Transcript Highlights:

• But also, under this bill, local election authorities must still provide notice to voters twice leading
• Chris Ropee here on behalf of the Missouri Association of County Clerks and Election Authorities, and
• We've worked with the county clerks and election authorities on coming up with this language, and we
• Charles County, our election authority does it each and every election. A lot of people like that.
• So I'd like to see all these notices published on the county election authority website or the county

Committee: House Local Government, Elections and Pensions

Summary: The Elections Committee met in executive session first and adopted a House Committee substitute for House Bill 2387, which combined HB 2387 and HB 2480. The substitute removed provisions on extending no-excuse in-person absentee voting and shortening the absentee voting window, shifted the presidential candidate filing fee to be set by state party committees, and added language to bind presidential delegates to primary results while allowing national party rules to control where required. Members discussed the legal basis for delegate binding, party input on the substitute, and the role of closed primaries, then the committee voted 10-2-1 to do pass HB 2387 as substituted. The committee also passed House Bill 1987 and House Concurrent Resolution 23 without opposition, and passed House Bill 1802 after members discussed election transparency and concerns about applying the measure uniformly across counties; the vote was 11-2. In public hearing, the committee heard House Bill 2605, which would update election notice requirements, especially for bond elections. Sponsor Rep. McGaugh and the State Auditor’s office said the bill would address technical publication errors that had jeopardized voter-approved bond issues by allowing notice defects to be cured if no election contest is filed within 30 days, while also allowing one newspaper publication and one direct mailing notice. Testimony from county clerks, school administrators, a fire district, the Missouri Press Association, and others generally supported the bill as a practical fix, though one witness urged broader website posting of notices. The hearing also covered House Bill 2301, a campaign finance cleanup bill that would clarify definitions and reporting rules in Chapter 130, especially for continuing committees and indirect political spending; the sponsor said it was intended to fix ambiguity from prior law, and the only testimony in favor called for additional restrictions on recurring donations and more transparency. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1787, which would require schools used as polling places to treat election days as school holidays beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The sponsor said the bill was intended to improve child safety and could also help with staffing and voter participation, while members raised concerns about school calendars already being set and whether the mandate should instead be optional or delayed to a later school year. A witness in favor supported the safety goal but asked for local control and a later effective date. No opposition testimony was presented, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• activist and statesman who served in the United States House of Representatives for Georgia's fifth congressional
• 16:05.920><c> fifth</c> Representatives for Georgia's fifth Representatives for Georgia's fifth congressional
• </c><00:16:11.360><c> He</c> congressional district for 33 years.
• He congressional district for 33 years.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we've not had meaningful congressional immigration reform in the past 30 years.
• congressional immigration meaningful congressional immigration reform<00:30:10.480><c> in</c><00:30:
• </c><01:24:26.239><c> When</c> legally authorized to work. When legally authorized to work.
• </c><01:26:56.239><c> workers</c> ensure that lawfully authorized workers ensure that lawfully authorized
• Many of those individuals are authorized to work and embedded in long-term care roles.

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• and Baltimore communities listed below to join the Johns Hopkins Police Accountability Board as authorized
• and Baltimore communities listed below to join the Johns Hopkins Police Accountability Board as authorized
• It also authorizes the State Board of Elections, in consultation with the State Administrator, to file
• It authorizes the Office of the Attorney General or any other persons to bring an action to enforce the
• </c><01:26:04.560><c> remedies</c><01:26:05.199><c> and</c> specific authority to order remedies and

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Reverend Dr. Patrick Claybourne of Bethl AM Church in Baltimore, introduced by the senator from the 40th district, who highlighted the church’s long history, community work, scholarships, food pantry, school partnerships, and a planned rise center. The Senate journalized the invocation and then recognized several guests, including the Bethesda Roosters U16 rugby team, which was congratulated for winning the Maryland state title and the 2025 National U16 Championship, and members of the Joint Veterans Committee of Maryland. The chamber also welcomed a Johns Hopkins Police Accountability Board appointment letter, which was referred to the Executive Nominations Committee, and later a delegation from the Ghana Parliament legislative staff visiting with the Department of Legislative Services and NCSL representatives. The main floor business centered on Senate Bill 1, which would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings. The minority whip argued against the bill, saying it was unenforceable, an improper use of legislative time amid other state crises, and could create a system where local officers detain federal officers for a civil violation; he also said officers mask themselves because of threats and doxxing. Senators in support argued the bill was needed to address masked ICE agents, protect public safety, and respond to concerns about civil rights abuses and intimidation. After debate and vote explanations from senators, including one emphasizing immigrant heritage and another supporting the bill as a protection measure, SB 1 passed with 31 affirmative votes. The Senate then passed Senate Bill 17, an emergency bill on alcoholic beverages related event promoters permits, by unanimous affirmative vote. It next took up Senate Bill 245, an emergency bill prohibiting immigration enforcement agreements. The minority leader questioned whether the bill would eliminate formalized 287(g) agreements and replace them with county-by-county policies, arguing that this could reduce uniformity, weaken safety, and create a patchwork of local practices. The bill’s sponsor responded that counties would still be bound by constitutional and legal limits, that the agreements provide minimal training and resources, and that the state should stop formally cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. The sponsor also said the bill would not increase profiling and that public safety would remain intact. The debate continued with concerns about Montgomery County’s evolving policy and the impact on smaller counties, but the transcript ends before final action on SB 245.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state prepares the demonstration, EPA approves or denies the exclusion, and in Arizona the authority
• ADEQ already has the authority and expertise to do this when it meets federal standards.
• Cheyenne Walsh here on behalf of the Pinal County Water Augmentation Authority, or PICWA, in support
• Basically, what we're trying to do is modernize PICWA's existing revenue bonding authority.
• But maybe, Cheyenne, we can talk about what projects you're looking at for this bonding authority.

Committee: Senate Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from February 27 and March 3, 2026, then heard House Bill 2013, which would require ADEQ to submit an exceptional event demonstration to EPA when a wildfire on federally managed land affects Arizona air quality. The sponsor said the bill would help Arizona’s ozone/nonattainment situation by ensuring wildfire-related exceedances are excluded from official counts. Sierra Club opposed the mandate as duplicative and costly, and ADEQ said it was neutral but concerned about requiring submissions that may not meet EPA’s regulatory-significance standard and could take about 200 staff hours each. HB 2013 received a do-pass recommendation by a 5-3 vote. The committee also approved House Bill 2156, appropriating $250,000 to the Livestock Compensation Fund, after testimony from opponents raising transparency, conflict-of-interest, and funding concerns; supporters argued ranchers need help with depredation losses. HB 2156 passed 5-3. House Bill 2113, which would require RUCO to intervene in utility rate cases when a proposed residential rate increase is 100% or more, drew testimony from the sponsor about rural customers facing large increases and from RUCO saying it lacked the staff and budget to take on the added workload. The chair and sponsor discussed adding an appropriation or lowering the threshold, but no amendment was ready. Opponents argued the bill would divert RUCO from larger cases, while supporters emphasized protecting rural ratepayers. The committee gave HB 2113 a do-pass recommendation, 6-2. House Concurrent Memorial 2011, urging Congress to delist the Mexican gray wolf and return management to states and local authorities, was supported by the sponsor and ranching-focused testimony citing livestock losses, while opponents said the species remains endangered and recovery should stay science-based. HCM 2011 passed 5-3. The committee then considered House Bill 2026, which would let ADWR evaluate water availability for certain developments by looking only at the proposed source or sources, even if water is commingled in a delivery system. ADWR was neutral but warned that commingled systems make it difficult to track actual water use and could weaken groundwater safeguards; opponents said the bill could enable double counting or more pumping. HB 2026 received a do-pass recommendation, 5-3. House Bill 2056, which appropriates $100,000 for a feasibility study of brackish groundwater desalination sites, was supported by the sponsor as a way to explore additional water supplies; ADWR was neutral but said the study would be new for the agency and that brackish water is still regulated as groundwater. HB 2056 passed 5-3. House Bill 2098, modernizing Pinal County Water Augmentation Authority bonding and financing authority, drew support from Pinal County representatives and passed unanimously, 8-0. Finally, House Concurrent Resolution 2057, supporting a geothermal permitting roadmap and coordination among agencies, was backed by industry advocates as a way to unlock Arizona’s geothermal potential and also passed unanimously, 8-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• the state prepares the demonstration, EPA approves or denies the exclusion, and in Arizona, the authority
• ADEQ already has the authority and expertise to do this when it meets federal standards.
• Cheyenne Walsh here on behalf of the Pinal County Water Augmentation Authority, or PICWA, in support
• Basically, what we're trying to do is modernize PICWA's existing revenue bonding authority.
• But maybe Cheyenne, we can talk about what projects you're looking at for this bonding authority.

Bills: HB2013 , HB2026 , HB2056 , HB2098 , HB2113 , HB2156 , HB2158 , HCM2011 , HCR2057

Committees: Senate Natural Resources , Senate Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Keywords: air pollution, wildfires, environmental standards, public health, Arizona Revised Statutes, assured water supply, groundwater, commingling, commingled water, water supply, Arizona Department of Water Resources, ADWR, active management area, AMA, subdivision plat, development approval, water rights, municipal provider, private water company, certificate of assured water supply

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:19:42.480><c> the</c> Uh this bill would also authorize the Uh this bill would also authorize
• B one the regulatory authority.
• </c> the tax and authority. the tax and authority.
• taxing authority. 5.
• </c><04:01:50.800><c> Five</c> revenues of a taxing authority. Five revenues of a taxing authority.

Summary: The meeting included a Senate recognition ceremony honoring the Winona High School boys basketball team for winning the 2026 Alabama High School Athletic Association 5A state championship. A resolution was read commending the team for its 101-40 victory over Silicag, noting the team’s record-setting performance, Brendan Davis’s MVP honor, the contributions of other players, and Coach Cedric Lane’s leadership. Senators and the lieutenant governor praised the players’ sportsmanship, the school community, and the team’s historic season, and copies of the resolution were presented to the team, coaches, and administrators. Several guests and school representatives also spoke briefly, including the coach and principal, who thanked the Senate and noted the team’s success and the principal’s retirement after 35 years. After the recognition, the Senate returned to session and adopted the Committee on Rules report setting the special order calendar. The calendar included Senate Bill 99 on the Ten Commandments, Senate Bill 298 on Class 3 municipalities, House Bill 381 on camp safety, Senate Bill 370 on tax increment districts, Senate Bill 363 on the Department of Economic and Community Affairs, House Bill 466 on firefighters, House Bill 95 on elections, House Bill 259 on stablecoin, and Senate Bill 342 on education. The chamber then took up SB 99, sponsored by Senators Kelly and Sessions. Senator Kelly described the bill as requiring local school boards to display the Ten Commandments, together with founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Alabama Constitution preamble, in certain history classrooms and common areas for grades five through 12, using donated displays and funds when available. He said the bill was intended as a historical and educational measure, not religious instruction, and emphasized the inclusion of a disclaimer stating Alabama is not establishing a religion. After extended debate and a petition to close debate from the Rules Committee, the Senate voted on the bill by long roll and passed SB 99, with the recorded vote announced as 30 yeas and 4 nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• The National Institute of Building Sciences, under congressional authority, is working on developing
• This official would have the authority to make all the final administrative decisions on the approval
• protect project proponents from targeted regulatory changes and government misuse of legislative authority
• protect project proponents from targeted regulatory changes and government misuse of legislative authority

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several housing, building code, and permitting bills. HB 2228 would direct the State Building Code Council to convene a technical advisory group to recommend code amendments allowing scissor stairs in buildings with more than two dwelling units. Supporters, including architects, builders, and housing advocates, said scissor stairs could improve safety, reduce corridor and stair footprint, lower costs, and allow more efficient and denser housing layouts. The bill was then closed to public hearing. HB 2381 would create a performance-based code pathway for low-rise residential buildings and allow recognition of third-party certifications. The chair described it as a move from prescriptive to performance-based standards, with flexibility for builders and potential alignment with clean building goals. The Building Industry Association of Washington opposed the bill as written, saying the main need is a performance pathway in the energy code rather than the IBC, while FutureWise supported the concept but urged caution about the complexity and timeline of converting code to performance-based standards. The public hearing on HB 2381 was closed after testimony. HB 2418 would change permit review processes, including vesting rules for residential project permits in urban growth areas, pausing review clocks in certain circumstances, extending timelines to other fee-charging reviewing entities, and requiring a single permit responsible official and point of contact by 2027. Builders, developers, and housing advocates generally supported the bill’s coordination and timeline provisions, saying they would reduce delays and costs, though several groups raised concerns about the vesting section and completeness definitions. FutureWise and county representatives warned the vesting changes could create litigation or records issues, while the sponsor said the vesting portion might be reconsidered. The committee also heard HB 2273, which would require embodied carbon reduction standards for larger building projects through reuse, product-based reductions, or whole-building life-cycle assessment. Support came from architects, Commerce, and environmental justice advocates, who said the bill would reduce climate impacts and encourage innovation; opponents from the concrete and aggregate industry and a taxpayer group raised concerns about costs, supply-chain issues, conflicts with other legislation, and exemptions such as for schools. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after closing the public hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• resolution be prepared and transmitted to Governor Kay Ivey, Secretary of State Wes Allen, the Alabama Congressional
• 181 by Representatives Underwood and Reynolds, regarding the Alabama Building Renovation Finance Authority
• House Bill number 90 by Representative Clark regarding municipal housing authorities is referred to the
• House Bill number 91 by Representative Clark regarding county housing authorities is referred to the
• And this bill would also authorize the alcohol beverage and control board to administer and enforce these

Bills: SJR 39 , SB 22 , SB 30 , SB 33 , SB 34 , SB 37 , SB 75 , SB 209 , SB 310 , SB 505 , SB 552 , SB 618 , SB 626 , SB 636 , SB 732 , SB 747 , SB 762 , SB 769 , SB 819 , SB 825 , SB 870 , SB 926 , SB 964 , SB 1030 , SB 1080 , SB 1099 , SB 1124 , SB 1177 , SB 1208 , SB 1233 , SB 1314 , SB 1325 , SB 1333 , SB 1405 , SB 1455 , SB 1506 , SB 1524 , SB 1541 , SB 1577 , SB 1579 , SB 1596 , SB 1646 , SB 1667 , SB 1727 , SB 1750 , SB 1758 , SB 1760 , SB 1791 , SB 1804 , SB 1806 , SB 1869 , SB 1923 , SB 1927 , SB 1951 , SB 1960 , SB 1962 , SB 2023 , SB 2024 , SB 2056 , SB 2078 , SB 2122 , SB 2129 , SB 2180 , SB 2183 , SB 2185 , SB 2207 , SB 2252 , SB 2361 , SB 2365 , SB 2368 , SB 2405 , SB 2411 , SB 2420 , SB 2425 , SB 2569 , SB 2717 , SJR 36 , SJR 50 , SJR 39 , SJR 63 , SJR 68 , SCR 12 , SCR 39 , SCR 38 , SCR 37 , SCR 42 , SCR 29 , SB 762 , SB 1596 , SB 62 , SB 666 , SB 847 , SB 284 , SB 854 , SB 1073 , SB 810 , SB 1539 , SB 1505 , SB 583 , SB 957 , SB 1502 , SB 507 , SB 1026 , SB 1349 , SB 1433 , SB 1434 , SB 310 , SB 505 , SB 264 , SB 1364 , SB 1376 , SB 1585 , SB 1772 , SB 2016 , SB 1163 , SB 619 , SB 1122 , SB 1877 , SB 732 , SB 731 , SB 397 , SB 508 , SB 1333 , SB 1436 , SB 964 , SB 287 , SB 2143 , SB 261 , SB 1247 , SB 1882 , SB 618 , SB 393 , SB 2243 , SB 2226 , SB 1919 , SB 1791 , SB 22 , SB 651 , SB 1080 , SB 826 , SB 1079 , SB 1243 , SB 1504 , SB 1851 , SB 1879 , SB 2237 , SB 1257 , SB 2034 , SB 1522 , SB 1151 , SB 596 , SB 1191 , SB 226 , SB 570 , SB 870 , SB 991 , SB 60 , SB 1401 , SB 1728 , SB 586 , SB 529 , SB 217 , SB 209 , SB 1923 , SB 1839 , SB 387 , SB 1874 , SB 1872 , SB 1873 , SB 1921 , SB 1883 , SB 1620 , SB 1838 , SB 2024 , SB 2429 , SB 1999 , SB 511 , SB 2309 , SB 2166 , SB 510 , SB 33 , SB 2420 , SB 1860 , SB 1541 , SB 1314 , SB 1398 , SB 1869 , SB 1750 , SB 855 , SB 1233 , SB 2425 , SB 2037 , SB 1758 , SB 1759 , SB 2365 , SB 1924 , SB 1818 , SB 1405 , SB 1762 , SB 1968 , SB 1977 , SB 2077 , SB 2321 , SB 1662 , SB 1663 , SB 2124 , SB 2204 , SB 1855 , SB 863 , SB 37 , SB 819 , SB 2078 , SB 2252 , SB 1962 , SB 2253 , SB 825 , SB 1577 , SB 1184 , SB 2018 , SB 2206 , SB 1901 , SB 1030 , SB 2368 , SB 1963 , SB 1960 , SB 1643 , SB 1625 , SB 1299 , SB 841 , SB 668 , SB 584 , SB 231 , SB 2411 , SB 1085 , SB 2431 , SB 2231 , SB 1490 , SB 530 , SB 34 , SB 1261 , SB 552 , SB 1099 , SB 1646 , SB 2180 , SB 1804 , SB 1937 , SB 1936 , SB 2569 , SB 1372 , SB 1208 , SB 1124 , SB 1506 , SB 1806 , SB 1868 , SB 2361 , SB 2314 , SB 769 , SB 1409 , SB 2122 , SB 434 , SB 1214 , SB 1951 , SB 2183 , SB 2046 , SB 1667 , SB 1870 , SB 1727 , SB 2405 , SB 2127 , SB 1975 , SB 1760 , SB 1734 , SB 1335 , SB 2066 , SB 2129 , SB 2246 , SB 2439 , SB 1624 , SB 1244 , SB 1468 , SB 2717 , SB 1612 , SB 1262 , SB 604 , SB 2395 , SB 2185 , SB 1832 , SB 1745 , SB 1746 , SB 2207 , SB 2023 , SB 1784 , SB 1524 , SB 626 , SB 528 , SB 437 , SB 269 , SB 1137 , SB 968 , SB 636 , SB 747 , SB 1325 , SB 1789 , SB 1455 , SB 2056 , SB 75 , SB 1940 , SB 2052 , SB 1927 , SB 2010 , SB 1579 , SB 2068 , SB 3034 , SB 844 , SB 1920 , SB 1177 , SB 1558 , SB 1236 , SB 1044 , SB 926 , SB 884 , SB 463 , SB 331 , SB 227 , SB 240 , SB 517 , SB 1200 , SB 1410 , SB 1626 , SB 1845 , SB 1863 , SB 2216 , SB 2681 , SB 1717 , SB 2053 , SB 546 , SB 2141 , SB 2949 , SB 2323 , SB 2200 , SB 2332 , SB 2199 , SB 1642 , SB 1150 , SB 1757 , SB 2050 , SB 1138 , SB 2051 , SB 2626 , SB 2458 , SB 1864 , SB 30 , SB 2201 , SB 1862 , SB 1583 , SB 1583 , SB 1055 , SB 2660 , SB 1898 , SB 2662 , SB 2662 , SB 2161 , SB 2161 , SB 2964 , SB 2881 , SB 1065 , SB 1065 , SB 801 , SB 2743 , SB 2533 , SB 2533 , SB 1413 , SB 1413 , SB 1 , SB 34 , SB 310 , SB 819 , SB 1030 , SB 1124 , SB 1208 , SB 1233 , SB 1333 , SB 1405 , SB 1541 , SB 1750 , SB 1758 , SB 1869 , SB 2078 , SB 2365 , SB 2411 , SB 762 , SB 33 , SB 37 , SB 505 , SR 402 , SR 409 , SB 2695 , SB 2695

Transcript Highlights:

• discretionary grant programs established by the IIJA... have been very slow in achieving their congressional
• This slowdown has contributed to a ballooning amount of... used obligation authority that must be sent
• Communities across the country are now left questioning whether the funding authorized by Congress will
• It took a while to get started and it was delayed a little bit from authorization to appropriation in
• I understand there's seven or eight states that have worked out authority with the U.S. government on

Committee: Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Keywords: Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, IIJA, bipartisan infrastructure, funding flexibility, NEPA, environmental reviews, bureaucratic delays, federal funding, infrastructure investment

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, discussing the ongoing implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Chairman Capito highlighted the bipartisan nature of the legislation and the necessity of refining existing provisions to ensure effective delivery of transportation projects. Notable emphasis was placed on the need for flexibility in funding to address inflation impacts and delays caused by bureaucratic hurdles, especially relating to environmental reviews under NEPA. Witnesses from state transportation agencies provided valuable insights into real-world challenges faced in project execution, ultimately underscoring the importance of continuous federal support for infrastructure development. The discussion also touched on the broader implications of federal funding freezes by the previous administration, which have reportedly hindered several ongoing and planned projects. This issue raised significant concern among committee members, who urged the need for reliable funding and the removal of unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that could cause delays in project implementation. The meeting concluded with a commitment from the members to work collaboratively to overcome these challenges and ensure a smooth path forward for critical infrastructure investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• He then asked whether two doses would be sufficient and how the authors felt about the opportunity to
• </c> round uh so we we'll go to the author round uh so we we'll go to the author Representative<00:07
• He said there is one trustee from each of the eight congressional districts, four at-large seats, and
• districts and there eight congressional districts and there are<00:13:51.240><c> four</c><00:13:51.639
• I originally authored the bill in 2019.

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And I to the bill's author.
• I'm a co-author of the bill.
• author be open to uh, would the author be open to tailoring<01:21:55.840><c> it</c><01:21:56.080><c>
• I'll author it with you.
• , which exercises uh Safety Authority, which exercises uh preemptive<01:38:30.320><c> authority</c><01

Bills: HF1758 , HF4437 , HF4353

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: infertility, health insurance, fertility preservation, medical assistance, MinnesotaCare, prediction markets, sports betting, online wagering, event contracts, election betting, political betting, sportsbook, gambling regulation, lawful gambling license, Gambling Control Board, unauthorized gaming, esports betting, financial technology, payment processor, advertising restrictions

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 265, an act relating to regulatory authorizations by the Commissioner of Insurance, should
• </c><00:10:39.920><c> House</c><00:10:40.160><c> Bill</c> authorization, should pass.
• House Bill authorization, should pass.
• </c><00:10:49.680><c> by</c> relating to regulatory authorizations by relating to regulatory authorizations
• And I think all of us that shared part of that Sixth Congressional District felt that way.

Summary: The House convened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 95 members present. Members approved excusing absent members, suspended rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications, and approved the journal from January 13, 2026. The Banking and Insurance Committee reported House Bills 176, 184, and 265 favorably, and those bills were placed on the calendar as having had first reading. The chamber then took up several announcements and citations. A legislative citation was adopted honoring Tatum Elizabeth Dale, with remarks from members describing her kindness, service, and impact on the community. Another citation was adopted recognizing Emily Bingham for her book My Old Kentucky Home: The Astonishing Life and Reckoning of an Iconic American Song. Members also announced upcoming committee meetings, including Tourism and Outdoor Recreation, the House Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Health Services, and Oversight and Investigations. The House received a large batch of new bill introductions covering topics such as criminal law and minors, electric utilities, daylight saving time, veterans’ treatment and benefits, transportation, outdoor recreation, human trafficking, licensed professionals, automated license plate readers, postsecondary education, utility disconnection protections, electric metering, virtual currency kiosks, mental health facilities, perinatal mood and anxiety disorder screening, controlled substances, prescription drugs, and literacy in schools. Two resolutions were also introduced, one encouraging a school naming honor for Jose Marte and another recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The Committee on Committees then referred numerous bills to standing committees, and the House adjourned until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• As I said, when we met, I have particular concerns you made during your congressional campaigns.
• He knows firsthand the constant the constant vigilance required and the authorities needed in order for
• Authority Reviewed the information.
• In your lengthy experience as an intelligence officer, have you found that authority to be useful?
• As I expressed to you in our previous chat, I believe that this authority is critical to U.S. national

Committee: Senate Intelligence (Select) Committee

Keywords: national security, intelligence community, Aaron Lucas, Joe Kent, John Eisenberg, China threat, terrorism, collaboration, oversight, intelligence capabilities

Summary: The committee meeting centered around significant discussions regarding national security and intelligence community leadership. Notably, nominees Aaron Lucas for Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Joe Kent for Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, and John Eisenberg for Assistant Attorney General for National Security were introduced. Concerns were raised about the current state of U.S. intelligence capabilities, particularly in relation to threats posed by foreign adversaries such as China and ongoing risks from terrorism. The dialogue emphasized the necessity for robust oversight and the importance of collaboration within the intelligence community, as well as with international allies, to ensure effective security measures are in place.

Transcript Highlights:

• As members of Congress, it's up to us to decide whether we're ever going to cede our authority to the
• Congress seems on the brink of ceding that authority to the President in the recent CR.
• It's a seating of congressional authority where what we do is give up our legislative prerogative and
• He's the author of the book, The Indispensable Right, Free Speech in an Age of Rage.
• So the authority that's been invoked, so I come at it from the freedom of the press perspective.

Committee: Senate Subcommittee on the Constitution

Keywords: censorship, First Amendment, social media, misinformation, free speech, government regulation, Big Tech, public discourse

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the implications of government involvement in censorship, particularly regarding social media platforms and compliance with misinformation standards. senators and witnesses discussed growing concerns over the influence of large tech companies, like Facebook and Google, in shaping public discourse and suppressing dissenting views. A significant part of the meeting included testimonies from various experts emphasizing the dangers of the 'censorship industrial complex'—a term used to describe the collaborative efforts between government entities and private organizations to control information flow. This collaboration is viewed as a violation of First Amendment rights, with calls for urgent legislative action to restore free speech protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Clerk, open the machine for co-authors. Members, vote the machine to co-author.
• Twelve co-authors. Madam Clerk, open the machine for co-authors. Vote machine, a co-author.
• Restoration Authority.
• Madam Clerk, open the machine for co-authors. Members, vote for co-authors.
• Nineteen co-authors. Nineteen co-authors. Mr.

Bills: HR223 , HR224 , HR225 , HR226 , HR227 , HR228 , HR229 , HR230 , HR231 , HR232 , HR233 , HR234 , HR235 , HR236 , HR237 , HR238 , HR239 , HR240 , HR241 , HR242 , HR243 , HCR94 , HCR95 , HCR96 , HCR97 , HCR98 , HCR99 , HCR100 , HR218 , HR219 , HR220 , HR221 , HR222 , HCR91 , HCR92 , HCR93 , SCR41 , SCR42 , SCR43 , SCR44 , SCR45 , SCR46 , SCR47 , SCR48 , SCR49 , SCR50 , SCR51 , SCR52 , SB259 , SB347 , SB398 , SB469 , SB483 , SB518 , HR37 , HCR64 , SCR11 , SCR22 , HB89 , HB341 , HB451 , HB456 , HB541 , HB579 , HB595 , HB621 , HB818 , HB841 , HB1064 , HB1101 , HB1165 , HB1191 , SB1 , SB23 , SB32 , SB42 , SB43 , SB46 , SB51 , SB110 , SB113 , SB150 , SB154 , SB161 , SB218 , SB220 , SB221 , SB253 , SB289 , SB310 , SB351 , SB399 , SB404 , SB502 , SB123 , SB125 , SB387 , SB401 , HB730 , HCR41 , HCR76 , HCR77 , HCR63 , HCR69 , HCR86 , HR171 , HCR49 , HCR65 , HCR72 , SCR19 , SCR3 , SCR6 , SCR18 , HB64 , HB68 , HB92 , HB130 , HB175 , HB198 , HB437 , HB457 , HB488 , HB646 , HB763 , HB909 , HB971 , HB981 , HB1066 , HB1089 , HB1125 , HB1154 , HB1231 , HB1246 , HB1248 , HB1249 , HB276 , HB508 , HB512 , HB599 , HB632 , HB656 , HB998 , HB1052 , HB1084 , HB1171 , HB1193 , HB1194 , HB1204 , HB1209 , HB1250 , SB47 , SB82 , SB106 , SB206 , SB210 , SB248 , SB305 , SB376 , SB397 , SB441 , SB2 , SB19 , SB24 , SB50 , SB70 , SB96 , SB101 , SB103 , SB104 , SB114 , SB122 , SB159 , SB160 , SB173 , SB180 , SB182 , SB260 , SB412 , SB418 , SB424 , SB442 , SB460 , SB476 , HCR32 , HB911 , HB1223 , HB798 , HB824 , HB989 , HB1140 , HB1166 , HB1244 , HB459 , HB617 , HB804 , HB926 , HB225 , HB955 , HB901 , HB79 , HR20 , HR74 , HB59 , HB284 , HB306 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1180 , HB1203 , HB1234 , HB1240 , SB89

Keywords: Southern Soul, Shreveport, tourism, economic development, cultural preservation, music history, Paul Hollis, United States Mint, Louisiana House of Representatives, commendation, honorary resolution, ceremonial resolution, public service, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, BESE, former legislator, Louisiana politics, recognition, tribute, House Resolution 224

Transcript Highlights:

• administration, and there are many key details that we don't yet know, including the impact of any future congressional
• be clear: our forecast assumes no reduction in federal Medicaid funding because any outcome of congressional
• because any in federal Medicaid funding because any outcome<00:32:36.320><c> of</c><00:32:36.480><c> congressional
• </c><00:32:37.039><c> action</c><00:32:37.279><c> is</c> outcome of congressional action is outcome of
• congressional action is unknown<00:32:37.960><c> at</c><00:32:38.159><c> this</c><00:32:38.360><c> time

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Procedure Committee issued a notice of nullification of the rule because the original statutory authority
• I am a now-retired federal judge, having previously served as the chief special master of the congressionally
• Specifically, the bill maintains the authority of local governments to exercise the powers and responsibilities

Bills: S0408 , S0986 , S0678 , S0800 , S1050 , S0484 , S1118

Committee: Senate Regulated Industries

Transcript Highlights:

• The residency requirement in the bill is only applicable to positions whose authority is delegated by
• More importantly, though, I'm excited to see you go, Chairman Fine, and good luck at your congressional
• The bill grants the Department of Management Services authority to adopt rules to implement portions

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Summary: The committee took up several bills and reported each favorably after brief presentations, amendments, and roll calls. SB 1760, by Senator Grall, would require certain elected officials and agency heads to reside in Florida, with agency heads also required to be U.S. citizens and live in the county where their agency is headquartered; it also clarifies the constitutional prohibition on holding more than one office. SB 1202, by Senator McClain, expands insurance benefits for firefighters who are totally and permanently disabled during official training exercises, and its amendment was adopted to avoid local fiscal impact. SB 582, by Senator Leak, increases penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings and limits the higher penalty to properties on the National Register of Historic Places or in a listed district; supporters included representatives of St. Augustine and the Florida League of Cities, while one opponent waived in opposition. SB 312, by Senator Gates, revises governance of the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition and allows affiliated nonprofit subsidiaries to enter agreements with universities; an amendment adding one public member to the board was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 676, by Senator Martin, which would allow employees to waive the state minimum wage right under a framework the sponsor said would help young or inexperienced workers gain entry-level experience. The bill drew extensive public testimony, with supporters arguing it could help small businesses hire and create opportunities, and opponents saying it would undermine the voter-approved minimum wage, invite coercion, and exploit vulnerable workers. Senator Martin’s amendment clarifying the Fair Labor Standards Act exception was adopted, and the bill passed on a favorable vote despite opposition from Senator Arrington and others. Finally, SB 440, by Senator McClain, was heard as an expansion of prior law to cover public employees and prohibit certain employment practices related to gender identity and pronoun use; after an amendment narrowing the bill by deleting references to training, instruction, or other activity regarding sexual orientation, the committee heard extensive testimony both for and against, with supporters framing it as protecting conscience rights and opponents calling it discriminatory. The committee ultimately reported SB 440 favorably as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, some states have used existing Medicaid authorities to provide medically tailored meals
• National Geographic Fellow, Emmy Award-winning journalist and producer, New York Times best-selling author
• This is a small detail for the congressional room. I'm sorry, you guys are important.

Committee: Senate Aging (Special) Committee

Keywords: health policy, lifespan, quality of life, community health, public testimony

Summary: The committee meeting was marked by discussions surrounding health policies aimed at enhancing the lifespan and quality of life for the community members. The chairperson initiated the session with personal reflections on the importance of extending not just the years of life but also the quality of those years, especially from the perspective of parents and grandparents. Members engaged in thoughtful dialogue regarding potential legislative measures that could address public health in a more holistic manner, emphasizing the need for community outreach and effective health education programs.