Transcript Highlights:

• period, property values have risen dramatically, and whereas Florida's local governments collected $32
• properties eligible for a homestead exemption and clarifying that such actions are consistent with Chapter
• properties eligible for a homestead exemption and clarifying that such actions are consistent with Chapter

Summary: The Senate convened in special session with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then read the governor’s proclamation calling the session. The proclamation said the special session was for property tax relief measures, including a proposed constitutional amendment affecting assessment caps, homestead exemptions, and local ad valorem tax limits, along with related implementing legislation on ballot language, taxpayer notices, supermajority voting requirements for tax increases, and a public website showing estimated savings. The secretary read the bills filed within the call: Senate Joint Resolution 2F by Senator Avila, proposing constitutional amendments to Article 7 and Article 12 to revise annual assessment limits, increase the homestead exemption, limit county and municipal ad valorem taxes, and create a trust fund; and Senate Bill 4F by Senator Avila, relating to property tax administration. Both were referred to Appropriations. The Rules Chair announced the Appropriations Committee would meet later that day, and the Senate adopted motions to waive rules, place SJR 2F and SB 4F on the special order calendar for June 2 with an amendment deadline one hour before convening, establish the special order calendar for the rest of special session by website publication and announcement, and send any bills filed outside the call to Rules for review. The chamber then heard farewell remarks from Senators Hooper and Polsky, who were leaving the Senate. Hooper reflected on his long public service and said he hoped to be remembered for treating others with respect and kindness. Polsky thanked constituents, staff, colleagues, and family, and spoke about his years representing communities in South Florida. The Senate then adjourned until 9:00 a.m. the next day, or upon the President’s call, for committee meetings and other business.

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows waiver of a variety of sections, but including Division II, which includes Chapter 3.2, which
• under current law, those two departments can coordinate and waive any part of that section, including Chapter
• He's 32, so God forbid something happens to us, we're going to need to be using an RCFE.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I did it for 32 years. I sat down and talked to every postpartum patient. How are you feeling?
• establish a standard of care for physicians or other health care professionals licensed under this chapter
• So, you know, you want to this chapter." So, you know, you want to get the information out.

Bills: HB322, HB346, HB336, HB384, SB237

Keywords: postpartum depression, postnatal care, maternal mental health, perinatal depression, postpartum screening, new mother, birth mother, newborn discharge, hospital discharge materials, public health education, maternal health, depression screening, health care providers, physicians, nurses, Alabama Department of Public Health, medical liability, standard of care, retired physicians, volunteer medical care

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:32:16.159><c> in</c><00:32:16.399><c> this</c><00:32:16.559><c> presentation,</c><00:32:17.039>
• Next,<00:32:28.880><c> we'll</c><00:32:29.120><c> speak</c><00:32:29.279><c> to</c><00:32:29.440><c>
• </c> Uh<00:32:43.919><c> first</c><00:32:44.159><c> we'll</c><00:32:44.399><c> provide</c><00:32:44.640
• ><00:32:46.240><c> mission</c><00:32:46.480><c> and</c><00:32:46.799><c> the</c><00:32:46.960><c> AY's
• :00.560><c> we</c><01:32:00.719><c> put</c><01:32:01.040><c> the</c><01:32:01.440><c> other</c><01:32

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:01.360><c> and</c><00:32:02.159><c> as</c><00:32:02.399><c> we</c><00:32:02.559><c> know</
• ><c> loan</c><00:32:04.399><c> burden</c><00:32:05.279><c> is</c><00:32:05.679><c> a</c><00:32:05.919
• <00:32:07.200><c> and</c><00:32:07.360><c> so</c><00:32:07.519><c> we're</c><00:32:07.760><c> looking
• for any<00:32:08.399><c> way</c><00:32:08.559><c> and</c><00:32:08.799><c> we</c><00:32:09.039><c> see
• > has</c><00:32:10.640><c> worked</c><00:32:10.960><c> well</c><00:32:11.120><c> for</c><00:32:11.279

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint Education and Higher Education committees met on February 10, 2026, first hearing HB 1676, which would create an AI and education task force, require documentation from AI vendors before procurement or use, and appropriate funds. The Department of Education, Public Charter School Commission, and University of Hawaii all supported the bill’s intent and described existing AI literacy efforts, teacher training, guidance for students and staff, and privacy/monitoring safeguards. DOE said it had already convened an AI task force, produced a report, trained over 10,000 educators, and embedded AI into computer science and broader curricular guidance. Members questioned DOE about student privacy, harmful content monitoring, personal devices, cell phone policy, teacher training, and whether AI literacy should extend beyond computer science into all subjects and across rural schools. After discussion, the chair announced HB 1676 would be deferred to Friday, February 13, and that a HD1 draft would be prepared. The chair said the committee would revisit the task force composition and procurement standards, with possible elimination of the procurement section, and circulate the revised draft before the next hearing. The committee then recessed and later reconvened for HB 1811, a student loan repayment program for educators. Testimony from the Department of Education, Public Charter School Commission, University of Hawaii, Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, HSTA, and the Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus was generally supportive, with HSTA and the Teacher Standards Board emphasizing teacher recruitment and retention, student loan burden, and the need to address the teacher shortage. In decision-making on HB 1811, the committees adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments. The main amendment collapsed the repayment structure into a single disbursement of up to $25,000 after five years of service, with technical/non-substantive changes and a corrected effective date. Both the Education and Higher Education committees voted unanimously in favor. Later in the meeting, the Education Committee began hearing HB 1561 on student meals, which drew broad support from the Public Charter School Commission, Department of Health, HSTA, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and many individuals. Appleseed requested amendments to ensure charter schools are treated the same as other public schools if eligibility expands and to address reimbursement issues for schools already participating in the federal Community Eligibility Provision; members discussed those concerns but no action was taken in the portion of the transcript provided. The committee then moved on to HB 779, on expanding student meal coverage, where DOE supported the intent but said it could not support the bill in its current form because of fiscal constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I guess<00:32:04.640><c> I'll</c><00:32:04.880><c> take</c><00:32:05.039><c> it</c><00:32:05.519>
• <c> just</c><00:32:06.080><c> down</c><00:32:06.399><c> the</c><00:32:06.640><c> list</c><00:32:06.799
• </c><00:32:08.559><c> I'</c><00:32:08.799><c> I've</c><00:32:08.960><c> got</c><00:32:09.120><c> a</c
• c> I'm</c><00:32:14.399><c> kind</c><00:32:14.559><c> of</c><00:32:14.720><c> good</c><00:32:14.880><
• </c><00:32:17.840><c> until</c><00:32:18.240><c> I</c><00:32:18.480><c> get</c><00:32:18.640><c> to</

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> superior</c><01:32:03.679><c> court</c><01:32:03.960><c> is</c><01:32:04.119><c> also</c><01:32:04.360
• <01:32:14.639><c> in</c><01:32:14.760><c> terms</c><01:32:15.000><c> of</c><01:32:15.159><c> our</c><
• revenues<01:32:17.440><c> it's</c><01:32:17.880><c> really</c><01:32:18.239><c> in</c><01:32:19.000>
• <03:32:27.840><c> on</c><03:32:28.600><c> 12,000</c><03:32:29.319><c> miles</c><03:32:29.680><c> away
• Around the World<03:32:33.520><c> um</c><03:32:34.520><c> can</c><03:32:34.880><c> affect</c><03:32:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting featured presentations from the Department of Administrative Services and the Treasury Department on state revenue reporting and unclaimed property. State Comptroller Dana Call explained DAS’s role in compiling statewide revenue reports, including the annual revenue plan set through the budget process and the monthly revenue focus reports that track cash receipts. She noted that unrestricted general fund revenue is about $2 billion annually, while miscellaneous other revenue is a much smaller and less predictable category, averaging roughly $30 million to $32 million a year. She also described two more material internal revenue lines: statewide indirect cost recoveries and post-retirement benefit recoveries, which are billed to agencies and often tied to federal reimbursement rules. Members asked about the interest line in the revenue charts and about how the figures were presented, and Call clarified that the totals were in millions and that the interest item would be explained by the Treasurer. She also explained that the indirect cost and post-retirement recoveries are internal cost allocations that flow back into the unrestricted revenue pool and are reflected in agency budgets as interagency costs. Treasurer Monica Meissner then outlined Treasury Department functions, including bank deposits, statewide disbursements, banking relationships, investments, debt management, compliance, the FONA College Savings Program, the ABLE Plan, scholarship programs, and the abandoned property program. In discussing unclaimed property, she said holders report property after a five-year dormancy period, the state uses automated systems and outreach to locate owners, and claim activity has increased. In fiscal year 2024, the state returned about $12.2 million to citizens through roughly 12,000 claims; over the last 10 years, about $72.6 million has been returned. She also said the state escheated $19.9 million to the general fund and $1.8 million to counties last year, and explained that securities-related proceeds are harder to estimate because they depend on market conditions. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Secretary, there are 32 members present, a quorum.
• The other scripture says it's in Proverbs chapter 3.
• House Bill 1032 by Representative Wiley is an act in Title 32, relative to substances involved in the
• House Bill 606 by Representative Boriak is an act in Title 32 relative to personal delivery devices,
• House Bill 606 by Representative Boriak is an act in Title 32 relative to personal delivery devices,

Bills: SR107, SCR53, SCR54, SCR55, SCR12, HB167, HB181, HB243, HB316, HB321, HB335, HB492, HB578, HB624, HB708, HB864, HB906, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB985, HB1005, HB1032, HB1077, HB1095, HB1104, HB1118, HB1157, HB1187, HB1189, HB1195, HB1198, HB1220, HB221, HCR58, SB283, SB338, SB488, SB520, HB90, HB127, HB138, HB150, HB201, HB268, HB273, HB285, HB315, HB354, HB355, HB360, HB376, HB445, HB506, HB606, HB649, HB665, HB681, HB721, HB746, HB757, HB781, HB835, HB844, HB857, HB872, HB886, HB889, HB892, HB972, HB982, HB987, HB1037, HB1068, HB1072, HB1078, HB1085, HB1132, HB1137, HB1167, HB1174, HB1232, HB1238, SB68, SB76, SB149, SB191, SB196, SB318, SB162, SB382, SCR33, SCR30, SB112, SB194, SB307, SB341, SB346, SB363, SB495, SB503, SB507, SB509, SB513, SB408, SB131, SB145, SB333, SB464, SB466, SB500, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB228, SB246, SB249, SB268, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB312, SB319, SB323, SB369, SB431, SB474, SB484, SB490, SB492, SB501, HCR14, HB537, HB652, HB653, HB661, HB726, HB756, HB851, HB964, HB966, HB34, HB35, HB48, HB474, HB553, HB758, HB852, HB10, HB16, HB36, HB44, HB46, HB52, HB61, HB78, HB98, HB102, HB124, HB126, HB131, HB135, HB141, HB142, HB164, HB170, HB171, HB179, HB194, HB231, HB245, HB280, HB292, HB294, HB297, HB305, HB336, HB337, HB351, HB436, HB594, HB789, HB956, HB957, HB995, HB1040, HB50, HB117, HB120, HB122, HB139, HB148, HB149, HB185, HB199, HB247, HB271, HB286, HB301, HB358, HB359, HB384, HB413, HB428, HB450, HB462, HB547, HB613, HB631, HB657, HB669, HB675, HB680, HB691, HB712, HB716, HB720, HB723, HB727, HB728, HB735, HB747, HB759, HB825, HB842, HB845, HB846, HB903, HB904, HB907, HB923, HB929, HB941, HB962, HB965, HB1036, HB287, HB370, HB515, HB521, HB570, HB1200, HB119, HB129, HB677, HB850

Keywords: condolence resolution, memorial resolution, tribute, sympathy, Joel Parker Sr., Louisiana Senate, rodeo, cowboy, horse trainer, stock and rodeo producer, black cowboy, African American history, community recognition, funeral resolution, celebration of life, Lottie Stampede Arena, Easter Sunday Rodeo, ranching, plantation work, faith community

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard a guest minister’s prayer and pledge, and then proceeded through the journal, legislative bureau report, and a large number of bills and resolutions. Several Senate resolutions and concurrent resolutions were introduced or laid over, including measures recognizing individuals and events, commemorating the YMCA’s 175th anniversary, and creating or referring study and memorial resolutions. The House also sent over multiple bills, which were introduced and referred to the appropriate committees, covering topics such as court filings, travel reimbursement, public assistance integrity, pregnancy and baby care data protections, alcohol permits, capital-case intellectual disability procedures, and pharmacy benefit manager transparency. The chamber then considered House-returned Senate bills. SB 68, a constitutional amendment concerning Louisiana Supreme Court jurisdiction over attorney disciplinary matters, failed to receive the required votes on concurrence after a 24-10 vote, though the author gave notice. SB 76, dealing with child custody modification standards, was concurred in unanimously. SB 149, on general obligation bond bid requirements, had House amendments rejected and was sent to conference. SB 191, concerning ad valorem tax notice procedures, and SB 196, extending the appeal period for tax assessments, were both concurred in. SB 318, on publication of the tax exemption budget and local reporting, was also concurred in unanimously. The Senate also suspended the rules to recall HB 1017 from the Retirement Committee and recommit it to Judiciary A. During personal privilege remarks, members highlighted Disability Awareness Day, recognized a local award recipient, and provided an update and prayer request for Senator Selders following surgery. The meeting concluded with committee announcements and adjournment to reconvene the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so right<00:32:49.440><c> now</c><00:32:49.600><c> what</c><00:32:49.760><c> we</c><00:32:49.919>
• <c> have</c><00:32:50.080><c> is</c><00:32:50.240><c> a</c><00:32:50.399><c> system</c><00:32:50.640>
• more</c><00:32:53.600><c> money</c><00:32:53.840><c> than</c><00:32:54.080><c> schools</c><00:32:54.399
• </c><00:32:55.919><c> Um</c><00:32:56.159><c> and</c><00:32:56.399><c> so</c><00:32:56.559><c> the</c
• But<01:32:23.760><c> we</c><01:32:23.920><c> can't</c><01:32:24.239><c> make</c><01:32:24.400><c> real

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:32:01.440><c> Am</c><01:32:01.679><c> I</c><01:32:01.920><c> also</c><01:32:02.239><c> the</c
• <01:32:04.080><c> Is</c><01:32:04.239><c> that</c><01:32:05.120><c> what</c><01:32:05.280><c> that</c
• 32:08.320><c> the</c><01:32:08.480><c> subcommittee</c><01:32:09.280><c> is</c><01:32:10.000><c> my</
• </c><01:32:28.719><c> Took</c><01:32:28.960><c> me</c><01:32:29.120><c> a</c><01:32:29.280><c> year</
• Um, so<01:32:50.719><c> I'm</c><01:32:50.960><c> Judge</c><01:32:51.280><c> Kristo,</c><01:32:51.760>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Children and Family Law Committee met on April 15, 2025, and opened a hearing on Senate Bill 269, which would remove references to “bride and groom” and replace them with “applicants” in the Vital Records Act. The bill was described by the sponsor’s designee as a housekeeping update requested by the Secretary of State to modernize and standardize the language in light of same-sex marriage and to make the statute gender-neutral. Members asked whether the change would affect the substance of marriage law, marriage ceremonies, age and residence requirements, or open the door to polygamy; the response was that it would not change the law, would still apply to two adults, and would not supersede New Hampshire’s ban on polygamy. Some members noted the bill had passed the Senate unanimously and 18-0, while others questioned whether the change was necessary given existing forms and statutes, and whether it could create confusion with other laws such as alimony or divorce paperwork. The discussion became lengthy and somewhat informal, with members debating whether the terminology update was merely clerical or whether it should be postponed for more information from the Secretary of State’s office. Several members expressed frustration that no representative from that office was present. One member, speaking as a family law attorney, argued the bill was redundant because similar information already appears on vital statistics forms and could potentially create unintended issues; others countered that the Legislature should keep statutes consistent with current law and modern terminology. The committee also briefly discussed how marriage certificates and licenses are labeled and how same-sex couples are designated under current law. After a Republican caucus break, the chair called for a nonbinding thumb vote on whether to postpone the bill. The committee voted to come back to the bill later, and the hearing on SB 269 was closed and postponed to a later executive session date. The chair then shifted to other committee business, including preparations for a later discussion with Chief Administrative Justice Ellen Kristo and a family court subcommittee exercise, but no further action was taken on SB 269 during this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we will hear the administration's spending plan for water and coastal resilience chapters and chapters
• We're here to discuss the Water Chapter and the Proposition 4 bond.
• And within the Water Chapter, this includes $51 million for water recycling, $47 million for dam safety
• A lot of these programs, a lot of the 32 programs, are established programs.
• So the Proposition 4 Water Chapter, The Proposition 4 Water Chapter includes two buckets of funding for

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on water and coastal resilience heard an overview of the governor’s Proposition 4 spending plan, with presentations from the Department of Finance, the State Water Resources Control Board, the Department of Water Resources, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, and later coastal agencies. Members discussed the water chapter’s major allocations for drinking water and wastewater, recycled water, tribal water infrastructure, groundwater recharge and SGMA implementation, dam safety, flood protection, integrated regional water management, Salton Sea projects, and water data/stream gauges. The LAO noted that many programs are established and have clear funding processes, but some newer or less-defined programs may warrant more detailed future budget requests and reporting. No votes were taken on the agenda items. Members raised concerns about groundwater subsidence, water deliveries from the Delta, the pace of water storage investments, instream flows, and whether bond dollars were being used to backfill General Fund reductions. Administration witnesses said groundwater recharge spending is being paced because prior years already funded substantial SGMA work, that Delta operations are governed by water quality, salinity, and species requirements, and that Proposition 1 storage projects have moved slowly because they are locally led and require permitting and financing. The Water Board and DWR said they use public needs assessments, annual plans, and existing grant processes to prioritize projects, and Finance said some General Fund programs were shifted to Proposition 4 to help balance the budget. Members also asked for clearer public tracking of bond spending and more concise future reporting. In the coastal resilience portion, the Ocean Protection Council and Coastal Conservancy described Proposition 4 funding for sea level rise adaptation, coastal flood management, habitat restoration, public access, and San Francisco Bay projects, with a multi-year rollout based on project readiness and recent large state investments. The Conservancy said it would use its existing rolling grant process, while OPC said its sea level rise grants would build on existing programs and new technical assistance. The Department of Fish and Wildlife explained its proposed use of bond funds for climate-ready fisheries, hatchery modernization, salmon monitoring, whale- and turtle-safe fishing gear, and a specific hatchery operations request tied to the Friant settlement. The LAO said the coastal chapter’s proposed first-year spending is relatively modest but generally reasonable given staffing and project readiness, while members emphasized oversight, transparency, and coordination across agencies and jurisdictions.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:13.039><c> you</c><00:32:13.200><c> madam</c><00:32:13.440><c> chair</c><00:32:14.159><c>
• um uh I'm<00:32:16.120><c> I'm</c><00:32:16.919><c> glad</c><00:32:17.159><c> we're</c><00:32:17.360>
• :32:18.679><c> a</c><00:32:18.840><c> good</c><00:32:19.080><c> process</c><00:32:19.480><c> so</c><00
• ><00:32:44.440><c> up</c><00:32:44.600><c> their</c><00:32:44.840><c> staff</c><00:32:45.360><c> uh</
• only 12 States<00:32:57.039><c> that</c><00:32:57.279><c> had</c><00:32:58.039><c> program</c><00:32:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, members, by your vote of 21 ayes, 32 nays, Okay, members, by your vote of 21 ayes, 32 nays, you
• Senate Bill 1247, meaning Title 36, Chapter 4, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section
• House Bill 2307 amends Chapter 15, 21, A.R.S., Title 13, Chapter 41, A.R.S., section 13-4521, relating

Summary: The House convened, took attendance, approved the prior journal, and recognized a number of guests and proclamations, including a proclamation supporting freedom, life, and liberty for the people of Iran. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider several Senate bills. SB 1166 and SB 1252 were reported do pass without controversy. SB 1184 drew debate over a floor amendment that would have added the pride flag to the list of flags HOAs and condo associations could not prohibit; the amendment was rejected on a 21-32 division vote, and the bill was then reported do pass. The House also entered an additional Committee of the Whole to amend SB 1092, adopted a floor amendment setting an effective date of Jan. 1, 2027, and reported the bill do pass as amended. On third reading, SB 1020, a special license plate bill benefiting the Arizona Space Commission and related space education efforts, passed 35-21 with several members explaining votes in support of space industry development and in opposition because a proposed community college scholarship plate was not included. SB 1247, an emergency measure relating to health care institutions, passed 55-1 and cleared the two-thirds threshold for its emergency clause. The House also concurred in Senate amendments to HB 2307, then later passed HB 2307 unanimously as an emergency measure relating to dangerous and incompetent defendants. The chamber also considered a bill repealing Cesar Chavez Day and replacing it with a different observance tied to the farm worker movement. Members on both sides spoke at length about sexual abuse allegations involving Cesar Chavez, the importance of standing with survivors, and the need to honor farm workers and the broader movement rather than one individual. The bill ultimately passed 48-8 with the two-thirds emergency requirement. The House then received announcements, including caucus and committee meeting notices, a remembrance of Christian Petillo, and a congratulatory note for the University of Arizona men’s basketball team, before adjourning until March 31, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So Ansel was born at 32 weeks without the bottoms of his legs below the knee. We don't know why.
• I am a retired operating room nurse after 32 years of service, and I thank you for this opportunity to
• 688 reestablishes the licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors in Florida by redesignating Chapter
• Florida by redesignating Chapter 462 of the Florida Statutes as naturopathic medicine and by updating
• against; Jason Wynn, Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, waving against; and Chris Newell, Florida Chapter

Bills: S0162, S0254, S0688, S0794, S1110, S1574

Keywords: surgical smoke, health standards, hospital safety, patient protection, medical regulations, nursing education, licensure, remedial courses, temporary license, graduate nursing preceptorship, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, background screening, support coordination services, developmental disabilities, Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome, public hearings, orthotics, prosthetics, healthcare, Medicaid

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met with a quorum present and took up several health-related bills. CS/SB 1110 on Medicaid and insurance coverage for orthotics and prosthetics was heard first. The bill would require coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics without lifetime or continuous-use caps, direct AHCA to seek federal approval and update contracts, and require annual reporting. Testimony from a child using prosthetic “gymnastics blades,” his mother, and another young person with a prosthetic leg emphasized the high cost of activity-specific devices and the impact on children’s mobility, sports participation, and quality of life. Senators voiced strong support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then approved SB 1574, “Maddie’s Law,” which adds newborn screening for biliary atresia using the existing blood specimen collected at birth. The sponsor and the child’s father described the condition as time-sensitive and potentially fatal without early detection, and argued the screening could prevent transplants and save money. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered CS/SB 794 on background screening for employees of residential facilities and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities, plus a review of waiver support coordination quality, training, and access issues. Parents and a support coordinator testified that strong support coordination is essential for families and that the bill would help standardize expectations and improve services. An amendment aligning the bill with the House companion was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. Members next heard SB 162, which requires hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. Supporters, including nurses and the Florida Nurses Association, described surgical smoke as a workplace hazard with toxic chemicals and potential cancer risks; hospital representatives said they support the intent but argued existing federal and state standards already regulate the issue and the bill is too prescriptive. A late-filed amendment clarifying the smoke must be “effectively captured and filtered” was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 254, a major nursing education bill that tightens oversight of low-performing nursing programs, creates a temporary provisional license and preceptorship pathway for graduates awaiting NCLEX results, requires remediation for delayed testing, and increases transparency by posting passage rates. Nursing groups supported stronger standards, while private nursing schools warned the bill could reduce capacity and discourage program directors; the amended bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 688, which would reestablish licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors in Florida, create a board of naturopathic medicine, set licensure and renewal requirements, and define the scope of practice while excluding most prescription authority. Supporters said it would expand health care choices and allow naturopathic doctors to practice openly, while opponents from the medical community warned the bill could authorize diagnosis and treatment without sufficient training and rely on unproven therapies. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned after members thanked staff for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• governor's recommended budget in that middle column, it's also cutting it very thin margin on that one at $32
• So as you look at that, we have $29 million or $32 million on the bottom line.
• Under Title 39, Chapter 11, Idaho Code, the state of Idaho, through the Department of Health and Welfare
• line one, it gives you the section, and it says, I'll just start it out: for the purposes of this chapter
• , school means any public or private school; daycare means any daycare as defined in Chapter 11, Title

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee approved the January 19, 2026 minutes and voted to send Michael Kennedy’s gubernatorial reappointment to the Idaho Judicial Council to the Senate floor with a recommendation for confirmation. The committee then received a JFAC budget presentation on the judicial branch, Idaho Department of Correction, and Idaho State Police. Judicial branch highlights included a requested increase for guardian ad litem/CASA pass-through funds in the Second Judicial District and a large increase for the Senior Magistrate Judge Retirement Fund to cover expected retirements and related service purchases. For IDOC, analysts described declining dedicated fund balances, the governor’s holdback exemption, and population-driven costs for county and out-of-state placements and medical services; members asked about vacant FTE reductions, inmate labor revenue declines, probation/parole collections, and population growth despite lower crime trends. For Idaho State Police, the main budget issue was a proposed commission pay plan funded by increasing the Project Choice fee from $3 to $12 per vehicle registration, which drew questions about the impact on motorists and whether state general funds should cover the cost instead. JFAC Chair Scott Grow also discussed overall state budget conditions, emphasizing structural balance, revenue uncertainty, and the need to avoid relying on one-time funds for ongoing expenses. He noted that general fund revenues and appropriations are tightening, that conformity legislation and other policy bills could affect the bottom line, and that JFAC is considering ongoing spending reductions for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Members questioned the assumptions behind the revenue forecast and the size of the ending balance under different scenarios. The committee then printed two RSs from Senator Lakey: RS 33169, which would further align Idaho’s illegal-entry/presence law with federal immigration law and address preemption concerns, and RS 33172, which would clarify juvenile probation officers’ authority to detain or arrest juvenile probationers for in-person violations and to execute warrants and transport juveniles. Finally, the committee heard and passed Senate Bill 1239, a technical change to sex offender residency restrictions that would treat locally approved or zoned daycare facilities the same as state-licensed daycares for purposes of the 500-foot restriction; the bill was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation after questions about retroactivity and whether existing residents would be forced to move.

Transcript Highlights:

• 1308 was moved to this Chapter 130104.
• I just present you with a chapter repeal.
• Fate as a definition was moved from 13-0117, the chapter that you just repealed.
• Okay, language from this chapter, section 410.4B, was consolidated into the definition.
• Member of the HAT committee, Idaho Falls, Legislative District 32, trust the process.

Summary: The Resources and Conservation Committee first took up Fish and Game Rule Docket 13-0104-2401, a broad cleanup and consolidation of licensing, tag, permit, and hunt-allocation rules. The department explained that the rule implements a new non-resident draw framework, moves licensing language into one chapter, adds or clarifies definitions, changes some controlled-hunt thresholds, expands landowner appreciation and permission hunt provisions to include turkey on smaller eligible acreage, and adds or revises provisions for refunds, exchanges, special big game tags, and bighorn sheep auction/lottery areas. Members questioned the non-resident draw structure, landowner tag sales, and the addition of Units 13 and 18 for bighorn sheep auction/lottery tags; department witnesses said those units were only being added as possible hunt areas if seasons are later set, not creating new hunts. After debate, a substitute motion to approve the docket as-is failed on a tie vote, and the committee then approved the docket with exceptions removing Sections 700.02 and 800.02. The committee then quickly approved Rule Docket 13-0117-2401, a repeal of the bait-for-big-game chapter because the content had been moved into another chapter. It next heard Rule Docket 13-0108-2401, which would revise big-game hunting rules, including weapon definitions and validation/tagging language, allow future electronic tagging, add a center-fire open-site season, update archery and muzzleloader provisions, revise motorized hunting restrictions, authorize certain predator hunting near feeding sites, create herd-health kill authorizations for disease management, and make permanent the temporary bait rule with a grizzly-bear reporting requirement. A major portion of the docket would restrict certain high-tech hunting tools—such as thermal optics, night vision, transmitting trail cameras, drones, and aircraft—during big-game seasons, with narrower exceptions for wolves and private land. Department staff said the proposal came from extensive public engagement and was intended to preserve fair chase while still allowing wolf management tools and livestock-protection measures. Public testimony on the technology rule was sharply divided. Supporters argued the restrictions were needed to protect fair chase, prevent unfair advantages, and preserve hunting traditions; several said the process was thorough and that other western states already restrict similar technologies. Opponents, including trappers, livestock interests, and some hunters, argued the rule would reduce wolf-management effectiveness, conflict with Idaho law requiring all methods of take for wolves, and limit tools useful for finding wounded or dead game and for chronic wasting disease response. After hearing testimony, the chairman moved to hold Docket 13-0108-2401 in committee, and that motion passed, so no final action was taken on the technology rule at that meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It strikes the final sentence of Chapter 272, Section 28.
• If a school employee is acting in good faith to educate, they have nothing to fear from Chapter 272.
• By putting the standards of Chapter 272 back in play, we take the decision out of the hands of the ivory
• If a school employee is acting in good faith to educate, they have nothing to fear from Chapter 272.
• It has to do with Chapter 272. Let's look at the actual law.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um<00:32:02.399><c> again</c><00:32:03.039><c> um</c><00:32:04.240><c> um</c><00:32:04.480><c> section
• </c><00:32:29.840><c> about</c><00:32:30.559><c> uh</c><00:32:30.720><c> where</c><00:32:31.039><c> this
• ><c> be</c><00:32:31.600><c> imposed</c><00:32:32.320><c> and</c><00:32:32.559><c> my</c><00:32:32.720
• :32:47.360><c> roads</c><00:32:47.600><c> and</c><00:32:47.840><c> bridges</c><00:32:48.720><c> and</
• And uh we currently<00:32:53.440><c> have</c><00:32:53.679><c> a</c><00:32:54.000><c> gas</c><00:32:54.320

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> to</c><00:32:04.720><c> return</c><00:32:05.360><c> to</c><00:32:05.519><c> to</c><00:32:05.919>
• are</c><00:32:09.440><c> are</c><00:32:09.840><c> scheduled</c><00:32:10.240><c> for</c><00:32:10.960
• ><c> pickup</c><00:32:12.080><c> but</c><00:32:12.320><c> the</c><00:32:12.480><c> majority</c><00:32
• ><c> back</c><00:32:20.240><c> to</c><00:32:20.720><c> uh</c><00:32:21.039><c> pick</c><00:32:21.279>
• .<00:32:26.080><c> It</c><00:32:26.320><c> also</c><00:32:26.640><c> depends</c><00:32:26.960><c> upon

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services met in person, approved the October 15 minutes, and began with a moment of silence following a Louisville UPS plane explosion that was described as a local tragedy affecting many families and first responders. The main presentation was an overview of Kentucky’s Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NMT) program from the Department for Medicaid Services and the Transportation Cabinet. Witnesses explained that NMT is a federally required Medicaid benefit, administered by the Transportation Cabinet under a risk-based capitated model, with eligibility limited to Medicaid members traveling to medically necessary, Medicaid-covered services and who lack access to other transportation. They also described exclusions, including certain KCHIP, QMB, and PACE members, and outlined the brokered regional structure, call center operations, scheduling rules, vehicle and driver oversight, complaint handling, and rider surveys. The presenters reported that NMT handled more than 3.1 million trips in state fiscal year 2024, with over 1.38 million trips already recorded in October, and said customer satisfaction surveys were high. They said the FY 2025-26 contract total is about $360.6 million, with monthly per-member capitation rates set by region through an actuarial process and approved by CMS. They emphasized that payments are tied to monthly Medicaid enrollment and that the state draws down federal funds for the exact amount paid, with no leftover balance. They also said most NMT use comes from adult day centers and rehabilitative care such as dialysis. Members questioned the witnesses about how quality metrics and contract standards are set, whether the state had explored alternatives such as Uber Health or other integrated models, and how utilization was calculated. The witnesses said contract requirements are developed collaboratively by Medicaid Services, the Transportation Cabinet, and other agencies, and that studies of other models generally found higher costs and lower approval ratings, with additional research on a hybrid model expected by the end of the year. They clarified that one figure reflected the share of Medicaid members with registered vehicles, while another reflected actual NMT users, and they defended the capitated structure as shifting financial risk to brokers rather than the state. Representative Fleming also raised concerns about oversight, reporting, and the apparent gap between budgeted and contracted amounts, asking whether any unused funds would return to general funds; the discussion ended before a final answer was given.

Transcript Highlights:

• Violation<00:32:03.160><c> makes</c><00:32:03.440><c> a</c><00:32:03.520><c> person</c><00:32:04.120>
• enforcement.<00:32:13.120><c> Okay,</c><00:32:13.320><c> thank</c><00:32:13.560><c> you</c><00:32:13.760
• </c><00:32:22.960><c> And</c><00:32:23.080><c> number</c><00:32:23.440><c> eight,</c><00:32:23.640><c
• ><01:32:55.920><c> state,</c><01:32:56.480><c> and</c><01:32:56.640><c> then</c><01:32:57.040><c> what
• </c><01:32:58.040><c> How</c><01:32:58.160><c> can</c><01:32:58.320><c> they</c><01:32:58.440><c> perform

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up gubernatorial message nominations. Margaret Jackson was heard for reappointment to the State Council on Mental Health, where she said her lived experience with family members facing schizophrenia, houselessness, and substance use issues motivates her service. Andrew Savaiano was heard for the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council and said he wanted to continue elevating youth voice and lived experience. Tao Yan was heard for the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants and emphasized the importance of wastewater treatment to public health and the environment. The Department of Health testified in support of the nominations, and the committee later adopted chair recommendations to advise and consent to all three nominations, noting Senator Favela’s excuse and no recorded objections. The committee then heard HB 1853 relating to dementia. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state agencies, advocacy groups, caregivers, and individuals with lived experience, including a person living with Alzheimer’s and his caregiver spouse, who described the value of early diagnosis and coordinated support. Supporters said the bill would expand memory care navigation and access, especially on neighbor islands and in rural areas, and help families connect to resources earlier. One member raised concerns about the cost and scale of the proposed program, asking about the number and cost of dementia specialists and noting broader budget pressures, but the bill remained under discussion with no final action shown in the transcript. The committee also heard HB 1591 relating to health care, which would expand the preceptor tax credit to additional health professions, including physician assistant students and PAs, with testimony in support from nursing, public health, medical, and provider organizations. Supporters argued the measure would help address workforce shortages and improve training opportunities for local and economically disadvantaged students. A committee member asked about the aggregate cost of the credit and whether the existing credit had been fully utilized; the chair noted the bill was being kept narrower than broader proposals because of fiscal concerns. The transcript then moved to HB 1961 relating to health care access near facilities, with supporters arguing it protects access to legal reproductive health care and opponents saying it is unnecessary, vague, and burdensome on free speech and protest activity. No final vote on the bills appears in the excerpt provided.