Transcript Highlights:

• I've said it again and again, I hate voting on things when I don't know what I'm voting on.
• I'll be voting yes. I'll keep watching, and thank you so much.
• By your vote, the bill will be reported favorably.
• By your vote, we'll show that bill favorably. Thank you, Chair.
• By your vote, we will show that bill reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• And by your vote, C.S. for SB 1600 will be reported favorably. Thank you.
• By your vote, CS for SB 556 is reported favorably. Thank you.
• By your vote, CS for SB 794 is reported. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, member.
• By your vote, CS for SB 794 is reported. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Member.
• Senator, wish to be recorded as voting on bills before the committee today.

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered three bills and a confirmation. On SB 1600, as amended, the sponsor explained that the original child welfare language was replaced with a strike-all requiring the Office of Insurance Regulation to work with DCF and community-based care lead agencies to study liability insurance coverage and availability, report findings to the Legislature by January 1, 2027, and allow penalties for failure to provide requested information. The committee adopted the amendment and amendment to the amendment, heard supportive testimony from child welfare advocates, and reported the committee substitute favorably. The committee also heard CS/SB 556, which would allow students with disabilities to satisfy a physical education graduation requirement through participation in Special Olympics, and clarify that two years of marching band participation can satisfy PE and fine arts credit. Special Olympics Florida, parents, and other supporters testified in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. On SB 794, the sponsor described requirements for background screening of employees in residential facilities and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities, plus a review of waiver support coordination quality, workforce needs, geographic service gaps, and related recommendations due in 2027. The committee adopted a conforming amendment and reported the bill. The committee then took up the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. Hatch outlined DCF’s recent work on child welfare, behavioral health, peer support, and technology improvements, and answered questions about child welfare system challenges, funding formulas, opioid settlement dollars, and interoperability of agency systems. After public comment, the committee voted to recommend her confirmation favorably, with Chair Graal voting no. The meeting ended with a request to record one senator’s vote on SB 1600 and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote, the bill is reported favorably. Chair Mooney: Congratulations.
• Respectfully, we ask for your no vote. Thank you. Chair Mooney: Thank you.
• By your vote, the bill is reported favorably. Congratulations, Representative Daley.
• By your vote, the bill is reported favorably. Congratulations, Representative Abbott.
• Chair Mooney: By your vote, the bill is reported favorably. Congratulations, members.

Transcript Highlights:

• I urge you to vote to send House Bill 500 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
• In voting, at 34-107, it says residents for voting purposes.
• Because this is within Title 49, I don't think that any of that would apply to voting.
• But does it also say, though, for income tax purposes or just for voting?
• But it does not—specifically says it may not be used for voting.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 533 from Representative Weber, which would eliminate the requirement for vehicle registration stickers on license plates. Weber argued the stickers are outdated, can be hard to read or covered up, and that ending the program would save about $300,000 for the Idaho Transportation Department. After brief questions about whether other sticker references in statute would also need cleanup, and a comment from a member of law enforcement about possible increased plate-check calls, the committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 500, sponsored by Representative Matthias, would clarify that Idaho’s due-care traffic law applies to electric-assisted bicycles and related provisions, so riders are clearly covered and subject to traffic laws. Testimony came from the injured constituent who prompted the bill, Sean Norton, and from Daniel Murphy, both supporting the measure as a safety update. Members discussed broader issues around e-bikes, scooters, and motorbikes, including definitions and whether future legislation should address micromobility more comprehensively. The committee approved the bill and sent it to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 553 from Representative Petzke, which would define residency for Title 49 purposes based on establishing domicile and require new residents to obtain an Idaho driver’s license and vehicle registration within 30 days. Members raised concerns about the bill’s wording, especially the removal of “for purposes of vehicle registration” from the definition and whether it could affect other areas of law such as voting or income tax. After discussion with ITD staff, the sponsor agreed to bring back a revised bill, and the committee voted to hold the bill in committee. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 552 from Representative Handy, which would change certain deadlines from calendar days to business days and update judgment-related language to reflect current electronic transmission practices and default judgment procedures. After a brief explanation from DMV staff, the committee voted to send House Bill 552 to the floor with a do pass recommendation, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd appreciate a yes vote. Thank you.
• The vote will now occur on Senate Bill 1775 with the clerk calling the roll.
• The vote will now occur on Senate Bill 1900.
• The vote will now occur on Senate Bill 1948.
• With that, I hope for Your yes vote, thank you. The vote will now occur on Senate Bill 2080.

Bills: SB1519 , SB1775 , SB1900 , SB1948 , SB2080

Committee: Senate Local and County Government

Keywords: municipal zoning, home-based businesses, no-impact businesses, local government, regulation, short-term rentals, municipal ordinance, municipal court, court of record, court not of record, city penalties, fine limits, penalty cap, ordinance enforcement, state statute, traffic offenses, speeding, parking, DUI, DWI

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate your time and I hope you will vote yes on House Bill. 85. >> Thank U next.
• We please call the roll on HB 85 and announce the vote. >> Chair tomkow. Yes.
• Sabrina, we please call the roll on HB 13 and announce the vote. >> Chair tomkow. Yes.
• I urge you to vote yes on HB 301 and join me in being a part of the solution.
• And so I urge you to vote no against this Bill. >> Thank U. Next.

Transcript Highlights:

• All those in favor of approving the gentleman's motion will vote yes. All those opposed, no.
• Has everyone voted? The clerk will close the board and tally the vote.
• All members of the House, will you please signify your presence by voting aye. Mr.
• The clerk of the House will now close the board and please tally the vote. There are, how many?
• All right. 143 members of the House of Representatives voted aye and 13 voted present.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And by your vote, SB 420 is reported favorably.
• By your vote, CS for SB 206 is reported favorably. Thank you.
• And by your vote, CS for SB 556 is reported favorably.
• vote for all of these appointees.
• And by your vote, the confirmation of appointees in tabs 4 through 7 are recommended favorably.

Summary: The Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee met with a quorum and took up several bills. SB 420, by Senator Burgess, would require George Washington and Abraham Lincoln portraits to be prominently displayed in social studies classrooms and K-5 classrooms, with the Department of Education selecting the portraits. Supporters framed the bill as a patriotic and educational measure tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary, while senators raised concerns about exclusivity, precedent, local control, and whether the measure could be expanded politically. Burgess said the bill was intended to be nonpartisan, historically rooted, and not to affect curriculum, and he committed to seeking funding so it would not be an unfunded mandate. The committee reported SB 420 favorably. The committee then considered CS for SB 206, by Senator Harrell, which revises teacher preparation and training related to autism spectrum disorder. The strike-all amendment requires teacher preparation programs to include autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities, requires ESE-certified teachers to complete an autism microcredential by August 1, 2027, creates an Autism Education Loan Forgiveness Program, authorizes salary supplements and stipends, and requires district professional development to include autism-specific training with local CARD centers. Senators asked about implementation timelines, grandfathering current teachers, and whether the endorsement requirement should include a grace period; Harrell said she was open to further discussion and wanted to make the bill workable. Public testimony was largely supportive, including from an Orange County Public Schools representative and a parent of a child with autism. The committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee considered CS for SB 556, by Senator Berman, which allows students with disabilities to satisfy the high school physical education requirement by participating in Special Olympics for one year if included in the student’s IEP. An amendment also clarified that two years of marching band participation satisfies both PE and fine/performing arts credit requirements. Testimony supported the bill as an inclusive option that could reduce administrative burdens and give students more flexibility. The committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also voted to recommend confirmation of appointees in tabs 4 through 7, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Respectfully, I ask for your aye vote.
• I respectfully ask for an aye vote, and I want to thank you for your consideration.
• So I respectfully urge an aye vote on AB 796. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much.
• But even in my tenure here, we voted on a gun tax, and we had the same opposition. Why?
• With that, I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you very much.

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote, the bill is reported favorably. Congratulations, Representative Schof.
• By your vote, the bill is reported favorably. Congratulations, Representative Batana.
• I hope you vote up.
• By your vote, the bill is reported favorably. Congratulations.
• By your vote, CS for HB 261 is favorable. Congratulations. CS for HB 261 favorable.

Committee: House Education & Employment Committee

Summary: The Education and Employment Committee met with a quorum and heard four bills. CS/HB 1145 on workforce education clarified that public charter schools may receive CAP grant funds, expanded the number of college system money-back programs from three to six, and standardized eligibility rules while allowing institutions some flexibility. Supporters said it would help students access career training without adding new funding in the bill. The committee also heard CS/HB 1079, which expands dropout retrieval program eligibility to any individual who has withdrawn from high school and is not engaged in education, while resolving statutory conflicts about program structure; some members raised concerns about FERPA, student privacy, and third-party funding, but the bill was reported favorably despite one no vote from Rep. Valdes. The committee then considered HB 251, which would designate January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida. The sponsor and supporters described the bill as a response to rising antisemitism and emphasized education, remembrance, and opposition to hate. Testimony came from a Miami-Dade school board member, a student, and other supporters, and members spoke strongly in favor of the measure. The bill was reported favorably with no opposition. Finally, the committee heard CS/HB 261 on middle and high school start times. The bill revises the earlier mandated later-start-time law by allowing districts to comply through a report to DOE detailing start times, planning efforts, public input, and impacts, rather than requiring immediate uniform implementation. Supporters from small school districts, Miami-Dade, PTA, and other organizations said the change preserves the health goal while giving districts flexibility to address transportation, dual enrollment, athletics, and staffing constraints. Members debated the need for parental involvement and detailed reporting, but the bill was ultimately reported favorably on a unanimous vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senators, by your vote, Senate Bill 152 is reported favorably. Thank you.
• Senators, by your vote, we will show CS for CS Senate Bill 958 is reported favorably.
• Senators, by your vote, we'll show CS for Senate Bill 738 is reported favorably.
• Senators, by your vote, we'll show CS for Senate Bill 1356 is reported favorably.
• And committee, by your vote... Yes. Chair Davis. Yes.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services first heard and adopted the proposed fiscal year 2025-26 budget for the committee, which was presented as a $1.8 billion increase over the current base budget. The budget emphasized Medicaid and KidCare funding, IT modernization, workforce reductions tied to unfilled or augmented positions, provider rate increases, mental health and substance use funding, opioid treatment, elder care, veterans’ services, cancer research, and school nurse staffing. The committee approved technical adjustments and then adopted the budget proposal for submission to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee then considered several bills, most of which were reported favorably. SB 152 on surgical smoke required hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt smoke evacuation policies; it drew strong support from nurses and other health care workers describing workplace and patient safety risks. CS/SB 958 on early detection of type 1 diabetes required the Department of Health to develop informational materials for schools and, by amendment, early learning coalitions. CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing homes required consumer satisfaction surveys, patient safety culture surveys, reporting to the health information exchange, financial reporting penalties, and Medicaid quality incentive reporting; an amendment exempted state-operated homes, including veterans’ facilities, and directed a study of quality incentive systems. CS/SB 738 updated and streamlined child care regulation, and CS/SB 1356 created the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at Florida State University and a related pediatric rare disease screening pilot. The committee also passed SB 1370, which reorganized ambulatory surgical centers into their own statutory framework, with testimony emphasizing their lower costs compared with hospitals. Finally, the committee considered CS/CS/SB 1626 on child welfare and related issues. After adopting multiple amendments that removed references to unaccompanied alien children and special immigrant visas, changed language on child abuse definitions, and required DCF to set room-and-board rates by methodology rather than fee schedule, the bill was explained as strengthening child welfare protections, codifying military-family coordination, improving domestic violence shelter certification, adjusting children’s services council appointments, clarifying missing-child procedures, and updating licensing and compliance provisions. The bill drew both support and opposition, particularly over missing-child jurisdiction and immigration-related concerns, and was ultimately reported favorably. A final motion to record a vote on SB 958 was also adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• No one is going to make the motion to vote. Bill moved by Senator Ferry. Is there a second?
• So I am voting AWR.
• So I am voting AWR. Senator, if I can add. Sure. So, I’m voting AWR.
• Well, no, we already voted. Thank you. Any other comments? No, we already voted.
• The vote was seven to four. So the bill is sent to the Codes Committee.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Higher Education Committee met on May 5 and considered 12 bills, with most measures relating to higher education administration, student services, and professional licensing. The committee advanced a rural teacher loan repayment program for teachers serving underserved rural areas, a SUNY/CUNY mental health staffing requirement, a bill allowing SED access to patient or client records in professional misconduct cases, an AI-in-therapy regulation bill, cross-profession supervision for certain mental health professionals, an extension of limited permits for social workers, continuing education requirements for acupuncturists, and updated supervision rules for physical therapy assistants. One bill reorganizing SUNY police was held for further negotiations with SUNY, SUNY police, and stakeholders. Two Article 7, Section 2, subdivision E motions for committee consideration were taken up. Senator Rose’s bill to withhold financial aid from SUNY or CUNY institutions that permit organizations designated as terrorist organizations was defeated after several senators voted no or without recommendation. Senator Kanzanari Fitzpatrick’s bill requiring anti-Semitism awareness training, incident reporting, and compliance with state reporting rules for higher education institutions was approved and sent to the Codes Committee, with some senators voting without recommendation because they viewed the subject as already covered by existing law. The committee also reported Senator Rivera’s nurse practitioner conformity bill to the floor, and several other bills were reported either to the floor or to Finance depending on their fiscal impact. Most measures were approved without opposition, though some senators voted without recommendation on bills they said overlapped with existing statutes or prior legislation. The meeting adjourned at 10:52 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, vote your machine. Speaker Pro Tem. Members, vote your machine.
• Vote your machine, members. Egan. Members, are you through voting? Mena.
• Members, are you through voting? Eber? Members, are you through voting?
• Members are either voting. The clerk will close the machine.

Bills: HR119 , HR120 , HR121 , HR122 , HR123 , HR124 , HR125 , HR126 , HR127 , HR128 , HR129 , HR130 , HR131 , HR132 , HCR53 , HCR54 , HCR55 , HCR56 , HR115 , HR116 , HR117 , HR118 , SCR19 , SCR26 , SB102 , SB222 , SB255 , SB270 , SB273 , SB314 , SB418 , SB420 , HB21 , HB24 , HB29 , HB31 , HB39 , HB45 , HB49 , HB77 , HB136 , HB150 , HB211 , HB263 , HB273 , HB299 , HB315 , HB324 , HB376 , HB377 , HB422 , HB431 , HB444 , HB450 , HB519 , HB533 , HB538 , HB549 , HB559 , HB562 , HB663 , HB664 , HB715 , HB717 , HB805 , HB822 , HB823 , HB834 , HB864 , HB867 , HB1011 , HB1017 , HB1018 , HB1068 , HB1134 , HB1137 , HB1234 , HB1235 , HB1236 , HB310 , HCR6 , HCR19 , HCR10 , HR74 , HCR26 , HCR35 , HCR7 , HB51 , HB82 , HB143 , HB145 , HB160 , HB180 , HB192 , HB393 , HB430 , HB445 , HB506 , HB515 , HB521 , HB565 , HB590 , HB614 , HB638 , HB670 , HB672 , HB685 , HB692 , HB752 , HB773 , HB781 , HB799 , HB860 , HB874 , HB887 , HB917 , HB937 , HB956 , HB965 , HB972 , HB977 , HB982 , HB1006 , HB1010 , HB1044 , HB1072 , HB1088 , HB1179 , HB1200 , HB76 , HB132 , HB181 , HB210 , HB250 , HB265 , HB275 , HB291 , HB322 , HB342 , HB475 , HB486 , HB616 , HB635 , HB639 , HB690 , HB740 , HB757 , HB761 , HB774 , HB808 , HB855 , HB872 , HB883 , HB886 , HB903 , HB949 , HB962 , HB996 , HB1003 , HB1036 , HB1054 , HB1071 , HB1076 , HB1078 , HB1113 , HB1132 , HB1146 , HB1232 , HB1233 , HB140 , HB750 , HB911 , HB52 , HB154 , HB400 , HB463 , HB570 , HB631 , HB637 , HB870 , HB952 , HB961 , HB399 , HB868 , HB905 , HB401 , HB901 , HR20 , HB9 , HB58 , HB151 , HB193 , HB284 , HB459 , HB476 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB615 , HB682 , HB733 , HB915

Keywords: condolences, public service, environmental justice, sustainability, local government, military service, World War II, veteran, community, Italian Festival, cultural celebration, Tickfaw, Italian-American, community pride, heritage, Miss Louisiana Teen USA, Heaven Riley Breaux, recognition, youth empowerment, community service

Transcript Highlights:

• was also sponsor of House Bill 2200, which passed out of the House and the Senate last year with no votes
• Aye. 7-0-0-0-0-0-0, not voting. You have given House Bill 2122 a do pass recommendation.
• Explain my vote.
• Explain my vote, ma'am. Yes.
• Four ayes, three nays, zero not voting. Final vote of four ayes, three noes, zero not voting.

Summary: The Committee on Regulatory Affairs and Law Efficiency approved the minutes from February 18 and March 4, 2026, then took up House Bill 2122 and House Bill 2184, while holding House Bill 2910. HB 2122 would tighten and clarify reciprocity or endorsement requirements for professional registration with the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration, including requiring a valid out-of-state license or national council credential and allowing professional engineers to qualify based on four years of experience rather than four years after licensure. Supporters described it as a cleanup measure and noted it would facilitate reciprocity, including with the United Kingdom; there was no opposition, and the committee voted 7-0 to recommend do pass. The committee then considered a strike-everything amendment to HB 2184 dealing with disposition of fetal remains and related funeral, death certificate, and transit-permit requirements. The amendment would extend the filing timeline for death certificates from seven calendar days to 14 business days, require a disposition transit permit in certain cases involving unborn children under 20 weeks or under 350 grams, clarify parental authority for minor decedents, and set abortion-clinic form and permit exemptions. Testimony in support came from individuals who described personal miscarriage experiences and said the bill would provide grieving families dignity and the option to arrange burial or disposition; one witness said the terminology should be changed from “unborn child” to “fetal remains.” The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and then voted on HB 2184 as amended. One member explained a no vote as being tied to the bill’s wording and said they hoped to work with the sponsor on language changes; another member supported the bill as written and opposed changing the terminology. The final vote was 4-3 in favor, and HB 2184 received a do pass as amended recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Makes lane my vote please proceed. Um, I see that some of my cities are in support of this.
• Chair, please proceed with my vote. I see that some of my cities are in support of this.
• Chair, I'll explain my vote. Please proceed. Thank you.
• Five ayes, two nays, and zero not voting.
• Members, by your vote of five ayes, two nays, and zero not voting, you've given SB 1683 a do pass recommendation

Committee: Senate Senate Federalism Committee of Reference

Summary: The Federalism Committee approved the minutes from February 9, 2026, and then heard only one bill on the agenda, SB 1683, an emergency measure. The bill would broaden Arizona’s restrictions on foreign adversary involvement in real property by extending the ban to leasing and other current or future interests, lowering the “substantial interest” threshold from 20% to 5%, prohibiting foreign adversaries from installing or accessing equipment or data on Arizona property, and making violations a Class 5 felony. It also targets attempts to evade the law through intermediaries, shell companies, partnerships, or trusts, and requires certain utilities, telecom providers, critical infrastructure owners, and government agencies to notify state authorities if they suspect prohibited arrangements. Retired Lt. Col. James Rusty Mitchell testified in support, saying the bill would strengthen protections around military training areas, especially near Luke Air Force Base, and help Arizona stay ahead of foreign adversary efforts to acquire land near sensitive installations. Committee members questioned the breadth of the bill, the reduction in the ownership threshold, and how terms such as “acting in support of a foreign terrorist organization” would be defined. Travis Schulte of the Department of Emergency Affairs said the bill relies on federal statutory definitions and referenced federal investigative resources. The vice chair moved SB 1683 for a do pass recommendation. After discussion, the committee voted 5-2 to advance the bill. Senators supporting the measure emphasized national security concerns, while the dissenting senator said the bill was too broad, could sweep in unrelated transactions, and raised concerns about vague definitions and potential impacts on protest activity and First Amendment rights.

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote, Senate Bill 302 will be reported favorably. Thank you.
• By vote, C.S. for Senate Bill 262 will be reported favorably. Thanks, Senator Berman.
• Does any senator wish to be recorded as voting on bills before the committee today?
• But on Tab 2, Senate Bill 300, I'd like to be shown as voting in the affirmative.
• But on tab two, Senate Bill 300, I'd like to be shown as voting in the affirmative.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee considered four bills. SB 300 would extend a public records exemption for personal information of appellate court clerks and their spouses and children, mirroring protections already given to trial court clerks; after one support appearance and brief debate about harassment risks, it passed 8-1 and was reported favorably. SB 302 would create a similar exemption for current and former Judicial Qualifications Commission employees, citing doxing, threatening calls and emails, and social media intimidation; it passed 9-1 and was also reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 262, which makes technical changes to the Florida Trust Code, including clarifying trust decanting authority, limiting successor trustee actions where beneficiaries are barred, aligning ademption-by-satisfaction rules with the probate code, and clarifying that transferring homestead property into a community trust does not trigger reassessment. An amendment making the changes retroactive as clarifying and remedial was adopted, and the bill passed unanimously 10-0 and was reported favorably. Finally, SB 322 would create a nonjudicial process for commercial property owners to ask the sheriff to remove unauthorized persons from commercial real estate, similar to the recently enacted residential squatter-removal process. Two amendments were adopted to authorize reasonably necessary force and correct cross-references, and the bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee adjourned after one senator later asked to be recorded as voting yes on SB 300.

Transcript Highlights:

• And after hearing the bill, we'll have a public comment prior to voting.
• Californians voted for this measure expecting results.
• Thank you to our pro tem, and I'm happy to be voting aye on this.
• And really appreciate that and ask for your aye vote. Thank you.
• That bill has 12 votes. Four votes no. The measure passes. That bill has 12 votes, four votes no.

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard AB 109, the Budget Act of 2026, as the main item. Committee leaders described the legislative budget agreement as a balanced two-year plan with about $355.9 billion in total spending, $253 billion from the General Fund, and $36.5 billion in reserves. The Legislative Analyst and Department of Finance said the package assumes about $5.5 billion in higher revenues than the May Revision and uses those resources for a mix of spending changes, including higher Proposition 98 support, additional child care slots, housing and homelessness funding, delayed Medi-Cal reductions, and added support for counties, public hospitals, and distressed hospitals. The administration said the plan resembles the May Revision’s overall structure but includes new spending and revenue assumptions, and members noted that separate revenue trailer bills would be heard later in the week. Much of the committee discussion focused on Medi-Cal, H.R. 1, and the impact on immigrants, low-income workers, counties, and hospitals. Several senators criticized the budget for locking in savings from delayed or reduced Medi-Cal coverage and for not including a mechanism to restore eligibility, while administration and LAO staff said the package delays some reductions but does not automatically reinstate coverage. Finance staff said roughly 1.5 million to 2 million people with unsatisfactory immigration status would move from managed care to fee-for-service, with coverage largely unchanged except for certain services not federally allowed. Members also discussed county administrative funding, indigent care, public hospital support, and the expected rise in uncompensated care. Other topics included In-Home Supportive Services, child care, homelessness funding, Prop. 36, courthouse construction and new judgeships, transit and cap-and-invest/GGRF funding, local journalism, and workforce or reentry programs. Committee members split along party lines in their comments. Democratic members generally supported the agreement as a difficult but responsible compromise that protects core services, preserves reserves, and makes targeted investments in education, housing, health care, and justice system capacity. Republican members argued the budget relies on unrealistic revenue assumptions, does not sufficiently reduce spending, and includes costly policy choices and tax increases. Public testimony largely came from advocates and stakeholders who supported IHSS, Medi-Cal, child care, domestic violence services, hospitals, transit, and other programs, while some business and health plan representatives raised concerns about tax proposals and the shift from managed care to fee-for-service. The chair then moved the committee to public comment and indicated that the revenue bills would return later in the week; no final vote on AB 109 is reflected in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So with that, I vote yes. So with that, I vote yes.
• Members, by a vote of three ayes, two nays, you have voted to reject the nomination of Mary Foote as
• So with that, I vote yes. Members 5 votes. So with that, I vote yes.
• Members, very votes of three I's, two nays, you have voted to reject the nomination of Mary Foote as
• And so for all of those reasons, I have to vote no on this confirmation. Have you vote? Yes. Yes.

Summary: The Committee on Director Nominations met with four members present and approved the prior minutes without objection. Chair Jay Kaufman outlined the committee’s role in reviewing executive nominations and explained the hearing process for three nominees: Mary Foote for the Office of Economic Opportunity, Debbie Johnston for the Department of Health Services, and Chuck Bassett. Foote did not appear for her hearing, and members discussed her absence and alleged omissions in her disclosure materials, including prior service with Planned Parenthood-related organizations. The committee then moved to reject her nomination, and the motion passed 3-2, recommending that the full Senate reject Mary Foote. Debbie Johnston, nominee to lead the Department of Health Services, appeared and gave an opening statement describing her Arizona background, prior Senate staff work, and more than 20 years with the Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association. She said her priorities at ADHS include rebuilding trust in public health licensing, improving stakeholder engagement, standardizing rulemaking communication, addressing alleged religious discrimination and retaliation concerns in licensing, and using technology and AI to improve efficiency. In questioning, senators pressed her on her management style, conflict-of-interest safeguards given her prior industry role, enforcement priorities, budget pressures, behavioral health and assisted living oversight, and the department’s response to COVID-19. Johnston said she would follow statutes, recuse herself from enforcement matters involving former contacts, and resign if directed to carry out an unlawful policy. She also said the department does not regulate therapy itself, only facilities, and that it would rely on legal counsel regarding the governor’s conversion-therapy executive order and related federal civil-rights allegations. Several senators focused on public health trust and the department’s pandemic response, with Johnston acknowledging concerns about closures, data collection, and communication during COVID-19 while saying she would review past after-action materials and be better prepared in the future. Public testimony from stakeholders in aging services and health care strongly supported her confirmation, praising her accessibility, responsiveness, and collaborative approach. After testimony, the vice chair moved to recommend Johnston’s confirmation to the full Senate. The roll call was underway when the transcript ended, with several members voting aye and one member expressing reservations about her not reviewing the pandemic after-action report before another crisis occurs.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that H.J.R. 189 be voted due pass, that any... I move that H.J.R. 189 be voted due pass.
• By your vote, 11 ayes and one no and one present, you have voted H.J.R. 189 due pass.
• By your vote of ten ayes and two noes, you have voted House Committee substitute for House Bill 2139
• By your vote of seven ayes, five noes, and one present, you have voted House Committee substitute for
• By your vote of 13 ayes and one no, you have voted House Committee substitute for House Bill 2908 and

Committee: House Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our current voting system remains secure.
• Is that the actual name sites for that kind of voting? The third one, it would just.
• Be the second installment toward the upgrade of the statewide voting system.
• Yeah, oh, and I would also mention that a new voting system we would anticipate that it.
• That's preventing from being able to potentially vote, register to vote in multiple states.

Committee: House A&B General Government Subcommittee

Keywords: 914, all