Transcript Highlights:

• Would you like the first roll to be open for co-authors?
• This is for co-authors on ACR 116. All members vote who desire to vote. This is for co-authors.
• There are 67 co-authors on the resolution.
• The clerk will open the roll for co-authors on The clerk will open the roll for co-authors on ACR 118
• There are 67 co-authors on the measure.

Summary: The Assembly convened after an initial quorum call, then proceeded with prayer, the pledge, and routine motions. Members approved several procedural requests, including moving AB 362 to the inactive file and allowing the Natural Resources Committee to hear AB 34 on January 16. The chamber also recognized guests and paid tribute to retiring Republican caucus consultant Daryl Thomas, with remarks from multiple members praising his long service and legal analysis work. The main floor action centered on ACR 116, a resolution honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Members from several caucuses and both parties spoke in support, emphasizing King’s legacy of civil rights, economic justice, nonviolence, and unfinished work. After opening the roll for coauthors, the resolution received 67 coauthors and was adopted by voice vote. The Assembly then took up ACR 118, recognizing Korean American Day; members highlighted Korean American history, community contributions, solidarity with other communities, and the significance of Koreatown and Korean American civic life. That resolution also received 67 coauthors and was adopted by voice vote. The consent calendar was then adopted on a 64-0 vote, including ACR 115 on National Blood Donor Month. The chamber also held an adjournment in memory for former legislator David Kelly, with a tribute to his military service, agricultural background, and legislative work on water conservation and sustainable agriculture. The Assembly announced the upcoming Martin Luther King Day recess and adjourned until Tuesday, January 20 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank the author for bringing this forward.
• I want to thank the author and the sponsors for taking part in this.
• I have some questions for the author.
• I want to thank the author and the sponsors for taking part of this.
• I have some questions for the author.

Committee: House Public Employment and Retirement

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to decide if you felt that I was authorized.
• Um that is I I I I I was authorized.
• /c> LRC did uh authorize LRC did uh authorize uh<00:13:03.680><c> indicate</c><00:13:04.240><c> its</
• Uh, but in my eyes, I was authorized to proceed.
• I believe he was not legally authorized to act as counsel. >> Okay. Um, Mr.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with roll call, where a quorum was confirmed, and the commission approved the July 8, 2025 minutes. The staff report was deferred to later in the agenda. The commission then took up a consolidated matter involving case numbers 24 LEC 3 and 24 LEC 6, centered on a pending motion to dismiss and a response that had been filed. Counsel for Representative Grossberg argued the case should be dismissed because the attorney handling the matter, Mr. Jenkins, allegedly lacked a properly approved contract under government contract review requirements. She also argued that the complaint process was flawed, that complainants relied on rumor and anonymous assertions, and that the matter reflected political retaliation and abuse of process. She said a renewed motion to dismiss had been filed and requested a hearing date and briefing schedule. Enforcement counsel responded that he had been authorized to proceed by the commission, that the contract issue had been disclosed before the preliminary hearing, and that the cited cases did not support dismissal. The chair allowed limited rebuttal, after which the parties clarified their positions on whether Mr. Jenkins had been authorized to act as enforcement counsel and for what period. The commission then voted to go into executive session under KRS 61.810 to discuss and deliberate the pending motion and any confidential complaints. The motion passed, and the meeting moved into closed session.

Transcript Highlights:

• sales often take place in high-traffic, unincorporated areas where counties currently lack legal authority
• This authority currently applies to Hidalgo County, Cameron, El Paso, and Webb counties.
• It also included county authority to regulate other types of roadside vendors, like food and merchandise
• These general law districts serve rural communities and have no taxing authority.
• , not taxing or eminent domain, but expanded the authority of the hospital district.

Bills: HB1532 , HB2731 , HB3483 , HB4308 , HB4580 , HB4582 , HB5509 , HB5663

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: Lake Houston, dredging, maintenance district, flood control, environment, public works, HB 2731, roadside vendors, solicitors, county regulation, border counties, Mexico border, Transportation Code, unincorporated areas, right-of-way, public highway, parking lot, livestock sales, live animals, vendor regulation

Summary: The committee heard and discussed several local-government-related bills, mostly with committee substitutes. House Bill 2731 would let certain border counties regulate roadside vendors selling live animals in unincorporated areas and along public rights-of-way; the substitute narrowed the bill to live animal sales only and excluded livestock and other roadside commerce. House Bill 3483 would streamline TCEQ review of special utility district revenue bonds by removing tax-bond requirements that do not apply to SUDs. House Bill 4308 would create a county industrial development district framework, limited in the substitute to certain counties including Fort Bend County, to help finance industrial sites and related infrastructure. House Bill 5663 would create a Wood County Hospital District memory-care-focused district with no taxing power, intended to help pursue grants and other funding for a new facility. House Bill 4582 addressed attainable housing in Dallas and Tarrant counties, allowing local reimbursement tools for developers under a uniform, optional framework. House Bill 5509 would let municipalities suspend or revoke a hotel’s certificate of occupancy if law enforcement and a criminal court both find probable cause of human trafficking, with the substitute adding due-process protections. House Bill 1532 created a Lake Houston dredging and maintenance district funded by revenue from dredged material sales and revenue bonds, with no taxing authority or eminent domain. House Bill 23, heard as pending business, would revise the process for local governments to rescind development documents and adjust third-party reviewer liability and eligibility rules. House Bill 4580, concerning property tax exemptions for charitable organizations such as the Houston Rodeo, was amended to remove language about exempting revenue from property use and instead focus on land used for agricultural, youth, and educational support. Public testimony was generally supportive on the bills heard, with witnesses including county officials, utility and water association representatives, hotel industry representatives, and housing developers. Several speakers emphasized the need for faster financing or permitting tools, flood mitigation, housing affordability, anti-trafficking enforcement, or local economic development. Some members raised concerns about scope, precedent, consultation with affected senators, and due process, particularly on House Bill 4582 and House Bill 5509, but the committee largely accepted the committee substitutes as improvements. No public testimony was offered on several bills, and most measures were left pending before later being voted out. The committee took recorded votes on multiple pending bills and reported them favorably, often with committee substitutes adopted in lieu of the filed versions. House Bills 1532, 2731, 3483, 5509, 5663, and 4580 were reported out, with 1532 and 5663 passing unanimously and 3483, 2731, and 5509 also receiving favorable votes despite one present-not-voting on 3483. House Bill 23 and House Bill 4582 were left pending subject to call of the chair. The committee then recessed until adjournment or later.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank the author for this considerate legislation.
• I think that’s to the author. Yeah, or you can send it over to the witness.
• I think that's to the author. Yeah. Or you can send it over to the witness.
• This is really important testimony, especially for the author.
• So I appreciate the testimony of how to improve it and to work with the author.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs met as a subcommittee because a quorum was initially lacking, and heard six bills. AB 81 by Assemblymember Ta would require CalVet to study the mental health needs of women veterans; supporters from county veterans service officers, veterans organizations, and behavioral health groups said women veterans face higher rates of military sexual trauma, PTSD, depression, and suicide, while no opposition appeared. The bill was later passed 7-0 and re-referred to Appropriations. AB 826 by Assemblymember Gonzalez would prohibit unaccredited individuals or businesses from charging veterans fees to file or assist with VA benefits claims, impose a civil penalty, and direct penalty revenue to veterans services and district attorneys. Supporters argued the bill would curb predatory “claim sharks” and protect veterans from exploitation, while opponents from private claims consulting firms and several veterans said the measure could restrict access to legitimate help and should be narrowed to target bad actors instead of banning paid assistance broadly. After extensive testimony and discussion about federal law, accreditation, and possible amendments, the committee passed the bill 8-0 and re-referred it to Judiciary. AB 556 by Assemblymember Patterson would clarify that campus-level mandatory fees are covered under the CalVet fee waiver for dependents of certain veterans and Medal of Honor recipients. Supporters said the bill would fulfill the state’s promise to veterans’ families, while concerns were raised about fiscal impacts on CSU campuses and the need for more precise cost estimates. The bill was passed 6-0 and sent to Appropriations. The committee also adopted its rules 7-0 and approved the consent calendar, which included AB 264, AB 1508, and AB 1509, all re-referred to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will now wait for our one remaining author. Yeah. That's you? That's me. Alex Lee.
• Chairman, I want to echo the comments of the author.
• Thank you. to continue to engage with the author and sponsor. Thank you.
• I appreciate the author pushing this boulder up the mountain.
• And I just wanted to thank the author as well for this bill.

Committee: House Housing and Community Development

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a reminder, primary witnesses and support must be those accompanying the author or who have otherwise
• For authors, you'll note that our hearing is publicly noticed as file order.
• I'm pleased to present today Senate Bill 1166, the bill that would authorize the Alameda-Contra Costa
• I know where the author is trying to go: protect kids, make sure that our kids are safe.
• I know what the author is trying to do: protect kids, make sure that our kids are safe.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several bills, beginning with SB 1166 by Senator Arreguín, which would allow AC Transit and its employees to use the Public Employment Relations Board to resolve unfair labor practice charges instead of the courts. The author and union supporters said PERB would provide a faster, fairer, and more specialized process, while no opposition testified. The committee members expressed support, and SB 1166 was approved on a due pass motion and re-referred to Appropriations. The committee also took up consent items SB 1024, SB 1207, and SB 1444, which were moved on consent and placed on hold for absent members. Later, SB 1083 by Senator Perez was heard; it would refine last year’s school misconduct database law by adding an administrative law judge review process for classified employees, requiring stronger employer notification and record-sharing procedures, and extending vetting requirements to certain contracted workers. Supporters, including classified employees and labor groups, argued the bill adds due process and fairness while preserving student safety. Opponents, including school administrators, school districts, and liability organizations, argued it could create gaps in misconduct records, increase liability, and weaken protections for students. After discussion, the author said he was continuing to work with opponents on amendments and emphasized the bill’s goal of balancing due process with child safety, referencing his own experience with grooming as a student. SB 1083 was passed on a due pass motion and re-referred to the Committee on Education. The chair then announced that all bills had passed and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• to use interactive technology authorized to use interactive technology to<00:02:23.120><c> conduct</
• And I know I've talked to the the bill's author and he's agreed to look at that with some other folks
• </c><00:04:49.600><c> about</c> discussions with the bill's author about discussions with the bill's
• author about if<00:04:50.720><c> the</c><00:04:50.960><c> comments</c><00:04:51.440><c> are</c><00:04
• </c><00:05:13.280><c> and</c> I've talked to the the bill's author and I've talked to the the bill's

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Scott is the chief author, so I move the adoption of the calendar for the day.
• Scott is the chief author so I move the Scott is the chief author so I move the adoption<00:01:04.439
• I have a question for the bill author regarding bill passage.
• Uh, H File 1233, I believe, is a bill that Representatives Lesnar authored and I'm the co-author of.
• Lesnar authored and I'm the<00:02:43.159><c> co-author</c><00:02:43.599><c> of</c><00:02:43.720><c>

Committee: House Rules and Legislative Administration

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't have release authority. But what they have and what they call it is placement authority.
• But it functions the same as release authority.
• But it functions the same as release authority. They just call it placement authority.
• It gives you guys more authority.
• And that's a lot of authority, and a lot of people don't want to have legislative limits on their authority

Committees: Joint Judiciary , Joint Judiciary Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you like the first roll to be open for co-authors? Yes, please.
• The clerk will open the roll for co-authors on the bill. All members vote who desire to vote.
• Members, this is for co-authors. All those vote who desire. All those vote who desire to vote.
• On as a co-author to the resolutions on the consent calendar. Members, this is for co-authors.
• There are 64 co-authors. Moving to a vote on the consent calendar.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I do see that we have two authors in the audience.
• Thanks to the author and the witnesses. A couple of questions.
• It keeps a clear, predictable, statutory authority in place.
• I know we have two authors in the room. Absolutely.
• I think the author for bringing this bill forward.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 402, which would increase Cal Grant award amounts for students attending private nonprofit colleges and extend transfer entitlement eligibility to those institutions. The author and supporters argued the bill would improve affordability and access for low- and middle-income, working, military, and transfer students, while some senators emphasized the need to pair any increase with broader Cal Grant reform and funding. The bill drew support from private nonprofit universities, community college districts, and student advocates, and no opposition was presented. It passed on a due pass motion to Senate Appropriations and was placed on call. The committee then took up AB 2067, a sunset extension for the competitive lease-lease-back process for TK-12 school construction through July 1, 2032. Supporters from school facilities groups, school districts, and contractors said the method provides flexibility, early contractor involvement, cost control, and legal certainty for school construction projects. Some senators questioned how often the method is used and raised concerns about the bill’s skilled-and-trained workforce provisions, with one senator opposing on the grounds that such requirements limit contractor participation. The bill passed on a due pass motion and was placed on call. Next, AB 1204 proposed changes to the Local Control Funding Formula, including a lower concentration-grant threshold, regional cost adjustments, a minimum annual COLA, and other equity-focused revisions. Supporters said the bill would better reflect regional costs and student need, while opponents—especially several school district leaders—argued it would shift money away from the base grant, widen disparities, and create new fiscal cliffs. Committee members raised concerns about the scale of the rewrite, the lack of a broader funding strategy, and the proposed 4% COLA guarantee, though the author said the bill was intended as a phased update to improve equity. The bill was supported by the chair and several members, then passed on a due pass motion to Appropriations and was placed on call. Finally, the committee heard AB 1235, which would require a skilled-and-trained workforce process for CSU design-build projects. Supporters said it would align CSU with other segments and promote quality training, while opposition from contractor groups argued it would add liability, reduce competition, and increase costs without evidence of better outcomes. Senators again focused on the effect of skilled-and-trained requirements on contractor participation, with one member stating opposition to limiting who can work in California and another noting the bill’s broader policy implications. The transcript ends during committee discussion of AB 1235, without a recorded final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• This section ensures that entities prove they have the authority to condemn private property.
• This section ensures that entities prove they have the authority to condemn private property.
• Honestly, most condemning authorities I work with don't do that anyway. It is fairly rare.
• They have some constitutional authority at the state level, but we'll put that to one side.
• And it could work both directions against the landowner, against the condemnation authority.

Committee: House Special Committee on Rural Issues

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1119, which was authored by Assemblymember Patel last year, is driving the Commission's exploration
• And they're authorized to do so through our agreements and our standards.
• And they're authorized to do so through our agreements and our standards.
• Work in settings authorized by the underlying credential.
• So it's possible that this could result in more computer science authorizations. All right.

Summary: The committee heard an informational discussion on California’s educator pipeline and shortages, with testimony from the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the Learning Policy Institute, CSU educator preparation leaders, and CTA. Witnesses said state investments of more than $2.1 billion have helped rebuild teacher supply, with credential issuance and preparation enrollment rebounding after COVID, but demand remains high because of turnover, early-career attrition, and persistent vacancies. Panelists emphasized that shortages are especially acute in special education, bilingual education, STEM, and in high-need schools and regions, and that underprepared teachers, substitutes, and emergency permits remain heavily used. Several speakers stressed that retention, working conditions, compensation, and stable funding are as important as recruitment. Members focused on whether current data systems are sufficient to measure need and track where teachers end up working. The Commission said it can monitor assignments for credential alignment, but does not have full employment data to determine whether grant recipients or credentialed teachers are actually deployed in the shortage areas for which they were trained. The chair asked for better regional and subject-area data, and the committee discussed the risk that layoffs and budget instability could undermine teacher pipeline investments. CSU representatives urged stronger support for student-teacher stipends, better coordination with districts, more capacity for special education preparation, and more stable CSU funding to expand educator preparation. CTA testified that school climate, class size, health benefits, and administrative support are essential to retaining teachers. The committee then moved to budget proposals. For the Golden State Teacher Grant Program, Finance proposed a $14.4 million reappropriation for 2026-27, and the Student Aid Commission supported continued funding, saying the program has influenced candidates’ decisions to enter teaching and work in priority schools. For educator residencies, Finance proposed $250 million one-time Proposition 98 funding through 2029-30; the LAO said it could be adopted if aligned with legislative priorities, and CTC said the program has strong uptake and supports retention. For the computer science supplementary authorization grant, Finance proposed increasing awards from $2,500 to $6,000 and reducing the match requirement, but the LAO recommended rejecting the change because only about one-fifth of the original funding has been used. The committee also discussed registered apprenticeship pathways, rural access, and whether federal Title II, Title III, or IDEA funds could support bilingual and special education teacher preparation. Several items were held open for further information and follow-up.

Transcript Highlights:

• "No, I mean the rule number or the fact that the OPLC has the authority to rule.
• </c><00:44:24.000><c> for</c> rules that flesh out that authority for rules that flesh out that authority
• the OPLC has author has the authority<00:45:08.000><c> to</c><00:45:08.240><c> rule.
• This is under the authority to rule.
• <00:58:19.440><c> does</c><00:58:19.760><c> not</c> authority does not authority does not negate negate

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Senator gson um and other co-author Senator gson um and other co-author since<00:18:29.559><c> uh
• authority authority to<00:31:13.480><c> reel</c><00:31:13.960><c> in</c><00:31:14.120><c> the</c><00
• </c><01:30:19.679><c> these</c> commissioner from authorizing these commissioner from authorizing these
• to work with the author and the proponents We appreciate the author for the opportunity to discuss it
• This is a bill that's chief authored by Senator Seberger, co-authored by Senator Rest, and France, and

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• pre-authorization pre-authorization per<02:00:48.560><c> per</c><02:00:48.960><c> occurrence.
• </c> necessarily a prior authorization. necessarily a prior authorization.
• </c> visits before prior authorization visits before prior authorization represents<02:10:15.280><c>
• </c> prior authorization progress uh process. prior authorization progress uh process.
• :48.240><c> lot</c><02:26:48.399><c> of</c> pre-authorization, it's a lot of pre-authorization, it's

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 38-107, it makes clear that IDL has authority to pursue fire cost recovery.
• And two, it transfers that sovereign litigation authority, the authority to bring actions in the name
• And two, it transfers that sovereign litigation authority, the authority to bring actions in the name
• The board has the authority to set the actual fees under Idaho Code 67-42-23.
• Section 075 talks about the authority conferable on employees and enforcement.

Summary: The committee first approved minutes from February 9 and February 11, 2026. It then heard Senate Bill 1328 from Senator Harris, a cleanup bill related to the Department of Lands’ authority to use its own general counsel under the 2024 changes in Senate Bill 1292. Harris said the bill aligns statutes with current practice by replacing references to the Attorney General in multiple land-management and enforcement provisions, while preserving some AG involvement. The Attorney General’s office, through Phil Skinner, opposed the bill as unconstitutional, arguing it strips core duties from a constitutional officer and transfers sovereign litigation authority to agency attorneys. Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller and General Counsel John Richards testified in support, describing confusion and overlap in recent cases. After debate, a substitute motion to hold the bill in committee failed 2-7, and the original motion to send the bill to the floor with a do-pass recommendation passed 7-2. The committee then considered three Idaho Department of Fish and Game rule dockets. Docket 13-0103-2501, covering public use of Fish and Game lands, added definitions and restrictions related to camping, leashes, exploding targets, and air guns; it was approved unanimously. Docket 13-116-2401, on trapping and fur-bearing animals, clarified bait definitions, adjusted reporting and reimbursement provisions, and added allowances or restrictions tied to snow-covered routes, bridges, wildlife crossings, and wolf trapping; it was also approved unanimously. Docket 13-119-2501, governing licensed vendors, revised selection and termination criteria, lowered the active vendor ceiling, barred new out-of-state vendor applications, and allowed vendors to pass through credit card processing fees; it was approved unanimously. Finally, the committee heard Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Director Susan Buxton on docket 2601-2501. She proposed fee increases for motor vehicle entry, commercial vehicle entry, boat launching, moorage, and reservation-related charges, while asking the committee to reject two sections: one adding employee enforcement language and one increasing campsite fees, which she said should be revisited later to better protect affordability for Idaho residents. The committee agreed to reject those two sections and approved the remainder of the docket, with members noting the changes were intended to focus fee increases more on non-residents and align with prior legislative intent.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a reminder, primary witnesses in support are those designated by the author.
• And we have an author present. Thank you, Senator, for being here on time.
• We thank the committee, bill authors Senators Umberg and Allen, and our coalition partners.
• And I respectfully ask to be a co-author of this legislation as it moves forward.
• Thank you to the author for bringing this. Actually, this is an interesting discussion.

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on July 2, 2025, with a quorum present and took up eight agenda items, including four consent bills. The committee first approved the consent calendar, which included SB 280, SB 621, SB 851, and SB 852, all moving forward without objection. The committee then heard several bills from Senator Umberg focused on election administration and campaign finance, along with SB 408 on voter-roll maintenance. SB 249 would require county board of education elections to be consolidated with the statewide general election. Supporters, including the League of Women Voters, argued this would increase turnout and make those elections more representative; opponents, including Orange County education officials, argued it would override local control, increase costs, and add ballot fatigue. The bill passed 5-2 and was re-referred to the Committee on Education. SB 398 would make it a crime to pay or offer contingent payments or other valuable consideration to induce voting or voter registration, closing what supporters described as a loophole involving lotteries and incentives. It passed 5-0 as amended and was re-referred to the Committee on Public Safety. SB 42 would remove the state ban on public financing for campaigns in general law cities and counties, allowing local voters to decide whether to adopt such systems. Supporters from Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, and many local advocates said it would broaden participation and reduce the influence of big money; opponents raised concerns about taxpayer funding, guardrails, and local oversight. The bill passed 5-2 and was re-referred to Appropriations. Finally, SB 408 would require election officials to use U.S. Postal Service change-of-address data to help maintain voter rolls; supporters said it would improve accuracy and trust in elections, while one commenter questioned reliance on postal data. The bill passed unanimously 6-0 and was re-referred to Appropriations. The committee then completed the remaining roll calls and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any questions for the author? Seeing none, we have a resource witness.
• The authorization to advertise is particularly interesting.
• I'm in favor of this bill as the author has laid out.
• They do have authority as the brewpub to sell to other retailers, so that...
• Currently, yes, the Alcoholic Beverage Code just does not provide that authorization.

Bills: HB 1301 , HB2278 , HB2776 , HB2820 , HB3848 , HB3920 , HB4172 , HB4215 , HB4284 , HB4285 , HB4463 , HB4517 , HB4690 , HB4765 , HB4766 , HB4767 , HB4768 , HB4769 , HB4773 , HB4830 , HB5506

Committee: House Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Keywords: alcohol, beverages, winery permit, restaurant, malt beverages, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, alcohol production, home brewing, family use, craft beverages, massage therapy, licensing, criminal offenses, sexually oriented businesses, public safety, bingo, charitable gaming, operating capital, regulation, funding