Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:16:57.199><c> on</c> about this bill as I'm in co-author on about this bill as I'm in co-author
• </c> data and when you think of 87 counties data and when you think of 87 counties in<00:38:15.599><c
• for Hennepin County and another county name that sounded like “NOA County” [questionable].
• </c> for a bill that we are both co-author for a bill that we are both co-author I'm<01:30:34.600><c>
• </c> I'm carrying and and she's a co-author I'm carrying and and she's a co-author on<01:30:36.679><c

Bills: HF1346, HF1169, HF1276

Keywords: mandatory reporting, training requirements, child maltreatment, abuse detection, local welfare agency, child protection, child welfare, paperwork reduction, social services information system, SSIS, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, foster care, children in placement, county social services, Tribal governments, private child placing agencies, case management, administrative burden, information technology, human services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:17.440><c> and</c> for the state as well as County and for the state as well as County and
• ><c> with</c> on a County on local levels with on a County on local levels with increase<00:14:31.720
• County.
• The county has no authority to hold a detainee beyond their sentence.
• Local, state, and county corrections and law enforcement have the authority they need and are already

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Among those that are there keeping San Bernardino County safe is San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon
• San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson is also present.
• San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dykes, San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson,
• San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Deputy Chief Shelley Crespi and San Bernardino County Sheriff's
• Members, this is for co-authors. Clerk will close the roll. There are 68 co-authors.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and roll call confirmed a quorum was present. The session opened with a reflection on the value of smiling, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and standard announcements about gallery conduct. The journal was dispensed with, and there were no presentations, petitions, or messages from the Governor or Senate. Several procedural motions were approved without objection, including suspension of Assembly Rule 118 to allow guests in the rear of the chamber and re-referral of AB 621 from Judiciary to Privacy and Consumer Protection and back to Judiciary. Members then introduced guests, including San Bernardino County law enforcement leaders and representatives from the Santa Monica Rent Control Board. On the daily file, AB 246 was read and passed over, and the chamber took up the second-day consent calendar. Members added co-authors to ACR 43, recognizing Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, and HR 20, relating to unclaimed property. Both resolutions were adopted on unanimous 70-0 votes. The Assembly then announced its next session date and adjourned until Monday, March 10 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we are now authorized in that capacity.
• And we are now authorized in that capacity.
• What about local law enforcement, local counties, local police departments?
• It's not like you're just grabbing them or doing anything without any authority.
• But Lake Frierson up in Craighead County—that's a fishing game lake.

Summary: The committee first heard from Arkansas State Police leadership about the agency’s role in federal immigration enforcement. Colonel Mike Hager said State Police has completed 287(g) training for all but 12 officers and is authorized to assist ICE in limited circumstances, but is not an immigration enforcement agency. He emphasized that troopers only make immigration-related notifications after lawful stops or arrests for other offenses, and that the agency uses discretion and chain-of-command approval for any planned operation. Members asked about how immigration status is determined, whether stops are tracked, whether local agencies are participating, and whether there are costs or reimbursement mechanisms; Hager said the agency began tracking encounters in September and had 48 detentions since then, most tied to other criminal violations such as DWIs or domestic violence. He also said there were no current planned immigration operations beyond assisting federal partners. The committee then received an update from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Director Doug Schoenrock on wildlife management areas, waterfowl habitat, and related infrastructure. He reported that most moist-soil units and green tree reservoirs were flooded or near normal, with one new pump not yet operational and a vandalized Ed Gordon/Point Remove pump back in service since December. He also said the Lake Conway dam and water-control work were progressing, with a public meeting scheduled at Mayflower High School. Questions followed about dock removal notices, maintenance on other water-control structures, and a recent fatal boating accident at Baumito WMA, which Schoenrock described as a high-speed collision in flooded timber and said the agency was working on a safety memorial effort with the victim’s widow. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on duck season, drought conditions, and criticism of the Flyway Federation’s push to restrict hunting over standing corn. Schoenrock said Arkansas remains the nation’s top duck-hunting destination, but drought and warm weather have reduced water availability and caused ducks to move north; he cited survey numbers showing 1.4 million ducks in the state at the end of December but a much lower January count. He argued that standing corn is legal and that federal habitat and water policy, not Arkansas law, drives long-term duck populations. Members raised concerns about changing migration patterns, the role of private clubs, federal regulation, and the possible effects of wind turbines and solar panels on waterfowl; Schoenrock and Commissioner Chris Caldwell said the commission is studying those issues, including a University of Arkansas at Monticello project on avoidance behavior, and that no immediate regulatory changes were announced. The committee took no formal vote and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• to... ...requires the Parkway's authority to read every plate.
• I think we heard from Parkway Authority that even though this amendment would not require them to look
• Samuel, Chief Financial Officer for the Parkways Authority. Welcome back, Samuel.
• So how do you let the Parkways Authority know you're going to drive your wife's car?
• In addition, the bill authorizes penalties not more than twice those authorized for the applicable offense

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's part of Palm Beach County.
• Palm Beach County is a huge district because, believe it or not, it is a very large county.
• But Palm Beach County is a better county because of your service as a state rep and as a senator, and
• Palm Beach County is a better county because of your service as a state rep and as a senator.
• And what I mean by that is if a county, If a county has carefully managed and created service boundaries

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including guests from the press, Florida State women’s soccer, and former Senator Janet Cruz. Members also announced there would be no conference that weekend. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and began taking up a series of bills, often substituting House companions and proceeding quickly to third reading and final passage. Among the measures approved were bills modernizing trust settlement and trustee discharge procedures; revising military affairs laws, including leave protections, retirement eligibility, and assistance programs; creating uniform cash-rounding rules as Florida prepares for the end of the penny; refining podiatric medicine rules on cellular/tissue-based products and informed consent; expanding veterans’ court access statewide; clarifying RV park special assessments; establishing concurrent state-federal jurisdiction for juveniles on military installations; reauthorizing alcoholic beverage loss deductions; and revising bail bond and pretrial release laws, including training, electronic notices, forfeiture timing, and related procedures. Members also passed bills on eyewear insurance licensing, expanding the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund into health science education, streamlining recovery residence regulation, enhancing felony battery penalties, and updating child welfare rules to reduce repeated background checks, make the Step Into Success program permanent, and create a best-practices program. Several bills drew brief supportive remarks, especially those affecting veterans, the National Guard, foster youth, and military families. One bail bond bill prompted questions about charitable bail bonds, with the sponsor stating the current statute would remain unchanged. Most bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously; the bail bond measure passed 36-1, while the others noted here passed with no or minimal opposition. The Senate also adopted an amendment to the military affairs bill and a delete-all amendment to the military-installation jurisdiction bill before final passage. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to honoring Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman on her farewell. Members from both parties offered extended remarks praising her leadership, preparation, collegiality, advocacy on issues such as voting rights, women’s rights, Israel, anti-Semitism, breast cancer, school safety, and family law, and her effectiveness in committee and on the floor. Berman delivered an extended farewell speech reflecting on her 16 years in the Legislature, her family, her district, and her legislative priorities, and the Senate ordered her remarks spread upon the journal before recessing and later returning to continue the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's part of Palm Beach County.
• Palm Beach County, it's a huge district because Palm Beach County, believe it or not, is a very large
• And I represent the southern part of the county.
• It arose, unfortunately, out of a tragedy in Broward County.
• But Palm Beach County is a better county because of your service as a state rep and as a senator, and

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I do oppose the current bill as authored. Thank you. Hi, my name is Ted from Orange County.
• So again, I want to thank the author of this bill, the lead author of this bill, and all of you for your
• So again, I want to thank the author of this bill, the lead author of this bill and all of you for really
• Stacey Heaton with the Rural County Representatives of California, representing 40 rural counties statewide
• County that was an emergency, and almost all wildfires are declared emergencies, the entire County of

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving on, I see the author present. Moving on to file item number five, AB 2193.
• We'd love to be a co-author if you have me. Happy to add you. Thank you. All right.
• And so I want to thank you for bringing this bill forward and happy to be a co-author.
• It was in San Mateo County and Marin County. That's got a bunch of schools, middle school.
• We're just giving local people the authority to make these decisions as they see fit.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, if someone’s not authorized and they’re going in, then that...
• Law enforcement officer is defined as a general authority Washington peace officer, a limited authority
• Law enforcement officer is defined as a general authority Washington peace officer, a limited authority
• You have authority to restrict liberty, to detain, use force.
• You have authority to restrict liberty, to detain, use force.

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee held public hearings on several bills. House Bill 2203 would create the offense of reckless interference with emergency operations for driving on a roadway known to be closed due to hazardous conditions, with gross misdemeanor penalties, a possible Class C felony enhancement if a rescue leads to injury or involves a minor or vulnerable adult, license suspension, and emergency-response cost recovery. The prime sponsor described recent flooding rescues in Orting as the impetus, and local police support emphasized responder safety and limited resources. The Sentencing Guidelines Commission opposed the felony section, saying the conduct did not warrant felony treatment and recommending a traffic infraction for the first level and a gross misdemeanor for the second. House Bill 2293 would bar Washington law enforcement agencies, the Criminal Justice Training Commission, and related personnel from training with foreign militaries, intelligence agencies, or security services, or funding travel for that purpose. The sponsor said civilian policing should not be trained like military service and argued officers should be trained under U.S. constitutional standards. Opponents from the sheriffs and police chiefs association argued the bill was too broad and unclear, could block valuable counterterrorism and best-practice training, and might need exemptions for Canada, Mexico, and other legitimate international partnerships. Members discussed possible amendments and clarification language. House Bill 2165 would create a new gross misdemeanor for false identification as a peace officer, covering possession or creation of realistic badges, insignia, or other items identifying someone as an officer when they are not commissioned, while preserving defenses for honorary, reserve, posse, and protected expressive uses. The sponsor and governor’s office said current law is too limited because it often requires an active impersonation before enforcement can occur; law enforcement groups supported the goal but raised concerns about definitions, vehicle markings, federal-agent coverage, and whether the offense could be plea-bargained away. House Bill 2173 would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while interacting with the public, with exceptions for undercover work, SWAT protective gear, and medical or environmental masks, and would allow civil suits for violations. Supporters said the bill promotes transparency and trust and responds to concerns about masked immigration enforcement; opponents warned it could expose officers to doxxing, create liability and recruitment problems, and raise constitutional issues, especially as applied to federal officers. No votes were taken on any of the bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And as was mentioned by our colleague from Orange County.
• Co-authors, thank you. Thank you, Assemblymember Fong.
• There are 72 co-authors added. Excuse me, clerk will close the roll. There are 72 co-authors added.
• In Glenn County, it's 49%. in Riverside County it's 42 percent.
• Orange County is it Orange County to please stick to the merits of the bill. It's Riverside County.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I understand what the author is trying to accomplish on this.
• And thank you for the co-author request.
• to ensure that we give authors the ability to get here.
• The question is not whether the author means well.
• AB 1991 simply provides this authority.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely in support and some opposition on a few measures. AB 458 would direct the Department of General Services, in consultation with the Department of Justice, to develop model procurement guidelines for state purchases of firearms, ammunition, and accessories so agencies avoid vendors that violate gun laws; law enforcement and San Francisco representatives supported it, and members discussed adding oversight and vetting. AB 1729 would update state telework policy by requiring written telework plans for return-to-office decisions and restoring public reporting on telework savings; supporters cited cost savings, productivity, climate benefits, and worker flexibility, while the author clarified it would not alter collective bargaining under the Dills Act. AB 1754 would require post-completion reporting on bond-funded programs’ goals and outcomes; supporters framed it as a transparency and accountability measure, while counties and water agencies opposed it unless amended, warning of added bureaucracy, delays, and litigation risk. AB 1841 would create a paid state holiday recognizing California Native American Day, and AB 2115 would issue a formal legislative apology to California’s first peoples and install a commemorative plaque at the Capitol; both drew strong tribal and labor support and broad committee praise, with members emphasizing education, historical acknowledgment, and healing. AB 2211 would allow craft distillers to operate a satellite room and use certain alcohol modifiers on premises, and AB 1991 would authorize wineries, breweries, and craft distilleries to conduct sensory tastings for research with guardrails; both had industry support, with AB 1991 drawing one opposition voice from Alcohol Justice. AB 1578 would require elected officials to take anti-hate speech training as part of existing sexual harassment training; it drew sharp First Amendment objections from opponents and mixed committee views, but the motion to send it to Appropriations passed on a recorded vote. The committee also heard AB 1807, which would bar state-owned property from being used for federal immigration enforcement operations; the author and supporters argued it would protect communities and prevent state complicity in federal actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Charles County and around Jefferson County.
• So that is why she did this bill, because this is a big county plan that Jefferson County and the county
• So that is why she did this bill, because this is a big county plan that Jefferson County and the county
• counties.
• When people dip into my counties and tell us what, not my county.

Summary: The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journals for the 65th and 66th legislative days. Members also spent time on personal privilege and special guest introductions, including a recognition of law enforcement officers who were injured in the line of duty and several interns serving in House offices. The chamber then took up several fiscal review committee reports and moved to conference and Senate bills. House Bill 2818, dealing with annexation and related local government language for St. Joseph Airport, St. Charles County, and Jefferson County, was explained as a compromise on voluntary annexation standards; after debate it was adopted and then third read and passed by a vote of 136-7. House Bill 1825, concerning county salary commissions and county classification changes for Lafayette, Pettis, and Saline counties, drew debate over county pay and the exclusion of coroners, but the Senate substitute was adopted 109-35 and finally passed 106-39. The House also considered House Joint Resolution 87, the so-called constitutional sheriff resolution, which would place sheriff duties and the office itself in the Missouri Constitution. Members debated its scope, including concerns about the term “traitors,” possible effects on Kansas City’s police governance, and whether the measure was necessary; a St. Louis City amendment clarifying the City of St. Louis sheriff provisions was adopted. The resolution then passed 100-47. Finally, Senate Bill 878 on pharmacy practice and rural health access, including pharmacist treatment for common illnesses, emergency waivers, and access to certain medications and supplies, passed 132-13 after an amendment on blood pressure cuffs for pregnant women and opioid-alternative language was adopted. Senate Bill 903, addressing telecommunications infrastructure and copper theft, passed 137-5. The House then announced upcoming committee work, including a born-alive bill, and adjourned until May 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we are cognizant that city councils and county government need time to figure this out.
• We do not dictate what designs or what type of development any city or county will approve.
• The author mentioned there was nothing. There's nobody on the record.
• Ward: I just want to thank the author for reintroducing this bill.
• I'd be happy to be a co-author if you'll have me, and happy to move the bill, Mr. Chair.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pend Oreille County, Prosecutor Hunt has four deputy positions authorized, three of them are vacant.
• Ponderay County, Prosecutor Hunt has four deputy positions authorized, three of them are vacant.
• I'll just say that these are very county-by-county-based decisions.
• It depends county on county, how they choose to hire.
• If the counties don't, if the counties don't... It falls to the counties to figure it out.

Summary: The work session began with a discussion of expanding opportunities in the legal profession, especially in response to shortages of lawyers in rural Washington and in public service roles. Washington State Bar Executive Director Tara Nevitt described a slowly growing but aging attorney population, noted that younger attorneys have declined, and outlined efforts such as supervised practice pathways to bar admission, reduced admission-by-motion experience requirements, expanded law clerk capacity, rural job fairs and grants, and a pilot program allowing innovative legal service delivery models. Members asked about bar passage score changes, loan repayment assistance, and the former Limited License Legal Technician program; Nevitt said the bar is monitoring other states and remains in dialogue with the court about paraprofessional licensing. Law school representatives from UW, Seattle University, and Gonzaga emphasized public service pipelines, financial barriers, and rural legal deserts, citing LRAPs, scholarships, stipends, clinics, and hybrid or regional programs designed to recruit and retain students in Washington. Seattle U highlighted its FlexJD and hybrid hub partnerships in underserved areas, while Gonzaga and UW reported substantial shares of graduates entering public service, though most still cluster in urban regions. The committee also heard from the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and the Office of Public Defense, both of which described severe recruitment and retention problems in rural counties, with vacancies, low applicant pools, and the need for higher salaries, housing help, internships, and loan support. The Office of Public Defense said its internship and fellowship program, created by SB 5780, has already placed interns in rural counties and produced some commitments to return after graduation. The Washington State Bar’s law clerk program was also presented as a pathway that helps people train locally and remain in their communities, including by supporting succession for aging solo practitioners. The committee then shifted to family law and guardianship issues. On Title 26 guardian ad litem practice, presenters from Northwest Justice Project and private family law practice said GALs can play an important role but that training, oversight, and consistency remain major concerns, especially in domestic violence cases. They described problems such as inadequate training, bias, inconsistent recommendations, high fees, and lack of accountability, and suggested stronger, standardized training, more use of mental health professionals for custody evaluations, and better oversight mechanisms. Members asked about county practices, including rotation systems for GAL appointments and whether King County’s family court assessors provide a useful model. The discussion then moved to minor guardianships under the Uniform Guardianship Act. A Superior Court judge said the 2021 changes increased the need for court visitors and appointed counsel, but courts are struggling to find qualified attorneys and visitors, especially in rural areas. A former commissioner said most of the bill under discussion was technical cleanup to align prior amendments, though it would add some fiscal burdens. Administrative Office of the Courts staff reported that the statewide reimbursement program for UGA implementation has repeatedly run out of money earlier each year, with minor guardianship costs making up most of the expense. The Office of Public Guardianship then described rapid growth in demand for adult guardianship and less restrictive alternatives, noting that referrals and caseloads have risen sharply, but that the office is constrained by a shortage of certified professional guardians and low compensation levels. Finally, the committee began an update on Blake implementation from the Office of Civil Legal Aid, which funds civil legal services related to the decision, before the transcript cut off.

Transcript Highlights:

• We talked about, we had Stark County and— We talked about, we had Stark County in last meeting, and anyway
• We're not working for the county.
• We're not working for the county.
• We're not working for the county.
• So at this point, I would Not some. ...to Stark County or any other county that just ignores the laws

Summary: The committee met to receive a series of audit presentations, beginning with the statewide Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for fiscal year 2025. The State Auditor’s Office and OMB reported a clean, unmodified opinion for the state, with strong financial results including a $40.6 billion net position, $30.99 billion in assets, $1.81 billion in liabilities, and continued Legacy Fund growth. OMB also explained the new GASB 101 compensated-absences reporting change and discussed pension-liability fluctuations tied to discount-rate assumptions and investment performance. Members asked about how the state compares to others and about the effect of short-term commodity price swings, and OMB said the report reflects actual fiscal-year results rather than forecasts. The committee then heard the University System audit, which also received a clean opinion but included four findings: misreporting of Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund revenue, insufficient monitoring of service organizations at CTS, NDSU, and UND, improper bank reconciliations at Dakota College of Bottineau, Dickinson State, and Williston State, and investment/cash reconciliation problems at Bismarck State College related to bond proceeds. University officials agreed with the findings and said corrective actions were underway, including internal review of bank reconciliations. Members raised questions about NDSU’s use of certificates of deposit, and university staff explained that CDs are used to earn interest on funds being accumulated for future projects. Several other audits were presented, most with clean opinions and no findings, including the State Auditor’s Office, Workforce Safety and Insurance, Housing Finance Agency, Housing Incentive Fund, Job Service North Dakota, the Retirement and Investment Office, PERS, the Center for Distance Education, the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents, the Ethics Commission, and the Office of Administrative Hearings. Notable exceptions included a State Fair Association audit with an adverse opinion on the foundation component unit because its financial statements were not available for audit, and a Securities Department performance audit finding that performance-based pay increases and bonuses were issued without required evaluations. The committee also discussed the State Auditor’s future needs, including more staff capacity, data analytics, cybersecurity reviews, possible subpoena authority, independent legal counsel, and whether some audits—such as the Ethics Commission and State Fair—should be handled by independent third parties or under different statutory arrangements.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Divide County.
• But how many counties? Fifty-three counties times—that's a lot of time.
• Fifty-three counties times—that's a lot of time.
• We don't have any authority over zoning.
• My answer to some county officials that have asked me that question is that the counties don't have the

Summary: The committee met in Grand Forks, approved the February 26 minutes by voice vote, and recessed for a tour of Minnkota Power Cooperative before hearing presentations on large energy consumers and related infrastructure issues. The first presentation, from the North Dakota Transmission Authority, focused on the need for better local decision-making tools for counties, townships, and planning and zoning boards facing major projects such as transmission lines, pipelines, data centers, wind, solar, and large-scale agriculture. The speaker urged more objective, data-driven analysis, noted that local officials often have limited time and resources, and said the state should support training and tools through groups like the League of Cities and the Association of Counties. Members asked about proactive outreach, data center ordinances, and how to avoid subsidizing large loads or causing reliability problems. The Division of Air Quality then discussed environmental oversight of data centers, emphasizing that North Dakota’s air remains among the cleanest in the country and that the agency’s role is limited to air, water discharge, stormwater, and waste—not zoning or water use. The presentation explained that data centers generally have low direct emissions but may rely on diesel backup generators when the grid is unavailable, which creates air-quality concerns; the department said it is requiring air monitors at some projects to collect real-world data and guide future decisions. Members asked about generator emissions, misinformation, monitoring costs, and staffing succession, and the agency said permit applicants pay for the monitors while the state handles some QA work. The Department of Water Resources followed with an overview of North Dakota water law and data center water use. The director explained the state’s prior-appropriation system, the public-interest review for permits, and the large overall water supply available from groundwater and the Missouri River. He said most proposed data centers use closed-loop cooling systems and generally request relatively small amounts of water compared with other uses such as power plants, irrigation, and oilfield operations, and that even a worst-case data center scenario would use only a tiny fraction of Missouri River flow. Questions focused on downstream impacts and comparisons to fracking water use, and the director said the state’s use is too small to materially affect downstream users. Later, McLean County State’s Attorney Ladd-Erickson testified online about data center zoning and permitting. He asked the committee to have Legislative Council gather information on how other states handle data center permitting and to keep the topic on the interim agenda. He argued that local zoning should remain local, but said counties lack the technical and legal resources to manage complex reclamation or bonding requirements and that state-level enabling legislation may be more appropriate. He also recommended eliminating tax incentives for data centers. The committee chair said staff would prepare a document on other states’ zoning and permitting approaches. After a lunch recess, the committee reconvened at the EERC, where CEO Charles Gorecki gave an overview of the center’s 75 years of work and its role in oil and gas, carbon management, and other energy technologies, highlighting enhanced oil recovery and carbon dioxide utilization as major opportunities for future production and tax revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank the authors for presenting this bill.
• I'm proud to be a co-author and, again, want to thank the authors for presenting this.
• So with that, this is an author-sponsored bill.
• It authorizes use first and asks questions later.
• I perceive from my constituents in Southern California, Orange County, and San Diego County that the

Summary: The committee began with an informational hearing on the second amendment to the Yurok Tribe’s 2006 tribal-state gaming compact. Governor’s office staff and Yurok Tribal Chairman Joseph James explained that the amendment is a narrow, technical one that extends the compact’s expiration to December 31 of this year to preserve the status quo while the parties negotiate a long-term replacement. Members asked about the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ role, and staff explained that because the change is only a deadline extension and not a substantive compact change, it does not require BIA approval. No vote was taken on the informational item. The committee then heard AB 2156, which would designate March 31 as Farm Workers’ Day in California. The authors and supporters said the bill is intended to honor the farm worker movement and shift the holiday away from any one individual in light of recent allegations, while recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of farm workers. Several members spoke in support, including personal reflections on family histories in farm labor and on the need to center victims and farm workers’ dignity. The bill was moved to the floor, with the roll held open for absent members. Next, the committee heard SB 1044, which would raise the small business procurement cap from $250,000 to $350,000 and index it to inflation. The author and supporters from the Hispanic and Asian Pacific chambers of commerce argued the current cap is outdated and limits opportunities for small businesses, microbusinesses, and disabled veteran business enterprises. Some support was qualified, with one coalition noting concerns about access to capital for microbusinesses but still leaning in favor. The bill passed to Appropriations, with the roll held open. The committee also heard SB 1114, which would restrict state agencies from sharing LGBTQ-related data with federal agencies except where legally required. The author and Equality California said the bill is meant to protect sensitive data from misuse and preserve trust in voluntary state data collection. Support came from Planned Parenthood affiliates and Health Access California, with no opposition. The bill passed to the Privacy Committee, with the roll held open. Finally, the committee heard SB 1248 on automated decision systems in state government, SB 1273 on short-form video advertising for winery instructional events, and SB 917 on allowing more small wineries to sell at farmers’ markets. SB 1248 drew the most debate: the author said it would create baseline guardrails for automated systems, require human review for adverse decisions, and help state agencies use automation responsibly, while labor groups opposed it as authorizing use before meaningful stakeholder engagement and collective bargaining input. Several members supported moving it forward but stressed the need for labor participation in future negotiations; it passed to the Privacy Committee with the roll held open. SB 1273 and SB 917 were both presented as modest measures to help the wine industry adapt to current marketing and sales conditions, and both passed to Appropriations with roll calls held open. The hearing then moved on to SB 1240, which would create an Office of Nonprofit Empowerment to help nonprofits navigate state procurement and grant processes; the author described nonprofits’ economic importance and the need for a liaison, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> continue to keep subsidizing County continue to keep subsidizing County negligence<00:35:00.720>
• It authorizes the counties to sell or dispose of property bordering the ocean, and the Department of
• HB 1165, relating to highways, authorized the counties to sell or dispose of property bordering the ocean
• Robert Souza, individual in opposition. county so thank you for theity to county so thank you for theity
• of a county fee tax.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 1484 on transit-oriented development and HB 157 on transportation. For HB 1484, testimony included a request from the Hoi Community Development Authority to be removed from the measure while offering to assist if the transit-oriented development law is implemented, along with testimony in opposition and support from several individuals. The committees later recommended HB 1484 be passed with amendments, including an HD1, a defective date, deletion of a reference to section 225 on page 11, adoption of H-CDA’s proposed amendment, and related committee report changes. The vote was adopted in both committees, with Representatives Cochran and Lee excused and Representative Mora voting with reservations. HB 157 concerned the transfer and acceptance of roads in the Villages of Kapolei. HHFDC supported the bill’s intent and explained that the roads were originally self-permitted, the city had not accepted dedication, and HHFDC has been maintaining and upgrading the roads under an MOA that requires improvements to city standards before transfer. Testimony from the Villages of Kapolei Association and others described ongoing problems with non-emergency police services, illegal parking, abandoned vehicles, and the need for city enforcement on roads that are open to the public. Committee members asked about the current holdup, the possibility of transferring roads in segments, and whether a cash settlement could resolve the issue; HHFDC said it was working in segments and that the city had mentioned a $60 million figure. The committees then recommended HB 157 pass with amendments, noting they were awaiting an Attorney General opinion on authority to compel the transfer and that the matter would continue to the Committee on Water and Land. The Transportation Committee also heard several additional bills. HB 1083, concerning vessels in state commercial harbors, drew support from the Department of Transportation and some industry groups and opposition from charter operators; HB 1159, which would require compliance with harbor master evacuation orders and increase penalties, drew DOT support and opposition from multiple vessel operators, who argued the bill was too broad and should define emergencies more clearly and use tiered penalties. HB 58, limiting civil liability for firefighting at commercial harbors, received DOT and Maritime Group support. HB 1165, on county disposal of ocean-bordering property and state highway acquisition, received DOT support. HB 938, a broad motor vehicle franchise and EV-related bill, drew support from the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association and the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, but strong opposition from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Tesla, Rivian, Scout Motors, and others; opponents argued it would restrict direct-to-consumer EV sales and innovation, while dealers said the bill was too broad and needed further stakeholder work. No final votes were taken on the Transportation Committee’s remaining measures in the portion provided, and the joint hearing was adjourned after decision-making on HB 1484 and HB 157.

Transcript Highlights:

• Doug Ricks, Senator District 34, Rexburg-Madison County.
• So with that, it's just permissive authority. It doesn't require them to do anything.
• Are you nervous at all that one person could have the authority to invest money that way? Mr.
• And then in the '70s, President Reagan authorized a study to be done, or actually Congress authorized
• So, you know, if this went into play, then cities and counties would not be able to do that.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee heard a series of RSs and bills, most of them introduced with motions and unanimous voice votes. Topics included a resolution recognizing Idaho rangelands and pastoralists; a fee-increase proposal to raise Idaho State Patrol trooper pay; penny-rounding guidance for cash transactions in light of the federal penny shortage; a replacement bill related to state universities; and a measure limiting the governor from reappointing a rejected appointee to the same position for 12 months while requiring timely filling of vacancies. The committee also advanced measures on wildlife crossings, accessory dwelling units, twin homes/duplexes in single-family zones, starter-home subdivisions, teacher career ladder credit, gifting five acres to immediate family on farms, countywide highway district elections, and memorials recognizing Taiwan and Italy. One wildlife-crossings item was not acted on after a drafting issue was raised, as it appeared to be in the wrong resolution format. The committee then heard two bills from Senator Hart on precious metals. Senate Bill 1338 would give the state treasurer permissive authority, with advisory board approval, to invest Idle Money’s Fund in gold or silver bullion stored in a class-one vault; Hart argued the transaction and storage costs were comparable to Treasury bills and that bullion could diversify state investments. The bill drew some skepticism, but it received a due-pass recommendation to the floor with no recorded opposition. Senate Bill 1323 would add enforceable gold-clause contract language to Idaho law so private contracts specifying payment in gold or silver bullion could be enforced by Idaho courts; it also received a due-pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 1299, which would prohibit government from requiring digital ID and preserve physical ID as valid for government purposes. Sponsor Tammy Nichols said the bill was a proactive privacy measure and would not ban voluntary digital ID, but would prevent mandates and phone access requirements. Senators questioned the civil penalties and whether the bill might affect future DMV or local-government digital ID systems; Nichols agreed to send the bill to the amending order to address one provision. The committee voted to send SB 1299 to the 14th order for possible amendment, and then adjourned.