Transcript Highlights:

• The ones that I do know for a fact are in common are Cass County and Ward County.
• The fact that are in common are Cass County and Ward County.
• John Doe is over in Ward County Jail; he can't be at court in Cass County today.
• I represent Walsh County.
• We also give authority—they're doing it in Stark County, and it's been wildly successful.

Summary: The committee opened with a moment of silence honoring a deceased member, then approved the April minutes. The first major presentation was from Chelsea Florey of Child and Family Services on the Diversion Task Force and related grant programs created with one-time funding from HB 1012. She reported that five of six proposals were funded, with youth diversion services operating in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and a Red River Children’s Advocacy Center program focused on problematic sexualized behavior. Members discussed barriers such as staffing shortages, voluntary family engagement, service fatigue, and the need for better coordination, broader outreach, and possible changes to diversion eligibility rules so low-level cases can remain in diversion longer. Several legislators pressed for more practical system changes and clearer service navigation, while Florey said the task force is trying to build a service array or hub and is leaning on the Children’s Cabinet for broader recommendations. The committee then heard from North Dakota Lottery Director Thomas Lawler, who gave an operational overview and biennium report. He described the lottery’s history, games, retailer commissions, Pick and Click subscriptions, Players Club membership, and revenue distribution. For the 2023-25 biennium, about $67 million in tickets were purchased, with roughly $16.2 million transferred overall, including money for the general fund, drug task force grants, and compulsive gambling prevention and treatment. Members asked about the compulsive gambling allocation and whether the amount is set by statute. A lengthy presentation followed from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on criminal justice data connectivity and reentry. Adam Anderson explained that North Dakota’s jail, court, HHS, and correctional systems use multiple separate databases that do not communicate in real time, requiring manual cross-checks and staff communication. He said the department is exploring a centralized hub or other integration approach, but noted challenges with identifiers, vendor contracts, confidentiality, and cost. Robin Schmolenberger then updated the committee on a Medicaid data-sharing project with HHS, saying monthly application assistance is now occurring in correctional facilities and that automated bi-directional data exchange is expected in late 2026 to help suspend and reactivate Medicaid coverage and identify former foster care youth. Members also discussed parole, probation, transitional housing, and the need for better real-time notifications and clearer data definitions. The committee also received an update from county representatives on the 24/7 sobriety program, including a recent attorney general opinion that if a court waives 24/7 fees, sheriffs may use the cheaper twice-daily breath test or urine testing instead of SCRAM bracelets or drug patches. Finally, Bruce Johnson of the Racing Commission presented on an audit report, acknowledging serious findings involving overspending from the promotion fund, grant documentation failures, a breeders fund eligibility reversal, and repeated procurement violations. He said the commission has already changed its procedures by tracking fund limits monthly, requiring grant applications and itemized reports, enforcing breeders fund rules as written, and routing purchases through procurement with written contracts. The committee asked follow-up questions throughout but took no formal votes on these presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Trail, 6 million for Dakota County Road 50, 1.5 million for Douglas County Road 94 and CSAH 17, and
• </c> bridge, 5.6 million for Olmsted County bridge, 5.6 million for Olmsted County Trunk<00:09:59.760
• County Road 19A and 100th Street, 500,000 for Washington County CSAH 18 and 19.
• </c> 1.872 million for Clay County. 1.872 million for Clay County.
• ><c> Museum,</c> Olmsted County History Center Museum, Olmsted County History Center Museum, 2.322<00

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up a large bonding bill and reviewed the final spreadsheet of capital investments. Chairs and members repeatedly thanked staff, House and Senate negotiators, and the Governor’s team for a collaborative process. The bill was described as a statewide package rather than a partisan one, with major funding for higher education asset preservation, DNR projects, public safety, transportation, the Met Council, veterans facilities, corrections, DEED/local projects, and a large water infrastructure section. House Fiscal staff and Senate fiscal staff walked through the bill line by line. Highlights included University of Minnesota and Minnesota State asset preservation, education and language immersion school funding, DNR trail and flood mitigation projects, public safety facilities, local road and bridge grants, Met Council parks and I/I grants, veterans home and armory funding, corrections projects including the Faribault vocational expansion, and many local economic development and public facility projects across Greater Minnesota and the metro. The bill also included Public Facilities Authority water and wastewater grants, housing rehabilitation funding, historical society grants, a Minnesota Zoo operating transfer, airport appropriations, and several cancellations of prior appropriations to help finance the package. Members generally praised the bill and the bipartisan work behind it. Some Republicans emphasized the one-time license fee reduction and affordability, while also saying DEED’s business development infrastructure funding was too low. Senator Nelson highlighted long-awaited transportation projects such as Highway 14 and township roads. Senator Dibble supported the transportation investments but criticized the bill for having no transit funding, calling that a major omission. No vote was recorded in the excerpt, but the discussion centered on final review and support for moving the bonding bill forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, and thanks to the author.
• counties and for cities that are in small counties.
• I would note that the two counties that experience—well, all of the counties in my district experience
• County.
• And at that point, if we in Sonoma County or Napa County have four fire incidents over two years, we

Summary: The committee first heard SB 1091, which would create the Community Anti-Displacement and Preservation Program within HCD to help nonprofit developers, community organizations, and local governments acquire unsubsidized rental housing and preserve it as affordable housing or homeownership opportunities. The author and supporters from Enterprise Community Partners, the Unity Council, and several housing and tenant groups argued that acquisition-preservation is a proven, cost-effective way to prevent displacement and homelessness. There was no opposition testimony. Members discussed funding, with the author and chair noting the bill is intended to be supported through the housing bond or other appropriations. The committee voted the bill do pass to Judiciary, with broad support and no recorded opposition. The committee then took up SB 904, which would codify and expand the wildfire rebuilding coordination and permitting streamlining used after the Los Angeles-area fires, including HCD-led review of permitting and code barriers and reporting on recovery lessons. The author said the bill is meant to speed rebuilding after future wildfire disasters and avoid repeated delays seen in places like the Camp Fire. Members raised concerns about the cost and repetition of requiring multiple agencies to produce reports after each disaster, and about e-permitting mandates for smaller jurisdictions. The author responded that the bill is meant to capture lessons from different fire contexts and that some concerns could be addressed with amendments. The bill was moved do pass to Emergency Management and was reported out with sufficient votes, though kept on call. Finally, the committee heard SB 1007, which would change HOA assessment rules by tying annual increases to inflation rather than allowing up to 20% increases, and would require clearer annual budget disclosures and evidence for fines. The author and supporters said the bill would improve transparency and protect homeowners from steep fee hikes, while opponents from community manager and HOA industry groups warned it could underfund reserves, force larger special assessments, and add duplicative paperwork. Several senators expressed support for the bill’s goals but raised concerns about the inflation cap, the need for flexibility for insurance and maintenance costs, and the visual-aid disclosure requirement. The author said amendments are forthcoming and that the bill will look different in the next committee; no final vote is reflected in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• For someone, the only bed available is in the county jail.
• I am the Executive Director for Family Promise in Anoka County.
• I'm a Co-author. As Mr.
• I'm representing the Minnesota Association of County Officials (MACO), which represents all 87 counties
• This is language that is in a bill that I am the author of.

Transcript Highlights:

• . counties. counties.
• </c> counties.
• The counties have been counties.
• > everybody</c> county employees, county, everybody county employees, county, everybody who's<00:08:37.039
• As the Stearns County and Benton County folks came to St.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• exchange at all in a county.
• is a big concern right now in San Juan County.
• There are five counties in this state that are not PEBB counties.
• And that's what we have right now in San Juan County.
• They have one carrier in that county. So at this time, there are no bare counties.

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and advanced Senate Bills 6102 and 6103 with due-pass recommendations to the Rules Committee, and referred Senate Bill 6194 to the Ways and Means Committee without recommendation. SB 6102 would align the Ambulance Transport Fund quality assurance fee with federal regulations, SB 6103 would make payments for rural emergency hospital services subject to appropriation, and SB 6194 would allow cost-based Medicaid payments for rural hospitals on federally recognized Indian reservations under specified conditions. The committee then held public hearings on several bills. SB 6183 would require health plans, beginning in 2027, to cover FDA-approved HIV antiviral drugs without prior authorization, step therapy, or other utilization management, with one therapeutic-equivalent exception for prevention drugs. The prime sponsor and one testifier supported the bill as a way to reduce barriers to timely HIV treatment and prevention; sign-in testimony showed 53 pro, 58 con, and one other. SB 5985 would create an online endometriosis resource center, require Department of Health training modules, and direct OSPI to include menstrual health and endometriosis awareness in school standards. The sponsor and multiple patients and clinicians testified in support, emphasizing long diagnostic delays and the need for earlier education; sign-in testimony showed 36 pro, 56 con, and 92 not testifying. SB 6019 would revise home care rate statutes to clarify how Medicaid home care agency rates are set, cap administrative portions at 20%, and require verification that funds are spent as required. The sponsor, labor, and provider representatives supported it as a technical fix to preserve pay parity, while sign-in testimony showed 46 pro and 57 con. SB 6161 would direct the Department of Health to include dementia risk-reduction information in public and provider materials when appropriate and to consult experts; supporters said it could help reduce cognitive decline and align with the state Alzheimer’s plan, while sign-in testimony showed 61 pro and 62 con. Finally, SB 6210 would authorize the Health Benefit Exchange to add a new certification criterion for marketplace plans to address affordability and access, including possible requirements tied to county availability, plan differentiation, and metal-level offerings. The prime sponsor, the Exchange, AARP, and patient advocates supported it as a response to rising premiums and limited choices, especially in rural or single-carrier counties; insurers, brokers, and some carriers opposed it, warning it could reduce competition, create uncertainty, and raise costs. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner supported the bill with a requested amendment to avoid premature disclosure of proposed rates.

Transcript Highlights:

• The issue behind this bill was brought to me by my county commissioners in Webb County and I hope that
• We have you registered as John Gallo, county commissioner for Webb County. Is that correct?
• were small counties.
• I know Dallas and Denton County, which are a little larger, well, several actually very large counties
• I would say that Tarrant County, Dallas County, Bexar County are having maybe not the same amount because

Transcript Highlights:

• This outlines the regulatory authority to a framework under a single, clearly accountable authority,
• This outlines the regulatory authority to a framework under a single, clearly accountable authority,
• The majority of landfills within the counties are actually owned by the counties in the state of Idaho
• It just gives the responsibility and authority to DEQ.
• It just gives the responsibility and authority to DEQ.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee heard several RS drafts and one House bill. Senator Van Orden presented RS 33393, described as a transparency measure related to residential habilitation and future provider rate increases; it would create an audit process to show how funds are used. The committee asked whether it set wage amounts or only an audit, and after brief discussion it voted to send the RS to print by voice vote. Senator Anthon, with law student Elizabeth Marshall, presented RS 33404, which would allow pharmacists to seek voluntary dual licensure as naturopathic doctors under the Idaho Board of Naturopathic Health Care. Members discussed the distinction between naturopathic doctors and physicians of naturopathy, and the RS was sent to print. Senator Blaylock then presented RS 33355, which would eliminate the Board of Health and Welfare, remove administrative regions and regional director positions, eliminate regional behavioral health boards, and consolidate rulemaking authority in the department. Senator Wintrow raised concerns about losing advisory capacity, but the committee still voted to print the RS. Blaylock also presented RS 33406, a hospital price-transparency proposal requiring a single-click page with bundled labor-and-delivery pricing and common add-on charges, and RS 33419, which updates newborn screening exemptions to align with vaccine exemption language; both were sent to print without opposition. The committee then heard House Bill 555 from Representative John Weber, a rewrite of the Idaho Solid Waste Code that shifts solid-waste regulatory authority from health districts to DEQ, adds user-fee funding, and updates technical provisions. Testimony from the Idaho Solid Waste Association emphasized expertise, statewide consistency, and maintaining federal primacy, while questions focused on DEQ capacity and public health protections. The committee voted to send HB 555 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation, and adjourned after noting a meeting was scheduled for the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, the county mantra is, if you've been to one county, you've been to one county.
• In 2003, the legislature passed a bill that authorized the counties to require that buildings, that inspections
• In 2003, the legislature passed a bill that authorized the counties to require that inspections be provided
• Unfortunately, not all of the counties take advantage of that statute that allows them that authority
• fees, and regulate land use for flood management and flood infrastructure, or authorize counties to

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Of course, Bernalillo County, uh, or most populous county does have a huge, uh, shortage on FTEs, um,
• the county level data?
• Cause it could be a lot of groups and it'll vary from county to county.
• We, we border Ria Riba County.
• Uh, we also touch, um, McKinley County, totally different issues in all three of those counties.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> pilot was tasked with surveying county pilot was tasked with surveying county correctional<00:04
• </c> working together with our our county working together with our our county partners<00:19:39.560>
• </c> case loads here as well at the counties case loads here as well at the counties and<00:22:01.360
• <c> to</c><00:38:19.520><c> conduct</c> This would add authority to conduct This would add authority
• </c> service provider in Wright County. service provider in Wright County.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That's for distribution of Amendment 74 funds to counties.
• Between cash and authorization? Yes. About $10 million. Cash and authorization? About $10 million.
• And yet they are in every county that we have here in Arkansas.
• But the county extension office will rent one to you.
• So I think the counties help determine the staffing levels at each county, and they also offer us office

Summary: The committee first filed a report on the executive protection detail and then reviewed a long list of House and Senate bills that were ready for action, with members instructed to hold any items they wanted removed. The committee then took up several agency requests to amend bills: the Auditor of State’s request for a $370 increase for special deputy expense allowance, the Administrative Office of the Courts’ requests for additional funding for court interpreters and substitute court reporters, and requests tied to local sales tax refunds, county property tax redistribution, emergency medical and law enforcement support, and Northwest Arkansas Community College tornado-related repairs. All of those amendments were adopted, and one amendment on House Bill 1034 was held over at Senator Johnson’s request. A major portion of the meeting focused on an amendment for the Department of Corrections to fund a pilot program using mobile technology to identify and disable illegal inmate cell phones at Varner and Cummins prisons. The bill sponsors and Corrections officials described the problem as a serious public safety issue, saying inmates use contraband phones for criminal activity, trafficking, scams, and outside coordination. Members asked about FCC rules, procurement, whether the system would jam or only identify phones, whether it would affect staff or nearby users, how quickly it would work, whether it would be a one-time or ongoing cost, and whether the department had existing budget authority. Officials said the proposal would require an RFP, that current funding was not available in the department’s budget, and that the technology would be a two-year pilot. The committee ultimately adopted the amendment and then gave the underlying bill a do-pass recommendation. The committee also considered an amendment for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, which sought a $4 million increase in appropriation authority. Senators discussed the division’s role in county extension offices, 4-H, research, and salary competitiveness, while others questioned why the division needed more appropriation room when it already had about $10 million in headroom and had requested a different funding level through higher education. Division representatives said the increase would help with salaries and provide flexibility for future funding, and Higher Education staff clarified the original request and recommendation amounts. After extensive discussion, the committee adopted the amendment and gave it a do-pass recommendation. Finally, the committee began acting on governor’s letters, adopting amendments for a homestead property tax credit increase, insurance department conference travel, property appraisal analysis support, career and technical education professional development, regulatory and casino gaming appropriations, a new program integrity line for the Department of Inspector General, consolidation of licensing board appropriations, deletion of a completed Fort Chaffee Readiness Center appropriation, and a revised reappropriation package for prison expansion that included special language limiting use of the funds. Members asked several questions about the prison reappropriation, including whether it still related to the earlier Calico Rock project and whether special language should be considered separately; the committee moved the governor’s letters forward for drafting and further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fourth, it provides cities and counties the authority to enact local ordinances to regulate or prohibit
• There are other databases to locate assets, you know, county auditors, county assessors, etc.
• There are other databases to locate assets, you know, county auditors, county assessors, etc.
• We were in partnership with Jefferson County authorities, figuring out how to dispose of this properly
• So we were in partnership with Jefferson County authorities figuring out, how do you even dispose of

Bills: HB2543

Keywords: county clerk, fees, local government, administrative costs, revenue generation, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• are not present, we go by order of authors being present.
• are not present, we go by order of authors being present.
• Okay, we are waiting for one author with three bills.
• We have our final author here as he gets settled.
• While the authority is charged with managing these lands, it lacks the legal authority to regulate encroachments

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So whether it's the new Fleming County Elementary or the Harrison County High School that Dr.
• of Marion County. >> I'm Jesse Bacon, Superintendent of Bullitt County. >> John Ser, Superintendent,
• Whitley County.
• </c> couple other things about Willie County couple other things about Willie County I<00:43:33.040><
• ,</c> Lawrence County, Lawrence County, our<00:48:24.400><c> voters</c><00:48:25.680><c> twice</c><00

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education and Workforce Development met for an information-gathering session and opened by clarifying that the subcommittee would not be voting on budget requests. Because there was no quorum at first, the committee did not take up approval amendments. The first presentation focused on a budget request to incentivize national certification for school social workers and school psychologists. Rep. Vanessa Gracal, along with Amy Oats and Leslie Gilpin, argued for a $500,000 annual appropriation to provide $2,000 salary supplements to nationally certified school social workers and school psychologists working primarily in their certification areas. They said the stipend would help recruit and retain professionals amid shortages, noted that current Kentucky certification numbers are low, and explained the rigorous certification and renewal requirements. In response to questions, they said there is currently no appropriation for this purpose in HB 500 and none they were aware of in HB 6 in 2024. The next topic was school facility funding needs, led by Rep. Bob McCool, Johnson County Superintendent Tom Cochran, Commissioner of Education Robert Fletcher, and other district representatives. They described the “gap funding” issue for school construction projects that had already started before COVID-era inflation sharply increased costs. Johnson County and Harrison County were highlighted as examples of districts that had already committed local funds, passed nickel taxes, and begun construction but now need additional state support to finish projects. Speakers emphasized that many projects were audited and approved, that the state has already funded about half of the gap, and that roughly $130 million more is being sought in HB 500 to complete the remaining work. They stressed that unfinished projects would leave districts with half-built schools and that completing them would bring long-term savings and better facilities for students. The committee then turned to testimony from KASA representatives on the impacts of HB 500 as introduced. The witnesses discussed the importance of school psychology and school social work certification, the benefits of advanced training for student services, and the need to recognize and support highly qualified staff. A member asked whether HB 500 or HB 6 included an appropriation for the certification stipend, and the witnesses answered no. The meeting also included a motion to approve the minutes from the prior meeting once a quorum was present, and the minutes were approved by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We envision going county by county, but there will be multiple counties being worked on at any one time
• We envision going county by county, but there will be multiple counties being worked on at any one time
• </c> envision going county by county but envision going county by county but there<00:31:24.360><c> will
• ><c> being</c> there will be multiple counties being there will be multiple counties being worked<00:
• </c><00:32:39.600><c> a</c><00:32:39.799><c> final</c> by county by county by issuing a final by county

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• At the UC Center, Serena authored a report on domestic violence services across 20 California counties
• Across 20 California counties.
• SB 272 would authorize the San Mateo County Transit District, also known as SamTrans, to utilize job
• , as well as those other county affected. for equitable economic growth in Contra Costa County, as well
• as those other county affected like mine, Solano.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, with members observing a moment of silence for the Minnesota tragedy mentioned by the Speaker. The chamber then moved quickly through a large daily file, taking up many Senate amendments and third-reading measures, with most bills passing by wide margins or unanimously. Early procedural actions included returning AB 1308 to the Senate, rescinding action on SB 863, and later taking up several resolutions and bills on concurrence and third reading. Among the main policy items, members adopted AJR 8 on temporary protected status after debate over immigration policy, and AJR 19 urging opposition to dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. The Assembly also adopted ACR 112 recognizing September as Deaf Awareness Month, with several members speaking in support of the deaf community and accessibility. Other notable measures included bills on water reclamation and Colorado River Aqueduct maintenance (AB 580), telehealth (AB 688), housing approvals and ADU enforcement/cleanup (AB 920, SB 9, SB 543), pension and retirement rules (SB 301), volunteer fire department tax exemptions (SB 87), dementia training for home care aides (SB 412), and a San Francisco public-safety measure on stolen goods resale (SB 276), which drew opposition over permitting and criminalization concerns. The Assembly also passed or concurred in a number of Senate bills dealing with local government finance and infrastructure, public contracts, the Delta, fairgrounds compensation, and San Francisco liquor licenses, as well as AJR 3 on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Most measures were approved on roll-call votes with few no votes; SB 227 and SB 276 were urgency measures and received the required two-thirds support. The consent calendar was adopted unanimously, and the day concluded with several adjournment-in-memory tributes, including remembrances of former Assembly staffer Lawrence Merman, Jeff Brady, Fran Urcini, and Alejandro Luna, before the House adjourned until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• My predecessor resigned, and we represent seven counties, not whole counties.
• I'm working with the counties. We have the county recorders in support.
• This bill would apply to Maricopa County and Pima County because of their population size.
• Then there are county codes that also cover this.
• And the burden of proof is on the county.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, journal approval, guest introductions, and recognition of doctors and other visitors. The chamber then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, considering a large number of bills on topics including public schools and curricula, transportation, health care, child welfare, municipal and county governance, homeowners’ associations, speech, and election-related matters. Several measures were retained on the calendar, while many others were advanced with committee or floor amendments. Among the more notable debates, senators discussed SB 1094, which would impose civil liability related to gender reassignment surgery on minors; supporters said it would compensate minors harmed by such procedures, while opponents argued it would discriminate against transgender youth, raise malpractice costs, and chill access to care. SB 1813, concerning the state hospital governing board and Maricopa County bed limits, drew concern about litigation and the need to expand capacity for people with serious mental illness, while supporters said the bill would remove a legal cap and allow more beds to be used. SB 1496 on Department of Child Safety procedures was amended to clarify representative payee requirements and received generally favorable comments, though some members raised concerns about child safety and DCS discretion. The Senate also advanced SCR 1004, a photo radar ballot referral, after an amendment requiring voter approval in jurisdictions that use photo radar; Senator Leach thanked the sponsor for the change. Other bills moved forward included measures on school firearm safety instruction, civics instruction, chiropractic claims, behavioral health prior authorization, psychiatric evaluations, DCS procedures, AHCCCS procurement contracting, county recorder and HOA-related issues, and legislative qualifications. The chamber adopted the Committee of the Whole reports and properly assigned the bills after each calendar was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Louis County, and then smaller cities throughout each individual 115 counties in the state.
• Johnson County Animal Control, Jackson County Animal Control, St.
• Louis County Animal Control, Jefferson County Animal Control, Columbia, the Boone County Animal Control
• County Animal Control, St.
• Louis County Animal Control, Jefferson County Animal Control, Columbia, Boone County Animal Control.

Summary: The Special Committee on Urban Issues held a public hearing on House Bill 2292, sponsored by Rep. Holly Jones, which would require cross-reporting and training between child/elder abuse systems and animal welfare personnel. Jones said the bill is intended to help identify abuse earlier by training investigators to recognize signs of abuse in both people and companion animals, and she announced planned amendments to narrow the definition of animal to dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds and to extend training time from one hour to one and a half hours. She emphasized the bill is focused on companion animals, not livestock, and said it would use existing agencies rather than create a new department. The committee heard questions about the definition of companion animal and the scope of the bill. Supporters included Humane World for Animals, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, the Missouri Animal Control Association, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Wayside Waifs, and the St. Louis County Police Association. They argued that animal abuse is closely linked to child, elder, and domestic abuse, that animal control officers and humane investigators often see warning signs first, and that cross-reporting would improve early intervention and save lives. Several witnesses described cases where animal abuse coincided with child abuse or other violence, and some said current reporting systems are inconsistent or delayed. One witness also said the training could be provided at low cost through existing mechanisms. Opponents, including the Missouri Pet Breeders Association, Missouri Cattleman’s Association, Missouri Federation of Animal Owners, and Missouri Animal Husbandry Association, raised concerns about the bill’s wording, possible inclusion of commercial breeders or livestock-related issues, and the role of humane investigators. They argued that animal abuse is already reported to law enforcement, that the bill could create confusion about authority or access to private property, and that it could impose costs and training burdens on agencies already stretched thin. Some rural witnesses said they wanted any investigations to remain with law enforcement and the Department of Agriculture, not animal welfare groups. The hearing ended without a vote or other action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Regarding county limits, we have caps for the housing development project: 50% per county.
• a particular county.
• , so if Bernalillo County were to get 25% or Sandoval County would get 25%, they're done.
• The Finance Authority can't make grants or loans without that authorization, without that recommendation
• We are on **House Bill 232546.2SA**, authorizing the **New Mexico Finance Authority (NMFA)** to make