Transcript Highlights:

• It requires that microgrids reach net zero carbon standard by 2045.
• Speaker, uh, gentle lady, there is a net zero carbon standard that they have to be by 2045 like the ETA
• Chair, can you, can you ask your experts, is that money, uh, in, in that fund, is it zeroed out every

Transcript Highlights:

• vote</c><01:39:44.760><c> being</c><01:39:45.000><c> 19</c><01:39:45.400><c> to</c><01:39:45.639><c> zero
• c><01:39:46.800><c> HB</c><01:39:47.360><c> 660</c><01:39:47.840><c> is</c> Z the vote being 19 to zero
• um HB 660 is Z the vote being 19 to zero um HB 660 is retained<01:39:48.320><c> in</c><01:39:48.480>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on HB 660, which would require historic horse racing facilities to provide 10% of HHR winnings to host municipalities as mitigation. Representative Om said the bill was intended to offset local costs associated with large gaming facilities, noting that prior gaming measures included opt-in provisions and that this proposal would leave charities and the state whole while taking the 10% from the operator’s share. Members questioned why 10% was chosen and whether municipalities were currently experiencing added costs; Om said the amount was meant to address projected future impacts, not broader municipal budget issues, and cited a study on casino-related community costs. Opponents from the New Hampshire Charitable Gaming Operators Association argued the bill unfairly singled out one industry and said gaming facilities do not impose more municipal burden than other entertainment venues. The hearing closed without a vote, and a member clarified the bill would apply to existing and future casinos/facilities. The committee then opened a hearing on HB 658-FN, which raises the cap on reimbursements from the Oil Discharge and Disposal Cleanup Fund and makes related changes to the Oil Pollution Control Fund. Representative Malloy introduced the bill, and Representative Aly described the funds as an insurance backstop for oil spill cleanup and low-income tank replacement, saying the program helps prevent environmental hazards and satisfies financial responsibility requirements. Bob Scully of the Energy Marketers Association supported the bill but noted that fee changes are ultimately passed on to consumers. Department of Environmental Services officials Robert Bishop and Jennifer Marts explained that the bill would change reporting deadlines, raise the reimbursement cap for low-income homeowners, extend the fee collection period for 10 years, and adjust petroleum import fees based on an actuarial review. They said the funds cover spill response, prevention, and tank replacement, and that the fee structure was designed to keep the funds solvent while balancing costs across fuel categories. Committee members asked about the actuarial basis for the fee changes, why some fees would rise while others would fall, and how the funds are used. DES said the review used 10 years of claims and exposure data and that the fuel oil fee would otherwise need to rise sharply, so the board proposed a smaller increase and rebalanced other fees. Members also asked about the scope of covered oil imports, and DES explained that the fee applies to oil destined for use in New Hampshire, not merely passing through the state. The discussion also covered home heating oil spills, which DES said are often discovered by homeowners or fire departments and are usually caused by tank corrosion, piping, or overfills. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair noted that the policy committee had already approved the bill before the finance-focused review.

Transcript Highlights:

• J There being 133 yeas and zero nays, Patrick Duffy, Murphy has been elected Chief Clerk.
• There being 130 yeas and zero nays, Lori has been elected Chief Sergeant at Arms.
• There being 132 yeas and zero nays, the resolution is adopted.

Keywords: 1183, house

Bills: HB20 , HB463 , HB469 , HB649 , HB963 , HB1163 , HB1334 , HB1481 , HB1509 , HB1511 , HB1514 , HB1515 , HB1516 , HB1518 , HB1519 , HB1523 , HB1524 , HB1546 , HB1548 , HB1550 , HB1553 , HB1573 , HB1574 , HB1576 , HB1588 , HB1591 , HB1618 , HB1619 , HB1628 , HB1642 , HB1643 , HB1656 , HB1658 , HB1664 , HB1667 , HB1679 , HB1682 , HB1688 , HB1692 , HB1696 , HB1700 , HB1705 , HB1707 , HB1710 , HB1711 , HB1713 , HB1716 , HB1718 , HB1721 , HB1728 , HB1737 , HB1740 , HB1741 , HB1749 , HB1752 , HB1753 , HB1768 , HB1782 , HB1800 , HB1804 , HB1810 , HB1823 , HB1839 , HB1842 , HB1854 , HB1858 , HB1864 , HB1870 , HB1875 , HB1881 , HB1886 , HB1888 , HB1890 , HB1894 , HB1897 , HB1898 , HB1920 , HB1929 , HB1946 , HB1959 , HB1961 , HB1962 , HB1973 , HB1974 , HB2001 , HB2005 , HB2020 , HB2021 , HB2022 , HB2023 , HB2062 , HB2078 , HB2093 , HB2095 , HB2096 , HB2097 , HB2101 , HB2137 , HB2152 , HB2207 , HCR137 , HCR181

Keywords: lava insurance, homeowners, insurance market, subsidy, Hawaii, eviction, housing access, tenant rights, judicial reporting, disassociation, disability, parking, travel placard, accessibility, mobility, small boat harbors, moorage, harbor permits, commercial use permit, commercial fishing

Bills: HB20 , HB463 , HB469 , HB649 , HB963 , HB1163 , HB1334 , HB1481 , HB1509 , HB1511 , HB1514 , HB1515 , HB1516 , HB1518 , HB1519 , HB1523 , HB1524 , HB1546 , HB1548 , HB1550 , HB1553 , HB1573 , HB1574 , HB1576 , HB1588 , HB1591 , HB1618 , HB1619 , HB1628 , HB1642 , HB1643 , HB1656 , HB1658 , HB1664 , HB1667 , HB1679 , HB1682 , HB1688 , HB1692 , HB1696 , HB1700 , HB1705 , HB1707 , HB1710 , HB1711 , HB1713 , HB1716 , HB1718 , HB1721 , HB1728 , HB1737 , HB1740 , HB1741 , HB1749 , HB1752 , HB1753 , HB1768 , HB1782 , HB1800 , HB1804 , HB1810 , HB1823 , HB1839 , HB1842 , HB1854 , HB1858 , HB1864 , HB1870 , HB1875 , HB1881 , HB1886 , HB1888 , HB1890 , HB1894 , HB1897 , HB1898 , HB1920 , HB1929 , HB1946 , HB1959 , HB1961 , HB1962 , HB1973 , HB1974 , HB2001 , HB2005 , HB2020 , HB2021 , HB2022 , HB2023 , HB2062 , HB2078 , HB2093 , HB2095 , HB2096 , HB2097 , HB2101 , HB2137 , HB2152 , HB2207 , HCR137 , HCR181

Keywords: lava insurance, homeowners, insurance market, subsidy, Hawaii, eviction, housing access, tenant rights, judicial reporting, disassociation, disability, parking, travel placard, accessibility, mobility, small boat harbors, moorage, harbor permits, commercial use permit, commercial fishing

Bills: SCR8 , SR10 , SCR90 , SR85 , SCR110 , SR103 , SCR54 , SR52 , SCR107 , SR101 , SCR178 , SR173 , SR76 , SCR40 , SR30 , SCR145 , SR137 , SCR62 , SCR95 , SR90 , SCR45 , SR44 , SCR119 , SR112 , SCR63 , SR57 , SCR21 , SR18 , SCR27 , SR24 , SCR75 , SR69 , SCR7 , SR7 , SCR149 , SCR55 , SR53 , SCR180 , SR175 , SCR86 , SR77 , SCR59 , SCR41 , SR31 , HB1678 , HB1824 , SCR177 , SR172 , SCR5 , SCR85 , SR75 , SCR139 , SR131 , SCR146 , SR138 , SR84 , SCR31 , SR27 , SCR46 , SR45 , SCR48 , SR47 , SCR9 , SR11 , SCR83 , SR73 , SCR20 , SR17 , SCR56 , SR54 , SCR87 , SCR39 , SR29 , SCR142 , SR134 , SCR203 , SR191 , SCR200 , SR188 , SCR196 , SR184 , SCR194 , SR183 , SCR114 , SR107 , SCR166 , SR157 , SCR96 , SR91 , SCR172 , SR163 , SCR109 , SR102 , SCR50 , SR49 , SCR64 , SR58 , SCR184 , SR165 , SCR81 , SR71 , SCR19 , SR16 , SCR22 , SR19 , SCR32 , SR28 , SCR57 , SR55 , SCR58 , SR56 , SCR103 , SR97 , SCR159 , SR150 , SCR163 , SR154 , SCR169 , SR160 , SCR68 , SR63 , SCR105 , SR99 , SCR112 , SR105 , SCR198 , SR186 , SCR11 , SR9 , SCR132 , SR124 , SCR189 , SR179 , SCR26 , SR23 , SCR93 , SR88 , SCR117 , SR110 , SCR164 , SR155 , SCR165 , SR156 , SCR170 , SR161 , SCR168 , SR159 , SCR173 , SCR197 , SCR47 , SR46 , SCR94 , SR89 , SCR99 , SR93 , SCR100 , SR94 , SCR130 , SR122 , SCR78 , SR82 , SCR154 , SR145 , SCR195 , SR192 , SCR162 , SR153 , SCR201 , SR189 , SCR202 , SR190

Keywords: building permits, seniors, health care, disability, safety modifications, county regulations, expedited processing, older adults, disability access, healthcare, permit processing, home modifications, kupuna, accessibility, parking, business hours, aging population, parking accessibility, private business hours, affordable housing

Transcript Highlights:

• As the DFNA fiscal note indicates, more than 20% of earners in Arkansas will see zero benefit.

Committee: All REVENUE & TAXATION- HOUSE SALES, USE, MISC. TAXES & EXEMPTIONS SUBCOM.

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1001, sponsored by Representative Les Eaves, which would lower the individual income tax rate to 3.7% retroactive to the current year and reduce the corporate rate to 4.1% beginning in 2027. Eaves argued the bill continues Arkansas’s recent tax-cut strategy, would provide broad relief to working families, and would keep the state competitive while preserving future surpluses rather than cutting existing services. He and Representative Bray emphasized that prior tax cuts have benefited taxpayers and supported economic growth. Several opponents testified against the bill, including representatives from Arkansas Appleseed, Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, a pastor, and individuals speaking about disability services and food insecurity. They argued Arkansas cannot afford further revenue reductions given needs in public education, early childhood care, Medicaid and food assistance, rural hospitals, and supported living services. Witnesses said the tax cut would disproportionately benefit higher earners while providing little or no relief to lower- and middle-income families, and urged the committee to prioritize public investments over tax cuts. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to limit witness testimony to five minutes each. Representative Eaves closed on the bill and moved to pass it. Following discussion, the committee voted to pass HB 1001, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're already directing those fees to this fund, which is why the fiscal note reflects a zero dollar

Committee: House Budget

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 1470, presented by Representative Cupps on behalf of Senator Bernsketter. The bill would update statutes governing the Joint Committee on Legislative Research by allowing revised statutes to be provided free in web-based form rather than as free physical copies, directing sales revenue into a statutory revision fund, changing the committee’s required meeting frequency from at least once every three months to at least twice a year, and extending the time to appoint a chair after the General Assembly convenes from 10 to 30 days. Cupps said the changes were intended as cleanup and efficiency measures reflecting how the committee has operated since staffing reductions in 2015. Members questioned whether the bill would reduce accountability by lowering the minimum meeting requirement, whether any other statutes would need cleanup if hard-copy publication changes, and whether virtual meetings should be considered. Cupps and later staff said the committee could still meet more often if needed and that the bill was meant to avoid unnecessary meetings when there is no business to conduct. Representative Steinhoff raised concerns about the statutory revision fund cap and whether the fiscal note matched the bill’s change from supplement costs to general republication costs. Director Matt Morris testified that the free-copy language is outdated, that the committee no longer has authority to give away revised statutes for free, and that the fund currently nets about $8,300 to $8,400 annually; he said a general republication could cost roughly $270,000 to $300,000 or more, with the bill intended to preserve enough reserve for that possibility and for server costs. No witnesses testified in opposition. The hearing concluded with the chair indicating a House committee substitute would likely be prepared, and that another hearing may be held the following week. No vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• That bill is 10 to zero. That bill is out. Thank you, everybody. B-PET is adjourned.

Summary: The Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee heard SB 1094 by Senator Weber Pearson, which would expand pharmacist and health plan authority to substitute biosimilars for reference biologic drugs in order to lower prescription drug costs. The author and supporters, including Blue Shield of California, Sharp HealthCare, and several business and health groups, argued that biologics are a major driver of rising health care spending and that biosimilars can provide substantial savings while maintaining safety and efficacy. The bill also included transparency provisions and committee amendments, including notice requirements and clarifications around substitution and exceptions. Opposition came from the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, the California Rheumatology Alliance, and Biocom, who said the bill was not scientifically justified, could undermine FDA standards, and might lead to unwanted switching, side effects, or delays in care for patients with chronic conditions. They emphasized that pharmacists can already substitute interchangeable biosimilars and that non-interchangeable products can be changed with prescriber contact. Committee discussion focused on patient safety, the meaning of “do not substitute,” the 30-day notice provisions, and the distinction between biosimilars and interchangeable biosimilars. After debate, the committee adopted a due pass as amended motion to the Senate Health Committee. The bill passed the committee on a 10-0 roll call vote and was sent onward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, members, we are 19 present, zero absent, 11 excused.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will record the vote: by your vote of 57 ayes, zero nays, three not voting, you have passed

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The House voting nine ayes, zero nays, one absent excuse.

Summary: The Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committee met to consider several budget items and related language. For the Idaho Judicial Branch, the committee approved a motion adding $3.9 million from dedicated funds for court operations, including money for the Senior Magistrate Judge Fund, treatment court and family court services funds, the Substance Abuse Treatment Fund, and the Court Technology Fund. Members noted the court technology funding was being shifted to dedicated funds to replace general fund support, and the motion passed with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then approved a Guardian ad Litem Division budget increase of $165,300 from the general fund, including support for the Second Judicial District CASA program and restoration of part of a prior rescission. Testimony emphasized the role of CASA volunteers and guardian ad litems in child welfare cases. The motion passed despite some dissent, and the committee also adopted related language. For the Millennium Income Fund, the committee approved a motion totaling $9,872,200, including funding for the Kamiah recovery center, the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund, youth assessment centers, children’s advocacy centers, a statewide drug awareness media campaign, and an added $30,000 for statewide training and coordination of school resource officers. The added SRO funding drew questions about committee consultation, but the substitute motion passed. The committee also adopted maintenance and new appropriation language for the Millennium Fund items, including reporting and oversight provisions. Finally, the committee approved $486,300 in dedicated funds for the Idaho State Historical Society for archival moving and IT hardware, along with reappropriation language for unspent archive-move funds. It also adopted statewide language making conditions, limitations, and restrictions in appropriation bills binding law. The meeting concluded with notice of the next day’s agenda and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, all those in favor of adopting House Committee amendment ending in point zero two H signify by

Committee: House Financial Institutions

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and approved House Bill 2863 by a 14-0 vote. It then took up House Bill 2967, adopted a committee amendment that removed a fixed one-third allocation and allowed funds to be allocated by the body as needed, rolled the amendment into a substitute, and passed the House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2967 by a 15-0 vote. Members discussed how the bill related to another expungement-fund measure already passed by the House, and were told the two bills were intended to mirror each other and would not conflict. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2303 and the mirrored House Bill 2867, both aimed at expanding Missouri’s personal finance education requirements. Sponsor testimony said the bills would require a half-credit in personal finance for graduation beginning in 2027-28, broaden instruction to include budgeting, credit, investing, fraud prevention, taxes, contracts, and major purchases, and create a DESE work group with industry and educator input to update standards every seven years. Sponsors and supporters said the goal was to better prepare students for real-world financial decisions, reduce debt traps, and improve workforce readiness. Witnesses from the Missouri Bankers Association, mortgage bankers, consumer credit groups, financial advisors, and individual advocates testified in support, emphasizing the need for updated, practical financial literacy instruction and regular curriculum review as financial products change. Committee members asked about the bill’s interaction with existing personal finance requirements, whether it would apply to public, private, homeschool, and GED pathways, and how early course completion waivers would work. Members also suggested adding insurance and gambling/probability topics to the curriculum discussion. No opposition testimony was offered, and House Bill 2119 was postponed to a future hearing before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• hearing none next bill the next bill on the list is second substitute house bill five to five nine zero

Summary: The Senate Housing Committee met in executive session on several housing-related House bills. Staff briefed bills expanding affordable housing on religious-organization property (HB 1859), requiring cities and counties to allow various forms of supportive and emergency housing in certain zones (ESHB 2266), making changes to common interest community law and WUCIOA (SHB 2354), changing service requirements for rent-increase notices and unlawful detainer notices (SHB 2452 and HB 2664), and exempting limited equity cooperatives from WUCIOA (2SHB 2590). The committee also reviewed fiscal notes and noted that most bills had no state fiscal impact, while the limited equity cooperative bill had a small Department of Revenue cost that would be absorbed. The most extensive discussion centered on ESHB 2266. Senator Gildon offered amendments to require step housing to be near transit, allow local review of operational plans, require 24-hour on-site supervision unless otherwise justified, and limit new requirements for smaller cities; Senator Gaynor offered a population-based amendment for cities under 10,000. Supporters of the underlying bill argued it would reduce barriers and expand needed shelter and housing, while opponents raised concerns about local control, neighborhood impacts, and operational oversight. None of the amendments were adopted, and the committee advanced the striker and underlying bill. The committee then voted to send HB 1859, SHB 2354, SHB 2452, 2SHB 2590, and HB 2664 forward with due-pass recommendations, with HB 1859 and ESHB 2266 sent to the Rules Committee and 2SHB 2590 sent to Ways and Means. Members generally expressed support for expanding housing options, though some noted concerns about implementation, local impacts, and the need for further work on WUCIOA-related issues. The meeting concluded with the chair thanking members and staff and adjourning the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• If the Secretary of State is tasked with doing this, they have to start from zero.

Committee: House Legislative Review

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President, zero absent, two excused.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and several guest introductions recognizing Arizona Dental Hygienists Association visitors, deaf and hard of hearing advocacy groups, Arizona Society of Anesthesiologists members, the Doctor of the Day, tribal voting advocates, and other guests. Members also observed a moment of silence for two DPS officers killed earlier that morning. The chamber then received a long list of bills and resolutions for first reading and committee referral, covering elections, education, public safety, health, tribal affairs, housing, agriculture, and other topics. The main floor action was in Committee of the Whole on SB 1425, an elections bill dealing with the July primary and related election procedures. The bill was amended in committee, then further amended on the floor, and the Committee of the Whole recommended it do pass as amended. During third reading, members spoke in support of the measure as a bipartisan election fix that would move the primary up two weeks, improve ballot timing, and require observers in every county. Senator Hatathlie highlighted persistent tribal voting barriers such as mail ballot issues, dual-addressing problems, ID access, funding shortages, misinformation, and polling-place disruptions, while Senator Gonzalez voted no because of the emergency clause. The bill passed 27-1 with two not voting and was transmitted to the House. The Senate also adopted two proclamations: one naming September 4, 2026, as Taekwondo Day in Arizona and another declaring February 2026 as American Heart Month, encouraging CPR and AED awareness. After a recess, the Senate returned briefly to introduce additional bills, refer SB 1315 to Public Safety and SB 1090 to Finance, announce upcoming committee meetings, and then adjourn until Monday, February 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• It had been effectively reduced to zero.

Bills: S0564 , S1062 , S1340 , S1646 , S1718

Committee: Senate Education Pre-K - 12

Keywords: student volunteers, polling locations, election administration, community service, Florida statutes, speech education, debate, high school, Florida Debate Initiative, civics, competitive teams, student participation, educational advancement, dyslexia, dyscalculia, education, screening, intervention, student support, educational facilities

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 met with a quorum present and heard several education-related bills. The committee first considered CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate, which would create a Speech and Debate Hall of Fame, designate Speech and Debate Week, authorize a teacher endorsement, require FLVS to establish an institute for speech and debate, direct development of related coursework and credentials, and require annual district reporting. Supporters, including a parent and representatives of the Florida Debate Initiative and school groups, emphasized the academic and civic benefits of debate and the need for funding for travel and training. The committee adopted a delete-all amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard and reported favorably SB 1718 on educator preparation and certification, with testimony from an Orange County principal and others supporting a proposal to let educators bank professional learning hours, and SB 1646 on educational facilities, which revises how facility funding is calculated and prioritized, including safety and planning considerations. The committee then took up CS/SB 564 on student volunteers at polling locations. An amendment clarified that high school students who are registered or pre-registered to vote may volunteer at polling places and count the service toward graduation or postsecondary financial aid requirements. Testimony from a county supervisor of elections and civic groups supported the bill as a way to engage students in elections and expand volunteer opportunities, while clarifying it would not conflict with existing election funding rules. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 1340 on coordinated screening and progress monitoring, which requires school districts to screen students for characteristics of dyslexia and dyscalculia, place identified students on support plans, and use evidence-based interventions, with State Board of Education rulemaking to implement the process. The sponsor and a supporting parent group stressed early identification and intervention. The committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also recommended confirmation of Laila Collins to the State Board of Education, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will record the attendance: 58 present, zero absent, two excused.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the Journal, and recognized Dr. Heidi Teval as Doctor of the Day. Members then offered several points of personal privilege, including tributes to former Representative Noel Campbell, introductions of guests, and observances tied to Muslim Day at the Capitol, Food Bank Day, and Holocaust Remembrance Day. The chamber also heard remarks from Holocaust survivors and community members, and the House later adopted a proclamation recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The main legislative action was House Concurrent Resolution 2045, honoring the life and public service of former Congressman Raul Grijalva. The resolution detailed his career in education, county government, and Congress, and highlighted his work on public lands, tribal sovereignty, environmental protection, public education, and social justice. The House unanimously adopted the resolution and stood for a moment of respectful silence, then received the Grijalva family in the chamber. Additional floor business included referral changes for HB 2351 and HB 2573, the first reading of several bills, and the second reading of a larger slate of measures covering water, land, energy, agriculture, public safety, immigration, and other topics. No substantive debate or votes on those bills occurred during this session. The House also announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will record the attendance: 58 present, zero absent, two excused.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In front of you today are three rules dockets, all brought forward through the Governor's Zero-Based

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Keywords: 989, all