Transcript Highlights:

• There might be some other section of law or some other standing in law.
• of the bill, can you tell us the section of the bill, the page?
• Is the freedom of speech section the only part that you think is vague in that section?
• page</c><01:03:17.920><c> four</c> vague in that section that's page four vague in that section that's
• What about that section do you find confusing or vague?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next section are items 11 and 12.
• Our next section are items 13 through 19.
• Next section, we have two refinancings: items 20 and 21.
• Next section, items 22 and 23.
• Next section, items 22 and 23.

Summary: The State Bond Commission met on May 21, established a quorum, approved the April 16 minutes, and then considered a long agenda of bond, refunding, and election-related requests. Items 3 through 10 were election propositions for the November 3 ballot involving ad valorem taxes, parcel fees, and charter amendments for purposes such as fire protection, agricultural centers, neighborhood security, recreation, aging services, drainage, and roads and bridges; staff said they met technical and legal requirements, and the commission approved them. The commission also approved several local financings, including water and sewer projects, fire district equipment and facility improvements, school board and parish bonds, and refunding transactions for the East Baton Rouge City-Parish and St. James Parish School Board. A retroactive approval request from the City of Kenner related to a CEA with GMB Basketball LLC was discussed; staff made no recommendation because it was retroactive, but noted it appeared to be an oversight, and item 22, the related airport district agreement, was approved. The commission approved additional financing for the Louisiana Housing Corporation’s Federal City Building 10 affordable housing project, a preliminary approval for the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority’s Petro Tower redevelopment in Shreveport, and two Louisiana Public Facilities Authority projects: Southern University’s Scott’s Bluff student housing project and the Crescent City Schools project for Harriet Tubman Charter School. During discussion of the Crescent City Schools financing, a commissioner asked about the use of MFP funds; staff explained that lease payments would be the repayment source and that MFP dollars are generally split between educational expenses and facilities costs, with the school’s typical split around 72% instructional and 28% administrative/facilities-related. Both items were approved. The commission then received six cost-of-issuance reports for previously approved bond issues, with various fee adjustments but no motions required. It also reviewed a debt schedule update and adopted Resolution No. 2 authorizing up to $425 million in general obligation refunding bonds to refund Series 2016 bonds and tender other outstanding bonds for savings, with pricing tentatively set for June 16 and closing for June 30. In other business, the commission heard a brief public comment from New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morrell thanking the commission for helping place a charter amendment on the ballot to improve New Orleans budgeting transparency and oversight. The meeting ended after monthly reports were noted and no further business was raised.

Transcript Highlights:

• concerning the citizenship status of individuals, when collected and transmitted pursuant to this section
• I think what this section is doing, and you're focusing on that one piece, is saying that we want to
• And the other important piece of this section is... ...not to be transmitted and used for another purpose
• , and the other important piece of this section is that if someone has failed to certify their citizenship
• of law. ...personally identified information in various contexts throughout various sections of law,

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Elections Committee held its final meeting of the session, with Chair Senator Gonzalez thanking members and staff for their work. The committee considered several election-related bills, including a voter ID proposal, protections against voter challenges and purging, a measure to address election disruptions, sample ballot posting, absentee ballot deadline notices for students, military and overseas voting changes, and notice requirements for expired address confidentiality protections. Senate Bill 2574, requiring government-issued photo ID to vote, drew opposition from Senators Walczyk and Myrie, who argued it would create barriers to voting and that there was no evidence of widespread voter fraud; the bill was reported from committee with opposition. Senate Bill 3233A, dealing with illegal voter purging and challenges, prompted extended discussion about citizenship verification, privacy of citizenship data, and whether information should be shared publicly; it was reported to the floor with Senators Borrello and Walczyk voting no. Senate Bill 4602A, on remedies for election disruptions, was discussed in terms of county and state board roles and bipartisan decision-making, and it was reported to the Finance Committee with a no vote from one member. The remaining bills were advanced with little or no substantive debate: Senate Bill 6253A on posting sample ballots, Senate Bill 6259 on notifying students of absentee ballot deadlines, Senate Bill 6995 on voting by mail, Senate Bill 7689B on overseas military and special federal voters, and Senate Bill 9857 on notice when address confidentiality protections expire. Most were reported either to the floor or to the Finance Committee, and the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• The title on the House Committee Substitute is: 'Do sections relate to elementary and secondary education
• Chair, with all these changes, are we able to at least discuss section by section what has been done
• And then we're going to go, we're still going to be able to go through each one of these sections that
• I have a question on that section. Representative Haden? This is a mandatory program, correct?
• Likely with the next section from Representative Murphy, pilot program for media literacy and critical

Summary: The Special Committee on Rural Issues met with a quorum and considered several bills and resolutions. The most contentious item was Senate Bill 1383, which had been loaded with multiple House amendments and a House Committee Substitute that combined a wide range of education-related provisions, including driver education, school finance transparency, property rules for charter schools, school accountability report cards, anti-bullying policy, educator preparation and literacy requirements, career and technical student organization staffing support, media literacy, and gifted testing. Members raised concerns that the substitute was overly broad, included provisions not heard in committee, and could impose unfunded mandates on school districts. After debate, the committee rejected the House Committee Substitute by a 5-7 vote and then voted 12-0 to do pass the underlying Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1383. The committee then took up House Bill 2169. An amendment to bar foreign-owned companies from using eminent domain for wind and solar projects was debated, with members questioning how foreign ownership would be defined and whether the language would affect companies with mixed ownership or U.S.-based subsidiaries. The amendment failed, and the bill was then approved by a 9-3 vote. House Bill 1699, dealing with county health officer appointment procedures, received a clarifying amendment stating that if a health officer is not reappointed, the officer must leave office and the county commission must appoint an interim; that amendment and the substitute were adopted, and the bill passed 11-0. Finally, the committee considered House Concurrent Resolution 38. A substitute correcting a typo was adopted, and the resolution then passed unanimously, 11-0. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• In Section 1, pages 2 and 3, the election dates for soil and water conservation district supervisors.
• In Section 1, pages 2 and 3, the election dates for soil and water conservation district supervisors.
• Section 2 covers... And on odd years ever after that.
• Section 2 covers mail-in ballots for precincts that require mail-in ballots. We have a couple.
• To assist, because this is a dense section of code, the SOP covers at a high level all of the changes

Summary: The House State Affairs Committee approved the minutes from March 13, 2026, then heard and advanced several bills with due pass recommendations. House Bill 873, an elections cleanup bill, would standardize filing and canvassing timelines, align soil and water conservation district supervisor elections with other local offices on odd-numbered years, restore the 45-day mail-ballot timeline for remote precincts, and clarify canvassing deadlines. It passed without opposition after a brief question period and no testimony. The committee then considered House Bill 889, a major procurement reform bill. Representative Raibald described changes including new definitions, clearer bid and scoring procedures, use of subject matter experts, multiple-award contracts, prior-performance standards, confidentiality rules for technical information, vendor debarment, a one-year cooling-off period for certain officials and employees, protest bonds, and disclosure of procurement-related expenditures over $50. Members asked about the scope of the cooling-off period and whether the bill covered ITD contracts; Raibald said ITD procurement is outside the act, while health and welfare contracts are included. The bill was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bills 890 and 900, also by Raibald, addressed state property disposal and insurance claims. HB 890 repeals a vague surplus-property disposal section and returns the process to existing code with clearer deadlines and transparency, prompted by concerns over the ITD State Street building disposal. HB 900 creates a clearer process for claims of $100,000 or more on state property, including a confidential report, legislative review, possible separate appraisals, Board of Examiners resolution if needed, and public meetings if a claim leads to a change in operations or sale of property. Members asked how insurance proceeds would be used, and Raibald said they would generally return to the affected agency or dedicated fund to repair the property unless the property had been declared surplus. Both bills passed with due pass recommendations. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 1321, presented by Representative Heather Scott, which builds on prior transparency legislation requiring agencies to report agreements, MOUs, and contracts to the state controller. The bill sets a process for noncompliance: written notice, a 30-day correction period with a possible 60-day extension, and then inclusion in the controller’s annual report to the legislature, which could inform budget holdbacks. The committee approved the bill with a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and if you look at section 3 lines 96 through 210, that covers that.
• Uh, and if you look at section 3 lines 96 through 210, that covers that.
• Uh, and if you look at section 3 lines 96 through 210, that covers that.
• Uh, and if you look at section 3 lines 96 through 210, that covers that.
• Sections five and six, lines 242 through 263. Do you have any questions for me?

Bills: HB358, HB358

Keywords: juvenile justice, detention, age of majority, jurisdiction, child welfare, foreign influence, political activity, transparency, registration, civil penalties, hostile foreign principals, state ethics, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to the other actions ...took multiple actions to a single RCW section without reference to the other
• The table that's sent out, I believe, has 153 sections on it.
• Kevin, just to repeat again, how many sections of this report? You said, a hundred and...
• And just to repeat again, how many sections of this report?
• I will say 10 is not unusually large, and a lot of those sections will be probably amended by policy

Summary: The committee began with introductions of members and staff, then approved the minutes from the previous meeting and approved a step increase for Code Advisor Kathy Buckley. Staff reported on publication sales and distribution, noting that 2024 paper and paid sales were down from prior years, while online access and reduced demand for printed copies continued to trend downward. Members discussed the continuing role of printed RCWs and session laws, with staff explaining that libraries and counties remain the main paper purchasers and that some specialized titles are still produced in print and electronic formats. The committee then reviewed a table of “multiple actions” affecting RCW sections from the 2025 session. Staff explained that 153 sections had multiple amendments or related actions, but most could be merged through editorial authority; about 10 sections would likely need future legislative cleanup. The committee approved the table, allowing staff to proceed with merging where possible. Financially, staff reported the office was on track to return about $542,000 to the state, though that amount may decrease slightly because of end-of-year purchases, including a shared printer for LSS. They also noted a slight budget reduction for the next fiscal year, but said staffing adjustments and existing coverage should prevent problems. The committee discussed upcoming rulemaking to align the office’s public records procedures with House and Senate practices, including designating a public records officer and updating language to reflect current legislative structure. Staff said the process would follow standard APA rulemaking and could take roughly six months. Members also heard about a prior “video auditor” incident at the office and the office’s response and training. Finally, staff provided a building update: the office is scheduled to move back into the renovated Pritchard building on September 14, 2026, with furniture selection underway. At the end of the meeting, staff shared session statistics, including 424 session law chapters, 1,305 House bills introduced, 1,082 Senate bills introduced, 238 House bills passed, and 193 Senate bills passed, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Qualified expenses section coming up next.
• Again, this is mostly just a reorganization of the bill into the section, so that's why this all looks
• And so we removed that piece in that section, but this is a get-through.
• In that section, but this is a get-through. It should have been removed from here as well. Okay.
• And I would point out that in section two, subsection six, it does say a submitting party shall provide

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 1540, an education savings account bill. Senator Wobbema presented Amendment 040-003, describing mostly clarifying and reorganizing changes, including eligibility language, administrator duties, school participation standards, assessment provisions, and a correction removing a requirement that the department pay for state assessment materials if a parent selected that option. The committee adopted the amendment 4-2, then advanced HB 1540 as amended on a 4-2 vote and sent it to Appropriations, with Senator Wobbema designated as carrier. One senator opposed the bill, arguing it would divert resources from public schools and conflict with the state’s obligation to provide a free appropriate education while districts still face funding needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> So I just need to look at this chapter section to see which ones it specifically impacts.
• That's the question. >> Yes, it's the nonprofit section.
• > &gt;&gt; So I just need to look at this chapter &gt;&gt; So I just need to look at this chapter section
• to see which ones it section to see which ones it specifically<00:09:40.720><c> impacts.
• Just so that's is so everybody section.

Bills: HB248

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> specifically was looking at um section specifically was looking at um section 666,<00:01:59.920>
• </c><00:07:02.240><c> 853</c> removal of the section 853 removal of the section 853 uh<00:07:04.720><
• </c> section.
• This is an outof-date section section.
• Add a new paragraph, definitions, beginning of the new section for purposes of this section.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills related to bribery and public corruption. On SB 2249, which would increase penalties for bribery under certain circumstances, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, arguing that Hawaii’s current class B felony penalty is probationable and too weak to secure cooperation in corruption cases, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Snyder decision narrowed federal bribery prosecutions. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that elevating bribery to a class A felony and making it non-probationable was excessive, overbroad, and would remove judicial discretion. Multiple individuals also testified in support. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about removing deferred acceptance of plea provisions and asked HPD about the $20,000 threshold; the prosecutor said alternative charges could still be used in plea bargaining, and HPD said the threshold aligns with first-degree theft. The committee also discussed how current law tolls the bribery statute of limitations while an official remains in office, with the prosecutor explaining it can extend up to six years total. The committee then heard SB 2494, which would set a nine-year statute of limitations for bribery offenses. The Public Defender opposed the extension, saying the justification based on the length of federal investigations was too broad and that bribery already has a longer limitations period than most felonies. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill, saying bribery cases often involve coordination with federal investigators, that federal and state evidence-gathering methods may differ, and that a longer period would help ensure admissible evidence and allow state prosecution when federal law no longer applies. Members asked whether there were public examples of cases lost to the current limitations period; the prosecutor said he was not aware of any publicly available examples, but maintained nine years was a reasonable period. The committee also considered SB 2737, which would create a misdemeanor for failure by a state or county elected official to report bribery. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments and suggested changing the term to “public servant” for consistency with existing law. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the intent but warned the reporting requirement could create Fifth Amendment issues for witnesses who might otherwise be useful in grand jury proceedings. The bill drew broad public support, with 33 supporters and no opposition noted. Finally, the committee took up SB 3071, which revises sex trafficking and promoting prostitution statutes by redefining “profits from prostitution” and adding an affirmative defense for certain lawful transactions. The Public Defender opposed the measure, saying it still could reach people without the required criminal intent and that the affirmative defense language could be applied unevenly. The Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported the bill, saying it better addresses concerns raised by the State v. Ibarra decision while closing loopholes that allow traffickers to disguise profits as loans or gifts. The prosecutor emphasized that traffickers are sophisticated and can structure transactions to evade current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 1, line 8, that is the opt-in section for public schools, and they will be automatically in the
• Section 2 is $325,000. Section 2 is $325,000. I don't see a number in Section 3.
• What Section 1 does is, under current law, there's a section of the Century Code that requires any sale
• It's Section 1. It says at the top.
• And then it goes on to section one on page three, with— And then it goes on to section one on page three

Bills: HB1623

Keywords: HB 1623, North Dakota, rural health, rural health transformation program, medical facility infrastructure loan fund, medical facility infrastructure loan program, rural health loan program, Bank of North Dakota, Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, federal grant, health care infrastructure, rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, nonprofit health care providers, gap financing, loan fund, public health funding, healthcare financing, Medicaid

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 1624, the “Universal Lunch Bill,” from Rep. Mike Nathie. He argued the proposal should be placed in Century Code rather than the Constitution so future legislatures can adjust it if state finances tighten, and said the bill would start the program a year earlier with a $65 million appropriation for one school year. DPI testified that the estimate did not include nonpublic schools that do not participate, and members questioned the impact on Title I, free-and-reduced applications, private-school accountability, breakfast mandates for schools that do not currently serve breakfast, and whether the funding could come from the DPI budget or other sources. Supporters, including North Dakota United, the North Dakota Catholic Conference, a pediatrician, and the American Heart Association, said universal meals improve student health and learning, reduce family costs, and are better handled in statute than by constitutional amendment. No opposition testimony was offered, and the chair closed the hearing for later work-session action. The committee then took up House Bill 1627, introduced by Rep. Tye Dressler, which would raise the income threshold for the state-funded school lunch program from 225% to 300% of poverty, with an estimated cost of about $7 million for 2026-27. Dressler said the bill is intended as a targeted, budget-friendly alternative to the ballot measure and emphasized that the state should maximize federal meal dollars while improving participation in the current program. Members questioned whether raising the threshold would actually increase utilization, whether a dollar amount would be clearer than a percentage, and how the change would affect federal reimbursements and application rates. DPI said it could quickly calculate additional percentage levels, and the chair closed the hearing, directing DPI to prepare more numbers for the work session. Finally, the committee opened Senate Bill 2403, presented by Sen. Schiable, to create a short-term bridge-loan program for financially distressed hospitals, centered on Jacobson Memorial Hospital in Elgin. The bill would authorize up to $5 million per loan, with a $10 million appropriation available on a first-come, first-served basis, and would run only through June 30, 2027. Schiable said the hospital’s debt and operating problems threaten local health care, ambulance service, and the community’s economy, and that the proposal was designed narrowly with Bank of North Dakota review to avoid creating a broad precedent. Committee members asked whether the appropriation could be reduced and whether the bank would still apply commercial feasibility and repayment standards; Schiable said yes, the bank would still evaluate the loan and could reject it if it was not sound.

Transcript Highlights:

• for that reason we recommend amending the bill to remove section one on page one.
• for that reason we recommend amending the bill to remove section one on page one.
• </c> effectuate the purpose of the section effectuate the purpose of the section and<01:42:02.080><c>
• will be deleting section one of the bill, but moving the other sections on, and it already has an effective
• The recommendation is to pass with amendments. section of the bill is either 90 days um section of the

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Housing Committee heard testimony on several housing-related bills. On SB 26, SD 2, relating to affordable housing, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development explained a prior transit-oriented development study that identified roughly 59,000 possible units and about 25,000 affordable units from known projects, and said the bill would help fill gaps by evaluating additional public lands for housing suitability and possible co-use with existing facilities. Members asked about the need for resources and staffing to do that work, and OPSD said it would need time and consultant support to carry it out. Testimony on the bill included support from state and county housing agencies and comments from planning and land use entities. On SB 66, SD 2, relating to housing and historic preservation review, SHPD and OHA both testified. SHPD said the bill would not override existing burial-site protections and that county staff with proper qualifications could make historic-property determinations locally, while OHA asked for clearer language requiring consultation when Native Hawaiian historic sites are involved and clearer procedures if an adverse effect is found. Committee members and SHPD discussed whether the bill should explicitly preserve existing Chapter 6E processes, whether counties have qualified staff, and how quickly a county would have to decide if it cannot complete the review itself and must use a third-party reviewer. Supporters said the measure could speed permitting and keep decisions local; one opponent argued it could rush approvals and strain infrastructure. The committee also heard support from housing, construction, business, and food-industry groups, and opposition from some preservation and community advocates. The committee then heard SB 332, SD 1, on foreclosure-related protections, with testimony focused on Lānaʻi and concerns about speculative real estate after the foreclosure moratorium ended. SB 414, SD 2, on restoring access to disaster-affected areas, drew support from HHFDC, DHS, and the Maui Chamber; HHFDC noted DOH plans for a temporary paved access road to the Kayola temporary housing site and said agencies were discussing which parcels would be needed. On SB 102, SD 2, relating to affordable housing and third-party historic review, SHPD said it would need to do more upfront screening and that the bill’s timelines and third-party provisions should be clearer; OHA said the measure should include a sunset and better staffing, and asked that the department fill positions to meet review demand. No votes or final committee actions were reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• You don't amend uh the policy section.
• And so if you have the the section.
• ,</c> reasonable accommodation uh section, reasonable accommodation uh section, which<01:54:01.599><c
• It is the public policy section of the statute.
• It is the pole section of the statute.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Fifth, replace the title of the new section 206E-A proposed by section 2 of the bill on page 8, lines
• </c> quote six replace the text for section quote six replace the text for section 206<01:30:38.719><
• Seven, delete section 206E-A, subsection e, on page 10, lines 13 to 17; eight, delete section 206E-A,
• Seven, delete section 206E-A, subsection e, on page 10, lines 13 to 17; eight, delete section 206E-A,
• </c><01:31:42.960><c> 206</c><01:31:43.520><c> e-</c> from section 206 e- from section 206 e- 31.5<01

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the Water and Land, Hawaiian Affairs, and Housing committees on January 29, 2025 focused on SB 534, with the chairs outlining hearing procedures, public testimony limits, and plans to allow extended presentations from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) before moving to other testifiers. The hearing was presented as a public, transparent discussion of OHA’s plans for Kakaʻako Makai, with committee members noting that decision-making would follow if time permitted. OHA testified in strong support of SB 534. The chair of OHA’s Board of Trustees said the bill was a novel proposal for the legislature and emphasized that OHA was bringing together a broad coalition of partners and stakeholders, including representatives from construction, hospitality, education, law enforcement, civil service, and schools, as well as longtime community advocates who have opposed development in Kakaʻako Makai. OHA’s presentation reviewed the history of the area, the creation and role of HCDA, prior master plans, the 2012 land conveyance to OHA, and the argument that OHA has not been able to realize the full economic value of the lands because desired entitlements were not secured. OHA linked the bill to its constitutional mission to improve conditions for Native Hawaiians and argued that the state’s housing crisis makes additional development, including residential use, especially important. A major theme of the testimony was housing. OHA argued that Hawaiʻi faces severe affordability pressures, out-migration, and workforce shortages, and said that residential development in Kakaʻako Makai would help address those needs while also supporting the value of the trust lands. The presentation described HCDA’s authority over zoning and development in Kakaʻako, the existing reserved housing requirements, and the need for a master plan that could move forward if SB 534 becomes law. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the hearing provided; the discussion remained in the presentation and testimony phase.

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically in a chapter or in a section or in a title.
• So then going back to kind of the start of the bill since I went to the new sections, one of the sections
• in section two is where one of the funding provisions is.
• And then the next sections, I don't know...
• This section one allows the State Investment Board... Section 1 allows the State Investment Board.

Keywords: 908, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Sections two and three field trip.
• And then sections 8, 9, and 10 are part of the criminal code, with section 8 defining the term pattern
• Um, section 9 establishes the grooming offense, and section 10 establishes the criminal penalties for
• c> seven</c><00:04:25.840><c> um</c><00:04:26.560><c> uh</c> Sections five, six, and seven um uh Sections
• <c> the</c><00:04:48.240><c> grooming</c> Um section 9 establishes the grooming Um section 9 establishes

Bills: HF3489, HF3550

Keywords: grooming, child protection, student safety, sexual exploitation, educator licensing, teacher discipline, mandatory reporting, mandated reporter training, school misconduct, predatory offender, child abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, position of authority, school employee, school administrator, license revocation, license suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so it is understood attorneys' fees are normally awarded in Section 1983?
• Section 1A satisfies this test by treating state officials the same as federal officials.
• Section 1B satisfies this test by maintaining federal immunity defenses.
• Section 1B satisfies this test by mainstream. Second, the obstacle preemption doctrine.
• Section 1B satisfies this test by maintaining federal immunity defenses.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a late-file hearing on several bills, with Chairs Michael Day and Lydia Edwards outlining hearing rules, testimony limits, and written-testimony procedures. The first bill discussed was H. 4876, a proposal to strengthen supports for survivors of abuse. Representative Carol Faiola testified on behalf of a constituent who described how a lifetime restraining order was effectively undermined after a family member’s death, arguing the bill should limit abusers’ legal standing after death, improve survivor notification and privacy protections, expand coercive-control definitions, and create education and resource programs. The committee then heard testimony on H. 5111, which would strengthen the Massachusetts Antitrust Act. Representative Dave Rogers and Attorney General’s Office antitrust chief Anthony Mariano said the bill would give the state more tools to pursue anti-competitive conduct, including conduct with multi-state effects, while allowing enforcement even when federal authorities are also involved. They said it would increase penalties, clarify that invitations to conspire are violations, protect labor markets, remove limits affecting some housing transactions, and extend the statute of limitations. The committee also heard support for a related “universal 1983” bill, S. 2976/H. 2976, creating a state cause of action for constitutional violations by federal, state, or local officers acting under color of law; supporters said it would fill gaps in remedies against federal officers while preserving qualified immunity. Testimony also supported H. 4783, a bill affirming the rights of people experiencing homelessness. The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless said the measure would push back against growing criminalization of homelessness, especially after the Supreme Court’s Grants Pass decision and local encampment bans, and would protect the use of public spaces without discrimination based on housing status. On H. 4826, condo owners and advocates said Chapter 183A is outdated and leaves owners with too little say and too few remedies against mismanagement, citing problems such as unsafe water, major assessments, and lack of meaningful dispute resolution. The committee also heard strong support for H. 5116, renaming the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court the Judge Leslie E. Harris Courthouse, with testimony from family members, legislators, attorneys, and community leaders describing Judge Harris’s mentorship, community service, and commitment to second chances. Later testimony covered S. 2975, a bill to deter ICE courthouse arrests and protect access to justice; CPCS, law students, and defense advocates said courthouse arrests chill participation by defendants, witnesses, and victims and disrupt pending cases. The committee also heard support for H. 5244, repealing an archaic law criminalizing concealment of a child’s death, with advocates arguing it has been used to punish pregnancy loss and should be removed. The hearing concluded with additional testimony in favor of S. 2976 and more support for the Judge Harris courthouse renaming, after which the chairs closed the hearing and reminded the public how to submit written testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• to discontinue copper service because there are alternative products available, they must file a Section
• Currently, Section 67-6606, Idaho Code, places me as a pastor in an impossible situation.
• But when this section of Idaho Code is considered, tension between these two duties becomes apparent.
• If you read the current code section, it starts with the formation of a PAC as the alternative.
• There's no changes in the fines; it just adds the section, the new section, but it doesn't change the

Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee began by approving the March 11 and March 13, 2026 minutes and then advanced the gubernatorial reappointment of Bud Tracy to the State Building Authority to the Senate floor with a recommendation for confirmation. The committee then heard House Bill 650, a federalism-related measure described by the sponsor and Idaho Farm Bureau testimony as reaffirming constitutional limits on federal and state power; it was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation after brief discussion and no opposition. The committee next took up House Bill 674, which would streamline telecom service discontinuance by relying on the FCC process rather than duplicating review at the Idaho PUC. Lumen representative Rick Gutierrez testified that the FCC process already requires customer notice, identification of alternatives, public comment, and review of whether service can be discontinued without leaving customers without options; supporters argued the bill removes duplication, while opponents said it shifts final decision-making away from Idaho and could weaken state oversight. After debate over state sovereignty, consumer protection, and whether the FCC or PUC should be the final decision-maker, the bill passed 6-3 and was sent to the floor. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1365, which would exempt certain religious organizations from donor-disclosure requirements when they participate in ballot-measure advocacy, so long as related spending stays under 10% of prior-year receipts. The sponsor, Secretary of State Phil McGrane, and several pastors argued the current rules chill church participation and force disclosure of unrelated donors; opponents raised concerns about transparency, enforcement, and the possibility of churches becoming vehicles for political spending. A motion to send the bill to the 14th order failed, and a substitute motion to hold the bill in committee passed 5-4. Finally, Senate Bill 1411, expanding disclosure rules to paid in-person canvassing and related political activity, was introduced as a transparency measure aimed at paid campaign efforts; it was sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation, with Senators Toews and Shippy recorded in opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2344, amending section 35-326, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to the local government
• House Bill 2437, amending Section 36-22 to Chapter 21.1, Article 2.1, Section 41-619, relating to emergency
• House Bill 2573, amending Sections 28-1382 and 28-1319, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to driving
• For, evidence-based psychotherapy is defined in the same way that it is defined in Section 28-1381.
• House Bill 4043, amending Section 15-120.07, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to public schools.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions and proclamations, including a proclamation designating March 10 as Cade’s Day in honor of Cade Keller and suicide prevention efforts. Members also welcomed guests from schools, cities, and medical and advocacy groups, and the clerk announced committee assignments and bill referrals. The chamber then moved through committee-of-the-whole action on several bills. HB 2946 and HB 4018 were amended and given do pass recommendations. In a later committee-of-the-whole, HB 2083, HB 2308, HB 2388, and HB 2389 were considered; HB 2083, HB 2308, and HB 2388 received do pass recommendations as amended, while HB 2389 drew debate over environmental review for power plants, with supporters arguing it would lower energy costs and opponents saying it weakened oversight. The House also retained HB 4030 and HCR 2052 on the calendar. The House then took up third-reading votes on a long list of measures. Bills that passed included HB 2047 on forcible entry and detainer, HB 2127 on special license plates, HB 2344 on the local government investment pool, HB 2371 on dissolution of marriage, HB 2140 and HB 2620 on financial institutions and veterans services, HB 2429 on short-term rentals, HB 2434 on the prescription monitoring program, HB 2437 on emergency medical services, HB 2444 on pharmacy-based testing and treatment, HB 2573 on DUI-related psychotherapy treatment, HB 2601 on state highways and routes, HB 2781 on solar energy power plants, HB 2914 on cameras in long-term care rooms, HB 2968 on evidence in child custody proceedings, HB 4043 on public schools, HB 4064 on municipal improvement districts, HB 4130 on local government budgets, and HCM 2016 renaming a stretch of U.S. Route 191 as Chief Barbonsito Highway. HB 2726 on sleep apnea treatment failed, and HB 2123 failed on reconsideration after a close vote. Several votes featured debate over housing, energy, veterans’ services, pharmacy scope, family-court evidence rules, and the balance between local control and state oversight. The session ended with committee announcements for the following week, personal privilege remarks, and a motion to adjourn until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, which was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Which section of this bill is the proposed committee substitute about?
• Section 2. That is correct.
• Chair, I moved to amend HJR1019 page one, section one.
• On page one, section one, line 20, by deleting 'and municipal.'
• Section two, line six, by deleting 'com and municipal.'

Keywords: 914, all