Transcript Highlights:

• of course, we made an operational change attempting to focus more of our personnel on the rural interstate
• So, our special operations unit, these are the guys that are out on the Interstate every day, working
• drug trafficking, and these guys are out hunting down That criminal conduct every day out on the interstate
• as you see, 85% of our troopers are assigned in some type of traditional highway patrol work the Interstate
• We're getting ready to surplus a lot of alcohol, I think 12 pallets. We're trying to get rid of it.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's called Interstate 10, Interstate 20, Interstate 75, and Interstate 59.
• I'd have to keep those 12 receipts for someone that's really unbankable, that doesn't have a checking

Bills: HB297

Keywords: cash transactions, money transmission, regulatory compliance, criminal penalties, Alabama Securities Commission, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:12:01.120> to<01:12:01.440> try<01:12:01.600> and<01:12:01.760> fund<
• >> Um<01:12:03.600> you<01:12:03.760> know<01:12:04.080> and<01:12:05.440>
• :12:25.040> their<01:12:25.280> point<01:12:25.679> if<01:12:26.000> they're<
• > a<01:12:26.640> DOT<01:12:27.040> system<01:12:27.360> and<01:12:27.600
• So I mean even<01:12:32.480> though<01:12:32.640> the<01:12:32.800> system<01:12

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1588, which would establish a Department of Transportation noise detection program using cameras to enforce noise control laws. DOT supported the measure and said it is already piloting the technology at eight locations, with about 10 sites costing roughly $2 million to $2.5 million to install and operate. The Department of Health said it was willing to work with DOT but noted its current regulations are not designed for vehicular noise sources and that the bill may need clearer standards to be enforceable. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific decibel threshold and whether the system could accurately identify the source of noise; DOT said the pilot can pinpoint vehicles and that the program would align with existing health standards, but no final number was identified during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1696, which lowers the minimum age for a commercial driver’s license from 19 to 18 and removes a restriction tied to vehicle category, while requiring DOT rule changes. DOT, the City and County of Honolulu, the Hawaii Transportation Association, Teamsters Local 996, and other stakeholders testified in support. The Hawaii Transportation Association suggested adding a training requirement for drivers ages 18 to 20, proposing at least 320 hours of employer training and recordkeeping. Members sought clarification that the bill would apply to intrastate, not interstate, licensing. For HB 233, the committee considered a measure authorizing DOT to designate airport special district zones statewide to prevent unauthorized access and improve security. DOT and the City and County of Honolulu supported the bill, explaining that defined boundaries would help law enforcement address trespassing, disruptions, fires, theft, harassment, and other incidents around airports and terminals; DOT said commercial airports are ready to implement the proposal, while some general aviation sites would need further work. Members asked about the scope of the boundaries, existing enforcement, and whether the measure would cover state-owned or non-state parcels near airports. The committee also heard HB 2332, which renames the Harbors Division as the Commercial Ports Division and distinguishes “harbor” from “port” in statute. DOT, the Maritime Group, and harbor users supported the bill, saying the change would reduce confusion between commercial cargo/cruise facilities and recreational small boat harbors, and could help with clarity and possibly federal grant competitiveness. Members asked about impacts on small boat harbors and cruise activity, and DOT explained that the bill is aimed at purpose-built commercial ports, not recreational facilities. The committee also took testimony on HB 2283, which clarifies DOT’s consultative role with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in setting port pilotage standards and requirements. DOT, DCCA, Matson, the Hawaii Pilots Association, and others supported the measure, saying it would improve coordination and ensure pilot licensing standards reflect operational realities in the harbors. Finally, after a recess, the committee heard HB 2217, which would allow driver’s permits, licenses, and ID cards to include a notation for a non-apparent disability. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities opposed the bill as drafted, saying voluntary alternatives such as Smart 911 may be better and that the category is too broad. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended limiting the notation to medically recognized, specifically defined conditions so agencies can train personnel and avoid confusion or escalation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Resolution 62, designating March 12, 2026, as West Virginia Athletic Trainers Day.
• The bill has introduced and enacts the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, which has been enacted by
• Legislation to enact the compact is currently pending in 12 other states in addition to West Virginia
• Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 5087, relating to the Interstate Cosmetology Licensure
• House Bill 5087, relating to the Interstate Cosmetology Licensure Compact, third reading of the bill.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, opened with prayer and the pledge, approved the journal, and welcomed numerous guests, honorary pages, school groups, and visitors. It also received committee reports and introduced several resolutions and petitions. Senate Resolution 62, designating March 12, 2026, as West Virginia Athletic Trainers Day, was taken up immediately, debated in support of athletic trainers’ role in preventing injuries, and adopted. Other resolutions, including SR 63 and SR 64, were laid over, and several study resolutions were referred to the Rules Committee. The chamber then moved through a large number of House bills on third reading, with most passing by wide margins. Measures included the West Virginia Collaboratory, business-ready sites funding, increased fire company spending authority, the Load Forecast Accountability Act, funeral service licensure changes, work-zone penalties, biennial business reporting, correctional officer retirement status, the Right to Try Act expansion, quick claim deed tax updates, an ibogaine trial grant program, enhanced penalties for aggravated vehicular homicide and related repeat offenses, 529 plan definition updates, extension of opportunity zones, a barber apprentice program, municipal hotel occupancy fund uses, criminal-record licensing standards, civil remedies for unauthorized intimate image disclosure, online estate-executor training, higher contempt penalties, PEIA treatment flexibility, PANS/PANDAS education, the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, expanded capitation rate reviews, CVB board appointments, peer support services, the Interstate Cosmetology Licensure Compact, natural resource police retirement changes, DNR fee indexing, ALS care services, the Neighborhood Investment Program extension, oil and gas well plugging changes with carbon-capture protections, DUI technical revisions, abuse intervention program changes, youth summer employment grants, telematics for fleet management, and municipal charter election compliance procedures. Several bills drew brief debate or questions, including the work-zone penalty bill, where one senator argued the measure increased fines without ensuring removal of outdated work-zone signs, while supporters emphasized worker safety. The Load Forecast Accountability Act also prompted discussion about incorporating coal-related provisions from another bill and concerns about prior House rejection of similar language. Most bills passed overwhelmingly, often 34-0, though a few had dissenting votes, including the Collaboratory bill (28-6), the Business Ready Sites bill (33-1), the Load Forecast Accountability Act (26-8), the Neighborhood Investment Program extension (33-1), and DNR fee indexing (29-5). Several bills also received title amendments, and one bill, HB 5162 on sales of tax liens, was referred to the Rules Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Resolution 62, designating March 12, 2026, as West Virginia Athletic Trainers Day.
• Senate Resolution 62, designating March 12, 2026, as West Virginia Athletic Trainers Day.
• Senate Resolution 62, designating March 12, 2026, as West Virginia Athletic Trainers Day.
• Legislation to enact the compact is currently pending in 12 other states in addition to West Virginia
• Interstate Cosmetology Licensure Compact, third reading of the bill. Senator from Randolph.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on March 11, 2026, with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and numerous guest and page introductions, including school groups, prayer caucus visitors, and advocates for Home Family Education Day and Women in Blue Day. The chamber then took up committee reports and a large number of House bills, most of them on third reading, along with several resolutions and referrals. Senate Resolution 62, designating March 12, 2026, as West Virginia Athletic Trainers Day, was adopted after remarks emphasizing the value of athletic trainers in preventing injuries and tragedies in school sports. Several other resolutions and concurrent resolutions were referred to the Committee on Rules or laid over under the rules. The Senate passed a wide range of bills addressing economic development, public safety, health, licensing, and state administration. Measures approved included bills on the West Virginia Collaboratory at Marshall University, the Business Ready Sites program, volunteer fire company spending authority, the Load Forecast Accountability Act, funeral service licensure, work zone fines, biennial business reporting, correctional officer retirement law, the Right to Try Act, quick claim deed tax exemptions, an ibogaine drug-development grant program, aggravated vehicular homicide sentencing, 529 savings plan definitions, opportunity zones, barber apprenticeship, municipal and county hotel occupancy fund uses, criminal-record licensing standards, intimate image disclosure remedies, executor training materials, contempt penalties, PEIA treatment flexibility, PANS/PANDAS information, the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, capitation rate review expansions, convention and visitors bureau board membership, peer support services, cosmetology licensure compacts, natural resource police retirement, DNR fee indexing, ALS care services, the Neighborhood Investment Program, oil and gas well plugging and carbon capture-related provisions, DUI technical changes, abuse intervention program terminology, and a youth summer employment and career readiness program. Most bills passed overwhelmingly, with a few closer votes, including the Load Forecast Accountability Act and the DNR fee-indexing bill. Several bills were amended on the floor, including title amendments and strike-and-insert changes. The Senate also debated the work zone penalty bill, with supporters citing worker safety and fatalities and opponents arguing the bill increased fines too much without requiring removal of outdated work-zone signs. On the energy-related load forecast bill, senators discussed the inclusion of provisions from Senate Bill 420 and concerns about coal plant utilization and utility impacts. After debate, the Senate adopted amendments and passed the bill. In most cases, after passage the Senate ordered the bills communicated to the House, and for a few measures it also adopted title amendments or made bills effective from passage or on a specified date.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, thank you<00:12:46.000> for<00:12:46.160> your<00:12:46.399> time<00:12:46.560
• :26.080> uh<01:12:26.480> want<01:12:26.719> the<01:12:27.040> that<01:12
• It should<01:12:31.520> not<01:12:31.679> be<01:12:31.840> assumed<01:12:32.320>
• 12:33.679> uh<01:12:33.840> is<01:12:34.080> going<01:12:34.239> to<01:12
• So what<01:12:36.640> this<01:12:37.040> what<01:12:37.360> this<01:12:37.520>

Bills: HF3642, HF2700, HF3615

Keywords: virtual currency, kiosks, prohibition, customer payouts, cryptocurrency regulation, consumer privacy, data privacy, health data, sensitive data, Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act, personal data, data broker, targeted advertising, geofencing, location tracking, health care privacy, patient privacy, consent, minor privacy, children's privacy

Summary: The Commerce Finance and Policy Committee met on House File 3642, which would prohibit virtual currency kiosks in Minnesota. The bill was laid over, and the committee adopted a DE1 author’s amendment. Chair Kaggel and Representative Perryman described the measure as a response to widespread scams using crypto kiosks, especially against older adults and other vulnerable people, and said they would continue working with the Department of Commerce and other stakeholders. Testimony from law enforcement and advocates strongly supported the ban. A St. Cloud police sergeant and a Woodbury detective described cases in which victims lost large sums, said the current safeguards and refund rules are being bypassed, and argued that the kiosks are difficult to investigate because funds move quickly and often overseas. An AARP Minnesota volunteer also supported the bill, saying kiosks are a preferred tool for scammers and that existing protections have not kept pace with the problem. The Department of Commerce said it strongly supports the bill and reported that it has received 120 complaints over three years involving nearly $1 million in reported losses, with 2025 the worst year so far. The main opposition came from CoinFlip’s general counsel, who argued that the problem is fraud generally, not kiosks themselves, and said Minnesota already has consumer protections, including refunds for eligible victims. He urged stronger regulation rather than a ban, citing blockchain analytics, hold periods, and 24-hour customer service as alternatives. Committee members then asked questions about how long kiosks have operated in Minnesota, how many there are, who owns them, and the scale of losses; Commerce said there are hundreds statewide, operated by a variety of companies, and that reported losses are likely undercounts.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:41.920> Why<00:12:42.120> am<00:12:42.320> I<00:12:42.560> Why
• <00:12:43.640> So,<00:12:43.839> I<00:12:44.160> I<00:12:44.240> did<
• c><00:12:47.440> with<00:12:47.680> a<00:12:47.720> lot<00:12:47.920> of<
• 12:50.320> to<00:12:50.400> do<00:12:50.880> a<00:12:50.960> couple So, I
• I'm<02:12:33.000> still<02:12:33.360> going<02:12:33.600> through<02:12:33.760><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to call to order the Joint Special Session Committee on the Interstate 5 Bridge Committee
• Greg, I'm looking at slide 12, the principles and goals. I'm seeing a lot of words here.
• Afternoon, Co-Chair McLean and Co-Chair FAM, and members of the Joint Interim Committee on Interstate
• The Interstate Bridge is the economic and cultural lifeline between Oregon and Washington.
• A new bridge strengthens Oregon's ties with Washington, supports interstate commerce, and ensures our

Summary: The committee met jointly with the Washington-Oregon Legislative Action Committee for an update on the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement (IBR) program. Members first adopted the proposed committee rules, then received program updates from staff on environmental review, permitting, design, tribal consultation, and public engagement. Staff said the project remains in the supplemental EIS process, with a final supplemental EIS and amended record of decision expected in early 2026, which would allow construction to begin. They also described ongoing work on Coast Guard navigation clearance, Section 106 historic-property coordination, and architectural guidelines for the bridge and five-mile corridor, emphasizing that the visualizations shown were conceptual and that public and partner feedback has already influenced design considerations such as accessibility and shared-use path connections. Members raised concerns about schedule delays, rising costs, and whether the project is being designed to be functional, safe, and economical. Staff acknowledged that the timeline has slipped from earlier expectations and said the delay reflects the complexity of the environmental and federal review process, as well as the need to avoid redoing steps. They said the updated cost estimate is being prepared now that design has advanced to roughly 30 percent, and that it will account for inflation, risk factors, and both fixed-span and movable-span options. Staff estimated a movable span would add more than $400 million and said the first construction work after environmental approval would likely be preliminary freeway and retaining-wall work in late 2026, followed by the bridge procurement. The committee also received funding and tolling updates. Staff reported that major federal grants have been executed, including Mega and Bridge Investment Grant agreements, and that state STIP amendments are advancing to allow access to federal funds. The tolling team described Level 3 traffic-and-revenue work, a bi-state tolling subcommittee process, and possible toll scenarios aimed at supporting either about $1.24 billion or $1.6 billion in toll revenue. Members questioned low-income toll relief timing, truck toll rates, and the effect of tolls on freight users. Staff said low-income discounts are being analyzed for both revenue and operational feasibility, that tribal exemptions and other policy exemptions are under review, and that the commissions expect to move into public outreach on toll rates and policies in 2026, with tolling on the existing bridges currently projected to begin in spring 2027.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.159> that<01:12:00.400> balance<01:12:00.920> is<01:12:01.520> is<01:
• 12:01.760> zero<01:12:02.360> but<01:12:03.159> uh<01:12:03.360> what<01:
• would<01:12:03.760> tell<01:12:03.960> you<01:12:04.199> is<01:12:04.960> um
• <01:12:05.440> tough<01:12:05.679> decisions<01:12:06.120> had Mr.
• :56.560> to<01:12:56.760> spend<01:12:57.120> this<01:12:57.440> spend<01

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Similarly, in our other interstate rivers, in the Pecos system, you're aware of the settlement that we
• Are you looking at K-12 like curriculum level instruction? Thank you, Madam Chair.
• At the K-12 middle school level would be a perfect time.
• So, next, on the next panel, which is number 12, we have Tanya Trujillo again, John Roderick, and Dr.
• It's on that to our Interstate Stream Commission and would be happy to share that information with the

Transcript Highlights:

• It has secured $12 million in additional research funding since 2021.
• Speaker, it now being 11:59 a.m., I move we adjourn until 12:01 p.m. The House will come to order.
• I move we adjourn until 12:01 p.m. The House will come to order. Mr.
• House Executive Message Number 12 was ordered printed and referred to the House Commerce and Economic
• House Bill 138 was found germane in error pursuant to House Executive Message No. 12.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Interstate compacts are constitutionally authorized, legally binding, legislatively enacted contracts
• We have a counseling compact, interstate medical licensure compact, social work compact, audiology and
• This compact has been enacted in 12 other states...
• Excuse me, this compact has been enacted in 12 other states, five of which are border states: Kansas,
• The 12 states this compact would include are Ohio, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Tennessee

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One,<00:12:26.800> what<00:12:26.959> does<00:12:27.200> TVA<00:12:27.760> say
• Because<00:12:28.800> I've<00:12:29.040> got<00:12:29.200> part<00:12:29.360>
• Why<00:12:42.560> would<00:12:42.720> we<00:12:42.880> want<00:12:42.959> to<
• <00:12:49.680> TVA<00:12:50.880> uh<00:12:51.120> has<00:12:51.360> a
• > that<00:12:57.360> is<00:12:57.600> in<00:12:57.839> my<00:12:58.079>

Bills: SB176, HB155, HB247, HB311, HB312, HB317, HB466, SB176, HB155, HB247, HB311, HB312, HB317, HB466

Keywords: controlled substances, unlawful distribution, marijuana, violent offense, sentencing guidelines, criminal justice, state holidays, federal holidays, public holidays, legal holidays, office closures, state employees, personal leave, compensatory leave, bank closures, school closures, Mardi Gras, Mobile County, Baldwin County, Rosa Parks Day

Bills: HB10, HB33, HB35, HB42, HB74, HB102, HB107, HB10, HB33, HB35, HB42, HB74, HB102, HB107

Keywords: body-worn cameras, dashboard cameras, law enforcement, public disclosure, investigation, transparency, juveniles, nonviolent offenses, intervention program, juvenile detention, youth services, volunteer firefighters, cancer compensation, death benefits, line of duty, first responders, bail reform, cash deposit, judicial discretion, criminal justice

Transcript Highlights:

• But this would be for any classification in a K-12 school.

Bills: SB213, HB24, HB163, HB226, HB271, HB288, HB319, HB24

Keywords: utility tax, poultry industry, energy consumption, agricultural exemption, tax exemption, HB24, Volunteer Rescue Squad Tuition Reimbursement Program, EMS, emergency medical services, EMSP, paramedic training, EMT training, tuition reimbursement, scholarship, workforce development, volunteer rescue squad, volunteer fire department, ambulance service, nonprofit ambulance, Alabama Department of Public Health

Transcript Highlights:

• mom-and-pop that sells 50 vehicles per year, well that's going to be be distributed throughout the 12
• Federal Aid Highway Act, which started our interstate highway system.
• You might have been you might have been 12 years old, but I'm not gonna I'm not gonna say anything who's
• But as we look at it, we've worked on a lot of new interstate projects.
• I want you to keep in mind the interstate highway system when Eisenhower designated, even though none

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• JRH 12, joint resolution authorizing limited remote joint committee voting through the remainder of the
• It became very valuable that our committee included an interstate compact for cannabis sales and cannabis
• retail and the market in general, because there are more movements being made toward interstate...
• Movements being made toward interstate retail and national descheduling.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have 12 members present. We have a quorum.
• They said, if we can get your son to adulthood, he will make a great adult, but the next 12 years are
• if you’re in a district where you have, let’s say, 5% of your population is 40 or 50 kids, K-8 or K-12
• And so this bill was brought to me over the interim talking about the teacher, the interstate teacher
• I'm the policy analyst lead on the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have about 7,000 children in Florida K-12 schools that are diabetic.
• So I think most school districts don't put an elementary school near an interstate, right?
• So here we have a situation where they made the right decision, but we have this interstate that now
• So I think most school districts don't put an elementary school near an interstate, right?
• They're not going to go, 'Oh, here's Interstate 95. Let's put a school next to it,' right?

Summary: The committee first took up PCS for HB 123, which would change the process for converting a public school to a charter school by requiring approval from a majority of parents at the school, allow municipalities to apply to convert certain schools under limited circumstances, and address surplus school property in districts with declining enrollment. The sponsor said the bill is meant to give parents the primary say and to prevent districts from holding unused property. Opponents, including the Florida PTA, several members, and public speakers, argued the bill excludes teachers, school boards, and other stakeholders, could disenfranchise parents who do not live in the municipality, and could create enrollment, transportation, and equity problems. After debate, the bill passed 13-5 and was reported favorably. The committee then heard HB 597 on diabetes management in schools. The bill would allow school districts and charter schools to procure and store glucagon pens for emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia, permit trained personnel to administer them, require 911 to be called after use, and add limited liability protections. The sponsor said the medication is inexpensive and could save lives for the roughly 7,000 diabetic K-12 students in Florida. An amendment clarified that public and charter schools are both covered. The bill drew support from the American Diabetes Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Florida PTA, and members from both parties praised the measure. It passed unanimously and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HB 85 on hazardous walking conditions, which would add walking along freeways, expressways, and their ramps as a hazardous condition requiring bus service for elementary students within two miles of school. The sponsor described personal examples of children walking near dangerous roads and said the bill is intended to prevent injuries and deaths. An amendment narrowed the language by deleting “state highway.” Public testimony included a parent who described her child being hit by a car and urged broader coverage, while members raised concerns about bus shortages and fiscal impact. Most members spoke in support, emphasizing student safety, and the bill was reported favorably after debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:41.920> I<00:12:42.160> want<00:12:42.240> to<00:12:42.320> be
• I want to be so close<00:12:42.800> to<00:12:42.959> an<00:12:43.200> interstate
• <00:12:44.000> or<00:12:44.320> a<00:12:44.480> or<00:12:44.800> a<00:12:
• <00:12:46.079> Uh<00:12:46.399> I<00:12:46.560> want<00:12:46.720> to<00:
• 12:46.800> make<00:12:46.959> sure<00:12:47.040> that<00:12:47.200> I<00:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Artificial Intelligence Task Force held its third meeting and adopted the prior minutes after a motion and second. The main presentation came from John Bevington of LG&E and KU, who described the utility’s Kentucky service territory, its vertically integrated operations, and its role in economic development. He said the company supported 76 projects in 2024, representing about $3 billion in announced investment and roughly 3,000 jobs, and noted that about 45% of statewide investment announcements were in its service area. He also outlined a large project pipeline of about 8.5 gigawatts, with data centers making up roughly two-thirds of that interest. Bevington explained that data center siting differs from traditional manufacturing site selection because it is driven primarily by transmission access and grid capacity rather than a process of eliminating locations. He said large data centers must locate near transmission lines, that utilities must conduct formal studies to ensure existing customers are not harmed, and that the buildout timeline for utility infrastructure is much longer than for data centers. He cited a Deloitte study and other industry data to argue that power constraints and timeline mismatches are the biggest challenges, while also emphasizing that data centers can generate significant construction activity, indirect jobs, and tax revenue. He said Kentucky’s sales tax exemption for data centers was a key enabler that increased interest in the state. Members asked about the number and size of potential data center projects, how Kentucky compares with other states, and whether regulatory reform is needed. Bevington said the 20 projects in Kentucky reflect current interest, that other states such as Ohio have had similar incentives for years, and that Kentucky is still early in the market. He also said data centers can vary in size, from 200 to 600 megawatts or more, and that they can be located anywhere with sufficient transmission capacity and, in some cases, access to workforce and roads. In response to concerns about energy supply, he said LG&E and KU are pursuing an “all of the above” strategy, including solar, batteries, and new natural gas combined-cycle units, and noted ongoing and proposed projects totaling additional capacity if approved by the Public Service Commission.