Transcript Highlights:

• Allow us to make some actionable decisions based on that.
• Speaker, this bill essentially shifts from a percentage-based tax on smokeless tobacco to a weight-based
• tax based on how much tobacco is in the can or being purchased.
• And do you know if there'll be any impact for those folks based on this bill?
• Not playing games. And I appreciate you listening to me. I do.

Bills: HB4420 , HB3974 , HB3016 , HB3062 , HB3021 , HB3145 , HB4128 , HB3131 , HB3015 , HB3472 , HB3453 , HB1638 , HB4126 , HB2696 , HB2710 , HB3552 , HB3031 , HB3544 , HB3521 , HB4490 , HB4488 , HB1746 , HJR1069 , HB4428 , HB4429 , HB1170 , HB3538 , HB4124 , HB3904 , HB4106 , HB2999 , HB3982 , HJR1077 , HB3464 , HB2588 , HB3462 , HB4440 , HB3674 , HB3345 , HJR1067 , HB4326 , HB4331 , HB4337 , HB4338 , HB4359 , HB4392 , HB3557 , HJR1076 , HB4003 , HB3495 , HB3497 , HB3501 , HB3505 , HB3749 , HB3011 , HB4336 , HB4346 , HJR1087 , HB3240 , HB3647 , HB3796 , HB3969 , HB3972 , HB3983 , HB3984 , HB3989 , HB3383 , HB3130 , HB4358 , HB3327 , HJR1055 , HB3386 , HJR1089 , HB3087 , HB2970 , HB3314 , HB4129 , HB4199

Keywords: reading, intervention, literacy, education, third grade retention, teacher training, funding, Strong Readers Act, tort claims, inmate housing, government immunity, public trust, private prison, emergency legislation, vision screening, binocular vision, kindergarten, elementary education, health, firearm rights

Transcript Highlights:

• direction by narrowing the base from a budget perspective.
• direction by narrowing the base from a budget perspective.
• direction by narrowing the base from a budget perspective.
• direction by narrowing the base from a budget perspective.
• direction by narrowing the base from a budget perspective.

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• We increase the base student allocation by $85, or 1.58%.
• Despite rising health to their base pay.
• We increase the base student allocation by $85 or $1.58.
• It receives $10 million in the base budget.
• I'm good with higher education now based on your responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• that in our world, the concern is access for primary, prescription, pediatrics, and dental care at a base
• So we have nice facilities, but we're lacking the skilled professionals, the doctors and nurses.
• The health care system is already making decisions based on...
• But the impact of H.R. 1 extends beyond the dollar... ...decisions based on.
• It is the base funding that all states were eligible to apply for, and then there's a workload funding

Transcript Highlights:

• the underlying bill resulted in reductions of $71.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and $256.2 million based
• Based on 2025-26 free and reduced-price meal percentages, this would exclude roughly about 45 percent
• This equates to roughly $10 to $11 million per calendar year based on the current enrollment in charter
• would change the overall focus of the board's makeup and not necessarily get us those with the most skill
• As you note, rural communities don't have the tax base to provide the resources and funding.

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• potential harm to patients, giving highest priority to allegations... ...to prioritize complaints based
• Students may graduate without hands-on skills that are required to keep patients safe.
• The rough math that I did, based on 27 investigators and 5,000 complaints, sorting those down to 3,500
• FTEs every single board does not have enough capacity to get through it the rough math that I did based
• Our finance folks are currently developing those based on the current iteration of the bill.

Bills: HB2408 , HB2434 , HB2725 , HB2728 , HB2729 , HB2730 , HB2731 , HB2732 , HB2733

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

Keywords: nursing board, regulatory actions, disciplinary actions, expungement, healthcare professionalism, controlled substances, prescription monitoring, opioid crisis, healthcare regulations, patient safety, prescription drugs, opioids, healthcare, pain management, utilization controls, AHCCCS, Department of Economic Security, social services, welfare programs, vocational rehabilitation

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a consultant based here in New Mexico, and I'm representing the Low Income Investment Fund for a
• We also support networks, home-based providers across the state, and we stand on the next few to vote
• We need to make these big decisions based on data. We stand strongly in support of this memorial.
• They have the skill level to be able to do it.
• But based upon my sense of how this has been done and my experience in the office, which was some time

Summary: The committee first took up SB 96, which would reduce local zoning, fee, parking, HOA, and sprinkler-related barriers for child care operators and home-based child care facilities. The sponsor and the Early Childhood Education and Care Department said the bill is intended to expand child care access, especially in rural areas and child care deserts, while maintaining safety standards. Firefighters, child care advocates, and other supporters testified in favor, while one member objected to the bill’s limits on local control. The committee asked about “stacking spaces” and parking rules, then approved SB 96 on a 7-4 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 303, as amended, dealing with utility construction and certificate of convenience and necessity timing. Utility representatives from El Paso Electric, Xcel Energy, and PNM, along with consumer and energy groups, supported the bill, saying it would let utilities begin construction before the CCN process is complete, with the utility bearing the risk and no cost recovery if approval is later denied. Members questioned impacts on ratepayers, PRC oversight, co-ops, and the bill’s policy rationale. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed HB 303 as amended unanimously, 11-0. Finally, the committee heard House Memorial 6, as substituted, which asked for a study of private equity involvement in critical utilities and whether the state should consider a direct equity stake in utilities. Supporters argued the memorial would provide independent data before major ownership decisions, citing concerns about private equity acquisitions and the need to protect ratepayers and public interests. Opponents, including utility and business representatives, argued the PRC already has authority and expertise, warned about due process and conflict-of-interest concerns, and said the memorial could create uncertainty for investment. After extensive debate, the committee first tabled the committee substitute and then tabled HM 6 itself on an 8-3 vote, ending consideration of the memorial.

Transcript Highlights:

• Arizona already locked in a flat tax, and it's narrowed our revenue base by $2 billion.
• Arizona already locked in a flat tax, and it's narrowed our revenue base by $2 billion.
• Arizona is home to nationally and globally significant aerospace assets, including Luke Air Force Base
• Army Yuma Proving Ground, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and the U.S.
• And whereas through their skilled labor, professionalism and dedication, Teamsters Local 104 members

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions and proclamations, including International Mother Language Day, Arizona Nurses’ Day, Environmental Day, Teamsters Local 104, and Arizona Aerospace Day. Attendance was recorded at 57 present, zero absent, and three excused. The chamber also announced committee meetings, bill referrals, and later adjourned until Thursday, February 12, 2026. The main floor action centered on House Bill 2785, a taxation measure tied to federal tax conformity. Members debated whether Arizona should conform to federal tax changes, with supporters arguing it would validate current tax forms and provide tax relief, and opponents warning it would mainly benefit wealthy taxpayers and corporations while reducing state revenue. The bill passed 32-26 with two not voting. The House then resolved into Committee of the Whole for two calendars of bills. In Committee of the Whole, the House advanced HB 2190, HB 2206, HB 2396, HB 2442, and HB 2448, all on health and human services topics, with amendments adopted on the first three. HB 2206 drew extended debate over SNAP payment error rates and whether the bill would impose an unfunded mandate and make benefits harder to access; supporters said it would reduce waste and save money, while opponents said it would set DES up for failure. HB 2396, which would restrict certain SNAP purchases, drew testimony over whether it would improve nutrition or unfairly limit low-income families and create a “food police” system. HB 2442 and HB 2448 also drew criticism over added SNAP work requirements and limits on agency waiver authority during recessions. The Committee later advanced HB 2688, HB 2689, HB 2690, HB 2796, and HB 2797, including bills on government staffing, hospital immigration-status data collection, unemployment benefits, SNAP eligibility/redeterminations, and fraud reporting. HB 2689 prompted sharp opposition over fears it would deter immigrants and mixed-status families from seeking medical care, while HB 2796 and HB 2797 were criticized as adding administrative burdens and duplicative SNAP checks. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report, and a motion to amend the report to show HB 2689 failed was rejected 24-32.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of these already qualify based on domestic violence or other factors.
• The family went twice weekly to join her for therapy and skill building.
• Our children need a unified, stepwise, and thoughtful approach, an approach that is evidence-based and
• Perinatal Fund is a Washington-based national philanthropic organization with a focus on parent mental
• Perinatal Fund is a Washington-based national philanthropic organization with a focus on parent mental

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee held an evening hearing on several bills. Senate Bill 6249, sponsored by Sen. Torres, would require all people convicted of stalking to be supervised by the Department of Corrections. Staff explained current community custody rules and said the bill would make stalking convictions subject to DOC supervision; the fiscal note had been requested but not yet received. The sponsor and several survivors and advocates testified in support, saying stalking is dangerous, victims need ongoing monitoring, and supervision could help prevent future harm. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6255, sponsored by Sen. Lovelett, which renames and updates the Legislative Executive Poverty Reduction Oversight Task Force (LuPRO) as the Legislative Executive Economic Justice and Well-Being Task Force, expands membership, and revises duties to monitor and update the state’s 10-year plan to dismantle poverty. Staff said the bill has a partial fiscal note showing a $4,000 OSPI cost for a report, with no additional cost beyond that this biennium. Testimony from DSHS and a constituent supported the bill as a way to improve coordination and accountability in poverty reduction efforts. Senate Bill 6286, sponsored by Sen. Orwall, would authorize the Department of Health to fine private detention facilities that deny inspectors entry, with escalating daily fines and a new account to support people harmed by wrongful detention or ICE-related abuse. The sponsor and supporters framed the bill as a human rights and public health measure, citing complaints about food, sanitation, medical care, and mental health conditions in private detention facilities. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6224, sponsored by Chair Wilson, which would create a Children and Youth Behavioral Health Leadership Council to implement the Washington Thriving Strategic Plan and extend the existing work group. Supporters from state agencies, providers, parents, and advocates emphasized early intervention, cross-system coordination, and youth mental health needs; one witness opposed the bill, arguing it should focus more on non-psychiatric causes of distress. The hearing ended with no recorded votes or final action on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• and worked with the supervisors of election and impacted counties to determine their specific needs based
• And we can determine voter intent based upon how they've marked the rest of their ballot and a whole
• injunction that had been entered by the lower court, said that we were likely to prevail on the law based
• So I think because we have talented people who have different skill sets and investigatory capabilities
• I think the results speak for themselves based upon the reports we are lawfully required to provide to

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met to hear a lengthy presentation from Secretary of State Cord Byrd on Florida election administration, with a focus on how elections are handled during natural disasters, election security, and preparations for the 2026 cycle. Byrd described Florida’s response to hurricanes in 2022 and 2024, saying the state works directly with county supervisors of elections to tailor executive orders to local conditions, add or relocate polling sites, extend deadlines, and help displaced voters and emergency workers cast ballots. Members from affected areas echoed that local supervisors had managed storm disruptions well and that turnout remained strong despite major damage. A large portion of the meeting covered election integrity and security. Byrd emphasized Florida’s use of paper ballots, pre-election logic and accuracy testing, post-election audits, public canvassing, standardized voter-intent rules, and strict vote-by-mail request and signature-match requirements. He said the Department of State’s Office of Election Crimes and Security investigates complaints and refers matters to law enforcement, and that Florida has expanded access to the federal SAVE database to verify citizenship. Members asked about threats to election workers, staffing vacancies, cybersecurity, ballot design, vote-by-mail address changes, and how the state coordinates with county supervisors, emergency management, and other agencies. Several members raised questions about voter eligibility and returning citizens, and Byrd said the department provides free information to help people determine whether their rights have been restored, while noting that court and clerk reporting practices still create challenges. He also said the department is considering additional legislative proposals, including more safeguards tied to driver’s license and citizenship verification and a possible statewide 100% audit of races before certification. The meeting ended with the chair encouraging members to visit supervisors of elections offices and submit specific ideas for future elections legislation; no votes were taken and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a defense attorney as well, uh, based out of Dallas, Texas.
• We know based both on research and lived experience that violence and mental health concerns are on the
• You get to learn those skills, and I have seen that firsthand and weaponized and the first responder
• The bill further enhances penalties based on the type of forged documents and the value of property or
• Gun violence involving children is a tragedy, and there are many community-based intervention programs

Transcript Highlights:

• And based on L&I estimate, it shows additional annual claims estimated to be approximately $12 to $27
• The bill is based around a large national chain closing.
• The bill is based around a large national chain closing.
• The cost of living adjustment is based on the change in the average monthly wage.
• The COLA's The cost of living adjustment is based on the change in the average monthly wage.

Bills: SB5379 , SB6106 , SB6147 , SB6180 , SB5927 , SB6287

Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce

Keywords: interest arbitration, parks and recreation, public employees, labor relations, employee rights, laid-off employees act, WARN notice, mass layoff, business closure, plant closing, worker adjustment and retraining notification, employment security department, employee notice, layoff notice, worker protections, job loss, employment loss, public records exemption, privacy, employee names and addresses

Transcript Highlights:

• Based on L&I's estimate, it shows additional annual claims estimated to be approximately $12 to $27 million
• So we're asking that based on that at this time, you don't take any action and you don't advance this
• The bill is based around a large national chain closing. ...bill is based around a large national chain
• The cost-of-living adjustment is based on the change in the average monthly wage. The COLA’s...
• The cost-of-living adjustment is based on the change in the average monthly wage.

Summary: The Labor and Commerce Committee heard public testimony on several bills. Senate Bill 618, the Eric Schrauss Memorial Act, would remove the current time-and-exposure qualifiers for the workers’ compensation presumption that certain heart problems in firefighters and law enforcement officers are occupational diseases. The sponsor and family members of fallen firefighters testified in support, describing delayed claims and arguing the bill would spare grieving families from lengthy appeals. Opponents including counties, self-insurers, cities, and L&I’s research staff said the current qualifiers are based on science, warned the change would greatly expand claims and costs, and noted a 2023 advisory committee did not recommend the change. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5379, which would extend interest arbitration rights to Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission law enforcement rangers. The sponsor and a park ranger testified that rangers are commissioned peace officers who cannot strike and are paid less than comparable law enforcement, leading to staffing shortages and turnover. The bill was presented as a fairness and retention measure. Testimony on Senate Bill 6147, concerning grocery store closures in food deserts, was split: supporters from Tacoma, labor, and local government said a six-month notice requirement would help communities respond to closures like the Fred Meyer shutdown in South Tacoma, while grocers and industry groups argued the bill was too prescriptive, would add legal risk, and would not solve underlying crime and business pressures. Senate Bill 6106, requested by the Employment Security Department, would exempt tribes from the state WARN-style notice law and make employee names and addresses submitted in layoff notices confidential under the Public Records Act. ESD and business groups supported the bill as a clarification and privacy fix, and no opposition was heard. The committee then took testimony on Senate Bill 5927, which would cap future workers’ compensation COLAs at 3%; employers and self-insurers supported it as a way to address volatility and long-term liabilities, while labor, injured-worker advocates, and others opposed it as an across-the-board benefit cut that would erode wage replacement. L&I explained it has been studying possible COLA changes but did not bring forward its own proposal. Finally, Senate Bill 6287 on kratom would restrict adulterated or harmful kratom products, require labeling, set a 21+ sales age, and allow local regulation; supporters backed the age limit and bans on concentrated 7-OH, while some industry witnesses opposed the private right of action and local patchwork rules. The committee adjourned after public testimony; no final votes or executive action were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead, we're asked to kind of handle these one-offs based on different holidays.
• Would a normal pathology certification also have most of the same skills?
• HB 5611 is based.

Bills: HB2814 , HB4477 , HB5084 , HB5108 , HB5127 , HB5383 , HB5611 , HB5663 , HB5664 , SB1563 , HB2668 , HB3841 , HB4114

Committee: House S/C on County & Regional Government

Keywords: juvenile justice, release documents, children, identification, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, civil service, staffing requirements, local government, positions exemption, Texas legislation, fireworks, Lunar New Year, retail permits, public safety, Texas law, holiday sales, HB 5108, deaths in custody, custodial death, jail death

Transcript Highlights:

• We must stop Chinese exploitation of our technological base.
• to appropriately stewarding the public diplomacy resources, equipping our practitioners with the skills
• But it's going to take a while for them to step up and create the industrial revolution. base to produce

Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Keywords: Senator Flinstone, HB22, SB4, amendments, public testimony, legislation, environmental impact, economic implications

Summary: The meeting featured a thorough examination of various bills, including substantial discussions on HB22 and SB4. Key points included amendments proposed by committee members, particularly from Senator Flinstone, who emphasized the need for clarifications on certain provisions. The committee actively engaged with several witnesses providing public testimony, some in favor of the proposed legislation while others highlighted concerns and potential implications. The discussions were vibrant, showcasing different perspectives, especially on the environmental and economic impacts of the bills in question. The meeting concluded with a consensus to reconvene after a recess to further address the outstanding issues related to the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• So part of the thing is we do not base the testing on this at all on sex, right?
• We'll ensure that young Texans graduate with foundational knowledge and skills in their life's tool belt
• Lauren Gamble, and I am a hospital-based pediatrician here in Austin.

Bills: HB321 , HB 1027 , HB 1295 , HB1782 , HB2295 , HCR29 , HCR56

Committee: House S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health

Keywords: Medicaid, child health, express lane option, income verification, supplemental nutrition assistance, telepharmacy, healthcare access, remote dispensing, rural clinics, pharmacy regulations, health literacy, state health plan, health care, patient outcomes, public health, economic impact, healthcare, breast cancer, cervical cancer, insurance eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• Foothill Family, they have found when we are able to support parents in building their parenting skills
• Today, Bradley Thomas, CEO of Triple P America, an evidence-based positive parenting program implemented
• money bill is able to be available to our local governments, to our fire safe councils, to community-based

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:25:27.480><c> on</c><00:25:27.600><c> this</c> ending up in that pool based on this ending up
• in that pool based on this amendment.<00:25:28.320><c> All</c><00:25:28.480><c> they</c><00:25:28.600
• really think this is harming students who want to choose these programs, often very direct career-based
• That the Northstar Promise has been an absolute game-changer for making a college education affordable
• </c> absolute game-changer absolute game-changer for<01:15:24.280><c> making</c><01:15:24.760><c> a</

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it was introduced late in the game. What if we don't pass this bill?
• So, it was uh introduced late in<00:48:32.319><c> the</c><00:48:32.480><c> game.
• </c> in the game. in the game.
• >> When you start making restrictions based on residency, then it usually creates an issue under the
• on residency, then it it usually based on residency, then it it usually um<01:16:09.280><c> creates<

Summary: The committees heard testimony on five housing-related measures. SB 2232 would create a three-year tiny home grant pilot program within HHFDC, with annual reporting to HHFDC and the Legislature; testimony was mixed, and the bill was later recommended for passage with amendments, including a full-time housing development specialist, a residential-use-only restriction for the tiny homes, and a blanked appropriation. SB 2192 would bar county down-zoning that reduces housing capacity unless equivalent capacity is added elsewhere in the county; it drew support from housing advocates and comments from planning officials, and was also recommended for passage with amendments. SB 2378 would clarify insurance requirements for single- and multifamily projects seeking expedited county permitting; engineers and housing groups supported it, while one testifier opposed it, and it was recommended for passage with a technical amendment. SB 2524 would appropriate funds to the City and County of Honolulu for housing-related departments to comply with prior acts; the Honolulu department supported it, and members asked about prior spending and funding sources. SB 2398 would require residential housing utility availability maps; the Honolulu Board of Water Supply opposed the bill as written, citing infrastructure security, accuracy, liability, and administrative burden concerns, while supporters said it would improve transparency for developers. The chair proposed amendments to make the maps broad and geographic rather than parcel-specific, remove contested-case and reliance provisions, allow disclaimer language, and change the date; the bill was then recommended for passage with amendments, with one member noting reservations. All five measures were ultimately passed out of committee with amendments, with votes recorded and some members excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• off of flexible and it's generated based off of recording<00:20:41.280><c> fees.
• It's very meaningful, but<00:20:51.679><c> because</c><00:20:51.919><c> it's</c><00:20:52.240><c> based
• on recording fees but because it's based on recording fees and<00:20:53.760><c> there</c><00:20:53.919
• Whoever uses it has to have skin in the game. It has to be a financially sound project.
• It has to be a financially sound game.

Summary: The Housing Task Force 2.0 reconvened with several new members and heard a presentation from Kentucky Housing Corporation Executive Director Winston Miller and Deputy Executive Director Wendy Smith. They framed the task force’s work as a practical effort to address Kentucky’s housing shortage, update members on the current housing landscape, summarize existing state and federal resources, and suggest areas for the task force to focus on over the coming year. KHC said its 2024 housing supply gap analysis found Kentucky is short about 206,000 housing units, split roughly evenly between rental and homeownership, and projected the gap could grow to 287,000 units by 2029 if current trends continue. They emphasized that every county in Kentucky needs more housing, that the 2008 housing crisis and loss of construction capacity remain major causes of the shortage, and that current pressures include high interest rates, rising insurance and tax costs, construction cost inflation, and housing prices and rents growing faster than incomes. KHC also said homelessness has risen in Kentucky, with point-in-time counts showing double-digit increases in recent years. The presenters reviewed existing resources, including federal programs, the Kentucky Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the rural housing trust fund, KHC mortgage and down payment assistance programs, and the state mortgage interest deduction. They said these resources are important but insufficient to close the gap, and noted that a proposed federal FY2026 budget would cut HUD programs by 44%, potentially removing about $286 million from Kentucky housing resources, though no action has been taken yet. They urged the task force to consider stronger, more flexible tools such as a revolving loan fund, a state affordable housing tax credit, and economic development and employer-assisted housing incentives, and pointed to Indiana’s housing infrastructure and regional development funds as examples. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.