Transcript Highlights:

• This includes products from animals raised and maintained at facilities located both in California and
• market-based, so demand for hemp has not kept up with the initial explosion of production, and processing facilities
• In July 2025, the Trump administration announced its intent to reorganize the USDA, including relocating

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard several May Revision proposals, primarily from the Department of Food and Agriculture, the Government Operations Agency, the Department of Technology, and the Franchise Tax Board. CDFA presented funding for the animal care program under Proposition 12, a transition away from the state hemp program to USDA oversight by January 1, 2028, ongoing support for agricultural statistics reporting after USDA reorganization, and trailer bill changes to the department’s indirect cost cap. The LAO generally supported the animal care, hemp transition, and statistics proposals, while also urging future review of the Prop 12 funding once litigation is resolved. The indirect-cost-cap language was described as technical and not increasing charges to programs, and it was held open with no objections from the LAO or Finance. The committee also discussed the new federal Workforce Pell program and related Cradle to Career funding and trailer bill language. Finance said the state is still reviewing federal rules and is focusing on basic implementation steps, with the trailer bill assigning eligibility determinations to the California Student Aid Commission, requiring data sharing through Cradle to Career, and prioritizing public institutions first. The LAO urged caution because the federal rules were just finalized and said the Legislature should better define the process and costs before appropriating the $1.3 million requested for Cradle to Career. Members raised policy concerns about limiting the program to certain institutions and about aligning the proposal with pending legislation and broader workforce policy. The Department of Technology presented a $1 million request for Poppy, the state’s digital assistant, to expand a secure GenAI platform for state employees. Members asked detailed questions about data security, model training, bias controls, and whether the system could eventually support local governments; CDT said the system uses state-controlled cloud infrastructure, does not use user data for training, and quarantines new models for review. CDT also sought provisional authority for the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative to cover possible operating shortfalls while the network is still being built; the LAO remained concerned about broad spending authority, and several members questioned the revenue assumptions and oversight. FTB then proposed retaining a smaller set of CalFile resources after the federal Direct File program was discontinued, with the LAO saying the reduced staffing level was broadly reasonable but still worth legislative scrutiny. The committee also began hearing the administration’s revenue proposals, including a permanent limitation on business tax credits and a tax on electronically delivered prewritten software, with the LAO generally supporting the goal of raising ongoing revenue but recommending changes to the software proposal’s exemptions and business-use treatment.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB2078 by... ...relating to the regulation of composting facilities by certain counties.
• In the layout, it requires TDCJ to create long-term facilities plans that identify future facility and
• Data centers and facilities are up and running, is that correct?
• High capacity, high energy use facilities and water also is part of the conversation.
• Members, the Senate changed the language from "battery storage facility" to "battery energy storage facility

Bills: SB2405, SB2406, SB2407, SB6, SB7, SB36, SB38, SB815, SB1856, SB379, SB1171, SB1121, SB1061, SB1036, SB1019, SB890, SB11, SB868, SB1188, SB1120, SB1254, SB2778, SB2543, SB2443, SB1333, SB1259, SB1401, SB1404, SB2139, SB2165, SB2237, SB2268, SB1202, SB1198, SB1212, SB1451, SB1470, SB1498, SB965, SB1547, SB1667, SB1818, SB1902, SB2129, SB2078, SB2069, SB1737, SB1589, SB1318, SB387, SB1150, SB1574, SB2127, SB3034, SB860, SB1278, SB263, SB370, SB663, SB924, SB1939, SB1937, SB1598, SB2798, SB2801, SB2580, SB2569, SB2514, SB2064, SB1940, SB1621, SB2601, SB1379, SB1376, SB1372, SB1353, SB2216, SB552, SB2405, SB2406, SB2407, SB2166, SB2148, SB535, SB777, SB827, SB1141, SB1330, SB1352, SB1664, SB1612, SB1862, SB1936, SB1453, SB1448, SB1398, SB2137, SB2111, SB53, SB226, SB1677, SB1723, SB1839, SB6, SB7, SB36, SB38, SB815, SB1856, SCR5, SCR32, SCR8, HCR88, HCR91, HCR129, HCR130, HCR131, HCR133, HCR137, HCR138, HCR139, HCR140, HCR143, HCR145, HCR147, HCR150, HCR152, HR6, HR105, HR112, HR124, HR146, HR151, HR158, HR221, HR222, HR237, HR469, HR543, HR571, HR605, HR702, HR703, HR704, HR705, HR706, HR707, HR708, HR709, HR710, HR713, HR714, HR715, HR716, HR717, HR718, HR719, HR720, HR721, HR722, HR723, HR724, HR725, HR726, HR727, HR728, HR729, HR730, HR731, HR732, HR733, HR734, HR735, HR736, HR737, HR738, HR739, HR740, HR741, HR742, HR743, HR744, HR745, HR746, HR747, HR748, HR749, HR750, HR751, HR752, HR782, HR787, HR789, HR796, HR798, HR799, HR800, HR801, HR802, HR804, HR807, HR812, HR813, HR814, HR817, HR819, HR820, HR821, HR822, HR824, HR827, HR828, HR830, HR831, HR832, HR833, HR837, HR839, HR840, HR841, HR842, HR843, HR844, HR847, HR849, HR850, HR851, HR852, HR853, HR854, HR855, HR856, HR858, HR859, HR861, HR865, HR871, HR873, HR874, HR875, HR876, HR880, HR881, HR884, HR886, HR887, HR890, HR892, HR894, HR895, HR898, HR900, HR901, HR903, HR904, HR905, HR908, HR910, HR912, HR913, HR915, HR916, HR917, HR918, HR919, HR920, HR921, HR922, HR923, HR924, HR925, HR926, HR927, HR928, HR930, HR931, HR932, HR936, HR937, HR938, HR939, HR940, HR941, HR942, HR943, HR946, HR947, HR948, HR949, HR952, HR953, HR954, HR955, HR956, HR960, HR964, HR965, HR967, HR968, HR969, HR970, HR972, HR973, HR974, HR975, HR976, HR977, HR978, HR979, HR980, HR981, HR982, HR983, HR984, HR985, HR987, HR988, HR989, HR990, HR991, HR992, HR993, HR994, HR995, HR996, HR997, HR998, HR999, HR1000, HR1002, HR1003, HR1004, HR1005, HR1006, HR1007, HR1008, HR1009, HR1010, HR1011, HR1012, HR1013, HR1014, HR1015, HR1016, HR1017, HR1018, HR1019, HR1020, HR1024, HR1025, HR1026, HR1027, HR1028, HR1029, HR1030, HR1032, HR1034, HR1035, HR1036, HR1038, HR1040, HR1041, HR1042, HR1043, HR1044, HR1046, HR1047, HR1048, HR1049, HR1050, HR1051, HR1052, HR1053, HR1055, HR1056, HR1057, HR1059, HR1064, HR1067, HR1068, HR1069, HR1070, HR1071, HR1073, HR1074, HR1075, HR1077, HR1078, HR1079, HR1080, HR1081, HR1083, HR1086, HR1087, HR1088, HR1089, HR1090, HR1091, HR1092, HR1093, HR1094, HR1095, HR1096, HR1098, HR1099, HR1100, HR1101, HR1103, HR1104, HR1105, HR1106, HR1109, HR1111, HR1112, HR1115, HR1116, HR1117, HR1118, HR1119, HR1121, HR1123, HR1125, HR1128, HR1130, HR1131, HR1132, HR1139, HR1140, HR1143, HR1144, HR1146, HR1147, HR1148, HR1149, HR1151, HR1153, HR1154, HR1155, HR1156, HR1157, HR1158, HR1159, HR1160, HR1161, HR1162, HR1163, HR1164, HR1165, HR1166, HR1167, HR1168, HR1169, HR1170, HR1171, HR1172, HR1173, HR1174, HR1175, HR1176, HR1177, HR1178, HR1179, HR1180, HR1181, HR1182, HR1183, HR1184, HR1185, HR1186, HR1187, HR1188, HR1189, HR1190, HR1191, HR1192, HR1193, HR1194, HR1195, HR1196, HR1197, HR1198, HR1199, HR1200, HR1201, HR1202, HR1203, HR1204, HR1205, HR1206, HR1207, HR1208, HR1209, HR1210, HR1211, HR1212, HR1213, HR1214, HR1215, HR1216, HR1217, HR1218, HR1219, HR1220, HR1221, HR1222, HR1223, HR1224, HR1225, HR1226, HR1227, HR1228, HR1229, HR1230, HR1231, HR1232, HR1233, HR1234, HR1235, HR1236, HR1237, HR1238, HR1241, HR1243, HR1244, HR1245, HR1246, HR1247, HR1248, HR1249, HR1252, HR1253, HR1255, HR1256, HR1257, HR1260, HR1261, HR1262, HR1263, HR1264, HR1266, HR1267, HR1268, HR1269, HR1270, HR1271, HR1272, HR1273, HR1274, HR1275, HR1278, HR1280, HR1281, HR1282, HR1283, HR1284, HR1285, HR1286, HR1287, HR1288, HR1289, HR1290, HR1291, HR1293, HR1294, HR1295, HR1299, HR1300, HR1301, HR1302, SCR49, HCR134, HCR136, HR18, HR247, HR428, HR494, HR538, HR540, HR786, HR791, HR803, HR805, HR808, HR809, HR811, HR816, HR825, HR826, HR836, HR838, HR845, HR846, HR862, HR869, HR870, HR878, HR879, HR896, HR899, HR902, HR911, HR914, HR933, HR934, HR935, HR951, HR958, HR959, HR986, HR1021, HR1022, HR1039, HR1054, HR1058, HR1061, HR1062, HR1065, HR1072, HR1107, HR1108, HR1110, HR1114, HR1120, HR1122, HR1129, HR1142, HR1145, HR1239, HR1242, HR1250, HR1251, HR1254, HR1258, HR1259, SCR21, HB3228, HB2802, HB45, HB1318, HB5560, HB2894, HB4344, HB4238, HB 130, HB2775, HB34, HB33, HB 12, HB148, HB4273, HB4850, HB2733, HB4783, HB4187, HB39, SB2155

Keywords: criminal justice, parole, medical supervision, rehabilitation programs, Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, offenders with medical impairments, Windham School District, Sabine River Authority, board of directors, term limits, removal grounds, government oversight, training requirements, Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, Lower Neches Valley Authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, public participation, complaints resolution, electric power

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the bill is intended to look at potentially another best use for underutilized facilities in
• in the same way underutilized facilities in the same way that<01:32:12.239> we<01:32:12.480><
• So from that perspective facilities.
• So from that perspective looking<01:32:39.440> at<01:32:39.679> facilities<01:32:40.159
• would just add from a facilities would just add from a facilities perspective<01:34:50.560> when

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint Education and Higher Education committees met on February 10, 2026, first hearing HB 1676, which would create an AI and education task force, require documentation from AI vendors before procurement or use, and appropriate funds. The Department of Education, Public Charter School Commission, and University of Hawaii all supported the bill’s intent and described existing AI literacy efforts, teacher training, guidance for students and staff, and privacy/monitoring safeguards. DOE said it had already convened an AI task force, produced a report, trained over 10,000 educators, and embedded AI into computer science and broader curricular guidance. Members questioned DOE about student privacy, harmful content monitoring, personal devices, cell phone policy, teacher training, and whether AI literacy should extend beyond computer science into all subjects and across rural schools. After discussion, the chair announced HB 1676 would be deferred to Friday, February 13, and that a HD1 draft would be prepared. The chair said the committee would revisit the task force composition and procurement standards, with possible elimination of the procurement section, and circulate the revised draft before the next hearing. The committee then recessed and later reconvened for HB 1811, a student loan repayment program for educators. Testimony from the Department of Education, Public Charter School Commission, University of Hawaii, Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, HSTA, and the Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus was generally supportive, with HSTA and the Teacher Standards Board emphasizing teacher recruitment and retention, student loan burden, and the need to address the teacher shortage. In decision-making on HB 1811, the committees adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments. The main amendment collapsed the repayment structure into a single disbursement of up to $25,000 after five years of service, with technical/non-substantive changes and a corrected effective date. Both the Education and Higher Education committees voted unanimously in favor. Later in the meeting, the Education Committee began hearing HB 1561 on student meals, which drew broad support from the Public Charter School Commission, Department of Health, HSTA, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and many individuals. Appleseed requested amendments to ensure charter schools are treated the same as other public schools if eligibility expands and to address reimbursement issues for schools already participating in the federal Community Eligibility Provision; members discussed those concerns but no action was taken in the portion of the transcript provided. The committee then moved on to HB 779, on expanding student meal coverage, where DOE supported the intent but said it could not support the bill in its current form because of fiscal constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, it moves all of our internal procedures from administrative rule and relocates those procedures

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Aging, Children and Youth approved the minutes from the February 11 meeting and then reviewed a DCFS policy manual update presented by Director Tiffany Wright. The rule changes moved internal procedures out of administrative rule and into DCFS’s internal procedure manual under an executive order, while also updating terminology, aligning language with recent laws, revising foster family continuing education requirements, and removing obsolete requirements. Committee members asked whether the changes altered practice or mainly changed wording; Wright said the updates were largely terminology and organizational changes, not substantive shifts in procedure. The committee then reviewed the rule without objection. Wright next presented DCFS quarterly and biannual reports. She reported third-quarter child welfare data including hotline reports, investigations, true findings, maltreatment recurrence, foster care entries and exits, placement with relatives, permanency rates, adoptions, and caseload totals. Members asked about neglect causes, sexual abuse categories, behavioral issues leading to foster care, staffing shortages, recruitment and retention efforts, training improvements, and whether ACE testing should be incorporated for children; Wright said DCFS uses PACE evaluations rather than ACE testing and was open to further discussion. She also presented the overturned investigations report, which tracks hotline calls, accepted reports, true findings, appeals, and reversals by county for July 2024 through June 2025. Major Jeff Drew of the Crimes Against Children Division then gave the annual hotline and investigation report. He said hotline calls increased in 2025, as did reports accepted for investigation, and that CACD investigations resulted in a 28% substantiation rate. Committee members asked about hotline operator training, hiring requirements, customer service experience, evidence handling, decision-making training, and starting salary; Drew said operators receive four weeks of training and start at $43,088 plus benefits. Elizabeth Pooley of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas reported that the statewide network of 29 centers and 64 multidisciplinary teams provided 259 trainings and served 13,568 children and families in 2025, an increase from the prior year. She said funding comes from state, federal, and community sources, with state funding set at roughly $70,000 to $75,000 per center, and noted work is underway on state best practices. The meeting ended after a brief public comment about Meals on Wheels and a Project Zero event announcement, with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• what we want to see in people, and we should be given the choice to leave if they want to leave or relocate

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing-related bills. AB 2270, by Assembly Member Arambula, would create scoring parity for farmworker housing projects in the state low-income housing tax credit program, with supporters arguing that rural farmworker developments are unfairly disadvantaged because they must be located near agricultural jobs rather than urban amenities. The committee accepted amendments and moved the bill forward on a unanimous vote to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations. The committee also considered AB 2552, by Assembly Member Lee, which would clarify how a CEQA vehicle miles traveled (VMT) mitigation program tied to affordable housing near transit may be used. Supporters said the bill would preserve cost-effectiveness and guard against litigation, while opponents from Housing California, the Planning and Conservation League, and others warned that the amended bill could undermine the new statewide VMT mitigation bank before it is fully implemented by making cost the key trigger for use. After discussion about balancing environmental and housing goals, the bill passed to Appropriations on an 11-1 vote. AB 2689, also by Assembly Member Lee, would establish good-cause renewal protections for tenants in state-subsidized housing whose incomes rise above 140% of area median income for two consecutive years, while requiring notice and limiting displacement if tenants cannot afford market rent. Some members supported the bill as a way to free up scarce subsidized units for lower-income households, while others objected that it could punish people for improving their financial situation. The committee approved the bill as amended on an 11-1 vote. The committee also approved three consent items—AB 2308, AB 2397, and AB 2512—without discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have to relocate the condensers.

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee reviewed several agency rules and most were approved without objection. The Department of Agriculture repealed rules tied to the now-repealed Arkansas Catfish Processors Fair Practice Act. The Department of Human Services updated Medicaid policy to clarify child support enforcement treatment for pregnant women, remove the word “forcible” from rape/incest good-cause language, and eliminate a 90-day waiting period for ARKids B after loss of group coverage; members highlighted the significance of the language change and asked for a quick-reference eligibility chart. DHS Medical Services also received approval for a CMS cell and gene therapy model rule for sickle cell drugs and a technical Medicaid-assisted medication-assisted treatment update that was described as cost-neutral and non-substantive. The Department of Labor and Licensing presented several rules implementing recent acts and internal cleanup changes. These included procedures for local construction plan disputes under Act 591, Contractors Licensing Board amendments raising the restricted commercial license threshold from $750,000 to $1.5 million and allowing deferral of owner-complaint investigations during civil litigation, and a similar residential contractors change. The HVACR Licensing Board presented broader revisions under Act 746, including grammar and cleanup changes, elimination of the Class C license with transfer of existing holders to Class B, expansion of allowable work limits, a change to continuing education from four hours annually to eight hours per three-year code cycle, and clarification on training, child labor, and licensing issues. Several members questioned the practical impact of the HVAC changes, but the rule was approved. The committee also granted the Department of Inspector General’s request for exclusion from rulemaking reporting under Act 473, concluding that no rule was necessary because the act already defines the key terms and review process for foreign-adversary cultural exchange agreements. In addition, the Arkansas State Library’s report recommending continuation of its existing rules was accepted. During the status updates on outstanding 2023-session rulemaking, Education explained delays were due to overlapping 2025 amendments and the large volume of rules, while members expressed concern about the length of time since enactment; staff noted only a small number of 2023 rules remain outstanding. The meeting ended after written 2025-session updates were received with no further questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• later at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center and the VA hospital in Tucson before relocating

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and introductions of the doctor of the day and numerous guests, including visitors for Lunar New Year, Arizona Statehood Day, school groups, local officials, and community leaders. A proclamation was read honoring Phoenix Ballet and National Ballet Day, and Representative Gress spoke in support of the recognition. The chamber also received committee and membership announcements, including temporary committee substitutions and several bills being re-referred or withdrawn to other committees. On third reading, HB 2190, which would have added Article 5 to Title 32 relating to the Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants, failed after debate over whether it improperly authorized rulemaking; it was defeated 20-38 with two not voting. The House then took up HB 2206, relating to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program administration, and HB 2396, another SNAP-related bill focused on restricting certain purchases. Members debated the bills at length, with opponents arguing they would burden low-income families, worsen food access in desert areas, and limit personal choice, while supporters said the state should encourage healthier purchases and that existing public benefit programs already include restrictions. HB 2396 passed 34-25 with one not voting and was sent to the Senate. After announcements, including committee meetings, an African-American Legislative Day program, and a birthday acknowledgment for the Majority Leader, the House briefly recessed and then reconvened. Additional desk business was handled, including a first reading of HB 2999, a municipal approval district technical correction bill, and the referral of first-read measures for printing. The House then adjourned until Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill adds registration, relocations to a list of actions exempt from full contested case requirement

Bills: SB 35, SB 1113, SB 1365, SB 1394, SB 2243, SB 2245, SB 2589, SB 2199, SB 2200

Keywords: transportation, TxDOT, Texas Department of Transportation, road projects, highways, infrastructure, bridge construction, interchanges, corridor improvements, road widening, railroad grade separation, sound barrier, unified transportation program, legislative notice, project prioritization, capital projects, state highway system, Farm-to-Market Roads, San Antonio, Harris County

Transcript Highlights:

• these students, the challenges of maintaining consistent housing often translate into frequent relocation
• same time, it protects municipalities and service providers from the downstream costs of eviction, relocation
• same time, it protects municipalities and service providers from the downstream costs of eviction, relocation

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on a broad slate of landlord-tenant and home rule bills, with most testimony focused on rent stabilization, tenant opportunity to purchase (TOPA), tenant fees, access to counsel, algorithmic rent fixing, and tenant protections in subsidized housing. Chairs Cyr and Haggerty outlined the hearing procedures and noted that written testimony could also be submitted. Several members and invited speakers emphasized that the committee was hearing from both local officials and residents affected by housing instability, especially in Somerville and other communities facing high rents and displacement. Supporters of rent stabilization and local-option rent control argued that Massachusetts needs tools to prevent displacement while new housing is built. Senator Eldridge, Senator Jalen, Somerville officials, tenant organizers, and residents described steep rent increases, no-fault evictions, and the loss of naturally occurring affordable housing. Somerville’s home rule petition was described as allowing annual increases tied to CPI plus 2%, capped at 5%, with exemptions for owner-occupied two- and three-family homes and a 15-year exemption for new construction. TOPA supporters said it would let tenants or their designees buy buildings before speculative buyers, preserving affordable housing stock; opponents, including small landlords and property managers, argued rent control would reduce supply, discourage investment, and that TOPA could delay sales and harm properties. The committee also heard testimony on bills to curb junk fees and regulate tenant charges, including limits on late fees, lease renewal fees, payment portal fees, attorney’s fees, and other add-on charges. Advocates said these fees can add hundreds of dollars a month and disproportionately harm low-income renters and renters of color. Another major topic was algorithmic rent fixing: Senator Moore and Representative Sabadoza said landlords should not use software such as RealPage to coordinate pricing, citing federal antitrust actions and arguing that competition is essential to lowering rents. Additional testimony supported a statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, with legal services providers saying representation dramatically improves outcomes and can save the state money, and a bill to create an office of tenant protections to better enforce sanitary code violations. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• to maintain their education facilities to maintain their own<02:32:45.040> data.
• Um, line 14, enable education facilities to maintain their own data facilities to maintain their own
• Green um line 14 enable education facilities<02:41:02.880> to<02:41:03.040> maintain<02
• facilities<02:41:06.399> would<02:41:06.640> that that education facilities would that
• out of state in this case mil relocates out of state in this case mil relocates are<03:55:20.800

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, we are facing several high-layer barriers of poll closure, poll relocation in Perry County
• We are facing several high-layer barriers of poll closure, poll relocation in Perry County.

Bills: HB541

Keywords: PFAS, drinking water, public health, environmental management, liability, 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Her family was forced to relocate to the Big Island. They felt uncertain about their future.
• Her family was<00:49:41.440> forced<00:49:41.680> to<00:49:41.839> relocate<00:49

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The one that I compared to San Guaido is relatively small for a college I was relocated from.
• recommend a position in Texas to their out-of-state colleagues, and more than a quarter of them plan to relocate

Bills: SB 37

Keywords: fetal development, education, public health curriculum, middle school, age-appropriate instruction, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• with the County correctional facilities with the County correctional facilities uh<01:05:01.160>
• That's not the preferred method of watching a correctional facility by trained military personnel.
• <03:45:54.520> by<03:45:55.120> a<03:45:55.279> trained Correctional Facility
• by a trained Correctional Facility by a trained military<03:45:56.120> personnel<03:45:56.720
• <03:51:52.279> his<03:51:52.439> family another state and relocate his family another

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 187, which would allow parents or guardians to seek restraining orders on behalf of a minor child even when the alleged perpetrator is not a family or household member. Tracy Sirles testified that the bill was prompted by her family’s experience after being told by state police to seek a restraining order, only to learn the current law did not allow it because the offender was the child’s best friend’s father. Members agreed the change was straightforward, noted the fiscal note reflected only a small indeterminate cost to the judicial branch, and moved House Bill 187 ought to pass; the motion was approved unanimously. The committee then discussed House Bill 66, a Right-to-Know bill that removes “citizen” language in favor of “person” in some provisions and allows certain New Hampshire-connected requesters to seek records electronically if the records already exist in that format. Members reviewed concerns about defining “member of the media,” the scope of electronic requests, and a sentence stating appeals would have no filing fee or search charge. After debate, the committee voted to amend the bill by removing that fee-waiver sentence, then recommended House Bill 66 ought to pass as amended. The vote was 6-3. Next, the committee heard from the Environment and Agriculture chair about several solid-waste-related bills being folded into trailer bill language, including House Bill 215 and House Bill 171, with discussion of a possible three-year landfill moratorium and the need to address DEES staffing and funding concerns. DEES later clarified that the revised approach would not require new positions or create a fiscal impact because the new solid waste commission would be self-funded through filing fees. The committee voted unanimously to retain House Bill 215. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 566, which requires landfill permit applications to include a detailed leachate management plan and more information about disposal contracts. The sponsor said the bill was developed with DEES to address leachate problems and improve safety oversight. DEES testified that the bill largely reflects current practice and would have no specific fiscal impact, with existing staff able to absorb any review workload. The committee moved House Bill 566 ought to pass, and the motion was approved unanimously. The committee also briefly discussed House Bill 624, a grant program for local river management advisory committees, but no vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• to five times a week, whereas it is common to get therapies only once a week at a skilled nursing facility
• to five times a week, whereas it is common to get therapies only once a week at a skilled nursing facility
• Going to a skilled nursing facility where they get very little therapy and are housed with elderly people
• Going to a skilled nursing facility where they get very little therapy and are housed with elderly people
• In fact, this stance does a great injustice after hospital relocation in fact this stance does a great

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a lengthy public hearing with testimony on a wide range of health insurance and access-to-care bills. Early testimony focused on prescription drug pricing and pharmacy reimbursement, with supporters of H. 1326 arguing that pharmacy benefit managers and MassHealth managed care arrangements reimburse independent pharmacies too little, contributing to pharmacy closures and “pharmacy deserts.” The committee also heard repeated support for H. 1151/S. 742 on cognitive rehabilitation for acquired brain injury, H. 1288/S. 716 on telehealth parity for nutrition counseling, H. 1309/S. 761 on full-spectrum pregnancy care without cost-sharing, H. 1312 on insurance coverage for doula services, H. 309 on prompt access to health care by removing deductibles for certain services, H. 809/H. 1227 on biomarker testing, H. 1162/S. 810 on reducing inequities in access to medical procedures by limiting insurer cuts tied to Modifier 25, and S. 726 on insurance coverage for mobile integrated health. Testifiers included legislators, physicians, pharmacists, dietitians, emergency and rehabilitation clinicians, and patients and family members. Supporters of the brain injury bill said cognitive rehabilitation is medically necessary, improves long-term outcomes, and can reduce institutional care and public costs; they noted the bill has been heard repeatedly and has support from the Brain Injury Commission and prior favorable committee action. Supporters of the pregnancy care and doula bills described out-of-pocket costs as a barrier to maternal health and shared personal stories of high bills and unmet support needs. Biomarker testing advocates and cancer patients said coverage gaps deny patients access to precision treatment, can lead to avoidable suffering, and should be standardized across insurers; several speakers said insurers often deny claims despite clinical benefit. Dermatology witnesses said insurers’ use of Modifier 25 cuts reimbursement for same-day evaluation and procedure visits, forcing separate appointments and increasing patient burden. Mobile integrated health supporters described home-based care as a way to reduce emergency department use and hospital readmissions, especially for patients with transportation or mobility barriers. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• spouses are resilient, adaptable professionals, experienced in building careers across multiple relocations

Summary: The House Revenue and Finance Committee met to consider two tax-related measures sponsored by Representative Holofsky. The first was House Substitute 1 for House Bill 386, the Tipped Worker Tax Relief Act of 2026, which would allow a temporary Delaware income tax deduction of up to $15,000 for qualified tips for tax years 2027 through 2029, with phaseouts at higher incomes and a refundable credit for lower-income workers. Committee discussion focused on whether the bill applied to residents and non-residents, whether credit-card tips were included, the need for an updated substitute, and the expected fiscal impact. The Office of the Comptroller General said the bill would likely reduce general revenue and that the fiscal note had not yet been fully reviewed, while Deputy Secretary Goldsmith said the Department of Finance could administer it and that implementation costs would be modest. After public comment, the committee voted on a motion to release the bill, but it did not receive enough votes, so the chair said she would walk it for additional signatures. The committee then heard Senate Bill 219, which would phase in an increase in the military pension income exemption from $12,500 to $25,000 by tax year 2029. Representative Holofsky argued the measure would help attract and retain military retirees, support the economy, and provide a strong return on investment through spending, taxes, and community participation. Members raised concerns about whether the benefit should be income-based, with one member arguing that higher-income retirees may not need the tax break, while supporters emphasized the multiplier effect and the value of veterans to the state. Public testimony from Veterans of Foreign Wars representatives strongly supported the bill and described how the exemption could influence retirement decisions and local economic activity. A motion to release the bill also failed to get enough votes, and the chair said she would walk it for signatures before adjourning the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Although repeated military relocations and the challenges of moving from community to community interrupted

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Although repeated military relocations and the challenges of moving from community to community interrupted

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several introductions of guests, including two young mayors visiting the chamber. Members then adopted House Resolution 2008 unanimously, honoring Daniel Cade Blackman, with extended remarks from his family and colleagues about his service, faith, and legacy. The House also took up a motion to reconsider SB 1456 from a prior date and proceeded into Committee of the Whole on multiple Senate bills. In Committee of the Whole, members considered and amended SB 1170, SB 1496, SB 1511, SB 1016, SB 1335, and SB 1683, with each ultimately receiving a do pass recommendation. The discussion included a correction to SB 1170 to remove an unintended section, a municipal improvement district process change in SB 1016, an ag-to-urban water permitting fix in SB 1335, and a land-sale restriction involving China in SB 1683. The committee reports were adopted, and the bills were ordered for third reading as appropriate. On third and final reading, the House passed SB 1188, SB 1560, and SB 1723, with recorded votes of 38-0-10, 48-2-10, and 51-0-9 respectively. The House also concurred in Senate amendments to HB 2265, HB 2404, HB 2950, and HB 2986, then passed those bills on final reading; members speaking in support highlighted court-fee policy, mental health crisis response, tourism improvement areas, and water infrastructure savings. The chamber then announced a Republican caucus meeting and adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill relocates a large portion of municipal enforcement of the building and fire code from one section

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Conference Committee on House Bill 244 met to resolve remaining drafting issues in the bill updating and recodifying municipal enforcement of building and fire codes. The chair explained that the measure is largely a technical recodification, moving statutory references and correcting broken cross-references after review by the subcommittee, the Senate, AI-assisted checking, and the Building Code Review Board. Members emphasized that Amendment 2026-1923H contains no policy changes, only reference updates and language cleanup to ensure the bill points to the correct current RSA sections. The committee then discussed a few specific drafting questions, including a reference on page one and language on page two concerning the phrase “remove the prohibition on a building permit.” Some members questioned whether that wording should instead describe a variance or exception, but the chair and Representative Darji explained that the language is intended to allow an applicant to return to the zoning board to remove a prohibition attached to a specific building permit, not to broadly eliminate the underlying rule. The committee also noted a corrected reference to current statutory language because the underlying law had changed since the bill was introduced. After the explanation, the House receded from its position of non-concurrence and concurred with the Senate amendment as further amended by 2026-1923H. Members agreed to place the measure on the House consent calendar, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have to relocate the condensers.

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee reviewed several agency rules and most were approved without objection. The Department of Agriculture moved to repeal rules tied to the now-repealed Arkansas Catfish Processors Fair Practice Act. The Department of Human Services updated Medicaid policy to clarify that pregnant women may still be referred to child support enforcement but will not be sanctioned during pregnancy and the 60-day postpartum period, removed the word “forcible” from rape/incest good-cause language, and eliminated a 90-day waiting period for ARKids B when group health coverage ends. DHS also received approval for a CMS cell and gene therapy model for sickle cell disease and a technical Medicaid medication-assisted treatment update that does not change coverage. The Department of Labor and Licensing presented several rules. One created procedures for the department to issue interpretations in local construction plan disputes under Act 591 of 2025. The Contractors Licensing Board and Residential Contractors Committee amended rules to raise the restricted commercial license threshold and light building project limit from $750,000 to $1.5 million, and to allow deferral of owner-complaint investigations while related civil litigation is pending. The HVACR Licensing Board presented broader cleanup and policy changes under Act 746 of 2025, including eliminating the Class C license by moving those holders into Class B, expanding work limits for Class A and B licensees, changing continuing education to eight hours per three-year code cycle, and keeping annual license renewal. Members asked detailed questions about impacts on businesses, training, youth working with parents, and whether any unintended burdens were created; the board said it had notified licensees and had received little pushback. The committee also granted the Department of Inspector General’s request for exclusion from rulemaking reporting for Act 473 of 2025, concluding that the statute was sufficiently detailed and did not require additional rules. In addition, the Arkansas State Library’s report was accepted, with the Department of Education stating that the library’s three existing rules should remain in effect. During the update on outstanding 2023-session rulemaking, Education explained that many delayed rules were held back because they were likely to be amended again in 2025, and members expressed concern about the length of time some rules have remained unfinished. The meeting ended after written 2025 rulemaking updates were noted, with no further action taken.