Transcript Highlights:

• They also have a patriot or loyalist quiz, along with AI displays featuring history on the Founding Fathers

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The America 250 in Idaho Advisory Council met to review progress on statewide America 250 celebrations and preparations for July 4th events. Members approved the May 11, 2026 minutes and received a financial update showing about $54,967.53 currently available to spend, roughly $474,000 in total expenditures to date, and about $17,500 left to disperse in grants. Treasurer Ellsworth reported strong fundraising and broad participation, including 1,900 volunteer ambassadors and co-branding by cities, counties, businesses, schools, and veterans groups across the state. The council heard updates on numerous commemorative activities, including Liberty Bell-related programming, the Liberty Grove tree-planting effort, the “acts of service” challenge, and local events and exhibits around Idaho. Jesse Barcroft outlined the July 4th Capitol celebration, which will combine a pancake breakfast, parade, flyover, booths, concerts, and Capitol tours, with Josh Ritter as headliner and several food vendors and community booths confirmed. Questions focused on booth participation and ensuring performers’ messaging aligns with the America 250 theme. Additional reports highlighted statewide and national partner efforts. Hannah Lori Hine described federal America 250 programs such as the “Our American Story” oral history trailer in Boise, the “America’s Block Party” listing for Idaho events, the Freedom Truck visit June 7-10, the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., and student contests including the American Heroes art contest and 1776 Presidential Award. Stephen Hatcher of the Idaho Commission on the Arts previewed Cowgirl Congress in the Wood River Valley and the Blackfoot Ranch Rodeo, both tied to traditional arts and cultural heritage. Idaho Public Television also reported on America 250 programming, including educational materials, statewide event coverage, and an upcoming hour-long special on how Idahoans are celebrating the semiquincentennial. The committee agreed to meet again on June 10 and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm doing AI and tech bills this year, and one person said maybe that's not a good idea this year because

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I typed in health care policy initiatives program, Idaho GME pops out, and that may be an error of AI

Summary: The joint Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee met to consider several budget items and related language for the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Health and Welfare. For the Attorney General’s office, members debated competing restoration proposals tied to the Consumer Protection Fund and the Internet Crimes Against Children program. The committee first rejected a narrower substitute focused only on the Internet Crimes Against Children personnel costs, then approved the broader restoration motion and sent it forward with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then took up reconsideration of Senate Bill 1428 items for Health and Welfare, including the Division of Early Learning and Development, the Division of Youth Safety and Permanency, and the Division of Family and Community Partnerships. Members approved funding for moving the Idaho Home Visiting Program to Early Learning and Development, a Walker mower replacement for the Southwest Idaho Treatment Center, transfer authority language, a reporting requirement for the Home Visiting Program, unlimited transfer language for Youth Safety and Permanency to Switzie, restoration funding for post-adoption services and safety assessments, and $180,000 for kinship navigation services. All of these actions received do-pass recommendations. The committee also revisited the Division of Public Health Services after Senate Bill 1401 failed on the House floor. Members approved a substitute that kept the Idaho Home Visiting Program in Public Health Services for now, restored funding for immunization assessment, laboratory testing, ARPA grants, HIV and hepatitis prevention, and suicide prevention, and reduced the Health Care Policy Initiatives program. The committee adopted reporting language on outcomes and return on investment for several public health programs, plus a new report on immigration status data for HIV prevention services. That last language item drew debate over privacy and discrimination concerns, but it was adopted. Finally, the committee addressed the Rural Health Transformation Program, a new federal funding stream for Idaho. Members approved a supplemental appropriation for FY 2026 and a larger FY 2027 appropriation, both with 12 limited-service positions, to support the program’s administration and spending. The committee also adopted intent language clarifying that physician assistant and dental hygienist reforms proposed to CMS should continue and be reported back to JFAC and germane policy committees. The meeting ended early because of time constraints, with the remaining items postponed until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• That cost has only increased with the advent of AI.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 897, which would revise Idaho’s data center sales tax exemption. The sponsor said the bill adds new eligibility criteria tied to electricity service costs and efficient water use, narrows the exemption so it would apply 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 sales tax revenue. He also explained that the bill’s property tax provisions were still being worked on because they could affect existing users, 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 would expand the community infrastructure district (CID) law to allow counties to form CIDs in areas outside a city’s comprehensive plan. The sponsor said the goal is to ensure infrastructure is built ahead of development and that new development pays its own costs rather than shifting them to existing property owners. A representative from Tamarack Resort testified that the change would help developments outside city plans finance roads, water, sewer, power, and other off-site improvements. After questions about how CID bonds and assessments work, the committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Next, the committee heard House Bill 934, a technical cleanup bill for last year’s education tax credit law. The sponsor said it clarifies student age eligibility, limits tutoring expenses to academic instruction, allows curriculum from one or more vendors, prevents families from combining the advance payment with a prior-year credit claim, and clarifies that students participating only in non-credit activities such as sports are not considered enrolled for purposes of the credit. Members asked about possible impacts on public schools and double-dipping concerns, and the sponsor said the bill was intended to match original legislative intent. 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 recognized and thanked page Grace Louder for her service.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so in the interest of money not going towards predictive policing and AI models being used to determine

Bills: HB2416, HB2663, HB2759, HB2806

Keywords: border security, drug trafficking, human smuggling, law enforcement funding, Arizona, public safety, immigration, military leave, national guard, employment rights, paid leave, disaster response, veterans services, education programs, funding, appropriation, Yavapai county, lawful presence, public programs, verification

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not include AI transcripts, and court reporters still must certify the official record if needed

Bills: SB1290, SB1332, SB1369, SB1379, SB1381, SB1386, SB1390, SB1428, SB1584, SB1696, SB175, SB1778, SB1794, SB1806, SB1836, SB201

Keywords: 2-1-1 services, revolving fund, Department of Human Services, crisis pregnancy, abortion, legal funding, housing, infrastructure, water projects, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, economic development, zero-interest loans, clawback provision, local contractors, mental health, crisis services, 988 Lifeline, suicide prevention, behavioral health, human trafficking

Transcript Highlights:

• Last night alone in my office, I asked the smartest man in the room, AI, two questions.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from January 29 and 30. It then took up HCR 25, a resolution calling for an Article V convention effort focused on a balanced budget amendment. The sponsor and supporters argued that the federal debt and annual deficits are unsustainable, that the resolution is intended to pressure Congress rather than actually trigger a runaway convention, and that any amendment would still require ratification by 38 states. Supporters also said a balanced budget amendment would force fiscal discipline without immediate tax hikes or drastic cuts, and several public witnesses, including former officials, a banker, a student, and party leaders, testified in favor on generational and economic grounds. Opponents and skeptical members raised concerns that the resolution explicitly calls for a constitutional convention, that there is no reliable way to limit the scope or delegate selection, and that a convention could create unintended constitutional changes. Some questioned whether the strategy was honest with constituents, whether Congress should instead be changed through elections, and whether states like Idaho should continue accepting federal funds while advocating fiscal restraint. The Idaho Republican Party chair testified against the measure, saying the risk of an uncontrolled convention outweighed any benefit. After debate, Representative Boyle moved a substitute motion to hold HCR 25 in committee, but that motion failed 9-4. The committee then voted on the original motion to send HCR 25 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and that motion passed 9-4. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you tell us, I see that you and Senator Cook have got together about presenting something on an AI

Summary: The committee first considered RS 33019, a joint memorial sponsored by Representative Ben Furman urging Congress to fully fund special education under IDEA. Furman argued that Congress promised 40% funding in 1975 but Idaho currently receives only about 12%, leaving schools and property taxpayers with an unfunded mandate. Several members supported the memorial as a way to press Congress, while others said they wanted a fuller discussion of special education requirements and maintenance-of-effort issues. The committee then voted to introduce RS 33019, with the motion passing on voice vote. The committee next recognized Idaho’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, Laren Johnson of Rigby High School, introduced by Superintendent Debbie Critchfield. Johnson spoke at length about the importance of teacher-student relationships, crediting mentors and describing how he works to connect with students through classes, extracurriculars, and community involvement. He highlighted programs and colleagues at Rigby, his work with Holocaust education and Future Hispanic Leaders of America, and the role of Idaho scholarships and career pathways in helping students stay in the state. Members thanked him for his service and remarks. Critchfield then presented a proposal for Idaho to seek federal flexibility on education rules and testing, including an EdFlex-style waiver and changes to assessment requirements. She said the department had reviewed reporting burdens and wanted to reduce requirements not mandated by state or federal law. The main waiver requests would exempt third graders from duplicative reading tests and allow 11th graders to choose among approved assessments, such as the ISAT, SAT, ACT, ASVAB, or technical exams, to better match student goals. Members asked about district testing practices, the portability of the ISAT, and future AI-related policy work. Critchfield said the proposal was out for public comment and would go to the State Board of Education before federal submission.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you tell us, I see that you and Senator Cook have got together about presenting something on an AI

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first heard Representative Ben Furman present RS 33019, a joint memorial urging Congress to fully fund special education under IDEA. Furman said Congress originally promised to cover 40% of excess special education costs but Idaho currently receives about 12%, leaving the state and local property taxpayers to absorb the gap. Several members supported the memorial as a way to press Congress on an unfunded mandate, while others noted they wanted a broader discussion of special education funding and related policy issues. The committee voted to introduce RS 33019, and it was approved. The committee then recognized Idaho’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, Laren Johnson, introduced by Superintendent Debbie Critchfield. Johnson, a Rigby High School teacher, spoke at length about the importance of building relationships with students, mentors, and colleagues, saying teaching is about connecting with kids rather than just delivering subject matter. He described examples from his own career and from programs at Rigby High School, including Holocaust studies, FFA, and student support efforts, and emphasized how teachers can change students’ lives through personal attention and encouragement. Superintendent Critchfield then presented Idaho’s request for federal flexibility in education rules and testing. She said the state has spent years reviewing requirements to reduce unnecessary reporting and is seeking a waiver and EdFlex-style authority to give Idaho more control over assessments and local innovation. The proposal would allow Idaho to avoid double-testing third graders in reading and to let 11th graders choose among approved assessments such as the ISAT, SAT, ACT, ASVAB, or career-technical tests, while still meeting federal requirements. Members asked about whether districts could still double test, how the ISAT is used, and the status of an AI protocol discussion; Critchfield said the waiver request is still in public comment and would go to the Board of Education before federal review.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill further requires the department to partner with the Lassenger Center in an adaptive AI-based

Summary: The Senate Education Pre-K through 12 Committee met with a quorum and considered several education-related bills. SB 1036 on school counselors was amended with a technical clarification and reported favorably. SB 1136 on dental screenings for K-12 students was converted by delete-all amendment to place the screening definition in the School Health Services Act and align notice and parent-exemption procedures; it also passed favorably, with support noted from PTA and other witnesses. SB 920 on mathematics education was reported favorably after discussion of applied algebra courses tied to career pathways, while preserving Algebra I standards, the end-of-course exam, graduation requirements, and university admission eligibility. SB 1216 on public school personnel compensation, which would give districts more flexibility on pay, cost-of-living adjustments, and advanced degrees, also passed favorably with broad support from educators and former school board members. The committee then approved SPB 7022, which reenacts and extends a public records exemption for classroom examination and assessment instruments through 2031 and expands coverage to district school boards and public schools. SB 464 on observance of Veterans Day in K-12 schools was reported favorably after extensive debate about whether schools should be closed or could instead hold Veterans Day programs; supporters emphasized statewide consistency and honoring veterans, while some members raised scheduling and instructional-day concerns. SB 538 on physical education and extracurricular participation was amended to establish standardized eligibility rules for public, private, virtual, and home education students, limit duplicate participation across schools, require annual participation in the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, and leave coach compensation to district discretion; it was then reported favorably. SB 178 on athletics and public K-12 schools was amended to add a $15,000 annual cap on coach personal spending per team and was reported favorably after discussion about good-faith support for student-athletes, recruiting concerns, and the need for guardrails. A temporary postponement was announced for SB 430 on the oath of school personnel. At the end of the meeting, Senator Osgood recorded a favorable vote on SB 1036, and the committee adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill further requires the department to partner with the Lassenger Center in an adaptive AI-based

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee considered and reported favorably several bills. SB 1036, as amended, addressed the shortage of school counselors by clarifying certification requirements; SB 1136, as amended by a delete-all amendment, authorized non-invasive dental screenings in schools as part of preventive dental programs with parent notice and exemption procedures; and SB 920 proposed applied algebra courses tied to technical skills and career pathways while still requiring students to pass the Algebra I end-of-course exam. Each of these bills was supported in committee and passed favorably. The committee also approved SB 178, as amended, to allow coaches to provide good-faith support to student-athletes, such as food, transportation, and recovery services, with reporting requirements and a $15,000 annual cap per team; members discussed the need for guardrails to prevent recruiting abuse and noted possible expansion beyond FHSAA. SB 1216, on educator compensation, would give districts more flexibility to use compensation tools beyond the current rigid framework, and it was reported favorably with support from members citing retention and inflation concerns. The committee also adopted SPB 7022, which reenacts and extends a public records exemption for certain examination and assessment instruments to 2031 and expands coverage to district school boards and public schools. Later, SB 464 was reported favorably to require all school districts to formally observe Veterans Day as a school holiday. Members debated whether schools should be closed or could instead hold programs or professional development, but the bill advanced with support emphasizing consistency and honoring veterans. Finally, SB 538, as amended, established standardized participation rules for extracurricular activities across public, private, virtual, and home education students, addressed participation fees and multiple-school participation, and allowed districts to determine coaches’ compensation. The committee adjourned after recording an additional favorable vote on SB 1036 by Senator Osgood.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of that has to do with how the Board of Animal Health has handled High Path AI.

Transcript Highlights:

• These cameras utilize AI technology that watches for certain situations such as distracted driving, rolling

Bills: SB215, SB1104, SB1351, SB1931, SB2245, SB2589, SB2707, SB2807, SB1423, SB1568

Keywords: education, funding, school districts, local control, equity, digital identification, identity verification, Department of Public Safety, Texas legislature, wireless communication, Texas, technology, identification program, fee structure, wireless devices, public safety, hunting license, handgun license, fingerprinting, dealer license

Transcript Highlights:

• So what this bill intends to do is accept the fact that we are now inundated more and more with AI that

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard House Bill 1582, a study bill on false accusations and false reports of a crime. The sponsor argued the issue is broad but important, citing concerns about weaponized accusations in custody, civil, and political disputes and saying the study should gather statistics on how often these offenses are charged and prosecuted. Testimony in support came from the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents and the North Dakota Association for Justice, both describing cases where false domestic-violence allegations or false reports caused arrests, jail time, and court burdens, while noting the difficulty of finding statistics or examples of prosecutions. Members questioned the bill’s scope, and the committee amended it to narrow the study to North Dakota Century Code Chapter 12.1 before giving it a do pass recommendation by roll call vote. The committee then took up House Bill 1613, which addresses autonomous vehicles, robots, and law enforcement use of technology. The sponsor explained the amendment was intended to create definitions for autonomous, remote, lethal, and less-than-lethal systems, while preserving current law enforcement tools such as body cameras, license plate readers, and other cameras, and requiring warrants or use-of-force policies in certain situations. Testimony and discussion focused on ensuring humans remain involved in decisions to deploy weapons, limiting autonomous use of lethal force, and clarifying how drones and other devices could be used for surveillance or emergency response. After discussion of concerns from law enforcement, technology, and other stakeholders, the committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended by roll call vote. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1499, which would make home addresses and telephone numbers of federal judges, magistrate judges, and U.S. Supreme Court justices confidential under state open-records law. The sponsor and the Attorney General’s office said the bill would extend protections already given to state judges and other justice-system employees, noting increased threats to judges and explaining that federal law does not fully protect these records in state files. With no opposition offered, the committee gave the bill a do pass recommendation and then adjourned after noting it had completed action on all 122 bills before it, with only two conference committees remaining.

Transcript Highlights:

• Have you engaged the state veterinarian and requested real data on AI infection, infected rooster operations

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , including our data dashboard that some of you are familiar with, and assessments, accountability, AI

Transcript Highlights:

• So, according to AI, which, of course, is probably never wrong, they weigh 30 to 50% more.
• I just—it looks like to me election integrity issues could come from this, essentially.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of my pillars is to defend family integrity.
• Family integrity, the family unit, is central to society.
• One of my pillars is to defend family integrity.
• Family integrity, the family unit, is central to society.
• Dunbar integrated and was renamed John Spring Junior High.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're also now utilizing the integration of advanced technology, including fire sensors and AI-based
• We’ve been very good at using technology, very good at using AI, very good at hiring people.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Bills: SB1432, SB2024, SB2043, SB2060, SB2069, SB2153, SB2259, SB2319, SB2321, SB2338, SB2360, SB2396, SB2405, SB2407, SB2544, SB2550, SB2552, SB2578, SB2580, SB2607, SB2614, SB2671, SB2800, SB2805, SB2816, SB2835, SB2877, SB2892, SB2928, SB2934, SB3063, SB3199, SB3233, SB3325, HCR8, HCR10, HCR11, HCR13, HCR14, HCR18, HCR19, HCR22, HCR24, HCR31, HCR32, HCR33, HCR35, HCR54, HCR62, HCR63, HCR66, HCR67, HCR82, HCR83, HCR85, HCR91, HCR93, HCR94, HCR96, HCR98, HCR102, HCR104, HCR105, HCR106, HCR110, HCR111, HCR116, HCR117, HCR118, HCR121, HCR122, HCR123, HCR124, HCR125, HCR127, HCR128, HCR137, HCR139, HCR140, HCR141, HCR144, HCR146, HCR162, HCR165, HCR166, HCR173, HCR178, HCR179, HCR180, HCR181, HCR182, HCR185, HCR189, HCR191, HCR192, HCR193, HCR194, HCR200, HCR202, HCR6, HCR36, HCR42, HCR43, HCR44, HCR53, HCR57, HCR61, HCR64, HCR69, HCR84, HCR101, HCR103, HCR107, HCR112, HCR126, HCR136, HCR154, HCR161, HCR175, HCR186, HCR187, HCR188, HCR197, HCR203, HCR204, HCR206, HB1870, HB1588, HB2429, HB2386, HB2583, HB2361, HB2270, HB2137, HB1643, HB1682, HB1692, HB2078, HB1553, HB1667, HB1700, HB1728, HB2293, HB2096, HB1959, HB1511, HB1961, HB1858, HB1897, HB2088, HB2093, HB2279, HB2314, HB2505, HB2433, HB963, HB1705, HB1550, HB469, HB1334, HB1710, HB1737, HB1753, HB1881, HB2309, HB1713, HB1741, HB2062, HB463, HB1839, HB1664, HB2455, HB2417, HB1898, HB1573, HB1768, HB1962, HB2101, HB1782, HB2033, HB1518, HB1642, HB1752, HB2097, HB2282, HB1696, HB1823, HB1886, HB2152, HB2413, HB2503, HB1875, HB1519, HB1509, HB1628, HB1810, HB1990, HB2023, HB2540, HB1679, HB1888, HB2576, HB2592

Keywords: Kalaupapa, Kalawao, Molokai, Maui County, county consolidation, Hansen's disease, leprosy, Department of Health, DOH, patient residents, former patients, public health, transition planning, jurisdiction transfer, county governance, historical preservation, cultural preservation, environmental remediation, community input, Kalaupapa Settlement