority and reporting requirements under existing law, and that the proposal was unnecessary and potentially burdensome. The committee voted 17-0 to recommend the bill inexpedient to legislate, placing it on the consent calendar. The committee next considered House Bill 1181FN on public hearing notice requirements for zoning board of adjustment appeals. Members who opposed the bill said newspaper publication provides independent third-party verification and archival value, and that removing that requirement would weaken public notice. The committee voted 17-0 ITL and sent the bill to the consent calendar. It also voted 17-0 ITL on House Bill 1327, concerning the definition of commercially zoned land, largely because the sponsor was absent and members said they could not do due diligence without hearing from the sponsor. The committee then acted on House Bill 1473FN, concerning the use of agricultural fairground property, and House Bill 1147, concerning the use of capital reserve funds. In both cases, members cited the sponsor’s absence and the need for more information as reasons to recommend inexpedient to legislate; both votes were 17-0 and both bills were placed on the consent calendar. House Bill 1220, which would have allowed municipal governing bodies to review and approve school budgets, was also recommended ITL by a 17-0 vote after members raised concerns about local control, legal conflicts between separate entities, and technical drafting problems. The committee recommended ought to pass on House Bill 118, which raises the amount of money municipal treasurers may hold before depositing it in the bank, with supporters saying the higher threshold would reduce unnecessary trips to the bank and improve efficiency. It also recommended ought to pass on House Bill 1151, a housekeeping bill correcting statutory references related to conservation commission appropriations, and it approved House Bill 1309 as amended after adopting Amendment 2026-0411H to clarify town meeting warrant language. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 1385, prohibiting negative property tax rates in certain municipalities, and recommended ITL by a 17-0 vote after testimony indicated the practice at issue had already ended and that a blanket prohibition could create problems for municipalities with excess revenues. The committee also began work on House Bill 1369, relating to posting warrants for special town meetings, and discussed an amendment to preserve newspaper notice while also allowing website posting where available.

Transcript Highlights:

• But they're the language is with the intent to facilitate, encourage, offer, solicit, or recommend that
• But they're the language is with the intent to facilitate, encourage, offer, solicit, or recommend that
• But they're the language is with the intent to facilitate, encourage, offer, solicit, or recommend that
• <04:52:24.080> uh besides facilitating and soliciting uh besides facilitating and soliciting
• I appreciate you raising that question. encourage, offer, solicit or, uh, encourage, offer, solicit or

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 146, which would remove the requirement that a medical examiner physically view a body before issuing a cremation certificate. The prime sponsor, Sen. Suprentice, and Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jenny Duval explained that the bill would not change the death certificate process or the existing waiting period before cremation; it would only eliminate the in-person viewing step. They said the current review of death certificates already catches the vast majority of cases that should be reported to the medical examiner, and that the physical view changes outcomes in less than 1% of cremation cases. The witnesses emphasized that the bill is intended to improve efficiency and reduce delays for families and funeral homes, while freeing deputy medical examiners to focus on homicides, suicides, accidents, and unexpected natural deaths. Dr. Duval cited an example where review of a death certificate, not the body, uncovered a long-ago strangulation-related homicide, arguing that the key safeguard is review of records and cause of death, not the physical view. She also said the change would save travel time and some costs for the department. Committee members asked about how death certificates list primary and contributing causes of death, whether the low percentage of findings means the current process has a deterrent effect, why cremation is treated differently from burial, and whether identification concerns are adequately addressed. The sponsors responded that identification is handled earlier by hospitals, families, and funeral directors, and that any questionable identification would already fall under medical examiner jurisdiction. They also said the bill would not alter the two-day cremation delay or other existing safeguards. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• activities, the project has adopted three statements of principle, which very soon we will broadly solicit
• of you have had the opportunity to, quote, sign on to that before we go full bore, aggressively soliciting
• And they are now at some stage of soliciting the second cohort, having successfully completed the first

Summary: The Joint Select Committee on Civic Health met to discuss next steps for its work on civic health, including related efforts by the Project for Civic Health and a proposed Evans School research survey of legislators. The chair reviewed the committee’s mandate and described ongoing partner initiatives, including shared principles of engaging with respect, seeking common ground, and disagreeing constructively. Members generally supported the Evans School proposal, though one member asked how the project would measure success, and the chair said the goal was to gather broad input from legislators on strengths, weaknesses, and future directions. A major portion of the meeting focused on a draft committee statement condemning political violence. Members agreed to remove the word “crazed” from the description of a recent assassination, with concerns raised that the term implied irrationality and could stigmatize disability. Members also suggested broadening the language to include non-abusive and productive dialogue, and replacing or supplementing “pray” with more inclusive wording; the final phrasing settled on “hope and pray.” The committee also briefly debated whether to describe the United States as a democracy or a representative republic, ultimately agreeing on “representative democratic republic” and approving the statement for posting and distribution, with several members still needing to provide digital signatures. The rest of the meeting was an open discussion about how to improve civility and relationship-building in the Legislature. Members emphasized the value of in-person meetings, shared meals, mentoring newer legislators, and more intentional cross-party conversations. Several said there are fewer informal opportunities now than in the past, especially after the pandemic, and suggested ideas such as retreats, regular gatherings, and bringing in outside experts like the National Institute for Civil Discourse. The chair said he would relay the committee’s support for the Evans School survey and adjourned the meeting after noting the discussion had produced several constructive ideas for future work.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:16:43.720> to or animals be used in any manner to or animals be used in any manner to solicit
• 45.120> to<00:16:45.240> fundraise<00:16:45.839> by<00:16:46.040> any solicit
• donations or to fundraise by any solicit donations or to fundraise by any individual<00:16:47.160>
• a conviction for abuse or neglect, no confiscated animal or animals may be used in any manner to solicit
• a conviction for abuse or neglect, no confiscated animal or animals may be used in any manner to solicit

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee worked through a draft bill amending animal cruelty and protective custody provisions, focusing on how animals may be seized, cared for, and returned, and on what rights owners have when animals are taken. Members discussed adding language requiring officers to inform a charged person in writing of the right to petition for a veterinarian of their choice, clarifying that any documents presented for signature must be fully and honestly explained, and revising language so confiscated animals cannot be altered without notarized owner authorization. They also considered a new prohibition on using confiscated animals for fundraising or donations, ultimately preferring the term “financial gain” over “profiteering.” The discussion also covered protective custody procedures, including adding “municipal animal control officer” to the list of officers involved, allowing return of animals to the owner or caretaker if no charges have been filed or no warrant establishing probable cause has been sought or issued, and clarifying the distinction between criminal seizure and temporary protective custody. The commissioner’s comments led to several proposed deletions or revisions, including removing language viewed as redundant or inconsistent with protective custody, and striking references to live racing provisions that are no longer relevant. Members further addressed lactating animals, agreeing to add language that confiscated lactating animals should not be separated from their nonweaned offspring. They also discussed a proposed confidentiality provision requiring people assisting in investigations or taking possession of seized animals to sign a binding nondisclosure agreement, though members noted similar protections may need to be duplicated in the temporary custody section as well. The conversation was largely about drafting and legal clarity, with no final vote or formal action recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, there's a question: list activities in civic or charitable organizations and the approximate dates
• <00:56:30.840> organizations<00:56:31.720> and<00:56:31.840> the or charitable
• organizations and the or charitable organizations and the appropriate<00:56:32.520> approximate
• It was that question called for civic and charitable organizations, and I wouldn't consider a political
• Um, whether I was on or off, I wouldn't have found it to have been responsive to civic or charitable

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first took up decision-making on two judicial nominations heard the previous day. Governor’s Message 796, naming Annalisa En Bernard Lee as Circuit Court Judge for the Second Circuit (Maui County), and Governor’s Message 797, naming Michael K. Soong as Circuit Court Judge for the Fifth Circuit (Kauai), were both recommended for consent and adopted by unanimous roll-call votes. The committee then heard testimony on Governor’s Message 801, the nomination of Vladimir P. Devens as Chief Justice of the Hawaii State Supreme Court. Support came from the Governor’s office, Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm, Honolulu Managing Director Michael Formby, the Hawaii Association for Justice, United Public Workers, HGEA/AFL-CIO, the Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association, labor and trade unions, retired Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, retired judges, bar and court officials, and many other individuals and organizations. Supporters emphasized Devens’ legal experience, work ethic, labor-law background, community ties, mentorship, and ability to manage the judiciary and address the appellate backlog. A few speakers opposed the nomination, including Chuck Freedman, who raised concerns about union influence and potential conflicts, and others who submitted opposition testimony. Devens also testified, describing his Honolulu upbringing, education at UC Berkeley, six years with the police department, and more than 30 years in private practice before joining the Supreme Court. He said the chief justice role is primarily an administrative one, highlighted his experience with bar and judicial administration committees, and identified reducing the appellate backlog as a major priority. No vote was taken on GM 801 during this portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Supreme Court said this housing is core to their charitable mission, and so thus it's exempt in state
• is core Supreme Court said this housing is core to<01:21:08.040> their<01:21:08.159> charitable
• Mission and so thus to their charitable Mission and so thus it's it's it's exempt<01:21:13.679> um
• As was mentioned, the Supreme Court decision held that charitable organizations that own rental property
• uh organizations held that charitable uh organizations that<01:28:02.679> own<01:28:02.880>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, we'll move on to item number five: group solicitation of and vote on final recommendations.
• in the office of DENREC, but we have to hire a set of people by the end of this year in order to solicit
• And then I heard from Martin what New York is attracting in terms of different quotes and solicitations
• to point out that the State Energy Office currently has the authority to bring an offshore wind solicitation

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There'd be no solicitation for 24 hours until after they released the property back to the homeowner,
• But it would just be no solicitation of the homeowner until, you know, a day after it's back released
• They did do that with mitigation companies, and we got on the list so we could go and solicit the fire
• So if you guys say somebody didn't solicit and they didn't know who to call, they didn't know who to

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services heard testimony on a wide range of insurance-related bills, with much of the discussion focused on affordable housing insurance, homeowners insurance practices, climate resilience, and consumer protections after property losses. Senators and representatives testified in support of a resolve to create a commission on affordable housing insurance (S. 768/H. 1279), arguing that rising premiums and deductibles are threatening the viability of affordable housing properties and new development. Supporters also backed bills to establish private flood insurance standards (S. 719), create climate-resilient home retrofit grants (S. 720), expand the MVP climate resilience program (H. 1310/S. 686), and protect urban trees and limit insurer-driven tree removals (H. 1316). Several lawmakers and advocates said these measures would help reduce risk, preserve insurability, and address the effects of increasingly severe storms and flooding. The committee also heard testimony on bills addressing insurer use of aerial imagery (H. 1242/H. 2142) and notice periods for nonrenewals or repairs (H. 4042 and related measures). Supporters said insurers should be allowed to use drones and satellite images but with stronger guardrails, including current photos, disclosure of risk factors, an appeals process, and time to cure defects. They argued that homeowners are sometimes blindsided by nonrenewals based on inaccurate aerial photos or given too little time to make repairs. Opponents from the insurance industry said aerial imagery is already regulated by the Division of Insurance, that additional statutory requirements could create confusion and litigation, and that existing notice rules already provide 45 days for nonrenewals and 60-day limits on cancellations. Industry witnesses also warned that some proposed timelines conflict with current law and could restrict useful underwriting tools. Another major topic was H. 1077, which would restrict solicitation by restoration companies and public adjusters at fire scenes. A homeowner described being approached immediately after a house fire by restoration and public-adjuster representatives and said the experience was intrusive and overwhelming; supporters said homeowners need time and space to make informed decisions after a disaster. Public adjusters and restoration contractors opposed the bill, saying they provide needed guidance, emergency mitigation, and claims assistance when homeowners are under stress, and that some existing protections already allow consumers to cancel contracts. The hearing ended after all listed witnesses testified, and the committee voted to close the hearing; no bill dispositions were taken during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have very good laws protecting with nondisclosure agreements and non-solicitation agreements.
• these agreements, and I have litigated confidentiality agreements, non-compete agreements, and solicitation
• But we have, and like other folks and like other tools that businesses have, non-solicitation agreements
• protected by trade secrets, is not protected by non-disclosure agreements, and is not protected by non-solicitation