Transcript Highlights:

• I was over in central Washington late in the season visiting.
• Those two fires late in the season were costing the state half a million dollars a day.
• I served here in the late 2000s. I'm glad I'm on this side of the table, quite frankly.
• Plus, we started 10 minutes late. So if I were you—well, I'm talking—I'd be leaving.
• Before it was enacted, there was a referendum that was filed to challenge the measure.

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session with an update from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Commissioner Dave Upthe Grove outlined DNR’s size and scope, previewed agency-request legislation, and emphasized budget priorities. He said DNR will seek authority to sell ecosystem service credits, better use underutilized water rights with tribal consultation, add a tribal representative to the State Board of Natural Resources, make minor timber-sales efficiencies, and include wildland firefighters in the LEOFF pension system. He also urged restoration of wildfire prevention and preparedness funding, warning that reduced funding would mean fewer firefighters, less forest health work, and less support for rural fire districts. He noted DNR’s wildfire suppression costs are rising and argued prevention spending can reduce larger, more expensive fires. State Forester George Geisler followed with a detailed wildfire season review. He said Washington now responds to fires year-round and also assists other states, including Texas. He described DNR’s use of 31 aircraft, 691 firefighters, and corrections-based crews, and said the agency’s success rate for keeping fires under 10 acres improved slightly from 93.7% to 94.1%. He highlighted increased arson activity, especially around Spokane, and described the Crescent Road Fire as an example of early detection, rapid response, and the use of bulldozers, aircraft, and hand crews to contain a fire to 182 acres with no structure losses. Senator Saldan praised the emphasis on prevention and the use of bulldozers as cost-effective tools. Assistant deputy supervisor Dwayne Emmons then reviewed the trust land transfer program, which was codified in statute in 2023 after being funded through the capital budget for decades. He said more than 130,000 acres of underperforming trust land have been transferred since the 1990s to other public or tribal entities for more appropriate use, while DNR acquires replacement lands to keep the trust whole. He described the current application and ranking process, including tribal input, and said DNR is requesting funding for remaining parcels from the last round, including portions of Tract C, Babcock Bench, and Middle Fork Snoqualmie. In questions, Senator Wagoner raised concerns about DNR’s decision to remove some acres from timber harvest rotation and its impact on local revenue and mills; the commissioner responded that current five-year harvest plans provide short-term stability and that any changes would be explored through the Board of Natural Resources process, not through immediate reductions in supply. The committee then received a history briefing from staff member Jeff Olson on the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission and agency structure. He traced the evolution from early fish and game commissioners to the current commission-appointed director model adopted by voter-approved Referendum 45 in 1995. Olson explained the commission’s statutory duties, membership requirements, and how Washington compares with other states. Chair Chapman said he had no plans to hear a bill this session changing the commission’s makeup, but he expressed personal interest in exploring reforms, accountability, and possibly a future broader coalition or referendum process. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair adjourned the session with holiday and New Year’s wishes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this language is essentially the language of late-filed bill Senate 661, which passed the House policy
• There was a late-filed bill because the problem didn’t arise until after the filing period, and it was
• There was a late-filed bill because the problem didn’t arise until after the filing period, and it was
• <00:17:06.400> file<00:17:06.799> for businesses um who who must file file for businesses
• um who who must file file for um<00:17:08.400> file<00:17:08.640> a<00:17:08.799> business

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:01.400> Senate<00:07:01.680> file the Senate file number.
• Senate file the Senate file number. Senate file number<00:07:02.040> 4067.
• House file 2358? Senator Maye Quade. House file 2358? Senator Maye Quade.
• We're on Senate File 4474.
• It's running late.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate was called to order, a quorum was established, and remote voting was authorized for several members. The body adopted committee reports except those related to Senate Concurrent Resolution 6, gave Senate File 4067 a second reading, and referred newly introduced bills as listed on the agenda. It also adopted a motion to strike and re-refer House File 3379 to the Committee on Finance, and then moved into special orders and floor debate. The main floor action was on House File 2358, a public safety bill providing enhanced criminal penalties for certain coercion offenses. Senator Lang described it as creating a Minnesota crime targeting sexual extortion of children, including online extortion. Senator Maye Quade supported the bill and spoke about the tragic constituent story behind it. The Senate took a roll call and passed the bill 67-0, with its title agreed to. The Senate then began debate on Senate File 4511, which would clarify Minnesota gambling law to prohibit prediction-market style betting disguised as futures contracts. Senator Marty argued the bill was needed to stop companies such as Kalshi and Polymarket from using futures-contract language to evade state gambling restrictions and to protect existing regulated gambling businesses. Senator Johnson initially offered the A10 amendment to delay action until federal jurisdiction issues are resolved, but withdrew it after debate. He then offered the A8 amendment to preserve longer-term weather-related hedging contracts, which Senator Marty supported as a distinction from short-term, manipulable bets; the A8 amendment was adopted. Debate continued with questions about the bill’s scope, including whether it would reach election-related or financial contracts.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to pass and retain on file items 87 through 96. That brings us to file item 97.
• On file item 98-104, brings us to file item number 105. AB 309 by Assemblymember Zabor.
• File items 124 through 127 brings us to file item 128, AB 1166 by Assemblymember Valencia.
• The pass and retain on file item number 130, brings us to file item number 131, AB 972.
• A third reading file in the Senate, we're going to pass and retain on file item number 163.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, you received the committee substitute late last night; it should be in your packets.
• I apologize for the late arrival of the committee substitute.
• We were even in some conversations as late as last night with legislative council about whether we got
• We update the review and the suspension process for when a sworn complaint is filed regarding substance
• level are the smuggling cases, and at the misdemeanor level, we had a surge of riot cases that were filed

Bills: HB4011, HB2680, HB4325, HB4327, HB4944, HB1761, HB4688, HB3453, HB40, HB1707, HB4749, HB2322, HB3647, HB4139, HB4081, HB2203, HB2100, HB4170, HB3104, HB4623, HB40

Keywords: partition, heirs' property, real estate, co-ownership, family property, non-heir cotenant, right of first refusal, pilot services, liability limitation, maritime commerce, Matagorda Bay, Lavaca Bay, transportation code, maritime industry, civil liability, barratry, penalties, legal actions, damages, wrongful death

Transcript Highlights:

• In late 2015, I was hired to produce a documentary on a close friend of Mr.
• In late 2015, I was hired to produce a documentary on a close friend of Mr.
• We found too many of our survivors lost the opportunity to file because we needed more time.
• be happy to allow you to do your votes right now on the bills you're on so we can lift the call on file
• I was literally late, and they're like, oh, you thought she laughed.

Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee heard three bills. AB 250 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry would extend a limited window for survivors of sexual assault to seek civil recourse against perpetrators and entities that allegedly covered up abuse. The author and supporters, including survivor Maya Alexander and Equal Rights Advocates, said many survivors need years before they can come forward and that the bill would improve accountability and public safety. One member raised concerns about the bill’s application to private employers and the exclusion of public employees, but the bill was advanced on a motion to Appropriations and later placed on call until additional votes were added. AB 373 by Assemblymember Rubio would require appointed counsel for non-minor dependents in extended foster care to represent the young adult’s expressed wishes rather than substitute the attorney’s judgment. Supporters from California Youth Connection and the Children’s Law Center said 18- to 21-year-olds in foster care are legal adults and should have their voices fully respected in court. Members discussed how the bill would work in practice and whether it applied only to appointed counsel; the bill was moved to Human Services and later cleared after additional votes were added. AB 387 by Assemblymember Alanis, as amended, would exempt probation officers from criminal jury service. The author and supporters argued probation officers are deeply involved in the criminal justice process, often get dismissed anyway, and should be focused on supervision and court-related duties rather than jury duty. The Judicial Council opposed the bill, warning that categorical exemptions shrink the jury pool and set a bad precedent. After debate over fairness, precedent, and the role of probation officers, the committee voted the bill out on a do pass motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's a step in the right direction, but it's too little too late. Tax filing season has begun.
• We're well into the filing season in Arizona.
• People are filing their taxes.
• We should be encouraging Arizonans to file.
• They also pay taxes and they also file returns.

Bills: HB2011, HB2089, HB2090, HB2092, HB2477, HB2785

Keywords: individual income tax, subtraction, Arizona Revised Statutes, retirement benefits, adoption costs, charitable contributions, health insurance, premium payment, Arizona State Retirement System, contingent annuitant, long-term disability, benefits limitations, disability compensation, social security, retirement system, elected officials, ASRS, eligibility waiver, age 65, education savings

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2785, a tax conformity measure that would update Arizona statutes to conform to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026, including retroactive provisions for tax year 2025. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would align state law with tax forms already issued by the Department of Revenue, provide certainty to filers, and deliver about $440 million in tax relief through provisions such as no tax on tips and overtime, a larger standard deduction, and a $6,000 senior deduction. Opponents argued the bill would significantly reduce state revenue, disproportionately benefit higher-income taxpayers, and should be considered alongside a broader budget plan. After debate and an amendment addressing retroactivity and foreign dividends, the committee approved HB 2785 on a 5-4 vote. The committee then took up several Arizona State Retirement System and education savings bills. HB 2089 clarified the health insurance premium benefit subsidy for retirees and passed unanimously. HB 2090 changed the disability determination period for long-term disability benefits from 24 months within a five-year period to a straight 24-month period and passed 8-1. HB 2092 allowed employees over age 65 to waive ARS participation within 30 days of becoming eligible and also passed 8-1. HB 2477 conformed Arizona’s 529 education savings plan to federal law, including expanded uses and a permanent rollover to ABLE accounts and Roth IRAs; testimony supported the cleanup and simplification, but some members raised concerns about the Roth rollover and possible use of transferred ESA funds. HB 2477 passed 5-3 with one present vote, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Zafarini has filed a companion bill which has already passed through the Senate Committee and
• Under current statute, an elevator escalator inspection report is considered filed based on the date
• Thompson, for filing the bill, and we ask that you pass this bill. Thank you.
• We've now had to let hardworking team members go, have had to pay vendor partners late, and have had
• Again, thank you to Chairman Phelan for helping me and other Texas distilleries by filing this bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, the consent calendar will consist of file item number 2, AB 2143 by Assembly Member Irwin.
• well as file item number 11, AB 1946 by Assembly Member Wix.
• All right, file item number one, AB 1155. The current vote is 4 to 0. File item number 1, AB 1155.
• Survivors now hesitate to file for protection orders and even seek shelter.
• File item number 4. Aye. McNerney. What is this? File item number four. McNerney, aye. Reyes, aye.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I call this conference committee on Senate File 2298 to order. Welcome, members.
• The conference committee on Senate File 2298.
• That was just too little too late.
• Um late in the session uh are growing.
• Frankly, the the work that we need late.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• our strong support for Senate file our strong support for Senate file 1356<00:03:48.280> as
• Senate File 1994. I'm sorry, Senate File 1994.
• file file 1476<00:20:32.760> uh<00:20:32.960> and<00:20:33.240> as<00:20:33.480
• /c><01:10:10.880> file um uh Senate file um uh Senate file 16 16 16 um um um 17<01:10:16.719><
• We'll begin with Senate File ...

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They play basketball in front of the house at all hours of the late night and early morning.
• Is it more late? I apologize if I'm pronouncing it incorrectly.
• I would like to thank Chairwoman Hull for filing this bill.
• I really want to thank Chair Hull for filing this important legislation.
• Other examples include Chair Hull and Senator Cook, who has filed a companion bill in the Senate.

Bills: HB1531, HB2667, HB2809, HB2865, HB3589, HB3151, HB3748, HB3750, HB4419, HB4643, HB3597, HB4129, HB4130, HB4131

Keywords: workplace violence prevention, health and safety code, Chapter 331, facility definition, home and community support services agency, home health agency, home health care, nursing staff, registered nurses, health care workplace safety, hospital, nursing facility, ambulatory surgical center, freestanding emergency medical care facility, mental hospital, Texas health care regulation, provider compliance, occupational safety, senior living, referral agencies

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, members, any questions for the chair lately? OK.
• We just want to make sure it stays in the bill as filed that particular.
• It's safer than flying a plane, um, but obviously lately that's been troublesome for us.
• You could file a TDI complaint if you think something's out of whack, right?
• So Chairman V has filed this bill. This is the 4th time he's filed it.

Bills: HB139

Keywords: ad valorem tax, tax rates, voter-approval, taxing unit, property tax, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• IF NOT, LET'S GO TO THE FIRST AMENDMENT WHICH IS BARCODE 939772 TIMELY FILE.
• BUT THERE WERE 34 FILE. WE DON'T JUST GET THAT TO.
• THE NOTIFICATION PROCESS THROUGH A NUMBER OF THE COMPLAINTS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF ELECTION CRIMES AND
• MAYBE DEFINES ON THAT, THE FINES FOR THE LATE FORMS MAY BE $50 A DAY, $5000 A DAY FINDS, MAYBE THOSE
• WHEN INVALIDATE THE PETITION SHE PROCESS TO REGISTER FOR FURTHERMORE, IT SEEMS THE AMENDMENTS FILED

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So really quick, because it's going to be a late night. I support this bill. My name is C.J.
• It's more rare that we may file criminal charges.
• We received it from Legislative Council, a draft of our committee substitute, too late last night.
• So, my hope is that by filing this bill and bringing this group together as a task force, we can tackle
• We're grateful to Representative Louderback for raising these issues, filing this excellent bill, and

Bills: SB 36, HB 1065, HB2929, HB2956, HB3009, HB3420, HB3626, HB3649, HB4956, HB4993, HB5293, HB5308, HB5528, HCR118, SB36, HB4023

Keywords: transportation, regional authorities, mobility, infrastructure, sales tax, employee classification, private security, misclassification, workforce regulations, Texas Workforce Commission, autism, peace officers, training program, law enforcement, intervention, communication, developmental disability, family violence, central database, criminal offense

Transcript Highlights:

• The commissioner court files an order to close, abandon, or vacating the road with the deed of records
• So, and frankly, Uh, Representative, at this late date in the session, I wouldn't argue over it because
• Apologize for being here a little late.
• I filed House Bill 341 because this issue is personal to me.
• Representative Curry, actually I think it's a little late.

Bills: HB 341, HB 469, HB 971, HB 1624, HB 2721, HB 2959, HB 3365, HB 3731, HB 3793, HB 3861, HB 3946, HB 3966, HB 4348, HB 4401, HB 4402, HB 4924, HB 4966, HB 5563

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, commercial vehicle, safety standards, enforcement, Texas counties, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• The Commissioner of the Court files an order to close, abandon, or vacate the road with the deed records
• And frankly, Representative, at this late date in the session, I wouldn't argue over it because we've
• I apologize for being here a little late.
• I filed House Bill 341 because this issue is personal to me.
• Representative Curry, actually, I think it's a little late.

Bills: HB341, HB469, HB971, HB1624, HB2721, HB2959, HB3365, HB3731, HB3793, HB3861, HB3946, HB3966, HB4348, HB4401, HB4402, HB4924, HB4966, HB5563

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, commercial vehicle, safety standards, enforcement, Texas counties, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• We only do online filings now.
• So we filed this late last session and, you know, it was so late, it just didn't get a hearing.
• And as I said, we filed this last session, but it was so late we didn't get a hearing on it.

Bills: HB 346, HB 1360, HB 1510, HB 1606, HB 1804, HB 1805, HB 2156, HB 2391, HB 2767, HB 3022, HB 3044, HB 3272, HB 3293, HB 3493, HB 3809, HB 3824, HJR 110, HB 2463

Keywords: expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, Texas Ethics Commission, election reporting, campaign finance, violation categorization, penalties, public disclosure, Texas Utilities Code, electric utility, retail electric provider, municipally owned utility, electric cooperative, vegetation management, tree trimming, line clearance, transmission line

Transcript Highlights:

• Ruck Decker has filed the House companion bill, and I'm thankful for all her work.
• This one was filed by Senator Villas and Rep. Cushmerich.
• This is the one Senator Keenan just spoke on, and he filed it along with Rep. O'Day.
• It was filed in the Senate by Senator Keenan as S. 772.
• This bill was filed by Representative Decker and Senator Kuhn.”

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on a large group of behavioral health and insurance-related bills. Topics included expanding access to mental health services by allowing physician assistants to authorize Section 12 emergency holds and be recognized as licensed mental health professionals (H. 1131/S. 773); improving coverage for community behavioral health centers so commercial insurance matches MassHealth’s bundled outpatient and crisis services (H. 1276/S. 703); eliminating cost sharing for certain behavioral health services (S. 718); extending detox and clinical stabilization coverage from 14 to 30 days and adding transitional support services (H. 1319/S. 772); requiring coverage for dual-diagnosis treatment in psychiatric facilities (H. 1277/S. 771); and preserving access to treatment for serious mental illness through coverage of coordinated specialty care and assertive community treatment (H. 1135/S. 709). The committee also heard bills on preventive behavioral health services for children (H. 1228/S. 802) and post-pregnancy mental health care, including postpartum depression and pregnancy loss-related care (H. 1314/S. 823).

Transcript Highlights:

• offset or you have to pay some money back that you would if you received money under this and then file
• offset or you have to pay some money back that you would if you received money under this and then file
• I personally have seen exonerees who have walked out of prison in their late 60s. enough you have to
• a lawsuit so under this and then file a lawsuit so there's<00:36:32.240> um<00:36:32.440>
• something like a 1983 claim you can file something like a 1983 claim to<00:48:07.559> say<00:

Keywords: The live stream for this meeting cut off before the end. This is the complete meeting pulled from back ups. Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:05 HB 38: 00:02:42 HB 206: 00:29:22, 958, all

Summary: The committee began with roll call and introductory remarks, including recognition of new members and guests. It then took up House Bill 38, sponsored by Representative Tipton, which would increase penalties for repeated violations of an order of protection. Under the committee substitute, a third violation involving the same order and same individual could be elevated from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class D felony. Tipton and domestic violence survivor Maryanne Pratt testified in support, with Pratt describing repeated abuse, protective-order violations, and ongoing fear despite arrests and jail time. Several members spoke in favor of the bill and praised Pratt’s testimony. Members and outside witnesses raised concerns about the substitute’s language, especially the requirement that the same victim be involved and whether the bill could leave gaps for repeat abusers with different victims. Representative Burke and others questioned whether the conduct was already covered by stalking or assault statutes. Scott West, speaking for the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, argued that the bill could allow technical contempt findings to be used as predicate offenses and noted that existing assault and stalking laws already address much of the conduct. Sponsor Tipton said the language was not final and that further changes might be considered in the Senate. Despite the concerns, the committee adopted the substitute and passed HB 38 with favorable expression by a 19-0 vote. The committee then heard House Bill 206, sponsored by Representative Nemes, on wrongful conviction compensation. Nemes introduced exonerees and representatives from the Kentucky Innocence Project, and the substitute was adopted without objection. Testimony came from Paul Herd, who spent 20 years wrongfully convicted and described the difficulty of reentry, and Jon Acar, who said he was wrongly convicted as a teenager and spent years in custody and on parole. Both urged passage of the bill as overdue support for people exonerated after wrongful convictions.