Transcript Highlights:

• Exempt from federal income taxation.
• As you've heard, health insurers are no longer just insurers.
• So Regence pays the insurance premium tax on our fully insured business.
• , auto, and business insurers.
• tax, even though insurers consider them to be insurance activity covered by the premium tax.

Bills: HB2038 , HB2297 , HB2382 , HB2487 , HB2018

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: HB2038, Washington, B&O tax, business and occupation tax, social media tax, platform tax, youth behavioral health, mental health, adolescent mental health, children's mental health, telebehavioral health, behavioral health account, state treasury, digital services tax, internet platform, social media companies, youth services, depression, anxiety, public health funding

Transcript Highlights:

• All federal tax conformity is in this budget.
• dollars to assist federal immigration agents right now.
• The federal government does not need our help.
• The federal government is building a deportation army.
• They are proud to imitate federal H.R. 1, which added $4.1 trillion to the federal deficit, and just

Summary: The meeting began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and a guest introduction for Deputy Frank Sloop. The Senate then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, with most measures receiving do-pass recommendations after brief explanations and, in several cases, floor amendments. Topics included public records, capital outlay review, local government, taxation, state budget implementation, higher education appropriations, utility regulation, towing regulation, homeowners association disclosures, nursing board regulation, veteran services, criminal justice, human services, K-12 education, state property management, and the continuation of the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Several bills were amended on the floor before receiving favorable recommendations. House Bill 2114 on motorcycle-related provisions was amended to require that at least one registered owner be legally licensed to operate a motorcycle in Arizona. House Bill 2397 on HOA/condominium disclosures was amended to change disclosure timing and fee rules and make other conforming changes. House Bill 2408 on nursing board regulatory action was amended to remove a clear-and-convincing-evidence burden in disciplinary matters and clarify complaint-sharing procedures. House Bill 2957 on driver’s license/handheld provisions, House Bill 2305 on towing regulation, and House Bill 2321 on DCS-related reporting also received amendments before do-pass recommendations. The largest item was Senate Bill 1847, the 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act. Senators offered extensive floor amendments affecting agriculture, corrections, criminal justice, school safety, law enforcement equipment, vehicle theft task force funding, liquor licensing, and other budget items. During third reading and debate on the budget, Democratic senators praised negotiated gains such as funding for aging services, food assistance, civil legal aid, school meals, heat relief, and a three-year moratorium on new data center tax incentives, while criticizing border-related funding, ESA/voucher policy, and cuts to higher education and adult education. One member’s remarks were ruled dilatory after repeated off-topic comments, and the ruling of the chair was sustained by a 16-12 vote. The transcript ends with additional budget-related explanation of votes continuing after the budget’s third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• research that's proposed in the federal government?
• If that's equivalent to the entire cut to federal research that's proposed in the federal government,
• Among others, the CSAA Insurance Group was an investor. The project was completed.
• Home insurance premiums have increased 25%.
• Home insurance premiums have increased 25%.

Summary: The committee heard SB 1135, which would reestablish the California Wildlife Coexistence Program to reduce human-wildlife conflict through nonlethal strategies such as deterrents, conflict reporting, and outreach. The author and supporters said the program had been effective but lost funding in 2024, and they argued it would help communities, ranchers, and wildlife by preventing conflicts before they escalate. Support came from conservation, animal welfare, local government, and county groups, while the California Cattlemen’s Association and California Farm Bureau opposed unless amended, saying the bill needed clearer limits on when nonlethal measures are practicable and protections so compensation funds for livestock losses are not reduced. Members discussed wolf-livestock conflicts, compensation, and the need for continued collaboration. The committee voted 2-0 on call to send the bill to Appropriations. The committee then heard SB 1085, which would preserve water supply assessments for large housing and development projects even when those projects are exempt from CEQA. The author and sponsor EBMUD said the bill is needed to keep water planning tied to land-use planning and avoid “paper water” problems, especially as climate and drought conditions worsen. Supporters included water agencies, environmental groups, labor, and local governments. The California Building Industry Association opposed the bill, arguing that current law already requires verified water supplies, that the bill could add unnecessary process and litigation risk, and that it could slow housing production. Members raised concerns about duplication in cities that also operate their own water systems, but the author said the goal was better coordination, not more bureaucracy. The committee voted 4-1 on call to send the bill to Local Government. The committee also heard SB 1270, which would expand the state wildfire mitigation home-hardening pilot to the top 10 counties by wildfire risk and social vulnerability, adding Riverside, Calaveras, Los Angeles, and Tehama counties and prioritizing future funds for those areas. The author said the bill responds to recent destructive fires and aims to extend home-hardening assistance to more high-risk communities. There was no opposition, and members discussed how to scale funding, whether the program should be broader than the listed counties, and how to focus on cost-effective mitigation. The committee voted 5-0 on call to send the bill to Emergency Management. Finally, the committee heard SB 895, a major science funding measure that would place a $23 billion bond on the ballot and create a California Foundation for Science and Health Research to support research in the state. The author and supporters said California’s research sector is a major economic engine and that federal funding cuts and instability threaten jobs, talent retention, and scientific progress. There was broad support from UC, CSU, labor, health, and research organizations, with no formal opposition. Some members raised concerns about the role of sponsoring unions and the potential for politicization, but the author said the new foundation would operate under California law and that the measure is meant to protect science funding and collaboration. The committee discussion continued, but the transcript excerpt ends before a final vote on SB 895.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:06:45.840><c> Representative</c> insurance plans. Representative insurance plans.
• plan under the federal IRS code, those limitations would not apply until the minimum deductible set
• House Bill 265 is a bill that deals with self-insured workers' compensation pools.
• This bill would first create a dissolution process for any of these self-insurance pools that want to
• pools that want to these self- insurance pools that want to dissolve.<00:11:13.519><c> There</c><00:

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 04:27 Report of Committees 05:14 Orders of the Day 06:02 HB 184 06:16 HB 265 09:38 HJR 24 13:00 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 19:39 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 26:58 Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 28:48 ConC and Rules Report 37:47 Impeachment Committee Announcement 40:50 Adjournment 41:13, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a human rights lawyer by training, and I've spent three decades working on U.S. national security
• I'm a human rights lawyer by training, and I've spent three decades working on U.S. national security
• And now she's considered as a liability by her former employers and the insurance companies.
• So third-party insurance or private pay or Medicaid.
• Insurance, so third-party insurance, private pay, Medicaid, or Medicare. Okay.

Committee: Senate Judiciary C

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then heard House Bill 1033, which expands the definition of critical infrastructure to include airports, heliports, spaceports, aerospace facilities, certain government and military sites, and oil and gas platforms. Supporters said the bill is part of a broader effort to position Louisiana for aerospace and defense investment, while opponents from the Sierra Club warned that repeatedly broadening critical infrastructure could chill protest and free-speech activity. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard House Bill 1034, which authorizes local officials to declare temporary protection zones for public safety for up to 72 hours, with one extension. The sponsor and the Department of Economic Development said it would be a tool for aerospace and defense projects and other public-safety needs; ACLU testimony raised concerns about notice, property rights, and possible impacts on public waterways. The bill was also reported favorably. The committee next considered several criminal justice bills. House Bill 51, barring post-conviction bail for defendants convicted of aggravated offenses against children, and House Bill 55, limiting public disclosure of juror information to protect juror privacy, both received broad support and were reported favorably. House Bill 635, aimed at protecting Louisianians from transnational repression by foreign governments through penalty enhancements for underlying crimes, was supported by a national security advocate and reported favorably. House Bill 133, increasing penalties for students who commit attacks on teachers or other students, was amended to address juvenile procedure and exceptionalities; teachers testified about serious injuries they suffered, while the ACLU and criminal defense lawyers raised concerns about mandatory minimums and individualized sentencing. The bill was reported with amendments. The committee also heard House Bill 676, which creates the crime of fraudulent patient referrals, or “body brokering,” in the substance-use treatment industry. The sponsor and Blue Cross Blue Shield representatives described schemes that steer vulnerable patients into fraudulent treatment arrangements for profit; the bill was reported favorably. House Bill 159 created a Caddo Parish pilot program for pretrial home incarceration with electronic monitoring to reduce jail overcrowding. The sheriff said the jail is far over capacity and that the program would be limited to nonviolent, non-sex-offense defendants with risk assessments, court approval, and behavioral-health check-ins. Witnesses supported the concept but urged tighter liability language; the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill with amendments. House Bill 106, dealing with unauthorized administration of melatonin to children in child care settings, was reported favorably. Later, the committee amended and reported House Bill 108, which changes juror qualifications to exclude people convicted of crimes of violence or sex offenses from criminal juries, after opponents argued it would unnecessarily bar citizens from jury service. House Bill 784, a cleanup bill on sex offender registration and notification, was amended and reported with technical changes. Senate Bill 388, which removes a trigger clause tied to a border compact and authorizes review of state contracts for foreign-adversary benefit, was amended and reported. Finally, House Bill 772, a bail-procedure reform requiring accurate mailing and electronic notice information and consolidating notice rules, was presented as a fairness and efficiency measure and had support from the bail industry and prosecutors; the transcript ends before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sonderling is ready to work with this committee to implement a pro-worker policy. agenda that secures
• time when Social Security is now grossly understaffed.
• But then when they come into federal civilian service, they're probationary.
• So how much were you paid by insurance companies, including devoted health services?
• services, an insurance company that primarily sells Medicare Advantage plans.

Committee: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Keywords: nominations, labor, health, veterans, Social Security, Elon Musk, transparency, government accountability

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on various executive nominations and their implications on labor and health affairs. Significant discussions surrounded the nomination of Mr. Sonderling as the Deputy Secretary of Labor, with members expressing concerns about workforce cuts affecting veterans and Social Security employees. There was also a debate led by a member regarding the authority and influence of private individuals, specifically citing Elon Musk's involvement in government decisions. Such discussions raised questions about transparency and accountability within governmental agencies, leading to a proposal for Mr. Musk to provide testimony before the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so when we see the federal government making moves to target...
• must buy private health insurance that has increased in cost by 58% following the expiration of federal
• The federal programs at stake exist for students like us.
• When the federal government walked away from us, our district stepped up.
• Securing housing changed everything.

Summary: The committee heard AB 1159, which would expand and modernize student data privacy protections, extend similar protections to higher education students, and create limited enforcement mechanisms. The author and supporters argued that ed tech now collects far more sensitive information than students and families realize, including health, location, and identity-related data, and said the bill is needed to address AI, subpoenas, data theft, and misuse. Some higher education and bookstore interests raised concerns about definitions and preserving ordinary student communications, but committee members generally supported the bill and emphasized protecting sensitive information; the bill was moved on a due pass motion to the Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies and Consumer Protection Committee and placed on call. The committee also heard AB 1171, which would protect and stabilize the Part-Time Community College Faculty Health Insurance Program by keeping funds dedicated to that purpose and requiring districts to begin negotiations by 2030. The author and supporters said part-time faculty often lack employer-sponsored coverage despite teaching most community college courses, while opponents from the Community College League and administrators argued the measure was premature because participation is growing and the Legislature should retain budget flexibility. Several senators discussed the tension between budget discretion and honoring the state’s commitment to faculty health care; the bill was moved on a due pass motion to Senate Appropriations and placed on call. AB 1581 followed, proposing changes to improve identification and reporting of Native American students in CalPADS through tribal affiliation data. Supporters said current systems severely undercount Native students and that better data would improve resources and accountability, while members raised implementation questions about multi-tribal identities and consultation with tribes. The bill was moved to Appropriations and placed on call. The committee then heard AB 1665, requiring mental health training for school sports coaches. The author and a psychiatrist witness said coaches are trusted adults who already receive training on physical safety and should also be trained to recognize mental health warning signs and connect students to help. Support came from school, health, and sports organizations, with no opposition, and the bill was moved to Appropriations and placed on call. Finally, AB 1766 was heard, expanding human trafficking prevention education from grades 7-12 to K-12 and adding content on online exploitation, grooming, and digital abuse. The author, a survivor witness, and a foundation representative described the need for earlier, age-appropriate prevention education and stronger staff awareness; supporters included educators, school districts, and industry groups, with no opposition. Senators praised the testimony and the bill’s focus on prevention, and a motion was made to move it forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2148, non-custodial federal monies and appropriations.
• for each range of total admitted assets that is paid by insurers in Arizona.
• for each range of total admitted assets that is paid by insurers in Arizona.
• Where does the state legislative postcard input figure into federal lawmaking or federal security decisions
• Where does the state legislative postcard input figure into federal lawmaking or federal security decisions

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus began with introductions from pages and interns, followed by a procedural reminder on consent calendars and how bills can be pulled for floor debate or amendment. Members were told that third-read consent bills bypass caucus debate, while caucus consent bills may have committee amendments adopted together unless pulled. The meeting then moved into Minority Caucus Calendar No. 2. A large number of bills were briefly presented, with several members pulling measures from consent or voicing opposition. Topics included appropriations and federal monies accounting (HB 2148), a Buffalo Soldiers memorial (HB 2062), school library funding restrictions (HB 2008), prayer at school governing body meetings (HB 2110), school safety center administration (HB 2142), parental rights and social transitioning disclosures (HB 2249), insurer assessments (HB 2091), agricultural property classification and inspection rules (HB 2104 and HB 2105), firefighter workers’ compensation definitions (HB 2138), truth-in-taxation bond notices (HB 2289), late tax filing penalties (HB 2016), engineering and professional licensing reciprocity (HB 2122), felony murder involving an unborn child (HB 2043), body concealment and mutilation penalties (HB 2044), domestic violence order-of-protection service rules (HB 2048), mandatory reporting of partial-birth abortions (HB 2074), unlawful flight sentencing enhancements (HB 2108), weapons trafficking and fentanyl sentencing changes (HB 2131 and HB 2132), drive-by shooting forfeiture rules (HB 2045), probation review notice changes (HB 2046), venue changes for cases involving court employees (HB 2126), and child support for pre-born children (HB 2144). Members repeatedly criticized several abortion-related bills, the library bill, and the tax and agriculture measures as harmful, unnecessary, or unfunded mandates. The latter part of the meeting focused on water and election legislation. Water bills included snowpack augmentation funding (HB 2024), water conservation grant disclosures (HB 2029), removal of education/research as an eligible water grant use (HB 2030), stormwater recharge mapping with an appropriation (HB 253), cesspool remediation assistance (HB 2096), groundwater pumping limits in INAs (HB 2097), Colorado River litigation funding (HB 2116), and natural resource conservation board changes (HB 2117). Election-related items included moving the primary date earlier and changing signature cure timelines and observer rules (HB 2022), a memorial urging designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization (HCM 2001), a memorial urging review of CAIR for terrorist designation (HCM 2002), and a constitutional amendment on citizenship, voter ID, foreign contributions, and early voting limits (HCR 2001). Members raised concerns about voter access, anti-Muslim rhetoric, and the practical effects of the election changes. The caucus concluded with birthday acknowledgments and an announcement for Muslim Day at the Capitol before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 620 requires that, to qualify for nomination or election to a federal, state, county, or
• Federation, and he's waving in support.
• federation, and he's waving in support.
• Bill Hurley, National Federation of Independent Businesses, waiving in support.
• Indemnification is security against legal liability for one's actions.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard and advanced a series of bills on candidate disclosure, litigation financing, professional liability, public meetings, problem-solving courts, probate, wrongful conviction compensation, public records, and housing fraud. Senate Bill 620, by Senator Mayfield, would require candidates for federal, state, county, district, judicial, and school board offices to disclose any citizenship in countries other than the United States; it drew one waived-in opposition from Common Cause and was reported favorably 8-0. Senate Bill 1396, by Vice Chair Burton, would regulate litigation financing, including limits on funders’ recovery, restrictions on funder control, and disclosure of foreign entities involved; it received support from several business and tort-reform groups, opposition from the Florida Justice Association, and was reported favorably 7-2 after questions about the purpose and scope of the disclosures. Senator Martin’s bills also moved forward. SB 192 would remove the $1,500 cap on patient funds chiropractic physicians may hold in trust for prepaid services; it was supported by the Florida Chiropractic Society and reported favorably 7-0. SB 888 would extend to private contracts the current limits on indemnity and insurance requirements for architects, engineers, surveyors, and landscape architects, and it was reported favorably 7-0 after testimony from engineering and design professionals. Senator Bradley’s CS for SB 332, as amended, would create a narrow public meetings/public records exemption for pre-suit Burt Harris litigation strategy discussions by local governments; it was adopted and reported favorably 7-0. SB 820 would require quarterly reporting on problem-solving courts, including participant counts, offenses, completion, failure, and recidivism data, and it was reported favorably 10-0. SB 1500 would update uncontested probate procedures, raise certain small-estate thresholds, clarify safe-deposit-box authority, and strengthen enforcement provisions; it was reported favorably 10-0. The committee also advanced several other measures. CS for SB 694, by Senator Bracey Davis, would compensate the descendants of the Groveland Four; it was amended to divide any appropriation equally among the four family branches, received extensive emotional testimony in support, and was reported favorably 10-0. SB 144 would create a public records exemption for personal information of Judicial Qualifications Commission employees and their families due to harassment concerns, and it was reported favorably 9-1. CS for SB 1224, as amended, would make fraudulent entry into a rental dwelling a third-degree felony when done through false statements, counterfeit documents, or impersonation; it was supported by Florida Realtors and the Florida Apartment Association and reported favorably 10-0. SB 1000 would set a floor and ceiling for interest rates on law firm trust accounts tied to the Wall Street Journal prime rate, and it was reported favorably 10-0 after stakeholder compromise. The committee also took up SB 532 only to temporarily postpone it, and at the end members recorded additional affirmative votes on selected bills before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The overwhelming majority of those incidents never reach a federal disaster declaration.
• additional $29.1 million in state non-profit security grants.
• The federal pass-through over the last six years, I'm sorry, the federal pass-through is nearly $15 billion
• These are funded with state resources and with federal resources.
• funds that we receive from the Federal Highway Administration.

Summary: The committee met to review agency program funding as it prepared to build the budget, hearing brief presentations from six agencies and then taking member questions. Florida Division of Emergency Management highlighted its role in response, preparedness, recovery, and mitigation, describing a largely federal pass-through budget, major technology investments, and large disaster and preparedness grant activity. The Department of Commerce, Department of State, Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Department of Transportation, Department of Military Affairs, Florida State Guard, and Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles also summarized their budgets, staffing, and major programs, including workforce and economic development, elections and arts funding, housing assistance, transportation work programs, military readiness, state guard expansion, and highway safety and motorist services. Members focused questions on several issues: arts and library grant funding and whether award criteria had changed; Commerce’s rural infrastructure and job growth grants and why funds were not being disbursed faster; Florida Housing’s use of SAIL, Live Local, Hometown Heroes, and SHIP funds and how smaller agencies learn about and access funding; and DOT’s work program gap between agency and governor proposals. The most extensive questioning was directed to Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles about long DMV lines, vacancies, overtime, staffing shortages, and the ability to shift funds between divisions. The department said staffing and pay constraints, especially in South Florida, were driving service delays and vacancy rates, and that overtime was being used because troopers were leaving for better-paying jobs. The Florida State Guard was also questioned about its spending and procurement pace, including aircraft purchases and facilities. Its director said long procurement timelines explained the low initial spending and that obligations had risen sharply as contracts matured. Members also asked about the department’s public opposition to Amendment 3 and whether agency resources were used in that effort; the director said no contracts or purchases were made to influence the vote and said the colonel’s comments were made off the clock. The meeting ended with the chair asking agencies to respond promptly to unanswered questions, and the committee adjourned without any recorded votes or formal actions beyond receiving the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We must require health insurance companies, MassHealth, the Group Insurance Commission, and commercial
• health insurance to cover community health worker services.
• We must require health insurance companies, MassHealth, the Group Insurance Commission, and commercial
• health insurance to cover community health worker services.
• Congress to freeze federal health care spending.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered a wide range of public health bills, with much of the testimony focused on two major themes: expanding access to care and stabilizing health-related workforces and services. On House 2364, an act relative to medical health and fitness facilities, representatives from Dedham Health and Athletic Club argued for a pilot program recognizing supervised exercise as medicine, saying it could improve outcomes for chronic disease, fall prevention, and mental health while reducing costs. On House/Senate bills concerning community health workers (H. 359/S. 251), multiple witnesses from MACHW, Health Care for All, MHA, Cambridge Health Alliance, Mass General Brigham, Boston Children’s Hospital, Asian Women for Health, and the City of Somerville described CHWs as essential for navigation, trust-building, language access, and addressing social needs, and urged reimbursement by MassHealth, the GIC, and private insurers, along with workforce development measures. One pediatric neurologist also told the committee that losing grant-funded CHW support led to more avoidable ER visits and threatened clinic operations. The committee also heard extensive testimony on hospital closures and essential services. Witnesses including Dr. Alan Sager, MNA President Katie Murphy, nurses from Brockton Hospital and Providence Behavioral Health, and local officials and legislators from Norwood described the loss of hospitals and service lines, especially maternity, pediatric, and behavioral health care, and argued current closure processes are too weak to protect communities. They supported bills such as H. 2460/S. 1503 and H. 2534/S. 1574, which would require earlier notice, community input, stronger state oversight, possible receivership, and limits on reopening or expanding after closures. Testimony emphasized the impact of Steward’s bankruptcy, the closures of Carney and Neshoba Valley, and the need to preserve access to essential services in underserved areas. Several end-of-life and professional regulation bills were also discussed. On H. 2436, Representative Omar Gomez and funeral industry witnesses supported eliminating Office of the Chief Medical Examiner fees for the removal of a child’s body in cases involving children five and under, describing the bill as a small but important relief for grieving families. On H. 2444 and related Senate bills, cemetery and consumer advocates supported legalizing alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction as environmentally friendly after-death options, while cemetery representatives opposed H. 2360, which would allow funeral establishments to operate crematories, arguing cemeteries should retain that role. The committee also heard support for H. 2382, which would exempt dentists and oral surgeons from a new office-based surgical center framework, and for H. 2461, which would create hospital efficiency standards; employers and retailers backed that bill as a way to address rising health care costs. Finally, the committee heard testimony on autism services and hospital governance. On S. 1414, behavior analysts and school representatives said Massachusetts already licenses assistant-level ABA providers but MassHealth does not reimburse them, causing long waitlists and limiting school and family access; an actuary testified that a three-tier ABA reimbursement model could reduce MassHealth costs by up to 6% per child served. Senator Lovely also testified in support of S. 1572, which would require at least one registered nurse on each acute care hospital governing board, arguing nurses’ frontline perspective would improve quality and retention. No votes were taken in the hearing excerpt, but many witnesses urged favorable reports on their respective bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• I call to order the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.
• A toddler wasn't secured properly.
• Insurance Federation. Very kind, very patient. Back to H. 2688 regarding primary seatbelt.
• Insurance Federation.
• I would also like to record both the Federation as well as the American Property Casualty Insurance Association's

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security heard testimony on several bills, beginning with a major workplace violence proposal for health care settings. Senator Lovely, the Massachusetts Nurses Association, the Massachusetts Hospital Association, and SEIU 1199 all supported legislation requiring hospitals and other health care employers to conduct facility-specific risk assessments, develop violence prevention plans, train workers, and provide reporting and protections for assaulted employees. Witnesses described workplace assaults as frequent and escalating, and committee members discussed balancing worker safety with concerns about criminalizing mental illness; testimony emphasized that the bill targets intentional assaults while preserving treatment and discretion for behavioral health crises. The committee also heard strong support for bills to strengthen traffic safety, including primary seat belt enforcement, rear-facing car seat requirements, and seat belts on school buses. AAA Northeast, the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts, law enforcement, legislators, and the Massachusetts Insurance Federation all backed the measures, citing crash data, injury prevention, and personal stories of traumatic brain injury. Senator O’Connor testified for school bus seat belts, saying Massachusetts should join other states requiring them, and later Sophia Furzada of the National Transportation Safety Board urged passage of school bus seat belt and child passenger safety bills, saying lap-shoulder belts would reduce injuries and save lives in crashes where compartmentalization is not enough. Other testimony included support for a bill to make 9-1-1 disability indicator forms more accessible and inclusive, with the witness arguing the form should better reflect mental health, developmental disabilities, language access needs, and a fifth-grade reading level. The committee also heard opposition to a proposal to extend Christian’s Law to swimming pools, with a parks and recreation director warning of unintended consequences for municipal camps and underserved communities. Finally, the committee took testimony on a bill to expand the Forensic Science Oversight Board to include workforce representation, which MOSES said would restore technical expertise to the board. At the end of the hearing, the committee adjourned without taking votes on the bills discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• In international, federal, and international border security matters, it's an involvement that we rarely
• agreement or the land is subject to a recorded easement granted for certain border security.
• Border security operations, and that's it.
• That's quite a big bill for everyone using public and private insurance.
• The Secretary will read the caption. by insurers and health care providers.

Bills: HJR34 , HB6 , HB18 , HB39 , HB107 , HB114 , HB138 , HB247 , HB300 , HB647 , HB748 , HB762 , HB793 , HB1240 , HB1275 , HB1397 , HB1584 , HB1700 , HB1875 , HB1894 , HB1965 , HB2071 , HB2254 , HB2340 , HB2350 , HB2516 , HB2712 , HB2713 , HB2715 , HB2760 , HB2842 , HB3088 , HB3104 , HB3260 , HB3479 , HB3575 , HB3687 , HB3788 , HB4163 , HB4187 , HB4205 , HB4370 , HB4384 , HB4655 , HB4753 , HB4809 , HB4850 , HB5195 , HCR90 , HCR98 , SJR60 , SB203 , SB317 , SB719 , SB801 , SB867 , SB1071 , SB1232 , SB1319 , SB1483 , SB1633 , SB1798 , SB1978 , SB2233 , SB2363 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2717 , SB2797 , SB2841 , SB2928 , SB3038 , SJR5 , SB4 , SB9 , SB21 , SB23 , SB27 , SB34 , SB40 , SB75 , SB213 , SB458 , SB482 , SB493 , SB840 , SB841 , SB843 , SB912 , SB1241 , SB1253 , SB1350 , SB1388 , SB1423 , SB1535 , SB1559 , SB1789 , SB1951 , SB2037 , SB2143 , SB2155 , SB2544 , SB1 , SB17 , SB260 , SB509 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SB1833 , SB2308 , HB2525 , HJR34 , HB1393 , HB26 , HB388 , HB2712 , HB1633 , HB685 , HB762 , HB2286 , HB1606 , HB1458 , HB1240 , HB2791 , HB3146 , HB1397 , HB2061 , HB647 , HB4738 , HB2563 , HB128 , HB581 , HB766 , HB2259 , HB2358 , HB4384 , HB748 , HB793 , HB1734 , HB2340 , HB2350 , HB3104 , HB5180 , HB1584 , HB3806 , HB3804 , HB3803 , HB1522 , HB3597 , HB1612 , HB4224 , HB1314 , HB2254 , HB1237 , HB3126 , HB2856 , HB3114 , HB3505 , HB4205 , HB5652 , HB3687 , HB2025 , HB3395 , HB2495 , HB138 , HB18 , HB1700 , HB4655 , HB2516 , HB1894 , HB1965 , HB300 , HB2713 , HB39 , HB114 , HB24 , HB3088 , HB4163 , HB3479 , HB2842 , HB519 , HB609 , HB1275 , HB1592 , HB3348 , HB120 , HB6 , HB247 , HB1533 , HB2421 , HB2273 , HB2464 , HB2011 , HB3575 , HB3788 , HB4370 , HB4809 , HB5057 , HB5084 , HB5534 , HB5668 , HB3424 , HB2715 , HB2564 , HB2760 , HB2765 , HB2898 , HB3260 , HB3800 , HB4396 , HB5195 , HB4341 , HB43 , HB5686 , HB2467 , HB2468 , HB2518 , HB4310 , HB4386 , HB4490 , HB180 , HB5323 , HB2 , HB149 , HB4945 , HB2434 , HB2529 , HB3161 , HB3745 , HB4044 , HB5155 , HB5667 , HB4996 , HB2697 , HB2492 , HB2355 , HB2282 , HB2001 , HB1902 , HB1866 , HB1445 , HB1443 , HB1306 , HB1024 , HB908 , HB305 , HB285 , HB449 , HB171 , HB47 , HB3464 , HB2637 , HB4263 , HB5436 , HB4429 , HB3986 , HB3966 , HB3510 , HB2560 , HB2026 , HB2688 , HB4076 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB1978 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB1749 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1944 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2683 , SB1319 , SB3038 , SB3045 , SB1538 , SB719 , SB3071 , SB3065 , SB823 , SB3062 , SB719 , HB39 , HB114 , HB138 , HB247 , HB300 , HB762 , HB793 , HB1275 , HB1584 , HB1700 , HB1894 , HB1965 , HB2254 , HB2340 , HB2350 , HB2760 , HB2842 , HB3088 , HB3104 , HB3260 , HB3479 , HB3575 , HB3687 , HB3788 , HB4163 , HB4205 , HB4370 , HB4655 , HB4809 , HB5195 , SB1978 , SR508 , HJR34 , SB963 , SB1383 , SB1883 , SB1968 , HB2525 , HB112 , HB117 , HB557 , HB783 , HB869 , HB876 , HB1039 , HB1201 , HB1347 , HB1359 , HB1650 , HB1788 , HB1904 , HB1955 , HB2370 , HB2849 , HB2853 , HB3066 , HB3169 , HB3178 , HB3179 , HB3196 , HB3241 , HB3567 , HB3672 , HB3715 , HB3720 , HB3883 , HB3954 , HB3976 , HB4070 , HB4098 , HB4222 , HB4327 , HB4359 , HB4412 , HB4683 , HB4755 , HB4894 , HB4926 , HB5115 , HB5165 , HB5320 , HB5437 , HB5499 , HB5596 , HB5650 , HB5651 , HB5654 , HB5656 , HB5658 , HB5659 , HB5661 , HB5662 , HB5665 , HB5666 , HB5670 , HB5671 , HB5672 , HB5674 , HB5676 , HB5677 , HB5678 , HB5679 , HB5680 , HB5681 , HB5682 , HB5688 , HB5694 , HB5695 , HB5696 , HB5699 , HCR46 , HCR59 , HCR81 , HCR83 , HCR84 , HCR111 , HCR142 , HB112 , HB117 , HB557 , HB783 , HB869 , HB876 , HB1039 , HB1201 , HB1347 , HB1359 , HB1650 , HB1788 , HB1904 , HB1955 , HB2370 , HB2849 , HB2853 , HB3066 , HB3169 , HB3178 , HB3179 , HB3196 , HB3241 , HB3567 , HB3672 , HB3715 , HB3720 , HB3883 , HB3954 , HB3976 , HB4070 , HB4098 , HB4222 , HB4327 , HB4359 , HB4412 , HB4683 , HB4755 , HB4894 , HB4926 , HB5115 , HB5165 , HB5320 , HB5437 , HB5499 , HB5596 , HB5650 , HB5651 , HB5654 , HB5656 , HB5658 , HB5659 , HB5661 , HB5662 , HB5665 , HB5666 , HB5670 , HB5671 , HB5672 , HB5674 , HB5676 , HB5677 , HB5678 , HB5679 , HB5680 , HB5681 , HB5682 , HB5688 , HB5694 , HB5695 , HB5696 , HB5699 , HCR46 , HCR59 , HCR81 , HCR83 , HCR84 , HCR111 , HCR142

Keywords: HJR 34, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, ad valorem tax, property tax exemption, real property, border counties, U.S.-Mexico border, United Mexican States, border security, border security infrastructure, landowner, county tax base, local government, tax relief, property value increase, infrastructure improvements, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• Personal Insurance Federation of Florida. Yes, hi. Thank you, Chair.
• And again, I represent the Personal Insurance Federation of Florida.
• Like maybe a little less on the insurance side and insurer side, but does elicit some questions for the
• I was kind of curious how insurance handles EVs.
• Secondly, we have federal deadlines we have to meet.

Summary: The Transportation Committee met with a quorum and first took up SB 1362 on advanced air mobility. Senator Harrell described the bill as creating a framework for vertiports and eVTOL operations, including DOT oversight, vertiport licensing, preemption of local design and operational regulation, and limited liability protections. An amendment was adopted that removed the bill’s sales tax exemptions and narrowed the sovereign immunity language so it would apply only to vertiports co-located at airports, aligning the bill more closely with the House companion. Supporters from eVTOL companies praised Florida’s leadership and the regulatory clarity, while the Florida Justice Association urged caution about extending immunity to unproven entities. The committee then reported the bill favorably. The committee next considered SB 260 on storage and cleanup of electric vehicles after crashes. An amendment narrowed the bill to EVs with visible battery or battery-compartment damage or saltwater submersion, clarified that the fee applies to storage rather than towing, and tied the proposal to existing fire marshal rules requiring damaged EVs to be stored away from structures. Insurance and rental-car industry representatives supported the narrowed approach but asked for more data reporting, clearer limits on cleanup language, and safeguards against overcharging or cost shifting. The bill was debated as a response to the space and safety burdens placed on tow operators, and it was reported favorably after amendment. The committee also approved SB 1352, which creates a secure online portal for license plate seizure/confiscation processing, allows disabled veterans to retain their DV plate alphanumeric designation, authorizes immediate issuance of DV plates by tax collectors, bans license plate covers/overlays that obscure plates, and routes online driver license/ID renewals to the customer’s county tax collector with service fees remitted accordingly. SB 1370 was reported favorably as well; it closes a loophole so drivers who never had a license can still be treated similarly to suspended-license offenders for habitual traffic offender purposes after repeated offenses. Finally, the committee considered SB 1220, FDOT’s transportation package, which included updates to trail prioritization, SunTrail materials and sponsorships, seaport and airport resilience planning, drone delivery and personnel delivery device provisions, LiDAR coordination, turnpike toll programming changes, and felony penalties for damaging autonomous vehicles. An amendment removed some provisions, including digital driver license authorization and the rapid rail transit compact, and added advanced air mobility corridor language and an FDOT study on alternative-fuel revenue impacts; after support from several stakeholders, the committee reported the bill favorably and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal courts have long since ruled that immigration enforcement falls under federal jurisdiction.
• It would have no involvement with federal law.
• FIELD PREEMPTION CAN BE INFERRED FROM A FEDERAL INTEREST SO DOMINANT THAT THE FEDERAL SYSTEM WOULD BE
• COOPERATION WITH FEDERAL IMMIGRATION AGENCIES IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE FEDERAL IMMIGRATION LAW.
• WE MUST SECURE THE BORDERS.

Keywords: immigration enforcement, unauthorized alien entry, death penalty, capital felonies, 287G agreements, in-state tuition, undocumented students, DACA, TPS, Venezuelan immigrants, law enforcement funding, immigration detention, federal preemption, equal protection, constitutional challenges, immigration status determination, school resource officers, conscientious objection, clergy protection, teacher protection

Summary: The Florida House passed two immigration enforcement bills during a special session. Senate Bill 4C creates new state offenses for unauthorized alien entry/reentry into Florida and mandates the death penalty for unauthorized aliens convicted of capital felonies. Senate Bill 2C establishes a state immigration enforcement board, provides $300+ million for local law enforcement immigration cooperation, creates a $1,000 bonus program for officers participating in federal immigration enforcement, and repeals in-state tuition for undocumented students effective July 1, 2025. Multiple amendments were proposed but failed, including protections for Venezuelan TPS holders, DACA recipients, students in critical professions, and conscientious objection provisions for clergy and teachers. Debate included constitutional concerns about federal preemption, equal protection violations, and mandatory death penalty provisions. The session also included a memorial urging DHS to provide 287G agreement training opportunities.

Transcript Highlights:

• ...companies, insurance, construction. Why 150 employees?
• The federal government does, but in... They're implementing the program.
• It uses the same information already required on the federal I-9 form.
• At Secure Idaho, we support real E-Verify enforcement.
• The federal government has not been doing its job.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee approved the February 4, 2026 minutes and advanced the gubernatorial appointment of Ryan Lanham as State Athletic Commissioner to the Senate floor with a recommendation for confirmation. The committee also sent RS 33249 to print, a resolution covering reviewed and approved rules for several state agencies, including Idaho State Police, the Public Safety and Public Utilities Commissions, the Secretary of State, the Department of Administration, and the State Lottery. Members then considered RS 33252, a joint memorial urging Idaho’s congressional delegation to pursue greater state autonomy over election laws and campaign finance, including possible constitutional changes. The memorial was introduced and sent to print without opposition. The committee next heard SB 1247, which would require E-Verify for state and local government employers and certain larger contractors. Supporters said it would protect taxpayer dollars and align with other states, while opponents argued it was too narrow, left subcontracting loopholes, and could burden employers without fully addressing illegal hiring. After debate, the bill was sent to the floor with a do pass recommendation on a 6-3 vote. Finally, the committee heard SB 1236, a code cleanup bill to remove the obsolete Idaho Women’s Commission from statute. The sponsor said the commission was defunded years ago and the bill simply removed unused code. Testimony from women’s advocacy groups opposed the bill, arguing the commission could still be reactivated and could address ongoing issues affecting women. Committee members split over whether the commission was still needed, but the bill was ultimately sent to the floor with a do pass recommendation, with Senators Ruchti and Bernt recorded as voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're funded through the IMLS federally. So that funding is a little bit shaky right now.
• There are over 500 partners in the Food Security Network. Of New Mexico.
• Malpractice insurance costs are rising rapidly.
• of Homeland Security and is geographically the largest of the four sites.
• of Homeland Security and is geographically the largest of the four sites.

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy presentation from the New Mexico Rural Library Initiative in support of fully funding the rural library endowment with an additional $29.5 million. The presenters described rural libraries as essential community infrastructure that provide not only books and internet access, but also early childhood programs, adult education, workforce support, telehealth, disaster response, and civic meeting space. They argued that the endowment would provide stable annual support for staffing and operations, help sustain libraries in very small towns and tribal communities, and support new or developing libraries. Members asked about eligibility, county coverage, how funds are distributed, and whether the state tracks broader outcomes such as job placements or certifications; the presenters said the State Library administers the funds and that the initiative itself is a nonprofit capacity-building organization, not the fund manager. Some members raised concerns about whether an endowment is the best long-term model versus recurring annual appropriations, and about the need for better reporting and state-library involvement. The committee then heard from food bank leaders Jill Dixon and Katie Anderson about food security and its economic impact. They said New Mexico’s five food banks and more than 500 partner agencies serve all 33 counties, distribute over 45 million meals, and rely mostly on philanthropy, with some state and local support. They emphasized that SNAP is a major economic driver, supporting grocery access, jobs, and local spending, and that recent legislative growth funding helped food banks respond to a surge in demand during a SNAP disruption. They also highlighted food banks as community hubs that can connect people to health care, job training, and other services, including through clinic referrals and closed-loop systems. In response to questions, they said food access gaps remain in some rural areas, that clients can generally seek food at other distribution sites without barriers, and that longer-term solutions should include more grocery access, healthy corner stores, and stronger broadband and health care infrastructure. The final presentations came from the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce. Gallup-McKinley described a shrinking workforce, youth outmigration, crime, health care shortages, malpractice costs, and gross receipts tax burdens as major barriers to rural economic growth, and urged action on workforce pipelines, housing, public safety, malpractice reform, and tax/regulatory changes. Artesia highlighted its murals, library, sports tradition, oil and gas, agriculture, federal training center, and refinery, while also noting workforce shortages, health care recruitment challenges, housing constraints, and the need for quality-of-life investments and more flexible regulation. The committee also briefly heard a bill presentation proposing a New Mexico-Ireland Trade Commission to promote bilateral trade and investment, especially in technology, agriculture, and energy sectors. No votes were taken because quorum was not reached, and the endorsement item was not acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• But part of that is food security. and food security.
• And that's based on federal data.
• Reconciliation or Federal Oversight Committee.
• Investments to address food security in New Mexico.
• Also, these looming changes in federal funding and the rollout of these new federal rules.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Your Social Security number and your driver's license number.
• The truth is HB 1205 doesn't just close these security gaps.
• Under federal law, crimes in nursing homes must be reported.
• re-aligned state language with federal language.
• These are all crucial to maintaining sovereignty and national security.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Walton County Deputy Will May, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. The Rules and Ethics Committee’s special order report for April 3, 2025 was adopted, and CS/HB 947 was recommitted to the Judiciary Committee. The chamber then moved through a series of bills, mostly reviser and technical measures, with several companion Senate bills substituted and passed: SB 36 (Florida statutes adoption act), SB 42 (general reviser’s bill), SB 40 (deleting inoperative statutory provisions), and SB 38 (renaming references from the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services to the Division of Criminal Investigations). All of those passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The House also passed HB 513 on electronic transmittal of court orders, requiring clerks to electronically send certain petitions, notices, summonses, and orders within six hours, including Baker Act, Marchman Act, and risk protection order documents. Members discussed whether judges needed to direct transmission and whether there were fail-safes if clerks did not comply. HB 615, on electronic delivery of notices between landlords and tenants, was amended to strengthen tenant protections and passed 108-0. HB 655 establishing a regulatory framework for pet insurance, HB 299 on elevator accessibility requirements, and HB 1145 on workforce education also passed, with HB 1145 receiving 100 yeas and 4 nays. HB 649, removing the paper supervised protocol for certified registered nurse anesthetists, passed 77-30 after structured debate. A major portion of the meeting focused on CS/HB 1205, which would significantly revise Florida’s citizen initiative process. The bill adds a $1 million bond requirement after 25% of required signatures are collected, requires petition handlers to be Florida residents and U.S. citizens, imposes background checks and training for paid circulators, shortens petition turn-in deadlines to 10 days, increases penalties, adds signature revocation notices, and creates additional criminal penalties and enforcement provisions. Supporters argued the changes were needed to address fraud and protect petition integrity; opponents said the bill would burden First Amendment activity and make citizen-led amendments much harder to qualify. Numerous amendments were offered, including proposals to remove sensitive personal information from petition forms, soften deadlines and penalties, change validation thresholds, and alter the estimating conference process; most failed, though one amendment clarifying who pays for background checks was adopted. The transcript ends during continued debate on an amendment to strike most of the bill and prohibit public funds from being used to advocate for or against constitutional amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Self-Insurers Association.
• Everybody needs health insurance, right?
• You can't afford your health insurance anymore.
• for health insurance purposes. ...goes to help one worker remain insured for health insurance purposes
• , they maintain the insurance.

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6136, which would require Labor and Industries to publish actuarial indicated workers’ compensation rates for each risk class and disclose when rate increases are capped below those indicated levels. The sponsor and supporters from the hospitality, retail, business, and construction sectors said the bill would improve transparency about how rates are set and how reserve funds and investment earnings are used to hold down premiums. L&I testified that the bill would require publication of a large amount of rate-setting information, but said it was already developed in the normal process and that the bill had no fiscal impact. Questions focused on reserve use, advisory committee involvement, and how the actuarial calculations interact with investment returns. The committee then moved to executive session and took action on several bills, adopting substitutes or amendments and advancing bills including SB 5292, 6014, 5972, 5869, 5874, 6058, 6039, 5944, and 6180, with most sent to Rules and SB 5292 sent to Ways and Means. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5847, which would expand injured workers’ access to medical care by allowing treatment outside the L&I provider network when no provider is available nearby, limiting employer steering to specific providers, shortening utilization review timelines, allowing provider deviation from L&I guidelines when medically appropriate, and expanding continued treatment and cancer monitoring. Labor and worker advocates argued the bill would better reflect the Murray decision and reduce delays in care, while L&I and employer groups said the current evidence-based guideline system works for most claims and warned the bill could weaken quality controls, create vague standards, and increase costs. Testimony also raised concerns about the 15-mile access rule, the employer communication restrictions, and the appeal process for provider removal. The sponsor said the goal was to improve individualized care and continue working with stakeholders. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6067, which would change workers’ compensation time-loss calculations so that 100% of the employer-paid health insurance contribution is included in the benefit calculation instead of the current partial inclusion. Supporters said the bill would help injured workers keep health coverage during recovery and reduce pressure to choose between medical care and income, while opponents argued it would not guarantee the money is actually used for health insurance, could be diverted to other uses or attorney fees, and would significantly increase costs for employers and the accident fund. L&I said the bill would require IT and administrative changes and estimated substantial ongoing benefit costs. The hearing ended without further action on SB 6067, and the chair closed the session after public testimony concluded.