Transcript Highlights:

• So I support your bill, but I do know...
• So I support your bill, but I do know, Senator Hinojosa: I support your bill, but I do know that we need
• And these are parents who are up to date on their child support.
• And these are parents who are up to date on their child support.
• Oh, thank you, Senator, for your support of it.

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Pastor Tedrick Woods, followed by routine chamber actions including excusing Senator Gutierrez and receiving House messages that the House had passed HB 21 and HB 49. Senators also recognized advocates visiting the gallery on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis awareness and introduced the Doctor of the Day. The chamber adopted several resolutions, including HCR 66, by voice vote. The Senate then took up and passed a series of measures, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. Among the bills finally passed were HJR 2, which would prohibit state death taxes; HB 206, limiting counties from requiring cash bonds for pipeline construction; HB 517, barring property owners associations from fining homeowners for discolored vegetation during watering restrictions; HB 2756, requiring TDCJ correctional officers to receive de-escalation and behavioral health training; HB 451, expanding screening for commercial sexual exploitation risk among children in DFPS and TJJD custody; SB 705, cleaning up the air conditioning and refrigeration contractors advisory board; SB 2017, creating an offense for burnouts and wheelies; SB 1858, expanding body armor grant eligibility to ISDs; SB 1400, directing a study on transfer-student outcomes for community college funding; SB 2764, requiring notice to manufactured home buyers about converting homes to real property; SB 748, a licensing cleanup bill on laser hair removal; SB 2519, restricting certain ad valorem tax uses and bonds after amendment; SB 2878, the courts bill with amendments on Brazoria County courts and youth diversion provisions; SB 466, allowing families to request fetal death certificates at any gestational age; SB 1608, requiring timely physical exams for inpatient mental health admissions; SB 1730, limiting civil damages claims arising from certain uses of force or deadly force; SB 2417, clarifying Attorney General antitrust investigation work product and discovery rules; and SB 1946, creating a family violence, criminal homicide prevention task force. The Senate also passed HB 3204, renaming and updating the Polytechnic College at Sam Houston State University, and SB 1986, requiring opioid warning labels. Several bills drew brief debate or amendments. Senators discussed broader HOA reform while considering HB 517, and SB 2203 on TCEQ discovery procedures was amended to require party motions, set a 15-day expiration for certified issues, and limit hearing abatement. SB 2017 was amended to change the mens rea language from knowingly to intentional. SB 2519 was narrowed by amendment to a forward-looking policy statement separating maintenance-and-operation taxes from debt-service taxes. SB 2878 also received amendments to reduce the number of new Brazoria County courts and add youth diversion and crisis-response provisions. SB 466 prompted a floor debate over whether fetal death certificates are appropriate for pre-20-week losses, with supporters emphasizing family closure and opponents arguing the document has no estate-related purpose. SB 1730 also prompted questions about the relationship between criminal findings and civil liability in self-defense cases. The session concluded with additional House and Senate measures being signed in the presence of the Senate and continued consideration of SB 2177, a grant program to help local law enforcement solve violent and sexual offenses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it all clinical support? um ratios? Is it all clinical support?
• Staff, uh, is this mainly clinical support, or is this staff support administrative support proportions
• support support support proportions proportions proportions for<00:44:35.200><c> 17.6</c><00:44:36.000
• </c> assistant support thereafter. assistant support thereafter.
• </c> for the clinical support. for the clinical support.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the May 12 minutes, then deferred item 285 on the routine personal service contract green list for Western Kentucky University to the July 2026 meeting. It also noted that several deferred university contracts had been withdrawn by the institutions, and then approved the remaining agenda items without objection, including personal service contracts, amendments, memoranda of agreement, Kentucky Entertainment incentive agreements, deferred items, and corrections, except for items pulled for further review. The main pulled item was a Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts contract supporting Fayette District Court’s juvenile treatment court through Fayette County Public Schools. Court officials explained that the program, created under Supreme Court rules in 2022, serves court-connected juveniles with mental health and related needs, operates at the courthouse, and uses a school-employed program manager funded through a pass-through arrangement with Fayette County Public Schools and the Urban County Government. They said the program has had over 100 referrals, accepted about half, and had at least 25 successful graduates, with 11 high school graduates among participants. Members asked about who pays for drug screens, family involvement, and what counts as successful completion; the officials said the Urban County Government’s Division of Youth Services pays for drug screens and services, and that parents must participate in classes and support services. The committee then approved the contract review, with some members explaining their votes in support and one member emphasizing the committee’s role in reviewing contracts in the public interest. The committee also reviewed two Auditor of Public Accounts contracts. The auditor’s representative said contract 11, with Vantage Point Solutions, will examine the Kentucky Communications Network Authority/Kentucky Wired network for $700,000, well below the $1.5 million appropriated, and that a report is expected before the 2027 regular session. Contract 12 funds a special examination of investment managers used by Kentucky’s retirement systems, prompted by a Legislative Oversight and Investigations request to assess whether investments tied to ESG factors are consistent with fiduciary duties; the representative said the retirement systems have been cooperative and that findings are expected on a similar timeline, with some flexibility built into the deadline. After questions about the Texas litigation referenced in the explanation, the committee approved both auditor contracts without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• I gained mentors who guided me, encouraged me, and supported me.
• We've also maintained support services, peer-led support groups, to ensure students have the support
• data support for closing campuses or consolidating them.
• It talks about the funding incentives and behavioral consequences.
• The board would like to support, or BFC is going to bring forward to the board to support, annual increases

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met at NDSU and heard an extensive presentation from President David Cook/President Stewart and NDSU leadership on the university’s priorities, including enrollment, student success, research growth, and use of New Horizons funding. Leaders emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission, its role in workforce development, and its goal of becoming more distinctive through strategic planning, recruitment and retention, commercialization, and partnerships. They highlighted that NDSU awarded 2,370 degrees in 2025, produces a large share of the state’s engineering, nursing, and agriculture graduates, and reported strong outcomes for graduates staying and working in North Dakota. They also noted enrollment headwinds, competition from other institutions, and the need to manage tuition waivers more carefully through a scholarship optimization effort. Provost Sherry Vale outlined academic stewardship efforts, including review or consolidation of low-producing programs, strategic hiring tied to institutional priorities, faculty workload policy changes, and expanded online and regional offerings. She said the university is using New Horizons dollars to strengthen advising, student support, and programs in engineering, agriculture, and health. NDSU leaders also described new or expanded academic offerings such as robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, material science and engineering, nuclear engineering certificates, accelerated nursing, nurse practitioner certificates, a Master of Health Administration, and a clinical research master’s program with Sanford Health. They stressed that these investments are intended to improve student completion, meet workforce needs, and increase return on public investment. The committee also heard testimony from students and recent graduates who described the value of NDSU’s education, mentorship, internships, research opportunities, and support services. Alyssa Hodges spoke about pharmacy education, public health work, and campus support as a parent and student; Ethan Blessy described engineering coursework, internships with Marvin, and career preparation; and Aiden Freolic discussed neuroscience research, federally funded projects, and plans for graduate study. Their testimony was followed by presentations on partnerships with Gateway to Science for K-12 STEM outreach and with Sanford Research on biomedical research, clinical trials, obesity research, and a joint biostatistics hire. NDSU also highlighted systemwide shared services, Governor’s School programming, and research growth, including a reported 8% increase in research expenditures from $199 million to $215 million. No bill votes were taken; the meeting was informational and featured presentations, testimony, and discussion of future planning and partnerships.

Transcript Highlights:

• to that, which we're fully in support of.
• CDE is definitely in support of continuing funding for supportive inclusive practices.
• In support of continuing funding for supportive inclusive practices, but we also feel that it is critical
• Lastly, support the students' support and special rate for block grant, both its discretionary and nature
• We are supportive of the administration's proposal to equalize funding across SELPAs and support the

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> few other Support few other Support Services<01:04:45.000><c> I</c><01:04:45.079><c> know</c><01
• </c> 20 um or more than one of our support 20 um or more than one of our support staff<01:05:25.240><
• That will impact class size, academic and behavior supports, interventions, school safety, and a number
• </c><01:13:02.719><c> supports</c><01:13:03.400><c> interventions</c> and behavior supports interventions
• and behavior supports interventions school<01:13:04.920><c> safety</c><01:13:05.920><c> and</c><01:13

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the veterinary students' enrollment in 2027, these funds that Idaho has, that they're giving for supported
• I think the more prevalent cryptocurrency becomes, the more opportunities there will be for bad behavior
• We're here today to support 1297, the Conversational AI Safety Act.
• We're here today to support 1297. the conversational age. higher industry.
• We support it because of many of the reasons that the good senator already covered with codified safety

Summary: The committee heard several print hearings and one bill hearing. Senator Nichols presented RS 33432, which would update Idaho’s contract requirements for state-supported veterinary school slots beginning with the 2027 class, requiring graduates to practice in Idaho with a focus on mixed agricultural animal medicine and at least 600 hours per year serving agricultural animals. She said it aligns veterinary obligations with existing WHAMI requirements, strengthens Idaho’s return on investment, and has no additional cost. The committee asked about current hour requirements and learned there is no existing veterinary hour requirement; the motion to introduce RS 33432 passed unanimously. Senator Adams presented RS 33440, a resolution urging Congress to exercise its war powers before deploying the Idaho National Guard into conflict, citing prior deployments and the 2001 AUMF. Members praised his effort, and the committee voted to introduce the RS. Senator Ruchti then presented RS 33426, which would create a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency kiosks or Bitcoin ATMs to reduce fraud, money laundering, and scams, especially against seniors and vulnerable Idahoans. He cited rising losses from crypto scams and said the proposal was developed with stakeholder input; the committee voted to introduce that RS as well. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1297, the Conversational AI Safety Act, from Senator Taves. The bill would require AI chat services to disclose when users are interacting with AI, adopt protocols for suicidal ideation, restrict sexually explicit content and gamification for minors, provide parental tools, and create civil penalties and injunction enforcement without a private right of action. Google testified in support, saying it already uses similar safety-by-design measures and that the bill would set a consistent industry floor. After discussion, the committee voted to send SB 1297 to the floor with a do pass recommendation, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nothing in this legislation protects negligent behavior.
• </c> negligent behavior. negligent behavior.
• <c> all</c><00:19:27.120><c> parties</c> It supports fairness for all parties It supports fairness for
• </c> agencies, and other state-supported agencies, and other state-supported activities.
• Now, other state-supported activities.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please support SB 53. Thank you. Thank you. Also, in support, we have Rebecca, Erin Reese.
• urges your support.
• care... ...quality child care system, support the building of child care, support the building of the
• We stand in support of Senate Bill 96.
• I'm going to support this.

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 20, a prior-authorization measure aimed at exempting certain medications and treatments for seriously mentally ill adults from repeat insurance prior authorization, while also extending prior authorization approvals to three years for chronic maintenance drugs. The sponsor described the bill as the latest in a series of bipartisan prior-authorization reforms and accepted an amendment from the Health Care Authority and the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance to apply the bill to adults only and to cover PBMs in the interagency purchasing collaborative. Supporters, including NAMI New Mexico and state health officials, argued the bill would reduce barriers to needed care, especially for mental health treatment. Opponents from health plans, PBMs, and insurers warned the bill was too broad, lacked clear definitions for serious mental illness and chronic conditions, created patient-safety concerns, and should have a shorter reauthorization period and later implementation date. After committee discussion, the sponsor agreed to work on a committee substitute, and the bill was rolled over for a later meeting. The committee then heard Senate Bill 53, the Chispa data privacy bill, which would impose broad limits on the collection, sale, and use of personal data, require opt-in consent for many uses, strengthen rights to access, correct, and delete data, and create enforcement mechanisms including a private right of action. Supporters from advocacy, women’s, behavioral health, reproductive health, and civil rights groups said the bill was needed to protect sensitive health and location data, prevent surveillance and criminalization, and give New Mexicans real control over their information. Business, technology, insurance, and hospital representatives opposed the bill, arguing it was more restrictive than other states’ privacy laws, would burden small businesses and health-related services, create compliance uncertainty, and risk limiting digital services and innovation. After extensive questioning about data breaches, opt-in consent, nonprofit exemptions, and the bill’s impact on businesses and health care access, a motion to table failed 5-4, and the committee then passed SB 53 on a 5-4 vote. The committee next heard Senate Bill 86, which updates the state’s harassment-by-telephone law to cover electronic communications such as social media, messaging apps, and email. The sponsor and a Las Cruces police chief said the change would modernize an outdated 1967 statute and help law enforcement address harassment and domestic violence through current technology. The bill drew support from the governor’s public safety advisor and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, and members asked a few clarifying questions about the wording. The committee approved SB 86 unanimously, 9-0. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 96, on regulated childcare zoning requirements, using a committee substitute. The sponsor and the Early Childhood Education and Care Department said the bill would reduce confusing zoning and fire-code barriers to opening or expanding child care homes and centers, helping address a statewide shortage of child care slots and supporting working families. The discussion began with the committee substitute and an explanation that the measure is intended to streamline local requirements and expand child care supply.

Transcript Highlights:

• So now it's just back to what happens normally, that the board investigates bad behavior?
• So now it's just back to what happens normally, that the board investigates bad behavior?
• applications, or any communication with video capacity, even if the person does not physically hold or support
• the instruction is not sex education and may not include information on sexual activity, sexual behavior
• ... ...is not sex education and may not include information on sexual activity, sexual behavior, contraception

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of House bills with Senate amendments, with members generally indicating the sponsors intended to concur on most measures. Topics included public health and medical regulation (HB 2086 on face coverings/vaccinations, HB 2140 on gold and silver bullion investments, HB 2195 on nursing facility complaint timelines, HB 2189 on licensed health aides, HB 2932 on Access reimbursement and prior authorization, HB 2557 on medical records timing, and HB 2641 on PFAS firefighting foam), criminal justice and courts (HB 2673 creating an inmate mental health study committee, HB 2028 on community restitution for indigent homeless defendants, HB 2662 on expert testimony in parenting-time cases, HB 2440 on prisoner transition services, and HB 2594 on address confidentiality in family court), and education-related bills (HB 2830 on prenatal development instruction, HB 2249 on parents’ rights and social transitioning, HB 2481 on school district financial record compliance, HB 2482 on school construction job-order caps, HB 2895 on Native American language proficiency, HB 2423 on automatic advanced math enrollment, HB 2621 on special education and certificates of educational convenience, HB 2592 on AI rules, HB 2379 on school board training, and HB 2380 on out-of-state travel and public meeting materials). Other bills addressed transportation, development, housing, and local government issues, including HB 2909 on distracted driving, HB 2369 on photo enforcement citations, HB 2745 on legislative subpoenas, HB 2946 on development fees, HB 2999 on infrastructure finance districts, HB 2244 on eviction record sealing, HB 2342 on HOA shade structures, and HB 2752 on Commerce Authority trade offices. Several members raised concerns or asked questions on bills such as HB 2932, HB 2249, HB 2830, and HB 2028, but no formal votes were taken in the transcript; the meeting ended with adjournment after brief discussion of the final bills on Caucus Calendar 19, including HB 2248 on medical intervention requirements for businesses and schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• It sets some behavioral standards.
• We support the Governor's proposal and the ADA allocation methodology to support local needs.
• I support my K-12 college here.
• I support my K-12 college here.
• First, we support increasing transportation funding, but we do not support increasing transportation

Summary: The subcommittee opened with remarks on the state budget and K-12 education, noting the large increase in the Proposition 98 minimum guarantee, the use of deferrals and reserves in the prior budget, and the challenge of balancing education funding against other state priorities. Superintendent Tony Thurmond described California education as improving overall, citing gains in test scores, graduation, and college readiness, but said major gaps remain for low-income students, students of color, agricultural communities, English learners, foster youth, and students with disabilities. He praised recent investments in universal meals, transitional kindergarten, community schools, arts, broadband, and special education, while warning that declining enrollment, chronic absenteeism, and the proposed $5.6 billion Prop. 98 settle-up create uncertainty for districts. He also urged a long-term literacy plan, expanded tutoring, universal kindergarten, and continued protections for students and families affected by immigration enforcement, including ICE-related fear and attendance loss. The committee then heard a detailed presentation on Proposition 98 from the Department of Finance and the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Finance explained that the Governor’s budget projects the minimum guarantee will rise by about $21.7 billion over three years, with a $5.6 billion settle-up obligation in 2025-26 intended to avoid overappropriation if revenues weaken. Finance also described revised reserve deposits and withdrawals, ending with about $4.1 billion in the Public School System Stabilization Account by 2026-27. The LAO said recent revenue collections were stronger than expected in the current year but warned that the outlook for 2026-27 is weaker and that stock-market-driven revenues remain volatile. The LAO supported maintaining reserves and one-time spending buffers, but recommended fully funding the guarantee and using other budget solutions rather than shifting the settle-up into future deficits. Members asked about the settle-up process, certification timeline, the effect of attendance declines tied to immigration enforcement, and wildfire-related impacts, including Pasadena Unified’s $4 million special appropriation. On LCFF and necessary small schools, Finance proposed a 2.41% COLA and about $2.2 billion in additional LCFF funding for districts and charters in 2026-27, plus a $30.7 million ongoing increase to raise the necessary small schools allowance by 20%. The LAO supported funding the COLA but said the small-school increase was not tied to a specific cost study and could be redesigned to better target small districts, noting that only a fraction of very small districts would benefit. Questions focused on how small schools access supplemental and concentration grants and how attendance recovery programs are being implemented. The Department of Education said only 130 LEAs had reported attendance recovery so far, likely because it is a new program with compliance requirements, though interest appears to be growing. FICMAT then reviewed the fiscal health of local districts, reporting an uptick in qualified and negative certifications, though still far below Great Recession levels. It said declining enrollment, rising special education costs, and higher labor and insurance costs are the biggest fiscal pressures, and that some districts are using fiscal stabilization plans and staff reductions ahead of second interim reports. FICMAT also discussed wildfire impacts on Pasadena Unified and Los Angeles Unified, explaining that Pasadena’s $4 million state appropriation was based on an early post-fire assessment and that the district is being monitored with the county office of education. Members raised concerns about Pasadena’s leadership, special education staffing shortages, AB 218 sexual abuse litigation costs, insurance premium increases, and the need for stronger prevention and training measures. FICMAT said SB 848 and related policies address some of those concerns by strengthening standards, training, and reporting requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• are trying to earn a living and support their family.
• Everybody may phone call and support this bill, which has expressed support for safer and more responsible
• Senator McGee was a big supporter as well at the time.
• The Friends of Natick Trails support Senate 3077.
• You're supporting micromobility, bicycles.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on the governor’s Ride Safe Act, S. 3077, and related micromobility bills. Chairs and administration officials described the bill as a statewide, speed-based framework for e-bikes, scooters, mopeds, and similar devices, intended to replace outdated device categories with clearer rules for age limits, helmets, equipment, operating locations, registration, insurance for higher-speed devices, and restrictions on tampering. They also emphasized improved crash-data collection, a working group for future updates, and battery safety standards such as UL certification to reduce fire risk. Committee members asked about enforcement, shared-use paths, commuter rail accommodations, battery storage, and how the bill would apply to other vehicles like quads; the administration said some issues would need further study or follow-up. Testimony from advocates, municipal officials, and commission members was mixed but generally supportive of clearer statewide rules. Transportation and safety advocates backed the speed-based tier system but urged additional measures, including a default speed limit on shared-use paths, automated enforcement, and more funding for Complete Streets and Shared Streets programs. Bike shop and police representatives said current laws are confusing for riders and law enforcement and that better definitions and data reporting are needed. Several speakers stressed that enforcement and education will be critical, and that local patchwork rules are difficult to apply consistently. Medical testimony strongly supported tighter protections for young riders. Pediatric emergency and trauma doctors described a sharp rise in serious injuries and deaths involving e-bikes and scooters, including severe pediatric cases, and urged amendments adding a minimum age for faster devices and a universal helmet requirement. They argued that the force and weight of these devices make crashes more dangerous than conventional bicycles and pointed to past Massachusetts safety laws as evidence that age and equipment restrictions can reduce injuries. Some public testimony opposed the bill as written, especially from moped commuters who argued that gas-powered mopeds are being treated differently from comparable electric devices and should be included in the framework. They called for clearer rules on bike-lane access, insurance, parking, and statewide standards for mopeds as vulnerable road users. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and questions only.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't blindly support law enforcement.
• We are coming under federal guidelines, and there is a support system there.
• So we're going to remove this section and ask for your support. Further motion.
• We added back in suicide prevention, behavioral health, behavioral health for adults and for children
• We added back in suicide prevention, behavioral health, behavioral health for adults and for children

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous journal. It then received messages from the governor and Senate, committee reports, and a series of first-reading referrals. Among the new bills introduced were House Bill 841, the Idaho Prior Authorization Reform Act for health insurance; House Bill 842 on budget-limit provisions; House Bill 843 revising the homestead exemption; House Bill 844 on enhanced short-term health plans; House Bill 845 on Medicaid presumptive eligibility by hospitals; and House Bill 846 on student enrollment counseling. Several Senate measures were also referred, including Senate Bill 1305 on water district budgets and Senate Bill 1271 on rat abatement. The House also sent House Joint Memorial 18 to printing and advanced multiple committee-reported bills to second reading or general orders. In Committee of the Whole, members amended and advanced House Bill 717 on motor vehicles, Senate Bill 1227 establishing a framework for AI use in K-12 education, House Bill 668 on child custody interference, and House Bill 750 on programmable money. The AI bill was amended to ensure AI would not replace human teachers, add legislative participation in framework development, and reference parental rights. The custody-interference bill was amended to restore language about taking a child out of state for more than 24 hours. The programmable-money bill was amended to clarify what the term does not include. The committee reported those four bills back without recommendation as amended, while House Bills 530, 627, 598, and 747 were held for further consideration. On third reading, House Bill 659, which would require law enforcement agencies to seek 287(g) agreements with ICE and explain if they cannot participate, drew extensive debate over immigration enforcement, costs, staffing, and whether it would be an unfunded mandate. Supporters said it would improve cooperation with federal authorities and respond to public concern; opponents argued it could burden local agencies and create future obligations. The House passed the bill 41-27. The chamber also passed House Bill 674 on discontinuing telephone service after FCC approval, House Bill 566 repealing unused parks and recreation code, House Bill 568 repealing obsolete Department of Lands provisions, House Bill 574 removing redundant fish and game fine language, and Senate Bills 1244 and 1265 as code-cleanup measures. Several bills were held on the calendar, including House Bills 648, 702, and others. The most extended debate came on Senate Bill 1331, a 2026 budget rescission bill that would impose across-the-board holdbacks, with exceptions for K-12, corrections, state police, and Medicaid. Supporters framed it as a necessary structurally balanced budget and fiscal discipline measure, while opponents argued it was too blunt, not transparent enough, and would harm vulnerable populations and agency services. Members also debated whether the cuts were truly across-the-board or whether JFAC was already restoring priorities through supplemental and enhancement work. The transcript ends during that debate, before a final vote on Senate Bill 1331 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6247 establishes new budget and oversight and support duties for ESDs
• So I urge your support. Thank you. Are there further remarks, Representative Couture?
• So I urge your support. Thank you for the remarks. Representative Couture. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Please support the bill. Further remarks, Representative Keaton. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• to those districts earlier on, so asking for your support.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm very supportive of this, and I think it's very easy to implement.
• So I will be very supportive. All right. Anybody else have a comment?
• So I'm very supportive of this. And there are no more comments.
• staff maybe feel hampered and don't have enough support.
• units if they had 40 support units.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 16 and 17 without objection. It then heard House Bill 623, which would require a 60-second moment of silence at the beginning of each public school day. The sponsor and several supporters, including a rabbi, a pastor, a church representative, and a former teacher, argued that the bill is neutral, low-cost, and intended to promote calm, reflection, and better student behavior while protecting religious freedom and parental authority. Some members raised concerns about mandating the practice, local control, whether it could be seen as encouraging prayer, and how it would apply to late arrivals or charter schools. The sponsor said it would apply to public and charter schools but not private schools, and that students could silently read or pray if they wished. The committee passed HB 623 on a 10-4 roll call vote and sent it to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 728, a school funding and staffing definitions bill sponsored by Representative Church. She said the bill would clarify statutory definitions for instructional, administrative, classified, and per-pupil staff, and would move positions that are not directly instructing students into the administrative category, based on LSO review and Department of Education guidance. Supporters said the bill would improve transparency and accountability in how state education dollars are categorized and spent. Questions focused on how the new definitions would affect principals, superintendents, teacher-leaders, mentors, instructional coaches, and rural districts that split duties between teaching and administration. The Idaho Association of School Administrators testified in opposition, warning that the bill would reduce flexibility and could make instructional coaching unsustainable, especially in smaller districts with limited administrative allocations. Members debated whether to hold HB 728 for further clarification or move it forward. A substitute motion to hold the bill until February 27 failed on a 6-8 roll call. The committee then voted on the original motion to send HB 728 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and that motion passed unanimously on the recorded vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the Austin Police Association also supports it.
• So the Austin Police Association also supports it.
• I certainly support those objectives.
• And that's why I do not support this bill.
• I'm supporting this bill, and I have supported the author of the bill up to this point.

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, heard an invocation and pledges, and approved several routine motions, including excuses for absent members, permission for committees to meet while the House was in session, and postponements of some bills. The chamber also received a Senate message listing measures passed by the Senate and adopted a memorial resolution honoring the 21 victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, with remarks entered into the House Journal after a moment of silence. The House then took up a long third-reading calendar and passed a series of Senate bills on topics including criminal justice and corrections sunset provisions (SB 2405, 2406, 2407), election equipment testing (SB 2166), electric grid reliability and attack-preparedness exercises (SB 2148), firefighter collective bargaining (SB 777), DFPS and foster care procedures (SB 1141 and SB 1398), Medicare durable medical equipment billing (SB 1330), property tax administration (SB 1453), probate cleanup and record transfers (SB 1448 and SB 1839), mental health filing procedures (SB 53), school residency for children in safety placements (SB 226), diabetes-related amputation study (SB 1677), rapid DNA analysis (SB 1723), utility rate transparency and capacity cost recovery (SB 1664 and SB 1856), community supervision eligibility (SB 552 postponed), and other measures. Several bills passed with broad support, while others drew notable opposition and narrower margins, including SB 777, SB 2137, SB 2111, SB 1677, SB 1936, SB 1453, and SB 38. Two bills drew especially extensive debate. SB 2148, dealing with electricity supply chain reliability and tabletop exercises for critical facilities, was discussed as a grid-security measure aimed at coordinating utilities, law enforcement, ERCOT, and the PUC in the event of physical attacks; it passed unanimously. SB 1936, changing how LSD is measured for criminal prosecution from dosage-based to weight-based calculations, prompted extended discussion about lab consistency, carrier mediums, and fairness in charging, with supporters saying it would help crime labs and law enforcement and opponents warning it could distort penalties depending on the medium used; it passed 108-26. The House also passed SB 36, creating a Homeland Security Division within DPS, after questions about overlap with TDEM and the cost of adding personnel. Late in the day, the House debated SB 38 on eviction procedures, with supporters saying it targeted squatters and streamlined removal of unauthorized occupants, and opponents arguing it would make evictions too easy and worsen homelessness; it passed 85-44. The chamber also began debate on SB 37, a major higher-education governance bill that would expand governing-board oversight of curriculum, hiring, and faculty senates; members raised concerns about academic freedom, faculty governance, and the impact on humanities programs, and debate was still underway at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• the veterinary students' enrollment in 2027, these funds that Idaho has, that they're giving for supported
• I think the more prevalent cryptocurrency becomes, the more opportunities there will be for bad behavior
• I'm Elizabeth Kreiner, and I'm here today on behalf of Google, and we're here to speak in support of
• We're here today to support 1297, the Conversational AI Safety Act. ...higher industry.
• We're here today to support 1297, the Conversational AI Safety Act, that we believe is a thoughtful and

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee considered several introductory requests and one bill. Senator Tammy Nichols presented RS 33432, which would update Idaho’s contract requirements for students receiving state funds for veterinary school by requiring, beginning with the 2027 enrollment year, a commitment to practice in Idaho with a focus on mixed agricultural animal medicine and to serve at least 600 hours per year with agricultural animals. She said it would strengthen Idaho’s return on investment and help address large-animal veterinary shortages, with no added cost. The committee voted to introduce the RS. Senator Adams then presented RS 33440, a measure urging Congress to exercise its war powers before deploying the Idaho National Guard, citing past deployments and the need for congressional authorization. The committee voted to introduce that RS as well. Senator Rutledge presented RS 33426, which would create a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency kiosks, or Bitcoin ATMs, to address fraud, money laundering, and scams, especially targeting seniors and vulnerable Idahoans. He cited rising losses from crypto scams and said the proposal was developed with input from state agencies and industry groups, using a light regulatory touch. The committee voted to introduce the RS. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1297, the Conversational AI Safety Act, from Senator Taves. The bill would require conversational AI operators to disclose when users are interacting with AI, adopt protocols for suicidal ideation, restrict sexually explicit content and gamification for minors, provide parental supervision tools, and impose civil penalties and injunctions for violations without creating a private right of action. Google testified in support, saying it already uses similar safety-by-design measures and that the bill would set a consistent industry floor while protecting minors. The committee voted to send SB 1297 to the floor with a do pass recommendation, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Brian, uh, and I wanna thank my house colleagues who are here, uh, in support of the bill
• The scientific evidence supporting these emerging therapeutics continues to expand.
• I urge Texas legislative, excuse me, legislators to support HB 3717 to examine the scientific evidence
• 2021, it is incredible to be back in the Texas State Capitol surrounded by so many patriots and supporters
• As Marcus mentioned to date, we've supported roughly 1000 veterans who've chosen to leave the country

Transcript Highlights:

• Malik Bynum, on behalf of the County Behavioral Health Directors Association, in support.
• Chair and members, Malik Bynum, on behalf of the County Behavioral Health Directors Association and Support
• Malik Bynum, on behalf of the County Behavioral Health Directors Association, in support.
• It's 89% of child support payments on pass-through child support, not overall child support orders.
• It's 89% of child support payments on pass-through child support, not overall child support orders.

Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee met without quorum for part of the hearing and proceeded on several bills, with testimony focused on probate access, domestic violence protections, child support services, and an immigration resolution. On AB 1660, the author and county public administrators said financial institutions often delay or refuse lawful requests for account information and assets, causing harm to estates and vulnerable people; banks and credit union representatives opposed the new penalties, arguing the underlying statute may be outdated and that fraud concerns require more verification. The author agreed to amend the bill to make penalties discretionary rather than mandatory, and the bill ultimately passed out of committee to the floor with a due-pass recommendation and later add-on approval. AB 1657, by Assembly Member Rogers, would bar courts from requiring domestic violence survivors seeking temporary restraining orders to notify the alleged abuser before filing; the Sonoma County district attorney and others supported it as a safety measure, and it passed unanimously to the floor with multiple members requesting coauthor status. The committee also heard AB 1643, which would automatically enroll custodial parents in child support services after a support order is entered unless they opt out. The author and child support officials argued the bill would increase access to free enforcement and collection services, reduce child poverty, and help families who do not complete the current application process; some members raised concerns about fees, opt-out clarity, and whether automatic enrollment could interfere with amicable co-parenting arrangements. After discussion about the program’s funding and the need for a clear opt-out process, the bill was moved to the Human Services Committee, with some members voting no or not voting and later add-on action placing it on call and then advancing it. The committee also considered SJR 8, urging Congress to modernize the federal immigration registry so long-term undocumented residents could qualify for lawful permanent residency on a rolling basis; supporters described it as a long-overdue pathway for immigrant families and workers, and the resolution was adopted to the floor after a vote and later add-on action. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly emphasized the need to balance enforcement, fraud prevention, and access to services. Several members supported the domestic violence and probate bills as necessary fixes to existing systems, while others urged continued work with stakeholders on standardized forms, clearer procedures, and modernized safeguards. The committee also took up consent items and add-ons, including AB 1597, AB 1651, and AB 1652 on consent, and later finalized votes on the measures discussed above.

Transcript Highlights:

• I wholeheartedly support it.
• . support, college and career readiness, and family supportive services.
• support orders, collecting payments, and ensuring families receive the support they need.
• We support issue number one, to work to move from mandated reporting to community support.
• Support the people; they support you.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is some, I just want to be here to support this bill.
• So we do support this bill.
• We want to go on record in support of this. This is permissive.
• The behavior problems seen while in the care of the Department of, The behavior problems seen while in
• Well, I'm in support of this bill.

Keywords: 959, house, all