Transcript Highlights:

• know that you've ordained government and that you have set those that are in this room here, and we trust
• your plan, trust your will, and we thank you for that.
• Senate Bill 1, by Senator Dismang et al., to reduce the income tax rates for individuals, trusts, estates
• With all of our resources, it's a zero-sum decision, and it's especially so when it comes to money.
• It's a zero-sum decision, and it's especially so when it comes to money, because we're cutting $180 million

Summary: The Senate convened, took leave requests, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved into the morning business agenda. Senator Irvin announced a Hunger Caucus fundraiser, Serving Up Solutions, and invited members to sign up to wait tables. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 1, which would reduce income tax rates for individuals, trusts, estates, and corporations, continuing a series of tax cuts begun in 2013. Senator Dismang presented the bill, explaining that it would lower the top individual rate from 3.9% to 3.7% effective January 1, 2026, and reduce the corporate rate to 4.1% starting next year. In questions, senators discussed local sales tax limits, the impact of the cut on funding for Medicaid, education, and educational freedom accounts, and whether federal fiscal uncertainty should affect the state’s decision. Supporters argued Arkansas’s conservative budgeting and reserve set-asides made the cut sustainable and that returning money to taxpayers was the best use of surplus funds. Senators Tucker and Leding spoke against the bill, saying the state should prioritize early childhood education, health care, maternal health, and public schools over tax cuts, and that the reduction would mainly provide small benefits to most taxpayers while reducing resources for other needs. Senator McKee spoke in favor, arguing the money should be returned to the people who earned it. The Senate then passed Senate Bill 1 by a vote of 29 yeas to 6 nays and transmitted it to the House. After the vote, members were told the Revenue and Taxation Committee would meet after House adjournment if the House version of the tax bill was transmitted. The Senate then announced it would adjourn subject to clearing the desk and reading a House bill across, with the body set to reconvene the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Zero nays. House bill 502 >> 32 eyes. Zero nays.
• I zero nay. Certification >> 32. I zero nay.
• >> All right. 33 I zero. Senate Bill 379 >> All right. 33 I zero.
• Zero nays. Um report from >> 33 eyes. Zero nays.
• >> 33 eyes, zero nays. The BR is adopted. >> 33 eyes, zero nays.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer and the pledge, confirmed a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber then received House messages referring House Bill 614 on supplemental appropriations and House Bill 224 on the distribution and use of tax funds to the Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee. Committee reports followed on several bills, including favorable reports for House Bills 169, 542, 593, and 13, with HB 542 amended in committee. The Senate also referred Senator Orr’s proposed rules change to the Rules Committee. A series of resolutions were taken up and adopted, including Senate Resolution 109 creating the Alabama Boating Safety Task Force, Senate Joint Resolutions 102 and 103, House Joint Resolutions 237, 215, 216, 218, and 235, Senate Joint Resolution 88 supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s nuclear life cycle innovation effort, Senate Joint Resolution 93 creating a rural EMS and volunteer fire department study commission, Senate Joint Resolution 94 commending Exchange Club of Tuscaloosa Officer of the Year honorees, and Senate Joint Resolution 110 commending William Riley Hawkins Jr. on his retirement from AARP Alabama. The Senate also recognized several guests in the gallery, including local school superintendents and a student visitor. The chamber then moved through local legislation, adopting BRs and passing numerous local bills and constitutional amendments, including measures for Mobile, Prichard, Class 2 municipalities, Mingo County, Talladega County, Perry County, Wilcox County, Clay County, Washington County, and Madison County. Senate Bill 376 on Mobile County and Senate Bill 379 on Madison County were both passed and transmitted. Most local bills passed on unanimous or near-unanimous votes using the previous roll. The Senate also adopted Special Order Calendar Resolution 111, setting a special order calendar for the 27th legislative day that prioritized a long list of appropriations, education, retirement, dam safety, and higher education bills. On that calendar, House Bills 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 565, and Senate Bill 380 were taken up. HB 235’s committee substitute was tabled, a floor substitute was adopted restoring funding to the McQuain Center and removing some arts grants, and the bill passed. HB 236 passed after a language amendment. HB 237 passed as the Education Opportunities Reserve Fund bill. HB 238 passed after a floor substitute that shifted arts grants, added Voices for Alabama’s Children, adjusted RAISE Act weights, and increased funding for poverty, special education, and gifted students, along with a small amendment. HB 239 passed as the public education employee pay raise bill, with a substitute adding a retiree bonus and members discussing that the bonus would also be carried through SB 380. HB 240, HB 241, HB 242, and HB 565 all passed. SB 380 on the teachers retirement system received committee amendments and was being advanced as the vehicle for the retiree bonus, with Senator Orr explaining the bonus would be about $33 million and based on $1 per month of service for eligible retirees with at least 10 years of service.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is 25 to zero. Vote being 25 to >> yes. It is 25 to zero.
• . 25 to zero >> It is 25 to zero. 25 to zero on<01:24:48.000> a<01:24:48.159> motion<
• The vote being 25 to zero, >> 25 to zero.
• The cost is zero.
• The cost is zero.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee met on October 30 to act on a series of House bills that had been moved during the budget process and, in many cases, were already addressed in the state budget. The chair explained that bills covered by the budget would generally be reported inexpedient to legislate, while some others would be placed on the consent calendar or handled separately. Early votes were largely unanimous, including House Bill 54, which would allow alternate treatment centers to operate for profit; the committee voted 25-0 ought to pass and sent it to the consent calendar. The committee then recommended inexpedient to legislate on House Bill 97, a wastewater and infrastructure appropriation bill, because the funding had been replaced in House Bill 2 with $2.5 million in each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Representative Rum opposed the ITL motion, arguing the projects would otherwise burden local property taxpayers and that the funding was important for housing and municipal infrastructure, but the motion passed 14-11. House Bill 111, dealing with the right-to-know ombudsman, was also reported ITL 14-11 on the grounds that the budget already made significant reforms and separate action could create conflicting statutory language. House Bill 164, creating funding for a local government records manager position in the Secretary of State’s office, received a unanimous amendment appropriating $150,000 for fiscal year 2027 and then passed 25-0 ought to pass as amended, moving to the regular calendar. House Bill 197, the Property Tax Relief Act, drew extended debate over whether restoring a state contribution to retirement system costs would reduce local property taxes; supporters framed it as tax relief for municipalities and school districts, while opponents said the effect would be minimal or offset by other retirement-system changes. The committee ultimately voted 14-11 ITL, with a minority report requested. House Bill 215, requiring landfill permit applicants to submit a report on potential harms and benefits, was amended and then passed 25-0 ought to pass as amended. House Bill 216, which would remove a workers’ compensation-related service-credit limit for certain disability retirement cases, was voted ITL 25-0 after the sponsor said the fiscal impact was too uncertain. Finally, House Bill 219, which would redirect renewable portfolio standard funds and was amended to delay its effective date to July 1, 2027, advanced after debate over electricity costs and renewable energy policy; the committee adopted the amendment unanimously and then voted on the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a trusted support mechanism for thousands across our states.
• And so we ended up spending nearly $5 million on this contract for zero, absolutely zero criminal referrals
• I-62, no zero. The measure passes.
• Eyes 58, no zero. The measure passes. File item 188. no zero. The measure passes. File item 185.
• So I trust that the Member is going to continue to engage with us.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly convened, first dealing with quorum and routine procedural matters before moving through a series of third-reading bills, many focused on immigration enforcement, worker protections, child care, and school or voting-site safety. Early measures included AB 2393, AB 1994, AB 1929, AB 1633, AB 1650, AB 1655, AB 1851, AB 1896, and AB 2230, with authors and supporters arguing these bills would provide accountability, protect immigrant communities, preserve access to benefits and services, and limit intimidation by immigration enforcement. Opponents repeatedly argued the bills were anti-law-enforcement, unconstitutional, or based on exaggerated or nonexistent threats. Several bills passed by recorded vote, including AB 2393 (41-15), AB 1994 (58-0), AB 1929 (41-17), AB 1650 (44-19), AB 1655 (50-14), AB 1851 (56-0), AB 1896 (41-19), and AB 2230 (42-15). AB 1633, a 54-vote bill imposing a tax on for-profit detention facilities, was debated at length but the roll was not completed in the excerpt and the item was moved on from temporarily. After a caucus break, the House returned and took up additional bills. AB 2379 would require child care providers to be informed of constitutional protections and receive multilingual training regarding immigration enforcement; it passed 59-10 on both the urgency and the measure. AB 2460 would direct the education department to update referral protocols so schools can better respond to students affected by immigration enforcement trauma and family deportation; it passed 52-8. AB 2495 would expand prohibitions on unfair immigration-related practices by employers, making immigration-related threats unlawful in workplace disputes; it passed 50-15. Throughout the day, debate was highly partisan and often heated, with repeated exchanges over whether the bills addressed real harms or were political messaging, but the Assembly ultimately advanced the measures that came to a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Goodwin, Senator Green Senator Reinhardt, Vice Chairman Haste, Chairman Hall With a total of nine ayes, zero
• Some office buildings were listed as having zero square feet.
• A few of such zero square feet entries also reported that their building was being used at 100% utility
• Some entries reported the building had zero cost.
• You will see some reported zero or over utilization in 200.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 4007, municipal tax increment financing; HCR 2013, Goldback Trust Bonds, urging authorization.
• Members, by your vote, 59 ayes, zero nays, one not voting. You have passed House Bill 2010.
• Members, by a vote of 59 ayes, zero nays, one not voting, you have passed House Bill 2010.
• Members, by vote of 59 ayes, zero nays, one not voting, you have passed...
• We must continue to stand for election integrity so that we can restore trust in our system.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of Dr. Jimmy Sade as Doctor of the Day. Members also read a proclamation commending law enforcement and Border Patrol personnel involved in rescuing an eight-year-old boy from a human trafficking situation, with several members praising the interagency cooperation and the officers’ actions. The chamber then handled routine desk business, committee substitutions, first and second readings of numerous bills, and reported attendance at 56 present, three absent, and one excused. The Committee of the Whole considered HB 2096, HB 2173, HB 2451, and HCR 2001. HB 2096, HB 2173, and HB 2451 each received do-pass recommendations, while HB 2121 was retained on the calendar. HCR 2001, a proposed constitutional amendment on election requirements, drew extended debate over voter ID, mail ballots, ballot deadlines, and election security. A subfloor amendment was adopted by a 32-26 vote, and the amended resolution then received a do-pass recommendation. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, and the measures were assigned accordingly. On third reading, the House passed HB 2010 on digital consumer licensing disclosures by 59-0, HB 2132 on drug offenses by 59-0, HB 2155 on the Arizona Beef Council by 57-2, HB 2178 on state agency licensure requirements by 51-9, HB 2310 on employment relationships by 59-0, and HB 2395 on a Department of Education fitness-related measure by 59-0. HCR 2001 also passed on third reading by 32-27 and was sent to the Senate. Several members explained their votes, with supporters emphasizing election integrity and consumer or public-safety benefits, and opponents criticizing the election measure as restrictive and unnecessary. The House then heard multiple personal privilege remarks and announcements, including a proclamation for Cary Elwes Day, birthday and community notices, and a request for JLBC to review election-related funding. Committee meeting announcements followed, additional bill referrals and withdrawals were announced, and the House adjourned until 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> So, with eight yes votes, zero no votes, and zero pass votes, Senate Bill 17 as amended by the committee
• c> a<00:10:02.320> will<00:10:03.040> or<00:10:03.360> a<00:10:03.519> trust
• /c><00:10:04.240> For<00:10:04.480> them,<00:10:04.800> this need a will or a trust
• For them, this need a will or a trust.
• passes, Senate Bill 34 is uh and zero passes, Senate Bill 34 is passed<00:28:31.200> and<00:28

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Bill 17, a cleanup bill updating Kentucky CASA statutes. The sponsor and witnesses said the bill would reduce the required board size from 15 to 12 to better fit rural and regional programs, remove the ban on certain CHFS employees serving as CASA volunteers while preserving DCBS independence, and update statutory references from the National CASA Association to the Kentucky CASA Network and current national standards language. Members expressed support for the program’s child advocacy role. A committee substitute and title amendment were adopted, and SB 17 passed 8-0 and was reported favorably. The committee then heard Senate Bill 34, which would authorize transfer-on-death deeds for a primary residence or primary vehicle. The sponsor and Uniform Law Commission witnesses said the measure is intended to let owners name a beneficiary to receive property at death without probate, while retaining full ownership and revocation rights during life. They said the bill is designed to be simple, affordable, and protective of creditors, Medicaid recovery, and surviving spouse rights, and that it has been adopted in 30 states. Questions focused on how the deed would interact with wills, revocation, and possible fraud or family disputes; witnesses said a will would not revoke a TOD deed, only a recorded revocation or later deed would, and that challenges to capacity could be brought within two years. The county clerk association requested a future floor amendment on details, and title companies and bankers were described as neutral. SB 34 passed 8-0 and was reported favorably, with some members noting they would want to review the forthcoming amendment before final floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• zero nays. zero nays.
• Straw vote. 32 eyes, uh zero nays. 32 eyes, uh zero nays.
• 33 eyes, zero nays, the BR is adopted. 33 eyes, zero nays, the BR is adopted.
• 33 eyes, zero nays, the BR is adopted. 33 eyes, zero nays, the BR is adopted.
• 35 eyes, zero nays. The BR is adopted. 35 eyes, zero nays. The BR is adopted.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened, heard a prayer and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the prior journal. The chamber received House messages, including referral of Senate Confirmation 89 for Rex Jones to the Underground and Aboveground Storage Tank Trust Funds Management Board, and concurred in Senate Bill 231 after a 30-0 vote. Several local House bills were referred to the Committee on Local Legislation. During personal remarks, Senator Coleman-Madison recognized Women’s History Month and highlighted Alabama native Mary Ellen Jolly and her book, "Accidental Activist," praising women who support the legislature. The Senate then processed committee reports, including favorable reports on multiple Finance and Taxation General Fund bills (SB 143, 144, 145 with substitute, 152, 153, 154, 162, 226 with substitute, and 146 with substitute and one abstention), as well as confirmations for Nancy Sandford, Marty Abrams, and Jim Page to the University of North Alabama Board of Trustees, all of which were confirmed. Committee reports also advanced several county and municipal and local legislation measures, including SB 292, HB 351, HB 141, HB 273, HB 504, HB 488, SB 343, and SB 346. On the floor, SB 333 on class two municipalities passed after adoption of its BIR and committee amendment, and HB 308, a proposed constitutional amendment for Mobile County, passed after the Senate tabled the committee amendment, adopted a substitute amendment by Senator Figures, and approved the certification resolution. SB 334 for Shelby County, SB 339 for Crenshaw County, and HB 507 for Covington County also passed, with certification resolutions adopted where required. The governor returned SB 228 with an executive amendment, and the Senate concurred 33-0. The Rules Committee report set the special order calendar for the next legislative day, listing bills including SB 91, SB 280, SB 181, SB 237, SB 326, SB 255, HB 77, HB 104, HB 110, HB 271, HB 362, HB 332, HB 429, SB 211, HB 125, HB 122, HB 124, SB 140, SB 199, and SB 332. Senator Singleton spoke at length criticizing the handling of minority-sponsored bills and questioning several measures, and after debate the Senate adopted the special order calendar 34-0. SB 91 was then carried over at the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you have zero earned income, then the answer is zero. It's a deduction if you itemize.
• We didn't have to take away money from the Housing Trust Fund.
• Zero of them have said we want or need these corporate tax cuts.
• Six aye, four no, zero not voting.
• We trust people. They trust government.

Summary: The joint appropriations committee met on April 28 to review the FY 2027 budget package, including the general appropriations feed bills (HB 4138 and SB 1831) and related budget reconciliation measures. Staff described the budget as including about $17.96 billion in general fund appropriations, a one-time transfer of state monies to increase revenues, a 5% lump-sum reduction to most agencies’ discretionary general fund budgets, and several one-time restorations or continuations for items such as school facilities, child care, child safety, corrections stipends, and public safety operating costs. Members spent much of the meeting debating how the across-the-board cuts would be implemented, which programs might be affected, and how fund sweeps from prior-year appropriations and special funds would work, including questions about universities, public safety, rural hospitals, transportation grants, the Corporation Commission, and health insurance costs for state employees and troopers. A major point of discussion was the impact on universities and higher education. Arizona Board of Regents representatives said the proposed reductions and fund sweeps would affect already obligated dollars, research, staffing, and student aid programs, and could force difficult decisions about programs such as the Promise Program, Teachers Academy, and other pass-through funds. Committee members also raised concerns about whether the cuts could lead to tuition increases or reductions in services, while majority members emphasized that agencies and the executive branch should decide how to absorb the reductions. Another major topic was health care and the state employee health plan: staff explained that the budget includes a $228 million general fund infusion to stabilize the plan, while a separate reconciliation bill would raise employee premiums over three years. Members also discussed whether the budget’s changes to AHCCCS/Access and hospital eligibility rules could increase costs for hospitals and reduce coverage. Public testimony largely opposed the budget. Speakers from Opportunity Arizona, the Arizona Board of Regents, and local governments argued that the proposal would shift costs onto working families, reduce support for education, housing, SNAP, health care, and rural infrastructure, and protect tax benefits for data centers and higher-income taxpayers. A mayor from Globe asked for state help after severe flooding damaged roads, water lines, and homes, while a motorcycle safety advocate asked the committee to review a DPS motorcycle safety fund appropriation. Committee members and staff repeatedly clarified that some items discussed were one-time appropriations not continued into FY 2027, that some fund sweeps were from unspent or unencumbered balances, and that the committee planned to take a mass roll-call vote on the budget bills at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• 25 yays, zero nays. >> Chair Tomkow: Show the bill reported favorably. Congratulations.
• 25 YAYS, ZERO NAYS. 107 >> Chair Tomkow: SHOW THE BILL REPORTED FAVORABLY.
• I didn't have a trusted adult, and nobody believed me. I sought out my own healthcare.
• Revealing sensitive information like this requires trust and confidentiality.
• Woodson: >> 25 yea, zero nay. >>Rep. Campbell: YES. 1256 >>Rep.

Summary: The committee first heard HB 245, which would replace references in Florida law to “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material.” The sponsor said the change was overdue and more accurately reflects the criminal nature of the material. There was brief supportive public testimony, no debate, and the bill was reported favorably on a unanimous vote. The committee then took up HB 237 on the use of professional nursing titles. The sponsor said advanced practice registered nurses should be able to use earned academic titles such as DNP or PhD. Supporters testified in favor, there was no opposition or debate, and the bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The longest discussion centered on HB 173, which would expand parental consent and access requirements for minors’ medical care, medical records, certain school surveys, and biomedical devices. Supporters argued it restores parental rights and keeps parents involved in children’s health decisions, while opponents—many from medical, mental health, LGBTQ, and youth advocacy groups—warned it could block access to STI treatment, mental health care, crisis hotlines, and confidential services for vulnerable youth, including those in abusive homes. After extensive testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably on a 19-7 vote. Finally, the committee began HB 327 on uterine fibroid research. The sponsor explained the bill would require health care providers to submit identified data so the Department of Health can build a usable de-identified research database, after prior implementation problems with duplicate or unverified data. A supportive local official testified, and members indicated support as the meeting moved toward a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary, lock the board and record the vote. 38 yays, zero nays.
• Secretary, lock the board and record the vote. 38 yays, zero nays, Mr. President.
• Secretary, lock the board and record the vote. 38 yays, zero nays.
• BE ENTITLED AN ACT RELATING TO THE BILL TRUST FUND IN TRUST FOR PURPOSES BY THE SUPREME COURT.
• I would gather most Of you get zero interest on your checking account.

Bills: SJR85, SCR29, SCR38, SCR42, SB23, SB39, SB209, SB227, SB240, SB330, SB527, SB584, SB618, SB619, SB636, SB663, SB715, SB732, SB758, SB801, SB825, SB826, SB843, SB844, SB847, SB870, SB884, SB912, SB957, SB1013, SB1020, SB1065, SB1143, SB1152, SB1164, SB1183, SB1257, SB1299, SB1325, SB1349, SB1413, SB1455, SB1539, SB1558, SB1574, SB1583, SB1624, SB1642, SB1643, SB1667, SB1717, SB1718, SB1727, SB1734, SB1756, SB1757, SB1784, SB1789, SB1832, SB1868, SB1870, SB1883, SB1896, SB1920, SB1924, SB1963, SB2010, SB2018, SB2024, SB2037, SB2052, SB2073, SB2111, SB2161, SB2196, SB2207, SB2253, SB2268, SB2322, SB2323, SB2332, SB2349, SB2371, SB2533, SB2570, SB2601, SB2626, SB2692, SB2705, SB2717, SB2774, SB2788, SB2877, SB2920, SB2, SB260, SB1786, SB1, HJR4, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SJR85, SJR84, SCR12, SCR39, SCR38, SCR42, SCR29, SCR4, SCR18, SCR43, SCR46, SB2023, SB825, SB2010, SB1870, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1539, SB1505, SB583, SB957, SB1502, SB507, SB1026, SB1349, SB1433, SB1434, SB1376, SB1585, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB619, SB1122, SB732, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB261, SB1882, SB618, SB393, SB1791, SB826, SB1257, SB870, SB529, SB209, SB1883, SB2024, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB510, SB1860, SB2037, SB1924, SB2253, SB2018, SB2206, SB1963, SB1643, SB1299, SB841, SB668, SB584, SB1085, SB2431, SB1490, SB1868, SB2314, SB434, SB2046, SB1667, SB1727, SB2127, SB1975, SB1760, SB1734, SB1335, SB2246, SB2439, SB1624, SB1244, SB1468, SB2717, SB1612, SB1262, SB604, SB2395, SB1832, SB1745, SB1746, SB2207, SB1784, SB1524, SB528, SB437, SB269, SB1137, SB968, SB636, SB747, SB1325, SB1789, SB1455, SB2056, SB1940, SB2052, SB1579, SB2068, SB3034, SB844, SB1920, SB1558, SB1236, SB1044, SB884, SB463, SB227, SB240, SB517, SB1200, SB1410, SB1626, SB1845, SB1863, SB2216, SB2681, SB1717, SB2141, SB2323, SB2200, SB2332, SB2199, SB1642, SB1757, SB2050, SB1138, SB2626, SB2458, SB1864, SB2201, SB1862, SB1583, SB1055, SB2660, SB1898, SB2662, SB2161, SB2964, SB2881, SB1065, SB801, SB2743, SB2533, SB1413, SB2073, SB3014, SB3013, SB2774, SB2702, SB2629, SB2443, SB2349, SB2167, SB2145, SB2121, SB758, SB648, SB647, SB512, SB438, SB1721, SB2268, SB1495, SB2705, SB2366, SB1422, SB1369, SB1013, SB682, SB2692, SB2570, SB2797, SB2111, SB1896, SB1164, SB1020, SB663, SB2371, SB1152, SB2196, SB2383, SB2581, SB2798, SB330, SB646, SB843, SB1998, SB1418, SB2788, SB1169, SB2873, SB1754, SB1534, SB1718, SB2779, SB2004, SB1143, SB1756, SB912, SB2119, SB2032, SB527, SB1580, SB1952, SB2601, SB2322, SB2448, SB1777, SB1283, SB407, SB2392, SB2076, SB2786, SB3031, SB2877, SB2876, SB2284, SB2225, SB1540, SB2920, SB2929, SB1395, SB1972, SB2540, SB1183, SB2742, SB2595, SB2217, SB2117, SB715, SB2330, SB1964, SB1383, SB500, SB1640, SB39, SB2001, SB2080, SB2722, SB506, SB2514, SB2623, SB2658, SB1574, SB2900, SB23, SB2753, SB2398, SB401, SB1241, SB2927, SB2173, SB2538, SB898, SB467, SB1449, SB2529, SB1531, SB2846, SB2476, SB2031, SB986, SB1181, SB2075, SB2154, SB2864, HB135, HB 1109, SCR48, SB31, SB2880, SB1359, SB2386, SB771, SB2844, SB2550, SB1351, SB1423, SB1931, SB2245, SB2589, SB2707, SB2807, SB2351, SB410, SB659, SB816, SB2776, SB2693, SB2580, SB1980, SB1886, SB1234, SB739, SB482, SB456, SB127, SB1666, SJR85, SB23, SB826, SB844, SB957, SB1413, SB1539, SB1583, SB1642, SB1643, SB1789, SB1883, SB1963, SB2024, SB2626, SB2774, SB825, SB1870, SB2010, SB240, SB618, SB870, SB1257, SB1727, SR424, SR428, SCR29, SCR42, SCR49, SB3056, SB3057, HB2, HB20, HB 120, HB142, HB210, HB215, HB451, HB 1022, HB 1151, HB1458, HB1700, HB2000, HB3093, SB3056, SB3057, HB2, HB20, HB 120, HB142, HB210, HB215, HB451, HB 1022, HB 1151, HB1458, HB1700, HB2000, HB3093

Keywords: Texas constitutional amendment, property tax relief, school district taxes, ad valorem tax, homestead exemption, residence homestead, elderly homeowners, senior citizens, disabled homeowners, age 65 or older, school finance, tax exemption increase, local school taxes, property tax exemption, homestead tax relief, voter approval, school district revenue, tax rollback, disabled persons exemption, El Paso

Transcript Highlights:

• Zero.
• in the trust fund. Okay. in the trust fund. Okay.
• trust fund, in the trust fund, out of the trust fund, in the trust fund, out of the trust fund.
• trust fund, in the trust fund, out of the trust fund, in the trust fund, out of the trust fund.
• <04:21:13.760> fund the remaining education trust fund the remaining education trust fund

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met with Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre and Charitable Gaming Chief Compliance Officer Kulie Aoyo to review proposed changes in HB 2 and related amendments affecting video lottery terminals, historic horse racing, charitable gaming, and scratch tickets. McIntyre said the late-arriving amendment made revenue estimates difficult, especially because the bill would allow operators to decide when to convert from HHR to VLTs and would change the floor-space rules. He explained that the existing 70/30 floor-space split between machines and table games was negotiated to protect charity revenue, and warned that moving to a 90/10 split could reduce charity revenue, potentially by as much as $17 million, while also changing the character of the facilities. Committee members discussed whether to keep the 70/30 split, and McIntyre said he could provide updated estimates later that day, including net impacts after any offsetting gains or losses under current law. Members also asked about the governor’s proposed operator share versus the Sweeney amendment’s higher operator share. McIntyre said the governor’s 45% figure was based on his own estimate and on comparable rates in other states, and he supported it as a way to maximize revenue for the state and charities. He also described a change to high-stakes tournaments: after speaking with Rep. Sweeney, he said the amendment was clarified to apply only to those tournaments and would lower the house take from 10% to 5% to encourage participation in rare, high-buy-in events. The committee also discussed a separate proposal to raise the maximum scratch ticket price from $30 to $50; McIntyre said the change would take time to implement, would likely increase net state revenue by about $1 million in year two, and was consistent with pricing in neighboring states such as Massachusetts and Connecticut. Additional questions covered sports betting and a separate Kino-related estimate. McIntyre said March Madness is the busiest period for sports betting and that the state’s sports betting revenue has exceeded initial expectations. He also said he had estimated that removing a municipal-vote restriction for Kino could cost about $12 million total, with $2 million in the first year and $10 million thereafter. No formal votes were taken during the discussion; the chair indicated the committee would revisit the VLT amendment and other sections later, and McIntyre agreed to send updated revenue estimates to committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• To be quite frank, this Bitcoin could go to zero, or it could go to a million, or two million, or five
• The trust company currently invests and manages more than $105 billion in state assets across multiple
• These conservative management practices for the investment of taxpayer dollars have furthered the trust
• Not zero. So we've narrowed that down to the extremities.
• But if you look at every country in the history of the world, their currency eventually goes to zero.

Bills: SB 21, SB21, SB72, SB140, SB262, SB370, SB372, SB495, SB627, SB703, SB764, SB842

Keywords: emergency alerts, weather alerts, public safety, local government, municipality, county, website posting, online notice, emergency management, disaster preparedness, evacuation, National Weather Service, NOAA, Texas Division of Emergency Management, TDEM, localized alerts, hazard warnings, severe weather, watch warning advisory, public information

Transcript Highlights:

• Ten ayes, zero noes, zero not voting.
• Ten ayes, zero no, no, no, not voting. Members, by your vote of ten eyes, zero no, no, not voting.
• Members, by your vote of 10 eyes, zero noes, and zero not voting you have given House Bill 2620 a due
• Ten ayes, zero noes, zero not voting.
• Members, by your vote of 10 ayes, zero noes, and zero not voting, you have given House Bill 2321 a do

Bills: HB2014, HB2111, HB2156, HB2165, HB2202, HB2305, HB2321, HB2399, HB2403, HB2416, HB2418, HB2446, HB2601, HB2615, HB2620, HB2812, HB2939, HB2940, HB2955, HB2957, HB2960, HB2992, HB4026, HB4049

Keywords: air emissions, fuel blends, environmental quality, feasibility study, Arizona Department of Agriculture, driver license, examinations, motorcycle awareness, public safety, traffic laws, livestock, compensation, funding, ranching, agriculture, veterans, state parks, admission fees, military exemption, recreation access

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2615, a strike-everything amendment creating an Independent Oversight Committee tied to the Department of Child Safety, with authority to review DCS practices, request briefings and audits, visit sites, and receive confidential complaints, along with a $2.2 million appropriation. The sponsor and several parents and advocates testified that stronger independent oversight was needed because of serious DCS failures affecting children and families. Some members supported the goal but objected to housing the committee in the Ombudsman’s office or questioned whether the structure was the right approach. The strike-everything amendment was adopted, but the bill itself then failed on a 5-5 vote. The committee then passed House Bill 2620, which provides $300,000 annually for five years to the Arizona Department of Veterans Services to grant funds to emergency shelters serving veterans without requiring scheduled intake appointments. The sponsor and shelter representatives said the money would support trauma-informed case managers, help veterans connect to VA and shelter resources, and move the state closer to functional zero for veteran homelessness. The bill received unanimous support and a do-pass recommendation. House Bill 2321 also passed unanimously. It requires DCS to place a security freeze on the credit reports of children entering foster care, with the freeze remaining until age 16 unless the child later chooses otherwise, and includes a $100,000 appropriation and one ongoing FTE. The sponsor said foster youth are especially vulnerable to identity theft and need automatic protection. House Bill 2601, which directs ADOT to seek federal segmentation for the Interstate 11 project between Casa Grande and Wickenburg, passed 6-4 after testimony from supporters who said it would keep the project moving and opponents who raised environmental, cost, and litigation concerns. House Bill 2992, a pilot program for child sexual abuse and grooming awareness education in six public schools, also passed 6-4 after testimony from a survivor and advocates; supporters framed it as prevention and critics argued it duplicated existing sex education and should be handled through broader curriculum or parent education. Additional bills considered included House Bill 2156, which appropriates $250,000 to the livestock compensation fund and passed 7-3 despite transparency and conflict-of-interest concerns from an opponent; House Bill 2165, which exempts certain veterans and military members from state park admission fees, as amended to narrow the exemption to retired or disabled veterans and similar National Guard members, and passed 6-4 amid concerns about lost park revenue; House Bill 2960, creating a veterans specialty court grant program and requiring better coordination on incarcerated veterans, which passed 8-0; House Bill 2014, directing studies on gasoline blends and emissions modeling, which passed 6-2 despite concerns about cost and limited impact; and House Bill 2957, preserving non-REAL ID driver licenses and restricting biometric collection and data sharing, which passed 5-4 after amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Eyes 57, no, zero. The measure passes.
• Tally the votes I-63, no zero. The measure passes.
• Eyes 58, no zero, the measure passes. Last but not least, Mr.
• Clerk will close the roll, tally the vote size 59, no zero.
• Eyes 59, no, zero. The measure passes.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly convened in session, established a quorum, offered a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a very large third-reading file while urging members to be at their desks for their bills. The day featured many support measures on housing, health care, public safety, local government, labor, education, and consumer protection, with repeated reminders that absent authors would have their bills skipped. Several bills were passed temporarily or retained on file, but the chamber spent most of the time taking up individual measures and voting on them. Among the bills discussed were measures on land surveying, nurse midwifery access, historic-district transit zoning, EV charging infrastructure, foreclosure equity protections, tribal inclusion in interstate cannabis commerce, outdoor advertising permitting delays, commercial building permit timelines, DUI penalties, farmworker disadvantaged-community designation, restaurant reservation bots, open-space tax exemptions, pop-up business permits, anti-hate training for officials, sideshows and street takeovers, utility rate transparency, CalWORKs eligibility, dynamic electricity rates, interior designer licensure, compost contamination, modular housing standards, small claims limits for businesses, Native American Day as a paid state holiday, rural maternity care funding, protective orders tied to defendant release, immigrant service provider privacy under Safe at Home, mentally disordered offender evaluations, compounded weight-loss drug regulation, plasma donation center rules, missing persons DNA database updates, AI chatbot safeguards for children, an official state apology to California Native peoples, foster youth housing navigation, CTE teacher credentialing, Medi-Cal protections against federal cuts, CalFresh protections, public hospital physician employment authority, child care, and film tax credit changes for post-production work. Testimony was generally supportive from authors, who framed the bills as cleanup, modernization, consumer protection, or targeted equity measures. A few measures drew notable opposition or debate, especially AB 2624 on Safe at Home privacy protections for immigrant service providers, where opponents argued it could chill journalism and transparency while supporters said it was needed to protect people facing doxing and threats. AB 2208 and AB 2299 were presented as responses to federal HR 1 impacts on Medi-Cal and CalFresh, and AB 2023 on AI chatbots drew emotional support centered on child safety and a reported suicide case. The chamber also heard strong advocacy for Native American recognition bills, rural health access, and housing affordability. Most bills passed with little or no opposition, often unanimously. Recorded votes included AB 1933 (48-0), AB 1696 (49-0), AB 2415 (54-0), AB 1820 (50-0), AB 1957 (53-0), AB 2506 (60-0), AB 2024 (58-0), AB 2418 (61-0), AB 1578 (44-17), AB 1600 (46-9), AB 1661 (44-10), AB 1715 (46-7), AB 1755 (66-0), AB 1787 (43-5), AB 1796 (45-6), AB 1812 (47-1), AB 1815 (57-0), AB 1827 (59-0), AB 1841 (64-0), AB 1868 (61-0), AB 1882 (64-0), AB 1889 (69-0), AB 2624 (49-19), AB 1897 (57-1), AB 1990 (52-0), AB 2009 (65-0), AB 2018 (60-0), AB 2023 (58-8), AB 2115 (65-0), AB 2162 (60-0), AB 2206 (62-0), AB 2208 (42-17), AB 2237 (54-0), AB 2241 (62-0), AB 2246 (56-1), AB 2249 (51-0), AB 2299 (51-1), AB 2311 (65-0), and AB 2314 (68-0). The session ended with the Assembly still working through the file, including the opening of AB 2319 on film tax credits.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're even part of the Water Trust Board.
• And we have a lot of trust funds.
• It is already in law that nuclear energy is a zero-carbon resource.
• It is already in law that nuclear energy is a zero-carbon resource for New Mexico.
• It is a zero-carbon energy. There's absolutely no denying that.

Bills: SB47, SB195, SB196, SB197, SB198, SB78

Keywords: food recovery, composting, waste management, solid waste surcharge, organic waste reduction, environment, grants, advisory group, soil conservation, water resources, training services, outreach programs, environmental protection, animal care, veterinary services, spay and neuter, Las Vegas, community funding, animal welfare, animal shelter

Transcript Highlights:

• It's zeroed out this year, wondering why.
• As you know, most of the revenues going to the trust fund come from gas consumption.
• It's zeroed out this year, wondering why.
• As you know, most of the revenues going to the trust fund come from gas consumption.
• So emergency preparedness response trust fund is our first ask, $500 million.

Summary: The committee met to hear the Governor’s proposed budget for the Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development silo and to consider one bill. The Governor’s Office outlined a $117.4 billion state budget, including $18.3 billion for the TED area, with major allocations for the Department of Transportation, Commerce, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, State, Military Affairs, Emergency Management, and the Florida State Guard. Agency heads then presented their priorities, including housing and disaster recovery funds at Commerce; pay, vehicles, aviation, and data systems at Highway Safety; facility modernization, recruitment, retention, and maintenance at Military Affairs; election audit, conservation lab, and historic preservation funding at State; transportation, aviation, seaport, and safety investments at DOT; and emergency response, flood mitigation, grant systems, and alerting at Emergency Management. Members asked questions about Visit Florida’s private match, FHP’s role in immigration enforcement and body cameras, National Guard deployment tempo and staffing, State Guard staffing and facilities, arts grant rules, rail funding, and the number of detainees at the Everglades detention site. Several notable positions were expressed during questioning. Visit Florida said it met and exceeded its private match requirement and described the match as important to ensuring value from public dollars. The Highway Patrol said its aviation assets have been used more heavily in immigration enforcement and that in-vehicle camera systems were a higher priority than body cameras at present. The National Guard and State Guard both emphasized heavy operational demands, readiness needs, and the importance of additional funding for facilities, personnel, and equipment. The Department of State said its audit funding would help counties move to automated post-election audits and that its arts grant rule changes were intended to create more consistent scoring rather than reduce access. The committee then took up CS/SB 48 on accessory dwelling units. The bill requires local governments to allow property owners to voluntarily create ADUs, preserves homestead treatment for the primary residence portion, limits parking restrictions, and extends density bonus incentives to housing for military families receiving basic housing allowance. An amendment was adopted removing reusable tenant screening reports and clarifying that compliant ADUs are allowed by right without a separate hearing or permit. Testimony from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association supported the bill, especially the long-term rental requirement, as a tool to help workforce housing. The committee reported the bill favorably by a roll call vote, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• and that trust was broken badly.
• But we have to protect human dignity and preserve public trust.
• There being nine ayes, zero nays, Senate Bill 527 is favorably reported.
• There being nine ayes and zero nays, Senate Bill 1580 is favorably reported.
• There being nine ayes and zero nays, Senate Bill 2032 is favorably reported.

Bills: SB1406, SB1681, SB2480, SB2721

Keywords: body donation, medical science, forensic science, willed body program, informed consent, boarding home, boarding home facility, adult care home, group home, assisted living, county reporting, municipal reporting, annual report, reasonable accommodation, fair housing, disability accommodation, local ordinance, permit requirement, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC

Transcript Highlights:

• 277 increases transparency in the hiring process, and parents and guardians feel more comfortable trusting
• This legislation will promote employer accountability, strengthen public trust, and most importantly,
• All right, that consent file passes six to zero.
• That vote is six to zero. Umberg, aye. That's six. That vote is six to zero.
• And file item number one is out, six to zero. Oh, yes, we can, okay, so let's out on file.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee met without a quorum at first and began hearing bills as a subcommittee. The chair outlined procedures, noted several consent items, and the committee heard presentations on AB 277, AB 1382, and ACR 173 before quorum was established. AB 277 would require background checks for unlicensed employees providing behavioral health treatment; the author and CalABA argued it would protect children and people with disabilities, and the bill later passed 6-0. AB 1382, the “Ethics Over Aesthetics Act,” would prohibit the sale of genetically modified animals for cosmetic purposes, with supporters citing animal welfare, shelter overcrowding, and the need to avoid novelty pet breeding; it also passed 6-0 after amendments removed opposition concerns about glowfish. ACR 173 would recommend formalizing a sister-state relationship between California and Jalisco, Mexico, emphasizing cultural, economic, and educational ties and calling for immigration protections. One senator objected to language referencing “recent mass deportations,” saying it was unnecessarily political and inaccurate in context, and said he would abstain rather than vote no. After quorum was reached, the committee approved the consent calendar, including AB 2085, AB 1733, ACR 129, ACR 164, and ACR 166, by a 6-0 vote. Once quorum was established, the committee voted 6-0 to pass AB 277 to the Senate Public Safety Committee and AB 1382 to the Senate Judiciary Committee. ACR 173 was adopted on a 4-0 vote, and the committee granted reconsideration so the author could potentially address the concern raised about the resolution’s language.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is just another way to pay, that's all it is, and it offers three T's: trust, people trust in gold
• 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

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

Summary: The Committee on Regulatory Oversight heard two bills from Representative Lisa Fink related to gold and silver. HB 2123 would create an Arizona Bullion Depository under the State Treasurer, allow a third-party administrator and vault services, require insurance for deposits, and recognize gold and silver as legal tender. Fink and a supporter testified that the bill would make bullion more practical for everyday use through a debit-card-style system, provide an inflation hedge, and expand access beyond wealthy investors. During committee discussion, one member voted present because of the bill’s rulemaking language, while others voted yes; the bill received a do pass recommendation by a 4-0-1 vote. The committee then considered HB 2140, which would allow state and local governments to store bullion in the depository, authorize the State Treasurer to place up to 10% of state monies in bullion, and require the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions to adopt rules. Fink argued the bill would diversify state assets and protect against inflation and counterparty risk, citing Utah’s treasurer and constitutional support for gold and silver. A member asked whether the rulemaking provision could be removed, and Fink said she was open to discussing that with the treasurer. With no public testimony, the committee approved HB 2140 on a 4-0-1 vote, and then adjourned.