Transcript Highlights:

• Nikki's Law was signed into law in 2020 by former Governor Baker from the legislation I filed during
• It makes this commitment. and this is consistent with other governor's appointments.
• Let's get it to where it needs to be so that it can be voted on, so the governor can sign it.
• Let's get it to where it needs to be so that it can be voted on, so the governor can sign it.
• Let's get it to where it needs to be so that it can be voted on, so the governor can sign it.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities held a hearing on a broad slate of disability-related bills. Topics included creating a permanent Acquired Brain Injury Advisory Board (H. 231/S. 134), establishing a system for compensating guardians who serve incapacitated, unbefriended individuals through MassHealth (H. 253/S. 154), expanding Nikki’s Law to require MassHealth day habilitation programs to use the abuse registry (S. 165 and related bills), modernizing and streamlining the Disabled Persons Protection Commission’s statute and procedures (H. 243/S. 139), updating the definition of developmental disability to align more closely with federal law and include people such as those with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (H. 276/S. 150), removing outdated and offensive terminology from the General Laws (H. 232/S. 137), and an autism education reform bill (H. 286). Several bills had no sign-ups, and the committee also noted related measures on cueing and prompting in PCA programs (H. 277/S. 157).

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we put the oversight in place so that the Speaker, the Pro Tem, and the Governor have ultimate
• And I would expect that agency head would respect the role of the Governor or us if we would push back
• If we get this past the finish line and the Governor signs it into law, I assure you I'll be putting
• Just a little worried about the governor-appointed OMES leadership appointing the purchasing director
• Just a little worried about the governor appointed OMES leadership appointing the purchasing director

Bills: SB1415 , SB1714 , SB1962 , SB26 , SB172

Committee: Senate Retirement and Government Resources

Summary: The Committee on Retirement and Government Resources heard several bills dealing with state employment, purchasing, and retirement policy. Senate Bill 1415, by Senator Brooks, would prohibit nondisclosure agreements when a state employee resigns or is terminated, with exceptions for statutorily protected confidentiality such as physician or attorney privilege. Members questioned how the bill would interact with whistleblower protections and sensitive information, but the bill passed 6-1. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1714, by Senator Jett, which would expand an existing state employee suggestion/incentive program to encourage agencies to identify cost savings and efficiencies, require agencies to review recommendations in good faith, and report back on accepted or rejected ideas. Members raised concerns about open meetings, employee notification, written documentation of suggestions, and possible disputes over the value of savings. The author agreed to work on amendments, the title was struck, and the bill passed as amended 5-2. Senate Bill 1962, by Senator Bullard, would move certain purchasing exemptions out of statute and into the administrative rules process so exemptions must be periodically renewed and justified. Supporters said this would reduce personality-driven exemptions and improve oversight, while concerns were raised about ongoing needs and emergency situations. The bill passed unanimously 7-0. The committee also passed Senate Bill 26, which would allow retired teachers to return to work after a 90-day break with a salary set by local districts and a 3% contribution back to the retirement system, and Senate Bill 172, which would tie cost-of-living adjustments for pension systems to funding benchmarks and a rolling average, rather than legislative discretion; both bills passed, with SB 26 passing 7-0 and SB 172 passing 6-1. The chair noted the committee expected at least one more meeting and hoped to finish the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madame Clerk, Governor Josh Green and First Lady Jaime Green; Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke and Second
• Jean Arioshi; former Governor John Y. III and Mrs. Lynn Y.; former Governor Ben Cayetano and Mrs.
• <00:31:35.240><c> Mrs</c> y former Governor Ben catano and Mrs y former Governor Ben catano and Mrs Vicki
• c><00:31:39.480><c> abber</c> katano former Governor Neil abber katano former Governor Neil abber cromi
• </c> much money into housing with Governor much money into housing with Governor EIG<00:43:13.880><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• Sincerely, Brad Little, Governor of Idaho. Brad Little, Governor of Idaho. March 31, 2026. Dear Mr.
• Sincerely, Brad Little, Governor of Idaho. From the Senate, March 31, 2026, Mr.
• This is the process that the Senate uses for approving their appointments that the governor appoints,
• So this is the process that the Senate uses for approving of their appointments that the governor appoints
• That the governor appoints, and then the Senate will approve that.

Transcript Highlights:

• Governor Kehoe was also very supportive as he recently visited a Missouri Farmers Care presentation in
• I actually was present when Governor Kehoe visited the Versailles classrooms in the elementary school
• Currently, in the Missouri State Constitution, Article III, Section 18, the appointment of officers of
• The appointment of officers of the houses; jurisdiction to determine membership; power to make rules;
• Because Capitol Police reports directly to the governor.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous day’s journal by roll call vote, 102-1. Members then used points of personal privilege and special guest introductions to recognize constituents, advocacy groups, students, school officials, physical therapy advocates, domestic violence service providers, and others. One member delivered an emotional statement about the arrest of the suspect in his sister’s 26-year-old murder case, thanking law enforcement and prosecutors involved in the cold-case investigation. The chamber then took up House Bills 2097 and 1905, a measure to expand an agriculture education pilot program into a statewide option for elementary schools. Supporters from both parties described it as a way to teach children where food comes from, connect agriculture with literacy and math, and encourage interest in farming and related careers. The House adopted the committee substitute and perfected and printed the bills. Members also considered House Bill 2167, which would codify and expand authority for Attorney General investigators and, through amendments, address House and Senate security officers and certain other state officers. Debate centered on whether the bill improperly broadened the original subject and whether it would give too much arrest power or create safety and constitutional concerns. One amendment to the amendment failed on a roll call, 62-68-1, but the House adopted the St. Charles amendment 61-43 and then perfected and printed HB 2167 as amended. Finally, the House took up House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2747 and 2047, a clean-slate/automatic expungement bill. Supporters said it would give people who have completed their sentences a second chance and improve access to jobs and stability; the sponsor also explained a related change limiting death-penalty sentencing in hung-jury cases so judges would not impose death in that circumstance. The House adopted an amendment requiring expungements to be shared with consumer reporting agencies, then adopted the committee substitute and perfected and printed the bill as amended. The House also announced upcoming events and then recessed until 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, not the board itself is an appointing authority to the board.
• It's just appointing. It's just the members. It's not the whole board.
• It's just the person that is appointed to the nonprofits that have appointing authority to economic development
• an appointing authority that should be in proper standing to have appointments.
• And either y'all could serve yourselves on the board or you could appoint someone.

Bills: SB348 , SB444 , SB485 , SB517 , HB87 , HB115 , HB162 , HB362 , HB368 , HB377 , HB431 , HB441 , HB466 , HB664 , HB741 , HB822 , HB990 , HB1243

Committee: Senate Municipal

Summary: The committee on Local and Municipal Affairs met on May 7, 2026 and approved the prior meeting minutes before taking up a series of local bills. Early action included HB 362, creating the Regency Park Towns Townhomes Crime Prevention and Security District in Orleans Parish, which was reported favorably. HB 822, dealing with nonprofit entities that hold appointments on boards and commissions while not in good standing with the Secretary of State, drew discussion about how long an entity must be out of compliance and whether notice should be required; the committee adopted an amendment changing the threshold to three consecutive years and then reported the bill as amended. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 1243, which would shift more authority over the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board to the Orleans Parish City Council. Supporters, including Representative Hilfriddy and Council President J.P. Morrell, argued the current structure is dysfunctional and unresponsive, and that local elected officials need authority to act more quickly. The Bureau of Governmental Research testified without taking a position on the bill itself but urged a formal transition plan or study committee so the city would have a clear governance path. Despite that concern, the committee adopted an amendment clarifying asset ownership and then reported HB 1243 as amended. The committee also handled several St. George bills. SB 348, allowing local law enforcement to contract for administrative support related to motor vehicle enforcement, was reported favorably. SB 444, granting St. George expropriation authority for certain public infrastructure projects, was also reported favorably. SB 485, concerning the city’s authority over insurance premium taxes, initially had amendments adopted but was then reconsidered; the amendments were stripped and the bill was reported favorably in its original form. HB 431, requiring mayors to complete annual continuing education, was amended to clarify approved training and then reported favorably. Other measures reported favorably included HB 990 on Jefferson Parish master water meters, HB 466 on West Feliciana Parish tax rebates tied to a data center project, HB 664 raising the maximum fine for parish ordinance violations, HB 87 increasing per diem for a Livingston Parish gas utility district board, HB 115 abolishing the police chief position in Edgefield, HB 741 creating emergency housing vouchers for human trafficking survivors, HB 377 removing civil service pay-plan restrictions for state examiners, HB 162 allowing a fee increase for the Jefferson Place/Bocage Crime Prevention District, HB 368 increasing fines for improper demolition of historic properties in New Orleans, and HB 441 returning New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board employees to city civil service. The committee adjourned after reporting the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• , or the work group appointed by the governor.
• Four members appointed by the governor: Denise Dietrich, Tracy Furick, Tracy Lka, Aaron Vanderland; and
• c> state</c><00:24:12.400><c> board</c><00:24:12.640><c> of</c> appointed by the state board of appointed
• Four members appointed<00:24:16.880><c> by</c><00:24:17.039><c> the</c><00:24:17.279><c> governor,</c
• ><00:24:18.240><c> Denise</c> appointed by the governor, Denise appointed by the governor, Denise Dietrich

Bills: HF3900

Committee: House Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, the Governor signed the legislation to create the office.
• Speaker of the House, five members appointed by the President of the Senate, and one member appointed
• by the Governor.
• The amendment would have allowed the State Board to appoint most of those positions.
• On the same token, the governor gave a whole bunch of other people raises one time.

Bills: HB2063 , HB2271 , HB2416 , HB2478 , HB2593 , HB2692 , HB2813 , HB2992 , HB2993 , HB4044

Committees: House Appropriations , House House Appropriations Committee of Reference

Keywords: corrections oversight, appropriation, independent office, public safety, funding, firefighters, insurance rates, workers' compensation, firefighter cancer reimbursement, rate deviations, cost analysis, premiums, border security, drug trafficking, human smuggling, law enforcement funding, Arizona, immigration, education reform, K-12

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair will announce the appointment by the Speaker of Representative Michlewitz of Boston, Pyshe
• the 5th District, to the council chamber to be qualified at such time as may be convenient to the Governor
• The temporary Committee on Rules shall cease to exist upon the appointment of a permanent committee on
• Any matters pending before the temporary Committee on Rules shall, upon the appointment of a permanent
• Ordered that notwithstanding the provisions of House Rule 22, prior to the appointment of members of

Summary: The House met in an adjourned session and began with the Pledge of Allegiance. The Speaker announced a special committee to escort Representative-elect Carol Doherty and Representative-elect Ann-Margaret Ferrante to be qualified by the Governor and Council. The main business was a series of organizational orders for the new General Court. The House adopted orders creating temporary House committees on Rules and on Ways and Means, each made up of members who served on those committees at the end of the previous General Court. Both temporary committees were authorized to meet jointly with their Senate counterparts and to carry out the duties of the permanent committees until permanent appointments are made. The House also adopted an order allowing the Council to the House of Representatives to perfect bills and resolves ordered to a third reading, or amended by the Senate, before the Committee on Bills in the Third Reading is appointed. Each of these orders required suspension of the rules, which was granted by voice vote. The House then adopted an order to adjourn until Thursday at 11 a.m., and finally adjourned to meet then in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm thankful to the governor for that opportunity and that trust.
• So thank you, sir, and to the Florida Legislature and our governor, too.
• However, our board is appointed by the governor, the president, and speaker.
• It is appointed by the governor, with two appointments from the legislature as well.
• Boards that are locally appointed and locally operated.

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Summary: The committee took up SB 116 by Senator Burgess, a veterans bill aimed at several FDVA-related changes. The bill would reduce annual nominations to the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame from 20 to 5, expand FDVA’s survey work to assess veterans’ awareness of available programs and their health literacy, add mental health training to the veterans suicide prevention pilot, strengthen coordination and reporting between Veterans Florida and FDVA, direct FDVA to develop a plan for adult day health care facilities statewide, and allow the Florida Veterans Foundation to use a portion of Gadsden flag plate proceeds for administrative costs. Senator Burgess said the measure builds on prior “Forward March” efforts and helps close service gaps for aging veterans and others who may not know about available benefits. Testimony on SB 116 was uniformly supportive. FDVA leadership said adult day health care could be added at existing facilities such as Port St. Lucie and Lake City, and that the state would need authority and funding to move forward. A veterans legal collaborative, AARP Florida, and Endeavors all voiced support, with speakers emphasizing the importance of better outreach, mental health awareness, and care options that allow veterans to remain at home. The committee then voted favorably on SB 116. The remainder of the meeting was devoted to agency and stakeholder presentations. Florida National Guard officials described a high operational tempo, deployments at home and abroad, hurricane response efforts, and the need to grow the force and infrastructure. FDVA’s adjutant general reported Florida now has the nation’s second-largest veteran population, rising in-migration of younger veterans, a large and aging Vietnam-era population, strong claims and outreach activity, declining veteran homelessness, and improved suicide prevention outcomes. The Florida Veterans Foundation outlined its emergency relief, dental, transportation, and license-plate-funded programs, while Veterans Florida and CareerSource Florida detailed workforce, apprenticeship, SkillBridge, entrepreneurship, and job-fair programs for veterans and spouses, along with efforts to expand recurring funding and better protect customer information.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, so it says a landlord appointed by the governor, a real estate developer appointed by the governor
• I think we'd like two representatives of landlords appointed by the governor.
• a</c> a landlord appointed by the governor a a landlord appointed by the governor a real<00:23:01.200
• I think that's what's happened is that the governor really looks in the appointments that the governor
• I received a governor and Executive Council appointment to serve on the inaugural dental hygienist committee

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• Immediate transmittal to the Governor. The measure passes. Immediate transmittal to the Governor.
• governance by transferring executive authority from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to a governor-appointed
• governance by transferring executive authority from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to a governor-appointed
• The governor for future outcomes.
• Message transmittal to the Governor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Respectfully submitted, Greg Abbott, Governor. Mr. Dutton, for what purpose?
• It's going to be appointed by the chief of TDEM no later than December 31, 2025.
• , Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker before December 1, 2026.
• The governor to develop and administer a strategic plan for interoperability.
• conferees. appoint conferees and administrative actions.

Bills: HB25 , HB48 , HB149 , HB254 , HB26 , HB192 , HCR3 , HCR4 , HCR5 , HCR6 , HCR8 , HCR14 , HCR16 , HR1 , HR2 , HR3 , HR4 , HR6 , HR7 , HR8 , HR9 , HR12 , HR11 , HR13 , HR14 , HR15 , HR16 , HR20 , HR22 , HR23 , HR24 , HR25 , HR26 , HR27 , HR28 , HR29 , HR30 , HR31 , HR32 , HR33 , HR45 , HR48 , HR49 , HR51 , HR52 , HR55 , HR56 , HR57 , HR59 , HR60 , HR61 , HR62 , HR63 , HR64 , HR65 , HR66 , HR70 , HR71 , HR72 , HR74 , HCR2 , HCR7 , HR10 , HR21 , HR35 , HR36 , HR37 , HR38 , HR39 , HR40 , HR42 , HR43 , HR44 , HR46 , HR47 , HR50 , HR53 , HR54 , HR67 , HR69 , HR75 , HCR5 , HCR6 , HCR8 , HCR14 , HCR16 , HR1 , HR3 , HR4 , HR6 , HR7 , HR8 , HR9 , HR12 , HR11 , HR13 , HR14 , HR15 , HR16 , HR20 , HR22 , HR23 , HR24 , HR25 , HR26 , HR27 , HR28 , HR29 , HR30 , HR31 , HR32 , HR33 , HR45 , HR48 , HR49 , HR51 , HR52 , HR55 , HR56 , HR57 , HR59 , HR60 , HR61 , HR62 , HR63 , HR64 , HR65 , HR66 , HR70 , HR71 , HR72 , HR74 , HCR7 , HR10 , HR21 , HR35 , HR36 , HR37 , HR38 , HR39 , HR40 , HR42 , HR43 , HR44 , HR46 , HR47 , HR50 , HR53 , HR54 , HR67 , HR69 , HB25 , HB48 , HB149 , HB254 , HB26 , HB192

Transcript Highlights:

• Persons who perform declawing procedures on cats must report to the veterinary board of governors the
• I can tell you that from my experience of over 30 appointments, people generally want reassurance as
• Most of my appointments were done after hours, late into the evening.
• Most of my appointments were done after hours, late into the evening.
• We saw over 2,500 appointments this past year alone, and the need is huge.

Bills: HB1904 , HB2106 , HB2211 , HB2247 , HB2329 , HB2339

Committee: House Health Care & Wellness

Keywords: animal welfare, cats, declawing, animal rights, pet care, healthcare, contract modifications, provider notifications, insurance carriers, health facilities, HB 2211, medically tailored meals, medical nutrition therapy, medical assistance, Medicaid, Health Care Authority, Department of Social and Health Services, nutrition support, chronic disease, dietary accommodations

Transcript Highlights:

• to the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board by Governor Inslee in August of 2024.
• and have your appointment.
• treatment provider advisory committee to the Department of Health for a brief time and then I was appointed
• to the to the indeterminate sentence review board by Governor Inslee in August of 24 so I saw you last
• With that, we're going to close the Senate gubernatorial appointment hearing for Corey McNally and we

Bills: HB2464 , SGA9305

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: detention facilities, law enforcement, reporting requirements, incidents, private detention

Transcript Highlights:

• At least five members appointed to the committee must be representatives of an established passenger
• Members of the committee are appointed to four-year terms.
• could appoint, representatives from the disability community, perhaps structuring.
• But actually, it's named after the first state governor of the state of Washington, Alfred Ferry.
• That was Isaac Stevens, you're thinking of, who was the first territorial governor of this. Okay.

Summary: The Transportation Committee heard briefings and public testimony on four bills. HB 1823, a Transportation Improvement Board cleanup bill, would remove obsolete references, update terms, and repeal outdated sections; a proposed substitute would restore remaining bond authority that the original bill would have inadvertently removed. The sponsor and TIB supported the technical corrections, describing the bill as good-government cleanup, and there were no questions or opposition. HB 2092 would create a Washington State Amtrak Cascades Passenger Rail Advisory Committee to provide regular user feedback to WSDOT; the bill was presented with a fiscal note of about $82,000 this biennium and $156,000 ongoing for staffing. The prime sponsor and multiple advocates supported the concept, while committee members and witnesses raised possible amendments to broaden membership, include disability representation, and possibly add rail industry and statewide passenger rail interests. HB 2111 would allow the Interstate 5 bridge replacement project toll facility bond retirement account to retain its share of interest earnings instead of sending them to the general fund. The sponsor, the Treasurer’s Office, and a business community witness said the change would keep dedicated toll-related revenue with the project and avoid accounting and tax concerns; the bill was described as a technical fix with fiscal impact expected to benefit the project account. HB 2114 would require the Department of Licensing to waive replacement plate fees for defective plates within two years of issuance and allow waivers between two and five years in some cases. The sponsor said the bill responds to widespread plate delamination, especially in eastern Washington, and county auditors and subagents testified in support as a customer-service measure, though they noted the fiscal note seemed high relative to the small number of replacements estimated and asked for clearer definitions and implementation guidance. No votes were taken during the hearing. The chair closed public hearings on HB 1823, HB 2092, and HB 2111 after testimony, and temporarily closed HB 2114 to allow a later opportunity for a witness who had audio issues to testify.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we have Item 2D, Governor's appointments not required to appear.
• I was appointed public member of the State Bar Board of Trustees in 2020 by Governor Newsom, reappointed
• I was just recently appointed in February, I think.
• So, Madam Chair, I would move that we advance this appointment to the Senate floor.
• In the case of the Board of Trustees, we have appointments from the Governor, the Senate, the Assembly

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules established a quorum and first approved several items without required appearances, including the appointments of Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Trinidad Solis, M.D., and Gerald Talbert, M.D., to the Medical Board of California, along with references of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments. The committee then heard testimony on two State Bar of California appointments requiring appearance: George Cardona, J.D., for Chief Trial Counsel, and Laura Enderton Speed, J.D., for Executive Director. Cardona described his first four years as chief trial counsel, emphasizing reforms after the Girardi matter, including stronger conflict-of-interest and gift rules, tighter trust-account investigations, more data tracking, and efforts to reduce case backlogs and discipline disparities. Senators questioned him about the John Eastman disbarment case, the office’s role and jurisdiction, racial and Latino discipline disparities, unauthorized practice of law by notarios, staffing vacancies, and the use of AI in pleadings and internal work. Public witnesses from the State Bar, SEIU Local 1000, and others supported his confirmation, and the committee voted 3-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate. Enderton Speed said she sought the executive director role to help restore public trust, strengthen discipline and admissions, and address the February 2025 bar exam problems. Senators asked about the State Bar’s budget deficit, hiring freeze, long-term fiscal stability, the bar exam audit and litigation, safeguards against conflicts and gifts, and the decision to move the February exam largely remote before returning to in-person administration for July. Public witnesses also supported her confirmation, citing leadership, accessibility, and a focus on core functions. The committee voted 5-0 to advance her appointment to the full Senate. The meeting ended with remarks honoring Senator Jones on his final day on the committee and a cake presentation before adjournment to executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we have Item 2D, Governor's appointments not required to appear.
• I was appointed public member of the State Bar Board of Trustees in 2020 by Governor Newsom, reappointed
• I was just recently appointed in February, I think, and I also...
• I was just recently appointed in February, I think.
• In the case of the Board of Trustees, we have appointments from the Governor, the Senate, the Assembly

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> House Bill 953 authorizes the governor, House Bill 953 authorizes the governor, subject<00:47:51.000
• :48.520><c> Smith</c> Senate has appointed Senator Smith Senate has appointed Senator Smith chair,<00
• :52.440><c> chair,</c> House appoints Delegate Moon chair, House appoints Delegate Moon chair, Delegate
• The House has appointed Delegate White Holland, appointed Delegate White Holland, Delegate Riley, Delegate
• ,</c><02:05:47.800><c> to</c> Schools, rather than the Governor, to Schools, rather than the Governor

Transcript Highlights:

• I've now been doing this for 29 years, and during all that time, I've seen Governor Gary Locke, Governor
• Gregoire, Governor Inslee, and Governor Ferguson.
• The governor allocated $12 million. We're grateful. It's not enough.
• We want to thank the governor for continuing...
• We appreciate the governor including funds in his budget.

Bills: SB5998

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: fiscal appropriations, budget, state funding, financial management, operating expenses