Transcript Highlights:

• So I guess are you using your per-device costs or per-device component of the... ... funding model to
• going to need those devices.
• some of those devices for schools.
• , but also with their personal devices.
• Those devices are library media devices. They're checked out from the library to the teachers.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration

Transcript Highlights:

• He said he was a little familiar with these devices.
• He said these devices are used by fleets and on semi-trucks.
• But if this device does need to stay installed, he asked what that is like.
• It is very similar to ignition interlock devices.
• And you could say the same thing about these devices.

Committee: House Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight

Summary: The Transportation Committee met in executive session and first voted House Bill 1798 do pass by a 9-5 roll call. Members then considered a House committee substitute combining House Bills 2553, 1831, and 2328; after a brief explanation that the substitute mainly rolled the bills together and removed duplicative helmet language, the committee adopted the substitute and voted the combined bill do pass 15-0. The committee also took up Senate Bill 1408, adopted a House committee amendment cleaning up salvage title language, then adopted a new committee substitute and voted the bill do pass by an 8-6-1 vote. Several members raised concerns about omnibus drafting, fiscal notes, and process, while others defended the bills as useful or freedom-oriented measures. The committee then heard House Bill 3317 from Rep. Sherry Gallick, which would allow drivers facing license revocation for accumulated speeding-related points to regain driving privileges by using an intelligent speed limiting device for a year. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce repeat speeding and keep people working, while witnesses in support included a family member of a pedestrian killed in a speeding-related hit-and-run, MADD, and a transportation safety group, all arguing the bill could reduce fatalities and provide accountability. Opponents argued the current point and suspension system already provides penalties, that the bill could impose costs on taxpayers, and that it raises concerns about privacy, technology accuracy, and government overreach. The hearing ended without a vote on HB 3317, and the chair announced it was likely the committee’s final meeting of the year.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's just a sales tax on the device.
• You don't need the device, so consider that when you're doing this; people don't have to use the device
• Do you have to use the device, or can you smoke that without the device?
• You do have to use the device to smoke the sticks.
• I mean, you need to use it with the device.

Bills: HB30 , HB263 , HB357 , HB359 , SB60 , SB102 , HB30

Committee: House Ways and Means General Fund

Keywords: elections, post-election audit, election audit, risk-limiting audit, ballot audit, election integrity, voter confidence, Secretary of State, judge of probate, canvassing board, poll watchers, ballot containers, manual tally, recount, county election, statewide election, general election, absentee ballots, provisional ballots, election transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• wearable device and gaming device.
• It does not include a school-owned device such as a laptop or tablet or an approved medical device.
• A school-owned device, such as a laptop or tablet, or an approved medical device.
• Three, it also bans personal electronic devices from being used for the entire school day.
• Three, it also bans personal electronic devices from being used for the entire school day.

Summary: The North Dakota House convened with prayer, roll call, and recognition of guests and student visitors, then moved through a long calendar of resolutions and bills. Early in the session, members honored Mandan High School’s e-sports team for state championships and recognized House Minority Leader Zachary Ista’s birthday. The House then passed HCR 3037 unanimously, urging mandatory reporting requirements for public officials, after committee support and remarks emphasizing accountability in public office. The chamber then considered numerous Senate amendments and final-passage votes on bills covering ambulance service grants (HB 1597), Public Service Commission records and open meetings (HB 1110 and HB 1063), squatter/trespass law (HB 1305), nonconforming structures in local governments (HB 1500), academic tenure policy (HB 1437), retirement eligibility for correctional officers and state radio dispatchers (HB 1274 and HB 1419), a Medicaid dental study (HB 1567), above-ground fuel storage tank regulation (HB 1058), gaming site authorization procedures (HB 1615), an oil extraction tax incentive outside the Bakken and Three Forks formations (HB 1483), and simple assault protections for hospital workers (HB 1341). Most of these measures passed, though HB 1231, which would have created a study on early discontinuation of sex offender registration, failed on final passage. A major point of debate was Senate Bill 2354, which would restrict student use of personal electronic devices during the school day in public and nonpublic schools, with exceptions for medical and special education needs and annual reporting on impacts. Supporters argued it would improve focus, behavior, and mental health, while opponents raised concerns about private-school regulation, logistics, liability, and duplication with a similar bill. The House passed SB 2354, and also passed SB 2112, which temporarily authorizes the Life Skills and Transition Center to serve certain non-eligible youth in crisis, despite objections that the facility should remain focused on developmental disabilities and concerns about repeating past institutional problems. The House also debated and rejected HB 1300 on legislative term limits after extensive discussion about whether the Senate’s date change altered the effect of the voter-approved measure. The session ended with announcements, committee notices, and adjournment until April 8, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• Often those occurred on private devices or personal devices, especially text messages.
• He said there is a two-step process: the devices are one part, and the student device is not approved
• like the staff device.
• Staff members have devices, whether they're personal device or something that's issued by the school
• district, that's members have devices, whether they're personal device or something that's issued by

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Here we are with are with are with devices still out devices still out devices still out there.
• own device, a friend's device.
• And remember device is the first device. And remember device is the first device.
• or device could be a tablet is device or device could be a tablet is device or device could be a tablet
• Mobile device. A phone or Nine. Mobile device. A phone or Nine. Mobile device.

Transcript Highlights:

• a recording device in their home or in their vehicle, law enforcement cannot search the device without
• An individual who places a spy camera or other surreptitious recording device or tracking device in an
• Because of the nature of these devices, perpetrators can actually find out immediately if the devices
• : a tracking device, a camera.
• So first of all, the definition of device that's used in the language does encompass devices like laptops

Summary: The committee heard several public safety-related bills. AB 383 by Assembly Member Davies would expand and clarify firearm restrictions tied to juvenile adjudications, allow certain minor firearm possession for hunting or training with guardian approval, and authorize warrants in some domestic violence-related firearm surrender situations. Supporters, including a district attorney representative, argued it would close gaps in existing law and improve public safety; opponents said it would over-criminalize youth and disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 400 by Assembly Member Pacheco would require law enforcement K-9 units to meet statewide POST standards covering training, use of force, and handler skills. Supporters said the bill would create consistency, accountability, and safer deployments; opponents argued the standards were inadequate and would legitimize harmful canine practices. After debate over whether the bill expanded canine use or simply standardized it, the committee approved AB 400 and sent it to Appropriations. AB 380 by Assembly Member Gonzalez would extend price-gouging protections during emergencies, including for hotels, food, essential goods and services, and commercial property, and would remove the 12-month lease limit loophole for rent gouging. Supporters said the bill responds to wildfire-related exploitation and provides clarity for disaster victims; business and landlord groups warned it could amount to commercial rent control and create uncertainty for future emergencies. The author said he would continue working on amendments, and the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 358 by Assembly Member Alvarez would create a narrow exception to Cal-ECPA so law enforcement could inspect tracking or surveillance devices found in a person’s home, vehicle, or property with the finder’s consent. Supporters said the change would help stalking and domestic violence victims preserve evidence quickly; privacy advocates argued warrants and existing emergency exceptions already cover these situations. The chair proposed narrowing the language to “tracking or surveillance device,” and the bill was held on call after an initial roll with only three votes in favor. The transcript also began AB 247, which would raise pay for incarcerated hand crew firefighters, with testimony from formerly incarcerated firefighters in support, but the discussion was not completed in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• It places in front of the word device it says a school-issued device.
• It places in front of the word device it says a school-issued device.
• It places in front of the word device it says a school-issued device.
• It places in front of the word device it says a school-issued device.
• It places in front of the word device it says a school-issued device.

Bills: HB187 , HB341 , HB4 , HB175 , HB326 , HB187 , HB341 , HB4 , HB175 , HB326

Committee: House Ways and Means Education

Keywords: HB187, court fees, docket fee, sheriff's fund, sheriff's office, jail operations, law enforcement, county sheriff, court filing fees, Alabama Code 12-19-312, solicitor's fund, clerk's fund, forensic services trust fund, budget flexibility, public safety, municipal court, district court, circuit court, cosmetology, makeup application

Transcript Highlights:

• for the purpose of navigation, initiating or ending a cellular call, or unlocking the device.
• So the built-in electronic device or Bluetooth device also was one of the questions last year about law
• the device.
• So the built-in electronic device or Bluetooth device also was one of the questions last year about law
• So the built-in electronic device or Bluetooth device also was one of the questions last year about law

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Band-Aids are technically an approved medical device.
• Another category of medical devices that are, well, not exactly medical devices, but another category
• So the software of these devices is typically authorized as a Class II device, but the overall device
• As I noted, over 1,000 FDA-authorized AI-enabled medical devices.
• First approved AI-enabled device in 1995.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that student device use and student device access is harming their learning and harming the development
• We know some kids need their device to access their blood sugar monitor.
• So kids have to use their device as a calculator.
• So I think I want to be clear, the vision is device-free schools.
• These devices are designed to be addictive.

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 6192, which would expand structured literacy and numeracy requirements, add a third-grade math intervention process similar to the existing reading “gate,” create annual STAR teacher bonuses for selected math and ELA teachers, and require updated teacher endorsement standards. The sponsor, Sen. Braun, said the bill is meant to refocus districts on core academics and use research-based instruction while still allowing local flexibility, especially in math. OSPI said it supports the bill’s goals but raised concerns about the teacher award structure and access to student-level data. ESD representatives also flagged implementation issues with the award program. Testimony was split: some parents, students, and reading advocates opposed the bill as too prescriptive or too reliant on phonics and standardized testing, while others supported stronger academic intervention and accountability. No vote was taken. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6206, a pilot program to incentivize child care providers to serve children of first responders through grants administered by the Department of Commerce, with local matching funds and a report on recruitment and retention outcomes. Sen. Dhingra said the bill addresses a major barrier for police, firefighters, EMTs, and crisis workers, especially women leaving the field because of child care challenges. Testimony from law enforcement officers, union representatives, and a national law enforcement child care foundation strongly supported the bill, describing unpredictable schedules, last-minute overtime, and the need for nontraditional and sick-child care. Senator Wilson asked about existing non-standard-hours child care bonuses and whether the proposal should instead be housed at DCYF; staff explained the current subsidy program and that this bill would create a separate Commerce pilot. No vote was taken. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 5346 on student mobile device use in public schools. The bill would add mobile devices to digital citizenship instruction, direct OSPI to compile research and best practices, and require reports on school policies limiting phone use during instructional hours, with final recommendations due in 2028. Sen. Leas argued that phones are distracting, harm learning and mental health, and should be restricted in schools while still teaching responsible use. Testimony was largely supportive from students, parents, educators, and researchers who described improved engagement, fewer disruptions, and better school climate under phone restrictions; several urged a stronger bell-to-bell statewide policy. Opponents raised concerns about emergency communication, student safety, and local control. The hearing on the bill was closed without a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Current technology allows drivers to purchase a device that essentially turns that device into a cell
• Um, you know, first electronic devices.
• There is much more electronic devices.
• Representative Steer, you know, I see it says on line 1.18 it says wearable devices.
• and what is being done electronic device and what is being done with<00:14:54.720><c> it.

Transcript Highlights:

• Particularly the MUST device, or the mobile unit for sensing traffic.
• We came up with a solution to power the device using solar power.
• Because the device doesn't consume a lot of energy, it actually works.
• So this shows you the typical live dashboard, the individual device.
• We're assisting indigent funds. interlocked device.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met in Yakima to focus on tribal traffic safety, with members and Yakima Nation leaders emphasizing the importance of safety, the right to travel, and continued partnership on U.S. 97 corridor improvements. Yakima Nation Vice Chair Christopher Wallachie and engineering staff described the Tribal Traffic Safety Committee, the U.S. 97 safety project, heritage connectivity trails, roundabout construction, and the use of federal grants and advanced sensing technology to identify hazards before crashes occur. They highlighted collaboration with WSDOT, the Traffic Safety Commission, the University of Washington, and other regional partners, and explained that the goal is to move from reactive crash response to proactive risk reduction. The Yakima Nation engineering team and AI Vision presented the MUST sensor project, which uses compact AI-enabled devices to collect traffic counts, speeds, near-miss events, roadway conditions, and pedestrian activity, with data transmitted to a dashboard and used for real-time warnings and longer-term planning. Committee members asked about speed tracking, driver behavior, enforcement, and partnerships with WSDOT and counties. Yakima Nation staff said the relationship with WSDOT has improved over time, especially after community outreach on proposed roundabouts, and that the tribe now supports several roundabout projects and broader safety coordination. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission then presented statewide fatality trends and tribal traffic safety data. Mark McKekney said 2024 showed a roughly 10% decrease in fatalities statewide, though recent years remain among the highest in decades. He noted that race and ethnicity data are only available for people who die in crashes, and that many American Indian and Alaska Native fatalities involve passengers, pedestrians, or bicyclists rather than drivers. Penny Rerick outlined tribal traffic safety coordinator grants and other state-funded tribal projects, including work with Yakama Nation, Colville, Kalispel, Makah, Port Gamble S'Klallam, Muckleshoot, Lower Elwha, and Puyallup, stressing that flexible state funding helps fill gaps left by federal programs and supports community-led solutions. The final presentation covered impaired driving enforcement and ignition interlock compliance in Yakima County. Yakima Police Chief Sean Boyle said the city created a DUI enforcement and education officer program that helped reduce serious injury and fatal impaired-driving crashes, supported by state funding and social media outreach. Yakima County District Court’s Nick Bazan described a supervision program for DUI offenders and interlock compliance, reporting more than 1,000 DUI convictions in 2024-25 and about 3,800 noncompliant interlock users countywide. He said the court is using a two-pronged approach—pretrial assistance for indigent clients and post-conviction accountability and case planning—to improve compliance and reduce impaired driving. The committee expressed support for the work, noted the progress made, and adjourned the work session after thanking presenters for their updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we exempt uh medical devices, devices, devices, uh,<00:10:01.920><c> HVAC,</c><00:10:03.360><c> um
• Just uh represent council... discussion about um security devices discussion about um security devices
• </c> access to your own own device. access to your own own device. I'm<00:19:46.640><c> sorry.
• </c> repair, we're not just fixing devices. repair, we're not just fixing devices.
• Um, the device owner, not manufacturers.

Bills: SF0052 , SF0024

Committee: House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> finding more and more of these devices, finding more and more of these devices, but<00:07:10.639
• </c> devices have been taken off the streets. devices have been taken off the streets.
• It's the it's the the the device.
• </c><00:19:50.799><c> were</c> or not these types of um devices were or not these types of um devices
• </c> devices that are purchased uh illegally. devices that are purchased uh illegally.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the August 29 minutes, and then heard testimony on a bill relating to machine gun conversion devices, often described as Glock switches or auto sears. Representative Jason Nemis presented the bill with Louisville police Chief Paul Humphrey and Lt. Drew Fox, arguing the measure would mirror existing federal law, make possession of these devices unlawful under Kentucky law, and give state and local law enforcement authority to seize and prosecute them without relying solely on federal agencies. They said the devices are small aftermarket or 3D-printed parts that convert semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons and emphasized that the bill would not affect lawful gun ownership. The presenters cited rising seizures and public-safety concerns, saying LMPD and Jefferson County seizures increased sharply from 2023 to 2024 and that the average age of possession had dropped. They argued the devices are used offensively, are inaccurate and dangerous, and have been linked to violent crime. Two Alabama legislators, Representatives Philip Ensler and Russell Bedsole, testified in support based on Alabama’s recent enactment of a similar law. They said local police and prosecutors there had been unable to act effectively because the devices were handled mainly by federal authorities, and they described bipartisan support, immediate enactment, and reported confiscations after passage. Members asked about the bill’s penalty level, the source and manufacture of the devices, the scope of the definition of “conversion device,” and whether the bill could create constitutional problems given ongoing federal litigation over machine gun restrictions. The sponsors said the penalty would be a Class C felony and that the bill was intended to cover only the device attached to the firearm, not tools like 3D printers. They acknowledged that if federal machine gun laws were ultimately struck down, the state law would also be unenforceable. Some members supported the bill as common-sense public safety legislation, while Representative Roberts opposed it on Second Amendment grounds, arguing Kentucky should focus on expanding gun rights rather than adding restrictions already covered by federal law.

Transcript Highlights:

• responsibilities, and restrictions related to installation and operation of any portable cooling device
• It also removes evaporative coolers from the definition of portable cooling devices.
• So all of those window-mounted portable cooling device restrictions are removed.
• It also removes provisions stating Thank you. and operation of any portable cooling device.
• It also removes evaporative coolers from the definition of portable cooling devices.

Committee: House Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• How are we going to roll it out and around the piece around, like, the devices and whatnot?
• How are we going to roll it out and around the piece around, like, the devices and whatnot?
• How are we going to roll it out and around the piece around, like, the devices and whatnot?
• How are we going to roll it out and around the piece around, like, the devices and whatnot?
• You know I like the devices and whatnot?

Transcript Highlights:

• The assistant director for the Motor Vehicle Division must certify speed-inhibiting devices that meet
• The assistant director for the Motor Vehicle Division must certify speed-inhibiting devices that meet
• A person who operates a vehicle without a device installed is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor, and their
• The device has to be used as long as the term of suspension would have been.
• They have to have this device installed. Okay, thank you. They have to have this device installed.

Committee: Senate Senate Public Safety Committee of Reference

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety approved the March 18, 2026 minutes and then heard several bills, beginning with HB 4018, which would give county sheriffs exclusive authority to regulate posse and reserve organizations acting under the sheriff’s authority and in support of the sheriff’s office. Supporters said it merely clarified existing law and improved accountability for volunteer public safety groups; one member opposed it as concentrating too much authority with too few guardrails. The committee recommended the bill do pass by a 5-1 vote, with one member not voting. The committee then heard HB 2417, which would let certain drivers choose a speed-inhibiting device instead of a license suspension for specified offenses, and HB 2771, which would allow the Department of Corrections to require prisoners to pay reasonable rehabilitation program costs as a condition of community supervision. HB 2417 drew support from a coalition focused on safer roads and second chances, but one member raised concerns about cost, privacy, and enforcement; it passed 6-1. HB 2771 was described as a simple language clarification and passed 5-2. Members also approved HB 2772, which would place a medical indicator on a driver’s license for advanced health care directives such as a living will or DNR so first responders can see it quickly; the sponsor said ADOT helped design the process and that it would not create a burden, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then passed HCR 259, reaffirming support for county sheriffs, by a 4-3 vote; HB 2418, which directs $600,000 in state funds to be distributed evenly among five county sheriff task forces, by a 7-0 vote; and HB 2170, which would bar state contracts with companies domiciled in or controlled by the Chinese government except in limited circumstances, by a 4-3 vote. The meeting ended with thanks to staff and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• These devices, These devices that look like e-bikes, it's like turtle tortoise, but they are different
• So you have these devices that parents are buying that they think are a device for a child, and yet is
• So you have these devices that parents are buying that they think are a device for a child, and yet is
• So you have these devices that parents are buying that they think are a device for a child, and yet is
• The Mineta Transportation Institute said it pointed to motorcycle-like devices or e-bike-like devices

Summary: The committee heard several transportation and public safety bills, largely focused on traffic violence, e-bike regulation, and DUI enforcement. AB 1588 on sideshows and street takeovers drew support from the author, San Francisco officials, law enforcement, and the League of California Cities, who said the bill would close loopholes, add motorcycles and dirt bikes to the sideshow framework, and align penalties with speed contests. ACLU California Action opposed it, but members generally supported the bill, noting the need for stronger tools against dangerous takeovers. The committee also heard AB 1654 on commercial driver’s licenses and federal verification rules, with the author arguing California must comply with federal law to avoid losing CDL authority; the chair and others objected that the bill could wrongly affect U.S. citizens and codify changing federal rules. The bill was discussed but not advanced in the portion provided. AB 1976 sought to speed delivery of bicycle and pedestrian safety projects by limiting some public meetings, restricting cancellation of contracts without findings, lowering petition thresholds for traffic calming, and updating the Pedestrian Mall Act. Supporters said current procedures delay life-saving projects and give too much power to opponents, while counties and cities opposed the limits on local public input and budget authority. After discussion, the committee voted to send AB 1976 to Local Government, with several members expressing support but also concerns about preserving community participation. The committee also heard AB 2015, which would direct Caltrans to study the effects of navigation apps on local roads and safety. Supporters said apps can divert traffic onto residential streets and undermine local traffic calming, while members suggested the bill should also consider built-in vehicle navigation systems. AB 2168, on the Active Transportation Program, would update the definition of safe routes to transit, prioritize transit-rich and underserved areas, and add stronger spending accountability; it drew support from bicycle and transit advocates and some local agencies, with a few technical concerns left to resolve. Finally, AB 1942 on e-bike registration and license plates for Class 2 and 3 e-bikes drew strong support from law enforcement and medical witnesses citing rising injuries, but broad opposition from bicycle groups, micromobility advocates, and some local governments who said it would burden lawful riders, create DMV problems, and not address illegal e-motos. The committee also heard AB 1685 and AB 1687, both DUI-related bills from the same author: AB 1685 would increase DMV points for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and AB 1687 would extend license revocation for a third DUI conviction to eight years with an interlock option after four years. Both bills received strong support from law enforcement and victims’ advocates, with ACLU California Action opposing them as duplicative or overly punitive; both bills were advanced by committee vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Up next is Senate Bill 202, an act relating to portable solar energy generation devices.
• device without the landlord's<00:33:34.600><c> permission.
• device without the landlord's<00:33:48.920><c> permission.
• So, in effect, this has the same device.
• </c> devices will um Mhm. devices will um Mhm. get<00:34:32.280><c> better</c><00:34:32.720><c> and</