Transcript Highlights:

• The bill addresses instances where there is damage from a fire or flooding due to a major water event
• But one I just wanted to describe to you... ...is that there was a consumer that had a water loss.
• We are seeing it particularly with water damage claims.
• Insurance companies work with contractors and water remediation companies every day.
• Policyholders engage with contractors and water remediation companies at their time of need.

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on an amended and restated tribal-state gaming compact with the Squaxin Island Tribe. Washington State Gambling Commission staff explained the compact amendment process and said the restatement consolidates six prior amendments, updates several appendices, and adds new provisions including high-limit room options and electronic table games. Squaxin Island representatives said the changes clarify the existing compact, improve casino regulation and management, and support tribal economic development and community services. Committee members expressed support, and the compact will next go through additional commission and legislative review before possible governor approval. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5831, which enacts the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act. Staff and the bill sponsor said the measure creates safe harbors for common mortgage modifications, clarifies when modifications must be recorded, and preserves the priority of modified mortgages in foreclosure without preempting other mortgage or lending laws. A Uniform Law Commission representative testified that the bill would advance protections by reducing uncertainty and costly attorney opinion requirements. There was no opposition testimony, and the public hearing closed without a vote. Senate Bill 6178, requested by the Insurance Commissioner, would prohibit contractors and others from soliciting or requiring post-loss assignments of property insurance benefits from insureds, making such agreements void and enforceable by the commissioner with civil penalties. The sponsor, Insurance Commissioner, and several supporters said the bill would protect homeowners after disasters from losing control of their claims and help prevent contractor abuse; a consumer attorney, PEMCO, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau also supported it. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6031, which expands and modernizes the state’s insurance fraud laws, classifies insurance fraud as a Class B felony, broadens reporting and investigative authority, and extends the fraud program to related crimes affecting insurers and consumers. The Insurance Commissioner, anti-fraud groups, and industry representatives supported the bill, while the Washington Society of CPAs said concerns about CPA language would be addressed by amendment. After public hearings, the committee moved to executive session, adopted a proposed substitute for SB 5928, and voted do-pass recommendations for SB 5928 as amended and SB 5919, sending both to Rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• Update on the delinquent water and sewer private water and sewer reports for the year ended December
• Continuing on page 13, we have a private audit report for the Ralston Water Department, 2024.
• This is one of the engagements that was on our 2022 delinquent water report.
• Water and Sewer Fund for '23, a private report that we have yet to receive proper responses from.
• Those two water departments. He said, 'You said filed.' I said filed. Okay, I made a mistake.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So what it will do is it will actually help our environment, producing more conservation of water, as
• Each conventional septic system installed during this window will decrease water quality and increase
• I started in water production as a water plant operator trainee and moved my way up to chief operator
• I'm a laboratory scientist, so I test all your drinking water, your wastewater, your reused water, your
• I'm a laboratory scientist, so I test all your drinking water, your wastewater, your reused water, your

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to say thank God for the closure of Stillwater Water Water Prison.
• I also want to say thank God for the closure of Stillwater Water Water Prison.
• I really appreciate Chair Noatne for his commitment to shutting down Still Water.
• I really appreciate Chair Noatne for his commitment to shutting down Still Water.
• I I just wanted closure of Still Water.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill No. 503, by the Resources and Conservation Committee, an act relating to the Soil and Water
• Commission, amending Section 22-2718, Idaho Code, to revise provisions regarding the Idaho State Soil and Water
• House Bill No. 503 by Resources and Conservation Committee in Act relating to the Soil and Water Conservation
• relating to the Section 22-2718 Idaho Code to revise provisions regarding the Idaho State Soil and Water
• Section 54-12, Idaho Code, to revise provisions regarding the powers of the State Board of Drinking Water

Summary: The House convened with 70 members present, heard a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then approved the House Journal without objection. In committee reports, House Concurrent Resolution 21 and House Bills 494 through 498 were reported and referred to the State Affairs Committee. The House also received several resolutions and memorials, including House Joint Memorial 9, House Resolution 19 condemning political violence and honoring victims and public servants affected in 2025, and House Concurrent Resolution 22 declaring 2026 the Year of Volunteerism and the America 250 in Idaho Service Challenge; these were referred for printing. The House introduced and read first a series of bills, including HB 499 on unmanned aircraft systems near Department of Correction facilities, HB 500 on electric-assisted bicycles and related motor vehicle definitions, HB 501 on ballot measure petition circulation requirements, HB 502 and HB 503 on the Idaho Forest Products Commission and Soil and Water Conservation Commission, HB 504 on Idaho Lottery bulk ticket purchases, HB 505 as a broad occupational and professional licensing cleanup bill affecting many boards and disciplinary provisions, and HB 506 on sales tax rebate provisions. All eight bills were sent to printing. During announcements, members noted an Idaho PTA Taco Tuesday event and student artwork display, a request to provide snacks for pages, a Convention of States informational meeting, and cookies in the lounge to celebrate the Indiana Hoosiers’ NCAA championship. The House then reviewed upcoming committee meetings and adjourned by motion until 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 601 Allen, Nexus Water, that's a two-year bill.
• SB 72 Caballero California water plan do pass out on an a-roll call.
• SB 839 Laird, oil spills, water closure, do pass with author's technical amendments.
• SB 31 McNerney recycled water due pass out on an A-roll call.
• SB 473 Padilla water corporations holding committee.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• question, there is a benefit for both cities constructing... ...a wastewater treatment plant and a water
• the city, across the state line, or at least 30 miles down the road, which happens to describe the water
• It sits closer to the water source, which is Lake Millwood. ...in a different county in Arkansas, but
• . ...treated water throughout the distribution system that dates back to the 40s.
• of risk of having loss of their lives due to not having access to their own assets that treated the water

Bills: HB3484 , HCR112 , HCR125

Committee: House S/C on State-Federal Relations

Keywords: border municipalities, agreements, funding eligibility, infrastructure, intergovernmental cooperation, REAL ID, travel document, border crossing, Texas, U.S. citizens, Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, defense innovation, national security, U.S. Army Futures Command, military technology, economic growth, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Senator<00:08:43.839><c> Waters.</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Waters. &gt;&gt; Senator Waters.
• So, &gt;&gt; Senator<01:09:45.279><c> Waters,</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Waters, &gt;&gt; Senator Waters, &
• Senator<01:23:42.000><c> Waters.</c> Senator Waters. Senator Waters.
• &gt;&gt; Senator<01:59:22.320><c> Waters.</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Waters. &gt;&gt; Senator Waters.
• >> Senator Waters: No. Oh, Senator Waters. >> Senator Waters: Yeah. Thanks. Who you want to go?

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, if a customer of a private power or water company has a grievance, they can go to the Idaho
• These are outside of Form County Water or Sewer District, so there's no...
• as to the number of systems, my communications with the Public Utilities Commission and the Rural Water
• on the water going into a house, but not on what's coming out.
• They're regulated on the water going into a house, but not on what's coming out.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee began by introducing several RSs and then considered a series of gubernatorial reappointments, including Bud Tracy to the State Building Authority, Skip Smeiser to the Idaho Lottery Commission, Jerry Aldape to the Idaho Endowment Fund Investment Board, and Nikaela Black Abrams to the Idaho State Racing Commission. The committee voted to send the latter three appointments to the floor with recommendations for confirmation, while Bud Tracy’s appointment was held for a later vote. The committee also postponed consideration of one item to accommodate scheduling conflicts. The committee then heard and advanced several bills and resolutions. House Bill 795, a cleanup measure related to House Bill 710, was sent to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. Senate Bill 1398, which would move Idaho’s presidential primary to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May and align it with state primaries, drew support from the Secretary of State, the League of Women Voters, and committee members who emphasized voter access and turnout; it was sent to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. House Concurrent Resolution 32, affirming Idaho’s energy sovereignty and preference for reliable in-state generation and property-rights protections, also advanced on a due-pass motion. The committee next approved House Bill 893, a codifier/technical corrections bill, and House Bill 817, which updates tobacco retail laws to clarify and permit certain adult-only premium cigar retail and event activities while maintaining youth-access restrictions. Testimony on HB 817 came from a small business owner and a trade association representative, and members described it as a small-business measure. House Bill 872, which would eliminate the separate ballot page for constitutional amendments and initiatives to reduce printing costs and streamline ballots, was supported by the Secretary of State and county clerks but opposed by the League of Women Voters; it nevertheless received a due-pass recommendation. Finally, the committee advanced Senate Bill 1397, which would bring larger private wastewater corporations under Public Utilities Commission rate regulation, with supporters arguing it would protect customers from unregulated monopolies and improve oversight. House Bill 831, which would require school polling places to be closed to instructional use on election day to better balance voter access with student safety, also received a due-pass recommendation after testimony from the League of Women Voters, county clerks, and the Secretary of State. The meeting adjourned after all motions passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Black wouldn't mind getting his water and then... And leave. Give him the secretary's water, sir.
• No, wireless water. Walters, Walters. It's my pronunciation, I'm sorry. Ladies first.
• So their water enforcement, which is so absolutely critical, we at the Highway Safety Commission are
• And to your point about being on the water and then getting logistically back to land, and the time,
• And certainly, you know, having folks who are coming off of the water, having that presence there for

Summary: The Senate Joint Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee received an update from DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet and Deputy Secretary Bo Black on the department’s transformation efforts. DOTD highlighted its new project delivery dashboard, key performance indicators, and litter abatement work, including nearly $15 million spent on litter pickup and a new highway sponsorship pilot. Members also received updates on LTIF 1.0 and 2.0, with officials reporting that most LTIF 1.0 work is complete and that LTIF 2.0 is progressing under budget. The committee also heard updates on the Office of Highway Construction’s bridge bundling program, the Calcasieu River Bridge project, and the Cameron Ferry boat replacement and privatization solicitation process. The committee reviewed the draft 2026-2027 highway priority program, which DOTD said includes $913 million for construction and about $1.2 billion across 302 projects. Members discussed the public roadshow comments, project acceleration, and corridor planning, including the I-12 corridor and the Calcasieu River Bridge environmental review and public meetings. No vote was taken on the highway priority program at this meeting. The statewide flood control program presented six recommended projects for fiscal year 2026-2027, including projects in Gretna, St. John, St. James, Mandeville, and two Lafourche-area projects, with officials saying the projects meet benefit-cost criteria and would reduce flood damage. The airport construction and development priority program was also reviewed, with 31 air carrier projects and 99 general aviation projects recommended. The rail program reported no new projects but said it expects a $13 million request and has 19 projects in the queue, while the port program presented three unfunded projects for future consideration. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and LSU’s Center for Analytics and Research presented crash data focused on impaired driving. They said 2024 saw 753 traffic fatalities, with impaired driving accounting for about one-third of fatal crashes, and estimated the economic cost of impaired driving at roughly $700 million. Members discussed youth driving, marijuana and alcohol trends, ignition interlock, DWI courts, and enforcement challenges on waterways. The meeting concluded with no formal votes or final actions on the major program items presented.

Transcript Highlights:

• Black wouldn't mind getting his water and then— And leave. Give him the Secretary's water, sir.
• But during Francine, there was a large number of homes that took on water for those people who couldn
• No, wireless water. Walters, Walters. It's my pronunciation, I'm sorry. Ladies first.
• So their water enforcement, which is so absolutely critical, we at the Highway Safety Commission are
• And to your point about being on the water and then getting logistically back to land, and the reality

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Senate Joint Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee received updates from the Department of Transportation and Development on its transformation efforts, including a new project delivery dashboard, key performance indicators, and litter abatement work. DOTD said the dashboard is now live and tied to daily field updates, and reported progress on its T4LA initiatives, including improved project transparency, customer service, and a new highway sponsorship litter program. Members praised the department’s work and asked about litter funding, with DOTD saying last year’s $14.7 million litter pickup effort included the legislature’s supplemental appropriation. The committee also heard detailed progress reports on LTIF 1.0 and 2.0, the Office of Highway Construction’s bridge bundling and roadway projects, the Calcasieu River Bridge project, and the Cameron Ferry. DOTD reported that LTIF 1.0 is about 80% complete and that LTIF 2.0 has encumbered nearly $150 million, with several projects ahead of schedule and some under budget. The Office of Highway Construction said 62 bridge projects are in the bundle, 11 are under construction, and emergency procurement has helped accelerate delivery. DOTD said the Calcasieu River Bridge remains on track for a mid-to-late April groundbreaking, with all federal permits in hand and right-of-way acquisition underway; it also reported that new Cameron Ferry boats are under construction and that a privatization proposal from Labmar Ferry Services will go to the Louisiana Transportation Authority. Members then reviewed the draft 2026-2027 highway priority program, which DOTD said includes $913 million for construction across 302 projects and about $1.2 billion total investment. The committee also received public comment on the statewide flood control program, which recommended six projects expected to reduce flood damage by more than $289 million, and on the airport construction and development priority program, which includes 31 air carrier projects and 99 general aviation projects. DOTD also noted no current projects for the rail infrastructure program but said it expects to request $13 million and has 19 projects in the queue, and it presented three port projects that are not yet funded but will be considered by the Louisiana Transportation Authority. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and LSU’s Center for Analytics and Research presented data on impaired driving, saying impaired driving remains a major factor in fatalities and injuries, with alcohol and drugs together contributing to a large share of crashes and about $700 million in annual economic costs. Members discussed youth driving, marijuana, ignition interlock, DWI courts, and enforcement challenges on waterways; the presenters emphasized education, enforcement, and treatment as part of a broader safety strategy. No formal votes were taken during the meeting, and the committee adjourned after receiving the presentations and public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• This provides language for municipalities operating water, sewer utility plants located within the boundaries
• We see hurricanes, hotter summers, rising insurance costs and threats to our coastlines and fresh water
• First, it requires municipal utilities to provide water or wastewater services outside city limits when
• The waters on the electricity are on, and they drag their family out of their house to go to this place
• It applies only when a municipality has the fish and capacity to provide water and wastewater services

Committee: House Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• We have all sorts of issues with our water and sewer facilities here in the state.
• The same will apply to our water systems, and that's just one example.
• The same will apply to our water systems, and that's just one example.
• If you have no sewer and water connection ability, you have no...
• If you have no sewer and water connection ability, you have no ability to build.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and one was one—had one cool water.
• They take rotations trying to get in that water all day.
• But their water jugs—I opened them. They're filthy. They're not iced. It's unbelievable.
• The hoses would come in, wash the place down, the water would come, and we would get the water into the
• Water, all those other types of things that we have to manage on our facility.

Bills: HB1826 , HB2854 , HB3006 , HB4614 , HB5261 , HB5639

Committee: House Corrections

Keywords: mental health, women's health, county jail, depression screening, criminal justice, HB 2854, Pokuaa-Flowers Act, parole, mandatory supervision, electronic monitoring, releasee, parole officer, hospital visit approval, general hospital, law enforcement notification, DSHS, Department of State Health Services, corrections, public safety, liability immunity

Transcript Highlights:

• We are paying the communist government of China for pesticide chemicals to pollute our waters and kill
• The Gulf of Mexico is connected. ...and salt water, playing a crucial role in our environment.
• So I must ask, when our waters rise, our marine life dies, and our coastal defenses are destroyed, who
• So I must ask, when our waters rise, our marine life dies, and our coastal defenses are destroyed, who
• I mean, it was—you would have ventilators out there trying to pump air into the water.

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met to consider confirmation appointments, beginning with Rodney Barreto’s reappointment to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Barreto described his background and defended his record, saying the commission has expanded public access, conserved land, supported youth conservation programs, and maintained strong law enforcement and wildlife management. Senators questioned him about public opposition to his confirmation, his role in supporting Amendment 2, a proposed use of submerged land near Singer Island, the Split Oak land swap, and whether FWC may reopen a bear hunt. Barreto said he saw no conflict in his Amendment 2 involvement, denied that any condo application existed for the Singer Island property, defended the Split Oak deal as a conservation and land-acquisition tradeoff, and said bear-hunt options would be presented later by staff and biologists. Several members of the public spoke against Barreto’s reconfirmation, arguing that FWC needs reform, term limits, and more scientific leadership, and criticizing his real estate and lobbying ties as conflicts of interest. Speakers also objected to his positions on development, habitat protection, trap use, herbicide spraying, and the handling of bear management and public notice at FWC meetings. Senator Avila spoke in strong support of Barreto, citing FWC’s role in Biscayne Bay restoration, juvenile redfish releases, invasive species control, and community involvement. The committee then voted to recommend Barreto’s confirmation favorably, with Senator Smith voting no. The committee next considered tabs 2 and 3, the reappointments of Kathy Chapman and Michael Kennedy to the Florida Inland Navigation District. With no separate vote requested and no public opposition, the committee recommended both confirmations favorably by voice roll call. The meeting concluded with thanks to staff and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Legionella in from some sort of water Legionella in from some sort of water holding<00:11:49.279
• have clean water for both to drink and to play in.
• This also tests public water sources, private water sources, shellfish, and volunteer lake and river
• > sour</c><03:22:16.520><c> ources</c> water sources private water sour ources water sources private
• </c><03:32:23.120><c> samples</c> on slide 48 on the 203 water samples on slide 48 on the 203 water samples

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division III work session focused on the Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Public Health Services budget. Department staff said Public Health has a relatively small budget compared with other DHHS divisions, is supported mostly by federal and other non-General funds, and contains nearly 100 accounting units and more than 50 federal grants. They emphasized that the governor’s budget did not include significant cuts, but that federal funding uncertainty and the winding down of pandemic-era resources were major factors affecting the division. The division also explained that some apparent budget growth reflects reorganizations, including moving the Bureau of Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery and some programs from other DHHS divisions into Public Health. The presentation described Public Health’s mission as serving the entire state through food and water safety, disease surveillance, emergency response, maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention, WIC, community health center support, and public health data collection. Members asked about bird flu, and staff explained that human-health response would involve Public Health’s lab, infectious disease, and emergency preparedness units, while animal-health issues are handled with the Department of Agriculture; they also noted ongoing milk testing requested by FDA and USDA. The division said its organizational structure includes bureaus for Family Health and Nutrition, Infectious Disease Control, Public Health Protection, Emergency Preparedness, Prevention and Wellness, Statistics and Informatics, and Public Health Laboratories, with about a 15% vacancy rate. Committee members questioned whether the division’s budget and staffing had really grown since pre-COVID, and staff responded that full-time authorized staffing is about the same as in 2018, with the increase largely due to federal pandemic funding that has since receded and to program transfers between divisions. They said Public Health’s General Fund share is about $24 million out of roughly $1.1 billion in DHHS General Fund spending, or about 2.2% of the department total. Members also asked about the 3,000-position cap and unfunded positions; staff explained that the cap remains in chapter law through June 30, 2025, that 394 positions were unfunded in the governor’s budget, and that the division expects flexibility to move money from personnel lines and fill unfunded positions to manage changing needs. No votes or formal actions were taken in this portion of the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Page 300 is a new decision item for the Safe Drinking Water Fund Authority.
• So the lion's share of our other funds is split between safe drinking water funding.
• Page 300 is a new decision item for the Safe Drinking Water Fund Authority.
• bacteriological testing of public drinking water in compliance with the U.S.
• EPA Safe Drinking Water Act.

Committee: House Budget

Summary: The committee heard the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services present its FY 2027 budget request, with Director Sarah Wilson and budget staff describing the department’s mission, major divisions, and the impact of federal funding shifts, especially the FMAP change that will shift costs to general revenue. Wilson emphasized prevention, public health infrastructure, workforce capacity, and data modernization, while several members praised the department’s responsiveness and cost-cutting efforts. The discussion repeatedly focused on lapses, excess authority, and the department’s stated practice of spending federal and other funds before general revenue where possible. Members asked detailed questions about local public health agency support, nutrition programs, rural health and primary care, newborn screening, the state public health lab, and the department’s use of flexibility and reallocations. There was extended discussion of substance use disorder funding: the department explained that some funding is being reduced in its own budget because transfer authority is being added for the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Corrections, while some other SUD-related lines are actual reductions. Members also questioned tobacco prevention and cessation cuts, maternal and infant health programs, fetal infant mortality review, and minority health initiatives, with staff explaining program purposes and noting that some reductions were tied to excess authority or to moving programs to other departments. The committee also reviewed specific operational items such as the Health Initiatives Fund transfer, debt offset escrow for loan repayment defaults, donated funds authority, emergency preparedness, environmental health, health informatics, HIV/STI/hepatitis services, local public health incentives, and the COVID/ARPA authority reductions. Several members requested follow-up information on vacancies, lapse trends, grant spending plans, and program details. No final vote or formal action was taken in the portion provided; the chair recessed briefly and the hearing continued with additional budget testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• clean water.
• </c> POS water. POS water.
• </c> our water our water deserve<00:13:18.160><c> to</c><00:13:18.480><c> have</c><00:13:18.800><c> clean
• </c><00:13:19.120><c> water.
• ,</c><00:29:03.840><c> this</c> fundings that we put into water, this fundings that we put into water

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; on their water. &gt;&gt; on their water. &gt;&gt; Yes. &gt;&gt; Yes. &gt;&gt; Yes.
• It's crucial because it filters the water. So it works as a natural filter in clearing the water.
• It's crucial because it a a body water.
• So it works as a filters the water.
• </c><00:48:54.720><c> around</c> were coming out of the water around were coming out of the water around

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The fire caused extensive damage to Lahaina's water, sewer, roadways, and drainage systems.
• Additional priorities include watershed planning and water source development to increase water availability
• </c><00:45:40.599><c> somewhere</c> um can I get some water somewhere um can I get some water somewhere
• St went to go get water. This is from D. This is brotherly love right here.
• Or does it include, like, sewer, water, and other things like that?

Keywords: 910, house, all