Transcript Highlights:

• , introduction of doctor and nurse of the day, correction of previous day's journals.
• outdoors of Appalachia.
• in the book of Genesis.
• If you're looking to Southallery, we've got the members of the Oklahoma Auctioneers Association.
• And of course, none of this happens without strong and consistent leadership.

Bills: HR1052 , SB2184 , SB171

Keywords: 4-H, youth development, community service, education, volunteering, Oklahoma, statutory revision, consolidation, law amendment, emergency legislation, legal clarity, SB171, state government, Capitol security, peace officer commission, legislative security, Department of Public Safety, Commissioner of Public Safety, President Pro Tempore, Speaker of the House

Transcript Highlights:

• of doctor and nurse of the day, or correction of previous day's journal.
• of Fields.
• Your support of 4-H directly impacts the opportunities available to youth across all 77 counties.
• Some of the things I'll speak of.
• of my legislative career but one of the highlights of my life.

Bills: HR1052 , SB2184 , SB171

Keywords: 4-H, youth development, community service, education, volunteering, Oklahoma, statutory revision, consolidation, law amendment, emergency legislation, legal clarity, SB171, state government, Capitol security, peace officer commission, legislative security, Department of Public Safety, Commissioner of Public Safety, President Pro Tempore, Speaker of the House

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:09.840><c> my</c> back of my pants and the front of my back of my pants and the front of my
• </c><00:30:29.200><c> human</c> of health and the department of human of health and the department of
• of '25.
• </c> outside of public view, outside of outside of public view, outside of public<00:57:06.319><c> scrutiny
• </c><01:09:22.719><c> the</c> timelines of when the start of the timelines of when the start of the process

Bills: HF3489 , HF3550

Committee: House Education Policy

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

Transcript Highlights:

• clause 28 of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S.
• McCumber, Clerk. of the rules of the US house of of the rules of the US house of representatives<00:07
• of the point of order.
• associated with the recipient<02:47:43.600><c> of</c><02:47:43.920><c> Medicaid.
• Sewell, for the purpose of a unanimous consent request. The gentlewoman from Alabama is recognized.

Bills: HR1 , HR566

Keywords: House of Representatives, Clerk, Sergeant-at-Arms, Chief Administrative Officer, appointment, H.Res. 566, HR566, House resolution, rule, special rule, procedural resolution, floor procedure, budget reconciliation, reconciliation bill, H.R. 1, One Big Beautiful Bill, Senate amendment, House Concurrent Resolution 14, H.Con.Res. 14, Budget Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• of Hillsboro County and remaining parts of Hillsboro County and nine<01:21:31.639><c> for</c><01:21:
• </c> one for the rest of the county but but one for the rest of the county but but at<01:25:27.840><c
• c><01:28:30.960><c> the</c> put it as a part of a county or in the put it as a part of a county or in
• </c> yes I I think of it as another County yes I I think of it as another County official<01:36:51.480
• c> happens</c><01:51:15.159><c> when</c> armor of our association it happens when armor of our association

Summary: The committee began by announcing that afternoon hearings, including House Bill 283, would be moved to Representatives Hall because of expected public interest. It then took up House Bill 671, which would establish a kindergarten literacy readiness program. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mark Pearson, described the measure as a way to close gaps in early reading readiness and said it was intended as a first step, with only a placeholder appropriation while details are developed. He framed it as a targeted effort to help children who are not entering first grade ready to read. Testimony on HB 671 was largely supportive. Representatives asked about the bill’s structure, whether a specific program had been identified, how it would interact with play-based learning, and why the provider was limited to a registered nonprofit. Waterford.org representatives Teresa Rosenberger and Rob Riley testified in support, describing Waterford Upstart as a home-based, evidence-based early learning program already used in New Hampshire. They said the program provides adaptive instruction, family coaching, and technology support, including computers, tablets, internet access, and translation services in more than 100 languages. They also said the model has been successful in New Hampshire, including a Nashua pilot and later statewide efforts, and that similar legislation has existed in other states. Rep. Jonah Wheeler also spoke in support of the bill. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 671. After a fiscal note for HB 671 was distributed, the committee moved to House Bill 781, which would require school districts to adopt policies for a cell phone-free education and includes an appropriation. The transcript cuts off as Rep. Litchfield was introduced to testify on that bill, so no testimony, debate, or vote on HB 781 is included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Contractors Association of Florida.
• Cameron Fink is waiving in support with the Associated Industry of Florida, and Matthew Gert...
• Support with the Associated Industry of Florida, and Matthew court... Okay, I give up.
• The person who drafted the International Holocaust Remembrance Association definition of anti-Semitism
• I'd like to thank this body as the vice chair of the Jewish Federation of Broward County for moving the

Bills: S0330 , S0526 , S0862 , S1072 , S1078 , S1192 , S1250 , S1296 , S1298 , S1642 , S1698 , S7022

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Keywords: firefighter disability, law enforcement disability, correctional officer disability, correctional probation officer, presumptive disability, workers' compensation, line of duty presumption, heart disease presumption, hypertension presumption, tuberculosis presumption, public safety employees, first responders, physical examination, preemployment exam, medical specialist, Medicare reimbursement, employing agency, Florida Statutes 112.18, Florida Statutes 943.13, occupational disease

Summary: The committee took up several bills and one set of confirmations. SB 330, relating to disability provisions for firefighters, law enforcement, and correctional officers, was explained as clarifying the heart disease presumption and allowing transferred law enforcement officers to rely on a prior physical if the new agency fails to provide one; it was reported favorably. SB 526, a broad commercial construction bill, was amended with a title amendment and a delete-all amendment before being reported favorably. SB 1192 created a pilot program for callback queues at certain executive agencies to reduce hold times, and it was also reported favorably. SB 1078 established gubernatorial transition procedures, including liaisons, briefing materials, office space, and access to records; an amendment narrowed and reassigned some duties and increased penalties for improper disclosure, and the bill passed favorably. SB 7022 extended and updated a public records exemption for classroom examinations and assessment instruments through 2031, and it was reported favorably. SB 1250 removed the Florida Commission on Human Relations’ requirement to use registered mail for certain notices, allowing less expensive notice methods, and it passed favorably. SB 1698 allowed certain employer notices and posters to be posted electronically instead of physically, and it was reported favorably. The committee also recommended confirmation of 10 appointees to the Florida Commission on Human Relations and the State Retirement Commission. SB 1072 created an anti-Semitism task force within the Attorney General’s Office of Civil Rights to review anti-Semitism in Florida, improve community relations, advise on law enforcement training, assess digital media literacy efforts, review hate crime statutes, and issue annual reports. The bill drew extensive public testimony, with many speakers opposing it on First Amendment, academic freedom, and equal-protection grounds and arguing it could chill criticism of Israel or be used selectively; supporters said it was needed to address rising anti-Semitism and that the state’s definition of anti-Semitism had already been adopted in statute. After debate, the bill was reported favorably. SB 862, as amended, set a $60,000 salary goal by 2030 for state correctional officers, probation officers, and institutional security specialists, with annual raises subject to appropriations; members questioned a separate provision allowing deployment of correctional officers during emergencies, including whether that could intersect with immigration enforcement, but the sponsor said he would follow up and that the bill was aimed at recruitment, retention, and workforce stability. The bill received support from law enforcement and corrections groups and was reported favorably. SB 1642, the Freedom in the Workplace Act, generated the most contentious discussion: it would bar certain pronoun-related requirements, prohibit mandatory training or activities related to sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression as a condition of employment, require sex on employment forms to reflect biological sex, and extend similar protections to public employees and contractors. Supporters framed it as protecting free speech, conscience, and against compelled speech; opponents argued it would authorize discrimination against transgender and nonbinary people, invite litigation, and harm workplace safety and inclusion. An amendment moved the bill into the chapter governing public employers and employees, and the bill was then reported favorably.

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• of the Delaware Indigenous Affairs Commission.
• of the commission, and not sharing a financial interest with a serving member of the commission.
• Joe Fitzgerald, on behalf of New Castle County Chamber of Commerce. Personal privilege granted.
• associated with possession of a destructive weapon.
• of Kent County.

Summary: The Senate received communications from the House on numerous measures, including several bills and resolutions passed with amendments, committee reports on bills such as large energy use facilities, campaign finance, voting rights, and appropriations, and a list of pre-file legislation. The chamber then moved through a long floor session with confirmations, bill readings, and roll-call votes, ultimately confirming the nomination of Morgan T. Zern to the Delaware Supreme Court by a 21-0 vote. Among the major policy items considered were property tax and school tax measures tied to the statewide reassessment. The Senate passed House Bill 460, clarifying monthly municipal permit-data reporting to New Castle County; House Bill 461, granting temporary authority for New Castle County school districts to reset school tax rates for one cycle; and House Bill 462, making the split school tax rate permanent with a lower nonresidential cap. Members discussed the fiscal effects at length, including testimony from a school district finance officer that HB 461 would allow revenue-neutral rate setting and offset the fiscal note on HB 462. The Senate also passed House Bill 365 creating a Delaware Indigenous Affairs Commission, House Bill 458 on backflow requirements for low-hazard buildings, Senate Bill 27 establishing the Office of New Americans with a sunset and interagency coordination, and Senate Bill 315 on the Delaware Technical Innovation Program. The chamber also approved Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 300, a firearms dealer regulation bill, after extensive debate over amendments, confidentiality, background checks, and the balance between public safety and burdens on lawful dealers. Several members raised constitutional and practical objections, while supporters argued the bill would reduce trafficking, straw purchases, and theft from dealers. In addition, the Senate passed House Bill 305 creating a diabetes wellness pilot program, with supporters emphasizing the state’s diabetes burden and the program’s federal funding, and House Concurrent Resolution 157, which asks the State Lottery Office to report on iLottery’s impact on small businesses. Senate Bill 325, a fire prevention/background-check bill, was laid on the table after concerns about a late House amendment and requests for more time to consult stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I rise to honor the Snyder family of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, on their selection of their
• Speaker, I rise to honor the Snyder family of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, on their selection of their
• to acts of sexual harassment and clause 18 of Rule 23 of the Rules of the House of Representatives.
• <c> the</c><03:05:45.400><c> House</c> 9 of rule 23 of the rules of the House 9 of rule 23 of the rules
• </c> of time. of time.

Bills: HB6472 , HB6392 , HB4307 , HB4386 , SB723 , HB3692 , HR681 , HB1945 , HR755 , HB5419 , HB3903 , HB5910 , HB6365 , HCR38

Keywords: education, tuition, territorial residents, in-state tuition, higher education, human trafficking, labor training, employee education, Department of Labor, victim identification, law enforcement, trafficking prevention, motorcycle access, Federal Lands Recreation, America the Beautiful pass, recreation fees, national parks, Indian land, mortgage processing, Bureau of Indian Affairs

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• House File 2959 responds to the Minnesota Supreme Court's GNI 9 OIC LLC versus County of Hennepin decision
• Thank you, chairs and members of the committee. I'm an assistant Hennepin County Attorney.
• I'm the Ramsey County Assessor and also a member of the Minnesota Association of Assessing Officers.
• I'm the Ramsey County Assessor and also a member of the Minnesota Association of Assessing Officers.
• You develop the amount of expenses that are associated with that.

Bills: HF3676 , HF2959 , HF3233

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: Safe at Home, address confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, victim privacy, survivor protection, confidential address, protected address, secret address, identity protection, residential confidentiality, program participant, nondiscrimination, court disclosure, protective order, service of process, driver's license, state ID

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• with a population of two million or more, which is currently applicable only to King County as part
• you're aware of within the county?
• Justin Layton, executive director of the Washington State Transit Association, excited to be my first
• My name is Matt Jack, and I'm speaking on behalf of the Bellevue Downtown Association in support of House
• My name is Dana Savage, and I'm an Assistant Attorney General appearing on behalf of the Association

Bills: SB6252 , SB6265 , SB6081

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: transit support grant, free transit, fare-free transit, zero-fare policy, community college students, technical college students, public transportation, youth transit, student transportation, Washington State, Department of Transportation, local sales tax, voter-approved sales tax, equity, environmental justice, low-barrier access, bus pass, rail transit, public transit agency, transit agency grants

Transcript Highlights:

• And then there's a tiered reimbursement or an increased percentage of payment associated with that.
• I'm Roz Thompson with the Association of Washington School Principals.
• I say outside the shadow of Seattle in South King County.
• In our two counties, 60% of kids are unable to pass all areas of their entrance evaluation in kindergarten
• I'm Ramona Hattendorf with The Arc of King County.

Bills: SB5952 , SB5961 , SB5969 , SB5841 , SB5943

Committee: Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education

Keywords: physical education, school districts, student requirements, education policy, high school, early literacy, childhood literacy, book distribution, Imagination Library, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, preschool, pre-K, reading readiness, school readiness, birth to age five, young children, nonprofit contract, OSPI, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, DCYF

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• , and a beloved resident of Rockland County.
• Today, the people of Rockland County and the city of New York mourn his loss.
• Today, the people of Rockland County and the city of New York mourn his loss.
• Speaker, take an unorthodox step and associate myself with the remarks of one of my Democrat colleagues
• and associate myself with the remarks of and associate myself with the remarks of one<03:14:59.279><

Bills: HR469 , HB2483 , HR458

Keywords: official photography, House of Representatives, session, government transparency, public engagement, opioid crisis, substance use disorder, mental health, treatment programs, recovery services, federal funding, public health, grants

Transcript Highlights:

• David Politz, the CEO of Associated Grocers, as well as a friend of mine, and his son Stan and Bradley
• As a member of a delegation of local grocers, which consists of Associated Grocers wholesalers, Kane's
• , and the amendment says action taken by the Judicial Commission does not preclude the impeachment of
• If you already have an association or an organization sort of holding you to a standard, ...have an association
• Freeman, City of New Orleans, Historic Preservation Districts, landmark commissions. Thank you, Mr.

Bills: SCR59 , SCR70 , HR275 , HR279 , HR282 , HR289 , HR307 , HCR112 , SCR61 , SCR62 , SCR64 , SB121 , HR310 , HR314 , HR316 , HR317 , HR321 , HCR117 , SCR5 , SCR29 , SCR33 , SCR37 , SCR63 , SCR30 , SCR40 , SCR65 , HCR3 , HCR49 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HB54 , HB137 , HB321 , HB368 , HB386 , HB414 , HB431 , HB552 , HB555 , HB578 , HB590 , HB593 , HB618 , HB638 , HB670 , HB692 , HB707 , HB708 , HB715 , HB718 , HB732 , HB741 , HB748 , HB776 , HB796 , HB807 , HB822 , HB848 , HB856 , HB887 , HB888 , HB917 , HB921 , HB1082 , HB1243 , HB1246 , HB1 , HB2 , HB42 , HB45 , HB71 , HB79 , HB126 , HB133 , HB159 , HB213 , HB218 , HB222 , HB289 , HB291 , HB312 , HB313 , HB324 , HB352 , HB383 , HB398 , HB403 , HB429 , HB457 , HB459 , HB549 , HB571 , HB579 , HB591 , HB608 , HB616 , HB624 , HB766 , HB769 , HB783 , HB804 , HB864 , HB874 , HB909 , HB951 , HB971 , HB983 , HB1005 , HB1017 , HB1051 , HB1056 , HB1126 , HB1186 , HB1193 , HB1223 , HB1224 , HB1235 , HB1249 , SB259 , SB295 , SB312 , SB348 , SB444 , SB485 , SB441 , SB149 , HB359 , SB29 , SB43 , SB78 , HB463 , HB998 , SB197 , SB268 , SB123 , SB276 , SB326 , SB80 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HCR98 , HB284 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB625 , HB646 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1191 , HB1240 , HB1255 , SB82 , SB89 , SB97 , SB479 , HB74 , HB119 , HB134 , HB210 , HB258 , HB468 , HB784 , HB870 , HB953 , HB956 , HB1117 , HB1236 , SB42 , SB208 , SB217 , SB274 , SB300 , SB341 , SB379 , SB382 , SB387 , SB401 , SB449 , SB487

Keywords: Major Richard Star Act, veterans, military retirement, disability compensation, VA benefits, combat-wounded, medically retired, military retirees, service members, veterans benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, concurrent receipt, retirement offset, combat-related disability, bipartisan support, memorial resolution, Congressional memorial, Louisiana delegation, Richard Star

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• you for your support of this bill.
• And on behalf of all of our children now and our future children's future wealth, health, thank you for
• your support of this bill.
• Department of Education and the State Board of Education to select those programs and those specific
• One of the things that came out of that was, I think, she correctly identified the problem of us naming

Bills: SB1432 , SB1338 , SB1437 , SB1812

Committee: House Education Oversight

Keywords: teacher certification, pilot program, education, state board, alternative pathways, education grants, competitive grants, revolving fund, State Department of Education, State Board of Education, Strong Readers Act, literacy instruction, reading intervention, dyslexia, science of reading, structured literacy, multisensory instruction, school districts, public education funding, education innovation

Transcript Highlights:

• years of devoted service to the people of Mono County.
• the safety and security of the people of Mono County.
• County Board of Education retiring Mono County Board of Education member<00:44:45.800><c> Katherine</
• Office</c> and services of the Mono County Office and services of the Mono County Office of<00:45:24.520
• Association of Home Builders.

Bills: HJR35 , HR695 , HR469 , HR250

Keywords: environment, EPA, waste emissions, petroleum, natural gas, environmental protection, methane, regulatory disapproval, Charlie Kirk, political assassination, free speech, First Amendment, public safety, official photography, House of Representatives, session, government transparency, public engagement, payment system, Bureau of the Fiscal Service

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, yesterday we tragically lost Deputy Will May of the Walton County Sheriff's Department while
• of Walton County.
• Hillsboro County Sheriff's Office at the invitation of Representative Danny Alvarez.
• Coral Springs and the City of Parkland, Broward County."
• of those of us who live in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, we understand how much

Bills: HB 9 , HB 22 , HB 908 , HB 1392

Transcript Highlights:

• And then it obligates the city of York County to catch the crime when that ballot is cast in return.
• Associates, and I appreciate the opportunity to appear in support of SB 132.
• We're in 416 programs currently right now, 16 of the 17 counties.
• Josh Griffin with the Griffin Company here on behalf of the Vapor Technology Association, VTA.
• So, to put a finer point on it, 71% of the increase in cigarette sales associated with ends of flavor

Bills: AB568 , SB90 , SB133 , SB147 , SB229 , SB233 , SB240 , SB245 , SB280 , SB378 , SB393 , SB417 , SB434 , SB494 , SB495 , AB62 , SB104 , SB119 , SB132 , SB193 , SB262 , SB422 , SB431 , SB435 , SB468 , SB503

Committee: Assembly Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• of the woods over in Walker County.
• We show you registered as Blake Hudson on behalf of the Texas Association of Health Plans, and you'll
• So Blake Hudson, Vice President of Public Affairs for the Texas Association of Health Plans.
• So, Blake Hudson, Vice President of Public Affairs for the Texas Association of Health Plans.
• rebates because there's a cost associated with dealing with all of that and processing all of that.

Summary: The Select Committee on Health Care Affordability met in an interim hearing focused on why Texas health care costs continue to rise and what policy changes might improve affordability. The chair opened by arguing that misaligned incentives, consolidation, lack of transparency, and weak consumer choice are driving costs faster than wages, and said the committee would hear from physicians, insurers, hospitals, pharmacy/PBM representatives, direct contracting models, and other experts. No bills were considered or voted on; witnesses testified neutrally as part of the committee’s information-gathering process. The first panel featured physicians and physician groups, including the Texas Medical Association and the Texas Academy of Family Physicians, along with a direct primary care representative. They emphasized that independent practices are under pressure from rising overhead, prior authorization, administrative burden, and payment disparities, which can push doctors into consolidation. They recommended improving competition, simplifying credentialing, reducing prior authorization, standardizing emergency care cost sharing, making price and quality data more usable, supporting care navigators, and strengthening primary care through per-member-per-month payment models. The direct primary care witness argued that DPC offers transparent monthly pricing, better access, and stronger physician-patient relationships, while the independent family physician stressed that small practices need a level playing field to survive. Members questioned the witnesses about corporate practice of medicine, physician autonomy, rural access, and whether direct primary care should be expanded without creating new gatekeepers or networks. There was discussion of site-neutral billing, cash-pay access, and whether the state should better protect patients from cost increases after practice acquisitions. One member also raised concerns about the accessibility and cost of the Texas All-Payer Claims Database for researchers and asked that the issue be reviewed. The second panel included health plan representatives from the Texas Association of Health Plans, Sidecar Health, and Curative. The insurer representative said most Texans get coverage through employers and argued that hospital and drug spending drive much of the cost growth, while consolidation, excessive mandates, and fraud/waste/abuse are key problems. He supported giving employers more flexible coverage options, limiting anti-competitive contracting, allowing patients access to cash prices, and addressing facility fees and AI-driven upcoding. Sidecar Health described a model built around upfront price transparency, no networks, and financial incentives for members to choose lower-cost care; Curative described a preventive-care-focused plan with no deductibles or copays for members who complete an early wellness visit, but said Texas’s licensing, network adequacy, and contracting rules make it difficult for new plans to compete.

Transcript Highlights:

• future of the state of Louisiana.
• And then, of course, we're responsible for the Human Trafficking Commission and Advisory Board.
• All of them. All of them. All of them. All of them. Okay. That's interesting to know.
• So you could be in Mobile, Alabama, picking up off of a cell tower in Orleans.
• Alabama, picking up off of a cell tower in Orleans.

Summary: The committee held its inaugural meeting on March 5, 2026, with opening remarks from Chair Freiberg and Vice Chair Marcelle describing the panel’s purpose as studying issues affecting women and children, including health, education, economic opportunity, safety, and criminal justice. After roll call, the chair noted the meeting was informational only and not requiring a quorum. The committee then heard presentations and asked questions on human trafficking and child exploitation, followed by an audit report on the treatment and care of incarcerated women. Mary Kate Andrepont of the Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention presented 2025 data showing 2,963 victims identified, 15,437 service instances, and 33% of victims remaining in services at least nine months. She said 93% of reported victims were sex trafficking victims, most were under 18, and 62 of 64 parishes had trafficking reports. She explained familial trafficking, described screening and coordinated response procedures, and highlighted new tools and outreach campaigns. She also discussed two priority bills: HB 321 by Rep. LaFleur, which would create immunity from prostitution offenses for child trafficking victims under Safe Harbor principles, and SB 83 by Sen. Edmonds, which would require school board trafficking policies and expand victim advocacy services to labor trafficking victims and survivors up to age 21. Committee members asked about reporting procedures, data trends, service gaps, and the reach of the screening tools. Chris Masters of the Attorney General’s office then presented on online child exploitation and child sexual abuse material through the Louisiana ICAC Task Force. He reported 31,203 tips in 2025, 545 arrests, more than 80 children identified or rescued, over 1,500 search warrants, and more than 100 community presentations. He said the task force is expanding statewide, including an Orleans Metro unit, and asked for more analysts and outreach personnel to handle a projected rise in cyber tips. Members asked about community presentations, the scope of the investigations, sex offender social media restrictions, interstate cases, sentencing, and how online enticement and live abuse are prosecuted. The discussion emphasized parental monitoring, school outreach, and coordination with federal partners. The final item introduced an audit report on the treatment and care of incarcerated females. Legislative Auditor staff said the review, requested by a 2023 resolution, found that Louisiana’s jails and guidance documents had not fully addressed the key laws and standards governing women’s incarceration, including restraint use during pregnancy and childbirth, health care, hygiene, dignity, and reentry. They noted that local jails still house a majority of incarcerated women despite the opening of a new state facility, and that several facilities had confirmed prohibited restraint use or failed to provide required written advisements. The staff said the report included legislative considerations for improving compliance and care.

Transcript Highlights:

• It kind of tracks all the way from the source of those funds to the use of those funds.
• I'm the director of the Idaho Department of Lands.
• of general funds, while 19% is made up of fees.
• And so it isn't 53% of the number of lakes and reservoirs; it's 53% of the acres. Follow up?
• High levels of bacteria, high levels of nutrients.

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard budget presentations for the Endowment Fund Investment Board, the Department of Lands, and the Department of Environmental Quality. The EFIB presentation emphasized its small staff, low administrative costs, and a modest request for a laptop replacement. The Department of Lands presentation focused heavily on fire suppression funding, the fire suppression deficiency fund, and the agency’s endowment and forest management work. Director Dustin Miller said 2025 fire costs were just over $40 million, noted that the Legislature had previously funded the deficiency account, and warned that current holdbacks could reduce staffing for fire operations, especially in eastern Idaho. He also explained a proposed shift of 1.25 FTE and $160,000 from the Abandoned Mines Lands Fund to the Navigable Waterways Fund, and discussed House Bill 511 as a possible future fire-preparedness funding source. Committee members asked detailed questions about how the fire suppression deficiency fund works, when it can be used, and whether it can cover prevention or only active fires. Staff explained that the fund is for active suppression and that any negative balance would later be settled through a supplemental request. Members also asked about staffing, vacancy rates, and the impact of budget reductions on fire readiness and forest health work. Miller said the agency had filled many key vacancies but still faced recruitment challenges, and he described the Eastern Idaho Forest Protective District and the agency’s growing Good Neighbor Authority work with the U.S. Forest Service. The Department of Environmental Quality presentation covered staffing, water infrastructure funding, loan and grant programs, air and water quality, and solid waste oversight. Director Jess Byrne said targeted pay increases had reduced turnover and vacancies, and that DEQ had distributed more than $835 million in grants and low-interest loans over five years, mostly to small communities. He also said the agency has fewer staff than 25 years ago despite a much larger population, leading to permit backlogs and reduced monitoring. Byrne explained that the Drinking Water Loan Fund is built from federal capitalization grants, state match, and repayments, and that its rising balance reflects awarded but not yet reimbursed projects rather than unused money. He also said DEQ is considering fee increases in air quality and drinking water programs, and supported a proposed solid waste transfer only if it includes a fee structure. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.