Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the state could go to these companies and, and, uh, procure them to, to be directly controlled.
• In either case, Texas has operational control of the aircraft. The operator doesn't.
• Uh, and then finally, we have sensors where you can do command and control over fire.
• Uh, in the middle of the pink, there's a little dark spot on the border. Are you with me? I am.
• It's just the borders around the project area units and so in some cases they're so close.

Transcript Highlights:

• Traffickers do so as a form of control.
• The bill isn't just about abortion; it's about power and control.
• Control is another one with Cushingoid syndrome.
• It also raises the degree of control that the state retains.
• I went to Planned Parenthood and I tried to get on birth control.

Bills: SB10, SB16, SB6, SB 6, SB 10, SB 16

Keywords: trafficking, prostitution, affirmative defense, victims, criminal justice reform, victim rights, criminal justice, judicial reform, court procedures, mental health services, criminal penalties, court security, SB 6, Woman and Child Protection Act, abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, pro-life

Transcript Highlights:

• And part of that leadership has to come from the border regions.
• regions J uary 27 2016 2016 the Border regions J uary 27 2016 the<01:41:25.360> border<01:41:
• of regions had a meeting and the border of regions had a meeting and they<01:41:27.639> did<01
• that so I'm going to ask that uh border that so I'm going to ask that uh border Regents<01:49:21.960
• <03:07:04.800> of know as I listen to the border of know as I listen to the border of regions

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're just going to hop over the border, and the builders are going to run from it.
• If you look at the eight states that border Missouri, according to the U.S.
• Just write legislation that controls what temperature you can set the thermostats at.
• No, but we are in the business of controlling what we can control, and that's why we're before you today
• But can we control costs? Thank you so much.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You've got these, you know, take the border of Vermont and Maine and the people that live on those borders
• You've got these, you know, take the border of Vermont and Maine and the people that live on those borders
• You've got these, you know, take the border of Vermont and Maine and the people that live on those borders
• You've got these, you know, take the border of Vermont and Maine and the people that live on those borders
• Take the border of Vermont and Maine and the people that live on those borders, right?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division 2 work session first took up HB 506, a bill dealing with the return of seized firearms. Members discussed how the measure would shift background-check processing for firearm returns through the Department of Safety, while the physical firearms would still remain with local police unless State Police had taken custody. The department said the bill would change which cases come to it, and members clarified that the bill concerns the background-check decision rather than possession of the firearms. The committee then voted OTP on HB 506 FN by a 7-0 roll call. The committee next discussed HB 671, establishing a kindergarten literacy readiness program. Department of Education staff explained that the bill grew out of a COVID-era Waterford contract that provided home-based early literacy support for families using federal relief funds, at a cost of about $600,000 per year, but that the program ended when those funds expired. Members raised concerns that the bill’s $1 appropriation was not realistic, that the prior program lacked sufficient outcome data, and that the references to ESSA tier-one benchmarks were unclear. The department said it was conducting a broader literacy needs assessment and updating the state literacy plan, including data from the zero-to-five range, K-5, and dyslexia-related work. Waterford representatives described the program as an early-literacy, pre-K readiness service for children ages zero to five, originally designed to work in homes with computers and internet provided where needed, and later expanded in some settings such as daycares and pre-K classrooms. They said the program used assessments at the beginning and end, had served hundreds of children, and was intended to support family engagement and kindergarten readiness. Despite that testimony, members remained concerned about funding and the lack of clear results, and one member moved to retain the bill for more information. The discussion ended with the bill retained rather than advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there also allows some flexibility there for local control as well.
• There are a lot of aspects of this issue that you all don't control.
• You don't control interest rates.
• You might not control tariffs on construction materials or construction labor supply.
• I'm personally invested in the state getting its housing crisis under control.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:05 Roll Call 00:00:12 Discussion of Legislative Measures 00:03:12 Discussion of Housing and Land Use 00:21:58 Discussion of Short Term Rental Policies 01:03:17 Adjournment 01:15:38, 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its June 4, 2025 meeting and then heard a series of presentations focused largely on housing and land-use policy. Senator Robbie Mills and Representative Josh Bray discussed two 2025 housing measures: Senate Bill 50, which would create residential infrastructure development districts to help local governments finance infrastructure for new housing developments through special assessments and local debt, and House Bill 7, which would let local governments identify development areas and rebate new property tax revenue to developers as an incentive for housing growth. They said Kentucky faces a statewide housing shortage of roughly 210,000 units, projected to grow if building patterns do not change, and argued that regulatory relief and financing tools are needed to increase supply. Representative Rebecca Rymer presented House Bill 371, which would require local permitting when an industry’s residual waste landfill is located in a different county from the industry itself. She said current law lets such landfills bypass local review, leaving host counties with no say despite road impacts and other local burdens. She said the bill would preserve the existing exemption when the landfill and industry are co-located, and noted support from KLC and KO. Representative Steve Doan also described House Bill 806, a statewide backyard chicken bill that would allow domesticated hens, prohibit roosters, set a minimum of six hens that local governments could not go below, and preserve local authority over setbacks, sanitation, maintenance standards, and egg sales. He said it would override outright local bans but not HOA restrictions, and cited a current Northern Kentucky dispute and ADA litigation as reasons for the proposal. The committee then heard a broader discussion on housing and land use from Charlie Gardner of the Mercatus Center and Nolan Gray of California YIMBY and the Bluegrass Institute. They outlined categories of land-use regulation, described the recent growth of state-level housing reforms nationwide, and cited examples such as ADU legalization, smaller lot sizes, reduced parking minimums, streamlined permitting, and single-stair or other building-code reforms. They argued that housing shortages are a statewide concern, that localities often have incentives to block growth, and that state intervention can reduce costs and uncertainty without compromising health and safety. Members asked about the housing shortage estimate, the effect of red tape on safety and local authority, and how state reforms could be phased in; the presenters said reforms often include lead time, can be targeted to larger jurisdictions, and should focus on reducing time and cost while maintaining basic standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• design allows you to take back control design allows you to take back control and<00:21:36.880><
• Um, so I I do think anytime we border.
• city wouldn't have to stop at the border city wouldn't have to stop at the border or<02:24:03.600
• <02:27:22.640> but am a in favor of local control but am a in favor of local control but in
• In my district and where I represent, I am a border district. I border Iowa.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It ensures California retains control over any armed or law enforcement operations conducted within its
• borders.
• Well, hypothetically, we have a fire that's raging near the border of Arizona and California.
• Well, hypothetically, we have a fire that's raging near the border of Arizona and California.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veteran Affairs heard several veteran-focused measures, with extensive testimony in support from veterans’ organizations and individual veterans. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income calculations for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption, addressing a situation where disability benefits can disqualify veterans from tax relief. SB 1354 would prohibit military personnel from another state, territory, or district from entering California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the Governor’s express permission, while preserving Title X activity, training, and mutual aid arrangements. SB 623 would place the Veterans Bond Act of 2026 on the ballot to authorize a $1.25 billion general obligation bond for the CalVet Home Loan Program, which supporters said is nearing depletion of bond authority and remains a critical path to homeownership for veterans and military families. SB 1407 would increase the state income tax exclusion for military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefits to the first $40,000, subject to income caps, as a retention measure to keep military retirees in California. Supporters for the bills emphasized housing stability, affordability, retention of veterans in California, and the economic benefits of keeping military retirees and their income in the state. SB 888 and SB 623 drew broad support from veterans’ groups, county veterans service officers, and related organizations, with no opposition testimony. SB 1354 also received support from veterans’ advocates, while committee members sought clarification on training, mutual aid, and the bill’s scope, and the author agreed to work on amendments. SB 1407 drew strong support from veterans and military organizations, but also formal opposition from the California Tax Reform Association, which argued the state already provides generous veteran benefits and that the tax break would be unfair to other public servants. The committee voted to advance all four measures. SB 888 was approved and re-referred to Revenue and Taxation; SB 1354 was approved as amended and re-referred to Public Safety; SB 623 was approved as amended, given urgency, and re-referred to Housing and Community Development; and SB 1407 was approved and re-referred to Revenue and Taxation. The consent item, SCR 143, was adopted unanimously. After the initial votes, the committee later took add-on votes to confirm passage of SB 888 and SB 1354, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Exclusive use contracting provides the same operational control as ownership.
• Texas's control. I think that's the key word.
• If you talk about ownership, yes, they're under your control.
• We have sensors where you can do command and control over fire.
• It's just the borders around the project area units.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You're going to have things that spin out of control. And with that in mind, Mr.
• situation under control. situation under control. um<01:07:32.880> right<01:07:33.119>
• This bill is not good for our communities because it takes away local control.
• It is not good for away local control.
• strong national sovereignity, border strong national sovereignity, border security,<02:10:05.040

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, approved the February 20, 2026 journal, and then moved into Committee of the Whole for second reading of bills on the consent calendar. Senate Bill 85, concerning military protection orders in domestic violence cases, and Senate Bill 25, concerning land survey monumentation, were both adopted on the consent calendar and later reported out as amended and placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage. The chamber also briefly recognized the Denver Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and welcomed a visiting family member of a sergeant during moments of personal privilege. The committee then took up Senate Bill 5, which creates a state court remedy for violations of federal constitutional rights during immigration enforcement. Senators Weissman and Gonzalez supported the bill, arguing it is meant to protect constitutional rights and provide a civil remedy when those rights are violated. Senator Gonzalez urged a strong vote in favor, while Senator Weissman explained the bill’s scope and later supported amendments as technical or clarifying changes. Two amendments to SB 5 were debated at length and both were defeated. Amendment L004, offered by Senator Baisley, would have required that a violation be done “knowingly and intentionally”; supporters argued it would add fairness and guard against frivolous claims, while opponents said it would raise the burden for injured people and was unnecessary because the bill already concerns federal constitutional rights. Amendment L005, offered by Senator Lon, would have barred claims where the plaintiff provoked the conduct; supporters said it would protect self-defense and limit abuse of the bill, while opponents called it victim-blaming and said it would undermine accountability. Both amendments failed on voice votes, and debate on the bill continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they would would control as well.
• these lands to control. these lands to control.
• . controlled. controlled.
• government is in control? government is in control?
• control over state trust parcels. control over state trust parcels.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's something that we really can control.
• They went bankrupt, as everyone I think knows, and we took operational control of the property after
• We really believe that now is the time for New Bedford to take back control of its own waterways.
• We really believe that now is the time for New Bedford to take back control of its own waterways, to
• The federal government controls interstate commerce. It's a states' rights thing.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to environmental, natural resources, and maritime issues. Representative Markey testified in support of H. 1000, which would create a commission to study financing wastewater infrastructure, especially in southeastern Massachusetts and the South Shore, citing combined sewer overflows and impacts on aquaculture. Members agreed the core challenge is finding long-term financing for wastewater solutions. The committee also heard testimony on H. 902 to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, with supporters describing its role in expanding access, supporting underrepresented communities, and helping grow the outdoor economy. Related testimony also supported H. 986, which would codify the Division of Ecological Restoration and the Office of Fishing and Boating Access within the Department of Fish and Game, with witnesses emphasizing habitat restoration, flood reduction, public access, and boating/fishing opportunities. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 901/S. 597, “An Act Providing Nature for All,” which would dedicate existing sporting goods sales tax revenue to a new conservation fund. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Appalachian Mountain Club, Trust for Public Land, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and conservation groups argued the bill would provide a sustainable revenue stream for land conservation, parks, trails, wetlands, water protection, and climate resilience, while also advancing environmental justice and outdoor recreation. They said the state needs roughly $300 million more per year to meet land conservation goals and that the bill could generate about $100 million annually without raising taxes. Committee members asked about balancing conservation with housing and development, and witnesses said the goals are compatible and that the bill includes safeguards. Witnesses also noted similar funding models in other states. The hearing also included H. 1053, a bill to create a Merrimack River Collaborative. Regional planning and watershed advocates said the river faces bacterial contamination, heavy metals, combined sewer overflows, and other pollution, and that a formal collaborative would help coordinate municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofits across the watershed and possibly across state lines. Another bill, H. 4109, would relocate harbor lines in New Bedford Harbor to allow reconstruction of deteriorating bulkheads at a waterfront industrial site; the New Bedford Port Authority, engineers, and the property owner said the change is needed for permitting and would support port modernization and jobs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on S. 641 regarding marine pilotage in New Bedford. Supporters argued the bill would remove a District 3 pilotage restriction and improve port flexibility and offshore wind operations, while opponents warned it would undermine the state’s compulsory pilotage system, weaken safety, and allow ship owners to shop for pilots. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the remainder are program support, which is P530, P531, inmate management and control, P534, which
• There's been something that we can't control and something we don't know.
• But there has to be some controls.
• If we don't start controlling this, the cuts will come.
• All of that we really don't have any control over.

Transcript Highlights:

• problem with that particular case is that the National Transportation Safety Board is looking at the control
• selecting the design and the components, having discretion in how to perform the work and complete control
• authority between whichever county it is and that private contractor to facilitate components, be in control
• visiting judges that is delaying justice for Texans across our state and more specifically on the border
• Authorities, one Water Control and Improvement District, and one Water Improvement District, with each

Bills: HB 1181, HB3704, HB1363, HB1610, HB1615, HB1620, HB3223, HB1317, HB2884, HB2176, HB4027, HB1664, HB933, HB2613, HB3353, HB2086, HB4101, HB3441, HB4145, HB3455

Keywords: judiciary, judges, justices, retired, legal assignments, judicial conduct, notary public, criminal offense, education requirements, official documents, record retention, implicit bias, bias training, judicial training, judge education, court personnel, continuing legal education, CLE, state bar, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

Transcript Highlights:

• There's many control over at our state.
• Uh, last detection was within 70 miles of the Texas border.
• So, um, it's a mi of the Texas border.
• this isn't just a southern border this isn't just a southern border concern.<01:16:13.360> This
• events that that we don't have control events that that we don't have control over<02:27:14.080>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In governing, states operate under one of two models: the control model and the non-control model.
• In the control model, the sale of distilled spirits and, in some cases, wine and beer is controlled through
• Most states, including Florida, operate using a non-control model.
• controls it.
• So there are no regulations controlling it.

Summary: The committee met to hear an overview of Florida’s alcoholic beverage regulatory structure and a panel discussion on the state’s three-tier system. Emily Oglesby of DBPR explained the department’s licensing and enforcement roles, described common license types, and outlined the three tiers—manufacturers, distributors, and retailers—along with tied-house restrictions and several statutory exceptions for certified Florida farm wineries, breweries with tap rooms, brew pubs, and craft distilleries. Members asked about licensing fees, the number and classification of distributors and craft producers, and how the exceptions fit within the broader system. Panelists from craft breweries, craft distilleries, wholesalers, and retailers then discussed how the system affects market access, pricing, and product selection. Craft producers argued that Florida’s rules make it difficult for small brands to reach retailers because they must rely on distributors that often prioritize larger, higher-volume products; they said limited self-distribution or other reforms could help small businesses grow without eliminating wholesalers. Wholesalers and retailers defended the three-tier model as a public-safety and anti-monopoly framework, emphasizing investment in warehousing, sales, compliance, and product vetting, while noting that they already carry some craft products and make selections based on demand, quality, and shelf space. Members also explored related issues such as direct-to-consumer sales, the role of excise-tax audits and inspections, and the emerging market for hemp-derived THC beverages and other alternative drinks. DBPR and industry witnesses said alcohol and hemp products are regulated differently, and several speakers urged the Legislature to consider clearer rules for these products. The meeting ended with no bill vote or formal action; the chair thanked the panel and adjourned after Representative Yeager moved to rise, with no objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Customs and Border Patrol was there.
• Customs and Border Patrol was there. Customs and Border Patrol was there.
• MOTANS, not the armed thugs of ICE and the Border Patrol, are brave.
• the border patrol, are brave. the border patrol, are brave.
• the rhetoric to help out our can control the rhetoric to help out our own<01:58:04.960> community

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're right near the Massachusetts border, and I get people in the store all the time that want to
• So we're right near the Massachusetts border, and I get people in the store all the time that want to
• So we're right near the Massachusetts border, and I get people in the store all the time that want to
• So we're right near the Massachusetts border, and I get people in the store all the time that want to
• Right near the Massachusetts border.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• massive influx of people into our emergency shelter system, an influx due to a failure of federal border
• control and a nationwide housing crisis.
• The federal government needs to fix this at the source by passing a border security bill.
• The federal pandemic relief money is gone, so we're going to continue to control spending and live within

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House and Senate met in joint convention for the Governor’s annual State of the Commonwealth address. Before the address, the chamber handled routine organizational motions, including recesses, the appointment of committees to escort the Lieutenant Governor, constitutional officers, and the Governor into the chamber, the posting of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, and an invocation and benediction. The joint convention then heard Governor Maura Healey’s address, followed by remarks from legislative leaders and a closing benediction. In her speech, Governor Healey said the state is strong and highlighted accomplishments from the past session, including tax cuts, expanded child care support, the Affordable Homes Act, transportation improvements, federal funding gains, veterans’ services, and health care measures. She also emphasized ongoing priorities such as reducing housing costs, improving transit and infrastructure, expanding primary care and mental health services, supporting education and career pathways, strengthening clean energy and AI investment, and protecting reproductive health care. She called for abolishing tenant broker’s fees, creating a statewide graduation standards council after the MCAS requirement change, and continuing efforts to address the emergency shelter system and other cost pressures. No roll call votes were taken on legislation during the address itself, but the convention adopted the various ceremonial orders and motions by voice vote. After the Governor’s remarks and the benediction, the joint convention adjourned, and the House later adjourned to meet the following Tuesday in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there's a separate ongoing outbreak we've heard about at the Utah border.
• Especially Queen Creek and Gilbert, and there's a separate ongoing outbreak we've heard about at the Utah border
• It will erode local control. It's an unworkable policy that deserves a no vote today.
• To me, this is just such a clear matter of local control.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate met with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through several Committee of the Whole calendars considering House bills on topics including licensing timeframes, homicide, forcible entry and detainer, nuisance actions, family/abortion-related offenses, patient records, education, public health, child support, school curricula, tax administration, state treasurer investments, public records, shopping carts, health professional licensure, and state land use. Most bills were reported out with do-pass recommendations, several with committee amendments adopted first. The transcript includes repeated roll-call and voice votes, with members often explaining opposition on bills involving vaccination mandates, fetal/prenatal development instruction, public records fee exemptions for legislators, shopping cart regulation, and small subdivision water-supply concerns. Supporters generally framed bills as clarifying law, improving enforcement, or limiting burdens on government and businesses. Opponents raised concerns about public health, local control, school costs, transparency abuses, and water policy. The Senate also recessed briefly and later returned to third reading votes on multiple bills. Several measures passed on final vote, including HB 2016, HB 2140, HB 2195, HB 2439, HB 2028, HB 2557, HB 2086, HB 2830, HB 2327, HB 2460, HB 4056, and HB 2660, with recorded vote totals generally ranging from 16-10 to 26-0. The session ended with committee announcements, a note about a softball game sign-up, and adjournment until the next scheduled meeting.