Video & Transcript : 'fairness in mitigation' :
Page 490 of 500
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Corrections and Public Institutions Feb 26th, 2026
Corrections and Public Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- In fact, we’re included in that.
- Nobody wanted to be in jail.
- I think it's in the 40 area.
- Now, DOC tracks mortality rates, and I will say in 2025, 119 people died in DOC.
- Anybody else in favor? We'll go through it one more time. Anybody in favor? Anybody in opposition?
Committee:
House Corrections and Public Institutions
Summary:
The committee first took up several bills in executive session. House Committee Amendment No. 1 was adopted and rolled into a substitute for House Bills 3292 and 2171, which then received a do pass recommendation by a 10-2 vote. House Bill 2753 also received a committee substitute and was voted do pass 10-2. House Bill 2912 was voted do pass by an 11-1 vote. During this portion, one member criticized the Department of Corrections for not responding to inquiries or attending earlier hearings, and the chair acknowledged the concern.
The committee then heard testimony on House Bills 1616 and 2832, sponsored by Representatives Allen and Collins, which would create an independent corrections oversight structure, including an Office of Corrections and Transparency or ombudsman-style advocate with authority to inspect facilities, investigate complaints, access records, and report publicly. The sponsors argued that DOC currently lacks independent oversight and that internal review is insufficient. They cited deaths, unsafe conditions, medical neglect, and the need for confidential reporting by staff and incarcerated people. Committee members questioned whether the bills would duplicate existing processes, what the fiscal impact would be, and whether the proposal had enough enforcement power; the sponsors said the office would be small, likely around $300,000, and were open to amendments.
Supporters testified that independent oversight is needed because of repeated deaths in custody, lack of trust in internal complaint systems, retaliation concerns for staff, and large taxpayer costs from lawsuits and settlements. Witnesses from Empower Missouri, Missouri Justice Coalition, the NAACP, ACLU of Missouri, and FAMM all supported the bills, with several emphasizing that prisons are closed institutions with inherent power imbalances and that external oversight would improve transparency, safety, and accountability for both incarcerated people and staff. The hearing ended after testimony in support, with no opposition presented and the committee adjourning without taking final action on the oversight bills.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Mar 11th, 2026
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Please join me in prayer.
- God of justice, inspire them in the pursuit of fairness, and when tensions rise and perspectives clash
- I hope you'll join with me in passing this good little bill to help bring some consumer fairness to the
- We are an outlier in the way we administer access to the courts in Washington State.
- The House will be in order.
Keywords:
behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, mortgage modification
Summary:
The House convened, established a quorum, approved the previous day’s minutes, heard Senate messages on several bills, and then took up a series of third-reading and concurrence votes. The chamber also received notice that the Senate had concurred in House amendments to several other bills and that the Senate President had signed Engrossed Senate Bill 5068. Members then considered a slate of bills dealing with climate commitment account revenue, court administration, attorney general investigative authority, inmate funds, health care facility transactions, ferry governance, gun violence prevention and 3D-printed firearms, and renewable energy tax treatment.
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1170, Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2251, Engrossed House Bill 2445, Substitute House Bill 2334, Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1960, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1500, Second Substitute House Bill 1909, Engrossed House Bill 2156, Substitute House Bill 2539, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548, Engrossed House Bill 2588, and Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2320 all received final passage after Senate amendments, with several members speaking in support or opposition. Supporters generally described the measures as clarifying revenue accounts, improving court access, protecting consumers, updating inmate account limits, addressing hospital consolidation, enabling local ferry management, and strengthening gun-violence prevention or renewable-energy tax policy. Opponents raised concerns about reduced transparency, expanded bureaucracy, shifting costs, attorney general overreach, limits on local control, and First Amendment or property-rights issues.
Recorded votes showed passage on each of those bills, with margins ranging from narrow to broad: 55-38 on HB 1170, 54-40 on HB 2251, 66-29 on HB 2445, 80-15 on SHB 2334, 86-9 on ESHB 1960, 61-34 on ESHB 1500, 57-38 on SSB 1909, 54-41 on EHB 2156 after reconsideration, 57-38 on SHB 2539, 55-41 on ESHB 2548, 56-40 on EHB 2588, and 58-38 on ESHB 2320. The House also agreed to retransmit Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1408 to the Senate after deciding not to concur in the Senate’s fourth amendment. The meeting ended with both caucuses called and the House at ease.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Somebody that's shorter than Mason in this seat. Tommy Bacala. We got one in education.
- in support.
- In Assumption Parish, they are short five commissioners in charge. Louisiana.
- In present and in support.
- Thank you all for coming in to the committee. You came in a little late.
Committee:
Senate Finance
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee met on May 13, 2026, and reported several bills favorable. HB 27 was approved after testimony that it would delete a constitutional sentence requiring debt payments to be applied to the oldest outstanding amortization, giving retirement boards more flexibility to pay off the most advantageous debt. HB 143 was supported by the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association and local law enforcement representatives to raise the statutory per diem for housing state inmates in local facilities from $26.39 to match the current $29.39 rate already being paid in practice. HB 205 drew extensive testimony from clerks of court and election officials who said election commissioners have not had a pay increase in 19 years and are struggling to staff precincts, especially under the new closed party primary system; the bill would let local governing bodies enhance commissioner pay as a stopgap, and it was reported favorable despite concerns that it does not fully solve the staffing problem.
The committee also approved HB 308, which would require state stadium and arena facilities to accept cash for smaller transactions or provide a kiosk to convert cash to a prepaid card without extra fee. HB 417 was reported favorable to increase the cap on the hazardous waste site cleanup fund from $6 million to $8 million and tie it to inflation; DEQ staff explained the fund helps pay for Superfund matches and cleanup of abandoned or bankrupt hazardous waste sites, and the increase would not affect the state general fund. HB 12, supported by the Louisiana Assessor Association, would provide 5% annual salary equalization increases for assessors through 2029, with local opt-in and no state general fund impact; members discussed the recurring pay parity issue with clerks of court and the possibility of a study resolution to address future adjustments more systematically, and the bill was reported favorable.
Representative Kerner announced HB 311 would be deferred after concerns it could amount to a tax increase. HB 1129, supported by the Louisiana Auctioneers Association, was amended to clarify that the state’s movable-property auctions include internet auctions and to give Louisiana auctioneers preference to bid on those contracts; it was then reported favorable. HB 562, which would update transcript fees for the 19th Judicial District Court, prompted concerns about higher costs for litigants and due process implications, and the committee agreed to defer it to the next meeting for further discussion. The meeting ended with adjournment after brief recognition of visiting cattle industry representatives.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- There's all kinds of protections in that policy that in other states that have been coming up, that,
- track in for approval.
- And we've lost nine carriers in the last 18 months in Texas that are not writing new business because
- I think in general it'll help, but if this helps you, there have been some issues in the industry with
- You were in here earlier. Representative Hefner had to go present in another committee.
Bills:
HB3048 , HB3259 , HB3646 , HB3696 , HB3780 , HB3781 , HB3802 , HB3818 , HB4294 , HB4488 , HB2929
Committee:
House Insurance
Keywords:
insurance, nonadmitted insurers, surplus lines, insurance regulation, Oklahoma, health insurance, contracting entities, medical providers, enrollment, beneficiary rights, property and casualty, rates, filing, Insurance Commissioner, regulation, property, regulations, actuary, rate filing, independent review
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm going to be in the back, in the back. Thank you. Go over the end. You can to just call it.
- I'm going to get in front. I'll have a difference. They're in a name. They've got no.
- So we're going to go in it. So now. And so we're going on. And so we're going to go in.
- Cleburne County in north central Arkansas maintains its county seat in Heber Springs and has a population
- Is that fair to say?
Committee:
All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Corrections and Public Institutions Feb 26th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Corrections and Public Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- In fact, we're included in that.
- Nobody wanted to be in jail.
- I think it's in the 40 area.
- Now, DOC tracks mortality rates, and I will say in 2025, 119 people died in DOC.
- Anybody else in favor? We'll go through it one more time. Anybody in favor? Anybody in opposition?
Committee:
House Corrections and Public Institutions
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Commerce and Economic Development Feb 9th, 2026 at 06:32 pm
House Commerce & Economic Development Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Do we have anyone in the room in support of the bill? Okay.
- I know what it is in alcohol.
- Either in another state, or can we look to a reasonableness standard in some other portion of a law in
- How about anybody here in favor of this bill? Anybody on Zoom in favor of the bill?
- There are MRAs in Santa Fe and Farmington, and I believe in Las Cruces and maybe somewhere else in the
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations Apr 11th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- This FTE was removed in 2017.
- In response to that question, and to be fair, there is a portion of that grant funding that is allowed
- million in grants.
- In the past, I've applied for grants in the renewable energy sector.
- Divisions, anybody coming in or going in this morning? Yes. Mr. Chairman.
Committee:
House Appropriations
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs appropriation. Representative O’Brien explained the House changes, including funding for a restored Veterans Benefits Specialist FTE, salary equity adjustments for the commissioner and veterans service officers, one-time funding for veteran homelessness services, carryover authority for the Fargo Fisher House, and a highly rural transportation grants program. Members also discussed the commissioner’s prior salary increase and the use of transportation grant funds for administrative costs, as well as the status of the Fisher House project. The committee adopted amendment 25.092.0203 and then gave SB 2025 a do pass recommendation as amended, with Representative O’Brien as carrier.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 2307, the library bill. Members debated a proposed amendment that would have removed the fiscal note, but several members objected on policy and process grounds, citing constitutional concerns, potential costs to counties and state’s attorneys, and the fact that the bill had not been heard as a full policy hearing. The amendment failed 4-19. The committee then voted do not pass on SB 2307 as introduced, and Representative Murphy was named carrier.
The committee also briefly discussed House Bill 2188 on the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority. Representative Bosch described the program’s grant and low-interest loan authority and the Senate’s reduced funding levels. The committee amended the bill to restore the Senate funding amounts in Section 3, then passed the bill as amended, with Representative Kempenich carrying it. Finally, the committee considered two rural development bills and chose Senate Bill 2097, the rural endowment fund bill, for do not pass while advancing House Bill 2390, which uses regional councils to distribute rural development grants. The committee amended HB 2390 to lower the population threshold from 4,500 to 3,000, kept the 50% set-aside for communities under 1,500, and then passed the bill as amended, with Representative Mitskog as carrier.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Feb 24th, 2026
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So there's a gap in the law.
- In fact, the life insurance market in Florida very much continues to thrive.
- At its core, this bill builds trust, trust in health care, trust in research, and trust that people can
- It builds trust, trust in health care, trust in research, and trust that people can seek medical knowledge
- And as we know, colorectal cancer rates are skyrocketing in younger people in our country.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a fully virtual public hearing because the State House was closed due to the prior day’s blizzard and ongoing cleanup and travel concerns. Chairs Paul Feeney and James Murphy opened by thanking first responders, DPW crews, plow operators, healthcare workers, and others who responded to the storm, and they explained the hearing was kept on schedule because of upcoming reporting deadlines. The committee heard testimony on H. 5112, An Act Prohibiting Genetic Discrimination, and also noted two other bills on the docket: H. 4914, An Act Relative to the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code, and S. 2921, An Act Relative to Travel Insurance.
Representative Dave Rogers testified in support of H. 5112, joined by constituent Robin Biggs, who described her experience as a BRCA2 mutation carrier and said she was advised to secure life insurance before genetic testing because results could affect coverage. Biggs said genetic knowledge helped her make preventive health decisions, but she and others fear financial discrimination if insurers can use genetic information. Lindsay Jack of the ALS Association also supported the bill, arguing that people should not have to choose between learning about their health risks and protecting their financial future, and saying the measure would encourage testing and early intervention without harming the insurance market. Lisa Schlager of FORCE likewise backed the bill, saying many people with hereditary cancer risks avoid testing because of insurance concerns and that the federal law does not fully protect against discrimination in life, long-term care, and disability insurance.
Committee members asked questions about whether insurers currently request genetic testing information and whether such information is used in underwriting. Testifiers said insurers routinely ask about genetic testing or obtain the information from medical records, and that the bill would prohibit using genetic test results in underwriting and would prevent insurers from requiring testing. No votes were taken; after testimony concluded and no additional witnesses came forward, the chairs closed the hearing and adjourned the meeting.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 23rd, 2025
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- in the payment chain.
- In a perfect world,...
- And in the United States, we just say, no, you can't bring this in here.
- It's also in the works in Georgia, and I believe it's in the works in some other coastal states as well
- Unfortunately, there's no authority in Texas to report to, unlike in Louisiana, Alabama, or now in Mississippi
Bills:
HB2226 , HB2269 , HB2343 , HB2760 , HB3621 , HB4079 , HB4204 , HB4518 , HB4531 , HB4555 , HB4850 , HB4876 , HB4903 , HB4996 , HB5122
Keywords:
construction trust funds, Property Code, Chapter 162, construction payments, mechanics lien, contractors, subcontractors, laborers, material suppliers, materialmen, real property improvement, assignment of payment rights, unpaid trust funds, trust fund beneficiaries, construction industry, payment protection, Texas construction law, property owners association, landscaping, grass maintenance
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Mar 11th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Please join me in prayer.
- God of justice, inspire them in the pursuit of fairness, and when tensions rise and perspectives clash
- I hope you'll join with me in passing this good little bill to help bring some consumer fairness to the
- We are an outlier in the way we administer access to the courts in Washington State.
- The House will be in order.
Keywords:
behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, mortgage modification
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, offered the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, approved the prior day’s minutes, and then recessed briefly for caucus. The chamber received several Senate messages, including concurrence on amendments and the signing of Engrossed Senate Bill 5068, before moving into third reading and final passage of multiple bills. Most of the floor debate centered on concurrence with Senate amendments and the policy effects of those changes.
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1170 passed 55-38 and was described as reorganizing and clarifying how Climate Commitment Act auction revenues are distributed among state accounts; supporters said it would create a clearer budget process, while opponents objected to shifting funds away from transportation and capital uses and reducing tax relief. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2251 passed 54-40 after debate over Climate Commitment Act account structure and operating-account allocations. Engrossed House Bill 2445 passed 66-29 on probate-related changes, with supporters citing clarifications and opponents saying it did not go far enough to limit outside involvement in probate matters.
The House also passed Substitute House Bill 2334 80-15, with little debate after Senate “perfecting” changes. Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1960 passed 86-9; supporters said it would replace an inconsistent property tax on wind, solar, and battery storage facilities with a stable excise tax to benefit rural communities, counties, and labor, while opponents focused on tax impacts and local burdens. Additional bills passed included Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1500 on HOA resale certificates (61-34), Second Substitute House Bill 1909 creating a Court Unification Task Force (57-38), Engrossed House Bill 2156 expanding Attorney General investigative authority over economic and financial crimes (54-41 on reconsideration), Substitute House Bill 2539 on inmate funds and related deductions (57-38), Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548 on health care facility mergers and market oversight (55-41), Engrossed House Bill 2588 on local control for the Lummi ferry system (56-40), and Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2320 on gun violence prevention and 3D-printed firearms (58-38). The House also agreed not to concur in Senate amendments to Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1408 and retransmitted it to the Senate.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Commerce and Economic Development Feb 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Do we have anyone in the room in support of the bill? Okay.
- —we're one of the looser states in the country in terms of dealing with this kind of issue.
- Sit in a lucky chair. It's sitting in a lucky chair. Hello, Senator. Welcome to Commerce.
- In taxes on that vacant lot.
- In this case, market-rate housing, they'll pay approximately $61,000 here in tax.
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 294, the Cannabis Product Packaging Regulation Act, with a committee substitute. The sponsor and Regulation and Licensing Department said the bill would tighten cannabis packaging rules to reduce appeal to minors by limiting colors, materials, and design elements, while allowing some color for warnings and approved logos; the substitute also addressed misbranding and third-party manufacturing liability. Public testimony was split: cannabis industry representatives and related businesses argued the bill would create major packaging costs, waste inventory, hurt small businesses and tertiary industries, and was better addressed through education, safe storage, and stronger enforcement; supporters from public schools, state police, and a cannabis company said the bill would help protect children and make violations easier to identify. Committee members debated whether “reasonably appealing” should be defined in statute or rulemaking, whether packaging changes would actually reduce youth access, and whether stronger penalties or warning labels would be more effective. The committee adopted the substitute and advanced HB 294 on an 8-3 do pass vote.
The committee then heard HB 298, as amended, which would create a 50% state income tax credit for maintaining or replacing existing short-line railroad track, capped at $5,000 per mile, after an amendment removed a proposed credit for new rail and reduced the fiscal impact. The sponsor and railroad representatives said the measure would help preserve and improve short-line infrastructure that supports mines and other customers, while committee members asked about the amendment, the scope of the credit, and why the state should be involved in what they viewed as a local economic development tool. The bill drew no opposition in testimony and passed unanimously, 10-0, as amended.
Finally, the committee considered SB 58, which would extend the property tax abatement period for metropolitan redevelopment areas from seven years to up to 14 years, with flexibility for shorter terms under the Senate amendment. Supporters from the City of Albuquerque, Realtors, and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce said the change would improve project feasibility, attract investment, and help revitalize blighted areas; the sponsor explained that MRAs are locally designated redevelopment districts and that the longer abatement period reflects current construction costs and project timelines. Committee members asked about which areas qualify, how abatements work, why the state sets the term, and whether local governments could do this on their own. The bill passed on an 11-0 do pass vote, and the committee adjourned.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- them in.
- Chairman, I have areas like this in the district that I represent as well in southwest Boise, and I think
- Chairman, I have areas like this in the district that I represent as well in Southwest Boise, and I think
- A substitute motion is in order. Senator Burt moved that Senate Bill 1354 be held in committee.
- the cities, in the counties.
Summary:
The Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee met with a quorum and heard several bills. House Bill 749, dealing with forced annexation and septic-system replacement in unique annexation situations, was presented as a property-rights compromise that would let a city pay for a new system or allow the homeowner to install one at their own expense. The committee moved HB 749 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and the motion carried. House Bill 661, which would allow small waste haulers to compete in counties with franchise agreements, also received a due pass recommendation and passed the committee. House Bill 715, which would require city council involvement in hiring or firing directors of city-owned libraries, drew strong opposition from library professionals and associations who warned it would politicize libraries and create conflicting lines of authority; supporters argued it would add accountability for taxpayer-funded positions. Despite the opposition, the committee voted to send HB 715 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 1354, a major accessory dwelling unit (ADU) bill that would prevent cities over 5,000 population from banning ADUs, require by-right allowances for internal and detached ADUs, limit local restrictions on size, setbacks, parking, fees, and owner-occupancy rules, and extend HOA restrictions to ADUs unless owners consent in writing. Supporters, including AARP Idaho and the Idaho Home Builders Association, said it would expand housing options, help aging Idahoans and family caregivers, and increase supply. Opponents, including the Association of Idaho Cities, APA Idaho, and community association representatives, argued it was too preemptive, would strain infrastructure and parking, and should preserve more local control. The committee voted to send SB 1354 to the 14th order for possible amendment after a failed motion to hold it in committee.
House Bill 733, a tax administration bill, would shift partnership audit handling to the partnership level rather than requiring amended returns from each individual partner, aligning Idaho with federal practice and other states. The sponsor and a CPA representative said it was a process change only, intended to reduce administrative burden and improve efficiency for both taxpayers and the Tax Commission. The committee sent HB 733 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee approved the minutes from February 26 and March 5 and then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I pray all this in the name of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
- He was scheduled to be in in ICU for about seven days and about 14 days in the hospital.
- Was this bill heard in the DOJ committee? It was heard in...
- In all these cases.
- Come watch a screening. of the video in Waves in War today at four o'clock.
Keywords:
regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State and Local Government Apr 4th, 2025 at 09:00 am
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Any further testimony in favor? Testimony in favor? Testimony opposed? Opposed?
- I think in February when we had it discussing 2128, In February, when we had it discussing 2128 in Judiciary
- outlined in 1307.
- in 16.1?
- I think the other reason it's in there is because it's in context, I think.
Bills:
HCR3025
Committee:
Senate State and Local Government
Summary:
The State and Local Government Committee first heard House Concurrent Resolution 3025, a resolution honoring the police and first responders of Fargo. Representative Hendricks presented it as a straightforward tribute tied to a tragic incident, and several members and a representative of the Chiefs of Police Association and North Dakota League of Cities spoke in support. There was no opposition, and the committee closed the hearing and later gave the resolution a 6-0 do pass recommendation, with Senator Braunberger volunteering to carry it.
The committee then heard House Concurrent Resolution 3010, which would direct Legislative Management to study legislative responsibility to review existing law before proposing new law. Representative Kempinock said the idea was to reduce repetitive or duplicative bills and improve legislative education, but also noted that current efforts by Legislative Council and leadership had made the resolution largely unnecessary. Members generally agreed with the premise but questioned whether a study was needed, and the committee ultimately gave it a 4-2 do pass recommendation, with Senator Lee volunteering to carry it.
Next, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 3003, which would raise the threshold for approving constitutional amendments from 50% to 60%. Speaker Wise argued constitutional changes should be difficult and cited other states’ higher thresholds, while Eric Spencer of the Greater North Dakota Chamber supported the measure and emphasized how often North Dakota’s Constitution has been amended. Members discussed the irony of asking voters to raise the threshold by a simple majority and the broader issue of an overused constitution, but the committee still recommended it do pass on a 6-0 vote.
The committee then spent considerable time on House Bill 1297 and related House Bill 1307 amendments dealing with approval voting, ranked-choice voting, and a Fargo-specific exemption. Members and witnesses from the Secretary of State’s office and the League of Cities debated whether Fargo should be exempted and how to avoid conflicts between the two bills. An amendment to strip approval voting from 1297 failed on a 3-3 tie, after which the committee gave 1297 a 4-2 do pass recommendation so the floor could decide the issue, with plans to reconcile 1307 afterward based on that outcome.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- We are phasing it in because in looking at the cost of the infrastructure to store devices, In looking
- We moved forward with that in rule and we are in litigation currently.
- Judgeship in the First Judicial District that we did earlier in the session.
- That includes those who signed in support. We had nobody sign in opposition.
- And so in rural New Mexico, in Elephant Butte, there is a fine storage shed.
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, misappropriation, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, racketeering, criminal penalties, New Mexico, public safety, health regulations, community welfare, peace promotion, legislative reforms, election integrity, voter coercion, emergency procedures, polling place security
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- An RTA tax is applied to vehicle licenses in motor homes and vans in Pierce County, King County, and
- In the vehicle weight fee schedule, House Bill 2601 would create a new lower category in the weight fee
- This is a bill about fairness.
- Get in it. If you want to see me in motorcycle gear, I will see y'all Thursday.
- bit easier for folks in our communities who have experienced something horrible in losing their vehicle
Committee:
House Transportation
Keywords:
vehicle registration, travel vans, motor homes, transportation regulation, HB2601, motorcycle weight fee, motorcycle registration, vehicle licensing, Department of Licensing, weight-based fee, motor home fee, RV registration, scale weight, vehicle weight, RCW, Washington state, registration fees, license fees, vehicle fee schedule, fee distribution
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/19/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services
Senate Health and Human Services COR
Transcript Highlights:
- In some cases, those people didn't know that they were now enrolled in...
- In some cases, those people didn't know that they were now enrolled in a different plan.
- So in 1989, they ruled that.
- In 1995, it's not in the original order, but in 1995, part of the settlement negotiations were that the
- So that's fair. Thank you. Rather do that. So, um, that's fair.
Committee:
Senate Senate Health and Human Services COR
Summary:
The committee heard and voted on several health and human services bills. SB 1192 would exempt good-faith basic first aid given without compensation from Arizona Medical Board licensure requirements, with added consent and law enforcement notification rules for injured minors; an amendment clarifying that the bill does not limit existing liability protections was adopted, and the bill passed 5-2. SB 1398 would require AHCCCS to redetermine eligibility for members over 21 every six months and report eligibility data annually; AHCCCS testified it would create significant administrative costs and that the bill lacked federal-population exemptions and an appropriation, while supporters argued it was needed for transparency and fraud detection. The committee adopted a technical amendment and passed the bill 4-3. SB 1399 would require prepaid capitated AHCCCS contractors to report spending on direct patient care versus administrative costs; supporters framed it as taxpayer accountability, and it passed 6-1.
The committee also considered SB 1494, a strike-everything amendment making it a felony for providers, institutions, or drug manufacturers to pay premiums or otherwise steer enrollees to change health plans for financial gain, while exempting licensed insurance producers. Blue Cross Blue Shield and brokers supported the anti-patient-brokering goal, but ARMA warned the language was too broad and could chill ordinary provider-patient conversations and navigator/social worker assistance. The committee adopted the striker and passed the bill 4-3, with several members saying they wanted to refine the language on the floor. SB 1813 would remove the Maricopa County 55-bed cap at the Arizona State Hospital and require admission based on clinical need; supporters said the cap is outdated and leaves beds unused, while ADHS and others warned about rural access, fiscal costs, and possible litigation under Arnold v. Sarn. The committee adopted an amendment removing a citizenship requirement and passed the bill 5-2.
Later, SB 1821 passed 6-1. It would let JLBC audit teams review DCS’s case-management system, allow unannounced inspections of licensed group foster homes, prioritize placement with relatives or other significant adults, and require newly hired child safety workers to train for a year under experienced staff. Finally, SB 1557 would require signed informed consent before medical interventions except in emergencies; supporters said it simply codifies standard practice, while the ACLU argued the bill lacked clear standards and could create burdens for ongoing or controversial care. The committee passed SB 1557 4-3 and then adjourned after completing its agenda.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We understand our role in supporting the broader public education system in Texas.
- the highest it's been in 20 years.
- We've seen a rise in property insurance, from 93 to 256 percent in property insurance since the last
- basic allotment went up in 2019.
- No more hiring in the dark.
Committee:
Senate Education K-16
Summary:
The Committee on Education K-16 heard testimony on SB 1635, which would give certain coastal, recapture-paying school districts a credit against recapture payments for mandatory windstorm and hail insurance costs. Senator Hinojosa said the bill is intended to offset unusually high insurance expenses for districts in Tier 1 or Tier 2 coastal zones, and he estimated about a $12 million impact to state revenue. Witnesses from Port Aransas ISD and Gregory-Portland ISD described sharp premium increases, reduced coverage, higher deductibles, and the effect on teacher pay and classroom spending. Senators asked about the number of affected districts, the accuracy of the fiscal estimate, and whether the bill might encourage districts to maintain coverage. Public testimony was closed and SB 1635 was left pending.
The committee then took up several other bills and committee substitutes, adopting and reporting favorably SB 2786, SB 2623, SB 646, SB 843, SB 2392, SB 1998, SB 1418, SB 2788, and SB 2076, with most votes unanimous or near-unanimous. SB 2392 was amended to add improper relationship between educator and student to mandatory reporting offenses and to authorize an attorney general civil penalty for failure to report. SB 2623 was revised to clarify duties and exemptions related to the Safe Schools and Neighborhood Task Force and school proximity restrictions. SB 843 would create a TEA database of school district bonds and related projects, and SB 2788 would exempt certain PSAT scorers from the Texas Success Initiative assessment.
The committee also heard SB 2929, which would allow referees and other officials at school athletic events to immediately eject disruptive spectators. The Texas Association of Sports Officials testified in support, citing abusive spectator behavior and a shortage of officials. SB 2929 was left pending. Finally, the committee heard a substitute for SB 2927 on 1882 partnerships and a substitute for SB 2619, which would require more transparency and accountability for failing school districts, superintendent hiring, trustee training, and takeover timelines. Testimony on SB 2619 was mixed, with one witness from Texas 2036 supporting parts of the bill’s accountability provisions. The committee adopted the substitute for SB 2619, left it pending, and then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 10th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Some unintentional out-of-scope work got caught up in the effort in the Department in the Agriculture
- Some unintentional out-of-scope work got caught up in the effort in the Department in the Ag and Natural
- They work in teams.
- In fact, Mr.
- in my view.
Bills:
HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1002 , HB1065 , HB1155 , HB1916 , HB2264 , HB1078 , HB1687 , HB1701 , HB1717 , HB1795 , HB1859 , HB2088 , HB2091 , HB2107 , HB2109 , HB2110 , HB2113 , HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2133 , HB2134 , HB2140 , HB2151 , HB2152 , HB2155 , HB2165 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2211 , HB2219 , HB2228 , HB2229 , HB2230 , HB2235 , HB2238 , HB2242 , HB2245 , HB2249 , HB2253 , HB2254 , HB2269 , HB2272 , HB2283 , HB2304 , HB2317 , HB2340 , HB2343 , HB2385 , HB2406 , HB2417 , HB2426 , HB2445 , HB2452 , HB2472 , HB2492 , HB2501 , HB2531 , HB2574 , HB2606 , HB2664
Keywords:
design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU
Summary:
The House convened, established a quorum, approved the previous day’s minutes, and heard a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members also announced caucus breaks and a reminder that Seahawks apparel would be permitted on the floor the next day. The chamber then moved through second- and third-reading business on a series of bills, with several committee substitutes and amendments adopted by voice vote before final passage votes were taken by roll call.
House Bill 1155, dealing with non-compete agreements, drew the most debate. Supporters said it would ban non-competes, improve worker mobility, and promote entrepreneurship; opponents raised concerns about contract freedom and, in one failed amendment, sought to exempt high earners and senior executives. Other adopted amendments clarified tribal worker relationships, defined patients in place of customers, and required notice that existing non-competes would be void. The bill ultimately passed 65-29. House Bill 1002, concerning PTSD eligibility for coroners and medical examiners, failed an amendment that would have limited costs to the relevant risk class, then passed 70-24 after supporters argued the measure would help a small group of workers exposed to traumatic scenes. House Bill 2264, on unemployment benefits for workers who voluntarily participate in layoffs, passed unanimously 94-0.
The House also passed House Bill 2110, allowing nurses to accompany inter-facility ambulance transports without EMT licensure, after an amendment requiring training on ambulance equipment; House Bill 2272, a technical update to ski equipment terminology; House Bill 2238, creating a statewide food security strategy and narrowing agency scope through amendment; House Bill 2445, aimed at stopping profiteering in probate cases involving unclaimed estates; House Bill 2109, allowing covered transport of certain vehicle loads to reduce roadway debris; House Bill 2492, requiring behavioral and mental health training for construction and trades workers despite objections about added costs; House Bill 2472, strengthening licensing enforcement for fire sprinkler work; House Bill 288, joining the dietician licensure compact; and House Bill 2229, updating the Professional Engineers Registration Act and requiring board members to have practiced in Washington for at least five years. Final votes on these bills ranged from near-unanimous to more divided, with each receiving the constitutional majority needed to pass.