Transcript Highlights:

• go faster than they should legally go, which seems like a recipe to have many more inexperienced, hazardous
• It brings clarity and consistency to how and where these devices should operate and maps a deliberate

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hearing on the governor’s Ride Safe Act (S 3077), a micromobility bill based on recommendations from last year’s Special Commission on Micromobility. Administration witnesses from MassDOT and the MBTA said the bill is needed because current laws are outdated and inconsistent, and they emphasized a new speed-based framework that would classify devices by maximum speed rather than by device name. They said the bill would set statewide rules, clarify enforcement, require safety equipment and age limits, restrict unsafe modifications, improve crash-data collection, and create a working group to address future issues such as registration, licensure, insurance, and emerging technologies. Committee members asked about crash reporting, battery safety, enforcement on shared-use paths, commuter rail access, and how the bill would apply to off-road vehicles. Several witnesses and legislators supported the bill’s general approach but raised concerns about whether the speed tiers should be tied more directly to actual operating speed on paths, whether higher-speed devices should be registered, and how police would distinguish between similar-looking devices. Representative and commission witnesses also urged more funding for Complete Streets and Shared Streets and Spaces, and some suggested adding default speed limits on shared-use paths and automated enforcement tools. Public testimony was mixed. Pediatric emergency physicians strongly supported the bill but urged amendments for a minimum age to operate powered devices and a universal helmet requirement, citing rising severe injuries and deaths among children. A police chief and other safety advocates backed clearer rules and better data collection, while some moped riders objected that the bill would treat low-speed gas mopeds too harshly and should better account for mopeds as vulnerable road users. UL Standards and AAA supported the bill’s safety and clarity goals, with UL recommending tighter language on battery certification and equivalent standards. No vote was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have hazards." And that could be the very next step.
• We have hazards." And that could be the very next step.
• We have hazards." And that could be the very next step.
• We have hazards." And that could be the very next step.
• We have hazards." And that could be the very next step.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 1334, which would remove the Education Freedom Account scholarship organization’s authority to approve “any other educational expense” under the EFA statute. The prime sponsor, Representative Porchelli, said the bill would narrow the law to the specifically listed qualifying expenses, avoid broad interpretation, and shift any questions to the Department of Education or the legislative oversight committee. In response to questions, she said she did not think the open-ended category had been needed and that the statute already clearly lists allowable expenses. A representative of the Children’s Scholarship Fund testified in opposition, saying the category is used rarely but is important for unusual cases, especially students with special needs, and that removing it could create unintended consequences. After testimony, the chair closed the hearing on HB 1334. The committee then heard HB 1513, which would move several EFA reporting and oversight requirements from administrative rules and the contract with the Children’s Scholarship Fund into statute. Representative Porchelli said the bill would consolidate existing requirements on timely responses to oversight requests, publication of expense reports by category and provider, and transmission of eligibility and enrollment data to the Department of Education. She described the bill as mostly a clarification and transparency measure rather than a substantive policy change. Members asked about the meaning of “timely access,” the 45-day deadline, whether the contract already covered these duties, and whether the scholarship organization had ever failed to comply. The Children’s Scholarship Fund said it had generally met the 45-day deadline, had not knowingly refused information requests, and that the quarterly reporting requirement could add cost; the sponsor said the DOE had provided guidance and was neutral. The hearing on HB 1513 was then closed. Finally, the committee heard HB 1256, which would repeal the state librarian’s authority to award scholarships for graduate library school attendance at American Library Association-accredited schools. Representative Drago said the law was unnecessary because the state does not currently have a state librarian, scholarships are not typically granted by statute, and he objected to the ALA accreditation requirement and what he described as the association’s political advocacy. In questions, he clarified that the bill targets the accreditation requirement rather than a specific school and said he did not think the state should direct taxpayer-funded scholarships toward ALA-accredited programs. A member raised First Amendment concerns, but the sponsor said the issue was not speech itself, only the use of taxpayer dollars and state law to support that direction. The transcript cuts off before any vote or final action on HB 1256.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have hazards." And that could be the very next step.
• We have hazards."
• We have hazards." And that could be the very next step.
• We have hazards." And that could be the very next step.
• We have hazards." desperately need this. We have hazards."

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And in addition, I think it's not unreasonable for a hazardous material placarded vehicle, as defined
• And in addition, I think it's not unreasonable for a hazardous material placarded vehicle, as defined
• And in addition, I think it's not unreasonable for a hazardous material placarded vehicle, as defined
• And in addition, I think it's not unreasonable for a hazardous material placarded vehicle, as defined
• </c><00:35:28.320><c> material</c> unreasonable for a hazardous material unreasonable for a hazardous

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They are also prohibited from transporting hazardous materials.
• They are also prohibited from transporting hazardous materials.
• every single incident and determine whether or not there is any kind of imminent danger or imminent hazard
• The San Francisco Fire Department is an all-hazards emergency response agency that protects the city
• through fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue operations, hazardous materials response

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• where I investigated fatal motor vehicle crashes and participated in or supervised more than 100 hazardous
• Like I said, I've conducted well over a hundred, maybe even more, hazardous moving violations, where
• It was a hazardous situation.
• I’m saying I find it difficult to think that a carrier would not mark hazardous material knowing there
• It was a hazardous situation.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It launches a pilot program to build real, actionable emergency operation plans for high hazard dams.
• It requires the development of emergency operation planning for two high hazard dams in the state.
• </c> high hazard dams. high hazard dams.
• emergency operation planning for<01:24:08.280><c> two</c><01:24:08.560><c> high</c><01:24:08.840><c> hazard
• </c> for two high hazard dams in the state. for two high hazard dams in the state.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• county for the cost of removing rubbish, filth, debris, or dilapidated buildings that constitute a hazard
• or occupant to remove this rubbish, trash, weeds, filth, debris that can be found to constitute a hazard
• well as provisions for appeal, and if the property owner chooses not to remove the aforementioned hazard
• , not the property. ...in and only clean up the health hazard, not the property.
• debris, fire hazards, environmental health threats.

Bills: SB1067, SB1234, SB1285, SB1295, SB1392, SB1413, SB1436, SB1470, SB1476, SB1489, SB1512, SB1535, SB1540, SB1556, SB1568, SB1569, SB1570, SB1573, SB1585, SB1609, SB1627, SB1634, SB1635, SB1644, SB1647, SB1648, SB1650, SB1653, SB1654, SB1655, SB1656, SB1657, SB1658, SB1661, SB1662, SB1664, SB1666, SB1667, SB1669, SB1709, SB1720, SB1723, SB1725, SB1743, SB1746, SB1748, SB1755, SB1786, SB1820, SB1822, SB1829, SCR1027, SCR1040, SCR1048

Keywords: tax lien, property tax lien, real property tax lien, foreclosure, right of redemption, redeem, excess proceeds, county abatement lien, abatement lien, lien priority, assessment lien, easement, county treasurer, certificate of purchase, tax delinquency, delinquent property taxes, property owner equity, judgment foreclosure, title report, Arizona Revised Statutes

Transcript Highlights:

• Hazardous waste facility sighting authority.
• In the '90s it was believed that we could bring in hazardous waste facility sighting here in Mississippi
• Hazardous<00:48:32.000><c> waste</c><00:48:32.400><c> facility</c><00:48:32.880><c> sighting</c> Hazardous
• waste facility sighting Hazardous waste facility sighting authority.<00:48:33.599><c> In</c><00:48:33.760
• </c><00:48:36.640><c> waste</c> that we could bring in hazardous waste that we could bring in hazardous

Keywords: Government Structure - Room 409, 12 January, 2026; 2:00 P.M., 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• frustrated and always want to lift up the fact that none of us have talked about stress and environmental hazards
• health outcomes, chronic disease for Americans, very, very stressful lives, and a lot of environmental hazards
• The first page is a map of Texas, and you can see where our members are around the state of Texas.
• So page 3 of that handout you just got is an example of the kind of analytic map we developed for Houston
• Scott is an example of the kind of analytic map we developed for Houston.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But the bottom line is, when you look at the state and you look at a map of where our troopers are and
• And then you look at a map, and you might, between here and Houston, have two troopers out.
• It's supposed to be water unless you get up there and check it, which is hazardous to the troopers.
• with grant funds, and we have found we have a true pent-up demand because we deal with a lot of hazardous

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard the Legislative Budget Board’s overview of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s 2026-27 budget, followed by extensive testimony from DPS leadership. The LBB presentation covered funding and staffing changes across driver license services, facilities, troopers and recruit schools, crime labs, vehicle and aircraft operations, and border security. The recommendations included added support for customer service staffing and trooper hiring, but did not include several DPS exceptional items such as major driver license staffing and technology requests, new regional headquarters in El Paso and San Antonio, and other capital projects. Members also discussed proposed rider changes, including a new rider to lapse unused trooper funding and require reporting after recruit schools. Much of the committee’s questioning focused on driver license operations, where senators criticized long call wait times, low call-answer rates, appointment delays, and what they viewed as an overreliance on adding staff rather than improving processes. DPS and LBB witnesses said the agency is pursuing some technology upgrades, including automation, online pre-population of applications, and appointment-system improvements, but acknowledged that the driver license division remains a major problem area. Senators also raised concerns about whether the 2019 efficiency study led to meaningful changes and whether the agency should consider broader process redesign or even a different administrative structure. Colonel Freeman and other DPS officials then defended the agency’s broader law enforcement and border-security work, emphasizing the need for the Williamson County training academy, the 500 additional troopers funded in prior sessions, and continued support for Operation Lone Star. They described DPS’s role in border interdiction, threat-to-life investigations, oilfield theft cases, Capitol and Alamo security, and highway safety, and said the agency is stretched thin by deployments and overtime. Members asked about border reimbursement possibilities, regional staffing differences, pursuit safety, fleet and aircraft replacement needs, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame museum. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we know that disposable e-cigarettes contain both lithium and nicotine, both cataloged as hazardous
• <00:01:59.200><c> um</c><00:01:59.680><c> cataloged</c><00:02:00.399><c> as</c><00:02:00.880><c> hazardous
• </c> nicotine both um cataloged as hazardous nicotine both um cataloged as hazardous waste.<00:02:02.320
• And so, um, you know, as Department of Health said, this is considered hazardous waste.
• </c><00:05:13.199><c> These</c> is considered hazardous waste. These is considered hazardous waste.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on bills addressing tobacco/vape enforcement, psychology licensure, hospital price transparency, prior authorization, and medical cannabis. The chair opened by explaining the one-minute testimony limit and that written testimony had been reviewed. For SB 2175 on disposable electronic smoking devices, the Department of Health said the bill’s placement in litter-control law was not a good fit because disposable e-cigarettes contain hazardous materials like lithium and nicotine, but it supported the intent and pointed to a related measure. Public health and tobacco-control advocates strongly supported the bill, citing youth use, toxic waste, battery fires, and the need to tighten definitions and remove exemptions; a long list of organizations and individuals were noted in support, with no opposition mentioned. For SB 2410, which would create a state directory and enforcement tools for authorized e-cigarette products, the Attorney General’s office strongly supported the measure and said it would help enforce the FDA-authorized list of products through certification, inspections, and civil penalties. The Department of Health said thousands of illegal products remain on the market and cited youth usage rates, while public health groups also supported the bill. One tobacco industry-related witness was noted in opposition. SB 2080, the psychology interjurisdictional compact, drew support from the Department of Corrections, which said it had severe staffing shortages and that the compact would help fill gaps, especially for forensic psychology and neighbor island facilities. Some committee members raised concerns about whether the compact would loosen licensure standards and reduce licensing revenue, and the Board of Psychology was said to be meeting and had not taken a formal position; testimony also noted the need for resources if the compact were adopted. The committee also heard SB 2276 on surgical assistance, with DCCA in opposition and a supporter from the field, but little discussion followed. SB 2277 on hospital price transparency drew support from consumer and patient advocates, who argued that clearer pricing would reduce medical debt and help patients shop for care; DCCA and the Department of Health offered comments, with the department suggesting an alternative enforcement model using outside review entities and noting that implementation would require significant staffing and funding. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, saying federal transparency rules already cover the issue and state law could create duplication. SB 2282 on prior authorization received comments from insurers and providers; HMSA asked that the bill be set aside pending the report of the prior authorization working group created by Act 151, while the Hawaii Medical Association said prior authorization is a major burden but deferred to regulators on resources. Finally, SB 2413 on medical cannabis was supported by the Office of Medical Cannabis and others, who said the bill would close a patient-access gap by allowing viable seed sales; one witness suggested clarifying jurisdictional language and allowing dispensaries to sell seeds to each other. The committee then began SB 2425 on health insurance, where an addiction treatment provider testified that insurers’ refusal to honor assignment-of-benefits payments can delay reimbursement and create relapse risk for patients, but the transcript cuts off before further action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• By leveraging certified collection centers, household hazardous waste facilities, and existing used oil
• As one of the key negotiators of SB 54, my goal was to exclude any packaging from hazardous products
• In residential yards, those spikes can pose a real hazard, especially for children.
• The nuclear waste remains extremely hazardous for hundreds of thousands of years.
• mitigation. and updated policies to address climate change and hazard mitigation.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't have the number right at the top of my head, but at least four of our dams are high hazard dams
• </c><01:00:40.640><c> Little</c><01:00:40.880><c> Black</c> dams are high hazard dams.
• Little Black dams are high hazard dams.
• All three of those dams are high hazard, and we've been notified by DEQ that they require upgrades.
• </c> All three of those dams are high hazard All three of those dams are high hazard and<01:01:29.200

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 20 January, 2026: 8:45 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• bargaining units 1 and 10 and their excluded counterparts to resolve issues related to temporary hazard
• proposal, or similar bill, as collective bargaining negotiations regarding this issue of temporary hazard
• negotiations regarding this issue<00:12:54.959><c> of</c><00:12:55.279><c> temporary</c><00:12:55.680><c> hazard
• </c><00:12:56.000><c> pay</c><00:12:56.160><c> are</c> issue of temporary hazard pay are issue of temporary
• hazard pay are currently<00:12:56.720><c> in</c><00:12:56.959><c> progress</c><00:12:57.360><c> and<

Bills: SB2119, SB3131, SB3069, SB3180, SB2137, SB2993, SB2778, SB2672, SB2014, SB2967

Keywords: reimbursement, public employees, travel costs, government travel policy, finance management, job title, administrative assistant, executive assistant, state personnel, civil service, modernization, employment standards, DAGS, Department of Accounting and General Services, comptroller, civil service exemption, collective bargaining exemption, public works special project branch, specialized public works, information technology modernization

Transcript Highlights:

• thing we have a consideration of a referred administrative regulation, 502 KAR 1:01.120, proposed as hazardous
• 35:44.079><c> r</c> 010120<00:35:48.119><c> proposed</c><00:35:48.760><c> as</c><00:35:49.079><c> hazardous
• </c><00:35:50.040><c> materials</c> 010120 proposed as hazardous materials 010120 proposed as hazardous
• regulation amends the fee for the security threat assessment, which is conducted as a requirement of the hazardous

Keywords: Roll Call 00:23 Roll Call Approval of Minutes 00:57 HB 664 Discussion 01:26 HB 664 Vote 08:25 HB 682 Discussion 10:46 HB 682 Vote 12:12 HB 493 Discussion 13:00 HB 493 Vote 20:20 HJR 5 Discussion 21:14 HJR 5 Vote 25:08 Kavis and Sherriff’s Inspection Discussion 27:40 Admin. Reg Consideration 35:40, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met with a quorum, approved prior meeting minutes, and then took up several transportation-related measures. House Bill 664, concerning work zone safety, was amended by the committee to clarify that a peace officer may issue a citation based on images from an automated speed enforcement device. Representative John Blanton said the bill was prompted by the 2019 death of Jared Lee Helton in a work zone and is intended to slow drivers, protect workers, and improve safety. The bill would allow automated devices to transmit speed and rear license plate images to an officer, require active worker presence and warning signage with flashing lights, keep the $500 fine, and direct fines to the work zone safety fund. After questions about whether citations would be mailed and whether a worker must be present, the committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 664 favorably with expressions of opinion that it should pass. House Bill 682, sponsored by Representative Ken Upchurch, was also amended by a committee substitute and reported favorably. The bill gives cable operators and broadband providers the same reimbursement treatment as other public utilities when their facilities must be relocated for construction projects. House Bill 493, sponsored by Representative Steve Pollock, was taken up next and, after a committee substitute was adopted, was reported favorably. Pollock described the bill as a transparency measure for towing and storage, creating a certification process through the Transportation Cabinet, requiring public rate sheets, and setting rates to be reasonable and customary in Kentucky. The substitute removed an initial $1,500 cap, extended notice timing to up to five days in some cases, and clarified fees related to investigations and fatalities. Senators asked about regional differences in towing rates, and Pollock said the cabinet would consider different situations and that posted rates would govern. House Joint Resolution 5, designating honorary road and bridge names, was amended by both a committee substitute and committee amendment and then reported favorably. Representative Josh Branscum said the resolution honors various Kentuckians and is especially in memory of Russell County Deputy Joshua Fipps, who was killed in the line of duty in September 2024. The committee approved the resolution and a title amendment. Later in the meeting, Senator Armstrong asked to be recorded as voting aye on HB 664, HB 682, and HB 493. The committee also received an update from Transportation Cabinet IT Director Heather Stout on the CAVIS system, including improved performance, upcoming integration with KY ELT, centralized lien management, online boat renewals, permanent fleet plates, rolling replating changes, temporary tag printing, insurance modernization, and an electronic sheriff’s inspection system expected to reduce fraud and streamline transfers. No vote was taken on the CAVIS update, and the committee also began consideration of a referred administrative regulation on hazardous materials endorsement requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• ability to maintain staffing, equipment readiness, and cash flow after large wildfires or even all-hazard
• ability to maintain staffing equipment readiness and cash flow after large wildfires or even all hazard
• events, as we've seen even in this year where we have After large wildfires or even all-hazard events

Bills: HB2397, HB2417, HB2157, HB2186, HB2225, HB2351

Keywords: fire services, reimbursement, state agencies, local jurisdictions, mobilization plan, military justice, victims' rights, militia, Washington code, legal protections, artificial intelligence, AI regulation, algorithmic discrimination, high-risk AI, machine learning, generative AI, synthetic content, impact assessment, risk management policy, consumer protection

Transcript Highlights:

• because I want you to mention that you have spent your entire career working in a highly volatile, high-hazard
• work environment, and when it is... ...in a highly volatile, high-hazard work environment.
• employer for your records to prove all of the training certification in this highly volatile, high-hazard

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard and advanced several bills focused on worker protections, training access, wage enforcement, outreach, and workplace safety. SB 513 would require employees to have access to their training and certification records; supporters, including laid-off refinery workers and labor organizations, said employers sometimes withhold records during layoffs, while committee members called the practice unacceptable. The bill passed 5-0 and was re-referred to Appropriations. SB 809 addressed misclassification of construction truck owner-drivers by offering employers amnesty if they reclassify workers as employees and adopt a two-check payment system; labor and construction trades groups supported it, and it passed 5-0 to Judiciary. SB 578 would codify the California Workplace Outreach Program, which funds trusted community organizations to educate workers about their rights. Supporters described the program as a proven way to reach low-wage, immigrant, and hard-to-reach workers, especially amid wage theft, retaliation, and immigration enforcement concerns. The bill passed 5-0 to Appropriations. SB 261 would strengthen collection of wage theft judgments by creating a public list of nonpaying employers and adding penalties after six months of nonpayment; county enforcement officials and labor advocates said it would help workers recover unpaid wages. It passed 6-0 to Judiciary. The committee also approved SB 369, which would require skilled and trained workforce standards for Salton Sea restoration projects, with supporters saying the work is hazardous and should use trained labor; it passed 6-0 to Appropriations. Finally, SB 20 sought to address silicosis in stone countertop fabrication by requiring training and certification protections for workers; supporters said the disease has caused deaths among mostly Latino workers, while industry groups supported the bill with amendments and requested implementation resources. It passed 6-0 to Appropriations. The committee also adopted a consent calendar of four additional bills and adjourned after all listed measures were moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the Department of Toxic Substances Control, $837,000 from the Hazardous Waste Control Account and
• $25,000... $837,000 from the Hazardous Waste Control Account in 2025-26 and ongoing, and $1.7 million
• Next, for the Department of Toxic Substances Control as well, $2 million from the Hazardous Waste Control

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing focused on the governor’s May Revision, especially the proposed extension of the cap-and-trade program to 2045 as “cap-and-invest,” the related greenhouse gas reduction fund (GGRF) spending framework, and several trailer bill proposals. Department of Finance staff outlined budget solutions including a $1.5 billion annual General Fund-to-GGRF shift for Cal Fire that would grow to $1.9 billion by 2029-30, continued support for high-speed rail, climate bond implementation, and various environmental and water-related statutory changes. The administration also described proposals affecting the Delta Conveyance Project, water quality planning, groundwater bulletin timing, Exide cleanup funding, and other agency-specific items, though the chair repeatedly asked staff to keep the presentation high-level and save details for the next hearing. Members from both parties raised strong concerns about the cap-and-invest proposal, arguing that it could reduce or displace funding for transit, affordable housing, active transportation, wildfire prevention, zero-emission vehicles, and other previously committed programs. Several members questioned whether the administration was effectively shifting essential ongoing services like Cal Fire onto a temporary carbon market fund, how the General Fund backstop would work if auction revenues fall short, and whether the proposal would leave enough money for continuous appropriations and future awards. Members also criticized the inclusion of cap-and-invest reauthorization in the budget process and asked for clearer information on the impact to high-speed rail, transit, and other GGRF priorities. The Delta Conveyance Project and related trailer bill language drew significant opposition from members and public commenters, who argued the proposal would fast-track the project, weaken CEQA-related review, and authorize revenue bond financing without sufficient legislative oversight. Public testimony also included support for maintaining or expanding funding for transit, affordable housing, AB 617 community air protection, offshore wind infrastructure, and ignition interlock programs, while environmental and community groups opposed cuts to wildfire prevention, housing, and school climate-related programs. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and the chair said the committee would continue the discussion and receive more detailed responses at the follow-up hearing on Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• workers by underpaying them and providing no benefits to them, allowing workers to work in unsafe and hazardous
• The original law was passed, and it's Section 5 that requires all workplaces to be safe and free of hazards
• , which includes hazards related to health, heat, safety, bodily injury, and death.

Bills: HB446, HB1609, HB4443, HB4464, HB4735, HB5476

Keywords: heat illness prevention, workplace safety, Texas Workforce Commission, advisory board, employee rights, administrative penalties, training requirements, employee training, occupational health, employer penalties, worker rights, heat illness, volunteer firefighter, volunteer emergency responder, emergency medical services volunteer, EMS volunteer, firefighter, fire department, emergency services, declared disaster