Transcript Highlights:

• of servers.
• of water?
• And so this kind of small fee assessed by the director of the Department of Water Resources would help
• And I think members of both sides of the aisle have some degree of doing that.
• Point of order, point of order, point of order. Yeah, was called on, and this is my question.

Summary: The joint House-Senate appropriations committee met to review the governor’s fiscal 2027 budget presentation from Ben Henderson, director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting. Early discussion focused on the state economy and revenue outlook, with Henderson describing strong GDP growth and low unemployment but also fragility for working families. Members questioned the executive’s revenue assumptions, which were said to be about $100 million per year higher than the JLBC baseline, and the committee chair asked for a written comparison of the revenue differences. Henderson also said the governor’s budget is structurally balanced and includes both ongoing spending and proposed revenue changes. A major portion of the hearing centered on data centers, AI investment, and water policy. Henderson argued Arizona’s data center tax incentive should be eliminated because it had already succeeded in attracting investment, while lawmakers questioned whether repealing the incentive and imposing a new water-related fee would discourage future growth. The executive said the water proposal would create a Colorado River Protection Fund and give the Department of Water Resources fee-setting authority, with the aim of encouraging more modern air-cooled facilities. Members also raised concerns about whether the data center changes would require a supermajority vote and whether the fee was effectively a new tax. The committee then reviewed major “critical spending” items, including correctional officer pay, prison health care compliance, probation funding, body-worn cameras, law enforcement staffing, fentanyl enforcement, cyber readiness, and border-related costs. Henderson said the budget includes $24.4 million ongoing for correctional officer pay and $118.3 million one-time for prison health care staffing, plus other public safety and homeland security items. He also defended the governor’s assumption of $759.7 million in federal reimbursement for border expenses, saying the governor had met with federal officials and that the state would seek the full amount. Members expressed skepticism about relying on that reimbursement and asked what would be cut if it does not materialize. Education and health and human services were also discussed. The governor’s budget includes K-12 funding, Prop. 123-related school facility bonding, and a proposal to shift some school facilities funding to bond financing, which several members criticized as inappropriate for short-term maintenance needs. The committee also reviewed AHCCCS/Medicaid costs, Division of Developmental Disabilities funding, and the expected impacts of federal HR1 changes on eligibility, provider funding, and rural hospitals. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair repeatedly limited debate and directed members to keep questions brief while the presentation continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• of AB 470.
• Gene Hurst here today on behalf of the Urban Counties of California and the boards of supervisors of
• Dylan Elliott, on behalf of the boards of supervisors of the counties of Kern, Fresno, Nevada, San Joaquin
• a letter of intent to invest. to kind of a letter of intent to invest.
• But there are multiple ways to get to universal service, and competition could be there instead of mandates

Summary: The committee first heard AB 470, which would change California’s carrier-of-last-resort rules and allow a phased transition away from copper landlines in areas deemed well served by alternative phone options. The author and AT&T argued the bill would protect consumers, preserve 911 access, require public notice and CPUC review, and direct investment toward modern fiber and emergency communications. Supporters included a wide range of business, civic, tribal, and community groups, while opponents from TURN, rural counties, labor, digital equity organizations, and local governments warned the bill could let AT&T shed service obligations too quickly, weaken protections for rural and underserved households, and harm workers. After extensive member discussion about CPUC authority, rural carveouts, labor impacts, and reinvestment, AB 470 was passed do pass as amended to Appropriations, with one no vote and one not voting, and the roll left open. The committee then took up AB 1532, a committee omnibus bill extending funding and surcharge authority for the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program and the TNC Access for All program, while also adding CPUC accountability provisions. Chair Boerner Horvath explained the bill would not raise consumer costs and would require the CPUC to appear at hearings when requested and adopt rules for commissioner attendance. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill was moved do pass and re-refer to Utilities and Energy, though the roll was left open because it had not yet reached the threshold for immediate transmission. Finally, the committee heard AB 353, the Affordable Home Internet Act of 2025, which would establish an affordability floor for home broadband for low-income Californians after the expiration of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program. Supporters said broadband costs remain too high and that families, students, and vulnerable communities need a state solution now; opponents from the wireless industry and rural county representatives argued the bill would amount to an artificial price mandate and could complicate existing rural broadband buildouts. Members generally supported the goal but raised concerns about impacts on small ISPs and rural areas, and the bill was moved forward with a motion and second while discussion continued about possible exemptions and amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the main parts about this piece of legislation.
• But it's this kind of tenor of kicking people on the bottom, right? It's the spirit of this, right?
• That is really kind of a problem of fraud that happens.
• Because of the potential consequences of what happens.
• So we're only talking about a universe here of about 2,500 adults.

Committee: House General Laws

Summary: The committee met with 13 members present and first went into executive session on House Bill 1730, which was voted due pass by a 10-3 roll call. It then considered House Bill 2504, where a committee amendment was adopted to let school districts optionally require a mental-health professional letter for school protection officers, the amendment was rolled into a committee substitute, and the substitute was voted due pass 11-0 with two present. After that, the committee moved to public hearing on House Bills 2481, 2468, and 1974. The three public bills focused on restrictions and verification for public assistance programs. HB 1974 would restrict TANF cash assistance use, including prohibiting ATM cash withdrawals and certain purchases, with a three-strikes style penalty structure; sponsors said it was intended to prevent misuse of taxpayer funds, while opponents argued TANF is a small cash-assistance program for very poor families and that cash access is necessary for rent, laundry, childcare, and other basic needs. HB 2468 would tighten SNAP and Medicaid eligibility verification by requiring documentary proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status, using federal verification systems, and counting ineligible household members’ income; sponsors said it aligns Missouri with federal law and new federal accountability rules, while opponents warned it would add red tape, delay benefits, and increase error rates and costs. HB 2481, along with related SNAP language discussed in HB 174, would implement the governor’s SNAP waiver to restrict purchases of soda and junk food and place those restrictions into statute. Sponsors said the goal was to steer benefits toward healthier foods and reduce waste, while witnesses from industry and advocacy groups said the waiver process was already underway, the definitions were too broad, and the bills could be hard for retailers to implement and could burden eligible recipients, especially in rural areas and among children and vulnerable adults. No final committee action was taken on the three public hearing bills during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the country.
• of an individual, all subsidiaries of a medical holding group.
• go to a state university, you're on scholarship from the people of the state of Texas.
• Compare that tuition to that of a private university in our state.
• What we found was this network and this kind of revolving affirmation of some of the diagnoses, and that's

Bills: HB 107 , HB742 , HB1639 , HB1700 , HB2071 , HB2187 , HB2402 , HB2516 , HB3211 , HB4529 , HB5342 , HB694 , HB923 , HB4655 , HB107

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of health and human services bills and left each one pending after public testimony. HB 4655 would expand financial literacy instruction for youth aging out of foster care to include credit scores, predatory lending, scams, banking, budgeting, and related consumer topics; the sponsor and Buckner International described the need to protect foster youth from financial pitfalls. HB 923 would add three public members and one physician to the Texas Medical Disclosure Panel; supporters said it would improve informed consent and patient voice, while a witness raised concerns about a House amendment requiring a physician majority for decisions and senators questioned scope-of-practice limits. HHSC said the panel is an independent body and the bill expressly bars it from changing scope of practice.

Transcript Highlights:

• to over the course of the last year... ...of the hundreds of people that I have talked to over the course
• days... ...of time and the resident to kind of go through 30 to 90 days of turmoil to get this to work
• of the Department of Insurance.
• of the risk of fire.
• much of these increases are due to the cost of...

Committee: House Business

Transcript Highlights:

• This is an unfortunate kind of dark side of child influencing, but there is a small corner of the internet
• It's a similar kind of level of, hey, you're putting a real professional amount of time into this; you
• Very few of us probably actually read all of those.
• So unfortunately, in our society, we have a lot of fraud in the system, and that's pretty much universal
• And so the lack of banks in some of these places is a lot of the reason why we have a lot of unbanked

Committee: House House Commerce Committee of Reference

Summary: The Commerce Committee heard and acted on multiple bills. HB 2192, a child influencer bill, would require compensation for minors featured in monetized content to be placed in trust, create a process for minors or adults to request takedown of content, and add restrictions on sexualized depictions of minors. The sponsor and Google supported it as model legislation; members raised questions about compliance, age 13 access to earnings, and removal rights at 18. It passed 9-0 with 2 present. HB 2501, an agency bill conforming Arizona’s appraisal management company definition to federal law, also passed unanimously 11-0. HB 2693, which revises bona fide association rules to allow self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangements through statewide chambers or business leagues, passed 8-1 after an amendment; one member cited possible federal preemption in opposing it. HB 2010, the digital goods disclosure bill requiring clearer “buy/purchase” language and prorated refunds when access changes, passed unanimously after amendment, with supporters calling it a consumer protection measure and retailers warning about compliance burdens and possible preemption. The committee then considered HB 2279, which would exempt commercial river outfitters in Grand Canyon National Park from liability for injuries or deaths arising from inherent risks of river trips, while preserving liability for gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Supporters said it aligns Arizona with other western states and reflects existing federal oversight; opponents argued it could violate Arizona’s anti-abrogation clause and improperly define inherent risk. The bill passed 7-4. HB 2690, which would tighten unemployment insurance eligibility by requiring more work-search actions, weekly reporting, and pre-claim data cross-checks, drew strong opposition from advocates who said it would add red tape and harm eligible claimants; supporters said it would reduce fraud and encourage work. It passed 7-4. HB 2310, clarifying that qualified marketplace contractor agreements may be terminated unilaterally by the contractor, passed 10-0. The committee also approved HB 2555, requiring retail businesses with physical locations to accept cash for purchases of $100 or less and prohibiting cash fees, after an amendment exempting rentals and mobile home vendors; supporters emphasized access for unbanked consumers and small purchases, while one member objected that businesses should self-govern. It passed 10-0. HB 2199, which requires RV park managers to complete education on landlord-tenant laws similar to mobile home park managers, passed 7-0 with 3 present after testimony from homeowner advocates and park groups in support. Finally, HB 2459 was introduced at the end of the meeting; it would allow landlords to pass through utility charges actually imposed by providers and add an administrative fee for submetering, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or a vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• more death because of the concentration of...
• of my career.
• It's just one more piece of data that will help Texas A&M University. figure out what resources are needed
• Right now, the federal government is talking about getting rid of it. of a lot of federal monies that
• of Texas.

Bills: HB3772 , HB1656 , HB4504 , HB1896 , HB4420 , HB4421 , HB4076 , HB3708 , HB2806 , HB3540 , HB1586 , HB5459 , HB4553 , HB4535 , HB3811 , HB3749 , HB4255 , HB4051 , HB5098 , HB3554 , HB4539 , HB5274

Committee: House Public Health

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, I spy, out of the corner of my eye, former Assembly Member and current Mayor of San Diego Todd
• the Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color.
• of the press.
• of fraud.
• of Washington in 1961. ...and went on to earn a degree in nursing from the University of Washington

Transcript Highlights:

• kind of the CST funding portion of it.
• kind of the CST funding portion of it.
• For the use of the right-of-way.
• of that.
• know of.

Committee: House Commerce Committee

Summary: The committee first took up HB 703 on utility relocation, as amended by a strike-all. The sponsor said the bill would require government authorities that order communication service providers to move infrastructure to pay the relocation costs, clarify expedited timelines, and align the House bill with the Senate version. Supporters argued the communication services tax should help cover these costs, while cities and counties warned the bill would shift major unfunded costs to local governments and taxpayers, especially in fiscally constrained counties. After public testimony from local government and industry representatives and debate over fairness, coordination, and the tax’s intended use, the committee adopted the strike-all and then passed the bill favorably on a roll call vote. The committee then heard and passed CS/HB 379, a securities package updating Chapter 517. The bill and conforming amendment made several technical and policy changes, including expanding certain exemptions, updating foreign jurisdiction and exchange considerations, revising merger-and-acquisition broker rules, aligning fingerprinting requirements with FBI standards, and adding protections related to financial exploitation of specified adults. Industry and Office of Financial Regulation witnesses supported the measure, and the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably without opposition. Next, the committee passed CS/HB 867 establishing the Coastal Link Commuter Rail Service Act to create a legal framework for commuter rail operations along Florida’s coastal corridor and to help Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties secure insurance and indemnification for service on the Florida East Coast Railway right-of-way. The Florida Chamber supported the bill, and it was reported favorably without debate. The committee also passed CS/HB 1161, which revises Florida’s deepfake law to require covered platforms to remove altered sexual depictions and copies upon request by the victim; the bill drew emotional testimony from a student victim and broad support from members, and a severability amendment was adopted before the bill passed unanimously. The committee then passed CS/HB 453 on pool and spa contractors, which updates Chapter 489 terminology and scope-of-practice rules and, through amendment, limits certain equipment to commercially available products. Finally, the committee passed HB 955 requiring all private employers to use E-Verify for new hires, removing the small-employer exemption. Supporters framed it as workforce integrity and rule-of-law legislation, while opponents warned about labor shortages, burdens on small businesses, and impacts on immigrant workers. After debate, the bill passed 19-3. The committee then began hearing CS/HB 541 on minimum wage requirements, which would allow voluntary waivers of minimum wage for certain internships, pre-apprenticeships, and on-the-job training; the sponsor presented an amendment limiting the duration and clarifying minor waivers, and the committee heard both support from small business groups and opposition from labor, immigrant, and worker advocates before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
• of crisis.
• So we’re kind of repeating some of the findings that were just reported: that 88% of these trafficking
• First of all, I believe one of my colleagues, Rep.
• So a lot of ailments are a result of the trafficking.

Summary: The first meeting of the Human Trafficking and Emergency Department Task Force focused on implementing Act 267 of 2025, which created the body to develop a statewide human trafficking protocol to be incorporated into regional sexual assault response plans. Chair Rep. Kelly Hennessy Dickerson and Office of Human Trafficking Prevention Director Mary Kate Andrepont outlined the task force’s goal of producing a practical, transferable protocol for hospitals and emergency departments across Louisiana, with help from Heal Trafficking. Members and presenters repeatedly emphasized that the protocol should be trauma-informed, survivor-centered, multidisciplinary, and adaptable to different regions and health systems. Hospital, SANE, and advocacy presenters described current practices and gaps. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport’s Operation Rahab and FMOLHS’s policies highlighted staff education, badge buddies, private screening, reporting pathways, and coordination with the National Human Trafficking Hotline, law enforcement, DCFS, and local advocates. SANE nurses and forensic staff stressed that most trafficking victims pass through emergency departments and that subtle behavioral indicators, rapport-building, and broad staff education are critical. LaFASA described statewide sexual assault advocacy services, emphasizing 24-hour crisis response, legal support, and the role of advocates in helping survivors understand options and regain control. Child and youth trafficking specialists from DCFS-contracted programs, including Unbound Now and BCFS/Common Thread, explained Louisiana’s Act 662 response for minors, which routes reports into coordinated advocacy and care coordination. They said their teams respond statewide within 90 minutes, provide crisis support, and work with CACs, hospitals, and law enforcement. Members raised concerns about major service gaps, especially for adults, transportation, safe housing, and specialized placements for survivors with disabilities. Presenters also noted that male survivor housing remains limited, though Eden Centers now offers some beds. The task force also reviewed a needs assessment showing many hospitals lack mandatory trafficking training, screening practices, written protocols, and confidence in identifying victims. Members discussed expanding education beyond ED staff to residents, nursing schools, student health, mental health, housekeeping, maintenance, and law enforcement. No formal votes were taken, but the chair said the survey results and testimony would be used to draft a protocol before the next meeting, with a final draft to follow after further review and feedback.

Transcript Highlights:

• The names and faces of some of the victims are in your records, as well as those of survivors who remain
• I am president of the Texas Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists.
• Thank you for the opportunity to speak. from the University of Southern California and completed a residency
• Texas, of course, has a long history of protecting such exemptions.
• of the Senate.

Bills: SB227 , SB269 , SB407 , SB463 , SB527 , SB547 , SB1283 , SB1380 , SB1383 , SB1511 , SB1640 , SB1784 , SB2069

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, I spy out of the corner of my eye former Assembly Member and current Mayor of San Diego Todd
• More precious to preserving our democracy is the ideal of freedom of speech and freedom of the press.
• of fraud.
• Point of order.
• She went on to earn a degree in nursing from the University of Washington in 1961, and she worked as

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. After routine procedural announcements and motions, members moved through a long concurrence and third-reading file, with many bills passing on largely bipartisan or unanimous votes. Early actions included rejecting a motion to strike SB 958 from the file, concurring in AJR 9 on national parks, and approving AB 1647 on juvenile transfer hearings, AB 1656 on human trafficking, AB 1660 on probate procedures, AB 1875 on marriage cooling-off period procedures, AB 1892 on common interest developments, AB 1908 on civil actions and urgency, AB 1954 on business reservations, AB 1957 on post-foreclosure home acquisition, AB 1977 on notaries public, AB 2001 and AB 2052 on criminal procedure, AB 2107 on pupil instruction, AB 2263 on housing, AB 2346 and AB 2595 on e-bike/vehicle issues, AB 1562 on elections, AB 2180 on local government finance, and AB 2624 on privacy protections for immigration support service providers. AB 2624 drew the most extensive debate, with supporters saying it expands Safe at Home protections for workers facing doxxing and threats, and opponents arguing it could chill speech and journalism; it ultimately passed 49-13 and was immediately transmitted to the Governor. The Assembly also adopted H.R. 134 designating November as California’s First-Generation College Celebration Month after supportive remarks about access to higher education and first-generation students. On the Senate side, the Assembly concurred in or passed measures including SB 932 on transparency in civil proceedings, SB 1400 on health authorities, SB 1154 on community college best-value procurement, SB 1264 on probate and child support notice, SB 599 on atmospheric river forecasting, SB 692 on emergency abatement of abandoned vehicles, SB 1263 on contractor accountability, and SB 1371 on solid waste service during labor disputes; SB 1371 prompted opposition over labor leverage and potential cost impacts but passed 41-14. Other notable Senate bills approved included SB 401 on emergency extensions for political reform filings, SB 945 on CPR/AED training in schools, SB 977 requiring healthier children’s meals at chain restaurants, SB 1192 on protections against abusive litigation by domestic violence abusers, SB 1194 on immigration legal services, SB 872 on water, SB 925 on a fusion energy roadmap, SB 934 strengthening conversion therapy protections, SB 1030 repealing the CalWORKs “man-in-the-house” rule, SB 1056 on protective orders for adult sexual assault materials, SB 1069 streamlining CARB approval for aftermarket auto parts, and SB 1135 creating a statewide wildlife coexistence program. The session ended with several items passed or retained on file and multiple procedural announcements, including guest permissions and adjournment-memory requests.

Transcript Highlights:

• But still, it takes a lot of manpower, a lot of time and effort to apprehend some of these individuals
• So I just—that's kind of one of the lowest crimes I see out there, up to the most severe of murder and
• but the rest of the people have it and so my goal with this is to be one of the early starters of saying
• I'm here in support of this piece of legislation for reform of the Good Samaritan law.
• I think of this from the standpoint of the victim, right?

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• And formerly with Cal OES, we were able to build relationships with the University of San Francisco and
• And formerly with Cal OES, we were able to build relationships with the University of San Francisco and
• They’re a piece of paper. It’s not a shield of armor.
• It was presented in front of our Board of Supervisors, and it’s one of the best in the country.
• All of our staff, all of our volunteers, all of our interns are required to take this.

Summary: The committee met to discuss domestic violence with a focus on teen dating violence, healthy relationships, and the impact of technology on abuse. Chair Blanca Rubio opened by describing the urgency of the issue, including a recent teen murder in her district tied to domestic violence, and emphasized that restraining orders alone do not prevent abuse. The first panel featured Janica Morin Pasquale and Taylor Stone Mill, who described warning signs in teens such as constant monitoring through phones and social media, isolation from friends, jealousy normalized by online content, and control through gifts, food delivery, and access to passwords or tracking apps. They stressed that many teens do not tell parents, that parents often miss the signs, and that prevention should begin early and be reinforced in schools, homes, and youth activities. They also cited resources such as Love Is Respect, One Love, and Take It Down, and urged consistent funding and implementation of the California Healthy Youth Act rather than one-time lessons. The second panel shifted to the effects of domestic violence on children and the systems that respond to them. Joyce Blue of the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center described the center’s wraparound services, including forensic interviews, legal help, housing support, child therapy, and high-risk response, and highlighted the prevalence and danger of strangulation, including cases with no visible injury. She explained that domestic violence is about power and control, that children often normalize abuse, and that safety planning must accompany restraining orders. Susie Flores of Inner Circle Children’s Advocacy Center explained the multidisciplinary forensic interview model used for child abuse cases, gave examples of severe abuse involving children exposed to domestic violence, and noted that many centers are overwhelmed by caseloads. She stressed the need for immediate trauma-informed services and more front-end intervention rather than waiting until long-term harm develops. Dr. Pamela Tate of Black Women Revolt Against Domestic Violence and other members discussed the need to support not only victims but also the systems and educators who are expected to respond. Several members shared personal experiences with domestic violence, sexual assault, and family trauma, and raised concerns about school implementation, immigrant families’ fear of reporting, and the need to address abusers’ behavior and trauma as well. The discussion also touched on statute of limitations issues, with panelists saying memory and trauma can delay disclosure for years and that rigid deadlines can prevent justice. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational and ended with members expressing support for continued collaboration, prevention funding, and stronger implementation of existing law.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let us come to a concentrated awareness of the presence of God, the ground of being, the heart of creation
• </c> of the bill. of the bill.
• </c> color of law. color of law.
• </c><00:19:42.000><c> The</c> uh of the reporter of the bill? The uh of the reporter of the bill?
• </c> number of extraordinary births, a lot of number of extraordinary births, a lot of villains,<00:48

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of conduct looks like, and our code of of conduct looks like, and our code of conduct<00:10:25.440
• </c> the last revision of our code of conduct the last revision of our code of conduct and<00:10:31.279
• And I reached out to the University of Minnesota ethics professor Richard Painter and I asked what is
• ><00:17:40.799><c> comment</c> less of a question and more of a comment less of a question and more of
• or his own colleagues at the University of Minnesota.

Committee: House Rules and Legislative Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• an average of about 30 hours of work.
• </c> average of about 30 hours of work. average of about 30 hours of work.
• of the comments of I guess to echo some of the comments of Senator<00:11:04.360><c> Wilson,</c><00:11
• </c> mouth of the hollers we say at home of mouth of the hollers we say at home of Slab<00:26:21.280>
• of the type of Um, they are example of the type of people<00:30:46.760><c> that</c><00:30:46.920><c>

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m on the faculty at the Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville, and in a prior existence
• I’m on the faculty at the Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville, and in a prior existence
• of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.
• of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.
• of discriminating because of be accused of discriminating because of who<00:15:08.880><c> she</c><00

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 60, a Religious Freedom Restoration Act measure sponsored by Senator Steve Rawlings. Rawlings said the bill would strengthen protections for sincerely held religious exercise by requiring government burdens on religion to be justified by clear and convincing evidence of a compelling interest, expanding remedies including attorney’s fees, and waiving sovereign immunity so individuals could sue the government. A committee substitute was adopted, and the bill drew testimony both in support and opposition. Supporters, including Greg Baylor of Alliance Defending Freedom, argued the bill would protect a fundamental right and that similar laws have existed federally and in many states without the feared consequences. Opponents, including Chris Hartman of the Fairness Campaign, Sam Markusen of the University of Louisville, and Rabbi Ben Fred, warned the bill was overly broad, could undermine local anti-discrimination laws, and might invite lawsuits or allow religious claims to be used to justify discrimination. Senator Thomas questioned whether the bill could affect vaccine requirements and public accommodations; Baylor said public health or other compelling interests could still prevail in court and that the bill would not predetermine outcomes. The committee then voted on SB 60, with several members explaining their votes, and reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered Senate Bill 169, sponsored by Senator Danny Carroll, which would expand the Attorney General’s and Kentucky State Police’s administrative subpoena authority in child exploitation investigations to include social networking companies, mobile payment services, and cloud storage services. Attorney General’s office representatives Will Schroer and Matt Heden said the change would modernize investigative tools to help identify online child predators and obtain limited account-holder information such as usernames, IP addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers. Senator Thomas asked about the bill’s use of the term “reasonable cause” instead of probable cause and about the scope of the information obtained; the witnesses said the term is already in statute and that the subpoenas would not authorize searches, only basic identifying information. A motion was made and seconded, and the committee began the roll call vote on SB 169 as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> behalf of the people of Wyoming. behalf of the people of Wyoming.
• </c> $10,000 a month of of health care costs. $10,000 a month of of health care costs.
• </c><00:36:52.080><c> of</c><00:36:52.440><c> uh</c> here of of uh here of of uh improving<00:36:53.480
• </c> these buckets of of income and age. these buckets of of income and age.
• the university and or requirement<02:48:00.240><c> of</c><02:48:00.400><c> our</c><02:48:01.080><c>

Committee: Joint Health Insurance Affordability Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:11:04.720><c> of</c> money back into the wallets of of money back into the wallets of of granite
• </c> the state of the fiscal note um many of the state of the fiscal note um many of our<00:20:58.600
• We’ve done quite a bit of analysis through Plymouth State University to try to quantify, you know, kind
• analysis through Plymouth quite a bit of analysis through Plymouth State<01:16:27.040><c> University
• </c><01:18:22.880><c> but</c><01:18:23.120><c> also</c> use of of of fossil fuels but also use of of

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 224, which would redirect most money from New Hampshire’s renewable energy fund back to electric ratepayers. The bill sponsor argued the measure would lower energy costs, noting recent utility rate increases and estimating annual savings of roughly $2.5 million to $7.3 million for ratepayers. Supporters said the fund has accumulated money that should be returned to customers rather than used for subsidies, and they emphasized that the state has already rebated similar funds from RGGI for years. Opponents, including Rep. Kat McGee, argued the renewable energy fund is a successful, nonlapsing dedicated fund that supports local clean-energy projects, energy resilience, emissions reductions, and private investment. McGee said the fiscal note overstated the benefit of rebates and understated the loss of investment, claiming the average annual rebate would amount to less than $10 per customer while the program has helped leverage significant private dollars and nearly 10,000 projects. She urged the committee to reject the bill as a poor deal for the state and ratepayers. Committee members questioned the fiscal note, the size of the rebate, whether the bill would set a precedent for other dedicated funds, and whether the program’s incentives amount to picking winners and losers. The Department of Energy testified neutrally, explaining how the renewable energy fund works, including renewable energy credits, alternative compliance payments, and the fund’s use for renewable energy initiatives. No vote was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.