Transcript Highlights:

• The vote is now open. The vote is about to close.
• The vote is now open. The vote is about to close.
• The vote is now open. The vote is about to close. The vote is now closed.
• The vote is now open. The vote is almost closed.
• The vote is now open. The vote is about to close.

Bills: HB111 , HB103 , HB109 , HB128 , HJM2 , HJM3 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50 , HB49 , HB60 , HB108 , HB120 , HB124 , HB145 , HB154 , HB158 , HB164 , HB180 , HB291 , HJR6 , HJR7 , HR1 , HJM1 , HM13 , HM47

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, Vice Chair, for the vote. Okay, voting on HB 781.
• > vote okay voting on HB vote okay voting on HB 781<01:18:51.840><c> uh</c><01:18:51.960><c> the</c><
• Vice Chair, for the vote. Okay, voting on HB 452.
• Vice Chair, move for the vote. Okay, voting on HB 496.
• </c><01:30:16.960><c> a</c><01:30:17.560><c> chair's</c> vote okay voting on hp496 a chair's vote okay

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Right, Adam, possible discussion, revision, and vote to approve the minutes of the February 5th regular
• Item five is possible discussion, revision, and vote to approve the financial reports for January 2026
• We can vote to prove funding through the hardship. We can vote to not approve that.
• We can vote to table this and take no action today.
• Item 12 is a possible discussion, revision, and vote to approve the following grant requests.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The board voted to decrease fees across all license class types by 16 to 20 percent.
• The board voted to decrease fees across all license class types by 16 to 20 percent.
• Seeing no further questions or comments, the motion before us, committee will have a vote.
• Seeing no further questions or comments, we’ll take a vote. All those in favor say aye.
• Seeing none, we'll have a vote. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed say nay?

Committee: House Business

Summary: The House Business Committee met with a quorum and considered a series of Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses rules presented by Ryan Bernard. The committee first handled the Public Works Contractors License Board fee rules, which would finalize temporary fee reductions of 16% to 20% and add “not to exceed” language so the board can keep fees lower while moving toward statutory cash-balance requirements. Members asked about how the reductions were calculated and noted a possible conflict with the now-eliminated Class D license, but were told the statute would prevail. The committee voted to extend the temporary rule to July 1, 2026, and then approved the pending rule as final effective that date. The committee next approved pending fee rules for the Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, which move fees into rule, formalize a 60% fee reduction, and remove intern fees to reduce barriers to entry. Bernard said the board had a healthy cash balance of $337,319, or 402% of its five-year average expenditures, and members discussed whether the rule anticipated pending legislation on the land surveyor jurisprudence test. The committee also considered Building Safety/Building Code rules, which reduce permit fees by 20% and were described as necessary because the board’s cash balance was about $6.46 million, or 447% of average expenditures. Members questioned why staffing and inspection delays persisted despite the large balance; Bernard said inspector hiring is difficult and inspections are often completed same day or next day. The committee extended the temporary rule to July 1, 2026, and approved the pending rule. Finally, the committee considered Factory Built Structure Board rules, which reduce modular building permit and installation fees by 20% and lower specific installation charges for single-wide, double-wide, and multi-section units. Bernard said the board’s FY 2025 cash balance was $2,640,636, or 378% of average expenditures, and noted that the occupational licensing fund earns interest that reverts to the general fund. The committee extended the temporary rule to July 1, 2026, and approved the pending rule. Afterward, the committee approved the January 21 meeting minutes and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are ready to vote on the bills that were just briefed. Senate Bill 5992 is before us.
• I'm asking for a no vote on the amendment D1. We believe that it would be very expensive.
• No vote on the amendment D1.
• We're going to try to get additional information, but for now, I'm asking for a no vote.
• We're going to try to get additional information, but for now I'm asking for a no vote.

Summary: The Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee began with a clarification about a prior budget bill affecting Running Start, emphasizing that it would reduce per-student funding to colleges but would not reduce student participation in the program. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6277, which would promote educational stability for children of military families by easing enrollment rules, extending proof-of-residency deadlines to 90 days, allowing conditional enrollment before arrival, and requiring timely transfer and implementation of IEPs and 504 plans. Support came from the bill sponsor, students, school psychologists, military family advocates, and veterans groups, while school district representatives raised concerns about accelerated special education timelines and related costs. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then moved into executive session on a first packet of bills. It adopted a proposed substitute for Senate Bill 5992 creating a youth development fund account and prioritizing tribal and American Indian/Alaska Native youth, and advanced the bill to Rules. It passed Senate Bill 6078 on child care provider supports, advanced Senate Bill 6089 on P20W education data with a substitute that added stakeholder intent language, limited nonprofit authority, and FERPA protections, and adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 5918 increasing school materials, supplies, and operating costs funding, then sent it to Ways and Means. In the second packet, the committee considered Senate Bill 5861 on school board director districts, but rejected an amendment that would have required candidates to be elected only by voters in their director district rather than at large. It then adopted a substitute and advanced the bill. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 6118 requiring cardiac emergency response plans in schools, with a substitute making implementation contingent on state funding; Senate Bill 6065 allowing certain financially distressed districts to use transportation vehicle funds under limited conditions; and Senate Bill 6052 directing development of a statewide digital transcript exchange system, which was sent to Ways and Means. The meeting ended with adjournment after all scheduled executive action was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• For this reason, we ask for your no vote. Thank you very much.
• I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you. Madam Secretary, please call the roll.
• That bill has six votes. It will be out, and we'll hold the roll open for absent members.
• On a seven to zero vote with two members not voting. Thank you all for being here.
• So item number two, AB 932, passes out of committee with a six to zero vote with three members not voting

Committee: House Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ALREADY FILLED OUT A FORM AND WE WILL GET YOU ON THE AGENDA YOU CAN SPEAK ON ANY MATTER ON WHICH WE WILL VOTE
• PETERSBURG AND THE CITY OF CLEARWATER ALREADY DO THIS, THEY HAD A REFERENDUM WHEN THE VOTE WAS DECIDED
• FIRST I WOULD SAY SENATOR I WILL VOTE FOR YOUR BILL TODAY BUT IF YOU DON'T HAVE A HOUSE COMPANION BY
• Rouson: YES. >> Vice Chair Bernard: YES. >> Chair Gaetz: YES, AND BY YOUR VOTE ALL THE NOMINEES TABS
• IS THERE ANY SENATOR WHO WOULD LIKE TO BE RECORDED AS VOTING ON BILLS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE, SEN.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> explain my vote, Madam Chair. explain my vote, Madam Chair.
• </c> did speak in 2022 and voted did speak in 2022 and voted overwhelmingly<00:47:59.280><c> to</c><00
• I'll be voting no today.
• </c> vote on Senate Bill 27, please. vote on Senate Bill 27, please.
• </c> a vote? a vote? Okay. Okay. Okay. All<00:59:28.800><c> right.</c> All right.

Keywords: 00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 00:01:10 Discussion of 25RS HB 414 00:44:26 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 414 00:50:25 Discussion of 25RS SB 27 00:53:44 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 27 00:55:49 Discussion of 25RS SB 93 00:57:57 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 93 00:59:29 Discussion of 25RS SB 132 01:37:39 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 132 01:40:55 Discussion of 25RS SB 153 01:42:05 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 153 01:43:46 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Health Services Committee met with a quorum and took up House Bill 414 with a committee substitute. The bill, described by sponsors and supporters as a continuation of prior maternal-health legislation, was framed as a clarification of medical standards and an effort to improve care for women and families facing complicated pregnancies. Representative Tate, Representative Nemes, Adair Wushar of Kentucky Right to Life, and Dr. Jeff Goldberg of ACOG Kentucky all testified in support, saying the substitute was developed collaboratively to reduce confusion in the law and help physicians provide evidence-based care without fear of criminal penalties. Supporters said the committee substitute was intended to define what is not an abortion under Kentucky law and to spell out medical treatments for conditions such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, sepsis, hemorrhage, preeclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, and fetal demise. Dr. Goldberg said current statutes contain significant ambiguity and have created unintended barriers to treating pregnancy complications, including emergency situations, and he gave examples of patients who were delayed or harmed because physicians were uncertain about what the law allowed. Representative Nemes said the measure was the result of unusual cooperation among groups that do not usually agree and described it as a first step toward fixing a discrete problem. Representative Wilner raised concerns that the language could effectively require a patient to be in severe distress before treatment is clearly permitted and that it was too prescriptive about how physicians should manage miscarriages. In response, Dr. Goldberg and the sponsors said the substitute was not perfect, was meant as a short-term solution, and was designed to give doctors more confidence in providing routine, medically necessary care for pregnancy complications. The transcript indicates the committee substitute was adopted, but no final vote on the bill itself is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> chair, please take the vote. chair, please take the vote.
• >> Seeing none, Vice Chair, please take the vote. >> House Bill 1802.
• </c> please take the vote. please take the vote.
• :19:38.320><c> the</c><01:19:38.560><c> excused</c> chair voting I noting the excused chair voting I
• &gt;&gt; No<01:19:48.000><c> vote.</c> &gt;&gt; No vote. &gt;&gt; No vote.

Bills: HB644 , HB1802 , HB1569 , HB1619 , HB1620 , HB1730 , HB1749

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: PFAS, single-use plastics, environmental health, food ware, pollution reduction, HB1802, conservation banking, conservation bank, mitigation banking, compensatory mitigation, incidental take permit, incidental take license, habitat conservation plan, HCP, DLNR, BLNR, Board of Land and Natural Resources, endangered species recovery committee, threatened species, endangered species

Summary: The committee heard several environmental and energy bills, beginning with HB 644 on single-use plastics. DLNR and DOH supported the measure, and environmental advocates said it would reduce plastic waste in oceans and landfills. Testifiers urged the bill to avoid weakening existing county ordinances, and some supported delaying implementation to use up inventory, while Upstream opposed compostable-plastic exemptions and urged prompt passage. Committee members asked whether reusable and refillable foodware could be added to the PFAS prohibition, and Upstream said that would be consistent with the bill’s goals. The committee then took up HB 1802 on conservation mitigation banks, HB 1569 on microfiber filters for newly manufactured washing machines, and HB 1619 on electric vehicle infrastructure. HB 1802 drew mostly agency testimony from DLNR, with opposition testimony noted from environmental groups, and members discussed whether suggested amendments would address concerns. HB 1569 received limited testimony, with support from the Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and opposition from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. HB 1619 was supported by the PUC, Hawaiian Electric, the Department of Transportation, and several advocacy groups; Earthjustice said the bill was needed to address a widening EV charging shortfall and described the funding increase as relatively small compared with the benefits. The committee also heard HB 1620, which would increase the barrel tax to fund the EV charging rebate program. The State Energy Office and PUC offered comments, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed the special-fund approach and said the bill should also address the non-petroleum fossil-fuel portion of the barrel tax. Earthjustice and youth transportation advocates supported the measure, and the chair asked for information on unused hydrogen fueling subaccount funds; PUC said no hydrogen program funds had been deployed and estimated the balance was likely around $2 million, with exact figures to be provided later. Finally, the committee heard HB 1730 on wastewater systems, which would create a wastewater technical advisory group and fund positions at DOH. DLNR, DOH, OPSD, UH, and several environmental groups supported the bill, emphasizing cesspool pollution, affordability, and the need for more staffing and technical assistance. Testifiers suggested amendments to create a separate cesspool conversion implementation working group and debated the size and composition of the advisory group, including whether to include outside engineers and whether SHIP should be on the panel. No votes were taken during the hearing segment provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair votes I pass as is. Is 96 correct? 96 to pass as unamended. Yes. Chair votes I.
• Vice chair votes I. Senator Fukuna, I. Vice chair votes I.
• instead of GM voting voting sheets instead of GM voting sheets sheets sheets okay<00:52:11.839><c> you
• c> just okay so chair votes I votes I vice just okay so chair votes I votes I vice chair<00:52:20.240
• </c> chair votes I. Senator Fukunaga hi. chair votes I. Senator Fukunaga hi.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard HCR 96, which encourages the University of Hawaiʻi to evaluate and expand student mental health services. University of Hawaiʻi Associate Vice President Farah Marie Gomes testified in support and noted the system’s mental health and basic-needs efforts across all 10 campuses. Members discussed staffing and funding constraints, including that the system had 27 adult mental health positions, 21 filled and six vacant, with one vacancy open for about four years. The resolution was adopted unanimously, unamended. The committee then took up several gubernatorial appointments. GM 785 nominated Wendo Hensel to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), and GM 784 nominated Terry George to the same body. Both nominees testified about the value of Hawaiʻi’s participation in WICHE; Hensel emphasized the importance of sharing policy ideas and best practices, while George highlighted Hawaiʻi’s unique higher education needs and the benefits of learning from other western states. Both nominations were supported and moved forward. The committee also considered multiple appointments to the Hawaiʻi Commission for National and Community Service. Kylie Alakard described wanting to serve as a youth voice and role model, and Ray Galas spoke about his prior volunteer board experience and desire to help people connect through service. Sandra Larson said volunteerism and community service were important to her and that she wanted to give back. The committee then heard GM 771 and GM 772 for Ken Kawahara to the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaiʻi; Kawahara said he would bring business and government experience to help with internal operations, education, and strategic goals, though he acknowledged he was still learning the organization’s details. Members also began hearing GM 624 for Joshua Famuina to the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents, with student caucus testimony in strong support emphasizing his attendance, communication, and engagement with students.

Transcript Highlights:

• So seeing that nominations cease, we're going to vote for Senator Nicola first.
• So seeing that nominations cease, we're going to vote for Senator Nicola first.
• I don't know if we're supposed to say nothing or your vote? Say nothing or your vote? Dr.
• If my answer, my vote is no. Okay.
• We have to vote on Taylor. We did it by acclamation. We did it by acclamation. Just by voice vote.

Committee: House Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So seeing that nominations cease, we're going to vote for Senator Nicola first.
• My answer, my vote is no. Okay. Oh.
• My answer, my vote is no. Okay. Oh.
• We have to vote on the table. We did it by acclamation. By acclamation. Just by voice vote. Okay.
• Are there any negative votes? And I'll slap anybody's hand that doesn't.

Committee: House Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force

Summary: The Task Force on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment met to open the meeting, confirm electronic participation, and establish a quorum. The chair reviewed the task force’s prior work and the cumulative goals from its annual reports, including sustaining SUD funding, recognizing recovery support providers, improving emergency transportation for Medicaid, establishing a mental health course, and continuing funding through opioid and marijuana tax revenues. The chair also outlined the process used to compile the annual reports and suggested that the task force seek department feedback on progress toward those goals and set the agenda for summer hearings. The main business was election of officers. Senator Nicola was nominated for chair, with Representative Taylor also nominated. After roll call, Senator Nicola was elected chair for the remainder of the year by a 6-4 vote. Representative Taylor was then nominated for vice chair, nominations were closed, and he was elected by acclamation. Representative Taylor said he would work with staff to schedule summer hearings, gather department input, and meet with the governor’s office to align on priorities. Several members offered closing comments thanking participants and staff for their work, especially the policy team and those who helped compile the reports and data. Members noted that more work remains on substance use issues in Missouri and suggested increasing public notice for future meetings so people on the ground can participate. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you like to be recorded as voting no? Yes. Representative Scott on the record voting no.
• The other factor that I would put out there as well is that we have been advocates for in-person voting
• centrally located in our neighborhoods can now provide the appropriate space both for parking and voting
• really gives all the entities involved a great deal of flexibility to make the important exercise of voting
• And so I just thank the sponsor for bringing this legislation. ...support voting.

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from Friday, March 6, by voice vote. It then introduced RS 33658, a measure revised to specify four chemicals the Idaho State Police lab can test in connection with Schedule 1 substances; the motion passed, with Representative Scott recorded as voting no. House Bill 831 was then heard and advanced. The bill, sponsored by Representative Raybould, addresses conflicts between school safety policies and the use of school buildings as polling places, and would take effect in 2028 to allow time for coordination. Ada County Clerk Trent Tripple testified in strong support on behalf of all county clerks, saying the bill would provide more predictable, secure, and accessible polling locations while reducing conflicts with school operations. The committee sent the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also advanced House Bill 798, which repeals outdated code related to the State Treasurer’s former securities lending authority, and House Bill 799, which repeals several obsolete alcohol-related code sections. Representative Scott described both as code cleanup measures. Finally, the committee introduced RS 33645, which would set rules for ex parte communications with the Public Utilities Commission and limit gifts from lobbyists, similar to existing rules for judges. All of these motions passed by voice vote, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no debate, the vote will now occur.
• If you favor the measure, vote aye; if you oppose the measure, vote no. Clerk will open the roll.
• Those wishing to vote or change their vote, the chair is preparing to close. Senator Pugh.
• Having received 41 aye votes and six nay votes, I declare Senate Bill 1459 to have passed.
• Now Senator Bergstrom asked to vote on the bill to be considered to vote on the emergency, giving those

Bills: SB1246 , SB1510 , SB1979 , SB1929 , SB1930 , SB1976 , HCR1019 , SB1459 , SB1673 , SB1500 , SB1447 , SB1646 , SB2007 , SB1275 , SB2074

Keywords: environmental permitting, Oklahoma, Department of Environmental Quality, public participation, regulatory framework, administered applications, energy, wind energy, financial assurance, property restoration, environmental regulation, mining, blasting, residential protection, buffer zone, Department of Mines, public utilities, electric transmission lines, landowner rights, payment regulations

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered the invocation, and recognized the Doctor of the Day and Nurse of the Day. Members also welcomed guests in the gallery, including supporters of a prosthetic coverage bill. The chamber then took up HCR 1019, which designates the planned turnpike corridor from I-44 to I-40 as the Toby Keith Expressway in honor of the late Oklahoma country music star. The resolution was read, discussed in celebratory terms, and adopted by voice vote. The Senate also acted on Senate Bill 202 by rejecting House amendments and requesting Senate conferees to be named later. Senate Bill 1459, which extends the sunset date for the Oklahoma Abstractors Board to 2031, was explained by its author, advanced, and then passed on third reading by a roll call vote of 41-6. The Senate then approved the emergency clause for the bill, making it effective immediately. During announcements, members noted an upcoming legislative drive for the OIE fair project, a Business and Insurance Committee meeting, and recognized the agenda clerk for a birthday. The Senate then adjourned until Monday, March 2 at 1:30 p.m. when the clerk’s desk is clear.

Transcript Highlights:

• The vote is now open. The vote is now closed.
• By vote of 51 in the affirmative to 3 in the negative, House Bill 111 has passed this House.
• The vote is now open. The vote is now closed.
• The vote is now open. No. The vote is now closed.
• By a vote of 63 in the affirmative, one in the negative, House Bill 108, as amended, has fully passed

Bills: HB111 , HB108 , HB145 , HB164 , HB291 , HJR6 , HR1 , HB63 , HB64 , HB165 , HB184 , HB200 , HB4 , HB7 , HB20 , HB65 , HB66 , HB80 , HB88 , HB96 , HB166 , HB285 , HB295 , HB306 , SB29 , SB37 , HJM2 , HJM3 , HJM1 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM13 , HM47 , HM20 , HM51 , HM1 , HM31 , HM35 , HM36 , HM46 , HM53 , HM54 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• The vote is now open. The vote is now closed.
• By vote of 51 in the affirmative to 3 in the negative, House Bill 111 has passed this House.
• The vote is now open. "What's about to close?" The vote is now closed.
• The vote is now open. No. The vote is now closed.
• By a vote of 63 in the affirmative to 1 in the negative, House Bill 108, as amended, has fully passed

Bills: HB111 , HB108 , HB145 , HB164 , HB291 , HJR6 , HR1 , HB63 , HB64 , HB165 , HB184 , HB200 , HB4 , HB7 , HB20 , HB65 , HB66 , HB80 , HB88 , HB96 , HB166 , HB285 , HB295 , HB306 , SB29 , SB37 , HJM2 , HJM3 , HJM1 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM13 , HM47 , HM20 , HM51 , HM1 , HM31 , HM35 , HM36 , HM46 , HM53 , HM54 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Summary: The House resumed third reading after a brief evacuation caused by a fire alarm, which members later said was triggered by a faulty sensor in the print shop. The chamber then completed final passage on three bills. House Bill 111 passed 51-3 after debate in which a member from Lee objected that the bill’s language shifted the burden onto landowners and water right owners to prove innocence. House Bill 96, as amended, passed 61-0 after a friendly floor amendment added minority leader appointments to the proposed space commission working group and set the working group to dissolve on December 31, 2026. House Bill 108, as amended, passed 63-1; it made technical changes to soil and water conservation districts, including clarifying district definitions, director appointment procedures, and tax procedures.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I vote aye. Thank you. Representative Hernandez? Aye. Representative Kishel?
• Today I'm going to vote present just because this bill authorizes rulemaking.
• But since it doesn't need my vote to get through committee, I'll be a present for today.
• Are your vote of four ayes, zero nays, one present, and zero not voting.
• The vote is four ayes, zero nays, one present, and zero not voting.

Committee: House House Regulatory Oversight Committee of Reference

Summary: The Committee on Regulatory Oversight heard two bills related to Arizona bullion and gold-backed transactions. HB 2123 would establish an Arizona bullion depository under the State Treasurer, allow third-party administration and electronic payment systems, require insurance for deposits, and recognize gold and silver as legal tender. Representative Lisa Fink presented the bill as a way to provide an optional, inflation-resistant payment method and to make gold and silver more accessible to ordinary Arizonans; a witness from the Transactional Gold and Silver Project described the depository as a fully allocated, insured warehouse system tied to a debit card and said the model had been used in other states. The committee voted 4-0 with one present to give HB 2123 a do pass recommendation. The committee then considered HB 2140, which would allow state and local governments to use the Arizona bullion depository, permit the State Treasurer to place up to 10% of state monies in bullion there, and require rulemaking by the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. Representative Fink again argued that holding some bullion could diversify state assets and reduce counterparty risk, citing Utah’s treasurer and broader central bank gold accumulation. A member asked about the bill’s rulemaking language and the sponsor said she was open to discussing changes with the State Treasurer. With no public testimony, the committee voted 4-0 with one present to recommend HB 2140 do pass, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I vote aye. Thank you. Representative Hernandez? Aye. Representative Keshel?
• Today I'm going to vote present just because this bill authorizes rulemaking.
• But since it doesn't need my vote to get through committee, I'll be present for today.
• The vote is four ayes, zero nays, one present, and zero not voting.
• The vote is four ayes, zero nays, one present, and zero not voting.

Bills: HB2123 , HB2140

Committee: House Regulatory Oversight

Keywords: bullion, depository, legal tender, Arizona, finances, precious metals, financial transactions, investment, state treasurer, gold bullion, treasury management, financial regulations, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll be back shortly to vote on these bills.
• So I will vote to move the bill along. Thank you.
• I respectfully ask you to vote no on SB 6353. I respectfully ask you to vote no on SB 6353.
• Please vote no. Thank you. Go ahead.
• I urge you to vote no on Senate Bill 6353. I urge you to vote no on Senate Bill 6353. Thank you.

Summary: The committee opened with a public hearing on Senate Bill 5808, a proposal to require nonprofit health carriers with “excess surplus” to pay 10% of that surplus into the state health care affordability account for Cascade Care Savings. Committee staff said the bill could generate about $330 million one time in 2027, while the Office of Insurance Commissioner would have implementation costs. Supporters argued the bill would redirect consumer premium dollars to help people afford coverage, while opponents from health plans said reserves are needed for solvency, claims, and capital needs and warned the bill would destabilize nonprofit insurers. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 2254, which would let the Partnership Access Line assessment cover administrative costs; HCA and Seattle Children’s supported it as a technical fix that saves general fund dollars, and a child psychiatrist asked that savings be reinvested in behavioral health services. House Bill 2385, which extends deadlines for the Medicaid Access Program because of federal restrictions on new provider taxes, also drew support from provider groups seeking future Medicaid rate increases. The committee then heard Substitute Senate Bill 6286, which would increase fines on private detention facilities that deny Department of Health inspections and dedicate the fines to an account for community repair and assistance to harmed individuals and families. Supporters, including Tacoma’s mayor and family members affected by detention, framed the bill as an accountability measure; fiscal staff estimated Department of Health costs of about $395,000 in the 2025-27 biennium. Senate Bill 6006 would exempt food banks from sales tax on certain services enacted last session, with food bank and tribal representatives saying the savings would go directly to food and operations. Senate Bill 6351 would create exemptions from the new sales tax on live presentations for before- and after-school care, arts and cultural nonprofit classes, and K-12 school purchases; school districts, arts groups, and PTA representatives supported it, while asking for clarifying language and broader nonprofit exemptions. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1717 would let cities and counties create local sales tax remittance programs for affordable housing projects, and housing builders, Habitat affiliates, counties, and city officials supported it as a local tool to lower development costs. In executive session, the committee received briefings on several tax and spending bills and then voted to advance multiple measures. It adopted a substitute and passed Senate Bill 5949, which narrows a B&O tax exemption related to insurance premiums; a proposed retroactivity-removing amendment failed. It adopted a substitute and passed Senate Bill 6129 on cigarette, tobacco, and nicotine taxes after rejecting several amendments, including proposals to study the tax policy or replace the bill with illicit-market enforcement language. The committee also passed Senate Bill 6228 repealing a preferential B&O rate for prescription drug resellers, Senate Bill 6231 repealing data center sales tax exemptions, and Second Substitute Senate Bill 5965, which retained a bag-fee approach rather than a full ban after adopting an amendment. The committee then returned to public hearing and began testimony on Senate Bill 6353, a major Working Connections Child Care bill that would keep income eligibility at 60% of state median income, lower the provider rate target from the 85th to the 75th percentile, and make other program changes; the briefing was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; Um, could I explain my vote also? &gt;&gt; Um, could I explain my vote also?
• House Bill 10, as amended by the committee substitute, passes with 16 yes votes and four pass votes.
• House Bill 456 passes unanimously, 19 yes votes, zero no votes. &gt;&gt; yes. &gt;&gt; yes.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Didn't we vote on this last year? &gt;&gt; Didn't we vote on this last year?
• House Bill 480 passes with 19 yes votes, zero no votes, with favorable expression.

Committee: House State Government

Keywords: Consideration of HB 10 -- 00:03:22 Consideration of HB 456 -- 00:20:47 Consideration of HB 480 -- 00:31:24, 958, all