Transcript Highlights:

• We have invested over $64 million in driver bonuses, EV rentals, and in-app tools to make driving electric
• The program was designed to drive EV adoption over time, as opposed to merely match or decelerate, and
• The program was designed to drive EV adoption over time, as opposed to merely match or decelerate.
• responders are trying to work around that situation and, obviously, unlike a vehicle that we would drive
• , humans would drive, there's just nobody there to cooperate with what's going on.

Committee: House Communications and Conveyance

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to go back to the driving need for this, and that is our education system as well as our
• So health insurance may be cheaper for people who live in the kingdom, but they may need to drive to
• We took $50,000 and put it into Drive Electric Vermont.
• we started last year when we put $600,000 into working on the issue of getting more people to help drive
• It repeals obsolete language relating to log drives, which we haven't had in a century, and requires

Transcript Highlights:

• But when you're younger, it's easy to operate a mud boat, a surface-drive boat, a Gator Tail boat, you
• I don't know if you ever ridden in one or seen anybody drive one. ...that, who's physically fit.
• I mean, like I spoke about, mud boats, surface-drive boats, Gator Tail boats, got nothing against them
• And today, with the modified surface drives, they are barely any louder.
• Garrett, what the— I heard not much louder than the other traditional surface drives.

Bills: SCR54 , SCR59 , HCR5 , HCR62 , HCR78 , HCR86 , HB595 , HB688 , HB802 , HB841 , HB1161 , HB1171 , HB1189 , HB1248 , HB1258

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Keywords: red drum, fishing regulations, tournament permits, wildlife management, recreational fishing, flood management, FEMA, floodplain maps, environmental risks, Louisiana, flood insurance, risk assessment, community planning, seafood, commercial fishing, USDA programs, economic impact, Louisiana economy, waterfowl, habitat loss

Transcript Highlights:

• If I'm licensed to drive in Louisiana, It's not easier; it's something that's already in place.
• If I'm licensed to drive in Louisiana, It's not easier; it's something that's already in place.
• If I'm licensed to drive in Louisiana, The scrutiny of the governing body.
• If I'm licensed to drive in Louisiana, I can drive in the other 50 states.
• I don't need to tell the state police that I'm coming to drive there.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The committee first deferred several bills, then took up House Bill 468 by Representative A-Bear, which would regulate wholesaling of residential real property by requiring disclosures, a right to cancel within 14 days, and other consumer protections. Representative A-Bear said the bill is meant to increase transparency without banning wholesaling, while committee members and witnesses debated whether the bill should instead focus on proof of funds or other safeguards. The committee adopted an amendment set that added disclosure of assignment fees, required a 1% earnest money deposit, and imposed a civil penalty for violations, then reported the bill favorably after hearing testimony from real estate professionals, title attorneys, and the Louisiana Real Estate Commission, many of whom supported transparency but urged changes to the rescission period and other provisions. Witnesses on HB 468 generally agreed there are bad actors in the wholesale market, especially in residential transactions involving distressed or unsophisticated sellers, but several argued the bill could interfere with legitimate local investors who close quickly and help move problem properties back into commerce. The Real Estate Commission explained that the bill creates a rebuttable presumption based on marketing activity and that the agency has enforcement tools even against unlicensed actors. Representative Jordan raised concerns about intent, assignability, and whether represented sellers need the same protections, and Representative A-Bear said he would continue working on the bill before floor debate. The committee then heard House Bill 548 by Representative Bowie, which changes CPA licensing by allowing either a master’s degree or an additional year of experience in place of the current extra undergraduate hours, while keeping the exam requirement the same. The bill also codifies board composition criteria and modernizes CPA mobility/practice privilege rules for out-of-state CPAs. After brief questions about enforcement and mobility, the committee heard support from the Louisiana Society of CPAs and others and reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 848 by Representative DeWitt on motor vehicle dealer licensing and repair facility requirements, adopted technical amendments, and then recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Blood donations: they do blood drives and collect blood, almost four and a half million blood donations
• Blood donations: they do blood drives and collect blood, almost four and a half million blood donations
• Blood donations: they do blood drives and collect blood, almost four and a half million blood donations
• SO, NOT ONLY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, BLOOD DRIVES, AND OF COURSE And, frankly, I
• And in May of 2022, in my district, a domestic terrorist devised a plan to drive to Buffalo, New York

Summary: The Senate convened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the prior journal and took up motions and resolutions. Senator Gianaris moved to reconsider and restore Senate Print 3179A, an Environmental Conservation Law bill, to the third reading calendar, and amendments were also received on Senate Print 8491. The chamber then considered and adopted Resolution 1716, designating March 2026 as Greek History Month in New York, with remarks from several senators about Greek heritage, Greek independence, immigration, and the contributions of Greek Americans. The Senate also adopted Resolution 1607, proclaiming March 2026 as American Red Cross Month, with extensive testimony praising Red Cross disaster relief, blood donation, preparedness work, and volunteers; several senators highlighted local volunteers and urged greater support for the organization, including budget resources. The Senate welcomed guests, including Red Cross representatives and students from Brooklyn, and later opened the resolutions for co-sponsorship. The chamber then moved through the calendar and passed multiple bills, including measures affecting mental hygiene, elder law, penal law, public authorities, labor, public service, correction, education, election law, alcoholic beverage control, and state administrative procedure. Most bills passed by wide margins, though some drew recorded opposition, including the public authorities bill and several election, public service, and correction measures. Senator Ramos explained her support for the labor bill as a workplace dignity and anti-bullying measure, and Senator Ryan explained his support for the small-business regulatory website bill as a way to simplify access to agency rules and guidance. Senator Skoufis’s Public Health Law bill was also recalled from the Assembly, restored to the third reading calendar, and amended. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, March 12 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Engrossed Senate Bill 5890 is the bill that expands the crime of reckless driving to include situations
• where a person drives a vehicle more than 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.
• This amendment further expands the crime to include when a person drives a vehicle 20 miles per hour
• where a person drives a vehicle more than 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.
• I can't tell you how many times I drive down the highway, especially at night.

Committee: House Community Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• When they don't drive a few minutes, they drive many miles to a grocery store.
• When they don't drive a few minutes, they drive many miles to a grocery store.
• When they don't drive a few minutes, they drive many miles to a grocery store.
• Imagine making a major purchase like an automobile, and you're excited, you're driving off the lot, and

Bills: SB5223 , SB6071 , SB5966 , SB6061 , SB6016 , SB5973 , SB5053 , SB5249 , SB5899 , SB6190 , SB5574 , SB5873 , SB5924 , SB6263 , SB6282 , SB5950 , SB6074 , SB6096 , SB5609 , SB5901 , SB5943 , SB5975 , SJM8016 , SB5907 , SB6031 , SB6155 , SB6158 , SB6227 , SB5947 , SB6085 , SB6234 , SB6274 , SB5909 , SB6044 , SB6239 , SB6045 , SB6089 , SB6170 , SB5954 , SB5762 , SB6032 , SB6066 , SB6082 , SB6164 , SB6176 , SB6319 , SB6308 , SB6200 , SB6080 , SJM8014 , SB6177 , SB6052 , SB6182 , SB5828 , SB6335 , SB6017 , SB5470 , SB5990 , SB5046 , SB5387 , SB5637 , SB5647 , SB5839 , SB5888 , SB5962 , SB6018 , SB6037 , SB6047 , SB6078 , SB6130 , SB6147 , SB6151 , SB6197 , SB6220 , SB6256 , SB6311 , SB6343

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, overpayment recovery, modernization, health care, legislation, healthcare, nutrition, medically tailored meals, dietary support, food security, chronic illness, tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• So I encourage you all to take a trip, take a drive there, not only to Gallup, but check out the scenery
• He plans on doing more than just driving through it next time and really discovering it.
• He said he plans on doing more than just driving through it next time and really discovering it.
• We are happy that you made the trek and the drive down from Gallup-McKinley. Mr.
• I know it's a long drive. I've made that drive many, many times before, and it's a sacrifice.

Bills: HB95 , HB111 , HJR1 , HB32 , HB33 , HB61 , HJM2 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM3 , HM11 , HM14 , HM15 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50 , HB8 , HB30 , HB43 , HB156 , HM2 , HM16

Summary: The House opened with a quorum, prayer, pledge, and a series of announcements and recognitions tied to Gallup-McKinley County Day, including the presentation and passage of House Memorial 15 designating February 5, 2026, as Gallup-McKinley County Day. Members spoke at length in support of Gallup and McKinley County, its Native communities, cultural traditions, Route 66 heritage, economic development, and local schools and guests in the gallery. House Memorial 15 passed unanimously, 70-0. The chamber then took up House Memorial 3 recognizing nurses and other health care professionals. Several members and guests from labor and health care organizations spoke in support, emphasizing the dedication of frontline workers and the importance of honoring nurses. The memorial passed unanimously, 70-0. The House also passed House Bill 32, a counseling licensure compact, after adopting a technical amendment, by 63-0; House Bill 33, a psychologist compact, by 64-0; and House Bill 95, creating a fifth judge position in the Second Judicial District family court division, after a friendly amendment removing an appropriation because funding was already in the budget, by 65-0. During committee reports, the House adopted favorable reports on several measures, including House Bill 70 substitute, Senate Bill 3 as amended, House Bills 246, 254, 271, 276, 288, and House Joint Memorial 3. In introductions, the House referred several memorials and Senate bills, including measures on teacher workload study, detention facility reuse, health insurance affordability, gifted education endorsements, special education, and burglary definitions. The House also announced committee meetings, upcoming events, and the annual House-versus-Senate basketball game, then recessed until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they’re driving home on a pretty treacherous logging road.
• I thought about all the other people. ...out, and they’re driving home on a pretty treacherous logging
• I have been paying way more than my fair share of taxes and driving over that bridge for over 45 years
• Had it been done, we’d still be driving over it today.
• I’d be happy to pay to drive over that bridge.

Bills: HB2550 , HB2645 , HB2109 , HB2134 , HB2323

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: transit, community colleges, student transportation, free rides, public transportation, HB 2645, HB2645, Fairfax Bridge, State Route 165, SR 165, Carbon River, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, emergency infrastructure replacement, bridge collapse, bridge closure, transportation emergency, public safety, infrastructure repair, bridge replacement

Transcript Highlights:

• It's still light out, and they're driving home on a pretty treacherous logging road.
• I thought about all the other people. ...out, and they're driving home on a pretty treacherous logging
• I have been paying way more than my fair share of taxes and driving over that bridge for over 45 years
• Had it been done, we'd still be driving over it today.
• I'd be happy to pay to drive over that bridge.

Summary: The Transportation Committee held public hearings on House Bill 2550 and House Bill 2645, then moved to executive session on three other bills. HB 2550 would require certain community and technical college students enrolled in degree- or certificate-seeking programs to be allowed to ride transit for free as a condition of transit support grant eligibility. Staff said the current program already requires zero-fare access for riders 18 and under, and the bill would expand that requirement to CTC students. Testimony from the sponsor, students, and transit advocates supported the goal of reducing barriers to education, while the Washington State Transit Association raised implementation concerns, including how eligibility would be verified and the potential loss of fare revenue and added administrative costs. The fiscal note discussion estimated local impacts of roughly $10 million to $12 million per year for affected transit agencies. HB 2645 concerned the emergency replacement of the closed Fairfax Bridge on State Route 165. The bill and proposed substitute would declare an emergency and give WSDOT expanded authority to expedite bridge replacement by waiving or suspending certain state requirements. The sponsor and many local residents, business owners, recreation advocates, and emergency responders testified that the bridge closure has cut off communities, limited access to Mount Rainier and public lands, and significantly increased emergency response times. WSDOT testified that it is already moving forward with planning and design for a replacement bridge, but said much of the timeline is driven by federal requirements such as NEPA, historic preservation, and endangered species review. No vote was taken on HB 2550 or HB 2645 in the transcript. In executive session, the committee adopted a proposed substitute for HB 2109, which allows certain towed vehicles with debris on them to be covered instead of cleaned before transport, and passed it out of committee 27-0. The committee also adopted an amendment to HB 2134, which updates regional transportation planning requirements related to greenhouse gas and vehicle miles traveled reductions, and passed the bill out 16-12. Finally, the committee adopted two amendments to HB 2323 creating the Blue Envelope Program for traffic stops involving neurodiverse individuals, then passed the bill out of committee 28-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• Google Drive that has all those items posted.
• I mean it'll Be nice to have nice roads, but if we have nice roads but folks can't afford to drive on
• And in full disclosure, I do not drive a diesel. I'm driving an electric car. So, Mr.
• We're going to bring not just the safety of the roads but the cost to drive on the roads the cost to
• Jump across the interchange, drive back down the other road, and try to get to a friend's road and get

Bills: SB2

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I love to drive a Cadillac. I love to drive a Cadillac, but I can't, because I can't afford one.
• So I drive a GMC truck. All right. All right.
• I drive by one every day coming into Little Rock that is a failing school, and they have some of the
• Then you go to other districts that are driving even further. ...distance.
• Then you go to other districts that are driving even further, like the district we went up to earlier

Committee: All ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)

Summary: The Arkansas Legislative Council met and first heard the monthly revenue report from the Bureau of Legislative Research. Dr. Carlos Silva reported gross collections of $4.02 billion for the first half of the fiscal year, up slightly from the prior year, with net available for distribution also above last year and still above forecast despite a small monthly decline tied to higher-than-expected corporate income tax refunds. Members asked about corporate tax trends, the possible effects of tariffs on state revenues, and broader economic indicators such as inflation and unemployment. The meeting then moved into committee reports, including approval of the Executive Committee’s waiver request for the Van Buren School District, the Administrative Rules Subcommittee report, the Hospital, Medicaid, and Developmental Disabilities report, and the Occupational Licensing Review report. The PEER Subcommittee report prompted extended debate over a Department of Agriculture grant for Central Arkansas Water and whether a Perry County property acquisition should remain in the request. After discussion, the report was adopted. A lengthy portion of the meeting focused on the Department of Education and the Educational Freedom Account appropriation. Members debated whether the program diverts money from public schools, whether homeschool and private-school expenses are comparable, and whether the program should be funded separately or held for further review. Motions were made to separate or remove the $32 million EFA item, but those motions failed, and the report was ultimately adopted. Members also discussed public-school funding levels, enrollment declines, literacy outcomes, and accountability. The council then approved additional reports and rule filings, including items from DFA, the Insurance Department, the Economic Development Commission, the Division of Environmental Quality, and the Division of Parks, before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We use what we call an Automatic Road Analyzer, an ARAN laser truck, which drives the roadways, scans
• That is the vehicle that will be driving around the road collecting this data.
• I was driving up to Santa Fe last week, or a couple of weeks ago, and I-25— I know there has been work
• Is it driving? How many hours a day is it driving around? Mr.
• I'm sure it's more than likely driving All year round to collect all the data that we're looking to get

Transcript Highlights:

• On top of that, you're going to have to talk about folks that are actually driving, and those who have
• On the drive home, as we were exiting the freeway, there is a bridge, and all I remember that day was
• We would drive under the bridge to go to Sonic to get our ice cream.
• We would drive under that bridge to go home after my mom would pick us up from school.
• Just because I'm trying to figure out who's going to be the driving force of this.

Bills: HCR7 , HB1557 , HB1608 , HB2061 , HB2201 , HB2210 , HB2426 , HB2754 , HJR165 , HB2513 , HCR7

Committee: House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: Veterans of Foreign Wars, veterans, commemoration, military service, recognition, September 29, waiver programs, toll roads, discount programs, transportation, affordable housing, land bank program, low-income households, Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation, HB 2061, Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 225, State Highway 242, Interstate Highway 69, Montgomery County

Transcript Highlights:

• be the general went across the board specific things that might be a unique to your university in driving
• So I believe that's what's driving us and keeps us the number one system in the country. >> I have a
• best return on investment for the state of Florida, potentially funding wing away investments that drive
• And so we can further drive down the debt that they may or may not have.
• But also it's an levered at institutions outside of the state of Florida do apply in order to drive not

Transcript Highlights:

• establishes a $100 fine, and it establishes that no point shall be assessed against the person's driving
• establishes a $100 fine, and it establishes that no point shall be assessed against the person's driving
• point shall be assessed against the point shall be assessed against the person's<00:09:43.200><c> driving
• </c><00:09:43.600><c> record</c><00:09:43.920><c> for</c><00:09:44.079><c> the</c> person's driving record
• for the person's driving record for the violation<00:09:45.519><c> we</c><00:09:45.640><c> need</c><

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and heard a personal privilege statement praising Transportation Cabinet staff for helping a constituent obtain a Kentucky Uniform ID in time to board a cruise. The chair also recognized special guests and noted a page for the day. The main bill taken up was Senate Bill 99, with a committee substitute adopted before discussion. Senate Bill 99, sponsored by Senator Douglas, would strengthen Kentucky’s distracted-driving laws by prohibiting the use of personal communication devices to write, send, or read texts while operating a motor vehicle, with exceptions for emergency or public safety use and certain reporting or medical situations. The committee substitute clarified that GPS use remains allowed, including for younger drivers, and the bill also bars anyone under 18 from using a device in any manner while driving, sets a $100 fine with no points, and imposes a 90-day license revocation for minors. Supportive testimony and comments emphasized pedestrian and roadway safety, the dangers of distracted driving, and the bill’s alignment with existing CDL-related restrictions. After discussion, the committee voted on Senate Bill 99 by roll call and reported it favorably with the committee substitute attached. Members explaining their votes said the measure would save lives, reflected practices already used in trucking and bus operations, and was a reasonable enforcement approach similar to prior seat belt laws. The committee then received an informational update on five Transportation Cabinet administrative regulations, which were described as updates for federal compliance, signage standards, truck weight-limit renumbering, an OHV pilot program extension, and expanded electronic review of title applications; no substantive objections were raised. The meeting concluded with discussion of adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• got, and so basically we are going back to the original, uh, penalties, uh, when it comes to, um, driving
• got, and so basically we are going back to the original, uh, penalties, uh, when it comes to, um, driving
• got, and so basically we are going back to the original, uh, penalties, uh, when it comes to, um, driving
• got, and so basically we are going back to the original, uh, penalties, uh, when it comes to, um, driving
• So basically we are going back to the original, uh, penalties, uh, when it comes to, um, driving or now

Committee: House Tourism & Outdoor Recreation

Transcript Highlights:

• And if my kids had their way, mom would never drive again, because the car drives far safer, far smoother
• And if my kids had their way, mom would never drive again, because the car drives far safer, far smoother
• , than I ever could. again, because the car drives far safer, far smoother than I ever could.

Summary: The Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee held its first meeting of the session and began with member and staff introductions, followed by a work session on emerging technology, digital risks, and governance, focused on artificial intelligence in state government. Washington Technology Solutions officials Gretchen Perry, Katie Ruckel, and James Galvin described the state’s approach to balancing innovation with public trust, emphasizing human judgment, transparency, accountability, and the use of AI to augment rather than replace people. They outlined benefits such as automating repetitive tasks, improving fraud and anomaly detection, supporting multilingual access, and improving customer service and internal productivity. The presenters also discussed AI risks, including algorithmic bias, overreliance, hallucinations, and ethical concerns, and explained the state’s governance framework. That framework is based on NIST AI risk principles and includes statewide AI principles, inventory requirements, risk assessments for high-risk uses, accuracy and monitoring requirements, training, data-sharing controls, and restrictions on creating likenesses without consent. They noted the state adopted a statewide AI policy on December 11 and has created an AI community of practice and related subcommittees to support implementation. They also said the policy was bargained with unions where required and that agencies must give notice before consequential AI-related changes affecting working conditions. James Galvin highlighted current AI use cases across state agencies, including visual and spatial analysis for emergency response and flood recovery, the Department of Licensing’s Dolly chatbot for resident services, and an internal contract-assistance tool for staff that is limited to approved materials. Members asked about audit implications, language services and interpreters, the policy’s applicability beyond government, union involvement, return on investment, and whether the state uses off-the-shelf or custom AI models. The presenters said most uses rely on off-the-shelf large language models, that high-risk generative AI is not yet in production, and that the policy is designed to encourage low- and moderate-risk uses while adding more scrutiny for higher-risk applications. No votes or legislative actions were taken; the meeting concluded with committee housekeeping and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• SO THIS IS DRIVING PART OF WHY WE'RE SAYING OUR GDP IS LIKELY WEAKER OVER THE NEAR-TERM.
• SO WHAT'S REALLY DRIVING THE NUMBERS YOU'RE SEEING HERE IS WHAT'S HAPPENING IN EXPENDITURE GROWTH.
• HUMAN SERVICES AND NATURAL RESOURCES THAT ARE DRIVING A LOT OF WHAT WE'RE SEEING IN THERE.
• THE BALANCE FORWARD FROM 25-26 WHICH QUITE A NUMBER OF STRATEGIC ACTIONS BY THE LEGISLATURE HELPED DRIVE
• THAT'S GOING TO DRIVE UP WORD THE LOSS SO IF YOU ANALYZE WHAT WAS IN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT AREAS THAT

Transcript Highlights:

• I have patients who drive... ...communities.
• I have patients who drive two plus hours to receive transplant vaccines at our pharmacy because they
• On top of all that, my wife has to drive an hour just to get medication.
• We found one pharmacy within driving distance of our home, and after school... ...distance of our home
• After school, she drives up there, and it takes time away from spending time with me and our son to go

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance