Transcript Highlights:

• Under the direction of the Washington Constitution, legislative and congressional district boundaries
• legislation.
• legislation.
• My name is Hannah Floss from the 48th Legislative District.
• I live here in the 46th Legislative District.

Bills: HJR4209, HB2260, HB2259

Keywords: redistricting, congressional representation, census, state law, legislative boundaries, ballot measures, petitioners, signature gatherers, voting rights, election integrity, initiative process, referendum, signature gathering, ballot measure, citizen actions, support demonstration, 904, all

Summary: The committee heard three measures related to Washington’s initiative and redistricting processes. House Bill 2260 would require petition circulators to sign and date the declaration on each petition sheet, provide their address and county, and would require the Secretary of State to verify that a signer’s residence address matches voter registration records before counting a signature. House Joint Resolution 4209 would amend the state constitution to allow the legislature, by simple majority, to modify congressional districts mid-decade if another state adopts a new congressional map absent a court order. House Bill 2259 would require 1,000 registered-voter signatures before an initiative or referendum filing proceeds and would prohibit paying circulators per signature, with civil penalties and a private right of action for violations. Supporters of HB 2260 and HB 2259 argued the bills would improve accountability, transparency, and integrity in the initiative process, citing concerns about fraud, misinformation, duplicate signatures, and the need for better records and verification. Opponents said the measures would burden or chill direct democracy, especially for rural residents and smaller campaigns, and argued existing verification systems already work well. On HJR 4209, the prime sponsor and supporters said Washington should respond to mid-decade partisan redistricting in other states to avoid one-sided disadvantage, while opponents said Washington’s bipartisan commission system is superior and should not be weakened in reaction to other states. Several witnesses and the Secretary of State testified against HB 2259 and HB 2260, warning that the new requirements would slow the process, create barriers, and potentially disenfranchise eligible voters or circulators. The Secretary of State said the office already has effective verification procedures and suggested higher fees, better technology, or stronger penalties for fraud instead of new restrictions. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the chair suspended and reopened hearings to move between the three bills and took public testimony on each.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an associate legislative director for the Texas Farm Bureau, and I'm testifying in support of House
• Fuller, could you stay on the, on the piece of legislation currently before us, HB 3830, for the record
• Um, while the prior legislative changes to reduce the effect of 35 years to 3 years and the elimination
• And it pertains exclusively to South Texas College in our Legislative District, just, uh, works to lower
• This goes with this, the enabling legislation we just heard. Very good. Thank you, sir.

Bills: SB 4, SB 23, SJR 2

Keywords: redistricting, election, Texas legislature, district composition, political representation, congressional redistricting, Texas House of Representatives, U.S. House, Congressional districts, district map, district boundaries, gerrymandering, voting rights, election law, apportionment, representation, special committee, PLANC2308, redistricting plan, elections

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that is the nature of the piece of legislation.
• And so that is the nature of the piece of legislation.
• You know, I think we as legislators legislators legislators have<00:33:56.240><c> the</c><00:33:56.640
• So, that is, this piece of legislation.
• We we probably I should legislation.

Bills: HB268, SB279, SB304, SB303, SB298

Keywords: lottery winnings, lottery prize, state lottery, income tax exemption, tax exemption, gambling, games of chance, prize proceeds, Alabama Department of Revenue, state income tax, tax relief, winnings, jackpot, lotto, Alabama State House, Montgomery, Legislative Council, demolition, state capitol, state capitol building

Transcript Highlights:

• Richard Hayes, legislative counsel for Gun Owners of America for HB 259.
• In closing, I'd like to thank Representative Hayes in filing this important piece of legislation and
• I'm legislative counsel for Gun Owners of America, Texas.
• For those who need help connecting the dots, this legislation, when you coordinate that with the ATF's
• Schools have long been protected by state and federal legislation from firearms for good reason, the

Bills: HB259

Keywords: redistricting, Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission, Texas Legislature, elections, district boundaries, voter representation

Bills: SB8, SB4, SB3, SB6, SB8, SB4

Keywords: education, accountability, public school assessment, state law, transparency, intervention, performance ratings, Texas congressional redistricting, U.S. House districts, congressional map, redistricting, gerrymandering, 2020 Census, census tracts, block groups, voting districts, election law, Texas House of Representatives districts, federal congressional districts, 2026 elections

Transcript Highlights:

• But as we are in the second year of the legislative biennium, because no action was taken on the bill
• But each of the agencies that are affected by this legislation, I think, has a similar story to tell.
• But each of the agencies that are affected by this legislation, I think, has a similar story to tell.
• I'm testifying as other on this legislation and would like to echo the sentiments of my colleagues.
• So I've got a district slightly over 2,000 students in my legislative district.

Bills: HB1662, HB1683

Keywords: education agencies, administrative independence, superintendent, education reform, agency authority, education, school boards, district adjustments, administrative boundaries, educational governance, 904, all

Summary: The House Education Committee held public hearings on House Bill 1662 and House Bill 1683. HB 1662 would move several education-related boards and commissions, including the State Board of Education, the Professional Educator Standards Board, the Financial Education Public-Private Partnership, and the Charter School Commission, out from under OSPI’s administrative services and toward independent administration by July 1, 2027. Committee staff explained the bill was in a third substitute only because of the biennium process and said the substance was unchanged from the version previously advanced by Appropriations, aside from date updates. Supportive testimony from agency leaders and others emphasized that OSPI’s current administrative structure creates delays, extra approval layers, less transparency in indirect costs, and limits on agency autonomy; one witness said the bill would improve efficiency and fiscal accountability. The bill was heard only; no vote was taken. HB 1683 would require school districts above certain enrollment thresholds to elect a minimum number of directors from geographic director districts rather than entirely at-large, with smaller districts exempt. The prime sponsor, Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, said the goal was fairer geographic and demographic representation so all parts of a district have a voice. Committee staff and OSPI testimony supported the concept, citing research that district-based or proportional systems can broaden representation and noting that about 23 districts would be out of compliance as written. Opponents, including WSSDA, argued the bill is an unfunded mandate that would increase election costs, reduce local control, and could make it harder to recruit candidates in some areas. Other testimony was mixed: some witnesses supported the bill as a way to improve equity and representation, while one suggested a different proportional representation model. The committee closed the public hearing without taking action on either bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you remember, this legislation is a very simple piece of legislation. ...to discuss a very important
• As you remember, this legislation is a very simple piece of legislation.
• </c> &gt;&gt; It does not is a small fine boundary. &gt;&gt; It does not is a small fine boundary.
• legislative &gt;&gt; all right legislative out<00:35:35.520><c> had</c><00:35:35.760><c> both</c><00
• </c><00:37:44.640><c> I</c> of legislation, not just this one. I of legislation, not just this one.

Bills: SB298, SB91

Keywords: Florence, Lauderdale County, municipal boundaries, corporate limits, land annexation, military installations, tall structures, local government, construction approval, wind energy facilities, aeronautics, Department of Defense, 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The last legislative session.
• We had budgeted $18 billion in the last legislative session.
• Our district's board approved four legislative priorities for the 89th session.
• We have in our legislative body a report from our legislative session in the House back last year.
• So, I mean, that's the kind of incredible work that I think this legislation does.

Bills: SB4, SJR2, SB 4, SJR 2

Keywords: property tax, homestead exemption, school funding, state aid, constitutional amendment, SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval

Transcript Highlights:

• Those cities are mentioned in some talking points, but not mentioned in the legislation.
• I appreciate the thought of this legislation being brought forward.
• with relation to Petland being the operator in lobbying for such legislation.
• of those municipalities that is no longer listed and grandfathered into this particular piece of legislation
• funds in being able to have programs for spaying and neutering, but we don't want to hear that legislation

Bills: HB3419, HB3624, HB3748, HB4335

Keywords: corruption, nonpublic information, government accountability, criminal law, public office, counties, property taxation, watercourse, boundaries, effective date, county government, administration, local resources, public institutions, construction, maintenance, animal welfare, pet shops, commercial breeders, county regulations

Summary: The Senate Local and County Government Committee met and first took up House Bill 3419, which would prohibit officers, employees, or contractors of political subdivisions from using non-public information for personal gain, extending an existing restriction that already applies to state agencies. There were no questions or debate, and the bill passed unanimously, 8-0. The committee then considered House Bill 3748, allowing county commissioners to use county-owned equipment, labor, and supplies on property owned by a four-year institution. Senator Stewart asked whether the bill applied to public or private institutions, and the author said that point needed clarification and would be checked offline. With no further questions or debate, the bill passed 8-0. The final measure was House Bill 4335, a pet store bill that would prevent municipalities from banning retail pet stores and would extend a courtesy notice period for certain animal breeders and related entities from 60 to 90 days. The bill drew extensive questioning and debate over local control, animal welfare, Petland, shelter overcrowding, and whether the measure favored an out-of-state corporation. Supporters argued it protected free enterprise and legal businesses, while opponents said it preempted local authority and could worsen animal welfare concerns. The committee passed the bill 6-3.

Transcript Highlights:

• framework, such as aligning with the behavioral health goals and guiding principles outlined in the legislatively
• We certainly have done deep bipartisan work on this legislation, and we're not done by any means this
• We certainly have done deep bipartisan work on this legislation, and we're not done by any means this
• through disabilities or behavioral challenges, that we are meeting our constitutional duty as a state legislator
• through disabilities or behavioral challenges that we are meeting our constitutional duty as a state legislator

Bills: HB1795, HB1634, HB1662, HB1683

Keywords: restraint, isolation, public schools, educational programs, student rights, mental health, behavioral support, education, school districts, student assistance, education agencies, administrative independence, superintendent, education reform, agency authority, school boards, district adjustments, administrative boundaries, educational governance, 904

Summary: The House Education Committee met in executive session on several bills, beginning with House Bill 1795 on restraint and isolation in schools. Staff described a proposed substitute that would prohibit mechanical, chemical, and certain physical restraints, restrict isolation as a planned behavior intervention, and require medical documentation and written parental consent for planned restraint. Members adopted amendments clarifying that imminent serious harm can include harm to another person, barring construction or remodeling of rooms designed primarily for student isolation, and adding a null-and-void clause was rejected. The committee then reported the bill out as amended on a 10-7 vote. The committee next considered House Bill 1634, a proposed second substitute on student behavioral health supports. The bill would direct OSPI and ESDs to develop a technical assistance and training framework with community partners to help schools access behavioral health prevention, intervention, and crisis resources. A proposed null-and-void amendment failed, and members emphasized that the bill was intended to provide optional support rather than impose mandates. The committee then approved the bill and reported it out on a 12-5 vote. Staff also briefed House Bill 1662, which would require certain education-related agencies to transition to separate administrative services and operational independence, with the effective date and related deadlines delayed by one year in the proposed third substitute. Members noted the bill had previously passed the committee unanimously, but no action was taken on it during this session. House Bill 1683, concerning school director district elections and enrollment thresholds, was also briefed, but the committee ran out of time before taking action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those cities are mentioned in some talking points, but not mentioned in the legislation.
• I appreciate the thought of this legislation being brought forward.
• I would like to remind us that last year, there were similar pieces of legislation that we couldn't get
• of those municipalities that is no longer listed and grandfathered into this particular piece of legislation
• But we don't want to hear that legislation.

Bills: HB3419, HB3624, HB3748, HB4335

Keywords: corruption, nonpublic information, government accountability, criminal law, public office, counties, property taxation, watercourse, boundaries, effective date, county government, administration, local resources, public institutions, construction, maintenance, animal welfare, pet shops, commercial breeders, county regulations

Bills: HCR3018

Keywords: water rights, wetlands, inundated lands, taxation, property tax, drainage, flooded land, seasonal wetlands, meltwater, navigability, jurisdiction, county tax rolls, agricultural land, soil health, wildlife habitat, environmental regulation, public health, land ownership, riparian, drain and fill

Summary: The Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee was brought back to order and first took up a conference committee report on House Bill 1151, which concerns cultured meat. Members noted that the House had refused to concur with the Senate amendments and that the bill had previously been turned into a study. The committee discussed appointing conferees, with Randy identified as chair and Weston agreeing to serve as well. The chair explained that because the House did not concur with the committee’s change, further action would be needed and the House would chair the conference committee since it is their bill. Members briefly discussed whether additional conferees were needed, but no further names were settled beyond those mentioned. The committee also reported that Representative Porter could not be reached, leaving the committee at a standstill. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned until 9:00 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• opportunity to put in a late bill for a different study for wetlands, and then it was requested by me, by Legislative

Bills: HCR3018

Keywords: water rights, wetlands, inundated lands, taxation, property tax, drainage, flooded land, seasonal wetlands, meltwater, navigability, jurisdiction, county tax rolls, agricultural land, soil health, wildlife habitat, environmental regulation, public health, land ownership, riparian, drain and fill

Summary: The Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Concurrent Resolution 3018, which was amended to expand a study of wetlands and jurisdictional water issues, including questions about taxing authority over land inundated by water. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the resolution as amended on a roll call vote, with all members present voting yes or aye. Senator Weston agreed to carry the measure. The committee then considered House Bill 1581, relating to funding for the Native American Tourism Alliance. Senator Marcellais explained an amendment restoring the funding level to $500,000 and adding a 10% tribal match. Members debated the budget impact and the likelihood of the bill surviving in that form. The amendment failed on a 3-3 tie, after which the committee moved to the original House version. That version, with $100,000 total funding and matching requirements, received a 4-2 do pass recommendation and was sent to Appropriations, with Senator Marcellais designated as carrier. The committee also discussed House Bill 1541, which would create a new commission to oversee septic systems, but members indicated a preference for a different approach already moving in the House that would place licensing and oversight under DEQ with health units still handling inspections. No final action was taken on that bill. Finally, the committee reviewed House Bill 1280, a water/drainage-related measure involving voting eligibility for landowners who have not paid assessments, but members raised legal questions and deferred further action. The committee also discussed broader concerns about a chemical-labeling bill and related public emails, then recessed until the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• permanent legislative committees, and the legislative department.
• in June, legislation required that we had that done.
• Within the legislation, the legislation required us to have a work group established before the end of
• Outlined in the legislation.
• But I think that this legislation is actually working.

Bills: HB1

Keywords: feed bill, legislative appropriations, legislative branch, New Mexico Legislature, general fund, legislative council service, legislative finance committee, legislative education study committee, house chief clerk, senate chief clerk, per diem, mileage, session expenses, interim committees, district staff, capitol complex, capital outlay data system, legislative processing system, redistricting, census redistricting

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm with the Legislative Finance Committee and with the Department of Health.
• And one thing that we as legislators do is we go to a lot of meetings.
• I'm Ruby Ann Iskebel with the Legislative Finance Committee.
• We have our director of legislative and executive affairs, Lindsay Bachman.
• staff and legislators.

Bills: HB1

Keywords: feed bill, legislative appropriations, legislative branch, New Mexico Legislature, general fund, legislative council service, legislative finance committee, legislative education study committee, house chief clerk, senate chief clerk, per diem, mileage, session expenses, interim committees, district staff, capitol complex, capital outlay data system, legislative processing system, redistricting, census redistricting

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I move we go to that order of business: introduction of legislation.
• . ...offices looking to meet their representatives and legislators.
• biennium equally between two regular legislative sessions, not to exceed 4, Legislative biennium equally
• session and the permanent legislative committees and the legislative department.
• And with that, I would... ...and the permanent legislative committees and the legislative department.

Bills: HB1

Keywords: feed bill, legislative appropriations, legislative branch, New Mexico Legislature, general fund, legislative council service, legislative finance committee, legislative education study committee, house chief clerk, senate chief clerk, per diem, mileage, session expenses, interim committees, district staff, capitol complex, capital outlay data system, legislative processing system, redistricting, census redistricting

Transcript Highlights:

• And in the chart on this page, you can see for the legislative projects expenditures and balances on
• So you Received a draft list of local requests from legislative council earlier this week, and they have
• I think on the legislative.
• we're kind of looking at with the reforms proposed this session are putting at least a few more boundaries
• And then, you know, certainly, I mean, if you wanted to include more kind of boundaries around what had

Bills: HB1

Keywords: feed bill, legislative appropriations, legislative branch, New Mexico Legislature, general fund, legislative council service, legislative finance committee, legislative education study committee, house chief clerk, senate chief clerk, per diem, mileage, session expenses, interim committees, district staff, capitol complex, capital outlay data system, legislative processing system, redistricting, census redistricting

Transcript Highlights:

• permanent legislative committees and the legislative department.
• For example, next year's session preparations, interim legislative expenses LCS operations, the legislative
• And then section five addresses the Legislative Finance Committee Section six, the Legislative Education
• for the Legislative Council Service, and it Is customary, maybe up to once a year, where the Legislative
• this legislation if it receives.

Bills: HB1

Keywords: feed bill, legislative appropriations, legislative branch, New Mexico Legislature, general fund, legislative council service, legislative finance committee, legislative education study committee, house chief clerk, senate chief clerk, per diem, mileage, session expenses, interim committees, district staff, capitol complex, capital outlay data system, legislative processing system, redistricting, census redistricting

Transcript Highlights:

• It took blood, it took sweat, it took tears, it ultimately took legislation to create not a promise,
• The court also did not tell us to come back to this body to have a legislative session.
• So, there is have a legislative session.
• I mean, as a woman legislator, Uh never.
• What impact will it have on this legislation? Uh, I don't think it'll have much effect.

Bills: HB1

Keywords: HB1, Alabama, elections, primary election, special primary, runoff, congressional districts, redistricting, reapportionment, district boundaries, federal court, injunction, judgment, Governor proclamation, nominee certification, party nominee, general election 2026, election calendar, voting rights, congressional race

Transcript Highlights:

• body passed in 2023 and this legislative body passed in 2023 and was<00:08:42.560><c> signed</c><00:
• body passed and the governor legislative body passed and the governor signed<00:09:47.440><c> into</
• </c><00:18:31.120><c> dis-</c> says you cannot change legislative dis- says you cannot change legislative
• And that's up to you legislators.
• </c> And that's up to you legislators. And that's up to you legislators.

Bills: HB1

Keywords: HB1, Alabama, elections, primary election, special primary, runoff, congressional districts, redistricting, reapportionment, district boundaries, federal court, injunction, judgment, Governor proclamation, nominee certification, party nominee, general election 2026, election calendar, voting rights, congressional race