Transcript Highlights:

• Twenty-two percent of high school youth students seriously considered suicide, 18% of high school...
• High school youth students seriously considered suicide.
• Eighteen percent of high school students made a suicide plan, and 10% of high school students attempted
• Yes, because there are consequences for our kids in school.
• There are consequences for our kids in school.

Bills: HB2665 , HB2904 , HB2917

Committee: House Public Safety & Law Enforcement

Keywords: manslaughter, suicide encouragement, assisted suicide, online harassment, social media, text messaging, directed communication, minor suicide, youth suicide prevention, criminal liability for speech, online bullying, free speech, homicide, class 2 felony, Cade's Law, Arizona criminal law, sovereignty, border security, health crisis, drug cartels

Transcript Highlights:

• These are the local program and the school bond guarantee program.
• And we just see the potholes growing, schools deteriorating, all of our public infrastructure.
• You could even use the common school trust to capitalize it.
• Schools are closing and people are being kicked off exchange health care plans.
• I see it as a way to help schools and school districts avoid the negative consequences, such as the $30

Summary: The committee first received a JLARC work session on the 2025 tax preference performance reviews, covering nine tax preferences and recommending legislative action on eight. JLARC reviewed natural gas transportation fuel preferences, travel agent and tour operator B&O rates, a property tax exemption for nonprofit low-income housing developers, and several shorter reviews including senior center property tax relief, a disabled veteran adapted housing remittance, trade convention nexus treatment, wholesale sales of fertilizer/pesticides/seed, a hazardous substance tax exemption for pesticides stored for out-of-state shipment, and three energy-related preferences for a silicon smelter. JLARC generally recommended continuing preferences that met stated or inferred objectives, modifying some to improve reporting or performance metrics, and allowing the unused silicon smelter preferences to expire. The Citizen Commission endorsed JLARC’s recommendations, and committee members asked a few clarifying questions, including about trends in travel agent/tour operator beneficiaries and the housing exemption’s performance metric and data issues. The committee then heard a work session and public hearing on Senate Bill 5754, which would create a Washington State public bank. A presentation from California public banking advocates and the Bank of North Dakota described public banks as government-owned financial institutions intended to keep public funds working locally, support lending for housing, infrastructure, and community development, and partner with community banks and credit unions. Committee questions focused on leverage, liquidity, constitutional issues, and how the model would interact with existing state investment and debt structures. Staff summarized the bill’s structure, including activation conditions, governance, powers, and fiscal impacts, noting the fiscal note was largely indeterminate and startup costs could be significant. Public testimony on SB 5754 was divided. Supporters included statewide elected officials, county and city officials, labor, educators, community advocates, and residents, who argued the bank could lower borrowing costs, improve access to capital, keep public money in Washington, and help finance infrastructure, housing, and disaster resilience. Opponents included community bankers and county treasurers, who warned about risks to safety and liquidity of public funds, questioned the need for a new institution given existing programs, and argued the proposal lacked a proven track record in Washington. The hearing concluded with no vote taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're both former school board members, so that's also a little extra plug that as folks that have been
• And we have so many MOUs with different school districts, 28 local school districts and tribal partners
• And those school buses pull up right under my office window.
• We have three area high school districts right now that we're partnering with.
• And when they come out of high school, they've got that college credit.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact held an informational hearing in San Diego focused on “Making Sense of California’s Economy: Real Cost Pressures and Household Impacts Facing San Diego.” Chair Salas and Assemblymember Darshana Patel opened by emphasizing affordability, housing, and the importance of bringing state policy discussions into the community. The first panel featured leaders from Cal State San Marcos and the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, who described the region’s innovation ecosystem, the university’s role in social mobility and workforce development, and the importance of partnerships with K-12 schools, community colleges, military installations, and industry. They also highlighted regional strengths in life sciences, aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and venture-backed innovation, while warning that housing costs, federal research cuts, permitting delays, and small-business fragility threaten growth and talent retention. Committee members asked about collaboration among higher education institutions and what state policy changes could help. Panelists said the region’s universities are complementary rather than competitive and stressed the value of public-private partnerships, social innovation, and aligning academic programs with employer needs. On policy, they urged faster permitting, possible regulatory sandboxes, stronger research investment, support for cross-border trade and manufacturing, and more housing affordability to keep workers in the region. The second panel centered on small business and entrepreneurship, with testimony from Hydrostasis founder Dr. Debbie Chen, Amai co-founder Sven Davison, and Asian Business Association San Diego CEO Jason Pagal. Chen described building a hydration-monitoring wearable, the barriers women founders face in accessing capital, and the importance of SBDC, Stella Foundation, and university internship support. Davison described Amai’s edible cup business and how tariffs, supply-chain costs, and financing constraints forced the company to pivot manufacturing plans. Pagal presented survey data showing high relocation intent, difficulty hiring, and low confidence among businesses, and recommended expanded technical assistance, regional cost-of-living adjustments, and small-business affordability zones. During questioning, members discussed targeted procurement and local incentive models, the role of SBDC and other support networks, and how to better tailor state programs to local conditions. Public comment came from the California Southern Small Business Development Corporation, which stressed that access to affordable capital remains a major challenge and noted the volume of loan guarantee requests coming from San Diego. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with closing remarks from both members underscoring the need to use local testimony to shape future state policy and support California’s economy, families, and small businesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• We partner with local community colleges and tech schools across Texas to get Texas men and women trained
• So, let's partner with more schools in Texas to train and provide a qualified workforce wherever we need
• There are high school programs.
• A lot of this as well where we can have high school students, if they choose not to go to college and
• I joined the Navy after graduating high school.

Bills: HB4568 , HB5458 , HB4543 , HB2703 , HB3728 , HCR113 , HCR126

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Keywords: film industry, incentives, grants, Texas, moving image, economic development, production companies, content standards, HB 5458, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, chronic wasting disease, CWD, cervids, deer, elk, moose, wildlife management, game animals, disease management

Transcript Highlights:

• I was a school teacher for 21 years. ...much money that in Christmas time and 4th of July, I'd start
• I ended up going back to school.
• Right now, there's a hard cap on how much flexibility these counties and school districts have when a
• If it's taking place in school districts, it's going to be the school board that's the governing body
• They're paying a mortgage, they're paying property taxes, they're working in the schools.

Bills: HB386 , HB1449 , HB1701 , HB2142 , HB2675 , HB2857 , HB3063 , HB3171 , HB3641 , HB3732 , HB4045 , HB4370 , HB4491 , HB4505 , HB4626 , HB5267 , HB5356

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: construction contracts, change orders, local government, budget limits, Texas legislation, HB 1449, mobile food vendors, food trucks, mobile food service establishments, permits, county health permit, municipal permitting, Health and Safety Code Chapter 437A, Chapter 437, inspection agreements, permit reciprocity, fee cap, preemption, large counties, population over one million

Transcript Highlights:

• where Aguilar containers I've used for school lunches or take home lunches in the summertime.
• It this removes the local government from having a patchwork that even a school district that's that
• Our phone ban does not apply to schools, hospitals or pre-packaged foods.
• Sorry schools. Thank you. So. >> So with that point and I'm glad that you brought that up.
• And in terms of releasing less emissions as opposed to, you know, an old-school incinerator that can

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> high school, fine. high school, fine.
• If they want to build a school, fine.
• but but um not whole school tax, right?
• I think it it's sort of the school.
• </c> transparency by separating school transparency by separating school funding<03:49:33.680><c> from

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yesterday, the committee voted to only apply the new super homestead exemption to non-school taxes.
• It will be paid by your city, your county, your neighborhood school, your library, your community.
• It will be paid by your city, your county, your neighborhood school, your library, your community.
• do I have to pay school taxes?'
• I don't have any kids in school either. But it's the way we do it, and it's fair.

Summary: The Senate took up Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 2F, a proposed constitutional amendment to expand homestead property tax relief, lower the assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and limit county and municipal ad valorem tax revenues to specified uses. Senator Avila presented the measure as a major property tax reform intended to provide relief to homeowners and restrain local government spending, while opponents argued it would shift costs to fees, services, and state appropriations and could harm local budgets, public safety, schools, and other services. Several senators also raised concerns about the ballot language and the lack of a completed fiscal analysis. The chamber considered and rejected multiple amendments. Senator Sharif’s income-based “circuit breaker” amendment failed, as did Senator Smith’s sunset clause amendment and Senator Berman’s amendment to rewrite the ballot statement for greater accuracy. During questioning, Avila said the revised language was meant to preserve flexibility for local governments and that future legislatures could set implementing procedures and, if necessary, prohibit certain local expenditures by general law. He also confirmed that the proposal would not affect refinancing or portability, and said the measure would not prevent local governments from continuing to fund many services such as libraries, parks, animal control, code enforcement, mosquito control, public housing, county health departments, and elections. Debate on final passage was extensive. Supporters described the proposal as overdue relief for homeowners and a way to force local governments to prioritize spending, while critics called it a risky tax shift that could reduce local revenue by billions and force cuts or higher fees. Some senators emphasized concerns about public safety funding, mental health and social services, and the accuracy of the ballot summary; others argued the measure would give voters a chance to decide on property tax reform. After debate, the resolution was rolled over for third reading and the Senate continued discussion, but the transcript provided does not include a final vote on the joint resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• Their kids can walk to school. They can ride their bike safely.
• It's labeled as being 1,200 pounds, and it is at a middle school right now.
• And yet our schools, I talk to schools all the time, and they don't know what the heck is on their campus
• I don't understand what is an e-bike, because I'm a school administrator, and I do school policy.
• middle school.

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> here and had a few weeks and school here and had a few weeks and school already<00:13:37.440><c>
• in Minnesota for three years and graduated from a Minnesota high school.
• I don't get more kids into the schools?
• Their schools are very different.
• We want to them attend uh school there.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Louis City public school teacher retirement, this was an increased board.
• There were two charter school members added in a bill last year that pushed that board up to 13.
• that system, and they wanted to use it as a protection, because you well know, sometimes charter schools
• and public schools kind of bump heads, but since that is a joint retirement system with some charter
• schools that have become members now, they want its representation and they were added in the Senate

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Summary: The Committee on Crime and Public Safety met in executive session with a quorum present and considered three measures. First, members took up Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1652, offered a House committee substitute, and discussed changes clarifying that an office was created within the Department of Public Safety rather than targeting women and girls. The bill was described as addressing missing persons and trafficking concerns, though one member objected that the language was not inclusive enough. The committee adopted the House committee substitute and then voted the bill do pass by a 12-1 vote. The committee next considered Senate Bill 1572, which was explained as a cleanup bill for several retirement-related issues, including St. Louis Police Board appointment timing, recovery of overpayments, refunding small accounts, and a quorum change for the St. Louis teachers’ retirement board after its membership was expanded. Members asked whether the changes affected pension benefits, and were told they did not alter payments or retirement system structure. The House committee substitute was adopted, and the bill received a unanimous do pass recommendation, 16-0. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3533, with a House committee substitute removing sports betting language and leaving only changes to riverboat admission fees and licensee tax rates. Members discussed the size of the increase, noting the current fee had not changed since 1993 and that the costs could be passed on to consumers. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted the bill do pass by a 9-7 vote, with one member present.

Transcript Highlights:

• Louis City public school teacher retirement, this was an increased board.
• There were two charter school members added in a bill last year that pushed that board up to 13.
• that system, and they wanted to use it as a protection, because you well know, sometimes charter schools
• and public schools kind of bump heads, but since that is a joint retirement system with some charter
• schools that have become members now, they want its representation and they were added in the Senate

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that you've been working on, really doing your best to try to include, if you will the Division II schools
• I mean, to exclude Division II schools.
• when we see it all the time that, um, Senator Campos, what's your school, Highland?
• from Highland, who never paid him, and housing this and housing that, but to exclude a Division II school
• The housing and student life was available for all schools.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2008, school libraries prohibitions. HB 2009, Constitution Project.
• HB 2008, school libraries prohibitions. HB 2009, Constitution Project.
• HB 2076, school safety employees; HB 2078, multi-family development; HB 2079, memorial Donbos; HB 2080
• SNAP benefits purchases; HB 2108, unlawful flight; HB 2109, destructive driving penalties; HB 2110, school
• 2138, firefighters employment; HB 2139, public records; HB 2140, bullion depository; HB 2142, ADE school

Summary: The House convened with prayer by Deacon Ernesto Ramirez and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Representative Rachel Keshel. The journal from January 12 was approved, and Dr. Andrew Carroll was introduced as Doctor of the Day. Members also heard a proclamation recognizing January 13 as Arizona Human Trafficking Awareness Day, with remarks highlighting the work of the Arizona Human Trafficking Survivor Coalition and the importance of survivor-led prevention and awareness efforts. The chamber then handled routine business, including messages from the Senate and two motions related to adjournment. The House agreed to grant the Senate consent to adjourn after Thursday, January 15, 2026, until Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and also requested the Senate’s consent for the House to do the same. Members observed personal remarks for former Senator Barbara Left and Representative Kyle Powell. A long list of bills and resolutions was introduced and read for first and second reading, covering topics such as elections, water policy, education, public safety, health care, agriculture, taxation, and several memorials and resolutions. No substantive debate or votes on those measures occurred in this transcript. Committee announcements were made for several meetings, and the House adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, we're bringing the same presentation to you for public schools in the last decade.
• from FY14 to FY19, with the largest portion of that funding coming through Title I, A, IDEA B, and school
• federal grant that we get, like ESSER or competitive grants that flow directly to districts or charter schools
• Staff: So starting in the next fiscal year, about $125 million will flow to districts and charter schools
• the other large funding sources for public education, like Title IV A, $10.6 million. for improving school

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:37.440><c> systems</c> expected to examine the school systems expected to examine the school
• We want this record from the school, these 12 records from the schools.
• We want this record from the school, these 12 records from the schools.
• to that school because this school over here had much more programs to deal with autism.
• to that school because this school over here had much more programs to deal with autism.

Bills: HF3560 , HF3295 , HF2937 , HF3540

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: electronic signatures, estate planning, uniform law, legal documents, Minnesota statutes, open meeting law, transparency, public engagement, social media, government accountability, parenting consultant, parenting time, custody, family court, family law, neutral third party, alternative dispute resolution, child custody, visitation, parenting coordinator

Transcript Highlights:

• School School uh<00:05:00.400><c> compliance</c><00:05:01.160><c> with</c><00:05:01.479><c> procurement
• We're also proposing policy for our OIG and charter school program oversight.
• </c><00:23:19.600><c> program</c> our oig and charter school program our oig and charter school program
• </c> further expectations for charter schools further expectations for charter schools by<00:23:59.480
• </c><00:24:13.679><c> websites</c> of meeting minutes of school websites of meeting minutes of school

Bills: HF1470 , HF1310 , HF1837

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: opioids, substance use, addiction recovery, mental health, state cabinet, HF1310, Office of Cannabis Management, cannabis, marijuana, tribal consultation, government-to-government relationship, Minnesota tribes, Tribal governments, state government, consultation, rulemaking, Indian affairs, cannabis regulation, tribal sovereignty, state-tribal relations

Transcript Highlights:

• and run around the middle school that this will help prevent and prevent trauma.
• and run around the middle school that this will help prevent and prevent trauma.
• </c><01:10:47.800><c> and</c><01:10:47.880><c> run</c> run around the high school and run run around
• school that this around the the middle school that this will<01:10:50.760><c> help</c><01:10:51.199>
• </c> happen in his school and he said schools happen in his school and he said schools and<01:11:41.520

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> our schools. our schools.
• 00:26:00.640><c> school.
• Chairman. school. So, I mean, I think long and school.
• </c><01:37:07.800><c> I</c> one in 20 school-aged Oh, sorry. I one in 20 school-aged Oh, sorry.
• One school system, the Paducah City Schools, actually, because that's where my children go to school.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its September 24 meeting after a motion and second. It then heard a presentation from New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Secretary Elizabeth Gragensky on that state’s early childhood system and planned universal child care rollout. She described how New Mexico consolidated multiple prenatal-to-age-five programs into a cabinet-level department, expanded pre-K to a longer day, and uses a cost model to set reimbursement rates intended to cover true provider costs, including wages, benefits, occupancy, food, and reserves. She also said the state created an Early Childhood Trust Fund and secured a constitutional amendment to dedicate 0.60% of the land grant permanent fund to early care and education, with the department’s budget growing from about $400 million in 2021 to just under $1 billion this year. Gragensky said families can begin applying for universal child care on November 1, with participation voluntary for both families and providers. She reported that New Mexico is aiming to expand capacity by adding 1,000 registered home providers, 120 group homes, and about 55 more centers, supported in part by a $13 million low-interest loan fund and a request for an additional $20 million. She said the state has seen growth in early childhood professionals, including a 64% increase over the last three to four years, and pointed to reported outcomes such as a 21% increase in literacy and a 75% kindergarten readiness rate, while noting that some measures are new and baseline comparisons are still being developed. Members asked about the funding sources, provider profitability, workforce development, and measurable outcomes. Gragensky said the program is designed to support provider sustainability through rates tied to true cost and includes allowances for sick leave, vacation, benefits, and reserves. She also said maternal labor force participation is 10% higher than the national rate and attributed that in part to child care access. The committee then moved to a separate presentation by Department for Community Based Services Commissioner Lisa Dennis and Division of Family Support Director Roger McCann on anticipated cuts to TANF and SNAP, beginning with an overview of TANF as a federal block grant with a fixed annual Kentucky allocation of about $180.7 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and public engagement with schools.
• , and public engagement with schools.
• </c><00:13:32.079><c> programs,</c><00:13:32.800><c> summer</c> after school programs, summer after school
• . schools. schools.
• </c> really effective tool for our schools really effective tool for our schools that<01:04:26.319><c

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Keywords: 1183, house