Transcript Highlights:

• Wyoming who came and testified here in New Mexico about what they did back in 2013 in Wyoming: a Republican
• House, Republican Senate, a Republican governor.
• And just today, Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican, introduced a bipartisan bill.
• And just today, Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican, introduced a bipartisan bill protecting consumers

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 251, which would amend the Horse Racing Act to address “program owners” and “program trainers” used as fronts by suspended or unlicensed people in the racing industry. The sponsor and Racing Commission director said the bill is meant to protect the betting public, deter fraud, and give the commission stronger enforcement tools, including suspension, revocation, and fines. After brief questions about how penalties are applied and whether the standards are already reflected in statute and racing rules, the committee voted 9-0 to give the bill a due pass. Senate Bill 73 followed, requiring driver education schools to teach at least three hours on vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and bicyclists, beginning in 2027. Supporters, including local officials and advocacy groups, said the bill would improve public safety and help new drivers understand the rights and responsibilities of people outside vehicles. Committee members discussed existing driver-ed content, the definition of vulnerable road users, and whether the bill would replace any current instruction; sponsors said it would set a statewide minimum without crowding out existing curriculum. The committee approved the bill on a 9-1 due pass vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 111, an agency bill to expand confidential personal information under the Motor Vehicle Code to include sex, gender, national origin, and immigration status. The sponsor and Tax and Revenue officials said the change would protect sensitive records in MVD files from disclosure except in limited circumstances. With no public opposition, the committee passed the bill 6-4. Senate Bill 150, creating refundable tax credits to support local newspaper printing operations, drew broad support from newspaper and business representatives who said the credits would help preserve local news and printing capacity amid plant closures and rising costs. Some members raised technical and oversight questions, but the committee voted 9-1 to advance it. Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 172, a committee substitute extending a gross receipts tax credit tied to national lab technology transfer and commercialization. Supporters from the labs, economic development groups, and chambers of commerce said it helps move research into New Mexico businesses and supports job creation; the committee adopted the committee substitute and advanced it. Senate Bill 76, which would raise the gasoline and special fuel taxes to fund road maintenance, generated extensive debate over infrastructure needs, affordability, and whether a broader transportation funding plan should be developed first. Supporters argued the state’s road backlog and maintenance needs justify the increase, while opponents cited consumer costs and the need for more study; the bill passed 6-4. The final bill, Senate Bill 235, would regulate large microgrids and data centers by requiring renewable energy use, PRC oversight, annual reporting, and limits on rate shifting. Supporters said it would protect air quality, water, and utility customers, while opponents warned it would add burdens and discourage investment; the committee heard extensive testimony but the transcript ends before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Mickelson: Yeah, I guess as a comment back to that, I would be in favor of this if the Republican
• This is not exclusively a Republican primary. This is an open primary.
• what was proposed in the original motion, this would change it to coincide with the traditional Republican
• This is not exclusively a Republican primary.
• what was proposed in the original motion, this would change it to coincide with the traditional Republican

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I sat with our Republican colleagues this morning because I do believe in sitting there and talking to
• And that's true not just under this governor, but also under Republican governors.
• I've served with two Republican governors and two Democratic governors, and we've almost always been
• I will, though, point out that not only is this true for Democrat and Republican administrations here
• idea that I'm trying to take away your guns couldn't be farther from the truth, but that's the Republican

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m sorry, but our Republican friends saying, “Why are they being released?”
• I’m sorry, but our Republican friends saying, “Why are they being released?”
• Whatever Republican said that, I stand by it.
• Whatever Republican said that, I stand by it.
• And, you know, I just want to echo the same sentiment for my Republican colleague, too, that, you know

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing-related bills and moved most of them forward. SB 655 (Stern) would establish a state policy that residential units should be able to maintain a safe maximum indoor temperature, with supporters citing extreme heat deaths and the need for statewide guidance. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific temperature standard and possible impacts on the electric grid, but the bill passed the committee 8-0 as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 634 (Perez), which would bar state and local governments from adopting or enforcing ordinances that punish people or organizations for providing basic survival services to unhoused people. Supporters, including people with lived experience and homelessness advocates, argued that criminalizing food, water, blankets, and outreach prolongs homelessness and harms vulnerable residents; opponents from some cities and counties warned about limits on local control. The bill passed 8-2. SB 772 (Cabaldon) would continue and expand the Infill Infrastructure Grant Program by better supporting walkability, transit, and climate-resilient infrastructure for infill housing; it passed 8-0. The committee also considered SB 838 (Dutraslo/DeRazzo), which would keep the Housing Accountability Act focused on housing by excluding transient lodging from housing streamlining protections. Supporters said some developers have used housing laws to fast-track hotel projects instead of homes, while opponents worried the bill could be too broad and limit mixed-use financing. After discussion about possible clarifying amendments, the bill passed 8-2 to Local Government. Several consent items—SB 484, SB 489, SB 686, and SB 724—also passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• tremendous credit for at the beginning of this year saying that this House, not only Democrats but Republicans
• When I started off as a freshman legislator ten years ago, in 2015, the Republican caucus introduced
• And yes, I think the Republicans deserve quite a bit of credit for that.
• ones who've actually been doing the work on a lot of these issues for a long time and especially Republicans
• But we as Republicans, we have. It's been a long time, it's been 10 years, and a lot of turmoil.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This year it was carried by a Republican, and it's a good bill to ensure that when unforeseen things
• to spread those costs over a number of years to make those bills not quite so high. carried by a Republican
• and it's a um a carried by a Republican and it's a um a good<00:03:31.200><c> bill</c><00:03:31.440>
• metering, working with the RDA, and working with Senator Friends and standing hand in hand with the Republican
• caucuses in the Senate, the DFL caucus, and the Republican caucus here in the House.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Joshua Skaggs, and I am the legislative affairs director for the Nevada Republican Party,
• And to close, Democratic and Republican secretaries of state from all over the country have found no
• My name is Jim DeGraffinree, J-I-M-D-E-G-R-A-F-F-E-N-R-E-I-D, and I am Nevada's Republican National Committeeman
• The Nevada Republican Party strongly opposes the expansion of electronic voting systems to additional
• driver's license, and following that, where I was forced to say that I wanted to continue to vote as a Republican

Bills: AB534, AB562, AB595, AB597, AB600, SB74, SB226, SB422, SB488

Keywords: election reform, voter accessibility, conditional ballots, voter registration, mechanical voting systems, election audits, voter access grants, provisional ballot, voting technology, AB562, Nevada, Secretary of State, elections, elections management system, HAVA, Help America Vote Act, automatic voter registration, AVR, election technology, state appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to thank all of our colleagues from the diversity caucuses, from the Republican leader, other
• I also want to thank all of our colleagues from the diversity caucuses, from the Republican leader, other
• , Helleran, Ward, Berman, Zbur, Addis, Arreguin, Bauer-Kahan, I also ask that Speaker Rivas and Republican
• This should not be a Democrat or Republican question. This is about preventing animal cruelty.
• I was surprised, shocked, and dismayed to hear a Republican tell me recently that, Carl, this is an issue

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. Members then handled several procedural motions, including suspending rules to allow committee hearings and guest access, re-referring bills, and removing one bill from the consent calendar. The chamber also observed Holocaust Remembrance Day with a lengthy ceremony and remarks from many members across caucuses, emphasizing the importance of remembering the Holocaust, combating antisemitism and other forms of hate, and supporting survivors and descendants. ACR 59, the California Holocaust Memorial Day resolution, was adopted by voice vote after 76 coauthors were added. After the ceremony, the Assembly took up the daily file. AB 390, which strengthens California’s “slow down, move over” highway safety law, passed 64-0. AB 439, making small changes to the Coastal Act and reporting requirements, passed 44-11 after debate over Coastal Commission oversight. The body also approved a rules waiver to allow the Education Committee to meet on AB 1468. Later, AB 50, allowing Medi-Cal enrollees to access over-the-counter contraceptives without a prescription, passed 67-0 urgency and 67-0 overall; AB 55, streamlining alternative birth center licensing, passed 68-0; AB 596, protecting workers’ right to wear masks or respirators unless there is a direct safety hazard, passed 53-8; AB 631, requiring animal shelters to post intake and outcome data, passed 60-0; and AB 792, allowing consolidated negotiations for court interpreter contracts, passed 52-1. The Assembly also passed AB 867, banning cat declawing, by 68-0 after bipartisan support; AB 1089, expanding local permitting authority for Western Joshua Tree projects, by 16-0; and AB 1154, clarifying ADU rules, by 63-1. SCR 57, proclaiming Dolores Huerta Day, was adopted 66-0. The second-day consent calendar was then adopted 71-0. The session concluded with adjournment-in-memory remarks for Mary Hammer, a longtime San Lorenzo Valley community leader and environmental advocate, followed by recognition of her family and friends in the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have ignored Republican pleas for accountability, and they've also ignored the Office of Legislative
• walls government Democrats and Governor walls have<00:03:43.040><c> ignored</c><00:03:43.720><c> Republican
• </c><00:03:44.480><c> pleas</c><00:03:45.280><c> for</c> have ignored Republican pleas for have ignored
• Republican pleas for accountability<00:03:47.159><c> and</c><00:03:47.319><c> they've</c><00:03:47.560
• Minnesota was a good government state for all of its history under both Republican and Democratic governors

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the Democrats are in B-12, the Republicans are in B-18. So we'll see you soon.
• The Democrats are in B-12, the Republicans are in B-18. So we'll see you soon.

Summary: The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee met in executive session on February 25, 2026, to act on four bills. Staff briefed the committee on Second Substitute Senate Bill 5292 (PFML premium rate-setting would move from a statutory look-back formula to an actuarial approach and require a four-month reserve by 2030), Engrossed Senate Bill 6106 (a cleanup bill related to mass layoff and closure notices that also excludes tribes from the employer definition and protects worker information from public disclosure), Senate Bill 6134 (requiring notice to striking workers about possible unemployment overpayment liability if they later receive retroactive strike wages), and Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6197 (changing plumbing credential suspension from three violations in six months to five violations in five years). Staff also clarified that L&I would count infractions from the prior five years for purposes of ESSB 6197. Members generally described the bills as negotiated or cleanup measures with broad support, though some concerns remained. On ESSB 6106, one member noted support for the bill but said the caucus would be mixed because of concerns about how the layoff notice requirement would apply to farmworkers whose work ends naturally with the season. On ESSB 6197, members said the bill reflected compromise between union and open-shop plumbing stakeholders and referenced L&I guidance supporting the five-year lookback. On SB 6134, members said the bill would help inform workers and improve overpayment processing. On 2SSB 5292, supporters said the actuarial approach and reserve requirement would strengthen PFML financing, while also acknowledging more work remains on the program. All four bills were moved out of committee with due-pass recommendations. Second Substitute Senate Bill 5292 passed 9-0, Engrossed Senate Bill 6106 passed 7-2, Senate Bill 6134 passed 9-0, and Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6197 passed 9-0. The committee then adjourned after thanking staff for the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm assuming this is not a bill that people would think would come from a Republican.
• But essentially what happens is, I'm a Republican, but essentially what happens is there's a pharmaceutical

Summary: The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety met to consider two Senate-amended bills and briefly operated as a subcommittee until a quorum was reached. Assembly Bill 486 by Assembly Member Lackey would add electronic key programming and key duplication devices to the list of burglary tools, with the author and the California Police Chiefs Association arguing the bill addresses a growing auto-theft trend and sets an appropriate felonious-intent standard. Support came from several law enforcement and local government groups, and there was no opposition testimony. Assembly Bill 1152 by Assembly Member Patterson would exempt prescriptions for human chorionic gonadotropin, used in fertility treatment, from reporting to the Department of Justice, with the author saying the change would protect privacy and that the drug still requires a prescription. No support or opposition testimony was offered on the bill. The committee voted to concur in Senate amendments on both bills. AB 486 and AB 1152 were approved, with roll calls completed after members returned to cast remaining votes. The chair also noted that another bill, AB 1127, might be heard later that night or the next morning, and then adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, in other words, in a DFL caucus or the Republican caucus or non-partisan, but average it has to average
• So, in other words, in a DFL caucus or the Republican caucus or non-partisan, but average it has to average
• So, in other words, in a DFL caucus or the Republican caucus or non-partisan, but average it has to average
• So, in other words, in a DFL caucus or the Republican caucus or non-partisan, but average it has to average

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the same as when this came through the first time is, I mean, in my history, I've been a local Republican
• Central Committee member for a long time, and we even sponsored a group of young Republicans that were
• purpose of education is to maintain, to get young people educated so that they can maintain that Republican
• But Maintain that Republican form of government. That's Article 9, Section 1.

Summary: The House Education Committee first considered RS 33118, which would repeal Idaho Digital Learning Academy’s current statutory framework. Rep. Elaine Price argued the program had expanded beyond its original rural purpose, had weak oversight, and was costly, while several members objected that IDLA serves both rural and urban students and provides a high-quality, cost-effective option. After discussion, the motion to introduce the RS failed on a tie vote. The committee then heard RS 33604, a more limited proposal from Rep. Doug Pickett to preserve IDLA for rural districts while changing its board, adding audits and transparency, limiting virtual charter participation, and reducing “double dipping.” Supporters called it a middle-ground approach; opponents said it still cut funding too sharply and did not fully account for the program’s value. The committee voted to introduce the RS, with the motion passing on a narrow roll-call vote. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 794, which would require student walkouts or absences for political protest to be treated as unexcused absences and reported to state officials. The sponsor said the bill was meant to protect instructional time and clarify attendance rules, while opponents argued it would chill student speech, burden schools, and conflict with parental rights and constitutional protections. Testimony was split between supporters who viewed the bill as a reasonable attendance rule and opponents, including students, parents, school board representatives, and advocacy groups, who defended walkouts as civic engagement. After debate, the motion to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation failed on a tie vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• the same as when this came through the first time is, I mean, in my history, I've been a local Republican
• Central Committee member for a long time, and we even sponsored a group of young Republicans that were
• purpose of education is to maintain, to get young people educated so that they can maintain that Republican
• But... ...maintain that Republican form of government. That's Article 9, Section 1.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so this was brought to us by both the Democrat and Republican Party structure.
• It's Republicans preferring their candidate. The Democrats preferring their candidate.
• And without a closed system, we don't know if truly Republicans are choosing the Republican candidate

Summary: The Elections Committee met in executive session first and adopted a House Committee substitute for House Bill 2387, which combined HB 2387 and HB 2480. The substitute removed provisions on extending no-excuse in-person absentee voting and shortening the absentee voting window, shifted the presidential candidate filing fee to be set by state party committees, and added language to bind presidential delegates to primary results while allowing national party rules to control where required. Members discussed the legal basis for delegate binding, party input on the substitute, and the role of closed primaries, then the committee voted 10-2-1 to do pass HB 2387 as substituted. The committee also passed House Bill 1987 and House Concurrent Resolution 23 without opposition, and passed House Bill 1802 after members discussed election transparency and concerns about applying the measure uniformly across counties; the vote was 11-2. In public hearing, the committee heard House Bill 2605, which would update election notice requirements, especially for bond elections. Sponsor Rep. McGaugh and the State Auditor’s office said the bill would address technical publication errors that had jeopardized voter-approved bond issues by allowing notice defects to be cured if no election contest is filed within 30 days, while also allowing one newspaper publication and one direct mailing notice. Testimony from county clerks, school administrators, a fire district, the Missouri Press Association, and others generally supported the bill as a practical fix, though one witness urged broader website posting of notices. The hearing also covered House Bill 2301, a campaign finance cleanup bill that would clarify definitions and reporting rules in Chapter 130, especially for continuing committees and indirect political spending; the sponsor said it was intended to fix ambiguity from prior law, and the only testimony in favor called for additional restrictions on recurring donations and more transparency. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1787, which would require schools used as polling places to treat election days as school holidays beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The sponsor said the bill was intended to improve child safety and could also help with staffing and voter participation, while members raised concerns about school calendars already being set and whether the mandate should instead be optional or delayed to a later school year. A witness in favor supported the safety goal but asked for local control and a later effective date. No opposition testimony was presented, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Monday from 5:00 till at least 7:00 the entire week of the legislative session. 20, 25 people, Republicans
• Monday from 5:00 till at least 7:00 the entire week of the legislative session. 20, 25 people, Republicans
• citizen in Minnesota, a voter in Minnesota, say, um, that's acceptable at any level of government, Republican
• citizen in Minnesota, a voter in Minnesota, say, um, that's acceptable at any level of government, Republican

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a partisan election that requires you to identify as a Democrat or as a Republican and to run
• a county-wide campaign. ...requires you to identify as a Democrat or as a Republican and to run a county-wide
• I reached out to the House Republican resident treasurer, Mike Volz, and he recommended this amendment
• I reached out to the House Republican resident treasurer, Mike Volz, and he recommended this amendment

Summary: The House Local Government Committee heard public testimony on HB 2588, which would let county ferry districts exercise broader authority over ferries rather than being limited to passenger-only ferries. The sponsor and county officials from Whatcom, Pierce, and Skagit described rising operating and capital costs for county-run vehicle ferries and said the bill would give local governments a needed funding tool. Opponents argued it would create another tax burden and that county councils do not directly represent voters on such decisions. The hearing on HB 2588 was later reopened for additional testimony, but no vote was taken in the hearing portion. The committee also heard HB 2094, which would require non-charter counties to appoint coroners rather than elect them, unless they use appointed medical examiners. The sponsor said the bill was intended to address accountability and staffing problems, citing Yakima County as an example and arguing that coroner positions are technical and should be filled through hiring rather than partisan elections. Supporters said appointment would reduce ballot complexity and allow for professional management, while opponents, including elected coroners and the Washington Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners, argued that elected coroners provide independence, public accountability, and the ability to order inquests without political pressure. The public hearing on HB 2094 was closed without committee action during the hearing. In executive session, the committee advanced several bills. HB 2451 on local tax increment financing passed with three adopted amendments and a 7-0 vote. HB 2298 on county title protection programs also passed with one adopted amendment and a 7-0 vote. HB 2566 on local government procurement passed 7-0 without amendment. HB 2267 on urban forest management ordinances passed 4-3 after a substitute was adopted, with some members expressing concern about state guidance becoming too regulatory. HB 2530 on public facilities districts for regional aquatics and sports facilities passed 7-0 after removing the deadline for forming such districts, and HB 2388 on siting distributed energy generation on agricultural lands passed 7-0 after an amendment narrowing the bill’s scope. The committee then returned to public testimony on HB 2094 and HB 2588 before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there are a lot of Democrats and Republicans, but we in space, I really feel like we're nonpartisan
• it would be my hope and also incumbent upon my advocacy to ensure that, you know, if there's a Republican
• And there are a lot of Democrats and Republicans, but we in space, I really feel like we're nonpartisan
• it would be my hope and also incumbent upon my advocacy to ensure that, you know, if there's a Republican

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• FOFA also adopts litigation reforms used by past Republican and Democratic administrations in statute
• If I can, for once, for Colorado, who's a Democrat or a Republican, we got to get these people back on
• And I'd ask my Republican colleagues, look, any of you that hunt or fish, invite President Trump out
• It's not Democrat or Republican.

Bills: HB471

Keywords: forest management, wildfire prevention, public lands, Tribal jurisdiction, Fix Our Forests Act, wildfire, forest health, hazardous fuels reduction, fuels treatment, prescribed burning, mechanical thinning, mastication, fuel breaks, fire breaks, wildland-urban interface, WUI, fireshed, fireshed management area, fireshed registry, Fireshed Center

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on H.R. 471, the Fix Our Forests Act, which aims to address the ongoing crisis of wildfires exacerbated by climate change and the need for updated forest management practices. Various committee members voiced concerns about past federal management failures and emphasized the necessity for collaborative approaches involving local communities and stakeholders in forest management. As discussions unfolded, there were varying perspectives on the implications of certain provisions in the bill, particularly around regulatory changes and their likely impacts on public participation and environmental reviews.

Transcript Highlights:

• Republican colleagues caucus call. Caucus call.
• Senate Republicans, please take note of the caucus call. The Senate remains at recess.
• Senate Republicans, please take note of the caucus call. The Senate remains at recess.

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, excused several members, and heard a memorial statement from Majority Floor Leader Singh honoring Thomas James Cleary, a longtime Michigan public servant, lobbyist, and civic volunteer. The chamber also recognized a departing staff member from Senator Geis’s office and later welcomed guests from Cleary’s family. No substantive debate occurred during these tributes, and remarks were ordered printed in the journal. The Senate then handled a large number of introductions and referrals, including Senate Joint Resolution K to prohibit autopen use by certain executive officials, Senate bills on Treasury revenue collection and liquor control, and numerous House bills covering housing, health, insurance, natural resources, education, consumer finance, child care licensing, public employment contracts, and other topics. Several housing and finance-related House bills were sent directly to the Committee of the Whole by unanimous consent. In Committee of the Whole, bills including House Bill 4072, House Bill 5630, Senate Bills 792, 793, 947, 1013, and 885 were considered; substitutes were adopted for House Bill 5630, Senate Bills 1013, 947, and 885, and the committee recommended all of those bills, plus House Bill 4072, Senate Bills 792 and 793, for third reading. On final passage, House Bill 4042 and House Bill 5630 each passed 34-0, with four members excused. The Senate also concurred in the House substitute to Senate Concurrent Resolution 14, approving an extension of the state energy emergency, by a 33-1 vote. By contrast, concurrence in the House substitute to Senate Bill 878 failed 2-32, sending that appropriations bill to conference committee. The House then named conferees on Senate Bill 878, and the Senate named conferees for both SB 878 and HB 5630 after the chambers disagreed on those measures.