Transcript Highlights:

• Code right now, or do we have to make any changes to Century Code to give you the authority to do some
• Current Century Code, everything you've discussed with us this morning is that. current century code
• Would there be any compensation to the city fire departments as well?
• Would there be any compensation to the city fire departments as well?
• And again, this is aggregate, so like there were four city agencies and 11 city—I'm sorry, I'm sorry,

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee was called to order, a quorum was established, and the minutes from the prior meeting were approved. The first major presentation came from Montana Public Employees Retirement System executive director William Hollahan, who gave an overview of Montana’s Volunteer Firefighters’ Compensation Act plan. He explained that the plan covers volunteer firefighters in unincorporated areas, is funded by 5% of state fire insurance premium taxes, and currently serves 228 departments with about 2,936 active members and 1,242 retirees. He described eligibility rules, annual training and reporting requirements, benefit levels for partial and full pensions, disability, death, medical, and funeral benefits, and said the plan is actuarially sound with roughly $60 million in assets and a funded ratio slightly above 100%. Committee members asked about prior-service credit, whether EMS personnel are included, the effect on recruitment and retention, and whether expanding coverage would require a funding analysis; Hollahan said prior service is not credited, EMS is not currently included, and any expansion would need financial review. Tim Walleen of Workforce Safety and Insurance then presented a draft North Dakota workers’ compensation solution for volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMS personnel. He explained that volunteer responders are already covered by workers’ comp for medical and wage-loss benefits, but the proposal would set a minimum annual wage of $30,000 for calculating wage-loss benefits for qualifying volunteers, with the benefit paid at two-thirds of that amount. Representative Porter suggested tying the volunteer definition to existing code rather than a fixed dollar amount, and Walleen agreed. Questions focused on whether search and rescue or other volunteer emergency services could be included, whether departments would face new paperwork, and whether volunteer organizations can already elect coverage; Walleen said there would be no additional paperwork and that volunteer coverage is already available. The committee also heard from volunteer fire service representatives and the state fire marshal. An Oakes-area firefighter, Mr. Olson, testified that small departments are struggling with retention, communication, and administrative burdens, especially around separate bookkeeping and funding rules for donated or fundraising money, and he said departments need clearer guidance from the state. State Fire Marshal Dr. Matthew Clark introduced himself and outlined a broader effort to improve education, support, and coordination for fire departments, including a planned 10% audit of certificates of existence beginning in 2027, more outreach through his office, and better assistance with training, reporting, and grant access. He said his office is authorized under current law to provide these services, but the role has been vague and underused. Finally, Arnagard Rural Fire District Chief Rick Schreiber testified in favor of new recruitment and retention ideas, including retirement-style benefits, health insurance, tax incentives, scholarships, grants, and more remote or regional training. He said volunteer departments are losing members, that local tax and donation funds are already stretched, and that any new retirement or incentive program should be sustainable and likely involve a mix of state and local support.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it was so successful that other cities wanted in.
• And there's oversight from the city of Dallas on the CVB.
• SAWS is an agency of the City of San Antonio.
• Second, the bill is to prohibit the offices of city manager and the city attorney from impeding operations
• Will you give your report to the full city council and not just the city attorney?

Bills: HB158

Keywords: public funds, lobbying activities, political subdivision, government spending, transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• We have people even today that say the code, the Idaho Code, is sufficient.
• license system that distilleries inside the city limits can utilize.
• license system that distilleries inside the city limits can utilize.
• Specifically, it moves IDAPA-15 to Idaho Code, Title 38, Chapter 15.
• It modernizes the Idaho Code. It's been over 30 years since this particular code has been updated.

Summary: The Senate convened with all 35 members present, approved the previous day’s journal, received committee reports, and heard several introductions and page swearing-in ceremonies. Messages from the Governor and House were read, and multiple bills were advanced through first and second reading, including measures on education civics instruction, irrigation districts, state symbols, county jail prisoner costs, foreign laws, police dogs, hospital districts, driver training, agriculture license plates, and forest products commission procedures. On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1254, which amends the Chiropractic Practice Act to clarify that certain certified chiropractors may prescribe limited products such as vitamins, minerals, fluids, and epinephrine for administration in their offices. The Senate also passed House Bill 533, removing the vehicle registration sticker requirement; supporters cited cost savings and modern plate-check technology, while opponents raised law-enforcement concerns. Senate Bill 1258 also passed after debate over a new distillery license for qualifying agricultural producers, with supporters framing it as a rural business and agritourism measure and critics warning about liquor-law carve-outs. The Senate further passed House Bill 502, which moves Idaho Forest Products Commission rules and related provisions into statute, and House Bill 555, a rewrite of solid waste facility law shifting more regulatory authority to the Department of Environmental Quality and updating landfill oversight. Votes on these bills were largely bipartisan, with HB 502 passing unanimously and the others passing by comfortable margins. The chamber then moved to miscellaneous business, announced a deadline for amendments, and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• diverse culture of the largest city in the Commonwealth.
• Speaker, the delegate from the city of Roanoke, yes, Mr.
• The Senate substitute helps us clean up the language of the code.
• From Richmond City, Delegate Cousins. From Richmond City, Delegate Cousins. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Delegate from Roanoke City, Doug Russell. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr.

Keywords: March 12, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Another code that typically gets put in that same boat is the National Electrical Code.
• “The other thing the International Code Council has just done in relation to the energy code, because
• And the only reason why that's in the plumbing code is because it's in the state sanitary code.
• And the only reason why that's in the plumbing code is because it's in the state sanitary code.
• Code.

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and the chair noting it was the committee’s last meeting of the session. The committee first considered Senate Bill 254, which would prohibit certain excess debit card surcharges and authorize enforcement by the Attorney General. After adopting technical amendments and a committee amendment requiring written notice before a private right of action, the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up Senate Bill 80 on broadband administration fees and GUMBO program closeout. Members questioned the proposed increase in administrative and contractor fees, the timing of project completion, and how withheld reimbursements would work for utility damage. After adopting several amendments, including cleanup language and a provision to restore the reimbursement process, the bill was reported favorably as amended, though the Louisiana Telecommunications Association voiced concerns about the withholding language and lack of a clearer fault-determination process. The committee next considered Senate Bill 469, updating the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law. Technical amendments were adopted, along with amendments clarifying that the bill’s 30-day notice to utility owner-operators is separate from existing GUMBO notice requirements and creating a rapid dispute-resolution process involving the Office of Broadband, the utility operator, and the local governing authority. Testimony from broadband and municipal stakeholders emphasized the need for quicker responses to excavation damage and better enforcement, while some witnesses raised concerns about the late amendment and the need for clearer recourse and standards. The bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 468, dealing with fuel rewards programs and fuel discount limits, was also amended to allow such discounts while capping them at $1 below the advertised price; it was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 131, concerning attorney’s fees and costs in professional licensing disciplinary proceedings, drew testimony from a cosmetology board representative and the Pelican Institute. Supporters argued the bill would curb incentives for boards to generate revenue through enforcement and give licensees a fairer opportunity to resolve cases; board testimony noted that some boards already have fee caps and that enforcement actions are relatively limited. After adopting an amendment clarifying when a licensee is the prevailing party, the bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 251 on critical infrastructure protection also received technical amendments and several substantive changes, including adding ports and airports to the definition of critical infrastructure, clarifying “significant access,” adding a knowledge requirement, and adjusting exemptions and enforcement timing; it was reported favorably as amended after testimony from State Armor representatives about foreign adversary threats. Finally, House Resolution 253 was introduced to create a task force to study how post-2005 building code additions and inspection requirements affect residential construction costs, with the sponsor explaining the goal was to gather industry input and return recommendations next session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Amending Chapter 12, Title 39, Idaho Code, by the addition of a new section 39-12-25, Idaho Code, to
• Amending Chapter 27, Title 22, Idaho Code, with addition of a new section 22, 27, 21, Idaho Code, to
• , to provide a correct code reference; amending Section 33-51, Idaho Code, to provide a correct code
• 33-101, Idaho Code, to provide a correct code reference; amending Section 33-111, Idaho Code, to provide
• a correct code reference; amending Section 33-114, Idaho Code, to provide a correct code reference;

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House convened with 61 members present, approved the previous journal, and received several messages and committee reports. Senate Joint Memorial 109 was filed for first reading, while House Joint Memorials 9 and 11 were returned from the Senate for enrolling. Committee reports advanced a number of measures, including House Bills 543, 552, 556, 602, 654, 652, 549, and 673, along with House Joint Memorial 15 and House Resolution 24, to various committees or calendars. The House also introduced several new bills and a joint resolution. These included bills on child care licensing and residential care oversight, foster care safety, administration services to cities, election procedures, sex crimes/video voyeurism, and education code corrections, along with House Joint Resolution 10 proposing a constitutional amendment on state-owned land. House Concurrent Resolution 29, concerning recognition of the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as foreign terrorist organizations, was referred for printing. House Concurrent Resolution 28, House Bills 620, 532, 629, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 115 were filed for third reading. On third reading, the House passed House Bill 501, which requires petition signature gatherers to display their names and, if paid, disclose who is paying them; House Bill 558, codifying protection of foster youth survivor benefits; House Bill 608, clarifying school district facility fund and repayment provisions; and House Bill 636, allowing school district facility funds to be used for lease-purchase arrangements. Each passed by voice or recorded vote and was sent to the Senate. House Resolution 21 and House Resolution 22, both related to administrative rules, also passed by voice vote. The House enrolled House Joint Memorials 9 and 11, heard announcements and visitor introductions, and then adjourned by motion until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• II, you can see the need for this in our city.
• in the building code.
• considering a violation in the building code doing his job he's he's following the code but the antiquated
• I've got to give credit to the City of Boston and the Commonwealth.
• 527 CMR state fire code.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on a range of public safety bills, with especially emotional testimony on the Maggie Hubbard Rental Safety Act, which would require short-term rentals to be inspected for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and require platforms or agents to verify compliance before listing. Rep. Hadley Luddy, Sen. Julian Cyr, and the Hubbard and Waldron families described the fatal Airbnb fire that killed Shannon Hubbard and her daughter Maggie in New York, saying the deaths were preventable and that the bill would save lives. Committee members expressed sympathy and support for the families’ efforts to turn their loss into legislation. The committee also heard testimony on a proposed peace officer oath (S. 1680), described by Sen. Lydia Edwards as a binding ethical standard tied to certification and recertification, with discipline and annual reporting to promote accountability and de-escalation. Rep. Tom Walsh testified for a bill requiring hotel and motel workers to be trained to recognize human trafficking and to post hotline signage, and later testimony supported a school safety data grant program to provide first responders with standardized, up-to-date school maps for emergencies. Another major topic was a bill to allow temporary door-locking devices in public buildings; supporters said the devices are removable, do not alter fire code, and could improve lockdown response during active shooter events. Additional bills discussed included measures to transfer the Office of Emergency Medical Services to EOPSS, increase penalties for unlicensed hood-system cleaning, expand membership on the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, and strengthen confidentiality for peer support and critical incident stress debriefings. Firefighters and fire chiefs also supported a bill to tighten penalties for violations of hot-work regulations, citing the 2014 Beacon Street fire that killed Lt. Walsh and Firefighter Kennedy. Law enforcement groups backed a package including a Blue Star plate and Blue Alert system for fallen officers’ families, stronger move-over penalties, and a memorial fund, while the State Police Association supported the move-over provisions but asked for further work on the special state police officer bill before final action. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It took government code 51.903.
• It took government code 51.903.
• This bill is about the offense of human smuggling in the Texas Penal Code.
• The Addison Police Department does not currently have our own city jail.
• Instead, we contract with a city in northern Tarrant County, ...currently have our own city jail.

Summary: The committee heard and laid out a series of criminal justice bills, with public and invited testimony on restitution, juvenile justice, child abuse reporting, public-safety protections, organ trafficking, property fraud, disaster-response worker protections, fentanyl exposure, emergency data disclosure, insurance-fraud investigations, blood warrant execution, human smuggling, and TJJD advocacy access. Several measures drew support from prosecutors, clerks, law enforcement, utility companies, and victims who described real-world harms and delays in current law; opposition or caution came from civil-rights and advocacy groups on bills involving expanded criminal liability, data disclosure, and juvenile-facility access. Most bills were left pending after testimony, with the committee later voting out SB 127 favorably and placing it on the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1666 would streamline restitution payments for parole or mandatory supervision cases by requiring TDCJ to include victim information when forwarding payments, shortening the period before unclaimed funds go to the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund, and clarifying confidentiality and contact procedures; county clerks supported it as an efficiency measure. SB 2776 would let TJJD disclose certain information, with written consent, to support the Credible Messengers Program, and SB 127 would extend limitations periods for failure-to-report child abuse and concealment offenses, with testimony emphasizing delayed discovery of abuse and the need for accountability. SB 1980 would increase penalties for assaulting or interfering with peace officers, parole officers, and community supervision officers, and SB 456 would raise penalties for organ purchasing/trafficking and create a more specific criminal framework for the offense; both drew strong support from law enforcement and victims. The committee also heard SB 2611 on real property theft and deed fraud, which would create separate offenses for real property theft and fraud, add a ten-year limitations period, require criminal judgments to be filed in county property records, and expand restitution and title-clearing remedies. Witnesses described forged deeds, stolen church and family properties, and long, costly efforts to restore title; county clerks and prosecutors said the bill would help victims and streamline civil remedies. SB 482 would increase penalties for offenses against utility workers during declared disasters or evacuation orders, prompted by reports of threats and assaults during Hurricane Beryl; utility representatives said the bill is needed to keep mutual-aid crews coming to Texas. SB 1234 would add fentanyl to the endangerment statute for vulnerable people, while SB 816 would allow providers to disclose electronic data in immediate life-threatening situations; both drew support from prosecutors and criticism from civil-rights advocates concerned about overbreadth and liability protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• certain exceptions, and amending Section 31-1423, Idaho Code, to provide a correct code reference and
• And to be clear, this has no impact on cities in any way.
• I went to the city council, talked to them about it. I was ignored.
• There is a business owner where the city has come in...
• Amending Title 67, Idaho Code, by the edition of a new Chapter 83, Title 67, Idaho Code to provide a

Summary: The House began with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the journal. Members also received communications including the designation of a substitute legislator and committee reports on pending and temporary administrative rules, with several rules approved and some recommended for rejection or exception. The Speaker outlined the day’s plan, noting the chamber would work through orders of business, suspend rules for selected bills, and likely finish for the day before returning the following week. A major floor debate centered on Senate Bill 1397, which would bring certain private sewer districts under Public Utilities Commission oversight for rates and related matters. Supporters argued the bill would protect private property owners in large private sewer districts from monopoly-like control, lack of recourse, and arbitrary rate or hookup decisions. Opponents argued sewer districts are already heavily regulated through DEQ and other requirements, that costs vary by system, and that the bill would expand government and create accountability problems. After debate, the House voted 18-51 with one pair recorded, and the bill failed to pass. The House then passed House Bill 952, the Secretary of State enhancement budget, which included funding for a voter pamphlet on constitutional amendments and initiatives and a 2% ongoing general fund reduction. It also passed Senate Bill 1426, the Idaho Transportation Department enhancement budget, and Senate Bill 1427, the Department of Lands enhancement budget. The chamber also introduced and referred several new bills, including measures on child care, taxation, abatement districts, homestead property tax relief, education, homeowners associations, and appropriations for Fish and Game, species/minerals/energy coordination, and corrections. Later, after recess, the House received additional Senate messages, introduced Senate bills on public health, stable coins, behavioral health, and water resources, and adjourned until Monday, March 30, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Like, in code. You can't just say one member from West Fargo and one from Fargo.
• And West Fargo would be the only other city within that connection that's over 40,000.
• Because nothing in code is keeping us from doing it or not doing it.
• But if I was running for city commission in Bismarck, I would. If that helps.
• There is certain reporting that's required under the trust codes and kind of the uniform trust code,

Bills: HB1162

Keywords: Lake Agassiz, water authority, board of directors, state highways, water management, 908, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1162, which would add the West Fargo mayor as a voting member of the Lake Agassiz Water Authority board. The sponsor and Fargo’s mayor argued West Fargo has grown into a major regional water stakeholder and should have a formal vote, while members questioned the board structure and why the change was not framed more specifically. The bill was supported in testimony, closed without opposition, and received a 6-0 do pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 1259 on annual legislative sessions and session structure. Members adopted an amendment that left the structure and logistics of sessions to legislative management rather than prescribing details in statute, after discussion about flexibility, committee workload, annual versus biennial sessions, and concerns about preserving debate and committee process. The amended bill received a 4-2 do pass recommendation, with some members voting no because they preferred a different committee recommendation or had concerns about the broader change. House Bill 1254, which would allow any North Dakota resident to obtain a State Library card, drew supportive testimony from the bill sponsor and State Library staff. They said the change would align law with current practice and expand access to books, e-materials, and other resources statewide, including for military families and out-of-state state employees. The committee closed the hearing and approved the bill 6-0. The committee also considered House Bill 1469, which narrows financial disclosure requirements so only business or trust interests directly related to the office sought or held must be disclosed. After brief discussion that the change would reduce unnecessary disclosure burdens, the committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a 6-0 do pass recommendation. House Bill 1368, dealing with administrative rules and the standard for challenging them, was opposed by committee counsel as too broad and legally problematic; the committee rejected it on a 4-2 do not pass vote. Finally, House Bill 1219, which would reduce the required perpetual care fund set-aside for certain cemeteries from 20% to 10%, received supportive testimony from the sponsor, cemetery representatives, and local users, but also concern about long-term fund health. The committee ultimately recommended do pass on a 5-1 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Every city in their codes and their ordinances outlays how permits are handled.
• Every city in their codes and their ordinances outlines how permits are handled.
• the code.
• Louis and Kansas City?
• Louis and Kansas City?

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Current Transportation Code statute found at 501.053 provides the process to apply for a bonded title
• The bill would amend the Transportation Code by adding a provision that allows for an applicant to apply
• Um, current Transportation Code statute found that 501.053 provides the process to apply for a bonded
• Uh, the bill would amend the Transportation Code by adding a provision that allows for an applicant to
• that's going to remain in county jurisdiction until they each individually choose to petition the city

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation heard several bills, mostly local memorial highway designations and transportation-related regulatory measures. Senator Hinojosa presented SB 1351 to designate part of US 281 in Hidalgo County as the Jose Rodriguez Lua Memorial Highway in honor of a Border Patrol processing coordinator killed by a drunk driver; a family member testified emotionally in support, and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard and left pending SB 2245 on bonded titles for vehicles when a lienholder has gone out of business, SB 1568 on animal-friendly specialty license plates with a second “spay, neuter, adopt” plate, SB 2589 on handling closed county roads in Webb County, SB 1104 on allowing large retailers to use one fingerprinted employee of record across multiple Texas locations, SB 1423 naming the Bill Stout Parkway in Longview, and SB 1931 naming part of US 83 the Rodolfo Valdez Memorial Highway. Most of these bills drew supportive testimony or were presented as local measures with no opposition. The committee also took up broader policy bills. SB 215 would create a digital identification program for Texas driver’s licenses and certain other licenses, but the sponsor said he was mainly laying the bill out for discussion and study; testimony was limited and the bill was left pending. SB 2707 would clarify that government entities such as TxDOT and the military remain exempt from fees on oversized/overweight permit authority, though a county commissioner raised questions about road-use impacts and fee revenue. SB 2807 drew the most discussion: it would prevent a motor carrier’s use of safety technology, training, and related practices from being used as evidence that an independent contractor is actually an employee. Supporters said the bill would encourage adoption of safety tools like cameras and braking systems without increasing misclassification risk, while opponents from the trial lawyers’ side warned the wording could conflict with existing labor-code definitions and create litigation. The sponsor and committee members discussed possible clarifying floor amendments. After public testimony, the committee voted on the pending bills. All measures were reported favorably on 6-0 votes, with committee substitutes adopted where applicable. SB 1351, SB 1423, SB 1568, SB 1931, SB 2245, SB 2589, SB 2707, SB 2807, and SB 2841 were all sent to the full Senate, and several were recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee recessed subject to the call of the chair after completing the votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Amending Chapter 44, Title 39, Idaho Code, by the addition of a new section 39-4434-34-4, Idaho Code,
• Amending Chapter 44, Title 39, Idaho Code, by the addition of a new section 39-44-40, Idaho Code, to
• Amending Chapter 44, Title 39, Idaho Code, by the addition of a new section 39-44-40, Idaho Code, to
• 44-40, Idaho Code, to establish provisions regarding the certification of a city, county, or health district
• Amending Chapter 44, Title 39, Idaho Code, by the addition of a new section 39-44-41, Idaho Code, to

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House convened with 69 members present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the journal. Members also received notice of a temporary substitute appointment for Legislative District 3, Seat B, and a Senate message transmitting enrolled Senate Bill 1225 for the Speaker’s signature. Committee reports then referred a large number of bills and resolutions to standing committees or to second reading, and several measures were advanced from committee with do-pass recommendations, including House Bills 620, 532, 629, 503, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 115, while House Bill 627 was placed on general orders and House Bill 648 was re-referred. On the floor, the House passed several bills. House Bill 528, on self-directed or directed blood donation, passed 52-17. House Bill 521, which moves fingerprinting/background-check authority for non-criminal-justice private entities into a new code section, passed 69-0. House Bill 498, allowing the Legislature to hire private counsel to initiate lawsuits in certain circumstances, passed 61-8. House Bill 539, tightening rules around temporary administrative rules and their justification, passed 67-2. House Bill 516, correcting an accidental leftover reference in the parental rights/education law, passed 59-10 after debate over its effect on instruction and parental opt-in rights. House Bill 522, addressing drones near correctional facilities and penalties for restricted-airspace violations and contraband drops, passed 62-7. House Bill 635, requiring the Education Professional Standards Commission to report possible criminal conduct to law enforcement, passed 66-8. House Bill 594, codifying a court decision on distribution of penalties and interest from late tax payments to subjurisdictions, passed 69-0. House Bill 610, preserving the homeowners exemption for people temporarily away on religious or community service missions, passed 48-20. The House also held House Bill 639 on the third reading calendar until February 20 and House Joint Memorial 12 for one legislative day. During announcements, members highlighted the Simplot Games in Pocatello, Idaho Food Bank outreach in the rotunda, Whammy Kids on the fourth floor, an Energy Caucus meeting, lunch hosted by the Idaho School Board Association, and girls’ state basketball tickets. The House then adjourned until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• of investment into their state while we're looking at driving billions of dollars out with our tax code
• There's a significant financial hole to fill for the county, the city, and the school.
• There's a significant financial hole to fill for the county, the city, and the school.
• There's a significant financial hole to fill for the county, the city, and the school.
• </c><00:16:01.040><c> and</c> hole to fill to the county, the city and hole to fill to the county, the

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• What we found out was that there were contradictions in state code as to what would happen if only two
• It didn't say in state code what we had to do.
• It didn't say in state code what we had to do.
• It didn't say in state code left out.
• I know I wouldn't want the city council where I live to reappoint anything.

Bills: SB42, SB166, SB42, SB166

Keywords: abandoned roads, land ownership, government regulations, property rights, transportation, Ten Commandments, public education, displays, funding, Alabama law, municipal elections, runoff elections, majority voting, electoral procedures, local governance, campaign finance, record retention, political action committees, Fair Campaign Practices Act, 1136

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation does not expand on when force may be used; those standards already exist in Idaho Code
• They're prohibited from doing that because they don't fall within the city limits.
• This is pursuant to 23-904, Idaho Code, which prescribes golf courses to have kind of a tiered system
• Now we look at this as being counterintuitive to what we would like to do. to 23904 Idaho Code, which
• Obviously, if we were within the city, we could buy one of these 14... ...as Roger just explained.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• our own cities.
• The citizens of our cities are who elect us.
• we're hearing in the city of Eagle, what we're trying to accomplish in the city of Eagle, trying to
• Think about what that means for our cities.
• , and then other people move into these cities and decide, well, we want our city to look this way, and

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from March 25 and March 27, then took up Senate Bill 1359 as amended, which would regulate virtual currency kiosks/crypto ATMs. The sponsor and supporters from AARP, law enforcement, and the Attorney General’s office said the bill was aimed at reducing scams that target older adults by requiring operator registration, money transmitter licensing, fee and exchange-rate disclosures, fraud warnings, transaction records, and cooperation with the Department of Finance. The bill passed the committee on a due-pass recommendation, though one member noted possible Fourth Amendment concerns about blockchain analytics and data retention. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1353 as amended, a housing bill allowing twin homes and duplexes in single-family residential zones in cities over 10,000 people, with limits on local bans, lot-size restrictions, fees, and parking requirements. Supporters argued it would expand affordable “missing middle” housing, help families and older adults stay in their communities, and restore property rights; opponents, including an Eagle city council member, argued it would override local control and worsen density and traffic concerns. After testimony from residents, housing advocates, and local officials, the motion for a due-pass recommendation failed on a 7-7 tie, so the bill was held in committee. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 1254, which would clarify that certain chiropractors with clinical nutrition training may prescribe the limited vitamins, minerals, fluids, epinephrine, needles, and related products they are already authorized to obtain and administer. The sponsor said the change would fix a technical problem that prevents chiropractors from buying these items from pharmacies, while some members raised concerns about scope of practice and noted opposition from the Idaho Association of Chiropractic Physicians. The committee passed the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. Finally, Senate Bill 1313 was heard, expanding Idaho’s dual-licensure naturopathic doctor provisions to include pharmacists who also meet the existing naturopathic licensing requirements. The sponsor said the bill would let pharmacists with the proper additional training practice under dual licensure without violating scope-of-practice or insurance rules, and the committee approved it for the floor with a due-pass recommendation before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have good examples of cities and counties working with their fire departments in Alameda City, Alameda
• It does not include abductions at other locations in the city.
• Why zip codes? I'll give an example.
• They have the zip code of these residents.
• They have the zip code of these residents.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on civil rights, housing, public safety, and administrative process. Early items included SB 46, which would authorize the Secretary of State to remove constitutionally ineligible presidential and vice presidential candidates from California ballots; SB 1078, requiring notice to the Civil Rights Department when court filings involve civil rights violations; SB 989, expanding access to Care Court by letting first responders refer cases through county behavioral health agencies; SB 998, clarifying and expanding discrimination prevention coordinators in the new Office of Civil Rights; SB 1146, requiring disclosure for AI-generated health advertisements and giving physicians a limited private right of action; SB 1164, a California Voting Rights Act expansion responding to federal voting-rights rulings; SB 1256, a housing bill aimed at limiting repeated litigation over the Harmony Grove Village South project; SB 1267, addressing HOA liability and indemnification for EV charger installations; and SB 1425, authorizing an encroachment permit program for high-speed rail right-of-way management. The committee also later heard SB 873, restricting ICE arrests near courthouses, and SB 1160, requiring eviction data reporting by zip code. Most bills drew support from sponsors, advocacy groups, labor organizations, or local officials, while opposition centered on concerns about county workload, due process, fire safety, civil liberties, or the scope of the policy changes. Members generally expressed support for the bills while noting unresolved issues and the need for amendments or further stakeholder work, especially on SB 1164, SB 1256, SB 1267, SB 1425, and SB 1160. The Judicial Council opposed SB 1160 because of the burden of adding zip-code reporting to court systems, while the author and supporters argued the data would help target eviction-prevention efforts. SB 873 drew strong support from public defenders, immigrant-rights groups, and court-related stakeholders, with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department opposing. SB 989 drew support from firefighters and family advocates, while Disability Rights California opposed, arguing Care Court is too costly and diverts resources from community-based services. SB 1164 received broad civil-rights and voting-rights support, with cities opposing unless amended over definitions, cure periods, and litigation risk. SB 1256 drew support from housing and labor interests and opposition from local residents and environmental groups concerned about fire safety and evacuation. SB 1267 was supported by the HOA and utility stakeholders after amendments addressing liability concerns. After quorum was established, the committee voted to pass a consent calendar and then approved the listed bills, sending them to the appropriate committees or to Appropriations, including SB 46, SB 873, SB 989, SB 998, SB 1078, SB 1146, SB 1164, SB 1256, SB 1267, and SB 1425. The transcript ends with SB 1160 still under discussion, with members indicating support for the bill’s goals but acknowledging the Judicial Council’s implementation concerns and the need for further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• courts: the City Court of Marksville and the City Court of Bunkie.
• handled by Marksville City Police and Bunkie City Police are sent to the court if it's a misdemeanor.
• Judge Matt Hagan, Houma City Court.
• I'm Britt Sledge, Hammond City Court Judge, and Secretary of the City Court Judges Association.
• I'm Britt Sledge, Hammond City Court Judge, and Secretary of the City Court Judges Association.

Bills: HR2, HR37, HR61, HCR11, HCR64, HB89, HB183, HB341, HB371, HB451, HB480, HB520, HB541, HB579, HB597, HB816, HB1004, HB1064, HB1165, SB44

Keywords: transparency, accountability, Justice Department, FBI, Jeffrey Epstein, victim protection, investigation, public trust, HR37, House Resolution 37, Honduras veterans, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, military medal, veteran recognition, Congress memorialization, U.S. veterans, foreign deployment, 1981 to 1992, military service awards, combat support

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 1165, which was converted into a substitute bill to reorganize the Avoyelles Parish court system by creating two city courts, one for Marksville and one for Bunkie, and expanding their jurisdiction parishwide, including small claims and certain misdemeanor, civil, and juvenile matters. The sponsor and supporting judges said the change would better use existing courts and improve access to justice, while the district attorney opposed it, arguing it would not help the criminal docket, could create staffing and constitutional issues, and needed more study. After questions about voting districts, appellate procedure, and minority vote dilution, the committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably. The committee then heard House Bill 1064 creating a domestic violence intervention court pilot program in the 19th Judicial District, with testimony from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and the YWCA describing a specialty court model focused on accountability, victim services, and wraparound support. The bill was reported favorably. House Bill 341, clarifying law enforcement officer rights during administrative investigations, was amended to specify administrative matters and reported with amendments. House Concurrent Resolution 64, as amended, expanded a study of behavioral health courts to include additional parishes and a later reporting deadline, and was reported favorably. House Bill 579, the sexual assault survivor bill of rights, was amended to strengthen notice, confidentiality, and funding provisions and then reported favorably. Later, House Bill 1004, which would have raised the jurisdictional threshold for justice of the peace courts from $5,000 to $7,500, drew significant opposition from city court judges who warned of unintended consequences, including different evidentiary standards, possible attorney-representation issues for entities, and added burdens on district courts. Supporters framed it as an inflation adjustment and access-to-justice measure, but after debate the committee voted 5-11 to defer the bill. House Bill 183, limiting courthouse cell phone bans in fee-payment areas, was amended and then failed on a 7-7 tie with the chair voting no. The committee also reported favorably House Bill 451 on ATC hearing notices, House Bill 541 on micro distillers via substitute, Senate Bill 44 on tactical medical professionals’ firearms, House Resolution 37 honoring veterans who served in Honduras, and House Bill 89 requiring a district attorney office to pay certain retirees’ health premiums from its own funds. Several other bills were voluntarily deferred, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have people even today that say the code, the Idaho Code, is sufficient.
• license system that distilleries inside the city limits can utilize.
• license system that distilleries inside the city limits can utilize.
• Specifically, it moves IDAPA-15 to Idaho Code 38, Chapter 15.
• It modernizes the Idaho Code.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate convened with all 35 members present, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the corrected journal. The chamber then received committee reports advancing several measures, including Senate Concurrent Resolution 115, Senate Bills 130, 1301, 1331, 1332, 1308, 1309, 1311, 1317, 1272, and 1283, along with House Bills 587, 528, 558, 500, and several House bills from the House. The Senate also swore in a new class of pages and received messages from the Governor and House. House bills and Senate bills were referred to the appropriate committees or calendar stages as reported. On final passage, Senate Bill 1254 passed 34-0 with one absent. The bill amends the Chiropractic Practice Act to allow certain certified clinical nutrition chiropractors to prescribe limited products such as vitamins, minerals, fluids, and epinephrine so they can obtain them from pharmacies for administration to patients. House Bill 533 passed 31-4; it removes the vehicle registration sticker requirement, with supporters citing modernization and an estimated $300,000 savings, and opponents raising law enforcement concerns about officer safety and the loss of a visible registration cue. Senate Bill 1258 passed 26-9; it creates a production-based distillery license for qualifying rural distilleries, allowing them to sell their own liquor by the drink on site, with supporters framing it as a small-business and agritourism measure and critics warning against special carve-outs in liquor law. House Bill 502 passed 35-0, moving Idaho Forest Products Commission rules and related requirements into statute and consolidating definitions and procedures in the code. House Bill 555 passed 34-0, revising the solid waste and landfill regulatory framework by shifting authority to the Department of Environmental Quality, eliminating the health districts’ role, and funding the estimated $400,000 annual cost through user fees. The Senate also held Senate Bill 1264 for one legislative day, received announcements about upcoming amendment deadlines, and adjourned until the next day at 10:30 a.m.