Transcript Highlights:

• I vote yes. Senator Rogers. Five ayes, two noes, zero not voting.
• May I explain my vote? Yes. So I'm... May I explain my vote? Yes.
• By our vote of four eyes, three no's and zero, not voting.
• I vote no. No. So, hmm. I vote no. No. No. Senator Ross. Aye.
• I vote no. No. No. Senator Ross. Hi. 4-9, 3 nose, 0, 0 not voting.

Bills: HB2028 , HB2047 , HB2136 , HB2244 , HB2364 , HB2406 , HB2415 , HB2557 , HB2573 , HB2589 , HB2720 , HB2749 , HB2825 , HB2861 , HB2862 , HB2870 , HB2970 , HB4070 , HB4117 , HCR2004 , HCR2051

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Elections

Keywords: community restitution, homelessness, indigence, court assessments, monetary obligations, forcible entry, detainer, writ of restitution, criminal trespass, judgment enforcement, civil terrorism, disorderly conduct, vandalism, political activism, public order, subversion, government security, evictions, judgment satisfaction, tenant rights

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll call the vote. Representative Aguilar: If I could explain my vote.
• Or do I have a vote?” “You do have a vote in those changes, yes, sir.”
• Did they vote to send it out to…” “Did they send it out to a vote, did they vote to send it out to a
• and I voted no.
• So I'm going to vote.

Bills: SB1206 , SB1254 , SB1290 , SB1421 , SB1432 , SB1515 , SB1563 , SB1641 , SB1649 , SB1670 , SB1671 , SB1747

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: storm damage, catastrophic storm, hail damage, wind damage, roof repair, roof replacement, post-storm repairs, insurance claim, property and casualty insurance, adjuster, public adjuster, contractor licensing, homeowner protections, deductible waiver, insurance fraud prevention, storm chaser, residential construction contract, workers' compensation, joint check, claim solicitation

Transcript Highlights:

• Six aye, zero no, one not voting. Why your vote? Aye. Six aye, zero no, one not voting.
• You've given by a vote of six ayes, zero no, one not voting, you have given.
• So with that, I vote aye. Senator Warren. Aye. Aye. I vote aye. By your vote, aye.
• I vote no. Madam Chair, I'd like to explain my vote. This bill is not needed, and I vote no.
• I vote no. Madam Chair, I'd like to explain my vote. This bill is not needed and I vote no.

Committee: Senate Senate Health and Human Services COR

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills and public testimony, beginning with introductions and then taking up several health and human services measures. A major focus was SB 1120 and SB 1121, which address radiation protection in cardiac catheterization and other ionizing-radiation procedure rooms. SB 1120 would require health care facilities to equip at least 50% of procedure rooms with radiation protection systems by July 1, 2027, while SB 1121 would prohibit requiring lead aprons in rooms with such systems and instead require real-time dosimeters for staff who opt out of lead aprons. Physicians, nurses, and a hospital executive testified that enhanced radiation protection systems can dramatically reduce occupational exposure, lower cancer and orthopedic risks, and help with workforce recruitment and retention; a hospital alliance remained neutral pending further stakeholder discussions. Both bills were amended and passed out of committee on 7-0 votes, and SB 1118, which appropriates state funds for a rural hospital grant program to install radiation protection systems, also passed 7-0. The committee also approved SB 1001, which appropriates $1 million to the Department of Economic Security for the Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, after testimony from blind and low-vision Arizonans and advocates describing long waitlists, the need for independent living training, and the program’s role in preventing unnecessary dependence. SB 1072, a major funding bill for home- and community-based services and room-and-board rate increases for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, drew testimony from providers about severe staffing shortages, overtime, turnover, and underfunding; it passed 6-0 with one not voting. SB 1125, requiring DCS to pursue MOUs with tribes and improve tribal communication and access to licensing and enforcement information, also passed 6-0 with one not voting. The committee then considered SB 1123, which removes a board-certification requirement so trained forensic pathologists can supervise autopsy training for residents and fellows; Maricopa County supported it as a workforce and training fix, and it passed 6-0 with one not voting. SB 1052, allowing mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy in assisted living facilities under physician order and DHS rules, generated mixed testimony: supporters argued it could improve health and independence for residents, while opponents raised concerns about off-label treatment in nonmedical settings. The bill passed 5-2. SB 1112, which reduces the number of acquaintance witnesses required in court-ordered treatment proceedings from two to one and allows the court to waive the witness requirement under certain conditions, drew strong testimony from families and mental health advocates on both sides; it passed 5-2. The committee also began hearing SB 1113, which would allow certain service of process in court-ordered evaluation and treatment cases by evaluation-agency employees or other court-authorized persons, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm counting my votes.
• I'm counting my votes.
• I'm counting my votes.
• I'm counting my votes.
• </c> Republican votes. Republican votes.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Record votes, yes. Have all senators voted? Does any senator wish to change their vote?
• So when you vote yes this morning, you're making a conservative vote.
• Have all Senators voted? Does any Senator wish to change their vote? The Secretary will vote.
• How we vote today, I'm not going to change any votes either.
• Have all senators voted? Burkard votes yes. Does any senator wish to change their vote?

Bills: SB2401 , SB2402 , SB2403 , SB2404

Keywords: SB 2401, North Dakota, Century Code, occupational therapy, occupational therapy board, criminal history record check, background check, licensee investigation, physician continuing education, medical license renewal, nutrition education, metabolic health, chronic disease prevention, health occupation boards, medical board, licensure fee, audit response, disciplinary action, Title 43, board of medicine

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up second reading and final passage of several House bills related to the Rural Health Transformation Program and other matters. House Bill 1621, requiring the presidential fitness test in school physical education with exceptions and a delayed effective date, passed 43-3. House Bill 1623, appropriating federal rural health transformation grant funds and creating a related loan program and reporting structure, passed 46-0 after extensive debate about using the federal money for community health, infrastructure, and sustainability. House Bill 1622, joining the physician assistant licensure compact, also passed unanimously 46-0. House Bill 1625, authorizing the Ray Richards Golf Course land sale to support a Grand Forks transportation project and golf course improvements, passed 46-0. House Bill 1626, clarifying that the primary residence credit is applied after the early payment discount so taxpayers receive the full $1,600 benefit, passed 40-6.

Transcript Highlights:

• Have all senators voted? All the senators voted.
• Senators, please proceed to vote. Have all senators voted? Have all senators voted?
• If all senators voted, have all senators voted.
• The board and senators proceed to vote. Have all senators voted? All senators voted.
• Senators proceed to vote. Have all senators voted? Have all senators voted?

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing visiting groups, including FSU students and officials, Catholic lay leaders, Broward County school officials and students, and veterans-related guests. The chamber then took up a series of bills, with several routine reviser measures passing unanimously: SB 36 adopting the 2025 Florida Statutes, SB 38 changing a division name in the statutes, SB 40 deleting repealed provisions, and SB 42 cleaning up obsolete language and cross-references. SB 50 on nature-based coastal resilience was amended to strengthen the Florida Flood Hub’s role and passed 39-0 after debate about mangroves, oyster reefs, living shorelines, and hybrid green-gray infrastructure. SB 116, a major veterans bill, passed 39-0 after extensive discussion of veteran benefits awareness, mental health training, coordination with federal agencies, adult day health care, and the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. SB 118 on presidential libraries passed 36-3 after questions and debate over state preemption of local zoning and related regulation, and SB 126 on mailing prescription hearing aids passed 39-0 to expand access for adults after licensed evaluation. The Senate also passed SB 150, as amended, to conform to the House by changing the bill’s wording from “animals” to “dogs” in the natural-disaster abandonment context. SB 294 passed 38-0 to limit collaborative pharmacy practice from being expanded to certain serious cardiac conditions. Senate Memorial 314 was adopted by voice vote, urging Congress to seek a larger Florida National Guard force structure. SB 322 passed 39-0 creating a nonjudicial process for commercial property owners to have unauthorized occupants removed by the sheriff. SB 348 passed 39-0, making it an ethics violation to falsely claim a military rank for material gain and allowing delinquent ethics fines to be withheld from public paychecks. SB 7012 on child welfare passed 39-0 and would recruit former public safety workers into CPI/case manager roles, create a treatment foster care pilot in two judicial circuits, and improve data collection and services for commercially sexually exploited children. Later, the Senate returned to SB 108 on administrative procedures, which passed 39-0 after debate over a five-year review cycle for agency rules, reporting requirements, and greater transparency in rulemaking. SB 160 on public accountancy passed 39-0 after an amendment clarifying contracted services and discussion of easing pathways into the CPA profession while maintaining standards. SB 110 on rural communities passed after an amendment package and extensive debate, with provisions described as creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance grant program, housing and road funding, school support, and health care investments for rural areas. At the end of the session, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify all passed bills to the House, observed a moment of silence for former Surfside Chief John Healy, and received additional announcements before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I vote aye. Thank you, members. You voted 16 yeses and two noes.
• I vote aye. Thank you, members. You voted 16 yeses and two noes.
• I mean, you can vote any way you want to vote, obviously.
• Members, by your vote of 10 yeses, five noes, two voting, two present, and one not voting, you have returned
• So members, by vote of 9 yeses, 6 noes, 1 not voting, 2 not voting, and 1 voting present, I think I have

Committee: House House Appropriations Committee of Reference

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met on March 25 for what was described as its last regular meeting, with a possible special meeting the following week. The committee first took up Senate Bill 1112, adopting a Livingston strike-everything amendment that appropriates $1 million from the special services fund in fiscal year 2027 to the Department of Corrections for holistic, studio-based rehabilitative programming and requires a report on spending, self-harm, discipline, and recidivism by June 30, 2028. Supporters from Art of Our Soul testified that the trauma-informed art and music therapy program has reduced disciplinary violations, self-harm, and mental health watches, and members described it as a rehabilitation effort with documented benefits. The bill, as amended, received a due pass recommendation by a 16-2 vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1776, which would expand AHCCCS coverage for traditional healing services to include urban Indian organizations. AHCCCS testified neutrally but said the change would require a waiver amendment, would not qualify for 100% federal match, and would carry an estimated $1.3 million general fund impact. The sponsor argued the bill would align Arizona with federal policy and correct an omission of urban Indian organizations from the existing waiver. After discussion about costs and whether the bill should proceed with a committee of the whole amendment, the committee gave SB 1776 a do pass recommendation by a 9-6-2-1 vote, with several members expressing concern about AHCCCS growth and the funding source. Senate Bill 1537, which would rename the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund as the Public Safety De-escalation and Life Safety Fund and repeal its advisory commission, failed. Testimony explained that the commission has not met in years and that the bill was largely a cleanup measure, but the Arizona Police Association opposed the change and some members wanted the commission reformed rather than repealed. The committee voted it down 6-9, with members split over whether the fund should remain tied to its current structure. The committee next adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 1584 that shifted a $1 million appropriation for Department of Corrections recruitment and training from the general fund to the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund. Supporters said DOC remains understaffed and that the training/recruitment program has worked elsewhere; some members questioned whether the fund could legally be used for that purpose, but the amendment passed and the bill received a do pass recommendation by a 10-5-2-2 vote. Finally, Senate Bill 1673, which funds the law enforcement crime victim notification system, was amended to reduce the appropriation from $5 million general fund to about $2.595 million from the victim compensation fund. Testimony from the Arizona Sheriffs Association, victim notification vendors, and Phoenix officials emphasized the program’s importance, while others argued the amendment would raid victim compensation resources. The amendment and the bill as amended both passed, and the committee adjourned after noting the next calendar had not yet been posted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, the vote is 34 I votes, zero no votes, zero absent, one excused. And it passes.
• Are there any no votes? votes? votes? What?
• </c> Are there any no votes? Are there any no votes?
• Are there any no votes? 11. Are there any no votes?
• Are there any no votes? votes? votes?

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Obras votes aye. Representative Parshley votes aye.
• Representative Davis votes aye. Representative Low votes aye. Representative Macri votes aye.
• Representative Obras votes aye. Representative Parshley votes aye.
• Representative Tharinger votes aye. Representative Stuebe votes aye. Representative Thai votes aye.
• Representative Stonyer votes aye. Aye. Representative Steeby votes aye, Ty.

Bills: SB5877 , SB5904 , SB5988

Committee: House Health Care & Wellness

Keywords: anesthesiology, medical personnel, surcharges, licensing, healthcare regulations, nursing titles, licensure, healthcare professionals, patient safety, professional standards, opioid treatment, accreditation, health department, fee authority, substance abuse, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Vote of 14 ayes and zero nays.
• Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act
• Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act
• Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act
• Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and Freedom to Vote Act. >> Senator Coleman, move adoption of the

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer and the pledge, established a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber then received several House Joint Resolutions: HJR 2 and HJR 3 to notify the governor that the legislature is in session and to escort the governor to the joint session, HJR 4 mourning the death of Howard Sanderford, and HJR 5 mourning the death of Samuel Allen Harper. Each was taken up by suspension of the rules and adopted without objection. Committee reports followed, with multiple Senate bills receiving favorable reports and being advanced to the calendar for the next legislative day. Reported bills included SB 20, 30, 31, and 41 from Judiciary; SB 19 from Banking and Insurance; SB 12, 28, 35, 42, 93, and 134 from County and Municipal Government; a large group of fiscal and economic development bills including SB 54, 77, 78, 89, 100-103, 113, 122, 126, 127, 128, and 136; and SB 32, 33, 55, 70, 108, 114, and 118 from Veterans and Military Affairs. Several of these reports included amendments, and all were placed on the calendar for the next legislative day. In motions and resolutions, the Senate adopted SJR 6 honoring former Representative Brian Melton Jr., SJR 7 supporting federal voting rights legislation including the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act, SJR 8 naming the Lamar Harrison Memorial Bridge on U.S. Highway 98 in Wilmer, and SJR 9 honoring Samuel Allen Harper. The chamber then adopted SJR 10, a lengthy resolution celebrating the life of Claudette Colvin, with remarks from Senators Figures and Coleman emphasizing her civil rights legacy and the impact of her refusal to give up her bus seat at age 15. The session concluded with a motion to adjourn until 8:30 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, seeing none, chair for the vote, please. Voting on STR 16. Voting on STR 16, please.
• Uh, Chair, for the vote, please. Voting on STR 70.
• </c><00:40:32.240><c> Um,</c> vote, please. Voting on STR 69. Um, vote, please. Voting on STR 69.
• </c> vote. Voting on STR 86 with amendments. vote. Voting on STR 86 with amendments.
• Voting on STR 118 passing vote please.

Committee: House Health

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Health met on April 11, 2025, and heard testimony on a series of Senate concurrent and Senate resolution measures focused on health system oversight, workforce standards, and access to care. Topics included an auditor study on mandated insurance coverage for intravenous ketamine therapy for depression (SCR 8 SD1), a working group on prior authorization reform (STR 10 SD2), a task force on minimum professional standards for community health worker training (STR 16 SD1), a pharmacy benefit manager reform working group (SCR 69 SD1), a pharmacy reimbursement working group (STR 70 SD1), an aeromedical services working group (STR 86 SD1), a catchment-water feasibility study for business use (STR 118 SD1), an auditor study on mandatory coverage for continuous glucose monitors (STR 120 SD1), and a resolution encouraging reduced use of disposable surgical equipment and more sustainable health care practices (STR 194 SD1). Testimony was generally supportive across the measures, with several agencies and organizations noting the need to address complex health policy issues and improve access, transparency, and sustainability. For STR 16 SD1, community health worker advocates strongly supported the resolution but asked for amendments to include the Hawaii Community Health Worker Association on the task force and to require that at least half of the task force members be community health workers. For the PBM-related measures, SHPDA said it was willing to convene the work group and described the issue as complex, while the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association asked that PBMs be included in the working group. For STR 10 SD2, SHPDA supported the effort to reduce prior authorization burdens and said the process is a "black box" that needs reform; the chair later noted the administration’s commitment to the issue. For STR 86 SD1, the Department of Health supported the aeromed working group, and the chair proposed a House Draft 1 with technical changes and added representation from independent provider operators. In decision making, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on all measures considered. SCR 8 SD1 was passed as is. STR 10 SD2 was deferred. STR 16 SD1, STR 70 SD1, STR 118 SD1, STR 120 SD1, and STR 194 SD1 were passed as is. SCR 69 SD1 was passed with amendments, and STR 86 SD1 was passed with amendments. The meeting concluded with adjournment after all votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• No, I just respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you, Mr. Sayardo.
• I strongly support this bill and ask the committee to vote.
• I urge the committee to move this to a floor vote. Thank you. Dr.
• I strongly urge the committee to vote this through. Thank you.
• Dixon voting no and Mr. Tangipa not voting. Thanks again for your time. Thank you. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on June 24, 2026, but initially lacked a quorum and began by hearing presentations only. SB 308 was presented as a bill to streamline fiscal reporting for California community colleges by combining two overlapping annual audit reports into one. SB 895, the California Science and Health Research Bond, drew extensive testimony from the authors and many supporters, who argued it would help offset federal research cuts, protect California’s science infrastructure, support jobs, and preserve life-saving research in areas such as cancer, HIV, Parkinson’s, ALS, climate resilience, and quantum computing. The bill was described as a bond measure that would require a three-party agreement and was sent to suspense. After quorum was established, the committee took up the consent and suspense calendars. Several bills were approved on consent, including SB 308 and a large group of other measures, while the suspense calendar was deemed approved, including SB 895 and other bills listed by the chair. Public comment on SB 895 continued for a long period, with many researchers, students, labor representatives, university officials, and patient advocates speaking in strong support and urging the bill be moved to the floor. The committee also heard SB 1350, which would expand green hydrogen by allowing renewable portfolio standard credits for certain hydrogen use in power generation; the author and supporters said it would help clean energy development, create jobs, and support projects like ARCHES and Element. Later, SB 1306 was presented to align California law with federal exemptions for certain chemical mixtures containing GBL used in semiconductor manufacturing research. The author and SEMI’s representative said the bill would reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, avoid disrupting semiconductor supply chains, and not change rules for pure GBL. The bill passed out of committee on a roll call vote, with one no vote and one not voting. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Have all members voted? Voted. Thank you. Have all members voted?
• Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Thank you. Thank you. Time for voting has expired.
• All members voted.
• Have all members voted? So. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. All members voted.
• Have all members voted who wish to do so? All members voted who wish to do so.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House took up several procedural orders early in the session, including extending the reporting deadline for the Housing Committee on H.4655 and suspending Joint Rule 12 for a petition seeking to rescind prior Article 5 constitutional convention applications. It then advanced three Ways and Means bills on education-related topics: personal financial literacy education (H.4670), expanded access to the state seal of biliteracy (H.4671), and teacher preparation and student literacy (H.4672), each moving through amendment adoption and third reading or engrossment procedures. A major portion of the meeting focused on H.4670, which would require personal financial literacy instruction in middle and high school and establish a financial literacy trust fund for curriculum and teacher training. Members spoke in support, emphasizing budgeting, credit, student loans, and long-term financial planning, and the bill passed to be engrossed by a 154-0 roll call. H.4671, which broadens access to the seal of biliteracy for students in public and private schools, also drew support and passed to be engrossed 155-0. The most extensive debate centered on H.4672, a literacy bill requiring evidence-based reading instruction, DESE-approved curricula or approved local alternatives, screening and progress monitoring, professional development, and related implementation measures. Members described concerns about declining reading scores and argued for a shift away from three-cueing toward phonics-based, science-of-reading approaches. Several amendments were considered: a proposal to change intervention language from “significantly” to “at risk of falling behind” failed, while amendments adding funding language, stakeholder collaboration, and other implementation details were adopted. One amendment clarifying that pictures may be used as a supplement in literacy curricula was also adopted, and the bill ultimately passed to be engrossed 155-0. The House also observed moments of silence for former Judge Leslie Harris, former Representative Mark Carron, and former Representative Dennis Rosa, and adjourned to meet the next day at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senators will proceed to vote. All senators voted.
• Senators will proceed to vote. All senators voted.
• Proceed to vote. All senators voted. As the sponsor voted, there we go.
• Senators will proceed to vote. Have all senators voted? Name Martin voted.
• Vote. If all senators voted, lock the board and announce the vote. 32 yeas, 3 nays, Mr. President.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Timmons votes aye. Representative Wylie votes aye. Representative Zahn votes aye.
• president taylor is excused timins timmins votes aye representative timmins votes aye votes aye votes
• aye votes no do not have representative votes will was I representative timmins vote aye votes aye votes
• aye votes nay do not pass wiley representative wiley votes aye zan zon votes aye representative zon
• By your vote.

Bills: HB2550 , HB2645 , HB2109 , HB2134 , HB2323

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: transit, community colleges, student transportation, free rides, public transportation, HB 2645, HB2645, Fairfax Bridge, State Route 165, SR 165, Carbon River, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, emergency infrastructure replacement, bridge collapse, bridge closure, transportation emergency, public safety, infrastructure repair, bridge replacement

Transcript Highlights:

• Darby voting aye. Meyer voting aye. Zwiener voting aye. Dallow voting aye.
• Darby voting aye, D'Alessio voting aye, Meyer voting aye.
• I have all members voted; it's a whole voting aye. Members voted. Meyer voting aye.
• Voting aye. Show Colonel Wilson voting aye. Show Ms. Plesa voting aye. Ms. Perez voting aye. Dr.
• King voting aye. ...voting aye. Have all members voted?

Bills: HB1 , HB 2 , HB 3 , HB 5 , HB20 , HB 22

Keywords: youth camps, emergency preparedness, safety standards, health regulations, camp licensing, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license

Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on the discussion and passage of several key bills, including SB5, which pertains to supplemental appropriations for disaster relief. This bill was passed unanimously, highlighting the committee's commitment to addressing disaster preparedness. HB20, aimed at reducing fraudulent charitable solicitations during disasters, also saw significant debate, with positive sentiments expressed by its sponsor, Mr. Darby. Additionally, HB22, which expands the authority of the comptroller to fund emergency communication systems, was passed with overwhelming support, indicating a consensus on improving emergency response capabilities within the state. The session concluded with discussions about future legislative measures aimed at strengthening infrastructure against disasters.

Transcript Highlights:

• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote.
• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. This is for co-authors.
• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
• On the consent calendar, all members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you don't have the votes, it doesn't matter what you do if you don't have the votes.
• You don't have the votes. It doesn't matter what you do if you don't have the vote.
• New Hampshire requires a two-thirds vote. Colorado requires a 55% vote.
• So I kind of want an up-or-down vote on either we want an approval voting and ranked-choice voting ban
• Strike approval voting from 1297 and take the vote and then act from there.

Bills: HCR3025

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: law enforcement, first responders, heroism, community safety, condolences, 908, all

Summary: The State and Local Government Committee first heard House Concurrent Resolution 3025, a resolution honoring the police and first responders of Fargo. Representative Hendricks presented it as a straightforward tribute tied to a tragic incident, and several members and a representative of the Chiefs of Police Association and North Dakota League of Cities spoke in support. There was no opposition, and the committee closed the hearing and later gave the resolution a 6-0 do pass recommendation, with Senator Braunberger volunteering to carry it. The committee then heard House Concurrent Resolution 3010, which would direct Legislative Management to study legislative responsibility to review existing law before proposing new law. Representative Kempinock said the idea was to reduce repetitive or duplicative bills and improve legislative education, but also noted that current efforts by Legislative Council and leadership had made the resolution largely unnecessary. Members generally agreed with the premise but questioned whether a study was needed, and the committee ultimately gave it a 4-2 do pass recommendation, with Senator Lee volunteering to carry it. Next, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 3003, which would raise the threshold for approving constitutional amendments from 50% to 60%. Speaker Wise argued constitutional changes should be difficult and cited other states’ higher thresholds, while Eric Spencer of the Greater North Dakota Chamber supported the measure and emphasized how often North Dakota’s Constitution has been amended. Members discussed the irony of asking voters to raise the threshold by a simple majority and the broader issue of an overused constitution, but the committee still recommended it do pass on a 6-0 vote. The committee then spent considerable time on House Bill 1297 and related House Bill 1307 amendments dealing with approval voting, ranked-choice voting, and a Fargo-specific exemption. Members and witnesses from the Secretary of State’s office and the League of Cities debated whether Fargo should be exempted and how to avoid conflicts between the two bills. An amendment to strip approval voting from 1297 failed on a 3-3 tie, after which the committee gave 1297 a 4-2 do pass recommendation so the floor could decide the issue, with plans to reconcile 1307 afterward based on that outcome.

Transcript Highlights:

• If all senators voted, if all senators voted, lock the board and record the vote. 32, yay, yay, zero
• Senators may proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
• Senators will proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
• Senators will proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
• Senators will proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?

Summary: The Senate convened in special session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and observed a moment of silence for Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Mateer. The Secretary then read the special session proclamation, which limited the session to budget-related matters including the General Appropriations Act, implementing bill, collective bargaining/state employee issues, retirement, law enforcement radio system funding, health, higher education, K-12 education, government administration, corrections, judges, documentary stamp tax distributions, petroleum cleanup, fuel taxes, and taxation. Chair Hooper outlined the process for handling Senate and House budget bills and conference posture. The Senate took up and passed several Senate bills, including SB 2506E on fuel taxes, SB 2508E on the state agency law enforcement radio system, SB 2512E on judges, and SB 2514E on K-12 education, each by 32-0. The chamber then received House bills and, for each, adopted delete-all amendments to place the Senate language onto the House vehicle or delete everything to prepare for conference. Bills addressed included HB 7031E (taxation), HB 5701E (petroleum cleanup programs), HB 5203E (government administration), HB 5207E (Department of Management Services), HB 5403E (correctional facilities financing and capital improvements), HB 5501E (documentary stamp tax distributions), HB 5001E (the General Appropriations Act), HB 5003E (implementing bill), HB 5201E (collective bargaining), HB 5205E (retirement), HB 5601E (higher education), and HB 5301E (health care). Most passed 32-0, with HB 5403E passing 31-0. During debate on HB 7031E, Leader Berman urged consideration of suspending the motor fuel tax to provide immediate relief at the pump, citing high gas prices. The Senate ultimately passed the House bill as amended and then acceded to the House request for conference on the taxation package and the other House bills. The Senate also substituted HB 5001E for SB 2500E and HB 5003E for SB 2502E, and similarly substituted House bills for the related Senate conforming bills before voting to send them to conference. At the close of business, the Senate observed a moment of silence for former Senator Bill Posey. The Rules Chair announced the Special Order Calendar Group would not meet that day or the next, and the Senate adopted a motion to establish the special order calendar for the remainder of the special session by website publication and Secretary announcement. The Senate then adjourned upon the call of the President for committee meetings and other business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Miller votes aye. Miller votes aye. Kendricks aye. Kinderick aye. Problems, Anna, you care to vote?
• Declare the vote. Declare the vote.
• Ford, do you care to vote? Declare the vote.
• Fetgatter votes aye. Declare the vote.
• Declare the vote.

Summary: The committee took up a long series of Senate bills, beginning with SB 44, which extends a sales tax exemption to contractors working for nonprofits. It was presented briefly and reported out 24-0. The committee then considered SB 237, with a PCS and a written amendment that delayed the effective date and phased out the manufacturing exemption for solar and battery energy storage systems; members discussed the impact on ongoing projects, the treatment of solar and storage like prior wind and data center exemptions, and concerns from the renewable industry before the bill was advanced. Several other measures were heard and passed, including SB 248 on reinvesting proceeds from any sale of tourism real property back into state park maintenance and capital improvements; SB 1360 on the Pro Tem’s numeracy bill for the Department of Education; SB 985 codifying the local food for schools program; SB 1204 requiring three days of paid bereavement leave for school district employees; SB 1239 extending the bridge funding formula and moving certain motorcycle and moped fees to Service Oklahoma; SB 1307 cleaning up statutory language related to the ARCS Council, J.M. Davis Arms Museum, and Historical Society; and SB 2143 allowing county assessors to use aerial imagery, but not drones, to identify property changes. The aerial imagery bill drew the most debate, with questions about privacy, assessors’ authority, and whether the measure would save counties money; it passed 13-11. The committee also advanced SB 1428 creating an Alzheimer’s and related dementia services coordinator in the Health Department; SB 1390 extending a gross production tax sunset for tourism and water-related entities; SB 1400 combining sales tax exemptions for aircraft maintenance facilities; SB 1405 renewing the wildlife diversity check-off; SB 1732 raising fees for the construction industries board; SB 1832 adding voluntary ODVA checkboxes to licenses and hunting forms; SB 1859 creating a revolving fund for the OSBI cybercrimes and fraud unit; SB 1989 allowing electronic payment methods such as Cash App and Venmo for 529 accounts; SB 2018 changing valuation rules for new multifamily housing; and SB 1427, a bipartisan diabetes prevention and health bill. Most bills were reported out with overwhelming support, with a few receiving one or two no votes, and the committee adjourned after completing the agenda.