Transcript Highlights:

• From the day the 88th session ended until today, I and my office have had many stakeholders bird-dog

Committee: Senate Education K-16

Summary: The Senate Education K-16 Committee heard Senate Bill 1961, which would expand reporting on post-secondary outcomes and workforce data, including employment, earnings, regional labor demand, and credentials of value. Senator Bettencourt said the bill is intended to close data gaps and improve alignment between education programs and workforce needs. Witnesses from Opportunity Austin, Texas 2036, Samsung Austin Semiconductor, and the Fort Worth workforce community testified in support, saying better data would help students, parents, schools, employers, and regional economic development efforts. After questions from members about regional workforce pipelines and semiconductor talent needs, public testimony closed and SB 1961 was left pending. The committee then took up several pending bills and reported them favorably, including SB 1325, SB 604, SB 1832, SB 747, SB 2185, and SB 2395, with committee substitutes adopted where needed. SB 1325 was amended to remove the DSHS commissioner’s authority to issue standing orders for respiratory distress medication in schools. SB 1832, relating to school transfer or private-school funding options for students victimized by a public school employee, and SB 747, relating to intimate visual material policies, were both advanced on recorded votes. SB 2185, on the bilingual education allotment, was initially moved to a local calendar but was later backed up and reported to the full Senate after a fiscal note was noted. SB 2395, on school district general obligation bonds, was also reported favorably and then moved to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also heard SB 646, which would expand the Mental Health Professional Loan Repayment Program to additional professions, increase award amounts, and add stipends for rural and bilingual service. Senator West said the bill responds to mental health workforce shortages and inflation. The Texas Counseling Association supported the measure, and a Hogg Foundation representative said participation has grown sharply since prior changes. SB 646 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 2647, which would create a Texas state accrediting agency and interim oversight system for higher education accreditors; supporters from the Texas Public Policy Foundation and a massage school owner argued it would improve accountability and reduce accreditor overreach, while Senator Menendez raised concerns about effects on law and medical school accreditation and student opportunities. SB 2647 was left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2786, which would exempt first responders from the Texas Success Initiative entrance exam, and SB 2615, which would standardize remote-work policies across public higher education institutions. The Texas State Association of Firefighters supported SB 2786, saying it would remove an extra step for career advancement; the bill was left pending because the committee substitute had not yet been adopted. SB 2615 was presented as a way to ensure more consistent in-person staffing expectations while preserving exceptions for illness, disability, and some non-teaching roles; it too was left pending. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, like, this amendment coming from who it's coming from is absolutely wild.
• I do have an exemption for emergency because I understand there are times COVID would be one, like bird
• > one</c><02:37:00.720><c> like</c><02:37:00.960><c> a</c><02:37:01.120><c> a</c><02:37:01.439><c> bird
• </c> times COVID would be one like a a bird times COVID would be one like a a bird flu<02:37:01.920><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And there was a little boy in her neighborhood when she was growing up who kicked little baby birds out
• </c> growing up who kicked little baby birds growing up who kicked little baby birds out<03:10:13.600
• This included harm to both domestic<03:37:08.720><c> and</c><03:37:08.960><c> wild</c><03:37:09.359><
• </c><03:37:10.800><c> I</c><03:37:10.960><c> have</c> domestic and wild animals.
• I have domestic and wild animals.

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now 50 of those water users decide that they want to go ahead and hog wild and be able to up their demand

Summary: The California Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with a reflection and pledge. The body handled routine procedural business, including dispensing with the journal reading, suspending rules for guest introductions and adjournment memories, and re-referring several bills to different committees. Members also introduced guests, including district staff, the Citrus Heights leadership class, and Rosie Rios, chair of America 250. The main floor debate centered on AB 2180 by Assembly Member Ward, a local government finance measure related to water rates and Proposition 218. Ward argued the bill would provide clearer legal standards for proportional water rates, reduce litigation, and prevent low-use customers from subsidizing high-use users. Assembly Member DeMaio opposed the bill, saying it would weaken taxpayer protections and allow overcharging. After debate, the Assembly passed AB 2180 on a roll call vote of 41-17. The Assembly then adopted the second-day consent calendar, with AB 1853 and several other bills and resolutions passing 52-0. The chamber also held adjournment-in-memory tributes for former Santa Clara County Supervisor Rod Diridon Sr., praising his public service and transit advocacy. The session ended with announcements and adjournment until Monday, April 13 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now 50 of those water users decide that they want to go ahead and hog wild and be able to up their demand

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have deer, wild turkeys, a lot of things wander in and out of our neighborhoods because we live near

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The Senate Agricultural Committee first approved minutes from its March 12, March 19, and March 24, 2026 meetings. It then took up Senate Bill 1445, a revised proposal responding to the growing rat problem in Ada County and nearby areas. The bill would declare the Norway rat an invasive species and authorize local governments to address the issue, while requiring private property owner permission before local entry. Representative John Gannon and Ada County Commissioner Ryan Davidson said state authorization is needed for counties and cities to act under Idaho law, and they described rats spreading through drains, ditches, parks, and neighborhoods. They also said the bill is intended to preserve private property rights and avoid direct state funding obligations. Testimony in support came from Nancy Daniels of Boise’s Depot Bench neighborhood and Jane Rowling of Eagle, both of whom described rats in their neighborhoods, damage to property, and the limits of individual homeowner efforts. Rowling said the problem has expanded across multiple communities and argued that local governments need authority and funding to respond, possibly using broader tools such as coordinated trapping and rat birth control. Committee members discussed whether the bill was necessary for local authority, whether it could create future fiscal obligations, and whether it would help cities and counties establish rat-control efforts. Senator Lakey moved to send SB 1445 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, Senator Taylor seconded, and the committee approved the motion by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Friends of Big Bear Valley, where for 25 years she fought tirelessly to protect the wildlife and wild

Summary: The Assembly convened, initially without a quorum, and the clerk called the roll until a quorum was present. The body then proceeded with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and several unanimous-consent motions, including re-referrals of AB 1878, AB 2089, and AB 1660 to different committees. Members also introduced guests, including the 2025 Central East High School football team, Morgan Hill leadership students, Southlands Christian fourth graders, and journalist Juan Esparza Loera, whom members praised for decades of reporting in the Central Valley. On the floor file, ACR 139 was presented to designate March as Sleep Apnea Awareness Month. Supporters described the health and safety risks of undiagnosed sleep apnea and emphasized the value of screening and treatment; the resolution was adopted by voice vote after 61 coauthors were recorded. AB 1656, a human-trafficking victim protection bill, was also taken up and passed 58-0 after testimony that it would expand “good cause” for trial continuances to better protect survivors and preserve continuity of counsel. The chamber also adopted the consent calendar, including AB 1583 and SCR 11, by 63-0 votes. The session concluded with adjournments in memory for Salinda Gonzalez, a Yurok community advocate for mental health and suicide prevention, and Sandy Steers, a Big Bear conservationist and executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley. Members highlighted Gonzalez’s work supporting Native communities and Steers’ decades of wildlife advocacy and public education. The Assembly then announced its next meeting for Monday, March 16 at 1 p.m., including the Women of the Year ceremony, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Friends of Big Bear Valley, where for 25 years she fought tirelessly to protect the wildlife and wild

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That seems wild because caregiving isn't casual.

Transcript Highlights:

• From the rolling wheat fields of the Palouse to the wild water runs on the Payette River, golden potatoes

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, approved the corrected journal, and received several committee reports and gubernatorial appointment recommendations. Judiciary and Rules reported Senate Joint Resolution 102 and Senate Bills 1224 and 1225 for referral, and recommended confirmation of Scott Smith to the Commission of Pardons and Parole. State Affairs also recommended confirmation of Megan Runk to the Idaho Commission on Human Rights and Salvador Cruz to the Treasurer’s Investment Advisory Board. The governor’s transmittal of outstanding appointments was filed. The Senate introduced Senate Bills 1226 and 1227, dealing respectively with DNA sample/thumbprint collection for certain offenders and a generative artificial intelligence in education framework for schools. It also received House Concurrent Resolution 22 from the House, which declares 2026 the year of volunteerism and the America 250 and Idaho Service Challenge. The Senate suspended the rules by a 35-0 roll call vote, took up HCR 22 immediately, and adopted it after brief debate praising the America 250 effort and volunteer service. During the floor session, senators and guests highlighted the America 250 celebration, including a themed song and recognition of ambassadors and organizers. The Senate also heard announcements about a luncheon on land use and housing, a presentation on rats in the Treasure Valley, and upcoming caucus and chairman meetings. The body then adjourned until 10:45 a.m. the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• From the rolling wheat fields of the Palouse to the wild water runs on the Payette's route, golden potatoes

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From the rolling wheat fields of the Palouse to the wild water runs on the Payette, root golden potatoes

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, this one's wild. There's corporate branding exemptions. Everything else is off the table.
• Also, this one's wild. There's corporate branding exemptions.
• What's wild is that, when things like this happened, why did that have to go?
• This legislation is a little wild to me because New Jersey does not have the right... ...around institutions
• This legislation is a little wild to me because New Jersey does not have the right to shield providers

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It just seems wild to me.
• It just seems wild to me.
• It just<01:28:32.280><c> seems</c><01:28:33.040><c> wild</c><01:28:33.560><c> to</c><01:28:33.680><c>
• </c><01:28:34.320><c> And</c><01:28:34.600><c> I</c><01:28:34.719><c> understand</c> just seems wild
• And I understand just seems wild to me.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a little bit of the Wild West out there.
• And what you fundamentally are trying to do here is ensure that we don't have a Wild West where kids
• Have a Wild West, where kids can easily get their hands on products that are harmful.
• I've had this conversation with the sponsors because I do think that in the wild west that is out there
• people into this addiction... ...to entrap young people into this addiction and usage and ultimately to wild

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with SB 41 by Senator Wiener, which would regulate pharmacy benefit managers by increasing transparency, banning patient steering and spread pricing, and requiring full pass-through of rebates. Supporters, including independent pharmacists and health advocates, said PBM practices are driving up drug costs and closing neighborhood pharmacies. Opponents from PBM and health plan groups argued the bill overlaps with recently enacted licensing and reporting requirements, would not lower consumer prices, and may be preempted by ERISA. Members discussed confidentiality issues, consumer savings, and the relationship between SB 41 and the new budget trailer bill; the author asked for an aye vote. The committee then took up SB 378, also by Senator Wiener, aimed at online marketplaces that advertise illegal intoxicating hemp and unlicensed cannabis products. Supporters from labor, public health, and the licensed cannabis industry said online sales are undermining regulated businesses and exposing children to unsafe products. Opponents from tech and hemp industry groups warned the bill is overbroad, could sweep in general-purpose platforms and lawful hemp wellness products, and raises Dormant Commerce Clause and First Amendment concerns. The author said he would narrow the bill, remove industrial hemp references, and address strict liability and standing issues; members largely focused on how to target illegal products without capturing lawful marketplaces. SB 243 by Senator Padilla addressed AI companion chatbots, with supporters including Common Sense Media and transparency advocates warning that these systems can be addictive, manipulative, and dangerous for minors and vulnerable users, citing studies and the death of a Florida teenager. The bill would require disclosures, anti-addiction design limits, self-harm protocols, audits, reporting, and a private right of action. Tech and business groups opposed the measure as overly broad and said its definitions could sweep in general-purpose AI tools; several members supported the goal but questioned the breadth of the definitions and the private right of action. Finally, SB 522 by Senator Wahab would extend just-cause eviction protections to rental units that were previously covered by the Tenant Protection Act but were destroyed in disasters and later rebuilt. Supporters, including Los Angeles city officials and tenant advocates, said the bill would help keep displaced renters housed after wildfires and other disasters. Apartment and realtor groups opposed it, arguing it would remove a key exemption needed to finance rebuilding and could discourage post-disaster reconstruction. Members expressed support for tenant protections in disaster areas, and the author asked for an aye vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was directly affected by the Minnesota Wild sled hockey kids that come up and are able to use our
• That was directly affected by the Minnesota Wild sled hockey kids that come up and are able to use our
• That was directly affected by the Minnesota Wild sled hockey kids that come up and are able to use our
• That was directly affected by the Minnesota Wild sled hockey kids that come up and are able to use our
• That was directly affected by the Minnesota Wild sled hockey kids that come up and are able to use our

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> achieving</c> Um, and not here to argue that, and understand they're probably able to kill two birds
• probably able<01:33:02.200><c> to</c><01:33:02.280><c> kill</c><01:33:02.960><c> two</c><01:33:03.120><c> birds
• with</c><01:33:03.480><c> one</c><01:33:03.680><c> stone</c><01:33:04.080><c> by</c> able to kill two birds
• with one stone by able to kill two birds with one stone by getting<01:33:05.000><c> um</c> getting um

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this amendment removes migratory game birds from being hunted on Sundays.
• So, this amendment removes migratory<00:47:25.240><c> game</c><00:47:25.440><c> birds</c><00:47:25.760
• ><c> from</c><00:47:25.920><c> being</c><00:47:26.120><c> hunted</c> migratory game birds from being
• hunted migratory game birds from being hunted on<00:47:26.480><c> Sundays.

Keywords: House streaming session for Monday, March 23, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is sold under names like Feel Free, Sunshine Hippo, or Space Bird.
• 40.240><c> Space</c> like Feel Free, Sunshine Hippo, or Space like Feel Free, Sunshine Hippo, or Space Bird
• Bird. Bird.

Bills: HF3771 , HF3658 , HF3453 , HF3358 , HF1775

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: disaster assistance, contingency account, Minnesota emergency management, public safety, state disaster aid, FEMA, federal cost-share, emergency relief, natural disaster, budget report, appropriations report, management and budget, local governments, utility cooperatives, public works, infrastructure repair, chapter 12B, chapter 12A, emergency management, disaster recovery

Transcript Highlights:

• Gathering spots for shade, nesting sites for birds and mammals, and that deep sort of reverence that
• Gathering spots for shade, nesting<01:37:04.560><c> sites</c><01:37:04.960><c> for</c><01:37:05.199><c> birds
• <01:37:05.520><c> and</c><01:37:05.679><c> mammals,</c><01:37:07.119><c> and</c> nesting sites for birds
• and mammals, and nesting sites for birds and mammals, and that<01:37:07.520><c> deep</c><01:37:07.840

Bills: HF1323 , HF3500

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: undocumented, financial aid, state policy, higher education, noncitizen eligibility, funding, storm damage relief, Bemidji State University, reforestation, state appropriations, 1183, house