Transcript Highlights:

• Local building departments review building plans to ensure compliance with state building codes and local
• in the state.
• One specialized form of municipal code is the zoning code.
• So again, to wrap our arms around all of the many zoning codes across the state, we worked with the UC
• We've made the code available for other states who would like to follow suit.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 253, by Assembly Member Ward and presented by Assembly Member Quirk-Silva, which would allow licensed third-party professionals to review certain post-entitlement permits if a local building department would take more than 30 days. Supporters, including California YIMBY, the California Chamber of Commerce, the Housing Action Coalition, the Bay Area Council, SPUR, and Abundant Housing LA, said the bill would reduce permitting delays and help housing production. League of Cities and the California State Association of Counties expressed concerns but were not formally opposed. Members voiced strong support, and the bill passed the committee 10-0 to Appropriations. The committee then held an informational hearing on California’s general plan. The first panel, led by UC Davis professor Catherine Brinkley, gave an overview of the general plan structure, required elements, update cycles, and the new PlanSearch database that makes adopted plans searchable statewide. She emphasized that general plans are long-term, locally tailored documents that integrate housing, transportation, safety, environmental justice, and other policy areas, and noted that many plans and elements are outdated. Members asked about update timelines, public participation, and whether AI tools could help with drafting and analysis. A second panel of local government representatives described the practical challenges of preparing and updating general plans, especially in rural and small jurisdictions. Speakers from Calaveras County, Sacramento, San Joaquin County, and Fountain Valley cited staffing shortages, consultant availability, funding constraints, CEQA and outreach costs, changing state mandates, and the difficulty of keeping plans aligned with local conditions and board turnover. They asked for more funding, more time, clearer prioritization, and more flexibility. A third panel from the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation explained its role in issuing general plan guidelines, technical advisories, and annual planning surveys, and said it is updating its guidance through 2027 to reflect recent housing, climate, safety, environmental justice, and open space laws. No public comment was offered, and the informational hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• You have it at the state level in your Constitution. You have it in code for cities and counties.
• Amending Section 33-917 Idaho Code to revise provisions regarding the model school facility council and
• by the state.
• Health services, psychiatric hospitals, and the independent council, as well as the state independent
• Item 23 is the Idaho Behavioral Health Council State Hospital Fund adjustment.

Summary: The House convened with 68 members present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the House Journal. It also received communications appointing substitute legislators and committee reports on pending administrative rules, including recommendations to approve most rules while rejecting or partially rejecting a few dockets from State Affairs and Resources and Conservation. The chamber also received messages from the Governor and Senate listing numerous bills signed, enrolled, or transmitted for further action. The House then took up several measures on the second reading and motions calendar. It suspended rules and passed House Joint Memorial 22 on predatory birds after debate about pelican predation and fish losses, then passed House Bill 957 to repeal obsolete water-related code provisions, Senate Bill 1396 to repeal Idaho’s inactive participation in the Pacific Fisheries Legislative Task Force, House Bill 948 to have LSO provide an annual revenue estimate, and House Bill 959 to adjust property tax/new growth rules for fire and EMS districts. House Bill 967, which would provide a $4 million pay increase for Idaho State Police troopers by shifting liquor-account revenues, passed after substantial debate over whether it was a necessary retention measure or an improper tax shift to counties and cities. Later, the House passed House Bill 964 for the Fish and Game budget, House Bill 965 moving historic preservation funding to a new office, House Bill 966 funding county reimbursement for out-of-state placement costs tied to absconders, Senate Bill 1435 for Health and Welfare maintenance appropriations, Senate Bill 1429 for behavioral health enhancements, Senate Bill 1431 for Water Resources enhancements, Senate Bill 1389 on liability protections for private polling locations, Senate Bill 1391 as a trailer bill on surveyors and property rights, and Senate Joint Memorial 114 urging congressional action on college athletics NIL issues. Senate Bill 1401 on public health enhancements failed 30-36 after debate over funding priorities and program changes. The House also concurred in Senate amendments to House Bills 730, 928, 758, and 822, and received additional bills and appropriations measures for first reading and committee referral before recessing and later resuming business.

Transcript Highlights:

• To exemplify this, I'd say I improved Placer County's Building Code Effectiveness rating system through
• Green Building Council, the Climate Center, and the Central City Association of Los Angeles.
• Scott Wech, on behalf of the California State Pipe Trades Council, the State Association of Electrical
• building department, arguably not just in California, but in the United States.
• As a former city council member myself, I'm committed to helping build communities by building the supply

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• more housing faster and the regulatory structures, the building codes?
• more housing faster and the regulatory structures, the building codes?
• codes, energy codes, things that they feel are restrictive in terms of. existing building codes, energy
• Can we change the building code to allow single-stair buildings for mid-rise?
• Let's take a look at their building codes.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> codes do not slow down home building. codes do not slow down home building.
• Nothing here stops the state from adopting new energy codes going forward.
• Also, on the minimum code front, comments about, you know, only building to a minimum are false.
• Also, on the minimum code front, comments about, you know, only building to a minimum are false.
• </c> construction codes advisory council construction codes advisory council actually<00:24:20.480><c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It simply states that if a denial violates state law, that issue should be resolved swiftly, fairly,
• So the Judicial Council has stated, I think, in their letter, that I think you’ve amended it to go back
• SB 497 builds on this by blocking courts’ access to medical records and dismissing other states’ legitimate
• towards other states.
• states, as California has here.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on civil rights, family law, privacy, housing, and artificial intelligence. SB 477 would clarify FEHA procedures for the Civil Rights Department, including tolling deadlines by agreement and updating complaint definitions; it drew some concern about venue and convenience but was moved forward. SB 450 would confirm California jurisdiction over adoption proceedings for children born in the state even if families have moved away, and would require all legal parents to be listed on adoption orders; it received strong support, especially from LGBTQ family advocates, and passed to Appropriations. SB 683 would clarify that people whose name, image, or likeness is misused may seek TROs or injunctions under existing publicity-rights law; opposition from media and First Amendment groups focused on the 48-hour compliance default and speech concerns, but the bill advanced as amended to Privacy and Consumer Protection. The committee also considered SB 11, the AI Abuse Protection Act, which would regulate voice, image, and video cloning technology, require warnings, and direct the Judicial Council to develop evidence standards for AI; it passed to Public Safety. SCR 66, a resolution designating May 1 as Law Day and emphasizing the rule of law, was adopted unanimously after supportive comments from members. SB 808 would create expedited judicial review for housing permit denials that violate state law; supporters said it would reduce costly delay and help housing production, while the Judicial Council opposed it as imposing unreasonable timelines and staffing burdens. The bill passed to Appropriations despite concerns about court resources and broader housing-law issues. The committee then took up two privacy bills from Senator Wiener. SB 59 would automatically keep confidential court records for adult and retroactive gender/name change petitions, expanding protections previously enacted for minors; supporters described real-world doxxing and harassment, while opponents raised First Amendment and public-records objections, and the bill passed to Appropriations. SB 497 would require warrants for out-of-state law enforcement access to California prescription monitoring data, expand transgender shield protections for gender-affirming care records, and bar certain disclosures without legal process; the author framed it as a response to out-of-state anti-trans enforcement, and the bill was presented with support from trans advocacy groups.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, yeah, state partners... ...our state funding.
• And so, yeah, state partners. our state funding.
• HHS confirmed that the state must follow the National Fire Protection Association life safety code, but
• HHS confirmed that the state must follow the National Fire Protection Association life safety code, but
• Code, Administrative Code, billing and policy manuals, the Medicaid State Plan, and Medicaid waiver

Committee: Joint Human Services

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Human Services Committee met in interim session and first approved the previous meeting minutes before receiving a series of presentations on homelessness and housing stability. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency updated members on the new Interagency Council on Homelessness, describing its executive-order mandate to review resources, gather input from stakeholders, identify gaps, and develop recommendations. She said the council’s first work is building a statewide program matrix of existing homeless services and funding sources, with attention to youth, tribal communities, and other vulnerable populations. Members raised concerns about youth homelessness, homeless veterans, and how the council will stay focused on a practical framework rather than getting lost in details. The committee also discussed possible connections to the rural health transformation grant and agreed to continue the topic later in the spring. Beth Olson of Presentation Partners in Housing described the organization’s housing-first model in Cass County and Clay County, including homeless prevention/diversion, housing navigation, and Cooper House, a 42-unit permanent supportive housing building in Fargo. She said the organization focuses on people with long-term and chronic homelessness, many with mental health, addiction, health, domestic violence, and Indigenous identity-related barriers, and reported strong outcomes: 85 of 86 people housed in 2025, 91% still housed after one year, and major reductions in emergency room use, ambulance rides, jail stays, detox days, and shelter use. She also explained that state funding has grown from a small share of the budget to about $1.1 million in state-connected funding for fiscal 2026, largely through contracts tied to supportive services. Members asked about vouchers, rent contributions at Cooper House, length of stay, and whether similar projects could be expanded elsewhere. Andrea Olson of the Community Action Partnership of North Dakota outlined statewide homeless and housing-related services delivered through six community action agencies in all 53 counties. She explained the Community Services Block Grant structure, said housing was identified as the top need in the most recent statewide needs assessment, and described programs including Supportive Services for Veteran Families, North Dakota Homeless Grant services, and Home ARP supportive services. She emphasized that the end of North Dakota Rent Help has increased pressure on the system, that the current $2 million annual homeless grant is far smaller than prior rent-help assistance, and that community action is using case management and financial assistance to move households toward self-sufficiency. Members asked about funding formulas, rural service delivery, and coordination with Presentation Partners to avoid duplication. YouthWorks then began a presentation on youth homelessness, describing services for ages 12 to 24, the special needs of youth and former foster youth, and the organization’s use of federal and state funds to support transitional housing, emergency shelter, maternity housing, and diversion services.

Transcript Highlights:

• , in some cases, and fully approved under the county building codes.
• , in some cases, and fully approved under the county building codes.
• , in some cases, and fully approved under the county building codes.
• codes.
• states that have passed it.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing first took up SB 696, which would create an emergency management office and fund tax credits, grants for low-income taxpayers to fortify homes, shelter development, and staffing. Supporters argued Hawaii needs a dedicated preparedness office and funding before the next hurricane season, while the Tax Foundation said the bill was too vague, especially on who would qualify for the tax credits and under what conditions. The Department of the Attorney General and the insurance division offered comments, and both committees recommended deferral of SB 696. The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee then heard SB 179 on construction defect remedies and the contractor repair act. Builders, Realtors, carpenters, and a mortgage industry witness supported the bill, saying it would reduce abusive litigation, speed repairs, and help housing production and affordability. Homeowner advocates and plaintiff attorneys opposed it, arguing it would weaken consumer protections, shift repair costs to homeowners, and delay or limit legitimate claims. One testifier suggested the Senate focus instead on stronger alternative dispute resolution, and the committee noted 105 written supporters, four opponents, and one comment submission. The committee next heard SB 416 on allowing pets in rental housing, with the Attorney General recommending a non-impairment safeguard because of possible effects on existing contracts. SB 593 on commercial dog breeders drew support from the Hawaii Humane Society and others, with concerns raised that counties would be expected to enforce the new regime without funding. SB 641, creating a tax on low-alcohol-by-volume spirits beverages, drew opposition from the Wine Institute, which said it would create a tax break for one segment and likely reduce state revenue. SB 1048 on online crowdfunding received support from GoFundMe and comments from the Attorney General, with GoFundMe urging changes to reduce burdens on charitable fundraising. SB 1213, allowing businesses to accept service of process by email instead of maintaining a registered agent, drew DCCA comments and opposition from LegalZoom, which warned email service could be unreliable and vulnerable to phishing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if we just do four weeks, everybody will know how to code.
• They are already affecting students across our state.
• A state law.
• And in state government, everything costs more.
• And so some guidance from the state is the right approach.

Summary: The annual joint Senate and Assembly Education Committee hearing featured student proposals from the California Association of Student Councils and SABLE, with opening remarks from legislators emphasizing student voice and the value of hearing youth ideas. Committee members noted the hearing was being streamed and that they would review the testimony even though some members could not attend because of fog-related travel issues. The first panel proposed an annual civic engagement day for grades 7-12, with flexible school-led activities such as discussions, mock elections, and voter registration-related events. Members generally praised the idea but raised concerns about costs, instructional time tradeoffs, how to evaluate effectiveness, and whether the proposal should better connect to existing civics standards and local curriculum. The second panel proposed amending Education Code Section 35012 to require at least one student board member in every unified and high school district, with added training and the right to make motions. Legislators supported student representation in principle but questioned whether the proposal should require one or two student members to avoid board tie issues, why some districts do not already have student trustees, and how the mandate would be funded if it became a state requirement. They also raised technical concerns about the scope of motioning power and the fiscal impact of converting a voluntary local practice into a statewide mandate. Later panels proposed adding middle school financial literacy instruction, expanding restorative justice practices, and creating more structured mental health education time. On financial literacy, students suggested integrating finance into existing middle school classes and teacher training over time; members worried about curriculum overload and suggested aligning the idea with the already-approved high school finance course. On restorative justice, students proposed a CDE task force and training for PPS-certified staff; legislators discussed prior related bills, confidentiality concerns in discipline hearings, and the likely cost of a state task force. On mental health, students proposed short, twice-semester classroom sessions focused on coping skills and awareness of resources, but members questioned whether such brief lessons could be effective and suggested that wellness centers, student-led awareness, and outside referrals might be more practical. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational and ended with encouragement for students to refine their proposals and follow up with legislators.

Transcript Highlights:

• The town was in noncompliance with these codes as noted below.
• . $4,365 was paid to a council member for mowing services, $3,700 and $400 were paid to a council member
• It was in a storage building.
• Now, if this is state, do we have—does the state demand, if the governor gives some money to—or do we
• From the State of Arkansas? Yes, sir. Okay. Thank you.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Summary: The committee began with prayer and approval of the January 8 minutes, then received updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. Staff reported that for the 2022 reports, 19 of 43 entities had had their turnback reinstated, while 24 remained in escrow; for the 2023 reports, 59 of 64 entities had filed, leaving five outstanding. The committee also filed a report on Adona, where staff said the city had made enough progress toward substantial compliance with municipal accounting laws to discontinue withholding turnback, and the committee adopted that recommendation. The bulk of the meeting focused on municipal accounting noncompliance cases. Gum Springs and Denning were presented with extensive repeat findings involving budgets not adopted by ordinance or resolution, missing or incomplete bank reconciliations, inadequate receipts and disbursement records, payroll issues, and improper handling of Act 833 funds or other city money. Both cities’ mayors and recorders-treasurers testified about efforts to correct records, obtain training, and work with the Municipal League; the committee voted to start the 60-day turnback-withholding clock for both and then filed the reports. Fargo was deferred because no city representative was present. Additional reports included Green Forest, Elaine, Strong, Brooklyn, Mineral Springs, Rondo, Waldo, Columbia County, and several private water and sewer entities. Strong drew significant concern over missing garbage-bag revenue, improper fund transfers, and deficit balances; the committee deferred that report to the March meeting. The committee also heard investigative or referred reports on the Faulkner County Fair Association, Brooklyn payroll direct-deposit fraud, and other entities with questionable disbursements or recordkeeping. In several cases, staff recommended filing the reports after responses were received; in others, the committee deferred action when responses were lacking or representatives were absent. The meeting ended with a motion to defer a Cross County Rural Water matter so the entity could appear at the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So fundamentally, this bill is about helping to make it easier to build the housing that our state and
• communities need. ...helping to make it easier to build the housing that our state and communities need
• This would require the State Building Code Council to conduct rulemaking on the portions of the State
• Building Code applicable to kit homes by March 31, 2027.
• Horton, we build for-sale and for-rent product throughout the state.

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on engrossed second substitute Senate Bill 6026, which would prohibit certain GMA-planning cities and counties from excluding residential development in commercial and mixed-use zones and would limit local requirements for ground-floor commercial or mixed-use space, subject to numerous exemptions and a possible study-based off-ramp. The bill sponsor and supporters, including the Lieutenant Governor, the governor’s housing policy advisor, Commerce staff, developers, labor/employer groups, and housing advocates, argued it would reduce barriers, reuse underutilized commercial land, and help address the state’s housing shortage. Cities including Bellevue, Kirkland, Bellingham, Redmond, Kent, Lacey, and Lakewood testified in opposition or with concerns, emphasizing local control, impacts on walkable neighborhoods and small businesses, implementation costs, and the need for more flexibility or clearer compliance options. Committee members asked about exemptions, the study process, and how the bill would affect existing local plans and incentives. The committee then moved to executive session on several bills. It rejected Representative Griffey’s amendment to Senate Bill 5820, which would have restored Clark County’s freight rail dependent overlay authority and added findings about greenhouse gas reductions from short line rail, and then passed SB 5820 out with a do pass recommendation. The committee also passed SB 5995, extending authorization for port districts to purchase zero- and near-zero-emission cargo handling equipment; SB 5552, directing rulemaking for kit home building codes; SB 5467, raising thresholds for water-sewer district surplus property sales; and SB 6189, removing the deadline for forming a public facilities district for regional aquatics and sports facilities. Each of those bills received a do pass recommendation, with some members noting support for housing, workforce, efficiency, or local flexibility and others expressing concerns about contracts, automation, or competitiveness. After executive session, the committee resumed testimony on SB 6026. Additional supporters, including the Lieutenant Governor, Commerce, developers, the Washington Roundtable, Microsoft, and housing organizations, reiterated that the bill would unlock housing on vacant commercial land and preserve some local flexibility through exemptions and height incentives. Opponents and concerned cities continued to argue that the bill would weaken local planning, reduce commercial space needed for complete communities, and impose costs and implementation burdens. The hearing concluded without final action on SB 6026, with the chair noting more testimony and work remained.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, uh, that, that's the HUD code is administered. It's a basically a federal building code.
• It's the only preemptive federal building code.
• And so anything that's built to that HUD building code.
• those back in now, we're a federal building code, so administered through HUD.
• We just had a brand new, so everybody talks about like the new building code. So in.

Bills: HB303

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: jail standards, living conditions, Harris County jail, safety, inmate welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• We thank you for his life and his influence on our state and his care for our state.
• His influence on our state and his care for our state. Lord, please be with them.
• House Concurrent Resolution No. 22, by the State Affairs Committee, is a concurrent resolution stating
• appropriations, stating the question to be submitted to the electorate, directing the Legislative Council
• Not this building, just the valley.

Summary: The House convened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, and members noted the recent death of Representative Lyndon Bateman, offering condolences for his family. The journal for the prior legislative day was approved without objection. The chamber then moved to House Concurrent Resolution 22, which honors the nation’s 250th anniversary by declaring 2026 the Year of Volunteerism and the America 250 in Idaho Service Challenge, recognizing the song “Forever Idaho,” and encouraging Idahoans to sign the state’s replica Declaration of Independence. Before considering HCR 22, the House suspended the rules by a two-thirds vote, 68 ayes and two abstentions. Representative Mitchell explained the resolution as part of a broader effort to promote service, community engagement, and celebration of American founding principles, including a goal of 250,000 acts of service tracked through IdahoKindness.com. The House then adopted HCR 22 by voice vote and transmitted it to the Senate. A performance of the “Forever Idaho” song followed, along with remarks thanking organizers, ambassadors, service groups, and the Sons of the American Revolution for the Declaration signing display. The House also received committee reports and introduced several bills and one joint resolution for first reading, including measures on private forest land, surveyor licensing, cosmetology licensure and exams, bullying prevention training, parental rights in education, repeal of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region statute, and a constitutional amendment on sectarian appropriations. During announcements, members highlighted a housing and affordability lunch-and-learn, an informational meeting on rats in the Treasure Valley, visits from a Pacific Northwest Economic Region delegation, and Sugar Day at the Capitol. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 8 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Traditional low bid, than going to design-build, that has a long history here in the state.
• Mike West with the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California.
• Mike West on behalf of the state building trades.
• Building and Construction Trades Council.
• Mike West, on behalf of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so we, the Council.
• Chair, members of the Council.
• This is a very narrow question before the Council today.
• Lastly, per legislative council policy, I am reporting that since the last legislative council meeting
• It's part of us building something.

Committee: House Legislative Council

Transcript Highlights:

• And this bill was brought to us by the Pierce County Council.
• That means city community center buildings.
• And so there's a limited amount of money to build parks.
• We have Pierce County Council Member Dave Morel remote.
• The current state law makes it difficult to accomplish.

Summary: The committee heard several local government bills. Senate Bill 6181, sponsored by Senator Conway, would let county legislative authorities in certain large western Washington counties file a city incorporation petition without collecting resident signatures if the area is fully within an urban growth boundary and has more than 25,000 people. Supporters from Pierce County said the current signature requirement makes incorporation too difficult for large urban unincorporated areas like South Hill, while opponents argued the signature threshold is an important test of community support and raised concerns about boundaries, taxes, and the adequacy of the bill’s details. Senate Bill 6132 would give the Port of Moses Lake additional bonding authority tied to a tax increment financing area to help finish a rail project; the port said rising costs and a pending federal grant made the extra flexibility necessary. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6154, which would give local governments more flexibility in how they use hydraulic project approval permits for culvert replacement. Counties and cities testified that many emergency culvert repairs are expensive and that some sites provide little fish habitat benefit, so they want the option to redirect equivalent resources to higher-priority fish passage projects elsewhere in the watershed. A few commenters supported the bill as a practical way to improve habitat and flood resilience, while one remote witness objected to the broader legal framework for salmon habitat projects. Senate Bill 6189 would extend from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2028 the deadline for creating an additional public facilities district for regional aquatics and sports facilities; Olympia, Tumwater, and regional partners said they need more time to complete feasibility and coordination work for a proposed aquatic center. In executive session, the committee took action on several bills. It adopted a substitute and passed Senate Bill 6037 to Ways and Means, adopted a substitute and passed Senate Bill 5983 to Rules, and passed Senate Bills 5995 and 6013 to Rules without amendments. For Senate Bill 6066, the committee adopted an amendment into a new substitute and passed the bill to the Transportation Committee. The committee did not take action on Senate Bills 5820 or 6064.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now I'm in the State Assembly.
• or by any state on account of sex.
• Civil rights codes, education codes—27 years, scores of bills—and yet men are still not women.
• This bill puts the falsehood into 29 state codes, and after it passes, men will still not be women.
• state home. ...call the state home.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met without a quorum and proceeded as a subcommittee while hearing a long consent calendar and several Assembly bills. Early testimony focused on AB 1744, which would prohibit sunscreen products marketed as “reef safe” or similar from containing chemical UV filters; the author and student supporters said the bill is a truth-in-labeling measure to protect marine ecosystems, and there was no opposition. Committee members praised the student witnesses and the author asked for an aye vote, but no vote was taken because of the lack of quorum. The committee then heard AB 713, which would allow undocumented students at UC, CSU, and community colleges to access campus jobs. Supporters, including a UCLA law professor and a large coalition of student, labor, immigrant-rights, and education groups, argued the bill would reduce exploitation and improve affordability and retention; opponents argued it would conflict with federal law. Members expressed strong support, and the author closed by emphasizing that students simply want the chance to work, but again no vote occurred due to the subcommittee status. The committee also heard AB 1359, allowing people age 80 and older to opt out of jury service without a doctor’s note, with support from the Alzheimer’s Association and LeadingAge California and no opposition. Additional measures included AB 2563, which would standardize California’s definition of sex discrimination across state codes to align with equal-rights principles; it drew strong support from women’s rights and labor groups and strong opposition from anti-trans advocates. AB 1705 would require websites to verify consent before hosting sexually explicit images of people, with supporters framing it as a response to nonconsensual pornography and opponents warning it could sweep in sites that prohibit such content. AB 1940 would explicitly name menopause in workplace protections, with supporters citing workforce equity and opponents saying existing accommodation law already covers it. The committee also heard AB 1824 and AB 2115 on Native American child welfare and a formal legislative apology for historic harms, both backed by tribal representatives and allies, as well as AB 2076 on nitrous oxide sales to minors and AB 2783 on court reporter licensing and remote reporting; all drew support and no recorded opposition. Several members praised the bills and indicated they would move them when a quorum was available.

Transcript Highlights:

• We thank you for his life and his influence on our state and his care for our state.
• His influence on our state and his care for our state. Lord, please be with them.
• appropriations, stating the question to be submitted to the electorate, directing the Legislative Council
• Not this building, just the valley.
• Not this building, just the valley.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• our state.
• It's the American Legislative Exchange Council.
• States Marine Fisheries Commission...
• States Marine Fisheries Commission...
• I just want to remove NGOs from our code. If our state wants to participate in them, fine.

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from January 19 and 20. It then heard several RS requests from Rep. Heather Scott aimed at removing Idaho from or repealing participation in various commissions and regional agreements. RS 32866 would eliminate the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs; after questions about whether it would end the agency immediately, the motion to introduce failed on a 7-7 tie. RS 32921 would withdraw Idaho from the Pacific Northwest Economic Region Cooperation Agreement; Scott argued it cost about $60,000 annually and advanced policies Idaho does not support, while some members said they wanted more information but supported introducing it. The motion to introduce RS 32921 passed. RS 32922 would remove Idaho from the Pacific Fisheries Legislative Task Force; Scott said it was a taxpayer-funded NGO with little clear benefit, but other members raised concerns about Idaho losing a voice on fisheries, salmon, and water issues. The motion to introduce RS 32922 failed, 7-7, and was returned to the sponsor. The committee then considered RS 32951, brought by Rep. Elaine Price, which would create a House joint resolution asking voters whether to repeal Section 5 of Article 9 of the Idaho Constitution, the Blaine Amendment. Price said recent court decisions show the provision can conflict with the U.S. Constitution and discriminate against Christians, citing a case involving a church and a school facility. Members asked for clarification on the constitutional conflict and examples of unequal treatment, and one member said Idahoans should decide the issue. The motion to introduce RS 32951 passed, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• or local building code, state law, or federal law.
• or local building code, state law or federal law.
• Thank you. ...the device would violate state or local building code, state law, or federal law; violate
• This removes a subsection stating that it's the intent of the Building Code Council and Department of
• Labor and Industries... ...a subsection stating that it's the intent of the Building Code Council and

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 904, all