Transcript Highlights:

• act against a person or to damage property by use of a bomb, explosive, weapon of mass destruction, firearm
• act against a person or to damage property by use of a bomb, explosive, weapon of mass destruction, firearm
• A couple years ago, Representative Simpson passed a bill that would make it illegal to fly drones over
• :21:18.960><c> over</c><01:21:19.280><c> any</c><01:21:19.600><c> one</c><01:21:19.760><c> of</c> illegal
• to fly drones over any one of illegal to fly drones over any one of our<01:21:20.080><c> Alabama</c>

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That has to do with out-of-state electronic benefit transfer...
• That has to do with out-of-state electronic benefit transfers, EBT transactions that are happening.
• For example, you will be seeing something come up soon where there's four million dollars being transferred
• And I also would like to state to Senator Wintrow, we don't know if there's illegals.
• So illegal alien parents apply for SNAP on behalf of their legal children all the time.

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved the February 19, 2026 minutes and then took up House Bill 863, which dealt with a roughly $22 million reduction tied to a program serving people with disabilities. Supporters said the bill would add transparency and oversight and help remove bad actors, while opponents warned the cut was too large and too abrupt and could destabilize services and harm good providers and clients. The committee voted 6-3 to send HB 863 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 730, a SNAP program integrity bill sponsored by Senator Van Orden. The bill would require more frequent eligibility checks, including quarterly reviews, cross-checks with death, incarceration, labor, tax, lottery, residency, and citizenship data, and lower the asset threshold for certain categorical eligibility. Supporters argued the bill would protect taxpayers, reduce fraud and improper payments, and help Idaho avoid future federal penalties under the One Big Beautiful Bill framework; they also said the state’s current low error rate could be preserved or improved. Opponents, including the Idaho Food Bank and the Hunger Coalition, said the bill would add bureaucracy, create barriers for eligible households, and could raise error rates and state costs, while the Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy warned of significant potential penalties if error rates rise. After testimony and debate, members split over the bill’s new fiscal note and the added administrative burden, but supporters said the measures were needed as federal costs shift to the state. The committee voted 7-2 to send HB 730 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and then adjourned because they were late for the floor session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And when they transferred, they took that vacation time with them when they were hired by the state public
• Those assets were transferred, so Idaho Code 67-201(3) is no longer necessary and is being removed.
• Those have been accomplished and done. 59-1324 transferred a lump sum of funds after 7-1-1984 from the
• They're not doing anything illegal.
• They're not doing anything illegal, so I'm going to be against the motion, Mr. Chair.

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee first approved the minutes from February 12, 2026, and then voted to send the gubernatorial reappointment of Trent Nate to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board to the full Senate with a recommendation for confirmation. The committee then heard several code-cleanup bills from Senator Todd Lakey. Senate Bill 1274 would remove obsolete references in state law related to the transfer of county public defender employees, comp time, and an employee problem-solving procedure; Senate Bill 1275 would delete outdated provisions concerning veterans’ assets and the North Idaho Veterans Home; and Senate Bill 1273 would repeal several obsolete PERSI-related provisions tied to old retirement and contribution arrangements. Each of those bills drew no testimony or opposition and was sent to the Senate floor with a due-pass recommendation. The committee spent most of the meeting on Senate Bill 1319, the Emergency Care Affordability Act, sponsored by Senator Burt. The bill would create a new chapter in Title 41 governing billing and reimbursement for out-of-network freestanding emergency rooms, requiring them to accept the local in-network allowed amount for emergency services from state-regulated health plans, disclose that they do not accept Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE, and allow self-funded plans to opt in. Supporters, including Blue Cross of Idaho and the Association of Health Plans, argued that freestanding ERs are exploiting the federal No Surprises Act and its independent dispute resolution process by sending nearly all claims to arbitration at inflated rates, which they said raises premiums for Idaho consumers and state employee health plans. They said the bill is intended to address a loophole and does not affect hospital ERs or other emergency billing disputes. Committee members raised questions about EMTALA, federal preemption, whether the bill targets one business model, and whether patients are actually being balance-billed. Supporters said EMTALA still requires treatment, but the bill is aimed at billing practices and transparency, not access to emergency care. Some senators expressed concern about singling out one provider type and possible legal issues, while others said the bill was justified because insurers are required to cover emergency care and the current federal dispute process is driving up costs. After discussion, the committee approved Senate Bill 1319 on a 6-3 roll call vote and sent it to the Senate floor with a do-pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And when they transferred, they took that vacation time with them when they were hired by the state public
• Those assets were transferred, so Idaho Code 67-201(3) is no longer necessary and is being removed.
• Those have been accomplished and done. 59-1324 transferred a lump sum of funds after 7-1-1984 from the
• They're not doing anything illegal.
• They're not doing anything illegal, so I'm going to be against the motion, Mr. Chair.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• spoke about it yesterday and I thought it was an important thing to understand: when they are not transferred
• And so one of our biggest focus areas is to look at how we're currently processing tech transfer licensing
• Anyone on the Hope Florida Board during the time of these illegal transfers of taxpayer money needs to
• Anyone who is, you know, profiting off of this, in my mind, illegal emergency declaration that's been

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met to consider several executive appointments, beginning with Matthew Walsh, Secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice, for confirmation. Walsh outlined his long law-enforcement career, social work background, and priorities at DJJ, including staff wellness, reclassifying juvenile detention and probation officers as officers under statute, adding beds to move youth from detention into residential programs, and increasing per diem funding. Members asked about detention “dead time” and the need to get adjudicated youth into programming sooner. Public testimony included support from Barney Bishop and Christian Minor, and the committee voted unanimously to approve Walsh’s nomination and forward it to the full Senate. The committee then heard from Tina Vidal-Duarte, nominee for the Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees. She described her business background as CEO of CDR Health, her education, and extensive nonprofit and board service, including leadership roles with the Florida Grand Opera, the Homeless Trust of Miami-Dade County, FAU, and the Hope Florida Foundation. Senators questioned her about free speech issues involving FAU faculty, her relationship with the new FAU president, student diversity, AI and workforce planning, and her prior role on Hope Florida. She also answered questions about her company’s work at the Everglades detention center and the bidding process for state contracts. Public testimony opposed her nomination, citing concerns about her business ties, Hope Florida, and detention-center contracts. Debate split largely along partisan lines, and the committee approved her nomination on a recorded vote. Afterward, the committee took up the remaining nominations in Tabs 2 through 15, excluding Tab 10, and approved them as a group by voice/recorded vote for forwarding to the full Senate. The meeting then concluded with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• credit, is who they're transferring it to?
• There's a number of these kinds of transferable tax credits.
• But, you know, LFC thinks that this credit is really broadly available and transferable.
• I have concerns with exactly how that would be transferred. And I think, like... Transferred.
• So if you are operating an Airbnb illegally, that's one thing.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• health hazards due to lead exposure from hunting and consuming game animals were not discussed in firearm
• <01:22:49.120><c> not</c><01:22:49.360><c> discussed</c><01:22:50.480><c> in</c><01:22:50.800><c> firearm
• health hazards due to lead exposure from hunting and consuming game animals were not discussed in firearm
• And as a result, I and all other users of firearms are exposed to inhalable toxic lead dust.
• pattern that was a large, consistent spike in cases occurring in lockstep with the opening of the firearm

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When that veteran dies, transfer the relationship to the surviving spouse and ensure that the surviving
• Firearms remain the primary mechanism of veteran suicide, and factors such as physical health challenges

Bills: HF3727, HF3684, HF3467

Keywords: veterans property tax, homestead exclusion, disabled veteran, totally and permanently disabled, service-connected disability, property tax relief, market value exclusion, surviving spouse, family caregiver, county veterans service officer, Minnesota property tax, assessment year 2027, homestead tax benefit, veterans tax exemption, DD214, VA disability rating, veterans, veterans affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, grant standards

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2257, HOV lane, blood transfer. HB 2258, infrastructure. HB 2259, tourism advisory council.
• HB 2420, firearms cells, judiciary. HB 2421, assault weapons magazine. HB 2431, appropriation.

Summary: The House convened, approved the journal, recognized the Doctor of the Day, and welcomed several guest groups, including JAG students and students from Heila Ben High School. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider HB 2153, the annual tax conformity bill, which was described by supporters as aligning Arizona tax law with recent federal changes and providing relief through no tax on tips and overtime, a larger child tax credit, a new child care expense deduction, and a deduction for certain retirement income. Opponents argued the measure would primarily benefit wealthy individuals and corporations, reduce state revenue, and leave some seniors out because the retirement-income deduction is tied to retirement accounts. Members also discussed the Department of Revenue’s already-issued tax forms and the need for certainty for filers. After extended debate, the Committee of the Whole gave HB 2153 a do pass recommendation by a vote of 31-26, and the House adopted the report and sent the bill to engrossing. The House then took up the Senate mirror bill, SB 1106, substituted for HB 2153, and after floor explanations of vote, passed it 31-27 with 2 not voting. Supporters said the bill would help working families, seniors, and small businesses and prevent filing confusion, while opponents repeated concerns about cost, fairness, and impacts on public services. The bill was transmitted to the Senate. Following the tax vote, members made several announcements, including birthday wishes and a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and committee chairs announced upcoming cancellations. The House then recessed and reconvened for first reading and referral of a long list of new bills covering topics such as elections, health care, education, transportation, public safety, taxation, housing, and appropriations. The session ended with a motion to adjourn until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> I sign in the bill they would be able to transfer the development rights and also to finance the
• &gt;&gt; I SIGH IN THE BILL THEY WOULD BEABLE TO TRANSFER THE DEVELOPMT RIGHTS AND ALSO TO FINANCE THE
• >> I do. >> The sponsor yields. >> So, a property owner that has a mobile park decides to transfer the
• >> I do. >> The sponsor yields. >> So, a property owner that has a mobile park decides to transfer the
• &gt;&gt; THEY TOOK OUT THE LOAN, THE MUNICIPALITY NOT FOR PROFITS AND THEY TRANSFERRED THAT MONEY TO

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions, including students from Brooklyn and St. John’s University, followed by adoption of the resolution calendar with exceptions for two items. The chamber then took up a series of previously adopted resolutions recognizing Black Maternal Health Week, Workplace Violence Prevention Month, the one-year anniversary of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy in the Dominican Republic, New York Constitution Day, and the Month of the Military Child. Senators speaking on the maternal health resolution emphasized racial disparities in maternal mortality and the need for culturally competent care; the workplace violence resolution highlighted hospital safety programs; the Jet Set resolution was adopted in memory of the victims; and the Constitution Day speech reviewed New York’s delayed but eventual support for independence in 1776. The military child resolution stressed the sacrifices of military families and support for children of service members. All of these resolutions were adopted, and the resolutions were opened to co-sponsorship. The Senate then moved through the third reading calendar, passing several bills and laying others aside. Measures passed included bills on public health, environmental conservation, executive law, public authorities, and consumer protection. One notable debate involved a bill to require transparency from private arbitration organizations handling consumer cases; supporters argued it would provide basic public data and guard against conflicts of interest, while opponents said it would burden a useful dispute-resolution process and intrude on privacy. The bill passed after debate. Another debated bill would phase out number 4 heating oil statewide; supporters said cleaner alternatives exist and the fuel is harmful to public health, while opponents raised cost and transition concerns, especially for colder regions. That bill also passed. The chamber also considered a bill to create a rebate program for battery-powered landscaping equipment, funded through utility-related mechanisms administered by NYSERDA. Supporters said it would reduce air and noise pollution and help companies transition, while opponents argued ratepayers should not subsidize landscaping equipment. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar. Finally, the Senate began discussion of a housing-related bill aimed at preserving manufactured home parks by enabling nonprofits or municipalities to acquire development rights and keep the land dedicated to that use, with the sponsor explaining that the goal is to protect affordable housing and help residents remain in their homes.

Transcript Highlights:

• certain private actors, such as payment card networks and financial institutions, from maintaining firearm
• registries or using merchant category codes to distinguish firearm retailers from other merchants.

Summary: The committee heard staff presentations on a series of bills covering elections, education, firearms, housing, taxes, and health care. Measures discussed included HB 2308 on dental insurer ownership restrictions; SB 1126 on school cooperation with DCS investigations; SB 1210 on out-of-state online postsecondary registration; SCR 1006 on school restroom accommodations and pronoun/name use; and several election-related bills, including SB 1006 on campaign finance itemization thresholds, SB 1029 on procedures after a candidate’s death, SB 1038 on cast vote record transmission, SB 1057 on ballot-paper fraud countermeasures, and SB 1237 on consultation for election rulemaking. Other bills addressed diabetic coverage updates in HB 283, spousal maintenance guidelines in SB 1049, concealed weapons permit fees in SB 1053, firearm registries and merchant category codes in SB 1058, riot classification in SB 1093, drone restrictions near ticketed events in SB 1160, and lifetime injunctions for certain domestic violence-related aggravated harassment in SB 1211. Members asked several questions, especially about SB 1160’s one-mile drone restriction, whether it applied only to private drones, and how it would affect drone shows; staff said law enforcement drones were exempt and written consent from the event could allow other drones. There was also discussion of SB 1293, which would limit GPLIT revenue abatements so school district-designated revenues are not abated, and SB 1294, which would keep a destroyed property’s classification in place for up to five years or until its use changes, with members noting the bill would help owners rebuild after fires or other accidents. SB 1430, as amended, was described as a technical cleanup bill making clarifying changes and removing obsolete tax language. Most of the bills were identified as being on the third-read consent calendar, and no votes were taken in the excerpt. The committee appeared to move through the agenda without opposition testimony in the portion provided, with staff and one sponsor briefly explaining the diabetic coverage update as a way to modernize glucose monitoring and prevent long-term complications.

Transcript Highlights:

• change of beneficial owner and a homestead exemption would reset unless an exemption applies, like a transfer
• You know, we've gone, going back to 2022, there's been legislative transfers in the amount of $500, $360
• Senator DeSigley, of the $4.77 billion that have been allocated from the annual transfer in LBC, how
• Since its creation in 2022, the Legislature has transferred $4.7 billion into this fund.
• Instead of $573 million on illegal immigrants, Director Guthrie himself, standing knee-deep in water

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Mr. president uh transfer businesses.
• </c> initiating a foreign remittance transfer initiating a foreign remittance transfer unless<00:39:11.440
• It is the kiosk are being used to transfer money illegally and fraudulently, and I think this is a natural
• </c> the kiosk are being used to transfer the kiosk are being used to transfer money<00:46:26.400><c>
• And I money illegally and fraudulently.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• drug-related... ...to law enforcement agencies to arrest, prosecute, and incarcerate people on illegal
• The sales tax does have two transfers required by law. I’m sure a lot of people know that here.
• I hope you're all familiar with work the Maine Wire has done on illegal weed growing in the state of
• The Maine Wire documentary shows that the illegally produced pot that's ending up in legal stores in
• They're just going to go to more unsafe and illegal places to find it.

Bills: H5005

Keywords: environment, water conservation, natural resources, public funding, environmental justice

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a hearing on Initiative Petition 25-10 / House Bill 5002, “An act to restore a sensible marijuana policy,” which would repeal Massachusetts’ adult-use cannabis legalization framework. The chair explained the Article 48 initiative process and noted that, if the Legislature does not enact the measure as written, additional signatures would be needed for it to qualify for the 2026 ballot. The committee heard testimony from an expert, proponents of the petition, opponents, and members of the public, and accepted written testimony through March 27 at 5 p.m. Jessica Trow of MassBudget testified first, focusing on cannabis revenue and spending in Massachusetts. She said legalization has generated nearly $2 billion for the Commonwealth and municipalities since FY 2018, including excise tax, sales tax, local option taxes, fees, and community impact fees. She described how revenues are distributed to public health, the Cannabis Control Commission’s social equity efforts, the cannabis social equity fund, the MBTA, the School Building Authority, the general fund, and local budgets, and argued the industry has supported social equity and community investments. Opponents of the petition argued that repeal would harm public health, consumer safety, jobs, tax revenue, and social equity programs. Wendy Wakeman, speaking for the ballot committee, said legalization has increased potency, addiction, and mental health concerns, and that the state lacks sufficient data on harms. In contrast, business owners, clinicians, and advocates including Caroline Pino, Kristen Rogers, Drudus Ledbetter, Armani White, Lucas Thayer, and Jeff Rawson said the regulated market provides tested products, jobs, tax revenue, and pathways for people harmed by prohibition, while repeal would push consumers back to the illicit market and undermine equity goals. Committee members questioned witnesses about the evidence base, the role of out-of-state funding, the petition’s impact on existing businesses, and whether narrower regulatory fixes might address concerns instead of repeal. No vote was taken; the hearing was closed after testimony ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 348 relates to storage of firearms in a residence where a minor or person prohibited from
• possessing a firearm is present.
• Senate Bill 727 relates to carrying assault firearms in public areas, prohibited; penalty.

Keywords: April 22, 2026 - Reconvened Session Part 2, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , whether they're trained law enforcement, military, or someone who just learned which end of the firearm
• The emphasis has always been on safe handling of a firearm.
• It'll help us continue with safe instruction on safe handling of firearms, and it's an asset for Idaho

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Staff: Responsible Firearm Safety Awareness Month for Representative Edmonds, sir.
• Here to present HB 171 going to designate the month of June as Responsible Firearm Safety Awareness Month
• to recognize the importance of safe, responsible firearm use and ownership.

Transcript Highlights:

• Salzman: eligible faculty and staff only and where they could carry a firearm concealed as a Guardian
• One of those is if you shoot a firearm within a thousand feet of a school, that's considered a felony
• that in the bill you included a provision that authorizes someone to still be able to discharge a firearm

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a giant transfer of resources from the private sector to the public sector, which defies the
• :10:05.600><c> giant</c> the nation's wealth this is a giant the nation's wealth this is a giant transfer
• c> resources</c><00:10:07.760><c> from</c><00:10:08.000><c> the</c><00:10:08.320><c> private</c> transfer
• of resources from the private transfer of resources from the private sector<00:10:09.160><c> to</c><
• migrant Crossings and number of illegal migrant Crossings and Fentanyl<00:15:42.480><c> coming</c><00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1295 HD2, relating to clean energy, and then on Senate Concurrent Resolution 140 and Senate Resolution 158, which seek an Article V Convention of States application. HB 1295 drew brief supportive testimony from listed supporters and one witness who said the bill would help future generations and address pollution, runoff, watershed planning, and cleaner energy alternatives. No committee action or vote was taken on the clean energy bill during the portion provided. Most of the hearing focused on SCR 140 and SR 158. Supporters argued the resolutions would let states, including Hawaii, propose constitutional amendments to address federal overreach, fiscal responsibility, deficit spending, term limits, and the balance of power between Washington and the states. Several supporters said state legislators are closer to the people and that Article V gives states a legitimate role in proposing amendments; some also cited debt, executive orders, and the need for long-term reforms. One witness from Convention of States Action said the movement is active nationwide and that the convention process would still require ratification by 38 states. Opponents, including representatives of Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Common Cause, Americans for Democratic Action Hawaii, and individual testifiers, warned there are no real guardrails on a convention and that it could open the door to broader constitutional changes. They said the effort is unnecessary, risky, and potentially harmful to environmental protections, social safety net programs, and civil rights, and argued that federal action is sometimes needed during recessions and emergencies. Committee members asked questions about whether the proposal was merely procedural and whether the states should act without Congress; the discussion ended with continued questioning, and no vote or final committee action is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• release time, such as the portion of the sentence that results from specified enhancements, including firearm
• Of the sentence that results from specified enhancements, including firearm, deadly weapon, and impaired
• Additionally, firearm, deadly weapon, and impaired driving enhancements are eligible for earned release
• Finally, firearm, deadly weapon, and impaired driving enhancements are eligible for earned release time
• Also, if you have firearm enhancements, the good time on that is also provided, where we don't currently

Summary: The committee heard staff briefings and sponsor testimony on four bills. House Bill 2310 would elevate fourth-degree assault with a finding of sexual motivation to a Class C felony after two prior qualifying convictions within 10 years, with discussion focused on when sex-offender registration would apply and whether the bill would capture repeat conduct that is often pled down. The sponsor said the bill responds to a constituent’s experience and is intended to increase accountability for repeat offenders. Testimony was split: prosecutors and law enforcement supported the bill as a practical way to address repetitive sexual-motivation assaults, while defense advocates warned it would trigger major sex-offense consequences, including registration, prison time, immigration consequences, and possible sentencing disproportionality. No vote was taken and the hearing was held open. House Bill 1239, the reentry readiness bill, would increase earned release time to up to 33.33% for eligible offenses committed on or after July 1, 2026, make certain enhancements eligible for earned release time, create a two-year peer-support pilot for incarcerated survivors of sexual violence and intimate partner violence at the Washington Corrections Center for Women, and require victim-notification materials about sentencing changes. The sponsor and supporters said it would improve reentry, reduce recidivism, and better prepare people for release, while the Sentencing Guidelines Commission said it aligns with prior recommendations for consistency in earned release. Prosecutors opposed the bill, arguing it mainly shortens sentences rather than improving reentry and could reduce accountability. The hearing remained open. House Bill 1228 would allow blood and breath toxicology testing to be considered valid if performed by a lab certified under ISO/IEC 17025, in addition to current state toxicologist methods. The sponsor and several local officials said Washington’s toxicology backlog is causing long delays, sometimes over 300 days, which slows charging decisions and can allow repeat DUI behavior before cases are filed. Supporters said private accredited labs could provide a local option and speed results, while defense advocates asked for discovery protections if outside labs are used. County and law enforcement representatives supported the concept but cautioned against shifting costs to counties and creating unequal access based on local resources. The sponsor indicated an amendment would remove out-of-state labs and add a five-year report-back. House Bill 2464 would require private detention facilities to report serious incidents such as abuse, neglect, deaths, suicides, injuries requiring hospitalization, and service disruptions to the Department of Health and local law enforcement within one business day, and would require annual reporting by law enforcement on calls and follow-up actions. The sponsor said the bill is aimed at transparency and ensuring that incidents in private detention facilities are not hidden. Testimony from advocates, journalists, and researchers described alleged abuse, suicides, hunger strikes, fires, and barriers to reporting at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, and said the bill would improve public access to information. Law enforcement representatives said the bill affects only two agencies and urged the committee to consider the cumulative burden of reporting mandates and the public-trust implications of involving local agencies in federal detention issues. The hearing on this bill was also held open.