Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm here today to express our support for this legislation and prior authorization legislation as
• LLS has led or been part of coalitions in over a dozen states working on prior authorization legislation
• This legislation will eliminate the PCP referral requirement for specialty gynecological care from an
• And many of you may not know that Taylor is legislative aide to our colleague, Representative Judith
• So it's really critical, as we think through this legislation, that we make sure that physicians have

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on several health care access and insurance-related bills, with most testimony focused on H.1136 to improve the prior authorization process. The Massachusetts Medical Society, Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, Health Care for All, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, physicians, and hospital representatives all supported the bill, arguing that prior authorization delays care, increases administrative burden, contributes to clinician burnout, and can worsen patient outcomes. Witnesses described examples involving delayed cancer treatment, diabetes care, COPD medication, shingles pain treatment, and hospital discharge delays. They said the bill would preserve prior authorization but add guardrails such as longer validity periods, continuity-of-care protections, faster responses for urgent care, clearer lists of services requiring authorization, and more transparency and standardization. The committee also heard testimony on H.1142/S.783 regarding equitable reimbursement for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), with Senator Lovely and CRNA advocates supporting parity with physician anesthesiologists. They said CRNAs provide the same services at the same standard of care, but private insurers sometimes reimburse them at lower rates than physicians, which they argued is inconsistent with federal and state policy and harms access. Senator Keenan testified in support of a bill addressing claim denials and appeals, saying insurers should provide clearer explanations, time to resubmit claims, and timely appeal responses. Dr. Lorraine Schratz supported H.1126 to align state patient disclosure requirements with federal No Surprises Act rules, and Dr. Michael Trimbley supported H.1120 to recognize direct primary care as not being insurance and to encourage primary care participation. The committee also heard testimony on H.1140/S.801 to remove barriers to patient care by updating insurance statutes to reflect nurse practitioners’ full practice authority, and on H.1168/S.A.18 to eliminate the PCP referral requirement for specialty gynecological care. Witnesses on those bills described delays and denials affecting autism diagnosis, nutrition coverage, and endometriosis care, and said the proposals would reduce unnecessary barriers and improve timely access. After testimony and a few member questions, the chair closed the hearing; no votes were taken during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Could I get the first witness in favor of this legislation?
• You'll get the next witness in opposition to this legislation.
• Could I get first witness in favor of this legislation?
• Pennsylvania has passed lots of legislation. Pennsylvania has passed lots of legislation.
• Happy to go on record in support of this legislation.

Summary: The Committee on Utilities heard testimony first on House Bill 2807, which would lower Missouri’s renewable energy standard from 15% to 7.5% and add nuclear generation as an eligible source, with the sponsor saying the goal is to give utilities more flexibility and support dispatchable power. The sponsor and several witnesses discussed a Senate companion and committee substitute that would clarify the bill to apply only to new nuclear and, in the Senate version, add battery storage credits. Support came from Renew Missouri, Ameren Missouri, Missouri Farm Bureau, and Associated Industries of Missouri, who emphasized grid reliability, dispatchable generation, and the need to adapt to growing energy demand. Opposition from the Consumers Council of Missouri focused on ratepayer impacts, warning that the bill could increase the RESRAM surcharge and urging explicit language to prevent nuclear costs from being passed through to consumers. The committee then heard House Bill 2598, a more complex proposal to create a Missouri Advanced Nuclear Office and a grant program to help finance a “power campus” pairing a natural gas plant with a small modular nuclear reactor. The sponsor and supporters described the bill as a way to attract large data centers, provide near-term power, and use gas plant profits to help fund future nuclear development, while also positioning Missouri to compete with other states and federal nuclear incentives. Witnesses from Bridge to Nuclear and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce supported the concept as innovative and pro-reliability, though committee members repeatedly questioned why the state should put general revenue at risk, how profits and grants would be structured, and whether private markets could do the work without state involvement. Opposition to HB 2598 came from a consumer advocate and an environmental/community witness, who criticized the bill’s potential effects on electric rates, transparency, water use, and local communities affected by data centers. They objected to confidential grant applications and argued that the proposal would further favor large corporations over residents. No votes were taken on either bill during the hearing. Before adjournment, the chair announced that a committee substitute for Representative Banderman’s solar bill would be heard at a later, committee-only session, with the public allowed to attend but not testify.

Transcript Highlights:

• I encourage the committee to approve this legislation.
• Committee to approve this legislation.
• career. has been working on her entire legislative career.
• I think it really clarifies and helps strengthen the language in this legislation.
• efforts to find the very people that we're passing this legislation for.

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee met on February 24, 2026, for executive action on several bills, with no public hearings. The chair announced that action on Substitute Senate Bill 5067 would be deferred. The committee then considered bills dealing with fabricated depictions of minors and sexual exploitation (SSB 5105), worship-place protections and related civil remedies (SSB 5436), toxicology testing by certified laboratories (SSB 5880), reckless driving and speeding in construction zones (ESB 5890), human trafficking prevention and remedies (SSB 5936), law enforcement leadership and sheriff eligibility/background checks, volunteers, and specially commissioned officers (SSB 5974), and missing persons alerts and law-enforcement search tools (ESSB 6070). Several bills had amendments, including a striking amendment to SSB 5436 and a striking amendment plus multiple amendments to SSB 5974; ESB 5890 also received an amendment lowering the construction-zone threshold to 20 mph over the limit when workers are present. Members generally supported the bills but raised concerns on several measures. On SSB 5436, members discussed balancing protection of worshippers with constitutional protections for peaceful protest and concerns about law enforcement access in emergencies; the committee adopted the striking amendment and then advanced the bill. On SSB 5974, members debated background-check timing, due process, vacancy triggers, and whether election-related requirements for sheriffs were constitutional; some amendments were adopted and others rejected before the bill advanced. On ESSB 6070, members discussed the new Ebony and Purple Alerts, existing alert systems, and concerns about surveillance tools and privacy, with some members supporting the bill “with concerns.” Human trafficking testimony and comments emphasized holding accountable businesses that knowingly facilitate trafficking. Final actions taken included reporting out SSB 5105, SSB 5436 as amended, SSB 5880, ESB 5890 as amended, SSB 5936, SSB 5974 as amended, and ESSB 6070, all with due pass recommendations. The committee also adopted amendments to SSB 5436 and several amendments to SSB 5974, while rejecting others. The chair thanked members and staff, canceled the committee’s next scheduled meeting, and announced this was the committee’s last meeting of 2026 before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The project also crosses the 33rd, 47th, and 11th legislative districts.
• We serve both the 5th and 12th legislative districts.
• Respectfully, I urge you to support this legislation. Thank you for your testimony.
• With that said, I'm disappointed to see several dealers supporting this legislation.
• This legislation would not create a level playing field.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held public hearings on three bills: SB 6225, a proposed substitute bond bill authorizing transportation funding bonds; SB 6005, the proposed substitute supplemental transportation budget; and SB 6354, a bill to expand access to electric vehicles through limited direct sales by qualifying EV-only manufacturers and changes to the documentary service fee. Staff explained that SB 6225 would authorize $1.1 billion in general obligation bonds, an additional $400 million for selected Move Ahead Washington highway projects, a $500 million increase in SR 520 bond authority, and the expiration of some older unused bond authorizations. For SB 6005, staff described a $17.5 billion supplemental budget with $1.5 billion in new funding, including reappropriations, preservation and maintenance spending, ferry investments, Climate Commitment Act-related adjustments, and a six-year balanced plan through 2031. For SB 6354, staff outlined the direct-sales framework for qualifying EV manufacturers, dealer licensing requirements, penalties for violations, and a fee increase that would direct revenue to EV rebates and multimodal transportation. Testimony on the budget and bond bills was broadly supportive from transit, local government, labor, construction, ports, and climate advocates, who praised preservation funding, ferry investments, safety programs, EV charging, rail electrification, and flood-response or local project funding. Several witnesses asked for specific project or account changes, including support for Skagit Transit, Day Road and Poplar Way bridge-related funding, Spokane TMC operating support, Kent corridor funding, and additional rail capital projects. Some speakers also urged more Climate Commitment Act funding for EV rebates, charging, and rail electrification, while others warned against deeper cuts to local programs and stressed the need for long-term preservation and bonding to stabilize the system. Testimony on SB 6354 was sharply divided. Rivian, Lucid, and several Washington auto dealers supported the bill as a compromise that would allow limited direct sales for EV-only manufacturers while preserving franchise protections and generating revenue for EV rebates. Climate advocates supported the bill as a way to accelerate EV adoption and asked that more of the fee revenue go to instant rebates for low-income buyers. In opposition, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and Honda argued the bill creates unequal rules, weakens the franchise system, and was not the product of a true compromise. The committee announced that SB 6225 and SB 6005 would be in executive session Thursday at 8 a.m., with amendments due by noon the prior day, while SB 6354 would be scheduled for executive action later.

Transcript Highlights:

• A ferry district is governed by the members of the county legislative authority, and ferry districts
• For counties below 40,000 people, the coroner may be elected, or the county legislative authority can
• But I'm Jeremy Dufoe from the 15th Legislative District, Yakima and Benton Counties, and I'm bringing
• For counties below 40,000 people, the coroner may be elected, or the county legislative authority can
• As a brief reminder, this would specify actions that county legislative authority could take.

Summary: The House Local Government Committee heard public testimony on HB 2588, which would let county ferry districts exercise broader authority over ferries rather than being limited to passenger-only ferries. The sponsor and county officials from Whatcom, Pierce, and Skagit described rising operating and capital costs for county-run vehicle ferries and said the bill would give local governments a needed funding tool. Opponents argued it would create another tax burden and that county councils do not directly represent voters on such decisions. The hearing on HB 2588 was later reopened for additional testimony, but no vote was taken in the hearing portion. The committee also heard HB 2094, which would require non-charter counties to appoint coroners rather than elect them, unless they use appointed medical examiners. The sponsor said the bill was intended to address accountability and staffing problems, citing Yakima County as an example and arguing that coroner positions are technical and should be filled through hiring rather than partisan elections. Supporters said appointment would reduce ballot complexity and allow for professional management, while opponents, including elected coroners and the Washington Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners, argued that elected coroners provide independence, public accountability, and the ability to order inquests without political pressure. The public hearing on HB 2094 was closed without committee action during the hearing. In executive session, the committee advanced several bills. HB 2451 on local tax increment financing passed with three adopted amendments and a 7-0 vote. HB 2298 on county title protection programs also passed with one adopted amendment and a 7-0 vote. HB 2566 on local government procurement passed 7-0 without amendment. HB 2267 on urban forest management ordinances passed 4-3 after a substitute was adopted, with some members expressing concern about state guidance becoming too regulatory. HB 2530 on public facilities districts for regional aquatics and sports facilities passed 7-0 after removing the deadline for forming such districts, and HB 2388 on siting distributed energy generation on agricultural lands passed 7-0 after an amendment narrowing the bill’s scope. The committee then returned to public testimony on HB 2094 and HB 2588 before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• This raises serious concerns about delegated legislative authority.
• In effect, this legislation imposes a recurring administrative tax on speech, silence, or dissent.
• Of our agency legislation, House Bill 2474.
• This legislation modifies the Degree Granting Institutions Act...
• I’m Mari Leavitt representing the beautiful 28th legislative district.

Bills: HB2427, HB2458, HB2474, HB2540, HB2589

Keywords: ink of hope act, mental health, substance use, rehabilitation, community support, Washington college grant, postsecondary education, nondegree programs, student access, financial aid, consumer protections, school closures, educational programs, student rights, emergency medical services, EMT recertification, healthcare, first responders, public health, encampments

Transcript Highlights:

• And seeing no further questions, thank you for bringing this legislation forward.
• This raises serious concerns about delegated legislative authority.
• , here today testifying in support Of our agency legislation, House Bill 2474.
• This legislation modifies the Degree Granting Institutions Act.
• I'm Mari Levitt representing the beautiful 28th legislative district.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills related to higher education, workforce training, student protections, campus encampments, and EMT recertification. HB 2427 would require tattoo artists to complete annual human trafficking awareness training through the Department of Licensing; the prime sponsor and supporters said tattoo artists may be among the few people trafficked survivors encounter and could help identify and refer victims, while one opponent argued the bill imposes compelled speech and burdens small businesses. HB 2458 would expand Washington College Grant eligibility to approved non-degree credential programs; supporters from community and technical colleges, workforce organizations, and employers said it would help low-income students access short-term training tied to high-demand jobs, while one member raised concerns about short-term credentials and their long-term value. The committee also heard HB 2474, which would strengthen consumer protections when a private institution or program closes by expanding use of the Student Achievement Council tuition recovery trust fund, requiring teach-out or transfer options, and voiding certain student debts if closure rules are violated. The sponsor and agency witnesses said the bill responds to recent closures and gaps in federal oversight, while Independent Colleges of Washington opposed the bill as overly broad and potentially harmful to program innovation, and asked that private nonprofit campuses be excluded. Testifiers from student groups and a national higher-education advocacy organization supported the measure and argued that protections should also apply to public institutions. HB 2589 would regulate campus encampments at institutions of higher education by requiring advance notice, limiting authorization to registered student organizations or recognized bargaining units, and allowing institutions to impose content-neutral time, place, and manner restrictions to protect safety and access. The sponsor said it codifies existing practice and does not ban protest, but several testifiers described recent encampments as disruptive or unsafe, while others warned the bill could chill student expression and should not apply to private nonprofit campuses. Finally, HB 2540 would extend EMT recertification intervals from every three years to every six years for EMTs certified in Washington for at least 10 years; firefighters and EMS supporters said it would reduce administrative burden without changing training requirements. The committee took no votes and adjourned after hearing all testimony, with a reminder about amendment deadlines for upcoming bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because we didn't get to hear a lot of CYFD legislation last year.
• This enabling legislation is really key to ensuring that.
• Is there anyone here in favor of this legislation? Yes, ma'am.
• We stand in strong support of the legislation. Thank you.
• Originating legislation or ordinance in that community to manage those issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:58:09.679><c> thank</c> irresponsible legislation thank irresponsible legislation thank you<01
• State your motion. resolve that is inexpedient to legislate resolve that is inexpedient to legislate
• </c> report of inexpedient to legislative report of inexpedient to legislative House<04:05:06.279><c>
• </c> the committee to pass this legislation the committee to pass this legislation and<05:15:09.000><
• </c> that is inexpedient to legislate that is inexpedient to legislate representative<05:17:08.320><c

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> committee and testimony this legislation committee and testimony this legislation is<00:28:57.679
• They are fully in favor of these pieces of legislation.
• </c> importantly to this piece of legislation importantly to this piece of legislation uh<00:33:09.559
• I think the other piece of this is that we've crafted this legislation.
• When we crafted this legislation, we did craft it using model legislation, and I've worked with OS in

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Study Commission on Child Legislative Study Commission on Child Sexual<00:17:13.039><c> Abuse</c><00
• With that, I’ll call for the vote. legislation. The last one was 2026. This legislation.
• as the legislative committee as the substitute's<01:04:42.559><c> doing.
• </c> direction of the legislative committee. direction of the legislative committee. Correct.
• </c> this in this legislation. this in this legislation.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I lift up each legislator here today to you. I lift up each legislator here today to you.
• appropriate to ask a legislative employee to opine on a pending piece of legislation.
• Public policy is not just about legislation; it’s about people. As I reflect, About legislation.
• It preserves legislative oversight.
• And members, we often look back on legislation and look for the legislative intent of the bill.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former Judge John Carlin, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a recognition of FSU Police Officer Cody Popple for his actions during the April campus shooting. The Speaker also outlined the final week of session, noting the House would focus on Senate bills and returning messages, and that the 2026-27 budget would not be completed by the end of the week. The chamber then adopted the special order calendar for the day. The House passed several technical and open-government bills, mostly on strong bipartisan votes. These included SB 100, SB 104, and SB 102 on the Florida Statutes and reviser changes; SB 7006, SB 7014, SB 7002, SB 7012, SB 7024, SB 7016, SB 7026, SB 7008, SB 7000, and SB 7004, which extended or preserved various public records or meeting exemptions involving the Public Service Commission, social media investigations, military affairs, highway safety investigations, cybersecurity, small business loan records, trade secrets, emergency shelter locations, and conviction integrity units. Members asked questions on several of these bills, especially about the scope and purpose of the exemptions, but the bills generally advanced with little opposition. The chamber also took up more substantive measures. SB 7040 recreated the emergency preparedness and response trust fund and drew extended debate over whether the fund had been misused for the Everglades detention facility; an Escamani amendment to let the fund expire failed, while a Griffiths amendment adding limits and oversight was adopted, and the bill ultimately passed 82-25. CS/CS/SB 302 on coastal resiliency passed unanimously after supporters highlighted nature-based shoreline protection and a Biscayne Bay provision. CS/CS/SB 984 on firefighter cancer benefits passed after a House amendment aligned it with the House version. CS/SB 474 on military affairs passed unanimously after an amendment allowing local governments to extend Guard leave. SB 488 on the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles was debated extensively over vehicle registration requirements, license plate frames, and I-94 documentation, with amendments including one for disabled veterans and another on dealer allocation; the transcript cuts off before final disposition of that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:30:45.600><c> come</c> think, to to have good legislation come think, to to have good legislation
• </c> taking a position on this uh legislation taking a position on this uh legislation because<00:45:
• So this bill protects legislation.
• </c> in strong support of this legislation. in strong support of this legislation.
• Again, as you've heard, legislation.

Bills: HB2227, HB1775, HB1560, HB1642, HB1647, HB2003, HB1640, HB2198

Keywords: eviction, housing stability, tenant screening, court records, writ of possession, foreclosures, public sale, eligible bidders, housing, downpayment, judicial foreclosure, digital financial assets, consumer protection, financial kiosks, refunds, transaction security, HB1642, Hawaii, cryptocurrency ATM, crypto ATM

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on February 5, 2026, and heard testimony on several bills, beginning with HB 227 relating to eviction records. Supporters, including the Public First Law Center and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, argued the bill would help people who prevail in eviction cases avoid long-term housing harm from online court records, while the Public First Law Center said keeping records off eCourt Kokua would not violate the First Amendment because the records would still be available in person. Members discussed access-to-justice concerns, and a witness said legal aid attorneys could still access the records through the attorney-only Jeff’s system and the court’s access-to-justice room. The chair also asked about precedent, and a witness cited a Hawaii Supreme Court case as supporting removal from the online database rather than sealing records entirely. The committee then took up HP 1775 relating to foreclosures, but the transcript only shows in-person opposition comments from the Hawaii State Bar Association Collection Law Section, the Hawaii Credit Union League, and the Hawaii Bankers Association. The credit union and banking groups said they had concerns about broader negative impacts on mortgage lending and other requirements, but no detailed discussion or action was captured before the committee moved on. The next measure, HB 1560 relating to consumer protection, drew support from the Office of Consumer Protection and cryptocurrency companies including Coinflip and America Digital, which said they already use wallet-pinning and other safeguards to prevent fraud. AARP Hawaii did not take a formal position but said the bill addressed a real problem, noting that Hawaii residents, especially in Kona, had lost more than $920,000 in 2024 to cryptocurrency ATM scams and arguing that stronger oversight was needed. The committee also heard HB 1642, which would ban cryptocurrency kiosks. The Office of Consumer Protection supported the ban as the best way to protect consumers from fraud, while Coinflip, Bitcoin Depot, and America Digital opposed it, arguing kiosks provide cash-based access to crypto, especially for unbanked or underbanked consumers, and that targeted regulation would be better than an outright ban. AARP Hawaii took no formal position but strongly emphasized the harm caused by scams, saying victims are often frightened into acting quickly and that kiosk transactions currently lack enough friction or intervention. Finally, HB 1647, also on consumer protection, would impose liability on host businesses that provide space for crypto kiosks. The Office of Consumer Protection warned small businesses might not understand the liability, while Coinflip, Bitcoin Depot, and America Digital opposed the bill, saying it would unfairly shift enforcement duties to host stores and could discourage businesses from hosting kiosks, effectively creating a de facto ban. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• She is our first openly transgender legislator in the state of Hawaii.
• </c> rep grandinetti is a former legislative rep grandinetti is a former legislative staffer<02:10:28.920
• So in closing, as we begin the 33rd legislative session, we open a time of possibility.
• legislation.
• legislation.

Keywords: House Agenda:, 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> at the very least this legislation at the very least this legislation if<00:34:11.760><c> not</c
• </c> think that this kind of legislation think that this kind of legislation really<00:44:55.200><c>
• </c> they are exercising legislative power. they are exercising legislative power.
• It reinforces legislative process.
• </c> ask that you uh support the legislation. ask that you uh support the legislation.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I have seen this piece of legislation that has been filed several times before.
• And I have seen this piece of legislation that has been filed several, several times before.
• The veterans bonus legislation.
• The Veterans Bonus legislation has been around Beacon Hill for several years.
• I also want to thank Representative Jim Arsiero for filing this legislation on my behalf.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a range of retirement-related bills, with several witnesses and advocates focusing on pension equity, veteran benefits, and recognition for public safety workers. Representative Dennis Gallagher and Mass Retirees supported legislation to increase the long-standing veterans’ bonus from $15 to $50 per year of service, up to $1,000 annually, and described it as a modest, overdue adjustment with minimal fiscal impact. Mass Retirees also backed bills to raise the minimum survivor allowance for public retirees and to address inequities in Option B and Option C survivor benefits for retirees whose pensions were calculated under older mortality tables. The committee also heard a personal bill from Representative Jim Arceiro and Nathan McKinnon seeking creditable service for McKinnon’s years in the Nevada higher education system, which he said should count toward his Massachusetts retirement. Another individual bill was presented by Roberta Wollins, supported by Senator Keenan, to remedy what she described as misleading retirement advice from UMass Boston that affected her ability to buy back prior service and made her retirement planning inaccurate. Senator Keenan and others framed both cases as unique fairness issues rather than broad policy changes. A large panel from police, fire, corrections, EMS, and related organizations testified in favor of a COVID-19 retirement credit proposal and a study bill, arguing that essential workers who reported in person throughout the pandemic should receive recognition and a time-based retirement credit. Witnesses described exposure risks, illness, deaths, staffing strain, and long-term effects from COVID-19, and several committee members voiced support and appreciation for their service. The hearing concluded with no votes taken on the bills and a motion to adjourn, which was approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have devoted to working with stakeholders to develop legislation to propose public safety, educates
• Again, common-sense legislation that we believe is something in the best interest of Delaware moving
• I applaud Senator Buxton and Representative Spigel for introducing this legislation.
• Senator Buxon and Representative Spiguelan for introducing this legislation.
• We identified a gap in Delaware's rape shield law that this legislation will fix.

Bills: HB372, HB414

Keywords: HB372, Justice of the Peace Court, Delaware courts, Title 10, court administration, judicial staffing, county courts, Kent County, New Castle County, Sussex County, Wilmington, 24-hour hearings, court locations, court hours, magistrate court, access to justice, court consolidation, Delaware General Assembly, destructive weapon, possessing a destructive weapon

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public safety, courts, and family law. House Bill 141, with House Amendment 1, would require the Department of Safety and Homeland Security to create a firearm responsibilities notice for firearm purchasers through licensed dealers, covering Delaware gun laws, safe storage, lost/stolen reporting, straw purchases, suicide prevention, and other safety responsibilities. Testimony from the NRA, Delaware State Sportsmen’s Association, Moms Demand Action, the Coalition for Safer Delaware, and Delaware State Police was uniformly supportive, emphasizing education, standardized dealer practices, and potential evidence for straw-purchase prosecutions. No committee questions were raised, and the bill was moved forward after public comment. House Bill 326 would create a new offense for theft by impersonating a family member, aimed at scams involving spoofed calls, texts, or online messages that pressure victims to send money. The sponsor described the bill as a response to increasingly sophisticated fraud enabled by artificial intelligence, and noted that a House amendment removed an original mandatory minimum jail term, leaving sentencing to the courts. No public testimony was offered on the bill. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 150 would prohibit civil arrests inside courthouses and certain Department of Labor proceedings, with the sponsor arguing that such arrests deter people from coming to court or seeking protection; the bill would allow criminal arrests and civil arrests only with advance written notice. No testimony was taken on that measure. Senate Bill 284, the First State Emergency Responders Act, would create a narrowly tailored offense for intentionally approaching within 25 feet of first responders at emergency scenes after crossing a barrier or ignoring warnings, if done to interfere, threaten, or harass. Supporters, including police, fire service, and sportsmen’s groups, said it would protect responders and preserve emergency operations, while the Office of Defense Services opposed it on First Amendment and overbreadth grounds, arguing existing laws already cover much of the conduct. Senate Bill 304 would amend Delaware’s safe school zone law to allow private schools to use trained, vetted sentries or similar security arrangements; supporters said it would give smaller private schools an affordable safety option, while the sponsor said the bill needed more work and should not move forward yet. The committee also heard Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 314, which would clarify how courts handle evidence that a sexual assault complainant previously made a false allegation; DOJ and ODS said the substitute reflects a consensus approach, and YWCA Delaware supported it as a survivor-protective reform. Finally, Senate Bill 343 would expand methods for serving child support respondents in Family Court by authorizing service through certified mail and carriers such as USPS, UPS, and FedEx, addressing cases where people avoid in-person service using doorbell cameras and other technology. The Division of Child Support Services supported the bill as a practical update that would improve timeliness while preserving proof-of-delivery safeguards. At the end of the meeting, a motion was made and seconded, and the chair adjourned the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, we'll turn to our next item of business, our 2026 legislative session highlights.
• And this morning, I will be going over highlights from the 2026 legislative session.
• For the 2026 legislative session, there were no newly introduced Select Committee bills.
• So we are very appreciative of the legislators on this committee. Very difficult budget session.
• We agree with those who testified on this legislation, both constituents and legislators, that excess

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Rules and Administration, report that we have read and approved the House Journal of the 29th legislative
• Senate Bill 1234, by the Education Committee, is an act relating to education, providing legislative
• The speaker explained that cottage foods, including those covered if the legislation passes, must have
• That would require further legislation. Any funding adjustments would require further legislation.
• Hearing none, the remaining bills on the third reading calendar will hold their place one legislative

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House convened with 66 members present, approved the journal, and then paused for an Idaho State Historical Society presentation featuring artifacts tied to the Declaration of Independence, the Brady Powder Horn, and the Idaho Admission Act. The presentation emphasized Idaho’s historical connection to the nation’s founding and statehood, and members thanked the Historical Society before the House resumed business. The chamber received Senate messages transmitting Senate Concurrent Resolutions 115 and 116 and Senate Bills 1234 and 1239. Committee reports also moved several bills forward, including House Bills 561, 573, 583, 587, 520, 570, 580, and 581, while House Bill 559 was reported enrolled and sent to the governor. New bills introduced included measures on solar energy, polling-place liability insurance, mental health and developmental disability detention standards, disturbing the peace, architects, programmable money, fire insurer transparency, wildfire risk mitigation, county commissioner authority, concealed weapons, Idaho Digital Learning Academy funding, a daily moment of silence in schools, and aggregated student data on immigration status and nationality. On the floor, House Bill 551 passed 68-0 on a voice/recorded vote after explanation that it would allow fire and ambulance districts to opt out of urban renewal areas and capture new construction for service funding. House Bill 526 passed 67-2, described as a small-seller/cottage-food style exemption to help entrepreneurs selling low-risk foods directly to consumers. House Joint Resolution 7, which would have sent to voters a repeal of the Idaho Constitution’s sectarian appropriations prohibition, failed to reach the required two-thirds threshold with 41 ayes and 28 nays. House Joint Memorial 11, urging Congress to fully fund IDEA special education costs, passed 40-28, and House Bill 544, increasing Guard and Reserve leave from 120 to 160 hours, passed 68-0. The House also approved committee rule recommendations, rearranged the third-reading calendar, made announcements, and adjourned until February 11, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
• For legislative business, Assemblymember Arambula.
• That power cannot be legislated away.
• Young Legislators of the Year from the 73rd Assembly District.
• Welcome to the legislators of tomorrow. We're so proud of you. I need to recognize Mr.

Keywords: 988, house, all