Transcript Highlights:

• Affairs Committee, a concurrent resolution stating findings of the legislature and supporting wildlife crossings
• number of issues brought up with a group that does some oxen and wagons, and they do some river crossings
• Beef-on-dairy refers to the cross-breeding of dairy cows with beef bulls.
• Beef-on-dairy refers to the cross-breeding of dairy cows with beef bulls.
• will help dairy producers make better and more informed on-farm management decisions related to the cross-breeding

Transcript Highlights:

• shared stewardship program, and it mentioned the enhanced GNA targets, but we're also—we put together cross-boundary
• We put together cross-boundary teams in the southern landscape and the northern landscape.
• We put together cross-boundary teams in the southern landscape and the northern landscape.
• We get lots of day use there, lots of events, lots of cross-country events and other things.
• We get lots of day use there, lots of events, lots of cross-country events and other things.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• And because she chose to cross over I-10, that made her ineligible her freshman year.
• And because she chose to cross over I-10, that made her ineligible her freshman year.
• And because she chose to cross over I-10, that made her ineligible her freshman year.
• And because she chose to cross over I-10, that made her ineligible her freshman year.
• It doesn't have all the i's dotted and t's crossed. It's just a broad suggestion, but yes, sir.

Summary: The special legislative study committee met with seven members present, adopted minutes from prior meetings, and then heard public testimony from Terrell Butler and his father about a transfer-eligibility dispute involving Leesville High School and Anacoco High School. They described a family decision to move schools for broader educational and personal reasons, but said the student was ruled ineligible for varsity athletics despite strong grades and a desire to play basketball. Several members responded that the rule seemed to punish students for adult decisions and for transfers within the same parish, and they urged the family to keep working hard while the committee considered broader policy changes. The committee then reviewed a draft report containing factual findings about LHSAA and discussed recommendations. Members expressed concern about inconsistent enforcement, lack of transparency, limited accountability, and LHSAA’s repeated absence from committee meetings. The committee adopted findings for the report and approved three recommendations: creating a structured student-transfer eligibility process allowing one transfer through junior year; making the House and Senate representatives on the LHSAA executive committee voting members; and adding a governor-appointed voting member to the executive committee. Speaker Pro Tem Johnson then outlined broader options for legislative action. One proposal, adopted as the committee’s recommendation, would create a cooperative endeavor agreement framework between the Department of Education/BESE and a nonprofit to administer high school athletics, with public-records coverage subject to existing privacy exceptions and an option for nonpublic schools to participate. A second, more expansive proposal would create a state Office of Sanctioned Athletics within the Department of Education; the committee agreed to include that concept in the report for future discussion but not as a recommendation. The committee also authorized staff to finalize the report, incorporate the adopted findings and recommendations, make technical edits, and send the report to the House and Senate education committees and LHSAA. The meeting ended with closing remarks thanking staff and members, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary McGrane, I always end up calling you SOS because I can never remember, you know, when he's crossed
• We don't do the crossing anymore.
• These do the Three Island crossing, and the reason that doesn't happen anymore is Governor Otter was
• We don't do the crossing anymore.
• We do the Three Island crossing, and the reason that doesn't happen anymore is Governor Otter was there

Summary: The committee approved minutes from October 21, 2025, and after discussion and a recorded no vote from Treasurer Ellsworth, also approved the December 19, 2025 minutes. Members then received an America 250 financial update showing commemorative fund balances, grant spending, and remaining unobligated funds, followed by a subcommittee discussion about Jane Palacki’s contract. The committee clarified and then approved a motion to retain her on an as-needed basis at $125 per hour, not to exceed $8,600 per month, to help with approved projects by the committee chairs. Updates were provided on several America 250 initiatives. Secretary McGrane and Treasurer Ellsworth discussed Celebration Fund grants, the Foundations of Freedom Tour, and a proposed July 4th Capitol celebration tied to the Boise parade, with stages, exhibits, vendors, and performances planned around the Capitol grounds and rotunda. Treasurer Ellsworth also reported on ambassador programs, the Liberty Bell, flags, quilts, the Heritage Fountain, and a service challenge, and the committee extended $30,000 in spending authority for ambassador programs. The committee later approved grant disbursements for multiple counties and cities. The Institute for Advancing American Values presented a civics curriculum initiative with the State Board of Education and a public-facing “Reading the Republic” project using founding documents and student video responses. The America 250 State Agency Task Force reported on museum exhibits, an Initial Point event, and the Their Story oral-history effort. National updates covered America’s Field Trip, America Gives, federal merchandise and story-capture efforts, and a national time capsule. Idaho Parks and Recreation described America 250-related events at state parks, the Move 250 challenge, and volunteer tracking, emphasizing that it was using existing resources rather than requesting committee funding. The committee set its next meeting for February 5 and adjourned after noting written testimony from David Johnson.

Transcript Highlights:

• And when we went down that road, of course, trying to get that bill crossed over just because not all
• And when we went down that road, of course, trying to get that bill crossed over just because not all
• But the biggest thing is, if you flip it over... ...which is the e-moto cross bike or the e-moto bike
• He crossed over into a lane of travel in front of a vehicle.
• He crossed over into a lane of travel in front of a vehicle and was struck by that vehicle, with no time

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The committee held a panel discussion on micro-mobility device regulation and enforcement, focusing on e-bikes and e-scooters. Sheriff Robert Hardwick and Chief Jamie Cruz described serious injuries involving children, including crashes at high speeds, and argued that current law is outdated because it folds e-bikes into the bicycle statute. They urged a separate statewide framework with clearer age limits, licensing or training requirements, helmet rules, and penalties for modifying devices to go faster. Both also emphasized that parents should bear responsibility and that enforcement should include education, progressive discipline, and, if needed, civil citations. FDOT District 6 Secretary Daniel Iglesias and DHSMV representative Lonnie Groner said their agencies are prioritizing education, outreach, and better data collection. They noted that micromobility devices are increasingly common, create safety and accessibility issues on sidewalks and shared-use paths, and are difficult to track because crash reports often do not identify them consistently. Members discussed whether motorized devices should be barred from sidewalks, whether riders should be licensed and insured, and how enforcement could be made uniform statewide. The panel also said manufacturers have not been meaningfully engaged and that local approaches vary widely. The committee then heard 2026 legislative priorities from FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue and DHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. Perdue outlined FDOT’s large five-year work program, ongoing congestion-relief projects, investments in ports, airports, rail, workforce, heavy equipment, facilities, and cybersecurity, and the need to do more with flat revenues. Kerner summarized DHSMV’s agency bill priorities, including requiring a Florida address and proof of residence for vehicle registration, updating identification requirements, aligning tank vehicle and motor carrier rules with federal standards, improving IFTA administration, raising the crash-report damage threshold, and allowing electronic notices. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Well, you have cross county law. >> We have about three. >> Yeah, it's fine.
• So, how about just cross out 'it is clear' and put in 'the minority believes.'" "Sure." "Okay.
• /c><00:22:08.880><c> how</c><00:22:09.039><c> about</c><00:22:09.280><c> just</c><00:22:09.840><c> cross
• So, how about just cross out &gt;&gt; All right.
• So, how about just cross out it<00:22:10.559><c> is</c><00:22:10.720><c> clear</c><00:22:10.960><c> and

Summary: The committee first reviewed and approved the prior day’s minutes after making several corrections, including changing references to the “majority report,” fixing wording and spelling in the special education section, clarifying language about NAPE scores, and correcting a funding figure from 2,000 to 20,000. Members also agreed to add a sentence noting that the conclusions of the special education study commission should be considered in any consolidation plan. The minutes were then adopted unanimously. The committee then worked through the minority report, making edits to soften or clarify language. Changes included replacing “partisan” with “participation,” revising a statement about test scores so it reflected that “the minority believes” some committee members lacked a complete understanding, and adding “the minority believes” before a statement that the structure of education funding is inequitable because of its reliance on local property taxes. Members also discussed whether some wording was factual or opinion-based, and agreed to leave some comments in place or make minor wording adjustments. After discussion, the committee voted on the final report of the majority of the committee, with edits and appendices, and approved it by a 5-2 vote. Representatives Damon and Bricky voted no. Members noted that a minority report would also be included in the final materials. Finally, the committee authorized the committee assistant to make technical corrections, fix remaining typos, and include the minutes of the meeting, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Innovation Hub where we're currently sitting is where cross-sector collaboration thrives.
• technology, the largest concentration of military assets in the world, but we're also a binational cross-border
• There's a lot of uncertainty around trade and cross-border logistics, which obviously we would look to
• And then obviously something that I know you all want to hear about and care deeply about and crosses
• some of the impacts that we're anticipating and already feeling from the federal retreat, supporting cross-border

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact held an informational hearing in San Diego focused on “Making Sense of California’s Economy: Real Cost Pressures and Household Impacts Facing San Diego.” Chair Salas and Assemblymember Darshana Patel opened by emphasizing affordability, housing, and the importance of bringing state policy discussions into the community. The first panel featured leaders from Cal State San Marcos and the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, who described the region’s innovation ecosystem, the university’s role in social mobility and workforce development, and the importance of partnerships with K-12 schools, community colleges, military installations, and industry. They also highlighted regional strengths in life sciences, aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and venture-backed innovation, while warning that housing costs, federal research cuts, permitting delays, and small-business fragility threaten growth and talent retention. Committee members asked about collaboration among higher education institutions and what state policy changes could help. Panelists said the region’s universities are complementary rather than competitive and stressed the value of public-private partnerships, social innovation, and aligning academic programs with employer needs. On policy, they urged faster permitting, possible regulatory sandboxes, stronger research investment, support for cross-border trade and manufacturing, and more housing affordability to keep workers in the region. The second panel centered on small business and entrepreneurship, with testimony from Hydrostasis founder Dr. Debbie Chen, Amai co-founder Sven Davison, and Asian Business Association San Diego CEO Jason Pagal. Chen described building a hydration-monitoring wearable, the barriers women founders face in accessing capital, and the importance of SBDC, Stella Foundation, and university internship support. Davison described Amai’s edible cup business and how tariffs, supply-chain costs, and financing constraints forced the company to pivot manufacturing plans. Pagal presented survey data showing high relocation intent, difficulty hiring, and low confidence among businesses, and recommended expanded technical assistance, regional cost-of-living adjustments, and small-business affordability zones. During questioning, members discussed targeted procurement and local incentive models, the role of SBDC and other support networks, and how to better tailor state programs to local conditions. Public comment came from the California Southern Small Business Development Corporation, which stressed that access to affordable capital remains a major challenge and noted the volume of loan guarantee requests coming from San Diego. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with closing remarks from both members underscoring the need to use local testimony to shape future state policy and support California’s economy, families, and small businesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• one of our top contributors of those tourist dollars is Montreal and Canada, who are now afraid to cross
• This is a cross-budget size issue.
• particularly large decreases, even greater than what I've just previously stated, at 13% on land crossings
• We're able to see the border crossing data for the Northeast border crossings, where the folks who are
• per year so at 20,000 sorry a 20% decrease is really significant we're able to see the the border crossing

Committee: House House Committee on Federal Funding, Policy and Accountability

Summary: The hearing focused on the impact of recent federal policy and budget actions on Massachusetts libraries, humanities organizations, arts institutions, and tourism. Testimony from library leaders described the loss or jeopardy of Institute of Museum and Library Services funding, including statewide databases, local grants, staff positions, E-rate/hotspot support, and digital equity programs. Witnesses said the cuts have already forced reductions in services, canceled grants and workshops, and in some cases left schools, students, job seekers, and low-income patrons without access to key resources. Members of the committee asked for lists of affected communities and databases, and several witnesses said they would provide additional written detail. Arts and humanities witnesses said federal terminations from the NEA, NEH, and IMLS have hit organizations across the Commonwealth, including Mass Cultural Council, Mass Humanities, Mass MoCA, and local museums and historical societies. They described canceled or rescinded grants, layoffs, reduced programming, and a chilling effect on future applications and on artistic and scholarly work, especially where federal awards had already been matched with local or private funds. Several speakers also raised concerns about executive-branch DEI conditions attached to funding and about book challenges and book banning, saying these trends threaten intellectual freedom and public access to culture and history. Committee members emphasized the economic importance of the sector and the need to publicize the impacts. Tourism officials from Meet Boston and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism testified that federal cuts and broader geopolitical and tariff issues are hurting international visitation, especially from Canada and Western Europe, and could affect major upcoming events such as the 2026 World Cup and Sail Boston. They said reduced funding for Brand USA and Discover New England will weaken long-term marketing efforts and international partnerships, with downstream effects on hotel tax revenue, jobs, and workforce recruitment. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with members mainly asking questions and requesting follow-up written testimony and data.

Transcript Highlights:

• having financial resources, and already seeing some of their hospitals close and patients have to cross
• It is a ban on cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers for minors.
• hormones for minors. ...supporting the safety or effectiveness of puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones
• Additionally, there are a lot of other medical risks that come from these cross-sex hormones, including
• This would be an actual recommendation to be able to get cross-sex hormones or to push them to put on

Bills: HB2049 , HB2050 , HB2051 , HB2072 , HB2082 , HB2085 , HB2177 , HB2178 , HB2179 , HB2183 , HB2195

Committees: House Health & Human Services , House House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference

Keywords: radiation therapy, particle accelerator, critical access hospitals, patient care, rural healthcare, radiologic technologist, radiologist assistant, radiology, imaging, x-ray, diagnostic x-ray, fluoroscopy, mammography, computed tomography, CT technologist, nuclear medicine technologist, bone densitometry, radiation safety, radiation licensing, scope of practice

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:24:11.600><c> a</c><00:24:11.919><c> basically</c><00:24:12.320><c> a</c><00:24:12.480><c> cross
• </c> requires is a basically a cross requires is a basically a cross referencing<00:24:13.360><c> working
• Um, I think we need to do the cross checks and the different things that we can do.
• Um, I think we need to do the cross checks and the different things that we can do.
• Um I I think we need to do the cross Um I I think we need to do the cross checks<00:32:12.799><c> and

Bills: SB61 , SB8 , SB58 , SB60 , SB167 , SB61 , SB8 , SB58 , SB60 , SB167

Committee: Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund

Keywords: school psychologist, school psychology, interstate compact, licensure compact, license reciprocity, portable license, equivalent license, professional licensing, psychology board, school mental health, student services, educational services, interstate practice, reciprocal licensing, background check, continuing education, workforce shortage, military spouse, active duty military, compact commission

Transcript Highlights:

• Was that the master plan be developed as a cross-departmental and multi-agency effort.
• It's an opportunity to collaborate with other systems and build more of that cross-system familiarity
• How do you believe the master plan is going to help with cross-developmental collaboration?
• This is really a cross-system conversation.
• And I think there's room to educate cross-system as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think the Red Cross disaster center that was stood up for, And I think the Red Cross Disaster Center
• We were sending tons of diapers to the Red Cross Center because they needed them to take care of those
• And the cross-county admission of patients, we really need help with because that's a problem depending
• I was out at the Westwood Shelter myself working alongside the American Red Cross. It was a very...
• American Red Cross. It was a very eye-opening experience for me out there.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee held an informational hearing on the health impacts of wildfires and the effects on health care systems and access to care. The first panel focused on public health consequences, with testimony from UCLA and UCSF physicians, a community organizer, and an Altadena recovery leader. Witnesses described acute and long-term physical harms from wildfire smoke and ash, including asthma and COPD exacerbations, cardiovascular and stroke risks, pregnancy impacts, infection risk, and possible added hazards from lithium-ion battery fires. They also emphasized mental health effects such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, “firebrain,” and the need for psychological first aid, trauma-informed community networks, and youth-focused resilience programs. Community advocates stressed that Latine, Indigenous, undocumented, and Black communities face disproportionate harm because of language barriers, unsafe work conditions, lack of insurance, and exclusion from disaster aid, and they called for stronger language access, worker protections, permanent disaster relief, and better outreach. Committee members asked about air monitoring, masks, wind events, lithium-ion batteries, and how to reach communities with translation and emergency information. Panelists said AQI is useful but incomplete, that N95s help for smoke but P100 masks are needed for ash/asbestos exposure, and that communities should be warned to stay indoors and avoid windy dust-ups after fires. They also discussed the importance of building relationships during non-emergency periods, using text alerts and trusted community organizations, and providing culturally and linguistically appropriate information. Several members and witnesses highlighted the need for more research on long-term health effects, especially for people with chronic lung disease, workers who cannot stay indoors, and residents exposed to repeated disasters. The second panel addressed health care system response and access to care. DHCS and DMHC described emergency flexibilities used during the Southern California fires, including federal waivers, extended Medi-Cal renewal deadlines, reinstated coverage for some disenrolled members, suspension of prior authorization and prescription refill barriers, out-of-network access at in-network cost-sharing, and communication through websites, toll-free numbers, and social media. Hospital and community health center leaders described major operational strain: emergency room surges, canceled surgeries, dialysis disruptions, staff displacement, temporary housing needs, and financial losses. Huntington Health and AltaMed reported using incident command systems, temporary care spaces, bilingual and culturally tailored services, mobile clinics, infection control measures, and community health workers to keep care going. Members and witnesses also discussed the need for better disaster staffing pools, more flexible facility rules, stronger mental health coverage, child care planning, and statewide coordination for future emergencies; no formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Legislative Counsel for the Uniform Law Commission, and Deborah Harper, an RN and the American Red Cross
• Deborah Harper, R.N., and the American Red Cross Regional Disaster Health Services Program lead.
• practitioners serving through nongovernmental organizations and relief entities, including the Red Cross
• I want to speak to you, though, not just as a Red Cross volunteer, but as a California-licensed health
• Volunteer health organizations like Red Cross already conduct rigorous primary source credentialing.

Committee: House Health

Transcript Highlights:

• called, individuals from the lab, and then the respondent and counsel will have an opportunity to cross-examine
• </c><00:21:56.640><c> those</c> opportunity to cross-examine those opportunity to cross-examine those
• The respondent and their guardian ad litem have an opportunity to testify, present evidence, and cross-examine
• present have an opportunity to testify, present evidence,<00:24:30.000><c> and</c><00:24:30.240><c> cross-examine
• </c><00:24:30.960><c> any</c> evidence, and cross-examine any evidence, and cross-examine any witnesses

Summary: The committee approved the minutes of its June 10, 2025 meeting and then heard testimony on House Bill 198, “Angela’s Law,” sponsored by Representative Samara Hein. The bill would add a new aggravating circumstance in death-penalty cases when an offender abuses the corpse of a kidnapping or murder victim by engaging in deviate sexual intercourse, sexual intercourse, or sexual contact. Representative Hein and the victim’s parents described the case that prompted the proposal, saying the current law did not allow the conduct to be treated as an aggravating factor because the sexual act occurred after death. They emphasized that the bill would not require a death sentence or life without parole, but would give judges and juries another sentencing factor to consider. Doug and Angela Kerr gave emotional testimony about their daughter’s murder and said the current sentencing options were inadequate given the facts of the case. Several members expressed sympathy and supported the bill’s purpose. Senator Wheeler said the measure would signal that the Commonwealth will not tolerate such conduct, and Representative Petrie said he supported the concept but urged careful drafting so the language would not be too narrow or unintentionally reach co-conspirators or others whose conduct differed from the principal offender. The committee then received an informational presentation on KRS Chapter 202C from Judge Lisa Payne Jones and Shauna Mitchell of the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health. They explained that 202C was enacted in 2021 to address a gap in Kentucky’s civil commitment laws for defendants found incompetent to stand trial after serious offenses. The presentation outlined the process: a Commonwealth’s attorney must file a petition for qualifying offenses, an evidentiary hearing must be held quickly, and if the respondent is found by a preponderance of the evidence to have committed the offense, a commitment hearing follows with a higher burden of proof. They also described the 2024 amendment changing the commitment criteria from requiring all four factors to only one, and noted the statute’s review-hearing schedule and the availability of later review if circumstances change or new evidence emerges.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and Senator Klein, yes, there's a cross-reference to the coerced debt provisions on 1.11
• Apparently, it's a cross-reference that takes care of the definition. Any further questions?
• Apparently, it's a cross-reference that takes care of the definition. Any further questions?
• Apparently, it's a cross-reference that takes care of the definition. Any further questions?
• Apparently, it's a cross-reference that takes care of the definition. Any further questions?

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• 01.640><c> incorrect</c> section two it's simply an incorrect section two it's simply an incorrect cross
• <00:42:03.040><c> reference</c><00:42:03.400><c> to</c><00:42:03.560><c> a</c> cross reference to a cross
• effective immediately and same<00:42:43.480><c> with</c><00:42:43.599><c> the</c><00:42:43.720><c> cross
• </c><00:42:44.319><c> cross</c><00:42:44.680><c> reference</c><00:42:45.200><c> part</c> same with the
• cross cross reference part same with the cross cross reference part um<00:42:46.319><c> the</c><00:42

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• In my district involving railroad crossings, and so I'm very supportive of your exceptional item for
• It is our section 130 program that is specifically associated with rail crossing safety at on-system
• A lot of it is crossing on the state system. in towns and conclusions. Some big cities.
• Or a city system, where there's a grade crossing, you don't do any of those kind of projects?
• Last session included two new riders, Rider 51, cross-agency coordination.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> or they they cross the border illegally. or they they cross the border illegally.
• All of those jurisdictional lines are being crossed constantly.
• All of those jurisdictional lines are being crossed constantly.
• jurisdictional</c><00:47:21.840><c> lines</c> uh crossing of jurisdictional lines uh crossing of jurisdictional
• And it uh that's crossed constantly.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the chief executive for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas.
• I'm proud to say that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas was one of those awardees.
• Blue Cross previously worked with them—Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, I should say—for Medicaid, but
• It's the same for Blue Cross. They're actually identifiable.
• As long as you check the boxes and you cross your T's and dot your I's, you get the contract.

Bills: HB149 , HB252 , HB643 , HB1442 , HB1500 , HB1672 , HB1851 , HB1893 , HB2028 , HB2768 , HB2818 , HB149 , HB252

Committee: House Delivery of Government Efficiency

Keywords: artificial intelligence, regulation, biometric data, ethical AI, consumer protection, AI governance, employment compensation, state agencies, salary payments, general appropriations, government efficiency, public works, contractors, payment bonds, government contracts, construction law, transparency, open meetings, government accountability, public access

Transcript Highlights:

• These cuts are only after a couple years after we made commitments to reduce cross-subsidy, cross-subsidies
• And in this year, he proposed another 50 million in a cut to cross subsidy.
• And in this year, he proposed another 50 million in a cut to cross subsidy.
• And in this year, he proposed another 50 million in a cut to cross subsidy.
• And in this year, he proposed another 50 million in a cut to cross subsidy.

Bills: HF3119

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: teacher compensation, educational staff, unlicensed staff, minimum wage, inflation adjustment, education finance