Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. ...of students and strengthen communities across this state.
• Our communities once again need an intervention.
• They need help from our Communities once again need an intervention.
• Our gateway communities cannot afford to go down.
• We need to keep going forward in these gateway communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• through its discussions outreach is through participating on committees and communicating with local
• The Secretary of State partners with library systems and community organizations to offer free public
• There are approximately 40 such communities across the state.
• , um streets in the applicable communities.
• , which must have defined boundaries within small communities in Washington.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee met on September 17, 2025, in hybrid format. After roll call, the committee initially lacked a quorum and deferred approval of the July 15 minutes until Representative Berg arrived; the minutes were then adopted. Members also discussed the proposed 2026 JLARC meeting schedule, including possible changes to address crowded July meetings and the annual tax exemption review workload. Staff presented the annual lodging tax expenditures report, noting that 213 municipalities received distributions in 2024, with 91% reporting compliance, $114 million awarded for more than 1,700 activities, and no independent verification of the self-reported data. Several members questioned the value and usefulness of the report, and the executive committee indicated it may recommend removing the statutory reporting requirement. The committee then heard the preliminary performance audit of the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, which found the office meets its statutory responsibilities and has high user satisfaction, but recommended updating the statute to better match the office’s current capacity and focus and improving performance measures to reflect long-term privacy outcomes rather than outputs. Members asked about FERPA and other federal privacy laws, and OPDP staff said they provide general privacy training and consultation but not law-specific training unless requested. The committee adopted the final report on Washington State recreational boating programs without recommendation, after staff reported that boating revenues support both general government and boating activities and that no participating agencies submitted formal comments. Members asked about boater safety education and possible overlap among the six agencies involved; Parks staff said education has reached more than 500,000 boaters and that fatalities and incidents have declined. The committee also reviewed planned study questions for a JLARC review of Labor and Industries’ enforcement of farm worker laws, with members raising scope questions about the term “farm worker” versus “agricultural worker,” and for DNR’s Eastern Washington sustainable harvest calculation, which JLARC will review as DNR completes its recalculation. Finally, staff outlined the 2026 tax preference performance reviews covering seven preferences, and members asked about racial equity, environmental impacts, disclosure of beneficiary savings, and how the reviews will measure effectiveness; the meeting adjourned before noon.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we complete a 37-acre community with 129 homes in Conroe...
• building another community without adequate capital and beyond traditional fundraising.
• The roads, water, site prep, all require upfront investments, and in rural communities, that kind of
• We're building strong communities and a stronger Texas economy for all.
• And we have a very generous community, and we're thankful for that.

Bills: SB208 , SB628 , SB777 , SB1042 , SB2354 , SB2477 , SB2521 , SB2523 , SB2608 , SB2703 , SB2778 , SB2835 , SB2965 , SB2367 , SB3044

Committee: Senate Local Government

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met with a quorum and limited public testimony to two minutes per person. The committee heard Senate Bill 628 by Senator Zaffirini, which would clarify that counties may enter interlocal agreements with emergency service districts to administer and enforce county fire codes, including for multi-county ESDs in the committee substitute. Witnesses from Travis County ESD-11, the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office, and a member of the public supported the bill as a way to reduce duplication, costs, and jurisdictional confusion. Public testimony was closed and the committee substitute was left pending. The committee then heard several housing-related bills. Senate Bill 208 by Senator West would create a Workforce Housing Capital Investment Fund to provide zero-interest loans to nonprofit builders for workforce housing; Habitat for Humanity representatives, a Brownsville nonprofit developer, and housing advocates supported it as a way to finance infrastructure and land development for affordable homes. Senate Bill 2835 by Senator Johnson would allow cities to opt into single-stair apartment buildings for small-scale, multi-story housing; supporters said the design is safe and could expand housing supply, while the Texas APA expressed qualified opposition over code-process concerns and fire-safety questions. Both bills were left pending after testimony. Additional bills heard included SB 1042 updating the Kimble County Hospital District’s enabling law; SB 1708, a committee substitute protecting familial property divisions from platting requirements; SB 2778 raising the ESD expenditure threshold requiring board approval from $2,000 to up to $50,000; SB 2608 expanding LIHTC eligibility for certain public housing projects; SB 3044 adding board representation for Marfa and Presidio on the Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District and adjusting an exemption; SB 2367 extending park board authority to Waller County; SB 2523 clarifying ETJ reduction procedures and owner opt-out rights; SB 2521 requiring death-certificate reporting to appraisal districts to help address squatting and homestead exemption issues; and SB 2477 easing office-to-residential conversions in larger cities. In each case, the bills were laid out, testimony was taken, and the measures were left pending subject to call of the chair. The committee then recessed until 15 to 30 minutes after adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• But also, we're trying to make it a better place for the community.
• We are also failing entire families and communities.
• I'm here representing myself and many members of the child care community.
• I'm here representing myself and many members of the child care community.
• And if we're going to be protecting our communities and protecting our residents, we have to look at

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met under suspense-file procedures, with the chair explaining limits on testimony, position letters, and that bills with fiscal impacts of $150,000 or more would generally be sent to suspense rather than voted on immediately. Several bills were pulled from hearing, and a consent calendar of committee bills later passed 4-0. AB 761 by Addis, the only item initially slated for a vote, was ultimately held over to the next hearing. The committee heard testimony on a series of tax-related proposals. AB 232 would create catastrophe savings accounts for homeowners to save pre-tax money for wildfire, flood, or earthquake-related expenses; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and the California Bankers Association, but was sent to suspense. AB 1443 would exempt tips from state income tax for five years and was supported by the California Restaurant Association and a restaurant owner, but also went to suspense. AB 1435 would provide relief to businesses and property owners facing cleanup and security costs from unauthorized encampments and illegal dumping; it received broad support from business, real estate, trucking, retail, and local government representatives, and was referred to suspense. The committee also heard AB 1428, which would create a California Affordable Child Care Fund financed by a 0.5% tax on income above $10 million; child care workers and SEIU-backed witnesses supported it, while taxpayer and business groups opposed it as harmful to competitiveness and affordability. AB 691 proposed a tax credit for adopting shelter pets and covering veterinary costs, AB 1219 proposed a middle- and low-income personal income tax cut, AB 1354 proposed a credit for increased homeowners insurance premiums, AB 19 proposed an education savings account/voucher-style program, and AB 567 proposed insurance rate stabilization and related tax/fund changes; each drew testimony for and against where present, but all were referred to suspense. The meeting ended with the committee adjourning after the held-over AB 761 item was postponed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's come together to celebrate his life, his service, and the endearing spirit of our community.
• Take care of them, and they just take care of the communities and state in our nation. Thank you.
• Every single one of our communities has a place where it used to provide something.
• And it was happening right in communities where senior citizens had lived their entire lives.
• There's a community where they can take their children and enjoy a movie.

Bills: HCR7 , HB1557 , HB1608 , HB2061 , HB2201 , HB2210 , HB2426 , HB2754 , HJR165 , HB2513 , HCR7

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

Transcript Highlights:

• As community-based pharmacists, we aim to decrease barriers to access health care.
• The physician community refers to artificial intelligence largely as augmented intelligence, because
• They go online, thinking they are communicating with the licensed health provider.
• They go online, thinking they are communicating with a licensed health provider.
• Baines, and for all you do in your community. Any additional questions, comments?

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee held its first regular bill hearing of 2025 and considered a wide range of measures on health care access, professional regulation, animal welfare, and consumer protection. Early in the hearing, the committee adopted its rules and then approved a consent calendar of several bills, including measures by Chen, Caloza, Carrillo, Arreguín, Berman, and Flora. The committee also took up AB 1082, which would allow California nursing students enrolled in out-of-state programs to complete clinical training in California; supporters said it would help address the nursing shortage and keep students closer to home, while opponents warned it could worsen already limited clinical placement capacity and reduce oversight. The bill passed on a do pass recommendation to Appropriations after a quorum was established. The committee then heard and advanced several health-related bills. AB 50, by Assembly Member Bonta, would ease Medi-Cal access to over-the-counter hormonal contraception by removing the need for a prescription for coverage purposes; pharmacists, reproductive health advocates, and medical groups supported the bill, and it passed unanimously to the Committee on Health. AB 489, also by Bonta, would prohibit AI systems from misrepresenting themselves as licensed health professionals; supporters from medical, psychiatric, behavioral health, and other professional groups said the bill would protect patients from misleading chatbot advice, and it passed to Privacy and Consumer Protection. AB 481, by Assembly Member Rubio, would expand the tasks that federally qualified lab personnel can perform under CLIA supervision to help address lab staffing shortages; labor groups raised concerns about training, certification, and supervision, but the bill passed to Appropriations with an amended do pass recommendation. The committee also considered animal welfare and access-to-care measures. AB 631, by Assembly Member Lee, would require animal shelters to post intake and outcome data online; supporters said the reporting would improve policy and resource allocation, while members discussed how the requirement would work for shelters without websites, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 867, also by Lee, would prohibit cat declawing except when medically necessary for the animal; animal welfare groups strongly supported the bill, while the veterinary association opposed it as an improper legislative regulation of veterinary surgery, and the bill passed to Appropriations. Finally, AB 1307 would create a pilot program allowing a limited number of qualified dentists trained in Mexico to practice in underserved California areas; supporters framed it as a cost-neutral way to address major dental access gaps, the California Dental Association remained opposed unless amended, and the bill passed to Appropriations. Several members later added their votes on the various items after the hearing, and the committee kept the hearing open briefly to allow additional add-ons.

Transcript Highlights:

• You are a part of the California community.
• It adds stress to many of these individuals and their communities.
• Our business services department is in communication with them.
• That meets community needs and supports local economic growth.
• I'm an advocate for many of our vulnerable communities getting the support they need.

Transcript Highlights:

• , is the LGBTQ+ community.
• </c> community one or more communities community one or more communities because<01:44:30.000><c> there
• </c> agreed that they're in their community. agreed that they're in their community.
• </c> need and um, expect from their community need and um, expect from their community services<02:19
• </c> programs are improving their community. programs are improving their community.

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of comm community part of you.
• A lot of comm community communities<02:24:08.080><c> when</c><02:24:08.319><c> they</c><02:24:08.640>
• </c> anybody that's from that community anybody that's from that community that's<02:25:05.920><c> traveling
• I know of an instance their community.
• Every community's got the community.

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and roll call, establishing a quorum and adopting routine motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with the prior journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be received throughout the day. The chamber also welcomed several guests, including members of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and other visitors in the gallery. The Senate received multiple House messages, referring several House bills on taxation, local legislation, and the entertainment industry to committee, and concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 259 on counties and Senate Bill 228 on the Alabama Space Authority. Committee reports then advanced a number of bills, including favorable reports from Judiciary, County and Municipal Government, and Local Legislation committees, with several bills receiving substitutes or minor dissent. The Senate also re-referred Senate Bill 333 to Local Legislation, Mobile County, and Senate Bill 292 to County and Municipal Government. Members adopted several commemorative resolutions, including Senate Joint Resolutions honoring Lt. Col. Jonathan David Schultz, Honda’s 25 years of operation in Alabama, Mrs. Kelly Fischer as Alabama High School Principal of the Year, and Peggy Sers Benson on her retirement from the Alabama Board of Nursing. The Senate also adopted a Rules Committee report setting a special order calendar that included bills on ground ambulance services, counties and municipalities, solid waste collection fees, public schools, and public assistance. On the floor, the Senate passed local bills including Senate Bill 324 on Tallapoosa County, House Bill 485 on Clark County, House Bill 479 on Cusa County, House Bill 410 on Limestone County, and House Bill 412 on Limestone County. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 254 on parole, adopting an amendment offered at the request of district attorneys to clarify the Pardons and Paroles Board’s discretion, and passed the bill 26-2. The Senate also debated Senate Bill 269 on ground ambulance services, with the sponsor describing it as a pilot bill addressing reimbursement, surprise billing, reporting requirements, and “treat in place” options; Senator Stutts raised concerns that it would shift costs to a smaller group of payers and increase premiums, while the sponsor argued it could reduce unnecessary transports and save money. The transcript ends during that discussion, with no final vote on SB 269 shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> expense and b um those communities expense and b um those communities haven't<00:18:36.559><c> been
• If communities want the bill, should this be enacted, if communities want to have a social district,
• </c> community.
• In looking at communities community.
• And so live in that community.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• So likewise I'll be happy communities.
• </c> the opportunity to access community the opportunity to access community grant<00:45:49.359><c> program
• <01:03:35.839><c> received</c> dots are communities that received dots are communities that received
• </c> at the individual level, the community at the individual level, the community level,<01:04:23.359
• Um and at community and public systems.

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Community High School. Community High School.
• </c> culture awareness, inclusion, community culture awareness, inclusion, community engagement.<00:37
• </c><00:37:26.880><c> department</c> Bloomington's communication department Bloomington's communication
• </c> communities both red and blue. communities both red and blue.
• ,</c><00:46:53.839><c> and</c> educators, the business community, and educators, the business community

Bills: HF3650 , HF1791 , HF3489 , HF4231 , HF4232 , HF4269 , HF4270 , HF3490

Committee: House Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• and their home communities.
• </c> also citizens of the the community. also citizens of the the community.
• </c> and and we're a community-based and and we're a community-based organization.<00:47:40.000><c> So
• </c> dollars that we had um for communities dollars that we had um for communities to<01:31:02.320><c
• </c> communities are as well. communities are as well.

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> danger to theirel or to the community. danger to theirel or to the community.
• Likely to come back to court and a danger to the community. Yes, sir.
• Likely to come back to court and a danger to the community. Yes, sir.
• Likely to come back to court and a danger to the community. Yes, sir.
• Likely to come back to court and a danger to the community. Yes, sir.

Summary: The committee first established a quorum, approved the minutes from the November 7, 2024 meeting, and then heard an update on disaster response and courthouse recovery efforts after the April flooding. Representatives from the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Franklin County Circuit and District Court Clerk’s office, and the Franklin Circuit Court described damage in Perry, Hardin, and especially Franklin counties. Perry County had limited roof and water infiltration issues with no operational impact. Hardin County’s justice center basement took about 18 inches of water, affecting court records and mechanical/electrical equipment, and court operations were briefly suspended. Franklin County’s courthouse was far more severely damaged, with about four feet of water on the first floor, forcing relocation of court operations to temporary sites, including AOC space and the regional jail for custody proceedings. Witnesses said damaged files from Hardin and Franklin counties were removed, sent to an out-of-state vendor for drying and remediation, and would be returned or destroyed as appropriate. They estimated combined costs for file restoration, building repair, and remediation at about $11 million, with insurance through KCOJ/KO expected to cover only part of the losses and FEMA reimbursement still pending a federal disaster declaration. They also said the Franklin County courthouse’s first floor remains gutted, electrical panels and HVAC systems need major replacement, and the second and third floors may be used temporarily once power and data are restored. Members asked about roof damage in Hardin County, the status of FEMA applications, digitization of court records, and whether Senate Bill 25 restricted funds could be used to cover the funding gap; staff said the funds cannot be spent without General Assembly authorization. The committee also discussed broader record-retention and e-filing issues, with members noting the limits of paper filing and the need for better digitization as a backup in emergencies. AOC staff said they are working with the Supreme Court and state law librarian on what records can be digitized and how long hard copies must still be retained. After the disaster-response presentation, the committee moved on to a separate informational presentation on pre-trial services, with introductions from the executive officer of pre-trial services, the president of the Kentucky District Judges Association, a circuit judge, and the manager of pre-trial services, who began explaining how the pre-trial system works for newer committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we continue to rebuild and fortify the communities... ...the need is identified.
• As we continue to rebuild and fortify the communities ravaged by the Palisades and Eaton Fires, home
• cost-effectively harden homes and create defensible space in high-risk and socially vulnerable communities
• Please... ...harden homes and create defensible space in high-risk and socially vulnerable communities
• Targeting funding based on both wildfire risk and community need better aligns resources with on-the-ground

Committee: Senate Emergency Management

Summary: The Senate Emergency Management Committee heard several wildfire- and emergency-related bills. SB 1270 by Senator Richardson would expand the California Wildfire Mitigation Program to more counties and direct future funding toward areas with the greatest wildfire risk and social vulnerability; supporters included CSAC and the South Coast Air Quality Management District. SB 1079 by Senator Stern would create a permanent fire innovation unit within Cal Fire to identify operational needs, test new technologies, and speed deployment of successful tools; it drew support from Megafire Action, fire agencies, and several advocacy groups. SB 1020 by Senator Niello would require annual reporting on open gubernatorial states of emergency, including spending and lessons learned, to increase legislative oversight without limiting emergency powers; the LAO provided technical assistance on the bill. SB 894 by Senator Allen would establish a wildfire resilience loan program modeled on Go Green to help finance home hardening and defensible space improvements, with broad support from state, local, environmental, and credit union interests. Testimony on the bills emphasized wildfire risk, the need for broader home hardening access, and the value of innovation and oversight in emergency management. Supporters of SB 894 said grants alone cannot meet the scale of needed mitigation and that low-cost financing could leverage private capital. Supporters of SB 1079 argued California needs a more formal system to connect firefighters with innovators and scale proven technologies. On SB 1020, the author and committee discussed balancing executive emergency authority with transparency and accountability. There was no recorded opposition to the measures during testimony. After discussion, the committee accepted amendments on the bills and voted to pass SB 894, SB 973, SB 1020, SB 1270, and SB 1079 as amended to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The transcript shows multiple roll calls as quorum was established and absent members were called; each bill ultimately received unanimous support from members present and was reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we continue to rebuild and fortify the communities ...the need is identified.
• As we continue to rebuild and fortify the communities ravaged by the Palisades and Eaton Fires, home
• cost-effectively harden homes and create defensible space in high-risk and socially vulnerable communities
• Please. ...harden homes and create defensible space in high-risk and socially vulnerable communities,
• Targeting funding based on both wildfire risk and community need better aligns resources with on-the-ground

Summary: The Senate Emergency Management Committee heard five wildfire- and emergency-related bills. SB 1270 by Senator Richardson would expand the California Wildfire Mitigation Program to more counties based on wildfire risk and social vulnerability, with the author and county representatives saying the program should better target home-hardening assistance where need is greatest. SB 1079 by Senator Stern would create a Fire Innovation Unit within Cal Fire to identify operational needs, test new wildfire technologies, and speed deployment of successful tools; it drew broad support from fire, environmental, local government, and industry groups. SB 1020 by Senator Niello would require annual reporting on open states of emergency, including spending and lessons learned, to increase legislative oversight without limiting the governor’s emergency powers. SB 894 by Senator Allen would establish a wildfire resilience loan program modeled on the state’s Go Green financing platform to help homeowners afford wildfire hardening and defensible-space improvements; supporters included the State Treasurer’s office, counties, fire-safety groups, local governments, and credit unions. There was no opposition testimony on any of the bills. Committee members generally expressed support, with comments emphasizing wildfire risk, the need for home hardening, innovation, and accountability in emergency powers. Senator Rubio asked to be a coauthor on SB 894, and the chair noted the bill’s importance for making mitigation more affordable at scale. All five measures were approved by the committee on motions for “do pass as amended to appropriations,” with roll calls taken over several quorum interruptions. The bills were advanced out of committee, and the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we continue to rebuild and fortify the communities, ...the need is identified.
• As we continue to rebuild and fortify the communities ravaged by the Palisades and Eaton Fires, home
• cost-effectively harden homes and create defensible space in high-risk and socially vulnerable communities
• Please. ...harden homes and create defensible space in high-risk and socially vulnerable communities,
• Targeting funding based on both wildfire risk and community need better aligns resources with on-the-ground

Committee: Senate Emergency Management

Transcript Highlights:

• Before returning home to her community for residency, her interests include community and under-resourced
• contributions to education, commerce, science, the arts, and public service, strengthening our communities
• It's a very robust community, and so thank you very much for being here.
• And what occurred was there was a lack of communication between the tribes and DCS.
• and every sector of this state's economy, And whereas every community and every sector of this state's

Transcript Highlights:

• It has been truly devastating for my community.
• Another, looking at how to incentivize grocery stores in underserved communities.
• And the third one, the one before you, trying to figure out how we protect our communities when these
• We also provide essential goods and services to communities across Washington and generate, as I said
• When retail operates under clear and predictable rules, communities are stronger.

Committee: Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Scholars, role models, and contributing members of their community, and whereas the success of the program
• Athletic integrity, and community pride throughout Maryvale and the state of Arizona.
• He is truly a local celebrity that we should all be proud, athletic integrity, and community pride throughout
• inclusive and innovative learning environments, and affirming that giftedness is present in all communities
• learners are supported, they become confident contributors and future leaders who uplift their communities

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, and approved the prior journal. Members then recognized several guests and honored the Maryvale High School basketball program and Maryvale Gifted and Talented Micro School with legislative proclamations, including a designation of February 12, 2026 as the Day of the Gifted Child and Student of Arizona. Senators also marked Arizona’s statehood anniversary and held a moment of silence for Emily Pike, with remarks calling for continued attention to missing and murdered Indigenous people and for changes to the turquoise alert law. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole and third reading votes. Senate Bill 1107, relating to peace officer certification pathways, was amended and passed 27-2. Senate Bill 1032, appropriating money to the Corrections Oversight Fund, passed 29-0 after supportive explanations from senators. Senate Bill 1029 on campaign contributions and expenses passed 29-0, SB 1083 on condominiums and planned communities passed 29-0, SB 1252 on assignment for benefit of creditors passed 29-0, and SB 1259 on campaigns passed 29-0. SB 1198, relating to the Arizona Beef Council, drew debate over industry promotion and use of checkoff dollars and passed 23-6. Senate Bill 1020, relating to special plates, was reconsidered after a motion by Senator Bolick and then passed again on reconsideration 25-4. The Senate also adopted the Committee of the Whole report, transmitted passed bills to the House, and agreed to a House request to return SBs 1333 and 1368 for reconsideration. Committee meeting announcements were made for the following Monday, and the Senate adjourned until February 16, 2026.