Transcript Highlights:

• They can designate properties...
• We can close that and sell off the property.”
• to residential property.
• There is immense potential in the conversion of commercial property to residential property to add housing
• that has commercial requirements for over 10 years, and even vacant commercial properties that could

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on engrossed second substitute Senate Bill 6026, which would prohibit certain GMA-planning cities and counties from excluding residential development in commercial and mixed-use zones and would limit local requirements for ground-floor commercial or mixed-use space, subject to numerous exemptions and a possible study-based off-ramp. The bill sponsor and supporters, including the Lieutenant Governor, the governor’s housing policy advisor, Commerce staff, developers, labor/employer groups, and housing advocates, argued it would reduce barriers, reuse underutilized commercial land, and help address the state’s housing shortage. Cities including Bellevue, Kirkland, Bellingham, Redmond, Kent, Lacey, and Lakewood testified in opposition or with concerns, emphasizing local control, impacts on walkable neighborhoods and small businesses, implementation costs, and the need for more flexibility or clearer compliance options. Committee members asked about exemptions, the study process, and how the bill would affect existing local plans and incentives. The committee then moved to executive session on several bills. It rejected Representative Griffey’s amendment to Senate Bill 5820, which would have restored Clark County’s freight rail dependent overlay authority and added findings about greenhouse gas reductions from short line rail, and then passed SB 5820 out with a do pass recommendation. The committee also passed SB 5995, extending authorization for port districts to purchase zero- and near-zero-emission cargo handling equipment; SB 5552, directing rulemaking for kit home building codes; SB 5467, raising thresholds for water-sewer district surplus property sales; and SB 6189, removing the deadline for forming a public facilities district for regional aquatics and sports facilities. Each of those bills received a do pass recommendation, with some members noting support for housing, workforce, efficiency, or local flexibility and others expressing concerns about contracts, automation, or competitiveness. After executive session, the committee resumed testimony on SB 6026. Additional supporters, including the Lieutenant Governor, Commerce, developers, the Washington Roundtable, Microsoft, and housing organizations, reiterated that the bill would unlock housing on vacant commercial land and preserve some local flexibility through exemptions and height incentives. Opponents and concerned cities continued to argue that the bill would weaken local planning, reduce commercial space needed for complete communities, and impose costs and implementation burdens. The hearing concluded without final action on SB 6026, with the chair noting more testimony and work remained.

Transcript Highlights:

• There seems to be a number of vacant judges in this report.
• There seems to be a number of vacant judges in this report.
• How long has the chair been vacant?
• How long has the chair been vacant?
• I see that being vacant as 51 days.

Summary: The subcommittee first heard a lengthy Auditor General presentation on the Department of Management Services’ fleet management operations. The audit found major problems with oversight, recordkeeping, policies, fee-setting, purchase and disposal approvals, public auction controls, and FleetWave system access and processing. Key findings included that 2,279 vehicles valued at more than $57 million could not be matched between FleetWave and FLAIR, disposal records were missing or incomplete, user access remained active long after employees separated, and the department had not documented a reasonable basis for its $1.75 per-vehicle monthly fee. Members expressed strong concern about the accuracy of the state’s fleet inventory and the risk of waste or misuse. DMS Secretary Allende said the department concurred with the findings, was working with the Auditor General, and planned corrective actions, including better training, clearer guidance, improved reconciliation, and possible centralization or pilot programs for fleet purchasing and management. The committee then returned to vacancy discussions with several agencies. The Division of Administrative Hearings said its two long-vacant judges of compensation claims positions had been hard to fill because of low pay and short reappointment terms, but the chief judge said the division could operate without them and offered those positions up as part of a reduction exercise. The Public Service Commission reported 42 vacancies but said statutory deadlines were still being met, though staff workloads and depth of analysis were affected. The commission also said vacancies help it manage salaries within its trust-fund budget. Members questioned whether some of those positions were truly needed given the lack of delays. The Florida Gaming Control Commission reported 29 vacancies, including a vacant chair that prevented appointment of an inspector general, and said the chair vacancy was a gubernatorial appointment issue. The acting executive director also said the commission’s compulsive gambling prevention program had lapsed after no responsive bids were received for a new contract, but an invitation to negotiate was nearly complete and a new provider was expected soon. The Public Employee Relations Commission reported that its caseload had more than doubled after Senate Bill 256, which increased union recertification work; it said it was meeting deadlines only with overtime and that the workload had not fallen despite decertifications. Members asked for follow-up data on union cases, vacancy needs, and whether some positions across agencies could be reallocated to better match workload.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would expand that definition of blight to include vacant or underused properties in the cities
• This bill would expand that definition of blight to include vacant or underused properties in the cities
• The property consists of vacant, unused, underused, inappropriately used, or infrequently used property
• The property consists of vacant, unused or underused, inappropriately used or infrequently used rail
• </c><00:02:38.239><c> or</c> property consists of vacant unused or property consists of vacant unused

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been vacant<01:33:40.719><c> since</c> vacant since vacant since 2022.<01:33:42.880><c> It's</c>
• </c> um to eliminate this vacant um to eliminate this vacant position.<01:36:24.320><c> Vacant</c><01
• Vacant but funded. And it was position. Vacant but funded.
• </c> and<01:53:18.080><c> vacant.</c> and vacant. and vacant. [Music] 11400. Okay. I see.
• vacant since August.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee worked through a series of budget amendments, mostly to House Bill 2 and related House Bill 1 changes, with members discussing whether to reduce or preserve funding for various programs. Early actions included approving an amendment to House Bill 219 that delays implementation of renewable energy-related provisions to 2027, and approving an amendment that removes a $150,000 appropriation tied to a housing-related database while allowing use of housing fund money for the project. The committee also approved an amendment affecting magistrates so they could continue pretrial and other judicial support work, while noting they would not handle bail and that the change reflected separate legislation already signed by the governor. Members then approved a series of administrative savings items in the Department of Administrative Services, including eliminating a long-vacant computer analyst position and reducing overtime and recruiting/subscription-tool budgets. They also approved an amendment cutting marketing and administrative support for the paid family leave program, with members emphasizing that the program itself would continue. A proposed cut to the WorkInvest NH program was discussed at length, with some members arguing it benefits workers and employers and others noting the cost is borne by employers; the committee ultimately set that item aside without taking action. The committee also debated and then approved a modest reduction to a BEA regional planning grant, despite objections that regional planning commissions provide valuable municipal support. The most extended discussion centered on the State Library. Representative Sweeney said he did not want to pursue a full cut of the library and instead favored a more targeted approach, noting that some federal funding for library services such as interlibrary loans and the Libby system may be at risk. Members discussed alternatives, including unfilled positions and other partial reductions, but no final action on the full library cut was taken in the portion provided. The committee also paused on some other items to gather more information before voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, there are vacant units in New York City that remain vacant that are identified as part of
• it's vacant.
• owner provide the reason for why the units are vacant?
• IS VACANT, AT NO POINT DO THEY ASK THE LANDLORD WHY IT'S VACANT.
• OWNER PROVIDE THE REASON FOR WHY THE UNITS ARE VACANT.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• That's about 30, between 35 and 40 acres of vacant land.
• That's about 30, between 35 and 40 acres of vacant land.
• And then we also analyze every vacant position.
• Holding vacant positions. Holding.
• Any of your budget strategy, does it depend on holding vacant positions?

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations for the Department of Administration and the Permanent Building Fund. For Administration, analysts reviewed the agency’s divisions, staffing, dedicated-fund structure, recent budget growth, and the governor’s and JFAC’s recommended changes. The department requested shifts of utility costs from the general fund to dedicated funds, three new positions and funding for Medicaid procurement and contract management, transfers of some positions between divisions, and one-time IT replacement funding. Members also discussed office-space utilization, vacant buildings and land at Chinden and elsewhere, and the department’s efforts to consolidate space and reduce general fund reliance. Director Bailey said the department has reduced or repurposed positions, closed duplicate printing operations, is exploring digital workflows and AI tools, and is trying to move toward a fully dedicated-fund model. He also explained the decision to remove GLP-1 weight-loss coverage from the state health plan due to rapidly rising costs, while noting diabetes coverage remains in place. Committee members questioned the need for higher-level procurement staff for Medicaid contracts, the role of Deloitte and the Department of Health and Welfare in the process, and the status of the MMIS procurement, which Bailey said is currently stayed by the courts after a legal challenge from the second-place vendor. He said the delay will affect MMIS implementation and, in turn, the timing of the broader managed care rollout. Members also asked about vacant state office space, the possible sale of older buildings, and whether agencies such as ITD and Health and Welfare could be moved into state-owned space to reduce lease costs. Bailey said the department is actively working on those facility-planning questions and that agencies at Chinden are paying rent for occupied space. The committee then reviewed the Permanent Building Fund budget, which finances state construction, repairs, and deferred maintenance through dedicated revenue sources and interest earnings. Analysts highlighted the fund’s multi-year project structure, the large deferred maintenance program funded in prior years, and a proposed one-time transfer of $33.75 million in canceled capital project balances to the general fund. They also described a possible redirection of fiscal year 2027 interest earnings to the general fund and a recommended new capital project for an Idaho National Guard readiness center. Administrator Barard reported that the Division of Public Works is managing 595 active projects, with most FY 2025 projects under construction, in design, or complete, and said the division continues to face labor shortages and rising construction costs. Members asked about canceled projects, including the North Idaho reentry center, the Carnegie Library purchase, the ISU pedestrian crossing, the Idaho State Police Lewiston facility, and other projects; staff said some are unlikely to return soon, while others may come back once land or other prerequisites are secured. The committee concluded the hearing and announced it would meet the next day for the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Office of the State Public Defender.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> 0768, a bill that addresses property 0768, a bill that addresses property taxes,<00:21:19.919><c
• </c> pain of significant property increase. pain of significant property increase.
• going to be residential property.
• This is notwithstanding property.
• </c> C12 seasonal recreational properties. C12 seasonal recreational properties.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a really important bill to help vacant schools. Novocaine.
• This is a really important bill to help vacant schools, vacant theaters, nonprofits, and large developments
• And I do want to be clear that it hasn't sat vacant this long because...
• properties.
• Those are primarily vacant schools. Active schools or retired schools?

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Summary: The Commerce Committee first took up House Bill 1845 in executive session and voted it do pass unanimously. The committee then moved into a public hearing on House Bill 3080, sponsored by Representative Riggs, which was presented as a technical/emergency fix to restore Missouri’s historic preservation tax credit provisions after a court ruling invalidated prior legislation because of unrelated “chicken coop” language. Riggs said the bill was needed to protect more than $300 million in projects already underway and noted companion legislation was moving in the Senate. Committee members expressed support and emphasized the importance of historic redevelopment, especially in St. Louis and other communities. Supporters testified that the bill would stabilize financing for projects already in progress and preserve a key tool for redeveloping vacant historic buildings, schools, theaters, and other properties statewide. Witnesses described specific projects including Delmar Devine in St. Louis, a vacant school in Hermann, the Englewood Theater in Independence, Cooper House, and Elliott School, explaining that tax credits were essential to making the projects financially feasible and to leveraging private investment, grants, and other financing. Several speakers said the credits help address housing shortages, neighborhood blight, and community revitalization, and that uncertainty after the court ruling was threatening construction and financing commitments. One witness, Arnie C., testified in opposition, calling the measure a corporate giveaway and arguing the state could not afford the program. Committee members responded that the bill was a corrective measure, not an expansion of credits, and that it was necessary because projects had already been approved and were in various stages of completion. After hearing testimony from supporters, one opponent, and no additional witnesses, the chair closed the hearing on House Bill 3080 and adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 3407 deals with abandoned personal property, specifically listing manufactured homes and statute
• House Bill 4343 establishes a rate for appointed property appraisers.
• House Bill 4126 exempts private property owners from activities that involve dirt bikes and off-road
• nine-month limitation on when an individual has to file a successor affidavit after They've received property

Bills: HB1322 , HB2015 , HB2933 , HB2941 , HB2959 , HB2977 , HB2981 , HB3040 , HB3055 , HB3062 , HB3087 , HB3115 , HB3134 , HB3244 , HB3297 , HB3298 , HB3299 , HB3304 , HB3319 , HB3321 , HB3322 , HB3323 , HB3345 , HB3407 , HB3471 , HB3497 , HB3500 , HB3505 , HB3544 , HB3581 , HB3648 , HB3755 , HB3764 , HB3765 , HB3767 , HB3906 , HB3974 , HB3982 , HB4104 , HB4105 , HB4106 , HB4107 , HB4108 , HB4126 , HB4130 , HB4139 , HB4144 , HB4170 , HB4202 , HB4226 , HB4227 , HB4236 , HB4260 , HB4343

Committee: House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight

Keywords: domestic violence, offenders registry, public safety, law enforcement, victim protection, conviction records, landlord, tenant rights, rental agreement, housing safety, tenant protections, insurance regulation, homeowner claims, premium discounts, catastrophe mitigation, civil penalties, fentanyl, overdose, first responders, drug reporting

Bills: SB5223 , SB6071 , SB5966 , SB6061 , SB6016 , SB5973 , SB5053 , SB5249 , SB6190 , SB5574 , SB6263 , SB6282 , SB5950 , SB6074 , SB6096 , SB5609 , SB5943 , SJM8016 , SB5907 , SB6155 , SB6158 , SB6227 , SB6085 , SB6234 , SB6274 , SB5909 , SB6045 , SB6089 , SB6170 , SB5954 , SB5762 , SB6032 , SB6082 , SB6164 , SB6176 , SB6319 , SB6308 , SB6177 , SB6052 , SB6182 , SB6335 , SB6017 , SB5470 , SB5990 , SB5046 , SB5387 , SB5637 , SB5647 , SB5839 , SB5888 , SB5962 , SB6018 , SB6037 , SB6047 , SB6078 , SB6130 , SB6147 , SB6256 , HB2155 , HB2304 , HB2367 , HB2606 , SB5998 , SB6005

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, overpayment recovery, modernization, health care, legislation, healthcare, nutrition, medically tailored meals, dietary support, food security, chronic illness, tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, H.B. 3407 deals with abandoned personal property, specifically listing manufactured homes in
• House Bill 43-43 would establish a rate for appointed property appraisers.
• House Bill 4126 exempts private property owners from activities that involve dirt bikes and off-road
• nine-month limitation on when an individual has to file a successor affidavit after they've received property

Bills: HB1322 , HB2015 , HB2933 , HB2941 , HB2959 , HB2977 , HB2981 , HB3040 , HB3055 , HB3062 , HB3087 , HB3115 , HB3134 , HB3244 , HB3297 , HB3298 , HB3299 , HB3304 , HB3319 , HB3321 , HB3322 , HB3323 , HB3345 , HB3407 , HB3471 , HB3497 , HB3500 , HB3505 , HB3544 , HB3581 , HB3648 , HB3755 , HB3764 , HB3765 , HB3767 , HB3906 , HB3974 , HB3982 , HB4104 , HB4105 , HB4106 , HB4107 , HB4108 , HB4126 , HB4130 , HB4139 , HB4144 , HB4170 , HB4202 , HB4226 , HB4227 , HB4236 , HB4260 , HB4343

Committee: House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight

Keywords: domestic violence, offenders registry, public safety, law enforcement, victim protection, conviction records, landlord, tenant rights, rental agreement, housing safety, tenant protections, insurance regulation, homeowner claims, premium discounts, catastrophe mitigation, civil penalties, fentanyl, overdose, first responders, drug reporting

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a large number of bills, mostly by unanimous or near-unanimous due-pass votes. Early measures included HB 34, expanding “zones of safety” to include places like skating rinks, youth centers, pools, arcades, amusement parks, and water parks to bar sex offenders from loitering; HB 3407 on abandoned personal property and manufactured homes; HB 43 on rates for court-appointed property appraisers; and HB 2981 requiring school board meeting minutes to be posted online. Members also considered criminal justice and public safety bills such as enhanced penalties for people on the DOJ terrorist list (HB 3764), updating controlled dangerous substances schedules (HB 3767), and a bill to allow first responders to notify law enforcement after responding to suspected overdoses, with immunity for good-faith reporting and a fentanyl-related presumption in fatal overdoses (HB 2941). Several bills were laid over, including HB 2015, HB 2959, HB 3087, HB 3581, and HB 4227. The committee also advanced bills affecting courts, property, and administrative procedures. These included HB 3321 ending cost-arrest warrants for unpaid court fines, HB 3322 codifying rules for interpreting multiple versions of statutes, HB 3323 moving notarization requirements for electronic documents submitted to Service Oklahoma, HB 3497 clarifying appeals of pretrial orders in criminal cases, HB 3500 removing a nine-month deadline for successor affidavits after transfer-on-death property transfers, and HB 3505 creating a uniform wage garnishment law. Other measures addressed workers’ compensation and public employment, including HB 4260 creating a rebuttable presumption for first responders in workers’ comp, HB 4202 aligning radiology reimbursement with other specialties, and HB 3055 and HB 315 setting qualifications for the CLEET and DOC directors. Later in the meeting, members approved bills on consumer protection, technology, and public safety. HB 2933 tightened insurance claim timelines and penalties and made mediation mandatory for carriers; HB 3544 targeted AI chatbots that simulate emotional relationships with children; HB 3299 created a criminal offense for creating or disseminating digitized or synthetic media using another person’s name, image, voice, or likeness; HB 4107 criminalized misuse of outdoor tornado sirens; HB 4108 expanded critical infrastructure protections to airports; and HB 4139 revised home service contract rules to require truthful offerings and qualified service providers. The committee also passed HB 1322 creating a public domestic violence offenders registry, HB 4104 adding certain voyeurism-related crimes to the sex offender registry, HB 4106 lowering the grand larceny threshold to $900 and making a third petty larceny offense a felony, and HB 3974 addressing liability in shared inmate housing facilities. The meeting ended with HB 4144, which revises Open Records Act language for arrest and incident reports, and the committee adjourned with plans to meet again Tuesday.

Bills: SB5223 , SB6071 , SB5966 , SB6061 , SB6016 , SB5973 , SB5053 , SB5249 , SB6190 , SB5574 , SB6263 , SB6282 , SB5950 , SB6074 , SB6096 , SB5609 , SB5943 , SJM8016 , SB5907 , SB6155 , SB6158 , SB6227 , SB6085 , SB6234 , SB6274 , SB5909 , SB6045 , SB6089 , SB6170 , SB5954 , SB5762 , SB6032 , SB6082 , SB6164 , SB6176 , SB6319 , SB6308 , SB6177 , SB6052 , SB6182 , SB6335 , SB6017 , SB5470 , SB5990 , SB5046 , SB5387 , SB5637 , SB5647 , SB5839 , SB5888 , SB5962 , SB6018 , SB6037 , SB6047 , SB6078 , SB6130 , SB6147 , SB6256 , HB2155 , HB2304 , HB2367 , HB2606 , SB5998 , SB6005

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, overpayment recovery, modernization, health care, legislation, healthcare, nutrition, medically tailored meals, dietary support, food security, chronic illness, tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development

Summary: The Senate opened with ceremonial remarks, approved the previous day’s journal, and then moved through introductions, committee referrals, and caucus breaks. A resolution recognizing Ramadan, Senate Resolution 8680, was adopted after remarks from Senator Trudeau emphasizing charity, self-reflection, and restraint, and several members spoke in support of religious inclusion and community recognition. The chamber then took up several bills on final passage. House Bill 2304, expanding warranty options to encourage more condominium construction, passed overwhelmingly. Substitute House Bill 2492, requiring behavioral health and wellness training in construction apprenticeships, also passed after supporters cited high rates of mental health struggles and suicides in the trades. Substitute House Bill 2228, directing work on scissors stairs to improve housing efficiency, passed as well, as did Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1541, which revises the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee to add more military and veteran experience. The most extended debate centered on Substitute House Bill 2355, the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights. Supporters argued it would provide basic labor protections, written agreements, minimum wage, and remedies for domestic workers, while opponents warned it would burden families, independent contractors, and small jobs with contracts, notice requirements, and private lawsuits. Several proposed amendments to narrow coverage or remove the private right of action were rejected, and the bill ultimately passed 28–20. The Senate also passed House Bill 2155 on nursing title use in the context of AI, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2242 on preventive services and state health guidance, Substitute House Bill 2269 on middle housing in unincorporated areas, and Engrossed House Bill 1501 on HOA/unit-owner inquiries after adopting a committee striking amendment. The Senate adjourned until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't want to be spending it on property taxes.
• Secondly, the bill creates the criminal offense of real property theft and real property fraud.
• Senate Bill 16, relating to real property theft and real property fraud.
• Senate Bill 16, relating to property theft and real property fraud.
• They're using property tax dollars to pose a threat.

Bills: SB2 , SB3 , SB5 , SB9 , SB10 , SB14 , SB16 , SB18 , SB34 , SB6 , SB7 , SB8 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB15 , SB 2 , SB 3 , SB 5 , SB 9 , SB 10 , SB 14 , SB 16 , SB 18 , SB 34 , SB 6 , SB 7 , SB 8 , SB 11 , SB 12 , SB 13 , SB 15 , SB 17 , SB 4 , SB1 , SB2 , SB3 , SB5 , SB9 , SB10 , SB14 , SB16 , SB18 , SB34 , SB6 , SB7 , SB8 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB15 , SB17 , SB4

Keywords: flooding, public safety, outdoor warning sirens, disaster preparedness, emergency response, flood warning, outdoor sirens, local government, safety measures, flood management, emergency preparedness, municipal safety, disaster response, disaster relief, emergency funding, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, hemp regulation, consumable products

Bills: SB2 , SB3 , SB5 , SB9 , SB10 , SB14 , SB16 , SB18 , SB34 , SB6 , SB7 , SB8 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB15 , SB 2 , SB 3 , SB 5 , SB 9 , SB 10 , SB 14 , SB 16 , SB 18 , SB 34 , SB 6 , SB 7 , SB 8 , SB 11 , SB 12 , SB 13 , SB 15 , SB 17 , SB 4 , SB1 , SB2 , SB3 , SB5 , SB9 , SB10 , SB14 , SB16 , SB18 , SB34 , SB6 , SB7 , SB8 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB15 , SB17 , SB4

Keywords: flooding, public safety, outdoor warning sirens, disaster preparedness, emergency response, flood warning, outdoor sirens, local government, safety measures, flood management, emergency preparedness, municipal safety, disaster response, disaster relief, emergency funding, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, hemp regulation, consumable products

Bills: SB2 , SB3 , SB4 , SB5 , SB6 , SB7 , SB8 , SB9 , SB10 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB14 , SB15 , SB16 , SB18 , SB34 , SB2 , SB3 , SB4 , SB5 , SB6 , SB7 , SB8 , SB9 , SB10 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB14 , SB15 , SB16 , SB18 , SB34 , SB 2 , SB 3 , SB 4 , SB 5 , SB 6 , SB 7 , SB 8 , SB 9 , SB 10 , SB 11 , SB 12 , SB 13 , SB 14 , SB 15 , SB 16 , SB 17 , SB 18 , SB 34 , SB2 , SB3 , SB4 , SB5 , SB6 , SB7 , SB8 , SB9 , SB10 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB14 , SB15 , SB16 , SB17 , SB18 , SB34

Keywords: flooding, public safety, outdoor warning sirens, disaster preparedness, emergency response, flood warning, outdoor sirens, local government, safety measures, flood management, emergency preparedness, municipal safety, disaster response, disaster relief, emergency funding, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, Texas congressional redistricting, U.S. House districts

Transcript Highlights:

• Legislation reducing the property tax burden on Texans and legislation imposing spending limits on entities
• authorized to impose property taxes.

Bills: SB2 , SB3 , SB4 , SB5 , SB6 , SB7 , SB8 , SB9 , SB10 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB14 , SB15 , SB16 , SB18 , SB34 , SB2 , SB3 , SB4 , SB5 , SB6 , SB7 , SB8 , SB9 , SB10 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB14 , SB15 , SB16 , SB18 , SB34 , SB 2 , SB 3 , SB 4 , SB 5 , SB 6 , SB 7 , SB 8 , SB 9 , SB 10 , SB 11 , SB 12 , SB 13 , SB 14 , SB 15 , SB 16 , SB 17 , SB 18 , SB 34 , SB2 , SB3 , SB4 , SB5 , SB6 , SB7 , SB8 , SB9 , SB10 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB14 , SB15 , SB16 , SB17 , SB18 , SB34

Keywords: flooding, public safety, outdoor warning sirens, disaster preparedness, emergency response, flood warning, outdoor sirens, local government, safety measures, flood management, emergency preparedness, municipal safety, disaster response, disaster relief, emergency funding, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, Texas congressional redistricting, U.S. House districts

Transcript Highlights:

• So the schools are vacant. And who owns the property? State of Missouri. State of Missouri does.
• So you mentioned some of the properties aren't vacant, like one of the same...
• So you mentioned some of the properties aren't vacant, like the one that's being used by MoDOT, right
• So you mentioned some of the properties aren't vacant, like one of the same. to inquire.
• So you mentioned some of the properties aren't vacant, like the one that's being used by Modat, right

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of literally the most valuable vacant property in the city — far from being blighted.
• properties that have been held for some time or is that on brand new properties or is that on properties
• Those property owners that have properties prior to 2015 when the LPV got reset, the majority of property
• only because if the property owner sells the property in the future, it's going to be vacant, so you
• and we've classified as vacant commercial, but the owner has soccer fields on top of the property, and

Committee: Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee approved the February 2, 2026 minutes and held Senate Bill 1090. It then took up SB 1503, which would require pension fiduciaries and proxy advisory firms to base voting and advice solely on economic interests, prohibit ESG or ideological considerations except in limited circumstances, and authorize attorney general enforcement. The sponsor said the bill was meant to protect investors and align with federal action; supporters argued proxy advisors lack transparency and can influence votes against shareholders’ financial interests. Arizona retirement system representatives said they were neutral but warned the bill would add major operational costs, create reporting burdens, increase litigation risk, and could narrow the market for proxy advisory services. The committee passed SB 1503 on a 4-3 vote. The committee then considered SB 1293, which would bar GPLET abatements from applying to school-district revenue during the eight-year abatement period. Supporters said the bill would protect school funding and reduce the state aid backfill tied to GPLET projects, while opponents from Phoenix, Mesa, and economic development groups said GPLET is a key redevelopment tool that helps finance downtown and blighted-area projects and that the bill would weaken future investment. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1293 on a 4-3 vote. It also heard and passed SB 1414, which gives insurers 30 days to review and respond to third-party settlement demands; insurers supported the bill as a reasonable commercial timeframe, while trial lawyers opposed it as too slow and urged a 15-day standard, with members indicating they expected a possible friendly amendment. Next, the committee heard SB 1633, which would create an Arizona income tax subtraction for capital gains from the sale of a primary residence, after five years of occupancy. Opponents argued it would mainly benefit wealthy homeowners and could cost the state tens of millions annually, while the sponsor said it could help homeowners move without facing large tax bills and improve housing turnover. The committee passed the bill 4-2. It also adopted an amendment to SB 1429, which would have expanded Arizona Commerce Authority board ex officio membership, then held the bill for further consideration. Finally, the committee passed SB 1536, allowing temporary consolidation of street light improvement districts, and heard SB 1724, which clarifies when property splits or consolidations trigger limited property value recalculation, with county assessors supporting the measure as an anti-gaming reform.

Transcript Highlights:

• Local government transfer vacant and abandoned property to municipalities.
• Section two finds that vacant and abandoned properties harm communities at land banks can serve as valid
• Um, it does addresses blight and tax base loss by moving long vacant tax delinquent properties back into
• </c> properties. Um, blighted properties. properties. Um, blighted properties.
• going to put the property back on the market once they rehabilitate the property?

Committee: Joint Municipalities

Keywords: Municipalities - Room 216, 30 January, 2026; 9:30 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And property taxes. For working families, housing is going to be the number one expense.
• Louisiana's unclaimed property law simply does not address... ...a million people.
• Louisiana's unclaimed property law simply does not address these assets.
• I'm the director of unclaimed property.
• Oh, okay, not like unclaimed property that you get. So none is, but you anticipate this happening.

Bills: HCR66 , HB387 , HB617 , HB797 , HB950 , HB975 , HB1186 , HB1222 , HB1223 , HB1228 , HB1256

Committee: Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Keywords: economic development, rural communities, infrastructure, workforce training, Louisiana Economic Development, engineering, land surveying, construction, state fire marshal, plan review, hidden fees, junk fees, drip pricing, price transparency, mandatory fees, surcharges, consumer protection, unfair trade practices, advertising disclosures, total price

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee met on April 20, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then heard a series of bills and resolutions. It first advanced H. CR 66, which directs Louisiana Economic Development, working with the Governor’s Office of Rural Development, to study rural parish economic assets, infrastructure, workforce, and development opportunities. The committee also moved HB 387, a clarification allowing the fire marshal to review architectural and engineering plans equally, and HB 1223, which seeks to promote clinical trials in Louisiana by having LED market the state’s research capacity and by adjusting internal review board procedures. HB 1228, a cleanup bill for hearing aid dealers that updates definitions, contracts, testing periods, licensing, and related requirements, was also reported favorably, as was HB 950, which would create an elderly consumer perception program through the Office of Elderly Affairs to help seniors recognize scams and fraud. The committee spent the most time on HB 617, a broad “hidden fees” consumer transparency bill. The author and supporters said it would require mandatory fees to be included in upfront pricing so consumers can make informed choices, while opponents from grocery, restaurant, hotel, housing, retail, and business groups argued the bill was vague, overly broad, and likely to create compliance burdens and litigation risk. Housing advocates objected to the bill’s housing exemption, warning it could weaken renters’ ability to bring claims over undisclosed fees. After extensive debate over variable pricing, sales taxes, enforcement, and the scope of the bill, Senator Morris moved to defer HB 617, and the committee agreed without objection. The committee also heard HB 797, which would create a “Bayou Gold” certification program for certain gold vendors and transactional gold products. The sponsor said the program would encourage vendors to keep gold insured, segregated, and closer to Louisiana consumers, with the Treasury administering the certification through participant fees. Several senators and an outside witness raised concerns that the state seal could be mistaken for an endorsement, could create liability or consumer confusion, and would favor a narrow set of vendors. Despite opposition, the committee reported HB 797 favorably, with members noting it still had to go to Finance. Later, the committee advanced HB 1186, which would create a more uniform statewide building code and licensing system for inspectors, add disciplinary authority, and impose a small permit fee to support the program, and HB 1222, which would let LED develop a grocery initiative to address food deserts and food insecurity. The meeting concluded with the committee hearing HB 1256 on abandoned digital assets, which would require dormant digital assets to be held in original form for three years so owners can reclaim them.