Transcript Highlights:

• what these animals' job is, to meet visitors and guests at the zoo and also throughout the state up close
• what these animals' job is, to meet visitors and guests at the zoo and also throughout the state up close
• They might occasionally get a little bit closer and get up close so you can get a little more experience
• They might occasionally get a little bit closer and get up close so you can get a little more experience
• </c><00:24:30.919><c> working</c> Minnesota we have a very close working Minnesota we have a very close

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Closing vote. Vote closed. 51 I. 10. No. Closing vote. Vote closed. 51 I. 10. No.
• Closing vote. Vote closed. 61 changes? Closing vote.
• Closing vote. Vote closed. 58 I, three no, one excused. Closing vote.
• Vote closed. 61 I, one Closing vote. Vote closed. 61 I, one excused.
• </c> closing vote vote closed Opposed closing vote vote closed Opposed 56<03:37:44.160><c> I</c><03:37

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And they're all within close proximity to each other.
• These targets empower agencies to pursue cost-effective multimodal solutions that close the gap in EV
• new bus service, and even 4,000 miles of protected bike lanes to achieve that climate alignment and close
• The current terminal station at Forest Hills in Jamaica Plain is the primary point of connection to the
• My mom's house was very close to the train tracks.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of transportation bills focused on rural microtransit, commuter rail fares and service, rail electrification, climate alignment, and safety. Several speakers supported H. 4054 and related microtransit proposals, arguing that rural communities need stable, permanent funding for services like the Tri-Town Connector and Quaboag Connector, which have strong ridership, high satisfaction, and measurable economic and health benefits. Testimony also supported a commission bill to study microtransit funding and definitions, with witnesses emphasizing that current grant programs are helpful but short-term and insufficient for long-term service planning. A major theme was commuter rail equity and expansion. Boston-area officials and advocates backed bills to make all Boston commuter rail stations Zone 1A, citing large fare disparities between nearby stations in Hyde Park, Roslindale, and Readville. Related testimony supported studying an Orange Line extension from Forest Hills to Roslindale Square and expanding The Ride to Foxborough, as well as restoring commuter rail service to Cape Cod via Middleborough to Buzzards Bay and beyond. Speakers said these projects would improve access, reduce car dependence, and better serve neighborhoods and regions that currently face limited rapid transit options. Multiple panels urged action on electrification and climate-focused transportation planning, including H. 3726, the Freedom to Move Act, and bills to electrify commuter rail, buses, school buses, and public fleets. Advocates from environmental, transit, and public health groups said transportation is the state’s largest emissions source and argued that statutory goals, coordinated planning, and streamlined permitting are needed to speed decarbonization while improving safety, affordability, and reliability. The committee also heard support for a bill to streamline rail electrification permitting, a bill to exempt certain transit projects from MEPA review, and a bill to improve commuter rail pedestrian safety with gates, fencing, and warning devices at at-grade crossings. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't have a way to get to anything beyond the primary school.
• It does it through a process at the Utilities and Transportation Commission, so there will be close scrutiny
• My amendments were close to the final amendment that was offered, but My amendments were close to the
• Last line: It is closed without the patient's consent. Amendment at the desk.

Bills: SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , SB5808 , SB5949 , HB1347 , HB1759 , HB1983 , HB2120 , HB2264 , HB2338 , HB2385 , HB2495 , HB2521 , HB2604 , HB2610 , HB2675 , HB2426 , SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , HB1796 , HB2091 , HB2249 , HB2353 , HB2431 , SB5808 , SB5949 , HB2124 , HB2104 , HB2624 , HB2510 , HB1347 , HB1759 , HB1983 , HB2120 , HB2264 , HB2338 , HB2385 , HB2436 , HB2495 , HB2521 , HB2604 , HB2610 , HB2675

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Transcript Highlights:

• DSGS and combine that with a $50 million clean energy justice pot in Prop. 4, then we may be able to close
• What I understand is six or seven are left, and they are about to close their operations and leave California
• So we are getting very close to releasing the draft and expect that to come out very soon this spring
• But closing it down has created quite a bit of consternation with some of our school districts.
• I think it's also worth pointing out that the CPUC's primary reliability program, which is the resource

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy heard presentations on six budget-related issues and took no votes; all items were held open for a future hearing. The first item concerned funding for the California Transmission Accelerator Revolving Fund under SB 254 and Proposition 4. GoBiz and IBank requested nearly $26 million over five years and 10 limited-term positions to evaluate and finance eligible transmission projects. The LAO said the proposal was broadly consistent with Prop. 4 but noted many implementation details remain unresolved. Senators questioned how the program would lower ratepayer costs, how funds would be protected, and whether the full requested amount was necessary; the administration said the financing strategy is still being developed and that consultants are needed. The committee then discussed trailer bill language to redirect $22 million in General Fund money from the DEPA program to DSGS for summer 2026, and to use roughly $70 million in CalSHAPE interest for ratepayer relief through ELRP or an equivalent program in 2027-28. CEC and CPUC staff said DSGS and ELRP are reliability tools, not PSPS programs, and explained that DSGS had enrolled over 1,000 MW and was expected to have about $52 million available for 2026. Senators and the LAO raised concerns about ending a successful DSGS program, the complexity of transitioning customers to ELRP, and whether CalSHAPE funds should instead continue school HVAC and plumbing projects. Public commenters largely supported extending CalSHAPE and continuing or expanding DSGS rather than shifting funds to ELRP. The subcommittee also heard on petroleum market oversight under SBX1-2 and ABX2-1. The CEC and its Division of Petroleum Market Oversight requested about $1.67 million and a small permanent staffing increase to implement new inventory, resupply, and market analysis duties. Senators pressed the agencies on gasoline price spikes, refinery maintenance, price gouging, and the status of the transportation fuels transition plan, which staff said would be released in draft form soon. Public testimony supported DPMO’s work and called for continued oversight of gasoline pricing. Finally, the CPUC presented three additional budget proposals: resources to implement AB 1207’s changes to the California climate credit, funding for a study of large electrical loads such as data centers under SB 57, and staffing for AB 825’s regional market participation requirements. The LAO said the AB 1207 request may go beyond the statute and urged the Legislature to decide whether it wants a simpler or more complex climate credit redesign. Senators questioned the cost of the work, the need for ongoing staffing, and how ratepayer interests would be protected. The CPUC said the work is needed to adapt to changing load patterns, electrification, data center growth, and potential regional market participation. Public commenters also supported DPMO funding, CalSHAPE, and DSGS, and some urged the Legislature to keep DSGS at the CEC rather than shift funds to ELRP.

Transcript Highlights:

• networks</c><00:56:29.119><c> without</c> Participation and lease networks without jeopardizing their primary
• Please close the machine.
• Please close<01:05:26.480><c> the</c><01:05:26.720><c> machine.
• <01:05:27.920><c> 41</c><01:05:28.559><c> I20</c><01:05:29.200><c> no</c><01:05:29.359><c> and</c> close
• With 41 I20 no and close the machine. With 41 I20 no and four<01:05:29.920><c> excused.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're from Yani Primary School in Xi Jang in Ha Hab Province in The students are from Xi Jiang in Hahab
• In closing, I am reminded of the words of Frederick Douglass, who said, “If there is no struggle, there
• In closing, I am reminded of the words of Frederick Douglass, who said, “If there is no struggle, there
• In closing, I am reminded of the words of Frederick Douglass, who said, “If there is no struggle, there
• In closing, I am reminded of the words of Frederick Douglass, who said, “If there is no struggle, there

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, February 19, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've gone before our zoning board multiple times to have things redesigned or a variance given to close
• And I'll close with this, Madam Chair.
• There wasn't a match, and then, you know, at their primary place, and then when they wanted another,
• And we're getting very close to the end.
• more repeaters, if you would have just seen just in Sandoval the gaps that we had from 2016 that we closed

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 211, which would appropriate $5 million for the Las Vegas Rodriguez Park. Senator Campos said the money would help continue upgrades to baseball, softball, and little league fields and address fencing, flooding, and other park improvements as part of a larger regional park plan. There was no public opposition, and the bill received a unanimous do pass recommendation, 7-0. The committee then took up Senate Bill 131, a broad housing and zoning reform measure sponsored by Senator Maestas. The bill would allow more housing types by right, including accessory dwelling units, duplexes, townhomes, apartments in commercial zones, small-scale commercial uses in neighborhoods, and would eliminate minimum parking mandates; an amendment to remove height restrictions was adopted unanimously. Supporters, including Pew, housing advocates, chambers of commerce, builders, and some local officials, argued the bill would increase supply, lower costs, and modernize outdated zoning. Opponents, including the Realtors, Municipal League, neighborhood representatives, and several senators, argued it would preempt local control, ignore community differences, and could create infrastructure and neighborhood impacts. After extended debate, the committee tabled SB 131 by a recorded vote. Senate Bill 183 was next, proposing a feasibility study for a regional urgent care or emergency facility in Torrance County. The sponsor and local officials described long ambulance transports, heavy use of I-40, and the need for quicker access to care for rural residents and travelers. The bill drew support from a former hospital administrator and no opposition, and it passed 9-1. The committee then considered Senate Bill 222, which would appropriate $20 million for physician residency programs outside the federal system to help retain doctors in New Mexico. The sponsor and supporters said the state loses many medical graduates because of limited residency slots, while one witness urged accountability for large hospital systems. Some senators questioned the premise and feasibility, but the bill advanced on a 6-4 do pass vote to Finance.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last Friday, I met with Jessica, a Boise resident who bought and closed on our home on January 7, 2026
• Last Friday, I met with Jessica, a Boise resident who bought and closed on our home on January 7th, 2026
• opposition to this bill is from the resort communities, and we are told that short-term rentals are the primary
• We're going to ask our good Chairman Redman to return to the podium and close out his presentation.
• We're going to ask our good chairman Redmond to return to the podium and close out his presentation.

Committee: House Business

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the major projects, the primary projects that we're working with right now, is within NRCS.
• You can do my closing statement. Okay, thank you. And then we'll go into the vote.
• We see it happening everywhere else, but when it's this close to home, it really hits hard.
• Somebody close me here. Yeah, sir. Representative Wilmeth, thanks for coming today.
• Somebody close me here. Yeah, sir. Representative Wilman, thanks for coming today.

Committee: House House Government Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2825, which would replace criminal enforcement for unpaid court fines, fees, restitution, and incarceration costs with a civil collection framework and end arrest warrants and contempt proceedings for nonpayment. Representative Chris Lopez said the bill would let people keep working and repay debts through wage garnishment and other civil tools, while a Justice Action Network representative testified in support. The committee adopted the Blackman amendment limiting challenges to a second default judgment entered within one year of a prior one, then passed HB 2825 with a 7-0 due pass recommendation. The committee then took up HB 2070, an emergency appropriation of $25 million for Gila County flood relief. Gila County supervisors, mayors from Globe and Miami, the county emergency manager, and public works staff described severe flooding, deaths, major debris and sediment removal, damaged roads and utilities, and the county’s inability to meet matching-fund requirements for federal or state grants. Members discussed FEMA denials, federal review, and the need to act before monsoon season. HB 2070 passed unanimously with a due pass recommendation. Next, HB 2129, which moves the deadline for municipal library trustees’ annual report from the first Monday in July to the second Monday, was supported by the Arizona Library Association as a simple timing fix for smaller and rural libraries. It passed 6-1. HB 2439, exempting public and semi-public cold plunges from ADEQ water pollution rules, was presented as a way to reduce regulatory confusion and costs for small businesses; it also passed 6-0 with one member absent. The committee then approved HB 2773, barring Arizona and its entities from assisting the International Criminal Court, after debate over sovereignty and constitutional authority, by a 4-3 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• The primary reason for it being only partially resolved is just that we've talked about this in several
• They're close to filing that proposal.
• closer to 300, but as you all are aware, over the last year or so, we've had about 50 write-offs that closed
• closer to 300, but as you all are aware, over the last year or so, we've had about 50 write-offs that closed
• I was rather shocked at Rite Aid and closing all those.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its October 3 meeting unanimously. It then reviewed follow-up status on prior performance audits, beginning with the Department of Corrections’ sex offender treatment program. DOC said all audit items from the 2016 review were resolved except one related to tracking benchmarks, progress, and recidivism. Officials explained that a new offender management system, Chorus, was recently implemented but has had rollout problems affecting operations, including restitution checks, and that they hope the system will be stable enough within about six months to begin tracking the needed metrics. Members asked about treatment inside prison and after release; DOC described in-prison treatment, parole aftercare, probation and parole oversight, administrative restrictions, and reassessment if conditions are not met. The committee next heard from OPLC on the Real Estate Commission audit. OPLC reported that all but one finding is substantially or fully resolved, with the remaining issue involving review of applicants’ adverse financial history and liabilities. The delay is tied to ongoing rulemaking, and OPLC said the commission is amending its criteria and integrating universal application procedures into board rules. The office estimated substantive completion by March 2027, with rule filing expected sooner. The committee then took up the Board of Pharmacy audit, where OPLC said most findings remain partially resolved because the board is in the middle of a major rule overhaul and a new licensing software project. Officials described a shift toward a compliance bureau and more routine, risk-informed inspections, rather than inspections driven only by complaints, and said updated manuals and forms will follow the new rules and technology. Finally, the Legislative Budget Assistant reported on ongoing audits. For special education, staff said they are writing the report, have 25 completed observations, and have expanded to 70 identified observations, with a full draft expected in the first quarter of 2026 and a final report by summer 2026. For education freedom accounts, 40 observations have been identified, 15 finalized, and a draft is expected by midspring with a fiscal committee presentation in summer. For the Doorway program, the audit plan was finalized with DHHS help, financial activity was isolated, fieldwork is expected to finish by Thanksgiving, and a draft report is planned for January or February 2026, with a final report by March or April 2026. The committee discussed scheduling its next meeting for February 6 at 10 a.m. and emphasized the value of follow-up on older audits; the meeting adjourned after members agreed the follow-up process should continue.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, I'll close public comment. Uh, so was that a motion, Chair Pinto?
• <00:10:22.720><c> Seeing</c><00:10:22.959><c> none,</c><00:10:23.200><c> I'll</c><00:10:23.440><c> close
• Seeing none, I'll close um this? Okay. Seeing none, I'll close um public<00:10:25.200><c> comment.
• entering the agreement, and the employee has annual budgeted salary and bonus of $200,000 or more, and primary

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We work very closely with our high school partners, as we know that they are boots on the ground.
• Last year, we awarded close to $700 million in State University Grant funding.
• Finance is working very closely with the Student Aid Commission to determine a solution to this issue
• In closing, CCA is a private institution with a clear public impact, and we are proud to fill a unique
• California taxpayers' primary responsibility is to support our public higher education institutions.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll tell you my version of why it exists: I've been doing this for close to 25 years, and all those
• And I ended up fully getting myself into a five-way Democratic primary for the seat, which I won.
• I'm fortunate to be married to Jennifer for pretty close to 35 years now.
• She's very close to me.
• process is designed to accommodate all of those counter currents and cross currents, but please Work closely

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• remain closed for at least 20 years.
• </c><00:17:39.600><c> down</c> Berlin when they decided to close down Berlin when they decided to close
• When we wrote this, we closed the door. When we wrote this, we closed the door.
• </c> with buildings which we have closed with buildings which we have closed down.<00:25:50.640><c> What
• </c><03:43:30.560><c> closely</c><03:43:31.120><c> worked</c> with you having closing closely worked

Committee: House Education Funding

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• “When it gets too close.
• I don't think the shortage is even close to that, if at all.
• They're close, and I got to say that.
• My primary issue is with the definition of the term anti-Semitism.
• We've worked very closely together. But this, stop and think.

Committee: House Emerging Issues

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill will strip many of their primary form of identification.
• This bill will strip many of their<00:29:17.200><c> primary</c><00:29:17.600><c> form</c><00:29:17.840
• </c><00:29:19.600><c> We</c> their primary form of identification.
• We their primary form of identification.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the primary focus of ACC on the proposed clarifications to Act 281, which is included in this bill
• </c><00:42:04.480><c> Um</c><00:42:04.880><c> the</c><00:42:05.119><c> the</c><00:42:05.520><c> primary
• Um the the primary within our testimony.
• Um the the primary focus<00:42:06.160><c> of</c><00:42:06.319><c> ACC</c><00:42:07.359><c> on</c><00:

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related bills. HB 1602 HD1 drew support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Ulupono Initiative, and others, with testimony emphasizing the value of a dedicated grant writer who had secured nearly $9 million in federal funds and was pursuing additional grants. Members discussed how much time grant applications take and how the position helps position projects for implementation. The committee then moved on without objection. HB 1832, relating to aquaculture, received support from state agencies and industry groups, with one individual opposed. HB 1707 HD1, relating to agriculture, also drew broad support. A committee question focused on the bill’s definition of “necessary supplies,” and the Hawaii Farm Bureau said the language was broad enough to cover the inputs farmers need, including transportation-related costs, and would help reduce production costs and food prices. HB 2155 HD1, relating to agricultural statistics, prompted testimony in support of better data collection to help Hawaii compete for federal agriculture funding. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity explained that its role would focus on production, import, and export data, distinct from the scientific data collected by another unit, and said it wanted an electronic system tied to existing manifest and GIS tools to avoid duplicative clipboard-based collection. HB 1831 HD1, relating to agricultural lands, was heard with support and no questions. HB 1650 HD1, relating to environmental assessments, drew opposition from several individuals who argued it would weaken environmental protections and resident input; no action was taken. The committee then heard HB 1652 HD1, relating to storm water management systems. The engineering industry supported clarifying that low-risk green stormwater infrastructure such as rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavement should not be treated like detention or retention ponds subject to fencing and other safety requirements. Opponents, including family members affected by a drowning and other residents, argued the bill would weaken Act 281’s safety protections and increase liability. The Hawaii Farm Bureau questioned whether agricultural water infrastructure should be exempted from the fencing requirements and said the costs would vary by system, but the committee did not take final action during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• sure that we allow farm dwellings and farm worker housing for bona fide farming when farming is the primary
• for bonafide farming when farming<00:40:33.599><c> is</c><00:40:33.839><c> the</c><00:40:34.480><c> primary
• </c><00:40:36.160><c> Um</c><00:40:36.560><c> but</c> farming is the primary activity.
• Um but farming is the primary activity.

Bills: HB1952 , HB1951 , HB1929 , HB2497 , HB2208 , HB2572 , HB1737 , HB1953 , HB2551 , HB2549

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: HB1952, Hawaii agriculture, University of Hawaii, CTAHR, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, Kauai, agricultural research station, extension station, capital improvements, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, appropriation, ADA compliance, Americans with Disabilities Act, certified kitchen, greenhouse, laboratory, field research, cesspool decommissioning, invasive species

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> The primary goal of this bill is to avoid forfeiture when a payment under protest is filed too early
• Tom Yamachica for Tax Foundation. >> The primary goal of this bill is to avoid forfeiture when a payment
• Tom Yamachica for Tax Foundation. >> The primary goal of this bill is to avoid forfeiture when a payment
• Tom Yamachica for Tax Foundation. >> The primary goal of this bill is to avoid forfeiture when a payment

Bills: SB2040 , SB2248 , SB2530 , SB2732 , SB2871 , SB2919 , SB3076 , SB3300 , SB3301

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: freedom of speech, elections, campaign finance, non-natural persons, regulated participation, constitutional amendment, financial disclosures, government transparency, public confidence, Senate confirmation, conflicts of interest, state ethics commission, campaign contributions, state contracts, transparency, conflict of interest, government ethics, pretrial release, bail reform, financial ability

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 2248 would expand financial disclosure requirements to certain gubernatorial nominees subject to Senate confirmation. The State Ethics Commission supported the measure, saying disclosures should be filed before confirmation so the public and interested parties can review them in advance. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with 22 supporters, no opposition, and one comment. SB 2530 would broaden Hawaii’s campaign contribution ban for state and county contractors to include officers and immediate family members, and would extend the ban to certain grantees and their officers and family members, with specified contract thresholds. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is its own proposal and would align the thresholds with procurement guidelines. Testimony was entirely favorable, with 30 in support, no opposition, and two comments. Members asked about conforming amendments and how the existing prohibition on soliciting contributions applies; CSC said the calendar-day language clarifies current practice and that the solicitation ban already applies to contractors, with the bill extending the same standard to officers and immediate family members. SB 2732 would require courts to consider a defendant’s ability to pay when setting bail, including excluding public benefits from income calculations and clarifying the 40-hour affordability benchmark for those above 150% of the federal poverty level. The Office of the Public Defender, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that unaffordable bail creates wealth-based disparities, contributes to jail overcrowding, and can cause severe collateral consequences for people not yet convicted. There was one opposition testimony and 18 supporters. Committee discussion focused on when the 40-hour period should begin, how income would be verified, and whether misrepresentation could affect bail; the Public Defender said the measure should be read to start from initial appearance and that judges could address false statements through existing remedies. SB 2871 would prohibit discrimination based on perceived characteristics, association with someone who has or is perceived to have protected characteristics, and intersectional combinations of characteristics. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked for clear definitions, while the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the bill does not add new protected classes and simply codifies the Lamb v. University of Hawaii decision on intersectional discrimination. LGBTQ+, civil rights, ACLU, and other advocacy groups testified in support, with one opposition testimony and a total of 27 in support, two opposed, and one comment. The committee then heard SB 2919, which appropriates funds for one full-time public deputy public defender position. The Public Defender’s Office said the position would provide statewide legal support and a centralized resource on constitutional, appellate, and immigration-related issues; several advocacy groups supported the measure, and committee questions focused on how the new position would complement existing training and keep staff updated on changing law.