Transcript Highlights:

• And we have this conversation about previous efforts you've worked on too, where that...
• So, what has come from those conversations?
• And if you want to be part of those conversations, would welcome you, Mr. Patterson.
• And if you want to be part of those conversations, would welcome you, Mr. Patterson.
• She moved the bill and asked that the author continue to have those conversations.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development heard a long agenda focused mainly on housing production, higher education facilities, homelessness, and permitting reform. Early items included AB 6, which would direct HCD to convene a working group on allowing three- to ten-unit “missing middle” housing to be built under the Residential Code rather than the Building Code; AB 48, a higher education bond proposal that would fund campus repairs, modernization, disaster recovery, and student/employee housing; and AB 76, which would clarify a Chula Vista university innovation district exemption so the project can include academic buildings and housing without conflicting with surplus land rules. Supporters emphasized affordability, cost savings, student housing needs, and access to education, while members raised questions about implementation, affordability requirements, and project scope. The committee later took votes on these items, with AB 6, AB 48, and AB 76 all moving forward on unanimous or near-unanimous votes to Appropriations. Members also heard AB 595, which would create a state homeownership tax credit pilot to support affordable for-sale housing. The author and supporters argued that California’s homeownership rate is at historic lows and that the bill would help close racial wealth gaps by financing homes working families can buy. The committee approved AB 595 and sent it to Appropriations. The consent calendar, including several other housing-related bills, was also approved unanimously. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to AB 1165, the California Housing Justice Act of 2025, which would require ongoing state investment and a financing plan to address homelessness and housing affordability. The author and witnesses described the scale of homelessness, the limits of one-time funding, and the need for sustained, accountable funding streams. After testimony from housing advocates and people with lived experience, the committee passed AB 1165 on a 10-0 vote to Appropriations. Finally, the committee heard AB 609, a CEQA reform bill that would create a simplified exemption for qualifying infill housing projects in already developed areas. Supporters framed it as a targeted way to reduce delays and costs for housing near jobs and transit, while opponents from environmental justice, labor, and tribal groups warned it could reduce public participation, weaken protections for disadvantaged communities, and create consultation concerns for tribal cultural resources. The author said the bill would not change zoning or affordability tools and would continue to work with opponents on amendments. The bill was moved forward after extensive discussion, with members noting ongoing negotiations on tribal consultation and labor concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• I I I I know we've had<00:08:38.560> conversation had conversation had conversation uh<00:08:40.399
• And so as we're looking long term, we think that voice is critically important in the conversation.
• Um, but I important in the conversation.
• <00:36:46.240> and Muhammad for all the conversations and Muhammad for all the conversations
• As the conversation outcomes for us all.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this was a big conversation for the last four years.
• I can't tell you how many conversations I have about Boweville eradication in Texas.
• And it's a finance conversation you have offline. Got screwed up, okay?
• That sounds like we have a fix or at least a conversation about it, but there are.
• I think the energy conversations are much more complicated. Thank you.

Summary: During the meeting, legislative members discussed the practice of municipalities diverting water and sewer revenues to their general funds, which impacts infrastructure maintenance and project delays. Vice Chair Sparks proposed limiting public testimony to two minutes, which was adopted without objection. The committee heard from various witnesses, including Perry Fowler from the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, who emphasized that utility revenues should primarily support water services and that transfers should be transparent and justified. He noted that many utilities face financial pressures that could hinder infrastructure projects. Larry French from the Texas Public Policy Foundation highlighted the significant financial impact of water loss and general fund transfers, estimating the annual loss at $1.5 billion. He argued that these transfers can create disincentives for municipalities to address water loss issues. Brian Butcher, Assistant City Manager of Sugar Land, defended the city's cost allocation model for general fund transfers, asserting that they are necessary for equitable service provision and operational efficiency. The committee also discussed the implications of rising construction costs and the need for better procurement processes to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars. The second part of the meeting focused on the New World Screwworm and the state's preparedness to manage potential infestations. Dudley Hoskins from the USDA outlined the federal response efforts and the importance of collaboration with state agencies. He emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and the production of sterile flies to combat the pest. Dr. Philip Kaufman from Texas A&M discussed the historical context of the screwworm and the challenges posed by its potential reintroduction, urging proactive management strategies among livestock producers. The committee acknowledged the need for increased resources and research to effectively address the threat of the screwworm.

Transcript Highlights:

• While I do believe that there is a nuanced conversation to be had about Northstar's future, it's clear
• While I do believe that there is a nuanced conversation to be had about Northstar's future, it's clear
• That's, I think, where the future is, and I hope we can continue that conversation. Thank you.
• <01:07:34.400> thank<01:07:34.559> you that conversation thank you that conversation
• We have been engaged in conversations with them to have this termination.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 269 and House File 749 together, both aimed at ending Northstar Commuter Rail service. The bill author described HF 269 as directing the Metropolitan Council and MnDOT to request a federal waiver and discontinue Northstar operations, with HF 749 setting performance requirements that would trigger a similar termination request. Supporters argued Northstar has low ridership, high operating subsidies, and large maintenance costs, and said the agencies now agree with the intent to terminate the line and possibly replace it with bus rapid transit. The chair moved HF 269 to the general register while also laying HF 749 over in committee, and testimony was heard on both bills at once. Testimony split sharply. Supporters of termination, including the bill author and Annette Meeks, said Northstar has consistently underperformed ridership projections, has required large taxpayer subsidies, and should be ended rather than extended. Opponents, including Jesse Cook, Darwin Scherlan, Joel Mueller, Katie Nicholson, and Annie Buckle, argued the line still serves riders, workers, and communities, that low frequency and underinvestment are the real problems, and that the state should improve service rather than shut it down. Several opponents emphasized Northstar’s role for commuters, special events, and future growth, especially the St. Cloud corridor. Met Council Chair Charlie Zelle and MnDOT Commissioner Danenberger said they support carefully evaluating alternatives to commuter rail and acknowledged the subsidy is not acceptable, but they also said the agencies are working with the federal government and BNSF on possible next steps. Zelle said the agencies believe bus service could provide more frequent and direct service, and when asked directly, he confirmed they are in favor of terminating Northstar and replacing it with bus service if feasible. No final disposition beyond the motion on HF 269 and the laying over of HF 749 was recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So to answer your question, we'll continue to have conversations.
• Chair, and I appreciate the robust conversation. If I could...
• Chair, and I appreciate the robust conversation.
• So I look forward to further conversation.
• So there will be continued conversations on the bill.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, conversations with stakeholders and really looking at current project costs, the $7,500 is aimed
• In my conversations with those that were initially opposed to the bill, In my conversations with those
• You know, we were fortunate to have several conversations over this issue last session.
• And I want this body to know I'm open for more conversations.
• And I want this body to know I'm open for more conversations.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 455, a local bill for the City of Lake Wales that would allow open containers in a downtown arts district. The sponsor said the city had invested heavily in the area and wanted to support business growth. An amendment clarified that the allowance was intended for cups, not bottles taken from restaurants, and the bill was then adopted favorably without opposition. Members then heard HB 1049 on building permit requirements, which would remove permits for certain work under $7,500 and for battery or backup power systems, while also preempting local governments from adding extra permitting rules. Two amendments were adopted: one clarifying modular homes on RV lots, and another addressing contractor “splitting” of projects to avoid the threshold and requiring five years of record retention. County and local-government groups raised concerns about inspections and permitting, while several business and advocacy groups supported the bill. It passed favorably. HB 1175, dealing with safety design standards for office surgery suites, was presented as a measure directing the Florida Building Commission and State Fire Marshal to establish new standards to improve safety and efficiency. There was no amendment or public testimony, and it passed favorably. The committee then spent extensive time on HB 221, which would let workers waive the state minimum wage for certain work-based learning, internship, or pre-apprenticeship positions for up to nine months, later narrowed by amendment to 252 days, or 126 days for minors with parental consent, and defining the program as structured learning. Supporters framed it as a way to expand apprenticeships and help small businesses offer training opportunities; opponents argued it would create free or subminimum labor, invite abuse and coercion, and raise constitutional concerns. Despite strong opposition testimony from labor, civil rights, and policy groups, the bill passed favorably after debate. The committee also heard HB 4035, a Palm Beach County local bill requiring applicants for a certificate of competency to pass the licensing exam before applying to the Construction Industry Licensing Board. The sponsor said it would streamline and modernize the process, and members discussed it briefly in support. The transcript ends before the final action on that bill is fully shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• What were those conversations? We shared exactly what we're sharing here.
• No, those are conversations we still need to have. We are a wealthy state right now.
• <00:14:47.440> to uh we still have some conversations to uh we still have some conversations
• What were those conversations? We about? What were those conversations?
• No, those are conversations perspective?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• part of the larger conversation on affordability.
• AB 1219 is my effort to have those conversations.
• We would be part of the conversation.
• We would be part of the conversation.
• Again, this is the start of a conversation.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met under suspense-file procedures, with the chair explaining limits on testimony, position letters, and that bills with fiscal impacts of $150,000 or more would generally be sent to suspense rather than voted on immediately. Several bills were pulled from hearing, and a consent calendar of committee bills later passed 4-0. AB 761 by Addis, the only item initially slated for a vote, was ultimately held over to the next hearing. The committee heard testimony on a series of tax-related proposals. AB 232 would create catastrophe savings accounts for homeowners to save pre-tax money for wildfire, flood, or earthquake-related expenses; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and the California Bankers Association, but was sent to suspense. AB 1443 would exempt tips from state income tax for five years and was supported by the California Restaurant Association and a restaurant owner, but also went to suspense. AB 1435 would provide relief to businesses and property owners facing cleanup and security costs from unauthorized encampments and illegal dumping; it received broad support from business, real estate, trucking, retail, and local government representatives, and was referred to suspense. The committee also heard AB 1428, which would create a California Affordable Child Care Fund financed by a 0.5% tax on income above $10 million; child care workers and SEIU-backed witnesses supported it, while taxpayer and business groups opposed it as harmful to competitiveness and affordability. AB 691 proposed a tax credit for adopting shelter pets and covering veterinary costs, AB 1219 proposed a middle- and low-income personal income tax cut, AB 1354 proposed a credit for increased homeowners insurance premiums, AB 19 proposed an education savings account/voucher-style program, and AB 567 proposed insurance rate stabilization and related tax/fund changes; each drew testimony for and against where present, but all were referred to suspense. The meeting ended with the committee adjourning after the held-over AB 761 item was postponed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I think, you know, for conversation.
• Um uh conversations that we can have.
• be a placeholder to have a conversation be a placeholder to have a conversation uh<01:11:02.480>
• Senator Rickman, conversation with.
• conversations conversations because,<01:58:17.440> as<01:58:17.760> I<01:58:17.920>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :18:27.280> having conversations that we've been having conversations that we've been having with
• As I noted earlier this afternoon in my opening conversation, I look forward to continuing conversations
• > conversations<02:30:08.479> to<02:30:08.800> address to continuing conversations
• Members, thank you for the conversation Members, thank you for the conversation today.<03:17:25.600
• , actually had uh reasonable conversation, actually had uh reasonable conversation, came<03:49:52.800

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We had a three-minute conversation with them.
• Now, the conversation is, is that reasonable?
• But have you had any conversations?
• Discretion, no conversation, just do it.
• Internally, conversation. I got a guy over here that took 22. Internally, conversation.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that would really help us frame our conversation.
• <00:42:52.880> about there's been a lot of conversation about there's been a lot of conversation
• There are 49 other states that are conversing about this.
• There are 49 other states that are conversing about this.
• conversation as well. conversation as well. >> Oh<01:01:31.760> sir.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The working group approved the prior meeting minutes with one correction to reflect Laura Ziggler’s attendance. Staff then outlined the report due February 13, 2026, which must summarize the group’s activities and include findings and recommendations adopted by the group; the report will go to the governor and legislative transportation leaders. The chair emphasized that the group’s charge is broad and includes analyzing electricity used as vehicle fuel infrastructure opportunities and barriers, developing policy and funding recommendations for sustainable transportation funding, and reviewing other states’ laws and policies. Discussion focused heavily on how to replace declining gas tax revenue as more vehicles become electric. The chair framed the issue as a fairness and implementation challenge, noting that EVs are a growing share of the fleet and that the group should consider both policy and funding, not just one or the other. Members and guests raised several ideas already submitted, including a road user charge, changes to the EV charging tax, ending or modifying the EV surcharge, broadening the tax to publicly owned charging stations, reducing the charging level threshold to level 2, ending sales tax on electricity, addressing off-road use, and expanding the definition of auto parts to include charging equipment. Representative Elkins argued that charging based on electricity used at home is impractical for most vehicles, that public charging is already much more expensive than home charging, and that the current sales tax plus surcharge amounts to double taxation for public-charging users. He said a mileage-based user charge modeled on Utah’s approach is workable, could be phased in, and could preserve privacy by allowing a voluntary or alternative method for home charging estimates. Senator Howe responded that home electricity use can be estimated similarly to mileage deductions on taxes and said the state should tax all electricity used as fuel, regardless of charger level, if it can be identified. Other speakers echoed that all road users should pay a fair share and that the main challenge is implementation. Tony Kis of Quick Trip asked that a late letter be included in the record and urged clarification of the sales, use, excise tax, and collection rules to avoid double taxation and reduce administrative burden, noting the current monthly collection date and suggesting the group should streamline collection methods. No final policy decisions or votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• , um might require a bigger conversation, um might require a bigger conversation, but<00:27:53.120
• <00:29:57.840> about<00:29:58.080> greater<00:29:58.399> Minnesota/ conversation
• And so, you know, certainly there can be conversations.
• <00:35:17.280> to certainly there can be conversations. to certainly there can be conversations
• But on the things that we're going to be making big decisions about, more conversations.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• However, in 9 through 12, it was a more nuanced conversation.
• However, in 9 through 12, it was a more nuanced conversation.
• So the conversation in St.
• We're really leaning into those conversations.
• peers engaging in digital conversations peers engaging in digital conversations they<01:01:01.280

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Minnesota Senate Education Policy Committee heard testimony on Senate File 508, a bill to restrict cell phone use in schools. Senator Mann said the proposal was based on roundtables with school districts across the state and on reports from other states, and argued that cell phones are harming student attention, mental health, classroom culture, and student-teacher relationships. She said K-8 restrictions are broadly supported, while high school policies should be more flexible, and emphasized that districts should control implementation. The bill also includes funding for education efforts around why the restrictions are being adopted and how students can use technology responsibly. Testifiers largely supported the bill or the general goal of limiting cell phone use. Dr. Anna Tyranny, a parent and licensed psychologist, said cell phones and social media can contribute to anxiety, poor concentration, cyberbullying, and inappropriate sharing, and urged a balanced approach that includes digital literacy education. St. Cloud Area Public Schools Superintendent Laori Pam and Tech High School staff member Molly Kenzie described their district’s policies, which keep phones away for the day in elementary and middle school and restrict them during class in high school. They cited U.S. Department of Education guidance, research on mental health and sleep disruption, and the need for age-appropriate, equitable, and consistently communicated policies. St. Cloud reported that its middle school policy, piloted and then expanded districtwide, led to a 50% reduction in cell phone discipline referrals and fewer classroom power struggles. The district said high school violations remain concentrated in certain grades, especially ninth and eleventh, and that it continues to address the issue through PBIS teams. No vote or final committee action on the bill was described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kums, I've kind of dominated here the conversation, and I'm wondering if I've glossed over something
• I think this is an interesting conversation.
• I think that'd be some interesting conversation.
• I'm sure it's not going to conversation.
• So, we had a conversation about this topic at the Southernation Board meeting a couple weeks ago.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met without a quorum, so the minutes were not approved. The main presentation was from retired economics professors John Garren and Dr. Kums, who discussed their Bluegrass Institute research on teacher compensation in Kentucky since the Kentucky Education Reform Act era. They said teacher base salaries, adjusted for inflation, have declined over the last decade, while state-paid “on-behalf” benefits such as pension and health insurance contributions have risen sharply; they argued total teacher compensation has increased modestly overall, but less than per-pupil funding. They also presented broader context on staffing growth, declining average daily attendance, Kentucky’s low share of teachers among total school staff, and flat or weak NAEP and ACT performance trends, including widening white-Black score gaps on NAEP. Members questioned the methodology and interpretation of the compensation figures. Representative Bojanowski argued the on-behalf calculations may overstate teacher compensation because they include insurance and pension costs that also benefit classified employees and retirees, and he asked for clarification on the denominator used to derive the per-teacher amount. Representative Truit said the presentation could be misleading if it implies teachers earn $94,000 in salary, and he objected to framing pension stabilization payments as teacher pay. The presenters responded that they were using total compensation, not salary alone, said they had divided total personnel-related on-behalf payments by the relevant staff count, and promised to review and send a technical explanation. Representative Truit and Chairman Typton both emphasized that compensation should be viewed as salary plus benefits, not salary alone, and noted that pension contributions are part of the cost of employing teachers. The presenters said their intent was to show the full compensation package and its relevance to labor supply and teacher shortages, not to claim that individual teachers earn the total compensation figure as salary. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond the decision to revisit the minutes at a later meeting due to the lack of quorum.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we too would welcome engagement in that kind of conversation.
• And my staff had a lot of conversation about it.
• So we can have that conversation.
• Ending conversion. Therapy.
• We've had some initial conversations, but to get into the weeds on all of it, so I'm happy to have conversations

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and all the different conversation and all the different complexities<00:38:55.839> that<00:38
• around busing, I think, is outweighed by the conversation of the health of the students.
• <00:44:07.640> the is outweighed by the conversation of the is outweighed by the conversation
• is it possible um given the conversation is it possible um given the conversation this<01:12:50.560
• Okay, I always welcome a conversation with you.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was imperative to me to make sure that we had a conversation that you truly understood.
• It was imperative to me to make sure that we had a conversation that you truly understood what we were
• What I loved the most was the passion that was shared through each of the conversations.
• What I loved the most was the passion that was shared through each of the conversations and the fact
• If you're working your bill, we were having a conversation that actually turned to geography.

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met to consider three proposed committee bills under the Open Government Sunset Review Act, each aimed at preserving a public records exemption that would otherwise repeal on October 2. PCB GOS 25-01, presented by Rep. Nix, would keep confidential property photos and personal identifying information tied to applicants or participants in housing assistance programs used for disaster recovery after a presidentially declared disaster. Members discussed the need to prevent fraud and protect distressed property owners from being targeted after disasters. The bill was reported favorably. PCB GOS 25-03, presented by Rep. Sapp, would preserve the exemption for certain sensitive business information submitted to the Office of Financial Regulation for the Financial Technology Sandbox. Supporters said the confidentiality is necessary to encourage companies to submit proprietary information and participate in the program. The bill was also reported favorably. PCB GOS 25-02, presented by Rep. Weinberger on behalf of Rep. Basabe, would continue the exemption for site-specific location information concerning endangered or threatened species. Members noted the importance of protecting Florida’s unique ecosystem and preventing poaching of both animals and rare plants. This bill was likewise reported favorably. Each bill received no amendments or public testimony, and the meeting adjourned after all three were approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's just so ably served us and helped to elevate our conversations around this issue.
• And it's just so ably served us and helped to elevate our conversations around this issue.
• I appreciate the bipartisan support and the robust conversation.
• If you need to continue your conversations, you may do those outside of the chamber.
• Please take your conversations off the floor. Take your conversations off the floor.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we as LEAC staff don't believe that reducing the SEG is an effective way to approach the conversation
• Well, I think to Daniel's conversation yesterday about long term planning, we don't want to seem Sort
• It was a lively, shall I say, a lively conversation in LFC, and we need to really track that because
• That's all part of my long-term financial planning conversation from yesterday, Mr. Chair.
• It's just I think a conversation around what the acts require. And Mr.

Keywords: 996, all