Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to move on to the amendment, barcode 334239.
• That's the amendment. Any questions of Representative Maney on the amendment?
• Seeing no debate on the amendment, Representative, you are recognized to close on the amendment.
• All in favor of the amendment, by saying aye. Aye. So the amendment is adopted.
• Show the amendment deadlines procedures adopted.

Summary: The House Rules Committee met on March 20, 2025, with a quorum present and moved quickly through a full agenda. The committee first heard HB 399 by Representative Maney, an ethics bill aimed at prohibiting employees, candidates, and public officers from falsely claiming military service or decorations for material benefit and establishing civil penalties. An amendment was adopted to conform the House bill to the Senate version and clarify collection of penalties, including delinquency after 90 days and Attorney General collection authority. Carrie Stillman of the Commission on Ethics testified in support, saying the added civil-penalty language would improve enforcement. The bill was reported favorably by a 16-0 vote. The committee then adopted the special order letter for the March 26 session and approved special amendment deadlines and procedures for the General Appropriations Act and related bills. The budget procedures set deadlines for publication of the proposed GAA and related bills, committee amendment filing, and floor amendment filing, and required amendment requests to come from the sponsoring member or a House employee with written authorization. The chair also noted that some line-item veto reinstatements recommended by work groups would be considered on March 26. Finally, the committee considered four proposed committee bills sponsored by Vice Chair Barrero: PCB REC-25-01, the Adoption Act for recent statutes and reviser changes; PCB REC-25-02, a directive bill updating statutory references from the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services to the Division of Criminal Investigations; PCB REC-25-03, a cleanup bill repealing inoperative or expired provisions; and PCB REC-25-04, the annual general reviser bill making technical, non-substantive, and conforming changes. None drew questions, testimony, or debate, and all four were reported favorably by unanimous 16-0 votes before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is amendment is intentional.
• serves<00:24:35.160> the Our men Our amendment serves the Our men Our amendment serves the
• Section two amends 6 VSA 4817, Section two amends 6 VSA 4817, management<00:37:04.600> of<00:37
• with statutory purpose. with statutory purpose.
• on Human Services as amended? on Human Services as amended?

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House began with routine business, including referral of Senate Bill 211 on motor vehicle inspections to the Transportation Committee and Senate Bill 298 creating the Vermont Voting Rights Act to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs. The chamber also referred House bills reported by Ways and Means to Appropriations, including H. 211 on data brokers and personal information and H. 931 on miscellaneous education law changes. JRH9, a joint resolution urging the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to reconsider its opposition to rapid prompting method communication instruction for students with apraxia of speech or autism, was read and referred to Human Services. Several announcements followed, including a welcome to members of the Vermont chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association, a reminder about an education reform meeting, and a correction regarding a prior reference to S. 138 of 2023 and the working group on student protections from harassment and discrimination in schools. The House also recognized guests in the gallery, including Donnie Kanovsky, who was described as a proponent of JRH9. The Speaker announced that H. 606 on firearms procedures, H. 642 on youthful offender proceedings, and later H. 585 would be bumped to later in the calendar. The House then took up H. 537, the right to grow vegetable gardens. The committee explained the bill would protect vegetable gardening in common interest communities and rental housing, while allowing reasonable restrictions and landlord or association oversight; witnesses included a South Burlington resident, HOA and landlord representatives, and legislative counsel. The committee reported an 8-0-0 vote, the House adopted the committee amendment, and ordered third reading. The chamber then passed H. 171 on Attorney General investigations into a law enforcement officer’s use of a firearm and H. 519 allowing Randolph police officers to enroll in Group C of the state retirement system. The House also passed H. 536 on toxic heavy metals in baby food products after extended debate over whether infant formula should be included. Supporters said the bill would help parents make informed choices and noted the amendment was intended to align with federal action; opponents argued formula-specific federal work was still underway and urged waiting. The chamber then passed H. 550 on gender equity in correctional facilities, H. 733 on franchise agreements, H. 775 on housing production tools, H. 887 on crime victim status under the Fair Employment Practices Act, H. 917 on military affairs, and H. 921 on alcoholic beverages. Action on H. 930 addressing chronic absenteeism was postponed one legislative day, and H. 942 on miscellaneous agricultural subjects began second reading with the committee outlining sections on water quality training, non-sewage waste management, and unit pricing.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are two other statutory types of districts.
• c><00:04:41.080> are<00:04:41.200> two<00:04:41.400> other<00:04:41.680> statutory
• <00:04:42.320> types Um there are two other statutory types Um there are two other statutory
• Some of the new language at the beginning looks a little complicated because we realize you can amend
• And in that time period, authorities will often amend their TIF plan to increase authorized costs to

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are not opposed to that amendment. Thank you, Senator. Thank you, Senator Grove. ...amendment.
• I'd like to start by saying that we are accepting the committee amendments and the amendments, just for
• That said, we look forward to reviewing the proposed amendment, and after the amendment is in print,
• Again, accepting the amendments.
• But the language that I see, even in the amended mock-up for the proposed amendments, deals with peace

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Hayes moves that House Bill 1088 without amendment be reported to the full House with
• Uh, if, if there's a floor amendment that would help clarify that for you, I'm happy and eager to work
• Renteria, if we amended this bill so that the Secretary of State did the training and no one got paid
• It did that first of all, statutory damages because he puts in here the amount.
• Um, and as the director of the First Amendment Clinic registered for the bill, is that correct?

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm assuming everyone has that amendment in their package. All in favor of the amendment, say aye.
• <00:01:37.479> authors committee moves the A2 Amendment authors committee moves the A2 Amendment
• and the amendment A2 authors amendment<00:01:54.240> is amendment is amendment is added<00:01
• We didn't get a chance to talk through the amendment, but the one distinction between this amendment
• <00:03:36.920> that office um and after this amendment that office um and after this amendment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:29.200> that's a delete everything amendment that's a delete everything amendment that's
• and hope to have that included in a future amendment as the bill goes forward.
• Will we proceed with discussion and amendments that day to maybe start the process?
• And of amendments at that time as well.
• additional uh discussion and amendments additional uh discussion and amendments in<00:53:07.920>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a question about your amendment. a question about your amendment.
• it respects clear statutory authority. it respects clear statutory authority.
• SB590 ought to pass with amendment. SB590 ought to pass with amendment. Thanks. Thanks.
• >> Passing the amendment. >> Passing the amendment.
• I'll work on an amendment.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• move your amendment? move your amendment?
• . amendment. amendment.
• . amendment. amendment.
• Chair Anderson, amendment as amended.
• . amendments. amendments.

Bills: HF3579, HF3549, HF3548, HF4388, HF3566

Keywords: eggs, donation, quality assurance, food assistance, charitable programs, agriculture, grain indemnity, financial security, crop insurance, Minnesota agriculture, farm assistance, down payment, state funding, loan modification, rotational grazing, grazing management, livestock, pasture management, soil health, erosion control

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice Chair Borrero: The Adoption Act is enacted in each regular session as part of the statutory revision
• The amendment deadline for Wednesday's session is tomorrow, which is Friday.
• Amendments must be submitted to House Bill Drafting by 3:00 p.m. and approved for filing by 4:00 p.m.
• Chair Garrison: Hearing amendments must be submitted by 6:40 p.m. and approved for filing by 7:00 p.m

Transcript Highlights:

• That's why I just wanted to take that statutory authority away from them. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Recognized, yes, Madam Chair, I have an amendment. Please read it.
• Can I second the amendment? No. Okay, second. Has seconded it for you.
• All in favor of adopting the amendment? Any opposed? No? All right, the ayes have it.
• Representative Lawrence has made the motion for a favorable report as amended. Second.

Bills: SB45, SB61, SB222, HB385

Keywords: athlete agents, commission, state regulation, Alabama, higher education, athletics, membership diversity, school psychologist, school psychology, interstate compact, licensure compact, license reciprocity, portable license, equivalent license, professional licensing, psychology board, school mental health, student services, educational services, interstate practice

Transcript Highlights:

• be amended as follows.
• And so amended be be amended as follows.
• /c> be amended as follows.
• N so amended be be amended as follows.
• This is L004. >> Will the clerk please read amendment L004? >> Amendment L004.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the corrected February 25, 2026 journal, and received a series of committee reports. Those reports advanced several bills, including SB 110, SB 20, SB 115, SB 61, SB 35, SB 26, and SB 3, while SB 24 was postponed indefinitely. The chamber also confirmed or placed on the consent calendar several appointments, including reappointments to the boards of Fort Lewis College and the University of Northern Colorado, and later confirmed appointments to the Clean Fleet Enterprise. The Senate elected Senator Kathy Kip as President Pro Tem by a vote of 21-12. It then took up SJR 013, recognizing Youth Mental Health Action Day, which was adopted 33-0 after remarks emphasizing youth suicide, rural behavioral health needs, and the importance of expanding access to mental health care. The Senate also passed SB 37, allowing local elected judicial officers to set weekend bonds, and SB 84, concerning privileges for certain state entities in connection with the state auditor’s fraud hotline. In the Committee of the Whole, the Senate passed HB 1035 on second reading and HB 1064, concerning modifications to the youthful offender system, after adopting amendment L004. The House bill on youthful offenders was described as clarifying Department of Corrections contracting and helping youth with disabilities participate in YOS programming. The Senate also confirmed appointments to the Institute of Cannabis Research Governing Board. Several items were laid over, including SB 53, SB 43, and SB 21, and the chamber recessed until 11:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair the substitute amendment to the amendment.
• The amendment is adopted.
• Senators wishing to debate on the bill as amended any debate on the bill as amended.
• Not the amendment to come back to that. We have no appearance forms on the amendment.
• The amendment is adopted. We're back on the bill as amended any questions on the bill as amended.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• districts that ask us about that a lot and, within the means, within the regulatory means and the statutory
• districts that ask us about that a lot and within the means, within the regulatory means and the statutory
• means that we can, we try to help us out as much as Within the regulatory means and the statutory means
• Districts are seeing the need to amend their salary schedules.
• Some of them still do that, but yeah, a lot of them have realized that amending is...

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He's going to give a statutory overview of land-grant Mercedes. Mark? Thank you, Madam Chair.
• and create a process where it created a qualification system for Land Grants Mercedes, which is a statutory
• But they specifically didn't want to be part of that statute when the statute was amended in 2023, so
• In 2023, Article I was amended, here, because this, the Las Vegas grant, back in the early 20s through
• You're going through restructuring the land grant based on the statutory requirements of a political

Transcript Highlights:

• One is to have a unified bar, and this is a statutory mandate.
• problem uh an with an amendment that problem uh an with an amendment that took<03:17:28.880> out
• I just want to make sure that I'm understanding what this amendment does.
• <03:34:53.960> the impacted so I think this amendment the impacted so I think this amendment
• that were addressed inside the statutory that were addressed inside the statutory time<04:37:58.600

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met for its first meeting of the new session with opening remarks, member introductions, and a discussion of committee logistics. Members described their backgrounds and priorities, including criminal justice, right-to-know and privacy issues, domestic violence, death-with-dignity legislation, abortion, firearms, landlord-tenant policy, housing, and technology/privacy concerns. The chair noted there were already 34 bills assigned to the committee and expected more, and said the committee would likely continue to have a heavy workload this session. The chair also outlined how the committee would operate: meetings would generally be on Wednesdays, with possible Mondays as needed; hearings would not require a quorum, but executive sessions would; and members were asked to provide updated phone numbers and email addresses, especially cell numbers. He explained that the committee would continue its practice of seating members in a mixed partisan arrangement to encourage communication, and that the new clerk had joined the committee. A significant portion of the meeting focused on procedures for executive sessions and meeting times. The chair said the committee would follow the traditional rule allowing executive sessions on bills heard that day if proper notice was given, but he would avoid taking up controversial matters without full attendance. Members then discussed whether meetings should start at 9, 9:30, or 10 a.m., with concerns raised about long commutes, evening obligations, and winter driving after dark. No formal vote was taken in the portion provided, but the chair indicated he would try to accommodate the committee’s preference while balancing the workload.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Well, we've got an amendment to get to >> Well, we've got an amendment to get to um<00
• amendment if you want to either way. amendment if you want to either way.
• Can you explain your amendment? amendment? amendment?
• your DE1 amendment. your DE1 amendment.
• An amendment is adopted. An amendment is adopted.

Bills: HF2358, HF3496, HF3504, HF2169, HF3440

Keywords: public safety, coercion, criminal penalties, law enforcement, victim protection, HF3496, supervision abatement, earned compliance credit, earned compliance credits, conditional release, supervised release, corrections, Minnesota Department of Corrections, restitution, willful nonpayment, probation-like supervision, release supervision, community supervision, lifetime conditional release, early termination of supervision

Transcript Highlights:

• Our current statutory framework does not consider this type of scenario. and route permits before any
• Our current statutory framework does not consider this type of scenario. real.
• The statutory framework does not consider this type of scenario.
• After the initial license is issued, the license may be amended, renewed,...
• And they amended and refined their regulatory barriers without actually removing the broader protections

Summary: The committee met to review advanced nuclear energy issues in North Dakota, beginning with approval of the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon presented an overview of the advanced reactor landscape, distinguishing light-water SMRs, advanced Gen 4 reactors, and microreactors. The presentation emphasized that light-water SMRs are the most near-term deployable and use familiar low-enriched uranium fuel, while many Gen 4 designs may require high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALU), which is not yet supported by a mature U.S. supply chain. Nucleon also noted that advanced reactors are being developed primarily for industrial heat applications, while microreactors are niche, higher-cost systems for remote or mission-critical uses. Committee members asked about fuel availability, safety, recycling, and whether large reactors such as AP-1000s were evaluated; the presenter said fuel development is proceeding in parallel but remains a bottleneck, and that siting and grid capacity often make SMRs more practical than gigawatt-scale plants in North Dakota. Representatives from the National Association of State Energy Officials described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, regional coordination, grants, tax incentives, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and pilot programs. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and said states are focusing on multi-state coordination, demand aggregation, regulatory coordination, waste management, workforce readiness, and community engagement. They also discussed affordability tools such as construction work in progress (CWIP), financing incentives, and consumer protections, citing examples from Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Missouri, Utah, Tennessee, and others. In response to questions, they explained that pilot programs often involve site-readiness and feasibility studies, and that the federal Nuclear Innovation Campus process is moving forward with multiple submissions while broader waste and recycling policy may require congressional action. The Public Service Commission said it would likely have a major role in any North Dakota nuclear project through certificate-of-public-convenience-and-necessity review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted gaps in current law for small reactors, co-located facilities, NRC coordination, and long-term site stewardship. The commissioner said the commission has no authority over a private, self-contained reactor not connected to the grid. The Department of Environmental Quality explained that the state regulates radioactive materials under its agreement-state authority, but NRC retains primacy over fission reactors; DEQ would likely assist with emergency planning and could have a larger role if fusion reactors emerge. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, requiring a dedicated radiological emergency preparedness program, training, drills, public outreach, and likely additional funding and staffing, with industry expected to bear much of the cost. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota’s water laws and prior-appropriation system are adequate for nuclear siting, that the Missouri River is the best likely source, and that no statutory or budget changes are currently needed from a water perspective. The committee recessed for lunch after these agency presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our current statutory framework does not consider this type of scenario... of NRC's findings.
• Our current statutory framework does not consider this type of scenario. real.
• The statutory framework does not consider this type of scenario.
• Our review identified a narrower policy and statutory question really related to the temporary on-site
• And they amended and refined their...

Summary: The Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee met to review prior minutes and hear a series of presentations on advanced nuclear technology and state readiness. The committee approved the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon’s William Bridge outlined the advanced nuclear landscape, distinguishing near-term light-water SMRs from more advanced Gen 4 reactors and microreactors, and emphasized that fuel supply, especially HALEU, remains a developing supply chain. He said light-water designs are the most deployable in the near term, while advanced reactors may be better suited for industrial heat applications and could face a 2- to 3-year delay from fuel availability. Representatives from NASEO described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, pilot programs, financing tools, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and regional coordination. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and stressed that states are focusing early on emergency preparedness, community engagement, waste management, affordability, and consumer protections. They also noted that some states are creating nuclear-ready community programs and cost-recovery guardrails, while public utility commissions are examining long-term lifecycle costs and rate impacts. North Dakota agencies then outlined their potential roles. The Public Service Commission said it would likely be involved in public-interest review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted current statutes may not fully address long-term nuclear projects, co-location, or decommissioning. The Department of Environmental Quality said it would continue to regulate radioactive materials and likely support emergency planning, while fission reactor oversight remains federal. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, needing a radiological emergency program, training, exercises, equipment, and possibly industry funding. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota has sufficient surface water, especially from the Missouri River, but that water planning would be important; it did not recommend statutory or budget changes at this time. The committee recessed for lunch after these presentations, with no additional votes or actions taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And thank you for accepting the committee amendments.
• File item number nine, the motion is due pass as amended to the Appropriations Committee.
• Possible clarifying amendments going forward as well.
• The motion is due pass as amended to the Appropriations Committee. Tangipa, Tongi Pah.
• The motion is due pass as amended to the Appropriations Committee. Patel.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard a series of bills focused on expanding access to higher education, addressing workforce shortages, student housing, and labor standards on campus projects. AB 662 would create a South County Higher Education Task Force to explore a mixed-use, intersegmental institution in Chula Vista; supporters said South San Diego County is a “college desert,” while the bill passed on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations. AB 885 would establish a College Access for All Fund to help make CSU and UC attendance more affordable; supporters cited student debt and affordability concerns, and it also passed to Appropriations. AB 730 would provide $15 million to help establish a medical school in the Central Valley to address physician shortages, and it advanced on a due pass motion. AB 1400 would let up to 15 community college districts pilot bachelor’s degrees in nursing; supporters argued it would expand affordable BSN access and keep students local, while CSU, UC, and other higher education groups opposed it as unnecessary and inconsistent with the master plan. The bill passed to Appropriations, with members raising questions about clinical placements, faculty shortages, and possible effects on associate-degree programs. The committee also considered AB 1235, which would require CSU design-build projects to use a skilled and trained workforce, aligning CSU with other public higher education construction standards. Supporters said it would improve safety, training, and local job opportunities, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 1247 would restrict contracting out of classified school and community college jobs unless workers meet training and qualification standards and would address pension and training concerns; supporters said it would protect students and classified employees, while school and college groups warned it would disrupt services and add unfunded mandates. The bill passed to Appropriations with one no vote. AB 1470, presented on behalf of Assemblymember Haney, would allow a portion of student housing revolving loan funds to be used for affordable student, faculty, and staff housing in downtown and commercial districts; it was discussed as a housing and downtown revitalization measure, but the committee held off on a motion pending more members. ACA 3, also on behalf of Haney, would require UC to offer limited down payment loans to eligible long-term support staff first-time homebuyers; it drew extensive support from UC workers and unions, while UC and business groups opposed it as costly and outside UC’s mission, and the measure was still under discussion at the end of the transcript.