Transcript Highlights:

• Today I helped lead one of the oldest and largest family-owned franchise automotive dealerships in New
• Just wanted to reiterate that we still are actually one of the few states that have a total ban.
• And they're using that funding right now to do the design of the sewer lines leading up to the treatment
• plant. ...to do the design of the sewer lines leading up to the treatment plant.

Bills: SB22 , SB310

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Keywords: motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 22, which would allow certain motor vehicle manufacturers, including electric vehicle companies, to be licensed as dealers in New Mexico and sell/service directly to consumers. Supporters, including the sponsor’s office, Taxation and Revenue, Rivian, and clean-energy advocates, argued the bill would expand consumer choice, lower prices, improve EV access and service in-state, and bring new investment and jobs without eliminating existing franchise dealers. Opponents, including auto dealer associations, chambers of commerce, and franchise owners, argued the measure would weaken the franchise system, harm local businesses and jobs, reduce community reinvestment, and could disadvantage rural and tribal communities. After questions about trade-ins, tribal land sales, tax effects, and economic impacts, the committee voted to table SB 22 by a vote of 7-2. The committee then took up Senate Bill 310, which appropriates $1.1 million to the New Mexico Environment Department for planning, design, and construction improvements to the Mora mutual domestic water system. Supporters described aging water and wastewater infrastructure, an AOC related to discharge into the Mora River, flood and fire impacts, and heavy-metal contamination concerns in private wells. They said the project is part of a larger effort to address inflow and infiltration, improve treatment capacity, and protect public health, with additional funding already sought through the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund and the Water Trust Board. Some senators questioned whether the request should instead go through existing water funding programs and raised concerns about piecemeal financing and the Environment Department’s role, but others supported the need for the project. The committee approved SB 310 on a 5-3 due-pass vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, it would make New Mexico one of the highest and leading the country in this benefit.
• I want to highlight something I saw in the FIR, which says that a $1,000 increase leads to a 7.3 percentage
• In some cases, buildings and lots have toxics from previous construction materials like lead and asbestos
• The Chamber supports market-based tool for its ban housing supply while revitalizing underutilized properties

Committee: House House Taxation & Revenue

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• very interesting—luckily I am not a lobbyist, so, you know, I'm on the philanthropy side—but it did lead
• Senator Ban Ki, I think to your question, there's a lot of interest on behalf of the board members, and
• This not only is bad, it also leads to the implication that the state doesn't care about higher ed the
• It somehow lives in the ether of budget negotiations and leads to the impression that our higher ed system

Bills: SB6251 , SB6259 , SB6325 , SB5978 , SB6209 , SB6217 , SB6227 , SB6235

Committee: Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development

Keywords: medical school, medical education, letter grades, grading system, pass/fail, tiered grading, student assessment, curriculum, University of Washington, Washington State University, School of Medicine, physician training, academic standards, coursework evaluation, RCW 28B, SB 6259, Washington, state financial aid, higher education, public college

Transcript Highlights:

• But no, it's a ban. It's all or nothing.
• But it is California that's leading the way. And I'd like to... ...and other issues.
• But it is California that's leading the way.
• And I'd like to think that California is leading the way to protect our veterans.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for Alex Prettie, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several visiting groups in the gallery, including UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute fellows and community college representatives. The body approved the Senate journals and then confirmed two gubernatorial appointments: Dr. Hernando Garsohn as Chief Medical Officer at the Emergency Medical Services Authority and Stephanie Weldon as Deputy Director of the Office of Health Equity at the Department of Public Health, both by 39-0 votes. The chamber then took up a series of third-reading bills. Measures that passed included SB 799 on the South Bay Regional Housing Trust, SB 33 on public contracts and contractor payment claims, SB 222 to streamline permitting for heat pump installations, SB 300 to strengthen protections for minors in AI chatbot interactions, SB 457 on community land trusts and affordable housing, SB 479 allowing certain cities to share information in homeless response teams, SB 719 extending a reporting sunset on automated decision systems, SB 722 protecting mobile home park residents from demolition-related displacement, SB 832 updating the Upper Los Angeles River working group, SB 342 on contractor license lapse rules, SB 490 on inspections of unlicensed treatment facilities, SB 828 requiring better state-local permit verification after the Esparto fireworks tragedy, SB 849 barring physician license renewal after specified sexual misconduct, SB 742 addressing decommissioned electrical lines and wildfire risk, SB 96 on over-amplified streaming and digital ads, SB 677 as a technical cleanup to last year’s housing law, and SB 58 on hydrogen sulfide monitoring and public health. Most of these bills passed unanimously or with overwhelming support; SB 222 and SB 677 drew some no votes but still passed. The most extended debate centered on SB 694, which would align California law with federal VA accreditation rules for those assisting veterans with benefits claims and impose penalties for unauthorized claims assistance and data access. Supporters argued it would protect veterans from predatory “claim shark” practices and ensure only accredited providers charge fees; opponents said it would reduce veterans’ choice and could limit access to needed help. After a motion to pull the bill from Rules and take it up immediately passed 29-9, the Senate approved SB 694 on a 29-10 vote. The session concluded with unanimous approval of the consent calendar and adjournment until January 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• It supports continued cooperation with the federal government on making it clear that Texas will lead
• heard the stories, uh, really some tragic stories of kids getting bullied online and what that can lead
• So maybe just it says it's it bans algorithm makes suggestions, promotions, and ranking of content.
• So Texas can lead the way in protecting professionals' voices.

Committee: House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Just like paid family medical leave, just like earn safe and sick, just like the ban on non-competes,
• So, Representative Dave Pinto, I'm the DFL lead for the fraud prevention and state agency oversight committee
• Pinto, I'm the, uh, the DFL lead for Pinto, I'm the, uh, the DFL lead for the,<00:22:49.919><c> uh,</

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• A mission of the bill left out a key... ... funding tier, leading to a funding shortfall for adult high
• I'm not sure how often it leads to a conviction, and you may know, I don't have the answer to that.
• Rather than ban broad categories of buyers that collide with federal authority, the committee substitute
• When he was charged with leading that investigation.

Bills: SCR46 , SB31 , SB39 , SB227 , SB330 , SB401 , SB407 , SB467 , SB482 , SB500 , SB506 , SB512 , SB527 , SB584 , SB619 , SB636 , SB646 , SB647 , SB648 , SB659 , SB663 , SB715 , SB732 , SB758 , SB801 , SB816 , SB847 , SB870 , SB884 , SB1020 , SB1055 , SB1065 , SB1137 , SB1169 , SB1181 , SB1283 , SB1383 , SB1395 , SB1410 , SB1433 , SB1490 , SB1558 , SB1574 , SB1626 , SB1666 , SB1718 , SB1727 , SB1756 , SB1757 , SB1845 , SB1924 , SB1964 , SB1972 , SB2018 , SB2031 , SB2075 , SB2076 , SB2080 , SB2111 , SB2117 , SB2154 , SB2161 , SB2173 , SB2206 , SB2225 , SB2253 , SB2268 , SB2314 , SB2322 , SB2351 , SB2371 , SB2476 , SB2533 , SB2540 , SB2570 , SB2589 , SB2623 , SB2658 , SB2660 , SB2692 , SB2693 , SB2717 , SB2722 , SB2753 , SB2779 , SB2877 , SB2880 , SB2900 , SB2920 , SB3031 , HJR4 , SB5 , SB260 , SB1786 , SJR3 , SJR18 , SB1 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR84 , SJR59 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR46 , SCR48 , SCR19 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB1502 , SB507 , SB1026 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1376 , SB1585 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB619 , SB1122 , SB732 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB529 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB1924 , SB2253 , SB2018 , SB2206 , SB584 , SB1085 , SB1490 , SB2314 , SB2046 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB1524 , SB1137 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB1558 , SB884 , SB227 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1410 , SB1626 , SB1845 , SB1863 , SB2681 , SB2200 , SB2199 , SB1757 , SB2050 , SB2458 , SB2201 , SB1055 , SB2660 , SB2662 , SB1065 , SB801 , SB2533 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB648 , SB647 , SB512 , SB1721 , SB2268 , SB2366 , SB1013 , SB2692 , SB2570 , SB2797 , SB2111 , SB2371 , SB2383 , SB646 , SB1169 , SB1754 , SB1718 , SB2779 , SB2004 , SB1756 , SB2119 , SB527 , SB2322 , SB2448 , SB1777 , SB1283 , SB407 , SB2392 , SB2076 , SB2786 , SB3031 , SB2877 , SB2876 , SB2284 , SB2225 , SB1540 , SB2920 , SB2929 , SB1395 , SB1972 , SB2540 , SB2742 , SB2595 , SB2217 , SB2117 , SB715 , SB2330 , SB1964 , SB1383 , SB500 , SB1640 , SB2001 , SB2080 , SB2722 , SB506 , SB2514 , SB2623 , SB2658 , SB1574 , SB2900 , SB2753 , SB2398 , SB401 , SB1241 , SB2927 , SB2173 , SB2538 , SB898 , SB467 , SB1449 , SB2529 , SB1531 , SB2846 , SB2476 , SB2031 , SB986 , SB1181 , SB2075 , SB2154 , SB2864 , SB31 , SB2880 , SB1359 , SB2386 , SB771 , SB2844 , SB2550 , SB1351 , SB1423 , SB1931 , SB2245 , SB2589 , SB2707 , SB2807 , SB2351 , SB410 , SB659 , SB816 , SB2776 , SB2693 , SB2580 , SB1980 , SB1886 , SB1234 , SB739 , SB482 , SB456 , SB127 , SB1666 , SB2843 , SB2801 , SB800 , SB2055 , SB784 , SB2986 , SB735 , SB1012 , SB324 , SB2926 , SB2938 , SB2007 , SB2138 , SB1242 , HJR4 , HB135 , HB1109 , SCR30 , SCR3 , SB2615 , SB1049 , SB2310 , SB1224 , SB2972 , SB1568 , SB2841 , SB2885 , SB3016 , SB2858 , SB2610 , SB2139 , SB1856 , SB2035 , SB2308 , SB2306 , SB2041 , SB1528 , SB1681 , SB1141 , SB2401 , SB2530 , SB2375 , SB547 , SB1266 , SB1373 , SB1467 , SB2069 , SB2269 , SB2480 , SB2544 , SB672 , SB904 , SB2695 , SB2891 , SB2422 , SB2543 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB2539 , SB2532 , SB2925 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB2203 , SB457 , SB2357 , HCR35 , HCR64

Keywords: Texas beef, cattle industry, agricultural heritage, Texas strip steak, economic growth, SB 31, Life of the Mother Act, Texas abortion law, medical emergency, reasonable medical judgment, pregnancy complications, maternal health, life-threatening condition, ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, unborn child, abortion exception, abortion ban, physician liability

Transcript Highlights:

• Often animals mistake these items for food leading to blockages and even death.
• that you compiled was very helpful, and I think that was... you know, the work that was done helped lead
• HB 5033 doesn't ban the state from creating.
• The slacks affects ability, unfairly limits the ability of businesses to shop. for the best deal, leading

Bills: HB5057 , HB4519 , HB5033 , HB3997 , HB 1237 , HB1904 , HB4400 , HB 1227

Committee: House Environmental Regulation

Keywords: solid waste management, exclusive contracts, public agency, contract amendment, notification requirements, Texas Health and Safety Code, Texas Emissions Reduction Plan, TERP, air quality, emissions reduction, clean fleet, alternative fuel, natural gas vehicles, hydrogen fuel, hydrogen infrastructure, diesel replacement, fleet grants, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, clean school buses

Transcript Highlights:

• specific consequences: a first violation results in a one-year suspension, and a second violation may lead
• And so, to your point, you know, the federal government has taken a lead on that, but certainly if you're
• And so, to your point, the federal government has taken a lead on that, but certainly for here for the
• Ohio, the Supreme Court held that an Ohio law banning advocacy for, quote, crime, sabotage, violence,

Committee: Senate Education K-16

Summary: The Senate Education K-16 Committee heard several bills before recessing to the floor, with most measures left pending subject to the call of the chair. SB 2986 would allow public schools and universities to permit after-hours facility use by religious groups on the same terms as other nonprofits, and SB 1032 would open the Governor’s University Research Initiative to private and independent universities; both had committee substitutes adopted and were left pending after brief testimony. Supporters of SB 1032 from Rice and Baylor said the change would help Texas recruit top researchers and strengthen the state’s research economy. The committee also heard SB 2058, which would require the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to publish annual data on nursing clinical training sites to improve placement coordination, and SB 2683, which would bar public colleges from giving benefits or recognition to student organizations that receive support from foreign entities of concern; both were left pending after testimony. A large portion of the meeting focused on SB 2233, which would require public institutions of higher education to adopt policies prohibiting students or employees on nonimmigrant visas from publicly supporting terrorist activity or organizations, with enforcement through investigations, reporting to Homeland Security, and possible Attorney General action and fines. The author said the bill was intended to reinforce existing federal definitions and campus safety, while senators questioned the bill’s scope, the definition of terrorist activity, and the clause tied to U.S. policy or practice. Public witnesses, including civil rights advocates, law students, and others, argued the bill was vague, overbroad, unconstitutional, and likely to chill protected speech and increase surveillance of international students and Black and brown communities; several Jewish witnesses also said the bill misused Jewish safety concerns and could be used for viewpoint discrimination. SB 2233 was left pending after public testimony. The committee then took up SB 735, which builds on prior Holocaust education legislation by funding optional age-appropriate and bilingual curriculum, museum field trips, teacher preparation partnerships, annual reporting, and regional collaboration with Holocaust museums and education service centers. The author and invited witnesses said the bill responds to survey findings showing uneven Holocaust instruction and a need for better teacher training and accountability. A fifth-grade teacher and the director of the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio testified in support, emphasizing the need for accurate, age-appropriate instruction and professional development. The committee recessed before finishing the agenda, and SB 735 was set to resume after the floor session.

Transcript Highlights:

• To protect our residents, defend our values, and help lead this great nation past this moment of grave
• the works, but I welcome and look forward to all of you as we take actions to protect, defend, and lead
• We have to follow that lead.
• He's trying to ban trans people from the military, stripping their health care rights, and essentially
• I know the Senate will continue to lead on this, to fight strongly for law and order, but at the same

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate convened with routine opening business, including the Pledge of Allegiance and the filing of several reports, such as the Parole Board’s 2023 annual report and a fiscal year 2025 prior-year deficiency report from the Comptroller. Those reports were ordered placed on file. The remainder of the session was devoted almost entirely to a series of brief statements by the Senate President and many senators responding to what they described as federal actions under the Trump administration, especially immigration enforcement without due process, court defiance, and broader threats to democratic norms. Senators repeatedly condemned the detention and deportation of immigrants, students, researchers, and even some U.S. citizens, citing specific Massachusetts cases including Ramesa Ozturk of Tufts, Juan Francisco Mendez, Sunua Petrova, and others. Members also raised concerns about cuts to federal funding affecting Massachusetts, including NIH and university research, asthma prevention, education, climate resilience, and veterans’ services. Several senators tied these issues to the state’s economy, higher education, health care, and immigrant communities, and many invoked Massachusetts and American history to argue for due process, the rule of law, and resistance to authoritarianism. A few policy responses were mentioned, including support for increasing funding for the Attorney General to handle lawsuits, and references to bills or proposals such as the Immigrant Legal Defense Act, the Dignity Not Deportation Act, the Safe Communities Act, and the Location Shield Act. The Senate President also referenced the chamber’s broader “Response 2025” initiative. No substantive legislation was debated or voted on during the statements themselves, aside from the adoption of an order to adjourn and the setting of the next meeting for Thursday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• CARB leads the country and in many ways the world on climate mitigation, and I am excited to be part
• CARB leads the country and in many ways the world on climate mitigation, and I am excited to be part
• That's a terrible dynamic and it often leads to frustration.
• That's a terrible dynamic and it often leads to frustration.
• And so that sometimes leads to overconcentration and essentially... ...you know, land-use controls.

Summary: The committee first established quorum and then approved several governor’s appointments and procedural items, including appointments to the Civil Rights Council, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, UC College of the Law, San Francisco Board of Directors, bill referrals, and floor acknowledgments. Most of these items passed unanimously, while the Civil Rights Council appointment of Indira Cameron Banks passed 3-2. The bulk of the meeting focused on confirmations to the California Air Resources Board. Supervisor Linda Hopkins and Mayor Patricia Locke Dawson, both nominated to CARB, described their backgrounds and emphasized balancing climate and air-quality goals with economic impacts, community engagement, and practical implementation. Senators raised concerns about cap-and-trade costs, leakage, warehouse and truck traffic impacts, agricultural burdens, emergency vehicle and fleet electrification challenges, natural gas appliance rules, hydrogen, nuclear energy, and the need for socioeconomic analysis. Both nominees said they favored open-door engagement, listening to affected communities, and using data and technology-neutral approaches. Public commenters largely supported both nominees, and the committee voted to advance Hopkins 4-0 and Locke Dawson 5-0 to the full Senate. The committee also heard the appointment of Andrew Rakestraw as chair of the Board of Environmental Safety. Rakestraw, who previously worked in U.S. climate and legal roles, said he would focus on transparency, accountability, fiscal stability, and community responsiveness at DTSC. Senators questioned him about DTSC reform, community engagement in places like the Hinkley/Herupah Valley and Exide cleanup areas, fee-setting and fiscal stability, the hazardous waste management plan, and coordination with the Environmental Justice Advisory Council. He said the board should go beyond brief public comment periods, engage communities directly, and ensure community concerns are reflected in outcomes. Supporters from environmental justice and waste-management groups testified in favor, no opposition was offered, and the committee moved his nomination forward to the Senate floor, with one member abstaining.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lord, we know that these are tumultuous times that we live in, and we know you will continue to lead
• And it's the story when Moses was leading the people. He had a conversation with God.
• Coach Tommy Lloyd is in his fifth season as the head coach at Arizona, where he leads the undefeated
• If we get this right, if we lead out of love, not fear, demand integrity, and dream big, Arizona won’
• Rubio is leading Arizona in bilingual education. and Dr.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President Trump recently nominated Brian Bedford to lead the FAA.
• We must examine the factors leading up to the mid-air collision 300 feet above the Potomac River.
• I plan to lead this committee in passing legislation to do the same.
• For first, in the three-year period leading up to the collision, commercial airplane and helicopters
• The NTSB remains lead in the investigation so I can't offer facts and recommendations at this time.

Committees: Senate Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation , Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: aviation safety, midair collision, American Airlines Flight 5342, Army Black Hawk helicopter, NTSB, FAA, ADS-B technology, safety protocols

Summary: The meeting focused on the discussions surrounding the tragic midair collision involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter, which resulted in the loss of 67 lives. Testimonies were provided by key figures including NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy and FAA Acting Administrator Chris Richelieu. The committee expressed grave concerns regarding the existing safety protocols, questioning why the FAA failed to act on numerous warnings and data indicating potential collision risks. Members emphasized the need for urgent reforms in aviation safety to prevent such tragedies in the future. Specific highlights included the recognition of the importance of ADS-B out technology and concerns about the operational practices of military helicopters in controlled airspaces.

Transcript Highlights:

• Adams here, Alonzo Sandoval here, Archer, Archer, Banning, Banning, Bayshore here, Blair here, Blanet

Bills: HB3419 , HB4153 , HB3430 , HB3791 , HB3277 , HB4119 , HB4408 , HB3905 , HB3968 , HB3835 , HB3386 , HB2650 , HB3742 , HB3588 , HB3748 , HB4303 , HB4311 , HB3028 , HB4428 , HB4429 , HB4132 , HB1889 , HB3265 , HB1739 , HB4434 , HB3313 , HB3852 , HB4263 , HB3413 , HB3414 , HB3415 , HB3416 , HB3417 , HB3418 , HB3420 , HB2116 , HB2206 , HB3625 , HB2939 , HB3721 , HB1823 , HB2425 , HB4440 , HJR1087 , HB4003 , HJR1077 , HB1770 , HB1675 , HB3627 , HB3891 , HJR1067 , HB3462 , HJR1053 , HJR1054 , HJR1044 , HB3472 , HB1225 , HJR1019 , HB4145 , HJR1081 , HB1746 , HJR1069 , HJR1050 , HB1638 , HB3327 , HJR1055 , HB3127 , HB4488 , HB2955 , HB3781 , HB3783 , HB3802 , HB2471 , HB2937 , SCR16 , HB2960 , HB3466 , HB3262 , HB3269 , HB3152 , HB4140 , HB4142 , HB3148 , HB3378

Keywords: corruption, nonpublic information, government accountability, criminal law, public office, driver license, reading proficiency, minors, education requirements, alternative testing, attendance, remedial reading, public school, oath of enrollment, court financial obligations, cost hearing, payment plan, community service, court compliance program, debt relief

Transcript Highlights:

• In short, the bill does not ban legal funding, but it does say if you're going to invest in Missouri
• If the litigation funding agreement is made in violation of the foreign funding ban, that contract is

Committee: House Legislative Review

Summary: The Committee on Legislative Review met in executive session and voted House Bill 2408 due pass by an 8-0 roll call. It then considered House Bill 3092, where a House Committee amendment was adopted and rolled into a House Committee substitute despite objections that the amendment had not received a public hearing and would repeal significant insurance-related provisions. The substitute for HB 3092 was then approved 6-3. The committee also adopted an amendment and House Committee substitute for House Bill 3004, which passed unanimously 9-0. In open hearing, Representative Hausman presented House Bill 3090 as a transparency measure requiring the state treasurer to report annually on special treasury funds that have had no spending for five years and whether those funds were moved to general revenue. She said the bill would help lawmakers identify inactive accounts and unused money. Members asked how the reporting would work, what funds might be affected, and whether the bill would move unused balances into GR after five years; the sponsor said it would. No witnesses testified for or against, and the hearing closed. The committee then heard House Bill 3205 from Representative Castile, which would regulate third-party litigation funding, require disclosure of outside and foreign-linked funders, restrict funding from foreign adversaries, and give enforcement authority to the Attorney General. Members questioned the bill’s scope, including whether the foreign-terrorist language could be read too broadly and how liability and funding-risk provisions would work. Testimony in support came from Associated Industries of Missouri, the Missouri Insurance Coalition/Missouri Civil Justice Coalition, and medical associations, all arguing that litigation funding can distort lawsuits, hide outside influence, and expose businesses and plaintiffs to abusive or foreign-backed financing. No opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill does not ban digital identification.
• This bill does not ban digital identification.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee heard several bill introductions and memorials. Senator Zito presented RS 32969, a self-defense proposal modeled on anti-SLAPP protections that would create an early pretrial immunity hearing and allow reimbursement of reasonable costs for defendants found to have acted lawfully in self-defense; after questions about Idaho examples and scope, the committee voted to introduce it. Senator Nichols presented RS 33826, which would prohibit government from requiring digital ID, preserve acceptance of physical identification, protect access to personal devices, and limit digital ID to identity verification; it was also sent to print. She then presented RS 33333, a memorial urging the federal government to restore the tier two duty on imported sugar to protect Idaho’s sugar beet industry, and that too was approved for printing. Senator O’Connowitz presented RS 33369, a revised measure to require Senate confirmation for remaining department directors and align them more closely with other department heads; the committee voted to introduce it. Senator Bernt presented RS 33388, which would allow breweries to operate two remote taprooms instead of one, and it was sent to print. Senator Den Hartog presented RS 33296, revising election rules for single-county highway districts to make them partisan on a delayed timeline and allow candidates to list party affiliation in the 2026 cycle; the committee approved introduction. The committee also considered HCR 24, a resolution honoring fallen firefighters Frank Harwood and John Morrison Jr. and recognizing injured firefighter David Tisdell after a deadly 2025 attack in Kootenai County; members voiced support and voted to send it to the Senate floor with a do-pass recommendation. Finally, Senator Shippy presented SB 1258, a liquor licensing bill for Koenig Distillery that would create a specialty license allowing a rural distillery to serve its own products by the drink, with testimony emphasizing agricultural tourism, small business, and competitive fairness; after supportive testimony from the distillery owner and representative, the committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a do-pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, or banned from discussing the impact of Harvey Milk or Alan
• , how do you feel about that opt-in and So, what, how do you feel about that opt-in and this K-12 banning

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first considered RS 33-117, a proposal from Rep. Levitt to give charter school enrollment priority to children of school founders, siblings, foster children, and then active-duty Title 10 military families. Members moved to introduce the bill, and the committee approved introduction by voice vote. The next item was House Bill 599 on digital curriculum funding. Rep. Raymond said the bill would change the program from first-come, first-served grants capped at $50,000 per district to a needs-based process administered by the State Department of Education. Superintendent Critchfield described a scoring rubric focused on underserved and rural districts, alignment with reading/math/college-and-career goals, implementation and evaluation plans, prior funding history, and sustainability. Some members questioned how “need” would be defined and worried the criteria were too discretionary. A motion to send the bill to the floor was replaced by a substitute motion to hold the bill in committee until a date certain, and the committee agreed to hold HB 599 until the 19th. The committee then heard House Bill 516, a cleanup bill related to last year’s law restricting classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity. Rep. Hawkins and a lobbyist supporting the bill said the measure would remove leftover language from the earlier version and clarify that the K-12 restriction was intended to be broad. Opponents, including Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, argued the bill would erase age-appropriate discussion of LGBTQ topics and create vague censorship concerns. Idaho Family Policy Center supported the bill, saying schools were not complying with the prior law. Members raised questions about possible effects on CTE and health-related courses, parental opt-in rules, and legal conflicts with existing code. After testimony and discussion, the committee voted to send HB 516 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• came here to speak is I go to all the FWC meetings since 2015, and I am often talking about wanting to ban
• And, you know, we've been asking for a herbicide spray ban since 2018 to the FWC.

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:

• Next lead opposition witness. Two minutes.
• Your lead witness? There he is. All right, Chair and members.
• Do we have lead opposition? Hopefully not. Me too.
• Do we have any lead opposition witnesses? shelters.
• Do we have any other lead support witnesses?

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills on access to care, professional licensing, and consumer protection, beginning as a subcommittee because quorum was initially lacking. AB 1307 would create a pilot program allowing up to 30 qualified dentists from Mexico to work in underserved California areas for up to three years; the author and sponsor framed it as a cost-neutral way to address dental shortages, the California Dental Association moved from opposition to neutral after amendments, and members expressed support. AB 1703 would restrict use of osteopathic titles and osteopathic manipulative treatment to licensed DOs; supporters said it would prevent patient confusion and unlicensed practice, while non-physician osteopaths argued it would criminalize a long-standing, safe practice and reduce access. Members raised concerns about consumer clarity and access, and the author said she would continue working with opponents. AB 2250 made technical cleanup changes to last year’s hemp enforcement law, with support from the cannabis industry and no opposition. AB 1758 would raise the annual seller-of-travel assessment for the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund from $35 to $60, and AB 1794 would allow prescribed enteral nutrition formulas to be drop-shipped directly to patients’ homes with pharmacist oversight; both drew support and no opposition. AB 1775 would expand state licensing priority and related support for veterans discharged because of a federal transgender military policy, with emotional testimony from a transgender Army captain and support from equality and women’s organizations. AB 1939 would allow licensed professional fiduciaries to form corporations, and AB 2477 would create a limited provisional period for new pest control employees to work under supervision while licensing is pending; both were supported, though AB 2477 drew questions about supervision and committee amendments. AB 1999 would address veterinary workforce shortages by creating retired volunteer status, a shelter-veterinarian pathway, changes to VCPR rules, and narrowing the owner exemption to exclude surgical procedures; supporters cited animal welfare concerns, while some opponents warned about overreach. AB 2010 would permit high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinics in nontraditional settings to expand access, but the Veterinary Medical Board and some advocates opposed it unless amended over safety and clarity concerns. AB 2311 would let public health care district hospitals directly employ physicians, with supporters saying it would improve recruitment and access and opponents warning about erosion of physician autonomy; the author said the bill included safeguards, a sunset, and reporting requirements, and continued negotiations were ongoing. After quorum was established, the committee took roll-call votes and advanced the bills, generally on party-line or broad bipartisan votes, with several measures placed on call and others sent to Appropriations, Judiciary, Revenue and Taxation, Military and Veterans Affairs, or other committees as noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Clair, can you lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance?
• Consequently, there are 22 other states that have already banned mandatory PLAs.
• </c> already banned P mandate mandatory PLA. already banned P mandate mandatory PLA.
• As hardworking NH employees, we lead busy lives. Many of us hold two or more jobs.
• </c><02:14:45.679><c> busy</c> hardworking NH employees, we lead busy hardworking NH employees, we lead

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Keywords: 1189, house, all