Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Just a quick follow-up, actually a follow-up to what Senator Ward just said, and it goes back to
• Thank you very much, Chairman Ward, members of the committee.
• Senator Apprentice, thank you, Chair Ward, and, um, Miss McClure, thank you for taking my questions.
• and um Miss McLure thank you chair Ward and um Miss McLure thank you for<01:09:45.679><c> taking</c>
• </c> not a question for you but Senator Ward not a question for you but Senator Ward is<01:12:47.600>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• would members and guests and employees please rise for a moment of silence in memory of the former Ward
• He served 18 years as Lynn's Ward 7 councilor, a true family man.
• We heard over the last two days a lot of times when we were offering some tax proposals that those cuts
• At first glance, this proposal may sound like simple common-sense tightening of eligibility.
• This body has already considered the proposal in this amendment.

Summary: The House first adopted several ceremonial resolutions congratulating three Eagle Scouts, then concurred in Senate amendments to House bills affecting the town of Milford’s alcohol licensing law and the town of Middleton’s charter. It also passed to enact a Senate bill on maintenance of private roads in Gloucester and engrossed a House bill allowing Plymouth to create a special revenue account for land acquisition. The chamber later observed moments of silence for former Lynn City Councilor Richard “Rick” Ford, Portuguese American community leader Louis Pedroso, and Quincy veteran Mildred “Millie” Cox, and welcomed several guest groups and dignitaries, including students from Fall River, D.A.R. Good Citizen award recipients, and a British minister visiting the State House. Most of the floor session centered on FY27 budget amendments, especially housing and shelter policy. Members debated and rejected multiple Republican amendments that would have tightened eligibility for the HomeBASE and emergency shelter programs by requiring citizenship or limiting access to U.S. citizens with Massachusetts residency, with supporters arguing the changes would reduce costs and opponents saying the programs already have strict eligibility rules and that the proposals would exclude lawful residents and vulnerable families. The House also rejected an amendment to block Housing and Livable Communities grants from being conditioned on MBTA Communities Act compliance, with supporters calling it a reprieve for noncompliant towns and opponents saying the law is helping address the housing shortage. A consolidated housing/environment amendment was then adopted 154-0, funding major housing, shelter, clean water, climate, and food assistance accounts. The chamber also defeated amendments to create a data center commission and to eliminate the vocational-technical school admissions lottery, though the latter was withdrawn after debate. Another rejected amendment would have suspended public policy and public benefit charges on electric and gas bills; opponents said that would eliminate low-income and senior bill relief. The House then turned to education-related amendments, rejecting proposals to change special education reimbursement formulas and to raise the reimbursement rate from 75% to 80%, with opponents arguing the ideas needed committee review and cost analysis. Finally, the House began debating an amendment to fully fund regional school transportation by removing “subject to appropriation,” but the transcript ends before any final vote on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• **Ward?** Here. **Alhawari?** Here. **Gonzalez?** Here. **McKenna?** Here. **Ortega?** Here.
• Good morning, **Chair Ward** and Assembly members.
• Ward? Ward, aye. Lackey? Aye. Lackey, aye. Malwari? Aye. Malwari, aye. Gonzalez? Aye.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next is item 173, SB 92 by Senator Blakspere, presented by Assembly Member Ward.
• Assembly Member Ward, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Speaker and colleagues.
• I want to thank my San Diego delegation colleague, Senator Blakspier and Assembly Member Ward.
• Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assembly Member Ward, would you like to close?
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Madam Speaker and members.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, welcomed visiting students from De La Salle High School and a guest for Assembly Member Kalra, and then moved through a lengthy concurrence and third-reading agenda. Early actions included concurrence on ACR 21 honoring fallen Galt Police Officer Herminda Grewal, followed by a series of mostly noncontroversial bills on utilities, reclamation districts, housing, wildfire relief, mobile homes, environmental quality, health care coverage, and local government. Several measures were presented as technical, clarifying, or urgency bills, and many passed with unanimous or near-unanimous votes; notable items included AB 238 (wildfire mortgage forbearance), AB 571 (Southern California Veterans Cemetery permitting/CEQA exemption), AB 574 (health care coverage), AB 696 (lithium-ion battery safety advisory group), AB 1150 (airport car rental facility maintenance), AB 1154 (ADU parking standards), and SB 499 (impact fee deferrals for emergency-related parkland and utility infrastructure). SB 499 drew the most debate, with supporters emphasizing disaster resilience and dual-use parkland and an opponent arguing it would worsen housing-related fee burdens; it ultimately passed after a call was lifted. The chamber also adopted SJR 4 urging restoration of NIH funding, and passed SB 230 expanding workers’ compensation presumptions to additional firefighters, SB 92 tightening density bonus law to curb loopholes, SB 782 creating disaster relief financing districts, SB 40 capping insulin copays at $35 and limiting step therapy, SB 362 strengthening small-business financing disclosures, SB 513 requiring workers access to training records, SB 489 requiring public agencies involved in housing approvals to post requirements online, SB 31 promoting recycled water use, SB 551 introducing normalization and dynamic security concepts in corrections, SB 639 extending flood-protection deadlines for Sacramento/Yuba projects, SB 653 defining environmentally sensitive vegetation management, AB 652 on air pollution, and SB 221 updating stalking law to include threats to pets. Several bills received recorded opposition or split votes, including SB 551, SB 439, SB 782, and SB 499, but most measures passed comfortably. The Assembly also concurred in Senate amendments on AB 516 and AB 1523, and later lifted the call on SB 499 to complete passage. The session included an adjournment in memory of Rick Bryson of Long Beach, with Assembly Member Lowenthal highlighting Bryson’s athletic, business, and civic contributions. The day ended with reminders to secure floor managers for pending bills, a notice of the next day’s 10 a.m. floor session, and adjournment until Thursday, September 4th.

Transcript Highlights:

• proposal proposal over<00:39:15.760><c> that</c><00:39:16.079><c> bienium.
• based</c><00:40:16.240><c> on</c> vetted proposal, not a proposal based on vetted proposal, not a proposal
• So um structure uh to so I I put these<01:30:23.920><c> proposals</c> these proposals these proposals
• </c> bienium to fine-tune the proposal. bienium to fine-tune the proposal.
• </c><01:58:41.360><c> joint</c> we really need this proposed joint we really need this proposed joint

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting focused on reviewing and amending draft minutes and then discussing a draft report on SAU consolidation and school administration efficiency. Members first corrected a disputed statement in the minutes about who starts charter schools, and agreed to mark it as disputed. They also noted a donation figure mentioned in the meeting but not reflected in the notes, and then approved the minutes as amended. The committee then reviewed supporting materials, including a Census Bureau education spending table and a 1993 report on eliminating SAUs. The chair argued New Hampshire ranks very high in administrative spending and used that as evidence for reducing administrative costs. Other members pushed back, noting that education costs are largely borne locally and that the committee should stay focused on its charge. Several members also objected to characterizations of SAU boards and to relying heavily on an old report or on the School District Governance Association’s proposal. The draft report itself drew repeated edits. Members objected to language suggesting the testimony from associations was simply that change was not needed, and proposed more neutral wording about concerns over the impacts of changes. There was also disagreement over a proposed model in which a county-level school administrator would be elected; some members said that would be inappropriate and premature, while others argued the committee had not yet fully developed a consolidation model. The discussion ended with a call from some members for more time and for a future joint legislative committee to continue refining any proposal before legislation is introduced.

Transcript Highlights:

• And next, I will introduce our city council member from Ward 9 on the Minneapolis City Council, Jason
• for</c><00:09:43.600><c> undocumented</c> And next, I will introduce our city council member from Ward
• My name is Jason Chavez, and I proudly represent Ward 9 on the Minneapolis City Council, one of the largest
• My name is Jason Chavez, and I proudly represent Ward 9 on the Minneapolis City Council, one of the largest
• If you look at all the things that Republicans proposed in the first few weeks in which they illegitimately

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Lawmakers and advocates from the POCI Caucus held a news conference focused on protecting recent DFL-enacted policies in a newly divided Legislature. They highlighted accomplishments from the last biennium, including earned sick and safe time, ethnic studies, unemployment insurance changes, environmental protections, and MinnesotaCare coverage for undocumented immigrants, and argued these measures should not be rolled back in budget negotiations. Speakers said Republicans were pushing cuts or carveouts that would disproportionately harm Black, brown, immigrant, women, and low-income communities, and they urged the House and Governor Walz to reject those changes. A major theme was opposition to proposed carveouts to earned sick and safe time. Amanda Otero of TakeAction Minnesota said the proposed changes would remove benefits from more than 100,000 workers based on employer size, and lawmakers said sick leave should be universal. Another major topic was MinnesotaCare for undocumented immigrants. Representative María Isa Pérez Vega, Council Member Jason Chavez, and others argued the program is affordable, reduces uncompensated emergency care, and improves public health by expanding preventive care. Chavez and Emilia Gonzalez Avalos shared personal stories about family members who benefited from health coverage and said cutting access would worsen disparities and hurt families and communities. The event also included remarks on ethnic studies and historical memory. Representative Samantha Sencer-Mura connected the Ethnic Studies for All Act to her family’s experience with Japanese American incarceration during World War II, and Sally Sudo described her family’s removal and imprisonment under Executive Order 9066. Speakers framed these stories as warnings against scapegoating and exclusion. In the question-and-answer portion, lawmakers said they were still in negotiations but emphasized that certain protections were non-negotiable and that any compromises should be distributed equitably rather than targeting specific groups.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's growing attention on this issue not just in Idaho but across the country, so this proposal is
• Senator Ward Engel King. Thank you, Mr.
• Senators, we heard a proposal similar to this last year on the floor, and I was a no on that proposal
• I was a no on that proposal.
• I appreciate the superintendent coming back this year with a revised proposal and finding some money

Summary: The Senate convened with 31 members present, heard a prayer and pledge, approved the prior day’s journal, and adopted several routine committee reports and referrals. Committee actions included printing and referral of Senate Resolution 116, referral of various newly printed bills, and transmission of House bills and enrolled measures between chambers. The chamber also received messages from the House and advanced several bills through first and second reading calendars. On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1276, which removes a sunset on a public employee retirement provision allowing certain retired employees to return to work, after supporters said it helps address teacher shortages and does not harm the retirement system. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1291, a Title 33 education code cleanup bill tied to prior task force work; supporters said it repeals obsolete or unused provisions, while no opposition was recorded. Senate Bill 1292, revising foster parent training requirements, passed on a shared roll call vote after supporters said it sets basic training expectations and improves foster care placement quality. Senate Bill 1293, which clarifies that crime victims’ compensation is not treated as a public benefit under prior legislation, also passed unanimously on a shared roll call vote. The most debated measure was Senate Bill 1288, creating the Idaho High Needs Student Fund to reimburse districts for unusually high special education costs above $30,000 per student, using $5 million in one-time funds. Supporters argued it would help districts meet federal obligations, reduce local levy pressure, and provide targeted relief for the most expensive cases; opponents said it was a patchwork fix, could become an ongoing obligation, and should wait for broader funding formula reform. After extended debate, the bill passed 22-1 and was sent to the House. The Senate then reordered the third reading calendar, moved to miscellaneous business, heard several introductions and announcements, and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Together, the revenues generated from these proposals would have allowed us to address backlogs, meet
• I commend you for identifying efficiencies in your proposal that address the projected budget deficit
• The House health budget. proposes to eliminate all long COVID grants and administrative appropriations
• We also appreciate the proposed increase in medical assistance payment rates for ambulance services.
• I am here this morning in opposition to the proposed social media warning labels.

Bills: HF2435

Keywords: healthcare, dementia services, public health funding, opioid prevention, women's health, community health boards, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zipper, Mr. Speaker.
• that particularly in our rural communities that we ensure that there are hospitals with maternity wards
• Despite this crisis, paternity wards are closing, even one in my community.
• Two years ago, April Valentine walked into the maternity ward at Sentinella Hospital's Medical Center
• Instead of addressing the problem, maternity wards and underserved communities like Englewood are shutting

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward-Johnson voting aye. Have all members voted? Have all members voted?
• Ward-Johnson.
• Ward-Johnson voting aye. Show Ms. Jones of Harris voting aye. All voted.
• Ward-Johnson, for what purpose? With the gentlelady, let me ask her a question.
• Speaker, I propose to postpone HB 2333 until June 3rd, 2025.

Bills: HB75, HB188, HB199, HB4029, HB330, HB507, HB524, HB1517, HB 1065, HB1375, HB1630, HB1398, HB 1227, HB689, HB1814, HB2160, HB2140, HB4897, HB5600, HB5489, HB4188, HB2881, HB2048, HB3900, HB4074, HB5568, HB5528, HB3811, HB3726, HB3382, HB4507, HB4775, HB3626, HB3569, HB5212, HB5248, HB5178, HB3453, HB3231, HB3941, HB1571, HB1969, HB1865, HB2879, HB2643, HB4799, HB4891, HB5567, HB5549, HB5187, HB5118, HB3191, HB1730, HB1687, HB2192, HB4511, HB4805, HB1863, HB3195, HB3199, HB5562, HB5551, HB5169, HB3290, HB3712, HB3996, HB5098, HB5097, HB5089, HB3897, HB3868, HB3829, HB4840, HB3753, HB4368, HB4142, HB2841, HB3457, HB3784, HCR46, HCR109, HCR10, SB1844, SB1833, SB2284, SB2052, SB1666, SB1265, SB1146, SB1921, SB480, SB1734, SB296, SB2039, SB462, SB1646, SB2173, SB2925, SB682, SB1173, HB4535, HB4520, HB3824, HB3066, HB2442, HB3863, HB4773, HB4327, HB5115, HB5515, HB3372, HB5659, HB 127, HB386, HB 115, HB2868, HB 1249, HB4766, HB3720, HB4879, HB5383, HB4621, HB5431, HB5678, HB5534, HB4212, HB3954, HB3966, HB3918, HB1422, HB4765, HB4732, HB4742, HB4518, HB5084, HB3986, HB4144, HB3976, HB4473, HB3425, HB3641, HB3642, HB3475, HB3424, HB4744, HB4539, HB3159, HB5228, HB5370, HB4359, HB4443, HB4466, HB3849, HB4240, HB5141, HB5686, HB3629, HB3554, HB3567, HB2015, HB3575, HB5381, HB4398, HB3514, HB4614, HB4546, HB5681, HB5663, HB4271, HB4350, HB4035, HB3812, HB3540, HB3715, HB3664, HB4233, HB3333, HB3510, HB4222, HB2070, HB2854, HB2347, HB 113, HJR218, HB5623, HB4921, HB5673, HB5520, HB 105, HB4685, HB5354, HB4683, HB75, HB983, HB4847, HB1449, HB3833, HB5151, HB265, HB1845, HB782, HB 108, HB1960, HB158, HB1954, HB1955, HB2512, HB605, HB2581, HB2803, HB627, HB2667, HB1738, HB636, HB3679, HB2638, HB2655, HB871, HB2438, HB 1107, HB1765, HB1822, HB2153, HB4099, HB3732, HB3171, HB3178, HB3182, HB3749, HB2814, HB3977, HB4204, HB4207, HB4449, HB1820, HB1876, HB1939, HB1347, HB2593, HB2136, HB2132, HB2658, HB2413, HB2757, HB2080, HB3154, HB3063, HB3009, HB3448, HB3006, HB2844, HB3241, HB3680, HB3169, HB2078, HB2507, HB4559, HB3946, HB3460, HB3405, HB475, HB3463, HB3441, HB3441, HB3520, HB2060, HB4731, HB4991, HB1991, HB5596, HB2014, HB2142, HB2673, HB2731, HB2417, HB2399, HB2301, HB2301, HB3335, HB3234, HB3320, HB5573, HB5573, HB4848, HB4848, HB4748, HB4769, HB4795, HB2086, HB2086, HB2234, HB2234, HB2203, HB4916, HB5624, HB4505, HB139, HB5093, HB5302, HB5402, HB5606, HB2333, HB4630, HB4701, HB2583, HB2983, HB4924, HB3339, HB3339, HB3793, HB3631, HB4882, HB5509, HB5499, HB5430, HB5561, HB5561, HB5611, HB5043, HB5064, HB5064, HB3733, HB3733, HB3781, HB3219, HB32, HB4515, HB5348, HB3902, HB4420, HB3269, HB469, HB336, HB316, HB5396, HB993, HB1342, HB1342, HB5216, HB2046, HB2046, HB2188, HB2188, HB2450, HB2813, HB2857, HB4075, HB4075, HB2911, HB4682, HB4682, HB3117, HB3253, HB3442, HB4820, HB4336, HB5356, HB3669, HB3428, HB5465, HB3662, HB2590, HB2288, HB2288, HB1886, HB3458, HB3458, HB5603, HB5620, HB1489, HB1489, HB4101, HB4990, HB5685, HB5685, HB4950, HB4950, HB4980, HB5684, HB3507, HB3507, HB3566, HB4487, HB4487, HB4462, HB4462, HB4876, HB4915, HB4663, HB5570, HB2929, HB5261, HB2920, HB4642, HB4746, HB1609, HB5403, HB5453, HB3844, HB2336, HB1572, HB 1226, HB 1226, HB2806, HB2806, HB2617, HB2617, HB2827, HB3948, HB3948, HB3945, HB4266, HB4542, HB3319, HB1772, HB2496, HB1970, HB3434, HB5545, HB5545, HB5577, HB5577, HB31, HB31, HB279, HB370, HB370, HB4768, HB513, HB875, HB982, HB 1085, HB 1085, HB2677, HB2874, HB5478, HB4880, HB4798, HB4514, HB4958, HB4958, HB4508, HB4508, HB3758, HB3830, HB3744, HB3622, HB741, HB741, HB2204, HB2204, HB2860, HB4659, HB4578, HB813, HB712, HB712, HB1551, HB2790, HB2698, HB3365, HB3504, HB3118, HB3118, HB2959, HB1862, HB1862, HB 1026, HB4401, HB4401, HB4164, HB4164, HB3920, HB4737, HB4966, HB4966, HB4967, HB1958, HB4979, HB4979, HB5459, HB3862, HB1823, HB1823, HB4415, HB4893, HB2343, HB 1228, HB4337, HB188, HB199, HB4029, HB330, HB507, HB524, HB1517, HB 1065, HB1375, HB1630, HB1398, HB 1227, HB689, HB689, HB1814, HB2160, HB2140, HB4897, HB5600, HB5489, HB4188, HB2881, HB2048, HB3900, HB4074, HB5568, HB5528, HB3811, HB3726, HB3382, HB3382, HB4507, HB4775, HB3626, HB3569, HB5212, HB5248, HB5178, HB3453, HB3231, HB3941, HB1571, HB1969, HB1865, HB2879, HB2879, HB2643, HB4799, HB4891, HB5567, HB5549, HB5187, HB5118, HB3191, HB1730, HB1687, HB1687, HB2192, HB4511, HB4805, HB4805, HB1863, HB3195, HB3199, HB5562, HB5562, HB5551, HB5169, HB3290, HB3712, HB3996, HB5098, HB5098, HB5097, HB5089, HB5089, HB3897, HB3868, HB3829, HB4840, HB3753, HB4368, HB4142, HB2841, HB3457, HB3784, HCR76, HCR76, HCR127, HCR9, HCR40, HCR118, HR559, HCR59, HCR59, HCR135, HCR141, HCR46, HCR46, HCR109, HCR10

Keywords: magistrate, criminal procedure, probable cause, written findings, law enforcement, Texas STRONG defense fund, severance tax revenue, oil and gas revenue, constitutional transfers, rainy day fund, economic stabilization fund, state highway fund, oil and gas production, qualifying county, county grants, water infrastructure, first responders, public safety, DPS staffing, commercial motor vehicle safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Bruce, Harris, Green, Senator Groh, Woodward, Cook, Bjurkey, Hart, Carlson, Ciderbelt, Galloway, Warding
• Senator Ward-Engelking. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And, yeah, this looks like death by 1,000 cuts.
• Senator Ward-Engelking. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And, well, I do disagree about how we got here.
• And this would allow the legislature to, as Senator Ward Engel King suggests, make these... ...allow
• the legislature to, as Senator Ward Engelking suggests, make these cuts ongoing as a base reduction for

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Finance and House Appropriations committees met to review budget rescission options and related statewide budget decisions for fiscal year 2026. Keith Bybee of DFM walked members through a packet outlining the governor’s recommended rescissions, plus two additional agency reduction scenarios of 1% and 2%. He explained that the governor’s package would reduce appropriations by about $177.5 million and nearly 100 FTEs, while the added 1% and 2% scenarios would deepen reductions further. He also clarified that some agencies were exempt or partially exempt from the additional cuts, including public schools, Medicaid services, corrections, and Idaho State Police, and that the Secretary of State had proposed a one-time contract savings instead of participating in the full additional reduction. Members discussed why the committee was considering further reductions despite existing reserves and a balanced budget outlook, with supporters emphasizing uncertainty around tax conformity, revenue forecasts, and other policy bills that could affect the budget. Several members expressed concern that the proposed cuts were ongoing, broad, and could create instability for agencies, while others said the process would give work groups a clearer target and more flexibility to adjust budgets later. Bybee and the co-chairs repeatedly stressed that the goal was to right-size the budget and preserve flexibility as more revenue and policy information becomes available. The committee also reviewed proposed cash transfers totaling about $106.7 million to help balance the budget, including transfers from the In-Demand Careers Fund, Water Pollution Control Fund, Strategic Initiatives Fund, Idaho Opportunity Scholarship Fund, and Permanent Building Fund. Members asked whether those transfers were legally permissible and were told the legislature has authority to move money in the treasury for balancing purposes. Finally, Bybee outlined statewide decisions for maintenance budgets, including personnel benefit cost increases, contract inflation, statewide cost allocation, a small military CEC adjustment, and options for a 3%, 4%, or 5% ongoing base budget reduction. The co-chairs said motions would be brought forward on Friday, and the committee adjourned with plans to continue hearings the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Assembly member ward your Thank you, Assembly Member Sharpe Collins.
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Thank you, Assembly Member Ward.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and prayer, then handled several procedural matters before moving to the daily file. Members approved a motion to withdraw Assembly Bills 100 through 219 to the second reading file by a roll call vote of 42-15, and unanimously approved re-referrals of AB 440 and AB 1265 to different committees. The chamber also welcomed international visitors, student and community guests, and later heard a series of guest introductions tied to agriculture, immigration, and Irish heritage. The main floor action centered on two resolutions. H.R. 19, recognizing California Agriculture Day, drew strong support from members representing agricultural districts, who highlighted the state’s farm production, exports, and the role of farmworkers and ranchers; the resolution was adopted by voice vote after 65 co-authors were added. ACR 51, honoring Irish American Heritage Month, was also adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added, with members speaking about Irish immigration, labor history, California-Ireland ties, and St. Patrick’s Day. The Assembly also held multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes for the Honorable Leon Lawson Williams, a pioneering Black civic leader in San Diego who served on the City Council and County Board of Supervisors and helped expand public transit and advance civil rights. Members from San Diego and others described his barriers-breaking career and lasting influence on local government and community leadership. The House then received announcements about upcoming committee hearings and adjourned until Thursday, March 20, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward-Engelking. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I moved to send the gubernatorial...
• Senator Ward-Engelking. Thank you. And are questions allowed? Yes, yes, please, please. Thank you.
• Chairman and Senator Ward-Engelking, definitely I think at this point that's not broken out that way,
• Sounds like Senator Ward-Engelking would like to do Jennifer White.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's like off of Ward Parkway. Okay, thank you. Yes, Representative Crossley.
• The question was asked, our location, and we're in South Kansas City, just off Ward Parkway.
• The way the bucket is that you're proposing, would it be a first-come, first-serve basis between the
• The way the bucket is that you're proposing, would it be a first-come, first-serve basis between the
• Thank you for bringing in the folks from Third Ward. I met a bunch of them. Thank you, sir.

Summary: The Committee on Economic Development met with a quorum and first went into executive session, where it adopted a House committee substitute and voted House Bill 1716 due pass by a 13-0 vote, House Bill 2474 due pass by a 15-0 vote, and House Bill 2693 due pass by a 12-2 vote with one present. The committee then moved into public hearings. House Bill 3095, sponsored by Rep. Brown, would extend the business facility tax credit. Brown and witnesses from Burns & McDonnell and business groups said the credit supports retention and expansion of high-paying jobs in Missouri, especially in Kansas City, and helps the company plan future growth. No opposition was offered, and the hearing closed after several supportive witnesses testified. House Bill 3249, sponsored by Rep. Harzusa, would extend the jet fuel sales tax exemption for common carriers from 2033 to 2043 to support the planned redevelopment of St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Witnesses said the exemption helps encourage airline investment in a multi-billion-dollar airport project, and the bill drew support from regional business groups with no opposition. House Bills 2142 and 2058, sponsored by Reps. Wellenkamp and Vernetti, would combine the Missouri motion media tax credit’s two $8 million buckets into one $16 million pool and extend the sunset to 2035. Sponsors and industry witnesses said the change would improve competitiveness, support film and TV production, and help build long-term infrastructure and jobs; supporters included film office representatives, chambers of commerce, and local governments, with no opposition testimony. House Bill 2886, sponsored by Rep. Riggs, would update Missouri broadband law by raising speed standards, extending the state broadband office sunset, and addressing future federal broadband funds and provider defaults. Riggs argued the bill is needed to keep pace with AI and modern internet use and to recover federal funds; supporters from AARP and the broadband office emphasized the need for better service and longer timelines. Industry groups opposed parts of the bill, especially the exclusion of cable and concerns about overbuilding and overly strict speed requirements, while the broadband director said the sunset extension and future service needs should be considered. The committee adjourned after the hearing on HB 2886.

Transcript Highlights:

• Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward
• Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward
• Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward
• Perez, which clarifies and ensures voters in a transportation district can exercise their right to propose
• authority due to the lack of explicit authority to allow residents of local transportation districts to propose

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then handled a long consent and concurrence calendar. Early procedural actions included moving several bills to the inactive file, waiving the floor amendment deadline for certain measures, rescinding prior action on SB 733, and approving a motion to withdraw AB 710 from committee to the third reading file by a 42-12 vote. The chamber also re-referred AB 406 to Labor and Employment and later AB 754 to Housing, while taking up numerous Senate and Assembly measures out of order to accommodate authors and guests. The body adopted several resolutions recognizing October 2025 as California Promotoras Month (HR 58), National Fried Rice Day and National Rice Month (HR 71), Direct Support Professional Recognition Week (HR 70), and All California Day (HR 67). Members also concurred in Senate amendments on a wide range of bills covering insurance, horses, emergency vehicles, health facilities, restitution, education, tribal regalia at graduation, behavioral health, air pollution, energy, dams, greenhouse gases, foster youth, court interpreters, tenancy language access, patient privacy notices, discrimination in school facility rentals, hospital visitation rights, diversion, agriculture, insurance studies, electricity, and environmental stewardship. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, though a few drew recorded noes. Several higher-profile policy bills drew debate. SB 694 on veteran claim assistance generated the most extensive discussion, with supporters arguing it would stop predatory, unaccredited companies from charging veterans for VA claims help, and opponents warning it could reduce veterans’ choices and should be paired with broader fixes to county VSO access; the bill ultimately passed 46-0. Other notable actions included concurrence on SB 576 limiting loud streaming ads, SB 512 on transportation tax initiatives, and SB 785 creating a tax credit for durable medical equipment for children with complex medical needs. The Assembly also concurred in SB 250 on Medi-Cal provider directories, SB 831 on the Geological Survey, SB 788 on CPA regulation, SB 456 on muralist licensing, SB 72 on the California Water Plan, SB 76 on used-car fee protections, SB 246 on rural health workforce support, SB 484 on coastal affordable housing, SB 680 on sex offender registration, SB 695 on climate-resilient highway projects, and SB 783 on outdoor advertising. Votes were overwhelmingly favorable across the board, with the chamber repeatedly adopting Senate amendments and resolutions by voice vote or recorded roll call.

Transcript Highlights:

• This proposal does not seek to replace the traditional town meeting, but rather to make it more inclusive
• And in my mom's own ward, you know, I have now a councilor-elect King, and we had, you know, a woman
• And in my mom's own ward, you know, I have now a counselor-elect. across the city.
• And in my mom's own ward, you know, I have now a counselor-elect King, and we had, you know, a woman
• We gave it limited time to propose a measure, and then we required the council to adopt that measure

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a public hearing focused primarily on ranked choice voting (RCV) legislation and several local home rule petitions, along with one petition to authorize remote participation in Concord town meetings. Chairs Keenan and Hunt outlined hearing procedures and noted the committee would hear both in-person and virtual testimony. The committee also took testimony on Concord’s request for remote participation in open and special town meetings, with supporters arguing it would make town meeting more accessible to residents with childcare, mobility, work, or disability barriers while preserving direct democracy. A large portion of the hearing centered on RCV local-option bills and municipal petitions from communities including Concord, East Hampton, Salem, Chelsea, Arlington, Revere, Amherst, and others. Supporters—among them local officials, legislators, election advocates, educators, veterans, and nonprofit leaders—said RCV would reduce vote-splitting, encourage more candidates, promote more positive campaigning, improve representation, and increase turnout. East Hampton officials described their existing use of RCV, saying it produced record turnout, was easy for voters to understand with education, and could be expanded to multi-winner races without major added cost. Concord and Amherst witnesses said their voters had already approved local steps toward RCV and urged the committee to let municipalities implement the system without further delay. Testimony in favor of the local-option RCV bill emphasized home rule and local control, with several witnesses arguing the state should not block communities that have already voted to adopt RCV. Speakers from MassVOTE, the AFT Massachusetts, Voter Choice Massachusetts, Progressive Massachusetts, the Boston Teachers Union, and Veterans for All Voters said the reform would strengthen democracy, broaden participation, and save money by avoiding low-turnout preliminary elections. Some witnesses also referenced examples from Cambridge, Maine, and Utah to argue that RCV is workable, nonpartisan, and familiar to voters. The hearing ended with no votes or final committee action taken in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Over months, that has impacted the wards on Kauaʻi and has also impacted wards in the rest of the state
• ><c> of</c><00:17:41.840><c> the</c> also impacted wards in the rest of the also impacted wards in the
• ><c> an</c><00:46:28.720><c> amendment</c> House Bill 1528 proposing an amendment House Bill 1528 proposing
• </c> in favor of this bill um with a proposed in favor of this bill um with a proposed amendment<00:55
• U my proposing to move it to 75.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 2095, which would provide supplemental appropriations for the Judiciary for the 2025-2027 biennium. Judiciary Administrative Director Brandon Kimura testified in strong support and outlined a request for about $6.4 million in supplemental operating funds, plus four permanent full-time position conversions. He grouped the request into security, services to court users, and staffing needs, including $3.25 million for supplemental armed private security at judiciary facilities statewide, nearly $200,000 for cybersecurity staffing and support, restoration of funding for substance use treatment purchase-of-service contracts, restoration of funding for the Office of Public Guardian on Kauaʻi, salary commission funding, a Kona court operations position, and two Court-Appointed Special Advocates positions converted from temporary to permanent. He also described five capital improvement requests totaling $55.4 million, led by $30 million for construction of a new South Kohala courthouse, $1.2 million each for air conditioning upgrades in Hilo and Kauaʻi, $15 million for elevator upgrades at Kahumanu Hale, and $8 million in lump-sum bond funds for emerging projects. Several organizations testified in support, including Parents and Children Together and the True Cost Coalition. Supporters emphasized the importance of the purchase-of-service funding for domestic violence and substance use treatment services and said the restoration would return funding to pre-COVID levels and help providers maintain capacity. Kimura explained that the Judiciary often shifts funds among contracts during the year to avoid service interruptions, but that the reduced funding has caused delays and operational problems for providers and probationers. Members asked detailed questions about the capital projects and operating requests. Representative Shimizu asked for more information on the lump-sum bond funds and the elevator project, and Kimura explained that the Kahumanu Hale request covers four remaining elevator shafts after earlier funding addressed the first five elevators. Representative Cochran asked about the absence of Maui County projects, and Kimura said the Judiciary is still planning for its older Maui facilities with DAGS. Chair Tarnas questioned the need for armed private guards and discussed whether court security should be prioritized within the Department of Law Enforcement; Kimura said the Judiciary needs additional personnel now and has not asked DLE to deprioritize other missions, though the chair suggested further coordination between the agencies. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposed districts will be established through the Commissioners Court, which appoints a nine-member
• to shareholder proposals submitted to certain domestic corporations.
• The task force will carefully review our current practices, identify barriers to innovation, and propose
• And the Chair calls Ward Tisdale.
• I'm Ward Tisdale, the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies.

Bills: HB2963, HB3005, HB3287, HB3288, HB3289, HB3290, HB3344, HB3712, HB3862, HB3874, HB4196, HB4308, HB4901, HB4984

Keywords: digital equipment, repair rights, manufacturers, maintenance, consumer rights, construction contracts, payment regulations, public works, dispute resolution, audit procedures, construction, trust funds, mechanic's lien, contractor, subcontractor, residential properties, disputes, payment obligations, accountability, payment disputes

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to technology, construction, economic development, and consumer protection. HB 3862 would restrict minors’ access to certain social media apps and limit smartphone use in classrooms; supporters, including Champions for Childhood, argued that smartphones and social media contribute to addiction, distraction, depression, self-harm, and trafficking risks, and the bill was left pending. HB 3712 would change Texas retainage rules so owners could not withhold payment on specially fabricated construction materials once they are delivered, approved, and warranted; subcontractors and suppliers said current retainage practices delay payment for years and create financial risk, and the bill was left pending. HB 2963, the right-to-repair bill, would require manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information for independent repair of digital devices, with exemptions for medical devices, vehicles under existing agreements, and trade-secret protections; consumer, environmental, business, and repair advocates supported it, while Safelite asked that automotive manufacturers not be excluded from the bill, and it was left pending. HB 4308 would create county industrial development districts to attract major employers and finance infrastructure through local elections and bonds; Fort Bend County supported it as a tool to add jobs and broaden the tax base, and it was left pending. The committee also heard HB 3344, which would create a licensing system for re-roofing contractors, require insurance and bonding, and establish a public database and complaint process. Supporters said it would help curb storm chasers and protect homeowners after storms, while opponents argued it would add burdens on legitimate small roofers, duplicate existing fraud laws, and potentially restrict consumer choice and contractor pricing flexibility. After extensive testimony and questions, the bill was left pending. HB 4196 would create a task force on modernizing manufacturing through digital integration and automation; Schneider Electric and the Texas Workforce Commission supported it as a way to improve competitiveness and create skilled jobs, and it was left pending. HB 3874 would require contractors to receive copies of incorporated contract documents before signing if requested; subcontractors and construction attorneys said it would improve transparency and prevent parties from being bound by unseen terms, and it was left pending. In pending business, the committee voted out several bills. HB 74, creating the Port Verde Port Authority District, was reported favorably to the full House without amendment. HB 112, relating to a science park in certain counties, was reported favorably as substituted. HB 2214, on floodplain notice requirements for leased dwellings, HB 3016, on rental vehicle damage waivers, HB 3133, on explicit deepfake material on social media, HB 3173, on workforce development program planning and evaluation, HB 3807, on child care waiting list priority for children of certain child care workers, HB 463, on unilateral memoranda of contract for residential property, HB 4115, on shareholder proposals to certain domestic corporations, and HB 5008, on use of the Skills Development Fund by certain entities, were all reported favorably, most without amendment and some as substituted. HB 2652, creating a certified caregiver pilot program in the Borderplex workforce area, was also reported favorably and sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward. Judy. Aye. Aye. Ford. Kim. Aye. Lord Judy. Aye. Ward Kim. Aye. Williams, Anthony H.
• Ward, Judy. Aye. Ward, Kim. Aye. Bye. Judy. Aye. Ward, Kim. Aye. Williams, Anthony H. Aye.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine administrative business, including approval of the June 1, 2026 journal and several leave requests. The chamber then took up a series of bills and committee referrals, with House Bill 1042 initially sent to Appropriations and later re-referred to Rules and Executive Nominations after committee action. Several other measures were either passed, held over in their order, or re-referred, including House Bills 36 and 513 to Appropriations and various Senate and House bills set aside for later consideration. The most substantive floor debate centered on House Bill 96, where Senator Yaw offered Amendment A4096 to clarify the legal effect of historic tax sales of unseated lands. The amendment would treat certain historic tax-sale deeds as conveying full fee simple ownership, including severed subsurface rights, unless those rights were separately assessed, and would require documentary proof for claims of redemption. The amendment passed 36-14. The Senate also adopted Amendment A4183 to House Bill 1862 after a ruling that Senator Rothman had no conflict of interest and was required to vote; that amendment passed 46-4. Later, Amendment A4173 to House Bill 2559 was adopted 49-1, and House Bill 2559 then passed as amended. Several bills received final passage by unanimous 50-0 votes, including House Bills 482, 1102, 1830, 1860, and 2426, while House Bill 1862 and House Bill 96 were advanced as amended. The Senate also returned a slate of gubernatorial nominations to the governor on motion of the Rules and Executive Nominations Committee. During petitions and remonstrances, Senator Tartaglione urged action to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, arguing the budget should not ignore low-wage workers. The session also included recognition remarks for Ed Sheehan’s retirement and a submission to the record on the Treaty of Paris. The Senate then recessed until July 12, 2026, at noon, and several bills were signed in the presence of the Senate before recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1775, Ward, who's here, ready to go, as always. And AB 2022, by our Vice Chair, Gonzalez.
• And we'll be hearing AB 1775, Ward, who's here, ready to go, as always.
• Ward? And you can begin when you're ready. To allow bill presentations.
• Ward?
• Assembly Member Ward, I want to start by saying I completely support this bill.

Keywords: 988, house, all