Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, we helped craft the language that ultimately passed in 2005.
• Gravity-based drainage fails, and we need to move to pump-based drainage.
• that we pass on data that we rely on from you.
• Chair's recommendation is to pass with amendments.
• </c> recommendation of the chair is to pass recommendation of the chair is to pass with with with amendments

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The hearing opened with committee procedures and then took up SB 1, relating to vegetation management near utility lines. DLNR opposed the bill, saying it would shift rights, responsibilities, and liability onto the state and private landowners. Hawaiian Electric supported the measure with amendments, describing it as a first step to address wildfire risk and improve public safety and system reliability. The Hawaii Farm Bureau and Command Schools both raised concerns that the bill could impose significant costs, liability, and access burdens on farmers, ranchers, and other landowners, especially where easements are old or unclear. Life of the Land argued the issue belongs before the Public Utilities Commission, and PUC staff explained that the commission is already reviewing Hawaiian Electric’s wildfire mitigation plan and vegetation management in a docket, with a decision expected by September and public meetings scheduled for April 23 and 24. Committee members questioned the need for legislation versus negotiated solutions, and witnesses said private parties could potentially renegotiate easements without statute. The committee then heard HB 1296, relating to disaster recovery. DLNR and OPSD supported the bill, saying it would ease regulatory burdens in post-disaster rebuilding and help speed permit review. Testimony and member questions focused on the bill’s five-year rebuilding timeline, the role of the coastal zone/SMA process, and how long permit reviews typically take; OPSD said SMA major/use permits generally take about six months, while minor permits are faster. Members also discussed whether the bill would apply to existing structures damaged in disasters and whether the amendments from the Attorney General’s office and OPSD were acceptable; no objections were raised. Finally, the committee heard SB 1170, relating to the expeditious redevelopment and development of affordable rental housing. HHFDC supported the bill, and testimony from a Maui affordable housing project said the measure is needed to rebuild the Weinberg Court Apartments, a 63-unit affordable project in Lahaina, using insurance funds rather than government money. Members asked whether the bill would help existing affordable rental projects damaged before the enactment of related coastal rules, and the response was that the bill is aimed at existing structures damaged during events and intended to speed rebuilding of affordable housing.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1205 is passed. Mr.
• House Bill 1205 is passed. Mr.
• House Bill 1205 is passed. Mr. &gt;&gt; Okay. House Bill 1205 is passed. Mr.
• The amendment fails.
• </c> the Denver Democratic Party passed away. the Denver Democratic Party passed away.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pass. Pass. Fuchs? No. Davidson, Hausman, Hinman. Hruza? Aye. Aye. Oehlerking? Overcast? Yes. No.
• And if this bill passes, there's limitations.
• And if this bill passes, there's limitations.
• You'll probably go ahead and pass this stuff.
• I think you're probably going to pass this. I know. I think you're probably going to pass this.

Committee: House Emerging Issues

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We failed that too.
• We failed that too.
• </c> majority is declared passed. majority is declared passed.
• . passed. passed.
• </c> ordered, passed for third reading. ordered, passed for third reading.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, April 13, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are federal funds appropriated by Congress that pass through EPA.
• However, we are just a pass-through agent for those grants.
• These are pass-through programs that come from the Department of Education.
• of it passing in your estimation, you realize just an estimate, is good?
• Visitors that pass through the toll booths.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing reconvened with testimony from several agencies on their capital budget requests. The Department of Environmental Services requested a little over $38 million, with major emphasis on dam repairs and design work for aging state-owned dams, including a $5.25 million match for possible FEMA BRIC funding at Pawtuckaway/Tuckaway and other projects such as Milton Three Ponds, Murphy Dam, and Lakeport Gates. DES also requested funding for state revolving loan fund matches, a Superfund match for the Savage Well site, IT and air-monitoring upgrades, and a new $750,000 cybersecurity request for water and wastewater systems. Committee members asked about FEMA eligibility, the distinction between design and construction money, and the timing and risk of banking funds if federal grants do not materialize. The University System of New Hampshire requested $20 million in state support, primarily $15 million for a major Diamond Library renovation at UNH to create a student support hub and reduce/repurpose collection space, plus $2.5 million each for deferred maintenance at Plymouth State and Keene State. The Community College System requested about $16.6 million across seven projects, led by critical maintenance, campus safety/security upgrades, IT infrastructure, parking and site improvements, HVAC replacement at White Mountains Community College in Littleton, a building management/energy system, and modernization of NHTI’s dental clinic and radiology spaces. The Department of Education requested $29.5 million, including a $4.9 million internal management platform to replace paper-based and siloed systems, plus career and technical education capital projects; Milford’s CTE project was described as being revised after repeated failed bond votes, while ConVal said its revised project would focus on modernizing existing CTE space and adding a security vestibule. Fish and Game requested $1.075 million for three facilities: Sewall Falls in Concord, the Lancaster Armory, and the Bunker Lane Barn in Durham, focusing on structural repairs, security, reconfiguration, and in one case replacement of a failing barn with a new 40-by-60 building. The department also said hatchery work is ongoing but that it is taking a cautious approach because of the planned New Hampton Hatchery and future capital needs. The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources requested $9.26 million for eight projects, including campground electrical upgrades at Ellacoya and Lake Francis, White Lake water system replacement, Mount Washington fuel tank and safety work, Odiorne Point visitor center work funded through parks revenue, roofing and parking lot repairs, Fox Forest office safety upgrades, and historic site repairs at White Island and Fort Constitution. Members asked about revenue-based capital, the stability of the parks fund, and flexibility in choosing projects as bids come in. The Department of Transportation began its presentation at the end of the transcript, but its detailed requests were not yet discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our BCP before you is related to legislation that was passed last year, SB 254.
• and we're never going to do that if we keep implementing the bills that my colleagues and I have passed
• We do want to point out that Proposition 2, which is a statewide school facilities bond that passed in
• So I'm going to pass it to the CEC first. Good morning again.
• When was Prop. 4 passed? Was it five years ago or last year? 2014? 2024.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy heard six budget-related items and took no votes, holding all items open for a future hearing. The first item concerned a climate bond expenditure plan for the California Transmission Accelerator Revolving Fund under SB 254. GoBiz, IBank, and the Department of Finance described a request for nearly $26 million and 10 limited-term positions to develop financing strategies and evaluate transmission projects, while the LAO said the proposal was broadly consistent with Prop. 4 but noted that the Legislature may want to provide more direction on program design. Senators questioned how the proposal would lower ratepayer costs, protect state funds, and ensure accountability for billion-dollar transmission projects. The second item covered trailer bill language to redirect funding among demand-side reliability programs. Finance proposed moving $22 million from the DEPA program to DSGS for summer 2026 and using CalSHAPE interest funds for ELRP or an equivalent CPUC program in 2027-28, with CEC and CPUC coordinating the transition. Senators and LAO questioned why CalSHAPE funds should not continue supporting schools, and several members argued DSGS has been more successful and should continue rather than be shifted to ELRP. CEC and CPUC explained that DSGS and ELRP serve different reliability functions and do not address public safety power shutoffs. Public commenters, including school groups and clean energy advocates, split between extending CalSHAPE for school HVAC/plumbing projects and preserving or expanding DSGS. The committee also heard on petroleum market oversight implementation under SBX1-2 and ABX2-1, with the CEC and its Division of Petroleum Market Oversight requesting additional staffing to support inventory monitoring, refinery resupply analysis, and market oversight. Senators pressed for details on investigations, refinery margins, gasoline price spikes, and the transportation fuels transition plan, while staff said the draft plan would be released soon and that DPMO’s work on branded versus unbranded gasoline remains ongoing. Finally, the CPUC presented three additional proposals: implementing AB 1207’s climate credit reforms, studying large-load/data center cost impacts under SB 57, and preparing for regional market participation under AB 825. The LAO repeatedly cautioned that some of these requests may go beyond statutory minimums and urged the Legislature to decide how much policy direction and staffing it wants to provide. Public commenters supported DPMO funding, opposed ending CalSHAPE, and strongly favored continued DSGS funding over a new ELRP structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, I'll pass it over to you. Thank you. And I'm going to allow Mr.
• And at this point, principals are urging you to not pass the bill. Thank you, Dr. Spalding.
• The amendment has failed. There is an amendment labeled B sponsored by Senator Cortes.
• The bill has passed subject to signatures. And that concludes our business for today.
• The bill has passed subject to signatures. And that concludes our business for today.

Bills: SB5952 , SB5961 , SB5969 , SB5841 , SB5943

Committee: Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education

Keywords: physical education, school districts, student requirements, education policy, high school, early literacy, childhood literacy, book distribution, Imagination Library, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, preschool, pre-K, reading readiness, school readiness, birth to age five, young children, nonprofit contract, OSPI, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, DCYF

Transcript Highlights:

• increase in folks being uninsured means that there's more uncompensated care at hospitals, which then pass
• So how you read this document: the starting point, number one, is the 2527 biennial budget as passed
• And I'll pass it to Dave. Great, thank you. Good evening. I'm Dave Christensen.
• Neither of those bills passed, resulting in what did pass was a proviso in the budget directing the Select
• I'm here today at your request in my capacity as staff for the Select Committee on Pension Policy. passed

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a work session covering the state revenue outlook, caseload forecasts, wildfire costs, budget balance, tort liability, water supply, and pension policy. The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council reported modest near-term U.S. growth, no near-term Washington employment growth in 2026, continued personal income growth, and elevated inflation, with tariffs and federal policy cited as major risks. Revenue forecasts were slightly improved for the current biennium by about $105 million but down about $185 million for the next biennium. Members asked about income inequality and housing permits; staff said personal income is an aggregate measure and housing production remains below long-term needs. The Caseload Forecast Council then reported that most forecasts were unchanged or only slightly changed, but several programs increased, including Washington College Grant, Working Connections, aged/blind/disabled cash grants, nursing homes, home and community services, and developmental disabilities personal care. The largest policy-driven change was in Medicaid low-income adult caseloads, where federal H.R. 1 was projected to reduce coverage substantially through narrower eligibility, community engagement requirements, and shorter eligibility periods. The committee also heard a wildfire funding update and a 2025 fire season review. Staff explained that the state budgets $93 million annually for suppression and uses supplemental appropriations for costs above that level, with an estimated state supplemental need of about $139 million for the current year. Department of Natural Resources officials said 2025 fire activity remained below the 10-year average in acres burned, but fires were more complex and closer to communities, contributing to higher residence loss. They described expanded use of aircraft, firefighters from other states, corrections crews, and the Arcadia 20 hand crew, and said the state did not need National Guard ground support this year. A budget preview then showed that the near general fund outlook had worsened after vetoes, lapses, and forecast changes, and that maintenance-level costs alone would leave a projected negative balance by fiscal year 2027 and about $4.3 billion by fiscal year 2029, before any policy decisions. Jason Seams, the state risk manager, reported a sharp rise in tort claim costs, with indemnity expenses nearly doubling from fiscal year 2023 to 2025 and DCYF accounting for most of the increase. He said the state self-insurance liability account has run deficits for four straight biennia and is now facing nearly $600 million in deficits, driven largely by a surge in DCYF claims, especially juvenile rehabilitation and long-running sex abuse cases. Members asked about the role of old claims, comparisons with other states, excess insurance, and whether more Attorney General staff could reduce special assistant attorney general costs. The committee then shifted to water policy, hearing from tribal leaders, Ecology, and the Washington Water Trust. Tribal witnesses emphasized overappropriation, declining flows, climate impacts, and the need for legislative oversight and tribal participation in water policy. Ecology described major projects in the Odessa sub-area, Yakima Basin, and Dungeness, along with the need for storage, recharge, conservation, and policy changes to support water supply development. The Washington Water Trust argued that climate change is reducing summer flows and that the state needs more funding, enforcement, and long-term commitment to restore instream flows. The final item was a pension update on LEOFF 1 surplus assets; staff reviewed two 2025 bills that would have merged or restructured the plan and used surplus assets, but neither passed, and instead the budget directed the Select Committee on Pension Policy to study the issue and report back.

Transcript Highlights:

• Even in the resolution that the State Transportation Commission passed, it is clear that our goal is
• rain event might cause the footing to lose the riverbed beneath it, which would cause the bridge to fail
• Congress, what are we expecting for transportation out of the upcoming resolutions that did pass?
• And then really, as we're doing that, we're also looking at the political feasibility of passing that
• The huge housing allocation that we just passed this session and the housing office from the governor's

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, I failed to recognize my team.
• It's a generation; it's passed down from generation to generation.
• Those gateways are in Calexico, Nogales, El Paso, Eagle Pass, Laredo, and Brownsville.
• The largest gateway is Laredo, followed by Eagle Pass, and then El Paso.
• They have their own railroads in El Paso and Eagle Pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• This was passed several weeks ago in our first bill of the session.
• I think when this passes, there may be several others that meet this qualification, but it will not be
• And we're also seeing a decline in our SAT scores and passing end of year exams.
• Quarterly and some people biweekly, we will be paying everybody monthly if this bill passes.
• They serve as a pass-through in addition to other things.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would add on to the bill that we passed last session that kept minors from being able to have
• Much of this is based on some bipartisan federal legislation that has passed the U.S. Senate.
• HB 799 is expanding on a local bill that was passed last year, and it passed all of its committees and
• Your first bill passes your first committee. House Bill 1071.
• Colorado, in particular, recently passed legislation.

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum and took up a series of bills, beginning with PCS for HB 743 on social media use by minors. The sponsor said the bill would extend last session’s restrictions by requiring parental access to messages for minors ages 15 and 16 and allowing law enforcement access with a warrant or parental request. Members raised concerns about abuse situations and private communications, but the sponsor said the bill was aimed at protecting children from grooming and trafficking. The PCS was supported in public testimony and passed 15-0. Members then approved HB 1161, which would let victims of altered sexual depictions or deepfakes demand removal of the content and pursue civil remedies if it is not taken down; an amendment clarified a definition tied to federal law, and the bill passed 14-0. The committee also passed local bills for Duval County (HB 4053) and Oviedo/Seminole County (HB 4031) creating special alcohol licensing exception areas, and HB 717, which increases penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings and structures on the National Register of Historic Places, with supporters from historic preservation and local government groups. The committee next approved HB 1035 on building permits for single-family dwellings, as amended, to extend permit validity around building code updates, speed approvals after emergencies, and create faster review timelines for smaller projects; members questioned possible loopholes and storm-related applications, while the home builders association supported the measure. It also passed PCS for HB 1219 on employment agreements, creating a framework for covered non-compete and garden leave agreements for higher-wage employees or those with access to confidential information; several members objected to its impact on workers and the marketplace, and the vote was 11-5. Additional favorable votes were taken on HB 799 regarding condominium alcohol licenses, HB 869 expanding underground utility contractors’ scope to include certain fire line work after a contested amendment and testimony from both utility and fire sprinkler groups, HB 1071 on alternative plan reviews and inspections, PCS for HB 981 on athlete representation and NIL compensation, and PCS for HB 801 on HVAC/mechanical contractors repairing and replacing certain pool heaters, both of which drew mixed testimony and debate over scope and safety. The final item introduced was HB 311 on repair of motorized wheelchairs, which the sponsor said would improve access to parts, tools, and independent repair options for users.

Transcript Highlights:

• And with that, uh, I'll pass it back to you, Madam Chair. Maine passed these bills in 2025.
• </c> regardless of this bill passes. regardless of this bill passes.
• Has there ever been a fail of the Jail.
• </c> course, you wouldn't be alone in passing course, you wouldn't be alone in passing a<01:46:26.080
• </c> Illinois that have uh passed these laws. Illinois that have uh passed these laws.

Bills: HF3405 , HF3413 , HF3769 , HF3768 , HF3771 , HF3465

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Use of Force Investigations Unit, federal agents, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, Customs and Border Protection, CBP, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS, officer-involved death, use of force, law enforcement accountability, police oversight, independent investigation, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, peace officers

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Appropriations passes. Appropriations passes.
• </c> passed it last year. passed it last year.
• Final pass. He questions, gentlemen. Final pass.
• Bill passes. Next 119. Yay. Zero naysay. Bill passes.
• &gt;&gt; Passes. Item 34, Transportation. >> He passes. Constitution. >> He passes.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 10 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:16:06.000><c> So,</c><01:16:07.120><c> at</c> even where it was when it passed.
• So, at even where it was when it passed.
• </c><02:33:32.640><c> now</c> concerns over this to get it passed now concerns over this to get it passed
• We can pass this right now.
• We can pass<02:34:46.800><c> this</c><02:34:47.040><c> right</c><02:34:47.359><c> now.

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These failing systems put entire communities at risk.
• </c><00:45:29.440><c> systems</c><00:45:29.839><c> put</c><00:45:30.040><c> entire</c> these failing
• systems put entire these failing systems put entire communities<00:45:30.880><c> at</c><00:45:31.280>
• The legislature also passed a notice of sale law in 2023 requiring community owners to notify Minnesota
• The legislature also passed a notice of sale law in 2023 requiring community owners to notify Minnesota

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• aid</c><00:09:49.160><c> or</c><00:09:49.920><c> um</c><00:09:50.320><c> are</c><00:09:50.640><c> passed
• </c> form of financial aid or um are passed form of financial aid or um are passed on<00:09:51.160><c
• legislation that sort of in the in the legislation that<00:34:48.599><c> was</c><00:34:48.839><c> passed
• c> how</c><00:34:49.359><c> was</c><00:34:49.520><c> the</c><00:34:49.679><c> office</c> that was passed
• </c><01:26:51.880><c> fullscale</c> work to toward fail fullscale work to toward fail fullscale implementation

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My father passed away unexpectedly in 2017 at the age of 71.
• Under their care and supervision of the court-appointed fiduciaries, my mother ultimately passed away
• His father passed away when he was very young, and he became homeless.
• I would have never failed a test.
• until my mother passed away, like the typical American dream.

Committee: Senate Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Elder Abuse

Summary: The Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Elder Abuse opened by explaining it was gathering testimony on elder abuse, especially alleged misconduct involving court-appointed systems such as guardians ad litem and fiduciaries, to identify gaps in law and oversight and develop legislative fixes. The chair limited each witness’s time, asked for names and contact information for follow-up, and repeatedly noted that some allegations might warrant referral to law enforcement, the attorney general, or county attorneys if basic criminal elements were present. Several witnesses described alleged abuse in guardianship, conservatorship, and fiduciary cases. Dr. Holly Lauder said her mother, who had Alzheimer’s disease, was subjected to allegedly deficient psychological capacity evaluations that ignored treating doctors and family input, leading to a fiduciary arrangement that later resulted in neglect. Kevin Axson described his mother’s probate case, saying a guardian ad litem and conservator were appointed after a family financial dispute, that the guardian ad litem and fiduciary had little contact with his mother, and that the estate was burdened with substantial fees and a $200,000 bond requirement. Frieda Alvarado testified about a 94-year-old client, Samuel Armento, saying he was isolated, medicated without his request, and treated without dignity after a fiduciary and care team took control. Bill Chalmers, Johnny Hamilton, and Kathy Hamilton also testified about Sam Armento’s case, alleging isolation, excessive fees, conflicts of interest, and poor oversight by fiduciaries and caregivers. Other witnesses raised broader concerns about Arizona probate practices. David Redkey said he has been under a long-running conservatorship despite earning degrees and maintaining capacity, and alleged that court-appointed professionals and fiduciaries overcharged his estate and blocked efforts to terminate the arrangement. Susan Wolfe described the Peyton case, alleging that a wife’s conservatorship and related court actions led to the loss of assets, exclusion of witnesses, and large fees for a relatively small monthly care bill. Dr. Lewis Heller, an OB-GYN and disciplinary committee member, said the medical evaluations he reviewed showed the people involved were competent and that the conduct he observed was unethical and possibly criminal. Renee Self testified that she lost her role as trustee and spent large sums defending her father’s estate, alleging that the probate process stripped her father of assets and limited her access to him despite APS findings that her actions were in his best interests. No formal committee votes or legislative actions were taken in the excerpt, but members repeatedly expressed concern, asked for documents and transcripts, and indicated they would follow up with witnesses and consider stakeholder meetings to craft legislation addressing oversight, transparency, and accountability in guardianship and fiduciary systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some states have passed laws requiring it, but even where it exists, there's no structure, no standard
• California recently recognized This gap and passed a law requiring every high school student to take
• But $270 million has been paid out to coaches who have failed at their jobs and their responsibilities
• So I'll use, like, Arkansas, for instance, passed a bill recently.
• There’s actually an NCAA rule that’s been passed recently that prohibits that kind of behavior.

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on name, image, and likeness (NIL) and financial literacy for student athletes, with members framing California as a national leader on NIL but emphasizing the need for stronger protections and more consistent education. The chair and witnesses discussed how NIL opportunities now include both third-party endorsement deals and school revenue-sharing arrangements, and how the current landscape varies widely by institution, leaving athletes with a patchwork of rules and support. Several witnesses argued that student athletes, especially younger ones and those from low-income or first-generation backgrounds, are vulnerable to predatory contracts, tax problems, and pressure from family, agents, or lenders. The first panel featured Tyree Dillingham and Brandon Copeland, who called for standardized financial literacy, better guardrails against predatory NIL advances, and a player-led association or similar collective voice for athletes. They described examples of athletes not understanding paychecks, taxes, or contract terms, and warned that some schools and collectives blur the line between education and marketing. Copeland also argued that college athletics now functions like a professional business and that athletes need representation and a standard contract structure to protect them. The second panel focused on lived experience, including testimony from attorney Anthony Coronae and student athlete Mikey Williams. Coronae described reviewing a contract that he said functioned like a predatory loan disguised as marketing support, with the company taking exclusive rights to Williams’ NIL and requiring repayment far beyond the advance. Williams testified that he signed without a lawyer, later lost endorsements, scholarship, and housing stability, and only later learned the contract’s consequences. He said a required financial literacy course at Sacramento State helped him begin to understand budgeting, taxes, and contracts, and he urged the legislature to require legal review or stronger safeguards for athletes. The third panel, from San Diego State University, highlighted a more structured institutional model. Athletic director Brendan Hill described a mandatory four-year life-skills program that includes financial literacy, resume workshops, internships, and branding education, while student athlete Sloan Benchoff said the program helped her manage money and prepare for post-college life. Witnesses agreed that support is uneven across schools, that some agents and lenders are exploiting athletes, and that California should consider standardized financial education and agent regulation while also being careful not to create rules that unintentionally restrict athlete rights. No formal vote or bill action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• on— —or, excuse me, it didn't pass in our 50/50 committee based on party-line votes.
• We need to be declaring an emergency or an urgency to take this bill up and pass it today so that we
• I recognize the member from Hennepin, Representative Craft. an urgency to take this bill up and pass
• an urgency to take this bill up and pass it<00:18:24.800><c> today</c><00:18:25.560><c> so</c><00:18:
• Well, uh, we have a pretty good example, which is that Colorado passed a very similar bill, and Xcel

Keywords: 1183, house