Transcript Highlights:

• House Joint Resolution 133 by Representative Stringer, naming the bridge on United States Highway 45
• that spans Bennett Creek in Mobile County the Sydney Allen Alden Hobbs Memorial Bridge. >> Move adoption
• c><00:17:54.400> the Representative Stringer naming the Representative Stringer naming the bridge
• on United States Highway 45 that bridge on United States Highway 45 that spans<00:17:58.080> Bennett
• Bridge. Bridge. >> Move<00:18:03.760> adoption. >> Move adoption.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> That 2017 refinancing is what really helped to bridge the gap for us during COVID, and so we feel
• the gap for us during helped to bridge the gap for us during co<01:00:17.839> and<01:00:18.079
• So that's already water under<01:19:27.120> the<01:19:27.280> the<01:19:27.600> bridge
• <01:19:28.080> And<01:19:28.320> so<01:19:29.760> um under the the bridge.
• And so um under the the bridge.

Keywords: Reuploaded tor restore the roll call and minutes approval 0:00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:20 Approval of Minutes 0:00:50 Information Items 0:01:39 Project Rpt from Eastern KY University 0:06:54 Lease Rpt from University of KY 0:11:33 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 0:18:50 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 0:29:33 OFM – KY Infrastructure Authority 0:38:27 OFM – Debt Issues 0:46:27 Louisville Arena Authority 1:24:30 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the November minutes and received information items on University of Kentucky medical and research equipment purchases, five school districts reporting upcoming bond issues with no additional tax levies needed, and a School Facilities Construction Commission list of prior debt issues for fiscal year 2026. It then considered an appropriation increase for a University of Kentucky project at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport in Richmond. University officials said the project is 100% federally funded and will construct a terminal building tied to EKU’s airport operations and planned flight school. Members asked about the relationship to aviation expansion and whether the flight school would be publicly operated; the witnesses said EKU would operate it, public appropriations had already been applied, and student revenue would help offset costs. The committee approved the item by roll call vote. Next, the committee approved a University of Kentucky lease purchase for property at 415 West Sun Street in Morehead, Rowan County, for $6.4 million. UK said the property, which includes an 85,000-square-foot facility on 9.6 acres, is directly across from UK St. Clair and was offered by the Rowan County Board of Education after it moved to a new location. Members questioned why the payment schedule was structured as quarterly installments and why the price was below two appraisals; UK said the board requested the arrangement and did not want the full amount upfront, and there was no interest on the purchase price. The committee also approved this item. The deputy state budget director then reported three appropriation increases in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet: a Ballard Wildlife Management Area pump station project, Lake Barkley State Resort Park emergency repairs, and Lake Barkley lodge wing exterior repairs. After questions, staff explained the Lake Barkley increases were mainly to cover construction contingencies because bids came in close to available funding. The committee approved the action items, then heard four no-action pool projects: HVAC upgrades at the FFA leadership training center in Hardinsburg, Kentucky School for the Blind’s McDaniel Scoggin building, KSD’s Brett Brady Hall, and a Kentucky State University Shanty Hall renovation for the School of Engineering Technology. Finally, the committee heard two real property items: a new CHFS lease in Wayne County and a Transportation Cabinet lease modification in Christian County. The Wayne County lease drew the most discussion, with members questioning the high per-square-foot cost and whether another county location could be used; CHFS said it maintains offices in every county seat, this lease would replace an existing 1977 office, and the new construction was negotiated down from a higher initial bid. The Christian County item was described as a replacement site for driver licensing space, with renovation costs partly absorbed by the lessor and the remainder amortized over the lease term.

Transcript Highlights:

• individual people mobilizing the masses to further education and access, acting as navigators and bridge
• individual people mobilizing the masses to further education and access, acting as navigators and bridge

Summary: The Senate met with 29 members present and a quorum, opened with invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved several temporary and full excusals for absent senators. During introduction and referral, the chamber received a large number of new Senate bills and House bills, covering election law, public health, occupational and skilled trades regulation, school code and school aid issues, child protection, cemetery and funeral regulation, insurance, estates, food law, political activity, credit unions, social welfare, transportation, natural resources, and a veterans hyperbaric oxygen therapy grant/fund proposal. All of these measures were read and referred to the appropriate committees; no substantive debate occurred at this stage. The Senate then moved into the Committee of the Whole and considered Senate Bills 480, 517, and 278. SB 480, dealing with child care organization licensing and regulation, received and adopted a committee substitute and advanced. SB 517, a Revised School Code bill, received and adopted a floor substitute and advanced. SB 278, amending the State Housing Development Authority Act, was reported without amendment and advanced. The Committee of the Whole reported SBs 480 and 517 with amendments and SB 278 without amendment, and the Senate concurred in those recommendations. On third reading, the Senate took up Senate Bill 49, amending the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act, and Senate Bill 50, amending the Code of Criminal Procedure. Senator Albert offered an amendment to SB 49 to require citations within six months of a violation, arguing it would align with federal standards and provide certainty; the amendment failed. Both SB 49 and SB 50 then passed by votes of 20-15, with three senators excused. The Senate also suspended the rules to immediately consider Senate Resolution 134, which recognized June 23-29, 2026 as Grassroots Week; Senator Kavanaugh spoke in support, citing civil rights history and modern grassroots organizing, and the resolution was adopted. The chamber then proceeded to statements and adjourned until Wednesday, June 24 at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• this bill is certainly an equitable piece that allows our municipalities to have their roads and bridges
• Adequate funding for our roads and bridges is always a critical issue to the cities and towns that we

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted two ceremonial resolutions: one commemorating the dedication of the Woburn Battle Road Memorial as part of the Massachusetts 250th celebration, and another recognizing May 1-7 as Elks National Youth Week. The chamber then took up House Bill 4005, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill using FY24 Fair Share surtax surplus funds, and ordered it to a third reading before later considering it for passage to be engrossed. During debate on the bill, the House heard a lengthy presentation in support of the proposal, which would direct about $828 million to transportation and $353 million to education. The transportation spending was described as primarily supporting the MBTA, including workforce and safety funding, reserve replenishment, station and infrastructure improvements, reduced fares, and reimbursement for tunnel closure costs, along with smaller amounts for regional transit authorities and unpaved roads. The education side included additional special education circuit breaker funding, vocational school capital, early education workforce supports, early literacy, universal school meals, higher education endowment matches, Green School Works, and ESOL waitlist reduction, with the Inspector General directed to review circuit breaker cost controls. Members then debated several amendments. One amendment related to a school athletics policy was modified by a further amendment calling for DESE analysis before implementation; both the further amendment and the underlying amendment as amended were adopted. A transportation amendment to shift $50 million from MBTA funding to Chapter 90 municipal roads was supported by members emphasizing rural road needs but was rejected on a roll call, 25-120. Another transportation amendment adding at least $300,000 for Route 93 mitigation costs in Medford was adopted, 133-20. The bill itself then passed to be engrossed on a roll call, 140-14. The House also observed moments of silence for former First Lady Kitty Dukakis and for victims of the Santo Domingo nightclub collapse, and later adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. before adjourning in memory of former Representative Philip W. Johnston.

Transcript Highlights:

• , neighborhood security and beautification, recreation, council on aging, drainage, and roads and bridges
• come back for a smaller round than previous to show that as we’re growing revenue, we will need less bridge

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Summary: The State Bond Commission met on May 21 with a quorum present and approved the April 16 minutes. The commission then reviewed and approved a large slate of local government and public authority financing requests, including election propositions for the November ballot, water and sewer infrastructure projects, fire protection and recreation district bonds, school board financing, and several refunding transactions. Most items were found to meet technical requirements and were approved on motions by Speaker DeVillier and seconded by Senator Talbot. Among the more notable items were the East Baton Rouge City-Parish refunding bonds for the Greater Baton Rouge Airport District, the City of Kenner’s retroactive approval request tied to a convention center agreement with GMB Basketball LLC, a Louisiana Housing Corporation financing increase for the Federal City Building 10 affordable housing project, and preliminary approval for the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority’s Petro Tower redevelopment in Shreveport. The commission also approved financing for Southern University’s Scott’s Bluff student housing project and the Crescent City Schools/Harriet Tubman Charter School project. The Crescent City Schools item prompted questions about how MFP funds are used; staff explained that lease payments would support the bonds and that MFP funds are generally split between educational expenses and facilities-related costs. The commission received six monthly cost-of-issuance reports, which required no action, and a status update on the state debt schedule. It also approved Resolution No. 2 authorizing up to $425 million in general obligation refunding bonds to refund the Series 2016 bonds and tender other outstanding bonds for savings, with pricing tentatively set for June 16 and closing for June 30. During other business, New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morel thanked the commission for its role in helping address the city’s fiscal crisis and for approving a charter amendment election item aimed at strengthening budget oversight. The meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• , neighborhood security and beautification, recreation, council on aging, drainage, and roads and bridges
• come back for a smaller round than previous to show that as we’re growing revenue, we will need less bridge

Summary: The State Bond Commission met on May 21, established a quorum, approved the April 16 minutes, and then considered a long agenda of bond, refunding, and election-related requests. Items 3 through 10 were election propositions for the November 3 ballot involving ad valorem taxes, parcel fees, and charter amendments for purposes such as fire protection, agricultural centers, neighborhood security, recreation, aging services, drainage, and roads and bridges; staff said they met technical and legal requirements, and the commission approved them. The commission also approved several local financings, including water and sewer projects, fire district equipment and facility improvements, school board and parish bonds, and refunding transactions for the East Baton Rouge City-Parish and St. James Parish School Board. A retroactive approval request from the City of Kenner related to a CEA with GMB Basketball LLC was discussed; staff made no recommendation because it was retroactive, but noted it appeared to be an oversight, and item 22, the related airport district agreement, was approved. The commission approved additional financing for the Louisiana Housing Corporation’s Federal City Building 10 affordable housing project, a preliminary approval for the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority’s Petro Tower redevelopment in Shreveport, and two Louisiana Public Facilities Authority projects: Southern University’s Scott’s Bluff student housing project and the Crescent City Schools project for Harriet Tubman Charter School. During discussion of the Crescent City Schools financing, a commissioner asked about the use of MFP funds; staff explained that lease payments would be the repayment source and that MFP dollars are generally split between educational expenses and facilities costs, with the school’s typical split around 72% instructional and 28% administrative/facilities-related. Both items were approved. The commission then received six cost-of-issuance reports for previously approved bond issues, with various fee adjustments but no motions required. It also reviewed a debt schedule update and adopted Resolution No. 2 authorizing up to $425 million in general obligation refunding bonds to refund Series 2016 bonds and tender other outstanding bonds for savings, with pricing tentatively set for June 16 and closing for June 30. In other business, the commission heard a brief public comment from New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morrell thanking the commission for helping place a charter amendment on the ballot to improve New Orleans budgeting transparency and oversight. The meeting ended after monthly reports were noted and no further business was raised.

Transcript Highlights:

• farm to school program at the state and continued our own boots on the ground programming to help bridge
• For helping build that bridge between the two worlds, and they've led to huge improvements to our food

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We help Florida Commerce with their damage assessment survey and the small business emergency bridge
• Florida Commerce helped them with a bridge loan, DBPR helped them with all the regulatory and licensing

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism convened with several members present and Senators DiCeglie and McClain excused. The committee first heard a presentation from Greg Britton, State Director of the Florida Small Business Development Center Network, who described the network’s statewide small-business assistance, including startup support, export and contracting help, disaster recovery, and rural outreach. He highlighted reported 2023 impacts such as $3.9 billion in sales generated, $575.9 million in government contracts, $346.2 million in capital, and support for 2,009 new businesses, including 130 manufacturing firms over the past two years. Members asked about comparisons with SCORE and about measuring rural success, with the chair suggesting jobs and wages in rural areas would be useful metrics; Britton said he could provide job data but was unsure about wage information. The committee then took up SB 320 by Senator Gates, which creates a five-year demonstration project for an alternative licensure pathway for surveyors and mappers. The bill would allow a “first-step” probationary license based on industry certification, apprenticeship, recommendation from a licensed Florida surveyor, and passage of the Department of Agriculture exam within the five-year period, without requiring a four-year degree. Senators asked about the labor shortage, education requirements, foreign workers, and moral character standards. Gates said the shortage is chronic and worsening, the bill has no degree requirement, and anyone meeting the qualifications could proceed regardless of visa status. The committee voted to report SB 320 favorably. Next, the committee considered SB 316 by Senator Berman, which authorizes series limited liability companies in Florida and sets rules for how Florida and foreign series LLCs may operate and transact business in the state. Berman explained that the bill is intended to let businesses isolate liabilities across separate series while providing clearer rules for Florida citizens and businesses dealing with such entities. There were no substantive questions, one appearance form in support, and the committee voted to report SB 316 favorably before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, I'm in the committee, and I'm up there talking about a bridge.
• And I'm talking about the necessity that a bridge, and the reason this bridge is down there in the Mobile
• area by all kind of Mobile that where they need the bridge.
• But anyway, y'all was talking about bridges or something a few minutes ago, right?
• I think Senator was talking about a bridge. You know what I learned today?

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened, heard a prayer and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the prior journal. The chamber received House messages, including referral of Senate Confirmation 89 for Rex Jones to the Underground and Aboveground Storage Tank Trust Funds Management Board, and concurred in Senate Bill 231 after a 30-0 vote. Several local House bills were referred to the Committee on Local Legislation. During personal remarks, Senator Coleman-Madison recognized Women’s History Month and highlighted Alabama native Mary Ellen Jolly and her book, "Accidental Activist," praising women who support the legislature. The Senate then processed committee reports, including favorable reports on multiple Finance and Taxation General Fund bills (SB 143, 144, 145 with substitute, 152, 153, 154, 162, 226 with substitute, and 146 with substitute and one abstention), as well as confirmations for Nancy Sandford, Marty Abrams, and Jim Page to the University of North Alabama Board of Trustees, all of which were confirmed. Committee reports also advanced several county and municipal and local legislation measures, including SB 292, HB 351, HB 141, HB 273, HB 504, HB 488, SB 343, and SB 346. On the floor, SB 333 on class two municipalities passed after adoption of its BIR and committee amendment, and HB 308, a proposed constitutional amendment for Mobile County, passed after the Senate tabled the committee amendment, adopted a substitute amendment by Senator Figures, and approved the certification resolution. SB 334 for Shelby County, SB 339 for Crenshaw County, and HB 507 for Covington County also passed, with certification resolutions adopted where required. The governor returned SB 228 with an executive amendment, and the Senate concurred 33-0. The Rules Committee report set the special order calendar for the next legislative day, listing bills including SB 91, SB 280, SB 181, SB 237, SB 326, SB 255, HB 77, HB 104, HB 110, HB 271, HB 362, HB 332, HB 429, SB 211, HB 125, HB 122, HB 124, SB 140, SB 199, and SB 332. Senator Singleton spoke at length criticizing the handling of minority-sponsored bills and questioning several measures, and after debate the Senate adopted the special order calendar 34-0. SB 91 was then carried over at the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• I give you the bridge. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Appreciate that.
• That means $30 million comes out of something else now—out of roadways we would have paved or bridge
• That means $30 million comes out of something else now—out of roadways we would have paved or bridge
• That means $30 million comes out of something else now—out of roadways we would have paved or bridge
• That means $30 million comes out of something else now—out of roadways we would have paved or bridge

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on the Hawaii Department of Transportation’s work under the Navah settlement, which was described as a first-of-its-kind climate agreement tied to the state’s constitutional public trust and clean-environment obligations. Speakers said the settlement was intended to accelerate progress toward Hawaii’s 2030 and 2045 clean energy goals, especially by addressing transportation, the state’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. They emphasized that the agreement formalizes milestones, reduces dependence on changing administrations, and includes a role for the legislature alongside the courts and executive branch. DOT and Earthjustice representatives outlined the main settlement deliverables: creation of a new Office of Energy Security and Community Outreach, formation of a youth council, and development of an emissions reduction plan that will be updated over time. They also highlighted a new project-level greenhouse gas/VMT scoring tool, described as the first of its kind in the nation for DOT-wide use, to evaluate the climate impact of transportation projects. The presentation tied these efforts to prior legislative actions, including the state’s climate emergency declaration, net-zero/net-negative targets, and Act 131’s requirements for multimodal network planning and emissions reporting. A substantial portion of the briefing was devoted to the youth council, which reported 20 members selected from 83 applicants, representation from across the islands, and work on bylaws, committees, and outreach. Youth members described feedback they gave on the energy security plan, a student leadership summit presentation, and future plans to meet with legislators and participate in the Climate Future Forum. DOT also said the settlement’s transportation strategies include clean fuels, electrification, aviation sustainable aviation fuel, marine shore power, and carbon sequestration, including expanded native tree planting and fire mitigation work. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the briefing. Members discussed implementation challenges, including cost and supply constraints for aviation and marine decarbonization, but DOT said industry stakeholders were not rejecting the goals, only raising affordability and timing concerns. Officials also noted that a GIS map for network gaps was in development and that the settlement’s pedestrian, bike, and transit connectivity requirement would compress roughly 15 years of work into five years, with an estimated annual commitment of $40 million to $50 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also speaking about APRNs, advanced practice nurses, who, as practitioners, can help bridge the primary
• They can bridge the mental health care gap in Massachusetts because they are providers.
• We're working to bridge the gaps in those social determinants of academic success.
• And thanks for traveling over the bridge to get here.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hybrid hearing on a wide range of bills focused on patient safety, workforce development, health equity, and access to care. A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 2362/S. 1491, which would require health care providers to offer trained chaperones for sensitive exams. Sponsors and supporters said the bill is a common-sense safeguard prompted by cases of physician sexual abuse, and survivors gave emotional testimony describing grooming, isolation, and abuse during exams when no chaperone was present. Support also came from a health services researcher, a physician, and a RAINN representative, all arguing that trained chaperones and clearer documentation would improve transparency and protect patients. Committee members asked about clarifying who may serve as a chaperone and whether the bill would apply to other clinicians such as PTs and OTs. The committee also heard testimony on H. 2401/S. 1485, which would require explicit informed consent for certain educational exams performed on unconscious patients. The bill’s supporters said patients should know in advance if students or physicians will conduct non-medically necessary exams while they are under anesthesia, and that the measure would protect survivors from retraumatization. The hearing then moved to H. 2537, a primary care access bill. Health Care for All, the Massachusetts Medical Society, pediatric and internal medicine physicians, and a patient advocate described long waits, provider shortages, and difficulty finding primary care, especially for low-income people and people of color. They supported the bill’s proposed primary care spending target, payment reforms, Medicaid graduate medical education funding, and a commercial payment floor for health centers. Another set of bills addressed workforce and safety issues. H. 2397/S. 1593 would establish a nursing workforce center; nursing leaders said Massachusetts should make the current workforce council permanent to support data collection, apprenticeships, and long-term planning for the state’s largest health care workforce. H. 2396/S. 1535 would require safe patient handling and mobility programs in health facilities; nurses described serious injuries from lifting patients and said better equipment and programs would reduce staff injuries and improve patient outcomes. H. 2501/S. 1505 on LGBTQ+ health disparities drew support from a medical student and Doctors for America, who urged collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data to improve care and school outcomes. Finally, H. 2448/S. 1522 on patient safety and equitable access to care drew strong support from nursing organizations and individual nurses who described unsafe staffing, burnout, and patient harm, while the Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems opposed the bill as redundant for psychiatric facilities already regulated by the Department of Mental Health.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1679 creates a bridge between an idea and a permanent business, and it provides entrepreneurs a pathway
• A.B. 1679 creates a bridge between an idea and a permanent business, and it provides entrepreneurs a
• officials, our hands are often tied, and we want to innovate, but we simply lack the specific tools to bridge
• officials, our hands are often tied, and we want to innovate, but we simply lack the specific tools to bridge

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so being able to bridge that gap to those services and that support, we've seen advocacy play a huge
• And so being able to bridge that gap to those services and that support, we've seen advocacy play a huge
• So we want to bridge that gap, certainly.
• So we help bridge those gaps and help build those relationships. It's just a solution.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The first meeting of the Human Trafficking and Emergency Department Task Force focused on implementing Act 267 of 2025, which created the body to develop a statewide human trafficking protocol to be incorporated into regional sexual assault response plans. Chair Rep. Kelly Hennessy Dickerson and Office of Human Trafficking Prevention Director Mary Kate Andrepont outlined the task force’s goal of producing a practical, transferable protocol for hospitals and emergency departments across Louisiana, with help from Heal Trafficking. Members and presenters repeatedly emphasized that the protocol should be trauma-informed, survivor-centered, multidisciplinary, and adaptable to different regions and health systems. Hospital, SANE, and advocacy presenters described current practices and gaps. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport’s Operation Rahab and FMOLHS’s policies highlighted staff education, badge buddies, private screening, reporting pathways, and coordination with the National Human Trafficking Hotline, law enforcement, DCFS, and local advocates. SANE nurses and forensic staff stressed that most trafficking victims pass through emergency departments and that subtle behavioral indicators, rapport-building, and broad staff education are critical. LaFASA described statewide sexual assault advocacy services, emphasizing 24-hour crisis response, legal support, and the role of advocates in helping survivors understand options and regain control. Child and youth trafficking specialists from DCFS-contracted programs, including Unbound Now and BCFS/Common Thread, explained Louisiana’s Act 662 response for minors, which routes reports into coordinated advocacy and care coordination. They said their teams respond statewide within 90 minutes, provide crisis support, and work with CACs, hospitals, and law enforcement. Members raised concerns about major service gaps, especially for adults, transportation, safe housing, and specialized placements for survivors with disabilities. Presenters also noted that male survivor housing remains limited, though Eden Centers now offers some beds. The task force also reviewed a needs assessment showing many hospitals lack mandatory trafficking training, screening practices, written protocols, and confidence in identifying victims. Members discussed expanding education beyond ED staff to residents, nursing schools, student health, mental health, housekeeping, maintenance, and law enforcement. No formal votes were taken, but the chair said the survey results and testimony would be used to draft a protocol before the next meeting, with a final draft to follow after further review and feedback.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 514, Representative Stalker, an act relating to bridges.
• Representative Stalker, an act relating Representative Stalker, an act relating to<00:37:15.119> bridges
• <00:37:15.920> House<00:37:16.240> Bill<00:37:16.480> 515, to bridges.
• House Bill 515, to bridges.

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 04:45 Calendar/2nd Readings 05:20 Report of Committees 07:05 Orders of the Day 08:23 HB 214 08:33 HB 416 12:26 HB 281 16:20 HB 134 18:13 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 21:08 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 37:01 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 39:15 ConC/Rules Report 42:29 Floor Amendments 44:27 Correction to Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 46:14 Adjournment 46:40, 958, all

Summary: The House convened, heard an invocation focused on recovery from a recent storm, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. A quorum was established with 94 members present, absent members were excused, and the rules were suspended to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The journal was approved, and the clerk reported a Senate message transmitting Senate Joint Resolution 23 for concurrence. The chamber then received second-reading reports on a wide range of bills covering pharmacist reimbursements, grooming a minor, local government liability, water fluoridation, solid waste, highway markings, fiduciary bonds, motor vehicle titles, hearing aid coverage, eating disorder coverage, public safety, pedestrians, cigar bars, backyard chickens, and county law libraries. Committee reports also advanced several bills, including measures on elections, local government, state-operated mental health facilities, prescription drugs, Alzheimer’s services, electric generating unit decommissioning costs, reemployment of retired police officers, and the Kentucky Communications Network Authority. Those favorable reports were treated as first readings and placed on the calendar. The House passed several bills unanimously by roll call, including House Bill 214 on a program to help disabled veterans obtain and install home wheelchair ramps, House Bill 416 on educator preparation and early assessments, House Bill 281 on streamlining food donations by churches and nonprofits for shelters and disaster victims, and House Bill 134 on sexual assault nurse examiners, creating a statewide coordinator, registry, and regional access plan. In each case, sponsors explained the bills and members voiced support; floor amendment 1 to House Bill 416 was adopted before passage. Clinchers were applied after passage of the bills. The House also adopted House Resolution 33 recognizing cancer patients, survivors, and families and designating January 29, 2026 as Suits and Sneakers Day, and adopted House Resolution 43 recognizing the economic and cultural partnership between Kentucky and Japan. Members offered additional citations honoring Newport Central Catholic High School and the YMCA, and the chamber observed a moment of silence for Boone County Sheriff Michael Helmig after a citation honoring his service and legacy. Announcements included committee meetings after adjournment, birthday wishes, and the introduction of numerous new bills and resolutions, including measures on kindergarten, bridges, revenue, retirement benefits, concealed deadly weapons, local taxes, motor vehicles, fiscal reporting, SNAP, families and children, vision testing, and a balanced budget amendment application.

Transcript Highlights:

• regard to what you have to go through to get the exemption, but for us to add that one on, that's a bridge
• regard to what you have to go through to get the exemption, but for us to add that one on, that's a bridge
• happening today with physicians, and to make those things mandatory, I think, is just unfortunately a bridge
• today with physicians, and to make those things mandatory, you know, I think is just unfortunately a bridge

Summary: The committee heard several health-related bills. SB 1082 would let providers or insurers in state-regulated commercial plans opt into the federal independent dispute resolution process for emergency out-of-network claims, with a late-filed amendment clarifying access to the state program in certain circumstances. The bill sponsor and emergency physicians said the measure would reduce litigation and improve payment resolution; the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute. SB 1168 would centralize background screening work for the care provider clearinghouse at the Agency for Health Care Administration and update related screening rules, including sealed and expunged records for qualified entities. The sponsor said the change would speed turnaround and reduce duplication; an amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 1156 would move ambulatory surgical center regulation out of Chapter 395 into a standalone section of law, and it was reported favorably without amendment. SB 1480, as amended by a strike-all, would grandfather certain temporary certificate holders practicing in areas of critical need if federal designations change, allowing them to continue seeing current patients and potentially new patients in their existing area subject to board oversight. The committee heard support from health system representatives and reported the bill favorably. The final and most debated measure, SB 1756 on medical freedom, would require vaccine education materials and alternative schedules, expand school immunization exemptions to conscience-based objections, clarify limits on emergency vaccination orders, and allow pharmacists to dispense ivermectin behind the counter with written information. The sponsor and supporters framed it as parental choice and access, while physicians, public health advocates, cancer advocates, and parents of immunocompromised children warned it would lower vaccination rates and increase disease risk. The committee adopted a liability-related amendment, rejected a substitute amendment that would have required consultation for exemptions, and continued hearing public testimony opposing the bill; the transcript ends before final action on SB 1756.

Transcript Highlights:

• The utility costs will be shared, grading costs will be shared, bridge development costs will be shared
• As Tim mentioned, there's a bridge that's needed. There's roads.
• They would construct the access road, the bridges over Gypsum Canyon, the intersection improvements,
• the offsite water main, storm... ...bridges over Gypsum Canyon, the intersection improvements, the offsite

Summary: The hearing focused on the long-delayed Southern California Veterans Cemetery project at Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim, with opening remarks from Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, Senator Tom Umberg, and Assemblymember Avelino Valencia emphasizing the project’s importance to Orange County veterans and families. Anaheim city leaders, including the mayor pro tem and council members, voiced strong support and described the city’s role in planning, utilities, and final approvals. Quirk-Silva reviewed the project history, including prior legislation, county and state funding commitments, and the recent federal determination that the site meets VA criteria for a state veterans cemetery. The first panel, representing the veterans community, included the American Legion, American Gold Star Mothers, and Valor. They argued that Orange County—home to a large veteran population—still lacks a local veterans cemetery, forcing families to travel long distances to Riverside or elsewhere. Testimony stressed the emotional and practical burden on aging veterans and grieving families, and called for immediate action and possession of the property. Some speakers were sharply critical of CalVet and the pace of the process, saying veterans have waited too long and that the project should move forward without further delay. The second panel, from Orange County, described the county’s and cemetery district’s support and the unique opportunity to develop a shared site for a public cemetery and a separate state veterans cemetery. County officials said the county has dedicated land and funding, and that shared infrastructure—roads, utilities, grading, and access—could reduce costs substantially if the two projects are coordinated. They also said the county is ready to transfer the property to CalVet when appropriate and that the project has already cleared major local approvals and litigation. The final panel from DGS and CalVet explained the state’s feasibility study and current planning work. DGS said the 2023 study estimated the state’s portion of phase one at about $126 million, largely driven by site work and grading, though that estimate may change as assumptions are updated. CalVet said it is working with DGS and the county on a revised concept plan to lower costs and refine the timeline, and that legislative budget action will be needed to authorize spending from the Southern California Veterans Cemetery fund. No formal vote was taken; the hearing was informational, and the main action was continued coordination among the state, county, city, and veterans groups, with public comment at the end overwhelmingly urging faster construction.

Transcript Highlights:

• other and see each other face to face and share stories of local concern, use music and culture to bridge
• there's a group of national foundations that have stepped up with some one-time funding to create a bridge
• But the big question back to, like, saving costs and what's the new operating model, what are they bridging
• But the big question back to like saving costs and what's the new operating model, what are they bridging

Summary: The hearing focused on the impact of the federal rescission of Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding on California public media, with Assemblymember Chris Ward and Senator Akilah Weber Pierson framing public media as essential civic infrastructure for education, local news, arts, emergency alerts, and underserved communities. Local officials from San Diego and La Mesa voiced support, emphasizing public media’s role in trusted information, children’s programming, and community arts access. Panelists from PBS SoCal, KCRW, Rebuild Local News, NPR, KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR described significant budget losses, layoffs, reduced programming, and threats to rural and specialized services. They highlighted impacts on children’s educational content, local journalism, arts coverage, science and documentary production, and emergency alert systems. Several speakers noted that smaller stations in rural or low-broadband areas are especially vulnerable, while larger stations are also cutting staff and delaying projects. They also discussed possible responses such as shared services, cost reductions, philanthropy, and state support, while warning that one-time bridge funding is not a long-term fix. Committee members asked about operational changes, alternative revenue sources, the role of state programs, and whether public pressure could restore federal funding. Witnesses said the loss is already being felt, that restoration appears unlikely in the near term, and that any state support should be structured to protect editorial independence and provide stable, timely funding. The hearing concluded with a shift to labor and production testimony and then to station-specific testimony from KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR, followed by public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• are the apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs searchable on the Workforce Board's Career Bridge
• But can you, if students in high school are directed towards Career Bridge to...
• You know, in high school, are directed towards Career Bridge to look at programs, will they find...?
• So, yes, we've had a standard of using Career Bridge. You can find the information there.

Summary: The work session focused first on Washington’s apprenticeship system, especially building trades programs and support services. Labor and Industries staff explained how registered apprenticeship works in the state, including the role of the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council, the requirements for paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction, and the difference between apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship. Panelists emphasized that apprenticeship is tied to actual jobs and training agents, and that many waitlists reflect a shortage of job openings and employer participation rather than a lack of interest. They also discussed youth apprenticeship, the growth of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, and the use of Career Bridge and L&I’s database to help people find programs. Representatives asked whether the state should expand apprenticeship programs and how people can find openings. Speakers said more programs alone would not solve the backlog without more employers signing on as training agents and more apprenticeship utilization on projects. The panel also highlighted the Constructed Career Initiative, a grant-funded navigation and support program that helps people enter and stay in building trades apprenticeships through outreach, case management, and wraparound aid such as transportation, tools, and work clothes. A related nonprofit, Build Up, described similar support services, including prison-based boot and PPE programs and assistance for reentry participants. The panel said these services are especially important because apprentices often face unstable income, housing, food, and transportation barriers. The panel also discussed House Bill 2084 and the new Construction Training Pathway Oversight Committee, which is examining construction training in correctional facilities and how to create clearer pathways from prison-based training to apprenticeship, college, or work. Speakers said the committee is still in its early stages and will report to the legislature. The session ended with committee members thanking the panel and noting the importance of support services and referral networks for apprentices. The meeting then resumed at Renton Technical College, where college leaders and faculty discussed serving non-traditional students. The college reported strong enrollment growth, a median student age of 30, a diverse student body, and high job placement rates, while also noting significant budget cuts and program reductions from the prior year. Health care and early childhood education programs were highlighted, including efforts to expand access through hybrid scheduling, evening and Saturday classes, Spanish-language offerings, and in-person wraparound support for admissions, financial aid, and registration. Faculty said these changes were driven by student data and were aimed at helping working parents, English learners, and other non-traditional students complete credentials and enter family-wage careers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a month ago, we learned in the Governor's May revision proposal that we would need to bridge a $12
• Even back in the last Great Recession, when I was still a kid, Governor Jerry Brown realized that to bridge
• Emergency Child Care Bridge.
• We are here in strong support of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative bridge funding.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to set the maximum allowable highway speed limits and increased speed limits on certain highways, bridges
• offers from bidders and to rebid certain contracts, and acquires additional insurance coverage for bridge-related
• through: Patrol Officer Jesse Matson, Master Deputy Bradley Link, Master Deputy Bradley Link, Jose Bridge
• Bob Graham's life was a bridge between generations, between values and action, between his father's pioneering

Bills: SJR85, SCR29, SCR38, SCR42, SB23, SB39, SB209, SB227, SB240, SB330, SB527, SB584, SB618, SB619, SB636, SB663, SB715, SB732, SB758, SB801, SB825, SB826, SB843, SB844, SB847, SB870, SB884, SB912, SB957, SB1013, SB1020, SB1065, SB1143, SB1152, SB1164, SB1183, SB1257, SB1299, SB1325, SB1349, SB1413, SB1455, SB1539, SB1558, SB1574, SB1583, SB1624, SB1642, SB1643, SB1667, SB1717, SB1718, SB1727, SB1734, SB1756, SB1757, SB1784, SB1789, SB1832, SB1868, SB1870, SB1883, SB1896, SB1920, SB1924, SB1963, SB2010, SB2018, SB2024, SB2037, SB2052, SB2073, SB2111, SB2161, SB2196, SB2207, SB2253, SB2268, SB2322, SB2323, SB2332, SB2349, SB2371, SB2533, SB2570, SB2601, SB2626, SB2692, SB2705, SB2717, SB2774, SB2788, SB2877, SB2920, SB2, SB260, SB1786, SB1, HJR4, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SJR85, SJR84, SCR12, SCR39, SCR38, SCR42, SCR29, SCR4, SCR18, SCR43, SCR46, SB2023, SB825, SB2010, SB1870, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1539, SB1505, SB583, SB957, SB1502, SB507, SB1026, SB1349, SB1433, SB1434, SB1376, SB1585, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB619, SB1122, SB732, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB261, SB1882, SB618, SB393, SB1791, SB826, SB1257, SB870, SB529, SB209, SB1883, SB2024, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB510, SB1860, SB2037, SB1924, SB2253, SB2018, SB2206, SB1963, SB1643, SB1299, SB841, SB668, SB584, SB1085, SB2431, SB1490, SB1868, SB2314, SB434, SB2046, SB1667, SB1727, SB2127, SB1975, SB1760, SB1734, SB1335, SB2246, SB2439, SB1624, SB1244, SB1468, SB2717, SB1612, SB1262, SB604, SB2395, SB1832, SB1745, SB1746, SB2207, SB1784, SB1524, SB528, SB437, SB269, SB1137, SB968, SB636, SB747, SB1325, SB1789, SB1455, SB2056, SB1940, SB2052, SB1579, SB2068, SB3034, SB844, SB1920, SB1558, SB1236, SB1044, SB884, SB463, SB227, SB240, SB517, SB1200, SB1410, SB1626, SB1845, SB1863, SB2216, SB2681, SB1717, SB2141, SB2323, SB2200, SB2332, SB2199, SB1642, SB1757, SB2050, SB1138, SB2626, SB2458, SB1864, SB2201, SB1862, SB1583, SB1055, SB2660, SB1898, SB2662, SB2161, SB2964, SB2881, SB1065, SB801, SB2743, SB2533, SB1413, SB2073, SB3014, SB3013, SB2774, SB2702, SB2629, SB2443, SB2349, SB2167, SB2145, SB2121, SB758, SB648, SB647, SB512, SB438, SB1721, SB2268, SB1495, SB2705, SB2366, SB1422, SB1369, SB1013, SB682, SB2692, SB2570, SB2797, SB2111, SB1896, SB1164, SB1020, SB663, SB2371, SB1152, SB2196, SB2383, SB2581, SB2798, SB330, SB646, SB843, SB1998, SB1418, SB2788, SB1169, SB2873, SB1754, SB1534, SB1718, SB2779, SB2004, SB1143, SB1756, SB912, SB2119, SB2032, SB527, SB1580, SB1952, SB2601, SB2322, SB2448, SB1777, SB1283, SB407, SB2392, SB2076, SB2786, SB3031, SB2877, SB2876, SB2284, SB2225, SB1540, SB2920, SB2929, SB1395, SB1972, SB2540, SB1183, SB2742, SB2595, SB2217, SB2117, SB715, SB2330, SB1964, SB1383, SB500, SB1640, SB39, SB2001, SB2080, SB2722, SB506, SB2514, SB2623, SB2658, SB1574, SB2900, SB23, SB2753, SB2398, SB401, SB1241, SB2927, SB2173, SB2538, SB898, SB467, SB1449, SB2529, SB1531, SB2846, SB2476, SB2031, SB986, SB1181, SB2075, SB2154, SB2864, HB135, HB 1109, SCR48, SB31, SB2880, SB1359, SB2386, SB771, SB2844, SB2550, SB1351, SB1423, SB1931, SB2245, SB2589, SB2707, SB2807, SB2351, SB410, SB659, SB816, SB2776, SB2693, SB2580, SB1980, SB1886, SB1234, SB739, SB482, SB456, SB127, SB1666, SJR85, SB23, SB826, SB844, SB957, SB1413, SB1539, SB1583, SB1642, SB1643, SB1789, SB1883, SB1963, SB2024, SB2626, SB2774, SB825, SB1870, SB2010, SB240, SB618, SB870, SB1257, SB1727, SR424, SR428, SCR29, SCR42, SCR49, SB3056, SB3057, HB2, HB20, HB 120, HB142, HB210, HB215, HB451, HB 1022, HB 1151, HB1458, HB1700, HB2000, HB3093, SB3056, SB3057, HB2, HB20, HB 120, HB142, HB210, HB215, HB451, HB 1022, HB 1151, HB1458, HB1700, HB2000, HB3093

Keywords: Texas constitutional amendment, property tax relief, school district taxes, ad valorem tax, homestead exemption, residence homestead, elderly homeowners, senior citizens, disabled homeowners, age 65 or older, school finance, tax exemption increase, local school taxes, property tax exemption, homestead tax relief, voter approval, school district revenue, tax rollback, disabled persons exemption, El Paso