Transcript Highlights:

• It protects the state of Missouri from liability and clearly states that the state is not liable for
• Again, one-stop shop, fast-track permitting, permit and fee waiver and deferrals, and building code flexibility
• Number five for out-of-state relocation and in-state expansion.
• Number five for out-of-state relocation and end-state expansion.
• Cities across the United States are facing issues with vacant buildings and trying to repurpose those

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Summary: The Commerce Committee met in executive session and unanimously voted do pass on House Bill 1707, House Bill 2927, and House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2057. The committee then moved into public hearing on House Bill 1664, which would extend the civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims from age 26 to age 41. Representative Brian Sites presented the bill as a needed step for survivors, and multiple witnesses and organizations testified in support, including survivors and advocacy, tort reform, chamber, and insurance groups. No opposition was heard, and the hearing concluded without a vote. The committee also heard House Bill 1845, a startup and angel investor tax credit proposal sponsored by Representative Gallick. The bill would create incentives for Missouri-based startups under $5 million in revenue, with higher credits for rural investment, annual caps, oversight by the Missouri Technology Corporation, and a sunset in 2033. Members questioned what taxes the credit would apply to, how it would work if Missouri changes its income tax structure, and what safeguards would prevent businesses from leaving after receiving credits. Business and economic development groups testified in support, saying the bill would help fill an early-stage capital gap and keep investment in Missouri. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3231, a broad economic development and “Missouri Innovation Zone” proposal sponsored by Representative Brad Christ. The bill would let cities opt in to create innovation zones with local permitting and governance changes, tax incentives, office-to-residential conversion tools, and reinvestment of net new revenues into public safety, infrastructure, and a rural development fund. Members and witnesses discussed local control, prevailing wage, revenue diversion, and implementation concerns, especially from the City of St. Louis and labor groups, while chambers, developers, municipal groups, and historic revitalization advocates generally supported the concept. The hearing ended with no opposition testimony and no committee vote on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Legislative council has stated this bill does not violate either, and I'm happy to share that opinion
• to the State Treasurer, Fiona Ma.
• the families in the state of California.
• systems where they ask you for a key code and only you know the key code.
• And as has been stated already, it's embarrassing that California is trailing behind all other states

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The state employee charitable campaign allows state employees to donate to charities that the SECC has
• of the State Board of Education.
• Of course most state officers are required to file a PFS under chapter 572 of the government code and
• an appearance before that state agency for the purposes of Texas Government Code 5. 72.054.
• In a request for appeal, the filer stated that the.

Keywords: Texas Ethics Commission, HB18, SB12, political contributions, civil penalties, Attorney General, criminal election offenses, legislation

Summary: In the latest meeting of the Texas Ethics Commission, significant discussions centered around newly passed legislation, specifically HB18 and SB12. HB18 introduces a civil penalty for members who accept political contributions while absent from the state, addressing potential obstructions to legislative actions. Senators and commissioners engaged in an in-depth dialogue about the implications of this bill, with many expressing concerns regarding enforcement and compliance. In contrast, SB12 expands the jurisdiction of the Attorney General to prosecute criminal election offenses, further tightening the oversight of election activities. The meeting concluded with acknowledgement of the efforts put forth by previous commission chairs, highlighting their contributions to the commission's success.

Transcript Highlights:

• a state senator.
• One is that current standards and building codes, including here in Massachusetts, protect consumers.
• Just last October, Massachusetts building code CMR 780 was updated and requires kitchen ventilation.
• and comparable states.
• House Bill 460 suggests improvements to Massachusetts regulations and associated building codes that

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure opened with logistical remarks about testimony procedures, time limits, accessibility supports, and the large number of witnesses. The first bill discussed was H. 451, which would allow professional license applicants who do not have a Social Security number to use an ITIN instead. Supporters said the bill would help qualified workers, especially immigrants, enter licensed trades and professions without lowering training or testing standards, while addressing workforce shortages. Committee members asked a few questions, and the bill was framed as a uniform statewide licensing reform. The bulk of the hearing focused on S. 210 and H. 1278, two bills aimed at improving wheelchair repair and warranty protections. Supporters included the Attorney General’s Office, disability advocates, wheelchair users, clinicians, and legislators, who described long repair delays, missed work and medical appointments, loss of independence, hospitalizations, pressure injuries, and other harms caused by broken wheelchairs and slow service. They argued for stronger timelines, two-year warranties, required parts availability, loaner chairs, and enforcement mechanisms, with H. 1278 modeled on a Connecticut-style repair deadline and S. 210 focused on warranty protections. Several witnesses emphasized that wheelchairs are essential medical equipment, not ordinary consumer goods. Opposition came from NCart, which said it supports solutions but raised concerns that the bills, as written, could be difficult to implement for complex rehab technology. NCart said some warranty provisions may not fit wear-and-tear components and noted that MassHealth has already taken steps such as preventive maintenance, reduced prior authorization, and transportation support. Other witnesses and advocates countered that the current market is dominated by a few profitable companies and that the legislature needs to impose clear standards because voluntary fixes have not worked. The committee also heard testimony on S. 195, a toxic-free kids bill from Senator Comerford and Representative Hawkins, which would restrict PFAS and other toxic chemicals in children’s products and create disclosure and phase-out requirements. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• But this is state law.
• We follow state law. We didn't do anything that would not have followed state law.
• It’s state law, right?
• It’s state law, right?
• Keith Dunn here on behalf of the State Building and Construction Trades Council, as well as the District

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• “One was held for the state hospital.
• Would you state your names for the record? Yes, Kay Barnhill, State Personnel Director.
• I appreciate you stating it.”
• “I move for the adoption of in-state contract number 22, or out-of-state contract number 22.”
• One of those, so four in DSB went to the state and state government, but another department, one went

Committee: All ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:52:28.480><c> the</c><01:52:28.599><c> state</c><01:52:28.800><c> veterans</c><01:52:29.199><c> Council
• </c><01:52:30.079><c> uh</c><01:52:30.199><c> as</c> well as the state veterans Council uh as well as
• the state veterans Council uh as part<01:52:30.599><c> of</c><01:52:30.760><c> our</c><01:52:31.199>
• </c><02:41:10.560><c> not</c><02:41:10.760><c> Ada</c> building building that are are not Ada building
• </c><04:26:36.279><c> jobs</c><04:26:37.239><c> those</c> state still qualify for state jobs those state

Committee: House State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> conditions for those in state custody. conditions for those in state custody.
• This project will remove four dilapidated buildings across our state prison enterprise.
• And if there's any way I can help, I will help. that building. And that building.
• All state agencies conduct FCAs annually. This is only for state-owned facilities.
• </c> county and and city in the state. county and and city in the state.

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• If you just compare us in terms of the state of Florida to the state of New York, the state of New York
• Beloved Dave Lawrence created the Children's Trust, the premier Children's Services Council of the state
• On March 4th of 2025, the governor gave his State of the State, and he stated that he wanted us to take
• Now I know when I travel the state of Florida, I have friends all over the state.
• Now I know when I travel the state of Florida, I have friends all over the state.

Summary: The Senate took up Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 2F, a proposed constitutional amendment to expand homestead property tax relief, lower the assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and limit county and municipal ad valorem tax revenues to specified uses. Senator Avila presented the measure as a major property tax reform intended to provide relief to homeowners and restrain local government spending, while opponents argued it would shift costs to fees, services, and state appropriations and could harm local budgets, public safety, schools, and other services. Several senators also raised concerns about the ballot language and the lack of a completed fiscal analysis. The chamber considered and rejected multiple amendments. Senator Sharif’s income-based “circuit breaker” amendment failed, as did Senator Smith’s sunset clause amendment and Senator Berman’s amendment to rewrite the ballot statement for greater accuracy. During questioning, Avila said the revised language was meant to preserve flexibility for local governments and that future legislatures could set implementing procedures and, if necessary, prohibit certain local expenditures by general law. He also confirmed that the proposal would not affect refinancing or portability, and said the measure would not prevent local governments from continuing to fund many services such as libraries, parks, animal control, code enforcement, mosquito control, public housing, county health departments, and elections. Debate on final passage was extensive. Supporters described the proposal as overdue relief for homeowners and a way to force local governments to prioritize spending, while critics called it a risky tax shift that could reduce local revenue by billions and force cuts or higher fees. Some senators emphasized concerns about public safety funding, mental health and social services, and the accuracy of the ballot summary; others argued the measure would give voters a chance to decide on property tax reform. After debate, the resolution was rolled over for third reading and the Senate continued discussion, but the transcript provided does not include a final vote on the joint resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• service, and youth empowerment across the western United States, including the state of California,
• Through the return of youth state program and extends our very best wishes on behalf of the state for
• And to all the chapters present today, welcome to the State Senate, your State Senate, and thank you
• for the work that you all do throughout our state.
• Thank you for coming to the State Senate.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And just to point out the importance of our building codes, primarily the plumbing code in this case:
• in this legislation in the state plumbing code. consistent with federal laws related to consistent with
• it</c><01:03:42.520><c> was</c> building codes, primarily the it was building codes, primarily the it
• building codes, primarily the plumbing code in this case, does serve to protect the health, safety,
• And we wanted to highlight the importance of ensuring that the building codes are maintained and updated

Bills: SB3326

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: renewable energy, energy storage, cost reduction, public utilities commission, Hawaii energy policies, 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees on Energy and Environmental Protection and Labor heard SB 3326, a bill concerning a study of separating transmission from generation in Hawaii’s electric system. Testimony was largely opposed. Life of the Land argued that true separation on an isolated island grid has not been shown to work anywhere and said the bill would waste taxpayer money. Hawaiian Electric and the Public Utilities Commission also opposed the measure, saying Hawaii already uses competitive bidding for new generation, that the bill would add cost, complexity, and reliability risks, and that a new study would duplicate prior work. In response to questions, the PUC explained its existing competitive bidding framework and said it had not seen an island system fully restructure in this way. The chair then amended the bill’s intent to require the PUC to open a proceeding for an independent, comprehensive analysis of the state’s energy pathways, including cost reduction, financial risk, state energy goals, and reliability, rather than narrowly focusing on separation. Both committees voted to pass SB 3326 SD2 with amendments, with the Energy committee adopting the recommendation unanimously and the Labor committee adopting it with one reservation and two no votes. The Energy and Environmental Protection Committee then took up SB 2497 SD2, which would require electric utilities other than cooperatives to provide transparent, publicly accessible customer bill impact analyses and annual reports to the PUC. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the PUC offered comments, with the PUC supporting the intent. Life of the Land said the proposed disclosure requirements would be too complex for most ratepayers to use meaningfully, while Hawaiian Electric said the bill could raise costs and slow projects, though it acknowledged some of the language changes and said much of the information is already available through existing planning and regulatory processes. Hawaii Clean Power Alliance and one individual testified in support. No vote was taken on SB 2497 SD2 during the excerpt. The committee also heard SB 3183 SD2, which would bar higher-income taxpayers from claiming the renewable energy technologies income tax credit for certain residential solar systems and would change refundability rules. The Department of Taxation, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the Tax Foundation offered comments, while the Hawaii Solar Energy Association and numerous companies and individuals opposed the bill. Opponents raised concerns about impacts on financing models and the solar market. Members asked the Department of Taxation for data on how credits are claimed by homeowners versus third-party owners and on the refundability of the credit; the department said it did not have the information immediately available but would follow up. The chair indicated decision-making would likely be deferred to allow further review, and no vote was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> universally get an email back stating universally get an email back stating that<00:19:29.679><c
• </c><01:15:14.719><c> to</c> impact on the state tax code and then to impact on the state tax code and
• Since the GenAI revolution began, we partnered closely with the State Technology Advisory Council, who
• Since the GenAI revolution began, we partnered closely with the State Technology Advisory Council, who
• And I know other states are doing.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Just like households and communities around the state and businesses, the state agencies and our programs
• Just like households and communities around the state and businesses, the state agencies and our programs
• Because I'm supposed to build it so I can build the library so we don't do GEO bonds.
• Our bi-state compact requires both states to share expenses to manage the national scenic area.
• Our bi-state compact requires both states to share expenses to manage the national scenic area.

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee opened with committee guidelines for the 2026 session, including limits on testimony, amendment deadlines, confidentiality expectations, and professionalism rules. Chair Ormsby also reviewed housekeeping for the public hearing, noting the meeting was recorded and live streamed, and that testimony would be limited to one minute because of the large number of sign-ups. The committee then began its work session on Governor Ferguson’s proposed 2026 supplemental operating budget, presented by OFM Director Katie Chapman, who outlined the state’s fiscal pressures: higher caseloads in major programs, a revenue forecast decline of about $390 million, federal policy changes tied to H.R. 1, inflation, and a relatively small ending fund balance. She said the governor’s budget solves about a $2.3 billion shortfall through nearly $800 million in spending reductions, revenue shifts, fund transfers, use of about $1 billion from the Budget Stabilization Account, and some tax preference changes, while also making targeted investments in areas such as child welfare, behavioral health, wildfire response, housing, and IT modernization. Chapman also explained that the proposal does not fully balance over the four-year outlook under the state’s statutory assumptions, but said the governor relied on the budget-balance law’s exception tied to BSA use and low employment growth. A question from Rep. Connors about credit ratings was answered with the view that the impact is difficult to predict and that Washington’s strong pension funding and balanced-budget framework remain positives. The public hearing drew testimony from state officials and many advocates, most of whom opposed specific cuts or fund shifts in the governor’s proposal. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs objected to proposed sweeps from the corporations and charities fund and the library archives account, citing prior cuts, layoffs, cyberattack-related costs, and the need to upgrade aging systems. Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove urged restoration of wildfire prevention funding, saying the proposed amount was still $30 million short of the commitment in House Bill 1168 and that underfunding would increase suppression costs and risk to communities. Many education witnesses opposed reductions to Working Connections Child Care, transition to kindergarten, local effort assistance, Running Start, and higher education across-the-board cuts, arguing they would harm access, equity, and workforce development. Higher education leaders from community colleges, the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and Evergreen State College described staffing cuts, program reductions, and pressure on student services, while K-12 groups and OSPI said the budget would deepen existing funding gaps. A large portion of testimony focused on human services, health, housing, and civil legal aid. Child welfare and youth-serving organizations supported some targeted investments but opposed cuts to child care, child welfare network administration, and youth programs; advocates for foster youth, homeless youth, and mentoring programs asked for continued or increased funding. Health care and long-term care providers warned that proposed Medicaid and rate changes would reduce access for seniors, people with disabilities, and safety-net patients, while Planned Parenthood and abortion access advocates urged full restoration of the Abortion Access Project and related reimbursements. Housing and legal aid witnesses backed the governor’s proposed right-to-counsel funding but asked for more support, and homelessness advocates sought contingency funding for federal housing programs. Crime victim and domestic violence service providers repeatedly said the proposed $12 million was far short of the roughly $21.38 million needed to avoid service cuts and closures. Other testimony addressed the Climate Commitment Account shift for the Working Families Tax Credit, with environmental advocates opposing the diversion of CCA dollars and workforce advocates supporting the governor’s economic security and employment programs. No votes or formal committee action were taken during the hearing portion described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><02:12:13.679><c> law</c> States Code to improve the law States Code to improve the law enforcement
• Union Calendar number 58, H.R. 2243, a bill to amend Title 18, United States Code, to improve the Law
• A bill to amend title 18 United<04:48:51.200><c> States</c><04:48:51.440><c> Code</c><04:48:51.760><c
• Code to improve the law United States Code to improve the law enforcement<04:48:53.200><c> officer</
• /c><07:06:03.280><c> law</c> States Code to improve the law States Code to improve the law enforcement

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , state short-term plans.
• Our state dental plan—I use it.
• to build charges.
• States that have their own state-based exchange do some Yeah, so states that have their own state-based
• So about 50% of the state? 50% of any of the providers in any area within the state.

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just the other thing we really haven't mentioned either is you're still dealing with local building codes
• Just the other thing we really haven't mentioned either is you're still dealing with local building codes
• Just the other thing we really haven't mentioned either is you're still dealing with local building codes
• Just the other thing we really haven't mentioned either is you're still dealing with local building codes
• to</c><01:07:38.760><c> be</c> a building code it's going to be a building code it's going to be inspected

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Senate. and House tribute that to the state of and House tribute that to the state of
• </c> given the sixth day of May 2026, State given the sixth day of May 2026, State Capital<01:04:36.400
• Um, there's also examples in our state and other states of the waste, fraud, and abuse that occurs.
• </c> employed by the state. employed by the state.
• </c> employed by the state. employed by the state.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As we previously discussed in this committee, the CREP program is a program where the state matches state
• It does state, however, that we don't...
• “Well, I will state, it does state on here, the spending impacts is estimated to be an ongoing savings
• Younger, you stated that a one-stop shop.
• Do you want to state? Yeah. So, I think the bill is getting pulled back. Do you want to state?

Summary: The committee received a general fund “green sheet” update from budget analyst Noah Peterson, who reviewed recent changes to the FY 2026 and FY 2027 balances, including large population-adjustment supplementals for Medicaid and Corrections and other committee actions. He also highlighted several policy bills with fiscal impacts, including county jail per diem changes, a state police-related bill, and a health and welfare board/position bill. Janet Jessup then walked the committee through several budget housekeeping items and supplemental/maintenance adjustments, beginning with the Department of Environmental Quality and a solid waste regulatory program change tied to House Bill 555. The committee approved multiple motions, including adding 4 FTP to DEQ and adopting revised language for a hazardous waste fund transfer; a FY 2026 Soil and Water Conservation Commission supplemental for the CREP program; and a major two-step reorganization moving the Soil and Water Conservation Commission from Agriculture to Water Resources. The committee also approved the related FY 2027 reductions and additions for the commission and Water Resources, including CREP funding and a one-time restoration of a rescission to preserve stream-gauging and water monitoring services. Members discussed whether those restorations should be one-time or ongoing, with some favoring one-time adjustments to preserve budget flexibility and others warning about agency stability. The committee then handled the consolidation of the Office of Species Conservation and the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources into a new Office of Species, Mineral, and Energy Coordination. It approved a reduction for the Office of Species Conservation and a reduction for OEMR, then considered competing motions for the new combined office. After extended debate over the appropriate number of FTP reductions and the importance of nuclear and mining coordination, the committee rejected a substitute motion and then rejected the original motion as well, leaving the new office budget unresolved. Finally, the committee approved the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses request for replacement vehicles and IT hardware, and adjourned with notice of upcoming budget hearings the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Washington State Legislative Ethics Compliance.
• in Washington State.
• Zip codes in Washington State, and I had already had a conversation with some, both federally and non-federally
• and policy work at the state level.
• We don't use state resources or our state laptop for certain activities.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The hearing resumed on day two of the Legislative Ethics Board fact-finding matter involving Representative Tara Simmons. After opening remarks and confirmation that board members had not engaged in outside research or ex parte communications, Simmons’s counsel moved to dismiss two allegations at the close of the board staff’s case: that Simmons pressured the Administrative Office of the Courts to alter a contract in favor of her employer, and that she improperly combined a legislative proviso for AEJG with a personal donation to the organization. Board staff opposed the motion, arguing the evidence showed Simmons’s legislative and private conduct were intertwined and that the board had enough evidence to require a defense. After deliberation, the board denied the motion to dismiss and proceeded to hear defense testimony. The first defense witness, Sharon Navas, testified that she met Simmons through advocacy work, later hired her at the Equity and Education Coalition (EEC), and maintained written employment policies intended to separate Simmons’s legislative role from her work for EEC. Navas said Simmons was never compensated for lobbying or legislative acts, that EEC paid her from unrestricted funds, and that Simmons did not work on the AEJG dashboard project or participate in the contract dispute with Anthony Powers and Chris Stanley. Navas described the proviso request and later contract issues as separate from Simmons’s legislative duties, and said she continued to pay invoices while the project was being completed. Simmons then testified about her background, legislative career, disability accommodations, and extensive efforts to seek ethics advice before taking outside employment or pursuing provisos. She said she repeatedly consulted House ethics counsel and reviewed prior board decisions to ensure her outside work and legislative actions were separated. Simmons described her relationship with Anthony Powers, the dashboard project, the proviso process, and her understanding that the work was distinct from her legislative role. The hearing paused for lunch after part of Simmons’s direct examination, with testimony set to continue after the break.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to codify this into law because districts throughout the state code absences, tardies, excused
• We need to codify this into law because districts throughout the state code absences, tardies, excused
• We need to codify this into law because districts throughout the state code absences, tardies, excused
• We need to codify this into law because districts throughout the state code absences, tardies, excused
• Throughout the state, districts code absences, tardies, excused, unexcused, completely differently, meaning

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all