Transcript Highlights:

• Regulatory accumulation without re-examination of old rules undermines confidence and mobility.
• Regulatory accumulation without re-examination of old rules undermines confidence and mobility.
• They improve it by reducing compliance. ...and mobility.
• there was... ...regulatory employees with small businesses, and one day a week, they would send them
• They had four employees in that office.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Special Committee on Regulatory Reform met as a study hearing with a quorum present but no plans to take votes. Chair Mark Wright opened by noting a draft resolution on regulatory reform and introducing Patrick McLaughlin of the Hoover Institution and Pacific Legal Foundation, who was invited to discuss his research on state regulatory accumulation and reform. McLaughlin described his method of measuring regulation through counts of binding terms like “shall” and “must,” and said Louisiana ranks among the most regulated states, with about 183,000 restrictions and faster-than-average growth in its regulatory stock. He argued that regulatory accumulation slows GDP growth, raises consumer prices, and disproportionately burdens small businesses and low-income households. McLaughlin pointed to reform models in British Columbia, Idaho, and Virginia, saying those states reduced regulations through centralized oversight, periodic review, simplified benefit-cost analysis, transparency tools, and AI-assisted comparison of rules across states. He said Virginia’s regulatory management office helped cut requirements and guidance, reduce licensing delays, and lower homebuilding costs, while similar reforms in Louisiana could produce significant economic gains. Committee members asked about the reliability of the research, the distinction between necessary and duplicative rules, the role of federal mandates, and how AI could help identify outdated or “gold-plated” regulations. McLaughlin said AI should assist human reviewers, not replace them, and emphasized that agencies need a process for reviewing old rules, not just issuing new ones. Members also discussed Louisiana’s own reform efforts, including LaDOGE, permit streamlining, and prior legislation creating public hearings and committee review of regulations. Chair Wright said he had filed a broader bill this session and was working with the administration on next steps. Representative Walters requested supporting data and examples from other states, and other members asked for practical comparisons, including how regulations affect housing, occupational licensing, and small businesses. The hearing ended without any votes or formal action.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're also asking that the operators of these swim schools conduct a safety background check on employees
• The young employees did not have the proper training or certifications or equipment for a positive life
• regulate lottery courier services which allow Texans to order official lottery tickets through a mobile
• And SB 28 adds the words or through an internet application or mobile internet application, codifying
• The selling of electronic facsimiles of Texas lottery tickets over mobile phones, on computers, via the

Bills: SB 28

Keywords: groundwater, groundwater conservation district, Water Code, Water Development Board, modeled available groundwater, aquifer, water permit, groundwater transfer, export groundwater, out-of-district transfer, management area, desired future conditions, well permit, retail public utility, potable water, emergency interconnect, subsidiary, controlled entity, aquifer management, water resources

Transcript Highlights:

• not just for businesses, but also for individuals, and allow them to continue to have that upward mobility
• And I'll use cosmetologist... ...them to continue to have that upward mobility.
• including a couple of important things for the CPA profession, like new licensure pathways, automatic mobility
• I want my employees to have that requirement.
• I want my employees to have that requirement.

Summary: The committee first took up a local beverage-license bill for the World Equestrian Center in Marion County. The sponsor described the facility’s size, economic impact, and rapid expansion, and explained that the bill would direct DBPR to issue a special license for qualifying equestrian sports facilities. After questions about whether the carve-out would set a precedent for other businesses, the sponsor said the unique facts of the facility justified the bill. An amendment narrowed the off-premises alcohol authority so the license would allow beer and wine only for off-premises sales, while still allowing on-premises sales of all alcoholic beverages and a standalone bar on the premises. The amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 16-1, with Representative Rayner voting no. The committee then heard PCS for HB 1461, a broad regulatory-reform bill that would repeal continuing education requirements for certain licensed professionals, eliminate several boards/councils/commissions at DBPR and DACS, remove some secondary licenses, and expand licensure pathways. The sponsors argued that most complaints are already handled administratively, that the boards create bureaucracy and cost, and that the bill would improve efficiency without changing initial licensure standards. Members raised concerns about whether DBPR has the subject-matter expertise to replace professional boards, especially for engineering, harbor pilots, electrical work, home inspection, architecture, interior design, and related fields, and about whether removing continuing education could weaken public safety and code compliance. Public testimony on the PCS was mixed but leaned strongly against the bill from affected professions. Opponents from architecture, electrical contracting, home inspection, geology, interior design, real estate, and related groups argued that the boards provide technical expertise, discipline, and updated knowledge tied to changing building codes and safety standards, and that continuing education is important for public protection. Some supporters, including representatives of CPAs and landscape architects, said they appreciated efforts to streamline licensing and reduce anti-competitive barriers but still had concerns about specific provisions. The committee adopted two amendments: one requiring 30 days’ notice for an address change for a prescription sales business, and a second technical amendment. No final vote on the PCS was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Board Mobile Source Program. We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Thank you.
• However, I can speak in terms of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and its further mobile source
• And that is the mobile source program; that's basically the description of it? Yes.
• So the largest driver of the expenditure growth is statutory employee compensation increases.
• Salaries and benefits and employee compensation. We value that.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Entrepreneurship and economic mobility. Today we honor their dedication and lasting impact.
• vehicle for the Committee on Transportation HB 2602 by HLT relating to the permitting and inspection of mobile
• the operation of certain nonprofit organizations for certain regional healthcare programs for the employees
• Assistance Program for the Committee on Human Services, HB 2683 by Harrison relating to the regulation of mobile
• relating to franchise tax credit and taxable entity that provides paid parental leave to the entity's employees

Transcript Highlights:

• Mobile home landlord. HB 2301. Pricing general. HB 2302. Student licensure. Commerce and Education.
• Mobile home parts. HB 2460. Business projects. HB 2467. Study committee. Legislature. Government.
• HB 2713, mobile home farmers. HB 2715, local planning residents and government.
• HB 2734, employer-employee. HB 2735, employers. Homeowners. HB 2737, chatbot regulation.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Tammy Penhollow, a board-certified anesthesiologist, pain medicine physician, and Navy veteran. Members also introduced several guests in the gallery, including school board members and representatives from Republic Services, which was highlighted for its Arizona operations, employment, and sustainability work. Attendance was recorded at 57 present, zero absent, and two excused. The main floor business consisted of reading a large number of bills and resolutions for first and second reading and referring first-read measures to committee. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including public safety, education, health and human services, water and natural resources, commerce, taxation, housing, transportation, artificial intelligence, abortion-related issues, firearms, labor, and appropriations. No substantive debate or votes on individual bills were taken during this portion of the session. Toward the end of the meeting, members made committee announcements and birthday wishes, including a birthday greeting for Representative Aaron Márquez. Committee schedules were announced for Commerce, Education, Natural Resources, Energy and Water, Government, Judiciary, Ways and Means, and others. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• We mobilized a contractor.
• We mobilized a contractor on December 19th. The road was opened on January 1st.
• We have mobilized a contractor up there. You can see we executed a contract on December 22nd.
• I had the opportunity to work on the first flood in 2007 as a federal employee, and so I'm just wondering
• I had the opportunity to work on the first flood in 2007 as a federal employee, and so I'm just wondering

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so the next big bucket, recommendations two through six, kind of focus on economic mobility, workforce
• Um, having more statewide strategy around economic mobility, not just an employer-focused one, but this
• So, our mobile career center, which is... career center, which is at Bishop State.
• a lot of companies that are really in a deficit for good employers, you know... deficit for good employees
• No, employees can take all the time they need. No, I will adhere to your timeline.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She expanded into her own storefront and immediately hired two employees.
• and meet growing customer demand. ...her own storefront and immediately hired two employees.
• under the Washington State Fire Services Mobilization Plan.
• Yes, fire service mobilization has to be reimbursed.
• And the first thing I always pay before anything else in my business is my employees.

Bills: HB2104, HB1903, HB1909, HB1982, HB2034, HB2105, HB2210, HB2215, HB2271, HB2345, HB2355, HB2384, HB2389, HB2397, HB2418, HB2429, HB2442, HB2479, HB2481, HB2681, HB2688, HB2714

Keywords: aviation, wildland fires, funding, disaster relief, emergency response, energy assistance, low-income, utility costs, state program, energy affordability, court unification, task force, Washington courts, judicial administration, court reform, access to justice, local court rules, uniformity, centralization, rural courts

Transcript Highlights:

• As someone who has had mobility challenges and been in a wheelchair and on crutches multiple times, I
• But the goal is that they are trying to meet the mobility options or improve the mobility options of
• We found mobility management and mobility managers at transit agencies doing a great job of coordinating
• So that kind of mobility manager activity really helps coordinate those kinds of services.
• And then the mobility managers actually come up with some novel approaches.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met, took roll, and heard introductory remarks from members about their districts and transportation priorities, with several senators noting congestion and mobility challenges in their regions. The committee then received a presentation from the Florida Transportation Commission on its oversight role for FDOT, including annual and quarterly performance reviews, review of the five-year work program, and monitoring of tolling and transit authorities. Members asked whether the commission gets involved in project prioritization; the answer was no, because it is statutorily limited to high-level oversight rather than day-to-day project decisions. The committee next heard two reports related to transportation disadvantaged and paratransit services. FDOT’s Melissa Smith described the statewide Transportation Disadvantaged program, its governance structure, service models, and challenges such as fragmented administration, cost, inconsistent reporting, and rural service limitations. She outlined recommendations including better use of technology, regional partnerships, improved training, and alternative delivery models like microtransit and TNC partnerships. A University of South Florida researcher, Martin Katala, discussed best practices for paratransit and demand-response service, emphasizing route optimization software, dynamic dispatching, service standards, vendor accountability, and the use of TNCs and mobility management to improve efficiency and reduce travel times. A later presentation from UF’s I-Street program focused on emerging technologies for transit, including in-cabin monitoring, automatic restraints, accessible booking and tracking tools, and the need for statewide safety standards and better driver interfaces. Finally, FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue and District 5 Secretary John Tyler provided an update on the transition of SunRail local entities. They explained the differences among commuter rail, intercity rail, and light rail, and said SunRail’s financial transition to local partners was completed on January 1, with operational transition to follow over up to three years. They contrasted that with Tri-Rail, where FDOT still funds operations and discussions about a future transition are ongoing. Members asked about the differences between SunRail, Tri-Rail, Amtrak, and Brightline, and the presenters explained that commuter rail serves regional daily commuters while intercity rail connects regions. The committee concluded without taking any formal votes or other legislative action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Amendment number eight adds to the list of exempted persons a business with fewer than 50 employees or
• before you qualify, and even under civil rights law... ...number of employees before you qualify, and
• And it's really hard to get these devices that everybody's carrying, this mobile-centric information,
• The one thing that we're looking at is the future is mobile technology.
• Amendment four would change distribution of the materials from a dedicated mobile-friendly website or

Bills: HB220, HB259, HB463, HB536, HB750, HB830, HB950

Keywords: child exploitation, online reporting, platforms, cyber crime, PROTECT Act, excavation, demolition, infrastructure repair, BEAD Program, utility damage, construction coordination, contact point, emergency services, telephone charge, wireless service, reporting requirements, communications district, wireless communication, school safety, community permits

Transcript Highlights:

• So S. 405 would require annual training for employees, contractors, volunteers, and schools in YSOs.
• ...training for employees, contractors, volunteers, and schools, and YSOs.
• Research has also examined the social and emotional impact of mobile phone use on adolescents.
• House 574, an act relative to the use of mobile devices in public school districts.
• It would keep schools from firing an employee for sexual misconduct and then giving that employee a recommendation

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on 41 bills related to school climate and safety, with chairs Jason Lewis and Ken Gordon outlining procedures and noting more than 125 witnesses. The first major topic was the “Study Act” on cell phones in schools and related social media restrictions (House 666/Senate 335). Secretary of Education Pat Tutwiler and Attorney General Andrea Campbell testified in strong support, arguing that bell-to-bell phone-free policies would improve student focus, reduce anxiety and distraction, and support mental health. Several legislators also supported the approach, though Representative Jeff Turco and Senator John Keenan emphasized narrower bills focused only on school-day phone restrictions rather than broader social media regulation. Senator John Velis likewise backed a comprehensive school-hours restriction, citing student distraction and mental health concerns. Representative Tarsky described successful implementation of a Yondr pouch system in a school where he served as principal, saying it improved engagement and reduced bullying and discipline issues. The committee then heard testimony on a bill to prohibit Native American mascots in public schools (Senate 312/House 575). Senator Joe Comerford, Brittany Wally, and Rhonda Anderson all urged passage, saying Native mascots are dehumanizing, harmful to Native youth, and inconsistent with civil rights and educational values. They described support from tribal nations and noted that many Massachusetts schools have already changed mascots, but some still resist. The hearing also included testimony on school start times (House 647/Senate 360), where middle school students Caroline Duffy and Emery Jarvis described exhaustion and survey data showing widespread sleep deprivation. Former educator Telia Jacobs, former principal Rep. Tarsky, and others argued that later start times would improve health, learning, and student well-being, while acknowledging transportation and scheduling challenges. Zoriana Petrosian, who helped write one of the bills as a student, said the state already has enough research to act now. Additional bills drew testimony on related school issues. Dr. Raul Fernandez supported a bill promoting racially integrated schools (Senate 324), citing a recent advisory council report showing large disparities in segregated schools and urging DESE to develop a statewide integration strategy. On safe firearm storage education (House 548/Senate 397), multiple witnesses from Grassroots for Gun Violence Prevention and school communities supported annual school-based education about secure storage, saying it would help prevent child access to unsecured firearms and build on local resolutions already adopted in some districts. The committee also heard testimony on bills to expand career and academic plans (House 533/Senate 438), with speakers saying more structured planning would help students make informed college and career choices. Later, testimony on child sexual abuse prevention and survivor support bills described the prevalence of abuse, the need for training in schools and youth-serving organizations, and the importance of extending compensation and prevention measures. Throughout the hearing, chairs repeatedly closed bills with no witnesses and moved the agenda forward, but no votes were taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Information produced in response to a CID may be disclosed only to authorized employees of the AGO unless
• year our office filed suit against the owner of Bikini Barista stands, who sexually harassed his employees
• We care about employees. Retail is the second-largest private employer in the state.
• We care about employees.
• Devices using ALPR systems can be mobile or stationary, placed anywhere.

Bills: SB5925, SB5906, SB6070, SB6002

Keywords: Attorney General, civil investigative demand, CID, subpoena-like demand, investigative authority, consumer protection, civil enforcement, pre-suit investigation, document production, interrogatories, deposition, oral testimony, confidentiality, trade secrets, judicial review, enforcement action, Washington RCW, law enforcement powers, government transparency, due process

Transcript Highlights:

• environment. ...primary residences to make the home safer, creating an environment with greater mobility
• If you ask the Mass EEC if there's a need for child care in the Commonwealth, or any of the employees
• We're working with one employer right now that has two shifts of employees.
• They pay their employees well.
• Their employees don't really need help with affordability, but they have... ...employees well.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing focused largely on tax-credit proposals tied to children, families, caregivers, child care, health care workforce development, and public health. A major portion of the hearing concerned bills to expand the state earned income tax credit and child and family tax credit, including H. 3073/S. 1957 and S. 1975. Testimony from advocacy groups, legal services, tax assistance organizations, and health providers supported increasing the EITC match from 40% to 50% of the federal credit, expanding eligibility to immigrant and mixed-status ITIN filers, larger families, younger and older workers, and SSI recipients, and raising the child and family tax credit to $600 per child with inflation adjustments and possible advance payments. Witnesses said these changes would reduce poverty, improve health and educational outcomes, and help families meet basic expenses; committee members asked questions about ITIN filers and expressed support for the policy goals. The committee also heard extensive testimony on S. 1938/H. 3159, An Act Supporting Family Caregivers. Speakers described the scale of unpaid caregiving in Massachusetts and supported a package that would create a refundable tax credit, respite vouchers, workplace and housing protections, unemployment insurance access for those who leave work to care for relatives, a permanent advisory council, and a provision allowing spouses to be paid caregivers under MassHealth. Several witnesses shared personal caregiving experiences, and committee members responded favorably, noting the emotional and financial strain on caregivers and the importance of supporting them as Medicaid and long-term care systems face pressure. Additional bills discussed included H. 3174 on a child and dependent care tax credit, which was presented as a way to offset the high cost of child care; H. 3197/S. 2019 to improve the financial security of family child care providers through a tax credit; H. 3218/S. 1960 to create tax credits for health care preceptors to address workforce shortages; S. 2064 to establish a living organ donor tax credit; S. 2034 to promote healthy alternatives to sugary drinks through a tiered tax; H. 3015 to create a tax-return checkoff for the YMCA Youth and Government Program; and several public testimony ideas including vaccination, literacy, and grade-improvement tax credits. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing, which ended after all testimony was heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our employee breakdown currently is that we have... 281 employees, and we have 34 vacancies, which our
• And why this matters is because there are three reasons: mobility and accessibility.
• Because state employees are still free, or is it all government employees or just state employees?
• We work with the technicians and the devices installed around the state, which can include mobile units
• It ranks potential projects based on condition, basic safety, mobility, and economic development.

Transcript Highlights:

• public education a sweet 2783 by Garcia of Dallas relating to the participation by certain county employees
• HB 2844 by Landgraf relating to the regulation of mobile food vendors requiring an occupational license
• Putting to water breaks for construction employees or contractors of contracting with a governmental
• relating to the suspension of the public public school student for engaging in conduct against an employee
• Marissa Malik Rick Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the creation of the regional mobility

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It improves workforce mobility, supports telehealth, and expands access to care without compromising
• Health care employee employers face a unique challenge.
• First as an employee health nurse and now as a nurse leader.
• First as an employee health nurse and now as a nurse leader.
• , the compact reduces administrative burden for both the state and employers, improves workforce mobility

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• California is working towards stronger integration with mobile crisis teams, improved coordination with
• Patients deserve this, employees deserve this, and the taxpayers of California deserve this.
• Patients deserve this, employees deserve this, the taxpayer of the California deserve this.
• Carlos Lopez with the California School Employees Association in support. Thank you.
• Carlos Lopez, California School Employees Association, in support. Beth Monowski, the S.A.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What happens if my mobility declines? Certainly has.
• </c> disabled police safety employees. disabled police safety employees.
• </c><01:32:02.920><c> a</c> fire department employees providing a fire department employees providing
• The key thing is that they are elected and they’re not employees.
• And so, we need a law change employees.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Reduction Fund in 2025-26 to offset the costs associated with the California Air Resources Board Mobile
• However, I can speak in terms of CARB, and it's for their mobile source program to basically limit and
• And that is the mobile source program. That's basically the description of it. Yes.
• The largest driver of the expenditure growth is statutory employee compensation increases.
• compensation increases okay is statutory employee compensation increases okay and what percentage of

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on transportation agency budget proposals and did not take any votes. The first major discussion focused on the Motor Vehicle Account shortfall and a proposed one-time $166 million transfer from the Air Pollution Control Fund and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to offset California Air Resources Board mobile source costs. Department of Finance and the LAO described the account’s long-running structural deficit, driven largely by employee compensation growth and REAL ID-related workload, while members criticized the use of Proposition 4, GGRF, and other one-time or redirected funds as backfills and urged a longer-term solution that addresses both revenues and expenditures. The committee then heard Caltrans’ request for $25 million in General Fund support to create a Clean California Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway Grant Program. Caltrans said the program would build on the prior Clean California effort by funding local litter and graffiti cleanup, community engagement, and workforce pathways for vulnerable populations. The LAO recommended rejecting the proposal, arguing that local litter abatement is not a core state responsibility and that one-time funding is unlikely to solve persistent local cleanup needs. Several members echoed those concerns, while public commenters split between support for the cleanup/employment model and calls to instead restore funding to the Active Transportation Program and transit operations. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency requested that California administratively recognize Tahoe’s federally designated population figure for state formula-based transportation funding, which would raise the population count used in formulas from 40,000 to 145,000. The agency said the change would not request new money but would better align state formulas with federal law and support a shared regional funding framework; members appeared generally supportive, though they noted the need to phase in the change to reduce impacts on other regions. The final presentation was on High-Speed Rail. The LAO reviewed the authority’s project update report, noting that it did not fully meet statutory requirements and that key details are still pending in a supplemental report expected later in the summer. The LAO said the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment still shows an estimated roughly $7 billion funding gap, with no specific plan to close it, and highlighted risks from federal review, inflation, and uncertain GGRF revenues. High-Speed Rail Authority staff said they are conducting a bottom-up review of scope, schedule, ridership, and costs, expect to provide updated information by late summer, and are exploring public-private partnerships and other financing strategies. Members stressed that no further funding commitments should be made until the updated analysis is available.