Transcript Highlights:

• Officials from nine entities were present to address repeat findings.
• And we've seen from this report that they received that next scholarship, likely in an attempt to keep
• Thirty-nine matters are under review. Criminal charges were filed in 28 of the matters referred.
• And so those are some things that keep us from being able to file charges.
• So those are some things that keep us from being able to file charges.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the prior meeting and then heard several audit-related reports. The executive committee report noted audit and special reports were scheduled for standing committees and the full Legislative Joint Audit Committee, with one requested report still in progress. The City, County, and Local report covered delinquent private water and sewer audits, reinstatement of turnback funds for entities that filed required reports, and action involving the town of Daisy, which was directed to repay misused street funds at 10% of general fund revenue annually. The education and state agencies reports included higher education audits and state agency findings, with some reports filed and others deferred to the February meeting for additional information or corrective-action details. The committee then took up a special audit of the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at UA Little Rock. Legislative Audit reported that the program, funded with $10 million in desegregation money plus a $50,000 grant, awarded $1.87 million in scholarships to 379 students, with 116 graduates, but found numerous eligibility and disbursement problems, including scholarships to ineligible students, excessive awards, improper documentation, and unclear disposition of some assets. Committee members questioned UALR representatives about oversight, staffing, and whether funds were properly used, and also heard from Philander Smith College about its limited role in verifying enrollment. Members expressed concern about the program’s results and the lack of detail on accountability, and the committee voted to table the report until the next meeting for further review and requested additional information, including the federal court order and more detail on expenditures and oversight. Finally, the committee reviewed the annual disposition report on matters referred to prosecutors and the Attorney General for 2024. Staff said 164 matters were referred, with 28 resulting in criminal charges and convictions, 39 still under review, 96 not charged, and others dismissed or pending; 20 convictions produced fines, restitution, and audit-cost orders, and bond trust fund claims were paid in some cases. Prosecutor Coordinator and Attorney General representatives explained that some referrals do not meet criminal standards, may lack intent, or are otherwise not prosecutable, and members asked for more standardized reporting, clearer explanations of why cases are not charged, and more information on restitution efforts. The committee discussed possible templates, training, and better coordination, then voted to file the report and adjourned, with the next meeting set for February 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• We just keep seeing these, and the kids keep saying, why?
• We just keep seeing these, and the kids keep saying, why? So why don't they just fix it, you know?
• Our house had air conditioning, so we could keep our windows closed.
• Our house had air conditioning, so we could keep our windows closed.
• So in conclusion on this, I wanted to keep my remarks brief. Redwood is very supportive.”

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused mainly on two subjects: expansion of the Massachusetts bottle bill and bills to remove woody biomass from state clean-energy and greenhouse-gas programs. On the bottle bill, supporters from municipal, environmental, public health, and local government groups argued that the 5-cent deposit is outdated, redemption rates have fallen, and expanding coverage to more beverage containers—especially water, sports drinks, and small alcohol bottles—would reduce litter, cut plastic waste and microplastics, and save cities and towns money. Several speakers also backed raising handling fees for retailers and redemption centers, and some supported restoring a Clean Environment Fund so unclaimed deposits would support recycling-related purposes. Opponents, including the Massachusetts Beverage Association and the National Waste and Recycling Association, argued that curbside recycling and transfer-station systems are more convenient, that the targeted containers are valuable to local recycling programs, and that the proposal would shift costs onto consumers and municipalities. Committee members questioned witnesses about redemption rates, handling fees, the 2014 ballot question, and whether the bill had changed from prior sessions. The biomass portion drew strong support from Springfield officials, state legislators, environmental advocates, and public health groups. They said woody biomass should not count as clean energy because burning wood produces particulate pollution and carbon emissions, and they warned that current law contains a loophole that could help finance the proposed Palmer Renewable Energy biomass plant in Springfield. Witnesses emphasized Springfield’s air-quality and asthma burdens, the public health impacts of PM2.5, and the need to close the loophole before a January 1, 2026 deadline. One forest-industry witness supported a separate bill promoting modern wood heat with pollution controls, arguing it is cleaner than older wood systems and has minimal ratepayer cost, while noting that those credits would be affected if the governor’s broader energy affordability bill repeals the alternative energy portfolio standard. No votes were taken during the hearing. The chairs managed testimony by alternating between the bottle bill and biomass topics, asking speakers to keep remarks brief and to note when they agreed with prior testimony. Several legislators also testified in support of the bills, and committee members asked follow-up questions on deposit levels, retailer handling fees, recycling economics, and the public-health rationale for the biomass restrictions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The idea being that the reimbursements for services per purchase service contracts aren't keeping up
• that we are requesting this year would provide the funding for the remaining four elevators for the nine
• measure of providing partial certification of the funding so that they can put it out to bid for all nine
• We're also requesting an amendment to the language on page nine, lines 13 to 15, which reads available
• The settlement that was reached with Jardine after fighting over it for nine years and going up to the

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard and acted on several nominations and bills. It first recommended advise and consent for Governor’s Message 573, confirming Luann Blake to the Statewide Elections Accessibility Needs Advisory Committee after she described her experience as a blind voter and her goals of improving outreach and accessibility for voters with print disabilities. The committee then took up the judiciary supplemental budget bill, HB 2095, with testimony from the courts and several supportive organizations. The courts requested funding for security, cybersecurity, substance use treatment contracts, public guardian services, staffing, and capital projects; members questioned the lump-sum CIP request, the substance use contract funding, and the Kamanu Hale elevator project. The committee later voted to pass HB 2095 with amendments, including changes to cybersecurity funding, security-related report language, and other committee-report notes. The committee also heard HB 1520, which changes the five-year statute of limitations for criminal prosecutions of campaign finance violations to begin upon discovery by the Campaign Spending Commission. The commission supported the bill, saying it would prevent delayed reporting from avoiding prosecution, while one senator raised concerns about due diligence, tolling, and the difference between administrative and criminal enforcement. The bill drew broad support from advocacy groups and was advanced with an amendment clarifying “criminal prosecution.” HB 1548, which reduces the maximum sentence for misdemeanors and other offenses punishable by up to one year to 364 days, received strong support from the Public Defender, immigrant-rights groups, OHA, and others, who said the change would reduce immigration consequences for noncitizens. The committee later amended and passed the bill, limiting it to non-violent offenses. HB 2050, increasing partial public financing limits and available public funds, was supported by the Campaign Spending Commission and good-government groups, while OHA asked for parity with lieutenant governor races. The committee passed it with amendments increasing the public-fund match and funding levels, and requested additional appropriations in the committee report. HB 2494, which would set factors for warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations and require documentation of the justification, drew strong support from the Public Defender and civil-liberties advocates but opposition from the Attorney General’s office, prosecutors, police, and some business groups, who warned it would restrict officer discretion and trigger litigation. The committee nevertheless passed it with amendments. In a final decision-making agenda, the committee also passed HB 2250 with amendments, adding blank appropriations and committee-report language related to claims against the state, including claims involving exonerees and a disputed USEPA-related claim.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can't keep up with data because we literally have so much development going on.
• Nine. Oh, the, like, counselors in training too. So maybe, yeah, somewhere between six and nine.
• There being nine ayes, zero nays, the motion prevails.
• That would be a nine ayes, zero nays. Motion prevails.
• There being nine ayes, zero nays, the motion prevails.

Bills: HB48, HB66, HB68, HB71, HB75, HB164, HB171, HB254, SB3, SB18, HB123, HB149, HB117

Keywords: HB 48, Texas alert notification systems, emergency alerts, public warning systems, alert fatigue, notification fatigue, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, DPS alerts, emergency management, State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, STEAR, disaster notifications, weather alerts, Amber Alert, Silver Alert, Blue Alert, missing persons alerts, accessible alerts, hearing impaired

Summary: The committee met in special session to hear a series of flood, preparedness, and youth-camp safety bills, with members repeatedly noting that many of the measures were intended as planning, warning, or authority-clarifying bills rather than direct spending bills. House Bill 254 would expand eligibility for the Rural Infrastructure Disaster Recovery Program to include Kerr County and 18 other flood-affected counties by raising the GDP cap and lowering the poverty threshold; it drew no opposition and was left pending. House Bill 68 would direct a study of flood mitigation in flatland areas, especially in the Rio Grande Valley, to develop cost-effective drainage and infrastructure recommendations; local officials and advocates supported it, and it was also left pending. The committee then heard several youth camp bills tied to the recent Hill Country flooding. House Bill 75 would impose flood-aware building and site standards for youth camps near floodplains, and House Bill 71 would require camps and youth activity entities to submit emergency preparedness plans to TDEM, coordinate with local responders, and maintain readiness protocols; both bills were supported by safety advocates and camp representatives, and both were left pending. House Bill 171 would require campgrounds near flood-prone waters to give written flood-risk notice to campers and obtain signed acknowledgment; it was presented as informed consent and left pending. Testimony on these bills emphasized Camp Mystic and other recent flood tragedies, with some witnesses urging broader building-code and floodplain reforms. The committee also heard House Bill 117, which would let counties regulate impervious cover for flood mitigation in unincorporated areas. Supporters, including county officials, environmental groups, and residents, argued that rapid development in the Hill Country and other growing areas is worsening runoff and downstream flooding; opponents from the builders’ association said counties already have substantial authority and warned about overreach into rural property use. After extensive testimony, the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 18 would streamline permitting for certain flood control districts to repair dams and reservoirs and build small holding areas, and it was left pending after supportive testimony from Plum Creek Conservation District. Senate Bill 3 would create a state-backed outdoor flood warning siren program for identified flood-prone areas, funded through a grant program; witnesses generally supported it, though some cautioned that sirens are not sufficient by themselves and may not be heard indoors or in overnight storms. It too was left pending. The committee also began hearing House Bill 149 on public-safety radio interoperability, but the transcript cuts off before the bill’s full testimony or action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we want to be able to keep those good jobs here.
• So you keep going back. I appreciate it. I'm short. Sorry.
• So you keep going back to water and sewer, which I understand.
• We haven't had to keep track in any kind of pro rata fashion.
• Eight, I'm sorry, nine yeas, and the bill finally passes. Nine co-authors. Yeah. Nine co-authors.

Bills: HR320, HR321, SCR55, SCR69, SCR75, SCR77, SCR78, SCR79, SB259, SB295, SB312, SB348, SB444, SB485, HR73, HR118, HR144, HR196, HR237, HR249, HR260, HR267, HR272, HR278, HCR85, HCR100, HCR105, HCR107, HCR114, HR245, SCR5, SCR29, SCR33, SCR37, SCR63, SCR30, SCR40, HB62, HB193, HB210, HB220, HB246, HB364, HB420, HB475, HB584, HB622, HB772, HB784, HB949, HB953, HB1043, HB1070, HB1092, HB1134, HB1162, HB1176, HB1196, HB1214, HB119, HB129, HB233, HB283, HB538, HB789, HB850, HB870, HB1236, HB1241, HB54, HB137, HB321, HB368, HB386, HB414, HB431, HB552, HB555, HB578, HB590, HB593, HB618, HB638, HB670, HB692, HB707, HB708, HB715, HB718, HB732, HB741, HB748, HB776, HB796, HB807, HB822, HB848, HB856, HB887, HB888, HB917, HB921, HB1082, HB1243, HB1246, HB378, HB509, HB1090, HB1259, SB80, SB131, SB143, SB251, SB254, SB279, SB367, SB384, SB388, SB389, SB398, SB408, SB431, SB468, SB469, SB496, SB4, SB52, SB57, SB83, SB145, SB152, SB194, SB276, SB319, SB333, SB448, SB450, SB465, SB484, SB501, SB509, SB149, HR168, HB463, HB998, SB123, SB353, SB479, SB495, SB82, SB97, SB283, SB326, SB518, SB197, SB268, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HCR98, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB646, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1191, HB1240, HB1255, SB89, HB74, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB956, HB1117, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB341, SB379, SB382, SB387, SB401, SB441, SB449, SB487

Keywords: Arsenal, Arsenal F.C., Premier League, English football, soccer, football club, Mikel Arteta, Emirates Stadium, North London, Tottenham Hotspur, Gunners, sports resolution, commendation, celebration, championship, silverware, Louisiana House Resolution, ceremonial resolution, domestic violence, forensic medical examinations

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Wharff left an aye vote, and Chairman Locke, that is nine ayes.
• Chairman, that is nine eyes. >> I Mr. Chairman, that is nine eyes. All right.
• Chairman, that is nine eyes. >> Representative Storer was keeping us all in suspense there for a half
• Just keeping us going for the day. Anyway, all right. Uh, everyone please sit for just a moment.
• Just keeping us going for the day. Just keeping us going for the day.

Bills: SF0079, SF0080, SF0039

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, economic development, impact assistance, industrial facilities, tax exemptions, local control, electronic notice, compliance, tax collection, administration, tax exemption, long-term homeowners, property tax, seniors, residential property, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I’ve worked hard to keep decorum.
• Keeping our doctors that are here.
• This bill does not bring reform, and it keeps New Mexico in a crisis, and it keeps doctors fleeing our
• We always want to keep it solid.
• I'm sorry, keep the noise in the room down.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 52.560> down<00:01:52.960> the<00:01:53.120> list<00:01:53.720> of I'll keep
• > anyone<00:03:33.560> has I'll keep moving unless anyone has I'll keep moving unless anyone
• I'd be happy to go through them or just answer questions, kind of keeping an eye on the clock.
• um kind of keeping an eye on the clock. um kind of keeping an eye on the clock.
• So, if it was going to be nine, that's the one I would take out.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met on May 8, 2026, to narrow 12 proposed Legislative Audit Commission evaluation topics down to 8-10 semi-finalists for a legislative survey. Deputy Legislative Auditor Jodi Munson Rodriguez reviewed the selection criteria and explained which topics were promising now, which might be better deferred to fall because of timing or data limitations, and which were less promising because OLA would have limited ability to add value. She identified the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy, DHS Adult Day Services Licensing, DHS county service approvals and provision, MDH mortuary science program, MPCA feedlot permitting, Minnesota paid leave, the Office of Cannabis Management, and several other DHS-related items as candidates, while recommending that DHS system modernization be shifted to an IT audit and that corporate concentration be narrowed substantially if pursued. Members discussed several topics in detail. Representative Lee asked how a broad DHS county services topic could be narrowed and suggested providing legislators with an addendum listing possible subprograms so they would know what they were ranking; Munson Rodriguez said OLA could add a few suggested subtopics and tailor the survey materials. Representative Hansen urged that the MPCA feedlot permitting review focus on effectiveness and environmental and health impacts, not just speed, and Munson Rodriguez said those kinds of questions could be added. The Office of Cannabis Management was viewed as promising but probably too new to evaluate immediately, and the MDH mortuary science program was also seen as worthwhile but potentially delayed because of overlap with other MDH licensing work. The Minnesota research tax credit drew the most extended discussion. Munson Rodriguez said it remained a weak fit for OLA because of limited data and unclear program goals, and Senator Rest argued it would be better handled by the Department of Revenue’s research staff or possibly the Legislative Budget Office’s tax expenditure research section. Representative Lee asked whether OLA’s financial audit division could review whether the credit “pays for itself,” but Munson Rodriguez said that would require econometric analysis outside the financial audit division’s normal work. The committee did not take a formal vote in the portion provided, but the chair indicated the tax credit issue should be brought to the full commission agenda, and the meeting continued with additional topic review, including the Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, which staff said was heavily federally controlled and already reviewed by federal OIG, limiting OLA’s likely impact.

Transcript Highlights:

• difficult patients can be cared for in our local institutions, but if you think they can't, yes, let's keep
• difficult patients can be cared for in our local institutions, but if you think they can't, yes, let's keep
• Chairman and Senator Matherin, do you have an estimate of what it would take to keep a good functioning
• And then number nine, rest... So the $3 million, hopefully, we'll cover that. Okay.
• And then number nine, rest Okay, and then number nine, restored funding for Prairie Public Broadcasting

Bills: SB2012

Keywords: transportation, funding, infrastructure, grants, municipal, 908, all

Summary: The Government Operations division met to consider House Bill 1015, the OMB budget, with several amendments already in hand. A major portion of the discussion centered on Senator Mathern’s concerns about the proposed new state hospital in Jamestown. He argued the project is outdated, too expensive, and should be delayed or reduced in favor of local behavioral health services and deferred maintenance at the existing LaHogue facility. Other members questioned him about staffing, capacity, constitutional issues, and the relationship between the hospital proposal and broader mental health investments in other bills. The committee also reviewed budget mechanics, including the transfer of up to $240 million from the Social Services Fund to the Human Services Finance Fund, a $40 million deferred maintenance fund, a $3 million deficiency appropriation for the new and vacant FTE pool, and other OMB-related items. Members discussed whether OMB should have managerial control over the Jamestown project and generally agreed that OMB oversight could help manage costs, though concerns about the hospital remained. The committee then considered two funding items that drew the most debate: guardianship grants and a pro-life education campaign. After testimony from a representative supporting the campaign, members agreed to reduce that item by $500,000 and add $1 million for guardianship grants, while leaving the overall bill to be finalized in conference. The committee adopted Amendment Version 2006 with those changes and then passed HB 1015 as amended on a roll call vote, with all members voting aye except Senator Burckhard on the amendment vote; he later voted aye on the bill itself. The chair indicated the bill would move to conference committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Once we have established quorum, we have nine measures on the agenda, two of which are on consent.
• Once we have established quorum, we have nine measures on the agenda, two of which are on consent.
• We will keep that roll open for absent members. Thank you. Thank you so much.
• We'll keep the roll open for absent members. Thank you very much. Thank you.
• For every meal that we can provide, CalFresh provides nine.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard and advanced a series of bills focused on homelessness, child care, food security, public assistance, immigration legal services, and veterans’ benefits. SB 479 would allow city-based local health jurisdictions, including Berkeley and Oakland, to run homeless response multidisciplinary teams and share specified information across departments; supporters said the change would improve coordination and outcomes, while no opposition testified. SB 902 would permit electronic signatures for Child Care and Development Services Act paperwork, with supporters describing the burden of paper processes on working families and noting that paper would remain an option. Both bills were referred onward after committee action. The committee also approved SB 1025, creating an Office of Food Security and Affordability; SB 1030, repealing the CalWORKs “man-in-the-house” rule; and SB 1077, requiring CDSS to develop a communications and contingency plan for CalFresh disruptions during federal government shutdowns. Testimony on these measures emphasized fragmented food assistance systems, the need to modernize outdated welfare rules, and the importance of preparing for future federal benefit interruptions. Each bill drew broad support from advocates, local governments, and social service organizations, with no opposition testimony, and each received a due-pass recommendation to the next committee. The committee further advanced SB 1194, which would codify the Immigration Legal Fellowship Project to expand access to immigration legal services in underserved regions, and SB 1201, which would seek federal waivers and other protections to help veterans affected by CalFresh changes and connect applicants with county veterans service officers. Supporters said both bills would fill critical service gaps and strengthen legal and food-security infrastructure. SB 1194 received a 6-1 vote, while SB 1201 passed unanimously. Earlier in the hearing, SB 557 and SB 1051 were approved on consent. The committee then adjourned after recording final roll calls for absent members.

Transcript Highlights:

• 55.599> Bill<00:02:55.840> 299<00:02:56.400> and Well, we started off with our nine
• Well, we started off with our nine Well, we started off with our nine licensed<00:03:47.680>
• <00:10:20.480> the like to rem recommend that we keep the like to rem recommend that we keep
• by Kentucky players, meaning nearly nine by Kentucky players, meaning nearly nine out<00:21:47.840
• <00:36:54.720> and paying the tax rates of the nine and paying the tax rates of the nine and

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its August 21 meeting and then received an update from Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation leadership on implementation of Senate Bill 299 and House Bill 566. Jamie Eids and staff described the agency’s new structure after charitable gaming was brought under the corporation, including new divisions, staffing, banking, payroll, insurance, procurement, and reporting systems. They also unveiled the corporation’s new logo and tagline, and said the transition had been designed to avoid interruption for charities, licensees, and racing operations. A major focus was the fee structure required by House Bill 566. Eids outlined current licensing fees across racing, sports wagering, and charitable gaming, compared Kentucky’s fees with other states, and recommended keeping the status quo for one more year because the agency has only recently brought all three components fully in-house. Members asked about whether charitable gaming had harmed veterans’ groups or other nonprofits, whether any revenue should be transferred back to the state, and whether the charitable gaming licenses cover one-off raffles as well as standing operations. Eids said she had not heard complaints, said the licenses include all such activity with some exemptions, and agreed to look at the question of future transfers. The committee then heard from Melissa Combs Wright on pari-mutuel wagering and Hannah Sims on sports wagering. They reported continued growth in historical horse racing, more than $11 billion in total pari-mutuel wagering in fiscal year 2025, over $10.5 billion in HHR wagers, and about $161 million in pari-mutuel tax revenue, with most of that supporting the general fund and horse-breeding development funds. They also said sports wagering has generated nearly $5 billion in wagers since launch, $73 million for the public pension fund, and more than $2 million for problem gambling services, while expanding to 13 retail locations and 92 additional sports events. Members raised concerns about players being cut off after winning, the lack of local government revenue sharing from gaming facilities, and the growth of computer-assisted wagering; the witnesses said they were reviewing CAWs and that Kentucky does not license poker rooms through the corporation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Around one of every nine persons age 65 or older, or over 70 million Americans, are living with Alzheimer's
• for a recess and ask our members to greet, congratulate, and then pose for pictures so that you can keep
• for a recess and ask our members to greet, congratulate, and then pose for pictures so that you can keep
• In this role, she oversees all legal work, supervises nine attorneys, and manages her own caseload.
• Mariano worked in the Department of the Attorney General's Criminal Justice Division for nine years.

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:

• I think I'll keep my powder dry, but my, I guess my key question, my, my, then my The question to you
• I can tell you I think there's nine that specifically ban under state law SBRs.
• But there are only, even with a tax stamp, there are only nine states that ban SBR. but those are also
• get you the specific list because I might be one or two off one way or the other but I believe it's nine
• And thus, we cannot say that the Second Amendment guarantees the right to keep and bear. such an instrument

Bills: SB108, SB318, SB507, SB511, SB533, SB1026, SB1386, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596

Keywords: elections, Election Code, poll workers, election clerks, presiding judge, alternate presiding judge, polling place, central counting station, county chair, political party, gubernatorial election, vote counting, election administration, Texas elections, precinct officials, ballot counting, county election officials, election integrity, election fraud, Attorney General

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:59:10.520> a<00:59:10.680> family also the the value of M keeping a family also
• the the value of M keeping a family together<00:59:11.799> I<00:59:11.920> think<00:59
• <01:39:33.360> representative Federal um number nine representative Federal um number nine
• And number nine, this is part of the section of the system of care for adult and aging population in
• Okay, do we want to keep Representative Seaworth? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session continued its review of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Medicaid budget and related policy issues, with CFO Nathan White and Medicaid Director Henry Litman presenting updated materials. The discussion focused on a crosswalk between the adjusted FY 2025 Medicaid budget and the governor’s FY 2026 recommendation, plus handouts showing service additions, eligibility changes, dental rates, and other Medicaid changes since 2019. The department also said it would provide a clearer breakdown of the pharmacy cost-sharing item by general, federal, and other funds. Members asked detailed questions about the Medicaid enhancement tax, the 80% plan, and how funds are allocated between hospital payments, directed payments, and DSH uncompensated care. The department explained that the MET is being used more toward rates and directed payments to better align with federal matching rules, while DSH remains important for uncompensated care. They also noted that a pending Senate Bill 249 would keep the 80% structure and move to Senate Finance. On the trigger law, the department identified the governing provision as Chapter 342:12, Laws of 2018, and explained that if the federal match for Medicaid expansion falls below 90%, the state must notify legislative leaders and participants and the program would sunset after 180 days unless the legislature acts. The committee also reviewed current Medicaid expansion enrollment and program trends. Officials said enrollment was just under 59,000 as of March 3, with about 87,000 people enrolled over the past year and more than a quarter-million residents having used the program over its lifetime. They said enrollment has fallen from a post-pandemic high of nearly 97,000 and may eventually settle in the low 50,000s. Finally, the department discussed federal DSH funding risk, saying New Hampshire could face a significant reduction if Congress does not extend current protections, which is part of why the state has shifted more funding toward payment rates and directed payments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your vote of nine ayes, one nay.
• If it will get cleaned, we will keep it clean at our expense.
• And we will work around them with our mechanical cleaning and keep the salt cedars out.
• We will work around them with our mechanical cleaning and keep the salt cedars out.
• And all they do is just keep growing, getting thicker and deeper.

Bills: SB1137, SB1176, SB1287, SB1335, SB1336, SB1445, SB1677

Keywords: underground utilities, utility locating, dig safe, call before you dig, 811, excavation safety, damage prevention, one-call center, locate request, white lining, large project coordination, buried infrastructure, subsurface utilities, utility marking, locator wire, locator strip, interactive positive response system, landlord duties, apartment community, mobile home park

Summary: The committee first received a presentation from the Arizona Water Banking Authority by Dr. Rebecca Burnett. She explained the authority’s role in storing Colorado River water as long-term storage credits, its funding sources, and its obligations to provide backup supplies for CAP municipal and industrial subcontractors, the Hualapai River Indian community, and Nevada. Members asked about future firming for CAP users, recovery of credits, water quality issues, and whether municipalities banking water themselves affects the authority’s supply. Burnett said the authority has no current firming policy for CAP M&I subcontractors, is waiting on Colorado River guidelines, and does not have excess water to bank because no surplus is available. No action was taken on the presentation. The committee then heard and voted on several bills. SB 1445, as amended, allows small municipalities to test bacteriological samples on site with EPA-approved equipment; the sponsor and a rural mayor argued it would save money and improve responsiveness, while some members questioned whether the change was already possible under existing law. The bill passed 6-4. SB 1137, with a Taylor amendment, modernizes Arizona’s 811 call-before-you-dig system by adding large-project coordination meetings, an interactive positive response system, and related procedures; it passed unanimously 10-0. SB 1287, which expands an existing groundwater use allowance for irrigation grandfathered rights from initial AMAs to all AMAs, passed 9-1. The committee also considered SB 1335, as amended, which in its final form addressed a temporary continuation of irrigation tied to the Ag-to-Urban program and groundwater savings credits; DWR said the amendment was still a placeholder and needed cleanup, while supporters said it would help manage timing issues for farmers and developers. It passed 5-4. SB 1336 reauthorized the State Land Department through 2030 and added oversight, reporting, and planning requirements; the department was neutral but raised concerns about the proposed oversight committee and implementation details. After debate over the need for another board and the length of reauthorization, it passed 5-4. Finally, SB 1677 appropriates $3 million to the Department of Forestry and Fire Management for salt cedar mitigation along the lower Gila River corridor. Supporters from Audubon Southwest, the City of Buckeye, and local landowners said the invasive trees increase flood and wildfire risk, consume large amounts of water, and crowd out native habitat; some members raised concerns about herbicide use and wanted more detail on the mitigation plan. The bill passed 9-0. The chair then thanked staff and members, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have been on the job for nine weeks.
• On to slide nine. This is a breakdown of the counties in New Mexico. As you can see...
• That keeps companies, other than their own public goodwill, I guess, to keep rates affordable.
• And it seems to me that that would be a proactive way to keep the bad actors out.
• But we're just doing the best we can to keep things contained if they do happen.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are nine members, that's up to nine members. Allowed and required by statute.
• Of her eleven bridesmaids, nine of them were her heart friends.
• A fanatical dedication to keeping kids safe. These were always her and our first priorities.
• So I think that, but let me make it clear, if it helps keep kids safe, we're all about it.
• We keep hearing... Thank you very much. Members, any other questions?

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have nine present. We will begin today with public testimony on Senate Bill 1135.
• We have nine present. We will begin today with public testimony on Senate Bill 1135.
• And if they do go to jail, six to nine months is what we're seeing most of the time of how long they're
• Six to nine months is what we're seeing most of the time of how long they're usually spending in jail
• Families like theirs cannot keep waiting.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Children and Families held a public hearing on Senate Bill 1135, known as Bentley and Mason’s Law, with nine members present. Senator Henderson presented the bill as a child-support-style restitution measure for children who lose a parent or parents because of a drunk or drug-impaired driver. He said the amount would be determined through the clerk and court process based on the offender’s finances and the children’s prior standard of living, and noted the bill includes a delay in payments if the offender is incarcerated. He also explained that if a family pursues a civil recovery from insurance, they would not also receive the maintenance order, to avoid double recovery. Committee members asked about how the payments would be calculated, whether health care or other needs could be included, whether the bill would affect FAFSA or survivor benefits, and whether there would be penalties for nonpayment. Several members praised the concept but raised concerns about enforceability, possible bankruptcy discharge, and the civil-suit limitation. Senator Henderson said he was open to further discussion on strengthening the bill, but noted some provisions were compromises made to keep the bill moving. Public testimony was strongly in favor. Brooke Stewart described how her husband was killed by a drunk driver in Tennessee and said a court award under Bentley’s Law would help support her daughters’ future needs, including college. Heather Elder of Mothers Against Drunk Driving supported the bill, said similar laws have passed in other states and territories, and urged the committee not to amend or delay it further. She also described the original Missouri family behind the bill and said the measure would provide accountability and relief for children left behind by impaired-driving deaths. No one testified in opposition, and the committee adjourned after closing the hearing on SB 1135.

Transcript Highlights:

• um but he he let us at the time keep um but he he let us at the time keep Court<01:38:14.480>
• Or no, do we keep it?
• correct uh housing accounted for nine correct uh housing accounted for nine cases<04:27:41.119><
• that board is that they have those nine that board is that they have those nine experts experts
• need to do that in a way that we'd keep need to do that in a way that we'd keep operations<05:19

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a work session on the Department of Business and Economic Affairs’ budget, with testimony from division leadership on staffing, funding sources, and program changes. Early discussion focused on vacant positions in the agency, including a senior planner tied to FEMA requirements, a federally funded program assistant, a program specialist to be reclassified during a planning reorganization, and two Housing Champions positions that were authorized but not funded in the current biennium and are requested for 2026-27. The witnesses also explained that temporary welcome center positions are filled as funds allow, and that the agency’s requested general fund increase is driven largely by the Division of Travel and Tourism Development and its formula-based funding. Members then reviewed rest areas, welcome centers, outdoor recreation, economic development, procurement, and workforce opportunity lines. The department said there are 12 rest areas, with 5.8 million foot counts in FY 24, and that welcome centers are generally open year-round, though Sutton is currently closed and staffing relies on a mix of full-time and temporary employees. The outdoor recreation position is federally funded through USDA and supports business outreach, trade shows, and industry promotion. In economic development, the agency said increased dues reflect participation in the Northern Borders Regional Commission, and that a marketing line item is intended to support recruitment and promotion of growth industries such as advanced manufacturing and life sciences. The Apex Accelerator Program was described as a state-federal partnership requiring a state match and providing government contracting assistance to businesses, while the Office of Workforce Opportunity was explained as a federally funded WIOA-related effort administered through multiple agencies and subrecipients. A major point of discussion was the proposed reduction to the Small Business Development Center, which members said had generated significant public concern. The department described SBDC as a highly effective technical assistance program for new and small businesses, but said the cut was one of the few places it felt it had room to reduce funding. Members asked about federal support and matching requirements for various programs, and the department said less than half of its overall budget is generally funded by the state and that some programs require state match. The committee also discussed travel and tourism marketing and the Joint Promotional Program, with the department saying those funds support broader advertising campaigns and grants to chambers and trade associations for events such as Bike Week, Restaurant Week, and the Seafood Festival. No votes were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• On to the Assembly third reading, we are going to pass and retain file items two through nine.
• and anyone else in between, especially those in the Central Valley who battle drought and heat to keep
• It's a lifeline we cherish, and we should keep in mind as we implement different policies in this body
• It's a lifeline we cherish and we should keep in mind as we implement different policies in this body
• And nine of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence... ...in the Revolutionary War, and nine

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and prayer, then handled several procedural matters before moving to the daily file. Members approved a motion to withdraw Assembly Bills 100 through 219 to the second reading file by a roll call vote of 42-15, and unanimously approved re-referrals of AB 440 and AB 1265 to different committees. The chamber also welcomed international visitors, student and community guests, and later heard a series of guest introductions tied to agriculture, immigration, and Irish heritage. The main floor action centered on two resolutions. H.R. 19, recognizing California Agriculture Day, drew strong support from members representing agricultural districts, who highlighted the state’s farm production, exports, and the role of farmworkers and ranchers; the resolution was adopted by voice vote after 65 co-authors were added. ACR 51, honoring Irish American Heritage Month, was also adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added, with members speaking about Irish immigration, labor history, California-Ireland ties, and St. Patrick’s Day. The Assembly also held multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes for the Honorable Leon Lawson Williams, a pioneering Black civic leader in San Diego who served on the City Council and County Board of Supervisors and helped expand public transit and advance civil rights. Members from San Diego and others described his barriers-breaking career and lasting influence on local government and community leadership. The House then received announcements about upcoming committee hearings and adjourned until Thursday, March 20, at 9 a.m.