Transcript Highlights:

• no matter their income level requests no matter their income level this<00:05:06.880><c> change</c><
• I urge you to support this important legislation. Thank you for your time and consideration.
• , is, just so we can place the $1,000 compared to what it costs an agency to comply with that request
• </c><00:10:36.200><c> is</c> filing fee for a data data request is filing fee for a data data request
• </c> for complaints uh like the data request for complaints uh like the data request is<00:10:52.040>

Bills: HF414, HF768, HF359

Keywords: data practices, filing fee, government transparency, complaints, public access, free speech, human rights, censorship, protected speech, Minnesota Department of Human Rights, real property, partition, eminent domain, transfer on death deeds, property rights, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, Grant Gator, fiscal analyst, Legislative Council.
• It would more or less be the appropriation.
• So does the committee want to try to get some legislation that legislative counsel would have staff to
• be in the legislative branch then, which would be good.
• At least from legislative counsel, Mr.

Summary: The Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee met to receive a series of audit presentations, beginning with approval of the prior meeting minutes and a review of the state’s annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) for fiscal year 2025. The State Auditor’s Office and the Office of Management and Budget reported a clean opinion on the state’s financial statements and described continued growth in net position, strong general fund balance, and significant Legacy Fund investment income. Committee members asked about how the report reflects long-term finances and how North Dakota compares with other states, and OMB noted that the ACFR is based on audited actual results rather than budget forecasts. The committee then heard the North Dakota University System audit, which also received a clean opinion but included four findings: misreporting of Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund construction money, insufficient monitoring of service organizations, improper bank reconciliations at several campuses, and investment/cash recording issues at Bismarck State College. University System officials agreed with the findings and said corrective actions were underway, including internal review of bank reconciliations and greater use of shared services. Members also questioned practices such as campus use of certificates of deposit and whether repeated findings were being adequately addressed. Additional audits were presented for the State Fair Association, State Auditor’s Office, Workforce Safety and Insurance, Housing Finance Agency, Housing Incentive Fund, Job Service North Dakota, the Retirement and Investment Office, PERS, the Center for Distance Education, the Securities Department, the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents, the Ethics Commission, and the Office of Administrative Hearings. Most received clean opinions with no findings; exceptions included a repeat component-unit issue at the State Fair Foundation, a securities personnel-evaluation finding, and a Housing Finance Agency finding involving a late return of escrow surplus. The committee also discussed broader oversight issues, including the need for independent auditing of the Ethics Commission, possible legislative changes to give the State Auditor more subpoena power and independent legal counsel, and future work on data analytics, cybersecurity reviews, and audit capacity. The meeting recessed for lunch after these discussions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 118A to allow Assemblymembers Alanis, Barragan,
• Pursuant to Assembly Rule 96, I request unanimous consent to withdraw SB 119, committee.
• Education Committee to the Appropriations.
• In support of this piece of legislation, and also just to underscore his great leadership.
• mind to bring this kind of piece of legislation before us today.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also includes appropriate oversight.
• The bill also includes appropriate oversight.
• THE BILL ALSO INCLUDES APPROPRIATE OVERSIGHT.
• Through this legislation, we will level the playing field.
• Yeas and nays are requested.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; legislative budget. &gt;&gt; legislative budget.
• . appropriations. appropriations.
• </c> to see some actual legislating happen. to see some actual legislating happen.
• They can use that appropriation this year, or they can make it their whole biennial appropriation.
• </c> They're not here to legislate. We are. They're not here to legislate. We are.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the reason for this new request that we're requesting for $34 million.
• That's the reason for this new request that we're requesting for $34 million.
• That's the reason for this new request that we're requesting for $34 million.
• That's the reason for this new request that we're requesting for $34 million.
• </c><01:03:08.960><c> that</c> requests a million doll request that requests a million doll request that

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, when a piece of legislation.
• </c> unless requested by the developer. unless requested by the developer.
• A roll call has been requested.
• A roll call has been requested.
• A roll call has been requested.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Motion is due pass to Appropriations. Papan? Aye. Papan? Aye. Jeff Gonzalez? Aye.
• So this is great legislation that ensures that people continue to visit parks.
• I would make a request: I will vote in favor of this now, but before it comes to the floor, I would request
• So we respectfully request your support. Thank you. Thank you so much.
• Item number 6, AB 616, motion is do pass to Appropriations.

Summary: The committee heard several water, parks, and wildlife bills. AB 764 would expand the list of exotic non-game birds that can be managed in California to better control mute swan populations; the author and California Waterfowl said swans are invasive, aggressive, and rapidly increasing, while no opposition testified. The bill passed to Appropriations. AB 616 would make the State Library Parks Pass program permanent by allowing state parks to transfer annual day-use passes to the State Library free of charge; supporters said it improves equitable access to parks, especially for low-income families, and the bill passed unanimously to Appropriations. AB 293 would require groundwater sustainability agencies to post board membership and a link to Form 700 filings online. Supporters, including the Community Alliance with Family Farmers, argued it would improve transparency and public trust, while opponents said the requirement was redundant and could discourage service on GSA boards. The bill passed, but with some no votes. AB 639 would narrow the definition of dams so certain weirs used for irrigation would not be subject to dam regulations; the author and technical witnesses said the structures pose no safety risk and are already closely managed, while members urged the bill be narrowed further to the Kings River area. It passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 679 would streamline land transfers for Big Basin Redwoods, Año Nuevo, and Butano State Parks by exempting those acquisitions from the Public Works Board process. Supporters said it would speed conservation and park rebuilding after the CZU fire, while one member opposed it over cost and broader state land-management concerns; it passed as amended. AB 454 would remove the sunset on the California Migratory Bird Protection Act, making state protections for migratory birds permanent after federal rollback concerns; it passed as amended to Appropriations. The committee also adopted its 2025-26 rules and approved the consent calendar, and the meeting adjourned after add-on votes were taken for absent members.

Transcript Highlights:

• The conditions are at the request of the Department of Public Safety and the civilian entity.
• It's only at the request of the civilians.
• So the statute says the request is made through the Department of Public Safety.
• So your request is, is the National Guard in support?
• This fund will be supported by legislative appropriations, reimbursements for services rendered, and

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It limits the use of the fund to natural emergencies only and requires legislative consultation to appropriate
• Limits the use of the fund to natural emergencies only and requires legislative consultation to appropriate
• We can request data to the programs.
• appropriations of legislators.
• HB 5203 reorganizes and broadens the scope of legislative audit functions and increases legislative oversight

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:01:14.640><c> to</c><00:01:14.880><c> rebuild</c> legislators have worked hard to rebuild legislators
• </c><00:01:19.119><c> its</c> Legislative Auditor has continued its Legislative Auditor has continued
• </c> and the $2 million annual appropriation and the $2 million annual appropriation base<00:08:15.440
• </c> related to the costs of the legislative related to the costs of the legislative inspector<00:09:
• So I would support doing this, but I have concerns about the appropriations. That's appropriate.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We request for fiscal year 2027.
• [laughter] Is that is that<00:36:17.119><c> appropriate?</c> that appropriate? that appropriate?
• report requests.
• </c> through legislative report request. through legislative report request.
• The request is for Office.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• BUDGET REQUEST IN TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES.
• AND SEPTEMBER IS THE BOARD OF FISCAL AGENCY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST WHICH INCLUDES TWO VERY SPECIFICALLY
• THE SECOND LEGISLATIVE BUDGET REQUEST WE PUT FORWARD IS FOR CENTRALIZED PURCHASING OF FLEET ASSETS.
• WE ALSO HAVE REASON FOR THE LEGISLATIVE BUDGET REQUEST PUSHING TO TELEMATICS AND THIS WILL THE SYSTEM
• WE ALSO HAVE REASON FOR THE LEGISLATIVE BUDGET REQUEST PUSHING TO TELEMATICS AND THIS WILL ANSWER ALL

Transcript Highlights:

• It's fine to seek legislation to strengthen notification requirements, but I don't feel it's appropriate
• For the record, Matt Gress, Legislative District 4.
• must consider the amended request in the same manner as the initial request.
• I think the bulk of this legislation is needed.
• This is much narrower in scope. ...different legislative session.

Bills: HB2093, HB2370, HB2376, HB2380, HB2381, HB2383, HB2423, HB2481, HB2621, HB2895, HB4005, HB4043, HB4109

Keywords: mental health, school curriculum, education policy, instruction requirements, statute repeal, charter schools, education, weapons detection, public safety, school administration, school districts, real estate transactions, school property, bond issuance, land use approval, capital improvements, school governance, board meetings, education funding, parental notification

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:12:55.320><c> funds</c> education this bill appropriates funds education this bill appropriates
• He said the bill creates a proactive decision-making tool for legislators, with data organized by legislative
• </c> decision-making tool for legislators decision-making tool for legislators where<00:25:34.320><c>
• /c> for the legislators who deal with for the legislators who deal with funding<00:25:42.000><c> budget
• 57.079><c> in</c><00:41:57.280><c> the</c> session that was requested in the session that was requested

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education and Labor and Technology heard Senate Bill 420, which would extend Department of Education workers’ compensation coverage to newly graduated high school students participating in DOE-sponsored work-based learning programs through July 31 after graduation. DOE testified in support, estimating the bill could affect about 50 to 100 students in the first year and saying it would help students gain experience and transition to employment. Members asked about current coverage, costs, and partnerships; DOE said current coverage ends at graduation, there had been no incidents, and the bill would create no additional cost. The committees voted to pass SB 420 with amendments, including an amended effective date, and the bill was adopted. The Committee on Education then took up several education measures. It adopted a proposed SD1 for SB 894, a Farm to School measure that would appropriate funds to help meet a goal of serving 30% locally sourced food in public schools. The committee also heard SB 789 on school cafeteria meal costs; DOE said it wanted the existing requirement lowered from 50% of meal preparation cost to 25% rather than repealed, to align with its administrative package, and explained current prices were about $2.75 while meal costs were about $9. Testifiers from the Hawaii Public Health Institute and Hawaiʻi Appleseed supported removing the requirement entirely or at least reducing it, saying it would avoid large price jumps and move toward free school meals. The committee later voted to pass SB 789 with amendments lowering the threshold to one-fourth of meal cost and changing the effective date. The committee also heard SB 449 on a school facilities planning database. DOE said it supports better planning but believes the database should be housed within DOE rather than duplicated under the School Facilities Authority, while SFA supported the bill as a proactive decision-making tool. The Attorney General’s office suggested clarifying language to make clear references to the Board of Education. In later agenda items, the committee heard SB 423, which would add Head Start-related ex officio members to the Early Learning Board; EOEL and the board chair supported it and suggested technical language to preserve required representation. The committee also heard SB 1384, a housekeeping bill redirecting repaid early childhood educator stipend funds to the Early Learning special fund after the prior special fund was repealed; EOEL supported it and said about $31,864 was being recouped from nine recipients. Finally, SB 684 would require the Board of Education to adopt rules banning cell phones at DOE schools; testimony was in support, and members discussed the need for a consistent statewide policy, with the board expected to work on one in collaboration with DOE.

Transcript Highlights:

• In August 2023, the California Legislative Women's Caucus hosted a legislative briefing.
• Good afternoon, Chair and members of the committee and the Legislative Women's Caucus.
• the Legislative Women's Caucus...
• We try to ensure that we do the right thing and take care of it in the appropriate way.
• steps, the appropriate measures, the appropriate punishment, we want to make sure that it's being out

Summary: The hearing focused first on sexual abuse, harassment, and retaliation in California’s women’s prisons, with testimony from CDCR wardens, the Office of Inspector General, advocacy groups, and formerly incarcerated survivors. Legislators and witnesses described a pattern of staff misconduct, fear of retaliation, gaps in reporting, and the need for stronger accountability, better investigations, and more outside access for survivor support organizations. CDCR said it has expanded training, body-worn and stationary cameras, outside partnerships, and PREA-related response procedures, while the Inspector General requested additional funding and staff to monitor more grievances and staff sexual misconduct cases under SB 1069. Members pressed CDCR on why accused staff are not always placed on leave, how cases are referred to prosecutors, and whether current protections are enough; several members argued the state should aim to investigate all complaints and do more to prevent retaliation and repeat abuse. The second issue was rehabilitative and reentry programming in women’s prisons. CDCR’s Division of Rehabilitative Programs and the wardens highlighted education, vocational training, substance use treatment, peer support, and community reentry programs, citing increased enrollment and recent graduates earning diplomas, degrees, and certifications. They said these programs are intended to reduce recidivism and improve public safety. Formerly incarcerated advocates and community providers argued that current offerings are still too limited, outdated, and not aligned with today’s job market, especially around digital literacy and transferable credentials, and they urged more funding for community-based, trauma-informed, gender-responsive programming. A coalition representative asked for a $20 million continuation and expansion of the Wright Grant program, and members discussed additional budget requests for reentry and related women’s services.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can raise rates without legislative statutory—not without legislative approval, obviously we have
• I wanted to make sure legislators understand. Okay.
• I think mostly this one does comply with legislative intent.
• As to the first request, is there any question?
• But for now, we requested exception. Okay.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, Madam Trout, legislative liaison with ADEQ.
• This bill appropriates another... Mr. Chairman. Please.
• We simply don't have the funds to be able to support the request.
• My question is based on this action, this appropriation.
• And in 2014, they only received 14 requests.

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from February 27 and March 3, 2026, then heard House Bill 2013, which would require ADEQ to submit an exceptional event demonstration to EPA when a wildfire on federally managed land affects Arizona air quality. The sponsor said the bill would help Arizona’s ozone/nonattainment situation by ensuring wildfire-related exceedances are excluded from official counts. Sierra Club opposed the mandate as duplicative and costly, and ADEQ said it was neutral but concerned about requiring submissions that may not meet EPA’s regulatory-significance standard and could take about 200 staff hours each. HB 2013 received a do-pass recommendation by a 5-3 vote. The committee also approved House Bill 2156, appropriating $250,000 to the Livestock Compensation Fund, after testimony from opponents raising transparency, conflict-of-interest, and funding concerns; supporters argued ranchers need help with depredation losses. HB 2156 passed 5-3. House Bill 2113, which would require RUCO to intervene in utility rate cases when a proposed residential rate increase is 100% or more, drew testimony from the sponsor about rural customers facing large increases and from RUCO saying it lacked the staff and budget to take on the added workload. The chair and sponsor discussed adding an appropriation or lowering the threshold, but no amendment was ready. Opponents argued the bill would divert RUCO from larger cases, while supporters emphasized protecting rural ratepayers. The committee gave HB 2113 a do-pass recommendation, 6-2. House Concurrent Memorial 2011, urging Congress to delist the Mexican gray wolf and return management to states and local authorities, was supported by the sponsor and ranching-focused testimony citing livestock losses, while opponents said the species remains endangered and recovery should stay science-based. HCM 2011 passed 5-3. The committee then considered House Bill 2026, which would let ADWR evaluate water availability for certain developments by looking only at the proposed source or sources, even if water is commingled in a delivery system. ADWR was neutral but warned that commingled systems make it difficult to track actual water use and could weaken groundwater safeguards; opponents said the bill could enable double counting or more pumping. HB 2026 received a do-pass recommendation, 5-3. House Bill 2056, which appropriates $100,000 for a feasibility study of brackish groundwater desalination sites, was supported by the sponsor as a way to explore additional water supplies; ADWR was neutral but said the study would be new for the agency and that brackish water is still regulated as groundwater. HB 2056 passed 5-3. House Bill 2098, modernizing Pinal County Water Augmentation Authority bonding and financing authority, drew support from Pinal County representatives and passed unanimously, 8-0. Finally, House Concurrent Resolution 2057, supporting a geothermal permitting roadmap and coordination among agencies, was backed by industry advocates as a way to unlock Arizona’s geothermal potential and also passed unanimously, 8-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> of</c><00:35:45.120><c> personal</c> I request a moment of personal I request a moment of personal
• Committee will rise and report. the Appropriations report. The motion is the Appropriations report.
• A division has been requested. >> The motion is the passage of L008 and a division has been requested
• </c><02:57:03.440><c> your</c> patient and you go to request your patient and you go to request your
• > Appropriations Committee, we ran Appropriations Committee, we ran amendments amendments amendments

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> with spon co-sponsoring this legislation with spon co-sponsoring this legislation I<00:10:45.600
• </c> before they before theyve appropriated before they before theyve appropriated any funding<00:39:
• I was requested to file this legislation on behalf of our conservation districts. can't run Business
• </c> appropriation therefore I was requested appropriation therefore I was requested to<01:06:47.520>
• and if more money their funding requests and if more money were<01:49:59.760><c> appropriate</c><01:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee held a hearing on several bills and announced at the outset that no votes would be taken because the measures would go to divisions later. The first major bill, HB 197, would require the state to pay 7.5% of political subdivision employer pension contributions for teachers, police officers, and firefighters. Representative Mike Edgar, the prime sponsor, argued the state had repeatedly reduced and then eliminated its promised share of retirement costs, shifting the burden to municipalities and property taxpayers. He said the bill would partially restore that commitment and provide relief to local governments, businesses, and taxpayers. Several witnesses testified in support of HB 197, including Representative John Cluder, Bradford selectman Marlene Fryer, the New Hampshire Municipal Association’s Margaret Burns, and Epping representative Mark Fone. Supporters said the bill would help with property tax pressure, school budgets, and municipal hiring, and they emphasized that much of the retirement cost reflects unfunded liability decisions made at the state level rather than by local governments. Committee members questioned whether the bill would change local incentives to control costs and how it would affect hiring and compensation. Burns said the state contribution would function as property tax relief because it offsets existing municipal expenses, and she noted the state is already on a long-term schedule to pay down the retirement system’s unfunded liability. After closing the hearing on HB 197, the committee opened a hearing on HB 97, introduced by Representative Tom Buco. He said the bill would continue funding for delayed and deferred wastewater projects and help municipalities finance expensive wastewater infrastructure, which he tied to housing development and local debt planning. No action or votes were taken on either bill during the hearing.