Transcript Highlights:

• today, leaving officers without clear authority to intervene early and leaving communities frustrated
• then basically having to go to a course, an electric bicycle safety and training program.
• then basically having to go to a course, an electric bicycle safety and training program.
• , data retention, and data sharing standards for agencies to use this program.
• , data retention, and data sharing standards for agencies to use this program.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have, of course, a product of this committee's work, the Transit Rider Investment Program, TRIP, and
• really put that focus back on fare compliance. program and deploying TRIP agents on our program and
• for that amendment and programming.
• for that amendment and programming.
• We would need some time after that to get programming up and running. Senator Johnson.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and dismantle programs designed to support vulnerable students.
• prevention coordinators in Senate Bill 9 and 8, the state can be proactive in preventing discrimination
• The current statutory cap is the number of associate degree programs, and whether it's the programs or
• The current statutory cap is the number of associate degree programs, and whether it's the programs or
• . offers that program and it's not impacted, then I can't offer the bachelor's degree program without

Summary: The committee heard SB 998, which would define and expand the roles of discrimination prevention coordinators in the Office of Civil Rights, including a new disability-focused coordinator and a deputy coordinator on anti-AAPI discrimination. The authors and supporters, including representatives from LGBTQ, Black, Latino, and AAPI caucuses, argued the bill would help schools proactively address discrimination, improve student safety and belonging, and support learning. Opposition from the California Faculty Association and SEIU California focused on the appointment structure and preference for regular civil service hiring, while some members questioned whether the bill duplicated existing anti-discrimination law and whether it would add government bloat. The committee ultimately voted SB 998 out on a due pass basis to the Senate Judiciary Committee and placed it on call. SB 1082 was then presented as a measure to streamline inter-district transfer appeals by requiring more timely district action, allowing concurrent review, and clarifying that a district’s failure to respond is not treated as a denial. The sponsor, the Association of California County Boards of Education, and supporters from Families in Action for Quality Education said the bill would reduce delays, improve fairness, and help families make timely educational decisions without changing districts’ authority to approve or deny transfers. The California School Boards Association had previously been opposed unless amended and said it would re-evaluate after the committee changes. The committee supported the measure, and SB 1082 was voted out as amended to the Senate Appropriations Committee and placed on call. The committee also took up SB 960, which would revise the rules for community college baccalaureate degrees by tying authorization to local access gaps and impacted CSU programs rather than a blanket statewide prohibition. Supporters, including the Campaign for College Opportunity and several community college and education groups, argued the bill would expand access for place-bound and adult learners and better align programs with workforce needs. CSU representatives and the California Faculty Association opposed the bill, warning it could duplicate CSU offerings, worsen enrollment and funding pressures, and affect faculty jobs. Members debated the Master Plan for Higher Education, impaction, and whether the state should instead fully fund CSU capacity; the committee nevertheless recommended SB 960 for passage as amended to Appropriations and placed it on call. Finally, SB 965 was heard, a bill to make it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to obtain public library cards without a parent or guardian physically present. The author and supporters said the bill would remove an unnecessary barrier to educational resources while preserving local library control over checkout policies and liability rules. The California Library Association expressed support for the goal but said details matter and urged language that preserves local discretion while encouraging reduced in-person requirements where feasible. The transcript ended during that testimony, before any committee vote on SB 965.

Transcript Highlights:

• how we can prevent active transportation fatalities and serious injuries.
• It is comprised of stakeholders whose purpose is to review and analyze data and programs related to fatalities
• to prevent and reduce deaths, injuries, and economic losses related to motor vehicle crashes, and based
• summarizing trends, contributing factors, and policy or program recommendations resulting from those
• and prevent.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met for work sessions, public hearings, and executive action. In the work session, WSDOT briefed the committee on the U.S. 12 corridor near Walla Walla and the North Spokane Corridor. Brian White said U.S. 12 is an eight-phase project with seven phases complete, and phase eight would finish the corridor, improve freight mobility and safety, and include a jurisdictional transfer of the old highway back to Walla Walla County. He said the project remains short of full funding, including a gap between the $350 million corridor cost and the $110 million federal Rural Surface Transportation grant, but WSDOT hopes to build smaller independent-utility pieces and begin construction in summer 2027. Charlene K. then reported that the North Spokane Corridor is seven of eight highway miles open, with major remaining work on the I-90 connection and related interchanges, bridges, and trail segments. She described the project as on track for design completion in 2027 and construction completion around 2030, while noting risks tied to federal approval, tight construction space, labor and contractor availability, utilities, and community impacts. The committee also heard from Karen Messmer of the Cooper Jones Active Transportation Safety Council, who summarized the council’s 2025 report and 2026 priorities. She emphasized that pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities remain unacceptably high and urged a safe-system approach focused on safer speeds, roads, road users, vehicles, land use, and post-crash care. She highlighted recommendations including safety-based performance measures, better speed management, more local safety planning support, improved driver education, attention to micromobility and large vehicles, and faster toxicology and crash-data processing. In public hearings, the committee heard Senate Bill 6131, which would expand the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s fatal crash review authority, designate it as a public health authority for limited access to health information, and create a confidential fatality review committee. The sponsor and Traffic Safety Commission said the bill would help identify common contributing factors in all fatal crashes while protecting confidential information; a media representative testified that the bill preserves public access to records already open and supports the goal of improving safety. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6155, which would extend disability parking placard renewal from every five years to every 20 years and remove the need for a health care practitioner’s signature at renewal; supporters said this would reduce burdens on permanently disabled people, while opponents warned it could increase fraud and misuse of placards. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6238, which would raise the minimum tug escort horsepower for oil tankers in restricted waters to 3,000 horsepower or 5% of tanker deadweight, whichever is greater; the sponsor and Board of Pilotage said the change would align statute with current practice and newly adopted rules. Testimony was mixed, and the hearing closed with two people signed in pro and two con. In executive session, the committee advanced several bills. It passed Senate Bill 5746 on EV charging infrastructure property crime, Senate Bill 5824 on fifth wheel travel trailer length, Senate Bill 6110 on e-bikes and e-motos, Senate Bill 5839 on county ferry district passenger-only service, and Senate Bill 6148 on regional transit authority bond terms, all with due pass recommendations to the Rules Committee. An amendment to SB 6110 adding several state agency leaders to the e-moto work group was rejected. The committee adjourned after signing committee reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• This year and last year, I met multiple times with my principal and the middle school principal, and
• With additional funds, we have the opportunity to grow the involvement program and focus on educating
• It's extremely important that we start prevention efforts early, and hearing from high schoolers like
• You can always support us and a healthier New Mexico by supporting tobacco and nicotine prevention funds
• Thank you for always supporting nicotine prevention and collaborating with us on creating a healthier

Committee: House Tobacco Settlement Revenue Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• , and there was an organized stormwater and drainage program for the entire county and city together.
• , and there was an organized stormwater and drainage program for the entire county and city together.
• program for the entire county and city program for the entire county and city together<00:25:52.160>
• </c> do the flood prevention in a planned and do the flood prevention in a planned and general<00:35:
• hold and prevent the it would catch and hold and prevent the the<00:44:46.400><c> rush</c><00:44:46.680

Bills: HF2614 , HF3587 , HF3589 , HF3588

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Keywords: homeowners associations, local government, building permits, housing policy, residential development, voter access, polling place, elections, ballot, unexpected needs, election judge, public information, political parties, transparency, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• He joined Concentra in 2020 and offers over 25 years of experience in preventative and occupational medicine
• Lynch is triple board certified in family, preventative, and aerospace medicine and a fellow of the American
• Thank you. ...preventative and aerospace medicine and a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians
• HB 2292, prevention; Land, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Appropriations.
• HB 2767, early termitiary. HB 2769, state and rural affairs. HB 2770, home confining.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the journal. Members then introduced the Doctor of the Day, Dr. John Lynch, and recognized several guest groups in the gallery, including Arizona electric co-op representatives, March of Dimes participants, CRNAs, AEA retirees, a University of Arizona legislative fellow, and ACLU visitors. Attendance was recorded at 58 present, one absent, and one excused. The chamber handled routine floor business, including temporary committee replacements, referral of HB 2677 from Judiciary to Public Safety and Law Enforcement, and the first reading and referral of a large number of House bills and one concurrent resolution. The bill list covered a wide range of topics, including education, appropriations, housing, taxes, health care, public safety, energy, water, labor, elections, and several measures related to abortion, firearms, and tribal affairs. Second reading of bills was also announced for another extensive set of measures. During announcements, members promoted a blood drive, a Veterans Caucus coffee-and-donuts event and lunch with a Department of Defense speaker, and several committee meetings or cancellations. No substantive debate or votes on legislation occurred beyond the procedural motions and the final motion to adjourn. The House adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• He joined Concentra in 2020 and offers over 25 years of experience in preventative and occupational medicine
• Lynch is triple board certified in family, preventative, and aerospace medicine, and a fellow of the
• Preventative and aerospace medicine, and a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
• The University of Arizona has a graduate legislative fellows program, and with me is Jake Pacheco.
• ; HB 2292, Prevention, Land, Agricultural and Rural Affairs, and Appropriations; HB 2303, State Treasurer

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, and with me and everyone else I was able to spend time with early on in the process and building
• the college preparatory programs known as the federal TRIO programs and GEAR UP.
• We also had a program called As the federal TRIO programs and GEAR UP.
• the year, is early December and early May when we graduate students.
• the year, is early December and early May when we graduate students.

Summary: The committee first took up 127 gubernatorial appointees grouped in blocks and, after brief testimony in favor of several nominees, voted to recommend confirmation of the block nominees to the full Senate. The committee then moved through a series of University of West Florida and other board nominations, hearing from each nominee about their background and priorities, with most emphasizing service, local ties, student success, military partnerships, and university growth. Several nominees also answered questions about governance, faculty hiring, diversity, and the university’s strategic direction. For the University of West Florida Board of Trustees, the committee heard from Paul Bailey, Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moyah, Ashley Ross, Christopher Young, and Adam Kissel. Bailey stressed his local roots, legal background, and support for UWF’s pre-law program and military connections; Matthews highlighted her education and state-government experience, current role as board chair, enrollment growth, fundraising, and alignment with state directives; Moyah cited her education and school board experience, fiscal discipline, and recent positive financial and enrollment figures; Ross emphasized fundraising, workforce needs, cyber opportunities, and support for the governor’s higher education agenda; and Young focused on business accountability, audit oversight, rural access to education, and expanding military-related opportunities. Each of these nominees was questioned about issues such as diversity, “woke” culture, faculty ideology, and the role of the board, and each was ultimately recommended for confirmation by roll-call vote. Adam Kissel’s nomination drew the most extensive debate and public testimony. Kissel described his background in free speech advocacy, federal education policy, philanthropy, and higher education reform, and said he would support UWF’s growth, free-speech protections, military and veteran engagement, and stronger graduation rates. Senators pressed him on prior writings favoring privatization of public higher education, comments about replacing administrators with AI, his work with the Heritage Foundation and Project 2025, and how his views fit with serving on a public university board; he said his long-term libertarian views did not conflict with his short-term support for UWF receiving more resources. Public testimony was split, with supporters praising his free-speech credentials, military focus, and alignment with the governor’s reforms, while opponents questioned his commitment to public higher education and whether he could be trusted to learn the university from the ground up. After debate, the committee voted to recommend Kissel’s confirmation to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we think it's easier to say something as a question, like, "You have these two programs, have
• </c> Or I'd like to change the program so that the administrators of the program can collect fees and
• </c><00:18:19.040><c> and</c> culture program here in Vermont, and and culture program here in Vermont
• c> the</c><00:20:42.160><c> Fish</c><00:20:42.400><c> and</c> I applaud programs like the Fish and I
• measure, and less as a preventative measure, and less seeking<00:43:52.360><c> medical</c><00:43:52.760

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Holistic Health and Fitness program.
• and a new program that coordination cell and a new program that was<00:08:58.839><c> funded</c><00:08
• </c> attention and then the final program is attention and then the final program is the<00:10:02.200
• used</c> agitant general and this program is used agitant general and this program is used when<00:10
• support and another MACV program.

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• programs, and they've realized the state administers, and many states have said, hey, it's free money
• We need to look at other ways that we ensure that these programs are working and are efficient and effective
• We need to look at other ways that we ensure that these programs are working and are efficient and effective
• We need to look at other ways that we ensure that these programs are working and are efficient and effective
• And then the way that the waivers work, they're technically pilot programs and they're for three years

Committee: House General Laws

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members.
• Right, and of course, I for Expressway and everything else.
• After holding a public hearing, the rates, fees, and charges must be just and equitable and based on
• They adjust the work program every year, and I don't...
• It prohibits governmental entities from adopting 100% EV vehicle and appliance purchasing programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• They would have tarps to put over it, and they have stakes to stake it down to prevent windblown, because
• And then, of course, part of it is not only to clean it up, but to prevent spread, right?
• But PNM will be entering the program that I work under, the state cleanup program, and in that program
• and preventing it from getting any worse.
• Folks, all of our programs, we're actively engaged, and we appreciate the opportunity to have money to

Committee: House Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• And I wanted to make sure that.
• And, and I'm, I'm, I'm willing to vote for the bill.
• And Beyond egregious.
• With other Tort Claims Act caps and provides guardrails to prevent frivolous lawsuits.
• prevent.

Committee: Senate Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:

• CCA would capture those emissions and be required to remit those emissions under that program.
• And then finally, it directs each electric utility participating in the grant program...
• And flexible demand programs like this do help our entire grid run more efficiently.
• It does make the system a more direct incentive program that would be managed by the grant program and
• And there's also a deadline in there of this year to implement these programs.

Summary: The committee heard public hearings on four bills. SB 5982 would expand Clean Energy Transformation Act coverage to include port districts and certain single-customer utilities, and would revise definitions for market customers and affected market customers. Supporters, including environmental groups, Commerce, Ecology, and some port and utility representatives, said it would close loopholes and ensure large loads such as data centers and port-based generation are subject to CETA. Opponents from ports, PUDs, business groups, and industrial consumers argued the bill could sweep in existing single-customer utilities and burden smaller ports or industrial projects. No vote was taken; the chair closed the hearing after noting substantial pro, con, and other testimony. SB 6008 would create a statewide residential battery incentive and flexible demand program administered through Commerce, with higher incentives for low- and moderate-income customers and requirements tied to utility flexible demand programs. Supporters said it would improve grid resilience, lower bills, and help deploy virtual power plants and distributed storage. Utilities and some advocates supported the concept but asked for changes on funding, low-income verification, compensation, deadlines, and program design. No action was taken beyond the public hearing. SB 6050 would allow portable plug-in solar devices and one meter-mounted device per premises, while restricting utilities, landlords, and HOAs from blocking them and setting safety and certification conditions. Supporters called it a low-cost way to expand distributed solar access, especially for renters and lower-income households. Opponents, including labor, utilities, and safety-focused witnesses, raised concerns about fire risk, backfeeding, lack of existing electrical code standards, utility worker safety, and the need for interconnection review. The committee then heard SB 6056, which would direct Ecology to exempt utility service vehicles from certain clean vehicle emissions standards; Ecology said it was already pursuing a similar rule and flagged the bill’s broad definition and potential policy implications, while utility associations supported the exemption for emergency response vehicles and environmental advocates opposed the statutory approach. No votes were taken on any of the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill will also prevent social media companies from reaching our children up to 14 years old and require
• In my school district, we recognized early on the problems with children and students using their cell
• And with no dedicated The pilot program also is a very admirable route, but no doubt one that will incur
• Research increasingly links early social media use to anxiety, depression, diminished self-esteem, and
• And early results are consistent: improved focus, fewer disciplinary incidents, and better school climates

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It advocates for pro-industry policies, provides operational and compliance services, and programs.
• designed to prevent voter impersonation and fraud.
• It says in here that, to prevent administrative delays and ensure timely and accurate election results
• the fraud and the abuse of the ESA program.
• This program alive. And I think I know the answer tonight.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 252 prevents Rhode Island and exotic animals from being imported and owned.
• BILL 252, PREVENTS RHODE ISLAND AND EXOTIC ANIMALS FROM BEING IMPORTED AND OWNED.
• We must continue strengthening partnerships with community-based organizations and invest in our prevention
• Prevention starts early. Let's have those early conversations. Your voice matters.
• And I'll add that it is one of the longest-running sexual violence prevention and education campaigns

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and adopted a resolution calendar with several exceptions before taking up a series of ceremonial resolutions and bills. Members welcomed student visitors from the YWCA of White Plains’ Voices Unfiltered Policy Program, then adopted resolutions honoring Senegalese independence and the Senegalese community, MWBE Advocacy Day, John Coltrane’s 100th birthday, the Sing Sing Prison Museum, I Love My Park Day, Animal Advocacy Day, Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month, and Denim Day. Speakers emphasized cultural recognition, public service, environmental stewardship, animal welfare, rare disease awareness, and support for survivors of sexual violence; each resolution was adopted. The chamber then moved through the regular calendar, passing a number of bills on broad roll-call votes. Among the measures approved were bills amending the Penal Law, Executive Law, Public Housing Law, Retirement and Social Security Law, Social Services Law, Environmental Conservation Law, General Municipal Law, Railroad Law, Election Law, Labor Law, and Public Service Law. Several bills passed unanimously or nearly so, while a few drew notable opposition, including a public health measure that passed 39-19 and the labor-related bill on ghost job postings that passed 39-19 after extended debate. The most detailed floor debate centered on the Labor Law bill addressing “ghost jobs,” requiring employers with 100 or more employees to disclose whether postings are for current vacancies, expected future openings, or general resume collection, with Department of Labor enforcement and civil penalties. Supporters argued it would protect job seekers from deceptive postings; opponents said it was unnecessary, burdensome, and could invite litigation or penalties disproportionate to the problem. The Senate also debated and passed a bill expanding election-language assistance under the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act to Haitian Creole and Middle Eastern and North African communities, with supporters citing growing language-access needs and opponents raising concerns about scope and local costs. The Senate then adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• the rest of this year and early next year.
• reopen in early 2023 and never did.
• reopen in early 2023 and never did.
• Authorizes the governor to revoke and abolish the pilot program and overturn a county's request to opt
• By holding them accountable early, we can prevent further harm and ensure that these individuals face

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several housing, landlord-tenant, and condominium-related measures. Senate Bill 62, relating to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, would allow HPHA-owned parcels and related areas such as parking lots to be closed to the public with posted signage; HPHA strongly supported the bill, saying it would help reduce loitering, drinking, and other problems, and no further testimony was offered. Senate Bill 822, relating to the landlord tenant code, would create a three-year working group in the Department of the Attorney General to study and improve the residential landlord-tenant code. The Judiciary supported the measure but said the scope should be narrowed; the Attorney General opposed leading the group and suggested another agency should do so; Hawaii Realtors and the Hawaii Worker Center supported the concept and suggested moving the chairmanship to the Judiciary and including Legal Aid participation. The Judiciary said it could chair the group if the bill were narrowed to matters within the court’s purview. Senate Bill 38, relating to housing, would limit counties from imposing stricter conditions, AMI requirements, or fee-waiver reductions on certain affordable housing proposals if those changes would increase project costs. HHFDC supported the bill, saying county changes after state approval create uncertainty for developers, while the Hawaii State Association of Counties opposed it as an intrusion on local authority and a restriction on county safety and infrastructure conditions. Members asked about whether existing county review periods were sufficient, and the county association said the main concern was the bill’s language limiting counties from making cost-increasing conditions. Senate Bill 146, relating to condominiums, would revise alternative dispute resolution procedures for condo disputes, including evaluative mediation and binding arbitration. The Hawaii Real Estate Commission said it took no position overall but supported a $150 mediation fee and asked for a similar arbitration fee; Community Associations Institute supported the bill with suggested amendments; however, most testimony was strongly opposed by condominium owners and advocates, who said the bill had been changed to the detriment of owners and would increase costs and reduce protections. The committee noted 44 testimonies on the bill, with 2 in support, 37 in opposition, and 2 with comments. Senate Bill 253, relating to condominium reserves, would require a detailed budget summary to stand on its own, remove a good-faith defense for certain noncompliant budgets, and clarify standing and the association’s burden regarding substantial compliance. Hawaii Realtors and Community Associations Institute supported the measure as improving transparency and giving owners and buyers a clearer picture of association finances. Greg Msakian also supported it, arguing it would help owners and describing problems he experienced with budget committee exclusion and budget noncompliance in his own association. The discussion ended while testimony on the bill was still underway, with additional witnesses expected.