Transcript Highlights:

• I think that's a great question.
• I think that it's not always a quick process, right?
• I think that there are pending bills in many states.
• I think incorporating work into our schools is so important.
• I think it needs to be a multi-pronged approach.

Bills: SB1046

Keywords: telecommunications, broadband, internet infrastructure, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, national security, foreign adversary, China, Chinese equipment, supply chain security, network equipment, microchips, Arizona Corporation Commission, telecommunications provider, communications infrastructure, Huawei, ZTE, state-owned enterprise, sanctions, infrastructure security

Summary: The Committee on Science and Technology heard Senate Bill 1046, which would bar critical telecommunications infrastructure in Arizona from using equipment manufactured or owned by a foreign adversary, require annual certification to the Corporation Commission, impose civil penalties for noncompliance, and cut off state, local, or federal infrastructure funding for violators. Marina Macklin testified in support, arguing the bill responds to real national-security risks from China, citing examples such as Huawei, Hikvision, and other foreign-linked technology concerns, and saying states can act where federal efforts are incomplete or slow. Members raised questions about cost, timing, and whether the bill duplicates federal action; Macklin said the bill targets public procurement and that state action remains appropriate. The committee then voted 5-1 to return SB 1046 with a do pass recommendation. The committee next received a presentation from Craig Luxbacher of the University of Arizona on mining technology and the state’s role as an innovation hub. He described university work on automation, microgrids, critical mineral recovery, tailings remediation, workforce training, and heat-stress protection, and said Arizona can help de-risk new mining technologies through research partnerships, training networks, and policy support. Members asked about microgrids, federal and state law changes, tariffs, workforce decline, AI, and how the Legislature could help; Luxbacher emphasized the need for coordinated training pipelines, incubators for mining startups, and support for pilot projects and processing capacity. Jeremiah Pate, founder and CTO of Lunisand, then presented on subsurface imaging technology using georadiotomography. He said the system can image deep underground from airborne platforms, helping locate critical minerals, aquifers, tunnels, and hidden defense-related threats more quickly than traditional methods. Members asked about archaeological uses, mineral identification, water detection, whether similar companies exist, and defense applications. Pate said the technology is still developing but is unique in its field-practical airborne capability. The meeting concluded with closing remarks from the chair and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I do understand the question.
• So I think it will slow appeals.
• I think I know it, but I want to make sure.
• I don't think anybody wants that.
• But I think we need to look deeper as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• Operating at the intersection of spatial computing, cybersecurity, and the rapidly evolving world of
• Operating at the intersection of spatial computing, cybersecurity, and the rapidly evolving world of

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirmed a quorum, and approved the journal from January 21, 2026. Members then used points of personal privilege to recognize guests and groups in the gallery, including Chaplain Ron Lagata, an anti-human-trafficking proclamation for Not in Our State, an active-duty Air Force apprentice from Davis-Monthan, Space Force and aerospace guests, and Special Olympics Arizona. Senator Bolick’s proclamation emphasized Arizona’s commitment to combating human trafficking and invited members to an upcoming event. Senator Tothley delivered a somber statement about the death of eight-year-old Malika, Molly Boone, in his community and criticized delays in the Turquoise Alert system. He urged statewide changes so alerts go out more quickly and more broadly, and the Senate observed a moment of silence in her memory. The President Pro Tem expressed condolences and said he would continue working on solutions. The chamber then moved through the day’s legislative calendar, reading a long list of bills and resolutions for second reading and introducing several new bills for first reading and committee referral, including measures on election procedures, voting security, prison sentencing, water supply, unemployment benefits, health care, and appropriations. A nomination to the Arizona Board of Regents was also read by name only. Committee announcements were made for upcoming meetings, and the Senate adjourned on motion until Monday, January 26, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that I think that will continue.
• I think since this, I think it went into play like in 200 and 2 since 2012, we've sent OMEs over $112
• How much do you think we've sent home ES?
• I think they're called public entities, but for my world, I just think that they're bigger companies
• I think there will come a time.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's 85.
• Um, I, I don't think anyone in Harris County, not accusing anyone, I don't think there's anything nefarious
• Um, and we think, we think that's because, uh, as Mr. Reid mentioned, it's a normal budget process.
• And I, I think.
• Do you think it should be capped at 18 positions, or do you think, do you, uh, think it should be capped

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I'm the only person on the committee from Harris County. Right, I think so.
• You vote on the screen, you vote on a computer screen, a computer screen. but then it prints out the
• but you know, Harris, I think.
• I think any area where we can.
• So I think it's, there's a fiscal impact to doing it. I think it's.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We think doing so The three-year average when computing apportionments for districts.
• First, in our view, we don’t think it addresses a clearly defined…” “First, in our view, we don’t think
• And I think sometimes we just think of this from transferability and whether that'll count towards an
• So we think, you know, we have a lot of expertise here that bodes well for this project, and we think
• If the thinking is we're not going to identify more projects for building, then I think we need to know

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held a hearing focused on California Community College budget proposals. Chair Alvarez opened by emphasizing the system’s role in access, transfer, workforce training, and serving more than 2 million students, while also noting persistent challenges in enrollment, persistence, transfer, and graduation. Public commenters and system representatives broadly supported COLA, enrollment growth funding, deferred maintenance, student support block grants, and additional flexibility for districts facing uncertainty. The first major panel covered the student-centered funding formula, COLA, and enrollment growth. The Department of Finance said the Governor proposes a 2.43% COLA ($230.4 million) and 0.5% enrollment growth funding ($30.4 million). The LAO said the COLA was reasonable and recommended funding at least the proposed growth amount, citing uneven enrollment recovery and regional differences. The Chancellor’s Office supported both proposals and asked for additional changes, including using the greater of current-year or three-year average for apportionments and lifting the 10% local enrollment cap, arguing these would better fund growing districts. Members questioned how the formula works, whether SCFF is improving outcomes, and how much additional funding would be needed under different growth scenarios. The committee then reviewed categorical program COLAs, Rising Scholars, career education proposals, IT proposals, and student housing. The Governor proposed a 2.43% COLA for selected categorical programs ($31.9 million). For Rising Scholars, the Governor proposed $30 million ongoing and removal of the cap on participating colleges; the LAO urged waiting for outcome data before doubling funding, while the Chancellor’s Office said the program is serving more students and supports equity for justice-impacted students. On career education, the Governor proposed $50 million for credit for prior learning and $50 million for a career passport; the LAO supported more reporting on credit for prior learning but recommended rejecting the career passport as too undefined, while the Chancellor’s Office supported both. On technology, the Governor proposed $162.5 million for a common cloud data platform and $168 million for a common ERP system; the LAO said both were premature or lacked sufficient planning and recommended rejection, while the Chancellor’s Office argued they would improve real-time data, security, and systemwide efficiency. The committee also heard an update on student housing: the administration said the 2024 shift to a lease-revenue bond model remains in progress for 13 approved projects, with 11 still active, and members asked about withdrawn projects and possible use of any returned funds. No votes were taken, and several items were held open for further discussion and May Revision updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we had a bridge at Burbank County.
• We're happy to help, and I think I would add that I think the other members of the committee who did
• I think we have that issue on this commission as well.
• However, if you don't use computers and you're a lobbyist, you can still do paper filing, so I think
• I think that rule could use a little more clarity.

Keywords: Texas Ethics Commission, legislative recommendations, general counsel appointment, foreign lobbying, political contributions, quarterly meetings, public testimony, rule amendments

Summary: The meeting focused on the Texas Ethics Commission's (TEC) evaluation of legislative recommendations and personnel updates, including the appointment of a new general counsel and discussions about upcoming quarterly meetings. Commissioner Schmidt reported on the progress of various bills, including amendments to existing laws, the need for increased regulation on foreign lobbying, and the publication of new rules in the Texas Register. Public testimonies were heard regarding compliance issues and proposed changes in political contribution regulations. The Commission agreed to schedule further review on the legislative items discussed and the proposed rule amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think that bullet point there is, I think that bullet point there is a little bit skewed in regards
• happened or what didn't happen, I think, is a little touchy, and I think we need to be careful on that
• I think I'm going to avoid skipping to that right now just because I think it would be helpful for us
• Now I think we fixed that last two sessions ago, but I think that's the struggle, as I would have this
• I think that'd be helpful.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Computers fixed. >> Are we um set? Computers fixed.
• I think frankly in my opinion it's think I think frankly in my opinion it's probably<00:14:21.920>
• I don't think this is something we have to do. I think we can do better.
• I don't think this is something we have to do. I think we can do better.
• I don't think this is something we have to do. I think we can do better.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The meeting was a PFAS-focused hearing of the Capital Investment Committee, with members informally discussing the scale of PFAS cleanup costs, possible Minnesota-made removal technology, and even committee birthday treats before the testimony began. No formal votes or motions were taken in the portion provided. The chair also noted the committee was waiting on a computer/cable issue before starting the presentation. The main testimony came from Sandy Wyn, co-chair of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network, who described how PFAS contamination affected her Michigan community. She recounted that her private well tested at extremely high PFAS levels after a state visit, linked the contamination to Wolverine Worldwide’s historic dumping practices, and said the pollution spread through groundwater and municipal systems. She emphasized that PFAS are widespread in consumer products, firefighting foam, wastewater biosolids, and agriculture, and argued that the chemicals’ persistence makes them difficult to manage once released. Wyn said PFAS exposure is associated with health problems including cholesterol issues, liver and thyroid damage, kidney cancer, low birth weight, and reduced vaccine response in children. She told members she had her own blood tested, later developed thyroid cancer, and said a local child had very high PFAS levels and vaccine complications. Members asked for supporting studies, and she referenced the C8 study and other research. She urged stronger product restrictions, labeling, blood and water testing support, caution around biosolids, and continued efforts to reduce PFAS use, while acknowledging some limited uses may still be necessary in critical applications like military firefighting foam or medical devices.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the substitute will help you.
• So this, okay, I think that's probably the...
• And so I really think this is kind of a protection because in some ways I think that a lot of these businesses—well
• I don't think under this bill I’d have a right of action.
• I think the biggest issue here is...

Bills: SB82, SB1807, SB2254, HB119, HB130, HB581, HJR98, SB1988, SB 18, SB 34

Keywords: business liability, concealed carry, handgun policy, premises liability, criminal acts, civil liability, business premises, concealed handgun, property liability, property rights, gun regulations, criminal liability, protective order, confidentiality, personal information, court records, victim protection, charitable raffle, nonprofit, wildlife conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• I think everybody in this group knows to do that. Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr.
• Think about it.
• We really need to think about that.
• But think about it for just a minute. If Texas was its own country.
• Uh, I don't think we can do. I don't know how, how long Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I... Thank you so much. And gentlemen, I think I got this right now.
• Well, I think you're right.
• But I also think that many times when we're bringing bills like this, I'd like for us to think about
• So if we can talk afterward, I really do think that I think that's what you're trying to do, and I'm
• I think so. CL, lock the machine, record... Vote. I think so.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I'll start.
• So think about involvement. Think about internship.
• I don't think it's in either. I think it's both.
• The report does include 18, I think, I think.
• But I think what it invites is what I think Dr.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The COBRE that we are thinking The COBRE that we are thinking about.
• So think about involvement. Think about internship.
• I don't think it's either/or. I think it's both.
• But I think what it invites is what I think Dr.
• But I think what it invites is what I think Dr.

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met at NDSU and heard an extensive presentation from President David Cook/President Stewart and NDSU leadership on the university’s priorities, including enrollment, student success, research growth, and use of New Horizons funding. Leaders emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission, its role in workforce development, and its goal of becoming more distinctive through strategic planning, recruitment and retention, commercialization, and partnerships. They highlighted that NDSU awarded 2,370 degrees in 2025, produces a large share of the state’s engineering, nursing, and agriculture graduates, and reported strong outcomes for graduates staying and working in North Dakota. They also noted enrollment headwinds, competition from other institutions, and the need to manage tuition waivers more carefully through a scholarship optimization effort. Provost Sherry Vale outlined academic stewardship efforts, including review or consolidation of low-producing programs, strategic hiring tied to institutional priorities, faculty workload policy changes, and expanded online and regional offerings. She said the university is using New Horizons dollars to strengthen advising, student support, and programs in engineering, agriculture, and health. NDSU leaders also described new or expanded academic offerings such as robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, material science and engineering, nuclear engineering certificates, accelerated nursing, nurse practitioner certificates, a Master of Health Administration, and a clinical research master’s program with Sanford Health. They stressed that these investments are intended to improve student completion, meet workforce needs, and increase return on public investment. The committee also heard testimony from students and recent graduates who described the value of NDSU’s education, mentorship, internships, research opportunities, and support services. Alyssa Hodges spoke about pharmacy education, public health work, and campus support as a parent and student; Ethan Blessy described engineering coursework, internships with Marvin, and career preparation; and Aiden Freolic discussed neuroscience research, federally funded projects, and plans for graduate study. Their testimony was followed by presentations on partnerships with Gateway to Science for K-12 STEM outreach and with Sanford Research on biomedical research, clinical trials, obesity research, and a joint biostatistics hire. NDSU also highlighted systemwide shared services, Governor’s School programming, and research growth, including a reported 8% increase in research expenditures from $199 million to $215 million. No bill votes were taken; the meeting was informational and featured presentations, testimony, and discussion of future planning and partnerships.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think if our intent is to get a $12 an hour, I don't think it should cost the employer.
• I mean, I think.
• I don't know, I think that's something we might should think about.
• I think, I think Defense is important, but we have systems, right?
• I think that's awesome.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pre-written computer software refers to computer programs not designed to the specifications of any single
• So I think it's worthy to note.
• And so it's something that I think we need to kind of think through as we're processing some of these
• And so it's something that I think we need to kind of think through as we're processing some of these
• I think I got them all mixed up.

Summary: The committee opened with the State Controller’s Office May Revision requests, including funding for Fiscal book-of-record stabilization, a Broadcom IDMS licensing adjustment, the California State Payroll System, ACFR reporting automation, and $3 million for unclaimed property outreach. Testimony emphasized progress on Fiscal becoming the state’s accounting book of record in July, faster ACFR publication, and the move to electronic unclaimed property claims. Members asked about the size of the unclaimed property fund and how quickly money is transferred to the General Fund; the Controller’s office said about $15 billion is held, with most excess transferred regularly, and the LAO noted the fund is the General Fund’s fourth-largest revenue source. No concerns were raised by Finance or the LAO, and the item was closed after no public comment. The committee then heard the administration’s proposal to tax prewritten digital software and software-as-a-service, with Finance saying it would modernize sales tax treatment and raise an estimated $450 million General Fund and $560 million local revenue in 2026-27. The LAO supported modernizing the tax but suggested broader digital goods coverage and a business-use exemption; industry and taxpayer groups opposed the proposal, warning of higher costs for consumers and businesses. Members also heard CDTFA’s administrative request tied to the proposal, plus a separate CDTFA budget reduction reflecting lower operational needs; that reduction was presented as a savings item and drew positive reactions. Next, the committee considered federal conformity for “Trump accounts,” which would align California tax treatment with federal rules for tax-deferred children’s accounts and avoid tracking burdens for families. The LAO recommended approval, and the item drew no opposition. The committee also heard a proposal to cut the first-year $800 annual business tax to $400 for LLCs, LPs, and LLPs; Finance argued it would lower startup costs and encourage new business formation, while the LAO said the benefit was not well targeted and could subsidize entities that would form anyway. Members discussed the policy tradeoff, and public commenters split between support for small business relief and concern about revenue loss. The final major revenue item was a permanent business tax credit limitation, capping credits at the greater of $5 million per corporation or 50% of pre-credit liability, while excluding the low-income housing tax credit and personal income tax credits. Finance said it would raise significant revenue from large profitable corporations, and the LAO said it was a reasonable option but noted it would mainly affect the R&D credit and could have future implications for programs like California Competes. Public testimony was sharply divided, with business groups opposing the cap and anti-poverty advocates supporting it as a way to recapture revenue. The committee also heard FTB’s CalFile realignment request, which would return most of the direct-file-related resources to the General Fund while retaining a smaller staff to improve CalFile, and the California Arts Council’s request to reauthorize the Keep Arts in Schools voluntary contribution fund, which members and advocates supported despite relatively modest annual donations. The hearing continued with GoBiz proposals on civic media funding, CA RISE reappropriation, and a semiconductor facility reversion, with the LAO supporting the latter two and members raising questions about the civic media program’s scope, outreach, and inclusion of broadcast and ethnic media.

Transcript Highlights:

• this bill was passed um wow I think this bill was passed um wow I think maybe<00:30:34.240> more
• signs in multiple languages if we think signs in multiple languages if we think it's<00:49:42.319
• So I think we just need to know...
• How much time are you thinking?
• so with that I think I think it's best so with that I think I think it's best to<01:48:33.920>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met in executive session on several House bills. HB 212, allowing a 180-day operation waiver when a vehicle fails an emissions test, was retained at the sponsor’s request for possible modifications. HB 249, which would have let bicyclists treat stop signs as yields and stop lights as stop signs, was recommended inexpedient to legislate (ITL) by a 9-7 vote, with a minority report expected. The committee then retained HB 298, creating an exception for removing VIN tags from pre-1981 vehicles when needed for repair or restoration, by a 15-1 vote. HB 411-FN, making handheld device use while driving a secondary offense, was recommended ITL by consent after members argued the current primary-offense law is more effective for enforcement and safety. On HB 414, which would have barred DMV license suspensions based on debts owed to private towing or storage companies, the committee rejected ITL and instead retained the bill 16-0 after members split over whether the current law unfairly ties driving privileges to private debt collection. HB 441, addressing visible diesel emissions and “rolling coal,” was recommended ITL 16-0 because members said the conduct is already illegal under existing state and federal law. The committee then took up HB 461, concerning Department of Safety and DMV training and testing materials, where members debated whether driver testing should be limited to English and whether multilingual materials are a safety necessity or discriminatory; the transcript cuts off before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, think about your business. Think about your neighbor that has a business.
• What I think is forgotten is that E-Verify is just a tool. There's nothing really new here.
• I've been in business about 30 years now, I think.
• I think you might just be misunderstanding me there a little bit. Is that… …employing illegal.
• President, I think the gentleman has put... Are you wanting to speak to the amendment?

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate considered and passed House Bill 4245, the Department of Revenue rules bundle covering 27 rules from six agencies. Members withdrew the committee amendment, adopted a floor amendment making changes to two lottery rules and one tax rule related to pre-need cemetery companies, then passed the bill 30-1. The Senate also adopted a title amendment and made the bill effective from passage by a 31-0 vote. Later, when the House rejected the Senate’s amendments, the Senate receded from its amendments and again passed the bill, making it effective from passage. The chamber also adopted several concurrent resolutions from the Rules Committee, including studies on school finance transparency, divorce grounds, the Southern West Virginia water crisis, athletic trainer access in public secondary schools, the eastern gray fox population, upland game bird stamp purchases, and the Public Service Commission. Senate Concurrent Resolution 50, calling for a study of the PSC, was also adopted. In addition, the Senate passed House Bill 5381, which expands the Office of Energy’s role to develop a comprehensive energy policy and grid stabilization plan, and House Bill 5412, the Future Ready Education Act, after amending it to require annual vocational and agriculture offerings unless not viable and to set science-of-reading training requirements for K-5 literacy teachers by 2028-29. The Senate passed House Bill 845, a supplemental appropriation to the Governor’s Office Civil Contingent Fund, after concurring in a House amendment that reappropriated federal match grant funds and increased the civil contingency surplus fund from $15 million to $25 million; it was made effective from passage. The chamber also concurred in House amendments to House Bill 4106 on constitutional carry for 18- to 20-year-olds, House Bill 4004 creating the Recharge West Virginia training reimbursement program, House Bill 5453 revising the school aid funding formula for special education weighting, and other measures including House Bill 4009 on portable benefits, Senate Bill 164 on substitute teacher definitions, and House Bill 4606 on pretrial release for certain felonies. A lengthy debate centered on House Bill 4198, the E-Verify Safe Harbor Act. The Judiciary Committee amendment would have required public and certain private employers to use E-Verify, while a further amendment from the Senator from Randolph would have limited the mandate to public employers and made E-Verify optional for private employers with liability protections for good-faith use. After extensive discussion about small business impacts, federal-state conflicts, and enforcement, the Senate adopted the Randolph amendment and then passed the bill 31-3, with a title amendment also adopted. The Senate later refused to concur in House amendments to House Bill 4010, concurred in House amendments to House Bill 5438, receded from amendments to House Bill 4765, and adjourned sine die.

Transcript Highlights:

• And because we think it's an important emerging thing, and because we think we had skewed data from COVID
• cost and quality and because we think cost and quality and because we think it's<00:04:55.840>
• <00:06:40.000> I<00:06:40.080> think these recommendations I think I think these recommendations
• I think I think he's<00:06:40.400> a<00:06:40.720> co-sponsor<00:06:41.720> yes
• <00:09:44.560> I 20 years you know but but I I I think I 20 years you know but but I I I think

Keywords: 1189, house, all