Transcript Highlights:

• The legislature decided it should take on the issue of data privacy.
• The legislature decided it should take on the issue of data privacy.
• </c> which was suggested to the legislature which was suggested to the legislature by<00:15:12.160><c
• </c><00:40:37.880><c> they</c> of the Venture of the legislature they of the Venture of the legislature
• </c> bill that is the job of the legislature bill that is the job of the legislature to<00:50:50.799>

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, good morning, members of the Arizona Legislature.
• This provides a little bit more balance for the legislature and for members of the legislature who are
• This provides a little bit more balance for the legislature and for members of the legislature who are
• This continues the fund, but with oversight from the legislature. If we don't do this, it elapses.
• We're on the global spotlight, and our legislature has changed.

Bills: HB2746 , HB2751 , HB2752 , HB2753

Committees: House International Trade , House House International Trade Committee of Reference

Keywords: trade offices, committee, Arizona commerce authority, stakeholder input, efficiency, Arizona competes fund, economic development, fund repeal, state finances, state appropriations, Arizona Commerce Authority, job creation, business incentives, commerce authority, public-private partnership, business regulation, Arizona governance

Transcript Highlights:

• So the effect of, if the legislature…” “So the effect of, if the legislature were to reject this subsection
• I guess I’m just trying to understand how, as a legislature, we’re bringing a bill to strengthen the
• And so this is our best attempt at reducing the quantity of regulation as directed by the legislature
• here, but I do believe that Idaho law, when the legislature is looking at these, requires some sort
• So in answer to your question, if the legislature were to select that option from the menu of options

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• legislature legislature access<00:34:28.440><c> to</c><00:34:29.000><c> state</c><00:34:29.280><c> resources
• And other people outside are talking to this legislature later or that legislature.
• later or that talked to this legislature later or that legislature. legislature. legislature.
• legislature legislature using<00:46:52.120><c> state</c><00:46:52.440><c> assets.
• Thank you very much for your um really brief summary. legislature allowed uh DHS to categorize legislature

Bills: HF3643 , HF4470 , HF4462 , HF4366 , HF4172 , HF3629 , HF4356 , HF3093

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• The Legislature is currently addressing just such an issue.
• Diversity shows itself in the state legislature.
• It's time that the legislature moves forward. I ask for your aye vote. Thank you.
• And I'm sorry that you've experienced that with your colleagues in the legislature.
• And I'm sorry that you've experienced that with your colleagues in the legislature.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely in support and some opposition on a few measures. AB 458 would direct the Department of General Services, in consultation with the Department of Justice, to develop model procurement guidelines for state purchases of firearms, ammunition, and accessories so agencies avoid vendors that violate gun laws; law enforcement and San Francisco representatives supported it, and members discussed adding oversight and vetting. AB 1729 would update state telework policy by requiring written telework plans for return-to-office decisions and restoring public reporting on telework savings; supporters cited cost savings, productivity, climate benefits, and worker flexibility, while the author clarified it would not alter collective bargaining under the Dills Act. AB 1754 would require post-completion reporting on bond-funded programs’ goals and outcomes; supporters framed it as a transparency and accountability measure, while counties and water agencies opposed it unless amended, warning of added bureaucracy, delays, and litigation risk. AB 1841 would create a paid state holiday recognizing California Native American Day, and AB 2115 would issue a formal legislative apology to California’s first peoples and install a commemorative plaque at the Capitol; both drew strong tribal and labor support and broad committee praise, with members emphasizing education, historical acknowledgment, and healing. AB 2211 would allow craft distillers to operate a satellite room and use certain alcohol modifiers on premises, and AB 1991 would authorize wineries, breweries, and craft distilleries to conduct sensory tastings for research with guardrails; both had industry support, with AB 1991 drawing one opposition voice from Alcohol Justice. AB 1578 would require elected officials to take anti-hate speech training as part of existing sexual harassment training; it drew sharp First Amendment objections from opponents and mixed committee views, but the motion to send it to Appropriations passed on a recorded vote. The committee also heard AB 1807, which would bar state-owned property from being used for federal immigration enforcement operations; the author and supporters argued it would protect communities and prevent state complicity in federal actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, as you all are aware, over the last several years, the legislature has made very strong efforts
• As the legislature is paying down the retirement debt, we would like to see those reinvestments going
• As far as what do we think in the future, the COLA mechanism was put in place by the legislature a couple
• put in place in the reform efforts. $1.2 billion based upon the structure that the legislature put in
• I would expect working with the legislature again this year to look at those surplus dollars.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget met on February 19, 2026, and first received an unchanged fiscal status statement and five-year baseline projection from the Office of Planning and Budget. Members approved the fiscal status statement, and the baseline budget was noted as unchanged from the prior month. The committee also approved Facility Planning and Control’s request to add five higher education deferred maintenance projects to the Act 751 eligible list, and reviewed four change orders over $50,000 for informational purposes. The committee then approved the Louisiana Lottery Corporation’s fiscal year 2026-2027 operating budget. Lottery officials reported $610 million in projected gross revenue, emphasized 29 consecutive years without legislative auditor findings or management comments, and noted the corporation’s long-running transfers to the MFP and State General Fund. Members also approved the 2026-2027 operating budgets for LASERS, TRSL, the School Employees’ Retirement System, and the State Police Retirement System en bloc. The retirement systems described modest budget increases or decreases, strong investment performance, and continued progress in reducing unfunded liabilities; members discussed COLA prospects, UAL paydown, and the impact of surplus dollars on retirement debt reduction. The committee approved prior-year deputy sheriff supplemental pay expenditures of $20,262.32 and then approved several legislative intent clarifications for prior appropriations, including items for Tangipahoa Parish, Harahan, Allen Parish, Morgan City, and DeSoto Parish. It also approved the Water Sector Commission’s recommendation for an additional $2.8 million for four ongoing water and sewer projects. Several contract items were reviewed without action, including DEQ’s extension with RTI International, Tourism’s marketing contract amendments, and the Office of Risk Management’s Sedgwick claims administration amendment. The meeting concluded with adjournment after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whereas Article 3, Section 3C1 of the Florida Constitution permits the Governor to convene the Legislature
• And whereas the Florida Legislature must act to safeguard the rights and well-being of our citizens by
• The proclamation on January 7, 2026, calling the Legislature and the State of Florida into a special
• Then they say, wait a second, the Florida legislature said they did something about this.
• And that system is depending on advancements that we make in this legislature to continue to be able

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then administered the oath of office to newly elected Senator Brian Nathan of District 14, with his family present. The chamber also read the Governor’s amended special session proclamation, which expanded the call to include legislation on artificial intelligence protections, an AI Bill of Rights, related public-records exemptions, and medical freedom, in addition to congressional redistricting and related litigation funding. The Senate took up SB 2D, the Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights, and SB 4D, the accompanying public records bill. Supporters said the AI measure was intended to protect children and consumers from deceptive or harmful AI practices, preserve privacy, and prevent unauthorized commercial use of personal images. Opponents argued the bill was too permissive, especially regarding parental opt-out provisions, and did not provide meaningful protections or remedies. After debate, SB 2D passed 37-1. The Senate then considered SB 4D, which creates public-records exemptions tied to investigations under the AI bill. Questions focused on who would be exempted, and the sponsor explained the exemption would apply to investigative files handled by the Department of Legal Affairs involving minors, parents, and name-image-likeness issues. SB 4D passed 33-4. The Rules Chair announced committee and scheduling updates, including postponing the medical freedom bill, and the Senate adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Florida Legislature must act to safeguard the rights and well-being of our citizens by establishing
• And whereas the Florida legislature must act to safeguard the rights and well-being of our citizens by
• The proclamation on January 7, 2026, calling the Legislature of the State of Florida into a special session
• And that system is depending on advancements that we make in this Legislature to continue to be able
• And that system is depending on advancements that we make in this legislature to continue to be able

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then administered the oath of office to newly elected Senator Brian Nathan of District 14, with his family present. The chamber also read the governor’s amended special session proclamation, which expanded the call to include legislation on congressional redistricting and related litigation, artificial intelligence protections including an AI Bill of Rights and related public records exemptions, and medical freedom. The secretary then read the bills filed within the call: SB 2D (Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights), SB 4D (public records), SB 60 (medical freedom), and SB 8D (congressional districts).

Transcript Highlights:

• And so it's a power that's not shared with the legislature.
• The case law that's closest to... ...that's not shared with the legislature.
• It also says the legislature may not require more than a simple majority to ratify the rule.
• can't bind a future legislature, given that each legislature in the future has its own independent lawmaking
• And clearly, if it doesn't come out, it would not be enforceable against a future legislature.

Committee: House Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• need to begin to present the alternative methodology, and then give time for the public and the legislature
• be able to give feedback to assess whether there is agreement between the administration and the legislature
• Of course, we would love to get your feedback on what the legislature is considering.
• Legislature to maintain the statewide systems level funding for the inclusive early education program
• We urge the legislature to prioritize these issues in the budget and raise any additional revenues as

Transcript Highlights:

• You are literally the only tax specialists in the entire legislature on our committee.
• I need you to stop impugning members of this legislature. Can you stop for one second?
• I need you to stop impugning members of this legislature.
• I'm asking for the legislature to do the right thing here.
• Two years ago, the legislature printed a law on no income tax initiative.

Summary: House Finance held a public hearing on Gross Substitute Senate Bill 6346, a proposal to impose a 9.9% tax beginning in 2028 on Washington taxable income over $1 million for individuals, with related rules for residents, nonresidents, pass-through entities, estimated payments, penalties, credits, and revenue distribution. Staff explained that the bill would also fund several tax changes, including an expanded Working Families Tax Credit, sales tax exemptions for grooming and hygiene products, higher small business B&O credits, an early end to the B&O surcharge on very large businesses, and repeal of most retail services sales tax changes from last session. The fiscal note projected about $2.53 billion in additional state revenue in FY 2029 and $3.21 billion in FY 2030, with local revenue losses and significant Department of Revenue implementation costs. The chair also announced concerns about apparent fraud and duplicate records in the public sign-in system and set testimony rules limiting questions and shortening testimony time as the hearing progressed. The prime sponsor, Senator Jamie Peterson, said the bill was intended to make Washington’s tax system less regressive and to raise revenue for schools, health care, higher education, and other public needs while reducing the burden on lower- and middle-income residents. Supporters from labor, education, health care, child care, housing, poverty-reduction, and social service organizations argued that the bill would help fund essential services, expand the Working Families Tax Credit, and improve fairness by asking the wealthiest households to contribute more. Several individual supporters, including business owners and workers, said they were willing to pay more and described the need for better-funded schools, health care, child care, and public defense. Opponents, including former Attorney General Rob McKenna, business groups, construction and real estate representatives, and taxpayer advocates, argued the measure would function as an unconstitutional income tax, would be unstable and likely expanded over time, and would harm small businesses organized as pass-through entities. They said the bill would reduce investment, discourage entrepreneurship, and could drive businesses and high earners out of Washington. Some local government representatives supported the public defense funding but asked for more dedicated revenue and protection against local revenue losses from the bill’s sales tax exemptions. No committee vote or final action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And at our core, we strive to strengthen state legislatures. So next slide.
• And this was really kind of bucking the trend in state legislatures in the last 15 years.
• Thanks to resources from the state legislature, this journey for a long time.
• Thanks to resources from the state legislature, this journey for a long time.
• The legislature can reduce the seriousness...

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee held a work session on juvenile rehabilitation trends and then a hearing on Senate Bill 6062. The work session featured a national overview from NCSL, DCYF updates on Green Hill, Harbor Heights, and community transition services, and local/community perspectives from Pierce County, Team Child, and Northwest Credible Messengers. The national presentation described broad juvenile justice trends, including limits on extreme sentencing, expanded diversion and due process protections, reduced fines and fees, record clearing, and changes in juvenile court jurisdiction. Committee members asked about juvenile crime trends and overcrowding, and the presenter noted that crime has generally decreased overall since 2020, though some offenses have risen in some places and overcrowding remains an issue in certain states. DCYF reported on its behavior management system, Harbor Heights opening as relief for overcrowding, Green Hill population pressures, and expansion of community transition services. Officials said the behavior management system is intended to improve safety, consistency, and restorative accountability, while Harbor Heights has added programming and family engagement but still faces space, IT, and medical-infrastructure challenges. Green Hill leaders said reduced population has improved stability, programming, and use-of-force outcomes, but overcrowding remains a concern. DCYF also highlighted an ombuds process, family listserv updates, staffing changes, and a proposed budget request for additional JR capacity and staffing. Pierce County described its long-running detention reform work, reduced average daily detention population, and plans for a new juvenile justice center, while Team Child and Northwest Credible Messengers emphasized community-based supports, culturally responsive services, healing-centered engagement, and reentry planning. Senate Bill 6062 was then briefed as a measure revising juvenile sentencing and JR placement rules. The bill would require courts to grant suspended disposition alternatives in eligible cases unless the court finds community supervision would not adequately protect the community, expand eligibility for certain sentencing alternatives, require midpoint review hearings, and set rules for transfers from JR to DOC when facilities exceed 105% of rated bed capacity. The committee also voted to waive the five-day notice rule for hearings on Senate Bills 6319 and 5979, and that motion passed. During public testimony on SB 6062, youth from Green Hill supported the bill and asked for clearer standards around DOC transfers, while DCYF supported efforts to reduce JR population but said the bill needs stronger emergency transfer language to address overcrowding at Green Hill. Committee members and the bill sponsor emphasized rehabilitation, individualized sentencing, and the need to balance community safety with better placement and services for youth.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is an allowable use of the funds, although we understand that there are those in the legislature
• This was a promise made by the legislature last session.
• We urge the legislature to preserve this funding from the governor's proposed budget.
• We urge the legislature to preserve this funding from the governor's proposed budget. Thank you.
• We appreciate the difficulty of the task at hand for the legislature.

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee opened with committee guidelines for the 2026 session, including limits on testimony, amendment deadlines, confidentiality expectations, and professionalism rules. Chair Ormsby also reviewed housekeeping for the public hearing, noting the meeting was recorded and live streamed, and that testimony would be limited to one minute because of the large number of sign-ups. The committee then began its work session on Governor Ferguson’s proposed 2026 supplemental operating budget, presented by OFM Director Katie Chapman, who outlined the state’s fiscal pressures: higher caseloads in major programs, a revenue forecast decline of about $390 million, federal policy changes tied to H.R. 1, inflation, and a relatively small ending fund balance. She said the governor’s budget solves about a $2.3 billion shortfall through nearly $800 million in spending reductions, revenue shifts, fund transfers, use of about $1 billion from the Budget Stabilization Account, and some tax preference changes, while also making targeted investments in areas such as child welfare, behavioral health, wildfire response, housing, and IT modernization. Chapman also explained that the proposal does not fully balance over the four-year outlook under the state’s statutory assumptions, but said the governor relied on the budget-balance law’s exception tied to BSA use and low employment growth. A question from Rep. Connors about credit ratings was answered with the view that the impact is difficult to predict and that Washington’s strong pension funding and balanced-budget framework remain positives. The public hearing drew testimony from state officials and many advocates, most of whom opposed specific cuts or fund shifts in the governor’s proposal. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs objected to proposed sweeps from the corporations and charities fund and the library archives account, citing prior cuts, layoffs, cyberattack-related costs, and the need to upgrade aging systems. Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove urged restoration of wildfire prevention funding, saying the proposed amount was still $30 million short of the commitment in House Bill 1168 and that underfunding would increase suppression costs and risk to communities. Many education witnesses opposed reductions to Working Connections Child Care, transition to kindergarten, local effort assistance, Running Start, and higher education across-the-board cuts, arguing they would harm access, equity, and workforce development. Higher education leaders from community colleges, the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and Evergreen State College described staffing cuts, program reductions, and pressure on student services, while K-12 groups and OSPI said the budget would deepen existing funding gaps. A large portion of testimony focused on human services, health, housing, and civil legal aid. Child welfare and youth-serving organizations supported some targeted investments but opposed cuts to child care, child welfare network administration, and youth programs; advocates for foster youth, homeless youth, and mentoring programs asked for continued or increased funding. Health care and long-term care providers warned that proposed Medicaid and rate changes would reduce access for seniors, people with disabilities, and safety-net patients, while Planned Parenthood and abortion access advocates urged full restoration of the Abortion Access Project and related reimbursements. Housing and legal aid witnesses backed the governor’s proposed right-to-counsel funding but asked for more support, and homelessness advocates sought contingency funding for federal housing programs. Crime victim and domestic violence service providers repeatedly said the proposed $12 million was far short of the roughly $21.38 million needed to avoid service cuts and closures. Other testimony addressed the Climate Commitment Account shift for the Working Families Tax Credit, with environmental advocates opposing the diversion of CCA dollars and workforce advocates supporting the governor’s economic security and employment programs. No votes or formal committee action were taken during the hearing portion described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Was at the legislature back then a conservative democratic control legislature, but democratic control
• legislature conservative liberals, Republicans, a Democratic-controlled legislature in 1985, both houses
• AG has been given this authority by the legislature, and then if there's a prosecution.
• But when the legislature passes a law, our system presumes that the legislature has looked at the law
• They'll come here to the legislature as they should. This is their house.

Bills: SB5 , SB11 , SB12 , SB9 , SB42 , SB15 , SB5 , SB11 , SB12 , SCR1

Transcript Highlights:

• And lastly, the legislature does not ratify collective bargaining agreements at UC or CSU.
• Where the legislature could be learning more if we just wait a couple more years.
• But it did not have an agreement with the legislature to do so.
• Therefore, we urge the legislature and the governor to fully fund the UC and CSU.
• We appreciate the continued dedication to our institutions by the legislature and the government.

Transcript Highlights:

• elected or appointed to serve as members of the Senate of the second regular session of the 68th Legislature
• Senate chambers to present and post the colors for the second regular session of the 68th Idaho Legislature
• Senate chambers to present and post the colors for the second regular session of the 68th Idaho Legislature
• The state flag is raised over the chamber when the Legislature convenes, and it is lowered when the Legislature
• Colors to be flown over the Senate chambers during this, the second regular session of the 68th Legislature

Transcript Highlights:

• the legislature is not in session.
• The legislature has 30 days to have a public hearing on a proposed amendment.
• You have a proposed amendment submitted to the commission and to the legislature.
• So, and I think that that is the full responsibility that we have in state legislature.
• for you to present your proposed amendments to the state legislature.

Summary: The Senate Business, Financial Services and Trade Committee held a public hearing on a proposed tribal gaming compact amendment involving the Lummi Nation and the Washington State Gambling Commission. Tina Griffin, director of the Gambling Commission, explained the compact amendment process under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the role of the commission and legislative ex officio members, and noted that the proposal had reached tentative agreement and would next go to hearings before the commission and the House. She said the commission and tribe have a long-standing collaborative relationship. Lummi Nation Vice Chairman Terence Adams and other tribal representatives described the tribe’s gaming history and the purpose of the amendment. The proposal would add or update compact provisions for higher table and lottery limits, extension of credit to customers, electronic table games, and conforming definition changes. Tribal representatives said the changes would support tribal governmental services and economic development while maintaining strong regulation and internal controls. Commission staff said similar provisions have already been approved for other tribes and that the tribe would be responsible for setting responsible credit limits and controls, including customer vetting and self-exclusion checks. Senator Hasegawa asked about how credit would work and what oversight would apply, and staff said they would follow up with more detail. Senator Fortunato clarified that the request was for Lummi to receive provisions already available in other tribal compacts. Committee members also asked about the timing of public comment, and staff said it would be taken at the end of the hearing if any was signed up. No public comment was offered, and the chair closed the hearing without any vote or formal action taken by the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• The third point: the legislature is the guardrail with a three-fifths vote.
• The legislature here has the ability to...
• :32.280><c> the</c> the third point the legislature is the the third point the legislature is the guard
• The third point: the legislature is the guardrail with a three-fifths vote.
• Current law has the check of the legislature.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first I'm highlighting now is our recommendation to the legislature: we recommend the legislature
• </c> legislature we recommend the legislature legislature we recommend the legislature establish<00:26
• And that's related to changes that the 2024 legislature made to statutes pertaining to the MDE Office
• I will note that there is one recommendation to the legislature.
• </c><00:37:40.040><c> on</c> is there a report to the legislature on is there a report to the legislature

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> invested as we the legislature intended. invested as we the legislature intended.
• . legislature. legislature.
• </c> legislature and and then in the state. legislature and and then in the state.
• So, that's the the legislature. So, that's the background.
• </c> example to the rest of the legislature example to the rest of the legislature on<01:08:42.680><c

Bills: HF4810 , HF4597 , HF1082 , HF3230

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: public safety, radio communications, infrastructure funding, county funding, interoperability, ARMER network, local jurisdictions, HF4597, Minnesota public safety, emergency dispatch, emergency communications, public safety appropriation, Metropolitan Emergency Services Board, PSAP, dispatch interoperability, real-time coordination, emergency response coordination, cross-jurisdictional response, 911 center awareness platform, general fund grant