Transcript Highlights:

• Sandy Barr, I'm the director for Sierra Club's Grand Canyon Chapter.

Committee: Senate Senate Federalism Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• Ephesians chapter 5, verses 15 and 16.

Bills: HB4139 , HB4143 , HB4144 , HB3974 , HB3303 , HB3790 , HB3697 , HB3262 , HB4226 , HB2936 , HB3322 , HB4296 , HB3278 , HB4202 , HB3648 , HB3500 , HB3037 , HB3428 , HB3257 , HB3432 , HB3043 , HB3044 , HB3078 , HB3940

Summary: The House convened, the roll was called, and the chamber proceeded with opening formalities including an invocation by Chaplain Ronnie Wilson and the Pledge of Allegiance. The chaplain’s message focused on valuing each person’s unique contribution, making the most of each opportunity, and remembering members and families who have experienced loss, including a tribute to Harvey. The House also briefly stood at ease for announcements and administrative matters, including reassignment of measures and scheduling notices. A special floor presentation honored law enforcement officers and first responders involved in a dangerous May 30 pursuit in Atoka County. Representative Eves described how officers from the Atoka Police Department, Stringtown Police Department, and the county sheriff’s office responded to a theft, pursued an armed suspect, and risked their lives to protect a trapped family of five and other citizens. Members gave the officers a standing ovation in recognition of their courage and service. Additional announcements included a reminder about the Civil Judicial Area Committee meeting, introductions of guests in the gallery, birthday wishes for Representative Hasenbeck’s daughter, and notice of a Veterans Military Caucus/committee. No substantive legislation was debated or voted on in the portion provided. The House then adjourned until Monday, February 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation amends Chapter 35, Title 67, Idaho Code by the addition of a new Section 67-3537.

Committee: Senate Local Government and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• State Commanders Veterans Council; Military Officers Association of America; California Council of Chapters

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Summary: The committee heard several tax and local revenue measures. SB 288, by Senator Seyarto, would clarify that for inherited homes going through probate, the Proposition 19 one-year deadline to move in and claim the homeowner exemption begins when the property is legally declared to belong to the heir, rather than during probate. The author accepted committee amendments; Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association supported the bill, and it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 347, by Senator Choi, would reduce the state annual minimum tax from $800 to $600 for LLCs, LLPs, limited partnerships, S corporations, and C corporations. The bill was supported as a small-business tax reduction and passed 5-0 to Appropriations. The committee also considered two veterans property tax measures. SCA 4, by Senator Archuleta, would allow eligible veterans to stack the homeowners exemption with the veterans’ or disabled veterans’ exemption and remove outdated property-value limits in the constitutional veterans’ exemption. Testimony from veteran advocates and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association supported the measure, and it was adopted 5-0 and referred to the Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments. SB 623, the companion statutory bill, would make conforming changes to implement SCA 4; it also drew support from veterans’ groups, the County of San Diego, and Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, and passed 5-0 to the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. SB 762, by Senator Archuleta, would authorize the city of Hercules to place before voters a local sales tax increase of up to 1% to help fund public safety, parks, infrastructure, and other services. Supporters described it as a narrowly tailored local control measure, while the committee noted it would let residents decide whether to tax themselves. The bill passed 4-1 to Local Government. SB 575 by Senator Laird was taken up on the consent calendar, the committee adopted technical amendments, and the consent calendar passed 5-0. The meeting then adjourned after all business was concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Does that language already exist in Chapter 262? We don't want inconsistent statutes. Thank you.

Bills: SB2041 , SB1777 , SB1681 , SB2311

Committee: House Human Services

Keywords: child welfare, foster care, Department of Family and Protective Services, DFPS, Family Code, conservatorship, placement selection, contract residential care, kinship care, relative placement, designated caregiver, best interest of the child, least restrictive setting, placement stability, child protective services, residential treatment, group home, family reunification, Texas foster system, residential care

Transcript Highlights:

• And if we recollect, you know, we have schedules all over the place in Century Code in Chapter 39.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Transportation Committee met to consider House Bill 1298 and related amendments dealing with traffic enforcement, speeding fines, and point assessments. Senator Rummel explained an amendment that would simplify speeding fines to a flat $5 per mile over the limit, address variable speed limit signs, and remove local authority to double speeding fines, while also incorporating the previously approved point changes from House Bill 2243. Those point changes would increase penalties for several serious traffic offenses, including distracted driving, failure to maintain control, improper passing, wrong-side driving, following too closely, driving on a closed road, failure to yield, running a red light, child restraint violations, and move-over violations. Committee members discussed how the bill combines multiple traffic-related changes into one measure, including the increase from 75 to 80 mph on certain highways and the addition of variable speed limit signage. Members noted that the points provisions were the same as those previously approved by the Senate, while the House had made changes that could be worked out later in conference committee. There was also discussion about whether the bill could be divided on the floor, with members concluding that only some sections could be separated and that the package would be difficult to split cleanly. The committee adopted Amendment 25.0496.0.0103 to House Bill 1298 by a 4-2 vote. It then gave the bill a do pass recommendation as amended, also by a 4-2 vote. Senator Rommel was selected to carry the bill, and the meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• House the joint resolution, House Joint Resolution 24, providing for congressional disapproval under Chapter
• House the joint resolution, House Joint Resolution 24, providing for congressional disapproval under Chapter
• House the joint resolution, House Joint Resolution 75, providing for congressional disapproval under Chapter
• </c><02:28:08.880><c> of</c><02:28:09.040><c> Title</c><02:28:09.280><c> 5,</c> disapproval under Chapter
• 8 of Title 5, disapproval under Chapter 8 of Title 5, United<02:28:09.920><c> States</c><02:28:10.240

Bills: HR1048 , HR242 , HB1534

Keywords: House resolution, committee assignment, standing committee, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, committee membership, committee seniority, Mr. Menefee, Mr. Riley of New York, House organization, congressional procedure, internal rules, legislative administration, Energy Conservation, Energy Standards, Department of Energy, Higher Education Act, Foreign Contracts, rules resolution, House Rules Committee, Congressional Review Act

Transcript Highlights:

• or multiple chapters of law. >> Yeah.
• or multiple chapters of law. >> Yeah.
• >> I'm sure it's cross-referenced to a specific chapter of law or multiple chapters of law. >> Yeah.
• >> I'm sure it's cross-referenced to a specific chapter of law or multiple chapters of law. >> Yeah.
• or multiple chapters of law. >> Yeah.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• We're dealing with the 284 chapter, which is about parimutuel betting, not casinos, not 287.
• It falls under that same chapter. Okay.
• It falls under that same chapter. chapter. chapter.
• </c><00:26:47.679><c> if</c><00:26:47.919><c> conducted</c><00:26:48.320><c> in</c> under the chapter
• So if I may, if you look on page three, line 26, we reestablish that chapter of law, right?

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on SB 60, which would expressly authorize advanced deposit wagering for horse racing in New Hampshire and set the online tax rate at 1.25%, matching the existing rate for in-person horse betting at Seabrook and Belmont. Senator Tim Lang said the bill is intended to clarify that online horse betting is permitted, regulate the activity, and create a revenue stream while keeping the tax rate consistent with brick-and-mortar wagering. Members asked about the rate compared with other states, whether the bill was really about casino front money, and whether geofencing would apply; Lang and later witnesses said the bill is narrowly limited to parimutuel horse racing and would use geofencing to keep wagering within New Hampshire. Peter Bragdon, speaking for Churchill Downs, supported the bill and described advanced deposit wagering as remote betting on horse races under the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978. He said Churchill Downs and other operators have long been active in New Hampshire, but the state’s lack of a specific statute has created a gray area. Bragdon said Churchill Downs stopped its own New Hampshire online operations in 2022 after discussions with the Lottery Commission and attorney general, while competitors continued operating, and he framed the bill as a fairness and consumer-protection measure that would clarify the law going forward. He also said the bill would not affect historic horse racing machines and would not create cannibalization of charitable gaming. Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre said the Lottery Commission and attorney general had identified the issue as similar to the earlier fantasy sports situation, where legislation was used to regulate an activity rather than pursue enforcement. He said the commission requested the bill, would serve as the regulator, and would address violations through rulemaking and penalties. McIntyre said operators would maintain customer and transaction records, with the commission reviewing them as needed, and he noted that three operators are currently active in the state and not paying the proposed 1.25% rate. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the bill was a remedial piece of legislation to Senate Bill 417, affecting chapter 377, laws of 2024
• It says no provision<03:41:00.560><c> of</c><03:41:00.720><c> this</c><03:41:00.880><c> chapter</c><03
• :41:01.200><c> is</c><03:41:01.359><c> meant</c><03:41:01.520><c> to</c> provision of this chapter is
• And I would add I do not see this under the statute chapter on privilege communication.
• the statute chapter on privilege communication.<03:59:15.439><c> Correct.

Summary: The committee opened with Senate Bill 22-FN, which would expand child care licensing background checks so the Department of Health and Human Services can receive fuller criminal history information, including pending charges and other non-conviction records, similar to the system already used for school staff. Grant Bossi, for Senator Pearl, and DHHS officials Melissa Clement and Christine Sheay testified in support, saying the bill closes a gap that can allow people with disqualifying charges to work with children. They explained that the FBI record is a snapshot in time, that juvenile records are not included, and that the bill would apply to child care programs including residential group homes. Questions focused on what “confidential criminal history” means and how often checks are repeated; DHHS said checks are done every five years or sooner if new charge information is received. The hearing on SB 22 was then closed. The committee then took up Senate Bill 23-FN, which would expand the child endangerment statute and remove the word “purposely” from part of the language. Senator Pat Long said the bill is intended to strengthen protection for children and allow more serious conduct to be charged appropriately. Testimony from law enforcement, including Executive Counselor Dave Wheeler, Sergeant Ryan Rooney of Nashua Police, and Nicholas Georgulis of Manchester Police, supported the bill as a way to distinguish routine misdemeanor cases from the most egregious abuse and neglect cases, such as children living in squalor or being exposed to severe danger. Wheeler and some members raised concerns that the language could be vague or overbroad and cited a prior Manchester firearm-in-a-car arrest as an example of possible unintended consequences; supporters responded that the bill still requires knowingly violating a duty of care and that the serious bodily injury or death standard limits its reach. Rooney also described a fentanyl overdose case involving an 11-year-old and said the current misdemeanor charge did not fully reflect the seriousness of the conduct. The committee recessed SB 23 briefly to open and close SB 161, then returned to SB 23, which remained under hearing with no final vote taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> So the Municipal Finance Act, which is the RSA chapter 33, already establishes a comprehensive and
• In addition, counties retain bond counsel to ensure that all borrowing complies with RSA chapter 33 and
• In addition, counties retain bond counsel to ensure that all borrowing complies with RSA chapter 33 and

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Transcript Highlights:

• Patty Ornellis and Megan Daya were our destination managers when they were with the Island Chapters,
• Patty Ornellis and Megan Daya were our destination managers when they were with the Island Chapters,
• Patty Ornellis and Megan Daya were our destination managers when they were with the Island Chapters,
• </c><02:32:57.359><c> So</c> um chapters, island visitors bureau.
• So um chapters, island visitors bureau.

Summary: The joint House and Senate tourism briefing focused on the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s interim action plans, current projects, contract oversight, destination management action plans (DMAPs), and the impact of recent legislation and audit findings. Interim CEO Caroline Anderson said she accepted the temporary role to help address agency challenges, emphasized rebuilding trust, and said HTA is reviewing the state auditor’s concerns and posting its response publicly. She also described HTA’s mission and organizational structure under SB 1571, including reporting lines to the governor, the director, and the board, and outlined staff additions in finance, brand marketing, destination stewardship, and planning. A major topic was the permanent CEO search. HTA board chair Tata Po said the goal is to select a CEO within about four months, with the search firm still engaged, the position description being revised to reflect the new law and compensation changes, and approvals still needed before the job can be reposted. Members expressed frustration that the recruitment had been paused and questioned whether HTA has sufficient qualified leadership and staff during the interim period. Board leadership said the current staff is limited by vacancies but that they have confidence in the team and will add resources if needed. Members also pressed HTA on the role of the destination stewardship team and the CNHA/Kilohana contract, asking how staff oversight works and whether staff members were effectively wearing multiple hats. HTA explained that the stewardship team provides direction to contractors and that the work is divided among specialists overseeing projects such as tour guide certification, technical assistance, community tourism collaboratives, and a destination app. The committee also discussed whether the board can still vote on budgets under the new structure; the Attorney General’s office was cited as confirming that the board may advise, but the department director retains budget authority. HTA said it is working with CNHA and HVCB on contract and budget timing, with a goal of shifting to a calendar-year process so recipients know funding earlier.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker. 2 Corinthians, chapter 4, verses 16 through 18.

Bills: SB330 , SB2069 , SB2095 , SB1721 , SB1433 , SB1316 , SB1280 , SB1455 , SB1456 , SB1457 , SB1459 , SB1461 , SB1463 , SB1465 , SB1466 , HJR1088 , SB1684 , SB378 , SB1447 , SB1920 , SB1443 , HR1047 , SB1877 , SB1884 , SB1365 , SB2174 , SB1525 , SB1810 , SB1771 , SB1805 , SB1916 , SB1530 , SB1847 , SB1990 , SB2060 , SB1992 , SB1579 , SB1778 , SB2132 , SB1623 , SB2067 , SB1589 , SB1441 , SB1224 , SB372 , SB1232 , SB1264 , SB1450 , SB2011 , SB2030 , SB1980 , SB1936 , SB1477 , SB1593 , SB1725 , SB1670 , SB1480 , SB1726 , SB1633 , SB1735 , SB1632 , SB1277 , SB1217 , SB1826 , SB1824 , SB1813 , SB1326 , SB1937 , SB1641

Keywords: elk population, wildlife management, Oklahoma State University, veterinary medicine, ecosystem health, habitat assessment, advanced nuclear energy, nuclear power, small modular reactor, SMR, microreactor, generation III+, generation IV, nuclear reactor, nuclear permitting, nuclear licensing, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, OCC, Oklahoma Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, Oklahoma Advanced Nuclear Development Revolving Fund

Transcript Highlights:

• I proudly represent the Hayworth FFA chapter as a national champion in the Environmental Services and

Bills: HB4440 , HJR1067 , HJR1087 , HB4426 , HB3704 , HB4311 , HB3044 , HB4191 , HB3465 , HB3972 , HB3759 , HB3625 , HB1411 , HB2980 , HB3015 , HB3147 , HB3277 , HB3323 , HB3443 , HB3882 , HB3406 , HB2975 , HB3977 , HB3263 , HB2988 , HB3404 , HB1770

Keywords: Medicaid, low-income adults, healthcare, eligibility restrictions, constitutional amendment, Medicaid expansion, SoonerCare, health coverage, federal matching funds, FMAP, Article XXV-A, state question, special election, Title 63, public assistance, healthcare funding, federal-state match, Medicaid eligibility, Oklahoma Constitution, ad valorem

Transcript Highlights:

• Idaho Code Title 41, Chapter 7 addresses investments by insurance companies.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 1236 by the State Affairs Committee: an act relating to the Idaho Women's Commission, repealing Chapter

Transcript Highlights:

• to the lumber and building materials industry were recognized through his presidency of the Boston chapter

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted a resolution congratulating Anna Karaz on her 100th birthday. It then took up and passed to be engrossed a home rule bill authorizing bilingual ballots in English and Haitian Creole for the Town of Randolph. The sponsoring senator spoke in support, saying the measure would improve access, inclusivity, and voter participation for Randolph’s growing Haitian Creole-speaking population, and noted the town’s low recent turnout and the importance of not waiting for a federal language-access review. The Senate also passed to be engrossed a bill authorizing the Town of Milford Select Board to appoint a highway surveyor. It later adopted a Ways and Means order advancing a House bill on teacher preparation and student literacy with a new draft, and suspended rules to refer several Senate petitions. Additional local bills were enacted, including measures concerning Provincetown’s charter, the appointed town clerk in Avon, and Westwood liquor license authority. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer a House petition on retirement benefits for a Massachusetts Maritime Academy associate professor. Later, the Senate amended and passed a bill validating and confirming certain acts and proceedings of elected and appointed officials in the Town of Plymouth. A senator also offered remarks congratulating Sweet Paws Rescue on its 15th anniversary and new facility, which were ordered printed in the Journal. The chamber then adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Gerard W. Moynihan of North Reading, followed by a moment of silence, and adjourned until the following Monday at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• to the lumber and building materials industry were recognized through his presidency of the Boston chapter

Transcript Highlights:

• State Commanders Veterans Council, Military Officers Association of America, California Council of Chapters

Summary: The committee heard several tax and local government measures. SB 288 would clarify Proposition 19 rules for inherited homes in probate so the one-year timeline to claim the property tax benefit starts when the home is legally transferred; it had support from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and passed 5-0 to Appropriations as amended. SB 347 would reduce the state’s minimum annual tax on LLCs, LLPs, limited partnerships, S corporations, and C corporations from $800 to $600; it also passed 5-0 to Appropriations as amended. SB 762 would authorize the city of Hercules to ask voters to approve a local sales tax increase of up to 1% to support city services and infrastructure; it passed 4-1 to Local Government, with one no vote from Senator Valadares. The committee also considered veteran property tax relief measures. SCA 4 would remove a constitutional restriction so eligible veterans could stack the homeowners’ exemption with the disabled veterans’ or veterans’ exemption, and SB 623 would make conforming statutory changes to implement that constitutional amendment. Both measures were supported by veterans’ organizations, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, and county representatives, and both passed unanimously 5-0 to their next committees, with SCA 4 going to Elections and Constitutional Amendments and SB 623 going to Military and Veterans Affairs. The consent calendar, including SB 575 by Senator Laird, was adopted 5-0 after technical amendments were accepted. The committee then lifted the call on SB 288 and confirmed its 5-0 vote. The meeting concluded after all listed items were acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• State Commanders Veterans Council; Military Officers Association of America, California Council of Chapters

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation