Transcript Highlights:

• And that's including cold cases and asking questions.
• And that's including cold cases and to ask questions.
• These are active cases within our four-county territory, and so that doesn't even include the cold cases
• We're looking at cold cases.
• We're looking at cold cases.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Whip, this is to address what I think is a case of school board members being asleep at the wheel
• current regulation, allowing ADEQ to adopt rules governing the sanitary conditions of semi-public cold
• So this bill specifically speaks toward that. ...jurisdiction over their case.
• When the judge gives a sentence to a sex offender, it is almost automatic in every single case that it
• If she sues and it is found that she is wrong in her case, then the damages would go over to her agency

Summary: The meeting covered a long series of House bills across health, commerce, education, elections, government, and veterans issues, with many measures described as consent-calendar items. In health and human services, members discussed updates to radiology technology standards, a tribal Medicaid waiver bill, an emergency medicine study committee, fetal death certificate and remains-transfer requirements, a physician assistant licensure compact, dementia care telemonitoring funding, and SNAP error-rate reduction and eligibility oversight. Sponsors generally framed these bills as technical updates, workforce or access improvements, cost savings, or support for families and vulnerable populations, while some bills drew brief questions about implementation or opposition. In commerce and finance, the committee heard bills on mobile food vendor licensing, earned wage access services, CPA certification, cash acceptance by retail businesses, unmanned aircraft regulation, timeshare salesperson licensing, social credit score restrictions for lending, and a ban on state assistance to the International Criminal Court. Sponsors emphasized reduced regulation, consumer protections, transparency, and state sovereignty. The committee also considered tax and retirement-related measures, including conformity with the Internal Revenue Code, ASRS technical changes, and a 529 plan update that also addressed Roth IRA rollovers. Education and school governance bills focused heavily on school district oversight and transparency. Members discussed patriotic youth group presentations in schools, school board term limits and mandatory training, bond-advisor requirements, restrictions on school districts buying operating charter or private schools to affect funding formulas, conflicts of interest on the School Facilities Oversight Board, public meeting and travel disclosure rules, limits on long-term school property leases, job-order contracting caps, and a computer science proficiency seal. Sponsors repeatedly argued these bills would improve accountability, prevent misuse of public funds, and increase public access to school board decisions. The meeting also included elections, veterans, government, and other administrative measures. These included changes to sample-ballot mailing deadlines, a requirement that courts ask about veteran status at first appearance, a veterans awareness study, broader military leave protections, SAVE database verification for voter registration and licensing, U.S.-sourced election equipment requirements, Electoral College affirmation, justice court due-process protections, library trustee reporting deadlines, adult protective services reporting cleanup, and procurement transparency. No final floor votes were taken in the excerpt, and most items were presented for questions or moved through consent with brief sponsor explanations and occasional opposition noted in committee testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cold cases are never really cold to families. They live in anniversaries like today.
• case specialist in helping on the case.
• case investigations.
• case specialist in helping on the case.
• case investigations.

Summary: The House met with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal by roll call vote, 102-1. Several members then used points of personal privilege and guest introductions to recognize Black History Month, a family member speaking about a long-unsolved murder case that had just led to an arrest, physical therapy advocates, school board members, disability-services advocates, and domestic violence and literacy groups. The chamber then took up House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2097 and 1905, a bill to expand an elementary agriculture education pilot program statewide beginning in the 2027-28 school year for districts that choose to participate. Supporters said it would help children learn where food comes from, connect to FFA, 4-H, literacy, math, and career awareness, and address declining interest in agriculture. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill was perfected and printed. The House also considered House Bill 2167, which would authorize the Attorney General’s office to commission certain investigators and, through amendments, also addressed House and Senate security officers and some other law-enforcement personnel. Debate centered on whether the bill improperly broadened arrest powers, whether the House security provisions were necessary or constitutional, and whether the amendments were germane; one amendment to the amendment failed 62-68-1, while another amendment passed 61-43. The bill was then perfected and printed as amended. Finally, the House took up House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2747 and 2047, described as a clean-slate/automatic expungement measure with a reduced fiscal note. An amendment was adopted to ensure expungements are shared with consumer reporting agencies, and members discussed the bill’s second-chance benefits and a provision changing Missouri’s death-penalty sentencing process so a judge would not impose death after a hung jury, leaving life or life without parole as the options. The committee substitute was adopted and perfected and printed as amended. The House then made announcements about upcoming agriculture and Black History events and recessed until 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> speak because I'm getting over a cold. speak because I'm getting over a cold.
• And a lot of them are cases, you know, we had one case involving a woman out in the west side walking
• , we had one case cases, you know, we had one case involving<00:20:56.159><c> a</c><00:20:56.559><c>
• </c> the prosecutor's office that the case the prosecutor's office that the case gets<00:21:35.919><c
• </c> did to him and the thousands of cases did to him and the thousands of cases that<00:26:52.000><c

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard HB 698, which would increase criminal penalties for animal cruelty offenses. The chair explained that a proposed SD1 narrowed the bill to “pet animals” only, and testimony focused heavily on whether the bill should be limited to pets, whether service animals should also be included, and whether the measure could unintentionally affect livestock or cultural practices such as chicken fighting. Supporters, including the Hawaiian Humane Society, rescue organizations, and several individuals, argued that stronger penalties are needed because animal cruelty is under-prosecuted, that abuse of animals is linked to violence against people, and that harsher penalties could deter abuse. Opponents, including the public defender’s office and some farmers and livestock interests, argued the existing law is already on the books, enforcement is the real problem, and the bill is vague and could create unintended consequences. Several witnesses described graphic examples of animal abuse and urged the committee to act, while one testifier from the Disability Communication Access Board asked that service animals be explicitly included because they are not considered pets and are important to the independence and safety of people who rely on them. Committee members questioned the scope of the SD1, including whether it covered chickens, domesticated pigs, and service or emotional support animals. The deputy attorney general was asked to provide follow-up clarification on those points, and the Hawaiian Humane Society said it would welcome adding service animals back into the bill. At the end of testimony, the chair announced the final testimony count as 112 in support, 128 in opposition, and one comment, noting that some testimony appeared to address the broader House version rather than the narrower SD1. Because several questions remained unresolved, the committee deferred HB 698 until Monday, March 31, at 10:00 a.m. in room 016, with a vote to be taken then. After that, the committee moved on to its 10:02 decision-making agenda and deferred HB 108 as well, citing concerns about alcohol shipment, drunk driving, and underage access; it then began discussion of HB 226 on windshield tinting.

Transcript Highlights:

• But in most cases, I think, Mr.
• But in most cases, I think, Mr.
• And during a cold night, I lost power to my trailer.
• I was cold, and the water pipe actually froze because it was that cold.
• And I was cold and the water pipe actually froze because it was that cold. So I was uncomfortable.

Bills: SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2272 , HB2340 , HB2543 , HB2554 , HB2632 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , HB1796 , HB2091 , HB2249 , HB2254 , HB2353 , HB2431 , HB2441 , SB5808 , SB5949 , SB6006 , SB6260 , SB6297 , SB6351 , SB6354 , SB6355 , HB2124 , HB1069 , HB2104 , HB2624

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Transcript Highlights:

• And that really, as we have a cold weather over this last week, those increases for businesses across
• And during these cold times, let's warm some hearts and and... output just on a day like today um what
• weather over this last week have a cold weather over this last week those<00:04:47.360><c> increases
• </c> legislature and and during these cold legislature and and during these cold times<00:05:35.759><
• She added that Minnesota cooperatives need base load energy, especially on cold days and hot days.

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• What I didn't know was that six months earlier, they had already identified her case as a cold case with
• Cold cases are never really cold to families. They live in anniversaries like today.
• case specialist in helping on the case.
• case specialist in helping on the case.
• The Sergeant of Arms can arrest someone on a case-by-case basis, which has never been done.

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:

• Um in case there's to you folks.
• Um, there's a rate case underway almost all of the time.
• Um, there's a rate case underway almost all of the time.
• Um, there's a rate case underway almost all of the time.
• </c> that by by July under our rate case that by by July under our rate case schedule.<00:11:48.959><

Transcript Highlights:

• First, I'm very honored today to have here with us the OSBI cold case team.
• The cold case team was created in November of 1918 to review, collaborate, and investigate some of Oklahoma's
• And this cold case team is truly a group of caring, concerned, talented, and tenacious people.
• Right now, they were faced with 446 cold case homicides, 56 cases of missing and unidentified individuals
• The motto of this cold case team is never forgotten, and they never will forget.

Bills: HCR1026 , SB1130 , SB1134 , SB1131 , SB1132 , SB1133 , SB1142 , HR1049

Summary: The House convened, called the roll, and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of recognitions and presentations. Members honored Vice Admiral Jeff Trusler as Veteran of the Week, recognized the Prague Kolache Festival royalty and candidates, unveiled an artwork for the Capitol’s Hall of Heroes, and introduced the Doctor, Psychologist, and Nurse of the Day, along with the OSBI cold case team. The House also adopted HCR 1026, a resolution tied to Earth Day and “Lights Out Day” in Oklahoma, aimed at reducing light pollution and protecting migrating birds. A major portion of the meeting consisted of farewell remarks from Representatives Mike Osborne and Kevin West. Both reflected on their years of service, thanked family, staff, colleagues, and constituents, and emphasized themes of public service, hard work, conviction, and working across differences. Osborne’s remarks focused on freedom, immigration, service, and doing good in public life, while West stressed standing on principle, listening to others, and choosing courage over convenience. After the presentations and personal privilege speeches, the House moved into consideration of legislation. Chairman Caldwell presented the joint committee report on Senate Bill 1130, relating to the University Hospitals Authority, saying it would help ensure Oklahoma and the University of Oklahoma have one of the world’s leading pediatric cardiology units. The transcript ends as members begin considering the bill, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is really the first case that exploded. That case really exploded this problem.
• This case is an example.
• Does that mean a filed case? Does it mean a case that the AG is going to file next week?
• Does that mean a filed case? Does it mean a case that the AG is going to file next week?
• In some cases, yes, and in some cases, I would say that's probably not true.

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just that in the case...
• This case is an example.
• Does that mean a filed case? Does it mean a case that the AG is going to file next week?
• Does that mean a filed case? Does it mean a case that the AG is going to file next week?
• In some cases, yes, and in some cases, I would say that's probably not true.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1142, which would clarify the Secretary of State’s authority to issue certificates of good standing to series LLCs and make each series searchable on the Secretary of State’s website. The sponsor said the bill was needed to preserve a long-standing practice and keep Missouri business-friendly, and witnesses from the Missouri Chamber and a law firm supported it as a simple clarification. No opposition was presented, and the hearing concluded without a vote in the transcript. The committee then took up House Bill 3347, sponsored by Rep. Murphy, which had two parts: one establishing requirements for political subdivisions entering contingency-fee legal contracts, and another addressing a Kansas City ordinance restricting sales of small liquor bottles in certain areas. Supporters of the legal-contract portion argued that local governments should coordinate with the Attorney General on contingency-fee cases involving statewide issues, citing opioid, PFAS, environmental, and other multi-jurisdictional litigation as examples where attorney fees and fragmented local action created delays and inefficiencies. Opponents, including the Missouri Municipal League, Missouri Association of Counties, and private attorneys, argued the bill would add bureaucracy, delay cases, undermine local control, and potentially freeze out smaller communities; they also raised concerns about vague language, a 45-day review period, and retroactive effects on existing contracts. On the alcohol portion, industry witnesses supported the amendment, saying the Kansas City proposal was discriminatory, unsupported by data, and would hurt retailers and tax revenue. After the hearing, the committee moved into executive session and unanimously voted House Committee Substitute for Senate Bills 907, 1154, and 1272 do pass and do pass with consent, after adopting a technical substitute. The transcript then returned to HB 3347, where testimony continued on both the legal-contract and alcohol provisions, but no final committee vote on HB 3347 appears in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> demand um in January during the cold demand um in January during the cold weather<00:29:42.399><
• Renewable assets don't perform at nameplate capacity in cold weather, correct?
• </c><00:41:33.359><c> weather</c> capacity in cold weather capacity in cold weather corre<00:41:36.160
• Having gas is having issues in super cold weather.
• So you're saying that's not the case?

Bills: HF4770

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: biomass, anaerobic digester, renewable energy, sustainability, energy generation

Summary: The committee approved the March 26 minutes and then took up House File 4770, as amended by an A1 technical amendment. The bill was presented as a proposal to help Liberty Diversified International and Liberty Paper in Becker plan for replacement steam and energy supply as the Shuro facility closure approaches in 2030. Testimony described Liberty Paper’s current closed-loop steam arrangement with Shuro, the need to study future fuel and technology options, and the potential use of anaerobic digestion, biomass, construction and demolition waste, and food waste to produce steam and possibly power. Members asked about feedstock availability, the need for a feasibility study, possible backup natural gas use, and whether waste heat or wastewater heat could be useful. The bill was laid over as amended. The committee then heard a presentation from CenterPoint Energy on Minnesota heating demand and electrification. CenterPoint staff said affordability and reliability are central concerns and outlined how the utility manages customer costs through energy efficiency, contracting, storage, peak shaving, and conservation. Dr. Joel Lynch presented research on peak heating with natural gas and the “missing piece” in Minnesota’s electrification puzzle, explaining that Minnesota’s cold climate makes winter heating demand especially challenging and that replacing natural gas would require substantial new electric capacity and renewable resources. He compared his work with prior national and state studies and said the analysis used Minnesota-specific gas throughput, COP assumptions across several electrification scenarios, and January renewable capacity data. Lynch summarized preliminary findings that Minnesota’s peak gas heating throughput could be up to 40 gigawatts, with electric resistance heating implying roughly 36 gigawatts of new demand, and lower but still substantial demand under heat-pump scenarios. The presentation was informational only; no vote was taken on the CenterPoint presentation. The meeting ended with House File 4770 laid over and the energy demand presentation continuing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> civil law um and in other cases civil law um and in other cases administrative<04:09:35.199><c>
• Should that happen then HB1451 and cold.
• </c> addresses uh exposure to heat or cold. addresses uh exposure to heat or cold. &gt;&gt; Okay.
• </c> heat and the cold conditions. heat and the cold conditions.
• House Bill 1704 weakens those guardrails and shifts labor relations toward case-by-case decision-making

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Summary: The committee first reviewed House Bill 1150, which would require disclosure of complaints to public employees within five business days. Members said the sponsor was still working on an amendment, so the bill was held for another week with the understanding it would be executed next week if no amendment was ready. The chair also outlined the committee’s schedule, including upcoming floor reports and the goal of finishing the remaining committee bills on time. The committee then took up House Bill 1168, concerning employer documentation requirements. Supporters argued the bill would give employers more time to gather payroll records, especially when claims arise years later, and said the current system should be adjusted for fairness to businesses. Opponents, including several members, said payroll records are usually electronic and should be produced quickly so workers waiting on wages are not delayed. The Department of Labor deputy commissioner testified that employers can already request extensions and that further extensions could still be requested under the current process. The committee voted 11-9 to ought to pass HB 1168. Next, House Bill 1250, dealing with notice, documentation, and job reinstatement requirements for leave related to childbirth, postpartum care, and pediatric appointments, was considered. Members said the statute was newly enacted, had been carefully negotiated, and should be allowed to work before being revised. The committee voted 20-0 to recommend inexpedient to legislate, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1043, which would allow private employers to adopt their own minimum pay policies for report-to-work situations instead of being bound by the current two-hour minimum, so long as the policy is established in advance. The sponsor said the bill would modernize an outdated law and preserve the current default if no policy is adopted. Members raised questions about collective bargaining agreements and whether the bill could weaken existing worker protections, while the sponsor and supporters said it was intended to provide flexibility rather than a mandate. The hearing continued with questions and discussion, but no final vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• She nursed me in many a sick room, lifted teaspoons of medicine to my lips, set cold facecloths on my
• facecloths</c><00:02:23.720><c> on</c><00:02:23.880><c> my</c><00:02:24.040><c> forehead,</c> set cold
• facecloths on my forehead, set cold facecloths on my forehead, that<00:02:26.000><c> then</c><00:02:
• And whereas, in 2026, the students were challenged with a criminal case listing charges of murder as
• </c><00:17:23.520><c> packet</c> attorneys were presented a case packet attorneys were presented a case

Transcript Highlights:

• So many ports that have companies looking, in the case of Quincy, there's a large steel manufacturer
• The changes in SB 5982 would ensure that in both of these cases, electricity is covered under CETA.
• So if I want to heat my soup, I don't want cold soup, I can do so. So I get it.
• And we are the ones who bring you the hot soup and the cold beer. Oh, thank you.
• Primary concern, Senator Banke, is, did your cold soup go into a smoothie blender? Or, you know.

Summary: The committee heard public hearings on four bills. SB 5982 would expand Clean Energy Transformation Act coverage to include port districts and certain single-customer utilities, and would revise definitions for market customers and affected market customers. Supporters, including environmental groups, Commerce, Ecology, and some port and utility representatives, said it would close loopholes and ensure large loads such as data centers and port-based generation are subject to CETA. Opponents from ports, PUDs, business groups, and industrial consumers argued the bill could sweep in existing single-customer utilities and burden smaller ports or industrial projects. No vote was taken; the chair closed the hearing after noting substantial pro, con, and other testimony. SB 6008 would create a statewide residential battery incentive and flexible demand program administered through Commerce, with higher incentives for low- and moderate-income customers and requirements tied to utility flexible demand programs. Supporters said it would improve grid resilience, lower bills, and help deploy virtual power plants and distributed storage. Utilities and some advocates supported the concept but asked for changes on funding, low-income verification, compensation, deadlines, and program design. No action was taken beyond the public hearing. SB 6050 would allow portable plug-in solar devices and one meter-mounted device per premises, while restricting utilities, landlords, and HOAs from blocking them and setting safety and certification conditions. Supporters called it a low-cost way to expand distributed solar access, especially for renters and lower-income households. Opponents, including labor, utilities, and safety-focused witnesses, raised concerns about fire risk, backfeeding, lack of existing electrical code standards, utility worker safety, and the need for interconnection review. The committee then heard SB 6056, which would direct Ecology to exempt utility service vehicles from certain clean vehicle emissions standards; Ecology said it was already pursuing a similar rule and flagged the bill’s broad definition and potential policy implications, while utility associations supported the exemption for emergency response vehicles and environmental advocates opposed the statutory approach. No votes were taken on any of the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm hearing cases it takes a couple of years, and that just takes too long.
• And I'm hearing cases it takes a couple of years, and that just takes too long.
• As I was driving to the building today, I was listening to Texas's worry about the cold snap because
• In our counties, we're pretty well prepared for the cold.
• In our counties, we're pretty well prepared for the cold.

Summary: The committee met in executive session on a series of local government and building-related bills, with HB 2267 and HB 2388 removed from consideration and HB 1529 later pulled due to a technical issue. Staff briefed measures on scissor stairs in the building code (HB 2228), embodied carbon emissions in buildings (HB 2273), performance-based code pathways for low-rise residential buildings (HB 2381), permit review processes (HB 2418), county extreme heat response plans (HB 2183), fire protection districts (HB 2224), crash prevention zones (HB 2174), and city use of county road resources (HB 1529). The discussion focused on code modernization, housing production, permitting timelines, climate and emergency preparedness, fire district financing, and traffic safety. HB 2228 was advanced as Substitute HB 3079.2 after members supported creating a technical advisory group to recommend code changes allowing scissors stairs, with language clarifying fire-resistance separation; it passed 7-0. HB 2273, which would direct the State Building Code Council and Commerce to adopt embodied-carbon reduction rules and reporting, was reported out 4-3 after supporters emphasized emissions reductions and opponents said industry was not yet ready. HB 2381 advanced as amended Substitute HB 3125.1 after the committee adopted an amendment making the appendix optional and another clarifying performance-based compliance options; it passed 4-3. HB 2418 advanced as amended Substitute HB 3143.1 after the committee removed vesting provisions, clarified completeness standards, and allowed applicants to waive deadlines or refunds; it passed 7-0. HB 2183, requiring county extreme heat response plans, was amended to reference L&I rules, address grid reliability, remove some subsidy language, and shift plan adoption to county legislative authorities; it passed 4-3. HB 2224, concerning fire protection districts and levy adjustments, was advanced as amended Substitute HB 3142.1 after stakeholder-driven changes; it passed 6-1. HB 2174 was advanced as amended Substitute HB 3144.1, changing the concept from accident risk zones to crash prevention zones and setting a $73 penalty structure; it passed 6-1. The committee adjourned after reporting the bills out with due pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is curable in over 95% of cases, yet California still sees nearly 1,500 deaths annually, largely due
• strikes a balance to prevent excessive permitting, while allowing local governments flexibility in case
• I'm a certified cold caper. I'm here for AB 1682.
• I'm requesting that cold capping manually be included in AB 1682 for several reasons.
• I'm requesting that cold capping manually be included in AB 1682 for several reasons.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 6, 2026, with a quorum present and began by approving a large consent calendar of bills on two unanimous-support motions. The committee then heard a series of individual bills, with authors and sponsors generally describing low or absorbable state costs and asking for aye votes. Topics included AI/digital safety education for students (AB 1792), hepatitis C treatment access (AB 1843), rent-now-pay-later consumer protections (AB 2350), retirement information for community college faculty (AB 2417), cannabis regulation changes including tribal commerce, drive-through sales, and beverage labeling (AB 2506, AB 2697, AB 2532), emergency equipment training for law enforcement volunteers (AB 1913), cannery law modernization (AB 2706), child care planning in local governments (AB 1914), EV charger permitting fees (AB 1820), election-record notice requirements (AB 1664), nursing home discharge notices (AB 2135), a San Diego energization-delay pilot (AB 2518), mental health training for school coaches (AB 1665), and education governance and oversight changes (AB 2117). Several bills were described as committee or sponsor measures with technical or clarifying changes, including AB 2780, AB 2615, AB 2121, and AB 2771. Testimony was largely supportive, often from sponsor groups, industry representatives, labor, or advocacy organizations. Notable support included TechNet for AB 1792, the California State Sheriffs’ Association for AB 1913, California Dairies and food manufacturers for AB 2706, the Low Income Investment Fund for AB 1914, EV and environmental groups for AB 1820, the Attorney General’s Office for AB 1664, long-term care ombudsman advocates for AB 2135, and the California State Association of Psychiatrists for the cannabis and mental-health-related bills. Some bills drew limited opposition or “opposed unless amended” positions, including AB 2350, AB 1820, and AB 2506, while AB 2697 and AB 2532 were presented as efforts to support the legal cannabis market and consumer safety. The committee also heard a presentation-only item, AB 2541, creating a lowrider specialty license plate, which drew enthusiastic bipartisan comments and co-author requests from members. Most bills were reported out with due pass recommendations, many on roll call and several with specific members not voting or voting no. AB 1664 was reported out as due pass as amended and placed on call before later being moved out on a B roll call. AB 2350 and AB 1914 were also later reported out from call on B roll calls, with AB 1914 noted as passing despite some Republican no votes. The suspense calendar was then deemed approved without individual action, and the meeting concluded after a brief public comment period in which members of the public voiced positions on unrelated bills, including support for AB 2497, AB 1729, AB 2189, AB 1575, AB 2170, and opposition to AB 1603, AB 2447, AB 2411, AB 2492, and AB 1952.

Transcript Highlights:

• Particularly given the fact that in the spring the water is cold, fish are fairly shallow, hooking mortality
• Particularly given the fact that in the spring the water is cold, fish are fairly shallow, hooking mortality
• Particularly given the fact that in the spring the water is cold, fish are fairly shallow, hooking mortality
• Particularly given the fact that in the spring the water is cold, fish are fairly shallow, hooking mortality
• perspective if this is something we should have like a five- or 10-year sunset on, just to revisit it in case

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know how you case, whatever.
• </c> civil law um and in other cases civil law um and in other cases administrative<04:09:35.199><c>
• weather conditions. cold stress and a requirement to review cold stress and a requirement to review
• </c> addresses uh exposure to heat or cold. addresses uh exposure to heat or cold. &gt;&gt; Okay.
• </c> heat and the cold conditions. heat and the cold conditions.

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Transcript Highlights:

• We are still coming off another cold winter.
• I think many of your constituents, we had a very cold winter, as you know, and many of my constituents
• That should not be the case here in the Commonwealth.
• That should not be the case here in the Commonwealth.
• That should not be the case.

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several procedural matters, including adopting a resolution recognizing the work of Ukraine Forward and suspending Joint Rule 12 for a number of petitions. The chamber also scheduled several bills for later consideration, including measures on unemployment insurance for fluctuating work schedules, the Medical Society mission statement, a youth training wage, bridge and intersection namings, handicapped parking fines, public-way safety, excavation restoration, motor vehicle safety, and a Newton police age requirement. Two engrossed local bills were passed to be enacted: one authorizing retired police officers as special police in Plainville and another allowing Orange to increase its Board of Selectmen membership. The main policy debate centered on House No. 5151, An Act relative to energy affordability, clean power, and economic competitiveness. Supporters described it as a broad affordability and clean-energy package that would cut costs for ratepayers, reform Mass Save, speed clean-energy procurement and interconnection, return a portion of alternative compliance payments to customers, and address biomass and other energy issues. Opponents argued the bill relied too heavily on long-term programs and new administrative structures while offering little immediate relief, and raised concerns about costs being shifted to consumers, impacts on natural gas, and the pace of implementation. Several amendments were debated and rejected, including proposals to shift public benefit charges away from peak hours, pause public benefit charges for a year, require greater utility disclosure before rate increases, and add a forest-clearing penalty for solar development. One amendment to the energy bill was adopted: a consolidated amendment that included budget-billing consumer protections for gas customers, requiring notice and conservation recommendations when usage rises significantly. The House also adopted an amendment to a separate conservation-restriction bill for Hanson, changing a figure in the underlying law, and passed that bill to be engrossed as amended. The energy bill’s consolidated amendment passed by roll call, while several other amendments failed by roll call votes. The House observed multiple moments of silence honoring Jaden Booker, Thomas Skip Karam, former Freetown Police Chief Carlton Abbott, and former Representative and Senator William Q. “Biff” McLean, Jr.