Transcript Highlights:

• So here's my question: How are we going to encourage responsible gun ownership when we are allowing people
• this bill itself does not change anything as far as the definitions or the requirements for illegal ownership

Bills: HB4104 , HB3722 , HB3787 , HB3700 , HB3701 , HB3310 , HB3404 , HB2964 , HB2398 , HB3024 , HB3499 , HB3278 , HB3279 , HB3645 , HB3649 , HB2293 , HB3260 , HB3176 , HB3177 , HB3114 , HB3172 , HB3322 , HB3323 , HB4248 , HB3720 , HB2210 , HB1322 , HB1937 , HB3301 , HB4107

Keywords: Oklahoma criminal law, felony classification, Class B5, Class D1, sentencing enhancement, repeat offender, domestic violence, stalking, voyeurism, peeping tom, clandestine recording, hidden camera, privacy offense, sex offender registry, Sex Offenders Registration Act, protective order violation, animal cruelty, cockfighting, dogfighting, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• attributable to wholesale food or food ingredients sold by wholesalers to retailers not under common ownership
• from the B&O 0.5% surcharge that was in place. ...ownership from the B&O 0.5% surcharge that was implemented

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• attributable to wholesale food or food ingredients sold by wholesalers to retailers not under common ownership
• attributable to wholesale food or food ingredients sold by wholesalers to retailers not under common ownership

Summary: House Finance met in executive session on Gross Substitute Senate Bill 6346, the proposed “millionaires’ income tax” package. Staff reviewed the bill and a long list of amendments affecting the new income tax, related business tax changes, and several exemptions and implementation provisions. The committee adopted amendments to exempt diapers from sales tax, allow certain tribal income treatment clarifications, create an advisory group to help implement the tax, move up the repeal date for some business tax changes, and require the measure to go to the voters; several other amendments on federal conformity, agricultural income, pass-through entities, and the marriage threshold were rejected or withdrawn. The committee then adopted the striking amendment as amended and advanced the bill on a 9-6 do pass vote, with supporters arguing it would fund education, health care, child care, and tax relief, and opponents warning about competitiveness, capital flight, and the state’s spending growth. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6097, which would add federally recognized Indian tribes as eligible entities for county Conservation Futures Program funding. Staff said the bill would not change the tax levy structure and would have no state revenue impact, while tribal witnesses said it would improve voluntary conservation partnerships for habitat, farmland, and open space. Members asked about the bill’s scope, and staff confirmed it applies only to federally recognized tribes. House Finance also heard Senate Bill 6162, a property tax reform measure that would consolidate the state school levy, expand senior and disability property tax exemptions, raise income thresholds, and simplify the application process with a standard deduction. The prime sponsor and county assessors supported the bill as a way to help seniors, disabled persons, and disabled veterans stay in their homes and reduce administrative burden, while several testifiers opposed it as a tax shift that would raise costs for others and potentially strain local revenues. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6113, an administrative and technical tax cleanup bill related to last year’s tax changes; the Department of Revenue supported it and noted a possible clarifying amendment, while nonprofits, schools, libraries, health care groups, workforce training providers, and trade associations asked for additional exemptions for live presentations and related educational activities. The chair announced that Senate Bill 6097 would be added to Monday’s executive session, Senate Bill 6114 was removed, and amendments for Monday’s bills were due by 5 p.m. that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• After these wells are considered abandoned, don't they, I mean, doesn't the ownership revert back to
• After these wells are considered abandoned, don't they, I mean, doesn't the ownership revert back to

Bills: HB4338 , HB3977 , HB2100 , HB2975 , HB3056 , HB3406 , HB3720 , HB4316 , HB3405 , HB1907 , HB3142 , HB3173 , HB3270 , HB3728 , HB2440 , HB2596 , HB3466 , HB3469 , HB4338 , HB3977 , HB2100 , HB2975 , HB3056 , HB3406 , HB3720 , HB4316 , HB3405 , HB1907 , HB3142 , HB3173 , HB3270 , HB3728 , HB2440 , HB2596 , HB3466 , HB3469

Committees: House Energy , House Energy and Natural Resources Oversight

Keywords: HB4338, Oklahoma Brine Development Act, brine unitization, produced water, produced water unit, oil and gas wastewater, produced water recycling, reclaimed water, constituent elements, brine rights, solution gas, Corporation Commission, unitization, royalty interests, surface owner, oil and gas produced water, recycling and reuse, wastewater disposal, mineral extraction, lithium extraction

Transcript Highlights:

• fail to act aggressively, here's what it's going to mean: the death of the dream of American home ownership
• fail to act aggressively, here's what it's going to mean: the death of the dream of American home ownership

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on engrossed second substitute Senate Bill 6026, which would prohibit certain GMA-planning cities and counties from excluding residential development in commercial and mixed-use zones and would limit local requirements for ground-floor commercial or mixed-use space, subject to numerous exemptions and a possible study-based off-ramp. The bill sponsor and supporters, including the Lieutenant Governor, the governor’s housing policy advisor, Commerce staff, developers, labor/employer groups, and housing advocates, argued it would reduce barriers, reuse underutilized commercial land, and help address the state’s housing shortage. Cities including Bellevue, Kirkland, Bellingham, Redmond, Kent, Lacey, and Lakewood testified in opposition or with concerns, emphasizing local control, impacts on walkable neighborhoods and small businesses, implementation costs, and the need for more flexibility or clearer compliance options. Committee members asked about exemptions, the study process, and how the bill would affect existing local plans and incentives. The committee then moved to executive session on several bills. It rejected Representative Griffey’s amendment to Senate Bill 5820, which would have restored Clark County’s freight rail dependent overlay authority and added findings about greenhouse gas reductions from short line rail, and then passed SB 5820 out with a do pass recommendation. The committee also passed SB 5995, extending authorization for port districts to purchase zero- and near-zero-emission cargo handling equipment; SB 5552, directing rulemaking for kit home building codes; SB 5467, raising thresholds for water-sewer district surplus property sales; and SB 6189, removing the deadline for forming a public facilities district for regional aquatics and sports facilities. Each of those bills received a do pass recommendation, with some members noting support for housing, workforce, efficiency, or local flexibility and others expressing concerns about contracts, automation, or competitiveness. After executive session, the committee resumed testimony on SB 6026. Additional supporters, including the Lieutenant Governor, Commerce, developers, the Washington Roundtable, Microsoft, and housing organizations, reiterated that the bill would unlock housing on vacant commercial land and preserve some local flexibility through exemptions and height incentives. Opponents and concerned cities continued to argue that the bill would weaken local planning, reduce commercial space needed for complete communities, and impose costs and implementation burdens. The hearing concluded without final action on SB 6026, with the chair noting more testimony and work remained.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Witt, members, House Bill 2176 modifies the criteria for denying licensure or ownership changes
• Madam Witt members, Hospital 2176 modifies the criteria for denying licensure or ownership changes for

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The meeting was a rapid review of a very large bill package, with the chair repeatedly asking staff to keep descriptions high level and many bills placed on third-read consent or consent calendars. A major theme was artificial intelligence: bills would require minors to be told when they are interacting with AI, allow AI-assisted divorce arbitration by consent, create an AI education program, privilege certain AI communications, and require K-12 instruction on ethical and practical AI use. Other education measures addressed school district superintendents, health instruction, anti-Semitism prohibitions, fetal development standards, and school safety, including a bill allowing concealed firearms on school grounds under specified conditions. Several health and public safety bills were also discussed. These included funding and oversight measures for childhood cancer research, nursing care complaint timelines, firefighter cancer data collection, limits on pharmacy penalties, and a bill making it a felony to administer abortion-inducing drugs without consent. Members also heard bills on overtime wage enforcement, domestic violence evidence standards in parenting cases, probation limits for dangerous crimes against children, and a measure expanding manslaughter liability to online encouragement of teen suicide. One sponsor strongly opposed a provisional medical licensing bill for foreign-trained applicants, while other sponsors emphasized rural health access, nurse anesthetist reimbursement parity, and the need for a dental board member who is an oral surgeon. A large portion of the meeting focused on water, land, energy, and state agency oversight. Bills would streamline or change rules for small modular reactors, new power plants, water supply determinations, groundwater transportation fees, water hauling, and state land disposition. Members also considered measures affecting the State Land Department, including audits, oversight boards, continuation, land-use maps for data centers and energy projects, and rules for mineral leases and solar or wind siting. Other topics included wildlife and ranching, Mexican wolf policy, annexation, housing and development incentives, transportation and towing rules, digital driver licenses, and a proposed four-year moratorium on municipal and county fee, tax, and utility-rate increases, which drew questions about stakeholder input and the impact on enterprise funds and local utilities. No recorded roll-call votes were taken in the transcript; most items were simply presented, briefly discussed, and left on consent or calendar status, with one bill noted as held in rules and another pulled for further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• for four years after an owner prevails in an appeal, unless there's a change in use, a change in ownership
• unless the property owner files a change-in-use notice, the property is split, there is a change in ownership

Committee: Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee considered a lengthy agenda of bills covering consumer lending, insurance coverage, professional scope of practice, property tax administration, digital assets, and aviation tax policy. The committee first approved prior committee amendments, then heard SB 1689 on consumer loan thresholds and rates. After sponsor testimony that the bill modernizes outdated lending caps and lowers rates on larger loans, the committee adopted an amendment but the bill failed on a 3-1 vote, with Senator Epstein arguing the structure would shift costs onto smaller borrowers. The committee then passed several health-related measures. SB 1347, requiring insurance coverage for fertility preservation services for cancer patients, was amended and passed 4-2 after testimony from the sponsor and cancer survivors; Senator Epstein opposed the religious-employer definition. SB 1165, eliminating cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams, passed 5-1 after testimony from Senator Angus and Susan G. Komen, with supporters saying it would reduce barriers to follow-up screening. SB 1212, barring insurers from reimbursing providers differently based on vaccination status, also passed 4-2 despite concerns that it could undermine vaccination incentive programs. Other bills advanced or failed after similar debate. SB 1206, addressing contractor and public adjuster conduct after property losses, passed 5-1 with an amendment and support from State Farm. SB 1291, limiting county reassessment and inspections of agricultural property for four years after a successful appeal, passed 5-1 over assessor opposition and farm group support. SB 1649, creating a digital assets strategic reserve fund, passed 4-2 after debate over civil asset forfeiture and whether crypto should be treated as a strategic reserve. SB 1516, expanding an aviation-related tax exemption to aircraft maintenance and repair property, passed 4-1 amid sharp disagreement over whether it was economic development or a tax break for private jets. SB 1554, changing chiropractic statutory language from x-rays to diagnostic imaging, initially failed 3-3 but was reconsidered and later passed 3-2 after additional discussion about its practical effect.

Transcript Highlights:

• We believe in fair competition, local ownership, and keeping dollars in our communities.
• I'm going to look at the vehicle itself, the cost of ownership, and the ability to access service.

Bills: SB22 , SB310

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Keywords: motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 22, which would allow certain motor vehicle manufacturers, including electric vehicle companies, to be licensed as dealers in New Mexico and sell/service directly to consumers. Supporters, including the sponsor’s office, Taxation and Revenue, Rivian, and clean-energy advocates, argued the bill would expand consumer choice, lower prices, improve EV access and service in-state, and bring new investment and jobs without eliminating existing franchise dealers. Opponents, including auto dealer associations, chambers of commerce, and franchise owners, argued the measure would weaken the franchise system, harm local businesses and jobs, reduce community reinvestment, and could disadvantage rural and tribal communities. After questions about trade-ins, tribal land sales, tax effects, and economic impacts, the committee voted to table SB 22 by a vote of 7-2. The committee then took up Senate Bill 310, which appropriates $1.1 million to the New Mexico Environment Department for planning, design, and construction improvements to the Mora mutual domestic water system. Supporters described aging water and wastewater infrastructure, an AOC related to discharge into the Mora River, flood and fire impacts, and heavy-metal contamination concerns in private wells. They said the project is part of a larger effort to address inflow and infiltration, improve treatment capacity, and protect public health, with additional funding already sought through the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund and the Water Trust Board. Some senators questioned whether the request should instead go through existing water funding programs and raised concerns about piecemeal financing and the Environment Department’s role, but others supported the need for the project. The committee approved SB 310 on a 5-3 due-pass vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• compelling to me because it tells a story about what we've done to our state in terms of fracturing ownership
• approximately 12% of the state in trust for the people of New Mexico, and that counts in that public ownership

Summary: The House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee met on February 5 and heard three measures. House Bill 246 would provide state matching funds for local governments already approved for federal flood mitigation assistance to buy out and rehabilitate floodplain properties, especially in Lincoln County, to reduce repetitive flood damage and restore land to a more natural floodplain. Supporters included county officials, emergency management, and a racetrack lobbyist, all emphasizing public safety, reduced disaster costs, and community recovery. Some members raised concerns about pre-flood property valuation and anti-donation issues, but the bill passed on a do-pass motion. House Bill 271 would appropriate funds through the Office of Natural Resources Trustee for natural resource recovery and public land access, including disaster recovery projects and expansion of recreational opportunities. Supporters argued it would help restore watersheds, improve access to public lands, and support hunting, fishing, and local outdoor economies. Several members questioned whether the bill was too open-ended, whether it could affect grazing or other existing rights, and why the trustee’s office was the right vehicle; the sponsor and trustee said the office has a transparent public process and that the bill would not create new eminent domain authority or adverse changes to existing rights. The committee approved the bill 9-1, with one member explaining support but noting lingering concerns. House Bill 254 would allow investor-owned electric utilities to count avoided greenhouse gas emissions when evaluating the cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency programs under the utility cost test. The sponsor and utility witnesses said this would help expand programs such as heat pumps, HVAC upgrades, and all-electric development, while opponents worried it could function as a rate increase or “double dipping” because customers already pay fees supporting efficiency programs. The committee passed the bill 7-3. Finally, House Joint Memorial 3 would ask the Environment Department to study PFAS exemptions and report back during the interim as rulemaking on the PFAS Protection Act proceeds. The memorial drew both support and opposition, with critics saying it conflicted with existing statute and was unnecessary, while supporters said it would ensure a thorough review of federal changes and consumer-product exemptions. The memorial passed 8-2, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• If the seller of those wholesale sales meets a specific ownership structure, this preference does not
• its objective of providing tax relief to certain distributors of such products that do meet this ownership

Summary: The committee first received a JLARC work session on the 2025 tax preference performance reviews, covering nine tax preferences and recommending legislative action on eight. JLARC reviewed natural gas transportation fuel preferences, travel agent and tour operator B&O rates, a property tax exemption for nonprofit low-income housing developers, and several shorter reviews including senior center property tax relief, a disabled veteran adapted housing remittance, trade convention nexus treatment, wholesale sales of fertilizer/pesticides/seed, a hazardous substance tax exemption for pesticides stored for out-of-state shipment, and three energy-related preferences for a silicon smelter. JLARC generally recommended continuing preferences that met stated or inferred objectives, modifying some to improve reporting or performance metrics, and allowing the unused silicon smelter preferences to expire. The Citizen Commission endorsed JLARC’s recommendations, and committee members asked a few clarifying questions, including about trends in travel agent/tour operator beneficiaries and the housing exemption’s performance metric and data issues. The committee then heard a work session and public hearing on Senate Bill 5754, which would create a Washington State public bank. A presentation from California public banking advocates and the Bank of North Dakota described public banks as government-owned financial institutions intended to keep public funds working locally, support lending for housing, infrastructure, and community development, and partner with community banks and credit unions. Committee questions focused on leverage, liquidity, constitutional issues, and how the model would interact with existing state investment and debt structures. Staff summarized the bill’s structure, including activation conditions, governance, powers, and fiscal impacts, noting the fiscal note was largely indeterminate and startup costs could be significant. Public testimony on SB 5754 was divided. Supporters included statewide elected officials, county and city officials, labor, educators, community advocates, and residents, who argued the bank could lower borrowing costs, improve access to capital, keep public money in Washington, and help finance infrastructure, housing, and disaster resilience. Opponents included community bankers and county treasurers, who warned about risks to safety and liquidity of public funds, questioned the need for a new institution given existing programs, and argued the proposal lacked a proven track record in Washington. The hearing concluded with no vote taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• whose transactions are financed in any part by State Housing Trust Fund programs, the Covenant Home Ownership
• brainstorming and compromise struck in collaboration with stakeholders in Senator Orwell's home ownership

Bills: SB5884 , SB5885 , SB5937 , SB5938

Committee: Senate Housing

Keywords: sales tax, redevelopment, economic incentive, underutilized property, infrastructure, affordable housing, religious organizations, zoning laws, land use, community development, smart access system, smart lock, residential landlord-tenant act, tenant privacy, biometric data, fingerprint, face scan, iris scan, key fob, key card

Transcript Highlights:

• easier, obviously, than traditional cycling, human-powered cycling, at a lower cost than vehicle ownership
• And I think that's what's driving a lot of this private ownership of these vehicles.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The committee held a panel discussion on micro-mobility device regulation and enforcement, focusing on e-bikes and e-scooters. Sheriff Robert Hardwick and Chief Jamie Cruz described serious injuries involving children, including crashes at high speeds, and argued that current law is outdated because it folds e-bikes into the bicycle statute. They urged a separate statewide framework with clearer age limits, licensing or training requirements, helmet rules, and penalties for modifying devices to go faster. Both also emphasized that parents should bear responsibility and that enforcement should include education, progressive discipline, and, if needed, civil citations. FDOT District 6 Secretary Daniel Iglesias and DHSMV representative Lonnie Groner said their agencies are prioritizing education, outreach, and better data collection. They noted that micromobility devices are increasingly common, create safety and accessibility issues on sidewalks and shared-use paths, and are difficult to track because crash reports often do not identify them consistently. Members discussed whether motorized devices should be barred from sidewalks, whether riders should be licensed and insured, and how enforcement could be made uniform statewide. The panel also said manufacturers have not been meaningfully engaged and that local approaches vary widely. The committee then heard 2026 legislative priorities from FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue and DHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. Perdue outlined FDOT’s large five-year work program, ongoing congestion-relief projects, investments in ports, airports, rail, workforce, heavy equipment, facilities, and cybersecurity, and the need to do more with flat revenues. Kerner summarized DHSMV’s agency bill priorities, including requiring a Florida address and proof of residence for vehicle registration, updating identification requirements, aligning tank vehicle and motor carrier rules with federal standards, improving IFTA administration, raising the crash-report damage threshold, and allowing electronic notices. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• you're proposing right now allowing for Texas private citizens autonomy in terms of their property ownership
• House Bill 3260 removes these outdated Department of Labor references, allowing Texas to take full ownership

Bills: HJR34 , HB6 , HB18 , HB39 , HB 107 , HB 114 , HB138 , HB247 , HB300 , HB647 , HB748 , HB762 , HB793 , HB 1240 , HB 1275 , HB1397 , HB1584 , HB1700 , HB1875 , HB1894 , HB1965 , HB2071 , HB2254 , HB2340 , HB2350 , HB2516 , HB2712 , HB2713 , HB2715 , HB2760 , HB2842 , HB3088 , HB3104 , HB3260 , HB3479 , HB3575 , HB3687 , HB3788 , HB4163 , HB4187 , HB4205 , HB4370 , HB4384 , HB4655 , HB4753 , HB4809 , HB4850 , HB5195 , HCR90 , HCR98 , SJR60 , SB203 , SB317 , SB719 , SB801 , SB867 , SB1071 , SB1232 , SB1319 , SB1483 , SB1633 , SB1798 , SB1978 , SB2233 , SB2363 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2717 , SB2797 , SB2841 , SB2928 , SB3038 , SJR5 , SB4 , SB9 , SB21 , SB23 , SB27 , SB34 , SB40 , SB75 , SB213 , SB458 , SB482 , SB493 , SB840 , SB841 , SB843 , SB912 , SB1241 , SB1253 , SB1350 , SB1388 , SB1423 , SB1535 , SB1559 , SB1789 , SB1951 , SB2037 , SB2143 , SB2155 , SB2544 , SB1 , SB17 , SB260 , SB509 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SB1833 , SB2308 , HB2525 , HJR34 , HB1393 , HB26 , HB388 , HB2712 , HB1633 , HB685 , HB762 , HB2286 , HB1606 , HB1458 , HB 1240 , HB2791 , HB3146 , HB1397 , HB2061 , HB647 , HB4738 , HB2563 , HB 128 , HB581 , HB766 , HB2259 , HB2358 , HB4384 , HB748 , HB793 , HB1734 , HB2340 , HB2350 , HB3104 , HB5180 , HB1584 , HB3806 , HB3804 , HB3803 , HB1522 , HB3597 , HB1612 , HB4224 , HB1314 , HB2254 , HB 1237 , HB3126 , HB2856 , HB3114 , HB3505 , HB4205 , HB5652 , HB3687 , HB2025 , HB3395 , HB2495 , HB138 , HB18 , HB1700 , HB4655 , HB2516 , HB1894 , HB1965 , HB300 , HB2713 , HB39 , HB 114 , HB24 , HB3088 , HB4163 , HB3479 , HB2842 , HB519 , HB609 , HB 1275 , HB1592 , HB3348 , HB 120 , HB6 , HB247 , HB1533 , HB2421 , HB2273 , HB2464 , HB2011 , HB3575 , HB3788 , HB4370 , HB4809 , HB5057 , HB5084 , HB5534 , HB5668 , HB3424 , HB2715 , HB2564 , HB2760 , HB2765 , HB2898 , HB3260 , HB3800 , HB4396 , HB5195 , HB4341 , HB43 , HB5686 , HB2467 , HB2468 , HB2518 , HB4310 , HB4386 , HB4490 , HB180 , HB5323 , HB2 , HB149 , HB4945 , HB2434 , HB2529 , HB3161 , HB3745 , HB4044 , HB5155 , HB5667 , HB4996 , HB2697 , HB2492 , HB2355 , HB2282 , HB2001 , HB1902 , HB1866 , HB1445 , HB1443 , HB 1306 , HB 1024 , HB908 , HB305 , HB285 , HB449 , HB171 , HB47 , HB3464 , HB2637 , HB4263 , HB5436 , HB4429 , HB3986 , HB3966 , HB3510 , HB2560 , HB2026 , HB2688 , HB4076 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB1978 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB1749 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1944 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2683 , SB1319 , SB3038 , SB3045 , SB1538 , SB719 , SB3071 , SB3065 , SB823 , SB3062 , SB719 , HB39 , HB 114 , HB138 , HB247 , HB300 , HB762 , HB793 , HB 1275 , HB1584 , HB1700 , HB1894 , HB1965 , HB2254 , HB2340 , HB2350 , HB2760 , HB2842 , HB3088 , HB3104 , HB3260 , HB3479 , HB3575 , HB3687 , HB3788 , HB4163 , HB4205 , HB4370 , HB4655 , HB4809 , HB5195 , SB1978 , SR508 , HJR34 , SB963 , SB1383 , SB1883 , SB1968 , HB2525 , HB 112 , HB 117 , HB557 , HB783 , HB869 , HB876 , HB 1039 , HB 1201 , HB1347 , HB1359 , HB1650 , HB1788 , HB1904 , HB1955 , HB2370 , HB2849 , HB2853 , HB3066 , HB3169 , HB3178 , HB3179 , HB3196 , HB3241 , HB3567 , HB3672 , HB3715 , HB3720 , HB3883 , HB3954 , HB3976 , HB4070 , HB4098 , HB4222 , HB4327 , HB4359 , HB4412 , HB4683 , HB4755 , HB4894 , HB4926 , HB5115 , HB5165 , HB5320 , HB5437 , HB5499 , HB5596 , HB5650 , HB5651 , HB5654 , HB5656 , HB5658 , HB5659 , HB5661 , HB5662 , HB5665 , HB5666 , HB5670 , HB5671 , HB5672 , HB5674 , HB5676 , HB5677 , HB5678 , HB5679 , HB5680 , HB5681 , HB5682 , HB5688 , HB5694 , HB5695 , HB5696 , HB5699 , HCR46 , HCR59 , HCR81 , HCR83 , HCR84 , HCR111 , HCR142 , HB 112 , HB 117 , HB557 , HB783 , HB869 , HB876 , HB 1039 , HB 1201 , HB1347 , HB1359 , HB1650 , HB1788 , HB1904 , HB1955 , HB2370 , HB2849 , HB2853 , HB3066 , HB3169 , HB3178 , HB3179 , HB3196 , HB3241 , HB3567 , HB3672 , HB3715 , HB3720 , HB3883 , HB3954 , HB3976 , HB4070 , HB4098 , HB4222 , HB4327 , HB4359 , HB4412 , HB4683 , HB4755 , HB4894 , HB4926 , HB5115 , HB5165 , HB5320 , HB5437 , HB5499 , HB5596 , HB5650 , HB5651 , HB5654 , HB5656 , HB5658 , HB5659 , HB5661 , HB5662 , HB5665 , HB5666 , HB5670 , HB5671 , HB5672 , HB5674 , HB5676 , HB5677 , HB5678 , HB5679 , HB5680 , HB5681 , HB5682 , HB5688 , HB5694 , HB5695 , HB5696 , HB5699 , HCR46 , HCR59 , HCR81 , HCR83 , HCR84 , HCR111 , HCR142

Keywords: HJR 34, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, ad valorem tax, property tax exemption, real property, border counties, U.S.-Mexico border, United Mexican States, border security, border security infrastructure, landowner, county tax base, local government, tax relief, property value increase, infrastructure improvements, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• allow landowners who've qualified their land for open space appraisal to restructure their property ownership
• will help Texas landowners and Texas families from losing tax benefits due to technical changes in ownership

Bills: SB111 , SB128 , SB203 , SB205 , SB261 , SB383 , SB393 , SB397 , SB466 , SB510 , SB705 , SB715 , SB731 , SB748 , SB801 , SB867 , SB876 , SB913 , SB945 , SB946 , SB1013 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1181 , SB1250 , SB1285 , SB1373 , SB1400 , SB1444 , SB1483 , SB1528 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1581 , SB1586 , SB1608 , SB1698 , SB1730 , SB1835 , SB1858 , SB1903 , SB1946 , SB1950 , SB1986 , SB2017 , SB2043 , SB2056 , SB2058 , SB2063 , SB2082 , SB2105 , SB2133 , SB2137 , SB2177 , SB2203 , SB2260 , SB2311 , SB2334 , SB2337 , SB2340 , SB2403 , SB2417 , SB2446 , SB2452 , SB2460 , SB2519 , SB2532 , SB2565 , SB2611 , SB2619 , SB2622 , SB2633 , SB2637 , SB2655 , SB2681 , SB2688 , SB2713 , SB2717 , SB2764 , SB2781 , SB2782 , SB2790 , SB2794 , SB2797 , SB2841 , SB2847 , SB2857 , SB2878 , SB2891 , SB2943 , SB2955 , SB2959 , SB2972 , SB2995 , SB3037 , SB3047 , SB3057 , SB3059 , HJR2 , HJR99 , HB26 , HB29 , HB136 , HB166 , HB206 , HB353 , HB451 , HB517 , HB1399 , HB1672 , HB2000 , HB2198 , HB2756 , HB3204 , HB3248 , SJR3 , SB5 , SB72 , SB509 , SB616 , SB963 , SB985 , SB1025 , SB1080 , SB1143 , SB1172 , SB1245 , SB1267 , SB1271 , SB1273 , SB1355 , SB1422 , SB1759 , SB1786 , SB2361 , SB1 , SB260 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SCR48 , SB375 , SB410 , SB672 , SB777 , SB1373 , SB1454 , SB1586 , SB1704 , SB1854 , SB1856 , SB2165 , SB2203 , SB2342 , SB2367 , SB2452 , SB2501 , SB2520 , SB2521 , SB2538 , SB2539 , SB2703 , SB2835 , SB2903 , SB2926 , SB2959 , SB2965 , SB3029 , HB22 , HB1392 , HB3093 , HB3096 , HCR6 , HCR12 , HCR29 , HCR50 , HCR55 , HCR56 , HCR58 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR74 , HCR78 , HCR80 , HCR107 , HCR116 , HCR117 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR48 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB2538 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1359 , SB410 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2972 , SB2841 , SB1856 , SB1528 , SB1373 , SB672 , SB2891 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB2539 , SB2532 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB2203 , SB1285 , SB1454 , SB2520 , SB1237 , SB1586 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2342 , SB2903 , SB3029 , SB375 , SB777 , SB2367 , SB2703 , SB2608 , SB2965 , SB2521 , SB2165 , SB2501 , SB2452 , SB2835 , SB1602 , SB1704 , SB1723 , SB1858 , SB1946 , SB2009 , SB2177 , SB2460 , SB2785 , SB867 , SB1608 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB705 , SB748 , SB2680 , SB2994 , SB2747 , SB1950 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB3059 , SB2637 , SB2334 , SB1861 , SB2043 , SB1367 , SB2857 , SB128 , SB3058 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2311 , SB1986 , SB2565 , SB2943 , SB1888 , SB2417 , SB3048 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3056 , SB3043 , SB3037 , SB3050 , SB3063 , SB3047 , SB3035 , SB2446 , SB466 , SB2611 , SB2794 , SB2105 , SB2017 , SB1790 , SB1778 , SB1730 , SB2995 , SB2847 , SB205 , SB2619 , SB1903 , SB203 , SB3061 , SB1581 , SB2600 , SB2799 , SB2790 , SB2688 , SB2515 , SB1230 , SB876 , SB2522 , SB2639 , SB2137 , SB2519 , SB2403 , SB2459 , SB3051 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB2764 , SB2878 , SB1884 , SB111 , SB582 , SB2617 , SB1835 , SB2751 , SB2959 , SB2063 , SB1400 , SB2058 , SB2260 , SB2928 , SB1310 , HJR99 , HJR2 , HJR1 , HB 1109 , HB1392 , HB22 , HB3093 , HB517 , HB 1130 , HB1689 , HB2018 , HB2884 , HB1393 , HB2730 , HB1399 , HB 1244 , HB467 , HB331 , HB2559 , HB26 , HB166 , HB353 , HB2000 , HB2756 , HB3248 , HB3513 , HB3204 , HB3135 , HB3012 , HB2763 , HB2523 , HB2457 , HB2415 , HB2198 , HB2143 , HB1708 , HB1672 , HB767 , HB1327 , HB2723 , HB451 , HB140 , HB 109 , HB3096 , HB206 , HB 1238 , HB 1089 , HB2890 , HB9 , HB2081 , HB4215 , HB2970 , HCR6 , HCR12 , HCR29 , HCR50 , HCR55 , HCR56 , HCR58 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR74 , HCR78 , HCR80 , HCR107 , HCR116 , HCR117 , SB2566 , SB2344 , SB1897 , SB1749 , SB1361 , SB2549 , SB2553 , HB37 , HB1899 , HB3809 , HB334 , HB554 , HB1593 , HB2607 , HB3526 , HB3810 , HB5092 , HB388 , HB2809 , HB 1151 , HB913

Keywords: special education, school districts, legal fees, reporting requirements, transparency, hospital reporting, child abuse, neglect, administrative penalty, medical ethics, child protection, student privacy, numerical class rank, education policy, academic programs, high school, fetal development, health curriculum, public schools, middle school health education

Transcript Highlights:

• think there is reason to be encouraged by actions that some NATO members have taken to take greater ownership
• relevance of this administration's emphasis on partnering with allies and for them to take greater ownership

Committee: Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: Department of Defense, nominations, Matthew Lohmeyer, Justin Overbaugh, global security, military readiness, NATO, Russia, China, defense infrastructure

Summary: The meeting was primarily focused on discussing nominations for key positions within the Department of Defense, specifically for roles such as the Undersecretary of the Air Force and the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. Senators expressed urgent concerns about global security threats, the need for robust military readiness, and the emphasis on effective collaboration with NATO allies amidst rising tensions with adversaries such as Russia and China. Several senators highlighted the challenges facing military infrastructure and defense capabilities, suggesting a critical need for improvements and investment in these areas to ensure national security.

Transcript Highlights:

• They've asked that that be extended to 2027 just to make it clear that they can transfer the ownership
• They can transfer the ownership during this upcoming biennium to 2027.

Bills: SB2003

Committee: House Appropriations - Education and Environment Division

Keywords: higher education, student loans, scholarships, capital projects, workforce development, funding, North Dakota university system, 908, all

Summary: The committee met to work through the higher education budget, beginning with a conflict-of-interest request from Representative Martinson, who was excused from voting because of a partnership that leases office space to Bismarck State College. Members then reviewed the higher education institution budget sheets, covering ongoing and one-time funding items for campuses and system projects such as BSC housing, Lake Region roof repairs, UND’s STEM and National Security Crossroads projects, the UND allied health facility, NDSU projects including New Horizons, DSU deferred maintenance and campus security, Mayville’s Old Main, Minot projects, and the regional health institutes. Members also discussed student financial assistance, the professional student exchange program, IT security funding, and workforce/education innovation grants. Several amendments and policy questions were debated. The committee adopted an amendment to make workforce education innovation grants competitive rather than automatically distributed, and then voted to remove language prohibiting those funds from being used to duplicate academic programs. Members also removed similar anti-duplication language from the New Horizons section. They agreed to extend the UND hyperbaric chamber transfer authority to 2027 and clarified language around UND land-sale proceeds. A proposed amendment to add $5.6 million for the Wahpeton State School of Science building purchase failed for lack of a second, and a proposal to restore fetal alcohol spectrum disorder funding to UND was left for conference. The committee also discussed, but did not add, a tuition cap change, a study on the Praxis exam, and several governance-related provisions. The committee spent significant time on broader higher education policy items, including a $3 million enterprise resource planning request for the university system, a $2 million grant program for students who are pregnant, recently gave birth, or are caring for young children, and a $1.1 million request for library age-verification software tied to the Odin system. Members also discussed dual-credit authority for UND and NDSU, a goal for the UND medical school to increase North Dakota resident enrollment, and intent language regarding the commissioner/chancellor model and presidential search authority. At the end of the meeting, the committee approved the amendments and then gave the higher education budget a do-pass recommendation as amended, with Representative Sanford designated as the carrier. The Forest Service budget was also approved, including two additional FTEs, and the committee adjourned after noting it would continue with other budgets the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• a business or trust identified in subsection 2 in which the person or the person's spouse has an ownership
• Well, he doesn't have ownership interest with him, but he does have a business relationship.

Bills: HB1162

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: Lake Agassiz, water authority, board of directors, state highways, water management, 908, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1162, which would add the West Fargo mayor as a voting member of the Lake Agassiz Water Authority board. The sponsor and Fargo’s mayor argued West Fargo has grown into a major regional water stakeholder and should have a formal vote, while members questioned the board structure and why the change was not framed more specifically. The bill was supported in testimony, closed without opposition, and received a 6-0 do pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 1259 on annual legislative sessions and session structure. Members adopted an amendment that left the structure and logistics of sessions to legislative management rather than prescribing details in statute, after discussion about flexibility, committee workload, annual versus biennial sessions, and concerns about preserving debate and committee process. The amended bill received a 4-2 do pass recommendation, with some members voting no because they preferred a different committee recommendation or had concerns about the broader change. House Bill 1254, which would allow any North Dakota resident to obtain a State Library card, drew supportive testimony from the bill sponsor and State Library staff. They said the change would align law with current practice and expand access to books, e-materials, and other resources statewide, including for military families and out-of-state state employees. The committee closed the hearing and approved the bill 6-0. The committee also considered House Bill 1469, which narrows financial disclosure requirements so only business or trust interests directly related to the office sought or held must be disclosed. After brief discussion that the change would reduce unnecessary disclosure burdens, the committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a 6-0 do pass recommendation. House Bill 1368, dealing with administrative rules and the standard for challenging them, was opposed by committee counsel as too broad and legally problematic; the committee rejected it on a 4-2 do not pass vote. Finally, House Bill 1219, which would reduce the required perpetual care fund set-aside for certain cemeteries from 20% to 10%, received supportive testimony from the sponsor, cemetery representatives, and local users, but also concern about long-term fund health. The committee ultimately recommended do pass on a 5-1 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• But it's not the ownership of it. It's the use of the property that would...
• It's not the ownership that would change that would help reset the clock at five years; it's the use

Bills: HB24 , HB2015 , HB2149 , HB2559 , HB2701 , HB2797 , HB3172 , HB24

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Keywords: zoning, public notice, local government, residential development, protests, water conservation, municipal utility districts, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, environmental regulation, groundwater management, nonconforming uses, zoning regulations, land use, property rights, municipal authority, municipal moratorium, development moratorium, property development, subdivision, site plan

Transcript Highlights:

• I KNOW MANY OF US BELIEVE IN RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERSHIP; I DO.
• BUT LOWERING THE AGE REQUIREMENT ISN'T ABOUT RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP, AND FLORIDIANS DON'T WANT POLITICAL

Keywords: sales tax reduction, budget cuts, boating safety, water treatment, municipal utilities, school safety, medical malpractice, firearm purchase age, cursive writing instruction, first responder support, veto overrides, veterans funding, infrastructure projects

Summary: The Florida House convened for regular business, with Speaker Perez announcing historic budget plans including the largest state tax cut in Florida history - a permanent 0.75% sales tax reduction from 6% to 5.25%, saving Floridians nearly $5 billion annually. The House will propose a budget lower than both the Governor's proposal and last year's budget. Several bills passed including Lucy's Law (boating safety), water access facilities funding, municipal utility rate corrections, hazardous walking conditions for schools, and medical malpractice 'Free Kill Law' repeal. The controversial firearm purchase age bill (HB 759) passed 78-34, lowering the minimum age from 21 to 18, despite emotional opposition citing the Parkland shooting. Other bills addressed cursive writing instruction, peer support for first responders, and government sunset reviews. Multiple veto override motions were approved unanimously, reinstating funding for veterans programs and infrastructure projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• And because of that joint ownership and adjacent ownership, we have to work real closely with all that

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation met to hear presentations from the Florida Department of Transportation on rural arterial roadways and transportation resiliency, followed by a panel discussion on metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). FDOT’s Will Watts described the state’s growing population and travel demand, emphasizing that rural arterials are critical for connectivity, freight movement, evacuation routes, and congestion relief. He outlined FDOT’s project selection factors, noted thousands of identified rural arterial needs with billions in unfunded demand, and explained that the department uses community input and long-range planning to prioritize safety, capacity, and economic development. Watts then discussed resiliency planning for hurricanes and flooding, focusing on structural design, storm readiness, and drainage. He highlighted efforts such as elevated bridges, wave attenuators, coastal armoring, drainage upgrades, and materials testing at FDOT’s research facilities to extend service life and reduce storm damage. Committee members asked about local project selection, materials research, LiDAR use, and legislative support; Watts said local coordination drives project priorities and asked lawmakers to protect the Transportation Trust Fund. The MPO panel, led by FDOT’s Kim Holland, explained that MPOs are federally required in urban areas over 50,000 population and that Florida has 27, the most in the nation. Holland said MPOs identify and prioritize transportation needs through long-range plans and public engagement, and she noted that several regions are exploring consolidation after the 2020 Census, especially in Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida. Representatives from MetroPlan Orlando, Forward Pinellas, Pasco MPO, and Hillsborough discussed their structures and the potential benefits and challenges of merging, including representation, governance, funding, and maintaining local voice. Members generally supported regional collaboration, urged patience as studies continue, and emphasized the need for transparent public engagement, while the committee adjourned after no further business.