Transcript Highlights:

• In cases where a violation is reported and an internal investigation results in no disciplinary action
• When concerns<00:16:33.600><c> are</c><00:16:33.839><c> handled</c><00:16:34.320><c> internally,</c><
• 00:16:35.759><c> the</c> concerns are handled internally, the concerns are handled internally, the focus
• where those pressures still internal where those pressures still exist. exist. exist.
• investigation results in and an internal investigation results in no<00:17:04.720><c> disciplinary</

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• What OjaA did because we've been requesting these funds previously is we identified internal funds that
• So, what the rate is, is what we've been advocating with OjaA has been paying internally.
• I think the root of the question is that we have been really focused on what we can do internally to
• But to prioritize it, we have internally identified the funds to bring the direct care staff, which are
• Secondly, we We have full-time clinicians internally at Kojak.

Committee: House A&B Human Services Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is a chart of international different countries and their scam losses.
• Internal information sharing...
• Internal information sharing within our organization is very important.
• I'll clarify that it's not the internal regulations.
• I'll clarify that it's not the internal regulations. Great question.

Summary: The committee began with a work session on the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee’s cannabis market study, presented by JLARC staff member Susanna Pratt. The report found Washington’s cannabis production in 2023 was likely two to three times higher than retail sales, with production estimated at 292,000 to 443,000 pounds of THC versus 139,000 pounds sold. Pratt explained that canopy data are inconsistent and that the Liquor and Cannabis Board’s traceability system is incomplete and unreliable, limiting data-driven regulation, tax verification, recall tracking, and diversion enforcement. JLARC recommended that LCB submit a plan by the end of 2025 for obtaining accurate licensee data by the end of 2026; LCB partially concurred and said a 2027 timeline may be more realistic. JLARC also concluded that the social equity producer licenses would likely have only a minimal effect on statewide production capacity, and suggested the legislature consider broader ways to increase equity in the industry. Members asked about the slow issuance of social equity licenses and about comparable traceability systems in other states. The committee then heard a series of presentations on fraud and scam prevention. Paul Benda of the American Bankers Association described the scale of fraud losses, the role of telecom spoofing, social media scam ads, SIM farms, and crypto ATMs, and argued for a shared-responsibility approach involving banks, telecoms, and platforms. Katie Clark of IQ Credit Union described member-to-member fraud, romance scams, and the operational and financial impacts on credit unions, and recommended better information sharing, safe harbors for returning scam-related funds, and stronger fraud education. Kyle Innes of SIFMA highlighted investor fraud and Washington’s 2009 report-and-hold law, which he said helped shape similar protections in most states, and emphasized the need for better communication among financial firms, APS, and law enforcement. Brian Gerard and Ali Higgs from the Department of Financial Institutions discussed “pig butchering” and other investment scams, focusing on how scammers build trust through social media, dating apps, fake websites, and crypto schemes before extracting funds. Across the fraud presentations, witnesses repeatedly stressed consumer education, interagency information sharing, and stronger controls on telecom, social media, and crypto ATM activity. Members asked about model laws from other states, the role of financial education in schools, and whether crypto ATMs should be regulated or banned. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have three internal inspectors general, um, but the idea would have to be an independent office that
• We have three internal inspectors general, um, but the idea would have to be an independent office that
• So I think an opportunity where we have more internal audit structures, where somebody can take what
• So if they're going to do another type of audit function, add that internal function that goes along
• </c> opportunity where we have more internal opportunity where we have more internal audit<00:23:34.120

Transcript Highlights:

• They're not interning with Kentucky Office of A Policy, but they are interning with the Kentucky Department
• 04:00.879><c> Kentucky</c> several interns at the Kentucky several interns at the Kentucky Department
• They're not intern here with us today.
• </c><00:04:17.040><c> of</c><00:04:17.199><c> A</c> interning with Kentucky Office of A interning with
• 00:04:44.479><c> of</c><00:04:44.639><c> Consumer</c> interning with the Office of Consumer interning

Summary: The Tobacco Settlement Oversight Committee received a monthly report from the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy and the A Development Board/Finance Corporation. Staff reviewed May activity, including county council visits, loan and grant approvals, farm safety funding, and support for beginning farmers, agricultural infrastructure, processing, and county/state projects. The committee also recognized an intern and thanked Tara Roberts for her service as she prepares to leave the agency. Members were reminded about a June 20 anniversary event marking 25 years of the office and related programs. A major topic was K-CARD, the Kentucky Center for Agricultural and Rural Development. Staff explained that the program is being expanded to provide more technical assistance for beginning farmers and farm families, including help with business plans and estate planning/farm transition discussions. Members asked how farmers would access the service and were told the extension office would be the front-line contact, with K-CARD providing the technical assistance and neutral-site consultations. The committee also discussed support for large food animal veterinarians. Staff said the incentive program has helped more than 33 veterinarians and is intended to support existing providers rather than quickly increase numbers; members raised concerns about the pipeline and selection process at Auburn University, and staff said discussions with the university were ongoing. The committee then heard from Community Farm Alliance on Kentucky Double Dollars, Fresh Rx for Moms, and farmers market support programs. CFA reported expansion to roadside stands, more retail onboarding, seven new counties, and estimated economic and farmgate impacts, emphasizing that state funding helps leverage federal and private dollars and stabilize local food access programs. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approving the May minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• When international trade initiatives are being developed, small business voices can easily be drowned
• WHEN INTERNATIONAL TRADE INITIATIVES ARE BEING DEVELOPED, SMALL BUSINESS VOICES CAN EASILY BE DROWNED
• I proudly represent California's 42nd District, an international hub for America's small businesses.
• Businesses in my district connect with diverse companies and international markets every Day and are
• Furthermore, the PSCA is a key contributor, creating jobs and fostering investment from international

Bills: HR818 , HR832 , HR825 , HR828 , HR804 , HR754 , HR788

Keywords: impeachment, judge, criminal conduct, judicial behavior, Supreme Court, assassination attempt, sentencing, ideology, National Chemistry Week, education, STEM careers, science promotion, public engagement, government transparency, communication, House of Representatives, appropriations, furlough, Federal agencies, military service

Transcript Highlights:

• International students, of course, that's global engagement, which not only for those international students
• The states, the Minnesota, and international.
• And we take great pride in being an international marketplace.
• So we take great pride in being an international meeting place.
• that we have. ...over a lot of international folks.

Summary: The committee first reviewed the 2024-25 tuition waiver report for the North Dakota University System. Staff explained that waivers were reported for degree-seeking students and broken out by residency, institution, and waiver type. Members asked about partial versus full waivers, institutional discretion, athletic waivers, and whether campuses have published guardrails or transparency requirements. Staff said most waivers are set by institutions, with some statutory and board-required categories, and that athletic waivers are a small share of total waiver dollars. The report showed total gross tuition of $354.5 million, tuition waived of $38.9 million, and 11,193 of 42,040 students receiving some waiver. Members also discussed how waivers affect net tuition revenue, housing and food collections, and whether campuses are using waivers strategically compared with scholarships and other funding sources. The committee then heard a presentation on tuition rates by campus and State Board policy. Staff explained the board’s tuition factors for resident, Minnesota reciprocity, contiguous-state/U.S. nonresident, and international students, and noted that campuses often seek exceptions based on program-specific competition and enrollment goals. Members asked whether rates are based on cost or competition, and staff said campuses typically bring forward estimates and market comparisons when requesting special rates. The presentation also reviewed general fund appropriations versus net tuition revenue by campus, and members discussed how local tuition decisions and waivers do not directly affect the state funding formula, though they do affect institutional revenue and reserves. Questions were also raised about the Higher Learning Commission’s financial composite indicator and how it differs from the more intuitive reserve and revenue figures. The committee next received a broad overview of non-higher-education entities affiliated with the State Board of Higher Education, beginning with NDSU agriculture-related units. Dr. Greg Lardy described the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education, the NDSU Extension Service, the Agricultural Experiment Station, and the branch research centers, emphasizing their statewide role in crop and livestock research, extension education, and county-based outreach. He outlined funding mixes for extension, the experiment station, and branch stations, noting that grants and contracts support both research and education, while the agronomy seed farm is self-funded through seed sales. Members asked about the new and vacant FTE pool, R1 research status, matching requirements for grants, and whether state appropriations count toward research expenditures. Dr. Lardy also highlighted major research impacts, including crop varieties, virtual fencing, AI-assisted weed control, and NDAWN weather data. The Northern Crops Institute and the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute also presented. NCI described its role in market development, technical services, and education for regional agriculture, its governance through the Northern Crops Council, and its funding from state appropriations, other states, and earned revenue. Members asked about the source of out-of-state funding, intellectual property, and the institute’s international reach. UGPTI then outlined its transportation research, federal and state funding structure, and work on road and bridge condition assessments, travel demand modeling, and workforce training. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• So there is a lot of international harmonization on this topic.
• So there is a lot of international harmonization on this topic. relevant IEC standards, so there's a
• lot of international harmonization on this topic, and also other relevant regulation and FDA guidance
• Definitely something that we think a lot and discuss a lot about internally.
• This has been so far tied to funding efforts internal to stand. process looks like.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before, in the 2023-2025 biennium, we did that internally within the department.
• So we did it internally.
• The other had to do with the internal management of the funds.
• Are we including all these client funds as internally managed?
• An internal program is one that goes direct.

Summary: The Budget Section met with a quorum, approved the December 10, 2025 minutes, and received a general fund and revenue update from the Office of Management and Budget. OMB reported the state was about $2 million ahead of forecast biennium-to-date, with an estimated ending general fund balance of about $397.5 million. Joe Morset also reviewed balances in major funds, oil tax revenues, interest income, federal grant reporting, fiscal irregularities, the voluntary separation incentive program, vacancy savings, and the FTE pool. Members asked about the higher-than-forecast interest income, the effective oil tax rate and stripper-well production, the impact of temporary pay adjustments and vacancy savings, and whether the voluntary separation program could reduce institutional knowledge or shift duties to remaining staff. The committee then approved four Emergency Commission requests: $5.26 million for DPI to support an AI-enabled tutoring platform, $105,000 from the general fund contingency for Corrections GPS monitoring, about $1.963 million for HHS SPACES eligibility system upgrades tied to Medicaid work requirements, and about $1.2 million for SNAP eligibility IT improvements. Legislative Council reported remaining interim spending authority after those approvals, and NDIT gave an update on digital accessibility compliance efforts, saying the state has made substantial progress on websites and PDFs but that applications will take longer to remediate. NDIT also reported on the Infinite Campus student information system rollout, noting data migration remains the biggest challenge and that a supplemental vendor is being brought in to help get districts ready for summer go-live. Greg Hoffman then gave a brief update on NDIT’s operational fund, saying cash remains negative in PeopleSoft but accounts receivable keeps the fund functioning within federal limits. The Supreme Court reported on its new and vacant FTE funding pool, saying it has filled 7 of 10 new positions and has realized some vacancy savings, and Legislative Council provided a similar report for the legislative branch along with a reminder that budget action reports are available online. The Department of Transportation presented its Flexible Transportation Fund, explaining the fund’s allocation formulas and ranking process, and sought Budget Section approval for two projects over the $10 million threshold: a Medora city streets and sidewalk project and a Cass County bridge replacement. Members questioned whether funding Medora streets could set a precedent for city street reconstruction and whether the bridge application process fully reflects statewide needs. DOT said the projects were scored competitively and that the bridge list does not capture all deficiencies statewide.

Transcript Highlights:

• So on March 26 of this year, the International Olympic Committee announced it will only allow biological
• But in fact, it's the International Olympic Committee that has taken actions to ensure this level of
• The International Olympic Committee does not think so, and the UN also matters.
• But evidently the International Olympic Committee doesn't think so.
• And even the International Olympic Committee has recognized that it's common sense.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our concern is we're the only retirement system in the state that internally manages funds.
• In some cases, these votes have to be, our international equities have to be voted in person.
• As Trey pointed out, we run a lot of money internally, mostly in passive index funds.
• Our concern is we're the only retirement system in the state that internally manages funds.
• As Tray pointed out, we run a lot of money internally, mostly in passive index funds.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 750 by Rep. Cox, the “Click to Cancel Act,” regulating automatic renewal contracts. After adopting technical and substantive amendments, members discussed easier cancellation methods, reduced notice requirements, shorter record-retention periods, a 30-day cure period, small-business exemptions, and limiting damages to actual damages. The bill drew support from consumer advocates and opposition cards from industry groups, and it was reported favorably as amended. House Bill 259 by Rep. DeWitt addressed damage to underground infrastructure during BEAD-funded broadband excavation projects, requiring notice before digging and making contractors repair or pay for damage before final payment is released. An amendment added pre-construction coordination, a point of contact, and fault-based liability language. Members discussed rural utility damage, broadband buildout, and the need to protect small water systems; the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then considered HB 220 by Rep. Schlegel, which requires covered platforms to maintain an easy-to-use reporting mechanism for child sexual abuse material and exploitation. After technical and clarifying amendments, the sponsor and members discussed scope, nonprofit and small-business exclusions, AG enforcement discretion, and concerns about clear-and-conspicuous placement. The bill was reported favorably as amended. Next, HB 830 by Rep. Wright required proxy advisors to disclose when anti-management recommendations are not based on written financial analysis and to provide that analysis when it exists. After amendments excluding certain affiliates and 501(c)(3) charities, the sponsor and a witness argued the bill was about transparency and fiduciary duty, while LASERS testified in opposition, saying the measure could make proxy advice unavailable and create a hardship for its internally managed portfolio. The bill was nonetheless reported favorably as amended. The committee also advanced HB 463 by Rep. McMakin, which raises the maximum local 9-1-1 service charge from $1.25 to $2.00, with an amendment requiring annual reporting and local governing authority approval; testimony explained the funding need for Next Generation 9-1-1, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee began HB 536 by Rep. Coates on wireless communication facilities near schools. After adopting technical and then lengthy substantive amendments narrowing the school proximity zone, adjusting setbacks, adding co-location and permit timing provisions, and clarifying uniform application, members raised concerns about whether the bill duplicated existing safety standards, could delay deployment, and whether it would apply only to new towers. The sponsor and a parent witness emphasized school safety and emergency planning, but discussion remained ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to introduce my intern this year.
• </c><00:10:04.560><c> I</c> like to introduce my intern this year.
• I like to introduce my intern this year.
• ><c> many</c><00:10:06.959><c> times</c> haven't taken interns very many times haven't taken interns
• </c> having an intern anyway. So thank you. having an intern anyway. So thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• That determination is made internally within DFPS and is not subject to third-party validation before
• The bill also provides for an internal DFPS review while the hearing is pending.
• Success, I think today we have our internal review process.
• It's self-internal to pull people. Yes. There's not a mechanism for that at this point.
• Okay, who's going to UT San Antonio as an intern from UT?

Bills: SB397 , SB481 , SB596 , SB760 , SB855 , SB1195 , SB1196 , SB1233 , SB1257 , SB1318 , SB1368 , SB1388 , SB1398 , SB1524 , SB1558 , SB1589 , SB1677 , SB1792 , SB2034

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Not only has the company been recognized locally, but it also recently achieved international recognition
• Senate Resolution 111 by Senator Padilla, relative to International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia,
• Senate Resolution 111 by Senator Padilla, relative to International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia,
• This international day, which this resolution commemorates, is observed globally around the world as
• This resolution recognizes the International Day against homophobia, biphobia, interphobia...

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on floor privileges and recognitions. Members welcomed a delegation from Catalonia on the 40th anniversary of the California-Catalonia sister-state relationship, Solano Community College’s speech and debate team, and several small business honorees, including Royal Clothiers and Old California Botanicals. The chamber also recognized Tennessee Rep. Justin Jones for his advocacy on democracy and voting rights, with multiple senators speaking in support of his visit. On business, the Senate confirmed Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Laura Ederton Speed as Executive Director of the State Bar, both by unanimous 35-0 votes. The body adopted SCR 163 designating May as California Tourism Month, highlighting tourism’s economic impact, and SCR 170 declaring Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Week, with extensive testimony from senators about the trauma firefighters and first responders face and the need to reduce stigma and expand support. The Senate also adopted SCR 174 marking the 60th anniversary of California’s pilot regional centers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, emphasizing the system’s role in community-based care. The Senate adopted SR 111 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia after extended debate focused on LGBTQ rights, hate violence, and the need for allies to speak out; the resolution passed 26-0. The chamber then approved a second-day consent calendar of multiple bills by 34-0, moved SCR 116 to the inactive file, granted reconsideration on SR 111 for a later session, and heard motions to adjourn in memory of Carl Anthony and Lupe Estrella. The Senate announced committee hearings and then adjourned to reconvene Monday, May 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> organizations like the International organizations like the International Olympic Olympic Olympic
• There may be some internal things that we're working on also.
• There may<00:04:01.760><c> be</c><00:04:01.920><c> some</c><00:04:02.120><c> internal</c><00:04:02.520
• ><c> things</c><00:04:02.720><c> that</c><00:04:02.840><c> we're</c> may be some internal things that
• we're may be some internal things that we're working<00:04:03.320><c> on</c><00:04:03.440><c> also.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of you attended the MRO hanger celebration at Oklahoma City International Airport, WillRogers International
• If you've been at Tulsa International, you've seen that amazing tall structure going up there in the
• And we also have internal way stations.
• That project is at Davis Davis, which we call an internal way station And that internal weigh station
• The internal way stations versus the ports of entry are really important Because they help us keep track

Committee: House A&B Transportation Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• We're looking into internal solutions that might help make the process more efficient, including new
• We're looking into internal solutions that might help make the process more efficient, including new
• We're<00:07:30.639><c> looking</c><00:07:30.880><c> into</c><00:07:31.120><c> internal</c><00:07:31.599
• ><c> solutions</c> We're looking into internal solutions We're looking into internal solutions that<00
• </c> recommendations that we keep internally. recommendations that we keep internally.

Transcript Highlights:

• building code is comprised of a number of model codes and standards developed and published by international
• to the bill, the State Building Code Council is directed to adopt a mandatory appendix to the International
• Building Code to International Building Code as amended by Washington, just to be clear that we never
• adopt the full International Building Code.
• I think the only thing I really wanted to highlight when we were having internal conversations with folks

Bills: HB2228 , HB2273 , HB2418 , HB2381

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: building code, safety regulations, construction, scissor stairs, state standards, embodied carbon, building materials, sustainability, environment, permit review, project permits, land use, zoning, development regulations, residential development, housing permits, affordable housing, local government, county planning, city planning

Transcript Highlights:

• First up, we have STR 12 SD1 recognizing International Dark Sky Week.
• committee, Eliah Johnson on behalf of the Mona Observatories in support of STR 12 recognizing International
• </c> recognizing International Dark Sky Week. recognizing International Dark Sky Week.
• Up first, we have STR 12 recognizing International Dark Sky Week.
• </c> recognizing International Dark Sky Week. recognizing International Dark Sky Week.

Committee: House Culture & Arts

Summary: The Committee on Culture and Arts heard several resolutions recognizing observances and cultural/historical initiatives. STR 12 SD1 recognized International Dark Sky Week; DLNR and the University of Hawaii discussed the advisory task force structure, with the university agreeing to continue as chair, and the measure was later passed with amendments. STR 112 SD1 requested Honolulu City Hall be lit purple for National Purple Heart Day, but because the resolution could not create a permanent standing request, the committee amended it to apply only to August 7, 2025. STR 131 urged the state to acquire the Hawaii Theatre to preserve its cultural and historic significance and keep it in public use, and STR 169 SD1 asked the state archives to expand outreach and civic engagement; DAGS supported both measures, with the state archivist emphasizing the value of connecting people to documentary heritage and civics education. The committee also considered STR 197 SD1, which recognized June 1 as Indigenous Peoples Day, July 1 as Canada Day, and September 30 as Truth and Reconciliation Day in acknowledgment of ties between Hawaii and Canada. DBEDT supported the resolution, and a member asked about possible tariff impacts on tourism from Canada, with the department saying it would follow up by email. The chair noted there were some individuals in opposition, but no additional testimony was offered during the hearing. After a recess, the committee took up decision-making and adopted all measures. STR 12 SD1 and STR 112 SD1 were passed with amendments, STR 131 and STR 169 SD1 were passed as is, and STR 197 SD1 was passed with amendments including a request that the governor raise a Canadian flag in Hawaii at an appropriate recognition ceremony. The chair closed by noting this was the committee’s last hearing of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• NEXT WE WILL GO ON TO ALBERTO FOR FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY. ALBERTO, ARE YOU THERE?
• NEXT WE WILL HEAR FROM JESUS FOR FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY.
• SHE IS ALSO AT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY'S, A BROWN TEACHER AND ON THE PROUD PARENTS OF THREE
• SENATOR DAVIS CURRENTLY THE PUBLIC LOSS MODEL EXISTS CURRENTLY AT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL THE PUBLIC LOSS
• MODEL EXISTS CURRENTLY AT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY.