Transcript Highlights:

• I am, like, searching in the back of my mind for the process for how we do this.
• We're still processing our position, but hope to move to a support position shortly.
• Current law has created bottlenecks during the licensing process. Business Relief Act.
• There's no contract. There's no thumbprint.
• With me today to speak in support is Adam Kinyanez. ...in the land surveying review process.

Committee: House Business and Professions

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so the process is going to be to register and permit these pits? Okay.
• What's the process?
• And that will then stop the process by which... which then they would be obligated to pay interest.
• It's exactly the process that I think is appropriate. And I really do think that the burden, right?
• However, that raises significant questions about the fairness of the process.

Bills: HB3619 , HB3652 , HB4572 , HB4891 , HB4941 , HB5103 , HB5105 , HB5106 , HB5224 , HB5600

Committee: House Energy Resources

Keywords: surface estate, well plugging, Railroad Commission, landowner rights, liability, strategic reserve, gas supply, petroleum products, disaster response, Railroad Commission of Texas, energy security, emergency planning, oil and gas waste, environmental regulation, waste management, mining pits, groundwater monitoring, regulation, commercial disposal facilities, environmental standards

Transcript Highlights:

• Whether inside or outside the committee process, I encourage open and constructive dialogue as we work
• And now we're in the process in a couple weeks of doing some workshopping on the second $50 million.
• They are in a request for applications process, so it's a fair process.
• They are in a request for applications process. So it's a fair process. It's a transparent process.
• Okay, but does Live Local still use the traditional bond process just like sale does? Correct?

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs held its first meeting and heard presentations focused on affordable housing implementation under the Live Local Act. Florida Housing Finance Corporation described its role in administering rental and homeownership programs, including SAIL, SHIP, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, disaster recovery efforts, supportive housing, and the Live Local funding and tax incentives. Officials said the first year’s $150 million Live Local rental allocation was fully committed to 23 developments producing 3,171 units with mixed-income set-asides, and they outlined how projects were selected through competitive solicitations tied to statutory priorities such as mixed-use development, publicly owned land, foster youth, rural areas of opportunity, redevelopment, and housing near military installations. They also discussed the tax credit contribution program, the missing-middle property tax exemption, sales tax rebates, and the year-one ad valorem exemption for qualifying affordable projects. Members asked detailed questions about the data and program design, including the use of area median income figures, per-unit subsidy levels, county targeting, tenant relocation during redevelopment, and whether the programs were helping lower-income households. Florida Housing said it uses competitive scoring and data from the Schimberg Center and that redevelopment projects are supposed to include tenant relocation plans. The homeownership portion of the presentation covered the Hometown Heroes program, which provides down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers, with exceptions for active-duty military and veterans. Staff said the program has assisted more than 21,000 families and leveraged over $6.5 billion in first mortgages, and members asked about repayment rates, credit scores, and whether participants were staying in homes long enough to show the program was serving intended buyers. The committee then heard from OPAGA on two required Live Local evaluations: affordable housing strategies in other states and affordable housing policies in Florida. OPAGA reported that Florida has a high share of cost-burdened households, with 1.5 million households cost burdened and 1.4 million severely cost burdened, and that Florida’s counties and municipalities reported more than $1.4 billion in affordable housing expenditures in fiscal year 2023-24. The report identified 13 innovative out-of-state programs, with three considered high-potential for Florida implementation, and summarized Florida local government practices such as SHIP-funded homeownership and rental assistance, expedited permitting, mixed-income zoning, rehabilitation programs, and interlocal cooperation. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• CCN process.
• How does this bill impact the PRC process? The PRC process in the statute is completely unchanged.
• The 16-month CCN process is still in place.
• So within the process... ...within the processes that already exist, they will respond to what we're
• process, or just a business voting process?

Summary: The committee first took up SB 96, which would reduce local zoning, fee, parking, HOA, and sprinkler-related barriers for child care operators and home-based child care facilities. The sponsor and the Early Childhood Education and Care Department said the bill is intended to expand child care access, especially in rural areas and child care deserts, while maintaining safety standards. Firefighters, child care advocates, and other supporters testified in favor, while one member objected to the bill’s limits on local control. The committee asked about “stacking spaces” and parking rules, then approved SB 96 on a 7-4 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 303, as amended, dealing with utility construction and certificate of convenience and necessity timing. Utility representatives from El Paso Electric, Xcel Energy, and PNM, along with consumer and energy groups, supported the bill, saying it would let utilities begin construction before the CCN process is complete, with the utility bearing the risk and no cost recovery if approval is later denied. Members questioned impacts on ratepayers, PRC oversight, co-ops, and the bill’s policy rationale. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed HB 303 as amended unanimously, 11-0. Finally, the committee heard House Memorial 6, as substituted, which asked for a study of private equity involvement in critical utilities and whether the state should consider a direct equity stake in utilities. Supporters argued the memorial would provide independent data before major ownership decisions, citing concerns about private equity acquisitions and the need to protect ratepayers and public interests. Opponents, including utility and business representatives, argued the PRC already has authority and expertise, warned about due process and conflict-of-interest concerns, and said the memorial could create uncertainty for investment. After extensive debate, the committee first tabled the committee substitute and then tabled HM 6 itself on an 8-3 vote, ending consideration of the memorial.

Transcript Highlights:

• I I I just don't know when when when it went away and and how what would be uh maybe your process and
• I I I just don't know when when when it went away and and how what would be uh maybe your process and
• and try to work be uh maybe your process and try to work you<00:04:54.720><c> try</c><00:04:54.880><
• And throughout the process as we're engaging our various partners, I mean that alone is a metric that
• industry is how did you get contracting industry is how did you get there?

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology met on February 25, 2026, to consider gubernatorial nominees to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council under GM 630, GM 628, and GM 631. The chair explained hearing procedures, noted backup reconvening plans in case of technical failure, and said decision-making would occur after testimony if time permitted. Testimony on all three nominees was overwhelmingly supportive, including from Department of Labor and Industrial Relations officials, Workforce Development Council representatives, and various outside supporters. For GM 630, Carrie Miro described decades of work on career pathways and emphasized applied learning, internships, and stronger links between education and employers. Senators questioned how to restore hands-on trade and career education and how to connect students to real workforce opportunities; Miro said businesses should help shape training and that students need both credit and employment incentives. For GM 628, Rona Fukumoto said her experience leading Lanakila Pacific and working in homeless services would help the council better understand the needs of people with disabilities, older adults, and other vulnerable populations, and she stressed educating employers and the public. She also said youth programs, apprenticeships, and early intervention for “opportunity youth” are important, and noted that college-based programs like those at HCC can still provide effective hands-on pathways. For GM 631, Keith Dlo, who is seeking reappointment, said the Workforce Development Council should help create a future in Hawaii for younger generations by aligning schools, agencies, employers, and communities. He said his work on American Job Centers and the council’s convening power show it is an active body, not just a reporting mechanism. Senators pressed him on how to measure success beyond federal compliance, and Dlo said the council needs Hawaii-specific metrics focused on participation, completion, job placement, and retention of young residents, while also adapting to changes like AI. No votes or final confirmations were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I look forward to working with districts throughout the process, through the rulemaking process.
• I look forward to working with districts throughout the process, through the rulemaking process.
• </c> through the rulemaking process. through the rulemaking process.
• I look forward to working with districts throughout the process, through the rulemaking process.
• </c><00:52:10.800><c> of</c> expand a little bit on the process of expand a little bit on the process

Bills: HB0023 , HB0024 , HB0025

Committee: House Education

Keywords: extracurricular activities, public school participation, enrollment, Wyoming, student access, charter schools, application process, authorizers, public hearing, community support, scholarship, education, eligibility, continuous enrollment, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And as the Senator mentioned, it also... ...outlay process.
• Would that be taken into consideration in the decision-making process?
• And then your second question as to what the process is.
• Just wanting to talk a little bit about the process.
• So that's the process there.

Bills: SB234 , SB210 , SB243 , SB244 , SM16 , HB8

Committee: Senate House Education

Keywords: foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students

Summary: The Senate Education Committee began by announcing that SB 210 would be rolled over to Friday and would not be heard. The committee then returned to SB 234, which would provide foster child school transportation funding statewide rather than only for Albuquerque Public Schools. Members adopted an amendment striking the APS-only language and making the bill statewide after testimony from the sponsor, PED, and others that foster youth transportation is a growing issue and should have its own funding stream. The committee discussed how the money might be distributed and whether the $1.2 million appropriation would be sufficient, then voted do pass on SB 234 as amended. The committee next heard HB 8, which creates a Higher Education Major Projects Fund for large capital projects that are difficult to fund through existing capital outlay processes. Testimony from the sponsor, LFC, HED, and university representatives explained that the bill would support projects such as the UNM School of Medicine, an NMSU multidisciplinary building, student housing, student life projects, and certain Division I athletic facilities, while requiring design readiness, institutional matches, and legislative oversight. Several senators raised concerns about the clarity of the prioritization process, the Division I-only athletics language, the recurring nature of future funding, and the relationship to other capital funding streams, but the committee ultimately voted do pass on HB 8. The committee then considered SB 243 and SB 244, nearly identical bills for UNM and NMSU that would each appropriate $5 million for student health, student support, nutrition, travel, scholarships, and other athletic department needs. Athletic directors testified that conference realignment, higher travel costs, nutrition demands, and new revenue-sharing/NIL obligations have increased expenses, and sponsors said the bills were intended as one-time appropriations. Some senators questioned whether the requests should be recurring or funded through university revenue rather than the state, but both bills received do pass recommendations. Finally, the committee heard SM 16, as amended, which asks HED to convene a task force to study parenting students in higher education and recommend ways to collect data and improve support. Supporters said better data is needed to understand barriers such as child care and transportation, and the memorial passed with a do pass recommendation. The committee then adjourned until Friday morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:54.040><c> with</c> term we signed our contract with term we signed our contract with Minnesota
• They're not starting the process and receiving this education mid-process; they are getting this education
• </c> midterm mid process they are getting midterm mid process they are getting this<00:16:36.959><c>
• One of the best decisions we made was having you involved in our house process.
• </c><01:24:00.239><c> is</c> um and our application process is um and our application process is currently

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It says a beneficial owner shall mean an individual who directly or indirectly, through any contract,
• That is the process that was happening before, okay.
• FEE THE AUTOMATIC CLEARINGHOUSE PAYS BY THE TENANT WHO WANTED TO HAVE THE EASIER WAY IN ORDER TO PROCESS
• I'm not concerned because it is a process that's worked. It is working for me.
• I'M NOT CONCERNED BECAUSE, IT IS A PROCESS THAT'S WORKED. IT IS WORKING FOR ME.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal, then moved through a series of introductions and resolutions recognizing Women’s History Month honorees, Prince Hall Masons and Eastern Stars, Agriculture Week, Pakistan-American Heritage Day, visiting Mercaz Academy students, and the 175th anniversary of Albany Law School. Several senators spoke in support of the commemorations, and each resolution was adopted. The chamber then took up a number of bills on the calendar. Among the measures passed were bills related to insurance, private housing finance, public health, mental hygiene, real property, elder law, public authorities, and environmental conservation. One bill on the Environmental Conservation Law drew a procedural challenge over a proposed amendment; the Chair’s ruling that the amendment was nongermane was upheld by a show of hands, after which the bill passed. Another bill amending the Emergency Tenant Protection Act was debated on the issue of vacant rent-stabilized units and LLC ownership transparency, with supporters saying it would help identify responsible owners and opponents arguing it was too broad and could impose unclear penalties; it ultimately passed. The most extended debate centered on a real property bill concerning electronic rent payment systems and automated clearinghouse fees. Supporters framed it as a transparency measure that lets tenants choose whether to use such systems, while critics questioned how fees would be handled and whether the bill would affect landlord costs. After debate, the bill passed. A public health bill sponsored by Senator Webb also passed after she explained it was intended to improve transparency and oversight of changes to maternity and perinatal services amid concerns about maternal health deserts and hospital closures. The Senate then completed the calendar and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• The commissioners will participate in the employer award selection process, and that's an important process
• The commissioners will participate in the employer award selection process and that's an important process
• And the advisory council members, process for us consistent with our statutory role.
• but that the district court could not order NIH to reinstate the grants because that's a breach of contract
• And you see so many CNA and social processing openings, there are so many open job requirements at all

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly meeting virtually and in person at the State House. The commission approved the December minutes, then heard updates from the chair on planning for the next “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27, focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The chair also previewed planning for the commission’s October National Disability Employment Awareness Month event and invited commissioners and advisory council members to join the planning group. The commission received an update on the advisory council orientation, which was described as well attended and productive, and then heard a detailed presentation from the Attorney General’s Office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts. Topics included challenges to federal actions involving diversity in education, immigration and Haiti Temporary Protected Status, NIH research funding restrictions, and mental health services grants; the presenter also addressed concerns about Medicaid-related federal actions and said the AG’s office is coordinating closely with the governor’s office and other states. Commissioners asked questions about whether disability-related work could be affected by vague DEI restrictions and about the status of CMS communications on Medicaid. The meeting also featured a presentation from Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler and apprenticeship liaison Amara Riemann on registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. They described apprenticeship as paid, structured, employer-driven training with classroom instruction and wage progression, and highlighted the Bridgewater State University Excel program for neurodivergent people and people with disabilities as a model linking pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship. Commissioners discussed how to replicate similar pathways through community colleges and disability-service providers, especially in high-demand fields. Subcommittee reports followed, including updates on disability employment, long-term services and supports, and health equity, with discussion of a projected state budget gap tied to federal changes, PCA working group recommendations, crisis standards of care, and ongoing collaboration with MassAbility and the Massachusetts Office on Disability. The meeting ended with commissioner announcements, including several awards and upcoming events, and reminders about the Lowell forum and October planning efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• , the the district judge, but also in the deliberation process, the, um, sometimes the, the simplest
• A marriage contract could take place at any time after birth.
• And I think that this process is slow, albeit maybe frustrating, because it allows an opportunity for
• And I think that this process is slow, albeit maybe frustrating, because it allows an opportunity for
• I'm defending my legislation and telling you the process I went through.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the process that would have to happen?
• We can kind of forewarn them in the process or not.
• So that's a process, right?
• And even just that process, it could be a six-month process of hiring counsel, going through the discovery
• Well, ultimately, if we don't include a judge in the process.

Committee: House Financial Institutions

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on House Bill 2116, which drew comments about children’s education and an amendment offered by Representative Hinman. Hinman explained the amendment would phase out the Missouri tax subtraction for contributions to non-Missouri 529 plans for new users beginning January 1, 2027, while allowing existing users to continue. The committee adopted the amendment, rolled it into a substitute, and then voted the House Committee substitute do pass by a vote of 11 yeas, 3 nays, and 1 present. Hinman also noted concerns from the investment community about the absence of an advisor-sold 529 option and urged the department to work toward restoring it. In public hearing, Representative Lane Roberts presented House Bill 1870, a garnishment and exemption update that would modernize long-outdated exemption amounts, tie some amounts to CPI adjustments, increase the homestead exemption, and create new procedures for garnishment of financial institution account funds. The Missouri Bankers Association supported the bill, saying it was the product of extensive work with stakeholders and would improve efficiency and reduce legal risk for banks, while also protecting debtors’ rights. Questions focused on joint accounts, business accounts, and notice to account holders; a private attorney speaking in opposition argued the bill could improperly shift burdens onto non-debtor account holders and raised concerns about tenancy by the entirety, corporate accounts, and equitable garnishment. Representative Castile then presented House Bill 2586, which would lower the minimum credit union membership share from $25 to $1 and allow credit union board and committee meetings and voting by electronic means. The Missouri Credit Union Association supported the bill, saying it would improve access for members who need the $25 and help boards meet despite weather or distance, while also aligning state law more closely with federal practice. Finally, Representative Oehlerking presented House Bill 3107, the “Safe Harbor” bill, which would shield financial institutions from civil liability under state law when they act in good faith reliance on written guidance from regulators, while excluding fraud, intentional misconduct, willful wrongdoing, and gross negligence. Credit union and banking representatives supported the measure as a defense against costly litigation based on compliance with required forms and guidance, while an opposing attorney argued the bill relied on nonpublic agency guidance, raised separation-of-powers concerns, and could leave consumers without recourse; witnesses also discussed possible examples such as overdraft fee litigation and the need for any guidance to be public and reviewable.

Transcript Highlights:

• What this bill does on behalf of the Florida Bar is allow the exploiter to be served or processed in
• Can you explain this process? They took it upon themselves to change the rate?
• If you don't think you're getting the interest that you're contracted to...
• The requester's expense because I don't know the whole process, but it would make sense to have that
• State and personal process can be on for the process on Secretary of State.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And in this process, you don't do a cost analysis as thoroughly as the regulatory process that is ongoing
• So it gives you a little time in the planning, in the process.
• And that was the process.
• . process to be protected.
• This, early in the PET process. process, it basically changes the properties when it goes through the

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and now the supplemental process.
• and now the with the budget process and now the supplemental<03:04:44.399><c> process.
• So, um I'm going supplemental process.
• Do some contracting. Get one-time money. Do some contracting.
• :11.040><c> testing</c> have contracted with outside testing have contracted with outside testing agencies

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just a separate body politic, and they can enter into contracts. Just one, this is the same.
• You look at the wording language of the issue. ...and they can enter into contracts.

Committee: Joint Local and Private

Keywords: Local and Private - Room 210, 30 March, 2026; 11:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:07.280><c> of</c> this they would speed up the process of this they would speed up the process
• So what remote processing is, um, I look at like Amazon, for instance.
• It helps us ensure that they can process the claims in real time. Those types of things.
• It helps us ensure that they can process the claims in real time. Those types of things.
• It helps us ensure that they can process the claims in real time. Those types of things.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The application process is a paper-based process, and we need to look at what an institution is telling
• The application process is a paper-based process, and we need to look at what an institution is telling
• Do you keep track of the complaints from students who finish that process, the tuition recovery process
• Some kind of survey process at the end.
• That has not been the easiest of processes or the most simple of processes to get the Bureau up and running

Summary: The joint Sunset Review Oversight Hearing focused on the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) and its reauthorization, operations, enforcement, fiscal condition, and student protections. Committee leaders and DCA officials praised the Bureau’s recent improvements in data systems, licensing, inspections, and enforcement, while noting the Bureau’s role has become more important as federal higher education oversight weakens. Bureau Chief Deborah Cochran said the agency has met its inspection mandate for the first time since the law was enacted, increased citations and disciplinary actions, reduced pending complaints, and used data tools to identify risk and monitor institutions more effectively. A major portion of the hearing centered on student harm, especially school closures, transcript access, predatory recruiting, and the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF). Members asked how the Bureau protects students when schools close, whether bad actors can reopen under new entities, and whether enforcement tools are strong enough. Cochran said the Bureau can cite, fine, place schools on probation, revoke licenses, and order refunds, but it is seeking new authority to deny approval to operators who previously closed schools improperly or failed to refund students. She also said the Bureau is tracking ownership data and is concerned about institutions targeting immigrant and visa students. On STRF, Cochran explained that the fund is currently healthy, assessments are at zero because the balance is above the statutory target, and the Bureau paid about 1,100 claims totaling roughly $17 million over the last four years. Several members questioned the fairness of the assessment structure and discussed alternatives such as surety bonds, but the Bureau said STRF is working well and no change is needed at this time. Fee increases and the Bureau’s structural deficit were another major topic. Cochran said the Bureau reduced costs by eliminating positions, streamlining inspections, improving data analysis, and shifting some student-relief costs to STRF, but that legislative action is still needed to address the deficit. She said the proposed fees were based on workload analyses and that application fees generally match service costs, while annual fees are designed to cover most of the Bureau’s revenue needs. Some members and stakeholders criticized the proposed increases as too high, especially for out-of-state registration and campus fees, while others argued the Bureau needs sufficient resources to regulate effectively. Public commenters from private schools, Northeastern University, San Joaquin Valley College/Carrington College, and TICAS generally supported the Bureau’s mission and reauthorization, but urged changes such as risk-based oversight, better transcript protections, stronger limits on repeated provisional approvals, and more targeted fee and STRF reforms. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with no formal action beyond discussion and receipt of testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we not have the protections to contract in New York, let alone in the United States, enshrined in
• So it does not change the rule of law on what the contract said, and it will not impact orderly markets
• the co-op or condo does not supply this information, then, but it's regularly available during the contract

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met for its fourth meeting of the year and considered a series of bills, mostly on civil practice, real property, and court administration. SB 26A on extreme risk protection orders drew some concern about possible unintended consequences and broad exclusions for minors, but it was moved and reported to Codes. SB 1116, designating April 20 as New York State Constitution Day, was moved quickly and reported to the floor. The committee spent the most time on SB 1477, which would limit certain debt-collection practices involving sovereign debt and so-called vulture investors. Senator Krueger explained that the bill is narrowly targeted at investors who buy distressed sovereign bonds with the intent to sue in New York courts, while Senator Palumbo raised concerns about breadth and possible effects on legitimate lending and contract rights. After extended discussion and assurances that the bill would not affect ordinary investors or credit-card debt, it was moved and reported to Finance. Members also discussed SB 7541 on transparency for co-ops and condos; some members warned of unintended consequences and opposition from the co-op/condo community, while others argued it would improve disclosure. The bill was ultimately reported to the floor. Several other bills were approved with little or no opposition: SB 2546 on abandoned multiple dwellings, SB 8294 requiring more detailed judicial determinations on motions, SB 8372 on expenses in matrimonial actions, SB 8870 extending supervision requirements for a real estate license application, and SB 9482 creating a New York City Civil Court subpart for eviction matters involving affordable housing providers and small landlords. SB 9482 drew supportive comments, with a note that funding and staffing would be needed in the budget for it to function effectively. All bills considered were moved out of committee and reported to the appropriate next committee or to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 1792, number five on the calendar for the day, an act relating to contracts for deed, the
• the previous session, the Minnesota legislature enacted a comprehensive set of changes governing contracts
• It primarily makes several technical corrections, and it adds two additional exempt contracts for deed