Transcript Highlights:

• But as far as the bidding and award, it’s bid under, you know, Chapter 30, but I’ll let Aaron Fox, who
• is going to clearly mitigate that but as far as the the bidding and award it's bid under you know chapter
• Albany's winning bidder under Chapter 30B, and you give consideration to minority-owned businesses in
• There's these two titles, Title 10 and Title 32, which kind of dictate that and provide the authority
• , this Title 10 versus 32 stuff, is so complicated, it's so ambiguous.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. Representative David Linsky supported HB 3383, which would designate the song “Roadrunner” as the official rock song of Massachusetts, describing its Boston roots and cultural significance. Representative Sean Garberle supported HB 3335 on public access to historical records, arguing that records from state institutions should be released after 75 years and that families and researchers should be able to identify people buried in unmarked graves at former state institutions. Representative Rodney Elliott and Lowell officials supported HB 4138, authorizing easements for a Lowell sewer separation project; they said the project is needed for Clean Water Act compliance, will reduce combined sewer overflows into the Merrimack River, and must proceed quickly to meet SRF and consent-decree timelines. Committee members asked about Article 97, the location and scope of the easement, environmental justice impacts, and minority/small business participation in construction. The committee also heard extensive testimony on Senate 2183 and its House companion, which would elevate the Massachusetts National Guard to a cabinet-level position reporting directly to the Governor. Senators Mike Moore and John Velis, along with the National Guard Association’s Matthew McKenna, argued the change would reduce bureaucracy, improve communication and readiness, and reflect the Guard’s broad domestic and military missions. Velis cited the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home tragedy as an example of a breakdown in communication, while committee members said they wanted more information, including input from the Governor’s office and Guard leadership, before acting. The committee noted the distinction between state-controlled and federalized Guard missions and said it would continue reviewing the issue. Senator Liz Miranda and a large panel of survivors, advocates, and Northeastern law students testified in support of S. 2174 and S. 2177, which would create an office and task force on unsolved homicides, allow families to petition for case review after three years, require written responses, and establish a tip line, database, and dedicated funding. Witnesses described long-standing lack of communication, low clearance rates, and the disproportionate impact on Black and Brown communities. Senator Becca Rausch also testified on S. 2210, extending public records law to the governor and Legislature, and S. 2207, creating stronger information-governance and records-retention standards; she said both would improve transparency and reduce waste. The transcript does not reflect any votes taken during the hearing, though chairs repeatedly indicated support for moving some bills favorably and said the committee would continue reviewing the National Guard proposal.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the United States, Europe, chapters in the United States, Europe, chapters in the United States,
• Wallace, Senior, representing 32 Wallace, Senior, representing 32 Wallace, Senior, representing 32 chapters
• across the state of Alabama. chapters across the state of Alabama. chapters across the state of Alabama
• for their outstanding District chapters for their outstanding District chapters for their outstanding
• Yeah, we moved it to 31. to from 32. Yeah, we moved it to 31. to from 32. Yeah, we moved it to 31.

Bills: HJR 4 , HJR 6 , HB 195 , HB 13 , HB 143 , HB 135

Keywords: occupation tax, securities, financial regulation, tax exemption, legislative amendment, capital gains tax, realized gains, unrealized gains, investment income, asset sale, capital assets, wealth tax, estate tax, trust tax, tax limitation, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, property tax, sales tax

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.720><c> they</c><00:32:00.960><c> supported</c><00:32:01.480><c> the</c><00:32:01.600><c> Igoe</c
• Didn't<00:32:02.679><c> say</c><00:32:02.800><c> they</c><00:32:02.920><c> were</c><00:32:03.000><c>
• Again,<00:32:05.640><c> when</c><00:32:05.840><c> we</c><00:32:05.960><c> get</c><00:32:06.160><c> to
• </c><00:32:06.280><c> that</c><00:32:06.600><c> place</c><00:32:07.080><c> because</c> Again, when we
• ><c> has</c><00:32:11.160><c> not</c><00:32:11.400><c> been</c><00:32:11.600><c> fair</c><00:32:11.800

Bills: HF4560 , HF4559 , HF2317 , HF3179 , HF4880 , HF2862 , HF4374

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: Public Utilities Commission, PUC, energy regulation, utility regulation, electric utility, public utility, rate case, multiyear rate plan, decoupling, rate decoupling, greenhouse gas, social cost of carbon, environmental cost, resource planning, certificate of need, distributed renewable energy, interconnection, budget billing, electronic filing, contested case

Transcript Highlights:

• That's<01:32:53.600><c> often</c><01:32:54.000><c> not</c><01:32:54.159><c> a</c><01:32:54.400><c> choice
• And<01:32:57.520><c> so</c><01:32:57.840><c> if</c><01:32:58.320><c> you</c><01:32:58.639><c> have</c
• Sullivan Sullivan with<03:32:18.720><c> a</c><03:32:19.279><c> vote</c><03:32:20.000><c> of</c><03:32
• </c><03:32:29.200><c> I</c><03:32:29.359><c> move</c><03:32:29.520><c> for</c><03:32:29.680><c> the</
• The motion is a<03:32:33.120><c> repass</c><03:32:33.600><c> of</c><03:32:33.680><c> Senate</c><03:32

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:03.000><c> we</c><00:32:03.120><c> have</c><00:32:03.280><c> a</c><00:32:03.360><c> judgment
• <00:32:09.760><c> that</c><00:32:09.880><c> there</c><00:32:10.000><c> had</c><00:32:10.160><c> to</c
• <00:32:11.080><c> or</c><00:32:11.280><c> criminal</c><00:32:11.680><c> judgment</c><00:32:12.480><c>
• ><00:32:15.640><c> it</c><00:32:15.720><c> was</c><00:32:15.840><c> on</c><00:32:15.960><c> appeal</c
• </c><00:32:21.280><c> For</c><00:32:21.480><c> one,</c><00:32:22.320><c> you</c><00:32:22.400><c> know

Committee: Joint Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the word of God says, Matthew chapter 5, verse 41: If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them
• For the bill on motion, good late 32. With the good gentleman from, Mr.
• From the good lady for 32.
• Good lady from 32.
• Good lady from 32.

Summary: The House convened, approved the journal, and received messages from the Governor and Senate on bills signed, enrolled, and transmitted. Several committee reports were read, including bills and resolutions advanced to second or third reading, and House Resolution 28 and multiple appropriations and policy bills were introduced and referred. The House also recessed and later resumed business, continuing with messages and committee reports before moving into floor action on selected bills. A major floor debate centered on House Bill 725, which would have allowed cities to join the Idaho State Health Insurance Pool. Supporters argued it would give cities access to a larger, more stable risk pool, lower premiums, and reduce property tax pressure, while opponents warned it could create adverse selection, raise costs for state employees, and expand state administrative burdens. After extended debate, the House rejected HB 725 by a vote of 30-40 and held it at the Chief Clerk’s office. The House then passed House Bill 660, a measure requiring local law enforcement to collect and report twice-yearly counts of arrested individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States. Supporters said it was a limited reporting requirement aimed at understanding costs to taxpayers, while opponents raised concerns about unclear procedures, added burdens on law enforcement, and questionable fiscal assumptions. The bill passed 40-30 and was transmitted to the Senate. The House also took up several budget enhancement bills under suspended rules. House Bills 905, 906, 907, 908, and 909 all passed, covering enhancements for the State Board of Education, community colleges, career technical education, the Military Division, and the Secretary of State. Debate on these bills focused on whether the additions were true restorations or budget growth, the use of one-time funds and federal grants, and concerns about higher education priorities and fiscal restraint.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:32:06.640><c> was</c><00:32:07.480><c> um</c><00:32:07.760><c> added</c><00:32:08.160><c> to</
• ><c> and</c><00:32:15.720><c> must</c><00:32:15.960><c> rely</c><00:32:16.160><c> on</c><00:32:16.240
• :32:52.840><c> have</c><00:32:52.960><c> to</c><00:32:53.080><c> prove</c><00:32:53.560><c> their</c>
• c> to</c><00:32:54.560><c> serve</c><00:32:54.880><c> youth</c><00:32:55.160><c> and</c><00:32:55.320
• meet the um<00:32:56.560><c> terms</c><00:32:57.080><c> of</c><00:32:57.240><c> the</c><00:32:57.679

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> with</c><00:32:21.679><c> us</c><00:32:21.919><c> via</c><00:32:22.880><c> text,</c><00:32:23.279
• </c><00:32:28.399><c> Chairman,</c><00:32:28.880><c> in</c><00:32:29.120><c> agency</c><00:32:29.600>
• </c><00:32:37.760><c> funds</c><00:32:38.159><c> up</c><00:32:38.399><c> to</c><00:32:38.640><c> I</c
• <c> it</c><00:32:39.200><c> was</c><00:32:39.360><c> $27,000</c><00:32:40.640><c> to</c><00:32:41.039
• </c><00:32:49.919><c> Um</c><00:32:50.480><c> the</c><00:32:51.760><c> agency</c><00:32:52.399><c> also

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please see the first bill on the calendar: SB 1002, an act amending Title 46, Chapter 2, Article 2 of
• SB 1002 in act amending title 46 chapter two article two or is under vice statutes by adding section
• Please read the last bill on the calendar: SB 1368, an act amending Title 46, Chapter 2, Article 2 of
• Senate Bill 1333: an act amending Title 46, Chapter 2, Article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding
• Senate Bill 1334: an act amending Title 46, Chapter 2, Article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've worked there almost 32 years. It will be 32 years in about a month.
• We must continue to invest in Chapter 257 and the agencies it funds.
• I'm also the president of the private sector chapter of SEIU 509.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development held a hybrid hearing on legislation concerning unemployment insurance, non-compete agreements, prevailing wage, and minimum wage issues. Committee leaders outlined the hearing process, asked witnesses to keep oral testimony to three minutes, and invited written testimony through November 20. No votes were taken during the hearing; it ended with a motion to adjourn and notice of the next hearing on November 20. Much of the testimony focused on bills to expand unemployment insurance for striking workers, including H. 2168 and S. 1319. Labor leaders, union members, and legal advocates argued that workers who are out on strike for more than 30 days should be able to receive UI benefits, saying the policy would help workers and families meet basic expenses, reduce employers’ ability to “wait out” strikes, and encourage good-faith bargaining. Speakers cited recent strikes, including the Republic Services strike, and said the proposal would not meaningfully increase strike activity or strain the UI trust fund. Another major topic was minimum wage legislation, especially H. 2107/S. 1349 to raise the minimum wage to $20 by 2029 and index it to inflation, and H. 2191 to create a $25 enhanced care worker minimum wage. Supporters said current wages are not keeping pace with housing, food, and childcare costs, and that care workers, direct support staff, and human service employees face chronic vacancies, burnout, and turnover. Testimony also supported H. 2126 on prevailing wage by adding apprenticeship and training contributions to the wage calculation, and H. 2159 and S. 1363 on prevailing wage-related issues. One witness, Russell Beck, testified against S. 1336, which would ban non-competes, and against H. 2118, arguing Massachusetts’ current non-compete law is a balanced compromise that should not be disrupted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Albert Half has grown into a leader in infrastructure with 32. offices across six states.
• Committee on Natural Resources. by vote relating to the collection of fees and refunds under the chapter
• in the state referred the committee on transportation HB 4431 by Kane relating to the appealing of chapter
• Zoological operation and maintenance boards are for the subcommittee on county and regional government a g44 32

Bills: HJR1 , HJR2 , HB9 , HB22 , HB908 , HB1392 , HB195 , HB 13 , HB143 , HB135 , HJR1 , HJR2 , HB9 , HB22 , HB908 , HB1392

Keywords: constitutional amendment, property tax, ad valorem tax, tax exemption, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, equipment exemption, machinery, local government finance, school district revenue, county taxes, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, tax relief, commercial property, death tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, property transfer

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.080><c> know</c><00:32:00.960><c> they</c><00:32:01.440><c> probably</c> businesses right you know
• they probably businesses right you know they probably only<00:32:01.880><c> have</c><00:32:02.000><c
• > a</c><00:32:02.080><c> couple</c><00:32:02.399><c> places</c><00:32:02.679><c> to</c><00:32:02.840>
• to shop but maybe<00:32:04.000><c> if</c><00:32:04.080><c> we</c><00:32:04.200><c> gave</c><00:32:04.399
• maybe if we gave them more information they<00:32:05.399><c> would</c><00:32:05.880><c> choose</c><00

Bills: HF44 , HF2102 , HF2279 , HF2280 , HF2281

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF44, Casey Jones State Trail, Pipestone Trailhead, Currie Loop, Minnesota bonding bill, capital investment, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, trail rehabilitation, trail reconstruction, recreational trail, bike trail, hiking trail, infrastructure, state trail, Pipestone, Currie, bonding authorization

Transcript Highlights:

• I<00:32:00.720><c> ask</c><00:32:00.960><c> for</c><00:32:01.039><c> an</c><00:32:01.279><c> I</c><00
• :32:01.519><c> vote</c><00:32:01.760><c> on</c><00:32:02.000><c> this</c><00:32:02.320><c> bill</c> And
• </c> There<01:32:18.159><c> is</c><01:32:18.320><c> an</c><01:32:18.480><c> amendment</c><01:32:18.800
• Will the<01:32:20.159><c> clerk</c><01:32:20.400><c> please</c><01:32:20.560><c> read</c><01:32:20.800
• &gt;&gt; That<01:32:32.880><c> is</c><01:32:32.960><c> a</c><01:32:33.120><c> proper</c><01:32:33.440

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• By creating a land bank, you also are able to opt in to Chapter 141, which is judicial foreclosure on
• And so what Chapter 141 does is it is you treat a sale of real estate as a bank foreclosure.
• Yeah, that's Chapter 141.
• But the bottom line is what happens under Chapter 141 is everything gets cleaned up.
• Yeah, everything's clean when you come out of Chapter 141. Perfect. Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by roll call vote, 135-1. Members then observed a moment of silence for a constituent killed in a roadway tragedy, and several members introduced guests, including family members, veterans, students, and a child celebrating his birthday on the dais. The chamber then considered a series of bills. HB 2944, dealing with automatic continuation of a senior property tax freeze without annual reapplication, passed 145-0. HB 2230/2978, addressing school instructional methods by limiting excessive screen-based instruction and promoting cursive writing, passed 143-10 after extended debate over technology use in elementary schools. HB 1825, removing sheriffs and prosecutors from county salary commissions with a Boone County carve-out, passed 152-0. HB 1840, creating a Purple Alert system for missing individuals with developmental disabilities, passed 153-0, and its emergency clause was adopted 143-8. HB 1623, allowing emergency suspension or restriction of licenses for massage therapists and chiropractors, passed 103-48. HB 3279, moving the Community Service Commission to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, passed 151-0. HB 2508, clarifying certificates of good standing for series LLCs and making them searchable, passed 152-0. HB 1963, allowing social workers to supervise after three years of practice, passed 151-0. HB 2408, removing the appropriation cap for grants serving the deaf-blind community, was perfected and printed. HB 3113, requiring Narcan in public buildings, designating October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month, and expanding school-law enforcement prevention efforts, was perfected and printed after discussion about funding and Narcan shelf life. HB 3000, fixing signature requirements for local audits based on population at the start of petitioning and adding a fire district surplus-sale amendment, was perfected and printed as amended. HB 2898, reviving and refining land bank authority and Chapter 141 judicial foreclosure tools, was perfected and printed after debate about neighborhood cleanup and title clearing. HB 1740, renamed Melanie’s Law, increasing penalties for intoxicated driving and strengthening ignition interlock requirements, was perfected and printed following emotional testimony from members and the sponsor’s explanation of the bill’s origins. At the end of the session, the House moved to announcements, including committee meetings and a fish fry notice. A member also issued a correction and apology regarding an earlier false report about Willie McGee. The House then adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><01:32:02.000><c> our</c><01:32:02.239><c> areas</c><01:32:03.199><c> that</c><01:32:03.520><c> we</
• And if you<01:32:43.360><c> didn't</c><01:32:43.600><c> have</c><01:32:43.760><c> the</c><01:32:44.000
• 46.639><c> you</c><01:32:46.880><c> ought</c><01:32:46.960><c> to</c><01:32:47.120><c> have</c><01:32
• c> and</c><01:32:56.560><c> put</c><01:32:56.800><c> on</c><01:32:57.280><c> different</c><01:32:57.760
• </c><02:32:09.040><c> to</c><02:32:09.280><c> show</c><02:32:09.600><c> someone</c><02:32:10.720><c>

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and roll call, establishing a quorum and adopting routine motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with the prior journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be received throughout the day. The chamber also welcomed several guests, including members of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and other visitors in the gallery. The Senate received multiple House messages, referring several House bills on taxation, local legislation, and the entertainment industry to committee, and concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 259 on counties and Senate Bill 228 on the Alabama Space Authority. Committee reports then advanced a number of bills, including favorable reports from Judiciary, County and Municipal Government, and Local Legislation committees, with several bills receiving substitutes or minor dissent. The Senate also re-referred Senate Bill 333 to Local Legislation, Mobile County, and Senate Bill 292 to County and Municipal Government. Members adopted several commemorative resolutions, including Senate Joint Resolutions honoring Lt. Col. Jonathan David Schultz, Honda’s 25 years of operation in Alabama, Mrs. Kelly Fischer as Alabama High School Principal of the Year, and Peggy Sers Benson on her retirement from the Alabama Board of Nursing. The Senate also adopted a Rules Committee report setting a special order calendar that included bills on ground ambulance services, counties and municipalities, solid waste collection fees, public schools, and public assistance. On the floor, the Senate passed local bills including Senate Bill 324 on Tallapoosa County, House Bill 485 on Clark County, House Bill 479 on Cusa County, House Bill 410 on Limestone County, and House Bill 412 on Limestone County. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 254 on parole, adopting an amendment offered at the request of district attorneys to clarify the Pardons and Paroles Board’s discretion, and passed the bill 26-2. The Senate also debated Senate Bill 269 on ground ambulance services, with the sponsor describing it as a pilot bill addressing reimbursement, surprise billing, reporting requirements, and “treat in place” options; Senator Stutts raised concerns that it would shift costs to a smaller group of payers and increase premiums, while the sponsor argued it could reduce unnecessary transports and save money. The transcript ends during that discussion, with no final vote on SB 269 shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• > had</c><00:32:04.760><c> to</c><00:32:05.320><c> you</c><00:32:05.399><c> know</c><00:32:05.600><c>
• <c> that</c><00:32:31.760><c> you</c><00:32:31.960><c> are</c><00:32:32.519><c> you</c><00:32:32.639>
• 33.120><c> the</c><00:32:33.240><c> bill</c><00:32:33.720><c> and</c><00:32:33.960><c> and</c><00:32:
• </c><00:32:38.120><c> our</c><00:32:38.480><c> maybe</c><00:32:38.760><c> sixth</c><00:32:39.159><c>
• <c> to</c><00:32:40.279><c> ask</c><00:32:40.519><c> for</c><00:32:40.840><c> this</c><00:32:41.360><

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:18.760><c> Is</c><00:32:18.920><c> that</c><00:32:19.080><c> correct?
• I'm sorry, I<00:32:20.920><c> couldn't</c><00:32:21.200><c> hear</c><00:32:21.440><c> you.
• </c><00:32:22.040><c> I'm</c><00:32:22.200><c> sorry.
• ><c> understand</c><00:32:26.880><c> that</c><00:32:27.000><c> if</c><00:32:27.120><c> this</c><00:32
• <01:32:02.600><c> Without</c><01:32:02.920><c> objection,</c><01:32:03.400><c> the</c><01:32:03.520><

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :32:17.919><c> in</c><00:32:18.080><c> the</c><00:32:18.159><c> 2829</c><00:32:18.960><c> bianium</c>
• <00:32:36.080><c> in</c><00:32:36.320><c> the</c><00:32:36.480><c> 2627</c><00:32:37.440><c> by</c><00
• </c><01:32:02.600><c> Um</c><01:32:03.600><c> I</c><01:32:03.920><c> would</c><01:32:04.159><c> note<
• ><01:32:06.320><c> we</c><01:32:06.560><c> didn't</c><01:32:06.880><c> hear</c><01:32:07.280><c> much
• </c><01:32:08.480><c> Um</c><01:32:08.880><c> and</c><01:32:09.120><c> and</c><01:32:09.520><c> it</c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :32:10.159><c> simple</c><00:32:10.720><c> it's</c><00:32:11.039><c> like</c><00:32:11.760><c> by</c>
• :32:28.000><c> meeting</c><00:32:28.240><c> it</c><00:32:28.480><c> and</c><00:32:28.720><c> we</c><00
• of<00:32:29.440><c> us</c><00:32:29.600><c> want</c><00:32:29.919><c> that</c><00:32:30.399><c> right
• c><00:32:41.600><c> know</c><00:32:41.679><c> I</c><00:32:41.919><c> mean</c><00:32:42.000><c> that's
• treatment<00:32:51.760><c> it</c><00:32:51.919><c> did</c><00:32:52.080><c> not</c><00:32:52.399><c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing by the Health and Human Services and Commerce and Consumer Protection committees focused on projected impacts to Hawaii consumers from federal changes affecting Med-QUEST and the ACA marketplace, including the loss of ACA premium tax credits, OBVA/HR1-related Medicaid changes, immigrant eligibility restrictions, and new Medicaid work/community engagement requirements. Committee members noted the meeting was being streamed live and emphasized the need to explain potential coverage losses affecting a significant share of the state population. Med-QUEST administrators reported current enrollment at 390,766, about 27% of Hawaii’s population, and broke that down into major groups including roughly 128,000 ACA expansion adults and about 52,000 parent/caretaker relatives. They said the expansion adult population would be most affected by the new federal requirements, which will shorten renewal periods from 12 months to 6 months and impose community engagement rules beginning in late 2026 and 2027. They described the work requirement as 80 hours per month of work, community service, work program participation, or half-time education, with an income-based pathway tied to $580 per month at the federal minimum wage; they also noted a long list of exemptions, but said many details are still awaiting federal guidance and rulemaking. The administrators said federal changes to immigrant eligibility would eliminate Medicaid coverage for certain noncitizen categories, with an estimated 1,200 to 2,400 people affected, though about 200 may remain covered through a state-funded program for otherwise eligible individuals. They also said marketplace subsidies would no longer be available for some immigrants under 100% of the federal poverty level starting January 1, 2026, with further restrictions expected in 2027. For Hawaii overall, they estimated the new Medicaid work and renewal rules could push an additional 19,000 to 38,000 people into uninsured status, with another estimated 6,000 at risk from the six-month renewal process alone. Members asked about how exemptions would be determined, especially for medically frail and seriously mentally ill individuals, and administrators said they were still awaiting detailed federal rules and were working on data-matching and verification processes to reduce coverage losses.

Transcript Highlights:

• of that bill, it says that it would have declared rats, roof rats, and ag pest for the purposes of Chapter
• of that bill, it says that it would have declared rats, roof rats, and ag pest for the purposes of Chapter
• On line 32, item four, down there towards the bottom of the page, line three, it says, or the earth.
• Idaho Code Title 22, Chapter 19 deals with invasive species.
• public health and safety nuisances, and the vermin in public health and welfare pests, Title 39, Chapter

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The Agricultural Affairs Committee first approved the minutes from March 18, 2026, and then took up Senate Bill 1335 as amended, which would require Idaho veterinary students whose out-of-state tuition is underwritten by the state to return and practice large-animal veterinary medicine in Idaho for four years. The sponsor said the bill is meant to address the state’s shortage of licensed veterinarians and does not create new funding. Idaho Farm Bureau, the Idaho Cattle Association, and the Idaho Wool Growers Association supported the bill; the Idaho Veterinary Medical Association said it was neutral but supportive of the concept. The committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1270 as amended, a labeling bill for cell-cultivated animal protein. The sponsor said it is intended to ensure transparency for consumers by requiring clear labeling, restricting use of meat terms such as steak or brisket unless authorized by USDA, and requiring restaurant menu disclosure. Supporters included Idaho Farm Bureau and livestock groups, who said consumers should know what they are buying and that the bill aligns with similar laws in other states. Food Northwest opposed state-by-state labeling requirements, arguing they increase costs and that labeling should be handled nationally. The committee approved the bill and sent it to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 781, dealing with county authority to declare rats and related pests as agricultural pests, drew the most discussion. The sponsor said the bill was intended to clarify existing law and respond to Norway and roof rat problems, but members raised concerns about broad county authority, private property rights, and whether the language could be overbroad or better handled in other parts of code. Several members said the issue may be more appropriate for local governments or another statutory framework. After motions to send the bill to the floor, hold it in committee, and send it to general orders, the committee adopted the motion to send House Bill 781 to general orders. The meeting ended with thanks to the Department of Agriculture director and notice of a brief final meeting to wrap up committee business and recognize the page.