Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Production Act to repeal certain federal Production Act to repeal certain federal building<00:14
• </c> the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act. the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act.
• </c> my bill HR 4690, the Reliable Federal my bill HR 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure<02:58
• ><c> led</c><03:04:28.880><c> by</c> Feder federal infrastructure act led by Feder federal infrastructure
• </c> would harm our federal facilities. would harm our federal facilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> federal government. federal government.
• So, um um federal benefit programs.
• There was nothing in the federal government that came from the federal government that limited to 45
• There was nothing in the federal government that came from the federal government that limited to 45
• There was nothing in the federal government that came from the federal government that limited to 45

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• They may discover federal grants and other ways to pay for it.
• Neither are federal agencies, as we know.
• the federal level and to work... ...that needs to be done at the federal level and to go back and forth
• That's the federal government.
• federal protections or compliance that’s already required?”

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The committee began by deferring six bills en bloc, then took up House Bill 1103, which would exempt certain industrial facility construction or improvement projects—especially aerospace-related facilities—from some local permitting requirements. Supporters said the goal was to reduce red tape and help Louisiana compete with states like Texas and Florida for aerospace investment, while members raised concerns about safety, home rule authority, and whether fewer permits could reduce oversight. The bill was reported favorably. Members then heard extensive testimony on House Bill 1212, which would require utilities to assess large electric transformers for vulnerability to electromagnetic threats and report findings to GOSEP, with a public version of the report. The sponsor and a retired Marine officer argued the bill was a limited “scoping” measure to identify vulnerabilities to solar storms or EMP attacks and estimate hardening costs; they said the current federal standard is too low and that protection technology exists. Committee members and utility representatives questioned whether the bill duplicated existing federal/NERC requirements, whether the information could create security risks if disclosed, whether the PSC had already studied the issue, and whether the costs would be passed to ratepayers. The PSC said it had previously opened a docket and studied EMP/physical security issues but never issued a final recommendation. After discussion, the sponsor agreed to defer the bill, and the committee deferred HB 1212. The committee then reported several technical or narrower bills favorably: House Bill 241 updated bank records disclosure citations and replaced a reference to the defunct Office of Thrift Supervision with the CFPB; House Bill 1091 shifted local fire departments to direct reporting into the federal emergency response system; and House Bill 1027 extended existing liability protection for real estate agents to licensed appraisers regarding smoke and carbon monoxide detector compliance in one- and two-family homes. Finally, House Bill 1096, dealing with electrical cooperative bylaws and board authority versus member approval, was introduced with testimony from cooperative representatives explaining it was intended to restore member control or allow cooperatives to opt out of the 2012 change that had expanded board authority. The transcript cuts off before final action on HB 1096.

Transcript Highlights:

• So with these two options, the department and the federal legislature has not provided a federal legislative
• this from happening currently in federal law.
• In the federal law, that's the way it's stated.
• Federal money coming to the state of Missouri.
• It's because the federal government's not doing their job.

Committee: House Veterans and Armed Forces

Transcript Highlights:

• So with these two options, the department and the federal legislature has not provided a federal legislative
• this from happening currently in federal law.
• In the federal law, that's the way it's stated.
• Federal money coming to the state of Missouri.
• The federal government, the one who's sending our men and women... ...the federal government's not doing

Committee: House Veterans and Armed Forces

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2535 in executive session. Members adopted a House committee substitute and two cleanup amendments, including clarifications related to Gold Star spouses and a correction to a property tax exemption amount for veterans. The substitute was then approved, and the committee voted the House Committee Substitute for HB 2535 do pass by a recorded vote of 15 ayes and 1 no. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 974, which Senator Black described as a consumer-protection measure aimed at preventing exploitation of veterans by unaccredited claims assistance companies. The bill would restrict compensation for referrals and certain claims work, require written agreements, cap fees tied to benefit increases, and prohibit upfront fees and misleading practices. Supporters, including a former VA official and several veterans, argued the bill would provide needed guardrails and choice for veterans navigating a difficult claims process. Opponents, including the VFW and Missouri veterans groups, argued the bill conflicts with federal law and could legitimize paid claims assistance outside the VA accreditation system; they urged striking the contested section and relying on existing federal rules and Missouri consumer-protection law instead. Testimony also covered several other provisions folded into SB 974, including military leave for public employees, National Guard-related items, survivor benefit tax deductions, and the MoGives living organ donor language. Witnesses on the organ donor provision said it would help service members avoid financial hardship while donating organs. The hearing ended without a vote on SB 974, and the chair announced the committee was out of time and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we talked about that federal share.
• And again, we're anticipating starting with a partial federal award.
• We didn't know if and when we were going to get the full federal award.
• And again, we're anticipating starting with a partial federal award.
• We didn't know if and when we were going to get the full federal award.

Committee: House Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• The federal government has changed.
• We are very sensitive to the federal government's grants.
• It does not change Civil Air Patrol's federal authorities.
• That said, activated under the federal mandate, the funding would go... ...activated under the federal
• We anticipated dual-hadding, supporting the federal. ...flooding.

Summary: The Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee held public hearings on three bills and then a work session on tourism. House Bill 2365, concerning digital equity programs, would shift more responsibility to the Broadband Office, rename the Digital Equity Opportunity Program as the Digital Opportunity Program, expand the forum’s role, and require more reporting and outreach on broadband adoption and affordability. The prime sponsor and several advocates from community organizations, PTA, and digital navigation groups supported the bill, emphasizing the need for digital skills, cybersecurity, affordability, and trusted community partners. Commerce testified that the bill has technical and fiscal concerns and would add costs, and the sponsor said amendments were likely to reduce the fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2365 was then closed. House Bill 2446 would direct the Department of Commerce to develop a state quantum strategy by June 30, using non-state funding if possible, to identify growth areas, partnerships, and workforce and economic impacts for the quantum industry. The prime sponsor, industry representatives, and technology organizations supported the bill as a way to keep Washington competitive with other states and build a quantum ecosystem. Committee members raised questions about fiscal impact, private funding, regulatory capture, and cybersecurity risks, including concerns about quantum’s effect on passwords and AI-related harms. A Microsoft representative requested a technical amendment to broaden the definition from quantum computing to quantum technology and said the company would follow up on funding and AI-regulation questions. The hearing on HB 2446 was closed. House Bill 2357 would create a Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol within the Military Department, allowing the governor to activate it for cadet training, communications, disaster relief, cybersecurity, search and rescue, and related missions. The sponsor, the adjutant general, the Civil Air Patrol commander, and a veterans coalition representative all supported the bill, citing recent flood response work, emergency preparedness, and youth training benefits. Testimony emphasized that the proposal would clarify coordination, not change federal authorities, and would not create a fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2357 was closed without any amendment requests. In the work session on tourism, State of Washington Tourism and industry partners presented recommendations from an advisory group calling for a more sustainable, industry-led funding model, likely through an assessment or visitor-fee structure. They argued Washington is underfunded compared with western peers and estimated that a competitive program could generate $14.6 billion in additional visitor spending over the next decade, along with significant tax revenue and lodging tax growth. Speakers from tourism, the wine commission, hospitality, and advisory group leadership stressed predictable funding, industry governance, and statewide benefits, while committee members discussed international tourism, regional access, and the need to avoid further decline in the sector. The meeting adjourned early after the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The possibility that the federal standard could.
• Also, this circumvents legal challenges to federal PFAS regulation.
• federal funds to cover all of it?
• While we hope to get our federal money back, you notice how I said federal money back.
• Keep the federal drinking water standard on PFAS in place.

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Transcript Highlights:

• Tom signed a contract with the federal government.
• Tom signed a contract with the federal government.
• Tom signed a contract with the federal government.
• </c> federal government if the federal federal government if the federal government<00:10:04.920><c>
• </c> Inspector General office federal Inspector General office federal government<00:20:31.960><c> Trump

Transcript Highlights:

• Bradbury will similarly prioritize. federal funding to infrastructure projects that provide the most
• The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S.
• The lack of a coordinated federal cargo theft enforcement effort hinders effective prosecution.
• Yet, there is no unified, dedicated federal response.
• Federal officials have linked this activity to a cartel operating out of Sinaloa.

Committees: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee , Senate Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight, and Ports

Keywords: Committee, Transportation, aviation safety, confirmation, Lieutenant Commander, Deputy Secretary, Bradbury, Hafensteiner, aircraft incidents

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation convened to consider the promotion of Coast Guard Lieutenant Samuel Hafensteiner to Lieutenant Commander and the nomination of Stephen Bradbury as Deputy Secretary of Transportation. The meeting highlighted ongoing concerns regarding aviation safety, especially in light of recent aircraft incidents. Members discussed the critical need for knowledgeable leadership within the Department of Transportation to address these safety challenges effectively. Mr. Bradbury's background as a former General Counsel of the Department was presented as a strong asset for the role he seeks.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:47.919><c> immigration</c> the directives of federal immigration the directives of federal
• </c> um addressed some of these federal um addressed some of these federal actions.<00:25:50.000><c>
• Uh we have a federal funding.
• </c> federal law and to protect federal federal law and to protect federal property<00:31:07.919><c>
• </c> not take our orders from the federal not take our orders from the federal administration.

Summary: The committee held an informational briefing on federal and state authority over National Guard deployment in response to civil protest or unrest, prompted by recent federal actions and the California litigation in Newsom v. Trump. The chair explained the purpose was to help lawmakers and the public understand the legal background, the status of the California case, and possible Hawaii policy responses. David Day of the Attorney General’s office outlined several recent federal immigration-related executive actions and enforcement directives, then described Hawaii’s participation in multiple lawsuits challenging federal funding conditions, data-sharing demands, and the birthright citizenship order. A major portion of the briefing focused on Newsom v. Trump. Day summarized the June 2025 Los Angeles protests and the president’s memorandum federalizing National Guard units under 10 U.S.C. 12406, which California challenged as ultra vires, procedurally improper, and violative of the Posse Comitatus Act, the Tenth Amendment, and the APA. He said the district court initially granted relief, but the Ninth Circuit stayed the TRO and held, in a published decision, that review under section 12406 is highly deferential and that the president lawfully exercised authority under paragraph 3. He also noted California-law issues about orders being issued through the governor, and said Hawaii had supported California through amicus briefs and would continue to do so; the bench trial was scheduled for August 11-13. Members then asked how Hawaii law differs from California’s and whether the Ninth Circuit ruling would control here. Day said the standard-of-review aspects would likely apply, but the California-specific procedural language about orders issued in the governor’s name does not appear in Hawaii law. The committee also heard from Colonel Lloyd C. Phelps of the Hawaii Department of Defense, who explained that National Guard activations generally occur under Title 10 federal orders, state orders, or other statuses, and said the June 2025 federalization mechanism was a Title 10 call-up. He began addressing the president’s authority, the Posse Comitatus Act, and Hawaii’s own preparedness, but the discussion was cut short and members indicated they would return to the topic later. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of which is funded through federal of which is funded through federal funds.<00:03:42.239><c> The
• </c> year, but right now we get a 90% federal year, but right now we get a 90% federal match<00:05:25.919
• </c> to at least 80 hours at the federal to at least 80 hours at the federal minimum<00:14:16.800><c>
• </c> equivalent to the 80 hours at federal equivalent to the 80 hours at federal minimum<00:14:26.399
• </c> approved by the federal government. approved by the federal government.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so the federal really late.
• Uh for instance, uh federal law.
• We respond to the federal government. It's funded by the federal government.
• that are required federally is unknown. >> Just strictly federally supported programs?
• </c> millions in federal funding. millions in federal funding.

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• But federal uncertainty remains.
• We ordinarily would expect federal approval.
• And these federal rules are, that shows the federal rules around provider taxes.
• The reduction is subject to federal approval.
• Are you asking about the federal match? Yeah.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health began with a hearing on the impacts of H.R. 1 on California health programs, focusing first on reproductive health state investments. HCAI outlined five state-funded reproductive health programs created after Dobbs, including uncompensated care, practical support, capital and clinical infrastructure, and workforce programs. Essential Access Health and Planned Parenthood testified that these funds have served hundreds of thousands of patients, but warned that the uncompensated care program is fully awarded and needs renewal, and that Title X and Medicaid-related federal uncertainty continues to threaten access. Members questioned who the uncompensated care program serves, why Medi-Cal covers a large share of abortions, and whether Planned Parenthood could expand prenatal services; public commenters urged continued support for reproductive health access. The committee then took up long-term care services and supports, starting with the HCBA and Assisted Living Waiver programs. DHCS reported large wait lists for both programs and said enrollment is limited by workforce and provider capacity, while LAO noted that increasing slots alone may not increase access without additional programmatic changes. Members pressed the department on whether more slots should be added given the lower cost of home- and community-based care compared with skilled nursing facilities, and public testimony argued that the wait lists should be reduced and that staffing concerns do not fully explain unused capacity. The committee also heard testimony on congregate living health facilities, where providers and a patient family described the homes as critical, lower-cost alternatives to nursing facilities for younger, medically complex people. Witnesses requested short-term bridge funding, while DHCS said it is proposing to transition CLFs into a managed care benefit by January 1, 2028, which would remove caps and expand access statewide. The final long-term care topic was PACE. DHCS explained that it has paused new PACE applications and service expansions for at least two years to reassess oversight capacity and develop a statewide strategic growth framework, while existing programs continue operating. CalPACE supported the pause as a planning measure but asked for four additional state nurse positions to reduce delays in level-of-care determinations and speed enrollment for frail older adults. Members shared personal stories about how PACE has helped family members and asked how the state will meet growing demand; DHCS said stakeholder engagement will begin later in the year and that some existing applications already in process will continue. Public commenters broadly supported PACE, HCBA, and CLF funding requests. The hearing then moved to the Department of Health Care Services’ 2026-27 Medi-Cal budget and related trailer bills. DHCS said Medi-Cal spending has grown due to coverage expansions, higher acuity, rising utilization, and especially pharmacy costs, and it described proposals to extend the current skilled nursing facility financing framework for one year while the state develops a new value-based payment strategy. LAO said most recent Medi-Cal spending growth has been driven more by higher per-enrollee costs than by caseload growth, with pharmacy spending growing especially quickly, and recommended better and more timely data to analyze the drivers. Members expressed concern about the rapid rise in Medi-Cal spending and asked for more detail on the largest cost increases.

Transcript Highlights:

• But our efforts protect that federal funding have been almost entirely successful.
• And we'll continue doing that in the hopes that the federal and state partners.
• We expect to see further initiatives from federal agencies.
• This happens a lot in federal grant conditions.
• Recent discussions have focused on federal policy development and potential impacts focused on federal

Summary: The commission approved the December minutes and heard opening remarks on upcoming initiatives, including a second “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27 focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The chair also previewed planning for National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October, including formation of a small planning group to help select employer awardees and shape the program. A major portion of the meeting featured an update from the Attorney General’s office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts. The presentation covered lawsuits and amicus work involving higher education diversity data requests, anti-DEI funding conditions, immigration and Haiti Temporary Protected Status, NIH research grant disruptions, and Department of Education mental health training grants. Commissioners asked about possible impacts on Medicaid and whether disability is included in the federal administration’s undefined “DEI” restrictions; the AG’s office said it was monitoring Medicaid developments closely, had not seen a CMS letter at that time, and would share guidance on DEI and employment initiatives. The meeting also included a workforce and apprenticeship presentation from Undersecretary Josh Cutler and Amara Riemann. They described registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, emphasizing paid, employer-driven training, classroom instruction, wage progression, and transferable credentials. Commissioners highlighted the Bridgewater State University Excel program for neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities as a promising model and discussed the need to build similar pathways through community colleges and employer partnerships in fields such as direct support, CNA work, and other in-demand jobs. Subcommittee reports noted that the disability employment subcommittee heard from SEED and will host future presentations from the Lawrence Partnership for Transition to Employment and the Office of Veterans Affairs. The long-term services, supports, and health equity subcommittee discussed MassHealth budget pressures, a projected $3.5 billion budget gap tied to federal changes, upcoming Medicaid eligibility changes, and crisis standards of care. The executive director reported on collaboration with the Massachusetts Office on Disability, planning for the Lowell event, participation in statewide disability employment and autism advocacy work, and upcoming engagement with the Massachusetts Caregiver Coalition. Commissioners also announced several honors, including awards for Regina Marshall, Jay Livingstone, and Vanna Howard.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because even though there's federal law, you know, federal laws on— Because even though there's federal
• We're not talking about federal law.
• There's a federal program.
• What the federal government does, the federal government does, but as stewards of the tax monies collected
• As you may know, reservations are federal land, and it was the federal government who put them there

Bills: SB1152 , SB1156 , SB1157 , SB1213 , SB1232 , SB1268

Committee: Senate Military Affairs and Border Security

Keywords: immigration, public benefits, asylum, verification, Arizona Revised Statutes, appropriation, public safety, detention, unauthorized aliens, local government funding, border security, fencing, appropriations, southern border, local government, immigration enforcement, probation, law enforcement, court notification, civil rights

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a federal crime to hire an illegal alien to work.
• It's a federal responsibility.
• It's a federal item, not a state item.
• I mean, we're again asking a business to be the checkpoint for a federal policy.
• Concerns about federal overreach in general in our lives.

Bills: HB3725 , HB3260 , HB3660 , HB3369 , HB3370

Committee: House Business

Keywords: labor, e-verification, immigration, employers, employment eligibility, Department of Labor, penalties, funeral licensing, continuing education, Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association, professional development, licensing requirements, HB3660, natural organic reduction, human composting, soil reduction, green burial, funeral services, cremation, burial permit

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> with federal policy. with federal policy.
• </c> appropriately with federal authorities? appropriately with federal authorities?
• </c> So, it is it also goes federal. So, it is it also goes federal.
• </c> through state or federal means. through state or federal means.
• </c> federal law, absolutely, Chair Elkins. federal law, absolutely, Chair Elkins.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• the federal laws through the 287G.
• enforce federal that basically could enforce federal laws<00:32:05.840><c> within</c><00:32:06.320><
• with the federal courts and with<00:32:14.640><c> the</c><00:32:14.880><c> federal</c><00:32:15.120>
• They just prefer the phrase "violates federal law" versus "not authorized under federal law."
• </c> violates federal law, they can't do it. violates federal law, they can't do it.

Committee: Joint Judiciary, Division B

Transcript Highlights:

• Eligibility is 138% of the federal poverty level.
• How do we push at the federal level to steer that?
• The asset test elimination, federal success, and federal flexibilities have contributed to this.
• On March 3, 2025, the federal government published a note in the Federal Register that it would no longer
• The federal government and the new federal administration, and even the prior administration, had sent