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ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The commission oversees the interstate operation of investor-owned electric, gas, water, and telecommunications
Summary:
The committee began with a general fund update from Legislative Services, which reviewed the latest green sheet, explained where to find budget information and hearing schedules online, and noted that JFAC actions had updated the FY 2026 and FY 2027 ending balance estimates. Members asked about tracking workgroup progress and were told to consult analysts and workgroup members rather than circulate a public daily summary. The update also noted several bills moving between chambers, including House bills 503, 556, 684, 737, and 759, and Senate Bill 1226.
The committee then considered and approved several agency budgets and supplemental requests. The Idaho State Tax Commission budget was reconsidered and approved with a revised FY 2027 motion that removed funding for the chief operating officer salary and set aside funding for property tax education, tax automation, fast tax collection services, seasonal employees, replacement items, and OITS hardware; accompanying language restricted the fast tax collection money to that purpose and required any unused amount to revert to the general fund. The Office of Information Technology Services received approval for FY 2026 supplemental funding for Chinden campus furnishings and the E-CORE grant, and FY 2027 enhancements for enterprise security, the E-CORE continuation, and the final IT modernization transfer of 58 positions from Health and Welfare, along with cash-transfer language tied to SWICAP costs. The Military Division’s request for indirect cost recovery funds passed, but a proposed add-on for the state education assistance program failed. The Industrial Commission and Public Utilities Commission budgets also passed with dedicated-fund increases for IRIS maintenance, training, disability fund costs, and replacement hardware.
The Department of Fish and Game budget was approved with a large package of dedicated and federal fund enhancements for fishery habitat work, Good Neighbor Authority projects, hatchery and lab inflation, temporary employees, wolf depredation response, communications, and equipment replacement, along with reappropriation authority. The Department of Health and Welfare’s Division of Public Health Services drew the most debate: one motion would have funded home visiting, immunization assessment restoration, lab testing, ARPA grants, HIV and hepatitis prevention, and related items, while a substitute motion sought to keep some funding but move the home visiting program to Early Learning and Development and restore additional public health items. Both motions failed, leaving that budget unresolved in committee. The meeting ended with new language for the State Controller and State Treasurer requiring monthly cash reconciliations between Luma and TATERS, reporting to JFAC and LSO, and retention of supporting documentation for audit purposes. The committee adjourned after being reminded that budget setting would continue through the week and that Monday’s agenda would include education, administration, building fund, and lottery budgets.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Feb 24th, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Contrast that with Scandinavia, where electric ferries charge as they load before crossing the water.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Keywords:
transportation bonds, general obligation bonds, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, highway funding, road construction, infrastructure financing, motor fuel tax, gas tax, vehicle fees, bond authorization, state finance committee, highway bond retirement fund, corridor projects, interstate improvements, right-of-way acquisition, public-private partnerships, transportation capital projects, local matching funds, emergency clause
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Contrast that with Scandinavia, where electric ferries charge as they load before crossing the water.
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee held public hearings on three bills: SB 6225, a proposed substitute bond bill authorizing transportation funding bonds; SB 6005, the proposed substitute supplemental transportation budget; and SB 6354, a bill to expand access to electric vehicles through limited direct sales by qualifying EV-only manufacturers and changes to the documentary service fee. Staff explained that SB 6225 would authorize $1.1 billion in general obligation bonds, an additional $400 million for selected Move Ahead Washington highway projects, a $500 million increase in SR 520 bond authority, and the expiration of some older unused bond authorizations. For SB 6005, staff described a $17.5 billion supplemental budget with $1.5 billion in new funding, including reappropriations, preservation and maintenance spending, ferry investments, Climate Commitment Act-related adjustments, and a six-year balanced plan through 2031. For SB 6354, staff outlined the direct-sales framework for qualifying EV manufacturers, dealer licensing requirements, penalties for violations, and a fee increase that would direct revenue to EV rebates and multimodal transportation.
Testimony on the budget and bond bills was broadly supportive from transit, local government, labor, construction, ports, and climate advocates, who praised preservation funding, ferry investments, safety programs, EV charging, rail electrification, and flood-response or local project funding. Several witnesses asked for specific project or account changes, including support for Skagit Transit, Day Road and Poplar Way bridge-related funding, Spokane TMC operating support, Kent corridor funding, and additional rail capital projects. Some speakers also urged more Climate Commitment Act funding for EV rebates, charging, and rail electrification, while others warned against deeper cuts to local programs and stressed the need for long-term preservation and bonding to stabilize the system.
Testimony on SB 6354 was sharply divided. Rivian, Lucid, and several Washington auto dealers supported the bill as a compromise that would allow limited direct sales for EV-only manufacturers while preserving franchise protections and generating revenue for EV rebates. Climate advocates supported the bill as a way to accelerate EV adoption and asked that more of the fee revenue go to instant rebates for low-income buyers. In opposition, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and Honda argued the bill creates unequal rules, weakens the franchise system, and was not the product of a true compromise. The committee announced that SB 6225 and SB 6005 would be in executive session Thursday at 8 a.m., with amendments due by noon the prior day, while SB 6354 would be scheduled for executive action later.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- And the reason why this took so long is because we wanted to make sure that the Idaho Water Users Association
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
ID
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- example, if you have a development in a particular area, a lot of times you need to upgrade sewer, water
Committee:
Senate Revenue and Taxation
Keywords:
income tax, tax rates, revenue certification, Oklahoma Tax Commission, state budget, education, tax credit, school choice, private school, tuition assistance, income limits, parental choice, accreditation, insurance, taxation, premium, home office credit, healthcare, teacher tax credit, income tax credit
Summary:
The Revenue and Taxation Committee met and considered several bills. Senate Bill 1776, by Senator Pugh, would create a $10,000 refundable tax credit for teachers with seven consecutive years of service, as part of a teacher retention strategy; after questions about the seven-year threshold, it passed 8-3. Senate Bill 1858, by Senator Frix, would create a new TIF district financing option allowing developers, rather than cities or counties, to borrow against projected TIF revenues; the committee adopted an amendment changing a filing provision from “may” to “shall,” and the bill passed 7-4. Senate Bill 1985, by Senator Guthrie, would let state retirement systems consider limited investments in regulated digital assets, capped at 5% and narrowed to large-market-cap assets; the committee added an amendment inserting “in” to clarify the language, and the bill passed 9-2.
The committee then rejected Senate Bill 1302, by Senator Kirt, which would repeal the “path to zero” trigger tied to future income tax cuts; it failed 2-9 after debate over fiscal stability and tax relief. Senate Bill 1809, by Senator Hamilton, would raise the homestead exemption from $1,000 to $5,000; members debated its impact on local governments and school funding, but it passed 9-2. Senate Bill 1401, by Senator Rader, was amended to adjust the insurance premium tax rate from 1.96% to 2.16% and eliminate the home office premium tax credit; the bill was laid over after concerns about its fiscal impact.
Finally, Senate Bill 2053, also by Senator Rader, would allow cities and counties to impose up to a 10% excise tax on medical marijuana dispensaries by local vote, with OTC handling collections and enforcement; supporters framed it as local control and a way to offset public safety costs, while opponents argued it unfairly targeted dispensaries and consumers. The bill passed 7-3. The committee then adjourned and announced it would meet again the following Monday after floor activity.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Feb 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- with property owners or businesses, really commercial businesses, who are becoming more energy or water
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 283, a workforce housing bill that would let local governments designate housing shortage areas and use metropolitan redevelopment tools, including property tax stabilization, to encourage construction and preservation of “missing middle” housing. Supporters said it would preserve local control, increase supply, and help teachers, nurses, first responders, and young workers afford housing. Opponents raised concerns about gentrification, redevelopment in neighborhoods, and whether the affordability requirements were strong enough. After questions about local designation, affordability percentages, and the 14-year term, the committee passed the Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee substitute for SB 283 on an 8-0 vote.
The committee then considered HB 103, which would keep the residential property tax cap in place when zoning changes occur, so long as the property’s use remains residential. Supporters argued the bill would protect homeowners from tax spikes caused by rezoning and preserve stability for seniors and families. Committee discussion focused on how zoning changes affect valuation, what counts as an upzone, and how assessors currently apply the law. The bill passed on a 6-1 vote.
HB 200, a starter-home incentive bill, was heard next. The bill would provide zero-interest loans through the Mortgage Finance Authority to reduce the cost of newly built starter homes, with higher subsidy amounts in Santa Fe, Taos, and Los Alamos. Supporters said it would help young families, retirees, and first-time buyers and encourage construction of smaller homes. Several senators questioned whether the subsidy would simply raise prices, whether the loan structure was the best tool, and whether the program would work equally well across the state. The committee vote ended in a tie, so the bill was held and placed at the top of the next agenda.
The committee also passed HB 154 and HB 285 by unanimous votes. HB 154 was approved 6-1 after little discussion. HB 285, a veterans property tax cleanup bill, clarifies how exemptions apply when more than one veteran in a household has a disability rating; it passed 7-0. HB 165, which expands the C-PACE program to include certain economic development projects working through industrial revenue bond arrangements, also passed 8-0 after sponsors said the change was an oversight fix. After HB 165, the committee lost quorum and recessed, with remaining items bumped to the next meeting.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 12th, 2026 at 06:45 pm
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and I don't know that I could describe federal immigration policy to you in a way that would hold water
Summary:
The Senate considered and passed several bills, many of them after moving substitutes and suspending the rules to advance them directly to final passage. Second Substitute Senate Bill 6035, dealing with access to voting services for military, overseas, Native American, and disabled voters, was described as a civic engagement measure that would require county auditors and the Secretary of State to work with federally recognized tribes and explore a secure voting portal. Supporters emphasized outreach, access, and helping overseas and disabled voters; opponents raised concerns about online voting security, paper ballot integrity, and emerging technologies. The bill passed 38-19.
Substitute Senate Bill 6034, which statutorily establishes the Governor’s Office on Indian Affairs, passed unanimously 49-0 after supporters said it would formally anchor an office that has existed for decades and better reflect the state’s government-to-government relationship with tribes. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6247, on school district financial management and training, also passed 49-0 after an amendment was adopted to delay implementation and clarify funding for training. Supporters said the bill would help school boards, superintendents, and ESDs identify districts sliding toward financial distress and improve fiscal oversight.
The Senate also passed Senate Bill 5922, giving school districts more flexibility to transfer unused school bus depreciation funds when declining enrollment means replacement buses may not be needed, and Senate Bill 6278, requiring ongoing review of teacher and principal preparation programs so training better matches classroom needs; both passed with broad support. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6246, concerning emissions-intensive, trade-exposed facilities under the Climate Commitment Act, drew the most extended debate and passed 27-22 after a striking amendment was adopted and a proposed reporting amendment was rejected. Supporters said it creates a framework for future emissions allowance reductions while protecting jobs and competitiveness; opponents warned it would drive mills and other industrial employers out of Washington. The Senate also passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5906, the SAFE Act limiting ICE access to non-public areas of schools, colleges, health care facilities, daycares, and similar sites without a warrant, after adopting amendments related to model policies and union notification; supporters framed it as a safety and due process measure, while opponents called it an attempt to obstruct federal law enforcement. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5905, addressing PERS membership for certain port workers in federal railroad retirement plans, passed 49-0 as a technical pension fix.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I've been showing up at their facilities, whether it's the local water association.
Committee:
Senate Senate Finance
Keywords:
telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion, rural internet, broadband infrastructure, eligible telecommunications carrier, ETC, tribal consent
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Feb 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Every pair of jeans takes ridiculous amounts of water to produce.
Summary:
The Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee held public hearings on two producer-responsibility bills and then a work session on consumer electrical equipment. On SB 6271, which would create an extended producer responsibility program for mattresses, staff explained the bill’s requirements for a producer responsibility organization, collection and recycling targets, reporting, and enforcement. Senator Hunt said the measure would reduce landfill burden and illegal dumping while creating recycling jobs. Local governments, a recycler, and environmental advocates testified in support, citing landfill capacity concerns, high disposal costs, and the potential to recover most mattress materials. Retail and industry groups said they support the goal but opposed the bill as drafted, arguing it differs from existing state models and could create unnecessary cost and administrative burden. The hearing closed with 459 signed in support and 172 opposed.
The committee then heard SB 6174, a proposed substitute on textile producer responsibility that would first require a needs assessment and the creation of a coordinating organization. Supporters, including the sponsor, environmental advocates, Seattle Public Utilities, and a student testifier, described textiles as a fast-growing waste stream with major landfill, pollution, and global labor impacts, and said the needs assessment is an important first step. Opponents from retail, business, apparel, and hospitality groups said they support continued stakeholder work and the needs assessment concept, but raised concerns that the bill still presumes a future EPR program, could impose fees and penalties, and may sweep in retailers and company uniforms in ways that create burdens for small businesses. The hearing closed with 1,253 signed in support and 364 opposed.
In the work session, Jeremiah Miller of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory briefed the committee on codes and standards for grid-connected and portable solar equipment. He explained how the National Electrical Code, UL certification standards, and IEEE interconnection standards work together, and described newer supplemental standards such as UL 3141 for power control systems and UL 3700 for portable or plug-in solar. Members asked about safety, certification timing, and how Washington could allow these products while ensuring proper installation and consumer protection. Miller said UL 3700 is very new and not yet widely certified in the market, but that the current code framework can accommodate certified products while standards continue to evolve. The committee took no votes and adjourned after the work session.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- operations, there's a number of programs within their budget, including the Supreme Court, district court, water
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Rules
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- buildings or land, or using those monies for natural resource projects, like fighting fires, building water
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Human Resources
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/29/26 - Finance Advisory Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- are proposing to add a daily $3.50 short-term rental surcharge, a DWR 1-cent-per-gallon data center water
Summary:
The Finance Advisory Committee met for its January session to review Arizona revenue and economic conditions ahead of the budget process. JLBC staff presented the January baseline, noting projected positive cash balances through FY 2029 and about $577 million to $578 million in discretionary capacity, but also highlighting major unfunded items not included in the baseline, including federal tax conformity costs, ongoing one-time spending for state employee health insurance and school facility repairs, and administrative costs tied to H.R. 1. Staff also reviewed revenue trends by category, saying FY26 general fund revenues were running above forecast overall, with strength in retail, restaurants and bars, and individual income tax payments, while contracting and utility-related collections were weaker or flat. They also compared JLBC and executive revenue assumptions and discussed the executive’s proposed revenue changes, including border reimbursement assumptions, sports betting tax changes, data center-related tax and fee proposals, and other non-general fund measures.
A major topic was income tax conformity with recent federal tax law changes. Staff explained that current Department of Revenue forms assume “straight conformity,” but the governor’s proposal and vetoed SB 1106 do not fully match those forms, creating possible amendment and timing issues for taxpayers and the department if the legislature adopts a different policy. Members also discussed the difficulty of forecasting revenues amid volatile monthly collections and uncertainty over how much of the current revenue strength will persist in the second half of the fiscal year.
Danny Court of Elliott Pollack gave a broader national and state economic outlook, arguing that the U.S. has avoided recession despite several warning indicators, largely because of AI and data center investment, while employment growth has softened and inflation remains above the Fed’s target. He said Arizona remains relatively resilient, with strong population and job pipelines, but faces housing affordability constraints, slowing employment growth, and a more concentrated population forecast in the Phoenix area. Panelists generally agreed that Arizona remains in better shape than many states, though they cautioned that job growth is slowing, population estimates may be revised, and budget and revenue forecasts should be treated carefully given uncertainty in the data. No votes or formal actions were taken.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-29 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Commerce and Economic Development Jan 28th, 2026 at 02:54 pm
House Commerce & Economic Development Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So my question, and I don't mean it to sound like I'm throwing water on your idea, because I'm probably
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- We added $30 million last year for water infrastructure projects.
Committee:
Senate Education
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 1227, which would direct the State Board of Education to develop a statewide framework for generative AI in K-12 schools and require local districts to adopt related policies. Senator Cook said the bill is meant to promote AI literacy, transparency, privacy, and human oversight without mandating AI use, replacing teachers, or collecting new student data. Committee members asked about facial recognition, student data, parental opt-out, and age-appropriate use; Cook and supportive witnesses said existing privacy law covers data concerns, local districts would handle opt-out questions, and the framework is intended to start early with age-appropriate instruction. Testimony in support came from the Workforce Development Council, Idaho Education Technology Association, St. Luke’s Health System, Idaho PTA, and others, who said the bill would help prepare students for future jobs while protecting privacy and keeping humans in charge. The committee voted to send Senate Bill 1227 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then received a budget briefing from Joint Finance Appropriations Committee staff on public school support and higher education. Analysts explained that the public school budget is driven largely by support units and the Public Education Stabilization Fund, and that the governor’s FY27 recommendation is about $152 million below the agency request, with reductions tied to statutory population adjustments, Idaho Digital Learning Academy, virtual school transportation, and supplemental learning funds. They also noted recent enrollment declines and discussed how policy changes affect school funding. In higher education, staff outlined a combined $753 million request for colleges and universities, with the governor recommending about $11.5 million in rescissions across the institutions, plus separate health education programs totaling $30.4 million and recommended enhancements for 15 GME residents and fellows, including family medicine and psychiatry.
JFAC staff also reviewed the state’s broader fiscal picture, saying ongoing revenues are not keeping pace with ongoing appropriations and that the legislature may need to rely on one-time money or policy changes to restore structural balance. They discussed the impact of tax conformity legislation, revenue forecast changes, and the growth of major budget areas such as public schools and Medicaid over the past decade. Committee members asked follow-up questions about enrollment trends, university enrollment weighting, rescissions, Medicaid expansion costs, and the effect of prior tax policy decisions. No votes were taken on the budget presentations, and the meeting adjourned after the informational briefing.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't want to muddy the waters, but I do want to reference it.
Summary:
The Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee met on January 27 and first took executive action on three bills. House Bill 2311, which makes administrative changes to the Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board, was reported out with a do pass recommendation after the Leavitt amendment was withdrawn; supporters emphasized transparency, accountability, and student success metrics, while one member opposed moving it forward and urged more interim work. House Bill 2324, which extends tuition waiver access for children of eligible veterans when a disability determination occurs after age 18, passed unanimously. House Bill 288, the Dietitian Licensure Compact, was amended to delay implementation until July 1, 2028 and then passed unanimously as a substitute bill; members cited workforce shortages and the value of broader licensure portability.
The committee then held public hearings on several bills. House Bill 2422 would shift private security guard licensing fees from individual guards to their employers, eliminate transfer fees, and penalize companies that require reimbursement; the sponsor and workers testified that the current system burdens low-wage guards and contributes to high turnover, while some members asked about whether fees could instead be lowered or eliminated. House Bill 2438 would create the SEEDS scholarship for early childhood education students using up to $10 million from the GET account if it remains sufficiently funded; the sponsor described it as a targeted test of surplus GET funds to address early learning workforce shortages, and testimony from educators, providers, and advocacy groups strongly supported it, while WASAC said the bill may need technical changes to avoid conflicts with existing 529 rules.
The committee also heard House Bill 2525, which would create a WSU heritage orchard program and registry for old or rare apple varieties; the sponsor and industry witnesses said it would preserve agricultural history, support research, and aid future breeding and education. Finally, House Bill 2586 would align Passport to Careers with federal financial aid formulas and automatically deem Passport-eligible youth financially needy for the Washington College Grant; the sponsor and WASAC said it would help foster youth and homeless students access aid earlier and more predictably, and multiple students and advocates testified in strong support. No final action was taken on the bills heard in public testimony during this portion of the meeting.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Education Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- students remain connected to school, supportive adults, and opportunities for success, even when the water
Summary:
The committee first took executive action on House Bill 1662, which would require the State Board of Education, the Professional Educator Standards Board, the Financial Education Public-Private Partnership, and the Washington State Charter School Commission to make separate administrative arrangements and operate independently. Staff explained a proposed third substitute that delays implementation to July 1, 2027, clarifies independent agency status, and directs OFM and OSPI to support the transition. The prime sponsor and another member spoke in favor, emphasizing agency independence and better use of funds. The committee approved the bill 19-0 and reported the proposed third substitute out with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then acted on House Bill 1683, which sets minimum numbers of school directors elected by director district for certain school districts. The substitute changed the enrollment thresholds, clarified the effective date, and removed intent language. Supporters argued it would improve parent and student representation; opponents said it would create an unfunded mandate and micromanage local districts. The committee passed the substitute 11-8 and reported it out with a due pass recommendation.
In public hearing, House Bill 2534 was heard first. The bill would expand enrollment flexibility and record-transfer protections for military-connected students, including allowing enrollment before arrival, extending proof-of-residence timelines, and adding protections for students with IEPs or 504 plans. District, military, and advocacy witnesses generally supported the bill as promoting stability, though some asked for changes to a proposed 30-day reevaluation timeline and noted possible compact-related issues. The hearing then moved to House Bill 2557, which would require school districts to provide special education evaluation reports to parents at least five school days before eligibility meetings. Supporters said this would help families prepare and participate meaningfully; district and special education staff warned it could shorten already tight evaluation timelines and create implementation challenges. The committee suspended and later closed the hearing on that bill after time ran out, with the chair noting it could be eligible for executive action the following week.
The final public hearing was on House Bill 2594, which would codify McKinney-Vento homeless student protections into state law, assign related duties to OSPI and school districts, and require periodic state reporting. The sponsor and numerous advocates, school district staff, PTA representatives, and individuals with lived experience testified in support, saying it would improve stability, accountability, and access to education for homeless students. One witness asked that grant funding explicitly include community-based organizations. The hearing closed after a large number of pro and some con sign-ins, and the chair also closed the hearing on House Bill 2557, noting amendment deadlines and that the bills could be eligible for executive action the next week.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/27/2026 - House Regulatory Oversight
House Regulatory Oversight Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- I didn't learn how to swim until I was nine years old because submerging my body in public water was
Summary:
The committee met for its first hearing of the session, took roll, introduced members and staff, and reviewed committee rules and amendment deadlines. The chair also announced that video recording would not be allowed in the room and set the order and speaking limits for the day’s bills.
The committee heard HB 2248, the Arizona Medical Freedom Act, which would bar governmental entities, businesses, schools, and ticket issuers from denying employment, entry, services, or participation based on whether a person has or has not received a medical intervention. Supporters framed it as protecting bodily autonomy, parental rights, and freedom from medical discrimination. Opponents, including physicians, child care and public health advocates, argued the bill was overly broad and could undermine vaccination policies, school and child care illness controls, and protections for immunocompromised people. The bill passed on a 3-2 vote.
The committee then heard HB 2086, which would prohibit governmental entities and businesses from requiring vaccination or masks/face coverings, with limited exceptions for workplace safety and infection control. Supporters said it would prevent government coercion and protect individual liberty and business freedom; opponents warned it would interfere with private business decisions and public health measures. After testimony and debate over the scope of the bill and the relevance of Jacobson v. Massachusetts, the committee approved HB 2086 on a 3-2 vote.
Finally, the committee considered HB 2688, which would require the Arizona Department of Administration to identify state budget positions vacant for at least 150 days and direct budget units to eliminate those positions each fiscal year, with some exceptions such as Corrections and DPS. The sponsor said the bill was intended to reduce waste and prevent vacant positions from functioning as slush funds, while critics raised concerns about hard-to-fill specialized roles. The committee passed HB 2688 on a 3-2 vote and then adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I didn't learn how to swim until I was nine years old because submerging my body in public water was
Committee:
House Regulatory Oversight