Transcript Highlights:

• There's a teens-only section. There's a really beautiful kids section. There's a sensory room.
• There's a teens-only section. There's a really beautiful kids section. There's a sensory room.

Committee: Senate Senate Government Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee approved the February 4, 2026 minutes and first held SB 1571. It then heard and advanced SB 1745, which would cap transaction privilege/excise tax rates in cities of 550,000 or more at 2.5% per classification unless voters approve a higher rate, with enforcement through the attorney general and state-shared revenue withholding for violations. Supporters argued it would protect taxpayers and restrain large-city tax increases; the bill was amended with a technical change and passed 4-3. The committee also advanced SB 1686, renaming Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza as the Wesley Bolin and Charlie Kirk Freedom Plaza and authorizing memorial placements for Don Bowles and Charlie Kirk, which passed 4-3. The committee then took up SB 1567 and SB 1435, both aimed at restricting public entities, schools, and libraries from exposing minors to sexually explicit materials and from using public facilities for sexually explicit filming or access. Supporters said the bills were needed to prevent children from being exposed to pornography and to keep taxpayer resources from facilitating such material; opponents, including the ACLU, warned the definitions were broad, could chill speech, and could criminalize librarians and educators for handling literary or educational works. Both bills were amended and passed 4-3. SB 1435 also drew testimony about library access, sex education, and the risk of overbroad enforcement. The committee next considered SB 1433 and SB 1434, which would reorganize Maricopa County boundaries. SB 1433 would move portions of Maricopa County into neighboring counties, while SB 1434 would split Maricopa County into three new counties with a transition board and special elections. Supporters argued Maricopa County had become too large and unmanageable and that smaller counties would improve representation and water and regional governance; opponents said the proposals were costly, disruptive, and politically motivated. Both measures received due pass recommendations, with SB 1433 passing 4-3 and SB 1434 passing 4-3 with one not voting. Finally, the committee approved SCR 1024, requiring legislators to live in their district for one year before election, and SCR 1025, moving the legislative session start to the fourth Monday in January; both resolutions passed unanimously or near-unanimously, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also creates a new section of law dealing with reporting animal cruelty, with clarifying definitions
• It also creates a new section of law dealing with reporting animal cruelty, where clarifying definitions
• mean by that is just a few days before the effective date of July 1st of last year, when the 2502 section
• about to change, but shame on some of your staff members if they weren't tracking some applicable section

Bills: S0468 , S0822 , S1234 , S1260 , S1580 , S1706

Committee: Senate Regulated Industries

Keywords: animal cruelty, reporting, veterinary, protection, liability, regulation, community association, management certification, Florida Statutes, certified manager, association governance, building permits, inspections, offsite construction, local government, housing, property regulation, construction standards, state of emergency, emergency response

Summary: The committee heard and approved several bills. SB 468 would require veterinarians and veterinary technicians to report suspected animal cruelty to law enforcement or animal control and allow release of patient records in good faith; it was reported favorably with support from animal welfare groups. SB 1706 narrows eligibility for the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to buildings with at least 80% owner-occupied units and residents at or below 80% of area median income, and it also passed favorably. SB 1234 on building permits and inspections was amended extensively to clarify permit exemptions, private-provider rules, and timelines, then reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 1260, dealing with building inspections after emergencies, was amended to require state-term contracts for inspection vendors and then passed. SB 822 would require professionally managed community associations above a budget threshold; an amendment raised the threshold to $750,000, added a parcel-count trigger, and allowed direct-hire credentialed managers, after which the bill was reported favorably. SB 1580 would increase penalties for illegal gaming operations, add enforcement tools, and clarify procedures for veterans organizations; after removing a fantasy sports provision, it also passed favorably. The committee also heard from several appointees and reappointees to the Public Service Commission and Florida Gaming Control Commission. Public Service Commission nominees Anna Ortega and Robert Payne were questioned closely about utility hardening projects, ratepayer costs, and the role of the Office of Public Counsel. Gaming Commission reappointee Julie Brown and appointees William Spacola, John DeQuilla, Peter Cutterman, and Tina Rep discussed illegal gaming enforcement, audits, agency operations, and their backgrounds in law, regulation, law enforcement, and public service. Several members raised concerns about contract timing and evidence handling at the Gaming Commission, while others praised the nominees’ experience and service. At the end of the meeting, the committee voted to recommend confirmation of all appointees on tabs 1 through 7. Members then requested favorable placement on the record for specific bills, including SB 468, SB 1234, SB 1260, SB 1580, and SB 1706, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also creates a new section of law dealing with reporting animal cruelty, with clarifying definitions
• It also creates a new section of law dealing with reporting animal cruelty, where clarifying definitions
• mean by that is just a few days before the effective date of July 1st of last year when the 2502 section
• But shame on some of your staff members if they weren't tracking some applicable section of 2502 that

Bills: S0468 , S0822 , S1234 , S1260 , S1580 , S1706

Committee: Senate Regulated Industries

Keywords: animal cruelty, reporting, veterinary, protection, liability, regulation, community association, management certification, Florida Statutes, certified manager, association governance, building permits, inspections, offsite construction, local government, housing, property regulation, construction standards, state of emergency, emergency response

Transcript Highlights:

• see what their base operating budget is before granting authority, what you're putting together in Section
• We're trying to deal with almost straight language right here, because language is a different section
• This is Section 7 of the bill. Section 700. It's where I-T.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• something that we could become self-sufficient, where the state legislature said in 1990 when you created section
• <00:03:29.440><c> when</c><00:03:29.760><c> you</c><00:03:30.000><c> created</c><00:03:30.560><c> section
• In our testimony, we kind of recommended an amendment to delete section two and section 4 of the bill

Bills: SB2178

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: industrial hemp, Hawaii, agriculture, sustainability, Native Hawaiian practices, regulation, cultural stewardship, economic development, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SP 2178, which would create an industrial hemp program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, establish an advisory board, support research through the University of Hawaii, and promote hemp-based materials and partnerships with Native Hawaiian practitioners and cooperatives. Testimony was generally supportive from industry, Native Hawaiian advocates, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and the department, with supporters emphasizing economic opportunity, community-based development, and potential uses such as hempcrete and fiber products. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity also said it supported the intent, but its representative explained that the bill would require additional staffing and resources for education, monitoring, testing, and enforcement. Members raised concerns about overlapping regulation with USDA hemp licensing and the cost of new positions; the department estimated three additional positions at about $80,000 each and noted current federal licensing does not charge fees. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including removing state licensing requirements to avoid duplication with USDA authority, making technical changes, and blanking the appropriation amount for later consideration, and the recommendation was adopted unanimously. The committee also heard and later took action on several other measures. SB 2702, relating to Hawaiian Homes and an irrigation system inventory, drew support but was postponed for decision-making until February 5 so additional amendments could be prepared. SB 2785, relating to economic development, received mixed testimony but was recommended and adopted for passage without amendments. SB 2790, relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Mākai irrigation system, received strong support and was also passed unamended. SB 2314, relating to the Hawaiian language and the legal effect of Hawaiian versions of laws, drew support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and others, while the Attorney General’s office raised concerns about the wording; the committee adopted amendments incorporating language from the judiciary, clarifying that English and Hawaiian are official languages and that priority goes to the version consistent with legislative intent when there is a material difference, and then passed the bill with amendments. All final votes reported were in favor, with no recorded opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's language in Section 5 that says that the people, the entities entering into these contracts,
• It hurts local contractors' ability to bid, and we would like to just see that section removed from the
• This impact is due to the sections in the bill that modify the REET exemption by giving grantees an additional
• Otherwise, the sections in the bill modifying the allowable use of local funds do not impact cash receipts

Bills: SB6256 , SB6275 , SB5868 , SB5954

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: tax exemptions, affordable housing, nonprofit, unoccupied property, housing policy, community reinvestment, economic development, local investment, financial assistance, SB 5868, superior court, judge, judgeship, judicial vacancy, court administration, Skagit County, Yakima County, RCW 2.08.061, Washington courts, county judges

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Pursuant to Section 57, I would like to register a vote of abstain. >> Madam Clerk, please let the
• &gt;&gt; Pursuant<00:10:24.079><c> to</c><00:10:24.240><c> section</c><00:10:24.560><c> 57,</c><00:10
• 00:10:25.279><c> would</c><00:10:25.440><c> like</c><00:10:25.519><c> to</c> &gt;&gt; Pursuant to section
• 57, I would like to &gt;&gt; Pursuant to section 57, I would like to register<00:10:26.079><c> a</c>

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 05:04 Orders of the Day 06:01 HB 143 06:11 HB 164 08:07 HB 314 11:07 HB 398 21:17 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 29:02 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 34:01 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 35:40 ConC/Rules Report 40:15 Floor Amendments 41:15 Adjournment 41:26, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That way we can get the questions for the analysts on all the different agencies or different sections
• agency, that way we can get the questions for the analysts on all the different agencies or different sections
• Under the one big, beautiful bill in the Medicaid expansion work requirements, there's a section there
• was just set up that you had spoken about earlier, this is where we'd look and see if there were sections

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee met with a quorum present and began with questions about a Rural Health Funding Task Force. Members asked who created it, what notice was given, whether it was replacing JFAC, and whether it was separate from the governor’s task force. The chair said it was created by legislative leadership rather than this committee, that JFAC would still control funding decisions, and that the task force was intended to provide structure and policy direction if the funding moves forward. The committee then received a General Fund Daily Update from Legislative Services analyst Christopher LaHosette, who noted updated revenue projections, three introduced House bills with general fund fiscal impacts, and the green sheet’s totalizing function for tracking legislation. The main presentation was from the Department of Health and Welfare on the Division of Welfare, Mental Health Services, and Psychiatric Hospitalization budgets. Alex Williamson reviewed the divisions’ roles, staffing, and five-year spending trends, and outlined the governor’s recommendations, including Medicaid eligibility system changes tied to federal law, SNAP administrative cost shifts to the state, Medicaid expansion work requirements, restoration of transfer authority, and behavioral health requests tied to the Jeff D. settlement and Idaho Behavioral Health Plan. Director Juliet Sharon said the department’s requests were largely maintenance, restoration, or compliance items, including system changes for twice-yearly Medicaid redeterminations and work requirements. Members asked about the impact of federal changes, the $5 million increase in welfare operations, vacancy levels, endowment funds, and whether the department could compare SNAP administrative costs to other states. Several questions focused on mental health cuts, the former Center of Excellence, the request to combine adult and children’s mental health budgets, and the effect of reductions on crisis services, ACT services, and mobile crisis units. Sharon and Behavioral Health Administrator Ross Edmonds said the department was trying to preserve crisis and hospital services, maintain separate tracking for children and adults, and monitor access closely while complying with legal and federal requirements. The committee also discussed Magellan’s contract, audit findings, and managed care oversight. Sharon said Magellan is reviewed through monthly, quarterly, and annual deliverables and can be placed on corrective action plans; she also said the department has processes to prevent payments for deceased or ineligible individuals. Members asked about duplication of services, the use of endowment funds at state hospitals, the need for more behavioral health workforce data, and whether the department could share equipment or contract out maintenance at the psychiatric hospitals. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after indicating it would meet again Monday morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We appreciate the intent of this bill to support free speech in Section 1.
• But my understanding is that SB 6259 proposes in Section 2 that students found to have caused physical
• We appreciate the intent of this bill to support free speech in Section 1.
• But my understanding, SB 6259 proposes in Section 2 that students found to have caused physical damage

Summary: The committee began with a work session on the Workforce Education Investment Act (WEA) Oversight Board, hearing from board co-chair Jane Broome and Joel Anderson of WASAC. They described the account’s origins as a public-private partnership intended to supplement, not replace, existing higher education funding, and emphasized the board’s role in oversight and outcomes. Members discussed the need for better data, especially outcome-based data, and concerns that recent budget actions have used WEA funds to supplant general fund support for higher education, particularly at the University of Washington. The presenters said WASAC staffing has improved transparency, but they urged the committee to preserve the original “do not supplant” intent and to keep WEA focused on high-demand programs, financial aid, and student success. The committee then held public hearings on three bills. SB 6251 would require public medical schools to use letter grades or a tiered grading system; the sponsor said the bill was meant to standardize grading, while both Washington State University and UW Medicine testified in opposition, arguing that pass-fail and competency-based systems better support collaboration, student mental health, and residency competitiveness. SB 6259 would make students ineligible for state aid and require repayment of aid if they are found by a court to have caused major damage to a public institution; the sponsor framed it as accountability for serious vandalism, while the lone testifier from WSU student government supported free speech but opposed the bill’s penalties as inequitable for lower-income students. SB 6235 would address the higher education “fund split” by requiring state funding of compensation and central services to return to 2023-25 levels over time and directing a study on essential student services; nearly all testimony from university, faculty, and community college leaders supported the bill, saying the current approach shifts costs to tuition, creates instability, and forces cuts to classes, staffing, and student services. In executive session, the committee advanced several bills. It adopted proposed substitutes and gave do-pass recommendations to SB 5978, SB 6209, SB 6217, and SB 6227, sending them to the Ways and Means Committee. The committee did not take action on SB 6235 in executive session. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not going to oppose the amendment, but that's what the purpose of this section is in the bill. the
• purpose<00:16:19.199><c> of</c><00:16:19.360><c> of</c><00:16:19.680><c> this</c><00:16:19.920><c> section
• </c><00:16:20.240><c> is</c><00:16:20.399><c> in</c><00:16:20.560><c> the</c> purpose of of this section
• is in the purpose of of this section is in the bill.

Committee: Joint Finance

Keywords: Finance - Room 216, 29 January, 2026; 1:30 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill will create a couple of new sections within the agency law, and one of those sections will give
• We're seeking an amendment to sections one and four, adding the simple language: 'or if the homeowner
• Section 1 of this bill identifies the need to exempt public entities, tribes, and conservation groups

Bills: HB2477 , HB2501 , HB2465 , HB2512 , HB2240 , HB2624 , HB2536 , HB2476

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

Keywords: real estate, appraisal, consumer protection, business operations, regulatory compliance, HB 2501, real estate disclosure, seller disclosure notice, residential property, home heating oil tank, oil tank insurance, pollution liability insurance agency, PLIA, heating oil contamination, remediation assistance, Washington real estate, property sale, buyer disclosure, seller obligations, oil heat

Transcript Highlights:

• delivering, dispensing, or distributing abortion medications or engaging in any other activity under this section
• Section 1, Article 4 indicates that the DOC must work with the Department of Health to identify recipients
• We're still trying to understand Section 2, and so I'd like to, if I can, just one more quick point,
• So rather than, because the sections and the subsections will not live with my brain, nor I think with

Bills: SB5917 , SB6080 , SB6085 , SB5940 , SB5945 , SB5957 , SB5966

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: abortion medications, reproductive health, mifepristone, misoprostol, abortion access, medication abortion, early pregnancy loss, miscarriage management, Department of Corrections, Department of Health, health care providers, health care entities, Indian health care providers, pharmacy distribution, wholesale distribution, reproductive rights, women's health, emergency clause, immediate effect, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• It says that at the beginning of section 4.
• Can you clarify the sections on the new levies passing? I believe they're on page 30 of the bill.
• same amount, and I think this is predominantly the concern pursuant on subsection 3, pursuant to Section
• It specifically says a nursing home defined in Section 334.0 that is privately owned.

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 1, Article 1 states that access to abortion is a human right.
• This section goes on to classify abortion as an integral part of essential health care.
• Section 1, Article 3 opens up with the line, 'students seeking pregnancy termination.'
• Section 1, Article 5 states that medical abortion is a safe and effective treatment for pregnancy termination

Bills: SB5826 , SB5828 , SB5909 , SB5954

Committee: Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development

Keywords: medication abortion, public education, access, healthcare rights, postsecondary institutions, college grant, scholarships, higher education, private institutions, Washington State, undergraduate programs, enrollment, program review, public institutions, veterans, tuition waiver, education, survivors, eligibility, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 1, Article 1 states that access to abortion is a human right.
• This section goes on to classify abortion as an integral part of essential health care.
• Section 1, Article 3 opens up with the line, students seeking pregnancy termination.
• Section 1, Article 5 states that medical abortion is a safe and effective treatment for pregnancy termination

Summary: The Workforce Development Committee heard public testimony on several higher education bills. Senate Bill 5954 would expand veteran survivor tuition waiver eligibility to better align state law with federal DEA benefits, allowing eligible children and surviving spouses/domestic partners to use the waiver outside current age and time limits. The sponsor and veteran advocates said the change would help families access earned benefits; no opposition was heard, and the public hearing was closed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5826, which would require public postsecondary institutions to provide access to medication abortion through student health centers or referrals and web-based information by the 2027-28 academic year. Supporters, including students and reproductive health advocates, said the bill would reduce barriers, travel burdens, and stigma and help students stay enrolled. Opponents, including clergy, Catholic Conference representatives, and other individuals, argued the bill promoted abortion, raised safety and moral concerns, and was outside the mission of colleges. The public hearing was closed after extensive testimony. Senate Bill 5828 would restore and adjust Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship awards for students attending private not-for-profit four-year institutions, using the average award at public institutions rather than the reduced formula adopted last session. The sponsor and many students, private college leaders, and business and workforce groups supported the bill as a matter of fairness, access, and student choice, while public university faculty and representatives opposed it, saying state aid should prioritize public institutions and that the bill would deepen funding inequities. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5909, which would require public baccalaureate institutions to review and potentially discontinue low-enrollment degree programs; supporters framed it as a transparency and efficiency measure, while faculty and student representatives opposed it as too blunt and potentially harmful to smaller, specialized, or equity-focused programs. No votes were taken on any of the bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I understand the section that speaks about moratoriums for building code reform, specifically on changes
• Um I understand understand understand um<00:08:42.240><c> the</c><00:08:42.560><c> section</c><00:08:
• 42.800><c> that</c><00:08:43.120><c> speaks</c><00:08:43.440><c> about</c> um the section that speaks
• about um the section that speaks about moratoriums<00:08:44.560><c> for</c><00:08:45.519><c> building

Keywords: Roll Call 00:00:08 Approval of minutes 00:00:08 Discussion of Final Report 00:00:58 Adjournment 00:23:57, 958, all

Summary: The Housing Task Force met to approve its September and October minutes and then consider its final report, which was described as an overview of the second year of the task force’s work and included 14 recommendations for future legislative action. Members thanked the co-chairs and staff for compiling the report and noted that it had been posted publicly. Several members emphasized that housing problems affect both urban and rural areas across Kentucky and that the report should help guide next steps in the General Assembly. Members offered a range of comments on the recommendations. One representative urged stronger language on the state’s role and cautioned against moratoriums on building-code reforms that could discourage sustainable practices or raise long-term utility costs, while also suggesting more down payment assistance. Others highlighted the need for local flexibility in housing policy, support for rehabilitation tax credits, and continued use or expansion of affordable housing credits and direct support for construction, infrastructure, revolving loan funds, and low-income housing tax credits. Another member suggested adding clearer “right to rebuild” language so homeowners could rebuild after a fire if the home meets current code. The co-chairs summarized the task force’s main takeaways as two broad issues: regulatory delays and the need for more financial incentives. Members also discussed zoning, permitting delays, and the importance of moving permits more quickly so development can proceed without unnecessary holdups. After a motion and second, the committee approved the report as amended by the added “right to rebuild” language, and agreed to submit it to LRC, the Senate President, and the Speaker for approval before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And beyond that, in egg protection services, this section of the bill funds the wolf and elk depredation
• 00:13:57.519><c> services,</c><00:13:58.639><c> um</c><00:13:58.800><c> this</c><00:13:59.040><c> section
• </c><00:13:59.279><c> of</c> protection services, um this section of protection services, um this section

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up the conference committee report on House File 2446, the agriculture budget bill for the Department of Agriculture. Representative Anderson explained that the conference agreement kept the core House and Senate priorities while accepting some Senate policy provisions and fee increases, including grain license fees and food handling fees. He said the overall target was reduced, but major programs were preserved, including funding for the Board of Animal Health, egg emergency and inspection programs, elk and wolf compensation, milk processing capacity, farm safety and innovation, a new bioefficiency program to reduce fertilizer use in limited areas, and increased meat inspection funding. Representative Hansen and several other members urged adoption, describing the bill as a bipartisan “hybrid” that reflects changing agriculture and includes both traditional farm support and newer priorities. Supporters highlighted food assistance and worker protections, including funding to offset federal cuts to local food purchasing and milk distribution programs, farm-to-school and early care programs, avian flu testing, urban agriculture, and a study to expand Olmsted County’s soil health and nitrate reduction work. Some members noted concerns about fees, while others emphasized support for all types of agriculture, cottage food bakers, and the role of farm workers. After debate, the House adopted the conference committee report and advanced the bill. Following further discussion, the bill was repassed as amended by conference on a roll call vote of 130 ayes and 4 nays, and its title was agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section B of the bill.
• Employee attorney's licensed to practice before the CAVC and accredited under 38 CFR Section 14614.629
• I'm also accredited pursuant to 38 CFR Section 14.629.
• Say that if cases can be granted on the merits without further development at Section 1E of their MOU

Committee: House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I've managed to get my written comments, which describe each section, and I just urge your support unless
• Section two of the introduced bill, which deleted an existing exemption for ERISA plans in the subchapter
• Okay, but aren't there other sections of the code that allow you to do that? No sir, there's not.
• There's not other statutes or sections?

Bills: HB1464 , HB1635 , HB2516 , HB3317 , HB3502 , HB4012 , HB4268 , HB4386 , HB4877 , SB916

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: prescription drugs, drug pricing, pharmacy benefits, health insurance, health benefit plan, insurer, HMO, self-insured employer, public employer, school district, county, municipality, university system, higher education, retirees, dependent coverage, stop-loss coverage, bulk purchasing, group purchasing, purchasing pool

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, something both caucuses seem to be converging on in this section in the public safety sphere
• both caucuses seem to be converging on both caucuses seem to be converging on this<00:03:09.599><c> section
• the</c><00:03:10.319><c> public</c><00:03:10.480><c> safety</c><00:03:10.879><c> sphere</c> this section
• in the public safety sphere this section in the public safety sphere is<00:03:12.159><c> road</c><00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all