Transcript Highlights:

• Caltrans' recent multi-year fleet replacement endeavor builds upon two prior two-year limited-term requests
• Due to this limitation, this proposal for your consideration is to amend the Government Code to swap
• So very limited access even to the states, and it's on a one-by-one basis.
• Please limit your comments to one minute.
• limit and prevent a vehicle from exceeding it.

Summary: The subcommittee heard several California transportation and public safety budget proposals. Caltrans requested a one-time $225 million augmentation to continue replacing its aging fleet and build out zero-emission vehicle infrastructure. Caltrans said the funding would replace about 1,100 vehicles, including many heavy-duty units, and acknowledged its overdue report on zero-emission fleet efforts would be delivered by mid-to-late April. The LAO said the request raised no concerns, but one senator strongly criticized the cost and policy emphasis on making the fleet the “greenest” rather than prioritizing road maintenance. The chair pressed Caltrans to submit the overdue report within 30 days, saying it was necessary for oversight before the request could be considered. The committee also discussed a Caltrans proposal tied to SB 150 and the High Road Construction Careers Program. Because federal highway funds could not be used as originally intended for workforce training, Caltrans and the Department of Finance proposed replacing the federal dollars with $30 million in state Highway Account funds. The Workforce Development Board said the program had a track record of connecting participants to apprenticeships and jobs, while one senator questioned why the original $50 million federal set-aside had not been implemented and asked for more detail on where the remaining funds would go. Finance said the state funds were already set aside and expected to begin flowing in May over a two- to three-year period. The California Highway Patrol presented two requests. First, CHP sought $60 million from the Motor Vehicle Account for equipment and operating costs, citing inflation, higher vehicle prices, and the end of its ability to cover costs through vacancy savings as hiring improved. The LAO recommended rejection, arguing the costs were not new, CHP still had a substantial equipment budget, and the Motor Vehicle Account faces insolvency by 2028-29. Second, CHP requested $885,000 ongoing to fund seven crime analyst positions for the Highway Violence Task Force. CHP said the task force had reduced freeway shootings from 477 in 2021 to 179 last year, though some data categories had changed over time. The LAO did not object, but noted the request would create a permanent funding commitment. The DMV presented two modernization items: the State-to-State verification system required for Real ID compliance and the DXP system to replace aging legacy technology. The LAO raised no concerns with either, but noted DXP has had cost overruns and delays and will require continued legislative oversight. Senators focused heavily on privacy and data-sharing concerns in the State-to-State system, especially the use of Social Security number digits and the role of the AAMVA network. DMV said the system is required for Real ID compliance, uses encrypted data, and is intended to prevent duplicate credentials across states. The committee also discussed customer service improvements from DXP, with DMV saying the project should better integrate systems and improve service delivery by the end of the calendar year.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to give the public advance notice that any testimony received will be limited to two minutes.
• So essentially it's Notice that any testimony received will be limited to two minutes.
• Accountability is not limited to incarceration or supervision.
• Efforts that limit youth access are among the most effective tools we have to reduce use.
• I'm limited in time, so what I will say after that time is I was not able to return to work.

Summary: The committee heard public hearings on several bills, with testimony limited because of the large number of sign-ups. House Bill 2146 would expand the crime of sexual exploitation of a minor to include causing a minor to view sexually explicit conduct that is being photographed or shown in a live performance. The prime sponsor, Olympia police, and Pierce County prosecutors described cases involving adults masturbating in front of children and argued the current law leaves a gap by treating such conduct as only misdemeanor indecent exposure or communication with a minor. Committee members asked about comparisons to other states, forensic interviews, and whether related offenses could be enhanced. House Bill 2349 would expand notice requirements for sexually violent predator releases, conditional releases, address changes, discharges, and escapes to include local elected officials such as sheriffs, county executives, city officials, and legislators. The sponsor said the bill would codify a practice already occurring in some cases and help officials respond to community concerns with accurate information. DSHS supported increased communication but requested technical amendments. Several city officials testified in support, saying they had not always been notified in advance of placements in their communities. Defense advocates opposed the bill, warning that broader notification could fuel public pressure, vigilante responses, and constitutional problems for the civil commitment system. The hearing on the bill was left open for amendments. House Bill 2532 would make it a gross misdemeanor to sell or distribute nitrous oxide canisters or similar containers, with exemptions for medical, dental, food, industrial, and automotive uses. The sponsor and supporters described rising misuse among youth and young adults, public health harms, and incidents involving impaired driving and overdose deaths. Tribal representatives, the Attorney General’s Office, the Washington Poison Center, and public health officials supported the bill, while veterinary representatives asked for clarification or an amendment to preserve veterinary use. The committee also heard testimony on House Bills 2430 and 2457, which both concern the crime victim penalty assessment. Representative Barno’s bill would restore the assessment for certain offenses involving victims, while Representative Davis’s bill would increase the assessment and add a surcharge for defendants with substantial financial resources. Victim advocates, prosecutors, and sheriffs supported the bills as needed to restore funding for victim services, while defense groups opposed them as burdensome fees on indigent defendants. The chair directed the two sponsors to work together on a single proposal, and the hearings were held open.

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's a limit on how much the federal government can.
• And if we run up against that debt limit, then we have to cut back on projects and so forth.
• Anyway, they increased the debt limit by $5 trillion so that we don't run up against that.
• a rule allowing commercial market rates a couple of years ago as the new upper payment limit.
• Then New Mexico implemented the new upper payment limits this calendar year.

Committee: House Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• We will be limiting public testimony to two minutes. And I ask that you please adhere to that.
• So we definitely, House Bill 4421 promotes personal responsibility and local. leadership and limits the
• Law enforcement officers are not medical professionals and have limited training in mental health and
• Yes, and there are limitations and I'm going to have the experts give you better answers than I can.
• , when we go on a call, when we go on a call, this isn't limited.

Bills: HB3772 , HB1656 , HB4504 , HB1896 , HB4420 , HB4421 , HB4076 , HB3708 , HB2806 , HB3540 , HB1586 , HB5459 , HB4553 , HB4535 , HB3811 , HB3749 , HB4255 , HB4051 , HB5098 , HB3554 , HB4539 , HB5274

Committee: House Public Health

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:43:12.760><c> each</c> and I'm going to have to limit each and I'm going to have to limit each
• Um, I strongly threeminute limitation.
• ><c> high</c><02:00:17.440><c> enough</c> wealth limit is high enough wealth limit is high enough already
• If you with removing the income limit.
• </c><03:19:02.239><c> the</c> would be a strong case for limiting the would be a strong case for limiting

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• But that is why we limit it to highlighting.
• Uh is why we limit it to highlighting.
• We can limit people's ability to speak in certain zones.
• </c><04:37:19.920><c> access</c><04:37:20.240><c> limited</c> disabilities or limit access limited disabilities
• or limit access limited access<04:37:20.959><c> to</c><04:37:21.400><c> technology.

Committee: House Election Law

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a courtesy that we typically extend to them, and we'll also ask that our colleagues limit their
• Oral testimony on panels is also limited to eight minutes in total.
• All testimony must be completed within the stated time limits.
• modernize how the town of Shrewsbury provides notification to the public and others, removing certain limitations

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Summary: The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a public hearing on several local bills affecting Plymouth, Dunstable/Groton-Dunstable, Shrewsbury, Danvers, and the Town of Berry. Committee chairs reviewed hearing procedures, including three-minute testimony limits, livestreaming, and written testimony submission, and noted members joining in person and online. No votes were taken on the bills themselves during the hearing. Representative Michelle Badger testified in support of H.5497 for Plymouth, which would let the town move its annual spring town meeting and local elections to a later date so budget decisions can be made with more complete information about the state budget and state aid. Lacey McCabe and Dunstable Town Administrator Jason Silva supported S.3118/H.5542, which would address an election error that left a Groton-Dunstable Regional School Committee seat off the ballot and allow the vacancy to be filled for the full three-year term rather than only a one-year appointment. Kevin Mizikar supported H.5512 for Shrewsbury, which would allow digital postings to serve as official legal notices for procurement instead of requiring newspaper publication. Senator Lovely, Danvers Town Manager Jill Cahill, and Representative Kearns testified for H.5571, describing it as an update to Danvers’ town meeting act with precinct changes, moderator-election provisions, and other governance revisions approved locally. Kearns said the bill followed a year-long review and included largely housekeeping and modernization changes. John Chase testified against H.5577 for the Town of Berry, arguing that eliminating the DPW board would reduce oversight and concentrate too much power, though he noted the highway superintendent now has a signed MOU. The hearing ended after the chair asked for and received a motion to adjourn, which was approved by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• What in the law, if anything, limits local sales tax?
• So as far as you know, the state does not limit a local community, city, town, or county from a certain
• Again, not my wheelhouse, but I'm getting a point that it's 2%, something, 2% limit.
• Sales tax 2% limit.

Summary: The Arkansas Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a brief morning hour that included an announcement about volunteers for the Hunger Caucus “Serving Up Solutions” fundraiser. The chamber then moved to its business agenda, where the main item was Senate Bill 1 by Senator Dismang, which would reduce income tax rates for individuals, trusts, estates, and corporations. Senator Dismang explained the bill as a continuation of tax reductions begun in 2013, lowering the top individual rate from 3.9% to 3.7% effective January 1, 2026, and reducing the corporate rate to 4.1% starting next year. The bill drew debate over state priorities and fiscal tradeoffs. Senator Flowers questioned local sales tax limits and whether future needs such as Medicaid, education, and educational freedom accounts could be funded if taxes were cut further. Senators Tucker and Leding spoke against the bill, arguing the state should prioritize investments in early childhood education, hospitals, maternal health, and public schools rather than returning revenue to taxpayers. Senator McKee spoke in favor, saying money should be returned to the people who produced it. Senator Dismang closed by emphasizing that the tax cut was supported by surplus revenue and that a family making $65,000 had already seen a significant reduction in effective tax burden since 2013. The Senate passed Senate Bill 1 by a vote of 29 yeas to 6 nays and transmitted it to the House. Afterward, members announced that the Revenue and Taxation Committee would meet after House adjournment if the House sent over its tax bill, and the Senate adjourned subject to clearing the desk and reading House Bill 1001 across the desk, until 9 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• What in the law, if anything, limits local sales tax?
• So, as far as you know, the state does not limit a local community, city, town, or county from a certain
• Again, not my wheelhouse, but I'm getting a point that it's 2%, something, 2% limit.
• Sales tax 2% limit.

Summary: The Senate convened, took leave requests, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved into the morning business agenda. Senator Irvin announced a Hunger Caucus fundraiser, Serving Up Solutions, and invited members to sign up to wait tables. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 1, which would reduce income tax rates for individuals, trusts, estates, and corporations, continuing a series of tax cuts begun in 2013. Senator Dismang presented the bill, explaining that it would lower the top individual rate from 3.9% to 3.7% effective January 1, 2026, and reduce the corporate rate to 4.1% starting next year. In questions, senators discussed local sales tax limits, the impact of the cut on funding for Medicaid, education, and educational freedom accounts, and whether federal fiscal uncertainty should affect the state’s decision. Supporters argued Arkansas’s conservative budgeting and reserve set-asides made the cut sustainable and that returning money to taxpayers was the best use of surplus funds. Senators Tucker and Leding spoke against the bill, saying the state should prioritize early childhood education, health care, maternal health, and public schools over tax cuts, and that the reduction would mainly provide small benefits to most taxpayers while reducing resources for other needs. Senator McKee spoke in favor, arguing the money should be returned to the people who earned it. The Senate then passed Senate Bill 1 by a vote of 29 yeas to 6 nays and transmitted it to the House. After the vote, members were told the Revenue and Taxation Committee would meet after House adjournment if the House version of the tax bill was transmitted. The Senate then announced it would adjourn subject to clearing the desk and reading a House bill across, with the body set to reconvene the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• “What in the law, if anything, limits local sales tax?
• Senator Dismang said he did not have the specifics on sales tax limits.
• He added that he did not know the exact limits for a city, town, or county.
• Senator Flowers continued pressing on the issue, saying she had heard something about a 2% limit, but

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill specifically removes the current limitation that restricted how much of the veterans' tax exemption
• This bill specifically removes the current limitation that restricted how much of the veterans' tax exemption
• to transfer up to 120% of the prior exemption amount to a new primary residence rather than being limited
• The revised transition The revised transfer limit applies uniformly to all surviving spouse provisions

Committee: Senate Finance and Tax

Transcript Highlights:

• So I would respectfully ask for an aye vote, and as is my tradition, I try to limit the amount of witnesses
• SB 347 will reduce the state annual tax from $800 to $600 for every LLC, LLP, limited partnership, S
• SCA 4 modernizes the veterans' exemption by removing those arbitrary limitations a veteran must meet
• across California: the growing gap between the cost of delivering essential public services and the limited

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think it's pretty wide; I mean, there aren't any limits there, right? It's like anybody.
• You know, that is skirting the legal limits of the law.
• Is that your intent, or would you want to limit that to your comments?
• And limit our general potential to be a healthy and safe community.
• For example, limitation on certain searches.

Bills: HB229 , HB229 , HB3990 , HB5082 , HB5510

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> resurrected from prior years uh limits resurrected from prior years uh limits the<01:27:21.040><
• </c><01:51:40.080><c> the</c> governor's recommendation to limit the governor's recommendation to limit
• the same uh limit or not limitation<02:09:59.040><c> but</c><02:09:59.760><c> if</c><02:10:00.079><c
• > the</c><02:10:00.639><c> authority</c><02:10:01.119><c> is</c> limitation but if the authority is limitation
• Specifically, limitation on transfers.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:50:44.880><c> the</c> that it would significantly limit the that it would significantly limit
• </c> transparency within a much more limited transparency within a much more limited context<03:07:42.399
• Um uh except as limited by 915 or other applicable law.
• </c><03:11:09.279><c> officers</c> including without limitations officers including without limitations
• This is very limited. I mean, it might be one a year, maybe two.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• regarding and is intended to provide certainty regarding property ownership, mineral rights, and the time limits
• the property without exception. unpaid taxes and the deed conveyed the property without expressly limiting
• Existing court orders and legal challenges filed within the established statute of limitations remain
• It restores the existing statute of limitations and reaffirms the intent to clarify and restate Pennsylvania's
• long-standing five-year statute of limitations for bringing legal actions challenging historic tax sales

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine administrative business, including approval of the June 1, 2026 journal and several leave requests. The chamber then took up a series of bills and committee referrals, with House Bill 1042 initially sent to Appropriations and later re-referred to Rules and Executive Nominations after committee action. Several other measures were either passed, held over in their order, or re-referred, including House Bills 36 and 513 to Appropriations and various Senate and House bills set aside for later consideration. The most substantive floor debate centered on House Bill 96, where Senator Yaw offered Amendment A4096 to clarify the legal effect of historic tax sales of unseated lands. The amendment would treat certain historic tax-sale deeds as conveying full fee simple ownership, including severed subsurface rights, unless those rights were separately assessed, and would require documentary proof for claims of redemption. The amendment passed 36-14. The Senate also adopted Amendment A4183 to House Bill 1862 after a ruling that Senator Rothman had no conflict of interest and was required to vote; that amendment passed 46-4. Later, Amendment A4173 to House Bill 2559 was adopted 49-1, and House Bill 2559 then passed as amended. Several bills received final passage by unanimous 50-0 votes, including House Bills 482, 1102, 1830, 1860, and 2426, while House Bill 1862 and House Bill 96 were advanced as amended. The Senate also returned a slate of gubernatorial nominations to the governor on motion of the Rules and Executive Nominations Committee. During petitions and remonstrances, Senator Tartaglione urged action to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, arguing the budget should not ignore low-wage workers. The session also included recognition remarks for Ed Sheehan’s retirement and a submission to the record on the Treaty of Paris. The Senate then recessed until July 12, 2026, at noon, and several bills were signed in the presence of the Senate before recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• To be clear, it is strictly limited to claims for damages caused by climate change.
• This is strictly limited to greenhouse gas emissions into climate change. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• The statute can be, with limited modifications, a statute that does what you wanted to do, which is to
• And on page 3, line 15, it says a violation of any enforceable Louisiana or federal statutory limitation
• just really want to kind of make sure that, you know, I'm always a little concerned about putting limitations

Bills: SB480 , HB621 , HB637 , HB804 , HB841 , HB1056

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Summary: The Senate Committee on Natural Resources met on May 14 and approved the April 29 minutes. The committee first heard HB 1056, which authorizes transfer of certain state property in Natchitoches Parish tied to a former school building now considered dilapidated and a nuisance; it was reported favorably. HB 841, described as a landman code of conduct bill and expropriation-related measure, was voluntarily deferred so the sponsor could work on additional changes over the interim. The committee then took up HB 804, the Louisiana Energy Protection Act, which would bar future lawsuits seeking climate-change damages against fossil fuel companies and other entities. Supporters said it would prevent speculative climate litigation while preserving legitimate claims for permit violations and other existing statutory causes of action. Opponents from coastal litigation and the Sierra Club argued the bill was drafted too broadly and could affect legacy cases, property rights, and regulatory enforcement; the committee adopted Amendment 3875 to grandfather existing filed cases and make the bill effective upon gubernatorial signature, then reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 621, requiring recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure and updating the state’s waste framework for modern energy components, was reported favorably. HB 637, which revises oil field site restoration fees and lowers rates for marginal, stripper, low-pressure, and incapable wells, was also reported favorably. Finally, SB 480, as amended, allowed boats to anchor in Oyster Bayou so long as they are not within an oyster lease and someone remains on board; the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• To be clear, it is strictly limited to claims for damages caused by climate change.
• This is strictly limited to greenhouse gas emissions into climate change. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• The statute can be, with limited modifications, a statute that does what you wanted to do, which is to
• on page 3, line 15, it says a violation... ...of any enforceable Louisiana or federal statutory limitation
• just really want to kind of make sure that, you know, I'm always a little concerned about putting limitations

Bills: SB480 , HB621 , HB637 , HB804 , HB841 , HB1056

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• But when the choices are limited in the restaurants in your community, do parents really have the ability
• At the same time, women face real obstacles to care, including insurance limitations, high cost, long
• Every day, challenges like transportation, childcare, and limited postpartum follow-up further restrict
• include, among the information provided to students during these two weeks, topics including, but not limited
• include, among the information provided to students during these two weeks, topics including, but not limited

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of gubernatorial appointments and floor items. The chamber confirmed Dina Eltawasi as Director of Caltrans, Allison Salt Install to the Court Reporters Board, and Olivia May Assumption to the California Commission on Disability Access, and later confirmed William Adams to the California Exposition and State Fair Board. Each appointment was presented by Senator Grove and approved on roll call, with final confirmation votes recorded after calls were lifted. Several measures were taken up on third reading. SCR 143, by Senator Umberg, honored Hmong and Laotian special guerrilla unit veterans who served with U.S. forces during the secret war in Laos; Senator Archuleta also spoke in support, and the resolution passed unanimously. SR 96, by Senator Cortese, proclaimed April as National County Government Month and highlighted the role of counties and CSAC; it also passed unanimously. SB 1347 clarified that stock albuterol authorization applies to all public schools, including preschools; SB 977 required chain restaurants offering children’s meals to provide at least one healthier option meeting nutrition standards; SB 1234 required fentanyl testing when juvenile dependency drug testing is already ordered; SCR 161 designated May 2026 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month; SR 101 updated the Senate Rules Committee membership by replacing Senator Jones with Senator Ochoa Bogh; and SB 1111 addressed liability for unauthorized AI-generated digital replicas. All of these measures were approved, most by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The Senate also adopted SCR 128, by Senator Perez, declaring April 13–24, 2026, as High School Voter Education Weeks to encourage civic education and youth participation in elections. The consent calendar was then approved after Senator Cervantes removed SB 1381; the remaining consent items passed 35-0. Throughout the session, members introduced visiting groups, including Hmong and Laotian veterans, CSAC representatives, and students in the gallery. The day concluded with Senator Wiener’s adjournment in memory of disability rights activist Alice Wong, after which the Senate announced its next floor session and recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• But when the choices are limited in the restaurants in your community, do parents really have the ability
• At the same time, women face real obstacles to care, including insurance limitations, high cost, long
• Every day, challenges like transportation, childcare, and limited postpartum follow-up further restrict
• include, among the information provided to students during these two weeks, topics including, but not limited
• include, among the information provided to students during these two weeks, topics including, but not limited