Transcript Highlights:

• </c> hearing on HB 713 and open the hearing hearing on HB 713 and open the hearing on<00:21:41.720><c
• </c><00:55:29.000><c> the</c><00:55:29.119><c> other</c> public hearing the other public hearing the
• Um, do I hear a motion?
• All right, do I hear a motion?
• So, you're going to hear again, you'll hear more about this.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 713, which would require mile markers on Route 112, the Kancamagus Highway. The sponsor and DOT testimony described the road as a heavily traveled but isolated corridor with little or no cell or radio service, frequent accidents and breakdowns, and serious public-safety problems when emergency responders cannot quickly locate incidents. Members discussed where markers should be placed, how frequently they should appear, whether both sides of the road should be marked, and the potential cost; DOT said the project could be done with federal funds and might be combined with other work to reduce mobilization costs. The committee agreed the bill was straightforward and voted OTP 18-0, with discussion that a friendly amendment might be offered later to refine the language. The committee then heard HB 563, concerning calculation of adequate education grants. Testimony explained that the bill would add fiscal capacity disparity aid in FY 27 and increase the special education differentiated aid factor, while also reducing extraordinary needs grants so the overall fiscal impact would be net neutral. Members noted the changes were limited to the second year because of the budget process and school district ballot timing. Supporters argued the fiscal capacity aid would help property-poor towns and should be expanded, while others emphasized the bill’s budget-neutral structure. The committee voted to retain HB 563 for further consideration in the budget process. Finally, the committee opened HB 675, which would limit the authority of school districts to make certain appropriations. A Derry resident and former local official testified in favor, arguing that property taxes are too high, that school spending has outpaced town-side tax caps, and that local voters should have more control over school budgets. Committee members questioned whether the issue should instead be handled locally through existing processes or broader governance changes, and one member noted the state’s constitutional obligation to provide an adequate education. The discussion continued, but no final action on HB 675 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• from community members, what hearing from community members, what we're<00:17:50.640><c> hearing</c>
• </c> >> And we will close the hearing on 1808. >> Yes, no problem. >> Um, we'll open the hearing on HB
• We'll open the hearing on House Bill We'll open the hearing on House Bill 1524<00:59:30.160><c> FN</c
• </c><01:36:16.400><c> They're</c> schools I'm hearing about. They're schools I'm hearing about.
• Um my um request of this to hear.

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you hear me? Yes. All right, thank you. I'm here to testify on H. 5497.
• Can you hear me now? Yes, we can hear you. Yes. Okay, sorry. No worries at all.
• I will entertain a motion to close this hearing. Is there a second? All those in favor?
• Close this hearing. Is there a second? All those in favor, all those opposed, the ayes have it.
• This hearing now stands adjourned. Thank you.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing no objection, the journal is approved as corrected by the chief clerk. Comparison reports.
• Hearing no objection, the motions prevail, and the substitutions will be made.
• Hearing<00:09:00.040><c> no</c><00:09:00.160><c> objection,</c><00:09:00.680><c> the</c><00:09:00.760
• ><c> motions</c> Hearing no objection, the motions Hearing no objection, the motions prevail,<00:09:01.640
• Hearing no objection, the motions prevail.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, and approved the previous day’s journal. It then moved through routine business including second reading of Senate File 4612, first reading of House Files 5112 through 5118, and a Senate message stating the Senate would not concur in House amendments to Senate File 4760, a public safety bill, and requested a conference committee. Representative Novotny moved that the House accede to the Senate’s request, and the motion prevailed. The Speaker appointed Representatives Novotny, Witty, Moller, and Feist to the conference committee on Senate File 4760. The House also approved non-controversial motions on the desk. During member announcements, Representative Buck marked National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Day, citing state data on missing Indigenous persons and homicides and noting Minnesota’s Office of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives and related license plate funding. Members were encouraged to wear red in recognition of the day. Representative Long announced Democratic caucus plans after session, and Representative Niska announced the Rules Committee would meet after adjournment and moved to adjourn until 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2026; both adjournment motions prevailed.

Transcript Highlights:

• By 16 members being present, we do have a quorum, but we're going to go into public hearing first, and
• we're going to hear Senate Bill 1629, sponsored by Senator Fitzwater.
• Seeing none, that will conclude the hearing on Senate Bill 1629.
• As you guys are familiar, we had the public hearing on 3351 and 3371.
• Yeah, this one, and I actually had the hearing on the House bill in the Senate hearing room yesterday

Committee: House Utilities

Summary: The Committee on Utilities held a public hearing on Senate Bill 1629, which Senator Fitzwater described as a clarifying measure to last year’s Dig Right/one-call infrastructure protection law. He said the bill responds to misinterpretations by some communities about tracer wire requirements for sewer mains and storm sewers, and that the intent is to avoid unnecessary costs for home builders and homebuyers while preserving underground utility safety. Committee members asked about the six-foot depth threshold, what utilities remain covered, and whether the bill weakens damage-prevention rules; Fitzwater and a committee member said it does not. Testimony in support came from the St. Louis Home Builders, who said the bill corrects a comma-related ambiguity and reduces unnecessary costs, and from Missouri 811, which said the bill reflects the original intent and raised no concerns. No opposition testimony was offered. In executive session, the committee first adopted a substitute combining House Bill 3351 and House Bill 3371, which deal with rules for detaching from a water district and allow a third party to pay debt owed by the district. The combined House Committee Substitute for HB 3351 and HB 3371 then received a do-pass recommendation by a vote of 17-0. The committee also considered a substitute for Senate Bill 903, described by Representative Simmons as adding copper wire and other wireline theft and damage provisions to critical infrastructure protections, with felony penalties and exceptions for legitimate possession by contractors. That measure also received a do-pass recommendation by a vote of 17-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing no objection, so ordered. First order of business: reports of standing committees.
• Hearing no objection, so ordered. Senator Richelli. Thank you so much, Mr. President.
• Hearing no objection, so ordered. Eighth order: presentation of resolutions.
• Hearing no objection, so ordered. Senator Richelli. Thank you so much, Mr.
• Hearing no objection, the Senate stands adjourned. happen. With that, Mr.

Summary: The Senate convened on February 24 with no roll call, approved the prior day’s Journal, and referred committee reports and listed measures as designated. One exception was Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548, concerning health care market standards, which was sent to the Committee on Rules. The chamber then moved to the eighth order for resolutions. Senate Resolution 8696, recognizing Washington’s interconnected relationship with Canada, was read and adopted. Supportive remarks emphasized cross-border economic ties, family and community connections, shared environmental and scientific work, trade, border communities such as Point Roberts and Blaine, and cooperation with Canadian and Quebec officials. The Senate also formally recognized visiting Canadian and Washington guests in the gallery, including the Canadian Consul General, a Quebec delegate, the mayor of Blaine, and Western Washington University representatives. After a brief at-ease, the Senate returned to business and received supplemental standing committee reports, including Senate Bill 5998, the supplemental operating budget, and House Bill 2664, both referred to the Committee on Rules. The Senate then agreed to adjourn until 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Government Committee will meet tomorrow, Wednesday the 4th, at 9:00 a.m. in Hearing Room 1.
• Health and Human Services will meet at 9:00 a.m. in Hearing Room 2.
• Center Hearing Room 109. Education will meet at 1:30 p.m. in Hearing Room 1.
• Judiciary and Elections will meet at 1:30 p.m. in Hearing Room 2.
• Public Safety will meet at 1:30 p.m. in Hearing Room 109.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sergeant, please contact any absent members and have them come down to the hearing so that we can start
• with a quorum, which... ...any absent members and have them come down to the hearing so that we can
• We want to hear from you.
• Moving over to make sure that this is getting broadcast, so we want to make sure people can hear.
• And again, thank you to everybody who participated in today's hearing.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations met in Room 2200 of the O Street Building and took roll, establishing a quorum. The committee announced 25 measures on the agenda, all of which were suspense file candidates, and reminded witnesses to limit comments to fiscal issues. The Department of Finance had no comments on the bills. Most bills were taken up with no presentation, no opposition, and no committee questions, and were moved to suspense without objection. These included SB 46, SB 342, SB 490, SB 574, SB 758, SB 58, SB 73, SB 99, SB 247, SB 288, SB 327, SB 347, SB 417, SB 828, SB 492, SB 501, SB 557, SB 623, SB 667, SB 742, SB 747, SB 811, SB 837, and SB 849. Several bills drew brief support testimony from local governments, housing and labor groups, and other advocates, but no bills were held for further discussion. The only bill with substantive author presentation was SB 381 by Senator Wahab, which would allow adopted adults and descendants to obtain original birth certificates through an administrative process and create a nonbinding contact preference form for birth parents. Supporters said the bill addresses equal access, health, identity, and court backlog concerns, and noted similar laws in other states with little or no fiscal impact. After testimony, SB 381 was also moved to suspense without objection. The committee later reopened the record to note Senator Richardson’s arrival, then adjourned after concluding the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, so ordered. Attendance roll call will now be taken.
• Do not register until you hear the bell. The House will now proceed to register.
• Hearing no objection, the House is at recess. Floor session is now convening.
• to announce that the Committee on Rules will meet tomorrow, Thursday morning, at 9 a.m. in House Hearing
• I wish to announce that the Republican caucus is meeting upon the adjournment of Rules in House Hearing

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and recorded attendance at 56 present, with two absent and two excused. The Speaker announced temporary committee replacements, and the chamber recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. A.J. Batnagar, along with several guest introductions including members of the Tohono O’odham Nation, Cocopah tribal representatives, and Israel’s Consul General to the Pacific Southwest, Israel Bashar. The House then moved through second reading of a large slate of bills and measures, including proposals on meetings, child support, landowner issues, water and wildlife management, abortion prohibition, emergency services, education, appropriations, homeowners associations, campaign finance, endangered species, and other subjects. No floor votes on those bills were taken in the transcript; the clerk was directed to record the action and the bills were placed on the House calendar. During personal privilege remarks, Representative Alma Hernandez criticized a lobbyist for allegedly targeting her and her family with campaign-related signs and a website, calling the conduct inappropriate and unprofessional. Members also made announcements that several committees would not meet, while Appropriations was replaced by a special meeting at 2 p.m. The House later recessed briefly, received Senate messages, announced the Rules Committee and caucus meetings for the next day, and adjourned until 10 a.m. Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, so ordered. Attendance roll call will now be taken.
• Do not register until you hear the bell. The House will now proceed to register.
• Hearing no objection, the House is at recess. Floor session is now convening.
• to announce that the Committee on Rules will meet tomorrow, Thursday morning, at 9 a.m. in House Hearing
• I wish to announce that the Republican caucus is meeting upon the adjournment of Rules in House Hearing

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to welcome you to this morning's hearing of the Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports
• The hearing room will be open for attendance of this hearing this morning.
• All are encouraged to watch the hearing from its live stream on the Assembly's website.
• know that any conduct which disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of this hearing
• I have lost most of my hearing since I've been here. No problem. No problem.

Committee: House Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a public hearing. We won't be voting on this bill... We won't be voting on this bill.
• Okay, we'll start with a public hearing, and due to the... with a public hearing, and due to the fact
• Okay, that wraps up the public hearing process. My final thoughts would be, I was glad to hear Mr.
• Terrace without... was glad to hear Mr.

Bills: HB606 , SB271

Committee: House Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure

Keywords: HB606, Alabama, Department of Transportation, DOT, public highways, utility relocation, right-of-way, state right-of-way, road construction, bridge, tunnel, toll road, interstate highway, defense highway, utility facilities, broadband, telecommunications, cable, electricity, gas

Transcript Highlights:

• The only thing that I was just looking at the compliment amendment, he did talk about a hearing must
• Well, I guess I'm wondering, so the order doesn't go into effect until after the hearing...
• So the order doesn't go into effect until after the hearing with the Attorney General.
• So there's not going to be any order issued by the Attorney General until after they hold a hearing.
• So there's going to be a hearing in all cases if it meets—if it's over $1,000.

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The subcommittee on Senate Bill 2224 met to reconcile several amendment versions into a single draft, combining changes from multiple members and Legislative Council. The discussion focused mainly on clarifying the Attorney General’s hearing and enforcement process, including whether to keep or remove specific time limits, how the stay of an Attorney General order should operate, and whether the bill needed to expressly reference the appeal period under existing law. Members also noted other incorporated changes, including a quarterly meeting requirement for the commission, executive session authority, and a district court reference on page 7. A key issue was whether the bill should specify that an Attorney General order is stayed during the time to appeal and through the appeal process. After discussion of the Administrative Agencies Practices Act, the subcommittee agreed that the bill should reference the appeal period under Section 28-32-42, rather than restating the number of days in the bill itself. The proposed language was refined to say the order must be stayed pending expiration of the time to appeal under 28-32-42 and pending the judgment or order on appeal. The members moved and seconded the amendment with the clarified stay language, indicating agreement to advance the revised version. They discussed process for final review and agreed to reconvene as needed, with a committee meeting planned for Monday after floor session, pending notice and scheduling. No roll call vote was taken in the transcript, but the subcommittee appeared to approve the amendment by voice vote and prepare it for further committee action.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair hears none. Third reading of a bill.
• The chair hears none.
• The chair hears none. The question comes on ordering the bill to a third reading.
• The chair hears none. The question comes on ordering the bill to a third reading.
• The chair hears none. The Senator from Middlesex and Hampshire, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we are ready to... are you ready to hear our offer? Yes, we are, Madam Chair.
• Look forward to hearing your offer. Okay.
• Please take into consideration our offer, and we look very much forward to hearing hopefully your continued
• Please take into consideration our offer, and we look very much forward to hearing hopefully your continued
• Please take into consideration our offer, and we look very much forward to hearing hopefully your continued

Summary: The Higher Education Appropriations Conference Committee convened and organized its leadership, with Senator Harrell named chair and Representative Snyder named vice chair by unanimous consent. Senator Harrell noted that Chair Basada was absent due to family obligations but remained engaged in the process and would participate in future decisions. Both chairs made brief opening remarks emphasizing the goal of maintaining Florida’s higher education system as the nation’s best. The committee then reviewed a conference offer package for the higher education budget, including the budget, proviso, and implementing bill. Members were given side-by-side spreadsheets showing House and Senate positions, with shaded areas indicating agreement and highlighted columns showing the offer and any changes. The chair explained that the committee would not go through the proposal line by line and that the implementing bill had replaced a conforming bill. No questions or objections were raised by members. The committee was placed on one-hour notice to consider the offer and continue negotiations, and the meeting adjourned without any vote on the substance of the budget offer.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, hearing today is April 15, 2025.
• In the unlikely event that we have to abruptly end this hearing due to technical difficulties, the committee
• In the unlikely event that we have to abruptly end this hearing due to technical difficulties, the committee
• This concludes the hearing. excused Sure. I senator Favilla excused Sure.
• This concludes the hearing.

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Summary: The Committee on Government Operations met on April 15, 2025, and took up only one measure, HCR 59. The resolution requests the Department of Accounting and General Services to study the feasibility of limiting project and construction management costs on state construction projects to 10% of total project cost. Vice Chair Keith Regan, speaking for DAGS, said the department stood on its written testimony in support of the resolution. Frank Schultz also testified in support. After a brief recess while waiting for quorum, the committee returned for decision-making. The chair noted that the issue is also being discussed in a bill and said adopting the resolution would help keep the matter in focus. No objections were raised, and the committee voted to adopt HCR 59 as is. Senators Morwaki and Favilla were excused from the vote. The measure passed, and the hearing was concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> has an amendment uh then we'll hear it. has an amendment uh then we'll hear it.
• I hereby close the hearing on Okay.
• </c> open the hearing on HB451. open the hearing on HB451.
• </c> like to open the hearing on HB451. like to open the hearing on HB451.
• Uh, thank you for hearing.

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Summary: The committee first reviewed House Bill 1150, which would require disclosure of complaints to public employees within five business days. Members said the sponsor was still working on an amendment, so the bill was held for another week with the understanding it would be executed next week if no amendment was ready. The chair also outlined the committee’s schedule, including upcoming floor reports and the goal of finishing the remaining committee bills on time. The committee then took up House Bill 1168, concerning employer documentation requirements. Supporters argued the bill would give employers more time to gather payroll records, especially when claims arise years later, and said the current system should be adjusted for fairness to businesses. Opponents, including several members, said payroll records are usually electronic and should be produced quickly so workers waiting on wages are not delayed. The Department of Labor deputy commissioner testified that employers can already request extensions and that further extensions could still be requested under the current process. The committee voted 11-9 to ought to pass HB 1168. Next, House Bill 1250, dealing with notice, documentation, and job reinstatement requirements for leave related to childbirth, postpartum care, and pediatric appointments, was considered. Members said the statute was newly enacted, had been carefully negotiated, and should be allowed to work before being revised. The committee voted 20-0 to recommend inexpedient to legislate, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1043, which would allow private employers to adopt their own minimum pay policies for report-to-work situations instead of being bound by the current two-hour minimum, so long as the policy is established in advance. The sponsor said the bill would modernize an outdated law and preserve the current default if no policy is adopted. Members raised questions about collective bargaining agreements and whether the bill could weaken existing worker protections, while the sponsor and supporters said it was intended to provide flexibility rather than a mandate. The hearing continued with questions and discussion, but no final vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• hearing about we keep hearing about uh uh uh having<00:36:00.280><c> a</c><00:36:00.400><c> diverse<
• </c> microphone, so it was very hard to hear. microphone, so it was very hard to hear.
• I didn't hear that.
• </c> &gt;&gt; I didn't hear that. &gt;&gt; I didn't hear that.
• </c> did not hear from them on that. did not hear from them on that.

Transcript Highlights:

• The hearing officer for the Delta Tunnel told DWR, no dice.
• To inform her hearing, the hearing officer required DWR to say how much water the tunnel could divert
• There's been other water rights hearings. I mean, the board has been very busy.
• I'm sorry, additional support in the hearing room. Additional support in the hearing room.
• You can hear my presentation much more closely. All right.

Summary: The committee heard several water, wildlife, and land-use bills. AB 2218 by Assembly Member Calóra would establish a state policy directing agencies to recognize and address water-related inequities affecting tribes; tribal supporters said it is a needed step toward restoring a voice at the table, while water agencies and local government groups opposed it as vague and potentially harmful to water supply reliability. The bill was amended in committee and moved forward on a vote, though it was left on call. AB 2032 by Assembly Member Ransom, the Golden Mussel Response Act, would speed agency response to the invasive golden mussel by streamlining permits and research; it drew broad support and no opposition, and passed the committee unanimously to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. AB 1712 by Assembly Member Pacheco would let Santa Fe Springs sell its small, contaminated water system through a protest process instead of a municipal election; supporters said it would avoid major rate hikes and improve reliability, and it was moved to Appropriations, though the vote was left on call. The committee also considered AB 1722 by Assembly Member Hadwick, which would create a clearer self-defense exception under the California Endangered Species Act for people facing dangerous predators. The author and a sheriff described a fatal mountain lion attack and argued rural residents need certainty; Defenders of Wildlife withdrew opposition after committee amendments, and the bill advanced to Judiciary on a vote that was left on call. AB 1613 by Assembly Member Wilson would require an off-highway vehicle safety and stewardship certification course before operating OHVs on public lands starting in 2029. Supporters said it would reduce accidents and educate new riders, while Vice Chair Gonzalez raised concerns about fees, penalties, tourism, and impacts on low-income residents in his district; the bill passed on a split vote and was left on call. Later, AB 1808 by Assembly Member Carrillo would expand local permitting authority for Western Joshua tree projects and reduce or waive some fees for homeowners and public works. Supporters framed it as a way to balance conservation with housing and infrastructure needs, while environmental groups opposed changes they said would weaken avoidance and mitigation protections; the bill passed to Natural Resources and was left on call. AB 1894 by Assembly Member Rubio would address imported water deliveries and groundwater recharge in the context of golden mussel restrictions, with supporters arguing for a statewide, science-based approach that preserves water reliability; it advanced to Appropriations with no opposition. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly emphasized the need to balance competing interests, especially around water reliability, tribal equity, public safety, and environmental protection.

Transcript Highlights:

• And oftentimes what we hear, we come to these type hearings, and you've heard these complaints, but when
• And oftentimes what we hear, we come to these type hearings, and you've heard these complaints.
• Oh, I'm quickly—so sorry, I didn't hear you.
• It is about time, especially considering that oversight hearing after oversight hearing, informational
• hearing, you name it.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on child safety, immigrant community transparency, agricultural land security, consumer protection, estate transfers, detention commissary pricing, and public works wage enforcement. SB 1234 would require fentanyl to be included in drug tests ordered by juvenile courts for parents or guardians in dependency cases; the author said it was a narrow child-safety measure, and there was no opposition. SB 1257 would require the Attorney General to publish annual reports on immigration enforcement incidents at designated safe locations; supporters said it would improve accountability and document fear in immigrant communities, while questions centered on how the data would be collected and concerns were raised about sanctuary policies. SB 1176 would bar foreign adversary entities from buying or controlling California agricultural land; supporters framed it as a national security measure, while committee members pressed the author on enforcement, who would verify buyers, and possible discriminatory application. The bill was moved on a 2-4 vote and placed on call after the author said he would work on clarifying responsibility and nondiscrimination concerns. The committee also heard SB 1146, which would require clear disclosure when AI-generated or altered images, audio, or video are used in health-related advertisements depicting health care providers. The California Medical Association and California Dental Association supported the bill, saying it would curb deceptive deepfake ads and protect consumers; it passed unanimously, 7-0. SB 988 would restrict assignment of benefits in auto glass claims, require claim numbers and itemized estimates, and update repair disclosure rules to curb overbilling and steering; supporters said it would protect consumers and stabilize insurance costs, while independent glass shop concerns about steering and market concentration were discussed. The bill passed 7-0, with one member abstaining because of a conflict. SB 1288, presented on behalf of Senator Laird, would require financial institutions to make good-faith efforts to notify beneficiaries of non-probate assets and would simplify access requirements, especially for nonprofits. Supporters described long delays and burdensome account-opening requirements; SIFMA and the California Bankers Association opposed the bill unless amended, citing conflicts with federal and industry obligations and concerns about retroactive burdens. The bill passed 8-0. SB 941 would cap commissary markups in private immigration detention facilities at 35% above vendor cost; supporters said detainees often pay excessive prices for basic necessities, and the bill passed 8-0. Finally, SB 909 would raise and index public works contractor fees and penalties and dedicate more penalty revenue to enforcement; labor supporters said stronger funding is needed to address wage theft and backlogs, while contractors warned of uncapped costs and reduced transparency. The discussion continued with questions about enforcement and whether stronger penalties or license restrictions would better deter repeat violators.