Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Brandon Mitchell, District 6, covering Latah, Lewis, and Nez Perce counties, presented
• I am the state staff judge advocate and the general counsel for the Idaho Military Division and the Idaho
• So now a lower officer can impose a penalty, and the higher officer can essentially be the judge on the
• The lower-level commander or unit commanders would be able to, they would be the judge and the jury.

Committee: House Transportation and Defense

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to skew the wage index to two counties to skew the wage index to two counties within<01:06:11.280
• County, and Washakie County.
• County, and Washakie County.
• There's another one in Niobrara County, another one in Platte County, Albany, and Carbon.
• seat to... on this particular list in two counties on this particular list in two counties that<01:17

Transcript Highlights:

• Mike Pohanka, District 26, which is Jerome, Lincoln, and Blaine counties, bringing before you RS 33658
• House Bill 831 addresses the conflict, or rather the back-and-forth, that has existed between our county
• I'm Trent Triple, Ada County Clerk.
• It does the same things as kind of on the communications that we do with our judges, since they're weighing
• It does the same things as kind of on the communications that we do with our judges, since they're weighing

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:18:58.400><c> James</c> this matter would have been judge James this matter would have been judge
• </c> done by the judge on March 31st, 2023. done by the judge on March 31st, 2023.
• </c><00:30:14.880><c> would</c> I wish we could, but but a judge would I wish we could, but but a judge
• And again, that money went to Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County, where the president is
• And the amount was Henipin County. Okay.

Committee: Senate Rules and Administration - Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:03:03.520><c> For</c> county, or state supports them. For county, or state supports them.
• </c> county, and control your local budgets. county, and control your local budgets.
• . uh when judges judges, That was weird. uh when judges already<01:24:39.280><c> have</c><01:24:39.840
• </c> to get information from our county jail. to get information from our county jail.
• </c> counties enter into these contracts. counties enter into these contracts.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so it really would come down to the judge.
• If it happens, I mean, if it's a defense witness, I guess the judge,...
• And they'll ask, and then the judge will. So I don't know if you can really, I'm sure.
• I guess what I'm saying is laid out because each judge is going to be different.
• The judge then makes a determination about XYZ.

Committee: House House Consumer & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• but there are, as with any agency's determination, the opportunity to go before an administrative judge
• State, but there are, as with any agency's determination, the opportunity to go for an administrative judge
• if the determination of the agency is at. for an administrative judge if the determination of the agency
• to sort of transfer it from the locality to the county, so that would still be at a more local level
• We've had one project in Ontario County alone, just a single project where over 600 homes—attainable

Committee: Senate Housing, Construction, and Community Development

Summary: The Senate Housing, Construction and Community Development Committee met with quorum present and considered a full agenda of housing, code enforcement, and rent regulation bills, many of which had passed the Senate in prior years. Early measures included a statewide residential rental registry (S.912), penalties and reporting for vacant and abandoned properties (S.925), and extending tenant response time for major capital improvement rent increase applications (S.1461). The committee also advanced several code-enforcement and fire/building-code bills, including measures to expand remedies for Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code violations (S.3406), increase the Secretary of State’s code enforcement powers (S.4165 and S.4534), and authorize investigations into code administration and enforcement (S.4535). Members raised concerns about local fiscal impacts, the scope of state authority, contractor use, and whether the bills adequately define or limit “imminent threat” and related enforcement powers. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on S.4852, which would require the Codes Council to review and act on updates to international model codes within 18 months. Senators debated whether the bill would speed up code adoption or, as some feared, weaken economic reasonableness considerations by striking the word “economically” from the statutory standard. Supporters said the bill was intended to ensure prompt review of widely used model codes and noted other statutory safeguards remain in place; opponents worried about reduced attention to cost and practical impacts, especially amid housing and utility capacity constraints. The committee also discussed S.6368A, requiring complainants to receive copies of compliance orders issued after code complaints, and S.6600B, mandating inspections of certain non-fireproof buildings in New York City. Additional bills advanced included standards for all-gender bathroom design and construction (S.7131A), compensation for required code-enforcement personnel training (S.7159), and audits of individual apartment improvements in rent-regulated units (S.8046A). Several measures were reported to Finance, while others were reported to the floor. Throughout the meeting, votes were largely along expected lines, with some members voting negative or “without recommendation” on the more expansive code-enforcement bills. No bill was defeated, and all items on the agenda were reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• These would be education requirements for police officers, prosecutors, and judges.
• Classes for prosecutors and judges must be designed to qualify for continuing legal education credits
• The proposed substitute instead requires cities, towns, and counties to prescribe local procedures to
• Preservation, and the information reported would be the same as required to be recorded with the county
• Judges and juries exist for a reason. Let them do their jobs.

Bills: HB2548 , HB2453 , HB2640 , HB2095 , HB2386 , HB2239

Committee: House Civil Rights & Judiciary

Keywords: health care market standards, hospital consolidation, merger review, health care transaction notice, attorney general review, antitrust, provider organizations, hospital systems, contracting affiliation, material change, nonprofit conversion, for-profit conversion, health care acquisition, asset sale, Washington RCW, health care competition, price transparency, market oversight, premerger notification, antitrust revolving fund

Transcript Highlights:

• President, and then have them thank Judge Blaylock.
• We have a problem with judges not adhering to the laws what should be the law and that is you don't let
• I first found that out when about, oh, 11 years ago, I was summoned by Montgomery County. 104 Senator
• Now, like our good friend of the other Republican lawyer—not counting our good judge...
• My grandmother's grandfather served in my seat over 120 years ago out of Montgomery County.

Bills: SCR7

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I heard from Marramac County, I talked to the administrator, and I'm aware that Rockingham County
• Um I heard from Marramac County, thing.
• </c> and um I'm aware that Rockingham County and um I'm aware that Rockingham County finds<00:16:57.199
• ; This is regular county &gt;&gt; This is regular county &gt;&gt; because<00:43:18.079><c> it's</c><00
• And have a judge who's familiar know."

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> from County of Maui. from County of Maui.
• We do have one judge who worked on a blood warrant, and we appreciate that judge for stepping up in the
• We do have one judge who worked on a blood warrant, and we appreciate that judge for stepping up in the
• The other attorneys in the counties of Honolulu and Hawaii County support that measure as well.
• Honolulu and uh Hawaii County uh Honolulu and uh Hawaii County uh supports<02:05:26.239><c> that</c><

Bills: HB1694 , HB1695 , HB1986 , HB1797 , HB1879 , HB2034

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures, including a two-minute oral testimony limit and that decision-making would follow after testimony. It then took up SB 20008, which would set 55 mph as the maximum speed limit on all parts of the DKI/Saddle Road highway. The bill’s introducer described it as a response to safety concerns and noted prior public opposition when the speed limit was lowered from 60 mph; the Hawaii Police Department was listed in opposition, while DOT and several individuals testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion provided. The committee next heard SB 20009, requiring new plates/tags or emblems for used motor vehicles transferred between private individuals, and SB 2026, which would require drivers approaching stationary vehicles on the shoulder or roadside to slow down and, if necessary, change lanes. The Attorney General supported SB 2026 but recommended narrowing and clarifying the language by removing references to shoulder/roadside, collision or mechanical problem, and other limiting definitions so the duty would apply more broadly and be easier to enforce; AAA and OMA also supported the measure. Members discussed the practical need for a mandatory move-over rule, especially for roadside workers and tow operators, and the committee heard concerns about enforceability on two-lane roads and in accident scenes. SB 2053 was then heard, authorizing electronic signatures on supporting documents used to transfer ownership of total-loss vehicles to insurers without notarization and requiring insurers to indemnify the finance director for claims arising from those electronic title issuances. The Hawaii Insurers Council, Copart, the City and County of Honolulu, and others supported the bill, with Copart describing it as a modernization that would reduce delays for total-loss settlements; technical amendments were requested. The committee also heard SB 2172, which would allow all-terrain vehicles to operate at night if equipped with lights and a slow-moving vehicle emblem, adjust helmet requirements, define utility terrain vehicles, and include ATVs in motor vehicle insurance law. DOT said it could support the bill only if limited to low-speed areas, and the insurance industry warned it could create a new insurance scheme; the City and County of Honolulu opposed while the Hawaii Farm Bureau and an individual supported. Finally, SB 2253 was introduced to expand first-degree negligent injury to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers, with DOT, county prosecutors, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office in support; Honolulu prosecutors said they would oppose a proposed amendment because they wanted the language to preserve the offense as a lesser included offense tied to negligent homicide.

Transcript Highlights:

• On page three, at the top, law enforcement officers' presence is requested by the presiding judge, an
• election judge, a county clerk, or the Secretary of State to assist in maintaining order and orderly
• And what we know and have learned from the feedback of folks who work at counties and among ourselves
• Our poll officials and our county clerks and the Secretary of State's office were all well trained on
• Our poll officials and our county clerks and the Secretary of State's office were all well trained on

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Joint Resolution 7, a land swap between the City of Santa Fe and the state involving a parcel in Midtown Santa Fe, the former College of Santa Fe campus area. The sponsor said the transaction would not involve any money and was intended to help advance redevelopment of the Midtown area. There was no public testimony, and the committee moved a due pass recommendation with no opposition. The committee then took up Senate Bill 261, which updates 2024 law restricting firearms at polling places by narrowing exemptions. The bill would generally make polling places firearm-free, while still allowing firearms for law enforcement requested by election officials to maintain order or respond to emergencies, for officers whose offices are in the same facility, and for people inside private vehicles. Supporters, including the League of Women Voters, said firearms can intimidate voters and poll workers and should not be present at polling sites. Opponents from the Zia Rifle and Pistol Club, NRA, and New Mexico Business Coalition argued the bill removes protections for law-abiding concealed carry holders and off-duty officers, and that concealed carry is not inherently intimidating. Committee members questioned how the ban would be enforced, how concealed carry would be identified, and whether polling places would be left vulnerable in the event of an attack. The Secretary of State’s representative said stationing uniformed officers at polling places would violate federal law, that poll workers are trained in de-escalation, and that the bill is intended to create a clear, uniform rule for election workers. Before the discussion concluded, the sponsor had to leave for another committee, and the chair announced the bill would be rolled to a later meeting. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> referred to the county attorney. referred to the county attorney.
• Carver County.
• </c><00:53:54.400><c> to</c><00:53:54.480><c> be</c> county and send to counties to be county and send
• . counties. counties.
• </c> in their county. in their county.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• The Deming Luna County Silver Spikes legislative reception is at La Fonda Lumpkins Ballroom from 5:30
• And yesterday, the district court judge, Mr.
• He's a very good friend of mine from Luna County. He's a retired Farm Bureau agent.
• These are coming all the way from Hidalgo County. I think you've traveled the furthest.
• it is in every single county in New Mexico.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, as prescribed by law, our department allocates the funds based on the concurrence of the county judge
• So, Alsley County does submit us a project scope and budget.
• </c><01:38:33.440><c> over</c> have to drive to the next county over have to drive to the next county
• >> The county does. >> Yeah. >> Well, let me...
• </c><01:40:54.639><c> is</c> revenue to help support that county is revenue to help support that county

Summary: The Government Contracts Committee met for its first 2026 meeting, approved the December 9 minutes, and reviewed 337 contracts totaling about $71.8 million. After a motion to consider the routine contract lists without objection passed, the committee pulled several items for discussion, including contracts from the Council on Postsecondary Education, the Department of Highways, the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission, and Kentucky State University. Most items were ultimately approved by roll call votes. For the Council on Postsecondary Education item, members discussed why the contract was not handled through the usual Finance Cabinet bidding process. Staff explained it stemmed from House Bill 200 and the healthcare workforce incentive fund, which uses a separate competitive award process and steering committee under different statutory standards. The committee accepted that explanation and approved the contract. Department of Highways staff then explained the difference between scour assessments, which evaluate erosion and foundation risk around bridge piers, and load ratings, which assess the bridge structure itself. Members also questioned a larger engineering contract increase; staff said it reflected progression from preliminary engineering to final design on a phased project and estimated the funding split at roughly 80% federal and 20% state. Those highway contracts were approved. The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission presented a legal services contract. Officials said the new corporation had identified legal needs, issued an RFP, and awarded four firms to create a pool of counsel to avoid conflicts as the agency now licenses racing, sports betting, and charitable gaming. They also said an emergency contract was needed after a temporary restraining order was issued in litigation involving charitable gaming machines and alleged losses to charities. The committee asked about the litigation and the affected organizations, and the contract was approved. Kentucky State University then defended a marketing/enrollment contract despite financial concerns, saying the work was intended to raise awareness of the university, improve enrollment, and support financial stability. University officials also said they were tightening student payment enforcement and collection practices, including payment plans and holding students accountable for balances. That contract was also approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• I talked to my police chief, my county attorney, my county sheriff, other stakeholders about what the
• I talked to my police chief, my county attorney, my county sheriff, other stakeholders about what the
• I talked to my police chief, my county attorney, my county sheriff, other stakeholders about what the
• I talked to my police chief, my county attorney, my county sheriff, other stakeholders about what the
• </c><03:55:27.840><c> funds,</c><03:55:28.880><c> county</c> law expending county funds, county law expending

Transcript Highlights:

• The counties incur costs exceeding $49.5 million per year to house 1,275 state inmates in county jails
• The current reimbursement arrangement between the state and counties is placing a burden on county sheriffs
• And for Canyon County, I have 115 people, IDOC prisoners a day; Ada County, 150 a day.
• As has been pointed out, Canyon County, Ada County is about $138 a day to house an inmate for IDOC.
• And we can't divert that responsibility to the counties and the county taxpayer, which I think is awful

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• And if our phones are not in court, the judge takes it away, right?
• We just want to make this one match so that if only one gets through, we're creating both those judges
• So the first, Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Santa Fe gets the nod, and then Bernalillo County is the
• exact shape of Bernalillo County, is in fact the second judicial district.
• So this will be a brand new district court judge for the Santa Fe area and for Bernalillo County.

Bills: HB294 , SB40 , SB43 , SB35

Committee: Senate House Judiciary

Summary: The committee first briefly discussed House Bill 95, which would create an additional judgeship in the Second Judicial District. Members noted it was being aligned with the Senate version so the House and Senate bills would match. An amendment was adopted to also include the new First Judicial District judgeship that had been added earlier in the session, and the bill then received a do pass recommendation as amended. The committee then heard Senate Bill 23, which would require school districts and charter schools to adopt and implement policies banning wireless communication devices during the school day, with exceptions for educational purposes, emergencies, and health care needs. The sponsors and Public Education Department officials said the bill was intended to reduce classroom distractions, improve student focus and mental health, and support teachers, and the Office of Broadband explained that $1 million from an existing education technology fund would help schools implement storage solutions such as lockers or pouches. Supporters included representatives from New Mexico Kids Can, Albuquerque Public Schools, and the Higher Education Department; there was no opposition testimony. Committee members raised concerns about the bill’s definition of “school day,” the three-year phase-in, local control, and whether the funding and storage requirements were necessary. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to strike Section 4, which contained the phase-in schedule, and then voted to report the bill do pass as amended. Members also discussed whether the bill should be more direct and immediate, but sponsors said the phased approach and funding were intended to improve chances of passage and implementation. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 246, which would add licensure and inspection requirements for massage therapy establishments to address safety, sanitation, and concerns about illegal activity such as prostitution and human trafficking. The sponsor and Regulation and Licensing Department said the bill would close a regulatory gap and allow inspections of establishments, while the massage therapy industry supported the rulemaking being left to the board. Members questioned the breadth of the bill, including inspection timing, the impact on legitimate businesses, and language that could unintentionally bar people from licensure for past conduct. The committee worked through amendments to narrow those provisions, including adding “for compensation” and limiting certain denial language to conduct after the bill’s effective date, and the sponsor accepted those changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• OICR is in the middle of developing a statewide data dashboard that will include county-by-county integration
• The money goes out to the county, to the Board of Supervisors, the CEO, and the county is responsible
• There are several statutory elements where certain counties, probation departments, and county counsel
• I think you have 58 counties, 58 county counsel, 58 probation departments, and this is a new thing.
• up, they don't include anything for the county...

Summary: The hearing began with an overview of the California Health and Human Services Agency, which described its 2026-27 budget, major departments, and strategic priorities, including behavioral health, housing and human services integration, children and youth, and aging/disability services. The agency also explained a technical CalHHS/CalHires budget adjustment tied to HR1 compliance and eligibility system work. No LAO concerns were raised on that item. The committee then heard from the Office of Youth and Community Restoration on its budget, its SB 823 realignment report, and related issues. OYCR said county-based realignment has generally succeeded but outcomes and readiness vary widely, and it recommended more climate surveys, youth advisory councils, stronger behavioral management, better programming, improved transition planning, and integrated longitudinal data systems. Members pressed OYCR on “net widening,” county-by-county trends, and the gap between the detailed recommendations discussed in hearing and the more general recommendations in the public report. OYCR also described problems with federal Title II grant timing and a pending $14 million administrative funding adjustment, and discussed implementation of the juvenile justice realignment block grant formula. The Ombudsperson division separately requested two new positions due to rising complaints, site visits, and records-access disputes with counties; LAO noted the proposal would create ongoing General Fund costs. Several other departments presented budget change proposals. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities requested $730,000 General Fund ongoing to cover an interagency administrative support gap with DSS; LAO had no concerns. EMSA presented its department overview, said its AB 716 ambulance-rate report has been delayed after resources were reduced, and requested funding for disaster-response vehicle replacement, IT security assessment work, and additional HR/legal staff; members questioned delays, compliance, and the ongoing General Fund impact. The Department of Community Services and Development sought reappropriation of LIWIP funds and explained a new Proposition 4 process for continuing the farmworker housing component. The Department of Rehabilitation requested authority for $60 million in additional federal funds and 54 positions to meet growing vocational rehabilitation demand, with no General Fund impact. The Department of Child Support Services presented its budget and a supplemental report on full pass-through of child support collections. Members questioned why local agency funding was being restored despite declining caseloads, and staff explained that staffing costs have risen faster than caseload declines and that additional funding is needed to maintain service levels. The supplemental report estimated full pass-through would cost about $150 million General Fund annually, or about $80 million for a state-and-county portion, with $3 million to $5 million in automation costs. Finally, the Department of Public Health gave a broad overview of its $5.1 billion budget and its State of Public Health report, highlighting improved mortality and life expectancy, declining overdose deaths and STI rates, persistent racial and regional disparities, and increasing public health emergency demands. CDPH also warned that federal funding threats and policy changes are creating major uncertainty for state and local public health systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> where the the requirement that a judge, where the the requirement that a judge, when<00:09:31.880
• </c> But the challenge is that here a judge But the challenge is that here a judge is<00:19:05.360><c
• I don't believe we have a timeline, but because these cases have to be presented to a judge, the judge
• ,</c><00:36:22.160><c> the</c><00:36:22.240><c> judge</c> to be presented to a judge, the judge to be
• presented to a judge, the judge would<00:36:22.560><c> be</c><00:36:22.600><c> able</c><00:36:22.720

Bills: HF3771 , HF3658 , HF3453 , HF3358 , HF1775

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: disaster assistance, contingency account, Minnesota emergency management, public safety, state disaster aid, FEMA, federal cost-share, emergency relief, natural disaster, budget report, appropriations report, management and budget, local governments, utility cooperatives, public works, infrastructure repair, chapter 12B, chapter 12A, emergency management, disaster recovery