Transcript Highlights:

• Whatever the committee's... would prefer, but there will have to be some changes. Okay.
• I would prefer just a show of hands.
• There might be an amendment, but we don't get to vote on it. The judiciary gets to vote on it.
• I'm fine with if you just do a show of hands from the audience and vote.
• Go ahead and do the vote. All right, we'll go to the committee.

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill further stipulates that the court must give preference, must give preference to the motion.
• At our last hearing, or our last formal meeting, we voted on Senate Bill 1530.
• And so, at this time, the Vice Chair, Senator Johnson, moves to reconsider the vote.
• And now, again, this is a bill we already voted at. We just want to get the paperwork. Right?
• Y'all had to go ahead and vote right again.

Bills: SB387 , SB1650 , SB1838 , SB1839 , SB1923 , SB1940 , SB2052

Committee: Senate Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:

• , I would have to get back to you on that, as we represent an association, and we'd have to have a vote
• The exemption from the REET is exempt from the automatic 10-year expiration of tax preferences, and a
• tax preference statement is specified in the bill.
• The exemption from the REIT is exempt from the automatic 10-year expiration of tax preferences, and a
• tax preference statement is specified in the bill.

Summary: The committee heard public hearing testimony on House Bill 2265, which would expand tenant protections during extreme heat. Staff explained that the bill would bar landlords from restricting portable cooling devices, require written notice of tenant rights and landlord immunity for tenant-installed devices, add a cooling duty under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, and prohibit sheriffs from physically evicting tenants during defined extreme heat periods. Representative Mena said the bill responds to the 2021 heat dome and is intended to address a gap in housing law, while committee members and the sponsor discussed unresolved questions about what “reasonably required” cooling means, how the eviction pause would work, and whether the bill could raise rents or create liability and operational burdens for landlords. Supporters, including climate, public health, tenant, and clean energy advocates, said extreme heat is a growing health threat and that renters need a right to cooling; opponents from multifamily housing, property management, and rental housing groups argued the bill is too vague, could effectively mandate costly cooling upgrades, create safety and insurance issues, and complicate eviction enforcement. The hearing also included testimony from landlords and housing providers who said the bill should be narrowed or amended, and from tenants and advocates who said it does not go far enough because it mostly permits tenant-installed cooling rather than requiring landlords to provide it. The committee then heard House Bill 1974, a proposed substitute authorizing land banks. Staff described the bill as allowing public corporations, housing authorities, and nonprofit corporations to acquire, hold, improve, lease, transfer, or dispose of property for affordable housing, with 30-year affordability requirements, annual reporting, tax exemptions, and priority transfer of certain tax-foreclosed properties. Vice Chair Hill said the bill was scaled back from earlier versions and is meant to create a flexible tool for turning difficult parcels into housing-ready land aligned with local housing plans. Testifiers from the Spokane Regional Land Bank, housing authorities, developers, youth shelter providers, and housing advocates supported the bill as a way to lower land costs, clear title issues, reduce displacement, and create a pipeline of permanently affordable housing. A counties representative also supported the concept but said they would like the grant program restored. One committee member raised a question about whether the tax-foreclosed property language could bypass the normal surplus distribution process, and staff said the provision is placed in the chapter governing properties that have already gone through foreclosure and auction, though the wording may need further review. Finally, the committee opened House Bill 2452, which would change how rent increase notices are served. Staff said the bill would remove the current requirement that rent increase notices be served like unlawful detainer notices and instead allow service by personal delivery, mail, or posting on the dwelling unit, with service by mail complete when deposited in the mail; the manufactured home version would follow the general notice rules under that act. Representative Connors said the bill responds to problems created when prior legislation required certified mail, which she said has led to tenants not receiving notices and housing providers facing higher costs and administrative burdens. Housing provider and industry witnesses supported the bill, saying certified mail is expensive, inefficient, and often not actually received, while tenant advocates opposed it, arguing that mail-only service weakens notice protections and can cause missed rent increases and displacement; they urged the committee to preserve stronger in-person or posting requirements. Some witnesses also suggested broader changes, including electronic notice, while others said the bill should be expanded to fix certified mail requirements for more than just rent increase notices.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:05:57.840><c> the</c><02:05:58.119><c> chair's</c> vote voting on HB 739 the chair's vote voting
• </c> R Cochran are there any members voting R Cochran are there any members voting no<02:06:06.960><c
• members voting members voting no<02:10:42.320><c> with</c> reservations<02:10:47.119><c> chair</c><02
• ><02:17:45.319><c> chair's</c> vote voting on HB 1325 chair's vote voting on HB 1325 chair's recommendation
• comments Vice chair for the vote voting comments Vice chair for the vote voting on<02:22:46.880><c> hb1

Committee: House Housing

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing and moved quickly through a long agenda, beginning with HB 606 on the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. DHHL and several community testifiers strongly supported the bill, describing it as a way to fulfill long-standing promises to Native Hawaiians, reduce the DHHL waitlist, keep families in Hawaii, and support housing production and the broader economy. Testifiers emphasized the cultural and economic importance of stable housing and noted the large number of people still waiting for DHHL homes. The committee then heard HB 1086, also relating to DHHL, which would allow the department to use a $75 million appropriation from the dwelling unit revolving fund as collateral for loans. DHHL, HHFDC, and other supporters said the measure would help DHHL obtain better loan terms and preserve trust funds for other uses. Members asked detailed questions about how the collateral would work, whether other agencies use similar structures, and what would happen if the collateral were drawn upon; staff explained that the funds would be encumbered for the loan and that a similar model had been used for a HUD-backed project. The committee also heard HB 739, which would create the COM homes program to fund counties to buy voluntary deed restrictions from eligible homeowners or buyers. Supporters said the program could help keep local workers in Hawaii by using existing housing stock and cited examples from places like Aspen and Vail. The Attorney General’s office recommended amendments to remove duration requirements to avoid right-to-travel concerns, and the Tax Foundation suggested clarifying the conveyance tax exemption so it also covers the instrument imposing the restriction. Members asked whether tax dollars would be used to buy homes, who would be eligible, and how enforcement would work; supporters said the program is voluntary and income-blind, with restrictions tied to living and working in the state. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So vote yes. Members, different options. So vote yes.
• So yeah, vote for the practice.
• Vote<00:32:44.880><c> green.</c> Vote green.
• Members, please vote. Members, please vote.
• &gt;&gt; Hussein votes I. Mani Hiltsley. &gt;&gt; Hussein votes I. Mani Hiltsley.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to make an intelligent educated vote today. You need to know all the facts, not one side.
• What I prefer to look at in the way that I prefer to look at the data is like this.
• Senator, as chairman of the acting chairman of the committee, I would prefer that the wildlife address
• I'm going to vote yes.
• Senator Logan, do you care to vote? Senator Peterson, Senator Murdock, 9 nays.

Bills: HB3270 , HB3145 , HB3056

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Wildlife

Keywords: farmed cervidae, chronic wasting disease, genetic resistance, wildlife management, agriculture, wildlife tagging, hunting regulations, Cervidae family, feral swine, exotic wildlife, conservation, commercial hunting, raw milk, unpasteurized, farm sales, Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act, local producers, advertising

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Madam Chair and the vote, something that is again going back. >> It's been referenced a couple
• But preferences and needs of the providers are also extremely important and like 10% before they felt
• and so on November, the 19th 2025 the Executive Steering Committee which is made up of agencies of voted
• The next executive steering committee is actually a week from today on that agenda will be a vote to
• And so we will be taking that vote next week assuming they vote to move forward with full uht.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, um, we're register to vote.
• ,"</c> for you taking the time to vote," for you taking the time to vote," unquote.<01:41:55.199><c>
• This bill expands the for their votes.
• Importantly, the register to vote.
• </c> Contractors and building owners prefer Contractors and building owners prefer that<02:49:03.520>

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• convicted and are seeking to restore their voting rights.
• You can go and register to vote if you've never registered to vote.
• And again, this body itself, many of the people in this room voted for legislation that this room voted
• voted on.
• That would be my preference to vote on that amendment. I think there's a lot of difference.

Bills: HB265 , HB146 , SB254 , HB202 , HB3 , HB42 , SB18

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote, Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 678 is reported favorably.
• I'll be voting yes. Thank you. Any further debate?
• I can't vote for this bill.
• Did I vote? Yes. By your vote, Senate Bill 1244 is reported favorably.
• I wish to vote in the negative for a vote. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Tourism

Summary: The committee first took up SB 702, as amended by a strike-all amendment on digital content provenance and authenticity. Senator Burgess said the bill would require generative AI providers to add provenance data to content wholly generated by AI, allow provenance tags on AI-modified images, require social media platforms to retain and display provenance data in an accessible format, and apply content credentials to online election advertisements. He also described a two-year pilot program for the Division of Emergency Management to test provenance data in emergency communications, and said the bill would be enforced only by the Attorney General with no private right of action. Supporters from Microsoft and Adobe waived in support, while TechNet and the James Madison Institute raised concerns about broad definitions, implementation burdens, and the possibility that the rules could be easily circumvented. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS for SB 702 favorably. The committee next considered CS for SB 282 on home and service warranty association financial requirements, which would allow extended warranty companies to use multiple insurance policies to back obligations and let companies with a $100 million net worth satisfy proof requirements through SEC filings or an audited financial statement. The Florida Service Agreement Association supported the bill, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee also passed CS for SB 678, which allows pawnbroker transaction forms to be printed or digital; the Florida Pawnbrokers Association and a business representative supported the change, the amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1132, the Portable Wireless Device Repair Act, which would require manufacturers to provide diagnostic tools, repair information, and parts to owners and independent repair providers, and would also extend right-to-repair concepts to agricultural equipment through an amendment. Supporters argued the bill would expand consumer choice and repair access, while opponents including TechNet, the Repair Done Right Coalition, the James Madison Institute, and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance warned about privacy, cybersecurity, trade secret, safety, and compliance concerns. After debate, the committee reported CS for SB 1132 favorably. Finally, the committee took up SB 676, which would create a framework for employees to knowingly and voluntarily waive the Florida minimum wage in certain internship, apprenticeship, and work-study settings, with a parent or guardian sign-off for minors. The sponsor said the bill was intended to expand job training and first-job opportunities for young people and others seeking experience, but multiple speakers and senators argued it conflicted with the Florida Constitution and existing case law, could be exploited by employers, and would undermine the voter-approved minimum wage. The committee continued extensive debate on the bill, with strong opposition testimony and questions about constitutionality, definitions, and enforcement.

Transcript Highlights:

• Everyone who has one planted acre gets one vote per planted acre.
• So there are roughly 48,000 planted acres in Napa County—48,000 votes to up or down on CSA4.
• So even though every one of the growers participates in the operating costs, they don't get any preference
• While 100% farmworker projects were the norm for us in past decades, our preference today is to plan
• We prefer to put 25% to 30% farmworker units into our projects, but the current system does not really

Summary: The committee held an outcomes review hearing on AB 457 and related farmworker and rural housing policy, with members and witnesses discussing whether recent streamlining laws are actually increasing production. Chair Haney, Assembly Members Soria and Pellerin, and others described the purpose of AB 457 and its predecessor bills AB 1783 and AB 3035: to make farmworker housing easier to build through ministerial approval and other reforms. Witnesses emphasized that farmworkers face severe overcrowding, high rents, long commutes, and limited access to housing in both rural and coastal agricultural regions. The first panel focused on practical barriers and local models. Napa County described its county-owned farmworker centers, which provide nightly lodging, meals, and services, funded by lodger fees, a grower assessment, and state support. Testimony stressed that these centers function as navigation hubs rather than permanent housing, and that stable, inflation-adjusted operating funding, language access, transportation, and local set-asides are critical. United Farm Workers urged that local farmworkers be prioritized over H-2A workers and warned against displacing long-term resident workers. Several witnesses said the biggest barriers remain infrastructure, land costs, local opposition, and insufficient subsidy rather than approval streamlining alone. The second and third panels addressed AB 457’s implementation and broader state funding issues. Santa Clara County said the bill could help on a county-owned Gilroy site, but financing remains the main obstacle. Self-Help Enterprises said AB 457’s expanded geography and project-size rules may help future sites, but rural projects still struggle with water, sewer, and environmental review costs, and with the state’s Super NOFA process, which tends to favor deeper-income projects that do not match farmworker household incomes. HCD reported that CERNA and other programs have increased farmworker housing production in recent years, but witnesses argued that rural regions still receive too little funding, that infrastructure dollars are too fragmented, and that more rural-specific set-asides, local funding incentives, and predictable allocations are needed. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• May 16, 2026, will go before the vote of the people.
• Well, I mean, I understand that this body has to balance preferences and priorities, and so the same
• But nationally, PBS has been voted number one in public trust.
• We've never had race-based preferences in, Dr.
• Reed: Pre- and post-Supreme Court ruling, we've never had race-based preferences in our admissions.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee met on March 17 to review the FY27 budgets for the Department of Education and several special schools and commissions. Fiscal staff outlined the Department of Education’s roughly $6.4 billion budget, noting that most funding goes to the Minimum Foundation Program and subgrantee assistance. Major changes discussed included the removal of one-time teacher pay stipends, increases for the LA GATOR scholarship program, and projected adjustments in early childhood funding. Members also reviewed the constitutional amendment proposal tied to using about $2 billion to pay down teacher retirement obligations and provide future teacher pay raises. Dr. Cade Brumley testified that Louisiana’s education outcomes have improved and answered questions on math performance, charter school funding, the LA GATOR scholarship, and the special education Choice program. Members pressed the department on the sustainability and balance of funding between LA GATOR and Choice, the number of applicants and current recipients, and outreach efforts. Brumley said charter schools are funded through the MFP like other public schools, that LA GATOR currently serves about 5,500 students with applications recently reaching about 17,000, and that the Choice program serves about 500 students with a waiting list of about 700 applicants. He also said the department would implement whatever funding levels the legislature approves. The committee then heard the special schools and commissions budget, including the Special School District, Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, Thrive Academy, École Pointe-au-Chien, Louisiana Public Broadcasting, and BESE. Testimony focused on facility needs, enrollment, and program outcomes. LSU? No—LSM leaders described urgent roof and ceiling repairs estimated at about $800,000, while Thrive Academy highlighted student achievement, community service requirements, and economic impact. LPB said it is facing a federal funding loss of about $2.5 million and is responding with higher Passport fees, underwriting, and private fundraising. BESE’s small staff and administrative role were also explained, with members asking about board operations and the use of statutory dedication funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• So by a vote of five to four, it's been changed back to...
• By a vote of 6 to 3, you have a due pass recommendation. Thank you.
• And by a vote of eight to one, do pass recorded. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• There is not a specific preference in the bill for New Mexico residents.
• So by vote of 10 to 0, you have a due pass recommendation.

Bills: SB20 , SB111 , SB211 , SB218 , SB14

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Keywords: prior authorization, pharmacy benefits manager, PBM, health insurer, prescription drugs, step therapy, formulary, auto-adjudication, electronic portal, appeals, medical necessity, serious mental illness, mental health, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, substance use disorder, addiction treatment, cancer, autoimmune disorder

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, the vote out of committee was 5-0-0, and we ask for the support of the Senate.
• So, we're going to vote on that, and then 710 will be passed again.
• </c> impact and identification of preferred impact and identification of preferred site<00:47:53.520>
• And we would ask the Senate for your support on a vote of 6-0 out of Senate Education.
• </c><01:15:16.560><c> of</c><01:15:16.840><c> 6-0</c> support on a vote of 6-0 support on a vote of 6

Transcript Highlights:

• Those voting yes, 26. Those voting no, 2.
• Those voting no, Those voting yes, 26.
• Those voting yes, 26. Those voting no, zero.
• Those voting yes, 28. Those voting no, zero.
• Those voting no, Those voting yes, 28.

Transcript Highlights:

• And by your Vote Cs for Cs for SB 714, is reported favorably.
• And by your Vote CS for SB 756, is reported favorably. Next.
• And by your Vote Cs for Cs for SB 1356, is reported favorably.
• That just would prefer not to have maybe some membership.
• And by your Vote, Cs for Cs SB 10 is reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• We respectfully ask for your I vote. Thank you. Thank you.
• Respectfully ask for your aye vote. I cannot see you, Madam Chair.
• I just respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you. Thank you.
• I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you. Motion and second.
• With that, Madam Chair, I respectfully request your aye vote. Request your aye vote.

Committee: House Health

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard and advanced a series of health-related bills. Early items included AB 583, which would allow nurse practitioners to sign death certificates; AB 492, requiring DHCS to notify local governments when new alcohol or drug recovery treatment facilities are licensed; and AB 280, which would require health plans to improve the accuracy of provider directories through annual verification, enforceable benchmarks, and penalties. Supporters for AB 280 described serious access problems caused by inaccurate “ghost networks,” while health plans and insurers opposed the bill as placing too much responsibility on plans without enough provider participation. AB 636, expanding Medi-Cal coverage for medically necessary diapers for children, also moved forward with support from food banks and anti-poverty advocates. AB 1041, streamlining physician credentialing with a uniform form and deadlines, and AB 787, requiring health plans to help members find in-network providers more quickly, likewise passed out of committee. The committee also approved AB 4, which would allow income-eligible Californians regardless of immigration status to buy coverage through Covered California, and AB 29, which would authorize community health workers and doulas to receive Medi-Cal reimbursement for ACEs screenings. Both bills drew broad support from immigrant-rights, health access, and community-based organizations. AB 416, allowing emergency physicians to place 5150 holds in certain circumstances, passed after supporters argued it would reduce emergency department bottlenecks and opponents warned it could increase unnecessary involuntary hospitalization and transfers to locked psychiatric facilities. Members raised questions about county oversight and training, but the bill advanced on a unanimous vote. Finally, AB 460, modernizing radiology supervision rules to allow real-time remote physician supervision for contrast administration with on-site staff available for emergencies, was approved with no opposition. Across the hearing, committee members repeatedly emphasized access to care, administrative simplification, and consumer transparency, while opponents generally raised concerns about implementation, provider participation, oversight, and unintended consequences. Most measures were reported out on party-line or near-unanimous votes and sent to Appropriations or Judiciary as noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know if you'd prefer me to take questions now or hand it over to Mark for the revenue.
• I will say that elected officials prefer to...
• We'll say that elected officials prefer to take credit for tax cuts as opposed to having the tax department
• I want more people, more jobs, and I will vote at some point in my hopefully near future in the next
• I will vote at some point in my hopefully near future in the next 58 days to add more funds to economic

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met with a quorum present and first approved the minutes from the January 15 morning meeting. The main agenda item was the Department of Revenue’s budget and revenue presentation from Secretary Eric Nelson, Deputy Secretary Peter Shirley, and Deputy Secretary Mark Mucco. Nelson said the state remains double-A rated with a positive outlook, the budget includes a 5% personal income tax reduction, and the 2027 general revenue estimate is $5.493 billion, up $170 million from the prior year. Shirley gave an economic overview, saying West Virginia is forecast to see continued but slowing employment growth, continued wage growth, gains in private education/health services and business services, declines in some sectors, improving labor force participation relative to the nation, and strong recent net in-migration. He also noted continued growth in natural gas production and a modest rebound in coal production, though coal faces longer-term demand pressure. Mucco reviewed revenue trends and said 2025 collections were about $5.5 billion, below the prior year but above estimate, with personal income tax and sales tax driving the surplus. He explained that the forecast incorporates the 5% PIT cut and annual conformity to the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including changes such as Section 179 expensing, bonus depreciation, R&D expensing, business interest deductions, and a new manufacturing facility expensing provision. He also discussed the effects of tax credits, severance tax volatility, declining tobacco revenues, and health care provider tax changes tied to federal Medicaid rules. He said road fund revenues are largely flat absent policy changes, and county commission revenues are growing faster than state revenues. Members asked about when new economic development projects like NewCore would appear in the projections, how much 20,000 new jobs would matter, whether the department had a calculator for job-growth impacts, the status of recent tax cuts, road fund growth, tobacco/vape taxation, and whether migration data could be broken down by county. The witnesses said major projects are not yet in the S&P-based forecast but would likely add jobs, wages, and tax revenue over time; they estimated 20,000 jobs would be a significant increase. They also said the state is unlikely to hit the current personal income tax trigger in the near term. No substantive votes were taken beyond approving the minutes, and the committee adjourned after a motion carried by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:00:58.519><c> Madam</c> 9:00 at 8:55 we will take a vote Madam 9:00 at 8:55 we will take a vote
• He urged them to vote no on HB 4. Thank you. Dr.
• He urged a no vote on HB 4. Thank you.
• </c> and I vote and I vote no<00:56:24.760><c> chair</c><00:56:25.119><c> Tipton</c><00:56:26.520><c>
• ><00:57:23.480><c> passes</c><00:57:23.839><c> with</c> votes and four no votes passes with votes and

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education met to consider House Bill 4, relating to postsecondary education. Before taking up the bill, the committee adopted a committee substitute. The substitute removed language creating a private right of action and immunity provisions, added a definition of “indoctrinate,” revised language tied to the Attorney General, and added a new section directing the Auditor of Public Accounts to review compliance every four years. If an institution is found out of compliance, it would have 180 days to cure the issue or become ineligible for formula funding increases in the following fiscal year, with an opportunity to petition the Attorney General. The substitute also added language barring licensing authorities from requiring diversity, equity, and inclusion training as a condition of initial or renewal licensure. Representative Decker presented the bill as an effort to end what she described as unconstitutional DEI practices in Kentucky’s postsecondary system and to refocus colleges on academic instruction, equal opportunity, and affordability. She argued that DEI offices and initiatives have cost taxpayers heavily and have not improved enrollment outcomes for low-income and underrepresented students. Michael Frasier, testifying in support, framed the bill as an equal-protection measure rather than simply an anti-DEI bill, saying it targets preferential treatment and discrimination while exempting traditional civil-rights compliance offices such as Title IX, disability, and other anti-discrimination functions. He also argued that the bill aligns with recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent and that Kentucky should shift toward socioeconomic-based approaches. Several members raised concerns about the bill’s assumptions and effects. Representative Willner questioned the claim that DEI initiatives caused enrollment declines and asked why the state would not make such programs more inclusive instead of eliminating them. Representative Stalker argued that the bill ignored decades of exclusion in higher education and asked what would replace DEI efforts aimed at closing achievement gaps and preventing brain drain. Supporters responded that the bill addresses unconstitutional preferences and that the state should move toward equal treatment and socioeconomic factors rather than race-based criteria. After discussion, the committee substitute was adopted, and the committee continued consideration of House Bill 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lena is a gymnast and prefers to compete on the uneven bars and balance beam.
• So go see what your yes votes are funding.
• Mason, and Lord, an act relating to elections, requiring all voters to present identification before voting
• House Bill 222. ...relating to elections, requiring all voters to present identification before voting
• status, or residential address, limiting a local school board's ability to establish enrollment preferences

Bills: HM3 , HM11 , HM14 , HM15 , HM21

Keywords: nurses, health care workers, healthcare workers, frontline workers, hospital staff, clinicians, allied health professionals, support staff, public health, workforce shortage, nursing shortage, safe staffing, patient safety, rural health care, frontier communities, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, substance abuse, health care memorial