Transcript Highlights:

• And in a moment when their life hangs in the balance, it can be the difference between despair and tomorrow

Summary: The Communications and Conveyance Committee heard several bills focused on telecommunications, emergency response, and digital access. AB 1540 by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez would restore the 988 “press 3” option for LGBTQ+ youth crisis support, with strong support from suicide prevention advocates, mental health organizations, local governments, and family groups, and opposition from groups arguing it politicizes crisis services and raises safety concerns. Members emphasized the bill’s life-saving purpose and noted it would depend on federal approval. The committee voted AB 1540 out on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. The committee also approved the consent calendar, including AB 2093 and AB 2193, both sent to Appropriations. AB 1832 by Assemblymember Ransom, as amended, would expand and stabilize statewide 211 services through a state fund, a community needs dashboard, and integration into emergency planning; supporters described 211’s role during disasters and service gaps in many counties, and the bill passed unanimously as amended to Appropriations. AB 2289, the chair’s bill, would create an Office of Broadband and Digital Equity, consolidate broadband programs, and narrow CPUC jurisdiction to voice communications; TURN and CWA District 9 opposed the regulatory changes but acknowledged shared goals, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2424 by Assemblymember Carrillo would create a new low-income telecommunications advisory board to oversee California Lifeline and address fraud and oversight concerns. Supporters said the board would add needed telecommunications expertise and improve access for low-income and immigrant communities, while opponents argued an existing advisory structure already serves that role and warned of added costs and surcharges. After discussion, the committee voted AB 2424 out on a 7-2 vote to Appropriations. The meeting concluded after all listed bills were reported out.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in a moment when their life hangs in the balance, they can be the difference between despair and

Committee: House Communications and Conveyance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At the same time, our policies are supporting balanced economic growth, and these efforts will support

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on alcohol licensing, billboard maintenance, equity planning, and recognition of Eid as a state holiday. AB 2663 by Assembly Member Rogers would extend the sunset on the “Cocktails to Go” program for restaurants; supporters from the California Restaurant Association and the Distilled Spirits Council said it has been successful and should continue, while one member raised concerns about beach communities and open-container enforcement. The bill was amended to add an urgency clause so the sunset would not lapse on New Year’s Eve, and it passed the committee. AB 2099 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez would define “customary maintenance” for outdoor advertising displays, including replacement or reinforcement of structural components. Supporters said the bill would provide clarity and consistency for the industry and state agencies, while opponents from Humboldt County and environmental groups argued it could weaken local enforcement, make nonconforming billboards effectively permanent, and increase public-safety and environmental concerns. The measure passed to Appropriations. AB 2731 by Assembly Member Addis would authorize 12 additional alcohol licenses in Santa Cruz County, split between Watsonville and southern county communities; local officials said the current cap is inequitable and forces businesses onto an expensive secondary market. The bill was amended to limit issuance to no more than five licenses per year and passed to Appropriations. AB 2017 by Assembly Member Haney would recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays and provide excused absences for students observing them. Support came from Muslim community organizations, public employees, and advocates who said the bill would improve inclusion and help students and workers observe their faith without penalty. Several committee members spoke in favor and asked to be added as coauthors, and the bill passed to the Committee on Public Employment and Retirement. AB 1823 by Assembly Member Jackson would require state agencies to incorporate racial equity into strategic plans and conduct racial equity analyses before budgets or regulations are implemented. Supporters said it would make equity efforts more durable and accountable, while some members opposed it; the bill passed to Appropriations. The committee also approved a consent calendar of multiple bills, and the meeting adjourned at 3:28 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the same time, our policies are supporting balanced economic growth, and these efforts will support

Committee: House Governmental Organization

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to support communities with new project management features within Grant Central, including live balance

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets

Summary: The Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets held a public hearing on H. 5279, a transportation bond bill financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges. MassDOT and A&F testified in support, describing the bill as a major transportation investment package centered on a $300 million annual Chapter 90 local aid program, with $200 million distributed by the traditional formula and $100 million by lane miles to better support rural communities. They also outlined funding for MBTA rail reliability and modernization, transportation projects that support housing production, a new DCR parkway resilience and safety program, and reauthorizations of existing highway and municipal grant programs such as the Municipal Pavement Program and Shared Streets and Spaces. Witnesses said the bill would help address aging infrastructure, improve safety and resilience, support housing development, and leverage Fair Share surtax revenue through the Commonwealth Transportation Fund. They explained that some authorizations are structured to allow the state to issue special obligation bonds, and clarified that the bill authorizes the full spending amount for federally aided projects even though the state only borrows the 20 percent match, with the federal government reimbursing the rest. Committee members asked about bridge repair needs, the size of the backlog, how housing-related transportation funds would be allocated, MBTA vehicle procurement, and whether rural communities would have fair access to the new funding streams. Several members praised the administration’s financing approach but urged future Chapter 90 increases to keep pace with inflation and requested more attention to rural municipal capacity and bridge safety needs. The Massachusetts Municipal Association also testified in strong support, emphasizing that Chapter 90 is the most important tool for cities and towns to maintain local roads and bridges and urging prompt passage before construction season. No votes were taken; after testimony concluded, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• to support communities with new project management features within Grant Central, including live balance

Bills: H5279

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets

Keywords: municipal roads, bridges, transportation bond bill, infrastructure financing, capital spending, bond authorization, general obligation bonds, special obligation bonds, Commonwealth Transportation Improvement Act, road resurfacing, road repair, bridge repair, pavement, culverts, stormwater management, climate resilience, bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian infrastructure, transit modernization, commuter rail

Transcript Highlights:

• your advocacy or sponsorship group that is on the other side of the aisle, just to kind of bring balance

Committee: House Banking and Finance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's kind of a balance.

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's kind of a balance. The goal is to get the individual safe.

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Summary: The House Committee on Health and Mental Health met in executive session and first adopted a substitute for House Bill 3401, Representative Phelps’s workplace violence bill, then voted the House Committee Substitute do pass. The substitute broadened language by removing a specific reference to bodily fluids, based on testimony from hospital security personnel that broader wording would be easier to prosecute. The roll call showed the substitute adopted and the bill passed out of committee. The committee then heard House Bill 2370, sponsored by Representative Peters, which would require private insurance to cover a one-year supply of self-administered hormonal contraceptives at one time, similar to Missouri HealthNet. Supporters included ACOG, the Missouri State Medical Association, Beacon Reproductive Health Network, and the Missouri Nurses Association, who argued the bill would improve access, reduce missed doses and unintended pregnancies, and save costs by reducing barriers such as transportation, work schedules, and pharmacy refill gaps. The Missouri Insurance Coalition opposed the bill, arguing it would impose a mandate on private plans, increase costs—especially for brand-name products—and raised questions about whether the bill would require bulk dispensing and how it would interact with existing refill rules. The committee also heard informational testimony from MoSPI noting rural access barriers, higher adherence with 12-month supplies, and that Missouri HealthNet already covers an annual supply. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3278, sponsored by Representative Lobbinger, which would create a multidisciplinary adult protection team framework for adults 60 and older and adults 18 and older with cognitive impairments or disabilities. The bill is intended to improve coordination among agencies handling abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases by allowing limited information sharing and reducing duplicated investigations while preserving confidentiality and guardianship protections. DHSS testified in support, saying the bill would provide a clearer framework for existing multidisciplinary teams, streamline coordination, and help protect vulnerable adults without creating new positions or infrastructure. Committee members asked about membership, meeting frequency, conflicts of interest, and how the bill differs from the ombudsman system; the sponsor and DHSS explained that the teams would be case-specific, generally meet as needed or quarterly, and apply to community cases rather than facility residents. The sponsor also submitted letters of support from existing multidisciplinary teams and related organizations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 621, we've reinforced our preemption statute, eliminating local overreach and restoring the balance

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from Thursday, March 26, and Friday, March 27, by voice vote. It then took up Senate Bill 1430, which Rep. Judy Boyle said would add an enforcement mechanism to Idaho’s firearms preemption law by allowing the Attorney General or affected parties to seek relief after notice and a cure period, with a possible $10,000 penalty for noncompliance. Public testimony was split: Diana David opposed the bill, arguing preemption limits local safety measures and can increase gun-trafficking risks, while Avine Klein of the NRA supported it as a needed way to enforce existing preemption without changing underlying policy. The committee voted to send SB 1430 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 621 from Rep. Brandon Mitchell and co-sponsor Rep. Kyle Harris. They said the bill would clarify that Idaho’s courthouse firearms prohibition applies only to courtroom portions and active jail or holding areas, not the rest of a combined county building, so citizens can carry while using ordinary county services. Supporters argued counties have used the current language too broadly and that the bill restores preemption and constitutional rights; opponents, including the Idaho Association of Counties, warned it would create confusion, conflict with judicial security orders, and impose significant costs for redesigning security in courthouses. Several members raised concerns about safety, courthouse layout differences, and the fiscal impact on counties, while supporters said counties could find low-cost workarounds and that the bill does not require new equipment. After testimony, the committee considered multiple motions. An amended substitute motion to send HB 621 to the floor with no recommendation failed on a roll call vote, 11-2. The committee then approved a substitute motion to send HB 621 to General Orders by a 13-0 roll call vote. The meeting then adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• passing 621, we've reinforced our preemption statute, eliminating local overreach and restoring the balance

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think this is pretty fair and balanced. So thank you very much.”

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• institutions of higher education, and they demonstrate exceptional determination and resilience while balancing

Bills: HR65 , HR66 , HR67 , HR68 , HR69 , HCR33 , HCR34 , HB1006 , HB1007 , HB1008 , HB1010 , HB1011 , HR58 , HR59 , HR60 , HR61 , HR62 , HR63 , HR64 , HCR32 , SCR2 , SCR5 , SCR6 , SCR11 , SCR16 , SCR17 , HB43 , HB447 , HB573 , HB1000 , HB1001 , HB1002 , HB1003 , HB1004 , HB1005 , SB8 , SB10 , SB12 , SB16 , SB20 , SB21 , SB22 , SB29 , SB32 , SB41 , SB42 , SB44 , SB49 , SB58 , SB68 , SB75 , SB77 , SB81 , SB97 , SB103 , SB159 , SB163 , SB172 , SB180 , SB182 , SB244 , SB248 , SB253 , SB254 , SB279 , SB306 , SB318 , SB334 , SB380 , SB385 , SB397 , HB53 , HB57 , HB64 , HB100 , HB102 , HB106 , HB111 , HB137 , HB152 , HB155 , HB177 , HB238 , HB256 , HB258 , HB272 , HB337 , HB350 , HB359 , HB363 , HB386 , HB434 , HB445 , HB546 , HB557 , HB584 , HB661 , HB697 , HB726 , HB727 , HB747 , HB752 , HB756 , HB758 , HB759 , HB765 , HB767 , HB825 , HB858 , HB930 , HB941 , HB957 , HB964 , HB203 , HB228 , HB234 , HB260 , HB268 , HB271 , HB285 , HB289 , HB351 , HB400 , HB413 , HB469 , HB534 , HB551 , HB552 , HB574 , HB576 , HB634 , HB649 , HB677 , HB735 , HB739 , HB779 , HB784 , HB796 , HB842 , HB850 , HB919 , HB8 , HB9 , HB10 , HB15 , HB16 , HB17 , HB18 , HB19 , HB22 , HB33 , HB34 , HB35 , HB44 , HB46 , HB47 , HB48 , HB61 , HB101 , HB126 , HB135 , HB142 , HB164 , HB185 , HB215 , HB226 , HB232 , HB233 , HB242 , HB284 , HB292 , HB297 , HB301 , HB334 , HB436 , HB468 , HB548 , HB571 , HB582 , HB593 , HB594 , HB609 , HB613 , HB712 , HB722 , HB732 , HB746 , HB827 , HB845 , HB848 , HB921 , HB923 , HB951 , HB953 , HB999 , HB733 , HB875 , HB952 , HB868 , HB119 , HB140 , HB52 , HB901 , HB193 , HB570

Keywords: condolences, Sam Goodwin, Northwestern State University, football coach, athletic legacy, obituary, ShaMonica Huggins, Louisiana, community support, public service, law enforcement, memorial resolution, Louisiana Legislature, tribute, centenarian, community recognition, Louisiana history, birthday celebration, Jeanerette, French bread

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the morning on personal privileges recognizing guests and honoring individuals and organizations. Recognitions included the Zachary High School girls’ and boys’ basketball teams for back-to-back state championships, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity for Blue and White Day, visitors from Natchitoches Parish, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, the Parish Presidents Association, Crime Stoppers of Greater New Orleans, student parents pursuing higher education, and a delegation from Alexandria honoring the late Dr. Joe S. Green. The House also adopted or laid over several condolence and commendation resolutions, including tributes to former Northwestern State football coach Sam Goodwin, Michael B. Jordan, Richard Williams, and others. The chamber received a large batch of Senate bills and House bills for referral, covering topics such as retirement systems, highway memorial designations, criminal justice, education, health and welfare, municipal governance, insurance, natural resources, and tax policy. Committee reports were read across multiple committees, with many bills reported favorably or with amendments, and several measures advanced to third reading or were recommitted to other committees. Among the actions taken, the House adopted resolutions honoring community figures and organizations, concurred in several Senate resolutions, and moved a number of bills forward, including measures on criminal penalties, school policy, environmental regulation, insurance, and public retirement. Near the end of the session, the Speaker outlined plans for the next day’s floor debate, noting 54 bills scheduled and explaining that questions on bills would send them to the bottom of the list rather than removing them. The House then recessed until 3:30 p.m., with members instructed to return for regular order and continued debate on the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• institutions of higher education, and they demonstrate exceptional determination and resilience while balancing

Bills: HR65 , HR66 , HR67 , HR68 , HR69 , HCR33 , HCR34 , HB1006 , HB1007 , HB1008 , HB1010 , HB1011 , HR58 , HR59 , HR60 , HR61 , HR62 , HR63 , HR64 , HCR32 , SCR2 , SCR5 , SCR6 , SCR11 , SCR16 , SCR17 , HB43 , HB447 , HB573 , HB1000 , HB1001 , HB1002 , HB1003 , HB1004 , HB1005 , SB8 , SB10 , SB12 , SB16 , SB20 , SB21 , SB22 , SB29 , SB32 , SB41 , SB42 , SB44 , SB49 , SB58 , SB68 , SB75 , SB77 , SB81 , SB97 , SB103 , SB159 , SB163 , SB172 , SB180 , SB182 , SB244 , SB248 , SB253 , SB254 , SB279 , SB306 , SB318 , SB334 , SB380 , SB385 , SB397 , HB53 , HB57 , HB64 , HB100 , HB102 , HB106 , HB111 , HB137 , HB152 , HB155 , HB177 , HB238 , HB256 , HB258 , HB272 , HB337 , HB350 , HB359 , HB363 , HB386 , HB434 , HB445 , HB546 , HB557 , HB584 , HB661 , HB697 , HB726 , HB727 , HB747 , HB752 , HB756 , HB758 , HB759 , HB765 , HB767 , HB825 , HB858 , HB930 , HB941 , HB957 , HB964 , HB203 , HB228 , HB234 , HB260 , HB268 , HB271 , HB285 , HB289 , HB351 , HB400 , HB413 , HB469 , HB534 , HB551 , HB552 , HB574 , HB576 , HB634 , HB649 , HB677 , HB735 , HB739 , HB779 , HB784 , HB796 , HB842 , HB850 , HB919 , HB8 , HB9 , HB10 , HB15 , HB16 , HB17 , HB18 , HB19 , HB22 , HB33 , HB34 , HB35 , HB44 , HB46 , HB47 , HB48 , HB61 , HB101 , HB126 , HB135 , HB142 , HB164 , HB185 , HB215 , HB226 , HB232 , HB233 , HB242 , HB284 , HB292 , HB297 , HB301 , HB334 , HB436 , HB468 , HB548 , HB571 , HB582 , HB593 , HB594 , HB609 , HB613 , HB712 , HB722 , HB732 , HB746 , HB827 , HB845 , HB848 , HB921 , HB923 , HB951 , HB953 , HB999 , HB733 , HB875 , HB952 , HB868 , HB119 , HB140 , HB52 , HB901 , HB193 , HB570

Keywords: condolences, Sam Goodwin, Northwestern State University, football coach, athletic legacy, obituary, ShaMonica Huggins, Louisiana, community support, public service, law enforcement, memorial resolution, Louisiana Legislature, tribute, centenarian, community recognition, Louisiana history, birthday celebration, Jeanerette, French bread

Transcript Highlights:

• The timing offers the best balance between early detection and cost effectiveness.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on four bills: H. 5013 and S. 2928, which would establish a three-year celiac disease screening pilot program for children during routine cholesterol/lipid screening around ages 8 to 12; H. 5087, regulating the operation of medical spas; and H. 5115, establishing statewide food truck regulations, though the hearing focused almost entirely on the celiac and medical spa bills. Committee chairs outlined three-minute testimony limits and noted members present in person and online. Supporters of the celiac screening bills, including Rep. Badger, Sen. Lovely, patients, clinicians, and researchers, described long delays in diagnosis, the lack of a cure beyond a gluten-free diet, and the potential for early screening to prevent years of damage, missed school and work, and long-term complications. Testifiers said celiac disease is common but frequently undiagnosed, that a simple blood test can identify many cases, and that a pilot would help assess feasibility, cost, accuracy, and family acceptance. Several witnesses emphasized that the proposal includes education and support for families after diagnosis, and some cited international screening efforts, especially in Italy, as evidence that population screening can work. Testimony on H. 5087 was largely opposed by medical spa owners, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and a plastic surgeon. Witnesses argued the bill is outdated, duplicative of existing Massachusetts licensing and public health rules, and inconsistent with current scopes of practice and team-based care. They said the proposal could restrict access, burden small and women-owned practices, and fail to address the real issues of training, compliance, and patient safety. Some said they support regulation in principle but want the bill revised to reflect current law and modern practice. Committee members asked a few clarifying questions, including about celiac testing methods and the relationship between the medical spa bill and current state law, but no votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The prior authorization we see as a check and balance.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 12, 16, and 17, 2026. It then heard House Bill 593, a Department of Environmental Quality cleanup bill tied to the DOGE Task Force review. Senator Semmelroth explained that the bill removes obsolete references and repeals outdated provisions related to the state hazardous waste management planning committee and the Big Payette Lake Water Quality Act council. After brief support from a Republic Services representative and DEQ’s hazardous waste bureau chief, the committee voted to send HB 593 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. Next, the committee heard House Bill 714, which repeals the Hazardous Waste Siting Act and consolidates hazardous waste siting provisions into the Hazardous Waste Management Act. Senator Burkey said the bill streamlines Idaho’s hazardous waste laws while preserving safety, public notice, hearings, and expert review. Republic Services and DEQ testified in support, describing the measure as protective, efficient, and the product of stakeholder review. The committee then voted to send HB 714 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The committee also considered House Bill 788, a pilot program intended to reduce Medicaid prior authorization burdens for certain medical professionals who precept medical students in high-need specialties. Representative Wheeler said the goal is to increase preceptorships by giving eligible providers a temporary “gold card” exemption, and he asked for a sunset date of July 1, 2030. The Idaho Freedom Foundation testified in opposition, arguing prior authorization is a cost-control tool and that the bill could raise Medicaid costs. The committee voted to send HB 788 to amending orders, with several senators recorded as no. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 724, which would establish foster child safety rights, require written notice of those rights, and direct courts and the Department of Health and Welfare to consider safety in placement and visitation decisions. Representative Wheeler said the bill responds to concerns from foster parents and aims to ensure children in state custody have clear protections. Multiple foster parents, a child psychologist, and a former foster youth testified in support, describing serious safety failures and arguing that children need clearer rights and more complete information before reunification or placement decisions. The committee voted to send HB 724 to the floor with a do pass recommendation, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The prior authorization we see as a check and balance.

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• election process, the Better the process, the better the representation, the better the check and balance

Bills: HB4104 , HB3722 , HB3787 , HB3700 , HB3701 , HB3310 , HB3404 , HB2964 , HB2398 , HB3024 , HB3499 , HB3278 , HB3279 , HB3645 , HB3649 , HB2293 , HB3260 , HB3176 , HB3177 , HB3114 , HB3172 , HB3322 , HB3323 , HB4248 , HB3720 , HB2210 , HB1322 , HB1937 , HB3301 , HB4107

Keywords: Oklahoma criminal law, felony classification, Class B5, Class D1, sentencing enhancement, repeat offender, domestic violence, stalking, voyeurism, peeping tom, clandestine recording, hidden camera, privacy offense, sex offender registry, Sex Offenders Registration Act, protective order violation, animal cruelty, cockfighting, dogfighting, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• who's at the Harvard School of Public Health, and both of them, you know, because I was honestly balancing

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we're trying to find what's the right balance, not by creating the burden on the school per se

Bills: SB1290 , SB1332 , SB1369 , SB1379 , SB1381 , SB1386 , SB1390 , SB1428 , SB1584 , SB1696 , SB175 , SB1778 , SB1794 , SB1806 , SB1836 , SB201

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Keywords: 2-1-1 services, revolving fund, Department of Human Services, crisis pregnancy, abortion, legal funding, housing, infrastructure, water projects, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, economic development, zero-interest loans, clawback provision, local contractors, mental health, crisis services, 988 Lifeline, suicide prevention, behavioral health, human trafficking