Transcript Highlights:

• time and cost by allowing utilities additional flexibility to conduct some smaller projects with in-house
• time and cost by allowing utilities additional flexibility to conduct some smaller projects with in-house
• We had a couple of small requests on the enforcement provisions in the House, which we appreciate the
• First, courts permit narrow factual disclosures primarily in traditional commercial speech contexts to

Summary: The committee heard public hearings on three bills. SB 6076, sponsored by Sen. Gaynor, would streamline procurement for consumer-owned utilities on clean energy, storage, transmission, and distribution projects through 2045 by raising contract thresholds, allowing more use of vendor lists, electronic bids, and broader competitive-bidding exemptions for certain energy-related projects. The sponsor and utility and labor supporters said the bill would help PUDs respond to rising costs, supply-chain shortages, aging infrastructure, and growing electricity demand, while keeping work with union labor. No opposition testimony was presented, and the hearing closed with 60 people signed in pro and 3 con. The committee then heard SB 5984, a governor-request bill sponsored by Sen. Wellman that would regulate AI companion chatbots by requiring disclosure that users are interacting with AI, restricting manipulative engagement techniques for minors, requiring safeguards against sexual content and self-harm, and creating enforcement under the Consumer Protection Act with a private right of action. Supporters included the governor’s office, the Attorney General’s office, privacy officials, parents, child-safety advocates, researchers, and some tech-industry voices who urged stronger safeguards; they emphasized harms to minors, suicide risks, and the need for transparency and accountability. Opponents and critics argued the bill could sweep too broadly, create constitutional/free-speech problems, burden general-purpose AI and consumer-facing businesses, and rely on unclear or ineffective definitions. The hearing closed with 697 signed in pro, 219 con, and 477 other. Finally, the committee heard SB 6119 on 6PPD-containing tires. The bill would phase out sale and distribution of tires containing 6PPD or regrettable substitutes beginning in 2035, create a mitigation fee on such tires, and dedicate revenue to Ecology administration, monitoring, salmon and waterbody studies, and waste tire removal. Supporters, including the bill sponsor, scientists, environmental groups, Seattle Public Utilities, and salmon-recovery advocates, said 6PPD-Q is acutely toxic to coho salmon and that a deadline and fee would accelerate safer alternatives and fund mitigation. Ecology and industry witnesses acknowledged the problem but said no proven alternative is yet available and warned the bill could be premature, raise costs, and affect tire safety and affordability; business and trucking groups also opposed the measure, citing duplication of the existing Safer Products process and the need for further stakeholder work. No votes or executive action were taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• you had great questions last week, that there is no fiscal impact for this bill, and the Senate and House
• state universities from conducting candidate polling activities related directly to candidates, but permits
• He's a French bulldog, and he is all of 40 pounds, and he kind of runs the house, I think.
• I grew up in a thousand-square-foot house with one bathroom.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education heard and approved two bills before moving into confirmation hearings for several university and college board nominees. CS/SB 1458 on apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships was presented as a measure to improve consistency and transparency in local education agency partnerships, cap LEA administrative funding at 10% when applicable, and require public meetings and work papers for workforce funding model decisions. Support was noted from Associated Builders and Contractors, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Foundations for Florida Futures, and Independent Electrical Contractors. The bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS/CS/SB 1726 on higher education governance and presidential searches after adopting a delete-all amendment and a late-filed amendment defining the final group of presidential applicants as no fewer than three. The amended bill added provisions on trustee citizenship and residency/alumni eligibility, interim president succession planning, longer presidential contract renewals, limits on candidate polling by universities, syllabus posting, textbook/open-access material lists, and other governance and academic policy changes. Senators raised concerns about the minimum-three finalist requirement, interim president selection, trustee eligibility, and polling restrictions, while supporters said the bill would depoliticize leadership selection and improve transparency. The bill was reported favorably after the amendments were adopted. The committee then heard confirmation testimony from multiple appointees and reappointees, including nominees for FAMU, UNF, Pensacola State College, UWF, and UF. Most nominees emphasized ties to their institutions, student success, workforce development, military connections, and institutional growth. Several UWF nominees were questioned extensively about their votes for former chair Scott Yenner and his controversial comments about women and other groups; some said they were unaware of those remarks at the time of the vote and would not have supported him with that knowledge. Public testimony on UWF expressed concern about the nominees’ lack of higher education experience, their ties to the region, and the impact of Yenner’s views. The committee later voted to recommend a block of non-UWF nominees favorably, and it agreed to vote on the UWF nominees individually, with some remaining nominees deferred to a later hearing due to time.

Transcript Highlights:

• you had great questions last week, that there is no fiscal impact for this bill, and the Senate and House
• state universities from conducting candidate polling activities related directly to candidates, but permits
• He's a French bulldog, and he is all of 40 pounds, and he kind of runs the house, I think.
• I grew up in a thousand-square-foot house with one bathroom.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The committee first heard CS/SB 1458 on apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. The bill sponsor said it would add consistency and transparency by requiring local education agencies and training providers to define their roles and funding shares in contracts, cap an LEA’s share at 10% when it serves only an administrative role, and require public meetings and published work papers for the district workforce education funding steering committee. Several industry and business groups appeared in support, and the bill was reported favorably without debate. The committee then took up CS/CS/SB 1726 on higher education, which was substantially revised by a delete-all amendment. The amended bill addressed presidential searches, trustee eligibility, interim presidents, polling by universities, mission reviews, and other governance issues. Members asked about the requirement that final presidential candidate groups include at least three applicants, the qualifications for interim presidents, trustee residency/alumni requirements, and limits on candidate polling. Senators Leek and Smith offered contrasting views, with Leek warning about candidate withdrawals and Smith supporting the bill as a way to depoliticize higher education governance. The bill, as amended, was reported favorably. The remainder of the meeting was devoted to confirmation hearings for university and college boards of trustees. Several appointees and reappointees from FAMU, UNF, Pensacola State College, UF, and UWF described their ties to their institutions and goals such as student success, workforce alignment, military support, research, and regional access. The UWF nominees drew the most scrutiny over their votes for former board chair Scott Yenor, whose public comments about women and other groups were criticized by senators and public commenters. Some nominees said they were unaware of the full scope of those remarks and would not have voted for him with that knowledge; others defended their votes as based on his education-reform views. Public testimony also raised concerns about UWF board members’ lack of higher-education experience and local ties. The committee confirmed the non-UWF nominees in a block vote and then began individual votes on the UWF nominees, with debate centered on Yenor-related concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am here today representing the medical society in opposition to House Bill 377.
• I am here today in favor of House Bill 377.
• And so, for those reasons, New Futures asks the committee to ITL House Bill 377.
• And so, for those reasons, New Futures asks the committee to ITL House Bill 377.
• </c><04:25:12.640><c> it</c> candle and burned down your house it candle and burned down your house it

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• About 27% of respondents in our program are either unhoused or have housing insecurity, meaning that
• About 27% of respondents in our program are either unhoused or have housing and security, meaning that
• So in alignment with a lot of things you've heard, we also worked to pass House Bill 2084.
• So in alignment with a lot of things you've heard, we also worked to pass House Bill 2084.
• We did have, over the last two years, apprentice support services that was housed at L&I.

Summary: The work session focused first on Washington’s apprenticeship system, especially building trades programs and support services. Labor and Industries staff explained how registered apprenticeship works in the state, including the role of the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council, the requirements for paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction, and the difference between apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship. Panelists emphasized that apprenticeship is tied to actual jobs and training agents, and that many waitlists reflect a shortage of job openings and employer participation rather than a lack of interest. They also discussed youth apprenticeship, the growth of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, and the use of Career Bridge and L&I’s database to help people find programs. Representatives asked whether the state should expand apprenticeship programs and how people can find openings. Speakers said more programs alone would not solve the backlog without more employers signing on as training agents and more apprenticeship utilization on projects. The panel also highlighted the Constructed Career Initiative, a grant-funded navigation and support program that helps people enter and stay in building trades apprenticeships through outreach, case management, and wraparound aid such as transportation, tools, and work clothes. A related nonprofit, Build Up, described similar support services, including prison-based boot and PPE programs and assistance for reentry participants. The panel said these services are especially important because apprentices often face unstable income, housing, food, and transportation barriers. The panel also discussed House Bill 2084 and the new Construction Training Pathway Oversight Committee, which is examining construction training in correctional facilities and how to create clearer pathways from prison-based training to apprenticeship, college, or work. Speakers said the committee is still in its early stages and will report to the legislature. The session ended with committee members thanking the panel and noting the importance of support services and referral networks for apprentices. The meeting then resumed at Renton Technical College, where college leaders and faculty discussed serving non-traditional students. The college reported strong enrollment growth, a median student age of 30, a diverse student body, and high job placement rates, while also noting significant budget cuts and program reductions from the prior year. Health care and early childhood education programs were highlighted, including efforts to expand access through hybrid scheduling, evening and Saturday classes, Spanish-language offerings, and in-person wraparound support for admissions, financial aid, and registration. Faculty said these changes were driven by student data and were aimed at helping working parents, English learners, and other non-traditional students complete credentials and enter family-wage careers.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Judiciary Committee advanced several bipartisan bills that were Passed in the Senate and in the House
• The Republicans failed as the majority in the House to pass any measure. There, I said it.
• Do you think the House leadership ought to support it?
• I firmly believe that the House should support it. 91-3, coming out of this Senate.
• It's important to know that this was temporary; it was a temporary pause, and to the extent permitted

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:04:18.160><c> Bill</c> during that final merger of House Bill during that final merger of House
• </c><01:05:38.640><c> bill</c> passed uh in with in house bill passed uh in with in house bill 1573<01
• It's the committee over in the House.
• This bill goes a House 400 to zero."
• Uh, and House Bill Senate Bill 161.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with Senate Bill 22-FN, which would expand child care licensing background checks so the Department of Health and Human Services can receive fuller criminal history information, including pending charges and other non-conviction records, similar to the system already used for school staff. Grant Bossi, for Senator Pearl, and DHHS officials Melissa Clement and Christine Sheay testified in support, saying the bill closes a gap that can allow people with disqualifying charges to work with children. They explained that the FBI record is a snapshot in time, that juvenile records are not included, and that the bill would apply to child care programs including residential group homes. Questions focused on what “confidential criminal history” means and how often checks are repeated; DHHS said checks are done every five years or sooner if new charge information is received. The hearing on SB 22 was then closed. The committee then took up Senate Bill 23-FN, which would expand the child endangerment statute and remove the word “purposely” from part of the language. Senator Pat Long said the bill is intended to strengthen protection for children and allow more serious conduct to be charged appropriately. Testimony from law enforcement, including Executive Counselor Dave Wheeler, Sergeant Ryan Rooney of Nashua Police, and Nicholas Georgulis of Manchester Police, supported the bill as a way to distinguish routine misdemeanor cases from the most egregious abuse and neglect cases, such as children living in squalor or being exposed to severe danger. Wheeler and some members raised concerns that the language could be vague or overbroad and cited a prior Manchester firearm-in-a-car arrest as an example of possible unintended consequences; supporters responded that the bill still requires knowingly violating a duty of care and that the serious bodily injury or death standard limits its reach. Rooney also described a fentanyl overdose case involving an 11-year-old and said the current misdemeanor charge did not fully reflect the seriousness of the conduct. The committee recessed SB 23 briefly to open and close SB 161, then returned to SB 23, which remained under hearing with no final vote taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> passed a similar bill in in the House passed a similar bill in in the House and<00:04:20.560><c>
• Welcome to House Election Law. Thank you. It's good to be here.
• My second term in the House, I served on this committee right here.
• At the end of the day, sign matching is not permitted under law.
• </c> day, sign matching is um not permitted day, sign matching is um not permitted under<05:21:22.798

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to be able to hear as much from the public within the limits of our time, we will not permit

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard several bills focused on worker protections, AI in the workplace, bereavement leave, and construction labor standards. SB 909 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would increase public works contractor registration fees, raise prevailing wage and related penalties, and direct half of collected penalties back into the Public Works Enforcement Fund. Supporters said the bill would help combat wage theft and misclassification and strengthen enforcement; opponents argued the higher fees and penalties would burden contractors without fixing enforcement backlogs. The committee voted the bill out on a due pass motion to Appropriations. The committee also approved SB 951 by Senator Reyes, which would require 60-day notice when 25 or more workers are displaced by technology and require reporting on AI-related job impacts. Supporters framed it as a response to rapid AI-driven layoffs and a way to gather real-time data; opponents raised concerns about small employers, proprietary information, and litigation. SB 947 by Senator McNerney, the “No Robo Bosses Act,” would require human review of automated discipline, termination, or deactivation decisions and restrict predictive behavior analysis. Supporters said it would prevent biased or mistaken automated decisions; opponents objected to the inclusion of independent contractors, private rights of action, and other provisions. Both bills were advanced to the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection. The committee also passed SB 1149 by Senator Durazo, which would expand bereavement leave to cover a “designated person,” including chosen family relationships. Supporters, including AARP and a witness who described losing a long-term partner, said the bill reflects modern family structures; there was no opposition. In addition, SB 1185 by Senator Cortese, applying skilled and trained workforce standards to pharmaceutical facility construction, was approved despite opposition from business and construction groups who said there was no demonstrated safety problem and that the mandate could raise costs and reduce competition. Several other bills on the consent calendar were also approved, and all measures were reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to be able to hear as much from the public within the limits of our time, we will not permit

Committee: House Labor and Employment

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So when teachers are evaluated at the end of the year, no one is permitted to go back and look at the

Transcript Highlights:

• facilitate the goal of hearing as much from the public within the limits of our time, we will not permit

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several transportation and climate-related bills. AB 954 would create a Caltrans pilot program for bike highways in two metropolitan areas and require a report to the Legislature; supporters said it would expand protected regional bike networks and help climate and equity goals, while some members objected that it would divert gas-tax-funded transportation dollars away from road repairs and rural needs. The bill passed on a 7-3 vote, with the roll held open for later additions. AB 289 would authorize automated speed enforcement in active highway construction zones to protect workers. The author and labor and contractor witnesses described repeated work-zone crashes and fatalities and argued the cameras would supplement, not replace, CHP enforcement. Some members raised concerns about civil penalties and enforcement policy, but the bill advanced on a 9-? initial vote and later was approved 15-1 after the roll was completed. AB 674 would update the Clean Cars for All program to prioritize pre-2004 high-polluting vehicles in disadvantaged and low-income communities and improve reporting and incentive rules. Supporters said older vehicles produce a disproportionate share of emissions and that the program has already retired thousands of cars; the committee approved the bill unanimously on the floor vote and sent it to the Committee on Natural Resources. AB 1237 would let LA Metro and VTA add a $5 fee to primary ticket sales for 2026 FIFA World Cup and NCAA championship events to fund transit service, with ticket holders able to use transit on event day. Supporters said the fee would help manage congestion and security needs, while the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association argued it was an unconstitutional tax requiring voter approval. The bill passed and was re-referred to the Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism. AB 891 would create a Caltrans quick-build pilot for temporary safety improvements on state highways for pedestrians and bicyclists; supporters emphasized rapid, low-cost safety fixes, while opponents said the program could divert gas-tax funds and was not appropriate for rural areas. It passed 11-4 and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also approved a six-bill consent calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:29:54.480><c> 56</c> Alyssa Campbell, House District 56 Alyssa Campbell, House District 56 Representative
• This topic is submitted in accordance with House Bill 122.
• </c><01:23:35.160><c> There's</c><01:23:35.400><c> a</c> with House Bill 122.
• There's a with House Bill 122.
• Representative Stiver, House District 12. I ran House Bill 101 this year. Uh, needs some work.

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The committee opened by explaining it would work through a long list of interim topics one at a time and asked members to complete a selection form at the end. The first topic, long-term care, drew testimony from AARP Wyoming and the Wyoming Long-Term Care Association. AARP emphasized Wyoming’s aging population, the state’s roughly $200 million annual Medicaid spending on long-term care, and the need to examine whether more support for home-based care could reduce nursing home use and costs. The association agreed with supporting people at home as long as possible, but asked that any study also consider increased support for nursing homes and assisted living when home care is no longer feasible. Committee discussion also touched on adult day care and PACE-like services, with Mr. Laycock noting prior Department of Health discussion and limited adult day availability due to reimbursement concerns. The committee then heard proposals for neonatal intensive care unit family leave, expanded midwifery scope, and a modification to workers’ compensation law. The NICU leave idea, presented by the Wyoming Women’s Foundation, would explore leave options for families with premature infants in intensive care, potentially paid or unpaid, while considering business size and the burden on families who may need out-of-state care. The midwifery topic was framed as a way to address rural maternity and women’s health gaps by allowing midwives to practice to the full extent of their training. On workers’ compensation, the Wyoming Association of Municipalities sought to classify dispatch personnel as first responders so they could receive mental health coverage under workers’ compensation; the Department of Workforce Services explained that current law covers dispatchers under workers’ compensation generally, but the first responder mental health provision added in 2018 applies to law enforcement and firefighters and does not currently include dispatchers. Other topics included problematic gaming and program funding, breast cancer diagnostic and supplemental exams, prescription drug coverage for advanced metastatic cancer, SNAP education, behavioral health workforce clinical training site shortages, CPR in schools, and broader midwifery oversight. The behavioral health workforce proposal, brought by a WICHE commissioner, focused on increasing psychology internship slots in Wyoming, noting that the state currently has only three and that expanding placements could improve recruitment and retention. The CPR in schools topic drew strong support from the American Heart Association, which argued that CPR training in high school could improve bystander response in a rural state with long EMS response times; committee members asked about cost and curriculum fit, and the witnesses said hands-only CPR could be taught by school staff rather than requiring expensive certification. The midwifery discussion later broadened into concerns about oversight and standards after a representative described a constituent’s pregnancy loss and said complaints involving midwifery practice and staffing delays in investigations warranted a deeper review. No votes were taken during the portion provided, and most topics were simply introduced, discussed, and left open for further testimony or later committee selection.

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to hear as much public testimony as time allows, we will not permit conduct that disrupts, disturbs
• When this debt goes to collections, it can damage credit for years, making it harder to secure housing
• Nobody wins from a foreclosure on a disaster-damaged, uninhabitable house.
• We left Los Angeles the day after our house burned down and moved to Tennessee to live with family.
• The Federal Housing Finance Agency does not prohibit forbearance beyond 12 months for loans backed by

Committee: House Banking and Finance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd prefer the bill to pass as clean as possible without any amendment because I know the House has a
• I'd prefer the bill to pass as clean as possible without any amendment because I know the House has a
• I know the House has a very similar bill on the floor today, and this is a long time waiting, and I want
• That will be the bill that travels to us, and we will probably take up the House bill.
• I don't know what's going to happen in the House.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Committee on Rules met with a quorum and heard extensive debate on SB 734, which would repeal Florida’s wrongful-death medical malpractice exception that bars certain adult children and parents from recovering noneconomic damages. Senator Yarborough presented the bill as a fairness and accountability measure, while many family members testified in support, describing deaths they believed were caused by medical negligence and arguing the current law denies equal justice. Opponents, including physician and insurer representatives, warned the bill could increase malpractice exposure, premiums, defensive medicine, and physician shortages. The committee also considered two late-filed amendments: Senator Burton’s amendment would make Department of Health investigative findings admissible in court, and Senator Martin’s amendment to that amendment would broaden admissibility/discoverability to additional disciplinary and prior-adverse-incident records and insurance coverage facts. After debate, the Martin amendment was adopted, but the Burton amendment as amended failed on a roll call vote. The committee then reported SB 734 favorably without the amendment. The committee next unanimously reported CS for SB 86 favorably. That bill, by Senator Burgess, expands peer support protections for first responders to include support personnel; there was little debate and several law-enforcement-related organizations indicated support. The committee also took up SB 316 on series limited liability companies. Senator Berman explained that the bill creates rules for series LLCs in Florida, and a late-filed amendment, requested by the Secretary of State, delayed implementation by one year. The amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered CS for CS for SB 384, which requires municipalities seeking to annex state-owned land to notify the relevant county legislative delegation when the first public hearing is advertised. Senator Burton presented the bill briefly, there was no opposition or debate, and the committee proceeded to vote on the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to go ahead and get started in House Appropriations.
• books is 37% of these adjustments that I'm talking about: PIT bracket changes that were enacted in House
• All of the measures that have been taken: Senate Bill 26, House Bill 253, Senate Bill 254, Senate Bill
• Two years ago, it got reduced by Senate House Bill 2, Senate Bill 26, Senate Bill 378.
• The executive also recommends $50 million for housing down payments and $50 million for homelessness,

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Minnesota House of Representatives.
• Signs and placards are not permitted in the hearing room.
• Signs and placards are not permitted in the hearing room.
• </c> some of this buildings into housing some of this buildings into housing &gt;&gt; that<01:09:32.880
• </c> those into housing. those into housing. &gt;&gt; Mr.<01:09:48.960><c> Swanson.

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of our improvements have been in the back of the house, so we have leveraged technology to become
• Second, two DIR requests to move things off of a state outsourcing contract in-house, and third, a kind
• House Bill 3579 and its companion, giving us this authority, we have issued emergency orders that closed
• For years, while that board was housed at the Department of State Health... services, and then at the
• We filed the first system resiliency plan under House Bill 2555 last May, and the commission dedicated

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's what we typically think of as a lump sum allocations house that differ from state agencies
• You know, the you discuss to the success of the permit that when you mention the 95% rating, do mine,
• So I think there there you go there action now I'm in the House national or you're on the record now.
• I also have 2 staff members that are housed within the district, but paid through Fiddler's south to
• How do we get to the how the home house in the home? What's the secret sauce?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the Republic of Cuba is in there, and I'm hearing from the White House that we might be taking over
• Um, the Republic of Cuba is in there, and I'm hearing from the White House that we might be taking over
• Glad nothing but a house dress. Miller helped find her in a ditch near her home.
• I think I almost met every other, all the senators who all former House members.
• Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee.

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all