Transcript Highlights:

• Our state, our great state, is 33rd in the country when it comes to fourth grade proficiency in reading
• the state.
• will have to report back to the state.
• Today, right now today, we know from cash reports at the state treasurer that the states got decent cash
• We treat every part of the state the same.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But again, that's old code.
• And there is specific language in that existing code section, which predates the code section you're
• This is an older code section.
• And so this makes it crystal clear in the code. This is what is the will and the... ...the code.
• Thank you, Council. Are there questions for Council on the bill? Seeing none, is there discussion?

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• state law.
• I, too, am a United States Army veteran.
• And I think there’s need across the state.
• I think what we need to— ...for one specific area of the state, and I think there’s need across the state
• I looked at a model that was working in another state, so I'd like to tell you about Washington state

Committee: House House Appropriations Committee of Reference

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met on January 28 and heard several bills, beginning with introductions of members and staff. The committee first considered HB 2056, which would appropriate $100,000 to the Arizona Department of Water Resources for a feasibility study of brackish groundwater desalination sites. Sponsor Rep. Gail Griffin argued the state should explore use of large brackish groundwater reserves amid Colorado River concerns, while one speaker opposed the bill on aquifer-protection grounds. The committee voted 11-6-1 to give HB 2056 a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up HB 2798, as amended, which appropriates $100,000 to the Arizona Geological Survey to compile data on materials relevant to nuclear energy, including thorium and other non-uranium fuels. Rep. Carbone and others framed the bill as an economic development and national security measure, while opponents questioned whether Arizona has meaningful deposits and whether the state should fund the research. The University of Arizona testified that the Geological Survey could do the work. The committee adopted the Livingston amendment and then approved the bill 11-5-1. Next, the committee considered HB 2303, which codifies investment standards for the State Treasurer, emphasizing safety and principal preservation and prohibiting speculative investments and insider misuse. The Treasurer’s Office supported the bill, saying it reflects existing policy and ethics rules, though members asked for clearer definitions of “speculative” and how the bill would interact with other statutes. The committee passed HB 2303 15-0 with two members present and one not voting. HB 2344, which directs the Treasurer to manage the local government investment pool internally and allows a third-party contract only for emergency backup, also passed after questions about local control and whether the bill was necessary; the vote was 12-2-3 with one not voting. The committee later heard HB 2759, a $500,000 appropriation to the Department of Veterans’ Services to partner with an educational institution in Yavapai County for veterans programs. Retired Navy SEAL Chief Richard Rodriguez testified about Embry-Riddle’s veteran population and emergency assistance needs for housing, travel, and equipment, while opponents objected to using state funds for a private institution and argued veterans services should be broader and statewide. The bill received a due pass recommendation 11-6-1. The committee also approved HB 2207, which funds the prison Braille transcription program at $300,000 and was described as a successful rehabilitation and service program, and HB 2224, as amended to $1 million, which funds the Double Up Food Bucks produce incentive program through SNAP; supporters said it helps families, farmers, and local economies, and the committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state of Oregon is a state that does not conform to Internal Revenue Code Section 41.
• Mark Wynn continued: The state of Oregon is a state that does not conform to Internal Revenue Code Section
• low-tax state—this provision primarily benefits individual taxpayers in high-tax states.
• There are about 70% of states in the United States that have an R&D tax credit.
• and where do you start in your state code.

Summary: The House Revenue and Taxation Committee heard House Bill 559, which would conform Idaho tax law to portions of the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill,” including changes affecting individual tax cuts, senior deductions, overtime and tips, and business research and experimentation expensing. Representative Jeff Ehlers, the sponsor, argued the bill is primarily a tax cut for Idahoans, said the fiscal note of about $155 million was reasonable, and emphasized that the bill does not conform to bonus depreciation. He also said the bill spreads some corporate impacts over time and that the measure is about tax conformity rather than budgeting. Committee members questioned the sponsor closely about the research and experimentation provisions, the timing of deductions, and whether the bill would affect the current budget year or require cuts elsewhere. Ehlers said some business tax effects would “wash out” because of timing, that some taxpayers may have underpaid in anticipation of conformity, and that any budget decisions would be handled by JFAC rather than this committee. He also said interest and penalties would apply to underpayments like any other tax liability. During closing, he reiterated that the bill’s revenue impact was already reflected in the fiscal note and that the measure benefits individuals more than businesses overall. Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters such as Ron Nate, Ken McClure, Mark Wynn, and Miguel Legoretta urged conformity for simplicity, filing clarity, and tax competitiveness, though some of them criticized the bill for not fully conforming on the business side or for eliminating the state R&D credit. Opponents, including seniors, taxpayers, disability advocates, mental health advocates, and faith-based speakers, argued the bill’s cost was uncertain, could worsen budget pressures, and could lead to cuts to Medicaid, education, and other services. After testimony and debate, Representative Monks moved HB 559 to the floor with a due pass recommendation; the motion was debated by several members, with concerns raised about uncertain fiscal impacts and possible service cuts.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:30:18.960><c> and</c> in the state and across the state and in the state and across the state
• </c> our state that we can invest in people. our state that we can invest in people.
• </c> make our state work. Thank you. make our state work. Thank you.
• And just a little brief history on the trust code in the state of Minnesota.
• The amendment is coded A1.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , cities across the state.
• Council, but it's very dependent on a... state, federal, tribal, and local government set of people
• We're proud to have the strongest building standards in the country for new buildings.
• And for new buildings in the WUI, we're seeing those building standards pay off.
• I'm not sure we've even stated that, on the record. Thank you for stating that.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our Bureau contracts with 22 child protection teams throughout the state.
• We work a lot with our State Attorney's Office. We have really...
• We work a lot with our State Attorney's Office.
• Sure, and on the handout that I provided, there is a color-coded map.
• Services to build up that family's resiliency. Okay.

Summary: The Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee held a panel discussion on Florida’s child protection teams (CPTs), child advocacy centers (CACs), and related state systems. Testimony came from the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Health, a local CAC director, the Florida Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers, a CPT medical lead, and a Jacksonville sheriff’s sergeant. Witnesses described how DCF investigations, CPT medical and forensic services, CAC multidisciplinary coordination, and law enforcement work together to assess abuse allegations, provide interviews and exams, and connect children and families to services. Several speakers highlighted telemedicine, co-location, and Jacksonville’s specialized investigative model as examples of stronger coordination. Committee members focused heavily on communication gaps, staffing shortages, and delays in forensic interviews and medical evaluations. Senators asked about implementation of Jordan’s Law, the timing of DCF and law enforcement notifications, whether law enforcement is always included in decisions about forensic interviews, and how quickly children are seen after a report. DCF and DOH representatives said referrals are generally made within 24 hours and that multidisciplinary staffings are used to share information, but law enforcement described cases where interviews were scheduled weeks out or reports arrived late, creating problems for probable cause and safety decisions. Members also raised concerns about turnover among CPIs and CPT staff, caseloads, and the need for more specialty providers. CAC representatives said the model reduces trauma by bringing services together in one place, but noted uneven access across the state, especially in rural areas and in counties without CACs. They said sustainable funding and workforce development are needed to maintain and expand services, and one speaker noted that some CACs have closed due to funding challenges. DCF said there are about 1,500 CPIs statewide and an average active caseload of about 12 per investigator, while CPTs serve roughly 22,000 to 23,000 children annually. The committee did not take any formal vote or action, but members requested follow-up information on staffing numbers, communication practices, CAC locations, and recommendations for statutory or budget changes. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additional witnesses should state only their names, organization, if any, and their position on the bill
• It does note some concerns by the Judicial Council.
• Tim Cromarty, Deputy Secretary of State for Legislation, is here on behalf of Secretary of State Shirley
• And that fee is significant for the reason stated. Okay.
• Thanks, Secretary of State, and the author for bringing it.

Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee heard several bills, with AB 1827 by Assemblymember Chen proposing to raise the small claims court limit for small businesses from $6,250 to $15,000 and allow up to three filings per year. The author and supporters from the California Association of Collectors said the change would help small businesses recover unpaid invoices and minor contract disputes without costly civil litigation, while preserving the informal small claims process. The committee noted some Judicial Council concerns, but there was no opposition testimony, and the bill later passed out of committee to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1916 by Assemblymember Lee, which would include American Sign Language interpreters in the Trial Court Interpreter Employment and Labor Relations Act so they can participate in collective bargaining like other certified court interpreters. Supporters, including the California Federation of Interpreters and court interpreters, described recruitment and retention problems, limited representation, and a shortage of ASL interpreters in the courts. Members expressed support for improving representation and access for deaf and hard-of-hearing court users, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 1977 by Assemblymember Irwin, presented by Assemblymember Pacheco, was described as a technical cleanup bill for California’s remote online notarization law, correcting ambiguities and conforming provisions to help the Secretary of State implement the program. The Secretary of State’s office supported the measure and said it would clarify procedures and digital seal authentication, while members raised questions about platform and renewal fees and one concern about a fee for terminated sessions; the sponsor indicated that provision could be removed. The bill was approved and sent to Appropriations. The committee also adopted a consent calendar containing several other bills and later established quorum to take recorded votes before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Shope, Arizona State Senator, L.D. 16. Signed Chris Lopez, Arizona State Representative, L.D. 16.
• It introduces an entire new type of state holiday.
• The state has agreed to pay for it, as it is their responsibility.
• facility that the state is responsible for.
• We have Arbor Day, National Day, the Council.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and several personal privileges recognizing guests and proclamations, including a Coolidge centennial proclamation, a Pre-born Day of Rights proclamation, and a tribute to retired public servant Carmen Green Smith. The chamber also welcomed various guests and groups in the gallery, including Arizona Right to Life, Reproductive Freedom for All, a doctor of the day, schoolchildren, and community visitors. A motion to suspend the rules and immediately advance SB 1396 on contraception rights failed by a vote of 12 ayes to 16 nays. The Senate then considered House Concurrent Resolution 2053 honoring Brad Brower, adopted it unanimously, observed a moment of silence, and transmitted the resolution to the House. In Committee of the Whole, members considered HB 2072, HB 2307, and HB 2874. HB 2072, dealing with holidays and the César Chávez Day repeal/renaming debate, drew extensive floor debate over a Miranda amendment to rename the day for farm workers; that amendment failed 12-15, and the bill was ultimately advanced as amended by the committee’s striker/repeal language. HB 2307, concerning dangerous and incompetent defendants and a state facility process, received committee and floor amendments and was advanced as amended. HB 2874, relating to campaign committee termination statements and contributions, also received committee and technical floor amendments and was advanced as amended. On final third readings, HB 2874 passed 18-11 with one not voting and was transmitted to the House. HB 2307 passed 27-2 with one not voting and was transmitted to the House, with supporters emphasizing public safety and the emergency clause. HB 272 passed after a lengthy and contentious debate over whether to repeal or rename the holiday associated with César Chávez and the farm worker movement; supporters of repeal cited allegations against Chávez and the need for accountability, while opponents argued the holiday should preserve recognition of farm workers and the movement’s history. The Senate also adopted the Committee of the Whole report and assigned the bills accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, this next resolution designates the new legislative building as the Alabama State House.
• building as the Alabama<02:19:03.040><c> State</c><02:19:03.440><c> House.
• legislative building as the Alabama State House receives a favorable report.
• designating the new state the new legislative<02:19:23.719><c> building</c><02:19:24.080><c> as</c><
• building as the Alabama State<02:19:25.040><c> House</c><02:19:25.440><c> receives</c><02:19:25.800>

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then adopted a resolution honoring Dr. Todd Freeman, Superintendent of Vestavia Hills City Schools, as Alabama Superintendent of the Year. Senators praised his leadership in public education and noted the recognition was especially meaningful as one of the last such honors in the current chamber. The Senate also adopted a resolution commending the 2026 Alabama Law Institute Senate interns for their service, and members offered personal remarks thanking the interns and encouraging them to remain and contribute to Alabama in the future. The chamber then took up several conference committee and House messages. The Senate concurred in the conference report on Senate Bill 341 after extended remarks, and later concurred in the conference report on Senate Bill 32, described as a veterans-related bill that would make benefits automatic for those under the federal poverty level and allow cities and counties to opt in for veterans above that level. The Senate also received House amendments to Senate Bill 199, concerning sex offenders, and voted to non-concur and send the bill to conference, naming conferees. In resolutions from the Rules Committee, the Senate adopted an amended House Joint Resolution 198 establishing the Alabama Mental Health Task Force. It also adopted House Joint Resolution 326, which recognizes the need for a north-south transportation route in East Alabama. Throughout the meeting, senators made extended floor remarks about slowing down on legislation, focusing on rural hospitals and other priorities, and the importance of treating children, seniors, and low-income residents fairly.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is uniform legislation brought by and drafted by the Council on State Taxation. ...legislation brought
• by and drafted by the Council on State Taxation and the Multistate Tax Commission, and it's designed
• to simplify this across all states for partnerships that operate in more than one state.
• If the partnership operates in that state, you owe taxes as a non-resident to that state.
• It is based on model legislation that was produced by the Council on State Taxation, which is a group

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:59.840><c> of</c> to the flag of the United States of to the flag of the United States of
• I happen to have a all over the state.
• </c><00:09:14.399><c> of</c> everything you do for the state of everything you do for the state of Wyoming
• </c> sponsored by management council. sponsored by management council.
• </c> the code of the west. the code of the west.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> safety advisory council. safety advisory council.
• with the Met Council and with you<01:08:40.799><c> to</c><01:08:41.040><c> build</c><01:08:41.199><c
• We represent 14,000 men and women who build and maintain our infrastructure in the state, including the
• of other states.
• So, private businesses would pay the tax, but cities, counties, state facilities, and the Met Council

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seven states are redistricting now in the middle of a decade, some blue states, some red states.
• Seven states are redistricting now in the middle of a decade, some blue states, some red states.
• There's no state law. There's no state law. There is no law. There's no state law.
• Should you start at the top of the state, at the bottom of the state, or in the middle of the state?
• States, ...an oath when you pledge an oath to the Constitution of our state and of the United States

Summary: The Senate convened in special session and took up Senate Bill 8D / House Bill 1D, which would establish Florida’s congressional districts. The sponsor, Sen. Gates, explained that the Governor had transmitted a redistricting plan two days earlier and argued that mid-decade redistricting is legally permissible, citing population growth and the Governor’s view that race-based districting is unconstitutional. Much of the floor time was spent in extended questioning about the process, the lack of public hearings compared with prior redistricting cycles, the use of population estimates from the Census/EDR/ACS, compactness scores, and whether the Governor’s office used partisan data or outside consultants. Gates repeatedly said he was relaying the Governor’s proposal and legal theory rather than offering his own legal opinion, and he said any constitutional challenge would be for the courts. A major portion of the debate focused on the U.S. Supreme Court’s newly issued Calais decision and its implications for the Fair Districts Amendment and the Voting Rights Act. Senators questioned whether the decision struck down Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, whether it affected Florida’s constitutional ban on partisan gerrymandering, and whether the Legislature should postpone action to review the ruling. A motion to temporarily postpone the bill failed by voice vote and then by recorded vote, 12 yeas to 23 nays. Senators also raised concerns that the proposed map cracked minority communities, including Latino and Black populations in Central Florida and Tampa Bay, and that it would produce a heavily Republican-leaning map despite the state’s voter registration mix. After debate on the Senate bill, the chamber substituted the identical House companion bill, read it a third time, and proceeded to final debate. Opponents argued the map was an illegal partisan gerrymander, was based on assumptions rather than verified data, and would likely lead to litigation. Supporters maintained that the Governor had authority to propose a congressional map, that the plan was race-neutral, and that the Legislature could accept, reject, or amend it. The transcript ends during continued debate on House Bill 1D, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• 16:35.599><c> our</c><02:16:35.840><c> state</c> expended in our state expended in our state before.<
• state uh the net state fiscal the net state uh the net state fiscal impact<02:36:13.840><c> of</c><02
• But it varies by state.
• </c> the state, not a savings. the state, not a savings.
• </c> the state constitution. the state constitution.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Code.
• for code enforcement.
• for code enforcement.
• In the meantime, his building permit went through all of its reviews through the Orange County Building
• Senator Yarbrough, can you tell us how this is different than what the state is required for state agencies

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The committee first postponed SB 1122, then took up SB 1342 on transportation infrastructure and land development regulations. Senator Rouson explained the bill as a housing-affordability measure modeled on the Live Local Act, aimed at reducing local land-use barriers near transit corridors. The committee adopted an amendment removing the compelling governmental interest standard from enforcement and litigation provisions, then approved the bill. Testimony included support from a county commissioner and concerns from the Florida League of Cities and a Republican executive committee about overriding local zoning and creating rigid standards near transit stops. Members then heard SB 1614, which would let local governments use excess Florida Building Code enforcement funds for stormwater repairs and restrict eligibility for certain state appropriations if a government has been audited or fails to affirm it has no excess funds. An amendment removed the stormwater and code-enforcement building provisions and tightened the appropriations restrictions; the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1548, the next iteration of the Live Local Act, expanding qualifying projects on public land and near airports, limiting setback-based height restrictions, clarifying agricultural-use issues, and strengthening fair-housing protections. SB 968 on home backup power systems was also reported favorably, with the sponsor noting he was still working on amendments regarding permits for generators, windows, and doors. The committee next approved SB 698, allowing building permits for single-family homes to be issued after septic permit application rather than waiting for septic approval, with builders and industry representatives citing long delays and lost contracts. SB 1320, requiring county tax-referendum ballot questions to include a Department of Financial Services spending analysis if available, also passed after debate over whether it duplicated existing audit transparency requirements. SB 484 on large-scale data centers was reported favorably after an amendment added a knowledge requirement to the prohibition on service to certain foreign-country-linked customers; testimony focused on electricity costs, water use, NDAs, and ratepayer protections. SB 1118, creating a one-year public-records exemption for data-center site plans and proprietary information, was also approved despite concerns about secrecy and local officials appearing to conceal development plans. Finally, the committee took up SB 706, which preempts naming of major commercial service airports to the state and would rename Palm Beach International Airport as Donald J. Trump International Airport subject to federal and trademark approval; it was reported favorably after questions from members about local input. The last major item was SB 1134 on official actions of local government related to DEI, which drew extensive questioning and public testimony. The sponsor said the bill would bar counties and municipalities from funding, promoting, or staffing DEI offices or programs, with violations treated as misfeasance or malfeasance and enforceable by resident lawsuits; supporters framed it as a merit-based, anti-bureaucracy measure, while opponents argued it was vague, overbroad, and would chill civil-rights, health, education, and cultural programming. The transcript ends during public testimony on SB 1134, before any final action on that bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Austin building.
• Please state your name, position.
• Item two is the state prosecutor's salary increase.
• I'm Stacy Soul, the state prosecuting attorney.
• Most states funded 100% at the state level.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V

Transcript Highlights:

• And the question is, do we as a state, And the question is, do we as a state, as state legislators, have
• from the causes stated.'
• from the causes stated'—manner of death.
• State your name, your organization, and your position.
• For example, a POLST from out of state is recognized in this state.

Committee: Senate Health

Summary: The committee heard SB 1422, which would restore Medi-Cal access for income-eligible undocumented adults beginning January 1, 2027. Senator Durazo and county, labor, health, immigrant-rights, and provider supporters argued the current enrollment freeze shifts costs to counties and hospitals, worsens preventive care, and increases expensive emergency treatment. No opposition testified. Several senators voiced support but also raised concerns about funding and the need for new revenue sources; the chair said she supported the concept and would continue working on financing, but the bill was not voted on because quorum was lost. The committee also heard SB 1023 on PrEP access, SB 1071 on amending death certificates after a homicide finding, SB 1057 on conviction-history review for CNA and home health aide certification, and SB 1088 on advance care planning and POLST/DNR updates. SB 1023’s author and supporters said requiring pharmacy-benefit coverage for injectable PrEP would reduce administrative barriers and improve access, while health plans opposed it as an improper benefit-design mandate; members sought clarification about how the billing pathway would work. SB 1071 drew strong support from victims’ families, law enforcement, and prosecutors who said death certificates should reflect later legal homicide findings, while coroners opposed it as blurring medical and legal determinations and risking data integrity. SB 1057 was presented as a fair-chance workforce measure to expand caregiving jobs for rehabilitated people with records, with no opposition heard. SB 1088 would modernize POLST/DNR rules, including electronic signatures, out-of-state recognition, and clearer signer authority; supporters backed the changes, while clinical nurse specialists opposed the bill for not including them as authorized signers. After quorum was established, the committee took up SB 869, which would require large chain restaurants to display an added-sugar icon next to beverages exceeding half the daily recommended sugar limit. Senator Weber Pierson and supporters from the American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association framed the bill as a transparency measure to help consumers make informed choices and reduce chronic disease risk. The senator responded to opposition concerns by saying existing nutrition information is often hard to find and that the icon would not unduly crowd menus. The hearing continued with testimony on the bill after quorum was reached, but no final vote is reflected in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those numbers are a summary of a document DFM produced right after the State of the State address with
• budget numbers from a document. right after the state of the state address with budget numbers from
• Wynn said Idaho is not a high-tax state and is a low-tax state.
• There are about 70% of states in the United States that have an R&D tax credit.
• and where do you start in your state code.

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this the state of New Hampshire.
• with 16 other states that allow membership<00:07:08.080><c> in</c><00:07:08.400><c> state</c><00:07:
• </c><01:16:45.280><c> It</c> uninforceable in our state. It uninforceable in our state.
• They were in multiple states.
• there's other states other states or if there's other states that<01:26:50.960><c> pass</c><01:26:51.120

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 25, which would allow New Hampshire state-chartered credit unions to choose, by member vote, to compensate their board members. Prime sponsor Senator Dan Innis said the bill is enabling only, does not require compensation, and is intended to align New Hampshire with other states that already permit this. He argued that credit union board service now requires more time and expertise, and that compensation could help attract stronger candidates and improve governance. Representatives from the Cooperative Credit Union Association and St. Mary’s Bank testified in support. They said the change would not create salaries, but could cover modest compensation or reimbursements such as daycare, education, cybersecurity, or accounting training. They emphasized that credit unions remain nonprofit and member-driven, that board members must be credit union members and elected by members, and that any compensation decision would be made by the membership at an annual meeting or through the credit union’s voting process. Witnesses also said the bill would help with recruitment and retention, especially as credit union operations have become more complex and digital, and noted that similar authority exists in 16 other states, including Rhode Island. Committee members asked about the historical reason credit unions were excluded, the amount and structure of compensation, whether there would be a cap, and how voting would work. Witnesses said the bill does not set a statutory maximum, but in practice the amount would be disclosed to members and set through the vote; they also described St. Mary’s Bank’s ballot process and said proxy or ballot procedures depend on each credit union’s bylaws. One witness noted that federally chartered credit unions are subject to different limits. After testimony and questions, the chair closed the public hearing on Senate Bill 25 and then moved on to Senate Bill 26.