Bills: HB6 , HB27 , HB123 , HB210 , HB213 , HB222

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: hemp, consumable hemp products, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, cannabidiol, CBG, cannabigerol, Texas hemp law, hemp regulation, cannabinoid products, delta-9 THC, intoxicating hemp, hemp gummies, hemp vape, retail registration, product registration, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging, youth access, minor sales

Transcript Highlights:

• that fought in both arenas in World War II.
• I am all about honoring the sacrifices both ...in World War II.
• I have a distinct problem with the term and the title of this, the war on terror.
• Because in any war, there are innocent lives lost.
• and the horrors of war.

Summary: The Capital Budget Committee met in executive session on several bills before fiscal cutoff. Staff briefed Substitute House Bill 2236 on the State Housing Finance Commission, House Bill 2281 on state-tribal government-to-government relations, House Bill 2514 to establish a Global War on Terror memorial on the Capitol campus, and House Bill 2551 allowing certain school districts to sell real property under specified conditions. Staff also noted an updated fiscal note for HB 2281 showing a Department of Natural Resources estimate of about a $5 million per-biennium reduction in receipts due to reduced timber sales. HB 2236 was moved out of committee with a due pass recommendation after members discussed whether it expanded the Housing Finance Commission’s authority; the vote was 10-6 with three excused. HB 2514 also passed out of committee, with members generally supporting recognition of veterans and families affected by war, though some objected to the bill’s title and framing; it passed 12-4 with three excused. HB 2551 drew more concern, with some members arguing school districts should not sell capital assets to cover operating costs and others noting local jurisdiction impacts; after additional discussion and reopening of the vote, it ultimately passed 10-8 with one excused. HB 2281 was considered with a proposed substitute and two amendments from Representative Walsh. Amendment H-203, intended to protect critical infrastructure projects, and amendment H-202, intended to preserve access related to timber and natural resource sales, were both rejected. Members supporting the bill said it was meant to protect free exercise of religion and tribal interests, while opponents raised concerns about the bill’s effects and the need for more stakeholder work. The substitute bill then passed out of committee 10-8 with one excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> a veteran in accordance with RSA 2150. a veteran in accordance with RSA 2150.
• Again, it would make sense to us to say, you know, veteran or veterans or veteran military spouse in
• Veteran spouse. Okay. Got it. Yeah.
• ,</c><01:12:42.480><c> 28-year</c> 25-y year Air Force veteran, 28-year 25-y year Air Force veteran,
• </c> discussion of, you know, in a World War discussion of, you know, in a World War II<01:18:03.440>

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• United States to escape political repression in Iran, and nearly three decades later, the Iran-Iraq War
• Unfortunately, as you well know, our state's decision to declare war on the federal law enforcement agencies
• are already in will become stronger, and the ones that are out are going to go out further into the cold

Committee: House Emergency Management

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal tax policies and the president's war with Iran are raising costs for Minnesotans at both the
• with Iran are raising costs for war with Iran are raising costs for Minnesotans<00:42:10.920><c> at<
• I can't tell you the number of veterans that I have talked to in my communities who are begging us to
• for the first time for disabled veterans for the first time since<00:52:59.440><c> 2008.
• that I have talked to in my veterans that I have talked to in my communities<00:53:04.360><c> who</c

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They survived the Franco-Spanish Civil War of the 1930s.
• I was a Cold War warrior. I faced the Soviet bear, and he calls me Soviet style.
• He fought in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
• He fought in World War II, Korea. the Air Force and three wars.
• He fought in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first heard RS 33206, a proposal by Representative Gannon to allow “plug-in solar” or portable solar generators for homes and small businesses. He described it as a limited, UL-approved option capped at 1,200 watts, modeled on Utah legislation, and argued it could give consumers more flexibility and reduce utility controversy. Members questioned whether the devices are currently prohibited under utility rules and whether the bill was needed; Gannon said existing regulations likely require utility permission. The committee voted to introduce RS 33206. The committee then heard RS 3321 C1 from Representative Raibald, which would address county clerk concerns about liability and indemnification for private properties used as polling places. He said the measure would extend liability protections to polling-place properties and allow clerks to request coverage through the Secretary of State’s self-insured policy so long-used voting locations could remain available. The committee voted to introduce the RS. The bulk of the meeting focused on House Bill 561, a bill restricting flags displayed by government entities. Representative Hill said the bill was a response to Boise’s flag policy and was intended to keep government spaces neutral, with exceptions for certain official flags; he acknowledged some “collateral damage” to community banners and other displays. Supporters argued the bill was needed to prevent government endorsement of divisive symbols and to preserve a neutral public sphere. Opponents, including Boise Mayor Lauren McLean, city counsel Eric Stidham, clergy, LGBTQ advocates, Basque community members, and others, said the bill was an overreach that targeted Boise’s pride flag, limited local control, and would chill expression and harm community inclusion. Testimony also raised concerns about the bill’s penalties and possible unintended effects on other flags and community events. After testimony, the committee debated motions to advance the bill, hold it, or send it to general orders; the transcript ends amid that discussion without a final recorded disposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE HAVE A PROGRAM REVIEW OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS STATE VETERANS MAJOR DEFENDER HARTSELL
• THE GENTLEMAN STANDING UP IS A GULF WAR VETERAN POST 911 AND THE GUY SITTING DOWN IS A RELATIVE OF HIS
• AND VETERAN SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES.
• ALL THE VETERAN SERVICE OFFICERS ARE VETERANS. THEY LIKE FIGHTING FOR OTHER VETERANS.
• I WENT OVER AND GOT TO TALK TO 101 YEAR OLD WAR VETERANS, COMBAT VETERANS, THEY WERE EXCITED AND SAID

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm joined today by Chairman Cortez, Chair of the Subcommittee on Defense and Veterans Affairs, and my
• Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs.
• Come here and represent various organizations that advocate for our veterans here in the Capitol.
• We want to thank you for helping Texas become one of the great states for veterans.
• We remember United States Navy SEAL Special War... ...operator Nathan Ingram of Roanoke.

Transcript Highlights:

• One is it creates a prohibition on shutoffs during extreme cold.
• It creates a during extreme cold.
• . than - 10°, this is pretty dang cold.
• </c><01:32:54.159><c> And</c> the Ukraine Ukraine and Russian war.
• And the Ukraine Ukraine and Russian war.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:01:12 Approval of Minutes 00:02:25 Co-Chair & Member Comments 00:02:48 Discussion of 2025 SB 137 00:06:58 Outdoor Adventure Tourism Opportunities 00:41:56 Public Service Commission Update 01:21:37, 958, all

Summary: The committee meeting began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the prior minutes. Members also observed a moment of reflection for Charlie Kirk and offered condolences to Representative Bobby McCool on the death of his mother. Representative Fugate then made announcements about the ongoing ATV/UTV trail system, including an October 21 opening in Letcher County and an October 2 groundbreaking in Knott County, and staff was asked to circulate the dates to members. The main agenda item was Senate Bill 137, presented by Senator Cassie Chambers Armstrong with testimony from George Ecklan of the Coalition of the Homeless and Wesley Bryant, a flood survivor and Eastern Kentucky resident. The bill would prohibit utility disconnections for non-payment during dangerous weather and emergencies, including extreme cold, excessive heat, and declared natural disasters. Supporters said the measure is narrow, does not forgive past-due balances or change reconnection policies, and is intended to protect vulnerable residents, reduce risks to first responders, and create a minimum statewide standard amid a patchwork of utility policies. They cited weather thresholds and historical examples of extreme weather and disaster declarations in Kentucky. Testimony emphasized the human impact of shutoffs, especially for low-income households, older adults, and families facing illness or disaster recovery. Bryant described experiences with people shivering without heat or struggling to keep children cool when power was cut off, calling electricity a lifeline rather than a luxury. Representative Gu raised concerns that utility bills have become unaffordable due to broader policy and rate issues, argued that some customers may not pay if shutoffs are prohibited, and questioned whether the bill was needed. Senator Chambers Armstrong responded that the proposal is limited to non-payment shutoffs during short periods of dangerous conditions and is meant to keep people safe during emergencies. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And when black veterans weren't treated with the same. He was a World War II hero. When Mr.
• This brother was a boxer, a veteran, and a rocket scientist.
• support today of ACR 90 recognizing the liberation of African-American slaves at the end of the Civil War
• Black heroes like Harriet Tubman and other war veterans have been hidden or devalued.
• Navy and served served during the Korean War from 1951 to 1955.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• MIA and our veterans.
• It would also honor the service of the over 6,000 local veterans in Sutter County and 7,000 local veterans
• One is our soldiers, you know, our veterans.
• Both of my grandfathers were veterans of World War II.
• Both of my grandfathers were veterans of World War II.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a long floor session focused heavily on budget trailer bills, labor agreements, housing, environmental review, and several resolutions. Members also introduced visiting guests, including family members, district staff, Mandela Washington Fellows, and UC Berkeley public policy students. Procedural motions were taken up early, including a successful roll-call vote to suspend rules so certain budget-related bills could be heard without reference to file. The chamber approved several major budget measures. SB 129, the labor trailer bill, passed 56-4 after supporters said it made technical budget adjustments, funded collective bargaining, supported In-Home Supportive Services, and addressed pension and project-related issues. SB 131, the public resources and housing trailer bill, passed 50-3 after extensive debate over homelessness funding, CEQA exemptions, advanced manufacturing, high-speed rail, rural access to funds, tribal consultation, and environmental protections; multiple members voiced support while also urging follow-up changes. The Assembly also adopted SB 139, implementing agreements for professional and operating engineers, by 69-1, and SB 140, implementing the correctional officers’ agreement, by 71-0. Later, AB 130, the housing trailer bill, was taken up on concurrence in Senate amendments after a successful rule suspension; members discussed tribal consultation protections, CEQA reform, prevailing wage, and vehicle miles traveled provisions, with debate continuing as the transcript ended. The Assembly also concurred in Senate amendments to AB 927, extending the Williams inspection window for certain school districts, which passed 70-0. In addition, ACR 16 naming the 10th Street Bridge the POW/MIA Bridge passed 70-0. AJR 9, urging full and consistent federal funding for the National Park Service, drew broad bipartisan support and passed 66-0 after members highlighted California parks’ economic and cultural importance. HR 47, recognizing the Fourth of July and the Declaration of Independence, prompted extended remarks on democracy, civics, immigration, military service, and community celebrations before being adopted by voice vote with 64 co-authors added. The consent calendar was also adopted 64-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• churches that were open held their services, their masses, from their parking lots in the freezing cold
• churches that were open held their services, their masses, from their parking lots in the freezing cold
• churches that were open held their services, their masses, from their parking lots in the freezing cold
• churches that were open held their services, their masses, from their parking lots in the freezing cold
• to the veterans division uh via<01:07:38.000><c> memo</c><01:07:38.400><c> under</c> via memo under

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• When the war on drugs began in the 1970s, lawmakers across this country sought to portray themselves
• When the war on drugs began in the 1970s, lawmakers across this country sought to portray themselves
• Cannabis has helped countless veterans accomplish that.
• H-176, support that bill for the medical marijuana patients, the veterans, but also...
• Support that bill for the medical marijuana patients, the veterans, but also add reciprocity.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Cannabis held a hearing on a package of cannabis bills focused on equity funding, delivery expansion, advertising restrictions, medical use, first responders, and ownership limits. Testimony strongly supported S. 87/H. 184 to direct a larger share of cannabis revenue into the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund and related equity programs, with speakers arguing the current funding is insufficient and that automatic transfers would better support businesses and communities harmed by the war on drugs. Several witnesses also backed H. 145/S. 89 to allow licensed cannabis delivery into municipalities that ban retail sales and to hotels, saying current rules unfairly limit social equity delivery operators and consumer access. There was also support for H. 176 on medical cannabis eligibility and S. 76 on cannabis use by first responders, while H. 177/H. 178 on new taxes drew opposition from several business owners who said the industry is already heavily burdened and overtaxed. A major point of debate was S. 94/H. 157, which would prohibit billboard advertising for non-prescription marijuana. Public health advocates, parents, and neuroscientists argued that cannabis billboards normalize use, are seen by youth, and are difficult to regulate effectively under the current 85% adult-audience standard. They urged a public health approach similar to tobacco restrictions. In contrast, several industry witnesses opposed further advertising limits, saying cannabis businesses already face strict marketing rules, billboards are privately owned, and additional restrictions would hurt small operators and raise First Amendment concerns. Some witnesses also criticized the proposed increase in ownership caps and consolidation provisions in the broader cannabis bill, warning they would favor large multistate companies over small and social equity businesses. Committee members asked questions about billboard ownership, enforcement of the current advertising rules, and the legal basis for restricting sign content. Witnesses and members also discussed the Cannabis Control Commission’s role, the difficulty of enforcing audience-composition standards, and whether delivery should be treated more like alcohol. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair noted that written testimony would continue to be accepted.

Transcript Highlights:

• World War II.
• </c><00:04:20.280><c> from</c> neighborhood for returning veterans from neighborhood for returning veterans
• </c> World War II. World War II.
• World War II.
• He's our chairman for the Veterans Caucus.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Labor Veterans and Military Affairs Committee to order.
• veterans in small business.
• This year it actually projected 148,000 veterans.
• And that's the aging Out of the new veterans.
• generate those as the past Wars did.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's super cold in here. Anyone else feeling the cold? Let's warm each other up.
• So, you know, they don't like cold weather either.
• Veterans Bonus Division, as always, is exceptionally busy.
• $4.37 million in benefits for deployed veterans.
• The state of Massachusetts has always stepped up for our veterans.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The hearing opened the FY27 budget process with remarks from the Senate and House Ways and Means chairs and testimony from Governor Healey and Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz. The chairs emphasized fiscal caution amid choppy revenue growth, rising health care and education costs, and federal uncertainty, while the governor framed House 2 as a $62.8 billion budget that grows spending by about 1% without new taxes or fees and aims to protect core services while advancing affordability. The administration said the budget uses efficiencies, program integrity, and Fair Share surtax revenue to support education, transportation, housing, child care, health care, and public safety, and it also filed a supplemental Fair Share bill using surplus FY25 funds. Much of the questioning focused on the federal “OB3” tax law and the administration’s separate proposal to delay or phase in certain corporate tax changes, especially research and experimental deductions, to avoid in-year budget shocks. Members also pressed the administration on Fair Share allocations, with the governor and secretary explaining that operating-budget surtax spending is weighted more toward education while supplemental spending is more transportation-focused, and that combined spending is roughly balanced overall. The administration highlighted Chapter 70 aid, special education circuit breaker funding, rural school aid, local aid, child care, the MBTA deficit, regional transit authorities, and a new HHS transportation line item as part of the broader transportation strategy. Several members raised concerns about Chapter 70 equity, rural districts, municipal overrides, out-migration, housing affordability, public housing repairs, and the MBTA Communities Act. The governor and secretary said they are open to further discussion on school funding formulas, PILOT, and municipal aid, and stressed housing production, energy affordability, and workforce development as key responses to out-migration. On energy, the governor defended an all-of-the-above approach, including renewables, gas, and exploration of nuclear, while saying she would continue pushing utilities and regulators to reduce ratepayer costs. The governor also said fire safety grants would not be withheld for noncompliance with the MBTA Communities Act, and members discussed public safety, housing, and local grant impacts in that context. Other topics included the Bright Act and higher education capital investments, with the administration saying it is preparing to support campus infrastructure across the public higher education system and that the bill is intended to strengthen Massachusetts’ competitiveness and retain graduates. Members also questioned cuts to the PCA program and EAEDC, and the governor responded that the state’s PCA program remains strong but is under pressure from large federal health care reductions. No votes were taken; the session was a hearing on the governor’s budget proposal and related policy bills, with the administration taking questions and offering explanations of its recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• They were originally started during the Cold War with discoveries where we needed, you know, We had a
• They were originally started during the Cold War with discoveries where we needed, you know, We originally
• started during the Cold War with discoveries where we needed uranium and nuclear components.

Committee: Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• DAY HEALTH PROGRAMS TO SERVE VETERANS WHO REQUIRE FULL CARE.
• WE ARE PROUD OF FLORIDA'S REPUTATION AS VETERAN FRIENDLY.
• WE SHOULD BE THE SHINING CITY ON A HILL IN A WAR AGAINST EVIL IN A FIGHT FOR GOOD.
• WE SHOULD BE THE SHINING CITY ON A HILL IN A WAR AGAINST EVIL IN A FIGHT FOR GOOD.
• A TIME FOR WAR, AND A TIME FOR PEACE. THESE ARE IMPORTANT WORDS OF REAL AND LASTING WISDOM.

Bills: SJR3 , SB5 , SJR36 , SJR3 , SB616 , SB565 , SB384 , SB5 , SB21 , SB72 , SB140 , SB262 , SB370 , SB372 , SB495 , SB627 , SB703 , SB764 , SB842 , SB971 , SB790 , SB767 , SB480 , SB1066 , SR44 , SR135 , SR171 , SR180 , SR185 , SR187 , SR188 , SR191 , SR197 , SR198 , SR199 , SR200

Keywords: dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, research institute, funding, grants, state health initiatives, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code

Transcript Highlights:

• She's a civil engineer, 27-year veteran of the department.
• She's a civil engineer, 27-year veteran of the department.
• -Vietnam veterans.
• Today, among us are the veterans of that special guerrilla...
• Today, among us are the veterans of that special guerrilla unit who joined us in Vietnam, and they're

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of gubernatorial appointments and floor items. The chamber confirmed Dina Eltawasi as Director of Caltrans, Allison Salt Install to the Court Reporters Board, and Olivia May Assumption to the California Commission on Disability Access, and later confirmed William Adams to the California Exposition and State Fair Board. Each appointment was presented by Senator Grove and approved on roll call, with final confirmation votes recorded after calls were lifted. Several measures were taken up on third reading. SCR 143, by Senator Umberg, honored Hmong and Laotian special guerrilla unit veterans who served with U.S. forces during the secret war in Laos; Senator Archuleta also spoke in support, and the resolution passed unanimously. SR 96, by Senator Cortese, proclaimed April as National County Government Month and highlighted the role of counties and CSAC; it also passed unanimously. SB 1347 clarified that stock albuterol authorization applies to all public schools, including preschools; SB 977 required chain restaurants offering children’s meals to provide at least one healthier option meeting nutrition standards; SB 1234 required fentanyl testing when juvenile dependency drug testing is already ordered; SCR 161 designated May 2026 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month; SR 101 updated the Senate Rules Committee membership by replacing Senator Jones with Senator Ochoa Bogh; and SB 1111 addressed liability for unauthorized AI-generated digital replicas. All of these measures were approved, most by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The Senate also adopted SCR 128, by Senator Perez, declaring April 13–24, 2026, as High School Voter Education Weeks to encourage civic education and youth participation in elections. The consent calendar was then approved after Senator Cervantes removed SB 1381; the remaining consent items passed 35-0. Throughout the session, members introduced visiting groups, including Hmong and Laotian veterans, CSAC representatives, and students in the gallery. The day concluded with Senator Wiener’s adjournment in memory of disability rights activist Alice Wong, after which the Senate announced its next floor session and recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• It receives the veterans exclusion instead.
• He said they got a bidding war for the house.
• He said they got a bidding war for the house.
• He said they got a bidding war for the house.
• He said they got a bidding war for the house.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all