Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, if you actually look at a proposed 70-unit project, this proposal would cut millions just by
• Development proposal trailer bill.
• We're very encouraged by this proposal.
• This proposal... This proposal isn't much different. But you can make a different decision here.
• And we deserve better than a proposal. And we deserve better than a proposal rounding up fees.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And yet right now, we've extended all of our dollars from the 2018 bond, and the current budget proposal
• So hopefully we'll get something on the ballot once we get to the negotiations.
• This unfortunately puts transit agencies in a tough position because while they are not proposing SB
• In my view, this proposal also strengthens SB 79 overall by closing loopholes to prevent more housing
• look at these proposals and ask, how would that work?

Summary: The committee heard AB 736, the Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, which would place a $10 billion housing bond on the ballot to fund multifamily housing, supportive housing, homeownership, preservation of deed-restricted units, acquisition/rehabilitation of naturally affordable housing, farmworker housing, and tribal housing. The author and supporters said the bond is needed because existing housing bond funds are exhausted and California still faces a severe affordability and homelessness crisis. Support was broad, with many local governments, housing groups, labor, and business organizations testifying in favor; Habitat for Humanity opposed unless 10% of proceeds were reserved for CalHome. Committee members raised the CalHome issue and other priorities, but the bill passed on a do-pass motion to Senate Appropriations with a roll-call vote, with some members voting aye and the measure held on call for absent members. The committee then took up SB 1361, which would limit how SB 79 transit-oriented housing rules can be used to interfere with planned transit stops and routes. The author and supporters from L.A. Metro and the building trades argued the bill would prevent local governments from stalling transit projects out of concern that future density requirements could apply, while preserving existing housing standards. Several groups that had initially opposed or had concerns, including the League of California Cities, Streets for All, Greenbelt Alliance, California YIMBY, and Bay Area Council, withdrew opposition or moved to neutral after amendments. The bill was approved as amended to Senate Local Government and placed on call. Senator Grayson presented SB 1003, creating a pro-housing infrastructure financing program to help local governments and developers fund infrastructure needed for infill housing, and SB 1014, requiring local agencies to provide early good-faith estimates and itemized lists of on-site and off-site improvements so projects are not hit with late surprise costs. Both bills were supported by housing advocates, Habitat for Humanity, and other groups, with limited opposition or concerns from some cities about implementation details. Each measure received a do-pass-as-amended motion to Senate Appropriations and was held on call. The committee also heard SB 908 on window replacement streamlining, which would ease permitting for energy-efficient residential window replacements statewide and limit certain new-construction provisions to San Francisco; it passed as amended to Appropriations and was held on call. Later, Senator Allen presented SB 1092 and SB 1093 on mobile home park preservation and post-disaster protections. SB 1092 would require park owners who intend to sell to give residents or their representatives an opportunity to make a competitive bid to buy the park, with supporters citing wildfire losses and the need to preserve unsubsidized affordable housing; opponents argued it would devalue property and create litigation risk. SB 1093 would require clearer communication, access, and compensation protections for residents after disasters, and would require owners to consider rebuilding versus closure. Supporters emphasized the uncertainty faced by displaced residents in the Palisades and other fire areas, while opponents said the bill could impose onerous obligations, liability, and valuation requirements. Both bills were moved do pass as amended to Appropriations and held on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you actually look at a proposed 70-unit project, this proposal would cut millions just by the time
• Development proposal trailer bill.
• We're very encouraged by this proposal.
• This proposal... This proposal isn't much different. But you can make a different decision here.
• And we deserve better than a proposal. And we deserve better than a proposal rounding up fees.

Summary: Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration heard two housing-related trailer bill items tied to the Governor’s reorganization plan. The first item would codify the creation of a new Housing and Homelessness Agency and a Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency structure; the second would further streamline the state housing finance system by creating a Housing Development and Finance Committee and reserving most private activity bond capacity for affordable housing. Administration officials said the changes are intended to reduce duplication, speed awards to construction, and make housing funding more predictable and efficient. Agency leaders described recent housing investments and implementation steps, including work groups, coordination with Finance, the Controller, and the Treasurer’s Office, and development of new guidelines and staffing. Members raised concerns about limited funding, the need for better program-by-program outcome data, youth homelessness, excess sites, and fraud prevention. The Interagency Council on Homelessness presented new three-year action plan metrics, including goals to increase exits from unsheltered homelessness to 70% and move more people into permanent housing, while also noting current performance data and quarterly public reporting. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said it had no concerns with the first trailer bill, but supported the general concept of the second while recommending changes, including removing or revising the proposed 50% bond-cap floor for the new committee and adding attention to 9% and state tax credits. Public commenters, including local governments, nonprofit developers, housing authorities, and advocacy groups, largely supported the reorganization and streamlining goals, but several urged stronger protections for deeply affordable housing, earlier reallocation of unused bond authority, continued access to 9% credits, and more funding for housing programs. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the chair closed item one and moved to item two after member and public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is one proposed substitute in the electronic bill book, proposed substitute one offered by Senator
• The first is proposed. Proposed substitute three is offered by Senator Dhingra.
• There is a proposed amendment.
• Proposed substitute 1 is adopted.
• This proposed substitute removes the proposed line tax increases.

Bills: SB6147 , SB6082 , SB5862 , SB5882 , SB6323 , SB6346 , SB6162 , SB6256 , SB6220 , SB5650 , SB6343 , SB6113 , SB6211 , SB6114 , SB5898 , SB6347 , SB6244 , SB5868 , SB5762 , SB5988 , SB6194 , SB6246 , SB6223 , SB6052 , SB5828 , SB5954 , SB5963 , SB5909 , SGA9306

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: grocery establishments, closure notice, consumer rights, local businesses, student financial aid, financial aid fraud, higher education, college enrollment fraud, fictitious students, ghost students, enrollment fraud, aid integrity, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, AI fraud, fraud prevention, Washington State, legislative audit, JLARC, full-time equivalent

Transcript Highlights:

• We think that'd be really ballot.
• </c> we had three counties with ballot we had three counties with ballot questions<01:26:35.120><c> for
• Uh this includes the ballot question on.
• </c> matches the governor's budget proposal. matches the governor's budget proposal.
• </c> this bianium to fund the proposed this bianium to fund the proposed contract<01:31:48.800><c> agreement

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• What I appreciate about this proposal is it doesn't just set a number and walk away.
• Finally, I like that this is being proposed as a constitutional amendment because it gives the people
• I like that this is being proposed as a constitutional amendment because it gives the people of Louisiana
• If you advance this, voters will decide at the ballot box.
• So if there's any way—I'm not sure about the ballot language—but, you know, Arkansas did a ballot, and

Summary: The Committee on Local and Municipal Affairs met on May 21, 2012, with a quorum present and first approved the minutes from the prior meeting. The committee then heard Senate Bill 230 by Senator Barrow, a proposed constitutional amendment to let voters decide whether Louisiana should establish a state livable/minimum wage starting at $10.25 per hour in 2027, with future increases tied to the Consumer Price Index. Senator Barrow and several supporters framed the bill as a response to stagnant wages, rising housing and living costs, poverty, and related social problems, including crime, family instability, and child care barriers. A technical amendment was adopted to correct the bill’s language after questions were raised about whether it improperly required all employers to pay the stated wage rather than setting a minimum wage floor. Public testimony was largely in favor. Supporters included Mother Pearl Porter, who described decades of wage stagnation compared with sharply rising costs of rent, food, and gas; Angela Adkins of 10,000 Women Louisiana, who said workers should be able to cover basic expenses and that indexing wages to inflation would prevent future erosion; Jan Moeller of Invest in Louisiana, who argued the bill would help the ALICE population and noted Louisiana’s high poverty and inequality rates; Julie Schwamm Harris, who linked low wages to broader economic and social harms; Tom Costanza of the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, who cited Catholic social teaching and the common good; and Tyler Phillips, who spoke about the impact of low wages on students and low-income communities. The Louisiana Restaurant Association opposed the bill, arguing it did not account for tipped workers and would increase costs for restaurants and consumers. After debate, Senator Boudreaux moved to report SB 230 as amended. The motion failed on a roll call vote, 2 yeas and 3 nays, so the bill was not reported from committee. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• What I appreciate about this proposal is it doesn't just set a number and walk away.
• Finally, I like that this is being proposed as a constitutional amendment because it gives the people
• I like that this is being proposed as a constitutional amendment because it gives the people of Louisiana
• If you advance this, voters will decide at the ballot box.
• So if there's any way—I'm not sure if there was the ballot language—but, you know, Arkansas did a ballot

Committee: Senate Local & Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There is one proposed substitute in the electronic bill book, proposed substitute one offered by Senator
• There is one proposed substitute in the electronic bill book, proposed substitute one offered by Senator
• Proposed substitute is adopted.
• This proposed substitute removes the proposed line tax increases, requires revenue be prioritized for
• you heard and also the proposed sub. underlying sub and what you heard and also the proposed sub.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met in executive session on February 9, 2026, first hearing a staff briefing on Senate Bill 6346, which would impose a tax on individuals earning over $1 million. Staff described the bill’s revenue and spending impacts and reviewed a proposed substitute and 11 amendments addressing items such as public defense funding, charitable deductions, out-of-state tax credits, small business credits, diapers, constitutional issues, and a contingent constitutional amendment. The committee later took up the bill and rejected all of the offered amendments, then advanced the substitute bill with a due pass recommendation to the Rules Committee. Members supporting the bill argued it would help address tax fairness and fund public services, while opponents raised concerns about constitutionality, economic harm, and the effect on businesses and charitable giving. The committee also acted on a series of policy bills. It advanced a substitute bill on grocery store closures in food deserts after adopting a narrower substitute, despite concerns from some members about burdening grocers. It approved a substitute bill expanding voting access for military, overseas, Native American, and disabled voters, adopting a second substitute that removed a cybersecurity review requirement. The committee also advanced bills on tort claim arbitration against governments, victim and witness protections in sexual assault and domestic violence cases, JLARC review of student aid fraud, agricultural collective bargaining, labor relations if federal preemption ends, a cost-of-living adjustment for Plan 1 retirees, workers’ compensation and medical care access, line-of-duty death reimbursements, law enforcement background checks and eligibility, veterans’ discharge definitions, and extraordinary medical placement. Several of these bills had amendments adopted, including changes to tort claim oversight, victim-requested standby counsel, agricultural labor definitions, workers’ compensation penalties, law enforcement volunteer support, and extraordinary medical placement criteria. In the second group of bills, staff briefed measures affecting property taxes, housing, cannabis, disaster-related tax relief, technical tax code changes, aircraft fuel tax revenues, the estate tax, and a pesticide tax exemption. The committee heard that a substitute for the fire protection district bill would alter how city or town levy capacity is reduced and include consultation requirements and board-creation provisions. It also heard that the property tax relief expansion for seniors and disabled retirees needed a substitute to make the consolidated school levy revenue-neutral. Other bills would expand tax exemptions for low-income housing and nonprofit homeownership, authorize local cannabis excise taxes, extend disaster repair tax relief, expand housing-related local sales tax uses, make technical tax code changes, redirect aircraft fuel tax revenues to aeronautics, reduce the estate tax rate, and extend a pesticide tax exemption. The transcript ends during the committee’s consideration of Senate Bill 6346, with the committee debating and rejecting amendments before moving the bill forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• This proposal was not one of them.
• </c> This proposal was not one of them. This proposal was not one of them.
• </c><07:12:59.760><c> Each</c> proposed pro part two language. Each proposed pro part two language.
• question on the November ballot.
• November ballot. November ballot.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Reva Garnett: The proposed change to dissolve the denturistry board could greatly affect procedures for
• Rather than addressing the issue through targeted financial solutions, the proposal before you would
• Instead, the proposed solution is consolidation under the dental board.
• In this case, DOPL proposed this legislation and would also be responsible for enforcing it if enacted
• And when that ballot initiative passed, we've gone up almost three times what was originally anticipated

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee first heard House Bill 495, which would consolidate the Board of Denturity under the Board of Dentistry, add a board seat for someone experienced in denturistry/prosthetics, define denturists’ scope of practice, and address the denturist board’s financial deficit. The sponsor and Department of Occupational and Professional Licenses argued the change would improve efficiency and reduce costs while preserving the profession. Denturists, interns, and association representatives opposed the bill, saying it could create conflicts of interest, leave their profession without a guaranteed denturist on the board, increase barriers to entry, and allow dentists to influence fees and rules. The Idaho State Dental Association supported the bill, saying it would maintain public safety, preserve licensure, and reduce government size. After testimony and committee discussion, the original motion to send the bill to the floor was withdrawn and the committee voted to send HB 495 to amending order for clarification, including possible language about a denturist board member. The committee then took up RS 33-468, a proposal to repeal Medicaid expansion effective January 1, 2028. The sponsor said the measure was intended to refocus Medicaid on the most vulnerable, address budget pressures, and respond to concerns that expansion can discourage work. Several members opposed the idea, arguing that it would remove coverage from many Idahoans, harm providers, and likely cost the state money by losing federal funds and related tax revenue. Others supported it as a needed step to control spending and prioritize traditional Medicaid populations. After debate, a motion to return the RS to the sponsor failed on roll call, and the committee voted 10-6 to introduce RS 33-468. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a proposed biomass facility in the East Springfield Corridor in Springfield.
• The ballot question was in 2014, and yes, we aggressively opposed it. That was in 2014.
• The ballot question was in 2014, and yes, we aggressively opposed it.
• And so what we saw in the ballot question is people rejected this idea very widely.
• Governor Baker was on the ballot in 2014. No on 2 got more votes than Governor Baker did.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused mainly on two subjects: expansion of the Massachusetts bottle bill and bills to remove woody biomass from state clean-energy and greenhouse-gas programs. On the bottle bill, supporters from municipal, environmental, public health, and local government groups argued that the 5-cent deposit is outdated, redemption rates have fallen, and expanding coverage to more beverage containers—especially water, sports drinks, and small alcohol bottles—would reduce litter, cut plastic waste and microplastics, and save cities and towns money. Several speakers also backed raising handling fees for retailers and redemption centers, and some supported restoring a Clean Environment Fund so unclaimed deposits would support recycling-related purposes. Opponents, including the Massachusetts Beverage Association and the National Waste and Recycling Association, argued that curbside recycling and transfer-station systems are more convenient, that the targeted containers are valuable to local recycling programs, and that the proposal would shift costs onto consumers and municipalities. Committee members questioned witnesses about redemption rates, handling fees, the 2014 ballot question, and whether the bill had changed from prior sessions. The biomass portion drew strong support from Springfield officials, state legislators, environmental advocates, and public health groups. They said woody biomass should not count as clean energy because burning wood produces particulate pollution and carbon emissions, and they warned that current law contains a loophole that could help finance the proposed Palmer Renewable Energy biomass plant in Springfield. Witnesses emphasized Springfield’s air-quality and asthma burdens, the public health impacts of PM2.5, and the need to close the loophole before a January 1, 2026 deadline. One forest-industry witness supported a separate bill promoting modern wood heat with pollution controls, arguing it is cleaner than older wood systems and has minimal ratepayer cost, while noting that those credits would be affected if the governor’s broader energy affordability bill repeals the alternative energy portfolio standard. No votes were taken during the hearing. The chairs managed testimony by alternating between the bottle bill and biomass topics, asking speakers to keep remarks brief and to note when they agreed with prior testimony. Several legislators also testified in support of the bills, and committee members asked follow-up questions on deposit levels, retailer handling fees, recycling economics, and the public-health rationale for the biomass restrictions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1025 by Bettencourt, relating to the text of ballot propositions and increased taxes, to
• Senate Bill 1025 by Betancourt relating to the text of ballot propositions and increased taxes to local
• Senate Bill 1060 by Parker, relating to the inspection of the location of a proposed Class I injection
• SJR 3 by Huffman, proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the establishment of the Dementia
• SJR 3 by Huffman proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the establishment of the Dementia

Summary: The Senate met briefly and referred a large number of first-reading bills and resolutions to standing committees. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including hemp regulation, dementia research funding, parental rights and public education, municipal library funding, tax and local government issues, criminal justice, health care, education, transportation, natural resources, and election law. Several constitutional resolutions were also referred, including proposals related to the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and a severance tax revenue fund. Most of the transcript consists of the reading of bill captions and committee referrals, with no substantive debate or testimony recorded. The listed measures included proposals on school uniforms, charter schools, Medicaid fraud remedies, insurance practices, occupational licensing for people with criminal convictions, water and sewer utility cybersecurity, agricultural protections, public meeting broadcasting, and various local and state governance matters. No votes were taken on the bills in this segment. The only formal action reflected was referral of the bills and resolutions to the appropriate committees, followed by adjournment of the Senate until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• With this initiative, I am proposing a new way.
• We all know the concerns with the ballot question.
• However, Amesbury would be a minimum-aid district under House 2 proposal, the House 2 proposal... benefit
• However, Amesbury would be a minimum aid district under House Two proposal, the House to propose.
• That is a far cry from the proposed $75.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That comes in addition to Travis County's 9.1% proposed tax increase, which would add another $200 to
• I thought Harris County was setting the modern record at 312, but there's actually a proposal that...
• The City Council has not formalized that proposal; it's just on the table at the moment. Wow.
• So the city manager proposed a budget at the voter...
• I know a lot of people don't want to exceed that because they don't want to put it on the ballot.

Bills: SB9 , SB 9

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, tax rate calculation, Tax Code, local government finance, municipality, county, special taxing unit, sales and use tax, property tax cap, tax rollback, tax levy, maintenance and operations, debt rate, disaster relief rate, Texas Legislature, local taxing unit, school assessment

Transcript Highlights:

• We are just proposing some challenges.
• We are just proposing some challenges.
• We are just proposing some challenges.
• </c> about uh the governor's budget proposal about uh the governor's budget proposal so<00:17:11.280>
• </c> then also um I know bills proposing then also um I know bills proposing sometimes<00:18:27.679><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• With this initiative, I am proposing a new way.
• I mean, look, obviously, we've all noted the ballot questions.
• We all know the concerns with the ballot question.
• That is a far cry from the proposed $75.
• Under the governor's proposal, Under the governor's proposal, Phaver would receive a combined $68,000

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a public hearing in Lawrence focused on the governor’s proposed FY27 budget for education and local aid. Opening remarks from Senator Pavel Payano, Representative Pat Duffy, and local leaders emphasized the importance of education funding for Lawrence and other Gateway Cities, with Acting Mayor Giovanni Rodriguez and Superintendent Ralph Carrero highlighting the city’s high-need student population, Chapter 70 and Student Opportunity Act funding, early college and career pathways, and the need for sustained support to close achievement gaps. The Education Secretariat testified in support of the budget, with Acting Secretary Amy Kershaw outlining investments in early literacy, universal pre-K, student mental health, school meals, high school redesign, higher education affordability, and early childhood systems. Commissioner Noi Ortega described higher education proposals including expanded free community college, continued free tuition at public four-year institutions, student success funding, early college and dual enrollment investments, and the Bright Act and Drive Act. Commissioner Pedro Martinez detailed K-12 proposals such as full Student Opportunity Act funding, increased Chapter 70 aid, special education circuit breaker funding, transportation aid, literacy initiatives, and a new Accelerating Achievement Initiative aimed at schools with the greatest needs. Commissioner Kershaw also described early education proposals including funding for C3, child care financial assistance, CPPI, workforce supports, and administrative funding restoration. Committee members questioned the administration about the pending local contribution formula study, the final year of Student Opportunity Act implementation, and the need to address health care and other cost drivers in school funding. Officials said the local contribution report is expected by the end of June and that a draft will be shared for public comment after data analysis is complete. Members also raised concerns about Chapter 70 disparities between districts and urged a broader review of the formula. In response, the commissioners said the Student Opportunity Act narrowed funding gaps but further work is needed, and they pointed to the new achievement initiative, literacy efforts, and early college expansion as ways to improve outcomes. No votes were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senators, on your desk, you should have just received a sample ballot.
• This will encourage voters to finish filling out their ballots and save costs on ballot printing.
• a separate page on the back of the ballot.
• court to get back on the ballot.
• And this bill proposes to move all these rules that we approved and voted on into statute.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My understanding is that the Governor's budget proposal does provide for a $26,000 increase in fiscal
• My understanding is that the Governor's budget proposal does provide for a $26,000 increase in fiscal
• My understanding is that the Governor's budget proposal does provide for a $26,000 increase in fiscal
• But there are two legislative proposals which, at some point, I hope the legislature will consider.
• That's probably the limit of, um, uh, what the board will have for legislative proposals.

Committee: Senate Elections

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We did have four successful votes at the ballot box.
• We did have four successful votes at the ballot box from community members that supported a new isolated
• And without objection, the proposed emergency rules reviewed and approved.
• And without objection, the proposed emergency rules were reviewed and approved.
• Without objection, the proposed emergency rule is reviewed and approved, and the review and approval

Committee: All ALC-EXECUTIVE SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The Executive Subcommittee met and first considered an emergency rule from the Department of Education amending consolidation and annexation rules to implement Act 919 of 2025 and Act 157 of the 2026 fiscal session. Department staff explained the change was needed to support newly detached isolated school districts while avoiding financial hardship for the parent districts by preserving declining-enrollment funding, local tax revenue, and using existing unused department funds rather than new appropriations. Senator Irvin emphasized the policy background and financial mechanics, and the committee reviewed and approved the emergency rule without objection, effective upon adjournment of the Legislative Council meeting on June 19, 2026. The committee then approved an emergency rule from the Department of Human Services allowing hospitals to open separate adolescent substance use disorder units and receive payment for residential services provided to adolescents. Senator Irvin requested the item be brought to the Public Health committee for an update, and the rule was approved without objection, also effective June 19, 2026. The committee next heard a waiver request from Whitehall for cooperative purchasing over $1 million for construction services tied to a specific vendor and system; the athletic director said the vendor had a strong track record and the project would begin in late August 2026 and finish in November 2026. The waiver was approved on motion. In the director’s report, the committee adopted the same per diem, mileage, and expense allocations for the coming fiscal year, noting committees had not spent their full allocations. It also approved a motion to cancel the July 2026 Legislative Council meeting because of scheduling conflicts, while allowing subcommittees to meet in July only for items with imminent need; any July subcommittee actions will be final and reported to the full council at its August 21, 2026 meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so the proposal to move forward with with a bear hunt and and the way that staff had put it together
• And so the ballot initiative of yes on 2 was was to codify hunting and fishing in the state of Florida
• Has that had any impact on any of the proposed to springs protection zones of late?
• We just have to run it back through the new criteria is still a proposed springs protection zone that
• And once it goes through rule development, we will re proposed to Springs Protection zone for Silver

Keywords: 999, senate, all