Transcript Highlights:

• They put residents, small businesses, and first responders at risk, especially when emergency vehicles
• traditional vehicles.
• To start, I'd like to share a number. That number is 288.
• We're addressing autonomous vehicles.
• We're addressing autonomous vehicles.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if it's an EV and a personal vehicle, they can choose something there. Maybe it's hydrogen.
• Share votes. I on the subject of Senate Bill 140 passing with amendments. Chair votes I.
• sharing sharing program<01:21:48.639> and<01:21:48.840> first<01:21:49.120> up<
• <01:23:09.880> votes a any discussion share votes a any discussion share votes I<01:23:12.080
• <01:24:40.280> program<01:24:41.280> on cost sharing program on cost sharing program

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered SB 1023, which would create a spay-neuter special fund to reduce pet overpopulation and free-roaming cats, with funding sources including an income tax checkoff. The Department of Taxation had no substantive comment, while the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supported the measure but opposed any trap-neuter-release or re-release approach, saying spay-neuter is important but release does not reduce cats on the landscape. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about creating another special fund and tax checkoff, saying the fund may not meet statutory criteria and could create administrative burdens. The Hawaiian Humane Society strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently provides little funding for animal overpopulation control and that the measure would help nonprofits and align conservation and animal welfare goals. Several other supporters testified, including a cat sanctuary representative who described the need for a dedicated funding mechanism and a possible Oahu sanctuary to remove cats from sensitive areas. After questions about the effectiveness of trap-neuter-release and the need for alternative management tools, the committees voted to recommend passage with amendments, including blanking appropriation amounts, moving them into the committee report, setting the effective date to July 1, 2050, and noting Budget and Finance concerns; the recommendations were adopted in both committees, with some members voting with reservations. The hearing then moved to SB 1120, relating to transportation and a clean fuel standard. The Department of Transportation said it supported the intent but wanted more information on economic impacts. Electrify America and Neste supported the bill, saying a clean fuel standard would help finance EV charging, encourage investment, and expand lower-carbon fuel options such as renewable diesel. In response to questions from senators about rural and agricultural transportation needs, witnesses said the standard could support both electrification where feasible and cleaner liquid fuels in the interim for equipment that cannot yet be electrified. DOT also described county transit efforts and said it was working with Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island on assessments for zero-emission bus replacement and charging infrastructure. The committees also heard testimony on SB 586, relating to climate change and zero-emission buses by 2045, with the State Procurement Office supporting the intent but suggesting the language be moved to a different statute; DOT said it was providing pass-through funding to counties and had some zero-emission bus purchases and charging stations on order. The discussion emphasized infrastructure costs and implementation challenges, but no final vote on SB 1120 or SB 586 was described in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to share some thoughts on House File 5.
• Speaking for LUNA, we support making electric vehicle drivers pay their fair share by increasing the
• <00:48:45.040> drivers support making Electric Vehicle drivers support making Electric Vehicle
• need to make sure that whether vehicles need to make sure that whether vehicles are<00:51:12.640
• in our roads but me and my gas vehicle in our roads but me and my gas vehicle did<00:51:52.520><

Bills: HF5

Keywords: tax modification, transportation funding, electric vehicle tax, Social Security subtraction, retail delivery fee, motor vehicle registration, state budget, transportation policy, 1183, house

Summary: The Transportation Committee resumed consideration of House File 5, which would reduce transportation-related revenues while also providing tax relief, including a subtraction for Social Security income, elimination of the delivery fee, and a cap on automatic gas tax indexing. The committee adopted the A1 author’s amendment, which added the phrase “using existing resources,” and then proceeded to public testimony. Representative Joy described the bill as making Minnesota more affordable, while several members and testifiers raised concerns about the impact on transportation funding and road maintenance. MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Doppenberg testified that reductions in planned transportation investments would worsen pavement, bridge, and roadway conditions, reduce construction projects and jobs, and add to an already large funding gap. Committee discussion focused on the estimated revenue losses from the bill, including about $45 million in fiscal year 2026 and $55 million annually from repealing the delivery fee, plus additional losses from capping gas tax indexing, for a combined transportation revenue reduction of about $131 million in the 2026-27 biennium. Members also asked about bridge aesthetics, paint, transit impacts, and whether other mandates and cost increases should be considered alongside revenue reductions. Supporters of the delivery fee repeal, including the Minnesota Grocers Association and Minnesota Retailers Association, argued the fee is costly to administer, confusing to consumers, and disproportionately burdens small businesses and lower-income or disabled consumers who rely on delivery. The Minnesota Association of Townships and the Minnesota Transportation Alliance emphasized that rural and local governments face major road and bridge funding needs and warned that reducing revenue would shift costs to property taxpayers or leave projects unfunded. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the committee continued with testimony and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• You matter what kind of vehicle you got.
• So, I just say we vehicle worthy at all.
• or the safety of others outside the vehicle.
• today and the safety systems in the vehicle today.
• today and the safety systems in the vehicle today.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• During the summer, it's a very heavily traveled area, over 17,000 vehicles per day.
• Currently, it operates as a two-lane facility carrying over 14,000 vehicles per day.
• and sharing those of others as well.
• Organ donor transport vehicles are not on... Organ donor transport vehicles are not on that list.
• Blood donation vehicles are, which is, I know, kind of a strange thing.

Bills: HB2067, HB2068, HB2127, HB2164, HB2200, HB2201, HB2242, HB2283, HB2284, HB2285, HB2286, HB2287, HB2304, HB2306, HB2399, HB2601, HB2609, HB2760, HB2761, HB2859, HB2887, HB2892, HB2893, HB2894, HB2978, HB4027, HCM2012, HCM2016

Keywords: appropriation, transportation, infrastructure, Apache Junction, funding, Show Low, road extension, special license plates, nonprofits, charitable contributions, Reay Lane, Graham County, HB 2200, State Route 89, SR 89, Chino Valley, Arizona Department of Transportation, ADOT, road widening, highway expansion

Summary: The committee heard an ADOT presentation on Interstate 11, SR 347, the I-10 Wild Horse Pass corridor, and the I-40/US 93 West Kingman project. ADOT said the I-11 corridor remains under a federal lawsuit covering the full 280-mile route from Mexico to Nevada, with a Tier 1 reevaluation underway and public outreach expected later in the year, concluding in early 2027. ADOT said segmentation of the corridor would add time and cost, and that current work is limited to pre-NOI Tier 2 activities and other allowed planning steps. For SR 347, ADOT described widening, intersection upgrades, two grade separations, and a schedule that could begin construction in summer pending clearances. For I-10, ADOT outlined four widening projects adding a third lane each way, interchange reconstructions, a new interchange at Coley Road, and corridor-wide freeway management systems, with completion expected by late 2029. For the West Kingman I-40/US 93 project, ADOT said the $106.5 million project is about 60% complete and should finish in early 2027; members asked about temporary traffic control near Beale Street and possible additional signage or signals on the corridor. Members also raised local traffic and safety concerns on the SR 347 and I-10 projects, including signal timing, median barriers, construction hours, truck traffic, and the need for clearer driver education and digital signs. ADOT said it would look into signal optimization, possible temporary fixes, and additional signage, and noted the I-10 corridor total cost is just under $1 billion, funded through a mix of MAG, federal, and state money. On I-40, members also discussed a possible temporary traffic light near Beale Street to improve safety and access. The committee then moved to a series of transportation appropriation bills and announced a mass-motion process for the projects. Staff explained HB 2067 for Apache Junction ($29.4 million), HB 2068 for the Wolford Road extension in Show Low ($6.5 million), HB 2164 for Ray Lane improvements in Graham County ($3.73 million), HB 2200 for SR 89 widening in Chino Valley ($36 million, contingent on a $1 million local commitment), HB 2201 for Sedona SR 89A/Forest Road/Ranger Road projects ($8.03 million), and HB 2304, the ARTEC bill, which appropriates about $473 million for multiple highway projects statewide. Witnesses from Show Low, Eloy, Coolidge, Casa Grande, Lake Havasu City, Clarkdale, San Luis, Yuma, and Yavapai County testified in support of their local projects, emphasizing congestion relief, freight movement, emergency evacuation, safety, economic development, and local matching funds. No final votes were taken in the portion provided; the chair indicated the committee would proceed with a mass motion on the project bills after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if I may, there are no missing vehicles. There are no lost vehicles.
• And if I may, there are no missing vehicles. There are no lost vehicles.
• But I'd take a little comfort in the fact that there are no lost vehicles.
• I love that the expertise that each of you shared here is a benefit to your visits.
• They do have 189 vehicles.

Summary: The subcommittee met to review agency travel, budget reduction exercises, and member reports from agency meetings. Early discussion focused on the Department of Management Services (DMS), where members questioned the cost of travel for four out-of-state data/cyber staff and the secretary’s absence. DMS defended the hires as highly specialized enterprise cybersecurity and data personnel, said the positions were lawfully paid and posted, and explained that the staff work on statewide data cataloging and cyber risk reduction rather than agency-by-agency systems. Members also raised concerns about fleet inventory discrepancies and requested follow-up information on hiring, travel, and data inventory timelines. The chair said she would consider travel guardrails and possible reductions, and noted that DMS, the Lottery, and the Florida Commission on Human Relations did not meet the requested reduction target, while the Public Employee Relations Commission did not submit reductions. The committee then heard from the Florida Lottery about the secretary’s trip to Paris for the World Lottery Convention. Lottery staff said the trip was reimbursed through the multi-state lottery organization and was intended to share best practices and improve operations, though members questioned the value of the travel and requested reimbursement records and the trip agenda. The subcommittee also reviewed agency reduction exercises from several agencies. The Department of Revenue exceeded its target and was praised for frugality; DFS, the Florida Gaming Control Commission, the Office of Financial Regulation, the Office of Insurance Regulation, the Public Service Commission, the Division of Administrative Hearings, and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation each described how they met or approached their reduction goals, often through vacancies, reversions, or expense cuts. OIR warned that further reductions could hurt insurance regulation capacity, while OFR and PSC said their reductions were based on historical reversions and lower post-COVID travel or vacancy levels. Members then reported back on agency meetings. DMS members raised fleet tracking, real property audits, salary studies, and health plan savings ideas, and asked for follow-up on the Florida PALM project, cybersecurity grants, and state IT modernization. DFS members said the agency was efficient and that its Palm-related work and insurance consumer programs were important. Lottery members emphasized the agency’s revenue generation for education and its low administrative overhead. Gaming Control members highlighted storage costs for seized gaming equipment and suggested technology-based alternatives. PERC members said a union-related law had doubled their workload and asked for more staffing and possible AI assistance. OIR members stressed the need for a Tampa satellite office and more resources to recruit and retain specialized staff. The chair closed by saying the committee would continue reviewing travel, staffing, and reductions with an eye toward taxpayer value and transparency.

Transcript Highlights:

• renewals driven by vehicle sales.
• As for the motor vehicle account funded departments, As for the motor vehicle account funded departments
• renewals driven by vehicle sales.
• You heard me share with the LAO.
• You know, you know how many vehicles, I know you have a report on your desk that says how many vehicles

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on the Governor’s May Revision proposals for labor, public safety/judiciary, and transportation, and no votes were taken. In Part A on labor, the Employment Development Department reviewed proposals for EDD Next document management system funding, updated UI loan interest costs, disability insurance and paid family leave benefit and administration adjustments, WIOA funding changes, UI administrative and benefit changes, school employee benefit adjustments, an EMT training reappropriation, and a technical correction tied to EDD Next. PERB discussed funding tied to AB 28 and AB 1, including litigation-related workload and new jurisdiction over legislative employees. DIR presented proposals for legal unit reclassifications, two major IT modernization projects, a new Cal/OSHA emerging technologies unit, a COIA reappropriation, and trailer bill language on electronic assessment payments and the DWC director salary cap. CalHR proposed additional funding for a consolidated employee assistance program contract, and CalPERS and CalSTRS presented budget adjustments tied to investment costs and state contribution changes. Members focused heavily on UI debt and interest payments, asking the administration for a plan to reduce the outstanding loan and relieve employers. Finance said no specific repayment plan was included in the May Revision, while LAO said the state’s UI tax structure is structurally insufficient and that any debt payoff should be paired with tax-system reform. Senators also questioned EDD Next costs and timelines, PERB’s caseload and staffing needs, and DIR’s emerging technologies unit, with LAO noting that the unit would appear focused on physical workplace safety rather than broader AI labor issues. CalHR said the new EAP contract would consolidate services, improve access to clinicians, and lower costs relative to the current model. CalPERS defended higher external management fees as part of a strategy to pursue higher net returns, while some members pressed for more transparency about private investments; CalSTRS said it was not prepared to address investment-strategy questions at this hearing. Public comment in Part A was dominated by advocates urging support for an immigration enforcement emergency relief fund, along with comments supporting the Jails to Jobs proposal, the Apprenticeship Innovation Fund, and additional PERB funding. The chair noted that many of the immigration-related requests might fall under other committees and said staff would follow up. In Part B, Finance and LAO outlined judicial branch and DOJ May Revision items, including funding for court interpreter services, appellate court security, lactation room implementation delays, courthouse construction reappropriations, and DOJ budget increases. LAO recommended approving the language-access proposal with a report on reducing interpreter cost growth and reducing the General Fund backfill for state court facilities by $10 million on an ongoing basis.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas and Taiwan have shared a sister state relationship.
• The Department of License and Regulations and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles regarding vehicles
• Still, the titles remain active and vehicle-ready.
• For certain motor vehicles. Senator West is recognized for a motion. So moved.
• just share it with them.

Bills: SB393, SB731, SB801, SB867, SB1232, SB1798, SB2082, SB2717, SB2919, SB3074, HJR133, HB2, HB18, HB24, HB26, HB35, HB43, HB49, HB75, HB103, HB120, HB126, HB143, HB163, HB180, HB216, HB413, HB647, HB700, HB748, HB851, HB1422, HB1445, HB1481, HB1545, HB1562, HB1586, HB1732, HB1828, HB1851, HB1916, HB1991, HB2014, HB2026, HB2038, HB2067, HB2193, HB2282, HB2293, HB2310, HB2464, HB2508, HB2516, HB2518, HB2524, HB2530, HB2674, HB2713, HB2715, HB2974, HB3016, HB3057, HB3062, HB3071, HB3120, HB3161, HB3180, HB3214, HB3234, HB3250, HB3463, HB3512, HB3556, HB3627, HB3680, HB3732, HB3801, HB3824, HB3833, HB3966, HB4044, HB4129, HB4226, HB4230, HB4263, HB4377, HB4384, HB4395, HB4396, HB4535, HB4668, HB4690, HB4751, HB4903, HB5033, HB5149, HB5154, HB5247, HB5331, HB5436, HB5667, HB5688, HB5693, HCR9, HCR40, HCR59, HCR127, SJR5, SB3, SB4, SB9, SB20, SB21, SB23, SB27, SB33, SB34, SB36, SB38, SB40, SB75, SB213, SB269, SB379, SB458, SB528, SB647, SB648, SB650, SB681, SB740, SB777, SB840, SB843, SB924, SB1061, SB1120, SB1121, SB1150, SB1188, SB1198, SB1202, SB1253, SB1318, SB1333, SB1398, SB1405, SB1423, SB1448, SB1535, SB1566, SB1574, SB1621, SB1709, SB1723, SB1789, SB1862, SB2037, SB2078, SB2268, SB2405, SB2406, SB2407, SB2544, SB2570, SB2601, SB2778, SB1, SB17, SB260, SB509, SB1506, SB1637, SB1833, SB2155, SB2308, HB2525, SB1538, SB1749, SB2603, SB3038, SB3062, SB3065, HB24, HB128, HB216, HB388, HB519, HB609, HB685, HB766, HB1237, HB1314, HB1445, HB1458, HB1522, HB1592, HB1606, HB1612, HB1633, HB2011, HB2025, HB2061, HB2259, HB2273, HB2358, HB2421, HB2434, HB2464, HB2518, HB2563, HB2637, HB2697, HB2713, HB2791, HB2856, HB3114, HB3126, HB3161, HB3233, HB3395, HB3424, HB3487, HB3505, HB3510, HB3597, HB3745, HB3803, HB3804, HB3806, HB4224, HB4310, HB4396, HB4738, HB4945, HB5084, HB5155, HB5180, HB5667, HB5686, HCR9, HCR10, HCR135, HCR142, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1234, SB2926, SB2841, SB1528, SB1854, SB317, SB1250, SB2082, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1367, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3036, SB3057, SB3043, SB3063, SB3035, SB203, SB2688, SB2522, SB2459, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB2928, SB2566, SB1749, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1944, SB1232, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB2683, SB1319, SB3038, SB3045, SB1538, SB3071, SB3065, SB3062, HJR133, HB2715, HB3627, HB5033, HB2282, HB26, HB388, HB1633, HB685, HB1606, HB1458, HB2791, HB2061, HB647, HB4738, HB2563, HB128, HB766, HB2259, HB2358, HB4384, HB748, HB5180, HB3806, HB3804, HB3803, HB1522, HB3597, HB1612, HB4224, HB1314, HB1237, HB3126, HB2856, HB3114, HB3505, HB5652, HB2025, HB3395, HB18, HB2516, HB2713, HB24, HB519, HB609, HB1592, HB120, HB2421, HB2273, HB2464, HB5084, HB4396, HB43, HB5686, HB2518, HB4310, HB180, HB3745, HB4044, HB5155, HB5667, HB1445, HB1306, HB2637, HB5436, HB3966, HB2026, HB3487, HB4226, HB216, HB49, HB4112, HB3233, HB2310, HB2674, HB322, HB1481, HB126, HB3062, HB3180, HB2530, HB2524, HB1916, HB5650, HB4894, HB3120, HB1629, HB103, HB3234, HB3680, HB5698, HB3171, HB5693, HB2694, HB5664, HB3732, HB2508, HB2293, HB1991, HB2014, HB5331, HB5247, HB4751, HB4690, HB4668, HB4464, HB4395, HB4063, HB3833, HB3623, HB3214, HB3512, HB3250, HB3016, HB2520, HB2221, HB2213, HB3824, HB2067, HB1732, HB1562, HB700, HB1545, HB252, HB146, HB5596, HB1851, HB3619, HB3071, HB3556, HB851, HB4230, HB5320, HB5651, HB5670, HB5665, HB5437, HB5679, HB5699, HB5661, HB5662, HB5654, HB5672, HB5656, HB5149, HB4903, HB4743, HB4666, HB4377, HB4535, HB4129, HB3812, HB3801, HB3595, HB3057, HB2035, HB721, HB35, HB346, HB2974, HB2512, HB5695, HB5694, HB5671, HB5674, HB5688, HB1586, HB5154, HB2038, HB163, HB413, HB3463, HB3185, HB2761, HB2593, HB2348, HB2073, HB1828, HB1422, HB75, HB1871, HB108, HB2306, HB2017, HB1135, HB144, HB3689, HB5308, HB101, HB2193, HB5666, HB5677, HB5682, HB5680, HB5658, HB5696, HB4144, HB3159, HB3254, HB3866, HB3010, HB4520, HB3642, HB3928, HB3815, HB2686, HB2012, HB1960, HB227, HB654, HB1690, HB2128, HB4158, HB4530, HB4630, HB5659, HB1523, HB2078, HB2427, HB145, HB1973, HB3333, HB3697, HB3546, HB3225, HB3181, HB3133, HB3053, HB2885, HB2820, HB2294, HB2253, HB1661, HB1506, HB1234, HB640, HB621, HB551, HB521, HB493, HB272, HB229, HB223, HB201, HB186, HB119, HB2080, HB2818, HB5394, HB4795, HB4466, HB4454, HB3940, HB3749, HB3151, HB3284, HB1403, HB1106, HB2844, HB2851, HB1500, HB4488, HB4264, HB4, HB4170, HB3909, HB4081, HB4145, HB4157, HB4281, HB4285, HB4463, HB4749, HB4995, HB5081, HB5115, HB5138, HB5624, HB1449, HB3711, HB2598, HB3629, HB4361, HB824, HB1868, HB4848, HB2243, HB40, HB117, HB2313, HB3686, HB500, HB3793, HB112, HB104, HB1056, HB42, HB4486, HB3000, HB100, HB2240, HB718, HB27, HB4904, HB4202, HB2853, HB5129, HB5093, HB4765, HB4748, HB4559, HB4350, HB4214, HB3388, HB3112, HB5196, HB4211, HB3516, HB3092, HB4233, HB4687, HB705, HB1094, HB2037, HB3005, HB3848, HCR141, HCR118, HCR127, HCR40, HCR59, HCR10, HCR135, HCR142, HCR9, HCR76, HCR108, HJR133, HB18, HB35, HB43, HB49, HB75, HB103, HB120, HB163, HB216, HB413, HB647, HB851, HB1422, HB1481, HB1545, HB1562, HB1586, HB1732, HB1828, HB1851, HB1916, HB1991, HB2014, HB2026, HB2067, HB2193, HB2293, HB2310, HB2464, HB2508, HB2524, HB2530, HB2974, HB3062, HB3071, HB3120, HB3180, HB3214, HB3234, HB3250, HB3463, HB3512, HB3680, HB3732, HB3801, HB3824, HB3833, HB4044, HB4129, HB4226, HB4230, HB4377, HB4395, HB4396, HB4535, HB4668, HB4903, HB5149, HB5154, HB5247, HB5331, HB5436, HB5688, HB5693, HB2282, HB2715, HB3627, HB5033, HB2674, HB3556, HCR127, SB3, SB21, SB379, SB1405, SB1538, SB1749, SB3038, SB3062, SB3065, HB24, HB128, HB388, HB519, HB609, HB685, HB766, HB1237, HB1314, HB1445, HB1458, HB1522, HB1592, HB1606, HB1612, HB1633, HB2025, HB2061, HB2259, HB2273, HB2358, HB2421, HB2518, HB2563, HB2637, HB2713, HB2791, HB2856, HB3114, HB3126, HB3233, HB3487, HB3505, HB3597, HB3745, HB3803, HB3804, HB3806, HB4224, HB4310, HB4738, HB5084, HB5155, HB5180, HB5667, HB5686, HCR9, HCR10, HCR135, HCR142, SB2603, HB3395, HB636, HB5655, HB5689, HB5690, HB636, HB5655, HB5689, HB5690

Keywords: SB 393, Sparks, Middleton, local government, political subdivision, public securities, government debt, municipal bonds, general obligation bonds, certificates of obligation, anticipation notes, debt maturity, weighted average maturity, economic life, useful life, tangible personal property, real property improvements, public finance, Texas Government Code, Chapter 1253

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:20.560> their conversation with class to share their conversation with class to share
• <00:14:40.440> one Minnesota and then I'll just share one Minnesota and then I'll just share
• The cost of vehicles, purchasing of new or used vehicles, maintaining vehicles has all skyrocketed.
• inflation the cost of vehicles inflation the cost of vehicles purchasing<01:03:46.079> of
• purchasing of new ve of uh used vehicles purchasing of new ve of uh used vehicles maintaining<01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• God of sacred spaces and shared purpose, the passage in the book of Exodus, of which Jews around the
• May this chamber be worthy of the ancient promise that when we build with integrity and shared purpose
• 00:00:59.520> sacred<00:01:00.000> spaces<00:01:00.800> and<00:01:01.120> shared
• God of sacred spaces and shared purpose. God of sacred spaces and shared purpose.
• Proceedings Committee, Motor Vehicle Proceedings Committee, Motor Vehicle Administration,<00:19:

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, February 19, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with an invocation by Rabbi David Hland, followed by a series of introductions and recognitions for visiting groups and guests, including Delta Sigma Theta members for Delta Day in Annapolis, Towson High School students, the Maryland Pharmacy Coalition, interns, and other visitors. The Senate adopted a resolution honoring Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Maryland chapters for service, scholarship, sisterhood, and social action, and also journalized the rabbi’s invocation. Several committee and delegation announcements were made, including upcoming bill hearings and voting sessions. On legislation, the chamber handled a number of special-order and third-reading bills. Senate Bill 56 and Senate Bill 99 were both delayed for further amendment work, with SB 99 ultimately amended and ordered printed for third reading. The Senate also received and referred a bond initiative and heard an executive nominations report, with the nominations set for consideration in open session at a later time. During third reading, the Senate passed numerous bills, including measures on mail and service animal program disqualifications, police promotion pay restrictions, counterfeit lease penalties, Motor Vehicle Administration identification card requirements, environmental health specialist board sunset extension, used vehicle bill of sale requirements, collective bargaining for ATC cannabis police officers, transfer-on-death designations for vehicles and vessels, heavy-weight port corridor permits, controllable electronic records, lead paint abatement bonding and insurance, civic excellence in public schools, child pornography penalties, cemetery sale/transfer requirements, tobacco licenses for electronic smoking devices, legal services board membership, Baltimore County Public Library supervisory bargaining, money transmitter definitions, scalp cooling insurance coverage, prosthesis and orthosis coverage, elevator inspection database access, tax increment financing in noncontiguous areas, professional liability disclosure for certain care facilities and midwives, immunity for donation of pet supplies, massage therapy board revisions, and others. One bill drew floor debate: Senate Bill 82, which would increase penalties for counterfeit lease of real property, was opposed by a senator who argued it would disproportionately impact renters and conflict with justice reform goals. Despite that objection, the bill passed. The Senate also changed one recorded vote on Senate Bill 252 from red to green by unanimous consent. Overall, the session was marked by routine passage of a large slate of bills, a few postponements for amendment negotiation, and several ceremonial recognitions and announcements.

Transcript Highlights:

• in vehicle components, including keys, and sets low thresholds for those substances.
• Otherwise, we could not deliver vehicles because if you can't deliver a key, you can't drive the vehicle
• Otherwise, we could not deliver vehicles because if you can't deliver a key, you can't drive the vehicle
• Otherwise, we could not deliver vehicles because if you can't deliver a key, you can't drive the vehicle
• Otherwise, we could not deliver vehicles because if you can't deliver a key, you can't drive the vehicle

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 737, which would amend Minnesota’s lead- and cadmium-related product restrictions and was re-referred to the Committee on Environment, Finance and Policy. Representative Bjorn Olson said the bill was prompted by a constituent who could no longer make cadmium-based art supplies in Minnesota, and he argued the law unintentionally swept in professional art materials that are used safely and are important to Western art culture. The committee first adopted the author’s A2 amendment, which broadened the bill to include additional exemptions beyond paint and pastels, including certain pens, mechanical pencils, and vehicle keys/key fobs. Testimony in support came from Darren Reenie of Wet Paint Artist Materials and Framing, who said artist paint and related supplies account for a significant share of sales and that the ban threatens independent art supply businesses and artists’ access to essential pigments. Josh Fiser of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation supported the key and key fob exemption, saying the current law is overly broad, exposure risk is minimal, and Minnesota should align with California and European Union standards. Bill Morgan of the Arts and Creative Materials Institute and Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association also supported the amendment, arguing there was little scientific basis for including pens, mechanical pencils, and professional artist materials, and citing prior reviews in the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the European Union. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, through Assistant Commissioner Kirk Kadelka, opposed broad exemptions and emphasized that no amount of lead is safe for children. He said the law was based on evidence from consumer products associated with elevated blood lead levels and argued that safer alternatives exist for many of the items in the amendment, including pens, mechanical pencils, and some key components. He also raised concerns about exposure during production and disposal. Committee members questioned the scope of the exemptions and whether the industry had workable alternatives. The A2 amendment was adopted, and the bill was then advanced for further consideration and re-referred as noted by the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• On the use of such devices while operating a motor vehicle.
• while using a device that is accessible through an interface that is embedded in a motor vehicle.
• that is accessible through an interface that is embedded in a motor vehicle.
• to list that she is open to, but just so you know, we have shared them with her.
• Chairman, this exact list has been shared with the sponsor.

Bills: HB2006, HB2085, HB2109, HB2167, HB2205, HB2410, HCR2016

Keywords: sample ballots, elections, primary election, general election, mailing deadline, ballot mailing, county election officials, board of supervisors, secretary of state, early voting list, election administration, voter information, postal service, USPS processing center, city elections, town elections, special district elections, Arizona election law, ballot proofing, party chair

Summary: The Judiciary and Elections Committee approved the minutes from February 18, February 20, and March 4, 2026, and then took up several election and traffic-related measures. House Bill 2006, which would require counties without a USPS processing and distribution center to mail printed sample ballots 14 days before an election instead of 11, was explained as a way to allow more time for mail delivery in affected counties. The Association of Counties supported the bill, and after brief discussion it passed on a 7-0 vote. House Bill 2109, dealing with hands-free driving penalties, drew extensive debate. The bill would raise penalties for repeat violations, add a penalty when a violation results in a motorcycle crash, and expand the prohibition to watching, recording, or streaming video on a device while driving. Two amendments were offered to remove the citation ban and to strike the “records” language, but members and witnesses raised concerns that the remaining video-streaming language was vague and could unintentionally affect dash cams, rear cameras, CarPlay, navigation, rideshare safety cameras, and other in-vehicle systems. After robust discussion, the committee held the bill without prejudice to allow a stakeholder meeting and possible revision. House Bill 2167, which would impose liability on the Attorney General for damages when a public nuisance or consumer fraud action is dismissed or found meritless under certain conditions, received divided testimony. Supporters argued it would curb overreach, while opponents said it would interfere with the AG’s ability to protect Arizonans. The committee approved the bill 4-3. Finally, HCR 2016, a referral measure that would eliminate county vote centers and on-site early voting and impose a precinct cap of 2,500 registered voters, drew strong opposition from voting rights groups, county officials, and rural and Navajo Nation witnesses who warned it would increase confusion, provisional ballots, costs, and access barriers. The committee did not act on the resolution and instead held it without prejudice for further stakeholder discussions.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is the vehicle that will be driving around the road collecting this data.
• Changes in vehicle usage, like electric vehicles, heavier vehicles that are going to be tearing up those
• It's all done through just one vehicle. Representative Ilotta. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• What I was going to share was that Mr.
• An example of that was the snooper vehicle we looked at on the previous slide.

Transcript Highlights:

• I couldn't share why. At first, I lived in silence because I lived in shame.
• I just was curious, given the goal that you stated, so I appreciate you sharing that and your time.
• The second is similar in that when the legislature passed the felony motor vehicle homicide for all.
• They then faced just a negligent motor vehicle homicide with no mandatory minimum.
• Patrick shared, literally thousands of lawsuits being dumped in our district courts.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing on bills in the Civil Actions 2 and Court Administration areas, with testimony spanning judicial security, judicial compensation, civil process fees, bar advocate compensation, interstate discovery, defamation protections for sexual assault survivors, and related criminal procedure changes. Chairs Edwards and Day opened with housekeeping rules on testimony limits and written submissions, then called witnesses on each bill in turn. On H. 1766, judicial officers and the Massachusetts Bar Association strongly supported a judicial security bill that would protect judges’ personal information, citing threats, online harassment, swatting, and violence against judges and their families. On H. 1819, judges and the Massachusetts Judges Conference asked for higher compensation, saying Massachusetts judges rank low nationally after cost-of-living adjustment and that pay affects recruitment and retention. The committee also heard support for H. 1582/S. 1183 to raise civil process service fees, with sheriffs saying the fees have been unchanged since 2003 and are needed to cover rising costs, safety equipment, and operations funded by those fees. The committee heard from prosecutors on H. 1604 and H. 1846, which would give district courts concurrent jurisdiction over certain school-threat and leaving-the-scene offenses, allowing prosecutors to handle less serious or panic-driven cases more efficiently while preserving mandatory penalties. CPCS and bar advocates supported H. 1876 on bar advocate compensation, describing a continuing shortage and crisis in indigent defense despite recent pay increases and staffing investments. The Boston Bar Association supported H. 1857, a Massachusetts version of the Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, saying it would simplify out-of-state discovery and reduce cost and delay. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 1974/S. 1143, which would protect survivors of sexual assault and harassment from retaliatory defamation suits unless the plaintiff proves actual malice, and would allow fee shifting and damages against abusive suits. Survivors, advocates, and attorneys described threats, legal costs, and chilling effects that silence reporting, while supporters said the bill would protect truthful speech and improve access to counsel. The committee also heard insurance-industry testimony on S. 1101, which would change personal injury protection payment rules to require insurers to tender disputed amounts within 30 days to avoid attorney’s fees; insurers said the bill would curb a growing volume of provider lawsuits and reduce abuse of the no-fault system. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair closed after all scheduled testimony was complete.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 229 relating to transportation, which establishes a statewide speed restriction for motor vehicles
• House Bill 229 relates to transportation and establishes a statewide speed restriction for motor vehicles
• appreciate the things that you shared appreciate the things that you shared with<00:37:08.440>
• <00:52:44.119> my consideration to allow me to share my consideration to allow me to share
• So I do like the ideas that you have shared.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees first heard House Bill 229, which would establish a statewide speed restriction for motor vehicles under certain circumstances. Testimony on the bill was limited and came in support from the City and County of Honolulu’s transportation services, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. No one testified in opposition, and there were no questions. The committees then took up House Bill 860, which would grant immunity from liability to the state or counties when they repair or maintain a street whose ownership or jurisdiction is disputed between them. The Department of Transportation and the Department of Land and Natural Resources submitted written testimony, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee, Hawaii County Council member Heather Kimble, and the Iolani Homestead Community Association for Justice testified in support. The Ho Association for Justice opposed the bill, arguing the immunity was too broad and that the issue had already been addressed by prior legislation. In discussion, members raised concerns about liability and asked whether a different approach, such as extending the 2017 law transferring Oahu roads in limbo to the counties, would be acceptable; county representatives said that path could be considered if immunity were removed. House Bill 1161, which would authorize counties to use a road usage charge mechanism similar to the state’s, drew support from the Department of Transportation, the Energy Office, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, several county and city offices, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. Rental car companies and industry groups supported the concept but asked for amendments, including a flat fee instead of a per-mile charge, relief for plug-in hybrid vehicles, and a delayed implementation date. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii also supported relief for hybrids. Members questioned the rental car representatives about the flat-fee proposal, and they said a per-mile charge would be difficult to calculate and pass on to customers. At the end of the joint agenda, the committees deferred decision-making on HB 1161 to Tuesday, March 18 at 3:00 p.m., and the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee also deferred the three measures to that date and time. The Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee then began hearing House Bill 925, which would create a Performing Arts Special Fund, and House Bill 1378, which would establish a Performing Arts Grants Program and Special Fund and revise the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ responsibilities and funding sources. HB 925 received support from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and written support or comments from DBEDT, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, and others. HB 1378 drew extensive testimony and discussion focused on preserving arts funding while addressing concerns about the use of Works of Art Special Fund dollars for positions and programming. The Governor’s office said it supported the intent but had concerns; the Attorney General warned that the bill’s cap and transfer provisions were unclear and could affect the tax-exempt status of bond-funded dollars; and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts opposed the measure, urging an audit, tracking of deposits, and a shift of positions and programs to general funds instead of changing the law. The chair explained that the bill was intended to protect arts funding while tightening the legal guardrails around bond-financed dollars and preserving federal support, and asked testimony to focus on new points as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• federally required cost sharing federally required cost sharing mechanism. mechanism. mechanism.
• also is no cost sharing.
• Cost sharing is also is no cost sharing.
• <00:19:53.360> Those excluded from cost sharing. Those excluded from cost sharing.
• shouldering a large share of the losses. shouldering a large share of the losses.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of the vehicle if the manufacturer does not include a bracket on the front of the vehicle.
• The vehicle must display a windshield insignia issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles if a front
• The DMV will still issue two license plates to motor vehicle owners.
• The owner of the vehicle would only be required to display one plate on the rear of the vehicle if no
• the sensors and cameras now found in all the newer vehicles.

Bills: HB75, HB108

Keywords: building standards, youth camps, floodplains, safety regulations, environmental policies, drainage utilities, flood management, land use regulation, county authority, drainage fees, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Holahan, would you like me to share my screen or would you like to share your screen for your slides?
• Or if they're a state requirement, should they be cost-shared?
• We still got to put gas in the vehicles, we still are diesel.
• , up to two vehicles, to a qualified applicant if the motor vehicle registration for both vehicles lists
• , up to two vehicles, to a qualified applicant if the motor vehicle registration for both vehicles lists

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee was called to order, a quorum was established, and the minutes from the prior meeting were approved. The first major presentation came from Montana Public Employees Retirement System executive director William Hollahan, who gave an overview of Montana’s Volunteer Firefighters’ Compensation Act plan. He explained that the plan covers volunteer firefighters in unincorporated areas, is funded by 5% of state fire insurance premium taxes, and currently serves 228 departments with about 2,936 active members and 1,242 retirees. He described eligibility rules, annual training and reporting requirements, benefit levels for partial and full pensions, disability, death, medical, and funeral benefits, and said the plan is actuarially sound with roughly $60 million in assets and a funded ratio slightly above 100%. Committee members asked about prior-service credit, whether EMS personnel are included, the effect on recruitment and retention, and whether expanding coverage would require a funding analysis; Hollahan said prior service is not credited, EMS is not currently included, and any expansion would need financial review. Tim Walleen of Workforce Safety and Insurance then presented a draft North Dakota workers’ compensation solution for volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMS personnel. He explained that volunteer responders are already covered by workers’ comp for medical and wage-loss benefits, but the proposal would set a minimum annual wage of $30,000 for calculating wage-loss benefits for qualifying volunteers, with the benefit paid at two-thirds of that amount. Representative Porter suggested tying the volunteer definition to existing code rather than a fixed dollar amount, and Walleen agreed. Questions focused on whether search and rescue or other volunteer emergency services could be included, whether departments would face new paperwork, and whether volunteer organizations can already elect coverage; Walleen said there would be no additional paperwork and that volunteer coverage is already available. The committee also heard from volunteer fire service representatives and the state fire marshal. An Oakes-area firefighter, Mr. Olson, testified that small departments are struggling with retention, communication, and administrative burdens, especially around separate bookkeeping and funding rules for donated or fundraising money, and he said departments need clearer guidance from the state. State Fire Marshal Dr. Matthew Clark introduced himself and outlined a broader effort to improve education, support, and coordination for fire departments, including a planned 10% audit of certificates of existence beginning in 2027, more outreach through his office, and better assistance with training, reporting, and grant access. He said his office is authorized under current law to provide these services, but the role has been vague and underused. Finally, Arnagard Rural Fire District Chief Rick Schreiber testified in favor of new recruitment and retention ideas, including retirement-style benefits, health insurance, tax incentives, scholarships, grants, and more remote or regional training. He said volunteer departments are losing members, that local tax and donation funds are already stretched, and that any new retirement or incentive program should be sustainable and likely involve a mix of state and local support.

Transcript Highlights:

• electric vehicles that are anticipated to be on the road by 2030, and even more will be necessary to
• meet the state's 2035 electric vehicle mandate.
• One of the barriers to converting to electric vehicles is the lack of vehicle charging infrastructure
• Many of my peers shared deeply personal...
• Students shared how this legislation made them feel safer and more empowered to participate.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda focused heavily on housing, local government, Brown Act teleconferencing, and public agency administration. Early bills included AB 39, which would require larger cities and counties to adopt electrification planning for EV charging and building decarbonization; AB 76, which clarifies Chula Vista’s university innovation district housing requirements; AB 259, AB 409, and AB 467, which extend or modernize Brown Act teleconferencing provisions for local agencies, community college student bodies, and Los Angeles neighborhood councils; and AB 428, which would let water corporations join joint powers authorities for pooled insurance. Supporters emphasized climate planning, housing access, public participation, safety, and cost savings, while several bills were amended to address stakeholder concerns. Most of these measures advanced on bipartisan votes, generally 6-1 or 7-0, and were left open for additional members to add on later. The committee also heard AB 632, which would strengthen local enforcement tools for serious code violations, fire hazards, illegal cannabis operations, and unsafe housing by allowing unpaid administrative fines to be converted into money judgments and liens. Local government and code enforcement groups supported the bill as a way to improve compliance and reduce costly litigation. AB 670 would let local governments count investments in preserving naturally occurring affordable housing toward housing element reporting and require broader reporting of demolitions and replacement housing compliance; supporters argued preservation is essential because many unsubsidized affordable homes are at risk. AB 761 would allow Monterey-Salinas Transit to place a future sales tax measure on the ballot with approval from two-thirds of its board, rather than separate approval from each member jurisdiction, to preserve transit funding for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. These measures also moved forward, with the committee noting amendments and sending them to the next committees of referral. Another major item was AB 810, which would require special districts and joint powers authorities to migrate public-facing websites and email addresses to .gov or CA.gov domains by 2031. The author argued the change would reduce fraud and improve public trust, especially after emergency-related scams, while opponents from special districts and IT organizations said the transition would be costly and difficult for smaller agencies. Several school-related opponents withdrew after amendments, and committee members discussed possible aliases and tribal-government language. The bill passed 7-1 to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. Finally, AB 1206 proposed a pre-approved design catalog for single-family homes and small multifamily developments, modeled on a prior ADU bill, to speed rebuilding and reduce design costs; supporters from Habitat for Humanity and housing advocates said it would help both wildfire recovery and broader housing production, and the bill drew at least one opposed-unless-amended position as the committee moved into further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• The vehicle bill for our budget this year. So, House File 2783 now being before us.
• Section 5 deals with data sharing. Section 6 deals with legislative and budget proposal data.
• Section 7 is for program payments related to fraud that allows data sharing as well.
• Section 9 establishes a state building renewable energy storage vehicle account.
• So it is my intention to move this bill to Ways and Means as a vehicle bill, as a backup vehicle bill

Bills: HF2783, HF2603, HF2846, HF2354, HF1836, HF2713, HF1198, HF1389

Keywords: state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant