Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, it provides a one-year exemption for surplus lines flood insurance policies.
• Because anyone can be in a hospital setting where you require surgery.
• I'm not sure I understand what you mean by how many meet the requirements of the bill.
• But don't manufacturers over time update minimum safety requirements?
• They get to ignore them just because they're not required by federal law.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for two fallen service members, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, and several recognitions, including law enforcement officers and visiting students and advocates. Members then adopted the special order report and moved into the special-order calendar. The first major item was HB 7031, the annual tax package, which was explained as a broad measure covering sales tax holidays, property tax changes, tax credits, pari-mutuel tax reductions, vacation-rental tax collection, and decoupling from federal tax changes. Members asked about the fiscal impact of decoupling and the firearm-accessories holiday; supporters emphasized fiscal caution and the package’s mix of consumer and housing provisions, while opponents objected to the gun-related tax holiday. The bill passed 105-2. The House then passed CS/CS/CS HB 1177 on Space Florida and spaceport operations 107-0, with supporters saying it would strengthen Florida’s competitiveness in commercial aerospace. CS for SB 246 on specialty license plates also passed unanimously after a strike-all amendment that added several new plates, revised the Fraternal Order of Police plate, and tightened specialty-plate financial and nonprofit requirements. CS HB 697 on drug prices and coverage passed 100-0 after supporters said it built on prior PBM reforms by requiring fairer pharmacy reimbursement and limiting forced losses on drugs. CS/CS HB 1263 on the Office of Insurance Regulation passed 109-0 after an amendment clarifying fingerprinting requirements, and CS/CS HB 527 on insurance claim denials passed 100-0 with a requirement for human review before claims are denied or reduced solely by AI. The House also passed CS HB 1449 on the statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program 100-0 after narrowing the bill to out-of-network emergency services and claims at or below $50,000. CS HB 93 on protection from surgical smoke passed 178-0 after extensive emotional debate, with supporters describing it as a long-sought patient and worker safety measure requiring smoke evacuation systems in hospitals and surgical centers. Later, CS HB 1217 on prohibited governmental greenhouse-gas policies passed 29-0 after questions clarified that it would bar net-zero policies and related funding arrangements but not general energy efficiency or incidental emissions reductions; opponents argued it would preempt local climate and resilience efforts, while supporters said it protected energy reliability and affordability. The House then began debate on CS/CS HB 1461 on advanced nuclear reactors, with sponsors describing a framework for licensing and oversight of small modular and microreactors and supporters arguing it would help meet future energy demand and improve reliability.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is what we're, I mean, constitutionally, that is what we're required to do.
• That is what we're, I mean, constitutionally, that is what we're required to do.
• that this committee has picked, my motion is structurally balanced with $31 million in an ongoing surplus
• that this committee has picked, my motion is structurally balanced with $31 million in an ongoing surplus
• The military division is statutorily required to determine pay schedules comparable to those used for

Summary: The committee met in Joint Finance-Appropriations to review budget mechanics, the green sheet, and several budget-related bills and statewide decisions. Staff explained how the green sheet tracks FY 2027 impacts and reviewed bills including HB 503 (soil and water conservation consolidation savings), HB 556 (county jail per diem reimbursement increase), HB 559 (tax conformity with a large general fund impact), and HB 578. Members also discussed the 2026 Idaho Budget Rescissions Act, which would reduce FY 2026 appropriations under different scenarios, and the committee heard extensive debate over whether to use across-the-board reductions or more targeted cuts. After debate, the committee first adopted the substitute rescission motion for FY 2026, which set a 1% additional reduction above the governor’s recommendation, then approved a related motion transferring $22,366,500 from the Public School Income Fund to the General Fund. The committee then moved to statewide decisions and considered ongoing base reductions for selected state agencies. Three motions were offered: the governor’s recommendation, an additional 1% reduction, and an additional 2% reduction. After debate, the original governor’s recommendation passed on a 13-7 vote, while the 1% and 2% alternatives failed. The committee then turned to personnel benefit cost increases, including health insurance and other employer-paid benefits. Staff explained the different funding formulas and agency-specific fill-rate adjustments, and members raised concerns about the role of the Change in Employee Compensation process, salary savings, and whether the figures should be tied to future rather than current-year projections. Motions were offered for the DOGE working group recommendation and the governor’s FY 2027 recommendation for health insurance and variable rate changes, but the discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended, with no final vote shown on those motions.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we actually go further than that because federal law requires us that we have to provide the maximum
• Under legislative direction, it requires APD participation in DCF transition planning for young adults
• It requires APD participation in DCF transition, planning for young adults with development disabilities
• It's something that in the past has not been considered as required to stand.
• Does it require legislation? Is it rulemaking? Can you talk with us about that? You're recognized.

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee met to receive an update from the new director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities on implementation of House Bill 1103. The director said APD is working to update the funding algorithm through a contracted study due November 15, 2025, expand transparency on its website, launch an online crisis application by the end of 2025, improve client choice in qualified organizations and waiver support coordinators, and coordinate with AHCA on the managed care pilot and Florida HealthFinder listings for APD providers. He also said APD is working on family resource materials, a monthly newsletter, and stronger transition planning with DCF. Members asked about whether the new algorithm would include transportation and what services might change, but the director said the replacement model is still being developed and any new methodology would be implemented through rulemaking. Questions also focused on Family Care Councils, including the statewide council’s membership and appointment process; the director said the statute sets the process and APD is helping councils recruit and organize. On transparency, members praised the website improvements and asked for more interactive data tools. The director said APD would consider suggestions and continue expanding public reporting. The committee also discussed eligibility and waiver notices, including concerns about outdated language in APD letters and how autism cases are reviewed. The director said clinicians and behavioral analysts review cases and asked to see the specific letter. On the pre-enrollment list, the chair asked about the wait list, and the director said APD recently sent 5,612 service offers to people on the list and is working to better distinguish those who truly need services from those who do not. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it is required. It has always been required for a physician.
• It has always been required for a physician.
• That's a requirement of the bill. That we use federal money first.
• and removing certain in-service public safety telecommunicator training requirements.
• , and allowing the legislature to waive match requirements.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On page 143, this change revises the requirements for the blower door test.
• To require heat detectors in garages.
• You'll notice that the homes require a bollard in front of those items.
• You'll notice that the homes require a ballard in front of those, those items.
• If they're not building them, there's no requirements required by the code to put in wiring or protection

Summary: The committee first approved the January 29, 2026 minutes without objection. It then considered three RS drafts: RS 33116 on land use planning and short-term rentals, which Senator Harris said was intended to balance local control, property rights, and regulation of short-term rentals, including limits on business licensing requirements for smaller operators; RS 33133 on insurer investments, which Senator Guthrie said would give insurance companies more flexibility in making investments; and RS 33190 on PERSI reemployment rules, which Senator Lakey said would treat certain appointed officials filling vacancies the same as elected officials for retirement benefit purposes. All three RSs were moved to print and the motions carried. The committee also heard several gubernatorial reappointments. Kevin Settles was reappointed to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board and described his long service and focus on efficient administration. Todd Lakey was reappointed to the State Insurance Fund Board and spoke about the board’s customer-service improvements and ongoing changes. Representative John Weber was reappointed to the State Insurance Fund Board, and Robert Cuio was reappointed to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board; both were moved to the Senate floor with recommendations for confirmation, and those motions carried. The remainder of the meeting focused on three rule dockets from DOPL and the Idaho Building Code Board. Two dockets made temporary fee reductions permanent for factory-built structures and building permits, with no public comments and no impact on the general fund. The final docket adopted Idaho-specific updates based on the 2024 building, residential, and energy codes, including provisions on taller wood-frame buildings, mass timber, lithium-ion battery safety in garages, and an alternative prescriptive path to replace blower-door testing. Testimony from building officials and home builders strongly supported the changes as more flexible, affordable, and practical, and the committee approved all three dockets before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• SPECIFICALLY THE BILL ACCOMPLISHES THIS BY WIND MITIGATION DISCOUNTS REQUIRING MITIGATION DISCOUNT FORMS
• THE WAY WE HAVE BEEN REQUIRING THEM FOR THESE WELL-ESTABLISHED PLACES SO STAKEHOLDERS REACHED OUT TO
• IT'S GOT RESERVES FAR IN EXCESS OF WHAT'S REQUIRED UNDER THE STATUTES OF THE LAW.
• ONE HAS TO DO WITH CHANGES IN THE MINIMUM RESERVES WHICH WOULD REQUIRE TO RESERVES RATHER THAN ONE.
• I SHOULD CLARIFY THAT REQUIREMENT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• “The $70 million is a contingency that would come from surplus.
• Well, would that meet the requirements for the federal match?
• And does this meet that requirement?
• The resolution requires us to waive it. We've waived it.
• Why is it required from a bond repayment perspective?

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires the heir finder agreement to be in writing, signed, filed with the court within 30 days after
• the transactions and requires the Attorney General to reimburse the paying party for any filing fee
• There is an amendment Lima offered by Senator Holy, which would require the Attorney General's office
• It requires the offense to be for the reckless interference with active emergency operations, and it
• It requires the offense to be for the reckless interference with active emergency operations, and it

Summary: The committee took executive action on a series of bills, beginning with Engrossed House Bill 2445 on heir finder services and probate. Members adopted Striking Amendment Alpha, which added definitions and guardrails for heir finder agreements, including written filing and court oversight requirements, and then advanced the bill as amended to the Rules Committee. A second proposed striker, Bravo, was rendered out of order after Alpha was adopted. On Engrossed House Bill 1574 concerning access to life-saving care and substance use services, the committee considered several competing amendments. Amendment Charlie was rejected, while Amendment Delta was adopted to narrow protections and add public health and syringe service program provisions. Amendment Echo, which would have limited distribution of drug testing equipment to health care facilities and excluded syringe and smoking equipment, was rejected. Amendment Foxtrot, dealing with fentanyl endangerment and parenting sentencing alternatives, was withdrawn after discussion and then incorporated into a new striking amendment; the bill as amended was sent to the Rules Committee. The committee also adopted a striking amendment on Second Substitute House Bill 2333, expanding protections for elected officials and prosecutors, including security provisions, address confidentiality, residential address redaction, and limited criminal history information sharing, and sent it to Ways and Means. The committee next acted on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548 on health care market standards, adopting Amendment Hotel to exempt state-owned or state-operated entities and public hospital districts from filing fees, rejecting Amendment India on fee calculations and refunds, and then sending the bill as amended to Ways and Means. On Engrossed House Bill 2156 regarding Attorney General investigators, the committee rejected several amendments that would have limited criminal investigations, required additional certification, redirected recovered funds, or narrowed the definition of economic and financial crimes, then advanced the bill as amended to the Rules Committee. It also adopted striking amendments on Second Substitute House Bill 1909 creating a court unification task force and Substitute House Bill 2203 creating reckless interference with emergency operations, sending both bills onward. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2508 on the Office of Independent Investigations and Substitute House Bill 2248 on corporate filings were advanced without amendments, and the committee removed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2095 on vulnerable users of public ways from the day’s exec list. The meeting ended with final votes, committee recommendations, and adjournment, marking the last Law and Justice Committee meeting of the 2026 session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, Senator, that would require special language for that, you know, to be put in place.
• And, Senator, that would require special language for that, you know, to be put in place.
• There's DFA for the pregnancy transfers from general revenue allotment reserve, which is a surplus transfer
• There's DFA for the pregnancy transfers from general revenue allotment reserve, which is a surplus transfer

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• increasing taxes on Minnesotans, given what we have all seen on the increases and the spending of the surplus
• additional, you know, the reality of where we are in the state budget with the spending of an $18 billion surplus
• expect that as they continue to flaunt the rule of law, there will be cuts in areas that we are required
• In areas that we are required to provide those services with that, I think it's not going to be long

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ; amending Section 39-5717, Idaho Code, to revise provisions regarding shipping requirements; amending
• Section 39-5718, Idaho Code, to revise provisions regarding registration and reporting requirements;
• They haven't been used in decades, or they were just one-time requirements that have expired.
• It requires very special conditions: atmospheric conditions, cloud structure, regional climate.
• It requires two-thirds of the body, 47 votes, to pass.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The 2024 code addresses new requirements in structural safety, fire and life safety systems.
• On page 143, this change revises the requirements for the blower door test.
• And the homebuilders essentially, we volunteered to require heat detectors in garages.
• You'll notice that the homes require a bollard in front of those items.
• If they're not building them, there's no requirements required by the code to put in wiring or protection

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This takes $3 billion of the surplus.
• Act that requires the use of GPMS tracking.
• of their social studies graduation requirement.
• It doesn't really deal with that area of the law other than from a reporting requirement.
• HB 2884 by Landgraf relating to the required disclosure of.

Bills: SB5 , SJR3 , HB 11 , HJR72 , HB48 , HB27 , HB144 , HB37 , HB1481 , HB581 , HB1696 , HB2216 , HB 1035 , HB1633 , HB742 , HB754 , HB1689 , HB1690 , HB2669 , HB391 , HB517 , HB1775 , HB 1024 , HB1607 , HB252 , HB1716 , HB1562 , HB4116 , HB1866 , HB1741 , HB2103 , HB2637 , HB2884 , HB3707 , HB503 , HB 1089 , HB1757 , HB2986 , HB972 , SB365 , SB1786 , SB5 , SJR3 , HB14 , HB43 , HB36 , HB26 , HB149 , HB 121 , HB206 , HB136 , HB3114 , HB2733 , HB1732 , HB3700 , HB467 , HB 1130 , HB1846 , HB1442 , HB 1147 , HB2176 , HB2701 , HB805 , HB2890 , HB 1154 , HB1644 , HB2118 , HB1718 , HB2488 , HB2596 , HB2468 , HB484 , HB2578 , HB3204 , HB 1041 , HB307 , HB685 , HB538 , HB2525 , HB3125 , HB2027 , HB2894 , HB3077 , HB 106 , HB18 , HB 11 , HJR72 , HB48 , HB27 , HB144 , HB37 , HB1481 , HB581 , HB1696 , HB2216 , HB 1035 , HB1633 , HB742 , HB754 , HB1689 , HB1690 , HB2669 , HB391 , HB517 , HB1775 , HB 1024 , HB1607 , HB252 , HB1716 , HB1562 , HB4116 , HB1866 , HB1741 , HB2103 , HB2637 , HB2884 , HB3707 , HB503 , HB 1089 , HB1757 , HB2986 , HB972

Keywords: dementia, research institute, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, funding, grants, state health initiatives, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, licensing, reciprocity, regulation, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, interstate agreements, tax exemption, intellectual disability

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 3841 requires separate approval for each taxing jurisdiction.
• House Bill 3841 strengthens review committees by requiring annual meetings.
• House Bill 3841 would require formal economic impact study before approval.
• Policy disclosures that are required with this bill and jurisdictional impacts.
• And the ultimate at the end of the day, the net result is at 21 cent surplus.

Bills: HB3310 , HB4311 , HB3841 , HB3024 , HB3075

Committee: House General Government

Keywords: purchasing, compliance, state employees, longevity pay, contract management, unclaimed property, service charges, property fund, accountability, government transparency, local development, economic impact, voter approval, tax increment financing, review committee, public finance, blight, salary increase, bonus limits, job performance

Transcript Highlights:

• And my only question is, is this going to require a specific waiver for ACA to get a waiver to do this
• This amendment simplifies the procurement requirement by just requiring the area agency on aging to competitively
• Requires DCF to issue a regular license within the provider.
• For its existing programs, and it prohibits DCF from imposing additional licensure requirements.
• We figured out how much surplus money we project to have, and we said, let's spend that.

Bills: S1002 , S1016 , S1030 , S1594 , S1630

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Keywords: child welfare, substance abuse, neglect, parental rights, drug exposure, Medicaid, disabilities, employment, healthcare access, income eligibility, veteran benefits, minor clients, financial assistance, education services, Department of Children and Families, Department of Health, aging services, disability assistance, long-term care, Alzheimer's support

Summary: The committee considered several bills affecting children, disability services, aging, recovery residences, and foster youth benefits. SB 1016 codified the working people with disabilities program for Medicaid waiver recipients, with amendments removing automatic enrollment and improving information sharing between agencies; advocates testified that the program helps people with developmental disabilities work while keeping needed care, though they raised implementation and training concerns. The bill was reported favorably. SB 1002, as amended, clarified that evidence of acute or chronic parental drug abuse can constitute harm or neglect in child welfare cases and allow court intervention and treatment requirements; it was also reported favorably. SB 1594 would preserve veterans’ benefits for foster youth for postsecondary education or aftercare rather than using them as reimbursement to the agency, and it passed favorably. SB 1630 modernized aging and long-term care statutes, expanded emergency service authority, updated oversight of area agencies on aging and guardianship, and permanently established the Florida Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence; after two amendments, it was reported favorably. SB 1030, on recovery residences/substance abuse services, was amended with a substitute that narrowed transfer definitions, sped licensure for existing providers adding levels of care, and limited credentialing entities’ access to resident records; members noted it remained a work in progress, but it was reported favorably. The committee also held confirmation hearings. Robert Astellos, nominated as Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, described efforts to reduce the pre-enrollment list, improve transparency and customer service, expand family involvement, and streamline agency processes; multiple advocacy groups appeared in support, and the committee recommended his confirmation. The committee then unanimously recommended confirmation of the appointees on tabs 7 through 10. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 856 requires online listing platforms to include estimated property taxes on any residential
• I just wanted to ask you, the property taxes, the estimate, are you requiring that this be on, like,
• I just wanted to ask you, the property taxes, the estimate, are you requiring that this be... property
• with the federal government, meet their requirements, and we will go in there.
• We just got this report as required by the Legislature a few days ago.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And my only question is, is this going to require a specific waiver for ACA to get a waiver to do this
• So in codification, our hope is that the requirements will become more apparent, more people will be
• This amendment simplifies the procurement requirement by just requiring the area agency on aging to competitively
• Requires DCF to issue a regular license within the provider.
• We figured out how much surplus money we project to have, and we said, let's spend that.

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do get some state funds to state rental programs, state surplus.
• I don't know what the settlement was required. Yes, well, I don't know if we disclose it.

Summary: The House Natural Resources Committee met to consider House Resolution 1, which approves the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s annual State Integrated Coastal Protection Plan for fiscal year 2026-27. CPRA officials Michael Hare and Gordon Dove presented the plan, describing about $1.54 billion in proposed spending authority, a three-year outlook near $1 billion annually, and a portfolio of 143 projects focused largely on construction and implementation. They highlighted major work in multiple regions, including marsh creation, shoreline protection, levees, land bridges, barrier island restoration, the Birdsfoot Delta, Grand Isle, and the Barataria and Terrebonne basins, and said the plan is intended to restore roughly 12,000 acres and support coastal jobs and labor income. A major portion of the discussion focused on non-structural flood protection, especially home elevations and related measures being pursued with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Representative Sauer questioned whether this approach represented mission creep and whether CPRA and the state should be responsible for such programs. CPRA staff responded that non-structural measures have been contemplated in the master plan, but are now treated more programmatically and at a local level; they said the state is already involved as a non-federal sponsor in many projects and has used CPRA, HUD, and FEMA funding to help offset costs. Members also discussed the scale of the program and the need to determine which agencies should lead it. Chairman Dove emphasized that the coastal program is moving forward through regional, multi-parish projects and praised cooperation among parish leaders, levee boards, ports, state officials, and federal partners. He also stated that the Mid-Barataria sediment diversion is fully defunded, its permit and coastal use authorization have been terminated, and related contracts have been settled or are still being resolved in court. Members asked follow-up questions about the diversion settlement, project tracking, and the status of expropriation-related litigation tied to the canceled project. No vote on HR 1 was recorded in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Working Connections program is available to families who meet certain eligibility requirements and
• I'd like to note that all bills do not require future investments from the state.
• agency administrative rate and the portion of the vendor rate dedicated to wages, benefits, and required
• DSHS also does not anticipate new costs related to the requirements for verification of how funds are
• Additionally, other separate funds are required for certain purposes, such as the capital projects fund

Summary: The Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on several bills. Senate Bill 5109 would raise the mortgage lending fraud prosecution surcharge on recorded deeds of trust from $1 to $5 and remove the 2027 sunset on the surcharge and account. Committee staff said the change would generate additional revenue for county auditors and the Department of Financial Institutions to contract with prosecutors; King County and the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys testified in strong support, saying the current funding has eroded and the bill would better sustain mortgage fraud prosecutions. A question was raised about whether other budget funding could serve a similar purpose, but supporters said the dedicated surcharge/account structure was the best fit. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5500, which would require DCYF’s biennial child care report to include a current cost-of-quality study in addition to the market rate survey. Testifiers from Child Care Aware of Washington, child care providers, and the early education design team supported the bill, saying the market rate survey alone does not capture the true cost of providing quality care. Staff said the bill would have a small fiscal impact for DCYF. The committee then heard Substitute Senate Bill 5834 and Senate Bill 5835, both Department of Retirement Systems request bills: one would broaden use of pension fund interest earnings for fund-protection expenses beyond the 2025-27 biennium, and the other would raise the threshold for lump-sum payment of small monthly benefits from $50 to $250. Neither bill drew public testimony, and staff said the fiscal impacts were minimal. Later, the committee heard Engrossed Senate Bill 5872, which would create the Pre-K Promise Account for ECAP funding and allow gifts, grants, and donations to be used solely to expand the program. Supporters including rural health coalitions, the Balmer Group, and Snohomish County said the account would help expand access to early learning, especially in child care deserts; DCYF estimated staffing costs to administer the account. Substitute Senate Bill 6007 would direct WSIPP to study DCYF’s child welfare screening tools and their effects on outcomes, with a reported cost of about $234,000; there was no public testimony. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6019 would clarify home care agency rate-setting and require that no more than 20% of Medicaid home care rates go to administrative costs, with DSHS saying there would be no fiscal impact. Labor and caregiver witnesses supported it as a parity and accountability measure. Finally, Senate Bill 6065 would allow school districts in binding conditions or enhanced financial oversight to use transportation vehicle funds more flexibly, including temporary loans or permanent transfers with approval; a rural education representative supported the bill, and staff said OSPI would incur only modest administrative costs. The committee took no final action and adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• So every year the SECP is required to elect its officers.
• And so we'll just kind of go through the requirements.
• And then required work for the Select Committee.
• And then required work for the select committee.
• And then required work for the Select Committee.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Keywords: 904, all