Transcript Highlights:

• and EMS services are under constant strain from the increased call volume tied to recreation and tourism
• lot of years now—that we could use some of our strengths, in particular our strong recreational and tourism
• periods of the year where we have double and triple that due to the recreational nature of the activities

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on 17 miscellaneous and late-file bills, with testimony focused on several local tax and policy measures. The first major item was H. 4687 for Watertown, which would make permanent a temporary tax classification adjustment allowing the city to maintain a 50% minimum residential factor and a 175% commercial shift. Watertown officials and legislators said the change is needed because the city’s commercial growth has triggered an old statutory formula that would otherwise push a larger share of the tax burden onto homeowners, especially seniors and fixed-income residents. They said the current temporary relief expires in fiscal 2027 and warned that, without permanent action, residential tax bills could rise sharply; committee members asked about the regional business impact, commercial taxpayers such as Alexandria Real Estate, and Watertown’s stabilization and free cash balances. The committee also heard H. 4435, a Charlemont bill authorizing a tax on commercial recreation services. Town officials said the measure would help a small rural town with a large tourism and recreation economy cover increased police, fire, and EMS costs caused by visitors, while reducing pressure on local property taxpayers. A committee member questioned whether the proposal fit within existing tax law and whether it was more like a tax on entry than on services; town witnesses responded that it would apply to recreation-related services such as guides and lifts and was modeled on the meals and rooms tax. Finally, testimony was taken on H. 4722, which would promote fair tax treatment for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, including electric school buses and trucks, by capping sales and excise taxes at the level of comparable diesel vehicles. Supporters said the bill would remove an unintended tax penalty, help school districts and transportation providers afford electrification, and remain revenue-neutral. Representative Gentile also testified in support of H. 4722 and H. 4755, a Sudbury bill to amend the town’s means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption so the local program can continue without requiring a new special act if it lapses. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded after testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Her work has created jobs, attracted tourism, and strengthened communities.
• cultural diplomacy and data-driven public art can transform cities, drive economic growth, promote tourism
• focusing on Bosnia here is because the holdup has been the Bosnian Croat leader, Dragan Kovic, who has actively

Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Keywords: legislative process, public involvement, community engagement, transparency, introductions

Summary: The meeting was characterized by a series of introductions and personal anecdotes shared by the committee members, with a focus on the importance of community engagement and transparency in legislative processes. Members expressed their commitment to open hearings and the necessity for public involvement in discussions impacting constituents. Several members remarked on how personal experiences shape their legislative priorities, thus reinforcing the human element of governance. However, there was a noticeable absence of discussion regarding specific bills, indicating that the session may have been more exploratory or introductory in nature.

Transcript Highlights:

• is largely funded with a city budget for A city of 53,000 people, but you face the challenges of a tourism
• has a population of 53,000, but we all know that it swells on multiple occasions because of all the tourism
• accident scene itself was filled with students and parents who were already at the school for various activities

Committee: House Corrections

Transcript Highlights:

• that is largely funded, With a city budget for a city of 53,000 people, you face the challenges of a tourism
• has a population of 53,000, but we all know that it swells on multiple occasions because of all the tourism
• accident scene itself was filled with students and parents who were already at the school for various activities

Bills: HB1482 , HB2017 , HB2103 , HB2341 , HB2756

Committee: House Corrections

Keywords: community supervision, repeat offenders, intoxication, Texas Penal Code, criminal justice reform, intoxication manslaughter, criminal penalties, mandatory supervision, parole eligibility, Grayson's Law, mental health, trauma, jailers, law enforcement, occupational health, diligent participation, state jail felony, time credits, rehabilitation programs, de-escalation

Transcript Highlights:

• and become active and good citizens of this state.
• Speaker, I’m rising in support today for our tourism communities.
• You know, we do have, I come from a tourism community.
• Speaker, I’m rising in support today for our tourism communities.
• You know, we do have, I come from a tourism community.

Summary: The House debated a series of amendments to a major income tax bill, with repeated arguments over tax fairness, affordability, administrative feasibility, and the role of the Department of Revenue. Early motions to reconsider a failed child care amendment were rejected, and Amendment 2561, which would have restricted data sharing with the IRS, was also defeated after debate over privacy, federal relationships, and whether the proposal was administrable. Amendment 2579, which would have required annual reporting on the tax’s effects on filers, businesses, and charitable donations, likewise failed, with supporters emphasizing transparency and opponents arguing DOR was not the right agency and the report was too speculative. Amendment 2598, proposing to use half of new revenue for a broad sales tax cut, was rejected despite arguments that it would reduce regressivity and provide immediate relief; Amendment 2556, expanding sales tax exemptions for diapers and other child-care essentials to include adult diapers and earlier implementation, also failed after debate over scope and timing.

Transcript Highlights:

• and authorizes the expenditure of money by the Division of Museums and History of the Department of Tourism
• general fund and authorizes expenditures of $147,223 over the 2025-2027 biennium to the Department of Tourism
• general fund and authorizes expenditures of $176,444 over the 2025-2027 biennium to the Department of Tourism
• The 2025-2027 biennium to the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Division of Museums and History
• Bill 305, introduced by Senators DeNiante, etc., revises provisions relating to interscholastic activities

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the most critical sectors of New Mexico's economy, namely the energy extraction, agriculture, and tourism
• And in key industries like tourism, retail, agriculture, and manufacturing, nearly 35,000 full-time jobs
• And we continue to advocate for and engage actively... ...to advocate for and engage actively with appropriators
• And we'll continue to work actively on that.
• And then I will just share some materials... ...continue to work actively on that.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first heard TRIP’s annual New Mexico transportation report from Carolyn Boniface Kelly, which described deteriorating roads and bridges, congestion, safety concerns, and a large transportation funding gap. The report said more than half of major roads statewide are in poor or mediocre condition, over 170 bridges are rated poor, congestion costs drivers significant time and money, and traffic crashes and road conditions impose billions in annual costs. Members broadly agreed the report underscored the need for more stable transportation funding, with several noting the state’s recurring underinvestment and the safety risks to motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2, a transportation bonding and revenue package. Senator Gonzales and Governor’s office and NMDOT representatives said the bill would authorize about $1.5 billion in additional bond debt for ready-to-go highway projects, while also increasing certain motor vehicle excise, registration, weight-distance, and EV-related fees to help support debt service and transportation funding. Supporters, including contractors, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber, the Department of Finance and Administration, and transportation officials, argued the bill would improve safety, economic development, project delivery, and funding stability, and help preserve federal dollars. Opponents, including the Rio Grande Foundation and some committee members, objected to the tax and fee increases, argued the state should use existing surpluses or other funds instead, and raised concerns about impacts on families, businesses, and local governments. Committee members questioned how projects would be selected, how the new fees were calculated, how EV surcharges would work, and whether local government distributions would be affected. NMDOT said the projects would be reported to the legislature annually, selected using crash data, asset management, and project readiness, but bond approval would remain with the State Transportation Commission. After debate, Representative Romero moved do pass on SB 2 as amended, Representative Hochman-Vigil seconded, and the committee approved the bill 7-2, with Representatives Brown and Dow voting no and several members expressing reservations despite supporting the need for transportation investment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are the proud smiling face of tourism, welcoming people from all over the world, from all over the
• this says a municipality may not or adopt an ordinance that limits a person from engaging in this activity
• The, the activists have been very active in the city of Dallas.
• Antonio to phase out carriage operations poses a significant threat to our industry, impacting jobs, tourism
• Um, would you consider, I know you, you're probably active in your professional associations and such

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Coastal ports produce $450 billion in economic activity and produce 1.8 million jobs.
• Small business owners and workers that sustain our tourism in these industries must be able to live in
• More than 33% of Texas' economic activity originates from the 14 counties along the Gulf Coast, according
• The economic activity within our city and our county impacts the viability of the entire state's economy
• And as we decouple from China, and we have more economic activity in this hemisphere, those ports are

Committee: House Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• As that work is actively updated.
• Senate file actively use and support.
• </c> tourism and recreational opportunities. tourism and recreational opportunities.
• </c> the climate impacts from this activity the climate impacts from this activity are<01:20:51.239><
• </c> activities, this is no longer the case. activities, this is no longer the case.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senators, we have developed a good government budget that provides for the transportation, tourism, and
• economic development activities of the state.
• Senators, we have developed a good government budget that provides for the transportation, tourism, and
• economic development activities of the state.
• It prioritizes shelter retrofit activities to focus on non-school public facilities.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met for Budget Day and heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, SPB 25-200, totaling $117.4 billion. Chair Hooper said the plan reduces overall spending from the prior year, keeps strong reserves, includes a 4% pay raise for state employees, maintains employee health care contributions, and makes major investments in water quality, transportation, and education infrastructure. Committee chairs then summarized their budget silos, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and agriculture/environment/general government. Members asked questions mainly about school funding, AP and dual enrollment support, voucher and scholarship impacts, and the My Safe Florida Home program. The committee adopted a large consent package of amendments and then approved three late-file amendments: funding virtual college tours for high school students, funding the FSU Sunshine Genetics program, and providing money for the Port of Fernandina customs facility. The committee then voted to report SPB 2500, the General Appropriations Bill, as a committee bill. It also favorably reported SPB 2502 (implementing bill), SPB 2504 (state employees placeholder), SB 7022 (Florida Retirement System contribution rates and DROP changes), CS/SB 1320 (recreating the Resilient Florida Trust Fund), SPB 2506 (gaming compact revenue distributions, including water projects and rural lands), SPB 2508 (29 new judgeships), SB 7014 (ending the court mediation and arbitration trust fund), SPB 2510 (K-12 conforming bill), SPB 2512 (higher education conforming bill), and SPB 2514 (health and human services conforming bill). The committee also took up several policy bills. It approved SB 7028 on cancer research, creating grant parameters, reporting requirements, a five-year pediatric cancer research incubator, and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute VisionGen Initiative. It approved CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home quality, adding resident satisfaction surveys, medical director standards, safety culture reviews, electronic health record requirements, financial reporting penalties, and a study of best practices. It approved CS/CS/SB 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, which expands mental health diversion options, adds Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, expands grant uses, and creates a behavioral health data repository. It also approved SB 114 creating the Florida Center for Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at FSU and moving the public hurricane loss model there. The committee then began considering SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, including a late-file amendment, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• That said, we do have a performance-based rate structure currently active in Massachusetts.
• It is critical for tourism because we do have blooms that do impact recreation.
• critical for our tourism as well. well. well.
• It's not an activity that DES sanctions.
• It's not an activity that happening. It's not an activity that dees<02:29:16.399><c> sanctions.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• By Industries and Professional Activity Subcommittee and Representative Yeager and others.
• Our partnership is active, meaningful, and mutually beneficial.
• It requires timely updates for employees and the general public for these activities.
• It already protects expressive activity on campus.
• Uniform standards for political activities.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But in 2024, we had something called the Tourism Protection Act.
• And the merchant of record in the Tourism Tax Protection Act here really governs who holds the money
• And the merchant of record in the Tourism Tax Protection Act here really governs who holds the money
• </c><00:11:46.720><c> Uh</c><00:11:47.200><c> it</c> tourism tax protection act here.
• Uh it tourism tax protection act here.

Bills: SB294 , HB296 , HB300 , SB269

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Keywords: public officers, bonding, risk management, notification, delinquency, consumer protection, rental home, marketplace guarantees, insurance, commissioner of insurance, healthcare, breast cancer screening, insurance coverage, deductible, copayment, emergency medical services, ambulance reimbursement, health care insurers, balance billing, provider networks

Transcript Highlights:

• Guests of Representative Ladeem and Senator Sullivan, we have the active citizens of Jonesboro High School
• Chair, item C2 is an amendment by Senator Johnson to the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Summary: The Joint Budget Committee met to consider several budget-related items and amendments. An amendment to Senate Bill 30 concerning the Office of the Governor, offered by Senator Rice, would have canceled funding for a senior advisor position tied to former Corrections Secretary Joe Profiri; Senator Rice and Representative Wooten criticized the position’s cost and Profiri’s lack of responsiveness to the legislature and taxpayers. The chair referred that amendment to the personnel committee for review, and other members were told further discussion would occur there. The committee also referred an amendment by Senator Johnson related to the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism to special language, and referred House Bill 1080 by Representative Ladyman for the Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities, to special language as well. In other business, Senator Dismang explained a revised special language amendment for ADEQ’s waste tire program to correct a timing issue in the governor’s letter; the committee suspended the rules so it could be considered and then referred it to special language for the next day’s agenda. The meeting included recognition of student guests from Jonesboro High School and Hendrix College. No substantive votes were taken on the contested personnel amendment, and the meeting adjourned with plans to reconvene the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Throughout Arizona's history, women have actively contributed and participated in the growth and strength
• that there's surface water flowing in our state, our rivers, especially as it supports recreation, tourism

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, electronic roll call, and approval of the March 24, 2026 journal. Several members used points of personal privilege to introduce guests, including visitors from Arizona Business and Professional Women for National Women’s History Month, advocates for women and families, guests connected to Audubon Day and Western Rivers Day, and a guest shadowing a senator who is running for LD17. The remarks highlighted women’s contributions to Arizona history, BPW’s advocacy for pay equity, health care, and equal rights, and the importance of water policy for recreation, tourism, birding, and the state economy. The chamber also handled routine floor business. Messages from the House were waived from reading, and Senate Bills 1010, 1023, 1029, and 1211 were transmitted to the governor. Second reading was taken up on House Bills 2344, 2375, 2680, 2750, and 2976, covering topics including the local government investment pool, housing and zoning in historic neighborhoods, workers’ compensation notice, the Arizona-Sonora Trade Commission, and a sexual abuse prevention pilot program. Committee announcements were made for the next day: Judiciary and Elections at 9:00 a.m., Rules at 9:45 a.m., and both Republican and Democratic caucuses at 9:50 a.m. The Senate then adjourned by motion until Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to just underline that both for symbiosis and tourism.
• We continue to maintain some activity, but this is not an year-round representation model.
• I watched another activity where... ...wildfires during harvest.
• I watched another activity where farmers are required to do midterm maintenance on Conservation Reserve
• So how are AWB and the Washington Roundtable activating on this plan?

Bills: SB5871 , SB5919

Committee: Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development

Keywords: motor vehicle, glass repair, insurance claims, consumer protection, regulations, fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to just underline that both for industrial symbiosis and tourism.
• We continue to maintain some activity, but this is not an year-round representation model.
• I watched another activity where... ...wildfires during harvest.
• I watched another activity where farmers are required to do midterm maintenance on Conservation Reserve
• So how are AWB and the Washington Roundtable activating on this plan?

Summary: The Senate Business, Trade, and Economic Development Committee met for its first session under the committee’s new name and heard a work session on Washington’s economic development policy from the Department of Commerce. Commerce described its Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness, including small business finance, export assistance, business attraction, and sector development work, and emphasized the need for a statewide economic development strategic plan with regular review, stakeholder input, and attention to rural and regional needs. Members asked about foreign trade offices, federal funding uncertainty, tax competitiveness, workforce programs, and the role of the Keep Washington Working program. Commerce said the state’s trade and investment efforts are valuable but face funding challenges, and that Washington must compete on more than taxes, including its business ecosystem and workforce. The committee then heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5919, which would encourage fire districts and insurers to develop voluntary incentives for wildfire mitigation best practices related to agricultural activities. The sponsor described the bill as a way to reward farmers for practices such as defensible space, fire breaks, equipment storage, and avoiding high-risk work during red flag conditions. A fire chief testified in support, citing recent standing grain fires and the need for practical incentives in rural areas. The bill was described as having no appropriation and no requested fiscal note. Members also heard testimony on Washington in the Making 2040 from the Association of Washington Business and a business owner. Supporters said the 16-year economic vision plan was built from broad public engagement and focuses on workforce, business climate, infrastructure, housing, and community. They argued Washington needs more housing, a more competitive regulatory and tax environment, and reliable energy to support growth. Senators questioned how the plan would achieve its housing goals and what specific regulatory changes were needed; AWB said it would provide a regulatory study soon. The committee also received a wildfire mitigation work group update from the Office of Insurance Commissioner, which recommended stronger community mitigation, better data sharing, consumer transparency, and a possible grant program for home hardening, though it did not reach full consensus on a single property mitigation standard. Finally, the committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 5871, which would prohibit assignment of benefits in property and casualty insurance and set new rules for motor vehicle glass repair claims, including ADAS-related disclosures and limits on steering and inducements. The sponsor and supporters, including the Office of Insurance Commissioner, Safelite, NAMIC, and the Northwest Insurance Council, said the bill would reduce auto glass fraud, improve transparency, and help stabilize premiums. Independent glass shop owners and the Independent Glass Association opposed the bill as written, arguing it would favor large vertically integrated companies, restrict small businesses, and fail to address insurer steering and conflicts of interest. Several witnesses requested technical amendments, and the committee took no final vote before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to acknowledge Representative Salzman, who's chairing the Housing, Agriculture, and Tourism
• Yes, this bill does decouple the thoroughbred industry from gaming, other gaming activities.
• that activity were to cease.
• And almost three-quarters of a billion dollars, just behind tourism in this state.
• All of these activities are what make for strong rural communities.

Committee: House Commerce Committee

Summary: The Commerce Committee held its first meeting, took roll, established a quorum, and heard opening remarks from the chair, vice chair, and ranking member emphasizing the committee’s broad scope and focus on Florida’s economy and daily-life issues. The committee then considered several bills, with members and staff noting the agenda included four bills and a PCS. The first measures dealt with insurance and consumer regulation. CS/HB 367 on home and service warranty associations was explained as allowing financial requirements to be met through one or more contractual liability policies and reducing certain filing requirements; an amendment adding requirements for liability insurance coverage was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. HB 655 on pet insurance and wellness programs created a regulatory framework for pet insurance and also passed favorably. HB 6015, which deleted the word “reusable” from the wine keg statute, had brief support testimony and passed favorably. The committee spent the most time on CS/HB 105, a strike-all PCS on thoroughbred permit holders and decoupling racing from gaming. The sponsor said the revised bill would decouple racing and gaming while adding protections for the thoroughbred industry, including a notice period before racing could stop, permit transferability, and changes to how breeders’ and owners’ funds are administered. Supporters argued the bill would preserve and strengthen the industry through clearer rules and more direct support, while opponents—horsemen, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and related businesses—warned it would harm a major rural industry, threaten jobs, and favor casino interests. After extensive debate, the strike-all was adopted and the bill was reported favorably on a divided vote. Finally, HB 11 on municipal water and sewer utility rates was presented as correcting an unintended consequence in surcharge law for utilities owned by one municipality but located in another. Testimony focused on the fairness of the current surcharge structure and the impact on Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach. After debate about negotiation, parity, and local impacts, the bill passed favorably. The committee then adjourned after its first meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We make up about 80% of the tourism industry in L, so when the wildfire kicked off, I got to see Uncle
• We make up about 80% of the tourism industry in L, so when the wildfire kicked off, I got to see Uncle
• We make up about 80% of the tourism industry in L, so when the wildfire kicked off, I got to see Uncle
• He is also a very active member in the community.
• </c> valuable uh he also is a very active valuable uh he also is a very active member<00:23:38.640><c

Committee: Senate Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs heard Governor’s Message 590, the nomination of Archie Kappa Kappa Kappa to the Hawaiian Homes Commission, and received extensive testimony in support from Department of Hawaiian Home Lands staff, labor representatives, and community members. Supporters emphasized his leadership during the Maui wildfire response, his cultural standing, his long community service, and his experience with the Polynesian Voyaging Society. In his own remarks, Kappa described his background as a lifelong Lahaina resident, former lifeguard supervisor, and community organizer, and said he would prioritize commission duties while balancing his voyaging commitments. Members questioned Kappa about attendance, his understanding of the Hawaiian Homes Commission’s responsibilities, and his views on commercialization and revenue generation. He said commission meetings would be his priority, acknowledged he could not guarantee attendance at every meeting, and explained that commercialization meant using commercial properties and leases to generate revenue for Hawaiian Homes communities. He also said he supported using land assets to reduce reliance on legislative appropriations. A senator raised Act 279 and the need to focus spending on reducing the waitlist; Kappa said the act was complex and that he did not yet know enough to speak confidently beyond what he had read. The committee did not vote on the nomination in the portion provided and said it would return to voting later. The committee then took up Governor’s Message 591, the nomination of Lawrence Luua to the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Testimony described his background in banking, military service, Maui County planning, and long involvement with Molokaʻi homestead matters. Luua told the committee he had lived the challenges of homestead life, including housing and road issues, and said he wanted to continue the work of Prince Kūhiō by helping Native Hawaiians return to and live on the land. In response to questions, he said he began attending DHHL meetings regularly in July 2024, discussed concerns about county road obligations versus homestead responsibilities, and said he had struggled with Act 279 because he was concerned about moving funds away from other projects even though he supported its goal of reducing the waitlist. The committee then moved on to the next governor’s message and testimony for another nominee, with a SHPD representative briefly introducing the background of that nominee, but no action was taken in the excerpt provided.