Transcript Highlights:

• coding.
• Dante Bataki, CTO of Eleanor Codings, who continues to build his company.
• I would say compliance with state board policy and Century Code compliance.
• But collapsing programs in like CIP codes, we've also identified new programs.
• So that piece is still in Century Code, but was not funded in the 25-27 biennium.

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met at NDSU and heard an extensive presentation from President David Cook/President Stewart and NDSU leadership on the university’s priorities, including enrollment, student success, research growth, and use of New Horizons funding. Leaders emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission, its role in workforce development, and its goal of becoming more distinctive through strategic planning, recruitment and retention, commercialization, and partnerships. They highlighted that NDSU awarded 2,370 degrees in 2025, produces a large share of the state’s engineering, nursing, and agriculture graduates, and reported strong outcomes for graduates staying and working in North Dakota. They also noted enrollment headwinds, competition from other institutions, and the need to manage tuition waivers more carefully through a scholarship optimization effort. Provost Sherry Vale outlined academic stewardship efforts, including review or consolidation of low-producing programs, strategic hiring tied to institutional priorities, faculty workload policy changes, and expanded online and regional offerings. She said the university is using New Horizons dollars to strengthen advising, student support, and programs in engineering, agriculture, and health. NDSU leaders also described new or expanded academic offerings such as robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, material science and engineering, nuclear engineering certificates, accelerated nursing, nurse practitioner certificates, a Master of Health Administration, and a clinical research master’s program with Sanford Health. They stressed that these investments are intended to improve student completion, meet workforce needs, and increase return on public investment. The committee also heard testimony from students and recent graduates who described the value of NDSU’s education, mentorship, internships, research opportunities, and support services. Alyssa Hodges spoke about pharmacy education, public health work, and campus support as a parent and student; Ethan Blessy described engineering coursework, internships with Marvin, and career preparation; and Aiden Freolic discussed neuroscience research, federally funded projects, and plans for graduate study. Their testimony was followed by presentations on partnerships with Gateway to Science for K-12 STEM outreach and with Sanford Research on biomedical research, clinical trials, obesity research, and a joint biostatistics hire. NDSU also highlighted systemwide shared services, Governor’s School programming, and research growth, including a reported 8% increase in research expenditures from $199 million to $215 million. No bill votes were taken; the meeting was informational and featured presentations, testimony, and discussion of future planning and partnerships.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have offers on the two conforming bills, House Bill 501E, Petroleum Cleanup Programs, and Senate

Summary: The conference committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget and Agriculture, Environment, and General Government convened briefly to exchange budget-related offers between the House and Senate. The House presented its offer on the Senate’s proposed proviso and implementing bill, along with offers on the two conforming bills: House Bill 501E, concerning petroleum cleanup programs, and Senate Bill 2506E, concerning fuel taxes. The Senate also presented its offer on the budget, back of the bill, and related projects, and both sides indicated they would review and follow up on the proposals. No public comment was offered. Members were reminded that the committee was on one-hour notice for the next meeting. Senator Davis moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have offers on the two conforming bills, House Bill 501E, Petroleum Cleanup Programs, and Senate

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have offers on the two conforming bills, House Bill 501E, Petroleum Cleanup Programs, and Senate

Summary: The conference committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget and Agriculture, Environment, and General Government met briefly to exchange budget-related offers between the House and Senate. The House offered the Senate the proviso and implementing bill, along with offers on two conforming bills: House Bill 501E on petroleum cleanup programs and Senate Bill 2506E on fuel taxes. The Senate responded that it would review the House offer and indicated it also had a House offer on the budget, back of the bill, and projects for the House to consider. No public comment was offered. Members were reminded that the committee was on one-hour notice for the next meeting. Senator Davis moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a lot of cleanup that's needed in this realm of towing, and so we're trying to do that with this
• Representative Martinez ran a really great DUI bill, and there are some cleanup items, some that were
• What is left is simply that 45-day item that we’re talking about, plus the cleanup language from the

Bills: HB2127, HB2257, HB2305, HB2573, HB2772, HB2941, HB2957

Keywords: special license plates, transportation, funding, nonprofits, charitable contributions, boating, watercraft licensing, law enforcement, safety fund, state funding, Arizona Revised Statutes, towing regulation, private towing carriers, vehicle impound, towing rates, preemption, DUI, ignition interlock, substance abuse treatment, driving privileges

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure heard several bills, beginning with HB 2957, which would require physical driver licenses to be accepted for identification purposes and prohibit cities, towns, counties, and districts from requiring digital mobile IDs for government services. The sponsor framed the bill as a privacy and choice measure tied to concerns about Real ID, biometric data, and federal overreach. Supporters said it preserves a non-Real ID option and protects privacy, while opponents raised concerns about travel requirements and whether the bill could affect proof of legal status. The committee approved HB 2957 on a 4-3 vote. The committee then considered HB 2941, which would make certain motorcycle lane-splitting or passing behavior subject to reckless driving penalties. The sponsor and a motorcycle rights representative explained the difference between lawful lane filtering and unlawful lane splitting, saying the bill would add enforcement teeth for unsafe conduct and improve safety. Members discussed the distinction between filtering and splitting, and several related personal safety concerns. The committee passed HB 2941 unanimously, 7-0. HB 2305, dealing with private towing carriers, would establish statewide rules for private-property towing, including rate standards tied to DPS agreements, documentation and photo requirements, notice to law enforcement, and penalties for unlawful towing. Supporters said the bill would create uniformity and curb predatory towing, while the Arizona Trucking Association raised concerns about the DPS rate structure and the need for further stakeholder work. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying the bill applies only to motor vehicles towed from private property and then passed the bill 7-0. HB 2257, a strike-everything amendment changing the distribution of watercraft fee revenues and requiring an annual expenditure report, also passed after Game and Fish warned of a significant fiscal impact and committee members discussed Mohave County’s water patrol needs; the vote was 4-3. Finally, the committee heard HB 2573, which as amended was narrowed to address a 45-day gap before repeat DUI offenders can install ignition interlock devices. Supporters said the change would improve public safety by allowing earlier use of the technology, while members discussed whether it would weaken DUI laws and how the interlock system works. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 2573, so no committee action is shown for that bill in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is kind of a change, or a cleanup bill.
• dairy products are consistent across Agriculture, the Department of Health, and the Administrative Code
• Department of Health and Administrative Code, and right now our statutes don't fully account for newer

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 20, 2026, with eight members present and approved the prior meeting minutes. The committee first advanced SB 1224, which requires DCFS to look into cases where a child under 17 is involved in a pregnancy, with added oversight for children under 12; it was reported favorably. The committee also favorably reported SB 1100, described as repealing an outdated statute. White Coat Day remarks welcomed physicians to the Capitol and thanked them for their service, including efforts to improve Medicaid reimbursement. Several health-related bills were then heard and advanced. HB 1220, a continuation of prior work to codify provisions related to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners and physician licensure, was reported favorably. HB 1231 clarified that Medicaid coverage for continuous glucose monitoring applies to insulin-dependent patients, including those with gestational diabetes, and was also reported favorably. HB 198, which sets reimbursement rates for ambulatory surgery centers for certain Medicaid procedures such as colonoscopies, eye, ENT, and gastroenterology services, passed favorably. HB 1160, creating a streamlined restricted license pathway for qualified international medical graduates, prompted a lengthy exchange about delayed rulemaking and whether the board had added requirements beyond statute; despite concerns, it was reported favorably. The committee also advanced several resolutions and oversight measures. HCR 67, prompted by a personal family experience with a special-needs child’s acute care needs, creates a task force to study gaps in acute care for special-needs adults and children; it was amended and reported favorably. HCR 27, calling for a statewide evaluation of autism services by LDH and the Department of Education, was reported favorably. HB 223, which recreates DCFS, was amended to shorten the sunset date and require law enforcement reporting through a secure web platform, then reported favorably. HCR 28, creating a task force on school nurse orientation and training for new graduates, was reported favorably after testimony from school nurses about the lack of standardized orientation and the risks of placing inexperienced nurses alone in schools. The committee also took up HB 469, which would allow pharmacy license renewal applicants to designate a portion of fees to eligible schools including Xavier University’s College of Pharmacy; after opposition from Senator Cloud and a roll call, the bill was deferred. HB 1182, a cleanup bill changing the occupational therapy certifying entity and adjusting fees, and HB 1076, eliminating one of two sunset provisions for the Louisiana Behavior Analyst Board, were both reported favorably. HB 1216, a major rewrite of clinical laboratory personnel rules, was deferred after concerns that it would restrict existing phlebotomy and lab functions in ways that could conflict with recent law. Finally, HB 457 and HB 616, both by Representative Knox and focused on homelessness, drew extensive testimony: HB 457 established minimum standards for shelters and similar facilities and was reported favorably as amended, while HB 616 would allow audits of homelessness-related funding and databases; after debate over privacy, federal funding oversight, and accountability, the committee adopted an amendment changing enforcement language from "may" to "shall" and continued hearing testimony from opponents and supporters.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, just a little bit of cleanup language. All right, members, you've heard that motion.
• on Public Safety, having had under consideration SB 1058 relating to firearm transactions merchant codes
• The sponsor will say it's about billing codes, but I don't believe it.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and several guest introductions, including recognition of Lutheran Day at the Capitol and the doctor of the day. The chamber also handled routine business such as journal approval, temporary committee substitutions, and multiple motions to move into Committee of the Whole for floor consideration of bills and resolutions. A series of election, campaign finance, immigration, and public safety measures were taken up. Bills and resolutions discussed included SB 1003 on election canvass certification, SB 1006 and SCR 1002 on campaign finance disclosure thresholds, SB 1037, SB 1040, SB 1057, SB 1060, SB 1141, SB 1168, SB 1237, SB 1289, SCR 1010, SCR 1013, and SCR 1014 on various election administration topics, plus SB 1055 and SB 1152 on immigration enforcement and benefits, SB 1058 on firearm transaction merchant codes, SB 1093 on rioting, SB 1308 on a foreign adversary fraud office appropriation, and SB 1160 on drones in entertainment districts. Most of these measures received do-pass recommendations, several with committee or floor amendments, and some were retained on the calendar. The most extensive debate centered on social policy bills affecting transgender people and minors, including SCR 1006, SB 1015, and SB 1095. Opponents argued these measures were discriminatory, harmful to trans youth and families, and an improper intrusion into medical and school decisions; supporters framed them as protecting parental rights, privacy, and children from irreversible medical decisions. SB 1049 on spousal maintenance also drew opposition over a proposed four-year cap. Later, the Senate took third-reading votes and passed SB 1049, SB 1053, SB 1415, SB 1015, SB 1095, and SCR 1006, with recorded roll-call tallies generally around 16-11 or 17-10 on the more contentious measures, and the bills were transmitted to the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a range cleanup day in specific spots around Prescott.
• The purpose of this bill is to maintain consistency in the Criminal Code, where we oftentimes establish
• The purpose of this bill is to maintain consistency in the Criminal Code, where we oftentimes establish

Bills: HB2076, HB2135, HB2175, HB2186, HB2223, HB2345, HB2364, HB2417, HB2440, HB2666, HB2763, HCR2043

Keywords: school safety, employee training, firearm certification, crisis response, school policies, reimbursement fund, local law enforcement, HB2135, Arizona, civil liability, private right of action, DEI, diversity equity and inclusion, critical race theory, anti-racism, race stereotyping, sex stereotyping, race scapegoating, sex scapegoating, gender identity

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard and advanced several bills. HB 2763 would require legislative approval before the Arizona Game and Fish Commission could close a state-run shooting range. Supporters, including the sponsor, a Prescott doctor, gun-rights advocates, and Game and Fish, argued that range closures can push shooting into unsafe desert areas and that the legislature should have a voice; the bill passed 8-1. HB 2417 would let courts, at a defendant’s request, use speed-inhibiting devices instead of license suspension for certain speeding and racing offenses. The sponsor and supporters said it would help people keep working and reduce recidivism, while an Arizona Trucking Association representative warned the bill was overbroad and conflicted with federal law; the committee adopted an amendment and passed the bill 7-2. HB 2345 created a felony for unlawfully present persons possessing falsified CDLs and imposed vehicle forfeiture and employer penalties; trucking industry testimony said it was preempted by federal law and unenforceable, but the sponsor said he would keep working on it, and the bill passed 5-3 with one present after amendment. The committee also considered HB 2666, which increases penalties for sexual extortion involving victims ages 15-17. The sponsor and supporters from the anti-trafficking community and county attorney’s office said the bill responds to a serious and growing online exploitation problem affecting teens. Defense and juvenile-justice concerns focused on whether the bill could sweep in minors, create mandatory consecutive sentences, and fail to account for age-related defenses; the sponsor and supporters said they were open to discussing amendments, but the bill passed 8-0 with one present. HB 2175 would add political expression and political affiliation to Arizona’s bias-crime sentencing enhancements and create new misdemeanor-level enhancements for certain bias-motivated offenses. The sponsor, ADL, and county attorney’s office said it fills gaps and targets conduct, not speech; the ACLU and defense testimony warned it could chill speech and give prosecutors too much discretion. The bill passed 6-2 after amendment. HB 2186 would allow a passenger in a traffic stop to satisfy identity requirements by verbally providing name and date of birth rather than producing physical ID. The sponsor said it was meant to fix an unconstitutional-vagueness problem and clarify the law after a prior court issue; there was little opposition, and it passed 7-0 with one present. The committee also began hearing HB 2364, which would add penalties for distributing or receiving abortion-inducing drugs by courier, delivery, or rail service; the sponsor said it would strengthen enforcement of existing Arizona restrictions, but the transcript cuts off before testimony, debate, or any vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• mining sites across the state that do not have viable, responsible parties to pay for and conduct cleanup
• zealously represent the best interests of the child, amending the statutory purpose of the Children's Code
• to ensure... ...the best interests of the child, amending the statutory purpose of the Children's Code

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some 3,000 families served by the state preschool program live in areas, or zip codes, if you will, located
• And due to the severity and widespread nature of the flooding, the full cleanup of all debris took weeks
• She now delivers groceries to families and develops code words so parents feel safe opening the doors

Summary: The hearing focused first on how wildfires and other disasters affect child care providers, families, and early education infrastructure. State officials from the Department of Social Services and Department of Education described disaster response and preparedness efforts, including shelter coordination, licensing outreach, emergency waivers, distribution of supplies, and the statewide child care disaster plan. Testimony from providers and advocates emphasized major gaps in recovery funding, insurance coverage, rebuilding support, mental health services, and coordination with local rebuild plans. Several witnesses urged more dedicated disaster-recovery funding for child care facilities and suggested statutory changes, including allowing greater flexibility for rebuilding costs and requiring early childhood programs to be included in local disaster planning. The second panel addressed immigration enforcement and its impact on child care. Advocates from the Children's Partnership, Every Child California, and CHIRLA said enforcement activity is causing families to keep children home, disrupting continuity of care, reducing enrollment, and creating fear and trauma for children and providers. They argued that immigrant and mixed-status families need clearer protections, privacy safeguards, legal support, trauma-informed guidance, and safe-haven policies for child care settings. Speakers also stressed that the child care workforce is heavily immigrant and that recent state laws such as AB 49 and AB 495 will require funding, training, and technical assistance to implement effectively. Public commenters, including child care providers, described personal experiences with fire damage, displacement, permit delays, lost income, and the emotional toll of serving families during crises. Others described how immigration enforcement has made parents afraid to attend events, drop off children, or remain connected to providers. Committee members repeatedly noted that child care is often overlooked in emergencies and asked state officials how child care systems are being integrated into disaster planning and how local and state agencies can better coordinate. No formal votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the common law tour of negligence and it's codified in the civil code.
• solutions that they could work with instead of falling to Section 230 in the federal communications code
• I think..." "...there might be just some more cleanup to do through this process.

Summary: The committee heard several privacy and consumer protection bills, with most of the discussion focused on AI and social media. AB 1405 would create a state registry for AI auditors and set basic transparency, ethics, and qualification standards for those auditors; supporters said it would build trust and provide a foundation for future AI oversight, while some members questioned whether government should define auditor qualifications instead of industry groups. The bill was moved out on a 5-1 vote to Appropriations, with the roll left open. AB 2, by Assemblymember Lowenthal, would impose enhanced financial penalties on large social media companies when their negligence causes harm to children and teens. Supporters, including a grieving parent and Common Sense Media, argued the bill would create accountability for harmful algorithms and design choices, while opponents from TechNet, EFF, CCIA, and CalChamber warned it was vague, could chill speech, invite censorship, and raise Section 230 and First Amendment concerns. Committee members debated private right of action versus public enforcement, possible shakedown lawsuits, and whether the bill should be narrowed; the bill passed 6-0 to Judiciary with the roll left open. AB 410 would expand California’s bot disclosure law so bots must identify themselves up front and truthfully if asked, rather than only prohibiting deceptive bots in limited commercial or election contexts. Supporters said the measure would help users, especially youth and vulnerable people, know when they are interacting with AI and reduce deception online; one privacy group withdrew opposition after amendments, and other industry groups said they were no longer opposed or had no formal position. The bill passed 9-1 to Appropriations with the roll left open. The committee also approved AB 1327, which lets consumers cancel home improvement contracts by email instead of only by mail and requires phone assistance for cancellations; the Contractor State License Board withdrew opposition after amendments, and the bill passed 11-0 to Judiciary with the roll left open.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that was some cleanup on other projects that was scheduled to Bluegrass Station.
• Whitney Hall and the Bombard Theater, which are original to the venue, must be brought to current code
• be brought original to the venue, must be brought to<00:41:03.920> current<00:41:04.160> code
• /c><00:41:04.560> and<00:41:04.800> modern<00:41:05.119> function, to current code
• and modern function, to current code and modern function, including<00:41:06.160> replacing<00

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:09 Approval of Minutes 00:01:10 Welcome New Members 00:01:26 Information Items 00:01:49 COT Special Report 00:02:38 Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:07:41 A. Department of Military Affairs 00:08:07 B. Department of Veterans’ Affairs 00:20:34 C. Kentucky Infrastructure Authority 00:25:54 D. Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet 00:35:05 E. Transportation Cabinet 00:55:53, 958, all

Summary: The Capital Planning Advisory Board met with a quorum, approved the May 21 minutes, and welcomed a new executive branch member, Secretary Keith Jackson of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. The board also received two informational items: agency responses to prior questions and amendments made to capital plans after the last meeting. It then heard the Commonwealth Office of Technology’s report on executive branch IT capital project scoring, which reviewed 16 IT requests totaling about $330.5 million. COOT said projects were ranked through an independent panel using standardized criteria focused on feasibility, statewide alignment, readiness, impact, and risk; the CIO recommended moving an enterprise application and artificial intelligence inventory system from rank 11 to rank 4 because of its enterprise-wide impact and connection to Senate Bill 4. The Department of Military Affairs presented its capital plan, describing 43 million in projects for the current period and 13 projects totaling $65 million for 2026–2028, with most funding coming from federal sources and restricted agency funds and no general fund request in the latter period. Its projects included maintenance pool adjustments, a statewide Army master plan, the Somerset readiness center, Shelbyville and Ashland armories, a future home for the Kentucky Army National Guard band, and other facility upgrades. Members asked about the Somerset project’s cost growth and federal delay; the department said the project remains in conceptual design, is awaiting federal MILCON action, and would require a state match of about $9.8 million against $29.6 million federal funding if it is approved. Members also asked about staffing levels, and the department said state employee and Title 32 numbers have been relatively steady, while technician positions have declined. The Department of Veterans Affairs outlined seven projects for 2026–2028, led by a Radcliff Veterans Center HVAC replacement that needs an estimated additional $16 million to finish phase two after phase one was already funded. Other requests included a maintenance pool increase, renovations and exterior upgrades at Eastern and Western Kentucky veterans facilities, a cooling tower replacement at Thompson Hood, and parking lot and lighting improvements. The department said some projects were already in the six-year plan and that the Radcliff phase two could be bid in June 2026 if funded. Members confirmed that a columbarium wall project at Grayson is federally funded. The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented its six-year capital plan, citing more than $3 billion in loan commitments since 1988 and over $5 billion in supported infrastructure projects. KIA requested $298.439 million in the first biennium, including $27.742 million in state match for federal clean water and drinking water revolving funds, $25 million for its state Infrastructure Revolving Fund, $185.697 million in federal capitalization grants, and $30 million in leverage bond authorization for each year of the two federally assisted loan programs. Members asked about drinking-water quality, and KIA said that function is handled by the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Water, not KIA. KIA also said its loan rates currently range from 0.5% to 2.25%, averaging just under 1%, and that its revolving loan programs have had no defaults. The Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet began its presentation at the end of the transcript, with staff identifying themselves, but no project details or board action from that presentation were included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• With land management across the agencies, waste cleanup programs total $224 million.
• Let's make sure every child in Florida, no matter their zip code, has a chance to climb.
• Duggan, CS for CS for House Bill 1173, a bill to be entitled an act relating to the Florida Trust Code
• Representative Plakon offers the following amendment: Was title meant a bar code 299921, remove lines
• Representative Rayner offered the following amendment: Bar Code 746613, remove lines 66 through 71 and

Bills: HJR 99, HB 1399, HB 1400, HB 1094, HB 365, HB 1109, HB 647, HCR 35, SB 14, HB 12, HB 1522, HB 422, HB 675, HB 204, HB 748, HB 912, HJR 99, HB 1399, HB 1400, HB 1094, HB 365, HB 1109, HB 647, HCR 35, HCR 123, HCR 124, HR 57, HR 87, HR 111, HR 228, HR 230, HR 322, HR 624, HR 625, HR 626, HR 627, HR 628, HR 630, HR 631, HR 634, HR 635, HR 636, HR 637, HR 638, HR 639, HR 640, HR 645, HR 646, HR 648, HR 649, HR 651, HR 652, HR 653, HR 654, HR 664, HR 665, HR 668, HR 675, HR 676, HR 678, HR 679, HR 680, HR 683, HR 686, HR 688, HR 689, HR 694, HR 695, HR 697, HR 698, HR 699, HR 472, HR 622, HR 632, HR 633, HR 643, HR 655, HR 657, HR 660, HR 661, HR 662, HR 663, HR 667, HR 670, HR 674, HR 681, HR 682, HR 696

Keywords: animal feed, tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, retail, constitutional amendment, retail sale, tangible personal property, Texas tax code, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption, regulation, deceased transportation, HB 365

Transcript Highlights:

• in to kind of indicate that we have a level of debris that requires federal assistance to get the cleanup
• in to kind of indicate that we have a level of debris that requires federal assistance to get the cleanup
• to<00:10:33.240> get<00:10:33.440> the<00:10:33.640> the<00:10:33.760> cleanup
• <00:10:34.160> of assistance to get the the cleanup of assistance to get the the cleanup of

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Senate Roll Call 00:00:00 House Roll Call 00:00:10 Discussion of Recent Disaster 00:01:18 House Adjourned 00:42:28 SB 218 Discussion 00:43:00 SB 218 Vote 00:46:46 SB 186 Discussion 00:47:22:00, 958, all

Summary: The concurrent House-Senate meeting opened with a roll call and then received a briefing from Kentucky Emergency Management and the Transportation Cabinet on the February storms and flooding. Officials described the event as ongoing and statewide in scope, beginning in western counties and then heavily affecting Eastern Kentucky, including major impacts in Perry, Letcher, Clay, Bell, Martin, Pike, and other counties. They reported widespread power and water outages, nearly 600 people initially sheltered, more than 1,500 water rescues, over 250 National Guard members activated, and substantial mutual aid from other states and FEMA. They also said 73 counties had declared emergencies, 23 fatalities had been confirmed at that point, and individual assistance had already distributed $5.5 million to residents after the federal declaration was signed. The administration emphasized that recovery needs were still being assessed but were already significant. Kentucky Emergency Management said public assistance estimates were about $58 million and rising, with about 2,005 homes and 272 businesses inspected so far. Debris removal was identified as a major issue, and officials said they had requested Category A federal assistance for debris in four counties while continuing to seek more as assessments continued. They also noted that disaster recovery centers were opening and that teams were going door to door in affected areas. On transportation, KYTC reported 39 counties affected, a peak of 355 road closures reduced to 49, 18 damaged bridges, 94 bridges with debris on them, and 579 roadway damages, while continuing to clear roads and move supplies such as water, food, blankets, and heaters. Secretary Hicks then asked lawmakers to consider additional funding mechanisms. He said the current $50 million emergency cap in the budget was likely to be exhausted, with $21.5 million already allocated, and proposed either lifting the cap or creating a new “safe fund” for this disaster, similar to prior funds used after the western Kentucky tornadoes and the 2022 eastern Kentucky floods. He said the state could redirect about $25 million from an unused western Kentucky economic development allocation and about $20 million from an eastern Kentucky transportation allocation, for a total of $45 million, to help with this response. Members and officials also discussed debris disposal, with the Pike County landfill expansion identified as a possible site to receive some of the debris and reduce costs. Representative Fugate thanked the agencies for their response and described severe local impacts, including water outages, road slides, damaged water treatment plants, and heavy debris in homes and driveways.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is actually just a cleanup. Bill for the sunset bill that we ran several days ago.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For corporate income tax, the amendment exempts charitable trusts and adopts the Internal Revenue Code
• But because the state of Florida every year in its tax package adopts the IRS code for purposes of our
• So since that's an ambiguity in the code, we're clarifying it for purposes of Florida.
• But because the state of Florida every year in its tax package adopts the IRS code for purposes of our
• So since that's an ambiguity in the code, we're clarifying it for purposes of Florida.

Summary: The House met on the final day of session, swore in Representatives Boyles and Hodgers, and observed a moment of silence for the Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as for Representative Rosenwald’s father. The chamber then moved into final budget work, with leaders outlining the plan to take up H.J.R. 5019, HB 7031, HB 5017, HB 5015, and then the general appropriations act once the Senate transmitted it. H.J.R. 5019, a proposed constitutional amendment to expand the budget stabilization fund, was explained and amended to raise the rainy day fund cap, require annual deposits, and allow withdrawals for critical state needs by a two-thirds vote; it passed 100-1. The House then adopted the conference report on HB 7031, the tax package. The bill repeals the business rent tax and aviation fuel tax, delays the natural gas fuel tax, creates or expands several sales tax holidays and exemptions, including permanent exemptions for disaster-preparedness items, hunting/fishing/camping items, and ammunition and firearms-related purchases, and makes changes to property, corporate income, local tax, and economic development provisions. Members debated the removal of recurring housing trust fund and transit-related revenue streams, the new ammunition exemption, and the data center tax changes; supporters argued the package reduces taxes and preserves annual budget flexibility, while opponents raised concerns about housing, transportation, and gun violence. The conference report passed 93-7. HB 5017, creating a debt reduction program funded by a recurring transfer to retire state bonds early, passed unanimously. HB 5015, the state group insurance conforming bill, which directs DMS to develop a formulary management plan and codifies the administrative health insurance assessment, also passed. The House then began explanation and questions on the fiscal year 2025-26 general appropriations act, described as a $115.1 billion budget that is down $3.8 billion from the current year and includes more than $12 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs summarized major spending areas, including pre-K-12 funding increases, health care funding for Medicaid, KidCare, nursing homes, opioid treatment, and mental health, transportation and economic development funding, environmental and water projects, higher education, state administration, justice, and information technology. Questions focused on school vouchers, inflationary pressures on school districts, and the adequacy of funding for housing, transportation, and other priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• For corporate income tax, the amendment exempts charitable trusts and adopts the Internal Revenue Code
• But because the state of Florida every year in its tax package adopts the IRS code for purposes of our
• So since that's an ambiguity in the code, we're clarifying it for purposes of Florida.
• But because the state of Florida every year in its tax package adopts the IRS code for purposes of our
• So since that's an ambiguity in the code, we're clarifying it for purposes of Florida.

Summary: The House convened on the final day of session, observed a moment of silence for the Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and for Representative Rosenwald’s father, then swore in and seated new members Boyles and Hodgers. The Speaker also outlined the chamber’s end-of-session priorities, including action on the budget and related conforming bills. The House then took up H.J.R. 5019, a constitutional amendment to expand Florida’s budget stabilization fund by raising the cap, requiring annual transfers, and allowing withdrawals for critical state needs. After sponsor explanations and questions about what would qualify as a critical need and how the fund might respond to possible federal funding cuts, the House adopted an amendment that added more flexibility for suspending transfers and withdrawals. The joint resolution then passed on final passage. Members next considered HB 7031, the tax package conference report. The bill repeals the business rent tax and aviation fuel tax, delays the natural gas fuel tax, creates or extends several sales tax exemptions and holidays, and makes changes affecting property taxes, local taxes, pari-mutuel taxes, and revenue distributions. Debate focused heavily on the new permanent exemption for ammunition and hunting-related items, the elimination of recurring housing trust fund and transit-related distributions, and the shift of some funding from recurring to nonrecurring status. Supporters argued the package provides tax relief and preserves annual budget flexibility, while opponents criticized the ammunition exemption and the reductions in recurring housing and transit support. The conference report was adopted and the bill passed. The House then passed HB 5017, which creates a debt reduction program funded by a recurring transfer from general revenue to retire state bonds early, and HB 5015, the state group insurance conforming bill, which directs DMS to develop a formulary management plan and codifies the administrative health insurance assessment. Finally, the chamber began explanation and questions on the General Appropriations Act conference report for fiscal year 2025-26, described as a $115.1 billion budget that is down from the current year and includes more than $12 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs summarized major budget areas, including K-12 education, health care, transportation and economic development, agriculture and natural resources, higher education, state administration, justice, and information technology, highlighting funding for school choice, Medicaid, housing, transportation infrastructure, Everglades restoration, workforce programs, cybersecurity, and technology modernization.

Transcript Highlights:

• If this bill doesn't pass, do you support exempting these multi- to no longer having a building code
• Longer having a building code requirement. I want to put you on the spot.
• It does not require Public Utilities Code Section 851.
• So in our valuation case, that is under Public Utilities Code Section 1400.
• And then there are a number of Public Utility Code sections that support that.

Summary: The committee heard several energy, water, and utility bills. SB 919 by Senator Grayson would extend the biomethane monetary incentive program through 2030 and authorize additional funding to support renewable natural gas projects by reducing interconnection costs. Supporters said high interconnection costs and the current tax treatment are major barriers to methane reduction projects; opponents, including TURN and environmental groups, raised ratepayer cost concerns and objected to rate-basing and additional public funding. The author said amended language would remove the rate-basing provisions and instead urge the CPUC to act quickly on its pending decision. SB 931 by Senator Laird would reauthorize the Community Impact Mitigation Program for the Diablo Canyon plant through 2030 to continue funding local emergency preparedness, fire protection, public safety, and school district costs. The County of San Luis Obispo and labor groups supported the bill, while TURN opposed it as a statewide ratepayer subsidy that could be funded from existing PG&E revenues instead of higher rates. Members discussed the bill in the context of the 2022 Diablo Canyon extension deal and the possibility of a future longer extension. SB 1215 by Senator Cortese would direct the CPUC to set deployment targets for EV charging in multifamily housing and evaluate progress, with amendments aimed at affordability and limiting system upgrade costs. Supporters said renters are largely locked out of home charging and that prior utility programs proved cost-effective; no opposition testified. SB 1359 by Senator Stern would require more deliberate CPUC review before major gas system investments, emphasizing electrification and non-pipeline alternatives. Gas utilities and several industry groups opposed it, arguing it could undermine the obligation to serve, create safety and reliability risks, and change the regulatory compact. The committee also heard SB 1125 by Senator Menjivar, presented by Senator Gonzalez, which would establish a statewide low-income water rate assistance program upon appropriation. Water agencies, environmental groups, and local governments supported the measure, while one member expressed concern that it lacked a funding source and could not overcome Proposition 218 limits; the bill was moved to Appropriations and the roll was left open. Finally, SB 1098 by Senator Perez would restrict the use of long-running memorandum and balancing accounts by investor-owned utilities, require exceptional circumstances for new accounts, and add sunset and cost-sharing requirements. Consumer advocates and large energy users supported tighter oversight, while the utilities and business groups opposed the bill as too rigid and potentially harmful to flexibility for wildfire, emergency, and safety-related costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• have agreed on two changes to Amendment 3 described in the analysis that deals with changes to Water Code
• Let's go ahead and do some cleanup voting.

Summary: The committee heard several wildlife and water-related bills. SB 872, by Senator McNerney, would create a Delta Levees and Canal Subsidence Fund and allow waiver of local cost-sharing for Delta levee repairs to protect the State Water Project and Delta infrastructure. Supporters from water agencies, environmental groups, counties, and agricultural interests said the bill is needed to address levee failure and canal subsidence; there was no opposition, and the bill was held open until a quorum was present, with broad support expressed. SB 1108, by Senator Caballero, would establish the Grasslands Ecological Area Conservancy in the Central Valley to coordinate conservation, habitat restoration, public access, and voluntary easements in a region described as the largest remaining wetland/grasslands complex west of the Mississippi. Support came from the Grasslands Water District, Audubon, conservation groups, and local stakeholders, who emphasized the area’s importance to migratory birds, wildlife corridors, and land-use transition under groundwater sustainability. There was no opposition, and the bill received favorable committee support. SB 1135, by Senator Blakespear, would reestablish and strengthen the statewide wildlife coexistence program to reduce human-wildlife conflict through nonlethal deterrence, education, and compensation for livestock losses. Supporters cited rising wildlife incidents, wolf depredation, and the need for proactive tools; opponents and some committee members raised concerns about rural impacts, funding, and the absence of law enforcement/public safety as a specifically named advisory role. After discussion and amendments that moved the cattlemen and Farm Bureau to neutral, the bill passed out of committee on a due-pass motion, though some members voted no or abstained. SB 1305, by Senator Richardson, would direct CDFW to study the feasibility of grizzly bear reintroduction and prepare a roadmap, with tribal consultation and stakeholder engagement, but would not itself authorize reintroduction. Tribal sponsors and conservation groups supported the bill as a planning and cultural restoration effort, while hunting, ranching, and county groups opposed it, arguing California already faces major wildlife-management and funding challenges and that the proposal would create new conflicts. Committee members debated costs, appropriations, and whether the study should include funding estimates; the bill was amended and passed on a due-pass motion. The committee also heard SB 1250, by Senator Cortese, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning; supporters said it would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity, and the bill was presented in support as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also want to note and acknowledge that there is a current Penal Code review issued by the Judiciary
• /c> acknowledge that there is a current acknowledge that there is a current Penal<00:49:18.200> Code
• review issued by the Penal Code review issued by the Judiciary<00:49:19.760> and<00:49:19.880
• And lastly, sorry, is the two million something that was originally coded in 396 applicable also for
• Okay, and lastly, sorry, is the two million something that was originally coded in 396 applicable also

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several fireworks-related bills. On HB 550, which would allow law enforcement to use drone recordings to establish probable cause for fireworks arrests in public areas and appropriate funds for drones, the Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure. The Public Defender and some public testifiers opposed it, arguing that a statute cannot mandate probable cause and that the bill raises constitutional concerns. A prosecutor later explained that the bill is intended to address Hawaiʻi case law, especially State v. Kit, which limits aerial surveillance over homes under the state constitution, and suggested that changing “shall” to “may” could reduce constitutional problems. Members also questioned whether current law already allows video evidence of fireworks violations and whether the bill was necessary. Testimony included both support and opposition from individuals and organizations, and no vote was taken during the hearing. The committees then heard HB 806, which would appropriate funds for the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oʻahu to enforce fireworks laws. The department and police supported the bill, while the Libertarian Party of Hawaiʻi opposed it, arguing that fireworks are already illegal and that the measure adds unnecessary enforcement powers and constitutional risk. Committee members asked what “sting operation” means and whether the term should be defined more clearly; the department said it refers to police or criminal investigations involving deception and agreed a definition would help guide use of the funds. The department also said the funding would support training, storage, and other operational costs for undercover investigations. Finally, the committees heard HB 1483, a broader fireworks enforcement bill that would create an adjudication system for fireworks infractions, revise definitions and penalties, establish new offenses, and increase penalties when fireworks offenses cause injury or death. The Attorney General’s office strongly supported the bill, saying it would improve enforcement by clarifying definitions and allowing cases to be proven without particle testing or expert witnesses when fireworks leave no physical evidence. The Department of Law Enforcement also supported it. The Public Defender opposed the bill, focusing on the bill’s penalty enhancements for offenses that are rarely enforced and its concurrent trial provision, which it said raises problems because of the differences between civil and criminal proceedings. No final committee action or vote was reported in the transcript.