Transcript Highlights:

• And I was at, for personal reasons, I was at Barrow's.
• So redirecting the earnings back to the operator's risk, weakening that safeguard.
• Redirecting the earnings back to operators risks weakening that safeguard.
• You know, we're talking about... ...safeguards to ensure long-term sustainability.
• A good reason to vote no on this bill has to do with the enforcement.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and approval of the prior journal. Members then introduced guests, including Dr. Stephen Brown as doctor of the day, Arizona State Troopers Day participants, the Arizona Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and the Arizona delegation of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. The Senate also adopted a proclamation recognizing the Arizona Speech-Language-Hearing Association for its work serving people with communication disorders. The Committee of the Whole considered several House bills. HB 2133, dealing with sexual material and synthetic depictions, was amended on the floor and advanced despite objections that it was overbroad and raised First Amendment concerns. HB 2167, relating to the Attorney General, HB 2600, relating to public school clubs and parental consent, and HB 2811, relating to obstruction of public administration, were also advanced. In a second Committee of the Whole, HB 255 on brackish groundwater recovery, HB 2787 on limiting local cooperation with Mexican wolf reintroduction, HB 2795 on county zoning for small modular reactors, and HB 2985 on state land water allocations were considered; HB 2787, HB 2795, and HB 2985 advanced, while HB 2795 later failed on third reading. HB 2003, concerning driver licenses and instruction permits, was also amended to add a delayed effective date and advanced. On third reading, the Senate passed HB 2013, HB 2031, HB 2102, HB 2103, HB 2117, HB 2226, HB 2262, HB 2278, HB 2378, HB 2584, HB 2693, HB 2270, HB 2370, HB 2665, HB 2666, HB 2876, HB 487, HB 2003, HB 255, HB 2133, HB 2167, HB 2600, HB 2787, HB 2811, and HB 2985, with several members explaining no votes over water policy, local control, public safety, and free speech concerns. HB 2795 failed by a 15-13 vote. The Senate also agreed to a free conference committee on HB 2874 and appointed Senators Finchem, Bolick, and Ortiz to it. Bills passed in open session were ordered transmitted to the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> orderly growth and planning, safeguard orderly growth and planning, safeguard public<00:05:20.320
• The reason why it's needed is to identify the failing water systems.
• That was the reason we had those Senate hearings in September.
• </c><00:14:59.279><c> Reason</c><00:14:59.600><c> for</c> if you're in a good place.
• Reason for if you're in a good place.

Committee: Joint Energy

Keywords: Energy - Room 210, 2 February, 2026; 4:15 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There needs to be safeguards, and so this bill is in addressing that.
• There needs to be safeguards, and so this bill is in addressing that.
• So for that reason, I'll be WR in this bill. Thank you.
• So for that reason, I'll be WR in this bill. Thank you.
• So for that reason, I'll be WR in this bill. Thank you.

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And for these reasons, we urge your aye vote. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Next one is, please.
• As mentioned, under current law, if there's a reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect within foster
• AB 1688 adds two additional important safeguards.
• For this reason, we are proud to co-sponsor a for their safety and protection.
• AB 1688 adds two additional important safeguards.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard four bills and one consent item. AB 1574 by Assemblymember Chris Rogers would expand tribal access to prevention and diversion services aimed at keeping Native youth out of foster care. Supporters, including tribal representatives and child welfare advocates, said the bill would help address the overrepresentation of Native children in foster care and strengthen culturally relevant, tribally run services. There was no opposition, and the committee passed the bill 6-0 to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The committee then heard AB 1618, also by Assemblymember Rogers, which would require California to continue a household food insecurity survey if the federal government does not. Supporters from End Child Poverty California, AARP, food banks, and county and local government groups said reliable data is needed to track hunger, target services, and respond to expected federal cuts to food assistance. The bill was approved 5-0 as amended to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. AB 1688 by Assemblymember Carrillo would require notice to additional attorneys when there are allegations of abuse or neglect in a foster placement, including attorneys for parents and other children in the same home. The author and the Children's Law Center said the measure would close a safety gap and improve coordination to protect foster youth. Committee members also spoke in support based on their professional experience, and the bill passed 6-0 as amended to the Assembly Public Safety Committee. The committee also approved the consent calendar, including AB 1602, and adjourned after completing its business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you share with us what the safeguards are? Chair, members of the committee, thank you.
• That way there's more safeguards and controls for it. Okay, thank you, Mr.
• There's no doubt about that for this very reason.
• I'll bring it up for a reason: a number of us went to Boston. For an annual conference.
• It has helped safeguard our nation from authoritarianism and our democracy.

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• The Office of internal safeguards.
• </c> tight budget year, we need to safeguard tight budget year, we need to safeguard every<00:01:54.320
• </c> have a reasonable suspicion of fraud. have a reasonable suspicion of fraud.
• I think that's a reasonable change.
• </c> get a court order based on a reasonable get a court order based on a reasonable or<00:51:20.319>

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to make sure that providers allow reasonable access to the business location.
• access to the business allow reasonable access to the business location.<00:11:58.160><c> They</c><00
• It allows providers to reasonably plan their annual budget.
• It is the main reason the law should change.
• It simply establishes reasonable time limits for doing so.

Bills: HF729

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: human services, provider enrollment, medical assistance, healthcare, housing stabilization, substance use disorder, vulnerable adults, fraud prevention, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I know it's not a safeguard there.
• Um, this is a reasonable ask. It's reasonable in any other shape or form.
• </c> official thereof which causes reasonably official thereof which causes reasonably foreseeable<02
• originally</c><04:06:20.720><c> said</c> However, the reason I originally said However, the reason I
• </c> reasons why you could have the surgery. reasons why you could have the surgery.

Keywords: 9:00am HB 155 9:30am HB 1102 10:30am HB 1109 11:00am HB 1356 11:30am HB 1469 1:00pm HB 1323 2:00pm HB 1376, 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with unanimous committee approval of amendment 2026-2021S to HB 2. Senator Lang explained the amendment corrected a drafting error so that $2.5 million in state funds, matched with federal money for a total of $5 million, could be spent during the biennium rather than lapse at the end of the fiscal year. The money is intended to stabilize Medicaid per diem rates for county nursing homes, and members agreed without objection to adopt the amendment and continue working from the bill as amended by the Senate. The committee then discussed HB 155 and a proposed amendment, 2026-201H, dealing with the business enterprise tax. The House side described the proposal as a compromise that would raise the filing threshold from $250,000 to $375,000 and create a trigger that would reduce the BET rate by 0.05% for each $100 million in combined business tax surplus, down to a floor of 0.25%. Senate members opposed lowering the rate at this time, arguing that tax relief should focus on the filing threshold, which they said would remove filing burdens for about 3,500 small businesses, and that rate cuts should be considered in a budget cycle rather than an off-year. Concerns were raised that one-time revenues, such as tax amnesty receipts or federal repatriation-related surpluses, could unintentionally trigger reductions. Representative Sweeney later offered a revised approach by moving the effective date of the trigger mechanism to January 1, 2028, and said he was also willing to carve out tax amnesty revenues or adjust the effective date to avoid using one-time funds. The Senate remained unwilling to agree to a rate reduction, though it expressed openness to raising the filing threshold further. The committee ultimately did not resolve the business tax issue and recessed to continue discussions at a later time. The final item discussed was HB 1102, concerning an increase in the research and development tax credit paired with changes to state park fees. House members supported the R&D credit increase but opposed tying it to higher park fees, citing concerns about tourism, especially at border parks, and noting that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources had said it did not need the increase. Senate members defended the park fee changes as a fairness issue, arguing that New Hampshire residents should pay less than out-of-state visitors and that the department had not raised rates in many years. No vote was taken on this item during the discussion captured here.

Transcript Highlights:

• pilot, and then from there, you can branch out once because, you know, it's called a pilot for a reason
• While that can be attributed to many different reasons, the solution is not less qualified care.
• For these reasons, we respectfully ask for your aye vote today. Thank you. Thank you.
• For these reasons, we remain opposed to the bill and respectfully request a no vote. Thank you.
• AB 2532 will establish reasonable safeguards on the sale and marketing of cannabis beverages to ensure

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For these reasons, we are pleased to support AB 1938.
• Three reasons.
• If that funding is short for some reason, that becomes a challenge.
• AB 1777 will clarify and safeguard California's authority to clean up our air.
• AB 1777 will clarify and safeguard California's authority to clean up our air.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To anything in specific, whether it's data privacy for any number of reasons, is there anything that
• For example, if we receive a transfer student who, for one reason or another, did not qualify for the
• For this reason, the Chancellor's Office will always keep an eternal flame lit and strongly advocate
• Again, given these reasons, we recommend rejecting the proposal. Happy to take any questions.
• The reasoning for that is that we determined it would have a negative consequence on.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, the reason for issuing fines is currently not categorized or limited, so they could be issued
• This funding stream should be safeguarded by placing limits and guardrails on funds.
• The funding stream should be safeguarded by placing limits and guardrails on fines.
• Rest homes have existing safeguards, including trained responsible persons, nursing oversight where required
• Based on the findings, we do not support MAP as the preferred option for the following reasons.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Aging and Independence

Summary: The Joint Committee on Aging and Independence heard testimony on Senate 3057/House 5376, a bill to create an Assisted Living Residence Trust Fund and implement recommendations from the Assisted Living Residence Commission. Supporters, including AARP and the state long-term care ombudsman, backed the trust fund for certification staffing, compliance reviews, investigations, ombudsman services, public reporting, and appeals. The assisted living industry, represented by MassALA, supported the affordability task force and certified medication aides, but asked for amendments to expand career paths and to remove or limit fines as a funding source, arguing fines should be capped and tied to health or safety risks. The ombudsman emphasized the need for more staffing and resources, noting the current caseload and travel burden across the state. The committee also took testimony on Senate 3056/House 5243 concerning medication administration in rest homes. Rest home operators, MARCH, and LeadingAge Massachusetts opposed proposed Department of Public Health changes that would replace the long-standing responsible person model with a MAP-based framework or require more licensed nursing staff. They argued the current model has been used for decades, is safe and affordable, and is better suited to rest homes than MAP, which they said was designed for different settings. They urged the committee to preserve responsible person medication administration while improving training and oversight, and several witnesses asked for a task force or substitute language to study best practices rather than impose immediate regulatory changes. Committee members asked questions about the history of the responsible person model, how medication administration works in practice, and whether other states use similar systems. Chair Stanley said the committee was still reviewing building code-related recommendations for assisted living and noted that those issues may require more time. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee adjourned after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, the reason for issuing fines is currently not categorized or limited, so they could be issued
• This funding stream should be safeguarded by placing limits and guardrails on funds.
• The funding stream should be safeguarded by placing limits and guardrails on fines.
• Rest homes have existing safeguards, including trained responsible persons, nursing oversight where required
• Based on the findings, we do not support MAP as the preferred option for the following reasons.

Bills: H5243 , H5376 , S3056 , S3057

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Aging and Independence

Keywords: rest home, rest homes, medication administration, medication management, assisted living, long-term care, elder care, older adults, senior care, nursing home, resident care, self-administration, licensed facility, Chapter 111, section 71, Responsible Person, caregiver, direct care staff, care facilities, funding

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, safeguard 1.1 is to create an inventory of your hardware assets because it is very hard
• In January 2025, we completed seven cybersecurity safeguard audits, six ransomware resiliency audits,
• Same as the state agency audits, the individual safeguards are scoped uniquely for each agency or each
• were fully implemented on all systems, and 51% of the assessed safeguards were fully implemented on
• So at least 63% had at least some meaningful action taken in that safeguard area.

Committee: Joint JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee held a public hearing on the State Auditor’s Office cybersecurity performance audits for fiscal year 2025, covering both state agencies and local governments. SAO staff explained that the audits are conducted independently under Initiative 900 and are kept confidential at the entity level, with detailed findings shared directly with the audited organizations. They reported that state agency audits found nearly one-third of assessed safeguards fully implemented on all systems and 227 vulnerabilities across seven agencies, including three critical and 21 high-severity issues. For seven local government cybersecurity audits, nearly a quarter of safeguards were fully implemented on all systems, and auditors identified nearly 300 vulnerabilities, including nine critical and 47 high-severity issues. SAO also summarized its ransomware resiliency audits and critical infrastructure audits for local governments. In six ransomware audits, a little over 35% of assessed safeguards were not in place, while about 60% were at least partially in place. In 39 critical infrastructure audits, focused largely on water and sewer providers, auditors found over 260 vulnerabilities and said more than 10% were critical or high. Staff highlighted that these audits have led to improvements, including one vendor making security changes after SAO testing that were later echoed in a federal advisory. They also described related services such as cybersecurity checkups, policy guidance, and other cyber-related work by the office. Washington Technology Solutions’ state chief information security officer, Ralph Johnson, praised the audits and said they help protect essential public services. He cited a sharp national rise in ransomware incidents against governments and said Washington has used more than $11 million in federal and state cybersecurity grant funds for over 200 projects. In response to questions from Representative Scott, SAO and WOTEC discussed options for addressing urgent vulnerabilities, including compensating controls, grant funding, and low-cost mitigation steps. The committee also discussed how Washington’s program compares nationally, with Johnson saying Initiative 900 is unusually comprehensive and that local governments often seek audits voluntarily. No votes were taken, and the hearing adjourned after public testimony was offered but none was given.

Transcript Highlights:

• But that’s the intent of the reason why we have opposition today.
• Hunt, but that's the reason, at least in our judgment and based on our information.
• And I don't think that there's any reason for them to not be included.
• Is there a reason? Are they shattering? Are they, or is it just market share?
• Because it seems like to me... ...like there's no rhyme or reason.

Bills: HB1163 , HB1168 , HR252 , HR253 , HCR103 , HCR108 , SB80 , SB131 , SB251 , SB254 , SB279 , SB384 , SB414 , SB468 , SB469 , SB496

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: fireworks, retail sales, fire safety, legislation, holiday celebrations, construction standards, precast concrete, DOTD, building regulations, minimum requirements, public projects, private projects, consumer protection, credit card fees, cash transactions, rounding practices, transparency, low-income, economic impact, residential construction

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't believe that I can speak to the specific reasons for that amount.
• Importantly, SB 1544 builds in robust safeguards.
• I'm Vice President at Reason Foundation, also a resident of Gilbert, and I led the team at Reason Foundation
• Chair Senator I don't know how it's safeguarded. You, Mr.
• People don't run from the police for no reason, and that's been my experience as a cop.

Bills: SB1046 , SB1317 , SB1376 , SB1416 , SB1448 , SB1471 , SB1493 , SB1498 , SB1502 , SB1504 , SB1538 , SB1544 , SB1550 , SB1579 , SB1581 , SB1584 , SB1624 , SB1673

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Keywords: telecommunications, broadband, internet infrastructure, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, national security, foreign adversary, China, Chinese equipment, supply chain security, network equipment, microchips, Arizona Corporation Commission, telecommunications provider, communications infrastructure, Huawei, ZTE, state-owned enterprise, sanctions, infrastructure security

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> I rise today in support of the safeguard I rise today in support of the safeguard American<00:34
• </c> left has torn down these safeguards. left has torn down these safeguards.
• </c><01:05:35.119><c> and</c> Women's Caucus in safeguarding and Women's Caucus in safeguarding and ensuring
• She safeguarded our nation's interests with professionalism and resolve.
• why we're not succeeding, the reason why we're not succeeding, the reason<03:31:20.000><c> why</c><03

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, April 10, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> at more reasonable interest rates. at more reasonable interest rates. attorneys<00:23:49.440><c>
• And yet reasonably large transaction.
• </c> adequate safeguards. adequate safeguards.
• One of the reasons is that it was vetoed previously for security reasons, for security concerns.
• Right reasons, for security concerns.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We support SB 1906 for those reasons. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Clancy. Welcome.
• It is a little broader than the previous one for that reason.
• And for that reason, we're very supportive. I've suggested to Mr.
• And for that reason, we're very supportive. I've suggested to Mr.
• General Motors opposes Senate Bill 1917 as filed for the following reasons.

Bills: SB1113 , SB1117 , SB1206 , SB1460 , SB1802 , SB1906 , SB1917 , SB2340 , SB2455 , SB2680 , SB2690 , SB705 , SB748

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: SB 1113, converter's license, converter license, motor vehicle dealer, auto dealer, vehicle conversion, converted vehicles, direct sales, retail sales, trailer, semitrailer, manufactured trailer, chassis, manufacturer's statement of origin, MSO, Occupations Code, Transportation Code, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, dealer licensing, general distinguishing number

Summary: The committee took up pending business first and reported several bills favorably, including SB 2139, SB 2610, SB 1856, SB 2530, SB 2401, SB 2858, and SB 3016, with most of those measures moving out on committee substitutes and being sent to the local and uncontested calendar or to the full Senate. The committee also heard SB 1906 on expanding Chapter 342E consumer lending rates; supporters argued it would modernize Texas law and expand access to safe, regulated credit, while opponents from Texas Appleseed and AARP warned it would raise costs on already expensive loans and worsen debt burdens. SB 1906 was left pending after testimony. The committee also reconsidered and re-voted SB 1856 after a procedural issue, with the substitute ultimately adopted and the bill reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1113, which would clarify that certain vehicle converters, including a Texarkana business, do not need an additional dealer license to sell converted vehicles. The bill’s supporters described a long-standing business model and said the new metal license plate rules had created problems, while the Texas Automobile Dealers Association opposed the bill in its current form and said it could be resolved through DMV action or narrower changes. DMV said it was still researching a possible administrative fix, and SB 1113 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 2680, a Public Information Act cleanup bill dealing with emergency deadlines, business-day exclusions, and litigation timing; broadcasters and other open-government advocates argued the issues were already addressed by prior law and court rulings, while the Attorney General’s office said the bill would help with catastrophe notices and timing conflicts. SB 2680 was left pending. Other bills heard included SB 1117, which would allow any Texas-licensed dentist to administer botulinum toxin neuromodulators for aesthetic purposes in the oral and maxillofacial region; the author and dental witnesses said it would clarify scope and improve access, and the bill was left pending. SB 2340 would clarify the Attorney General’s investigative authority over Texas corporations, including pre-suit depositions and sworn written questions; opponents raised due process and separation-of-powers concerns, and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard SB 705 and SB 748, both TDLR cleanup bills, and SB 1206, which would impose timelines and notice requirements on municipalities reviewing transmission projects; SB 1206 was supported by an electric cooperative and left pending. SB 1460, creating an ethics violation registry tied to licensing consequences, drew constitutional and due-process objections from several witnesses and was also left pending. After a recess, the committee heard SB 1802 on landlord duties to repair mobility assistance devices like elevators and ramps in rental housing, with the author describing prolonged outages affecting seniors; the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 2455, creating an Energy Waste Advisory Committee to coordinate efficiency and demand-response programs, drew support from energy-efficiency and environmental witnesses and was left pending, and SB 2690, targeting deceptive business-certification solicitations, was laid out and opened to testimony before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• > other</c><00:24:53.960><c> optometrist</c> For this reason, every other optometrist For this reason
• Um one of them being fairness reasons.
• What's the reasoning? reasoning? reasoning?
• Um, one of the reasons why we didn't say that is, and one reason one of the things the board is now having
• </c> uh some sort of I think reasonable uh some sort of I think reasonable process<00:46:17.480><c> to

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee considered an emergency regulation from the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, 201 KAR 5021E, along with a staff amendment to conform the text to KRS Chapter 13A. The regulation was described as implementing an Attorney General opinion and a review of optometrists licensed during the 2020–2023 period when alternative testing and waivers were used during the COVID-19 era. The board explained that the rule requires affected licensees to complete specified examinations or an alternative certification before renewing in 2027, and that it now removes the OEBC Canadian exam as a future pathway while preserving recognition of OEBC results submitted during the period when that option was in effect. The staff amendment was approved without objection. Testimony was sharply divided. Board representatives and the Attorney General’s office said the regulation is needed to protect public health and to bring the licensure review into the formal administrative process. They said the NBEO Part 3 exam is the nationally recognized hands-on clinical licensure test, while the American Board of Optometry certification is a post-licensure credential for already licensed practitioners and is not a substitute for initial licensure testing. They also said no other state uses the ABOC certification for licensure, and that the board’s approach balances fairness, due process, and public protection. Opponents argued the regulation would allow individuals who were improperly licensed to continue practicing without meeting the same standards as other Kentucky optometrists. A representative from the Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation described cases of alleged inadequate care and urged the committee to require full national board passage before independent practice. Representatives from ARBO and NBEO said the emergency regulation is not justified as an emergency, does not adequately address public safety or fiscal impacts, and exceeds the board’s authority by creating a renewal path for licensees whose initial licensure was challenged. They emphasized that NBEO Part 3 is a practical, hands-on exam and that the ABOC certification is not designed or validated for initial licensure. The committee asked several questions about the differences between the exams, and no final vote on the regulation itself was described in the transcript beyond approval of the staff amendment.