Transcript Highlights:

• The bill sponsor concurs with the new amendment, and with that I'm available for any questions.
• It's my understanding the sponsor intends to concur with that. I am available for questions.
• The bill sponsor concurs with the new amendment, and with that I'm available for any questions.
• It is my understanding the sponsor intends to concur with that. I'm available for questions.
• It is my understanding the sponsor intends to concur with that. I'm available for questions.

Summary: The meeting began with a JLBC presentation on the state budget proposal. Staff reviewed revenue changes from the April forecast, which lowered expected growth slightly, and then walked through major tax policy provisions. Those included full conformity with HR1 for the current tax year, a shift to the provisions of SB 1106 for future tax years, new deductions for retirement/pension distributions and Roth IRA contributions, an increase in the dependent credit, and a child and dependent care subtraction. Staff said the tax changes had an overall fiscal impact of about $1.4 billion over four years. They also described offsets from repealing several tax credits and exemptions, including solar-related tax breaks, a renewable energy production credit, a new employment tax credit, a refundable R&D credit for smaller employers, and a pollution-control device credit, totaling about $75 million in added revenue. Another budget item would redirect Arizona Commerce Authority Competes Fund lottery distributions to the general fund. Members asked questions about the budget’s effect on ACCESS eligibility checks, state employee health insurance funding, and cuts to one-time funding for area agencies on aging and Alzheimer’s programs. The committee then moved to caucus items on several bills. HB 2249, as amended by the Senate, would expand the parents’ bill of rights to include access to a child’s complete educational record and notice if school staff facilitate social transitioning, and would require investigation of prior violations; the sponsor concurred with the amendment. HB 2035 would require DCS and courts to identify and consider extended family for kinship foster care placement, with Senate changes shortening a reporting deadline and adding adopted family members to the definition. HB 2170 would bar state contracts for electronic or IT goods with PRC-controlled companies, with a certification requirement added in the Senate. HB 2573 would remove a waiting period for ignition interlock restricted licenses after DUI revocation and adjust psychotherapy language. HB 2415 on kratom would classify synthetic kratom as a narcotic drug and add advertising, packaging, and retail restrictions, but the sponsor intended to refuse the Senate changes. HB 2873 would let local petition sponsors withdraw municipal referendum petitions retroactively, which members noted could affect the Marana data center petition effort. The final bill discussed, SB 1798, would create a Financial Aid Awareness Program in the Department of Education to recognize schools that support FAFSA completion. Members questioned whether the department would need additional staff or resources, but no fiscal note had been provided. The meeting ended with recognition of interns and a brief photo opportunity before the caucus moved into closed session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't even have a sponsor here. Does it have a sponsor? Sorry. Okay.
• As the bill sponsor said, there is the change...
• I just want to thank the sponsor for at least bringing us to...
• I just want to thank the sponsor for at least bringing us to federal level.
• Thank you, sponsors. I appreciate all the, you know, trying to work with this bill.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair now lays out House Bill 123 by Representative Dutton, sponsor of the bill.
• Members, if everybody's prepared to vote on House Bill 123, the chair lays out House Bill 123, sponsored
• Sponsored by Senator Creighton as pending business.
• The chair lays out House Bill 4359, sponsored by Senator King.
• The chair lays out House Bill 20, sponsored by Senator Schwertner.

Bills: HB123, HB5606, HB549, HB2757, HB4359, HB5381, HB1939, HB123

Keywords: HB 123, kindergarten readiness, early literacy, early numeracy, reading screening, math screening, foundational literacy, foundational numeracy, dyslexia screening, reading intervention, math intervention, teacher academy, literacy academy, mathematics academy, interventionist academy, K-3 assessments, school readiness, prekindergarten, tutoring grant, parent-directed tutoring

Transcript Highlights:

• President Smith is sponsored by the Senate. Good morning.
• , sponsored by Senator Graal.
• Additional questions of the sponsor.
• Additional questions of the sponsor.
• Additional questions of the sponsor?

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several gallery introductions before taking up Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, on mental health. Senator Bradley explained that the bill is intended to divert clinically appropriate defendants with mental illness from jail to treatment, create pretrial mental health diversion programs, expand grant uses for mental health and substance abuse reinvestment, require evaluations and treatment follow-up in certain probation and prison settings, add Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, and establish a Florida Behavioral Health Data Repository. Senators from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing treatment over incarceration, public safety, and the Murphy family’s role in the bill. The Senate passed the bill 37-0 and then recorded 37 co-sponsors. The chamber then moved into presentations on SB 2500, the 2025-26 General Appropriations Act. Chair Hooper said the Senate budget totals $117.4 billion, reduces overall spending from the prior year, maintains reserves, keeps employee health contributions level, and includes major investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and nearly $1 billion in education capital outlay. Committee chairs outlined their portions of the budget, including increased funding for K-12 schools and scholarships, higher education workforce programs, Medicaid and health services, corrections and courts, transportation and housing, and environmental restoration such as Everglades and water quality projects. Members then asked extensive questions, especially about education funding, school choice, AP/IB and accelerated programs, the Family Empowerment Scholarship, and the FEFP calculations. Senator Burgess repeatedly explained that scholarship funding is being moved “below the line” to improve tracking and that the Senate position is to preserve funding while giving districts more flexibility. Senators also questioned the APD wait list for disability services, opioid settlement spending, arts funding, the My Safe Florida Home condo pilot, and proposed IT and agency restructuring. Several chairs said some issues would be resolved in conference, and no final vote on the budget was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today I have two of the bill's co-sponsors.
• We're proud co-sponsors of the bill. Thank you. Good morning.
• I'm here on behalf of our sponsor, Attorney General Rob Bonta, who's the pro tem sponsor of AB 866 by
• Calra and the sponsor. Thank you. Did you want to speak, ma'am?
• Thank you, Madam Vice Chair, and to sponsors and opposition.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2, which would create enhanced civil penalties for large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters argued the bill is needed to address addictive algorithms and harmful content, while opponents warned it was vague, could chill speech, and might be preempted by federal law. Members largely focused on whether the bill changed the standard of care or burden of proof; the bill passed out of committee on a roll call vote, with some members noting concerns but supporting it to continue the discussion. AB 282, dealing with housing vouchers and source-of-income discrimination, would clarify that housing providers may prioritize applicants who qualify for rental assistance without violating fair housing law. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, and advocacy groups said it would help voucher holders find units and improve use of housing funds. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote, with two no votes. The committee also considered AB 882 on court reporter availability and electronic recording in certain cases when a court reporter is unavailable. Supporters said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage of reporters and would preserve access to accurate records, while opponents argued it was too narrow, raised access-to-justice concerns, and should be broadened. Members from both sides emphasized the importance of court reporters and electronic recording as a backup; the bill passed with an urgency clause and was sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, AB 935 on civil rights data clarity, AB 1414 on tenant choice of internet service provider, and AB 67 on Attorney General enforcement of the Reproductive Privacy Act; each drew support from sponsors and advocacy groups, opposition centered on overbreadth or policy concerns, and each advanced on committee votes, with several members requesting further amendments or clarification.

Transcript Highlights:

• Steve Lipson with the California Senior Legislature, who is sponsoring this bill. Thank you.
• I serve as a senior senator in the California Senior Legislature, the sponsor of SB 971.
• Andrew Mendoza, on behalf of the Alzheimer's Association, proud sponsor of SB 950.
• Andrew Mendoza, on behalf of the Alzheimer's Association, proud sponsor of SB 950.
• We do appreciate the early conversations that we had with the author, the sponsor, and staff.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a sponsor here, please. Thank you, Chairman and Members.
• Members, any questions to the sponsor? Thank you. You have a question?
• Okay, I've got to talk to the sponsor.
• Anybody have questions for the sponsor? I think I will have some.
• I do want to say thanks to the bill sponsor, Mr. Rivera.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you want to introduce your witnesses and your co-sponsor? Yes.
• We want to thank the sponsors for taking up Senate Bill 48.
• We want to thank the sponsors for taking up Senate Bill 48.
• Joining me to present Senate Bill 17 is my Senate co-sponsor, Senator Heather Bergman, and the lead sponsor
• The bill sponsors are not credible experts on this subject.

Bills: SB48, HB250, SB17

Keywords: State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance, technology, innovation, advisory board, entrepreneurial support, stakeholder representation

Transcript Highlights:

• The Civil Prosecutors Coalition is proud to sponsor SB 1099 alongside our co-sponsor, the County of Santa
• I'm also, I want to thank the bill's sponsor, Paris Hilton, and all of the survivors associated with
• As a co-founder of Safe California Family Child Care, I'm a proud sponsor of SB 1200.
• As a co-founder of Safe California Family Child Care, I'm a proud sponsor of SB 1200.
• We proudly sponsored AB 2247 in 2018 because place proudly sponsored AB 2247 in 2018 because placement

Summary: The hearing covered several child welfare, human services, tribal housing, child care, and long-term care bills. SB 1099 would clarify local governments’ authority to provide state or local public benefits to all residents under PRWORA; SB 1190 would regulate private youth transport services by requiring permits, background checks, training, and bans on blindfolds, hoods, restraints, and overnight pickups; SB 1322 would streamline tribal access to Community Care Expansion housing grants and better align the process with tribal sovereignty; SB 1109 would require an annual license renewal review for STRTPs with five or more Type A citations in a year; SB 1234 would require fentanyl testing in juvenile dependency cases when a court finds a risk of fentanyl use; SB 991 would require DSS to identify the specific type of abuse on its public licensing database; SB 1200 would redefine “infant” for family child care ratio purposes as under 18 months; and SB 1345 would strengthen foster youth rights regarding access to and dignified transport of personal belongings. The committee also approved a consent calendar including SB 534, SB 1410, and SB 1421. Testimony was largely in support of the measures, often from authors, advocates, county officials, and people with lived experience. Supporters of SB 1190 described traumatic youth transport practices and argued for basic safety standards. SB 1322 supporters said tribal grantees face unnecessary delays and collateral demands that conflict with sovereignty. SB 1109 drew support from county probation officers who cited repeated serious violations and public safety concerns at STRTPs, while the chair ultimately opposed the bill as duplicative of existing CDSS authority. SB 1234 drew emotional support from a grandparent who lost a child to fentanyl, but also opposition from the Drug Policy Alliance and a dependency attorney, who argued the bill was redundant, vague, and could create biased or unnecessary testing; amendments were accepted to narrow the standard. SB 991 supporters said the public needs more specific information about abuse findings, SB 1200 supporters said the change would expand infant care capacity and help working families, and SB 1345 supporters said foster youth deserve dignity rather than having belongings packed in trash bags. Votes were taken after quorum was established. SB 991, SB 1200, SB 1345, SB 1190, SB 1234, SB 1322, and SB 1099 were all reported out of committee, most on unanimous or near-unanimous votes; SB 1234 passed 6-0 as amended to Appropriations, and SB 1099 later had a vote change recorded, ending 5-1. SB 1109 did not advance after the motion failed for lack of a second, and it was held in committee. The committee then adjourned and transitioned into an oversight hearing reviewing the outcomes of AB 2247 (placement stability and notice protections for foster youth) and AB 2496, with presenters discussing how the earlier foster youth placement law has changed practice and the importance of dignity, notice, and youth voice in placement decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We look forward to working with the author and the sponsors. Thank you.
• I want to definitely thank my sponsors, EdVoice.
• Every Child California is proud to be a co-sponsor of SB 1110.
• In 2024, Equality California was a proud co-sponsor of SB 1491. By the...
• The sponsors say this gives districts flexibility. AB 2927 already does.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I see the sponsors here. Representative Fink. Come on down. Representative Fink. Come on down.
• But let's be clear, as noted by the sponsor of the bill, there's no money.
• I think everything we have left is sponsored by him, so we'll go from the top. Thank you.
• The sponsor can worry about that today. I'll vote aye.
• Our sponsor has left. Rebecca Beebe, our only speaker.

Bills: HB2093, HB2370, HB2376, HB2380, HB2381, HB2383, HB2423, HB2481, HB2621, HB2895, HB4005, HB4043, HB4109

Keywords: mental health, school curriculum, education policy, instruction requirements, statute repeal, charter schools, education, weapons detection, public safety, school administration, school districts, real estate transactions, school property, bond issuance, land use approval, capital improvements, school governance, board meetings, education funding, parental notification

Transcript Highlights:

• They also shared that the sponsors of this late missing valuable instructional time.
• The bill sponsor shared that this bill is about parental choice and religious freedom.
• Thank you to the bill sponsor for bringing this forward.
• The sponsor and I have a meeting on the calendar for next week. We respect Mr.
• We will do final discussion, and the sponsor gets closing remarks.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank the co-sponsors of this bill.
• I want to thank the co-sponsors of this bill.
• the co-sponsors of this bill. the co-sponsors of this bill.
• by<00:17:47.280> Senator was mentioned, sponsored by Senator was mentioned, sponsored
• sponsoring employer. sponsoring employer.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met on October 23, 2025, approved the September 25 minutes, and heard several informational presentations on occupational licensing and workforce access. The first major topic was the dietitian licensure compact, presented by Rep. Vanessa Gracel, Whitney Duddy, and Caitlyn Bison. They said the compact would be revenue-neutral, improve licensure portability, support military families, expand telehealth and rural access, and preserve state regulatory authority. Testimony noted that 15 states had joined the compact, including Ohio and Tennessee, and that Kentucky would have a seat on the compact commission if it enacted the measure. Members asked about bordering states and possible telehealth competition concerns; witnesses said they had not seen evidence of harmful effects in other compacts and described the compact as expanding access rather than displacing local providers. The committee then heard testimony on music therapy licensure, with Chris Millet, Laura Elliot Buckner, and Dr. Kimberly Cinemore speaking in support of Senate Bill 42. They described music therapy as a clinical, board-certified profession requiring formal education, supervised training, and national certification, and argued that state licensure would protect the public, clarify scope of practice, and help retain Kentucky-trained professionals. Witnesses said the bill would not require new state funding, could be administered through a self-sustaining licensing structure, and would not prevent others from using music in their work. In response to questions, they said licensure could help open doors to insurance, waiver, and HSA reimbursement, but would not guarantee coverage. Finally, the committee heard testimony on expanding physician access through a provisional licensure pathway for internationally trained physicians. Adam Meyer of the Cicero Institute said Kentucky faces a severe physician shortage, especially in rural areas, and argued that qualified international physicians should not have to repeat residency if they meet strict criteria, including an employment offer, prior training and experience, good standing, U.S. exam passage, and a three-year provisional period before full licensure. Rapender Carr of Baptist Health supported the concept, saying it could help fill hard-to-recruit positions across the state and improve access in rural markets. No votes were taken on these policy topics during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do just want to start by thanking Representative Vetter for sponsoring House Bill 1580 last session
• Chair Cleary and Senator Cory, you guys were co-sponsors on this bill.
• Later down the line, the bill could still be introduced because the bill remains with the sponsor.
• Later down the line, the bill could still be introduced because the bill remains with the sponsor.
• , so the sponsor may choose not to introduce the bill or not to proceed with the process. ...to the sponsor

Summary: The Employee Benefits Committee met to hear presentations on state employee health insurance, compensation, leave policies, labor market conditions, and prevailing wage issues, then later took up committee rules and bill-draft jurisdiction. PERS reviewed the history and structure of the state health plan, noting the state has paid the full family premium since 1979, described cost-control and benefit-enhancement changes over time, and explained current plan options, wellness incentives, employer wellness discounts, and the upcoming bid process for the 2027-29 contract. HRMS then presented compensation comparisons showing state classified pay generally trails private and regional markets, with larger gaps at higher-level jobs, and reviewed benefits and leave policies, including the new enhanced annual leave and new-hire leave, the state’s unpaid family leave structure, and varying tuition reimbursement practices. Job Service reported on labor force trends, low unemployment, high labor force participation, job openings, and wage growth, and OMB said there are no state prevailing-wage requirements beyond federal Davis-Bacon rules for federally funded projects. The committee then considered a proposed amendment to Joint Rule 211 to better align the health insurance mandate review process with recent statutory changes. Members discussed how the rule should reference both the committee’s required actuarial reports and the Legislative Council cost-benefit analysis, and the amendment was adopted on a roll call vote. The committee also discussed how its jurisdiction decisions affect whether a bill draft receives actuarial analysis, with staff explaining that a decision not to take jurisdiction means the bill is not treated as impacting the relevant retirement or health plans for purposes of that analysis. After that, the committee began reviewing bill drafts for jurisdiction. The first draft, bill draft 33, would automatically renew pre-tax elections for dental and vision coverage during open enrollment instead of requiring annual re-election. Members debated whether it had any actuarial impact, noting the state does not pay those premiums directly, and the discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, to inquire the bill sponsor, please. Does the gentleman yield? I do.
• To inquire of the bill sponsor. Gentlemen, do you yield? Yes, ma'am. Proceed.
• I inquire of the bill sponsor. Lady from Jackson, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• I was an early co-sponsor of this bill in my career.
• I was an early co-sponsor of this bill in my career up here.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the House Journal for the previous day by a vote of 123-1, and then recognized a series of special guests, including a physician, several sheriffs, school groups, interns, and other visitors. The chamber then moved into third reading and perfection of bills, with some measures sent to the informal calendar before debate began on House Bill 1758, which would make daylight saving time permanent in Missouri. Supporters argued it would end the twice-yearly clock change and could improve productivity and convenience, while opponents raised concerns about dark winter commutes, safety, and health effects. The bill passed third reading by a vote of 107-31 with two present. The House next took up House Bill 3329, which repeals expired or unused tax credits to clean up the statutes and reduce Department of Revenue reporting work. Members from both parties generally supported the bill as a government-efficiency and accountability measure, though one member questioned whether removing credits from statute could make them harder to revive later. The bill was perfected and printed without opposition. The chamber then considered House Bill 3405, which clarifies that the state and local tax (SALT) pass-through entity provision is a deduction rather than a tax credit, with sponsors saying the change would streamline Department of Revenue processing and improve the accuracy of tax credit reporting. That bill was also perfected and printed after discussion about tax administration and fiscal note implications. Finally, the House debated House Bill 2426, a parental rights bill covering education, medical, privacy, and related decisions for children, and applying a strict-scrutiny standard to government actions affecting those rights. Debate focused heavily on whether the bill merely codified existing protections or expanded parental authority in ways that could affect school records, recordings, evaluations, truancy, medical consent, and district transparency requirements. The House adopted House Amendment 1 by a vote of 98-25 with six present, an amendment addressing IEP procedures and requiring parental consent for certain major changes unless due process requirements are met. Further debate continued on the underlying bill, with supporters emphasizing parental involvement and opponents warning about unintended consequences for schools, child welfare, and existing legal standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am really happy to co-sponsor this with Senator Charley.
• And we stand in strong support of this bill for everything that the sponsors and Dr. Richards said.
• And we stand in strong support of this bill for everything that the sponsors and Dr.
• And that creates more opportunity for them to participate. ...to the sponsoring site.
• We want to sincerely thank the sponsors for bringing this forward.

Bills: SB5, SB6, SB8

Keywords: physician residency, healthcare, rural communities, medical education, appropriation, education, medical school, New Mexico, construction, behavioral health, funding, mental health services, general fund transfer, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, the sponsors say it's fine. So that amendment is adopted.
• The sponsor, we're looking at paragraph Chair: 18 on 98.1.
• The sponsor says that's an unfavorable amendment.
• Sponsor, constructive or unconstructive? Unconstructive, I take it.
• We're still getting the sponsors feedback on the amendment. Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• on House Bill 4015, An Act Promoting Housing Stability for Older Adults Across the Commonwealth, sponsored
• by Representative Ariaga, and House Bill 1547 / Senate Bill 1008, sponsored by Representative Madero
• And I've actually sponsored the House of Representatives. “Fully approved of what he said.
• And I’ve actually sponsored the House equipment.” Wonderful. Thank you very much.
• in the event that you want to ask some questions to the specific bill sponsor as well.”

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on a broad slate of housing and homelessness bills. Chairs Rich Haggerty and Julian Cyr opened by noting the committee’s focus on EOHLC programs such as RAFT, MRVP, and HomeBASE, and several members and advocates emphasized the urgency of the state’s homelessness crisis, including rising family homelessness and the need for earlier intervention, more stable subsidies, and stronger long-term housing tools. A major theme was homelessness prevention and rehousing. Multiple witnesses supported bills to codify and strengthen RAFT and HomeBASE, arguing that assistance should be available earlier in a crisis rather than only after a notice to quit or imminent loss of housing. Testimony from legal services, homelessness coalitions, social workers, municipal housing staff, and tenant advocates said the programs help families avoid eviction and shelter, but need more flexibility, higher benefit caps, and permanent statutory protection. Several speakers also urged support for codifying the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), describing it as a critical long-term subsidy for low-income households and older adults, and warning that codification would protect the program from future budget or policy changes. The committee also heard testimony on housing stability for older adults, affordable homes for people with disabilities, supportive housing, housing cooperatives, home sharing, local preference, and reentry housing for returning citizens. Advocates for older adults described a Somerville bridge subsidy pilot that helped stabilize seniors while they waited for permanent housing, and urged statewide expansion. Supporters of supportive housing called for an interagency board to streamline funding and development, while cooperative housing proponents backed creation of a Massachusetts Center for Housing Cooperatives and a dedicated funding reserve. A bill to secure housing for returning citizens drew support from reentry providers and Senator Adam Gomez, who said stable housing is essential to successful reintegration. No votes were taken during the hearing; witnesses generally asked the committee to report the bills favorably, and some members asked follow-up questions on data and program details.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to thank the author for her work on the bill and the sponsors for your testimony today.
• Thank you to the insurance industry stakeholders and to the Department of Insurance, who are co-sponsors
• Author and sponsor have worked with industry stakeholders and are continuing to engage with opposition
• The author and sponsors have said they're committed to ongoing conversations to address major concerns
• The author and sponsors have said they're committed to ongoing conversations to address major concerns

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise for a question of the amendment sponsor. Senator Shope, do you yield for a question? Sure.
• Senator Ortiz, Chair, would the sponsor yield for a question on the amendment?
• The sponsor has been told that the conduct can be prosecuted in Arizona.
• App because the sponsor is offended by the material, whatever that material might be.
• There is no issue that it's addressing beyond the short-sightedness of the sponsor.

Keywords: 1182, all