Transcript Highlights:

• Washington, Princeton University, and even our own Washington State Insurance Commissioner Patty Carter

Committee: House Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas the national commemoration of Black history in the United States dates back to 1926 by Carter

Summary: The Arizona House and Senate held a joint protocol session for African American Legislative Day, opening with prayer, presentation of the colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and performances of the national anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” A representative from the Buffalo Soldiers of America also used the occasion to correct the program name and ask lawmakers for help securing a vacant building for a museum to preserve and display its historical exhibits and community work. Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen welcomed attendees and said the event was an opportunity to hear directly from community leaders on priorities such as opportunity, public safety, education, affordability, and economic security. Representative Quante Cruz, chair of the African-American Legislative Conference, read a Black History Month proclamation and emphasized the importance of recognizing African American contributions and history. Ashley Anderson and Jerry McPherson of the Governor’s Office of African American Affairs highlighted the conference theme, “Made for This Moment,” and urged continued civic engagement, policy advocacy, and year-round collaboration with the office and community organizations. Senator Keiana Maria Sears delivered the main remarks, focusing on Black history, legacy, and the need to keep pushing for equality, economic parity, food security, and housing access. She spoke about the experiences of Black veterans, South Phoenix history, and the importance of teaching Black history and encouraging voting and civic participation. Representative Blackman also offered brief remarks about courage, faith, and the contributions of Black Americans to the country. The session ended with closing remarks and a benediction by Representative Cruz, who stressed building connections across districts and communities, followed by adjournment of the joint protocol session.

Transcript Highlights:

• national commencement of African American and Black history in the United States dates back to 1926 by Carter

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, and approved the prior journal. Members then recognized several guests and honored the Maryvale High School basketball program and Maryvale Gifted and Talented Micro School with legislative proclamations, including a designation of February 12, 2026 as the Day of the Gifted Child and Student of Arizona. Senators also marked Arizona’s statehood anniversary and held a moment of silence for Emily Pike, with remarks calling for continued attention to missing and murdered Indigenous people and for changes to the turquoise alert law. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole and third reading votes. Senate Bill 1107, relating to peace officer certification pathways, was amended and passed 27-2. Senate Bill 1032, appropriating money to the Corrections Oversight Fund, passed 29-0 after supportive explanations from senators. Senate Bill 1029 on campaign contributions and expenses passed 29-0, SB 1083 on condominiums and planned communities passed 29-0, SB 1252 on assignment for benefit of creditors passed 29-0, and SB 1259 on campaigns passed 29-0. SB 1198, relating to the Arizona Beef Council, drew debate over industry promotion and use of checkoff dollars and passed 23-6. Senate Bill 1020, relating to special plates, was reconsidered after a motion by Senator Bolick and then passed again on reconsideration 25-4. The Senate also adopted the Committee of the Whole report, transmitted passed bills to the House, and agreed to a House request to return SBs 1333 and 1368 for reconsideration. Committee meeting announcements were made for the following Monday, and the Senate adjourned until February 16, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas the national commemoration of Black history in the United States dates back to 1926 by Carter

Summary: The joint protocol session for African American Legislative Day opened with prayer, the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and performances of the national anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” A representative from Buffalo Soldiers of America used the occasion to correct the program name and briefly described the organization’s history, community events, and interest in obtaining a vacant building for a museum. Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen welcomed attendees and said the event was an opportunity to hear directly from African American leaders and advocates on issues such as opportunity, public safety, education, affordability, individual freedoms, and economic security. Representative Quante Cruz, chair of the African-American Legislative Conference, read a Black History Month proclamation and emphasized the 100-year recognition of Black History Month and the importance of honoring African American contributions in Arizona and nationally. Ashley Anderson and Jerry McPherson of the Governor’s Office of African American Affairs highlighted the conference theme, “Made for This Moment,” and urged continued civic engagement, policy advocacy, and year-round collaboration with the office. Representative Leah Landrum Taylor introduced the guest speakers, including Senator Kiana Maria Sears, who spoke about Black history, legacy, and the need to keep pushing for justice, food security, housing, and economic parity. She reflected on her father’s military service and the barriers Black veterans faced in Arizona, including difficulty using VA benefits to buy homes, and urged attendees to use their voices and votes. Representative Blackman also offered remarks connecting the day’s message to biblical themes of courage and perseverance. The session ended with closing remarks and a benediction from Representative Cruz, who stressed building community across districts and thanked participants before the joint protocol session was dissolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> House Joint Resolution 102 by Representatives Bacon and Carter and Senators Coleman and Exum concerning

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Lucy Salcedo Carter with the Alameda County Office of Education and also representing the

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several retirement and school employment measures. SB 301 by Sen. Grayson would prevent CERL-covered cities and districts from amending retirement contracts to exclude certain employee groups, closing a loophole similar to one previously addressed for CalPERS. The bill was supported by California Professional Firefighters and received no opposition. SB 443 by Sen. Rubio would clarify that employees transferring into a joint powers authority can retain CalPERS classic status even when the JPA expands later; the city of La Verne, a flood management agency, and AFSCME supported the bill, and it also drew no opposition. Both bills were moved out of committee on unanimous votes and sent to Appropriations, with the consent calendar items SB 521, SB 581, and SB 853 also approved. The committee then heard SB 494 by Sen. Cortese, which would give classified school employees the right to have disciplinary appeals heard by an administrative law judge rather than by the school board. Supporters, including CSEA, AFSCME, and CFT, argued the bill would create parity with teachers and community college faculty and provide a fairer appeal process. Opponents, including the California School Boards Association, county superintendents, school business officials, and community college groups, argued it would remove local control, impose a one-size-fits-all process, and shift costs to districts. The bill was passed out of committee and referred to the Committee on Higher Education. The committee also considered SJR 2 by Sen. Cortese, a resolution urging Congress and the President to enact federal protections for classified school employees, including better wages, benefits, safety, and workplace rights. Support came from CFT, CSEA, and other labor groups, with no opposition. The resolution was adopted and moved forward. At the end of the hearing, the committee reopened the roll to add votes, and all listed measures ultimately passed unanimously or near-unanimously before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lucy Salcedo Carter with the Alameda County Office of Education and also representing the Association

Committee: House Public Employment and Retirement

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several measures dealing with public employee retirement and school employee rights. SB 301 would prevent CERL-contracting cities and districts from selectively excluding groups of employees from retirement membership, closing a loophole similar to one previously addressed in CalPERS law. SB 443 would clarify that employees moving into a joint powers authority can retain CalPERS classic status under the same rules whether the transfer occurs when the JPA is formed or later, with supporters citing regional dispatch and flood-management JPAs as examples. SB 494 would give classified school employees the right to have disciplinary appeals heard by an administrative law judge, similar to teachers and community college faculty, while opponents argued it would override local bargaining and school board authority. SJR 2 urged Congress and the President to enact federal protections for classified school employees, including better wages, benefits, leave, safety, and workplace voice. Support for the bills came primarily from the authors, California Professional Firefighters, the City of La Verne, Pajaro River Flood Management Agency, AFSCME, CSEA, and CFT. Opposition to SB 494 came from school boards, county superintendents, school business officials, community college administrators, and county education offices, who said the bill would impose a one-size-fits-all process and shift costs to districts. No opposition was voiced on the other measures. The committee initially voted to place SB 301, SB 443, SB 494, SJR 2, and the consent calendar items on hold, then later reopened the roll and advanced all of them. Final recorded votes were unanimous or near-unanimous: SB 301 passed 7-0, SB 443 passed 7-0 and was re-referred to Appropriations, SB 494 passed 5-0 and was re-referred to Higher Education, SJR 2 passed 5-0, and consent items SB 521, SB 581, and SB 853 passed 7-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Bob Carter. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just a follow-up on that.

Bills: HB3015 , HB3521 , HB5632 , HJR182 , SJR57

Committee: House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Keywords: healthcare, direct primary care, insurance deductibles, Texas Health Benefit Plans, telemedicine, police retirement, disability pension, municipalities, law enforcement, retirement benefits, retirement, beneficiary, Employees Retirement System of Texas, divorce decree, beneficiary designation, Veterans' Land Board, general obligation bonds, constitutional amendment, veterans, housing assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• Up here on the left side, our principal Brian Hester and coach Jason Carter.

Transcript Highlights:

• Carter, for five minutes. Mr.
• Bam Carter, for five minutes.
• Bam Carter, for five minutes.
• Bam Carter, for five minutes.
• Bam Carter, for five minutes. Mr.

Bills: HR884 , HB2096 , HR489

Keywords: special rule, House Rules Committee, procedural resolution, floor procedure, waiver of points of order, structured rule, amendment in the nature of a substitute, motion to recommit, House debate, legislative process, H.R. 6039, commonsense priorities, majority leader, minority leader, Congressional Record, House resolution, law enforcement, collective bargaining, Montgomery Police Department, disciplinary matters

Transcript Highlights:

• We're looking for David Carter, Carta, Carta, online, Mr. Carta. Hi, good afternoon.
• We're looking for David Carter, Carta, Carta, online, Mr. Carta. Hi, good afternoon.
• My name is David Carter.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 452, a right-to-repair bill for agricultural equipment. Farm Bureau and several manufacturers’ representatives opposed the bill, arguing that existing memorandums of understanding already provide farmers access to parts, diagnostics, and repair information, and warning that broader software access could increase emissions tampering and safety risks. Supporters, including repair advocates, a legislator, and a farmer representative, argued that the MOUs are not binding, that farmers need enforceable repair rights to avoid costly delays during critical harvest periods, and that owners should be able to repair equipment they bought without dealer lock-in. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee also heard testimony on bills to limit or eliminate “grab-and-go” alcohol sales at large venues, including House Bill 325 and Senate Bill 225. Union workers from Fenway Park and the TD Garden described self-checkout alcohol kiosks as creating public safety and compliance problems, including underage access, over-serving, theft, and difficulty monitoring intoxication in crowded settings. They said workers are often understaffed and bear discipline when violations occur. In contrast, the Boston Red Sox and Aramark defended the supervised self-checkout model, saying it speeds service, is widely used, and operates with multiple layers of supervision, training, and regulatory oversight; they said they had not received violation notices and that any incidents are isolated. Senator Edwards also testified in support of House Bill 369, aimed at restricting marketing of certain harsh cosmetic products to children, and in support of the grab-and-go bill. She argued that children should not be targeted with products containing toxic chemicals and that alcohol service should remain supervised by trained staff to protect consumers and jobs. Senator Collins and other legislators also spoke in favor of restricting grab-and-go alcohol service, citing concerns about underage drinking and overconsumption. The hearing additionally included a separate bill on Sunday morning alcohol service, with Representatives Scanlon and Lewis arguing for allowing sales beginning at 8 a.m. on Sundays rather than 10 a.m., but that bill was only discussed briefly and no action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Honorable Chairman, distinguished members of the Judiciary Committee and guests, Neil Carter, District
• Chairman, distinguished members of the Judiciary Committee and guests, Neil Carter, District 15.
• bureaucratic fines, fees, and surcharges in the justice system with the leadership of Representative Carter

Committee: House House Judiciary Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2415, which would regulate kratom by treating certain synthetically derived compounds as narcotic drugs, raising the minimum sale age to 21, and penalizing sales of products exceeding a 400 parts per million cap. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill targets dangerous synthetic or highly concentrated kratom while preserving natural leaf products; testimony included a woman describing kratom addiction and treatment, family members describing harm from 7-OH products, and law enforcement and Attorney General’s Office support. Opponents, including criminal justice advocates, warned the bill could sweep in users and create harsh felony penalties, while some speakers urged a full ban and others defended natural kratom as distinct from synthetic products. The committee adopted the Wynn amendment and then gave HB 2415, as amended, a do-pass recommendation by a 6-3 vote. The committee then considered HB 2870, which would prohibit more than one Level 2 or Level 3 registered sex offender from residing in the same home unless they are related by blood, marriage, or adoption. The sponsor said the bill was prompted by a neighborhood case involving multiple sex offenders in one residence and argued it was aimed at residential homes, not supervised group homes. Supporters described fear and disruption in their neighborhoods, while opponents argued the bill would reduce already limited housing, make supervision harder, and potentially force people onto the streets; some also raised due process and recidivism concerns. After discussion about possible amendments and the distinction between group homes and unsupervised residences, the committee approved HB 2870 with a do-pass recommendation by a 6-3 vote. Next, the committee heard HB 2413, which requires GPS or electronic monitoring for registered sex offenders who are homeless or lack a permanent address until they obtain one. Supporters said the bill would close a gap because transient registrants are only required to check in every 90 days, leaving law enforcement without regular location information; a policy analyst said monitoring could be implemented through existing systems, though costs and administration would vary. Opponents argued the bill raises due process and equal protection concerns, duplicates existing reporting requirements, and could impose costs on people trying to stabilize their lives. The committee passed HB 2413 on a 5-4 vote. Finally, the committee took up HB 2720, which increases the penalty for purchasing prostitution to a class 6 felony and directs a $200 assessment to the anti-human trafficking fund, with an amendment clarifying the affirmative defense for trafficking victims and restricting use of the assessment to trafficking services. Supporters, including the sponsor, prosecutors, Phoenix police, and a city council member, said the bill targets buyers who drive demand and exploitation. Opponents from criminal justice and anti-violence groups argued the bill could still ensnare trafficking victims and sex workers, especially because the affirmative defense may be hard to assert in practice. After adopting the amendment, the committee gave HB 2720, as amended, a do-pass recommendation by an 8-0-1 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, next item on the agenda is Commissioner Mark Carter, Department of Aviation.
• Please identify yourself for the record and you may proceed. >> My name is Mark Carter.
• </c> >> Thank you, Commissioner Carter.

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met on July 15, 2025, approved the June 4 minutes, and heard updates on aviation and riverport funding programs. Commissioner Mark Carter of the Kentucky Department of Aviation reported on the $200,000 grants for general aviation airports included in House Bill 1, saying the money is being used mainly for hangar projects, fuel trucks, parking lot resurfacing, airport equipment, crew cars, and public education efforts. He said about 25 hangar-related projects were reported, with an estimated 60 T-hangars and four or five box hangars supported, and noted that the grants are often used to match federal funds. He also said the state’s jet fuel tax revenue generates about $23 million annually, up from about $19 million in 2021, and that most airports are now compliant with the ADS-B/VOR-related reporting system required in budget language, which has improved reported operations and may help airports qualify for FAA grants. Members asked about the pace of airport projects, the limited number of contractors for hangar construction, and whether airports could finance hangars themselves. Carter said timing has generally been good, though federal projects have slowed somewhat and contractor capacity remains a challenge, and he said there is no statute preventing airports from financing part or all of a hangar project. Questions also focused on the long-term need for hangars and the effect of the jet fuel cap, with Carter saying general aviation airports still have significant hangar demand and rely on state assistance because hangars are a key revenue source. Jeremy Edgeworth of the Transportation Cabinet and Brian Wright of the Kentucky Association of Riverports then reviewed riverport projects funded through House Bill 265 and House Bill 1. Edgeworth said the cabinet’s riverport grant program awarded $500,000 in each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026 for 13 projects under an 80/20 match, and that House Bill 1 provided $7.5 million per year for public riverports with no local match. He described completed or underway projects at multiple ports, including equipment replacements, dock and road repairs, material handling upgrades, mooring cell rehabilitation, and a waterline loop at Owensboro. He said $12.6 million of the KPRCM funds had been awarded across 20 projects, with about $2.4 million still to be awarded later in the fall. Wright said the riverport investments are helping ports replace aging assets, expand capacity, and match federal dollars, but he also said the statewide capital need remains large, with the current list of top projects already in the $90 million range and longer-term needs still estimated at $60 million to $90 million. Members asked about timelines and future needs, and Edgeworth said many of the larger projects will take two to five years because of permitting and coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Stu Carter, a veteran, a pillar of the Sierra Vista community, and a friend to so many who sadly passed
• Stu Carter exemplified a life of service. He's a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel.
• Stu Carter, a veteran, a honor Mr.
• Sue<00:53:48.960><c> Carter</c><00:53:49.359><c> exemplified</c><00:53:50.000><c> a</c><00:53:50.240>
• <c> life</c><00:53:50.480><c> of</c> Sue Carter exemplified a life of Sue Carter exemplified a life of

Bills: HB4593 , HR780 , HR977 , HR979 , HR978

Keywords: showerhead, regulation, energy policy, consumer protection, overregulation, gridlock, policy priorities, House resolution, legislative process, procedural motion, committee, House of Representatives, Mr. Knott, ethics, membership, Doug LaMalfa, memorial resolution, condolence, death of a member, adjournment in honor

Transcript Highlights:

• Carter, horse, right? Okay. All right. We'll discuss it. Keep you a prize, Senator. So...

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Transcript Highlights:

• Carter, horse, right? Okay. All right. We'll discuss it. Keep you a prize, Senator. horse, right?

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bills 1066 and 1088, sponsored by Sen. Ben Brown, dealing with the property tax classification of single-family short-term rental homes. Brown argued the bills would stop counties from reclassifying short-term rentals as commercial property and taxing them at the higher commercial rate, saying such homes remain residential in use under Missouri case law, IRS guidance, and zoning principles. He said the substitute language was narrowed to single-family homes owned by individuals, partnerships, or LLCs, and further limited to owners with 15 or fewer short-term rental properties. Members questioned how the bill would affect local zoning and assessor practices, including mixed-use buildings and the requirement that assessors conduct an in-person consultation before reclassifying property. Several lawmakers said the bill should preserve local control over zoning while preventing inconsistent tax treatment. Some members also raised concerns that the consultation language could interfere with assessors’ work, and Brown said he was open to revisiting that provision because it was added by another senator and was not central to the bill’s intent. Supporters testified that short-term rentals are often family homes used to generate needed income, not commercial enterprises, and that higher commercial taxation could be financially devastating. One witness described using a family home as a short-term rental to help pay for a mother’s care and support a granddaughter with special needs. Opponents, including the Missouri Hotel Lodging Association, argued that short-term rentals function as businesses because they collect sales tax and compete with lodging providers, and they said the 15-property limit was ineffective because owners can place homes in separate LLCs. The association said it could suggest alternative language to better target large-scale operators. No vote was taken, and the hearing concluded after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Carter? Present. Representative Shunavir? Present. Representative Edmonston? Here.

Committee: House Civil Law and Procedure

Summary: The Civil Law and Procedure Committee met on March 10, 2026, with a quorum present. At the outset, HB 292 and HB 437 were voluntarily deferred at the request of the authors. The committee then heard HB 112, which clarifies how the 75-mile distance for child relocation is measured. Representative Behan and witness Claire Jacobs argued the bill would reduce ambiguity and avoid costly custody litigation. The committee reported HB 112 favorably without objection. The committee next considered HB 190, which establishes a standard of reasonable care for certain software and computer programs, especially interactive digital products. Representative Schlegel and Louisiana State Law Institute witnesses explained the bill was developed after prior work on digital products liability and is intended to impose a negligence-style duty of reasonable care without resolving breach, causation, damages, or constitutional issues. Members asked about the meaning of “person,” vicarious liability, the scope of the duty, and how the bill relates to content moderation and Section 230. The bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 410, dealing with recording in direct in-person conversations, was voluntarily deferred by the chair after the author said an amendment would clarify that notice, not consent, would be required. HB 427, which revises the duty of care for online platforms that contract with minors and aligns definitions with existing Louisiana law on harmful material to minors, was then heard and reported favorably without objection. Finally, HB 78 increased the civil jurisdictional limit of the Bogalusa city court from $25,000 to $50,000; the author said local stakeholders supported the change, and the committee reported it favorably without objection. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The prayer today is by Representative Pamela Carter, and the Pledge of Allegiance is led by David Marshall

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the Journal, and recognized Dr. Heidi Teval as Doctor of the Day. Members then offered several points of personal privilege, including tributes to former Representative Noel Campbell, introductions of guests, and observances tied to Muslim Day at the Capitol, Food Bank Day, and Holocaust Remembrance Day. The chamber also heard remarks from Holocaust survivors and community members, and the House later adopted a proclamation recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The main legislative action was House Concurrent Resolution 2045, honoring the life and public service of former Congressman Raul Grijalva. The resolution detailed his career in education, county government, and Congress, and highlighted his work on public lands, tribal sovereignty, environmental protection, public education, and social justice. The House unanimously adopted the resolution and stood for a moment of respectful silence, then received the Grijalva family in the chamber. Additional floor business included referral changes for HB 2351 and HB 2573, the first reading of several bills, and the second reading of a larger slate of measures covering water, land, energy, agriculture, public safety, immigration, and other topics. No substantive debate or votes on those bills occurred during this session. The House also announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The prayer today is by Representative Pamela Carter [member_20219], and the Pledge of Allegiance is led

Transcript Highlights:

• Allison Carter Hall, Florida nurse practitioner network waves in support and seeing no further further