Transcript Highlights:

• These restrictions also hurt local farmers and retail establishments.
• We're suspending the baiting... ...the baiting restrictions in the CWD area.
• , lessening restrictions on commercial driver's licenses, and relative to vision requirements.
• What this bill actually does is it prohibits over-restrictive...
• What this bill actually does is it prohibits over-restrictive experience requirements, and it allows

Bills: HR195, HR196, HR197, HR198, HR199, HR200, HR201, HR202, HR203, HR204, HR205, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR209, HCR87, HCR88, HCR89, HCR90, HR192, HR193, HR194, HCR80, HCR81, HCR82, HCR83, HCR84, HCR85, SB235, SB416, SB425, SB435, SB439, HCR15, HCR41, HCR76, HCR77, SCR3, HB91, HB167, HB227, HB243, HB264, HB321, HB335, HB398, HB492, HB623, HB624, HB660, HB689, HB708, HB719, HB802, HB804, HB884, HB906, HB926, HB934, HB940, HB955, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB985, HB1005, HB1022, HB1028, HB1029, HB1069, HB1077, HB1095, HB1104, HB1107, HB1185, HB1187, HB1199, HB1201, HB1203, HB1217, HB1220, SB66, SB68, SB76, SB139, SB336, SB475, HR1, HR17, HCR5, HCR4, HCR47, HCR32, HR38, HR96, HR160, HCR31, HCR61, SCR19, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB12, HB42, HB205, HB222, HB267, HB324, HB325, HB350, HB478, HB610, HB617, HB745, HB749, HB752, HB797, HB807, HB821, HB896, HB979, HB992, HB1000, HB1024, HB1050, HB1166, HB1172, HB1173, HB1207, HB1218, HB1223, HB316, HB549, HB578, HB748, HB798, HB824, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1032, HB1081, HB1108, HB1129, HB1140, HB1157, HB1192, HB1195, HB1198, HB1244, SB73, SB89, SB128, SB149, SB191, SB196, SB238, SB318, SB340, HB306, HB366, HB911, HB1161, HB1230, HB59, HB481, HB772, HB897, HB1003, HB1008, HB1112, HB1180, HB1189, HB525, HB1058, HB181, HB1118, HB1082, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB225, HB284, HB393, HB458, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB773, HB864, HB996, HB1035, HB1113, HB1234, HB1240

Keywords: Louisiana Young Heroes Day, Louisiana Public Broadcasting, LPB, house resolution, ceremonial resolution, special observance, youth recognition, student achievement, community service, public service, high school students, youth leadership, disability advocacy, autism, diabetes, epilepsy, foster care, STEM, robotics, literacy

Transcript Highlights:

• And it could restrict your injection pressures just based on the geology.
• But it's putting a restriction where it's kind of tying their hands.
• And far and away, more restrictive than any other state does anywhere else.
• And far and away, more restrictive than any other state that does anywhere else.
• Do you know if Arkansas allows corn feeding in restricted areas?

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 706 by Representative Riser, which would set a more detailed process for commercial saltwater disposal wells, including site-specific modeling and pressure review. Riser and industry witnesses argued the bill would provide clearer, more predictable rules for operators who have faced long delays and changing requirements, while Department of Conservation and Energy officials said they are already developing guidance and that any pressure standard must remain site-specific to avoid fracturing confining layers, protecting drinking water, and staying within EPA primacy requirements. The department emphasized that geology varies widely across Louisiana and that a fixed pressure number in statute could be unsafe in some locations. Members also discussed the fiscal note, the need for additional staff, and whether the bill would tie the department’s hands or force approvals; witnesses said the bill’s modeling requirements were conservative, but opponents warned the statutory pressure ranges could conflict with site-specific safety determinations. After a technical amendment was adopted, the committee voted on the bill and it failed on a 6-6 tie. The committee then took up House Concurrent Resolution 4 by Representative McCormick, which would suspend Louisiana’s deer baiting ban for 18 months in areas affected by chronic wasting disease (CWD). McCormick and Hunter Nation representatives argued that baiting bans have not stopped CWD in other states, that deer feeders and food plots are part of hunting culture, and that Louisiana should rely on science and a more flexible approach. They cited Wisconsin as an example where CWD spread despite long-standing feed bans and said there has been no proven human transmission. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries officials said bait bans are one of the few tools available to reduce artificial congregation of deer and help limit disease spread, and they explained that the department is also working with a CWD task force and another proposal that would tie restrictions to a 1.5% prevalence threshold rather than an across-the-board suspension. The discussion ended with the department providing information on the impacts of both measures, but no final action on HCR 4 was recorded in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the bill that we heard in here about a month ago on hemp and putting the restrictions in place
• Maybe we're going to restrict it to certain areas.
• Maybe we're going to restrict it to certain areas.
• Let's not restrict God, the one that we say is all-powerful, and restrict our prayer and our worship.
• That we say is all-powerful and restrict our prayer and our worship within the four walls of a church

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House met with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the House Journal for the 45th day by a vote of 124-1, and welcomed several student groups and advocacy visitors, including elementary students, Rotary Interact clubs, pediatric advocates, and other special guests. Committee reports were then read, recommending passage of several deferred bills and substitutes. The chamber then took up a series of budget and capital-improvement measures. House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 were debated and passed, covering reappropriations, maintenance and repair, new capital projects, and remaining ARPA federal pandemic funds. Members generally supported the bills, though some raised concerns about general revenue spending and the use of one-time infrastructure funds. The House also adopted Senate changes and finally passed House Bill 2641 on hemp/cannabis-related regulation, and House Bill 2423, which was described as giving the Department of Finance tools to retain staff and expand capacity. Several policy bills were also debated and passed. House Bill 1919 aligned Department of Revenue electronic filing thresholds with IRS rules; House Bill 3239, on the Workforce Diploma Program, was defeated after concerns about cost and shifting K-12 funds to adult education; House Bills 1768 and 2016 passed on short-term rental property tax classification despite concerns about local flexibility; House Bill 1855 passed to add alpha-gal syndrome to reportable conditions; House Bill 2355 passed to create a Food is Medicine waiver pilot; House Bills 1717 and 1643 passed to establish a controlled psilocybin therapy program for veterans and first responders; House Bill 2372 passed as a broad health care package; House Bill 2408 passed to remove limits on the Deaf-Blind Fund; House Bill 3113 passed to require naloxone in public buildings and designate Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month; House Bill 3000 passed to prevent changing audit goalposts for political subdivisions; House Bill 2898 passed to restore land bank tools; and House Bill 1740 passed as “Melanie’s Law,” increasing penalties for serious intoxicated-driving offenses and adding ignition interlock requirements. House Bill 2760, the “Praise Act,” also passed after debate over equal treatment of houses of worship during emergencies, though the transcript ends amid further discussion on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And also, at one point in time, there was actually a five-mile restriction from the data centers being
• within, being... ...a five-mile restriction from the data centers being within, being near schools,
• And when you're in those boundaries, your land is going to remain restricted indefinitely unless you
• And he said in your committee, Chair Hooper, please give us restrictions, give us guidelines, give us
• direction, tell us how you ...please give us restrictions.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several member introductions and recognitions, then moved to messages from the House and special order business. The chamber first took up House amendments to Senate Bill 628 on transportation facility designations, CS for CS for HB 1389 on affordable housing/Live Local, and CS for CS for HB 1451 on utility services. Senators asked about the naming of roadways, the Live Local changes for religious institution property and the removal of accessory dwelling unit language, and utility surcharge phase-out and reporting dates. All three measures were concurred in and passed, with votes of 31-4 on SB 628, 35-0 on HB 1389, and 30-6 on HB 1451. The Senate then considered the education package, substituting CS for CS for HB 1279 for CS for CS for SB 7038. An amendment combining provisions from several education bills was adopted, and the bill passed 36-1. The chamber also took up CS for CS for SB 484 on data centers, where the House amendment removed the Senate’s NDA prohibition, kept a 12-month limit on public-records confidentiality, added a PSC tariff filing deadline, and required an OPAGA study. Senators debated transparency, local notice, and ratepayer protections; supporters emphasized that data center energy and infrastructure costs could not be shifted to other ratepayers. The House amendment was concurred in and the bill passed 31-6. After a recess, the Senate returned to the land use and development regulations bill, substituting CS for CS for CS for HB 399 for SB 208. A proposed amendment to remove language affecting a Miami Beach Fontainebleau Hotel water park project failed, while other amendments were adopted, including a sunset provision and changes related to compost-processing facilities. The chamber then adopted an amendment preserving Miami-Dade’s urban development boundary supermajority requirement and related protections, with support framed around water, flood risk, farmland, and the Everglades. Finally, the Senate began debate on a broader amendment by Senator Martin creating a process for rural boundary property owners to seek removal or compensation without litigation; the discussion focused on property rights, county liability, and whether the proposal would affect Orange and Seminole counties, but the transcript ends before final action on that amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is permissive, not restrictive.
• And this is a de-restriction bill.
• This is a de-restriction bill that not only has to be leased to a charter school or even given.
• This is not about deed restrictions or getting rid of deed restrictions.
• One is that it is permissive, not restrictive, and the two-year restriction is really intended to encourage

Summary: The Missouri House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal 117-1, and held several points of personal privilege and guest introductions. Members recognized Women Legislators of Missouri for raising $100,000 for scholarships, honored fallen officer James Anthony Mitchell, Sr. with a moment of silence, welcomed the Blair Oaks state championship football team, visiting students from Bakersfield, Kirbyville, and Raymondville, hospital representatives promoting healthy eating, a former member of the House, and several interns. The chamber then took up committee reports and a supplemental budget measure, House Bill 2014. The budget chairman explained the Senate substitute made limited changes, including removing funding for the capital commission and a D.C. promotional event, restoring $600,000 for an agriculture fee fund, and adding $14 million for tobacco settlement shortfalls. He also noted major funding for MoDOT, disaster relief, and rural health care. The House adopted the Senate substitute 135-14 and finally passed the bill 137-13. Members next debated and passed House Bill 2559, the Raines Act, which would require more legislative review of rules with fiscal impacts; supporters framed it as reining in bureaucracy, while opponents said it would add delay and another layer of government. It passed 103-44. The House also passed House Bill 2710 on school accountability and A-F report cards for schools and districts after extensive debate over transparency, local control, and whether the bill would unfairly label schools; it passed 96-53. Other bills passed included HB 2404/2172 on repurposing unused school buildings (91-54), HB 1797 on alternative CPA licensure pathways (142-0), HB 1786 increasing Highway Patrol vehicle revolving fund spending authority (139-4), HB 2105 on water/sewer billing transparency for tenants (129-9), HB 2397 giving water district boards flexibility on dissolution thresholds and ballot language (130-15), HB 2108 conveying land to address a Jefferson City viaduct/emergency access issue (143-1), HB 2818 allowing St. Joseph to annex an airport it has owned since 1942 (137-8), and HB 1980 expanding peer review protections to emergency medical professionals, which was introduced and discussed near the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• voice our concerns with SB 7, as it, you know, it does exclude private, for-profit developers by restricting
• Evan Oi said the bill would exclude private, for-profit developers by restricting eligibility for the
• requires that the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation housing projects include a restrictive
• expire by the affordability restrictions expire by the year<00:33:15.399><c> 2100</c><00:33:16.399><
• restrictions expired the state<00:33:24.840><c> was</c><00:33:25.000><c> compelled</c><00:33:25.519>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of housing measures focused on streamlining approvals, reshaping financing programs, and expanding affordability requirements. SB 27 would exempt state-financed housing developments from County Council approval; SB 38 would bar county legislative bodies from changing housing proposals in ways that increase project costs; SB 25 would let counties reduce housing capacity in one area only if they offset it elsewhere with no net loss; and SB 379 would require perpetual affordability covenants for HHFDC projects and prohibit affordable housing in special flood hazard areas. SB 378 would create an HHFDC working group to identify mixed-use Maui properties for possible acquisition, SB 414 would authorize condemnation proceedings for a new Lānaʻi access road tied to disaster recovery, and SB 13 would eliminate the state income tax mortgage interest deduction for second homes. Testimony was mixed across the bills, with state agencies and housing advocates generally supporting faster permitting and more production, while county planners, NAIOP, Catholic Charities, and others raised concerns about local control, marketability, financing feasibility, and long-term affordability enforcement. A major portion of the hearing centered on the rental housing revolving fund. SB 70 would limit eligible applicants to government agencies or organizations that reinvest all surplus into additional housing; HHFDC said most developers would not object in principle but questioned how the surplus requirement would be enforced, while NAIOP and Catholic Charities opposed it as too restrictive and difficult to monitor. SB 71 would amend the fund’s preference criteria and eligibility rules, and SB 163 would require HHFDC to prioritize projects with the shortest repayment terms and highest unit production per dollar per year. HHFDC and some advocates supported the goal of faster recycling of funds, but NAIOP and Catholic Charities warned that shorter loan terms and narrowed preferences could burden developers and disincentivize projects, especially for lower-income tenants. The chair indicated SB 163 would be deferred and its concerns folded into amendments to SB 71. In decision-making, the committee voted to pass SB 27, SB 38, SB 70, and SB 71 with amendments, and SB 25 unamended. The chair said SB 27 would be amended to include projects with a state financing commitment and a report note that such projects still undergo 21-38 review; SB 38 would receive technical changes and language preventing county bodies from imposing cost-increasing conditions; SB 70 would add language addressing enforcement of the surplus requirement and a preamble citing the need to recycle taxpayer-financed housing value; and SB 71 would be amended to incorporate concerns raised in SB 163, including a broader preamble and revised priority criteria. SB 163 was deferred, while the other measures on the agenda were heard but no final action was described in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also says that just because council told you that it was okay to restrict guns in the local park,
• guns in the local park if restrict guns in the local park if there's<00:09:42.480><c> not</c><00:09:
• What we're looking to do is restrict state actions, not restrict the actions of individuals or those
• ><c> not</c><01:00:59.440><c> restrict</c><01:01:00.000><c> the</c> restrict state actions, not restrict
• the restrict state actions, not restrict the actions<01:01:00.640><c> of</c><01:01:00.799><c> individuals

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The continued conference on House Bill 609 focused on reconciling House and Senate drafts dealing with firearms and other personal defense tools, local government preemption, and agency rulemaking. Representative Leyon walked through amendment 21107H, explaining that it narrows undefined terms, clarifies that the General Court has supremacy over local regulation, allows damages actions for violations of preemption law, and adds language limiting agency rules unless specifically authorized by statute. She also described a three-year sunset and a delayed effective date for new rules so existing rules could continue temporarily while the legislature considers any needed statutory carveouts. Members then debated the practical effect of the language, especially whether it would bar agencies from adopting internal employment rules or instead require those rules to come through JCAR and be tied to express statutory authority. Several examples were discussed, including state plow drivers, corrections employees, and other workers who may need to carry personal defense tools in the field. The committee also discussed a provision making a plaintiff a prevailing party if a municipality changes a challenged policy after suit is filed, and a clause stating that good faith or advice of counsel is not a defense, though it may be considered in mitigation. The discussion narrowed to the difference between the House approach, which some members read as an absolute prohibition on agency rules in these areas, and the Senate approach, which some members said would allow rules only when an agency can point to express enabling authority and JCAR can review them. Members agreed that the goal was to prevent agencies from adopting rules that conflict with the statute while still allowing legitimate safety-related regulations where the legislature has authorized them. The conference took a recess and later resumed with the chair stating the parties had reached an agreement in principle based on the latest Senate language, and Representative Leyon was asked to continue reviewing the draft line by line for remaining concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• You're talking about restricting voting, and that's your personal opinion.
• You've set the narrative on restriction to voting.
• You've set the narrative on restriction to voting.
• And I think at this point, this is restricting access to the ballot. And I vote no.
• Process not ramping up voter restrictions.

Summary: The committee convened with roll call, member and staff introductions, and a review of amendment deadlines and decorum rules. Members also suspended the committee rule on late-distributed amendments to allow consideration of a Kolodin amendment. The chair then moved to the agenda bills, beginning with HCM 2001, a memorial urging Congress and the President to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization and asking Arizona agencies to monitor related organizations. Testimony on HCM 2001 was sharply divided, with supporters arguing the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR are linked to terrorism and Sharia law, and opponents calling the memorial discriminatory, unsupported by evidence, and an attack on Muslim civil rights organizations and free speech. The committee voted 4-3 to pass HCM 2001 out of committee. The committee then heard HCM 2002, which urges a federal review of CAIR for possible foreign terrorist organization designation and supports related congressional action. Testimony again split along similar lines: opponents, including CAIR representatives, a veteran, and community members, said the measure was scapegoating, lacked legal basis, and would stigmatize Muslim communities; supporters cited the Holy Land Foundation case, FBI concerns, and alleged ties between CAIR, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Hamas. After debate, the committee voted 4-3 to pass HCM 2002 out of committee. Following a brief recess, the committee took up HB 2009, which would prohibit committees primarily organized to influence constitutional amendments from accepting foreign national contributions and require disclosure of out-of-state funding. The sponsor said the bill was intended to improve transparency and keep constitutional initiatives focused on Arizona voters; members discussed whether the measure should apply to all ballot initiatives and how donor verification would work. HB 2009 was also approved 4-3. The committee then began HCR 2001, a proposed constitutional amendment on election procedures, including citizenship requirements for voting, limits on foreign contributions to candidate and ballot measure campaigns, government-issued ID requirements, and changes to early voting and mail ballot rules. The committee adopted a late amendment after procedural discussion, and the sponsor described the resolution as a broad election-security reform modeled on Florida. Members raised concerns that the proposal could reduce access, increase lines, and create confusion for mail voters, while the sponsor argued it would improve security and voter confidence. The transcript cuts off during this bill’s discussion, before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill expands the entities preempted from enacting policies that restrict or prohibit specific types
• The legislation ensures that Restrictions that could affect the types of sources of energy available
• The bill expands the entities preempted from enacting policies that restrict or prohibit specific types
• that could affect the types of sources of energy of restrictions that could affect the types of sources
• Have we done any assessments as to this bill's perspective on the longer sentences and more restrictive

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including remarks from the new Democratic caucus leader, Senator Berman, who emphasized affordability, education, health care, public safety, and opposition to measures he said would roll back child labor protections, book access, and gun safety laws. The chamber also recognized military leaders from U.S. Army Special Operations Command and an intern from Senator Polsky’s office. No committee reports or executive messages were on the desk at the start. The Senate then took up and passed several bills, often after substituting House companions and adopting technical amendments. Among the measures approved were the dangerous dogs bill (the Pam Rock Act), local government land regulation, vessel-related voter freedom/boating provisions, blood clot screening and treatment, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, concealed carry licensing for certain officers and service members, timeshare management firms, disability history and awareness instruction, manufacturing and manufacturing fees, public education on background screening requirements, utility service restrictions, educational opportunities for military children, Medicaid oversight, health facilities authorities, and veterans’ nursing home beds. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on human trafficking, waste management, Bright Futures, Medicaid oversight earlier in the day, mammogram coverage, and others. Debate on the disability history bill was especially extensive, with senators discussing the use of the word “disability,” the role of bias, and whether the bill fit with broader DEI-related policy debates. The bill’s sponsor and supporters framed it as a first step toward helping students understand and respect people with disabilities, and the chamber opened co-sponsorship before substituting the House version. Other bills drew focused questions about local government costs, impact fees, staffing burdens, grant criteria for small manufacturers, and the scope of utility preemption. Most measures passed on strong votes, including several unanimous votes, with the concealed carry/firearms bill passing 33-3 and the local government land regulation bill passing 26-8.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:18:58.160><c> on</c> cast out on 38 USC 5904's restriction on cast out on 38 USC 5904's restriction
• It becomes clear rather quickly that an average of $1,200, $1,500 a month is financially restrictive
• </c><00:44:54.880><c> for</c> month is financially restrictive for month is financially restrictive for
• </c> accredited is with it comes restrictions accredited is with it comes restrictions on<00:50:57.359
• we've have in this in the restrictions we've have in this in the situation.<00:51:53.680><c> So,</c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• restrictive one.
• SB 1373 restricts access to mental health diversion by creating additional barriers.
• It should be one of the restrictions like rape and murder.
• Second, the bill imposes restrictions on monthly rentals that are converted to daily rates.
• It's going to restrict local participation in joint law enforcement operations.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• restrictive environments.
• Thanks. ...more restrictive than the conditions in general population to less restrictive environments
• and restrictive-housing-like conditions on prisoners in DOC and county carceral facilities.
• For gender-affirming care, that might be restricted.
• I have seen firsthand the devastating effect of people from abortion-ban and restrictive states.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on several Judiciary bills, with the largest portion focused on S. 1178/H. 2052 to reduce mass incarceration and end life without parole. People incarcerated at MCI Framingham, MCI Norfolk, and NCCI Gardner described personal growth, rehabilitation, restorative justice work, family separation, and the belief that parole eligibility after long sentences would better reflect public safety and human development. Speakers emphasized that life without parole removes hope and can undermine rehabilitation, while supporters argued that many lifers are older, less likely to reoffend, and could contribute positively if given a chance at parole review. Committee members did not take votes during the hearing. The committee also heard testimony on S. 1139 to restore the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims involving tobacco use, with Sen. Keenan explaining that a recent SJC decision had cut off claims where the injured person did not sue within three years before death. He said the bill would restore families’ ability to seek redress in cases involving long-latency tobacco harms like COPD. Another major topic was S. 1205, which would add abusive litigation to the definition of coercive control in domestic violence law; Sen. Michael Moore said the bill would stop abusers from using repeated court filings to harass and financially burden survivors. The committee also took up S. 1114 on automatic record sealing, with Sen. Friedman and others arguing that the current petition-based process is slow, burdensome, and disproportionately harms people with criminal records, especially Black and Latino residents. Testimony also supported H. 1965/S. 1132 on compensation for wrongful conviction, with advocates and sponsors describing a faster administrative claims process, transitional support, and higher compensation without the current cap. Sen. Payano testified for S. 1241 to expand educational programming for incarcerated emerging adults, saying education reduces recidivism and improves reentry outcomes. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on S. 2522, an update to Massachusetts’ shield law for reproductive and gender-affirming care. Sen. Friedman, the Attorney General’s office, and DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said the bill is needed to strengthen protections against out-of-state legal attacks, protect patient and provider data, clarify enforcement authority, and add a state-level EMTALA-style emergency care requirement. Committee members asked detailed questions about prescription labeling, the prescription monitoring program, attorney discipline, custody and full faith and credit issues, and whether the bill’s enforcement language could create unintended limits or conflicts. The Attorney General’s office said it would provide follow-up written testimony on several technical questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The revenues from both are generally restricted to capital projects, with some exceptions.
• The revenues from both are generally restricted to capital projects with some exceptions.
• of proceeds is restricted to public stadium facilities or youth or amateur sports programs.
• For our cities without transit, especially, the restrictions on first-floor retail could restrict their
• It just restricts the clinical decision-making.

Bills: SB6294, SB6211, SB5650, SB6033, SB6297, SB6343, SB6067, SB6082, SB6323, SB6324, SB5862, SB5923, SB6151

Keywords: local government finance, Washington state, RCW, real estate excise tax, REET, sales and use tax, property tax levy, county tax, city tax, affordable housing, housing services, behavioral health, mental health, developmental disabilities, children and families services, youth services, utility tax, low-income utility assistance, veterans assistance, homelessness

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a public hearing on several bills, beginning with Substitute Senate Bill 6026, which would require cities and counties over 30,000 population to allow residential uses in commercial and mixed-use zones, with limits on requiring mixed-use or ground-floor retail and some height flexibility where such requirements are imposed. Committee staff described the bill as governor-request legislation with a fiscal note for Department of Commerce implementation and local zoning updates. Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck testified in strong support, calling it a major housing bill that would add needed capacity without burdening housing with retail requirements. The committee then suspended the hearing and moved to other bills on the agenda. Senate Bill 6294 drew extensive testimony. Staff said it would expand local fiscal tools in eight parts, including broader uses for certain REET revenues, a new option for cities to impose the affordable housing REET with voter approval, a county utility tax, a new local sales tax for children and family services, expanded uses for existing housing sales tax revenues, possible standalone county veterans and behavioral health levies, longer voter-authorized levy lid lifts, and expanded uses for rental car tax revenue. Supporters from cities, counties, housing, and public health groups said the bill would provide needed flexibility for housing, child care, public health clinics, and county budgets. Opponents, including wireless, water and sewer, auto dealer, realtor, and energy industry representatives, objected to the county utility tax, the new sales tax, or the REET provisions, citing regressivity, higher costs, and housing affordability concerns. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5400 on local news sustainability, which would create a Department of Commerce grant program funded by a surcharge on covered tech platforms, with revenue also supporting the Murrow Journalism Fellowship at Washington State University. News organizations, civic groups, and journalism advocates testified that local news is in decline and that the bill would help preserve reporting jobs and community accountability, while technology industry representatives warned of legal risks and argued the bill unfairly targets online platforms. Other bills heard included SB 6211, which would let voluntarily planning GMA jurisdictions impose REET-2 without voter approval; SB 5650, which would authorize local cannabis excise taxes, drawing support from local governments and opposition from cannabis businesses that said the industry is already overtaxed; SB 6033, which would waive penalties and interest for certain taxpayers who failed to collect new retail sales tax on services, supported by small business advocates; SB 6297, which would exempt temporary staffing services for nonprofit behavioral health entities from sales tax, supported by behavioral health providers; and SB 6343, which would extend and expand tax relief for property damaged by natural disasters, with support from local officials in flood-affected communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• We continue to put more restrictions and more laws and more regulations on our districts as well, so
• We continue to put more restrictions and more laws and more regulations on our districts as well, so
• We continue to put more restrictions and more laws and more regulations on our districts as well, so
• We continue to put more restrictions and more laws and more regulations on our districts as well, so
• on that so but I our restrictions on that so but I understand<00:47:20.440><c> your</c><00:47:20.599

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Primary and Secondary Education Committee met and first considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 43, a proposal tied to the Southern Regional Education Board’s crisis recovery network. Senator West and Dr. Puit explained that, for an additional $10,000 in dues, Kentucky would help create a network of 40 trained counselors in each of the 16 Southern states to provide post-crisis stabilization and psychological first aid after events such as the Marshall County shooting. They emphasized that the effort would be complementary to local and state response, would run through the school district, would not replace therapeutic services, and would allow districts to coordinate parent notifications and other protocols as usual. Members asked about parent involvement and whether pastoral counselors could participate; the presenters said local districts would remain in charge and that pastors could be included if properly credentialed. The committee then voted, and SCR 43 passed with the expression of opinion that it should pass. The committee next took up Senate Bill 207, the School of Innovation Act, with a committee substitute. Senator West described the bill as creating an optional path for districts to contract with an outside education service provider for a three-year school-of-innovation model, aimed at turning around low-performing schools or supporting other schools that want to innovate. He said the model would preserve core district functions such as transportation, facilities, and SEEK funding, while allowing waivers from certain statutes and regulations inside the school building. The committee substitute also added a high-quality instructional materials component, creating a vendor-supported repository of vetted instructional materials that KDE would still control, with testing data used to evaluate whether the materials were improving outcomes. Members questioned how the proposal differed from existing district-of-innovation law and what safeguards would exist for students. Senator West said the bill would repeal the unused district-of-innovation framework and replace it with a clearer process and guardrails, including KDE oversight, attendance rules, and authority to shut down a school arrangement for financial malfeasance. He also said the model could work with local partners, including superintendents’ associations, and could be used by magnet or other schools, not only low-performing ones. The discussion also touched on whether the bill would allow more flexibility in choosing third-party providers and whether it could support longer-term recovery and even philanthropy in schools. The transcript ends during the discussion of SB 207, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Humanitarian immigration programs such as temporary protected status and parole are being restricted
• While House File 16 does contain carve-out language permitting exceptions or restrictions as required
• While House File 16 does contain carve-out language permitting exceptions or restrictions as required
• While House File 16 does contain carve-out language permitting exceptions or restrictions as required
• While House File 16 does contain carve-out language permitting exceptions or restrictions as required

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, Congressman, members, the question of this legislation presents is not whether to restrict HV
• Chair, Congressman, members, the question of this legislation presents is not whether to restrict HV
• Chair, Congressman, members, the question of this legislation presents is not whether to restrict HV
• Chair, Congressman, members, the question of this legislation presents is not whether to restrict HV
• </c> in there safety follow age restrictions in there safety follow age restrictions or<01:34:33.840>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I also understand that the reason for doing it is that, again, shoreline land is restricted land, so
• land so you have only lands restricted land so you have only certain<01:33:42.040><c> things</c><01:
• </c> owner recognition that we've restricted owner recognition that we've restricted their<01:34:03.080
• you know like I say if it's restriction you know like I say if it's long<01:34:27.719><c> and</c><01
• may only be in the first 200 Restriction may only be in the first 200 ft<01:34:32.199><c> or</c><01:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So SB 98 addresses these concerns by restricting the assignment of policy benefits...
• It places new restrictions on independent glass shops while failing to address the conduct of insurers
• Second, the bill restricts post-loss assignment of benefits, which is one of the few tools consumers
• It does not prohibit pet restrictions, pet fees, or change a landlord's existing pet policy.
• Landlords keep full authority to allow, restrict, or prohibit pets, and applicants simply get the rules

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on domestic violence protections, pay equity enforcement, Jewish demographic data collection, court transparency, auto glass insurance practices, pet policy disclosure for renters, and civil rights accountability for federal officers. SB 99 would require courts and law enforcement to better recognize military protective orders in domestic violence cases; supporters from the Department of Defense and military organizations said it would close jurisdictional gaps for military families, and the bill passed to Public Safety. SB 1237 would increase penalties for repeat noncompliance with California pay data reporting laws; supporters said stronger enforcement is needed to address persistent wage gaps, and the bill passed to Appropriations. SB 1387 would allow Jewish identity to be reported as an ethnic category in state demographic data; supporters said better data would improve policy and anti-discrimination efforts, while opponents argued the bill was unnecessary or divisive, and it passed to Privacy. SB 932 would require assignees filing civil actions to identify the original party in the case caption; supporters framed it as a transparency measure, and it passed to Judiciary/Appropriations on call. The committee also took up SB 98, which would regulate auto glass insurance claims by restricting assignment of benefits, requiring clearer estimates and invoices, and limiting inducements to consumers. The sponsor and NICB said the bill would curb fraud and unsafe repairs, while independent glass shops and industry groups argued it could reduce consumer choice and favor insurer-aligned networks; the bill passed to Appropriations. SB 1296 would require landlords to disclose pet policies before collecting application fees and provide refunds if nondisclosure materially affected an applicant’s decision; supporters said it would save renters time and money, while rental housing representatives objected to a provision limiting eviction based solely on failure to sign a pet addendum. The bill passed to Appropriations. Finally, SB 747, the No Kings Act, would create a California cause of action allowing people to sue federal officers for constitutional violations using standards similar to Section 1983. Senator Wiener and a witness who said he was unlawfully detained by Border Patrol argued the bill is needed because federal officers currently lack comparable accountability after the Supreme Court narrowed Bivens remedies. Law enforcement groups opposed the bill, warning that the qualified immunity language is unclear, could create a separate California standard, and might expose officers and governments to retroactive litigation; members discussed possible amendments on qualified immunity and retroactivity, and the bill was moved forward with an urgency amendment while negotiations continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• by native vegetation or a permanent tight board or other screen fence at a height that reasonably restricts
• visibility to the fence or to the panels. ...fence that reasonably restricts visibility to the fence
• So I've got concerns about that where they may find that this is too restrictive in a certain county
• So I've got concerns about that where they may find that this is too restrictive in a certain county
• The entirety of the United States had bills and laws restricting the sale of catalytic converters.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Utilities first took up House Bill 2762, with a committee substitute and amendment that folded in the titles of related solar bills, HB 2816 and HB 2402. The sponsor and other members described the substitute as a compromise solar framework covering taxation, setbacks, and decommissioning/bonding. The bill would set a nameplate capacity tax rate of $4,000 per megawatt, allow commercial assessment of facility property, exempt certain pre-August 9, 2022 Chapter 100 agreements and PSC-regulated projects, establish setback rules of 500 feet from an occupied dwelling or 300 feet with screening, and require county-notified decommissioning plans and bonds for larger projects, with county rulemaking limited so it cannot impose undue burdens. The committee adopted the amendment and substitute, then voted the House Committee Substitute for HB 2762, 2816, and 2402 do pass by a roll call of 18 ayes and 2 noes. The committee then heard House Bill 2248, which would change economic development electric rates. The sponsor and utility witnesses said the bill would close a loophole that could let data centers under 75 megawatts access reduced rates intended for job-creating manufacturers, and would replace the current variable 10-year rate structure for larger projects with a fixed five-year 35% discount on fixed costs while still requiring full payment of service costs and maintaining load-factor requirements. Supporters from Evergy, Ameren Missouri, and the Missouri Chamber said the current formula is unpredictable and hurts Missouri’s ability to compete for manufacturing projects. Ford Motor Company testified in informational opposition, asking the committee to consider a retention discount for large existing industrial users, arguing that long-term baseload customers help support the grid and local jobs. No vote was taken on HB 2248 in the transcript. Finally, the committee heard Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 903 on critical infrastructure protection. Senator Henderson said the bill responds to increasing vandalism and theft involving telecommunications and utility equipment, including incidents affecting 911 and other services. The bill would add wireline and broadband networks to the definition of critical infrastructure, create or adjust penalties for damaging or tampering with such facilities, and establish an unauthorized-possession offense for certain stolen materials such as copper and related telecom materials, with exceptions for legitimate possession and scrap operations. AT&T, Verizon, Missouri broadband and railroad representatives, electric cooperatives, the Missouri Chamber, and municipal utilities supported the bill, saying it would deter theft, protect public safety, and help law enforcement; some witnesses noted concerns about distinguishing legitimate scrap dealers from thieves. The hearing on SB 903 concluded without a recorded vote in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then in 2024, you all set aside $500 million in a restricted reserve fund set aside for the facilities
• ... ...$500 million in a restricted reserve fund set aside for the Facilities Partnership Program to
• And that leaves the balance of that restricted reserve fund set aside at $292 million.
• So we still have $292,000... ...restricted reserve funds set aside at $292 million.
• They are restricted in use to meet the intent of each respective fund.

Summary: The House and Senate Education Committee first approved minutes from February 2 and 3, then heard an interim study proposal on Arkansas adult education and the Excel Center model, presented by Goodwill Industries of Arkansas and the University of Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities. Witnesses argued that about 300,000 Arkansas adults lack a high school diploma or GED and described the Excel Center as a diploma-granting public charter option for adults 19 and older, with wraparound supports such as child care, transportation, tutoring, life coaching, and career services. They said the Arkansas campuses are not state-funded, highlighted growth in enrollment and graduation outcomes, and cited research showing improved employment, earnings, and reduced criminal justice involvement for graduates. Committee members discussed the role of Goodwill’s nonprofit mission, the need for multiple adult education pathways, and the relationship between adult education challenges and broader state efforts such as LEARNS and ACCESS. The committee then debated the interim study proposal procedure, including whether questions should have been taken before the vote. The motion to adopt the ISP passed, and members noted that the study would broadly examine adult education, GED testing, high school diplomas, charter schools, in-person adult education, and funding allocation. Several members asked for follow-up information on current adult education funding, the availability of Excel Centers, and the criminal justice study results. After that, staff from the Bureau of Legislative Research gave a detailed adequacy funding overview for Arkansas K-12 education. They reviewed national funding principles and then explained Arkansas’s revenue streams and distribution system, including general revenue, the Educational Excellence Trust Fund, the Educational Adequacy Fund, local property-tax revenues, and facilities partnership funding. They also walked through the state’s foundation formula, categorical aid, supplemental aid, and additional funding, including the per-student matrix amount of $7,771 for 2025 and how funds are allocated to districts and charters. Members asked about student support staff, special education high-cost occurrences, ALE funding, teacher salary equalization, and the Excel Center’s treatment in funding totals; staff said some of those questions would be addressed in a later spending presentation. The meeting ended after the committee was told the department was present mainly to answer questions and no further business remained.