Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Deputy Director of HCD's Division of Codes and Standards.
• Codes and Standards acts as a statewide enforcement agency, title and registration agency, code enforcement
• HCD's Codes and Standards Division is funded by fees for services.
• I mentioned the code enforcement unit to help mitigate that.
• Codes and Standards, that's a division that's well within HCD.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members, House Bill 2324, Fire Code, Municipality. Thank you.
• Madam Chair, members, House Bill 23, 24, Fire Code, Municipalities, County buildings passed out of the
• Bill 2399, ADD revisions passed out of the Transportation Committee unanimously.
• Madam Chair members, HB2601 requires the Arizona Department of Transportation to seek federal approval
• This is on the Arizona Department of Transportation to seek federal approval to split Interstate 11,

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of bills and resolutions, with staff giving brief descriptions and members flagging which items were on consent, had unanimous committee votes, or should be pulled for further discussion. Topics included education, health care, public safety, labor, water, taxation, housing, and elections. Several measures were noted as party-line or mixed votes, while many others were reported as unanimous and placed on third-read or consent calendars. Among the more discussed items were bills on school and labor policy, including a proposal to prohibit teacher strikes, a measure restricting school district bond actions, a bill requiring school safety protocols and assigning felony penalties for noncompliance, and a resolution limiting public money for labor organization activities. Members also raised concerns or requested further review on bills involving pharmacist testing authority, expired opioid antagonists, a county sheriff-related measure, a housing affordability district proposal, and a tobacco/vape regulation bill. Some measures were explicitly pulled from consent, including a Medicaid audit resolution, a budget-related pay-withholding resolution, and several education and public safety bills. The caucus also heard multiple health and human services measures, such as genetic counselor licensing, nursing board and pharmacy board continuations, foster care rights, psychiatry access funding, and free school meals. In addition, there were water and energy bills on Colorado River management, groundwater, transmission-line review, and renewable energy valuation, plus election and campaign-related proposals. The meeting ended with announcements, including an upcoming Colorado River breakfast briefing and an internal award recognizing Representative Brian Garcia, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think there's an argument that right now the code, other code sections, don't allow for this type of
• code section is in this bill.
• Finally, a section of code which only accounted for microgrids and data centers' responsibility to pay
• The bill repeals obsolete code sections, makes technical corrections, includes technical updates, and
• This bill repeals obsolete and outdated sections of code relating to the professional development, the

Summary: The Senate considered and passed a series of House bills on third reading, with several title amendments and a few effective-date motions adopted. Early in the session, members passed HB 4452 removing acreage limits on land owned by church or religious trustees, HB 4577 creating reciprocal driver’s license recognition agreements with Ireland and Japan, HB 4588 authorizing West Virginia participation in a federal tax credit scholarship program, and HB 4592 requiring higher education institutions to create coordinated campus safety maps. HB 4602 was amended to align with a prior Senate child welfare pilot program, and members discussed its projected cost and implementation timeline before passing it. HB 4603 created a pre-adjudicatory alternative disposition process in abuse and neglect cases, and HB 4606 narrowed bail rules by requiring consideration of residency and community ties while prohibiting personal recognizance bonds for violent felony offenses after an adopted amendment. The Senate also passed HB 4710 changing the party-registration deadline for candidates from 60 to 180 days before an election, with debate over its impact on independents, and made it effective January 1, 2027. HB 4712, known as Bailey’s Law, increased penalties for DUI causing death and related conduct, with emotional testimony from members about the victim and similar tragedies. HB 4765 established a pay raise for teachers, school personnel, and state police and added a market-pay enhancement system based on county cost-of-living differences; an amendment to the amendment capped county differentials and guaranteed at least a 1% increase in every county. HB 4865 created an optional program for high school and homeschool students to serve as election official trainees, and HB 4869 established narrow guaranteed-issue rights for Medicare supplement policies. Later bills included HB 4995, which strengthened video/audio recording rules in special education classrooms and was passed, then reconsidered and passed again; HB 4996 creating a new crime for making threats of violence against schools or children; HB 5048 guaranteeing virtual instruction for foster children in temporary placement; HB 5065 adding recordkeeping and geolocation requirements for hotel marketplace facilitators to ensure proper hotel tax remittance; and HB 5074 reallocating medical cannabis fund revenues to child protection, homeless services, research, law enforcement, and other purposes. The Senate also passed HB 5101, the Joanna Phillips Domestic Violence Prevention Act, which increased penalties for domestic violence offenses and adjusted bail provisions, after amending it to conform with the earlier bail bill. Additional measures passed included HB 5166 requiring notice before political committees are fined for filing violations and allowing limited extensions, HB 5168 directing $12 million in lottery funds to EMS first responders and county EMS support, HB 5182 authorizing certain state treasurer security personnel to carry concealed firearms, HB 5212 streamlining higher-education financial aid rules, HB 5214 allowing court-ordered drug testing of parents before reunification in abuse and neglect cases, HB 5353 regulating virtual currency kiosks with licensing, disclosures, and transaction limits, and HB 5366 exempting J-LAP records from FOIA to protect confidentiality for lawyers and judges seeking assistance. Most bills passed with strong bipartisan support, though HB 5074 and HB 5353 drew some dissenting votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And let me see, then I think we go into the next sections that have. 5, 10, 11, 76 on the very top of
• The local government code fund has a higher match percentage of 20%, right?
• On page 8, we have our transportation project.
• And we'll be tying into Coolidge, which we also constructed in that widened section.
• Let's work on this by section and then create the maintenance. I like the fact, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> maintenance and transportation maintenance and transportation and<00:05:01.199><c> HB12</c><00:05
• </c> section 3211. section 3211.
• The removal of all the existing adoptions in section two and then the effective date in section three
• </c> to annually adopt pursuant to section to annually adopt pursuant to section one<01:07:37.520><c>
• How are funds moved around from one object code to another object code in your accounting system?

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• supposed to be put into code.
• It means that it's not in code. And it says that they're all supposed to be put into code.
• This also makes Section 9 of the bill consistent with the language in Section 8.
• , Section 1 is overly broad. ...is because this section, Section 1, is overly broad.
• Code Section 713E2 relating to personal responsibility education.

Transcript Highlights:

• How about DOT, the Department of Transportation?
• President, that is addressed in Section 3 when DNA evidence is collected.
• Section 3 we just amended out on a unanimous vote. We just amended Section 3 out.
• Section 3 is current law.
• The dress code still remains as usual. All right, any more announcements?

Summary: The Senate convened, initially lacked a quorum, then established one and opened with prayer, pledges in English, Navajo, and Spanish, and the salute to the New Mexico flag. Members then moved through announcements and recognitions, including permission for cameras on the floor and gallery, and certificates honoring Santa Fe County Day and Soil and Water Conservation District Day. Senators spoke in support of both recognitions, emphasizing Santa Fe County’s history, cultural and economic contributions, and the conservation districts’ role in stewardship, agriculture, and conservation work across the state. The chamber also welcomed numerous guests, honorary lieutenant governors, student shadows, and seniors visiting the Capitol. The Senate confirmed two State Investment Council appointments. Mary Patricia Roman was confirmed 31-0 after debate highlighting her decades of global investment experience, leadership in private banking, and service on the SIC investment committee. John F. Bingaman was then confirmed 32-0 for reappointment, with senators citing his finance background, prior service as governor’s chief of staff, and role in state economic and early childhood policy. Members also discussed his leadership on the council and the importance of strong management of the state’s permanent funds. On legislation, Senate Memorial 3 passed 27-0. The memorial, developed with the Wild Friends civics and science program, invites state agencies to participate in an insect identification and education workshop with UNM’s Museum of Southwestern Biology and the Xerces Society. The Senate also received House messages and adopted several committee reports, including referrals and passage recommendations for multiple bills and memorials. Later, the chamber debated Senate Bill 145, which would consolidate certain federal audit reporting into a single submission and adjust audit requirements for smaller entities and acequias; supporters said it would streamline compliance without changing audit requirements, while opponents raised concerns about auditor business, oversight, and the risk of weakening scrutiny. The bill remained under debate in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• under different sections of the federal<01:05:38.000><c> code</c><01:05:38.480><c> and</c><01:05:38.640
• </c> section of law. section of law.
• </c> made available in other sections of law. made available in other sections of law.
• reflected in section 11.
• Chair, Representative Keeler, the transportation provisions for the homeless are part of section 123B

Bills: HF3698 , HF3067 , HF3730

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1266 and AB 166 will amend the Government Code so that the provider support team... ...Medicaid
• The program is being transported, for example, to the doctor.
• This is found in section 60.001 of the Occupations Code and section 241.101C of the Health and Safety
• Code, the very section Senate Bill 1373 amends.
• They need to detail options for transportation.

Bills: SB623 , SB1266 , SB1310 , SB1373 , SB1580 , SB1952 , SB2032 , SB2269 , SB2544 , SB2653 , SB2796

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• , reading the code, understanding the code, and then classifying the different zones.
• actually get access to the online code.
• And it pulls up Federal Way's Unified Development Code.
• So that was when we codified their code.
• So the transportation one—now, I'm not the smartest stone in the room here—is the transportation site

Bills: HB2201 , HB2154

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: urban growth, city planning, county regulations, development standards, land use, land ownership, conservation districts, property rights, regulatory authority, environmental policy

Transcript Highlights:

• We propose for this section of the bill that that the district may only undertake any relocation on its
• allowed to participate in various types of water related planning and research by the Texas Water Code
• 21 of the local government code requires municipalities with city council district.
• Many residents in those. areas don't have easy access to a car or public transportation, forcing them
• And finally, several years ago, I got to see some transportation polling from Austin voters.

Bills: HB769 , HB2132 , HB3383 , HB3792 , HB5431 , HB5682 , HB5677 , HB5678 , HB5680 , HB5681 , HB5683 , HB5684 , HB5685 , HB5686 , HB4078

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• It was transportation. Transportation. And then you're here now because of the dual referral.
• Well, it's in the same section of law of OMV.
• That's the only reason it was put in there, because it was from the same section of law of empowering
• And I'm Representative Owen, yeah, I'm looking at the amendment and transportation.
• So that long 26-character code for your VIN on your vehicle. Oh, I'm sorry. My apologies.

Bills: HB214 , HB217 , HB514 , HB593 , HB618 , HB732 , HB908 , HB961 , HB1010

Committee: Senate Revenue & Fiscal Affairs

Keywords: property tax, blighted properties, urban rehabilitation, tax exemption, local government, financial incentives, blighted property, derelict property, property tax exemption, local redevelopment plans, rehabilitation standards, ad valorem tax, community development, senior citizens, homestead exemption, Louisiana Constitution, motor vehicles, local fees, transaction fees, funding

Transcript Highlights:

• What it does is it creates an exception in the Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 707(b), regarding
• Existing law under Penal Code Section 374.3 prohibits the dumping of waste material or rocks, concrete
• Penal Code Section 1170 says, quote, the purpose of incarceration is rehabilitation and successful reintegration
• to Section 1170 of the Penal Code, and I wanted to briefly cite it because all too often in this committee
• The motion is due pass as amended to the Transportation Committee. This item was on consent.

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• , clear Explicit preservation of fire and safety codes.
• The TIF and abatement section was amended so that it now addressed The section was amended so that it
• We don't currently have building code in a county.
• The IRC code is referencing for the modular home construction only, and the HUD code is for the qualified
• So it's built to the 2021 IRC code.

Committee: House Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a modernization of the curator statute in Florida's probate code by clarifying when a curator
• Code 834316.
• Senate Bill 632 updates Florida law governing insurance coverage for transportation network companies
• And the... ...for my last bill for the reptile section, this is a really simple bill.
• Edenfield, the Real Property Probate and Trust Law section of the Forta Bar, waiving and support.

Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee took up several bills, beginning with CS/SB 326, which modernizes Florida’s curator statute in probate law by clarifying when curators may be appointed, what they may do, and the oversight required. The bill was reported favorably without opposition. The committee then heard SB 1256 on pharmacy audits, which would require PBM audits of pharmacies to follow uniform standards and provide due process protections; pharmacists testified in support, describing current audits as burdensome and conflicted. That bill was also reported favorably. Members next considered CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services. An amendment was adopted removing provisions on civil damage caps and phasing out direct disposers, and the bill was then reported favorably. SB 632, dealing with transportation network company insurance, would set coverage requirements for the period after a ride is accepted but before pickup; an opponent argued the existing insurance framework should not be reduced, but the bill passed on a divided vote and was reported favorably. CS/SB 786 on trusts, creating a nonjudicial process to close uncontested trusts and discharge trustees, was supported by banking and legal groups and reported favorably. The committee then took up CS/SB 1110 on Medicaid, health insurance, and HMO coverage for orthotics and prosthetics. A delete-all amendment clarified eligible recipients, and the bill drew extensive emotional testimony from amputees, parents, and advocates describing the high cost of activity limbs and the benefits for children’s health and participation. Several senators praised the testimony and the policy, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1588 on legal tender refined last session’s gold-and-silver law, and SPB 7044 created related public-records exemptions for custodians of gold and silver; both were reported favorably, with SPB 7044 adopted as a committee bill. The meeting ended with senators recording additional affirmative votes on selected bills and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Um, the department opposes uh section Um, the department opposes uh section 2011e<00:18:41.520><
• </c> procurement code, sunshine law and UIPA. procurement code, sunshine law and UIPA.
• </c><00:19:40.400><c> be</c> we ask that those, uh, sections be we ask that those, uh, sections be deleted
• </c><00:20:03.600><c> um</c> HRS which is the civil service code um HRS which is the civil service code
• </c><00:20:13.039><c> 7616</c> a change is not made to uh section 7616 a change is not made to uh section

Bills: SB2187

Committee: House Tourism

Summary: The joint House Tourism and Water and Land hearing focused on HB 1947, which would repeal the Hawaii Tourism Authority, create an Office of Tourism in DBEDT, and establish a Division of Destination Management in DLNR. The Attorney General opposed provisions allowing the new tourism office or advisory board to hire independent attorneys, and also noted civil service and transfer-of-functions issues, including the need for standard transition language for employees, contracts, records, and equipment. DNR said it stood on its written comments, while the Department of Taxation also stood on its written testimony. HTA opposed the bill, arguing that Act 132 had already improved its governance and that destination management should remain within a single, holistic tourism framework. HTA said it is better positioned to coordinate with counties, communities, and state agencies on both tourism promotion and mitigation of impacts, and pointed to its strategic plan and DMAP work as evidence. The County of Kauai Office of Economic Development also opposed the bill, saying tourism issues cross multiple agencies and that coordination is best handled by one entity rather than splitting responsibilities between DBEDT and DLNR. One member of the public testified in support with reservations, saying Hawaii needs stronger leadership and control, but also warning that dissolving HTA would be a major change. During questioning, committee members pressed HTA on why destination management should not simply be handled by DLNR if HTA already consults with it on land-use and conservation issues. HTA responded that its role is broader than conservation alone and includes balancing economic development, visitor management, and resident quality of life, while deferring to DLNR on matters within DLNR’s jurisdiction. The hearing then moved to decision-making, where the chairs announced amendments that removed the transfer of destination management to DLNR, added counties and state/county agency assistance to the Office of Tourism, and made other conforming changes. The House committees voted to recommend HB 1947 pass with amendments, with several members voting aye and some voting with reservations, and the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• For that reason, the Town of Lexington supports Section 8 and Section 9 of House Bill 3520 and Senate
• to the electrical code.
• We request that the committee consider removing Section 39 from H. 4144.
• So thank you for this opportunity to support Bill S. 2269, H. 3520, section 30.
• Are you saying that you support the inclusion within H. 4144 of sections 38 and 39?

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Summary: The hearing focused broadly on solar policy and several related bills, especially S. 2269, S. 2270, H. 3520, H. 3521, and related measures on distributed energy resources, municipal solar caps, permitting reform, and tax credits. Testimony from the Air Force supported S. 2232, which would exempt federal military installations from renewable energy production caps and net metering limits to support energy resilience at bases like Hanscom. Most other witnesses argued that Massachusetts needs to speed up rooftop, municipal, and community solar deployment to address high electricity prices, federal tax credit rollbacks, grid reliability, and climate goals. A major theme was streamlining permitting through automated or “smart” solar permitting, including a statewide platform managed by DOER. Permit Power, SEIA, Vote Solar, 350 Mass, and others said current local permitting is fragmented and costly, and that instant permitting could reduce soft costs and speed installations. Several witnesses also urged changes to interconnection rules, including flexible interconnection, remote inspections, and faster utility approval timelines. Some speakers raised concerns about small towns lacking staff to meet short deadlines and suggested a state-hosted platform to reduce the burden on municipalities. Another major topic was lifting caps on solar deployment. Municipal officials from Lexington and Cambridge said the 10-megawatt municipal cap and regional caps are blocking shovel-ready projects and should be removed, including for behind-the-meter municipal solar and MBTA-community housing. Other witnesses described additional limits on project size, net metering, and residential tax credits, and called for making the state residential solar credit refundable and larger. Several speakers also supported virtual power plants, distributed energy resource targets, solar canopies, microgrids, and expanded access for affordable housing, tenants, and low- and moderate-income customers. No votes were taken. Committee members asked questions about permitting timelines, grid modernization, the rationale for caps, balcony solar, and interconnection delays, and witnesses said they would follow up with additional information where needed. The hearing ended with broad support from industry, municipal, environmental, and advocacy groups for advancing the solar and distributed energy bills, while some witnesses opposed provisions they viewed as overly restrictive, such as mandatory SMART participation for all solar projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• hard at work over the last two years operating off of a grant, and now we'd like to put it into the code
• I'm working in the public schools of Santa Fe in transportation in the area of mechanics.
• I work for the public schools in transportation in the mechanical area.
• Madam Chair, sir, what are the two legal definitions outlined in federal code for citizenship?
• Code Section 1401. Take a look at that. 14 CFR—CFR is the Code of Federal Regulations—47.2.

Committee: Senate House Rules & Order Of Business

Summary: The committee first heard HB 124, which would codify the Office of New Americans within the Workforce Solutions Department. The sponsor and Workforce Solutions officials said the office has already been operating on a grant and has become a key resource for businesses and immigrant workers, especially for workforce development, credential recognition, language access, and referrals. Supporters from immigrant advocacy, child care, conservation, and civic groups argued the office would help address labor shortages, improve integration, and strengthen economic growth. Several members questioned whether the office would serve people without legal status, what services would be provided, and whether it would create taxpayer costs; sponsors said eligibility would depend on specific programs, the office would mainly provide referrals and workforce support, and it is currently philanthropic grant-funded. The bill was ultimately passed on a 6-4 due pass vote. The committee then considered SJR 6, a proposed constitutional amendment to change New Mexico’s pretrial detention standards. The sponsor argued the 2016 bail reform language has contributed to a “revolving door” for repeat offenders and that the current standard is too restrictive and inconsistently applied across judicial districts. Supporters from State Police said the resolution would give clearer direction and let voters revisit the issue. Opponents from the ACLU and the Criminal Defense Lawyers Association warned it would expand pretrial detention, weaken the requirement that the state prove no release conditions are adequate, and disproportionately affect poor people and people of color. After extended debate over public safety, judicial discretion, and whether the proposal should include a clearer standard, the committee approved the resolution on a 6-4 due pass vote. The committee also passed SJR 7, a land swap between the state and the City of Santa Fe involving the DPS site and part of the Midtown campus. The sponsor, the Department of Public Safety, and the Santa Fe mayor said the exchange had been discussed for years, would allow the state to own the land under its DPS facilities, and would help the city advance its Midtown redevelopment plan, including housing and public amenities. Members asked about the parcels involved, whether both sides agreed, and whether any member had a financial interest; the sponsor said the swap was non-monetary and fully agreed to by both parties. The resolution passed without opposition. Finally, the committee heard SM 31, which creates a workgroup with LFC, DFA, and PERA to study the loss of COLAs for PERA retirees and recommend solutions. Retiree advocates said the reduced COLA has significantly eroded pension value and that retirees relied on the statutory promise of a 2% COLA. Other speakers emphasized the need to protect long-term fund solvency while addressing retiree losses. The memorial passed unanimously by roll call. The meeting then recessed, with the chair noting the next day’s agenda would be posted later.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House version also made similar changes to the adoption section of the code.
• Section 3 is the penalty section. We adopted the penalties that the Senate had decided on.
• And then Section 4 is the appellate procedure.
• The bill, Section 1, strike Section 9-850, subsection E, item 1, and insert...
• I think we ought to do that separately because they're in different code sections. Thanks.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, lines 1.24 through 2.7 insert a section that conforms with Article 4, Section 2 of the delete
• And that concludes the A11 amendment. a section that conforms with um Article a section that conforms
• </c> 4, Section 2 of the delete everything. 4, Section 2 of the delete everything.
• Um<00:04:47.760><c> that</c><00:04:48.400><c> section</c><00:04:49.520><c> uh</c> Um that section uh
• </c> chair of transportation. chair of transportation.

Committee: Senate Taxes