Transcript Highlights:

• I'm sorry, Senator Lenney, the restrictions on occupancy rates and parking.
• They want to protect their property rating, their value, and their reviews, just like I want to protect
• my five-star rating.
• With Airbnb and all the different vendors that we have. I mean, there's not a national code.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then again, talked about the pro-rated basis that those compensations would occur in the event that
• the that the rate a basis that those compensations would occur in the event that the monies in that
• we talked about making sure that confirmed were paid in whole if funds were available and then pro rating
• And so when we told them, if there was an opportunity for the software vendor to generate a report, rather

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved the January 22, 2026 minutes and then introduced three RSs. Senator Shippey presented RS 33086 on protection of working animals, which would bar local governments and agencies from enacting rules that effectively ban working animals or working animal enterprises; members asked whether rodeo animals and service animals were covered, and the RS was sent to print. Senator Blaylock presented two code-cleanup RSs from the DOGE committee effort, one removing obsolete programs and another deleting references to the Idaho One plan; both were sent to print after brief discussion. The committee then considered several Idaho State Department of Agriculture rule dockets. Lloyd Knight presented a repeal of the Idaho Hop Growers Commission rule because it duplicated statute, and the committee approved it. He also presented temporary and pending rules on grizzly bear and wolf depredation compensation, explaining the rules implement HB 592 and HB 82, establish definitions and a compensation matrix, and set priorities for confirmed, probable, and possible claims, along with conflict-prevention funding; a virtual witness from Living with Wolves supported the rules, and the committee approved both dockets. Dr. Scott Livesley then presented zero-based rewrites of the brucellosis, tuberculosis, and public exchange of livestock rules, emphasizing that the changes were mostly reorganization and clarification with no major regulatory changes. During the animal disease rule presentations, Dr. Livesley gave background on Idaho’s brucellosis and TB surveillance programs, including the designated surveillance area near Yellowstone, mandatory testing and vaccination requirements, and the role of federal and state agencies. Senators asked about federal involvement, vaccination, and emergency entry provisions, and Dr. Livesley explained the limits of wildlife vaccination and the need for ongoing surveillance. For the livestock exchange rule, he described the three public exchange venues and a change allowing end-of-day electronic sale reports instead of individual paper releases. Jeff Abrams of the Idaho Conservation League later testified in support of the depredation framework but urged more funding for conflict minimization and future compensation needs. The committee completed its rule approvals and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since the publication of this iteration of the State Water Plan, our state's accelerating rate of growth
• If we don't dedicate it to supply, we give no predictability to vendors willing to develop and supply
• Rates in the country right now, besides San Diego, where we pipe the water from the Colorado River over
• Texas continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, with new estimates of over 1,500 new residents arriving

Bills: HB3077 , HJR2 , HJR7 , HJR7

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: alcohol, taxation, reporting requirements, sales, distribution, death tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, property transfer, constitutional amendment, water fund, Texas water supply, state revenue, infrastructure, HJR 7, Texas Legislature, quorum, majority quorum, two-thirds quorum, legislative procedure

Transcript Highlights:

• Having the third highest rate of fatal crashes involving underage drunk drivers, the bill requires electronic
• with a fake ID, became intoxicated, and died in a vehicle crash, highlighting Texas's third highest rate
• , these services are more secure than transactions made at gas stations or other brick-and-mortar vendors
• Different wines age at different rates.

Bills: SB650 , HB3667 , SB28 , HB3201 , SB1184 , HB1800 , SB 28

Committee: House Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Keywords: permit issuance, regulatory framework, business operations, efficiency, application process, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, lottery regulations, occupational licensing, fraud prevention, criminal background checks, lottery couriers, SB 1184, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, wine collection seller, collectible wine, vintage wine

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not reducing a single rate.
• Yeah, but those— which is not a rate.
• They were put in place in a different era when our rates were not so close to the market rate.
• rate.
• To me, if you're looking at performance ratings, that's a high performance rating, but they're taking

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It permits third-party vendors to assist on such things as plate processing, insurance verification,
• It clarifies that private vendors... Administrative notices, those kinds of things.
• It clarifies that private vendors do not receive police powers or law enforcement authority.

Committee: House Municipal

Summary: The Municipal Program of Cultural Affairs Committee met with a quorum and took up three Senate bills by Senator Edmonds, all related to the new City of St. George. The first bill, SB 348, would allow a local enforcement agency to contract with third-party vendors for administrative support in motor vehicle liability enforcement, such as plate processing, insurance verification, and notices, while making clear the vendors would not have police powers. Members raised concerns that the bill as drafted appeared statewide rather than local to St. George, and discussed how to limit it properly. After debate, the committee adopted amendments to narrow SB 348 to cities incorporated after October 1, 2019 and to sunset the authority on July 31, 2028, with the understanding that St. George could return later with a properly advertised local bill. The bill then received favorable action. The committee then considered SB 485, which transfers authority to levy and collect the insurance premium tax within St. George to the city beginning January 1, 2027; it was reported favorably without objection. Finally, the committee heard SB 444, which gives St. George expropriation authority for public infrastructure projects such as roads, drainage, flood protection, water, sewer, and utilities, using procedures similar to other Louisiana municipalities and DOTD. Members asked about the process and confirmed it was standard municipal authority and not related to private industry. The bill was reported favorably without objection. The meeting ended with thanks to staff and members and a reminder that this was the committee’s last meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It permits third-party vendors to assist on such things as plate processing, insurance verification,
• It clarifies that private vendors... ...administrative notices, those kinds of things.
• It clarifies that private vendors do not receive police powers or law enforcement authority.

Bills: SB348 , SB444 , SB485

Committee: House Municipal

Keywords: motor vehicles, enforcement, administrative support, law enforcement, private service provider, regulatory compliance, expropriation, public purpose, property rights, compensation, city governance, St. George, insurance premium tax, city of St. George, municipal authority, local taxation, East Baton Rouge Parish, 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we decided we had been leveraging a third-party vendor to do the front half of the application and
• Abandoned rates are down to 10%. We now have a Spanish-speaking experience.
• Increased our rate. We're just taking 0.5% of a bigger number.
• Historically, the vacancy rate was because we weren't trying to fill positions.
• Our attrition rate, or annualized employee turnover, has gone from over 30% down to about 15%.

Committee: House A&B Finance Subcommittee

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> to</c><01:48:37.719><c> sell</c> wants are your rates reasonable to sell wants are your rates reasonable
• A student's personal information is now a commodity by edtech vendors.
• </c><04:18:24.399><c> are</c> send you the link edtech vendors are send you the link edtech vendors are
• </c> there's something called rated books. there's something called rated books. org<04:29:42.479><c>
• </c> org it's an organization that rates org it's an organization that rates books<04:29:44.560><c> for

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Children and Family Law Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 285, which would add language to the parental rights and responsibilities statute directing judges to consider known mental health or medical conditions that could affect parenting. Representative Ball, the bill’s sponsor, said the intent was not to require disclosure of private records, but to give judges a reminder to ask whether anything in a parent’s condition could interfere with parenting and to help ensure children’s safety and best interests, especially in high-conflict or pro se family court cases. He said the proposal was meant as a guardrail and not as a way to reduce parenting time or take children from parents. Committee members questioned whether the existing best-interest factors already cover parenting ability, whether the new language could invite stigma or weaponization in custody disputes, and whether judges already have authority to ask these questions. Ball responded that judges often do not ask, that family court can be difficult for unrepresented parties, and that the language would simply make the issue explicit. He also said he would be open to amendments, including language that more directly instructs judges to ask the question. One member raised concerns about whether the bill should say judges “shall” ask rather than “may,” and Ball said he was willing to work with the committee on wording. Sarah Horn, a NAMI New Hampshire board member and parent, testified in opposition. She described her own history with OCD, ADD, PTSD, hospitalization, and recovery, and said mental illness had not harmed her ability to parent; she warned the bill could increase stigma and discourage people from seeking treatment. In response, Ball said her testimony was part of why he had considered an amendment to include physical health as well, so the bill would not single out mental health. The hearing ended without a vote in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under Trump's First Step Act, the racism rate for the home confinement program was less than 1%.
• Under Trump's First Step Act, the racism rate for the home confinement program was less than 1%.
• Teachers have one of the highest turnover rates...
• The average proficiency rate is in the 30s for math, reading, and science—you name it.
• It's not fair, and I hope that... ...different rates that are charged to people.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was to one vendor.
• Explain what you mean by claim acceptance rate.
• maximum legal rate of levy.
• , and that it constitutes a prescribed maximum legal rate of levy.
• maximum legal rate of levy.

Summary: The committee was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were offered, and the minutes from the previous meeting were approved. Members then received a memo summarizing major audit items and began hearing audit presentations from the State Auditor’s Office and private auditors on a range of state agencies and organizations. Several audits were reported as clean, including the Bank of North Dakota, the North Dakota Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation’s flexible transportation fund, Lake Region State College, and the Department of Environmental Quality. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association also received an unmodified opinion, though repeat findings were noted for limited segregation of duties and financial statement preparation due to its small staff. The Council on the Arts audit found two findings: payroll charged to federal awards without adequate timekeeping records, and unallowable expenditures from a restricted cultural endowment fund. The Department of Public Instruction audit identified unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, though additional testing showed the funds were used for their intended purpose. The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which identified four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating limit, grant conditions not being met, improper Breeders Fund awards, and improper procurement for advertising services. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson acknowledged complacency and weak controls, said the agency would tighten procedures, and explained that the commission had since worked with procurement and would follow the rules more closely. Auditors also explained that the commission would now be audited every two years because of the findings. Another major discussion involved the University of North Dakota School of Law, where auditors found a lack of documentation supporting admissions decisions for post-baccalaureate programs. UND officials said they remain in good standing with the American Bar Association but agreed better documentation and tools are needed; the committee pressed for more transparency and follow-up on admissions criteria. The committee also received an update on Dakota College at Bottineau, where Minot State University reported that bank reconciliations had been brought current after a significant backlog and would now be maintained through shared services. Members requested a written follow-up report on the issues and corrective actions. Finally, the North Dakota Fair Association explained that its foundation has been dissolved and remaining funds were transferred to another nonprofit for continued support of the state fair, and the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, saying the reported amount was about $1.1 million from a partial district survey and that debt remains a local issue, though it could be revisited if school meal funding changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the reporting process would come from the overarching vendor, which would be whichever company made
• I don't know specifically what the false positive rate would be for that to be officially good.
• Because these are private providers, hourly rates vary by office, typically ranging between $100 and
• Over the past decade, our graduation rate in District 5 Mental Health Court sits at 57%.
• with new crimes. 31% of our participants are charged with new crimes compared to a 55% recidivism rate

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• out, but this is the traditional way of handling them, and I think that we also need to look at the rating
• ranking of these projects in our deliberations as well. do think that we also need to look at the rating
• The turnover rate for PSFA currently, we have apologies, our current staffing is 50s.
• monthly audits of these items to make sure that the expenses at the Board of Finance and the burn rate
• Architects, design professionals, PSCOC staff, FMP vendors, and many New Mexico school districts were

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• accept our audits of federal awards and financial statements, and our audits will be accepted by bond rating
• I'm proud to say our office has consistently received the highest peer review rating an audit organization
• Some examples from the recent past include eviction rates, commercial real estate taxes, and school enrollment
• mind that our audit does not include a review of all records and actions by management, staff, or vendors
• And the reports can help investors, along with bond rating agencies and creditors who expect payment

Summary: The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee met to receive annual overviews of its oversight responsibilities and the work of the Auditor General and OPAGA. Committee staff reviewed the committee’s authority over state and local governments, enforcement of audit-report filing requirements, repeated audit findings, Transparency Florida reporting, and lobbying compensation audits. Auditor General Cheryl Norman described her office’s independence, audit standards, quality control, and major audit areas, including the state’s annual financial and single audits, school district and university audits, operational and performance audits, and attestation work. She also noted staffing shortages, recruitment efforts, and a request for carry-forward funds to study salaries. Members asked about whether audits can quantify recoverable dollars, how school district spending comparisons are handled, and how to raise concerns about DCF-related audits or a local city audit that has been pending for years. Norman said her office can quantify findings when possible, sometimes compares costs across districts in operational audits, and that members can bring specific concerns to the appropriate deputy auditor general or the committee. She also explained that citizen or local-government audit requests may require payment of audit costs. OPAGA Coordinator Kara Collins-Gomez outlined OPAGA’s role as a legislative research unit that conducts studies directed by law, the presiding officers, or the committee, and described its policy areas, methodologies, contract monitoring, and recurring statutory reports. Deputy Auditor General Matthew Tracy explained how to read operational audit reports, including findings, criteria, condition, cause, effect, recommendations, and management responses. Deputy Auditor General Greg Senators explained financial audit reports, including audit opinions, required supplementary information, internal control and compliance findings, federal program compliance, and management letters. The meeting concluded with thanks to the presenters and a motion to adjourn, which passed without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> there was federal match at a high rate there was federal match at a high rate when<00:54:31.440>
• </c><01:25:54.320><c> there</c> you know over 20% vacancy rate there you know over 20% vacancy rate there
• And then also, if we have an error rate above 6%—and New Hampshire has an error rate below the national
• average—but if you have an error rate over 6%, the state has to pick up a percentage of the cost.
• So if we keep our error rate below 6%, we'll have no financial obligation.

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> in their in their reimbursement rates. in their in their reimbursement rates.
• in the rates at this time without taking some other form of action to, um, provide that.
• Um, that is to ensure that our rates are actuarially sound.
• </c><00:45:46.800><c> are</c> that is to ensure that our rates are that is to ensure that our rates are
• Uh, cuz I know about the rate the that.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I had a question about rates, specifically the current rates and how that has changed over the years.
• On creating rate structures that are based on those cost reports.
• We were talking about rates earlier in funding.
• negotiate rates for kids.
• Down the road a little bit with the new T3C rates, the T3C rates are doing a much more refined job at

Bills: SB596 , SB961 , SB1398 , SB1183 , SB1952

Committee: House Human Services

Keywords: DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child protective services, foster care, child welfare, Family Code, conservatorship, managing conservator, parental child safety placement, authorization agreement, temporary authorization order, child abuse, child neglect, placement reporting, court-ordered removal, investigation, family preservation, transparency, public reporting, data reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> it's done before the tax rate is set. it's done before the tax rate is set.
• </c> not funding it through their tax rates. not funding it through their tax rates.
• effectively not the legislative rate effectively not the legislative rate<01:33:39.199><c> that</c><
• The tax rate is something that the citizens of the town do have a say over, and so the tax rate prior
• </c> do have a say over and so the tax rate do have a say over and so the tax rate prior<01:36:40.080

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're collecting the court's clearance rate, the average time.
• . 15% have a clearance rate between 77% and 89%.
• Clearance rates by court level.
• On the next page is clearance rates by trial court case type.
• And trial rates exceeded the average of 2.9 percent.

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the higher group to employer rate the higher group to employer rate but<00:53:27.400><c> you're<
• </c> and invent increase our recycling rates and invent increase our recycling rates so<03:23:16.520>
• Yes, it would affect the contribution rate.
• Yes, it would affect the contribution rate.
• A motion is requested. 206 weeks times my compensation rate to 206 weeks times my compensation rate to

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 2 provisions affecting the New Hampshire Retirement System, focusing on Group 2/Tier B retirement changes in pages 25 through 39 of the bill. NHRS Executive Director Jan Goodwin and deputy chief counsel Mark Kavanaugh explained that the 2025 bill is largely similar to prior versions and to HB 727, with the main difference being that the 2025 version does not include the earlier increase in the maximum benefit. They also said the fiscal note for HB 2 is based on earlier actuarial work and that an updated valuation was expected later in the week. A major topic was whether the bill accidentally removed an anti-spiking or special-duty compensation limit. NHRS said the omission appears to be a scrivener’s error caused by moving language between Group 1 and Group 2 definitions, and they planned to flag it in the fiscal note. Members also reviewed the bill’s intent to restore Tier B members to pre-2011 benefit rules, including changes to earnable compensation, average final compensation, and the comp-over-base rule. Some members questioned whether restoring those older rules was appropriate, arguing the 2011 changes were meant to curb pension spiking and that undoing them could be problematic. The committee also discussed the bill’s cost and funding assumptions. NHRS said the 2025 bill would reduce unfunded actuarial liability by about $98.2 million and would have a more favorable effect than the 2023 version, while employer contribution impacts would remain relatively small. Members noted the bill assumes annual appropriations of $27.5 million for 10 years, but House Bill 1 currently provides only $5 million in the first year, and NHRS had not yet analyzed the effect of that shortfall. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the discussion was informational and focused on clarifying the bill’s language, intent, and fiscal impact.