Transcript Highlights:

• the testimony earlier, just specific to some of those questions to provide some industry-specific feedback
• the testimony earlier, just specific to some of those questions to provide some industry-specific feedback
• That was the feedback we got from our horseman groups, our two different horseman groups, that to not
• That was the feedback we got from our horseman groups, our two different horseman groups, that to not
• That was the feedback we got from our horseman groups, our two different horseman groups, that to not

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're taking criticism and feedback and what can we do better and that kind of thing.
• We're taking criticism<00:29:28.159><c> and</c><00:29:28.480><c> feedback</c><00:29:28.960><c> and</c
• uh what can criticism and feedback and uh what can we<00:29:30.960><c> do</c><00:29:31.120><c> better
• And we're basing a lot of that information on feedback that was provided to us during a feedback session
• We had a couple of feedback sessions in November of '24 when we were really trying to step things up.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• aspects with the original bill, this was an amendment that was looking to incorporate some of that feedback
• Uh, I got feedback; some people didn't like that because there's a question about where on the property
• property.<04:25:50.880><c> Uh</c><04:25:51.760><c> I</c><04:25:52.080><c> got</c><04:25:52.399><c> feedback
• Uh I got feedback uh some property.
• Uh I got feedback uh some people<04:25:54.319><c> didn't</c><04:25:54.560><c> like</c><04:25:54.800><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• those two items, and then it does remove um the rulemaking um in the bill, which is based on some feedback
• those two items, and then it does remove um the rulemaking um in the bill, which is based on some feedback
• c><02:26:58.720><c> based</c><02:26:58.880><c> on</c><02:26:59.120><c> some</c><02:26:59.280><c> feedback
• </c> the bill which is based on some feedback the bill which is based on some feedback from<02:26:59.840
• bill are enforced by MDH, and then it removes the rulemaking, which was requested as a result of feedback

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment addresses feedback that we heard during the hearing, and I worked with the prime sponsor
• > 569 so this amendment 569 so this amendment um<04:16:01.040><c> addresses</c><04:16:01.760><c> feedback
• that we heard um um addresses feedback that we heard um during<04:16:04.880><c> the</c><04:16:05.080
• This amendment addresses feedback that we received during the hearing on this bill.
• um addresses feedback that we received um addresses feedback that we received during<04:36:33.039><c>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• try to avoid sending the consumer off to the federal government to get information and advice and feedback
• </c> information and advice and feedback. information and advice and feedback.
• Their responsive feedback and openness to collaboration resulted in what we believe is a well-crafted
• Their responsive feedback and process.
• Their responsive feedback and openness<05:55:46.958><c> to</c><05:55:47.480><c> collaboration</c><05:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Sen. Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would codify the department’s interpretation that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary coverage for a newborn, unless the mother has no insurance or coverage under an employer-sponsored plan. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure is a clarification of existing practice and intended to protect vulnerable newborns; a question from Rep. Miles clarified that if a young woman is on her parents’ policy, the newborn would generally be covered under that family coverage. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed. The committee then took up Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Sen. Kevin Avard, which would require insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, Medicare Advantage plans. Commissioner Benton Court said the bill arose from disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers, brokers, and the department were confused by carriers changing or ending offerings; he said the department wanted a simple notification requirement so it could better advise consumers. Members discussed network adequacy, county-based service areas, and the fact that the bill would make notice a condition of licensure, with possible fines or license action for noncompliance. Witness Paula Rogers of AHIP said her group supported the bill if amended, and the department indicated it would support a change from a 120-day notice period to 90 days to align with state rules; the committee planned to work on an amendment in subcommittee. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Rep. Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion of pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole argued the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell drugs at a loss, describing PBMs as middlemen and saying the measure is a compromise that protects local pharmacies. Members questioned whether consumers would pay more and whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts; Cole responded that the bill would let pharmacies refuse unprofitable fills while consumers could still obtain the drug through mail order or other channels. He also said the issue has changed over time because the practice now affects a much larger share of generics and is concentrated among a few PBMs. The hearing remained open as questions continued, with no vote taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• language, the following of specific timelines, including proper notification, and opportunities for feedback

Summary: The Joint Administrative Rules Review Committee (JARC) met on July 31, 2026 to consider a citizen petition challenging the Washington State Charter School Commission’s April 2026 continuity of operations policy. Staff explained JARC’s authority under the Administrative Procedures Act and framed the issue as whether the Commission was using a policy in place of a rule, and whether that policy was within legislative intent. Staff also reviewed the Charter School Commission’s statutory framework, including limits on charter terms, transfer provisions involving the State Board of Education, and the Commission’s new process for identifying nonprofit operators to assume existing charter contracts when schools close or contracts are surrendered, revoked, or not renewed. The petitioner, Cesar Harrison, argued the Commission had created a new transfer mechanism through policy rather than rulemaking, potentially bypassing statutory procedures and extending charter authority beyond the five-year framework. Commission Executive Director Marcus Hardin responded that the policy was only a procedural framework for evaluating proposals, not a transfer of contracts or creation of new authority, and said the Commission had used similar discretionary processes before. Public testimony from the Washington Education Association supported the petition, emphasizing that the policy should have gone through formal rulemaking for transparency and public input. After discussion, committee members asked staff about the statute’s silence on contract continuation and the relationship between the Commission’s practice and legislative authorization. The committee then voted 7-0, with two members excused, to find that the Charter School Commission is using a policy or interpretive statement in place of a rule and that it is not within the intent of the Legislature as expressed by the statute. Staff explained that the finding will be sent to the agency, which must hold a hearing and then notify JARC of its intended action; JARC may later object to that action or take further steps. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any way we can give feedback to the advertisements that have gone out already?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The DEIA subcommittee of the Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution met with a quorum and discussed planning for the upcoming Patriots Day period, grant opportunities, and ways to make 250th programming more inclusive. Dr. Trent reported on a Virginia 250 conference and shared examples such as the Made by Us youth engagement toolkit and a Smithsonian-related traveling exhibition. Brian also updated the group on Mass Humanities’ grant programs, including Museum on Main Street, Reading Project Douglas Together, and the Promises of Revolution grants, noting that the latter has $600,000 available and is expected to fund roughly 30 to 40 projects through letters of intent due in June. The committee also noted that state tourism 250th grants are open with an April 11 deadline. A major discussion focused on ensuring respect for Indigenous sovereignty and improving representation in marketing. Members raised concerns that Indigenous leaders were not being treated with sufficient respect in state-level engagement, and they discussed whether the full commission should hear from tribal leaders and whether the subcommittee should recommend a broader conversation at the next commission meeting. On marketing, members criticized recent promotional materials as too formulaic and insufficiently reflective of Massachusetts’ diversity, especially in their limited inclusion of Indigenous people, Black patriots, women, and other communities. The group agreed that the commission should push for more inclusive visuals and narratives, and that there is still time to influence digital and future materials. The subcommittee also discussed possibly inviting the marketing and education committees, or commission staff and the outside marketing agency, to explain the rollout and scope of possible changes. The committee then considered a Utah 250 idea for a July 5, 2026 “America’s potluck” style community event and agreed it could be adapted for Massachusetts as a foodways-focused, culturally diverse statewide activity. A motion was made, seconded, and approved to recommend that the full commission and MOTT promote the potluck concept. The meeting ended with agreement to continue developing recommendations on representation, Indigenous engagement, and public outreach, and then adjourned by unanimous vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• If there isn't any feedback, would someone share a motion for approval? Got a first.

Bills: HB89, HB328, HB344, HB365, HB283, HB89, HB328, HB344, HB365, HB283

Keywords: home improvement, consumer protection, consumer fraud, dispute resolution, mediation, contractor registration, home repair, renovation, homeowner, building contractor, construction fraud, treble damages, attorney fees, Department of Justice, Division of Consumer Protection, Department of Labor, good faith, unfair trade practices, Delaware, regulations

Summary: The Senate Elections and Government Affairs Committee met in hybrid format, approved the June 10 draft minutes, and then heard a long agenda of bills. HB 89 (home improvement fraud dispute resolution) was presented as a consumer protection measure developed with DOJ to address contractor fraud, especially against vulnerable homeowners; members voiced support and asked to be added as sponsors. HB 283 updated realty transfer tax exemptions to use gender-neutral “spouses” language and add a direct grandparent-to-grandchild transfer exemption; it drew supportive public comment. HS1 for HB 390 would let DelDOT choose electronic-only bidding for projects, remove newspaper bid-opening notices, and clarify bidding records, with no opposition raised. HB 328/H.A. 2 modernizes the Register of Regulations statute, keeps newspaper distribution requirements, and delays some effective dates to 2027; it was described as a technical update. HB 365 would create the Delaware Indigenous Affairs Commission, prompting supportive testimony from Indigenous community members and some discussion about representation and internal tribal اختلافs, but no formal opposition. HB 423 would automatically enroll new state employees in the 457B deferred compensation plan unless they opt out, with exclusions for collective bargaining units and implementation tied to payroll readiness; it was presented as a retirement-savings measure. SS1 for SB 342 would modernize the Delaware Motion Picture and Television Development Commission to support a broader film/media incentive package, with support from the Delaware Arts Alliance and a request to help attract productions to Delaware. The committee also heard SB 331, a cleanup bill on garagekeeper liens for manufactured housing and related assets. The sponsor and an attorney explained it as clarifying who can recover funds and attorney’s fees in lien sales, but the Chief Magistrate and the manufactured housing association said the issue should be addressed more carefully and possibly in another section of code; they were open to further work. HB 436 would update the Smyrna charter, including school impact fees, election challenge procedures, vacancy rules, domicile standards, Board of Elections terms, and meeting schedules. HS1 for HB 376 made technical and organizational changes to the Millville charter, including a tiebreaker for municipal elections and a property tax cap, with the town solicitor saying there was little substantive change. HB 460 would require New Castle County municipalities to submit permit data monthly rather than on a much slower schedule, limited to closed permits with certificates of occupancy, to improve property assessment data; it was presented as part of broader reassessment/data-quality efforts. Public comment was heard on several items, especially HB 365 and SS1 for SB 342. Indigenous speakers supported the commission as a way to preserve heritage, improve representation, and create a formal seat at the table. The Delaware Arts Alliance supported the film commission modernization bill as part of a broader creative-economy plan. No recorded votes were taken on the individual bills in the transcript, and the meeting ended with a unanimous motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• some things in writing around, like I'm personally interested to know whether or not judges get feedback

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration met on June 15 with Senators Brownsberger and Representative Hunt co-chairing. After deciding not to approve prior meeting notes at this session, the commission heard testimony from the Massachusetts Parole Officers Association (MPOA), represented by Brian Lucier and Shauna Hawksley. MPOA described its role across field offices, correctional facilities, and specialized units, and emphasized that parole officers provide community-based case management and reentry support by connecting people to housing, mental health, substance use treatment, employment, education, and public benefits. They argued that parole officers develop local expertise and relationships that improve referrals, and said there is room for better coordination with DOC and House of Correction reentry staff, especially because referrals are sometimes duplicated or need to be changed after release. They also noted the loss of reentry navigator positions in 2025 and said those functions would be more effective if positioned in the community rather than in custody. The MPOA also urged consideration of restoring regional reentry centers, which they said previously improved information sharing, reduced duplication, and strengthened reentry services. They contrasted those centers with Community Justice Support Centers, saying CJSCs can be hard to access because of location, transportation, and work-schedule conflicts, while parole’s former regional centers were referral-based and did not require regular attendance. Commission members asked about parole training, arrest authority, POST/MPTC participation, and revocations. MPOA said new officers receive about 500 hours of parole-specific academy training plus firearms, defensive tactics, and first-responder instruction, but parole is not currently tied into MPTC because it is not POST-certified. They also said they do not have data on what proportion of revocations are driven by public-safety threats versus barriers like housing or employment, but anecdotally revocations are now less often for first-time technical or treatment-related issues and more often for conduct posing a community risk. In the discussion of next steps, members talked about extending the commission’s reporting deadline from September 30 to November 30 through the pending budget, finishing remaining DOC facility visits in the fall, and holding additional meetings on mental health and other unresolved issues. Several members said the commission should continue trying to engage the judiciary and district attorneys, while recognizing that participation may be difficult to secure. The meeting ended with agreement to adjourn and continue the work later in the year.

Transcript Highlights:

• some things in writing around, like I'm personally interested to know whether or not judges get feedback

Summary: The Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration met on June 15, with co-chairs Senator Will Brownsberger and Representative Dan Hunt. The commission approved delaying action on prior meeting summary/minutes until the next meeting, and the chair noted the statutory reporting deadline is being extended from September 30 to November 30 through the pending general appropriations budget. Members also discussed future work, including remaining Department of Correction facility visits, possible fall meetings, and whether to invite additional stakeholders such as the judiciary, district attorneys, and the Department of Mental Health. The main testimony came from the Massachusetts Parole Officers Association, represented by Brian Lucier and Shauna Hawksley. They described parole officers’ role in community supervision and reentry case management, including referrals for housing, mental health, substance use treatment, employment, education, and public benefits. They argued for stronger collaboration between parole, DOC, and county facilities, and said parole officers develop local expertise that can improve referrals after release. They also said the former reentry navigator positions, which were lost in 2025, were valuable and should be restored or better positioned in the community. The MPOA also urged consideration of recreating regional reentry centers, which they said previously improved information sharing, reduced duplication, and supported people released without supervision. Members and witnesses discussed barriers such as funding, staffing, transportation, and location of community justice support centers, as well as the need for better coordination so referrals made inside facilities match community resources. Commission members asked about training, arrest authority, POST certification, revocations tied to public safety versus social-service needs, and the role of sheriffs and DOC reentry teams; the witnesses said parole officers receive specialized academy and in-service training but are not currently tied into MPTC because they are not post-certified. The meeting ended with agreement to continue work over the summer and reconvene in the fall.

Transcript Highlights:

• into our office campus and provided us a free exam or free treatments, I also got a lot of great feedback

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health heard presentations on several bills, beginning with AB 1734, which would expand California Health Interview Survey food insecurity data collection to households up to 400% of the federal poverty level. The author and supporters from food banks, AARP, county governments, and nutrition groups argued the bill would improve California’s ability to measure hunger amid federal cuts; there was no opposition. The committee also heard AB 1949, which would treat acupuncture as its own Medi-Cal benefit and allow up to 24 visits per year. Supporters said the current two-visits-per-month cap limits effective treatment and can increase reliance on medications; the bill drew broad support and no opposition. AB 1910, a postpartum pelvic floor health bill, was presented as an education and awareness measure encouraging patients to discuss pelvic floor concerns with providers, with no opposition. AB 2011 would codify federal mental health parity standards into state law; supporters said it would preserve enforcement if federal rules are rolled back, while insurers opposed it as premature given ongoing federal litigation and possible new rules. AB 2706 would modernize California’s cannery law to align with federal food safety standards and reduce duplicative requirements for food processors, with support from the dairy industry and no opposition. AB 2041 would require certain public safety agencies to report compliance with 911 dispatcher pre-arrival instruction training requirements, building on prior legislation; it also faced no opposition. After quorum was established, the committee voted on the bills. The consent calendar bills AB 1571, AB 1864, and AB 1956 were approved 6-0. AB 1734, AB 1910, AB 1949, AB 2041, and AB 2706 all passed the committee unanimously or near-unanimously and were re-referred to Appropriations or Education as applicable. AB 2011 passed 8-2, with some members expressing concern about federal litigation, implementation costs, and the timing of codifying the 2024 parity rule into state law. All bills were placed on call after the votes, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• I welcome your feedback and hope that we can continue... ...an open, transparent, and inclusive process

Summary: The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee met on May 12, 2026, and focused primarily on Senate Bill 407, a congressional redistricting proposal, with Senate Bill 121 also scheduled for later. The chair explained the committee would first take up SB 407, consider amendments, then hear public testimony, and would not take up SB 116 or SB 130. Two amendment sets were adopted on SB 407: one technical set adjusting dates to align with the upcoming election cycle, and another updating the map in the bill. Committee members and the bill sponsor described the proposal as a 4-2 congressional map intended to comply with the Supreme Court’s CalA ruling, preserve traditional redistricting criteria, and avoid using race as the basis for district lines. Supporters of SB 407 argued the map was compact, contiguous, kept parishes and cities together, and created two opportunity districts without racial predominance. Several senators said the map better reflected Louisiana’s political and demographic realities and could withstand legal challenge under the Equal Protection Clause and First Amendment. Testimony in support also emphasized fairness, representation, and the idea that the state should not move to a 5-1 map. Some speakers, including former legislators and community advocates, said the state should maintain or preserve two districts where Black voters and Democratic voters could elect candidates of choice. Opponents of the broader redistricting effort criticized the process as rushed and confusing, especially because early voting had already begun and the Secretary of State was not present to answer questions. Some speakers said the legislature had not been properly involved in the election suspension process and raised concerns about whether votes already cast would count if maps changed. Others argued the proposed changes were an attempt to dilute political power and disenfranchise voters, particularly Black, poor, and queer communities. The committee heard extensive public testimony on both sides, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Have you had a chance to get any feedback on that from the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency?

Bills: HB1823, HB3031, HB3369, HB3378, HB3429, HB3624, HB3657, HB3880, HB4215, HB4476

Keywords: housing finance, Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, publication requirements, housing policy, state regulations, HB3031, North Pointe Workforce Development Initiative, workforce development, job training, skills training, job placement, local hiring, economic development, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, revolving fund, state treasury, appropriation, budget, workforce investment, employment outcomes

Transcript Highlights:

• I have about 82% of those reviews done and back to the PSAPs with feedback and information to look for

Summary: The Oklahoma 911 Management Authority met with a quorum and approved the minutes from the February 5 regular meeting and the March 9 special meeting, along with the January 2026 financial report. The authority also recognized the Emergency Telecommunicator of the Quarter, Claire Gutierrez of the Pott County Sheriff’s Office, for her work during a fast-moving wildfire incident, and the Emergency Technologist of the Quarter, Jason White of the City of Shawnee, for his support of the 911 center’s technology needs. Members approved the City of Norman’s in-person 40-hour telecommunicator training program as a vetted training option. They also approved Washington County 911’s request to submit an amended hardship application for a radio console grant match waiver, rather than granting the waiver outright. In addition, the authority approved the annual land area and population percentages used to determine 911 telephone fee distributions for fiscal year 2027, and approved a new PSAP call-taking boundary change form for future boundary adjustments. The authority approved three grant requests: Creek County for APCO/Telecom training, the City of El Reno for ADA and facility improvements to its dispatch center, and the City of Moore for ADA furniture and a larger dispatch setup. Committee and staff reports covered audit completion, boundary verification and population model work, recruitment website updates, upcoming 911 Day at the Capitol, NG9-1-1 and GIS progress, cybersecurity training planning, 988 integration efforts, and ongoing concerns about TCPR policy and liability. The legislative report noted House Bill 2710 passed the House after amendments removing 911-related language and was sent to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The meeting ended with public comments, a brief new business item wishing member Brent Hawkinson well after surgery, and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, I believe based off the stakeholder feedback we received, we only really heard that concern

Summary: The House Education Committee heard Senate Bill 1336, a late-session education measure centered on civics, American history, and American government instruction in Idaho public schools. The bill’s sponsor and supporters said it is intended to codify and strengthen civics education ahead of America 250 by requiring instruction in core civic virtues, foundational documents, the principles of the U.S. republican form of government, and selected totalitarian ideologies. It also would require secondary students to take two credits each in American history and American government, add related English language arts instruction when appropriate, encourage patriotic curriculum materials, and allow the State Board of Education to grant exemptions to charter schools with unique missions. Dr. Samuel Lair and Greg Wilson of the State Department of Education testified that the bill largely aligns with recently adopted social studies standards and existing civics requirements, and that the language was developed after extensive stakeholder discussions. They emphasized that the bill is meant to provide statutory durability and broad guardrails rather than micromanage local curriculum. Several members raised concerns that the bill’s detailed requirements, especially the long list of documents and the English language arts component, could be too burdensome for schools and difficult to fit into existing high school schedules. Multiple representatives also objected to the charter-school exemption, arguing that alternative and magnet public schools with similarly unique missions should have access to the same relief. After debate, Representative Marmon moved to send Senate Bill 1336 as amended to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took a roll call vote and the motion passed 8-6. Representatives Nelson, Pickett, Veeley, Matthias, and Galavis voted no, while the bill advanced to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're getting positive feedback on it. People really like it. So there's a few things like that.

Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee heard several bills and resolutions. House Bill 835, presented by Rep. Jason Monks, would place limits on spending non-cognizable funds above $10 million annually, with exceptions for declared emergencies, Gowen Field construction, and tuition revenue; at the sponsor’s request, the committee sent it to the 14th order for a possible amendment. The committee also recognized page Drew Brown, who spoke about his experience and future plans, and members offered comments and encouragement. The committee introduced RS 33834, a measure authorizing local governments to address rat infestations as an invasive species while protecting private property rights, and RS 33839, the Senate concurrent resolution to approve pending rules. House Bill 930, presented by Sen. Harris and Rep. McCann with Secretary of State Phil McGrane, would require campaign funds to be kept in a separate checking account, prohibit commingling, limit investments to cash-equivalent accounts, and require personal loans over $1,000 to be deposited into the campaign account; supporters said it would improve transparency, while some senators argued it was unnecessary because campaigns already follow those practices. The committee voted to send H.B. 930 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation, with Senators Den Hartog, Taves, and Shippy recorded as no votes. House Concurrent Resolution 35, honoring Idaho’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes, was also sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. Finally, Senate Bill 1436, presented by Sen. Anthon, would clarify that state agencies may use cooperative purchasing agreements with limited modifications when piggybacking on another entity’s competitive bid, while preserving legal remedies if the process is misused; the committee approved it for the floor with a do-pass recommendation, with Senator Ruchti recorded as voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that's a good thing, and we're getting positive feedback on it. People really like it.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee first heard House Bill 835, which would place limits on large “non-cog” appropriations—money received outside the regular session and not previously appropriated—generally capping cumulative non-cog spending above $10 million unless tied to declared emergencies, Gowen Field construction, or tuition revenue. Representative Jason Monks said the bill was meant to add guardrails after the COVID/ARPA era and requested a technical amendment from the Governor’s office. The committee voted to send the bill to the 14th order for possible amendment. The committee then recognized page Drew Brown, who spoke about his experience and future plans to serve a mission, attend college, and pursue law enforcement. Members offered comments and encouragement. After that, the committee introduced RS 33834, a measure authorizing local governments to address rat infestations by designating rats as an invasive species and taking control measures while protecting private property rights; the motion to introduce passed. The committee also introduced RS 33839, though the transcript provides no substantive explanation of that measure beyond its introduction, and the motion passed. House Bill 930, sponsored by Representative Lori McCann and presented with Secretary of State Phil McGrane, would require candidates and political committees to maintain a separate campaign checking account, prohibit commingling campaign funds with personal funds, limit campaign investments to cash-equivalent vehicles such as CDs and money market accounts, and require personal loans over $1,000 to be deposited into the campaign account. McGrane said the bill was intended to clarify bookkeeping rules and ensure money reported as contributed is actually deposited, while some senators argued the bill codifies common-sense practices already followed. The committee voted to send HB 930 to the floor with a do pass recommendation, with Senators Den Hartog, Taves, and Shippy recorded as voting no. Finally, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 35, which would recognize Idaho’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes from the recent games. Representative Barbara Ehart listed the athletes and medalists and asked that the resolution be sent forward; the committee agreed. Senate Bill 1436, presented by Senator Kelly Anthon, would clarify Idaho’s cooperative purchasing or “piggybacking” authority so agencies and local governments can use another government’s competitive bid while making necessary modifications, as long as they do not change the purchase into something wholly different. Anthon said the bill was meant to confirm existing intent and avoid future litigation; some senators raised concerns about timing and possible effects on pending lawsuits, but the committee voted to send SB 1436 to the floor with a do pass recommendation, with Senator Ruchti recorded as voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• I had asked for feedback from the Tax Commission on the reporting requirements that I was requesting

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 897, which revises Idaho’s data center sales tax exemption. The sponsor said the bill adds new eligibility criteria tied to electricity service agreements that fully recapture costs and to efficient water use, narrows the exemption so it applies only to internal server equipment rather than construction materials, limits the exemption to 20 years instead of indefinitely, and requires annual Tax Commission reporting on foregone revenue. He also noted the bill’s property tax provisions may need more work because they could affect existing entities not involved in drafting, and he asked that the bill be sent to the 14th order for possible amendment. The committee agreed and adopted that motion. The committee then heard House Bill 926, which expands the community infrastructure district tool so counties can create CIDs outside a city’s comprehensive plan. The sponsor said the goal is to ensure infrastructure is built before growth and that new development pays its own costs rather than shifting them to existing property owners. A representative from Tamarack Resort testified in support, explaining that the change would allow a large development outside city planning areas to finance roads, utilities, and other off-site improvements through district bonds and special assessments. After questions about how CID financing works and how obligations are allocated over time, the committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 934, a technical cleanup bill for last year’s education tax credit law. The sponsor explained that the changes clarify student age eligibility, define tutoring as academic instruction, allow curriculum from multiple vendors, prevent families from combining the advance payment with a prior-year look-back credit, and clarify that students participating only in non-credit extracurricular activities such as sports are not considered enrolled for purposes of the credit. Members asked about impacts on public schools and extracurricular fees, and the sponsor said sports fees are not reimbursable under the credit and that the bill is intended to avoid double payment. The committee then voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Afterward, the committee approved several sets of minutes and thanked its page, Grace Louder, for her service.

Transcript Highlights:

• I received very positive feedback from them about your responsiveness to their concerns.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met to consider several governor’s appointments, routine agenda items, and the confirmation hearing for Dina El-Tawansy to serve as Director of the California Department of Transportation. The committee first approved a series of appointments to the Board of Behavioral Sciences, Contractors State License Board, and Medical Board of California, along with bill referrals, a rule waiver for guests on the Senate floor for a memorial adjournment in honor of former President Pro Tempore John Burton, and floor acknowledgments. Most of these actions were approved on 5-0 votes, with the early appointment items passing 3-2. The committee then heard testimony from El-Tawansy, who emphasized her 28 years at Caltrans, a focus on safety, equity, climate resilience, workforce development, and multimodal transportation. Senators questioned her on a range of transportation issues, including the impact of federal and state disputes affecting immigrant truck drivers and highway funding, the Highway 58 truck climbing lane project, DBE reevaluation under new federal rules, asphalt recycling and disposal, climate-related damage to roads and coastal infrastructure, and the future of gas-tax revenue and road user charges. El-Tawansy said Caltrans is prioritizing safety and emergency projects, working on reevaluating DBEs, advancing climate adaptation planning, and studying road user charge pilots and related technology. Members also asked about small business participation, toll lane agreements, homelessness encampments on Caltrans property, and the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo rail corridor. El-Tawansy described Caltrans programs to support small and disadvantaged businesses, local hiring, heavy equipment and CDL training, standardized toll lane agreements, delegated maintenance MOUs with local governments, and expanded efforts on encampment response and rail/transit planning. Public testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with representatives from transportation agencies, contractors, local governments, labor, and technology firms urging confirmation. The committee voted 5-0 to advance El-Tawansy’s appointment to the full Senate for confirmation, then adjourned.