Transcript Highlights:

• precludes um MHSAA or other the bill precludes um MHSAA or other extracurricular<00:24:23.440><c> regul
• </c><00:24:23.840><c> regulating</c><00:24:24.400><c> body</c><00:24:24.720><c> if</c> extracurricular
• regul regulating body if extracurricular regul regulating body if it<00:24:25.039><c> if</c><00:24:25.279
• And so with that, I'd<00:52:52.720><c> app</c><00:52:53.280><c> uh</c><00:52:53.440><c> would</c><00:
• people to I'd app uh would encourage people to vote<00:52:54.880><c> for</c><00:52:55.119><c> the</c

Keywords: Education - Room 216, January 6, 2026; 12:45 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's like having to choose between buying milk and toilet paper at the grocery store or paying a water
• On the subject of penalties, each violation of the business regulations governing metal property that
• The bill adds a third penalty for violation of the regulations governing metal property: loss of licensure
• And yet we're way ahead of other states when it comes to the regulation of our recyclers and scrapyards
• It is frustrating to us that there's also an app for that.

Bills: SB6239, SB6074, SB5886, SB6041, SB6190

Keywords: tort claims, state liability, Washington law, government accountability, legal process, parole, criminal justice reform, felony, recidivism, rehabilitation, public safety, personality rights, right of publicity, publicity rights, name image likeness, NIL, deepfake, AI-generated content, digital impersonation, forged digital likeness

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Hawaii has a right to regulate its medical providers, and it does.
• It provides sound evidence-based regulations on healthcare already.
• Hawaii has a right to regulate its medical providers, and it does. This bill does not change that.
• It provides sound evidence-based regulations on healthcare already.
• It provides sound evidence-based regulations on healthcare already.

Bills: HB1573, HB1645, HB1875, HB1898, HB2121

Keywords: electronic smoking devices, e-liquids, certification, FDA, state law, penalties, compliance, directory, public health, nonprofit, child welfare, liability, insurance, legal protections, Hawaii, health care, reproductive rights, gender-affirming care, privacy, civil liability

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1573, which would create state enforcement authority over unauthorized e-cigarette products and related tobacco enforcement. Supporters including SHPDA, the Department of Health, the Attorney General’s office, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others said the bill would help protect youth from unauthorized vaping products, give the state tools to enforce an FDA-authorized product list, and add penalties and inspection authority. A committee member asked whether enforcement staff were available and what penalties would apply; the response was that existing tobacco investigators would take on the work, and the bill includes civil penalties, seizure authority, and possible license revocation referrals. The measure drew both support and opposition testimony, but no vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 1645, relating to liability for child welfare service providers. The Insurance Division said it was aware of the insurance-cost problem, had raised the issue with the NAIC, and was exploring a captive insurance option, while suggesting the legislature consider additional appropriations to DHS to cover higher contract costs. Supporters, including Parents and Children Together and Hawaii Insurance Council, argued the bill would help child welfare providers obtain insurance and continue critical services. Opponents, including the Hawaii Association for Justice, warned that removing joint and several liability could leave victims undercompensated and might not actually lower premiums. The insurance commissioner said other states have done tort reform in this area, but the committee was told it is not clear the bill would reduce insurance costs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on HB 1875, which would protect access to gender-affirming care in Hawaii and shield patients and providers from out-of-state legal actions. Support came from the Hawaii State Youth Commission, LGBTQ+ and public health groups, medical professionals, ACLU Hawaii, Planned Parenthood, and others, who said gender-affirming care is evidence-based, medically necessary, and important for patient privacy, provider stability, and continuity of care. Several witnesses asked for amendments to the bill’s definition language. Opposition testimony came from individuals and groups including Hawaii Christian Coalition, Leeward Republican Women’s Club, and others, who argued the bill could expose children to irreversible decisions and that more research is needed. The chair noted roughly 176 supporters and about 40 opponents testified. No final action or vote was reported in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We should be regulating ourselves. We don't. The people will.
• Those regulations aren't burdens.
• And that's what those regulations do for us.
• We must have regulated care. We must take care of our children.
• Truckloads of paper are stored there, while electronic copies do exist.

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills and resolutions, many of them on property, local government, and memorial topics. HB 2079, authorizing a memorial for journalist Don Bolles at Wesley Bolin Plaza, passed unanimously after sponsor testimony about the 50th anniversary of his assassination and the memorial’s no-cost nature. HB 2080, as amended, advanced 7-0 on deed and title fraud prevention measures, including photo ID requirements, notarization and deed-filing safeguards, an assessor alert program, and a felony penalty for knowingly submitting false or forged real-property claims. HB 464, which moves the petition process for municipal improvement districts earlier in the process, passed 5-2 after testimony from Camp Verde, the Yavapai Apache Nation, developers, and the League of Arizona Cities and Towns; opponents argued it could force property owners into infrastructure they do not want, while supporters said it improves transparency and financing certainty. HB 2048, a proposed constitutional referral to withhold pay from state elected officials if the budget is not enacted by April 30, passed 4-3, with supporters saying it would create accountability and opponents saying broader process reforms are needed first. The committee also heard HB 2324, which would allow municipalities with their own fire codes to petition for county-owned buildings inside city limits to be exempt from separate state fire code inspections when conditions are met. County and state fire officials supported the concept, saying it would resolve conflicting statutes and formalize intergovernmental agreements, and the bill passed 7-0. HB 4087, authorizing a memorial plaque for former legislator Barbara Leff, also passed unanimously, with the sponsor noting her service in both chambers and her work on veterans and health care issues. HB 2239, creating a child care grant program and infrastructure fund for underserved and low-income communities, drew extensive testimony from rural parents, child care advocates, and early childhood experts describing child care deserts, workforce losses, and safety concerns with unregulated care. Supporters said the bill would fund the facilities and infrastructure needed to expand regulated child care, especially in rural Arizona; the committee approved it 5-1 with one member present and one not voting. Members also discussed HB 2375, a historic-preservation-related middle housing bill, but the transcript cuts off before final action is shown; testimony reflected a sharp divide between preservation advocates supporting exemptions for historic districts and housing advocates warning the bill could worsen exclusion and housing shortages.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, the Obama, Biden, and Trump administrations have been reevaluating phthalate regulations.
• The Trump administrations have been reevaluating phthalate regulations.
• Um, so I'm not aware of what the regulations are or, you know, sort of how that data is gathered and
• He says there is already regulation going on, but there probably needs to be more in some areas.
• </c><01:43:06.159><c> already</c> a you know there is regulation already a you know there is regulation

Bills: HF44, HF2102, HF2279, HF2280, HF2281

Keywords: HF44, Casey Jones State Trail, Pipestone Trailhead, Currie Loop, Minnesota bonding bill, capital investment, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, trail rehabilitation, trail reconstruction, recreational trail, bike trail, hiking trail, infrastructure, state trail, Pipestone, Currie, bonding authorization

Transcript Highlights:

• interstate licensing compacts, electrical contractors licensed under Missouri standards, federally regulated
• So, for example, does this app? For example, does this apply to attorneys? Probably doesn't.
• So, for example, does this app? kind of hop in and start doing their thing. I don't know.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I could see the day in which, think about how when you do banking, you open up your app and you're going
• And I could see the day in which, think about how when you do banking, you open up your app and you're
• The other area from running an early childhood center is our industry is over-regulated by DCF.
• You had mentioned earlier that DCF was burdening you with unnecessary regulations and over-controlling
• You had mentioned earlier that DCF was burdening you with unnecessary regulations and over-controlling

Summary: The Education Administration Subcommittee held an introductory meeting focused largely on member introductions and “homework” reports about education issues in each district. Members raised a wide range of concerns and priorities, including early childhood care and VPK access, school choice and school closures, teacher recruitment and retention, conflict resolution and school safety, early literacy and preparedness, technology and AI/STEM instruction, attendance and mental health, ESE services, dual enrollment and career/technical education, caregiving youth, and real-time student enrollment/funding tracking. Several members also emphasized local challenges such as housing-driven teacher turnover, disaster-related attendance problems, and funding inequities across counties. The committee then heard a detailed presentation on Florida’s early learning system from Chancellor Carrie Miller of the Department of Education’s Division of Early Learning. She outlined the structure and funding of School Readiness, VPK, and the Gold Seal Quality Care program, the role of early learning coalitions and DCF, and the state’s quality and accountability measures. She highlighted the importance of kindergarten readiness, teacher quality, and the new School Readiness Plus program, which helps families transition off subsidy more gradually. Additional panelists from the Children’s Forum, the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe, and a Tallahassee child care provider discussed workforce shortages, low wages, provider turnover, the TEACH scholarship program, Help Me Grow, local coalition operations, and the need for more providers and more consistent regulation. During questions, members asked about wait lists, special needs services, teacher retention, provider onboarding, and DCF regulation. The panel said Miami-Dade’s wait list was about 4,000 children and described priority categories for service; they also said children with disabilities are screened and referred for support, though not given a separate priority category. Panelists reported that TEACH has helped reduce turnover through education support and service commitments, but said wages and career pathways remain major issues. Members also pressed for clearer, more consistent licensing standards and more support for new providers entering the field. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We recently streamed 4 million streams on our PBS Kids app.
• Each month, we have about 24,000 users on the PBS Kids app.
• You're gonna get the OETA app on there.
• We just had an agreement With LG, now LG TVs will come with the app as well.
• When we have a problem with the app, they need to.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• New federal regulation has created additional requirements for monitoring federal compliance.
• </c> program or our health regulation program or our health regulation programs<00:51:00.839><c> or</
• </c><00:56:57.079><c> and</c> 2015 that we licensed and regulate and 2015 that we licensed and regulate
• Like I said, this isn't a simple Uber app.
• </c><01:25:57.159><c> we're</c> this isn't a simple Uber app we're this isn't a simple Uber app we're

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Case management systems, 3.9 million for the biennium, rate regulation, legal office of policy and docket
• More free market alternatives like covering, cutting severance taxes, reducing regulations on, on all
• I mean, basically, like, couldn't we also contemplate reducing taxes, reducing regulations instead of
• Another much larger, more with more resources comes in and buys out a utility, and there's an app, there's

Transcript Highlights:

• These apps instead would take a shift.
• ><c> data,</c><00:30:31.760><c> like</c> These apps track behavioral data, like These apps track behavioral
• </c><00:30:55.120><c> will</c> nursing report, these net apps will nursing report, these net apps will
• </c><00:31:20.320><c> rather</c> apps are turning to these apps rather apps are turning to these apps
• , no one but funded a smartphone app, no one but those<00:32:02.760><c> investors</c><00:32:03.280><c

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee met to discuss worker misclassification, beginning with approval of the March 4, 2026 minutes and a note that a late-posted bill would not be heard at this time. Chair Pinto opened the hearing by framing misclassification as timely and invited Lea Takapu of the Attorney General’s office to explain the issue. Takapu described misclassification as labeling workers as independent contractors when they are really employees, which can deprive workers of minimum wage, overtime, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and other protections while also reducing tax revenue. She said the Attorney General’s office and the MEAP partnership have been working on the issue and cited estimates that Minnesota workers lose billions annually and the state loses hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars in revenue, while noting that legitimate independent contracting is not the target. Members questioned how the committee could rely on estimates when the exact number of misclassified workers is unknown. Takapu responded that the figures were based on studies and complaint data, and that underground or undocumented work makes exact counts difficult. Chair Pinto noted the numbers were estimates and referenced a 2024 Legislative Auditor finding that Minnesota lacked an adequate, coordinated approach to proper worker classification, while saying progress had been made since then. Several industry witnesses then testified in support of stronger enforcement. Kevin Pranis of LiUNA said misclassification remains rampant in parts of construction, especially drywall, stucco, thin stone, and broadband installation, and argued it is tax, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation fraud that harms law-abiding contractors and taxpayers. Matt Wollers of Braxton and Sons said his company loses bids to competitors that misclassify workers, creating a labor-cost advantage of 30% or more, and asked for meaningful enforcement rather than new legislation, including regular unannounced jobsite visits. Jesse Madison of Purple Tally Productions said misclassification is anti-competition and described examples from live events and entertainment, urging front-end checks on workers’ compensation, unemployment coverage, and W-2 versus 1099 status before work begins. The next testifier, Ben Ballou of the Minnesota Nurses Association, began his remarks as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• appendix K so increase authorized in app appendix K so there<00:13:47.959><c> were</c><00:13:48.360>
• For example, um, we have also discussed recently making the, uh, redoing the regulations, for example
• , to have everything that is related to participant-directed services in one regulation, just to make
• For example, um, we have also discussed recently making the, uh, redoing the regulations, for example
• , to have everything that is related to participant-directed services in one regulation, just to make

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services met with a quorum still coming together and first handled roll call and minutes. The main presentation came from the Department for Medicaid Services, with Commissioner Lisa Lee and CFO Steve Beckle giving an overview of Kentucky Medicaid, its federal-state financing structure, and the department’s 1915(c) home- and community-based waiver programs. They explained FMAP funding levels for traditional Medicaid, administration, IT, expansion adults, and CHIP, and noted the size of the program, including more than 600,000 Kentucky children eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, about 485,000 expansion adults, over 69,000 enrolled providers, and $18.5 billion in 2024 expenditures. A major focus was the waiver system, including the acquired brain injury waivers, model waiver, independence waiver, Michelle P. waiver, and Supports for Community Living waiver. The department said these waivers are intended to keep people with physical or developmental disabilities in home and community settings rather than facilities, and that many services are not covered by Medicare or commercial insurance. Officials described participant-directed services, interagency administration, and eligibility rules, including that some waiver programs use the child’s income only rather than family income. They also reported an unduplicated waiver wait list of 13,930 people and said the General Assembly had added waiver slots in the last budget, including 650 ABI slots and 1,275 more to be allocated July 1, 2025. The department also discussed a waiver rate study conducted by Guidehouse, explaining that CMS requires a defensible rate methodology because there is no Medicare or commercial benchmark for many waiver services. They said the study used cost and wage surveys, provider and stakeholder input, and aimed to improve transparency, provider stability, and rate parity. Officials reviewed prior COVID-era Appendix K rate increases and budget-driven increases, and said the budget ultimately funded rates at about 70% of the benchmark study, while preserving higher existing rates where needed so no provider would be cut. They highlighted larger differences in behavioral support and case management rates, and said a public report is available. Members asked several questions about the potential impact of federal FMAP changes, especially possible reductions in the enhanced match for expansion adults and Medicaid IT/admin activities. DMS said any FMAP reduction would require more state general fund dollars, estimating about $75 million for each 1% drop in the expansion match, while impacts on administrative IT funding would depend on the systems being built or implemented in a given year. Members also pressed for clarification on waiver wait-list procedures, funded versus filled slots, and what happens when someone on the wait list is later found ineligible. DMS said people on the wait list may not yet have been assessed, can be reevaluated if conditions change, and are still eligible for regular Medicaid state-plan services if they qualify, even if they are waiting for waiver services.

Transcript Highlights:

• The gamereeder regulation gamereeder regulation 220-2-38, I think it's subsection number two.
• And we do have that in our current regulation: five years.
• We have regulations in place to make sure that those are hunted fairly.
• That is what changes the other regulations that Mr. Gunnels was talking about.
• regulations that we have in place.

Bills: HB509

Keywords: HB509, game breeder, game breeder license, cervid, deer breeder, whitetail deer, elk, fallow deer, deer farm, captive deer, cervidae, wildlife disease, disease testing, antemortem testing, state veterinarian, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, property rights, private property, animal transfer, breeding stock

Transcript Highlights:

• My watch duty app was at my side through that entire firestorm.
• My watch duty app was at my side through that entire firestorm.
• And we appreciate third-party apps, but we feel like the responsibility is more on us, and we don't know
• , you know, how dependable those third-party apps will be as time moves forward.
• The fact that Watch Duty was an app that everyone started to use, right, but it took time to even get

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on California’s emergency alert and warning systems, especially in light of recent Southern California wildfires and the January 9 evacuation alert that was mistakenly sent to millions of residents. Opening remarks emphasized the loss of life, the strain on first responders, the importance of timely warnings, and concerns that public trust in alerts has been undermined by delays, confusion, and over-alerting. Members repeatedly raised questions about how to improve speed, accuracy, coordination across jurisdictions, and public understanding of the difference between evacuation warnings and orders. Cal OES staff described the state’s alert and warning framework, including SEMS, the State Warning Center, IPAWS, WEA, and EAS, and said local governments retain primary responsibility for issuing alerts because they know local roads, shelters, and hazards best. They said Cal OES supports local agencies with training, technical assistance, testing, and backup alerting help when requested, and that local alerting authorities must test their systems every 30 days and complete FEMA-required training. Members pressed Cal OES on gaps in smaller or under-resourced jurisdictions, the lack of a statewide unified system, compliance monitoring, redundancy for people without reliable technology, and whether the state should take a more active role. Cal OES said it could assist smaller jurisdictions and step in during emergencies, but that a statewide system would require further analysis and funding. Sheriff Eric Taylor of San Benito County emphasized that local control is essential because counties differ widely in structure, geography, and alerting responsibilities, and he described the challenges of rural areas, limited cell coverage, and multiple platforms such as Nixle, Reverse 911, and social media. Nick Russell of Watch Duty said the nonprofit fills gaps by providing fast, geospatially detailed wildfire information from volunteers and public data, and argued that context and redundancy are critical because official alerts often arrive too late or lack enough detail. Members praised Watch Duty’s usefulness and asked about incorporating similar capabilities into state systems. Public commenters also raised the need for broader redundancy, including earthquake-warning partnerships, and wildfire survivors urged the committee to address the confusing patchwork of alerts and to honor prior compensation commitments to PG&E fire survivors. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational only and adjourned after member questions and public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• proved me wrong in so many areas, and she Just bloomed there and we have gone through the process of app
• WIOA and what's happening now so do you know how when you go to say TJ Maxx or umwalmart or a grocery store

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• during the. regular legislative session, I proposed and passed House Bill 969 relating to local regulations
• These entities collect sensitive information from. our smartphones and apps, enabling unchecked surveillance
• In other words, my understanding is, for better or worse, when I sign on to all these apps, and everything
• I mean, to your point, Your point is probably apps on your phone when you research a flight or you get

Bills: HB166, HB2000, HB3248, HB3513, SB155, SB1659, SB1730, SB1778, SB1790, SB1848, SB2017, SB2105, SB2794, SB2917, HB2756, HB353, HB166

Keywords: child endangerment, controlled substances, penalty group, elderly protection, disabled individual rights, child grooming, sex offender registration, criminal justice, reportable conviction, law enforcement, defense, peace officers, local government, security, juvenile board, Moore County, appointments, juvenile justice, county legislation, dangerous dogs

Transcript Highlights:

• known as digital provenance, which is basically an artist signature saying this image was created in my app
• There’s a propensity to have an emotional reaction to that from a legislative perspective and put regulations

Summary: The Information Technology Budget and Policy Subcommittee met to consider House Bill 369, relating to digital content provenance and AI-generated images, sponsored by Representative McFarland. McFarland explained that the bill is intended to address concerns about people being misled by AI-generated content, especially on social media, by preserving digital provenance data or watermark-like signatures attached to AI images. He said the measure is meant to support transparency without stifling innovation. A strike-all amendment was adopted that narrowed the bill in response to industry feedback. It removed an initial pilot program for the Division of Emergency Management, deleted provisions dealing with AI in elections, tightened definitions, and delayed the effective date to July 2026. Members asked about user control over provenance data, whether the data could include personal information, and how enforcement would work. McFarland said users may add extra information but are not required to, and that enforcement would begin with a complaint to the Attorney General, followed by notice and a 30-day cure period before possible action under the Fair, Unfair, and Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Public testimony included support from an artist advocate, who said AI transparency is needed to protect creators, and support statements from Adobe and Comcast. TechNet appeared for information only and said it appreciated the changes, including the removal of the capture device, the 30-day cure period, and the delayed effective date. The amendment was adopted, and HB 369 was then reported favorably by a 17-0 vote. After the bill, the chair presented the subcommittee’s recommended 2025-2026 IT budget, totaling $528 million, including $146.5 million in general revenue and $382.2 million in trust funds. The proposal reflected a roughly 13% decrease from the prior year and emphasized funding for major ongoing projects such as the PALM/FLAIR replacement, the AHCA FX program, the Department of Revenue’s CAMS modernization, and the APD I-Connect system. No questions were raised, and the meeting adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill does not regulate federal immigration policy; instead, it uses California's longstanding taxing
• Of course, we have the ability to regulate them and tax them.
• After going nowhere, I reluctantly ended up having to drive to the store.
• I was in Dick's Sporting Goods store, and a car pulled up and groups came in.
• State officials have limited the use of PFOS in carpets and upholstery and are about to regulate PFOS

Summary: The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, approved dispensing with the previous day’s journal, and then took up a long third-reading file. Early procedural actions included moving AB 1589 to the inactive file and continuing reconsideration items. The chamber then considered a series of bills largely focused on immigration enforcement, detention, worker protections, child care, voting access, and related public services. Several immigration-related measures passed, including AB 2393 on damages for false imprisonment/arrest, AB 1994 on an immigrant victims’ rights and resources card, AB 1929 on health plan investment disclosures, AB 1633 imposing a tax on for-profit detention facilities, AB 1650 requiring decals on rental vehicles used for enforcement, AB 1655 protecting CalWORKs benefits when a child is detained, and AB 1896 disqualifying people who participated in immigration enforcement from certain public employment. AB 2230, which would bar immigration enforcement near polling places and child care facilities, also passed after extensive debate. Supporters framed these bills as accountability and protection for vulnerable communities; opponents argued they targeted federal law enforcement, were unnecessary, or raised constitutional concerns. AB 1851 on statewide school mental-health guidance also passed unanimously. After the midday recess, the Assembly returned and continued with more bills tied to immigration impacts and child welfare. AB 2379 passed with urgency, requiring child care providers to be informed of constitutional rights and trained on protections when confronted by immigration enforcement. AB 2460 passed to update school behavioral-health referral protocols for students affected by immigration enforcement trauma. AB 2495 passed to expand prohibitions on employer immigration-related threats, and AB 2662 was presented as a way for California to monitor and document federal enforcement actions and report on their community impacts. Throughout the day, the floor featured repeated exchanges over whether the bills addressed real problems or were political messaging, but the measures that came to a vote generally advanced with majority support.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill does not regulate federal immigration policy; instead, it uses California's longstanding taxing
• Of course, we have the ability to regulate them and tax them.
• After going nowhere, I reluctantly ended up having to drive to the store. To COVID.
• I was in Dick's Sporting Goods store and a car pulled up and groups came in, and as I was picking out
• And state officials have limited the use of PFOS in carpets and upholstery and are about to regulate

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We bring this administrative regulation to you this morning because Senate Bill 85 crossed paths with
• the regulation as it was going through process.
• So we filed this regulation. It's 105 K 170 membership form requirements.
• to you this morning because regulation to you this morning because uh<00:06:26.080><c> Senate</c><00
• So we filed this regulation um process.

Keywords: 958, all