Transcript Highlights:

• to tests.
• So to what extent would you say that testing and test scores, especially early on, are going to be used
• The bill that you see before you today isn't talking about testing.
• I take to heart the concern and the question regarding testing.
• So I think this is a flawed approach to rely too much on testing.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The House Education Committee approved the minutes from February 4 and 5, 2026, then heard RS 3327 on Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA). The sponsor said the proposal would reduce state funding for several areas viewed as scope creep or double funding, including private school, homeschool, and some virtual school enrollments, LaunchPad literacy, urban custom sections, and a limit of three IDLA enrollments per student per year, along with a per-enrollment reduction. Members raised concerns about impacts on rural schools, the three-course cap, and whether the bill would hurt IDLA’s core mission, but the RS was introduced and sent to print. The committee then heard RS 33027, a proposal for a moment of silence in schools. The sponsor said it was intended to improve classroom behavior and could include prayer, meditation, or quiet reflection. Members debated whether the silence should be required at the beginning of the school day or left to teacher discretion. Two substitute motions to alter the timing language failed, and the committee then approved the original RS to be printed and introduced. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 588, a virtual education bill for Idaho Home Learning Academy and similar programs. Sponsors and supporters said it would codify standards for virtual schools, require board approval of education service provider contracts, clarify residency and curriculum requirements, require Idaho teaching certificates, and define supplemental learning funds and eligible expenses with local control and State Board guidance. Testimony from virtual school leaders and district superintendents generally supported the bill as improving transparency and accountability, while one former legislator cautioned that it could limit innovation. After discussion, the sponsor asked to hold the bill in committee while a clarifying RS was introduced; the committee agreed to hold HB 588, then introduced RS 33283 and sent it to second reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the test itself is the thing. The test itself is the thing. The kid has a bad testing date.
• And then we have test fairness.
• Significance of the test scores.
• And we are already field testing. And it is basically like our test was too difficult.
• We had a very high-end test.

Committees: Joint Education , Joint Education Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a statutory test. That's the ultimate test for the districts when they make this decision.
• The P.E.M. says that these are test wells. The design of these wells are not test wells.
• The test holes.
• And we won't be testing that or analyzing that we would be testing and doing the pump tests, the aquifer
• tests on the Carrizo Wilcox.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, people may be concerned about the cost of testing raw ingredients.
• test to make sure that the clinical test was done?
• They're not going to know to look for a clinical test trial.
• They're not going to look to see what exactly— —testing.
• So testing there, is it too costly to test to ensure the impurities? It's not too costly.

Bills: HB2746 , HB2750 , HB2765 , HB4036

Committee: House International Trade

Keywords: trade offices, committee, Arizona commerce authority, stakeholder input, efficiency, Arizona-Sonora, Sonora, Mexico, trade commission, cross-border trade, bilateral trade, international trade, economic development, foreign relations, border economy, investment, infrastructure, business exchange, academic exchange, legislative commission

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> anyone need approval to take the test anyone need approval to take the test that's that's that's
• </c> not only to take the ex exam test not only to take the ex exam test preparation<03:08:22.960><c>
• So this test—this is a national test? Yes, it is.
• </c> and no test and no test correct<03:10:46.760><c> so</c><03:10:47.399><c> how</c><03:10:47.560><c
• The witness said they do not need to test; there is no test with that 30-hour training.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an orientation-style overview from the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), led by Executive Director Deana Jurus and staff. They described the office’s mission to protect public health, safety, welfare, the environment, and the public trust, and outlined the agency structure: enforcement, licensing and board administration, operations, legal counsel, board counsel, and the hearings bureau. OPLC said it currently supports 57 boards, including seven advisory boards, and has about 104 filled positions out of 120 authorized. They also noted new voluntary certifications for doulas, lactation consultants, and community health workers that are in rulemaking. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on how boards and staff divide responsibilities under RSA 310:4. Staff explained that the office handles application processing, complaint intake and initial review, records retention, 91-A requests, and rule drafting, while boards make final decisions on licensure criteria, complaint dismissals or investigations, disciplinary actions, and some hearing matters. They also described the rule structure by chapter number ranges and the distinction between full licensing boards and advisory boards. The committee asked about complaint notifications, and OPLC said it is tightening policies so complainants are told whether a matter is closed or moving forward. The licensing process was discussed in detail, especially for nursing. Bethany Katrell explained that applicants apply through an online portal, may receive approval to sit for exams, can work under provisional authority in some cases, and then receive full licensure after exam results and criminal background checks are complete. OPLC said the portal now reduces back-and-forth paperwork and that, as of the latest biweekly report, 87% of applications were decided within the statutory 90-day period and 57% within 14 days. Members also raised questions about why some professions require board approval before taking an exam, and OPLC said that requirement varies by statute or board rule. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because California has no statewide standards for testing or remediation of smoke damage.
• The task force identified significant gaps in science, testing protocols, and claims practices.
• It does not mandate testing for every claim.
• Thirty-six percent of homes tested positive for asbestos.
• However, many of these services are Destinations, tests, and treatments like physical therapy.

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You may need to go get it tested. And there's really no help.
• Water tests done on the water cost as much as $2,000 a piece.
• Calf Canyon fire and you start testing for arsenic and... ...and you start testing for arsenic, and
• So this testing will be for private wells as well as community water?
• For all of us, really, testing drinking water is important.

Committee: House House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to necessary training and also to testing. >> Okay.
• Multiple siblings must also undergo testing further delaying reunification.
• There are preliminary testing that can be done to start that process.
• We're also obtained a genetic test which was positive for potable disease.
• It tested never received those results. Despite numerous requests.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• they're testing their they're they're testing their environmental<00:47:04.560><c> package</c><00:47
• </c> get the pass the practice test. get the pass the practice test.
• Now the test comes in look at the test.
• </c> um us as a recipient for the test um us as a recipient for the test scores,<01:52:10.960><c> we<
• Was that their to test scores?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• loud noises, later sneaking up to the front of the classroom, looking out of the window, and seeing a blood
• bill</c><02:50:28.479><c> or</c><02:50:28.720><c> to</c><02:50:28.800><c> the</c><02:50:28.880><c> test
• </c> &gt;&gt; to the bill or to the test? &gt;&gt; to the bill or to the test?
• We cannot evaluate factors contributing to firearm injury, assess risk patterns, or develop, test, and

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It will be staged to test the model, and that's what I'm describing for you now.
• The model will be tested. Approve the plan. It will be evaluated.
• testing.
• Yeah.” “...proposal be effective until the ’28–’29 fiscal year to allow the testing.
• They would be adequately tested before they'd be brought to the body to vote on.

Committee: House Higher Education and Workforce Development

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They never tested for fentanyl. They never tested for fentanyl.
• Had the hospital tested him for fentanyl, I would have known the truth.
• They never tested for fentanyl. They never told me how dangerous it was.
• Had the hospital tested him for fentanyl, I died alone.
• Had the hospital tested him for fentanyl, I would have known the truth.

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard and passed several bills. HB 293 would codify the Office of Faith and Community in the Executive Office of the Governor, create a liaison and advisory council, and was supported by faith-based and nonprofit groups; some members questioned possible duplication with existing services and the source of any future funding, but the bill passed 24-0. CS/HB 547 would create an exception to the 30-day notice requirement before hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers sell medical debt when the debt buyer agrees not to use interest, fees, or extraordinary collection actions and must return charity-care-eligible debt; it passed unanimously after brief support testimony. CS/HB 1553 would require reporting of uterine fibroid data to the Department of Health to create a de-identified public database and reauthorize funding for implementation; it also passed 24-0, with members noting the earlier database mandate had not been carried out. The committee then took up CS/HB 1195, “Gage’s Law,” which would require hospitals and hospital-based emergency departments to test for fentanyl in urine drug screens for suspected overdose or poisoning cases. The bill was presented as a response to overdose deaths and the need to better detect fentanyl, and emotional testimony from a parent described a son’s death after a hospital did not test for fentanyl. Members from both parties spoke in strong support, emphasizing stigma, the need for better treatment and data, and the potential to save lives; the bill passed 24-0. CS/HB 47 on child care and early learning providers would streamline inspections, speed background screening, offer free online training/testing, update definitions, protect certain family child care homes from insurance issues, and create a license-exempt category for employer-provided child care; after questions about parent notice, database listing, background checks, and insurance, an amendment was adopted and the bill passed 24-0 as amended. Finally, CS/HB 647 would allow advanced practice registered nurses to sign death certificates in hospice settings, addressing delays that can leave families waiting to complete burial arrangements. Support testimony came from advocacy and hospice groups, and members cited the bill’s importance for families and religious burial timelines. The bill passed 23-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• have to leave because you remember that plan test, that preACT test, ACT test you took last year as
• I'm going to give you another test. about the content in chapter 1.
• </c> I'm going to give you another test. I'm going to give you another test.
• So when you get to that<00:05:04.479><c> unit</c><00:05:04.880><c> test</c> that unit test that unit
• </c> uh take away our current practice test uh take away our current practice test that<00:06:41.360>

Committee: House Primary and Secondary Education

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A market test at a 10-year juncture.
• A market test at a 10-year project.
• There's a market test.
• There's a market test. now, did it cost? There's a market test.
• That's why you do the market test, down. That's why you do the market test, right?

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Kentucky Office of the Attorney General 00:01:18 LTS Kentucky Managed Technical Services LLC 00:13:41 Kentucky Wired Operations Company 00:34:20, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its May 21 and June 10 meetings, then heard testimony from the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General on the effect of HB 314 on the Kentucky Communications Network Authority (KCNA) board. The Attorney General’s representative said HB 314 changed KCNA’s structure and staffing, but did not alter the statutory duties of the board, which still include developing and implementing strategic plans, providing policy direction, monitoring results, and approving fiscal planning. He argued the board is not merely advisory, has operational and budget authority, and that actions taken outside board approval could be ultra vires and without effect. He also noted the board historically approved settlements and contracts, including matters involving Open Fiber, and said the removal of the executive director position reduced direct personnel control but did not eliminate the board’s broader oversight. The committee then heard from representatives of Kentucky Managed Technical Services/LTS, who described a dispute over the Kentucky Wired network refresh and service-provider transition. They said the project agreement required a market test and acceptance of a proposal for both the network refresh and service-provider role, but that their proposals were rejected and the refresh work was later treated by the parties as a change order issue. They said some equipment worth about $3 million had been delivered, transferred, and paid for, while roughly $7 million in additional equipment was canceled by LTS but reportedly shipped to a KCNA warehouse and not paid for. They also said no refresh installation work has been performed, that they continue providing network maintenance to avoid service disruption, but believe the contract has expired and that there is no current agreement for ongoing service-provider work. Committee members asked whether actions taken without board approval would be invalid, whether the board could alter or terminate contractor arrangements, whether the bond disclosures suggesting a successful contract extension were accurate, and what equipment had been purchased or remained in storage. LTS representatives said they would follow up with the committee on the financial delta between the contracted rate and the month-to-month billing they say has been in effect since the contract expired, and on an inventory of in-service equipment and end-of-life dates. They said they want a commercial resolution, but if no resolution is reached soon they may pursue the formal contractual dispute process, and identified September 1 as their stated target date for resolving the matter and completing the refresh.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's perhaps the reduced testing allowances is...
• It allows producers with a history of clean tests and clean batches to skip critical safety tests, effectively
• It's not perfect, and there is not a perfect test.
• to test again for up to a year.
• He had passed the written test but had to stop using THC to pass the drug test.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy held its fourth hearing, with opening remarks from Senate Chair Adam Gómez and House Chair Dan Donahue emphasizing the committee’s broad agenda, including retail modernization, labor protections, advertising rules, sustainability, and financial resources. Testimony began with public health advocates supporting H.157/S.9 to ban cannabis billboard advertising, arguing that billboards normalize use for youth and are linked to cannabis-related harms such as psychosis, addiction, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Witnesses cited research, family stories, and court decisions in Mississippi and Virginia upholding similar restrictions, while committee members questioned the scope of the state’s authority to regulate billboards on private property and the relevance of federal highway funding and federal cannabis law. The committee also heard testimony on H.175, a proposal to allow cannabis drive-through sales. A dispensary operator argued drive-throughs would improve access, especially for disabled customers and veterans, and said security and ID checks could be handled with cameras and staff screening. Committee members pressed him on how employees would assess impairment, whether drive-throughs could increase access for minors, and whether the industry should be treated like alcohol, with the witness responding that staff already refuse service to intoxicated customers and that education, not prohibition, is the better approach. Another bill, H.3982, would apply the bottle deposit law to carbonated hemp- or THC-infused beverages; the sponsor said the measure would standardize recycling requirements for products already sold in dispensaries and other markets, and members asked about container types and recycling compatibility. A major portion of the hearing focused on labor peace agreements, with UFCW representatives, cannabis workers, and Sen. Lydia Edwards supporting S.77/H.161. They said the bill would require cannabis businesses to remain neutral when workers seek to organize, arguing that unions improve safety, wages, benefits, and job stability in an industry they described as underregulated and prone to retaliation. Witnesses cited workplace hazards, wage theft, and the death of a worker at a Holyoke facility as examples of why stronger worker protections are needed. Committee members asked how the proposal differs from existing labor law, whether tying LPAs to licensing and renewal could create legal or administrative problems, and how other states handle similar requirements. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I'm not sure why we'd want to remove that portion of our test. Representative Crane.
• The Miller test does include the context in which it’s used, though, correct? Mr. Zarian: Mr.
• First and foremost, it willfully abandons the standard Miller test by removing the harmful-to-minors
• The Miller test stands. Libraries respect and are accountable to that standard already.
• The Supreme Court has grappled for years with how exactly to define and apply that test.

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• entry for testing facilities.
• our product tested quicker and ensure that the market has safe and tested product available to consumers
• </c> stuck in a testing backlog. Yeah. stuck in a testing backlog. Yeah.
• by a licensed testing facility.
• </c><01:51:56.880><c> facilities</c><01:51:57.280><c> test</c> have licensed testing facilities test

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><01:16:55.080><c> option</c> two pathways, a testing option two pathways, a testing option and<01:16
• test takers passed the ParaPro.
• </c> how well that test stands up. how well that test stands up.
• test.
• </c> flabbergasted by this test. flabbergasted by this test.

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we do preliminary testing, then we do confirmatory testing.
• You know, so there's very limited federal testing.
• Is Louisiana better at testing what's coming in? Do we test more than 1% here in Louisiana?
• We test packets of seafood.
• We don't test at the ports. We test at the retail location.

Committee: House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and welcomed a new member, then took up a series of agriculture-related bills, many focused on Louisiana seafood and producer protections. HB 121 by Rep. Domain would let the Department of Agriculture and Forestry seize and destroy adulterated imported seafood after a stop order, rather than relying on another agency to do it; the commissioner said the bill would improve enforcement without adding major cost, and it was reported favorably. HB 725, also by Rep. Domain, was amended to require retailers to keep invoices for imported seafood for six months so inspectors can verify country of origin and labeling; the committee adopted the technical amendment and reported the bill favorably. HB 367, dealing with Structural Pest Control Commission hearing notices, was described as a technical change to align notice procedures with the Administrative Procedure Act and was also reported favorably. HB 505, on certification cards for commercial applicators, pesticide salespersons, and agricultural consultants, was amended to keep unexpended pesticide fund money in the fund and streamline renewal timing; it too passed favorably. The committee then considered several measures aimed at protecting farmers from market losses. HB 344 by Rep. Coates raised the Grain and Cotton Indemnity Fund thresholds for suspending and restarting assessments, with the commissioner explaining that recent bankruptcies and broker failures had shown the need for a larger reserve; the bill was reported favorably. HB 370, a follow-up measure on the same fund, increased the assessment rate on agricultural commodities so the fund could grow faster, and it also passed without objection. HB 847, on Soil and Water Conservation Commission district supervisor elections, was amended to require certified nominating petitions, shift election administration to the Secretary of State, and remove outdated statewide election language; supporters said the change would modernize a system that had become costly and unwieldy, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 370 and HB 847 drew discussion about ballot access, election administration, and the nonpartisan nature of soil and water districts. The meeting also included a lengthy agriculture update from Commissioner Strain and a presentation from LSU Ag Center Dean Matt Lee. Strain discussed seafood imports, labeling enforcement, shrimp industry promotion, feral swine damage, fertilizer and diesel cost pressures, pesticide disposal, and export markets for rice and timber, emphasizing that Louisiana agriculture depends on testing, marketing, and international trade. Lee reported that LSU Ag Center research is ranked among the nation’s top agricultural programs, with major work in sugarcane variety development, and said the center’s research generates substantial economic returns for Louisiana producers. Several industry representatives, including Louisiana Farm Bureau and LSU Ag Center staff, spoke in support of the bills and the state’s agricultural programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the test itself is the thing. The test itself is the thing. The kid has a bad testing date.
• And then we have test fairness.
• Significance of the test scores.
• And we are already field testing. And it is basically like our test was too difficult.
• We had a very high-end test.

Summary: The committee met to hear presentations on dual credit programs from North Dakota higher education leaders, a school superintendent, and teachers. Valley City State University described its dual credit model, emphasizing quality control through annual teacher training, syllabus and outcomes alignment, faculty qualification review, school visits, and pathways aimed at the College Studies Certificate. Members asked about teacher employment, course scheduling, revenue, scholarships, and whether a centralized model might improve efficiency; VCSU said most instructors are K-12 employees, online offerings are still small, and centralization could weaken local relationships and choice. Lake Region State College similarly stressed access and partnerships, noting about half of its headcount is still in high school, with both online and face-to-face dual credit options, district reimbursement arrangements, and support for rural schools. Lake Region also said dual credit helps students who might not otherwise see themselves as college-bound, but reduced tuition can still be a barrier for some families. Fargo Public Schools reported continued growth in dual credit, with 50 courses offered in partnership with several NDUS institutions and a 12.61% increase in participation. The superintendent highlighted a growing education pathway, including students completing Introduction to Education and field experience, and said the district is exploring a grow-your-own teacher pipeline. He also raised concerns about inconsistent institutional processes, teacher credentialing requirements, and transfer clarity, arguing for more aligned statewide systems. In response to questions, he said AP and dual credit can coexist, with AP often better for highly selective out-of-state colleges and dual credit better for students targeting North Dakota institutions, and he described some use of Arizona State online courses in earlier rural partnerships but said Fargo is focused on local institutions. Two teachers then testified on the classroom perspective. A West Fargo anatomy and physiology teacher said dual credit has expanded access, lowered costs, and prepared students well, but agreed that foundational science courses may be more effective when taken later in high school to reduce knowledge loss before college. A Drake-Anamoose English teacher, who has taught dual credit for more than 20 years, said the program has supported many students who went on to a wide range of careers and emphasized that small rural schools rely on dual credit to provide opportunities they otherwise could not offer. No formal votes or actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.