Transcript Highlights:

• as well as training programs and other<00:14:35.760> provider<00:14:36.519> supports.
• But I think something that training.
• So having a, you know, there is a quasi-judicial process that becomes a judicial process, right?
• judicial process that becomes a judicial judicial process that becomes a judicial process,<01:30
• prosecutors um for you know for judicial prosecutors um for you know for judicial action<01:31:28.480

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Our other behavioral health training folks from Highlands University to also share.
• Psychology program that also trains and puts behavioral health workers into the field.
• We started training school counselors in 1968.
• And what type of training are they getting?
• To train their taste buds early. But yeah, so...

Transcript Highlights:

• The biggest concern is primarily the judicial wing parking lot that can get pretty full, and we have
• So this is in the judicial wing on the first floor.
• So this is in the judicial wing on the first floor.
• training, and tactical training sessions.
• training, and tactical training sessions. conferences, visual training, and tactical training sessions

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum present and approved the March 18 minutes. The committee first heard an update from the Petroleum Council on oil and gas activity, which described North Dakota production as holding steady around 1.1 to 1.2 million barrels per day despite lower prices and market volatility. The presentation emphasized that efficiency gains, longer laterals, and improved completion technology are allowing operators to sustain output while activity shifts north in the Bakken. Members asked about gas taxation, natural gas liquids, flaring, and enhanced oil recovery; the witness said gas is taxed by volume, most liquids are handled through oil lines or gas processing, and the state’s EOR pilot projects and new gas infrastructure are intended to help hold production flat and expand future recovery. The committee then received a presentation from the Tax Department on the federal “big beautiful bill” and its effect on North Dakota income tax collections. The department explained that most of the federal changes were extensions of existing Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, but several items — including the larger standard deduction, senior deduction, tip and overtime exclusions, auto loan interest deduction, and business expensing changes — affect state collections. Revised estimates showed a smaller-than-expected impact on individual income tax, with the department suggesting a net cash effect in the range of roughly $30 million to $35 million when business and individual effects are combined, plus a possible one-time distortion from large oil-field transactions in fiscal year 2025. Members asked which provisions apply to standard versus itemized returns, and the department clarified that most of the individual provisions apply broadly, while the SALT-related item is itemizer-specific. OMB then reported on major capital projects and facility funding. Updates included Capitol grounds improvements such as 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding, augmented reality displays for the Rough Rider Hall of Fame, tree management and lighting studies, and restroom and parking reconfiguration in the tower. OMB also described security upgrades at the governor’s residence, where human remains were discovered on site and are being handled with historical and legal review. The state hospital project in Jamestown remains on schedule for substantial completion in winter 2027 and opening in spring 2028, with costs currently estimated a little over $292 million and a line of credit expected to be drawn in April 2027. The North Central State Office Building in Minot is under construction, with a $5.6 million line of credit already accessed. OMB also reported on the State Facility Maintenance Fund, noting about $1.1 million spent so far on projects such as the Liberty Memorial Building roof and foundation work, Capitol window replacement, boiler replacement, and kitchen remodeling. Finally, Legislative Council staff reviewed the interim compliance report on legislative intent and state trust funds. The report highlighted the status of multiple lines of credit, including those for the state hospital and Minot office building, and noted that the executive budget will likely need to include repayment planning for about $350 million of expected outstanding balances. Other updates included the Bank of North Dakota profit transfer schedule, litigation pool spending, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, the Missouri River Correctional Center planning effort, HHS items such as FMAP and child care assistance, Job Service’s unemployment insurance modernization project, and DPI school aid turnback estimates. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today I'm here to present AB 2152, a bill that offers judicial streamlining for fire stations and offers
• These amendments are as follows: changing judicial streamlining from 365 days to 270 days to align with
• We believe that this partnership is essential to ensure that... ...clinical training.
• CJAC supports this judicial streamlining bill. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Second, the bill invests in training and preparedness.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Up to a half a cent over 20 years, to total 25 million for the East Metro Public Safety Training Facility
• Up to a half a cent over 20 years, to total 25 million for the East Metro Public Safety Training Facility
• Up to a half a cent over 20 years, to total 25 million for the East Metro Public Safety Training Facility
• Up to a half a cent over 20 years, to total 25 million for the East Metro Public Safety Training Facility
• for construction of a new judicial for construction of a new judicial center, center, center, >

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• harder to qualify, like more frequent eligibility renewals and requirements for documented work, training
• ,<00:12:19.160> or for documented work, training, or for documented work, training, or volunteer
• So, we've taken judicial discretion from the courts, and there must be a mandatory minimum sentence in
• So, we've taken judicial minimums.
• So, we've taken judicial discretion<00:41:43.280> um<00:41:43.480> from<00:41:43.880>

Bills: SCR96, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166, SCR182, SCR7, SCR59, SCR58, SCR60, SCR89, SCR184, SCR11, HB2296, HB2315, HB2343

Keywords: electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience, energy analysis, cost reduction, financial risk, Hawaii PUC, energy self-sufficiency, natural gas, energy transition, ratepayer protection

Transcript Highlights:

• the Withlacoochee or Wakulla training centers.
• That work involves science, technology, training, and strict compliance at every step.
• SB 50 would allow judges in all judicial circuits the option of using veterans' courts, and so.
• SB 50 would allow judges in all judicial circuits the option of using veterans' courts.
• allow judges in all judicial circuits the option of using veterans' courts.

Summary: The committee heard several bills and took favorable action on a number of them. CS/CS/SB 54 by Senator Sharif would require district medical examiners to perform toxicology screening for psychotropic drugs and intoxicating substances in autopsies of identified violent offenders, consult treating providers when available, document findings, and report results to state agencies; it passed after brief questions and one opponent waived against. CS/SB 176 by Senator Polsky would require public colleges and universities to publish clearer campus safety reporting and response procedures for threats to students, faculty, or staff; it also passed favorably with no opposition. CS/CS/CS/SB 290, the Florida Farm Bill by Senator Trumbull, was the longest item and drew extensive testimony. The bill covers fair association rules, preemption of local limits on gas- and diesel-powered farm equipment, surplus of certain state-owned lands for agricultural use, a food animal veterinarian loan repayment program, permanent funding for Farmers Feeding Florida, forest service training, signal jammer penalties, CDL exam cheating penalties, no-solicitation protections, inspector protections, biosolids rules, and contractor payment enforcement. Members adopted multiple amendments, including changes to contractor payment language, expanding vet loan repayment to equine vets, merging citrus research entities, technical updates to fair statutes and nonprofit definitions, and a late amendment removing the bill’s disparagement/free-speech section after significant public testimony and debate. A separate late amendment on biosolids delayed compliance timelines for Broward County, and the bill then passed favorably as amended. The committee also approved CS/CS/SB 834 on nonprofit religious organizations, which repeals a restriction on health care sharing ministries partnering with licensed insurance agents, while adding a disclaimer requirement through amendment; the bill passed with support from some faith-based and consumer groups and one waiver against. SB 936 on temporary door locking devices passed without opposition. CS/SB 50 would expand veterans’ courts statewide as an option in all judicial circuits for service-related issues such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and substance abuse; it received broad support from veterans and advocacy groups and passed favorably. CS/SB 1004, in strike-all form, would regulate dog and cat sales by requiring disclosure of medical records and financing terms, adding a three-day waiting period for financed purchases, and treating violations as unfair trade practices; an amendment removed an appropriation section, and the bill passed after questions about financing and pet retention. The committee then approved CS/CS/SB 178, which directs the Florida High School Athletic Association to adopt rules allowing coaches to provide good-faith support to student-athletes for basic needs like food, transportation, and recovery services, while requiring reporting and preserving anti-recruiting enforcement; members discussed possible parental-consent language, and the bill passed favorably. Finally, the committee began hearing CS/SB 198 on virtual currency kiosks, with Senator Rouson explaining that it would regulate crypto kiosks to combat fraud, require operator registration, fraud warnings, blockchain analytics policies, and transaction limits, but the transcript cuts off before further action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• court operations, improves access to court reporters, and benefits litigants, attorneys, and the judicial
• court operations, improves access to court reporters, and benefits litigants, attorneys, and the judicial
• Under current state law, officers must obtain a judicial warrant to search any electronic device, even
• legitimate issues around the fact that they don't themselves hold down anesthesia permits or not trained
• So I'm hoping that But, um, ...hold anesthesia permits and are not trained in anesthesia, so I'm hoping

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a long Daily File with several major policy bills and multiple commemorative resolutions. The most debated measure was AB 379 on human trafficking and child exploitation. The bill was presented as a stronger, more comprehensive version that increases penalties for adults soliciting minors, adds a loitering offense tied to purchasing commercial sex, raises fines for businesses that facilitate trafficking, creates a Survivor Support Fund, and establishes grants for victim services and vertical prosecution. Several members spoke in support, while Assemblymember Sharp-Collins raised concerns that the loitering provision could be vague and disproportionately enforced against Black, Brown, and LGBTQIA+ people. The bill passed after debate, with the clerk reporting 72 noes and the measure still passing. The Assembly also passed AB 1415, which expands the Office of Health Care Affordability’s authority to review more health systems, private equity and hedge fund acquisitions, and managed service organizations in order to better track cost drivers and medical debt. Other policy bills approved included AB 711 on coordinating court reporters for motion hearings, AB 1142 on horse event entry fees, AB 309 on preserving access to sterile syringes for HIV and hepatitis prevention, AB 358 on allowing victims to consent to searches of hidden surveillance devices like AirTags and spy cameras, AB 592 on outdoor dining for restaurants, AB 1341 on clarifying contractor licensing violations, AB 752 on easing child care center siting, AB 1166 on extending debt-settlement rules to commercial financing, AB 806 on mobile home resident cooling rights, AB 972 on explicit sex discrimination protections in higher education, AB 416 on emergency room 5150 authority, AB 632 on expedited collection of penalties for serious local code violations, AB 672 on PERB notification and intervention rights, AB 876 on CRNA scope of practice, and AB 760 on temporary mobile home housing after disasters. Most of these measures passed with broad bipartisan support, though AB 672 drew sharp opposition from Assemblymember DeMaio over concerns about PERB and state bureaucracy. The chamber also adopted several resolutions recognizing May observances and public service groups. These included ACR 63 designating May as California Fairgrounds Appreciation Month, ACR 69 for California Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being Month, ACR 76 for California Small Business Month, ACR 77 for Drowning Awareness and Prevention Month, HR 36 for Lung Cancer Action Week, HR 39 for National Public Works Week, and HR 41 for National Hospital Week. Members used the resolutions to highlight local institutions, public health, and community services, and each was adopted after co-author rolls and voice votes. The session ended after the Assembly completed the day’s file and moved through a series of routine procedural motions and adjournment-related business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Council had no Standards and Training Council had no problem<00:31:08.680> at<00:31:08.840>
• concurrent motion and allow the judicial concurrent motion and allow the judicial process<01:17:
• And yet we are told that the process that was followed was a sober, quasi-judicial process. Mr.
• sober, quasi-judicial process. Mr. sober, quasi-judicial process. Mr.
• ,<04:15:52.400> it Speaker, if this was quasi-judicial, it Speaker, if this was quasi-judicial

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Harbor, whether it's been from training, Harbor, whether it's been from training, um<00:24:16.720
• Highly trained staff in a safe, welcoming environment offer youth a space to heal and thrive.
• c> a<00:28:27.560> safe, Highly trained staff in a safe, Highly trained staff in a safe, welcoming
• <00:36:46.600> their<00:36:46.760> 50,000 having us train their 50,000 having us train
• <01:30:04.520> precedent,<01:30:05.080> or audit, judicial precedent, or audit, judicial

Bills: HF4234, HF3697, HF1183, HF4738

Keywords: HF4234, Minnesota private activity bonds, tax-exempt bonds, bond cap, aggregate bond limitation, residential rental projects, multifamily housing, affordable housing finance, housing bonds, public finance, bond allocation, private activity bond cap, Minnesota Statutes 474A.02, tax committee, tax refund, Minnesota Statutes, time limit, claims, tax overpayment, taxation

Summary: The committee first adopted the April 14, 2026 minutes as amended, correcting a misspelling in the reference to Chair Davids. It then heard House File 4234, a tax-exempt bonding/affordable housing bill from Representative Rey Rower, and adopted a technical A1 amendment before laying the bill over for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill. The bill would conform Minnesota law to recent federal changes to low-income housing tax credit rules by lowering the amount of tax-exempt bonds needed for projects to qualify, with the stated goal of spreading bond allocations across more projects and increasing affordable housing production without additional state funds. Testimony in support came from the bill author, the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, and Mary Tingerthal, who said the change would increase efficiency in the use of federal bond authority and could raise the number of funded housing projects from about 16 to 25 per year, bringing in roughly $120 million more annually for housing. Members discussed where the benefits would be felt statewide, including greater Minnesota and larger metro areas, and the author said the bill would help address shortages in affordable and senior housing. The committee took no final vote on the bill, instead laying it over. The committee next heard House File 3697 from Vice Chair Norris, which would change Minnesota’s tax refund claim timelines to better align with federal law and most other states. The author and a tax attorney testifier said the bill would reduce confusion and help taxpayers, especially vulnerable individuals who may overpay or be overassessed and then miss the current deadline to seek refunds. The Department of Revenue said it had no concerns with the language and did not oppose the bill, and the committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill. Finally, the committee began hearing House File 4738 from Representative Keeler, a Safe Harbor funding proposal for victims of sex trafficking and sexually exploited youth. The author described Safe Harbor as a statewide program serving youth across Minnesota and said the committee should consider creative funding options, but Chair Davids stated the proposed funding source would not work because it would take money from women’s sports scholarships. Testifiers from Lake House in Duluth and a former Safe Harbor youth described the program’s impact on homeless and trafficked youth, including shelter, mental health services, education, and transition to adulthood. The hearing continued with testimony, but no action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, they've trained. So, first of all, those people are getting training, right?
• Well, they've trained. So, first of all, those people are getting training, right?
• Well, they've trained. So, first of all, those people are getting training, right?
• :44.400> go the pe the businesses that train them go the pe the businesses that train them go
• Um, judicial what? What did right. Okay. Um, judicial what? What did you<04:31:32.880> say?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee worked through a series of budget amendments, mostly to House Bill 2 and related House Bill 1 changes, with members discussing whether to reduce or preserve funding for various programs. Early actions included approving an amendment to House Bill 219 that delays implementation of renewable energy-related provisions to 2027, and approving an amendment that removes a $150,000 appropriation tied to a housing-related database while allowing use of housing fund money for the project. The committee also approved an amendment affecting magistrates so they could continue pretrial and other judicial support work, while noting they would not handle bail and that the change reflected separate legislation already signed by the governor. Members then approved a series of administrative savings items in the Department of Administrative Services, including eliminating a long-vacant computer analyst position and reducing overtime and recruiting/subscription-tool budgets. They also approved an amendment cutting marketing and administrative support for the paid family leave program, with members emphasizing that the program itself would continue. A proposed cut to the WorkInvest NH program was discussed at length, with some members arguing it benefits workers and employers and others noting the cost is borne by employers; the committee ultimately set that item aside without taking action. The committee also debated and then approved a modest reduction to a BEA regional planning grant, despite objections that regional planning commissions provide valuable municipal support. The most extended discussion centered on the State Library. Representative Sweeney said he did not want to pursue a full cut of the library and instead favored a more targeted approach, noting that some federal funding for library services such as interlibrary loans and the Libby system may be at risk. Members discussed alternatives, including unfilled positions and other partial reductions, but no final action on the full library cut was taken in the portion provided. The committee also paused on some other items to gather more information before voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• , training, training, um um um logging<00:05:13.520> every<00:05:14.640> pesticide<00:05
• And if not, then how can we incentivize or train our workers to have a little bit of that?
• <00:15:01.160> our how can we incentivize or train our how can we incentivize or train our
• Do we train for when a brown tree snake falls out of a plane at PMRF? Are they ready?
• <00:42:39.720> on uh judiciously on uh judiciously on um<00:42:43.000> you<00:42:43.120

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard gubernatorial nominations for the Advisory Committee on Pesticides and the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. For GM 615, Matthew Liam was nominated to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, CGAPS, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau testified in strong support, citing his landscape industry leadership, pesticide training background, and prior service. Members asked about his experience in Australia and his approach to restricted-use pesticides; he said he avoided using restricted-use pesticides in his landscaping business but applied related safety and recordkeeping practices. Testimony was unanimous in support, with no opposition or comments. For GM 616, N. Young was nominated to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Support testimony from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council highlighted his experience with Lanai agriculture, Sensei, the Food Basket, Pacific Gateway Center, Kamehameha Schools, and institutional purchasing. In response to questions, he discussed balancing public and private funding, the need for adequate capitalization of agricultural projects, and using financial tools to help farmers and accelerate agricultural income streams. He also said the board should focus on making agricultural land productive and strengthening food security. The nomination drew strong support, with no opposition or comments. For GM 617, Jason Moniz was nominated to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council supported him, emphasizing his decades of veterinary and animal disease control experience, ranching background, and knowledge of biosecurity, leases, and livestock issues. Moniz said his priorities would be preserving agricultural land and water resources, improving biosecurity, supporting farmers and ranchers, and increasing food production in Hawaii. He also said he would be willing to speak up for agriculture and not let the department be sidelined. The nomination received 29 written and oral supports, with no opposition or comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the other point finally they make is this judicial review. They feel that...
• And the other point finally they make is this judicial review.
• LPNs are trained to assess during routine patient care.
• We train all of our patients.
• We train all of our patients.

Summary: The committee heard a personal privilege update on HB 1227, which Representative DeWitt said would return next week as a proposed HCR for a two-year study of the three-doctor panel after discussions with Dr. Nia Colotta. Better Louisiana also presented its new Leadership Louisiana Health Fellows Program, describing it as a data-driven leadership initiative focused on health care workforce, rural access, chronic disease, and other system issues; members discussed whether the program could also help generate policy research, including on managed care organizations. The committee then considered SB 427 on anatomical gifts. After adopting technical amendments, Senator Presley and Dr. Jeff White explained that the bill would strengthen organ donation law by creating a decision registry that records both yes and no choices, clarifying the legal effect of refusal, and codifying ethical principles such as the dead donor rule. Questions focused on organ viability, registry procedures, minors, and a Monroe case involving a disputed donor designation. Supporters included LOPA and the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 946, dealing with hospital price transparency and compliance with federal pricing rules, drew extensive testimony. Representative Landry and a witness from Patient Rights Advocate described it as a consumer transparency measure, but the Louisiana Hospital Association opposed the bill’s state-level enforcement and debt-collection provisions. Landry offered an amendment removing the debt-collection and affirmative-defense language, but after debate the substitute failed on a 5-6 vote and the bill was voluntarily deferred. The committee also reported favorably on SB 109, which revises membership qualifications for the Louisiana Emergency Medical Services Commission; SCR 20, urging federal flexibility on Medicaid redetermination for elderly and disabled beneficiaries; SB 216, allowing coroners to rely on licensed practical nurses for medical pronouncements of death; and SB 45, exempting certain gratuitous hospice houses from licensure, with testimony from hospice house operators and supporters. Finally, HCR 71 by Representative Chasson sought an LDH study of how Louisiana’s law and guidance on pregnancy-related emergency medications is working in hospitals, urgent care, and retail settings. Supporters said providers are hesitant to use medications such as misoprostol because of stigma and uncertainty, while opponents from Louisiana Right to Life argued the resolution was unnecessary and could create controversy. The discussion centered on whether the study should be narrowed or made more objective, but no final action on the resolution was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We train. We have counselors.
• We never want to leave anyone behind, but we do... you said we do provide um training for you said we
• de-escalation training as well?
• , but do staff also undergo de-escalation training as well?
• <01:20:07.880> protection workers are seeking judicial protection workers are seeking judicial

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Education met on January 30 and heard testimony on several bills, beginning with an announcement asking testifiers and members to keep remarks brief because of weather. The vice chair also explained that HB 440, relating to immigration issues in schools and state hospitals, was removed from the agenda because the proposal would not create meaningful legal protections and immigration policy is governed by federal law. The committee then moved through a series of education-related measures, with testimony largely from the Department of Education, the School Facilities Authority, the Attorney General’s office, unions, advocacy groups, and individual testifiers. On HB 330, concerning school impact fees, the School Facilities Authority supported the bill as aligning policy with implementation, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii said the fee accounts have accumulated large balances, including more than $20 million in impact fee funds and nearly $9 million from predecessor fair-share contributions, and urged that collected money be used rather than left idle. DOE said it would follow up on the balance and why it was not being used. On HB 1188, dealing with workforce housing, DOE and the Charter School Commission offered comments or support, the Attorney General suggested clarifying the phrase “within commuting distance” by using a mileage standard and adding repayment language, and HSTA, HGEA, and others supported the bill, with HSTA saying teachers need housing to be able to live and work in Hawaii. On HB 624 and HB 625, both related to school psychologists, DOE said it would participate in a work group on the pathway bill and supported the incentive program bill; school psychologists and related groups supported the measures, while one testifier said DOE should not lead the work group alone because school psychologists may work in many education settings beyond DOE schools. The committee also heard HB 1314 on youth mental health in schools. DOE described its student support process, universal screening tools, and behavioral health services, saying schools already identify and respond to concerns and that staff are trained to report issues, while the Attorney General warned the bill could expose schools to liability and recommended a broad liability waiver. Testimony was mixed, with several supporters and one opponent. On HB 616, concerning school safety and harassment protections for educational workers, the Attorney General sought clarifying amendments on harassment definitions, temporary restraining order costs, and paid leave, while HSTA, HGEA, and individual teachers strongly supported the bill, describing harassment incidents and arguing for a standardized statewide response. DOE said it already has reporting pathways, visitor codes of conduct, trespass notices, and an ethics hotline, but acknowledged implementation varies by school and that staff can escalate concerns if needed. The committee also began hearing HB 88 on a three-year pilot program for athletic travel, but the transcript cuts off before that bill’s testimony is completed or any votes are taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next one relates to judicial stays.
• On the judicial stays issue, uh, we had agreement on that.
• Um, on the judicial stays issue, uh, we had agreement on that.
• Uh there wouldn't be that much training.
• We got, I guess, training and equipment.

Bills: SF0045, SF0058, SF0067

Keywords: pari-mutuel wagering, simulcasting, historic horse racing, HHR terminals, horse racing, gaming commission, Wyoming Gaming Commission, local control, city approval, county approval, municipal approval, permit renewal, gaming permit, wagering regulation, racetrack, live pari-mutuel event, district court appeal, public notice, land use, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• also continued to invest<00:08:10.120> in<00:08:10.319> Workforce<00:08:10.879> training
• <00:08:11.720> the<00:08:11.879> trades invest in Workforce training the trades invest
• in Workforce training the trades and<00:08:12.479> credent<00:08:13.080> credentialing
• <00:43:11.000> branch hour and a half with the judicial branch hour and a half with the judicial
• asked for and of course the judicial asked for and of course the judicial branch<00:46:36.960>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee heard a briefing from the governor on her recommended fiscal years 2026-2027 budget. She described it as a “recalibration” that reduces general fund spending by about $150 million from the prior budget, avoids tax increases, and aims to protect vulnerable residents while supporting the economy. She said the proposal addresses a projected current-biennium deficit, cites lower-than-expected revenues and off-budget spending, and includes a hiring freeze and other spending reductions. The governor also said the budget is built on current revenue estimates developed with the Department of Revenue Administration and the state’s chief economist. Major policy areas discussed included education, public safety, health and human services, housing, and workforce development. The governor said the budget increases spending on public education and special education, expands Education Freedom Accounts to public school students, funds a cell-phone-free classroom grant program, continues the community college tuition freeze, and supports workforce training. She also highlighted investments in the Group II retirement system for first responders, Northern Border Alliance and drug interdiction efforts, child advocacy and victim services, mental health services, developmental disability services with no wait list, and a streamlined housing permitting process with a 60-day review target. Committee members raised questions about the fiscal assumptions, the impact of possible federal funding changes, the Education Freedom Account expansion, dam infrastructure funding, and workforce issues such as state employee pay and vacant positions. The governor said the budget continues funding for federal programs currently assumed, and that she would advocate for block grants and other federal flexibility. On dams, administration officials said the budget includes about $13 million in capital funding, with possible fee increases under consideration. On staffing, the governor said the budget funds the previously bargained 12% state employee increase, includes eight position reductions tied to program changes, and would allow those employees to be rehired if openings arise. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We take turns. where there is executive leadership training in that.
• We did lose some training grants that were then reinstated.
• They will have very structured training in order to be successful.
• . rigorous training in that we are one.
• there in a discipline-specific way as part of their GME and training.

Transcript Highlights:

• bit of judici judicial discretion. bit of judici judicial discretion.
• if there were some type of a a judicial if there were some type of a a judicial safety<00:26:06.799
• standards and training. standards and training. >> Thank<00:37:33.040> you.
• Um so if it is a go there and train.
• We've enhanced our training more often. We've enhanced our training of<05:29:04.638> officers.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m reading this bill, it kind of ties the hands of the judicial system in the sense where later on it
• system and it’s a singular item, I think at that point, the judicial system can And it’s a singular
• the hands of the judicial system, and that’s where my hiccup is.
• I’m okay with the first portion of it, but tying the hands of the judicial system, I don’t think that
• That's fine, but when we're taking away, we're tying the hands of the judicial system, I think that's

Bills: HB2043, HB2044, HB2108, HB2131, HB2132

Keywords: felony murder, unborn child, homicide, Arizona Revised Statutes, life imprisonment, death penalty, abandonment, concealment, dead body, class 5 felony, criminal offense, unlawful flight, eluding police, fleeing law enforcement, police pursuit, vehicle pursuit, reckless endangerment, felony enhancement, class 4 felony, class 2 felony

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first conducted a sunset review of the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board. The board’s executive director described its history, membership, and recent work on civil rights issues such as human trafficking remedies, service animals, hate-based crimes, housing, disability access, and rural concerns. With no opposition and no further questions, the committee voted to recommend continuing the board for eight years. The committee then heard HB 2131, which would make weapons and explosives trafficking involving three or more items a prison-mandatory offense and remove the financial-gain requirement from the trafficking definition. Support came from the sponsor, the Attorney General’s Office, and county law enforcement, who said the bill targets criminal syndicates and would not affect lawful gun dealers or private sales. Some members raised concerns about limiting judicial discretion and the effect on plea negotiations, but the bill received a do-pass recommendation by a 7-0 vote with one present. Next, HB 2132 proposed lowering the fentanyl trafficking threshold for enhanced penalties from 200 grams to 100 grams. Law enforcement and county attorneys argued the change would better address mid-level dealers and the volume of fentanyl seen in their counties, while opponents and some members warned it could sweep in addicted users and rely too heavily on mandatory minimums instead of treatment. Testimony also highlighted county reentry and treatment programs, especially Yavapai County’s “Reach Out” model. The committee approved the bill 7-2. The committee also considered HB 2108, which increases penalties for unlawful flight when the conduct is especially dangerous, including when it causes serious injury, involves a child, or occurs during a DUI. Law enforcement supported the bill as a public-safety measure, while an opponent argued it could worsen tensions and discourage compliance with police. Members also raised concerns about unmarked vehicles and public fear. The bill received a 6-3 do-pass recommendation. Finally, HB 2044, as amended, would increase penalties for abandoning or concealing a dead human body when done to conceal a crime or when the offender caused the death. Supporters said it closes a gap in statute exposed by recent cases, while opponents warned the language could be overbroad and potentially reach unintended situations; the committee adopted an amendment and then approved the bill 6-3.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill revises training requirements for bail bond agents by reducing mandatory in-person classroom
• My bill addresses critical gaps by mandating training for all school district personnel who interact
• The training is valid for five years and extends to charter schools, ensuring a comprehensive approach
• Every time that we can create any type of awareness and have people train for what I consider to be the
• So clearly they have the training and the experience to do the jobs that they're hired to do.

Summary: The committee first confirmed six appointees on a single roll-call vote, then took up a series of bills, many of them on land use, housing, public safety, child welfare, education, and professional licensing. Early debate centered on CS/SB 208, which would require development fees to better reflect review costs and impose objective compatibility findings for residential projects. An amendment folded in additional housing-related provisions, including manufactured housing and a study of urban development boundaries, prompting extended discussion about Miami-Dade’s Everglades protection area and local control. A late-filed rural-boundary amendment was withdrawn. The bill was reported favorably after support from business, housing, and advocacy groups, with some senators voicing district-specific concerns. The committee then approved CS/CS/SB 686 on agricultural enclaves after amendments added conservation easement, wildlife corridor, and critical state concern protections, plus a further Everglades-related amendment. Members discussed balancing smart growth, infrastructure costs, and protecting environmentally sensitive areas. Other land-use and growth bills also advanced, including CS/SB 1434 on infill redevelopment, CS/SB 1138 on qualified contractor pre-application review, and SB 218 limiting the reach of prior hurricane recovery zoning protections in counties not affected by the 2024 storms. SB 1474 on biosolids management was amended to reduce the distance threshold for land application restrictions and delay the effective date, and SB 1708 on veterinary licensure by endorsement removed a three-year recent-practice requirement to address shortages. Several public safety, health, and family-related measures also passed. CS/CS/SB 436 expanded felony battery enhancement to include resisting an officer with violence and certain law-enforcement battery offenses. SB 830 extended public-records protections to county and city administrators and related family information. CS/CS/CS/SB 600 revised bail bond rules, and an amendment preserved the current treatment of charitable bail funds and nonprofits; the committee heard testimony from The Bail Project and others on both sides. CS/SB 914 expanded dry-needling supervision options for occupational therapists, CS/SB 1092 clarified podiatric use of certain cellular/tissue products, and SB 1504 and SB 1718 updated insurance licensing and educator certification pathways. On the education side, CS/CS/SB 7038 made broad postsecondary changes, including tuition waivers, residency clarification, and licensure rules, while CS/SB 186 required seizure-response training and action plans in schools. The committee also advanced multiple child welfare and health bills. CS/CS/CS/SB 560 streamlined psychotropic medication procedures for children in state custody and added youth-voice and insurance-review provisions. CS/CS/CS/SB 902 combined several Department of Health changes, including medical marijuana distance rules, autism microcredential eligibility, a neurofibromatosis grant program, and NICU nutrition information. SB 1002 expanded child welfare definitions to address parental drug abuse and neglect, and SB 1708 eased endorsement licensure for out-of-state veterinarians. Most bills were reported favorably on roll-call votes, with several amendments adopted along the way and limited opposition or abstentions noted on some measures.