Transcript Highlights:

• So I understand why people are skeptical of bills that your researchers or others or critics may have
• that</c><00:04:52.800><c> your</c> skeptical of bills uh that your skeptical of bills uh that your researchers
• 53.680><c> others</c><00:04:53.919><c> or</c><00:04:54.160><c> critics</c><00:04:54.639><c> may</c> researchers
• or others or critics may researchers or others or critics may have<00:04:55.040><c> framed</c><00:04

Bills: HF3611 , HF3659 , HF3909

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: taxation, income tax, damage awards, sexual harassment, abuse claims, immigration enforcement, taxpayers, file income tax return, Minnesota-source income, tax regulations, detention facilities, gross revenues, private prisons, Minnesota law, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• center to include providing training related to prevention measures that promote school safety, researching
• center to include providing training related to prevention measures that promote school safety, researching
• He found this out by doing additional research where young people aging out of foster care had their
• The board researches the name and notifies affected cities, counties, tribes, and agencies.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• witness asked for clarification and said he would answer the first part about conversations and research
• conversations<00:21:38.640><c> we've</c><00:21:38.880><c> had</c><00:21:39.200><c> what</c><00:21:39.360><c> research
• </c> conversations we've had what research conversations we've had what research we've<00:21:40.000><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Through the interim, I worked very diligently along with some of our staff to research, investigate,
• Census Bureau conducted research to estimate the impact of a citizenship question on the quality of the
• Census Bureau conducted research to estimate the impact of a citizenship question on the quality of the
• According to the National Immigration Law Center, a study conducted by the San Joaquin Valley Caucus Research

Summary: The Senate met in several Committee of the Whole sessions to consider a large number of bills, with most measures receiving do-pass recommendations and several being amended before advancing. Early action included bills on fentanyl penalties (SB 1061), firearm suppressors/prohibited weapons (SB 1069), DCS attorney appearance and hotline/case-history access (SB 1081 and SB 1174), mandatory reporting and scrap metal theft (SB 1127 and SB 1128), and a narcotic-drug-to-minor offense bill (SB 1170). Senators Ortiz, Kuby, and others argued against the drug bills as harmful mandatory-minimum policies that would reduce judicial discretion and worsen addiction and incarceration outcomes, while supporters framed them as public-safety measures. SB 1170 ultimately failed on third reading; SB 1061, SB 1069, SB 1127, SB 1128, SB 1171, SB 1174, and SB 1188 passed, while SB 1021 later failed after concerns were raised about possible federal anti-kickback conflicts. The chamber also advanced health-care and regulatory measures, including chiropractic board compliance training (SB 1021), radiation protection and health-care institution requirements (SB 1120 and SB 1121), health care cost containment system changes (SB 1171), and pharmacy scheduling/prescription authority (SB 1188). Several of these bills were amended with technical changes or rulemaking authority, and most passed on third reading. SB 1243 and SB 1244 on court-ordered treatment also moved forward after amendments; supporters said the changes would improve notice and allow guardians or agencies to act more effectively, while opponents warned about due-process concerns and expanded coercive treatment authority. In later calendars, the Senate considered local planning and permitting (SB 1241), school access and GED preparation (SB 1166 and SB 1370), water and groundwater issues (SB 1202 and SB 1287), tax and finance measures (SB 1180, SB 1221, SB 1293, SB 1294, and SB 1429), and a constitutional resolution on legislative boundaries (SCR 1031). SB 1166 was amended to limit GED preparation to grades 11 and 12, SB 1241 and SB 1287 received technical amendments, and SB 1180 was clarified to align tax forms with federal conformity. SB 1075 on foreign entities and land sales drew the most debate: an Ortiz amendment would have shifted it toward corporate homebuyer restrictions and housing affordability, but that amendment was defeated on a roll call vote before the bill advanced as amended. Most remaining measures passed their third readings, with the Senate adopting Committee of the Whole reports and transmitting the approved bills to the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, look, while most drivers occasionally exceed the speed limit, uh, research has shown that a small
• exceed the speed occasionally exceed exceed the speed limit,<00:02:01.759><c> uh</c><00:02:01.920><c> research
• c> has</c><00:02:02.640><c> shown</c><00:02:02.960><c> that</c><00:02:03.200><c> a</c> limit, uh research
• has shown that a limit, uh research has shown that a small<00:02:03.920><c> group</c><00:02:04.240><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And also, in that PIG report, in Appendix J, the board did months of researching and calling for this
• 02.440><c> did</c> um the board did um the board did months<00:26:04.240><c> of</c><00:26:04.840><c> researching
• </c><00:26:05.400><c> and</c><00:26:05.560><c> calling</c><00:26:06.080><c> for</c> months of researching
• and calling for months of researching and calling for this<00:26:06.440><c> issue.

Committee: House Labor

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Labor met on February 19, 2026, and heard a series of bills largely focused on public employment, staffing, and professional licensing. Early measures included HB 2276 and HB 2472, both relating to Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund staff salaries, which were supported by trust fund representatives and received no opposition or questions. The committee also heard HB 1714 HD1 on housing, where the Hawaii Public Housing Authority testified with comments and the Deputy Attorney General raised concerns about the scope of autonomy, civil service, collective bargaining, and a possible separation-of-powers issue involving legislative approval of long-term contracts. The committee then considered several personnel and civil service bills. HB 2325 HD1, relating to civil service exempt positions at DLNR, drew support from DLNR and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, but HGEA opposed it and urged the department to seek other recruitment and retention solutions while keeping employees in civil service. HB 1541, relating to Department of Health positions, was supported by DOH on the grounds that the positions serve vulnerable populations and require specialized expertise, while HGEA opposed. HB 2140 HD1, relating to essential permanent positions, received support from OPSD, HGEA, and the Chamber of Commerce, with written comments from the city Department of Budget and Fiscal Services. HB 2315 HD1, relating to state employment benefits, was strongly supported by DOH, UPW, and HGEA as a recruitment and retention incentive; members questioned the pilot program, and DOH explained it would allow employees to cash out vacation leave earlier than current policy allows. The committee also heard HB 2295 on government contracting, with DOE support not present and IBEW 1186 in opposition. HB 1720, relating to professional engineers, drew strong support from the City and County of Honolulu’s planning department, which argued the bill would help with affordable housing review and only affect eligibility to sit for the licensure exam, but strong opposition from engineering industry and licensing board representatives, who warned it would lower licensing standards and harm reciprocity; members questioned both sides about plan review experience and licensure requirements. HB 2367, relating to employment earnings and pay transparency, received strong support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, AAUW, the Commission on the Status of Women, and others, who said transparency helps small businesses and retention, while written opposition came from the Maui Chamber of Commerce and NFIB. Finally, HB 1935, relating to personal information, drew comments from the Attorney General and the Campaign Spending Commission about implementation burdens and disclosure requirements, with UPW supporting the home-address redaction portion but opposing the broader disclosure process; additional written testimony was noted from OIP, the League of Women Voters, Public Press Law Center, HGEA, and DCCA.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am Nicole Porter, senior director of advocacy with the Sentencing Project, a national research and
• Research shows that civic participation, including voting, is linked to lower recidivism rates or lower
• A growing body of research has shown that restoring voting rights and civil rights can lead to a stronger
• Um, recent national poll by Pew Research, 83% of Americans agree across party lines that we should have

Committee: Senate State & Local Government

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:05 Attendance Roll Call: 00:10 SB 70 Discussion: 00:58 SB 70 Vote: 04:36 SB 80 Discussion: 05:16 SB 80 Vote: 31:45 SB 127 Discussion: 32:30 SB 127 Vote: 39:38 SB 154 Discussion: 41:25 SB 154 Vote: Adjournment: 47:14, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One thing the administration did, too, was award almost a million dollars and five grants in research
• ><00:39:48.400><c> five</c><00:39:48.640><c> grants</c><00:39:48.960><c> in</c><00:39:49.200><c> research
• </c><00:39:49.599><c> for</c> dollars and five grants in research for dollars and five grants in research

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• conversations I have, and I'm speaking on my own behalf, and I encourage members to do their own research
• information and constituent services, budget and finance, victim services, legislative affairs, and research
• Legislative affairs and research, planning, and process improvement.
• populations of fish and wildlife for the use and enjoyment of Missouri citizens, conduct fish and wildlife research

Committee: House Budget

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• books</c><00:13:32.639><c> for</c><00:13:32.880><c> legal</c> They're able to buy books for legal research
• And this bill would add electronic means of legal research.
• They're able to buy books for legal research.
• And this bill would add electronic means of legal research.

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Calendar/2nd Readings 04:07 Orders of the Day 05:07 HB 144 05:15 HB 3 08:27 HB 290 12:34 HB 84 14:53 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 40:12 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 45:19 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 46:20 ConC/Rules Report 48:12 Floor Amendments 49:42 Adjournment 50:05, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I was doing research on teen suicide and doing a bill on that issue.
• And as I was doing my research, I ran across the term sex extortion. Thank you.
• As I was doing my research, I ran across the term sex extortion.
• National research from an organization, Thorn, shows that one in three minors have reported an online

Bills: HB2076 , HB2135 , HB2175 , HB2186 , HB2223 , HB2345 , HB2364 , HB2417 , HB2440 , HB2666 , HB2763 , HCR2043

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: school safety, employee training, firearm certification, crisis response, school policies, reimbursement fund, local law enforcement, HB2135, Arizona, civil liability, private right of action, DEI, diversity equity and inclusion, critical race theory, anti-racism, race stereotyping, sex stereotyping, race scapegoating, sex scapegoating, gender identity

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Kirtland Air Force Base and its numerous mission partners with the Air Force Research Lab.
• With the Air Force Research Lab.
• She serves as a research advisory member for the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Administrative
• relating to taxation, expanding the definition of qualified expenditure in the Technology Jobs and Research

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the areas, I think, nationally, that you hear is that there's not enough research in the problem
• regulate how those apps work and that if they are using these tricks and methods, there is plenty of research
• So we really need some research on how to regulate that and what they're doing.
• So I would think that when it comes to research, look at what they have, see what they're using, and

Committee: Senate Senate Regulatory Affairs & Government Efficiency Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard the Arizona Auditor General’s 2025 sunset review of the Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board. The audit found the board generally processed licenses and complaints timely and had adopted required school curriculum rules, but it also identified inconsistent disciplinary actions, gaps in required infection-prevention and law education for some reciprocity and instructor applicants, weak application review controls, and noncompliance issues involving open meeting law, public records, and conflicts of interest. Auditors also recommended statutory changes on esthetics scope of practice, cease-and-desist authority, and eyelash technician training standards. The board’s executive director said the agency agreed with the findings, had already implemented some changes including updated disciplinary parameters, conflict-of-interest training, lawful presence verification, and revised cash-handling procedures, and was working through the remaining recommendations. After questions, the committee voted 7-0 to recommend the board implement the audit recommendations and be continued for six years, until July 1, 2032. The committee then took up the combined sunset review and performance audit of the Arizona Department of Gaming, the Arizona Racing Commission, and the Arizona Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Commission. The Auditor General reported that while the department distributed tribal gaming funds and issued some licenses appropriately, it failed to consistently obtain and review required independent audit reports for event wagering and fantasy sports operators, did not fully comply with conflict-of-interest disclosure requirements, lacked comprehensive complaint-handling processes, and had delayed some compact trust fund distributions. Additional issues included IT security documentation, horse-racing suitability checks, fee-setting reviews, rulemaking, and public records procedures; the Boxing and MMA Commission also had licensing and fee-setting deficiencies. The department and commissions agreed to implement the recommendations, and the department director said the agency was already making changes, including updated guidance to operators, a new complaint-tracking process, conflict-of-interest training, and work on trust fund distributions and rule changes. Committee members pressed both the auditor and the department on why fantasy sports audit reviews had not been completed, whether underpayments would be recovered, and why no distributions had yet been made to certain Category 3 tribes under the 2021 compact trust fund. The director said the department was now doing a look-back review, would seek any owed fees, penalties, and interest, and was helping tribes resolve the baseline-revenue formula needed for distributions. Members also asked about conflict-of-interest practices, problem gambling, and whether prediction markets fall under gaming regulation. The discussion continued into the department’s broader presentation, with the director describing the agency’s regulatory role and ongoing modernization efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• nonprofit suicide prevention advocacy organization that provides 24/7 crisis support, services, research
• Second, we are also doing some national research in partnership with DHCS, because in order to really
• We're working on a USC research evaluation project, as well as building out a community advisory board
• We're working on a USC research evaluation project, as well as building out a community advisory board

Summary: The hearing focused on California’s 988 suicide and crisis lifeline and the broader crisis response system, with members and witnesses emphasizing both the system’s life-saving role and the risks posed by funding gaps, rising demand, and uneven local implementation. Opening remarks highlighted the personal impact of suicide and the need to strengthen crisis response so calls are answered quickly and linked to appropriate care rather than defaulting to 911, emergency rooms, or law enforcement. State officials described the AB 988 five-year implementation plan, which sets goals around public awareness, equitable access, high-quality call/chat/text response, and better integration with ongoing behavioral health services. State agencies reported progress on infrastructure, coordination, and related behavioral health investments. CalHHS said California has expanded mobile crisis teams, crisis stabilization units, and youth behavioral health supports, and is preparing additional public awareness and grant programs tied to Proposition 1. DHCS explained that 988 is funded through a federal SAMHSA grant and the AB 988 surcharge, while Medi-Cal separately funds mobile crisis services; officials said the mobile crisis benefit is active in 53 counties and that statewide expansion remains a work in progress. Cal OES described the statewide technical buildout, including network infrastructure in all 11 crisis centers, interoperability with 911, and a pilot of next-generation routing and call-handling tools. The 988 California Consortium said call volume continues to rise sharply, missed calls remain a major concern, text/chat capacity is limited, and centers need more stable funding, better reimbursement, and stronger feedback loops with the state. County and community witnesses stressed that local systems need more flexible, sustained support to match the demand. Lake County described a peer-led rural mobile crisis model that has reduced law enforcement holds and increased housing placements, but said county-run mobile crisis teams still cannot reliably access 988 surcharge dollars and face reimbursement problems from Medi-Cal and commercial plans. Santa Clara County reported strong performance metrics, rapid call answer times, and a broad continuum of mobile crisis services, but said staffing and funding are strained and commercial reimbursement remains slow. The Mental Health Association of San Francisco said the peer-run warm line complements 988 by offering non-emergency support and warm handoffs, but recent budget changes forced cuts to Spanish-language service, federation support, and hours. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the hearing; members mainly asked questions about surcharge levels, budget timing, coordination among agencies, data collection, and how to improve collaboration with frontline crisis centers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Medication abortion is the least invasive option for abortion care based on decades of FDA research.
• Speaker, AB 1103 expedites the state's review and approval of federally sanctioned trials and clinical research
• review process responds to the state's approval process delaying the commencement of vital clinical research
• California and the effect of those delays on the ability of California institutes to compete for research

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd also like to acknowledge the work of our partners at DLI and the DNR, Senate Council, Caucus Research
• , Researcher Danny Gillis, and my staff, Jack Dudley.
• I also want to acknowledge the work of our partners at DLI and the DNR, Senate Council, Caucus Research
• , Researcher Danny Gillis, and my staff, Jack Dudley.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please do some research on autonomic dysreflexia and dialysis because that's what's going to start happening
• They have some... research listed there. But as in the past... I don't know.
• I am a researcher and an educator here in Texas.
• And I'd like to share a little bit about the research that I've been doing studying transgender Texans

Bills: SB240 , SB1183 , SB1184 , SB1577 , SB2043 , SB2051 , SCR42 , SJR68

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• So one is there's research done by the Allen Institute of Artificial Intelligence, a Seattle-based organization
• that doesn't... ...Institute of Artificial Intelligence, a Seattle-based organization, that did research
• 412 imposes an impossible new regulatory regime that would cause devastating collateral damage for research
• deploy, As surveillance pricing continues to mature and deployment spreads, it is important for researchers

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee met with a new membership roster and adopted its committee rules after quorum was established. The hearing then began with AB 412, the AI Copyright Transparency Act, which would require generative AI developers to provide copyright holders notice when registered copyrighted works are used in training data. The author and supporters, including SAG-AFTRA, the Transparency Coalition, voice actors, writers, labor groups, and other creators, argued the bill would give artists a practical way to learn whether their works were used and to vindicate their rights. Opponents, including EFF, CalChamber, RIAA, CCIA, Chamber of Progress, Bay Area Council, BSA, and TechNet, said the proposal was technically unworkable, could burden startups, conflict with existing law and pending litigation, and raise federal preemption concerns. Members discussed the bill’s amendments, including a fingerprinting approach and narrowing the bill to model developers, and the committee voted 8-2 to pass AB 412 as amended to the Judiciary Committee. The committee then heard AB 446, which would prohibit “surveillance pricing,” or the use of personal data to charge different prices for the same product or service. The author and supporters, including Consumer Watchdog, UFCW, labor organizations, and consumer/privacy groups, described examples of differential pricing tied to device type, location, shopping behavior, and digital price tags, and argued the bill would protect consumers from discriminatory and predatory pricing. Business and industry opponents, including CalChamber, grocers, retailers, travel, broadband, and other associations, said the bill could conflict with the CCPA, interfere with loyalty and rewards programs, and create confusion about personalized discounts and dynamic pricing. The discussion focused on how the bill would treat loyalty programs, whether existing privacy law already covers the issue, and whether the proposal would unintentionally affect legitimate discounts and promotions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I understand what Senator Boswell's issue is, and as usual I have been doing some research and I have
• have been issue is and and I as usual I have been doing<00:15:21.600><c> some</c><00:15:22.079><c> research
• c> and</c><00:15:22.680><c> I</c><00:15:22.759><c> have</c><00:15:22.920><c> some</c> doing some research
• and I have some doing some research and I have some opinions<00:15:23.639><c> on</c><00:15:23.920><c

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 01:45 SB 245 Discussion 02:20 SB 245 Roll Call Vote 04:12 SB 112 Discussion 05:25 SB 8 Discussion 25:20, 958, all

Summary: The Natural Resources Committee first approved the minutes from the prior meeting and then took up Senate Bill 245, which would give the legislature more authority to review appointments to the Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission and clarify language about commissioners serving before confirmation. The sponsor said the bill was meant to allow a deeper background review and prevent unconfirmed appointees from voting on budget matters. The bill was adopted with a sub and title amendment, and Senator Boswell explained his yes vote as a way to ensure timely and proper confirmation votes in the future. The committee then discussed Senate Bill 112, concerning fishing on privately owned lakes and ponds. Senator Boswell argued that landowners should be able to fish on their own property without a license and should control fish harvest on private waters, while still requiring permission for others to fish. Commissioner Rich Storm opposed the proposal, saying landowners already may fish on their property, warning that the bill could reduce fishing-license revenue and federal grant support, and noting the department’s work stocking fish, maintaining access, and funding conservation programs. Senator Webb said he was exploring possible compromise language, and other members raised concerns about pay lakes, youth access, and potential abuse of exemptions. Boswell ultimately withdrew the bill voluntarily, and the committee agreed not to vote on it that day. Finally, the committee heard a discussion-only presentation on Senate Bill 8, focused on long-term energy policy and the role of the Public Service Commission. The sponsor said Kentucky needs a broader energy strategy to address growing demand from new industries such as large data centers, grid capacity limits, and the need for expertise and possibly different pay scales to recruit qualified staff. Members responded positively to the discussion, noting the importance of the PSC and the need for continued work on the issue, but no vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, you know, it seems like folks did a great deal of research, and I appreciate that.
• Assembly Bill 4014 establishes a social media research center at a four-year public institution of higher
• I went home and did my homework and researched all the other states, and in New Jersey and Wyoming I
• And I think there's some research from Princeton University that attempts to support that.
• And I think there's some research from Princeton University that attempts to support that.

Keywords: 1146, all