Transcript Highlights:

• We also have included a couple of family profiles, and I think these are important to just humanize what
• According to the Department of Health and Human Services, only 10.8 percent of New Mexico families are
• 35% covers everything else that education programs need to offer, like curriculum and materials, occupancy
• So we're investing in our human capital, and that's the promise.
• In my human development class, I learned that that's when the brain actually grows the most.

Bills: SB2

Keywords: SB 2, State Highway Project Bonds, highway funding, transportation bonds, state road fund, motor vehicle fees, vehicle registration fees, electric vehicle fee, EV surcharge, plug-in hybrid fee, weight distance tax, road construction, infrastructure financing, Department of Transportation, State Transportation Commission, bonding authority, county road funds, municipal road funds, transportation improvement program, state highways

Transcript Highlights:

• If you've ever seen the Frontline episode 'Sex Trafficking in America' about the human exploitation and
• That is human nature, that is reality, and that's why... ...human nature, that is reality.
• Madam Chair, just for the sake of the argument: what about address and keep the occupation but not the
• Madam Chair, just for the sake of the argument: what about address and keep the occupation but not the
• ActBlue collects occupations and employers.

Bills: SB1003, SB1006, SB1029, SB1037, SB1038, SB1039, SB1040, SB1053, SB1057, SB1060, SB1061, SB1068, SB1069

Keywords: election, canvass, certification, ballot tabulation, write-in candidates, registration, voting procedures, campaign finance, contribution limits, reporting requirements, political action committees, elections, campaign contributions, candidate committees, posthumous provisions, termination process, Arizona Revised Statutes, voting systems, vote tabulation, election security

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 379 authorizes the California Attorney General and the Department of Justice to enforce the human
• The hope is that these institutions will post the notice and help us combat human trafficking.
• And last but not least, AB 379, as amended, creates a new vertical prosecution grant program for human
• We also see that these human trafficking organizations are unaccountable.
• I think it’s really important to note that some of the highest numbers for human trafficking charges

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 7, 2025, considering a large number of bills, with several measures heard in detail before the committee moved through consent and suspense items. Early in the hearing, AB 876 by Assemblymember Flora was heard on CRNA scope of practice and anesthesia access. Supporters said it would clarify that certified registered nurse anesthetists may provide anesthesia services independently, while opponents from physician and medical groups argued that anesthesiologists and CRNAs are not interchangeable and that physician-led care is needed for patient safety. The bill was ultimately voted out, with a later vote change recorded for Mr. Tangipa from not voting to aye. The committee also heard AB 379, a major human trafficking and child exploitation bill, which would expand penalties for solicitation of a minor, create a misdemeanor for loitering with intent to purchase commercial sex, increase fines on businesses that fail to post trafficking notices or knowingly allow trafficking, create a survivor support grant program, and establish a vertical prosecution grant program. The bill drew strong support from the author and some members who emphasized tougher enforcement and victim services, but also significant opposition from sex worker and civil liberties advocates who argued the bill would worsen criminalization, disproportionately harm Black and Brown communities, and fail to address housing and other root causes. After extensive discussion, the committee voted the bill out, with one member later changing from not voting to aye. Other bills heard included AB 435 on child passenger safety, which would adopt a five-step test and update booster-seat and front-seat rules; AB 1415, which would give the Office of Health Care Affordability more access to information from health systems and private equity-related entities; AB 539, the Timely Care Act, which would extend the duration of approved prior authorizations for treatment; AB 1466, relating to groundwater adjudication and sustainability disputes; AB 127, which would tie the cap-and-trade price ceiling to the social cost of carbon; and AB 672, which would require public employers to notify PERB of certain court actions and allow intervention to protect labor rights. The committee also approved a large consent calendar and then deemed the suspense calendar approved, sending many bills onward. The hearing concluded with several bills reported out, some on call, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• late summer, early fall of 2026, where things will be substantially complete, and we anticipate occupancy
• we substantially complete, and we substantially complete, and we anticipate<00:10:55.160> occupancy
• occupancy bedrooms for youth,<00:11:27.360> their<00:11:27.560> shared<00:11:28.080>
• Each residential unit will have the single-occupancy bedrooms, flex space for virtual or other meetings
• Good morning, Nathan White, Chief Financial Officer with the Department of Health and Human Services.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: Division Three of the Finance Committee met in work session on April 20, 2026, to consider Senate Bills 481, 603, and 663, with the discussion focused primarily on SB 481, relative to the sale of the Sununu Youth Services Center property. The chair explained that the bill was advisory only and that the committee’s recommendations would go to full Finance on April 27. For SB 481, members reviewed conflicting provisions in the prior budget law about whether sale proceeds should go to the general fund or the Youth Development Center Claims and Administration Settlement Fund, and the bill was described as a compromise that would direct proceeds to the general fund before June 30, 2027, and to the settlement fund after that date. It was noted that the settlement fund had originally received about $20 million and had roughly $10 million remaining. The committee also received an extensive update from DCYF Director Marie Noonan on the new Youth Development Center in Hampstead. She reported that construction remained on schedule, with major structural and interior work complete, substantial completion expected in late summer or early fall 2026, and occupancy anticipated in early 2027. The presentation highlighted the facility’s design features, including single-occupancy bedrooms, sensory rooms, an education wing, medical and clinical suites, visitation space, a gym, and multiple outdoor courtyards, all intended to support a trauma-informed setting. Members asked about the facility’s funding, square footage, fencing, and scanner; staff said the building is about 34,000 square feet, funded entirely with federal ARPA state recovery funds to date, and that the scanner is on site but not yet operational pending policy and staff training. Committee members also raised concerns about the facility’s design and security. In response, DCYF said some concrete walls are required for structural and safety reasons, but they are being painted to maintain a brighter environment, and that the fencing will be about 15 feet high with privacy netting because the campus is shared with Hampstead. Officials said the new facility is legislatively limited to a maximum of 12 youth, while the current center can house 12 to 18, and emphasized that courts ultimately determine placements. No votes or final actions were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• really pays off, is that we have a capability of picking up people in the street and doing this in a humane
• do<00:35:22.520> this<00:35:22.680> in<00:35:22.760> a<00:35:22.920> humane
• street and and and do this in a humane street and and and do this in a humane way<00:35:23.839><
• In my first few months in office, we gave a certificate of occupancy for Kanani High School in Kihei
• or else that school would occupancy or else that school would still<01:26:36.639> be<01:26:36.800

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Motion is do pass as amended to the Senate Human Services Committee.
• Motion is do pass as amended to the Senate Human Services Committee.
• And human trafficking often gets left behind, or it's just added on.
• And human trafficking often gets left behind, or it's just added on.
• To the Senate Human Services Committee.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Baker Center for Human Rights. James King with the L.A.
• Baker Center for Human Rights and respectful opposition.
• It is a human bill that we must continue to move along.
• I'm the staff attorney at the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights.
• At the end of the hours-long occupation, the agents left.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• our triple joint committee with Energy, Intergovernmental Affairs, our friends from the Health and Human
• For Health and Human Services, same recommendation. Vice Chair votes aye. Chair votes aye.
• We are now on the 1:06 p.m. agenda of the joint committees on Housing and Health and Human Services.
• The joint committees on Housing and Health and Human Services are back for decision making.
• For Health and Human Services, same recommendation: pass with amendments.

Bills: HB1700

Keywords: housing, expedited permits, disabilities, access, functional needs, local government, affordable housing, reporting requirements, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Housing and Health and Human Services, along with related committees, heard and later took action on three housing bills. HB 1700 HD1, relating to housing and expedited permitting, received support from disability advocates, including the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and a self-advocate who said faster permitting would help people with disabilities access more independent living options. The chairs said they would add amendments to ensure expedited permitting would not compromise ADA or Fair Housing Act protections and to require reporting on the number, type, and geographic distribution of projects so the program could be evaluated over time. The measure was recommended and adopted with amendments by the participating committees. HB 1777 HD2, which would require tenant protections for residents displaced by HHFDC-supported redevelopment projects, drew support from HHFDC, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Parents and Children Together, and numerous other organizations. Testimony emphasized the need for a right of first offer, replacement housing payments, relocation information, and tracking procedures to reduce displacement harms, especially for Native Hawaiian and public housing residents. In decision-making, the committees amended the bill to incorporate the Senate companion measure, rename the working group as the tenant protection working group, broaden its duties, and include a $75,000 appropriation for working group expenses. The committees also noted concerns about unequal treatment between tenants in publicly supported projects and private redevelopments, and referenced the KPT low-rise redevelopment as an example where required relocation assistance still did not proceed smoothly. The bill was recommended and adopted with amendments. HB 1975 HD1, relating to kupuna housing, would repeal the sunset on the state rent supplement program for kupuna, appropriate funds to HPHA, and add positions to support the program. HPHA, the Executive Office on Aging, OHA, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, Aloha Independent Living Hawaii, and others testified in support, with Catholic Charities describing how the subsidy helped a senior remain housed through major medical issues. The committees later recommended passage with amendments, including a technical correction to the number of positions and a date fix, and the recommendation was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a human service representative.
• Because I work in human services and I'm a frontline worker, I really see the impacts of what these services
• business barrier for business investment in Minnesota, which would have a negative impact on building occupancy
• :13:11.560> impact<00:13:12.040> on<00:13:12.160> building<00:13:12.560> occupancy
• negative impact on building occupancy. negative impact on building occupancy.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 4845 was presented as a tax modernization and local aid bill that would adjust Minnesota income tax brackets for inflation, add a new top bracket of 10.85% for high earners, and increase local government aid and county program aid beginning in 2026. Representative Hollins said the bill would strengthen local government funding and require the Department of Revenue to recertify aid distributions. The chair noted the bill would be laid over for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill. Supporters, including St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter? no, Mayor Kelly Her of St. Paul, AFSCME Local 34, and Rebuild Minnesota, argued that cities and counties need more stable revenue to cover rising costs, public safety, human services, and property tax pressure. They said the bill would help local governments meet unmet needs and reduce reliance on property taxes. Opponents from the Minnesota Business Partnership and Minnesota Chamber of Commerce argued the new top rate would hurt competitiveness, talent recruitment, and business investment, especially because many businesses pay through the individual income tax code. Some testifiers also opposed directing more aid to cities that they said restrict housing development, while others urged the committee to address unfunded mandates and fraud instead of raising taxes. During member discussion, Representative Joyce opposed creating another bracket and suggested using cannabis tax revenue instead. Representative Wiener said the state has a spending problem and cited fraud concerns, while Representative Roach questioned whether the bill truly helped greater Minnesota and noted the current LGA appropriation is just over $644 million. Representative Hollins responded that the proposal would mostly benefit greater Minnesota by shifting more of the tax burden to high earners in the metro area. No vote was taken; the bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• In many cases, this results in under-collection of the local portion of the hotel occupancy tax for counties
• : Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1592, relating to the collection of state and local hotel occupancy
• : Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1592, relating to the collection of state and local hotel occupancy
• This bill requires early voting clerks to alert the Health and Human Services Commission.
• This bill requires early voting clerks to alert the Health and Human Services Commission when a mail-in

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, received a House message that H.B. 422 had passed the House, and heard gubernatorial nominations for the Council on Sex Offender Treatment. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day and several visiting groups and adopted a resolution designating June 20, 2025, as Texas Nuclear Legislative Day. Members then considered and passed several bills and resolutions, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. SB 311 passed to final passage on the Texas Supreme Court’s writ power. SB 883, on off-label prescription access for COVID-19 treatment, passed to engrossment. SB 1706, creating an Open Meetings Act exception for certain defense, military, and aerospace deliberations, passed despite concerns from Sen. Eckhardt that the bill’s use of “deliberate” could weaken open-government protections. CS SB 1677, directing a study on diabetes-related amputations, passed with support from Sen. Menendez. SB 1967 expanded flood infrastructure fund eligibility to certain multipurpose projects, and SB 1255, a cleanup bill on mold assessor and remediator regulation, passed unanimously. The Senate also approved CS SJR 40 and CS SB 871, which would change emergency and disaster law to require legislative involvement after prolonged or widespread emergencies and to limit gubernatorial suspension powers, with Sen. Eckhardt questioning whether the bill could slow urgent business closures during a disaster. Additional measures passed included SB 1426 transferring management of the First Capital State Historic Site to the Texas Historical Commission, SB 249 requiring TxDOT to fund memorial markers for fallen peace officers, SB 1592 centralizing collection of hotel occupancy taxes from accommodation intermediaries, SB 1271 allowing concurrent jurisdiction on military installations for certain juvenile matters, SB 745 creating a higher penalty for intoxication manslaughter involving multiple deaths, SB 365 shortening the academic fresh start waiting period at public colleges, and SB 1171 adjusting compensation and standards for certain Texas Juvenile Justice Department inspector general employees. CS SB 36, creating a Homeland Security Division within DPS, passed after questions about its relationship to federal homeland security and its focus on border security and critical infrastructure. The latter part of the session focused heavily on CS SB 38, a major eviction and squatter-related bill. Sen. Bettencourt described widespread squatter cases and argued the bill, with a Moody amendment, would clarify notice and eviction procedures while balancing property-owner and tenant rights. Sen. West said he supported addressing squatters but worried the broader eviction changes could harm vulnerable renters, especially single mothers, and said he would vote present not voting. The discussion continued with additional testimony from Sen. Kolkhorst about the need for a balanced eviction process.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an occupation. People are being kidnapped, not detained, not arrested, kidnapped.
• It's an occupation.<01:10:15.920> People<01:10:16.159> are<01:10:16.320> being<01
• :10:16.560> kidnapped, occupation.
• People are being kidnapped, occupation.
• very humanity very humanity because<01:43:30.639> when<01:43:30.880> you<01:43:31.119

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Item D2 are the discretionary grants presented by the Department of Human Services.
• "For the human development centers. Yes, that was DDS.
• This is for dental services with the Arkadelphia Human Development Center.
• This is physician services at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center.
• This is physician services at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He believed that if we truly recognize the value within another human being, we can overcome differences
• The value within another human being can help us overcome differences, elevate one another, and accomplish
• ground with one another, and the humility to recognize the dignity and value inherent in every single human
• S-1493 by Senator Cryan updates requirements for licensure in occupational therapy.
• Beach requires the New York, New Jersey, 2026 World Cup Hosting Committee to submit reports concerning human

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• definition, has reached a level where it can make its own decisions, undetermined and uninstructed by humans
• 627 relates to removing obsolete language from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation's Occupation
• Lieutenant Governor Patrick to address workforce development. matters across all professions and occupations

Bills: SB 21, SB21, SB72, SB140, SB262, SB370, SB372, SB495, SB627, SB703, SB764, SB842

Keywords: emergency alerts, weather alerts, public safety, local government, municipality, county, website posting, online notice, emergency management, disaster preparedness, evacuation, National Weather Service, NOAA, Texas Division of Emergency Management, TDEM, localized alerts, hazard warnings, severe weather, watch warning advisory, public information

Transcript Highlights:

• If that happens, we could be staring down. the next deadly human influenza pandemic.
• to increase high-quality and groundbreaking research within the state of Texas to help improve the human
• groups. and is projected to grow 27.6% faster than all other state occupations.
• I really emphasize that in our Health and Human Services Committee.
• In particular, the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy, Doctorate of Physical Therapy, the Physician's

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We care about them as human beings. And I think that's one of the takeaways.
• It also means aligning with those high-need occupations.
• We've done this before with Bobcat, with the Health and Human Services, in the way that we were approached
• Christine Stephan, I'm Associate Dean for Research in the College of Health and Human Sciences.
• that, you know, maybe they might have Programs are certainly an in-demand occupation that maybe they

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In this case, it's changed to the occupancy ends at 30 days after the issuance of the certificate of
• occupancy.
• shall expire for the for the occupancy shall expire for the for the um<02:34:50.160> manufactured
• <02:34:58.800> In occupancy whichever occurs first. In occupancy whichever occurs first.
• So, it's actually in in some occupancy.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion is due pass to the Human Services Committee. Fong: Aye. DeMaio: Aye.
• The motion is due pass to the Human Services Committee. Burner: Aye. Berner, aye. Merci: Aye.
• The motion is due pass as amended to the Human Services Committee. Fong: Aye. Fong, aye.
• Due pass to the Human Services Committee. Patel, aye. Celeste Rodriguez, aye.
• File Item No. 12, SB 761, the motion is due pass as amended to the Human Services Committee.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several Senate measures focused on student access, workforce needs, and institutional stability. Senator Laird presented SJR 4, which urges the federal government to restore NIH funding cuts and protect California’s research universities; UC testified in support and there was no opposition. Senator Ashby presented SB 761, the CalFresh for Students Act, to connect Cal Grant applicants with potential CalFresh eligibility and expand qualifying programs; the bill drew broad support from higher education, student, anti-hunger, and county groups, with members sharing personal experiences with food insecurity and no opposition. Senator Cabaldon presented SB 520 to create a California Nurse Midwifery Education Fund for a new master’s-level nurse midwifery program, citing maternal health disparities and provider shortages, especially in rural and Central Valley communities. Supporters from the California Nurse Midwives Association and the Black Wellness and Prosperity Center emphasized workforce shortages and maternal mortality; one member raised concerns about the bill’s use of inclusive language, but the bill was otherwise well received. Cabaldon also presented SB 640, which would create a statewide direct admissions process to CSU for eligible high school seniors using existing data systems; supporters said it would reduce barriers, improve equity, and help declining-enrollment campuses, while members raised questions about special education students, rural access, dual enrollment, and measuring effectiveness. The committee voted SB 640 out on a 6-0 roll call. Cabaldon’s SB 744 would preserve California students’ access to enrollment and financial aid if a federally recognized accrediting agency loses approval, by treating affected institutions as accredited for state purposes; the bill drew no public testimony and advanced on a 4-2 roll call. Senator Cortese’s SB 494 would require classified school employees’ disciplinary appeals to be heard by an administrative law judge, matching protections already available to teachers and community college faculty; labor groups supported the bill, while school districts and administrators opposed it over cost, local control, and implementation concerns. The committee also heard SB 550, a revised pilot to allow San Jose State and a nonprofit, state-accredited law school to jointly develop a public law school pathway; supporters argued it would expand affordable legal education and public-interest careers, while UC and independent colleges opposed it as inconsistent with the Master Plan. Members debated access, jurisdiction, funding, and bar pass rates, and the bill advanced on a 4-2 roll call to the Judiciary Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item D2 are the discretionary grants presented by the Department of Human Services.
• For the human development centers? That was DDS, yes, sir.
• For the human development centers? Yes. That was DDS, yes, sir.
• This is for dental services with the Arkadelphia Human Development Center.
• This is physician services at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center.

Summary: The subcommittee reviewed multiple methods of finance and construction items, including projects for Arkansas State University, Black River Technical College, UAMS, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and UCA. The UAPB Allied Health and Sciences Building appeared both as a method of finance and as an alternative delivery construction project, with East Harding Construction selected and AMR Architects as designer. Members approved the methods of finance, the alternative delivery project, and several discretionary grants, including Department of Health grants for a heart attack center designation and community health worker training, and DHS grants related to homeless services, behavioral health transition support, and an enabling technology pilot. The committee then reviewed service contracts, including RFQs, construction-related contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and a large number of out-of-state and in-state contracts. Testimony focused heavily on DHS staffing and state hospital contracts, the Arkansas State Police seatbelt survey, AEDC’s lithium supply chain analysis, and Shared Administrative Services’ new SuccessFactors performance-management contract. Members asked detailed questions about contract nursing costs, turnover, hiring timelines, and whether some contracts were being renewed or amended beyond their original projected costs. DHS and Veterans Affairs officials explained staffing shortages, retention incentives, and the use of contract labor as a supplement to state employees. Several contracts drew scrutiny and were held for further review. Representative Wardlaw raised concerns about projected costs and repeated amendments on the Department of Education security contract and on DHS staffing contracts, arguing that some had exceeded their original projected totals. The committee voted to hold contracts 5, 7, and 8 until Friday, while adopting the remaining contracts. The meeting ended after informational reports on service contract amendments without material change, executed contracts, and emergency procurements were presented, with no further business before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• suffered enslavement and subsequent injustices such as lynch mobs, segregation, and the denial of basic human
• Health Services: House Bills 488 and 491; to the Judiciary: House Bills 493 and 521; to Licensing, Occupations
• <00:41:29.280> to<00:41:29.440> licensing,<00:41:29.920> occupations,<00:41:
• 30.560> and and 521. to licensing, occupations, and and 521. to licensing, occupations, and administrative

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 04:18 Report of Committees 05:09 Orders of the Day 06:40 HB 169 06:50 HB 393 13:08 HB 194 15:43 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 24:38 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 35:23 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 38:09 ConC/Rules Report 40:57 Floor Amendments 42:04 Adjournment 42:20, 958, all

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded 95 members present, approved the prior journal, and received notice from the Senate that Senate Bills 1 and 3 had passed and were sent over for concurrence. Committee reports advanced a number of bills on housing, local purchasing, health care credentials, postsecondary education, school bus safety, special license plates, milk transportation, veteran PTSD treatment, and the Kentucky Fire Commission, with several reported with committee substitutes. The chamber then considered House Bill 169 on coverage for feeding or eating disorders. The sponsor explained that the bill addresses insurance coverage decisions tied to body mass index by requiring BMI to be considered alongside another factor, such as depression, anxiety, or family circumstances, and said the committee substitute clarified that one factor alone could not control the decision. The substitute was adopted, and the bill passed 95-0. House Bill 393, which updates the Alzheimer’s and related dementias council, adds a caregiver seat, and requires an annual action project including an early detection toolkit, also passed unanimously, 95-0. House Bill 194, relating to cigar bars, drew the most discussion. The sponsor said the bill does not repeal existing smoke-free ordinances, but creates a narrow exemption for tightly defined cigar bars, with a 25% gross revenue threshold from cigar-related sales, age restrictions, local permitting options, smoke containment requirements, and signage. Members asked about local authority, other tobacco products, and whether the bill could affect smoking bans; supporters emphasized the narrow scope and personal choice, while opponents said their districts’ smoking bans and constituent concerns led them to vote no. The bill passed 69-24. The House then applied the clincher and moved to announcements, including committee schedule notices, a Small Business Day event, receptions, and citations recognizing National School Counseling Week, the KBLC Black History Celebration, and memorializing Brandy Engles.