Transcript Highlights:

• If you require assistance with registering or testifying, please contact committee staff.
• The chair may ask the sergeant-at-arms to assist in preserving order and decorum.
• A cat doesn't become a dog. A man doesn't become a woman. That's not hate. It's reality.
• If you require assistance in registering to testify, please do so now.
• I could get an abortion for a dog, but not for me.

Bills: HB7 , SB 8 , HB7 , SB 8

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• As our events continue to grow, we are requesting $350,000 from the Legacy budget to assist with funding
• with funding for the Minnesota Mo assist with funding for the Minnesota Mo New<00:36:58.440><c> Year
• I currently live with my husband, Jared, and our dog in Camden Town Flats.
• in Camden toown Flats I ask you our dog in Camden toown Flats I ask you madam<01:05:18.680><c> chair
• I currently live with my husband, Jared, and our dog in Camden Town Flats.

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• And I don't know what to do about that other than to ask someone who doesn't have a dog in the hunt.
• He's authorized former member and current first assistant—either way. Is that your title?
• Chief Deputy with First Assistant. Chief Deputy. Something important, Larry Freeman. All right, Ms.
• It's the medical assistance program's integrity law.
• But I have one of our assistant attorneys general here to add some meat to the bones if he needs to.

Committee: House Civil Law and Procedure

Summary: The House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure met and reported a series of measures, many of them asking the Louisiana State Law Institute to study legal issues. HCR 31 was reported favorably to study the use of the term “foreign” as applied to juridical persons. HCR 61 was reported favorably after discussion about expropriation and carbon capture, with the author agreeing to broaden the study beyond carbon capture alone. HCR 96 was also reported favorably to study civil bench warrants and notice procedures in judgment debtor proceedings. The committee likewise advanced HCR 160, which asks the Law Institute to study property transfer issues and the public records doctrine in light of a recent case. Several bills dealing with court procedure and family law were heard and advanced. SB 68, a constitutional amendment to give the Louisiana Supreme Court authority to discipline out-of-state attorneys in certain circumstances, was amended and reported favorably. SB 76, concerning modification of child custody judgments, was reported with amendments after testimony that it would codify existing standards and add a five-year rule for applying the lower best-interest standard. HB 1198, which prohibits arbitration of child custody and visitation disputes and limits recognition of foreign custody laws contrary to Louisiana public policy, was reported favorably. SB 66, which prioritizes testimony from medical experts in child custody and child-in-need-of-care cases, was also reported favorably after testimony from advocates and medical groups. The committee also advanced measures involving civil litigation and state legal procedures. HCR 38, urging Congress to reform FISA and the FISA court to protect privacy rights, was reported favorably. SCR 19, asking the Law Institute to study long-duration trusts and possible revisions to the Trust Code, was reported favorably. SB 336, allowing civil investigative demands in Medicaid fraud/False Claims Act investigations, was reported favorably after explanation that it would let the Attorney General gather information without filing suit first. SB 139, adjusting interest on personal injury and wrongful death claims against the state or political subdivisions, was reported favorably. Finally, SB 475, dealing with fees for service of process, was reported favorably. HB 668 was voluntarily deferred.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sarah Coles is an assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, and
• Just wanted to let Blake Doust know she is the assistant to Rachel Keshel and myself, and we have a new
• You're the best assistant. I love you. Thank you. Welcome to the soon-to-be-born child.
• They have been bred with larger dogs, and they are fierce animals.
• Assistant Minority Leader Gutierrez. April 8th, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• brick-and-mortar business in my district at 67th Avenue and Thomas, Takadilla Lucy, La Frontera, El Capitroso Hot Dogs
• And whereas for a century, Sandy Corps VFW Post 1433 has assisted Arizona veterans in navigating federal
• FW Post 1433 has assisted Arizona veterans in navigating federal and state benefits systems, supported
• supporting so much that my caucus fights for every year, and instead we want to give $20 million to assist
• And instead we want to give $20 million to assist the federal government, specifically ICE, with immigration

Summary: The Arizona Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the 4-H pledge led by the Yuma County 4-H Ambassadors, followed by recognition of guests for National Ag Day, World Hearing Day, a visiting doctor of the day, food truck business owners, and members of Sandy Corps VFW Post 1433 for its 100th anniversary. Senators also presented proclamations honoring World Hearing Day and the VFW post’s century of service. The chamber then handled routine business, including a temporary committee appointment and the reading of messages and committee reports into the journal. The floor then took up a series of third-reading bills, mostly transportation and public safety appropriations. SB 1062, 1063, 1064, 1065, 1088, 1154, 1156, 1157, 1204, 1207, 1245, 1250, 1455, 1457, and 1461 all passed, with several members explaining votes in support of road projects, tribal road needs, veteran services, border security, or workforce health care training, while opponents argued many appropriations should come from other funding sources or were unnecessary, especially the public safety and border-related measures. SB 1798 also passed with bipartisan support after senators praised it as a FAFSA awareness and student opportunity measure. One bill failed: SB 1019, relating to bottled water systems and water fluoridation, was defeated 14-11 after extended debate over public health benefits versus concerns about fluoridation safety and informed consent. After the votes, HB 2110 was withdrawn from the Education Committee and referred to Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency. The Senate then announced committee meetings for March 23 and adjourned until Monday, March 23, 2026, at noon.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Assistant Crystal Police Chief, Brian Hubbard, said it came to our attention because to the same
• You have child care assistance programs coming in at over $100 million. Dollars.
• provision would prevent the state from receiving federal financial participation for the Medicaid assistance
• program or result in a lower level of coverage, reduced access to coverage for medical assistance enrollees
• supposed to do them and stop trying to claim the mantle of fraud fighter as a political issue because that dog

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> There is, and the police are doing the best they can, but they just need some assistance with the
• or I saw him leaving his dog out on a rope without water, I'm just reporting it.
• </c><03:15:35.680><c> without</c> leaving his dog out on a rope without leaving his dog out on a rope
• I've been leaving my dogs outside with no food and actually I haven't done either.
• I've been leaving been kicking my dog.

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• She has served as an assistant public defender in the juvenile division, as a Cook County assistant public
• She has served as an assistant public defender in the juvenile division, as a Cook County assistant public
• ><c> in</c><00:35:11.359><c> the</c> assistant public defender in the assistant public defender in the
• </c> training service dogs for veterans. training service dogs for veterans.
• </c><00:57:43.679><c> [gasps]</c> service dog. [gasps] service dog.

Transcript Highlights:

• DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT IS HERE TO DISCUSS FLORIDA'S ROLE IN THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE
• LAST ON THAT SCREEN THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE COMPACT OFFERS IMPACTED STATES ASSISTANCE DURING
• WE HAVE RECEIVED OR I'M SORRY OUR DEPLOYMENT WE'VE RECEIVED THAT ASSISTANCE SO 8505 PERSONNEL.
• THE AREA ON THE LEFT WE HAVE ACTUALLY ASSISTED SO WE'VE REQUESTED PERSONNEL TO COME IN.
• AND WE HAVE ASSISTED GOING OUT.

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides authority to spend $75 million for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program into fiscal year 2026
• The program is funded to provide for co-payment and deductible assistance to ADAP clients.
• So while we don't have the premium assistance, we do have co-pay assistance and deductible assistance
• And there are other programs that assist folks in financial need who need that type of premium assistance
• My dog Cooper and I had a beautiful hike at Myakka River State Park.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have financial and assistance for a formal housing plans.
• This new program is called the Cal Assist Mortgage Fund.
• This new program is called the Cal Assist Mortgage Fund.
• That is the tail wagging the dog, instead of the dog wagging the tail.
• Down payment assistance is important.

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability held its first hearing of 2025 to examine how California finances affordable housing and homeownership. Co-chairs opened by describing the state’s severe housing shortage, high costs, and the need for the committee to identify practical recommendations. Panelists from the California Housing Partnership, the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, the Treasurer’s housing finance committees, CalHFA, and Related discussed the layered financing structure used for affordable housing, including federal low-income housing tax credits, tax-exempt bonds, state subsidies, local funds, and rental assistance. Witnesses emphasized that affordable housing projects typically require multiple funding sources and that the system is often slowed by complex applications, overlapping rules, and too many layers of financing. Several speakers noted recent federal changes that expanded the 9% and 4% tax credit programs, including a lower bond-financing threshold for 4% credits, which should allow more projects to move forward. State officials also highlighted ongoing efforts to streamline the system, including the SuperNOFA, AB 519’s one-stop-shop working group, and the planned California Housing and Homeless Agency, which is intended to align housing, homelessness, and civil rights functions. CalHFA described its homeownership and multifamily programs, including My Home, Dream For All, Cal Assist Mortgage Fund, and the Mixed Income Program, and said its financing tools help first-time buyers and developers. Related and other housing providers said the state has made real progress through land-use reform, accountability enforcement, and faster tax credit allocation, but argued that funding remains far below need. They called for more state and permanent funding sources, more efficient administration, more support for ADU and modular financing, and better attention to deeper affordability, the “missing middle,” and equity impacts on renters, women, and communities of color. The hearing was informational only; no votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Dog loves it. He needed the medicine anyways.
• </c><02:30:43.040><c> Dog</c><02:30:43.359><c> loves</c><02:30:43.600><c> it.
• Dog loves it. He That's not negative. Dog loves it.
• Oh, Assistant Majority Leader Bacon.
• Um assistant majority leader. &gt;&gt; Thank you. Um assistant majority leader.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, I do need to mention once again, as my dog colleague did, the WSU will not achieve compliance
• We ask that you not support the $75 million sweep from the Public Works Assistance Account and keep the
• It's important to remember the Public Works Assistance Account funds a low-interest loan program that's
• account, commonly referred to. the transfer of $75 million from the Public Works Assistance Account,
• It's important to remember the Public Works Assistance Account funds a low-interest loan program that's

Bills: SB6003

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: capital budget, funding, infrastructure, state projects, budget allocation

Transcript Highlights:

• neighborhood that borders the trail and it's one of the perks of living in the neighborhood to walk the dogs
• make sure that there is safety for all not just the person on the e-bike, but the person walking their dog
• These are not even dog whistles anymore, it's clear what it is. I am a genocide survivor.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:20:56.000><c> All</c><00:20:56.159><c> in</c><00:20:56.320><c> dog.
• All in dog. I hear a motion. amended? All in dog. I hear a motion.

Committee: House County and Municipal Government

Transcript Highlights:

• The program is funded to provide for co-payment and deductible assistance to ADAP clients.
• The program is funded to provide for co-payment, deductible assistance to A-Dap clients.
• So while we don't have the premium assistance, we do have co-pay assistance and deductible assistance
• And there are other programs that assist folks in financial need who need that type of premium assistance
• My dog Cooper and I had a beautiful hike at Myakka River State Park.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former Senator Donnell C. Childers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Officer Antonio Richardson as law enforcement officer of the day. A quorum was announced, the journal was approved, and the Speaker said the chamber would take up 11 budget conference reports, with debate and final votes on each report. The first report considered was HB 7031E, the tax package, followed by HB 501E, the state budget appropriations bill. On HB 7031E, Chair Duggan explained that the conference report included a range of tax reductions and tax-related changes, including sales tax holidays, property tax and homestead-related provisions, reductions in certain taxes and fees, and new exemptions or administrative clarifications. He said the package also added items such as sales tax relief for certain university construction projects, a tennis admissions exemption, and changes to agricultural property tax treatment, and that the amendment reduced state and local tax revenues by $272.2 million. Members questioned the bill about the child care tax credit reduction from three years to one, the homestead exemption provision for certain diplomats and foreign service personnel, the absence of gas tax relief and combined reporting, and the inclusion of firearm accessories and tennis tickets in sales tax holidays. After structured debate, the House adopted the conference report and passed HB 7031E by a vote of 88-11. The House then began the conference report on HB 501E, the $114.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, which was described as below the prior year’s spending level and leaving more than $14 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs outlined major allocations across education, higher education, IT, health care, transportation and economic development, justice, state administration, and agriculture/natural resources. Highlights included increased FEFP funding and veteran teacher raises, full funding for Bright Futures, major IT modernization projects, Medicaid and behavioral health funding, transportation and local infrastructure spending, correctional and law enforcement investments, fire station and emergency response funding, and large environmental and water-quality appropriations. Members asked detailed questions about school voucher fraud oversight, scholarship funding, teacher raises, preeminence funding, ADAP changes, SNAP data tools and error rates, Medicaid rate changes, prison wastewater monitoring, and other budget items, but the transcript ends during the budget questions before final action on HB 501E is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• director of enforcement for assistant director of enforcement for the<00:30:57.680><c> Minnesota</c>
• I'm assistant commissioner with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
• </c><01:18:50.960><c> I'm</c><01:18:51.160><c> assistant</c> name is Kirk Kadlec.
• I'm assistant name is Kirk Kadlec.
• </c><01:23:58.680><c> in</c> please introduce yourself and assist in please introduce yourself and assist

Bills: HF3426 , HF3896 , HF1426 , HF3793 , HF4061 , HF4246

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• was herding a band of sheep in Hells Canyon by myself, living in a tent with a horse and a gun and a dog
• And then both species, we see occasional poultry, horse, calf, or dog.
• Horse, calf, or dog.
• Brad Little was told not to bring his sheep and sheep dogs to Landmark because there'd be a conflict
• Brad Little was told not to bring his sheep and sheep dogs to landmark because there'd be a conflict

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from University of Idaho representatives on the university’s land-grant mission and its role in federalism, followed by detailed overviews of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Natural Resources. Speakers described the Morrill, Hatch, and Smith-Lever Acts, the university’s history, and examples of research, extension, and workforce training in agriculture, engineering, law, forestry, fire science, and youth programs such as 4-H. They highlighted facilities and programs including research stations, the Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment, the deep soil ecotron, the Wildland Fire Center, the experimental forest, and the policy analysis group, while also noting the impact of federal and state funding delays and cuts on staffing and research capacity. Committee members asked about several current issues, including quagga mussels, screw worm, chronic wasting disease, and the effects of funding cuts. University officials said they were not actively researching some of those wildlife and livestock disease issues but were willing to help if capacity and funding allowed. They also said budget reductions had caused real losses, including layoffs and reduced programs, and that federal grant delays had disrupted research timelines. The committee also raised questions about conflicts of interest and university employees’ outside work; the university said it has annual conflict-of-interest and conflict-of-commitment training and review procedures. The committee then heard from Bonneville County Sheriff Sam Hulse and the Idaho Sheriffs Association on the federal 287(g) immigration partnership program. Hulse argued that participation should remain voluntary and locally controlled, describing the different 287(g) models, the training and liability concerns, and the distinction between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement. He said Idaho agencies already cooperate with ICE in other ways and that mandatory participation could create staffing, legal, and community-trust problems. Members asked about costs, liability, detention standards, and whether deputies lose local control under task force arrangements; Hulse said the answer depends on the specific model and operation, and he emphasized the need for local discretion. Later, the committee took testimony on the long-running bighorn sheep and domestic sheep conflict affecting western Idaho grazing allotments. Idaho Wool Growers representatives and affected ranchers described the history of state legislation, federal litigation, and the closure of grazing areas after bighorn sheep transplants, which they said cut livestock operations in half and caused major financial and personal hardship. They argued that the state and federal agencies had not lived up to assurances that permittees would be held harmless, and they urged continued attention to the issue. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Andrew Lebedini, Assistant Attorney General in the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office.
• Like, I was in Chicago recently visiting my daughter and went to one of our favorite Chicago dog places
• The Devil Dogs operation team appreciates your understanding.

Summary: The Special Commission on the future of credit card payments and their impacts on small businesses heard extensive testimony from credit unions, retailers, payment industry groups, and a credit card issuer. Much of the discussion focused on proposed state laws that would limit interchange fees on the tax and tip portions of transactions, especially Illinois’s Interchange Fee Prohibition Act and similar efforts in other states. Witnesses opposing the proposals argued that interchange helps fund fraud protection, cybersecurity, rewards, and access to credit, and warned that state-by-state rules would create a patchwork that could harm state-chartered banks and credit unions, raise compliance costs, and reduce consumer access to credit. Supporters of reform argued that swipe fees are a significant burden on merchants, especially small businesses, and that current pricing is opaque and often bundled with other processor charges. Several witnesses emphasized that the current payment system provides major benefits to merchants and consumers, including security, convenience, faster settlement, online commerce, and broader access to credit. One witness from Capital One said the industry’s losses from fraud and default are substantial and that interchange helps offset those risks; he also noted that merchants already have some tools, such as surcharging where allowed and negotiating clearer processor contracts. Retail representatives and the National Retail Federation countered that small businesses are under pressure from many costs and that interchange and related fees remain a real pain point, with some urging the commission to consider reforms that would return more money to businesses without disrupting the system. There was also discussion of the recent Visa/Mastercard antitrust settlement, with industry witnesses describing it as a significant merchant win that includes temporary rate reductions, more surcharge flexibility, and the ability to decline certain card tiers. No votes were taken. The meeting concluded after all scheduled testimony was heard, with the commission chair saying the session had been productive and that the committee would continue gathering testimony and written comments before making recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Andrew Lebedini, Assistant Attorney General in the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office.
• Like I was in Chicago recently visiting my daughter and went to one of our favorite Chicago dog places
• The Devil Dogs operation team appreciates your understanding.

Summary: The Special Commission on the future of credit card payments and their impacts on small businesses heard testimony from credit union, retail, banking, and payments industry representatives. Much of the discussion focused on proposals to exclude sales tax and tips from interchange fees, the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act and related litigation, and whether similar state action in Massachusetts would help small businesses or instead create a patchwork that burdens state-chartered institutions. Witnesses from defense and community credit unions argued interchange helps fund fraud prevention, cybersecurity, member services, and low-fee products, while retail and NRF representatives said merchants are paying significant swipe fees and that state laws like Illinois’s are aimed at reducing costs that are not being passed on to consumers. Several witnesses emphasized that the current payment system provides security, fraud protection, rewards, and access to credit, and that many of the costs merchants complain about are actually bundled processor or acquirer fees rather than interchange itself. Others countered that small businesses are struggling with rising overall costs and that Massachusetts should consider reforms such as allowing surcharging, improving transparency in merchant contracts, and studying collection costs. There was also discussion of the recent Visa/Mastercard antitrust settlement, with industry witnesses describing it as meaningful relief for merchants and opponents saying it is temporary and incomplete. No formal votes were taken on legislation. The commission accepted oral testimony, noted that written testimony would be accepted through July 31, and concluded the meeting by unanimously voting to adjourn. The chair and members said they would continue gathering testimony and work toward recommendations, with the chair stressing the need to find a fair middle ground that supports both small businesses and the broader payments ecosystem.