Transcript Highlights:

• I’m informed that the item added, the governor added to the call about maintaining a quorum.
• Bill 54 has to do with language that was added to Senate Bill 2217 during the regular session.
• go back and strike the language that was added.
• That's the language that was added to the bill. It was not controversial at the time.
• So the amendment was added to Senate Bill 2217 in the House. It wasn't controversial at the time.

Bills: SB 53, SB 54, HB16, SB 19

Keywords: voter registration, election procedures, provisional ballot, change of address, residence requirements, Texas Election Code, voting rights, judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments, political contributions, special legislative session, election code, transparency, campaign finance, election law

Transcript Highlights:

• You're I'm informed that uh the uh The item added to the governor added to the call about maintaining
• So, uh, that's why the issue was added to the governor's call.
• Uh, this, this is the amendment that was added to 2217 and the Senate concurred, it became law.
• It just, and just to clarify, this bill simply removes the language that was added by.
• So an amendment was added to Senate Bill 2217 in the House, wasn't controversial at the time.

Bills: SB 53, SB 54, HB16, SB 19

Keywords: voter registration, election procedures, provisional ballot, change of address, residence requirements, Texas Election Code, voting rights, judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments, political contributions, special legislative session, election code, transparency, campaign finance, election law

Transcript Highlights:

• So we added that.
• The third thing that we did was funding is added up to The third thing that we did was funding is added
• So the Senate added, did you have more? The Senate added 25 FTEs for you. That brings you up to 70.
• But if there were more added in '27, they could be accommodated on that floor.
• That was added by the Senate. That's $225,000.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The House Appropriations Government Operations Division met to consider House amendments to Senate Bill 2001, the budget for the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly. Representative Meyer and Legislative Council staff reviewed the House changes, which included higher lodging funding tied to a prior bill, an increase for North Dakota legislators’ forum dues, a transfer of $290,000 for public printing from the Secretary of State to Legislative Council, a $650,000 reduction tied to the nuclear energy study because that funding was already provided elsewhere, and a new section allowing legislative space on the 15th floor of the Capitol to be used for additional Legislative Council employees. John Bjornson explained the 15th-floor space proposal and said staff would work with Facility Management and CTE to address relocation needs and timing, with CTE’s move potentially delayed until after its busy school-year period if necessary. The committee then reviewed the Senate version of the bill in more detail. Staff walked through the Legislative Assembly budget items, including per diem and compensation adjustments, lodging and mileage estimates, IT and audio/video funding, and dues increases for national and state legislative organizations. Members asked about mileage assumptions and the emergency clause, and staff said the emergency language is standard and allows flexibility for transfers, carryovers, and other budget actions. The committee also reviewed the Legislative Council budget, including funding for 25 new FTEs, interim travel, IT costs, professional services, public printing, and one-time items such as equipment and term limits consulting, while the advanced nuclear energy consulting item was removed in the House version. After discussion, the committee adopted the House amendment to Senate Bill 2001 and then voted to do pass the bill as amended. Both motions passed on roll call, and the amended bill was sent to the full Appropriations Committee. Near the end of the meeting, Representative Paula gave notice that she would bring a separate amendment later on the Industrial Commission budget related to homelessness grant funding, noting it would not use SIF or general fund dollars.

Transcript Highlights:

• We added in... On line 9, we just added in that we're talking about an investigative subpoena.
• So, we actually took out a sentence that we had added in.
• We added in federal courts of New Mexico.
• And so we just added in the language 'determined by a vote.' A couple of words got added in.
• It was just an ad hoc committee of volunteer time. There was no per diem.

Bills: SB1, SB3

Keywords: interstate medical licensure compact, physician licensure, medical license reciprocity, expedited licensure, medical practice act, New Mexico medical board, compact commission, physician mobility, telemedicine, license portability, background check, disciplinary action, joint investigation, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, scope of practice, medical board transparency, multistate compact, licensure renewal, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• One was added.
• The winery handles the actual placing of the ad in the visitor's guide, but 509 Media designs the ad.
• The winery handles the actual placing of the ad in the visitors guide, but 509 media designs the ad.
• Okay, so it will be on the ad that's in the booklet.
• have to charge sales tax in the ads, correct?

Summary: The committee first received a presentation from Dr. Reich on the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC), including how the council’s joint executive-legislative forecasting process works, the main state revenue sources, and recent economic conditions. He said Washington’s economy is slowing, with weak employment growth, softer taxable sales, and uncertainty from tariffs, federal spending, and the federal shutdown. He also noted that the September forecast was reduced, mainly because of lower sales tax and real estate excise tax collections, and that the state still expects modest growth rather than a recession. Members asked about whether Washington tends to lag national downturns and how forecast information should affect budgeting; Dr. Reich said the forecast is a revenue tool, not a budgeting decision, and that spending choices remain with elected officials. The Department of Revenue then presented on Washington’s sales and use tax structure and the implementation of Senate Bill 5814, which expands retail sales tax to several services effective October 1, 2025. Steve Ewing explained how sales and use tax are sourced, how reseller permits and the multiple points of use exemption work, and how the new law applies to live presentations, temporary staffing, investigations and security services, IT services, custom website development, advertising services, and custom software. He said DOR held listening sessions, issued interim guidance, and set up a centralized landing page and outreach efforts to help taxpayers understand the changes. He also described a six-month grace period for certain pre-existing contracts through March 31, 2026, but said penalties and interest still apply under the statute. Committee members raised concerns about how businesses and individuals will know when a service is taxable, who is responsible for collecting and remitting tax, and how sourcing will work for services delivered across multiple locations or online. DOR staff walked through examples involving accounting services, live lectures, virtual events, advertising campaigns, and search engine marketing, including the use of reasonable allocation and pool codes when exact sourcing data is unavailable. Members also questioned the administrative burden on small businesses and professionals newly subject to tax, and whether additional legislative fixes or relief from penalties and interest may be needed. No votes or formal actions were taken in the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes crops, livestock, value-added processing, byproducts, food, and other ingredients.
• goal is by supporting all value added goal is by supporting all value added agriculture<00:03:16.799
• able to do to advance value added able to do to advance value added agriculture<00:20:52.039>
• He added that they were probably due to do one again in the short term.
• He added that they had revamped all that strategic focus over the last three years.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But it also requires money to buy ads in newspapers and billboards and radio and TV and the internet,
• Specialists um to create Those ads and Specialists um to create Those ads and to<00:13:45.639> make
• Section 11 is already in the state law, but we're adding local government here.
• Third, the bill modernizes Minnesota's online disclaimer rules for digital ads.
• ads they see wherever<01:13:24.440> Those<01:13:24.600> ads<01:13:24.840> find<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:55.839> additional extending time or adding additional extending time or adding additional
• And so now what we have done is added the opportunity to build a second one.
• And so now what we have done is added the opportunity to build a second one.
• And so now what we have done is added the opportunity to build a second one.
• <00:15:46.720> So, they're stacked, and added some. So, they're stacked, and added some.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Added sugars on the menu.
• This bill is to inform consumers about added sugars.
• We're slowly creeping up on consuming added sugar.
• Adding on to item one, SB 331, Stephanie. Stephanie, aye. Adding on to item two, SB 490, Umberg.
• Adding on to item 2, SB 490, Umberg. Stephanie. Stephanie, aye.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 331 by Sen. Menjivar, which would require large-group health plans to cover hearing aids for children. The author and supporters described the bill as a long-running effort to address a developmental emergency and reduce out-of-pocket costs for families, while opponents were absent. Testimony from parents, advocates, medical experts, and organizations emphasized the importance of early access to hearing aids; committee members voiced strong support, and the bill was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, with several members requesting to be added as coauthors. The committee then heard SB 608, also by Sen. Menjivar, to expand access to condoms in school-based health centers and related settings and to prevent barriers such as ID checks. Supporters, including students and school health advocates, argued the bill would improve sexual health and reduce stigma, while opponents from family and faith groups argued it would undermine parental authority and normalize early sexual activity. The bill was supported by committee members and moved forward on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. Next, SB 971 by Sen. Choi proposed community-based healthy aging partnerships for older adults, with testimony from the California Senior Legislature and supporters from aging and dementia organizations. The measure was described as voluntary and focused on connection, independence, and local collaboration; there was no opposition, and the committee moved it on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 869 by Sen. Weber Pierson, which would require warning icons and statements on chain restaurant menus for beverages with very high added sugar content. Supporters framed it as a transparency and public health measure, while restaurant and beverage industry representatives opposed it unless amended, citing cost and menu-space concerns; the bill was nevertheless moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations after a roll call vote, with some members voting no and the measure placed on call. The committee also considered SB 950 by Sen. Weber Pierson, aimed at ensuring timely coverage of FDA-approved, medically necessary treatments for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease on commercial plans. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association and a patient advocate, said the bill would reduce delays and barriers to care, while health plan representatives opposed it over step therapy and utilization-management concerns. Members discussed the limited treatment window and the need for early access, and the bill was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. In addition, SB 490 by Sen. Umberg would set timelines for DHCS investigations of unlicensed sober living homes and allow counties to assist if the department cannot act in time; supporters from Anaheim and a patient-brokering survivor described serious abuse and oversight gaps, while county behavioral health representatives opposed the county role as an unfunded and potentially liability-creating burden. After discussion, the bill was also moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1037 by Sen. Weber Pierson on health insurance affordability and rate review, with supporters arguing it would tie premium increases more closely to affordability targets and public reporting; the transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a temporary administrative position um added into DBEDT's budget within the bill to assist with
• into DBET's budget in within the added into DBET's budget in within the bill<00:19:36.480> to
• helpful to us to uh consider adding helpful to us to uh consider adding others<00:32:00.240>
• So, we are going to be adding a couple of amendments.
• are going to be adding a couple of<01:00:14.880> amendments.

Bills: HB2436, HB2438, HB2532, HB2566

Keywords: arts integration, fine arts education, public schools, cultural education, student engagement, school coordinators, Hawaii education, Hawaii Cultural Trust, income tax credit, arts funding, cultural preservation, charitable contributions, HB2532, Hawaiian flag, Ka Hae Hawaiʻi, flag display, condominium, condo association, planned community association, cooperative housing corporation

Summary: The committee on Culture and the Arts heard several measures related to arts funding, administration, and access. Testimony was largely supportive across the agenda. For HB 2218 and HB 1815, the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts supported the bills, and members discussed transition timing and administrative support, including the need for an additional year in one measure and a temporary administrative position to help with the transfer. HB 1764, the music accessibility pilot program, drew broad support from the Retail Merchants of Hawaii, Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, Hawaii Public Library System, Hawaii Youth Symphony, and others, with testimony emphasizing library-based music programming, community access, and economic benefits. HB 2117, which would create an arts data mapping task force, also received extensive support, though witnesses suggested narrowing the initial scope, adding representatives from independent and charter schools and neighbor island arts programs, and ensuring adequate funding and a realistic timeline for the work. The committee also heard HB 2436 on arts integration in public schools, HB 2438 on the Hawaii Cultural Trust, and HB 2532 on the Hawaiian flag. HB 2436 and HB 2438 received support from SFCA, while the Cultural Trust bill prompted a lengthy explanation from the chair about how the proposed tax credit would work and amendments to clarify that donations to the trust and to qualifying cultural nonprofits must be made in tandem, with eligible organizations listed and updated annually by SFCA and OHA. HB 2532 drew testimony from Dr. Adam Jansen in support of protecting the Hawaiian flag as a historical and cultural symbol; he said the flag should continue to be used for solidarity, protest, inclusion, and identity. At the decision-making portion, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on the measures considered. HB 2118, HB 764, HB 1815, and HB 2117 were passed with amendments, including date deferrals and technical changes; HB 764 also had its appropriation blanked out. HB 2436 was passed with amendments, and HB 2438 was advanced with substantial clarifying amendments to the cultural trust structure. The chair indicated that HB 2117 would include an interim report due in 2027 focused on music and dance, with a final report due in 2029 on arts education more broadly.

Transcript Highlights:

• The um<00:28:06.960> house<00:28:07.360> added um house added um house added um<00:28:10.320
• That was um one of the late ads backhoe.
• The state match for the FAA projects was added, and as a result the federal portion is added, which is
• The state match for the FAA projects was added, and as a result the federal portion is added, which is
• <00:39:51.359> the transportation on row 116 was added the transportation on row 116 was added

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're adding in dark pattern risk; we're adding in other kinds of risks; but right now they're heavy
• Because users who looked at bikini ads also tend to engage with exercise ads and content, the algorithm
• a transparent and fair digital ad market.
• Prior to joining Check My Ads in 2024, I spent a decade in the ad industry, most recently as Chief Privacy
• Prior to joining Check My Ads in 2024, I spent a decade in the ad industry, most recently as Chief Privacy

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a package of Massachusetts privacy and technology bills, especially measures to ban the sale of location data, establish a comprehensive consumer data privacy law, and regulate biometric recognition and surveillance pricing. Chairs and sponsors argued that self-regulation has failed, that data brokers and large tech companies routinely collect and monetize sensitive information, and that state action is needed because federal protections are weak or absent. Several speakers tied the bills to reproductive health, gender-affirming care, domestic violence, children’s data, and other sensitive uses of location and biometric information. Supporters included legislators and advocates who backed H. 86/S. 197 (Location Shield), H. 78/S. 45/H. 104/S. 29 (comprehensive privacy bills), H. 99/S. 47 (surveillance pricing in grocery stores), and H. 36/S. 36 (biometric recognition accountability). They emphasized data minimization, bans on selling sensitive data, consumer rights to access, delete, and opt out, and in some cases a private right of action. Several witnesses said Massachusetts should lead or align with other states, while others argued that stronger protections are needed because data can be weaponized by stalkers, anti-abortion actors, abusive partners, insurers, or law enforcement. Industry and coalition witnesses urged the committee to favor a more standardized, interoperable framework modeled on laws already adopted in other states, warning that novel definitions, data-minimization rules, and private rights of action could create compliance burdens, confusion, and costs for businesses, including small businesses. They argued that entity-level exemptions for sectors already covered by federal laws like HIPAA or GLBA promote consistency, and that Attorney General enforcement is preferable to private lawsuits. Committee members questioned witnesses on patchwork concerns, the scope of exemptions, and whether the proposed bills would harm or help consumers and small businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; written testimony was noted as due later, and the committee continued taking testimony from multiple panels and virtual witnesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• by adding section three and four. by adding section three and four.
• with the amendments that we've added. with the amendments that we've added.
• added in there. added in there.
• You<01:31:08.640> added You added You added stating<01:31:10.320> cause<01:31:10.840>
• That's what you added. That's what you added.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're adding language similar to that um for our state programs.
• We're adding language similar to that um for our state programs.
• We're adding language similar to that um for our state programs.
• We're adding language similar to that um for our state programs.
• actually two more things being added. actually two more things being added.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would beg that it be added. >> Medication or it be added. >> Okay.
• I would beg that it be added. >> Medication or it be added. >> Okay.
• I would beg that it be added. >> Medication or it be added. >> Okay.
• I would beg that it be added. >> Medication or it be added. >> Okay.
• I would beg that it be added. >> Medication or it be added. >> Okay.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 3025, relating to medical debt, with multiple organizations and individuals, including the Office of Wellness and Resilience, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Queens Health Systems, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Aloha Care, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction, Hawaii Data Collaborative, and Hawaii Appleseed, all speaking in support. No opposition was heard, and the member present had no questions. The committee then took up SB 3199, which would establish a mental health emerging therapies task force. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with speakers including veterans, clinicians, researchers, and advocacy groups describing personal experiences with PTSD, depression, traumatic brain injury, and treatment-resistant conditions, and arguing that Hawaii should prepare for regulated access to emerging therapies such as MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and ibogaine. The Department of Health and some medical organizations provided comments, and one opposition witness was called but not present. The chair noted broad support, especially from veterans, and no vote was taken during the excerpt. The final measure discussed was SB 3324, relating to Medicaid. The Department of Human Services, Department of Health, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Aloha Care, and numerous care-provider and aging/disability organizations testified in support, while one witness was in opposition and several others offered comments. The discussion then moved to SB 2563, relating to homelessness, where the Department of the Attorney General offered comments on specific sections and recommended adopting suggested amendments if the bill proceeds. Additional testimony on SB 2563 began with support from several individuals, including Shelby Pikachu, who emphasized the severity of homelessness and related social problems in the community.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've added and added and added.
• On the House side, we've added $362 million to the bill.
• The legislature added $1.4 billion. In 2023-2024, a $7 billion start.
• , $10.3 billion executive, we added $1.3 billion. 2025-2026, $11 billion, we added $1.6 billion in the
• We had $574 million in bonding capacity added, plus 18.9% of surplus.

Bills: HB2, HB3, HB799, HB1039

Keywords: capital outlay, budget, infrastructure, appropriation, general obligation bonds, bond authorization, capital improvement, financial management, state treasury, boiler safety, inspection, licensing, state fire marshal, operating certificate, regulations, local sales tax, local use tax, sales and use tax, tax audit, local collector

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think it adds anything that we are supposed to be adding to this. I don't know.
• Think it adds anything that we are supposed to be adding to this.
• It will be added to line one, after the word “engaging.”
• That's my concern here with perhaps adding more to this; it turns into advocacy at that point.
• So it’s just adding school district employees to modify terms and conditions of employment.

Summary: The committee met to review and adopt Legislative Council ballot measure analyses, with members repeatedly reminded that the hearing was limited to the accuracy, clarity, and impartiality of the summaries and not the merits of the underlying proposals. Steve Premack explained the statutory role of the analyses in the publicity pamphlet, and staff presented draft language for several measures. The committee considered and voted on multiple amendments, often debating whether proposed wording was clearer or instead crossed into advocacy or added unnecessary legal detail. For SCR 1004, members debated amendments to more closely mirror the measure’s text and to add language about electric vehicles and mileage, but several proposed changes were rejected. The analysis was ultimately adopted by an 8-6 roll call. HCR 2021 was then adopted without amendment by the same 8-6 margin. For HCR 2055, members debated whether the summary should say the Department of Homeland Security must “do everything” or “use all lawful means available,” and whether to add language about cartels acting “individually or collectively”; both amendments were rejected and the analysis was adopted 8-6. The committee next took up SCR 1004 on photo enforcement systems, where members proposed amendments to clarify that the measure would apply to red light cameras, to add “thereafter” regarding recurring voter approval, and to specify that approval would occur at the general election; those amendments failed, and the analysis was adopted 8-6. On SCR 1032, dealing with instructional expenses and classroom site fund reductions, members debated adding a definition of the Classroom Site Fund and spelling out the waiver process in more detail; both amendments failed, and the analysis was adopted 8-6. Finally, on HCR 2001 regarding citizenship identification and early voting, members rejected amendments that would have added background on current law, clarified that mail voting would be affected, added severability and revenue-source language, and struck the measure’s short title; the discussion was lengthy and at times contentious, but the transcript ends before a final roll-call vote on that measure is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> No. >> The amendment is added to the bill.
• >> No. >> The amendment is added to the bill.
• adding the amendment say I. adding the amendment say I. >> I. >> I. >> I.
• Um >> The amendment is added to the bill.
• And so added and now we have one more.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this may actually just be a technical definitions question, and I support the bill and adding this
• this um my question is and um and adding this um my question is and may<00:06:46.720> it's<00
• groups, it's you just can start adding almost everybody until there's hardly anybody left who gets the
• <00:10:18.720> groups, because once we start adding groups, because once we start adding groups
• <00:10:21.600> almost it's you just can start adding almost it's you just can start adding

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Those producing ads will need more specificity.
• What if the ad also features human actors in the foreground who are the primary focus of the ad?
• Would such an ad be outside the scope of the disclosure requirement?
• They added that there is no testing regimen known to be safe.
• I'd love to be added as a coauthor, Senator, if you would have me.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee heard a long agenda focused largely on artificial intelligence, consumer transparency, and privacy protections. The committee first took up consent items, then heard SB 1050, which would require disclosures in advertisements that use AI-generated or synthetic performers. Supporters, including SAG-AFTRA, Teamsters, Common Sense Media, and the Music Artists Coalition, argued consumers should know when an ad uses a synthetic person and that the bill protects workers and honesty in advertising. Opponents from TechNet, the Motion Picture Association, broadcasters, and business groups said the bill was too broad, lacked a deception standard, created enforcement and compliance concerns, and should include carve-outs and stronger guardrails. The bill passed out on a divided vote. The committee then heard SB 1111, which would create liability and remedies for nonconsensual use of a person’s voice or likeness to create digital replicas or deepfakes. Supporters said the bill addresses a growing problem of exploitative AI-generated sexual content and gives victims clear legal standing; there was no opposition testimony. SB 867, a proposal to place a four-year moratorium on AI chatbot-powered toys, drew support from children’s advocates, pediatricians, and media-safety groups, who said the Legislature should pause before exposing children to potentially harmful products. Business and civil-justice groups raised concerns about broad definitions and unintended consequences, but the bill advanced after members discussed the need for clearer guardrails. Later, the committee heard SB 1247, which would let people who were monetized as child influencers delete content featuring their image and likeness once they turn 18. Supporters framed it as a privacy and healing measure for children whose lives were shared online for profit, and there was no opposition. SB 1146 would require disclosures in health-related ads that use AI-generated or synthetic depictions of health care providers; medical and pediatric groups supported it as a way to combat deceptive health misinformation, and it also passed without opposition. The committee also heard SB 1000, updating California’s AI Transparency Act to align disclosure and provenance standards with evolving technology and international practices, and SB 957, which would require social media companies to notify users before complying with certain federal administrative subpoenas and give them time to challenge them. SB 957 drew support from civil liberties and privacy groups and opposition from one member concerned about federal law-enforcement impacts; both bills advanced, along with the others heard, with roll calls left open for absent members.