Transcript Highlights:

• Barnard, so good to see you. It's so good to be here.
• They've just changed their name to Developmental Disability Community Services. Thank you.
• which the state has responded, and you've responded with increasing testing sites and access to testing
• It's gone, deleted, can't provide that to you,' I don't think that's very good customer service on behalf
• out that these aren't records that... ...these aren't records that immigration has access to without

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on HB 2337, which would repeal the planned 2027 requirement that certain family-member long-term care providers complete annual continuing education. Rep. Barnard said the bill was intended to reduce burdens on relatives caring for one loved one and to avoid forcing them into courses that are often not relevant to the person they support. Supportive testimony from family providers and disability advocates emphasized that family caregivers already receive individualized training from doctors and therapists, that the available course library is often geared toward aging-related care rather than developmental disabilities, and that mandatory CE could create compliance barriers and risk losing caregivers. Opponents, including SEIU 775 representatives and family caregivers who support the current system, argued that continuing education improves care quality, helps caregivers stay prepared as needs change, and should remain mandatory; they also said the state had already responded to prior concerns by expanding the course catalog and allowing repeat courses for credit. No action was taken on HB 2337. The committee then heard HB 2311, a technical bill making administrative changes to the Workforce Education Investment and Accountability and Oversight Board. The bill would extend co-chair terms, allow more than four meetings per year, shift consultation on workforce investment effectiveness to the Student Achievement Council, and eliminate the requirement for a public data dashboard. The bill sponsor and supporters from WASAC, Microsoft, and the United Faculty of Washington State said the changes would improve board operations and oversight, while also raising broader concerns that WEA funds have been used to supplant general fund support for higher education. Testimony noted the dashboard had not been funded and that WASAC already tracks related metrics through other tools. No vote was taken on HB 2311 during the hearing. The committee then moved to executive action on HB 2132, which limits disclosure and retention of personally identifying information in WASFA records. An amendment by Rep. Levitt was adopted to allow the Student Achievement Council to share applicant information with entities beyond higher education institutions under binding data-sharing agreements. The committee then adopted the amended substitute bill and voted it out of committee. The final roll call was 9-8 in favor, and Substitute HB 2132 was reported out with a do pass recommendation. The committee also announced that executive action on HB 288 and HB 2148 would be delayed and that no action would be taken on those bills that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• We design and build everything to get the the most service life.
• The storm assistance wave height and long-term service life because we don't want to structure to be
• We need to have any type of bridge structure above water to make sure we get the most service life.
• and similar with no access to the airport, major improvements with access to the airport.
• Let's go to services for the management legal consultant, because we're going to be incrementally making

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And by statute, we moved that into Service Oklahoma. We didn't do anything to reduce our cost.
• the goal set by the legislature to at least get to 95% of Oklahomans having access to high-speed internet
• Her family lives in Okema, and they waited 12 years to get access to high-speed internet.
• And since then, our office has been giving money to these internet service providers to avoid, as I mentioned
• Satellite piece and how you deliver the services. Is the money going to go towards equipment?

Committee: House A&B Finance Subcommittee

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have to gain access. We have to clear trails and those things.
• We essentially have the right to access it when we can.
• We essentially have the right to access it when we can.
• But it is still hard to get to some of them. We have to fly helicopters to access them.
• But it is still hard to get to some of them. We have to fly helicopters to access them.

Keywords: 910, house, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• We promote higher quality institutions and better service to the public.
• different ways, such as where they currently live and their access to transportation, their access to
• regular healthy food, and their access also to child care in a lot of instances."
• So by prohibiting this type of training, Idaho will only work to decrease access to quality health care
• This is because Medicaid is an important part of access to her clinic.

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This ensures the project is only charged fees related to the new impacts and need for service or facilities
• But what if instead we save 15 to 20 percent and we spend that money on resident services, social safety
• The county’s findings are not theoretical: separation would increase costs due to duplication of services
• It requires hearings before and after a draft map, countywide outreach, public access to data, and a
• It requires hearings before and after a draft map, countywide outreach, public access to data, and a

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the</c> services and programming services to the services and programming services to the entire<00:19
• Service and to make Revenue Bond Debt Service and to make new<00:43:11.119><c> loans</c><00:43:12.119
• the state was lifted and we are now able to access those accounts that we need to access and we are
• /c><01:05:20.799><c> accounts</c> are now able to access those accounts are now able to access those
• ><c> able</c> that we need to access and we are able that we need to access and we are able to<01:05:

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It would make it possible for our charter schools and nonprofit private schools to access dollars.
• It would make it possible for our charter schools and nonprofit private schools to access dollars for
• I read it that the nonprofit would have to be an education service entity, and this linked program...
• To be an education service entity.
• , there won't be any way for them to access these reduced interest loans.

Bills: HB1590 , HB1242 , HB3818 , HB4305

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: education funding, linked deposits, education infrastructure, charter schools, nonprofit organizations, Oklahoma Education Infrastructure Program, HB1242, cervidae, deer, elk, sales tax exemption, agricultural exemption, livestock, ranching, farm tax, agricultural sales tax, Oklahoma Tax Commission, agriculture, producer sales, private treaty

Summary: The committee first considered and unanimously approved the nomination of Keith Ventress to the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority and then to the Oklahoma Industrial Finance Authority. Members noted his banking background and asked a brief question about the reference to old congressional district boundaries in the nomination materials, but there was no substantive opposition and both nominations advanced to the Senate. House Bill 1590, by Senator Daniels, would create an Oklahoma education infrastructure linked deposit program to provide reduced-interest loans for charter schools and nonprofit private schools for capital and building needs. Supporters said it would use existing state linked-deposit structures already used for agriculture and affordable housing, while opponents raised concerns about using taxpayer-backed funds for private schools, the bill’s broad nonprofit language, and whether it could lead to more state oversight of private education. The bill passed 9-2. House Bill 1242, which would add survey day to the list of agricultural sales tax exemption items, was discussed briefly but received no motion for a do pass recommendation and remained in committee. House Bill 3818, by Senator Coleman, would create tax-advantaged insurance loss savings accounts for homes and vehicles; members expressed concern about missing definitions, contribution limits, and the potential for abuse, but agreed the concept had promise and the bill passed 9-2 after the enacting clause was stricken for further work. House Bill 4305, as amended, clarified how affordable housing properties are assessed for ad valorem tax purposes by excluding certain income-based subsidies from valuation; after questions about prior court cases and assessment practices, it passed 6-5.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> If not, moving on to House Bill 2005 relating to language access. >> Up first, the State Health Planning
• >> If not, moving on to House Bill 2005 relating to language access. >> Up first, the State Health Planning
• </c> have to reach a certain score to pass? have to reach a certain score to pass?
• Next bill, House Bill 2005, relating to language access.
• </c><01:17:58.480><c> Uh</c> 2005 relating to language access. Uh 2005 relating to language access.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met on February 4 and began with announcements about committee protocol, including posting hearing notices and testimony earlier than required and using written HD1 drafts for more complex amendments. The chair also noted the new AV system and asked speakers to be clear because the microphones are sensitive. The committee then took up several University of Hawaiʻi-related measures, with most testimony coming from UH officials, state agencies, and advocacy groups, and no votes were taken in the portion provided. HB 1596, relating to student basic needs support at the University of Hawaiʻi, drew support from UH, the Oʻahu Youth Action Board, and an individual. UH said it stood on its written testimony and could answer questions. HB 1597, relating to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias research, received support from UH/JABSOM, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Hawaii Medical Association, and others; the Attorney General’s Office offered a procedural reminder about statewide concern. HB 1970, funding the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center and the Hawaii Tumor Registry, was supported by UH, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the Hawaii Medical Association, and others, with testimony emphasizing the registry’s role in cancer surveillance, prevention, and federal funding. The committee also heard HB 1598, creating a Hawaii Climate Institute. UH testified in support, citing worsening drought, heat, sea level rise, and extreme weather, and said the institute would hire climate modelers and faculty across several schools. Members questioned funding, and UH said it would seek state startup money, possible green-fee support, and federal grants, noting recent federal cuts and the need for permanent positions. HB 1989, on water retention, was supported by UH as a study to slow runoff and improve aquifer recharge. HB 1951, on biosecurity, drew support from UH, DLNR, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, students, and other organizations; testimony stressed invasive species threats, the need for biocontrol research and containment capacity, and possible sites for a statewide facility. HB 1952, funding agricultural research station improvements on Kauaʻi, was supported by UH, the Farm Bureau, and others, with testimony noting aging facilities and the need to modernize stations across the islands. Finally, HB 2005, relating to language access, received UH support, with a UH representative noting that credit programs may fit best in a credit-bearing academic program and that Outreach College could be an option for noncredit programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is allowing their students or their citizens to access them from home.
• This is allowing their students or their citizens to access them from home.
• I mean, having more access to these codes is obviously better for everybody—builders, constructors, people
• Most communities belong to a service that provides the electronic versions of the ordinances.
• Most communities belong to a service that provides the electronic versions of the ordinances.

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also removes provisions directing the OSPI to distribute information to public schools on how to access
• It also removes provisions directing the OSPI to distribute information to public schools on how to access
• This bill requires the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to maintain a freely accessible
• online record of all... ...public instruction to maintain a freely accessible online record of all final
• We continue to try to tie it to financial aid applications.

Summary: The House Education Committee met in executive session to consider several Senate bills. On Substitute Senate Bill 5242 concerning anaphylaxis medication in schools, staff described the underlying bill as expanding school authority to administer epinephrine and related protections, and a striking amendment by Representative Marshall was adopted after a technical correction to fix an albuterol reference. Members spoke in support of broader access to life-saving epinephrine in schools, and the bill was reported out with a do pass as amended recommendation by a 19-0 vote. The committee also advanced Substitute Senate Bill 5346 on student use of mobile devices in public schools. An amendment sponsored by Representative Santos was adopted to update terminology, adjust reporting timelines, and clarify that districts may limit possession and use of mobile devices during instructional hours while considering OSPI research and recommendations. Supporters said the bill balances local flexibility with guidance to reduce classroom disruption and bullying; it passed 17-1 and was reported out as amended. Substitute Senate Bill 5841, which strengthens high school and beyond plan requirements related to financial aid information, was amended to add College Bound Scholarship identification and more explicit review of financial aid application completion. Members supporting the bill said it would help students understand scholarship and grant opportunities and improve college-going rates, though one member noted the added burden on school counselors. The committee also passed Substitute Senate Bill 6268, requiring OSPI to keep a freely accessible 20-year online record of final special education complaint decisions, and Senate Bill 6278, which codifies ongoing review of teacher and principal preparation programs by the Professional Educator Standards Board. Both bills were reported out unanimously, and the committee adjourned after reminding members about amendment deadlines for future executive sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your dedicated service, and colleagues, please join me in giving a warm welcome to the
• So congratulations to Lauren on her MID internship and her service. That's a very big feat.
• So congratulations to Lauren on her MID internship and her service to the 22nd Assembly District, and
• To address this issue, this measure will authorize the Contractors State License Board to access limited
• SB 930 requires proctoring companies that are providing services to a local educational agency for a

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then handled a series of procedural motions, guest introductions, and floor actions. Members approved motions to suspend rules for various purposes, removed some bills from consent, and added coauthors to resolutions. The chamber also adopted a Rules Committee request to place ACR 233 on second-day consent. The body then took up multiple concurrence and resolution items. Among the measures approved were AB 2056 on teacher exchanges with Mexico, AB 2323 on public notice, AB 1778 on controlled substances and testosterone-related scheduling, AB 2692 on common interest developments, H.R. 110 on “food as medicine,” H.R. 117 urging Congress to reform Section 230 to address online harms, SCR 152 designating Dolores Huerta Day, SB 575 reestablishing the Sea Otter Voluntary Contribution Fund, SB 939 simplifying retirement service-credit purchases, SJR 6 urging the federal government to honor infrastructure funding commitments, SB 1165 improving tax compliance for contractors, SB 930 requiring encryption for school exam proctoring services, SB 922 clarifying local road-repair cost recovery tied to public service operations, and H.R. 124 supporting DACA recipients. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition; H.R. 110, H.R. 117, and SCR 152 were adopted by voice vote after adding coauthors. The most contentious item was AB 1923, which would ensure the Fresno County Transportation Improvement Act appears on the November 2026 ballot. Supporters argued it protects voters’ right to decide on a qualified local initiative and prevents delay from a county-ordered study; opponents said it overrides local authority and changes the rules to facilitate a tax measure. After debate, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments and passed the bill 54-16, sending it to the Governor. The session also included several adjournments in memory honoring Jonathan Gregg Burgess, Jeffrey Mosedo, Brian Haney, Anne Cronin Dunn, and Pastor Darryl Monroe Moore, before the Assembly adjourned until Monday, August 10.

Transcript Highlights:

• Children are pushed to accept terms granting access to sensitive data without parental consent.
• And it all started with requiring ID in the European Union to access information.
• A lot of people lie about a lot of things online, but certainly about their age to get access to certain
• A lot of people lie about a lot of things online, but certainly about their age to get access to certain
• affirmative consent for that middle yellow minor to access that app.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Tourism

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Many also come from the greater metro area to access services ranging from elder programming to vaccination
• Many also come from the greater metro area to access services ranging from elder programming to vaccination
• , notary public services, and access to our monthly tribal newspaper.
• </c><00:27:00.080><c> to</c> offers community members access to offers community members access to faxing
• </c> public services and access to our public services and access to our monthly<00:27:06.880><c> tribal

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to ensure that their participation in today's hearings does not negatively impact their access
• We hope to sustain this work with ongoing funding in this year's budget and improve our access to incarcerated
• I'm a credible messenger to provide support and services to people who are awaiting release.
• I fear that by sharing my story here today, I might get denied access to all California prisons.
• We're providing services to the incarcerated person, whether it's mental health services, a victim advocate

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Dear God, give Joe and all assembled here today the grace to continue to answer your call to public service
• It's going to allow us to go for that special waiver we need in order to add those additional services
• see what she continues to do in service to the Florida Senate.
• The review also includes gaps in access to services geographically throughout Florida.
• to services during a state of emergency.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, then devoted most of the first part of the meeting to a farewell-style recognition of Senator Joe Gruters. Senators from both parties offered extended remarks praising his loyalty, political instincts, family involvement, and work as a legislator and as incoming Republican National Committee chair. Gruters responded with remarks about his background, including overcoming a childhood speech impediment, his service in the Legislature, and major policy efforts he highlighted such as alimony reform and the undergrounding of utilities. A ceremonial gift was presented to him recognizing his work on a 2019 public-safety/immigration bill, and the Senate adopted a motion to spread his remarks upon the journal before recessing briefly. After the recess, the Senate returned to regular business. No committee reports, governor’s messages, House messages, or reconsideration matters were reported. The chamber then moved to third reading and temporarily postponed CS/CS/CS/SB 354, relating to blue ribbon projects. The next bill, CS/CS/SB 1758, relating to public assistance, was taken up, and Senator Gaetz explained that it contained five reforms to the public assistance system previously discussed by the Senate. Debate was about to continue when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• They face higher costs, limited market access, and real barriers to sustainable business growth.
• that we operate in currently when it comes to alcohol service and movie theaters.
• , and to ensure that, you know, that we are not promoting youth access.
• They have a strong commitment to Medicaid access for the community, so they serve almost half of the
• services and treatment are expected to reduce overall cost to the workers' compensation system, potentially

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. Second Substitute House Bill 2479 would create a wage recovery program within L&I to advance part of unpaid wages to low-wage workers facing immediate hardship, funded by civil penalties, while also increasing and restructuring wage theft penalties and complaint prioritization. Supporters, including the prime sponsor, labor advocates, and employer representatives from the work group, said it would help workers get paid faster and was a consensus proposal; questions focused on how the current complaint process works and whether general fund money would be needed. Engrossed House Bill 1941, as amended, would allow licensed cannabis producers to form agricultural cooperatives, with the striking amendment limiting any cooperative to three producer licenses; supporters said cannabis producers should have the same cooperative tools as other agricultural sectors, while some testimony urged future changes for interstate commerce and warned against consolidation. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2476 would expand the spirits, beer, and wine theater license from 120 to 200 seats per screen and add stronger alcohol-control measures when minors are present; theater operators and LCB supported the change, and committee questions focused on youth access and enforcement. House Bill 1526 would allow snack bar licensees to sell wine by the glass in addition to beer; the sponsor said it simply modernizes the license, and LCB noted a likely fee alignment issue and a small revenue impact. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1155 would void non-compete agreements and expand related notice and non-solicitation rules, with testimony split between labor and worker advocates supporting broader worker mobility and business and health care groups seeking narrower exemptions for executives, physicians, and financial institutions. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2303 would prohibit employers from requesting or coercing employees to accept microchip implants, with no testimony offered. Substitute House Bill 2405 would create a three-year pilot for earlier PTSD treatment coverage in workers’ compensation for eligible occupational disease claims, with L&I supporting it as a way to improve outcomes and reduce long-term costs. The committee also took public testimony on these bills, with strong pro and con positions noted on the wage recovery, cannabis cooperative, and non-compete measures. In executive action, the committee adopted a striking amendment and passed House Bill 1069, narrowing it to Department of Corrections employees and making supplemental retirement bargaining mandatory, despite concerns from one member about the change. The committee also adopted a striking amendment on House Bill 1347 concerning cannabis testing labs, then passed it to Rules; passed Second Substitute House Bill 1701 on liquor licensees sharing property; passed House Bill 291 on employee information for public employers to Ways and Means; passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2229 updating engineer registration provisions; passed House Bill 2264 on unemployment eligibility for workers in employer-initiated layoffs; passed Substitute House Bill 2472 adding enforcement for sprinkler contractors and fitters; and passed Second Substitute House Bill 2345 on paid family and medical leave premium allocation. A striking amendment to Second Substitute House Bill 1128 creating a child care workforce standards board was not adopted, and the bill then passed to Rules. The committee also announced it would hold House Bill 1066 for later action and planned to return the next day for its final executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• preserve access to that.
• preserve access to that.
• preserve access to that.
• preserve access to that.
• preserve access to that.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , travel internationally to participate in service-learning opportunities, and meet mentors and peers
• For as adults, we may not get everything fixed, and they're going to have to come after us to help us
• students from schools to talk about how important it is to fund robotics programs statewide.
• grow to the next generation.
• students from schools to talk about how important it is to fund robotics programs statewide.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the Legislative Budget Commission. Please come to order.
• to Individuals budget entity would allow the agency to make these low-income pool payments to eligible
• outpatient services to Medicaid-managed care enrollees.
• and Medicaid Services.
• , who might not have access to care because those hospitals are not participating in the program?

Summary: The Legislative Budget Commission met with a quorum present and considered two Agency for Health Care Administration budget amendments related to Medicaid supplemental payments. The first amendment, EOGB 2026-0831, authorized $2.1 billion in budget authority for the Low-Income Pool to support safety-net providers with uncompensated charity care. Members asked about the timing of AHCA’s submission to CMS and whether the program addressed hospital shortfalls for insured patients and CHIP-related concerns. AHCA said approvals have generally been slower under the current federal review process, and the amendment was adopted without objection. The second amendment, EOGB 2026-0875, placed $7.9 billion in reserve for Florida’s Directed Payment Program for Hospitals pending final CMS approval. Senators and representatives questioned the role of hospital attestations regarding hold harmless agreements, whether any agreements had to be unwound, and how long final approval might take. AHCA said all hospitals had submitted attestations, no unwinding was known to be necessary, and approval was expected soon. Members also raised concerns about cancer hospitals, including Moffitt and the University of Miami, not participating in the directed payment program. AHCA responded that those institutions participate instead in a separate Florida Cancer Hospital supplemental payment program, which had already been approved. Both amendments were adopted without objection, and the commission then adjourned.