Transcript Highlights:

• It is a random sample test. given to a subset of students in every state in grades four and eight in
• six percent of their students who don't speak English at home, but we're all given the same English test
• They are still testing reading and math.
• We're testing reading and math, but we're testing based upon our aligned curriculum standards.
• That is why Alpine ISD's money should not be affected by Brewster CAD's failures on your tests.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This has to do with the Pearson VUE testing program.
• And do you know that they have to come to Honolulu for a test for one hour?
• This has to do with the Pearson VUE testing program.
• And do you know that they have to come to Honolulu for a test for one hour?
• And do you know that they have to come to Honolulu for a test for one hour?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means and Commerce and Consumer Protection heard the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs present its biennium budget request for fiscal years 2025 to 2027. Director Nainoa Ando said the department’s requests were primarily special-fund ceiling increases to meet operational needs. Major items included an additional $12 million to complete the King Kamehameha V Post Office building roof project after hidden deterioration and water intrusion were discovered, plus funding related to fringe benefits and central services assessments. The department also outlined requests for a new medical compact implementation cost, an auditor position, an engineer position, and a captive insurance IT modernization project. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the Office of Consumer Protection’s landlord-tenant call line and public service access. Senators raised concerns that callers often reach voicemail, are told to leave a message, and sometimes are referred to look up the law themselves. DCCA said the Oʻahu line is staffed by one full-time employee backed by two to three investigators, with one investigator each on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island, and that calls are tracked in a case management system. The department said it plans to add one more Oʻahu staff position through a transfer from another division and that a new call-center/web system with time tracking is expected to go live in the summer. Members also discussed a possible bill related to Pearson VUE nursing certification testing, with one senator describing the burden on neighbor-island nursing graduates who must travel to Honolulu for a one-hour test. The senator said she intended to introduce legislation after receiving no response to repeated outreach. DCCA did not take action on that proposal during the hearing. For the PUC-related requests, the department explained a one-time $1 million request for outside consulting tied to Maui wildfire-related filings, including wildfire safety mitigation and hazard mitigation plans, and a separate $900,000 request through the Consumer Advocacy Division to hire consultants for review and analysis. The committee also discussed a captive insurance IT modernization request, which DCCA said would replace manual and spreadsheet-based processes with a cloud-based system to better handle filings, payments, and workflow; no vote or final action was taken on the budget items during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• current law requires public schools... of students to complete a nurse-administered vision screening test
• It's permissive for a few more vision tests that don't replace the exam, but might identify some really
• And unless an adult, and unless a testing program explains that to them, and obviously to their parents

Bills: HB 1178 , HB1411 , HB1441 , HB1773 , HB1813 , HB2107 , HB2598 , HB2911 , HB2967 , HB3672 , HB5263 , HB3797

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: education, temporary certification, out-of-state educators, teacher shortage, military spouses, personal leave, school holidays, employee compensation, overtime provisions, school safety, peace officers, mental health, de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed care, student trustee, school board, student representation, education policy, nonvoting position, school governance

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, there's a time-tested way to address coastal erosion, and it's with rocks and groins and things
• <00:50:52.000><c> there's</c><00:50:52.240><c> a</c><00:50:52.400><c> time-t</c><00:50:52.640><c> tested
• </c> this there's a there's a time-t tested this there's a there's a time-t tested way<00:50:53.119><
• ><01:32:17.520><c> um</c><01:32:17.600><c> to</c><01:32:17.760><c> do</c> licensed after I pass my test
• um to do licensed after I pass my test um to do properties<01:32:18.320><c> management.

Committee: House Water & Land

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several shoreline easement resolutions and a water-supply study resolution. For the easement measures, the Department of Land and Natural Resources supported each item, and testimony also came from affected landowners and community members. Members asked about why some easements were granted gratis to public agencies, with DLNR explaining that those cases involved public infrastructure such as stormwater management and did not require bonds or rent. For private properties, DLNR described the standard process of monthly rent during the legislative approval gap, followed by a one-time appraised payment for a 25-year easement once the appraisal is completed. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on shoreline erosion and whether hardened shoreline structures or seawalls were contributing to beach loss. On one measure, DLNR explained that a large sandbag shoreline structure was tied to a nearby boat harbor that had altered sand movement over time, causing flanking erosion on adjacent unarmored property. On another, DLNR said a wall built under a valid 1960s permit was originally a boundary or landscaping wall, but now functions as a seawall as the shoreline has migrated landward. Members raised concerns about fairness, public beach access, and whether adjacent owners should share costs, and DLNR responded that shoreline matters are handled parcel by parcel under existing statute. The committee also heard support for a resolution creating a task force or study on desalination. DLNR’s Commission on Water Resource Management supported the intent but asked for more time to complete a comprehensive report, noting the work would require substantial staffing and coordination. The Board of Water Supply and CARES also testified in support, with CARES emphasizing future water-supply needs, cultural and historic preservation concerns, and the importance of coordinating with other agencies. DLNR said it would rely on existing studies and work with county agencies and the Department of Health. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• an ad that connects them to a chat with a real person, and eventually connect them to a pregnancy test
• an ad that connects them to a chat with a real person, and eventually connect them to a pregnancy test
• It's kind of a complicated health situation in that there's no specific one test, lab test, and there's

Bills: SB667 , SB904 , SB1344 , SB1380 , SB1423 , SB1425 , SB1484 , SB1500 , SB1502 , SB1503 , SB1555 , SB1561 , SB1562 , SB1565 , SB1572 , SB1644 , SB1749 , SB1833 , SB2007 , SB2044 , SB2074

Committee: House Public Health

Keywords: chiropractic, licensure, animal chiropractic, Board of Chiropractic Examiners, licensing requirements, gender transition, gender-affirming care, transgender, puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, hormone therapy, sex reassignment, transition surgery, Medicaid, public funds, state facilities, state hospital, Oklahoma, intersex, DSD

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a large number of health-related bills, with much of the agenda focused on pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) regulation, Medicaid administration, and health-system cleanup measures. Bills passed included HB 1344 on insulin affordability and state support for low-cost biosimilar insulin manufacturing; HB 1380 requiring the Health Care Authority to check death records to disenroll deceased Medicaid recipients; SB 2007 and SB 2074, both PBM-related measures addressing pharmacist reimbursement, dispensing fees, appeals, and penalties; SB 1572 creating a feasibility study on reorganizing the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and temporarily allowing the Health Commissioner to serve in a dual role; and SB 1555 updating the definition of intellectual disability to match the federal definition. Members also approved several bills eliminating or repealing outdated councils and programs, including SB 1423 ending the Hospital Advisory Council, SB 1425 repealing the Health Care Workers and Educators’ Assistance Program and Health Care Workforce Resources Center, and SB 1502 eliminating the Alzheimer Dementia Disclosure Act Advisory Council. Other measures passed included SB 1561 changing EMS discipline to a progressive system, SB 244 and SB 667 making chiropractic language and training cleanup changes, SB 1749 on LP gas inspections for food trailers, SB 1484 requiring more detailed medical information for infant and child death investigations, SB 1562 clarifying hospice patient protections, and SB 1644 creating reporting related to alpha-gal to support possible research funding. The most debated bill was SB 1503, which would expand the Choosing Childbirth Act so nonprofits without an Oklahoma physical address could receive grants to connect women seeking abortions with pregnancy resources. Members questioned whether grant dollars and salaries would stay in Oklahoma, whether reporting and accountability would be sufficient, and whether Oklahoma-based providers could do the work instead. The bill passed 5-2 after the sponsor said he was open to amendments and oversight. SB 1833, codifying a SNAP waiver restricting candy and soft drink purchases, and SB 904, modifying the use of certain state funds and facilities for medical procedures, also drew questions and passed on divided votes. The meeting ended after all listed bills were heard and voted on, with most measures passing unanimously or by wide margins.

Transcript Highlights:

• We would test for, so I'd stand for questions on the amendment, but I move for it to be adopted and explained
• It requires DEQ to purchase the necessary equipment to test for POs and biosolids.
• It requires biosolids to be tested for PFAS prior to land application.
• that all farmers and ranchers whose land... is being applied with biosolids, she'll be giving the test

Bills: HB4319 , HB4317 , HB1225 , HB3076 , HB3081 , HB4226 , SCR17 , HB4432 , HB3304 , HB3411 , HB3435 , HB4339 , HB4331 , HB4341 , HB4342 , HB1770 , HB1016 , HB4113 , HB2950 , HB4141 , HB3277 , HB2988 , HB3029 , HB3338 , HB1889 , HB3834 , HB3831 , HB2939 , HB3045 , HB3657 , HB1739 , HB3759 , HB3755 , HB4484 , HB4486 , HB4108 , HB1250 , HB2961 , HB1219 , HB3025 , HB1782 , HB1907 , HB3718 , HB4459 , HB2976 , HB3548 , HB3545 , HB2952 , HB2929 , HB2956 , HB2973 , HB3055 , HB3086 , HB3040 , HB3794 , HB4336 , HB3151 , HB1590 , HB3581 , HB3313 , HB3429 , HB3448 , HB1752 , HB2650 , HB3584 , HB4202 , HB3586 , HB4321 , HB4280 , HB3650 , HCR1020 , HB2116 , HB2206 , HB4301 , HB3625 , HB3147 , HB3403 , HB3498 , HB3970 , HB3975 , HB3976 , HB3980 , HB4265 , HB4266 , HB3638 , HB3880 , HB3930 , HB3942 , HB3944 , HB4191 , HB3242 , HB3678

Keywords: administrative procedures, rulemaking authority, specific authority, legislative review, agency rules, accounting, CPA, licensure, educational requirements, reciprocity, professional conduct, vital records, birth certificate, birth registration, biological sex, sex designation, male, female, nonbinary, gender identity

Transcript Highlights:

• the time right now, every single one of those fatalities was from somebody who passed the driving test
• Regardless of who taught them, they still are required to go down and pass the driving test.
• because at the end of the day, they still got to go down there, and they still got to take the driving test
• Because at the end of the day, they still got to go down there, and they still got to take the driving test

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 663, which would allow Idaho Agriculture in the Classroom to redesign its specialty license plate and shift plate design authority from Food Producers of Idaho to the organization’s board of directors. The sponsor and Cassidy Plum, the state director, said the plate provides about 75% of the program’s funding and supports teacher workshops, grants, and ag-literacy curriculum. Samantha Parrott also testified in support, saying the redesign could help increase sales and that Food Producers of Idaho supports the bill. Representative Harris raised the idea of involving students in the design, and Plum said the organization may hold a student competition. The committee voted to send HB 663 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 628, which revises Idaho’s driver’s education law to expand parental instruction options and remove the prior rural-only limitation, while also adjusting language related to approved online course providers. Representative Mendive said the bill is the latest step in a multi-year effort to give families more flexibility and to allow school districts to offer driver training if they choose. Robert Scoville, a Caldwell science teacher and driver’s ed instructor, testified in opposition, arguing that removing school-based instruction would reduce safety and increase teen crash risks, citing crash and fatality statistics and the value of professional instruction. In response, supporters argued parents are already responsible for much of the training, that private instruction remains available, and that the bill increases freedom and reflects what is already happening in many districts. After discussion, the committee debated whether the bill would improve parental choice or weaken driver safety. Several members supported the measure as a matter of local control and family discretion, while others expressed concern about urban safety and the loss of professional instruction. The committee ultimately voted to send HB 628 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But that got complicated because there are all sorts of tests we use to determine whether there's a conflict
• All of the tests we use and how we would look at it.
• All of the tests we use and how we would look at it. that in there.
• All of the tests we use and how we would look at it.

Summary: The Legislative Ethics Board met to reorganize its agenda, elect officers, approve prior minutes, review employment disclosure forms, consider rule amendments, and discuss a draft annual report. Larry Hoff was nominated and approved as chair, and Lori was nominated and approved as vice chair. The board then approved the December 8 minutes and found no ethics issues with two employment disclosure forms involving Senate and House security employees who are married to each other. Jennifer presented proposed rule changes, described as mostly technical updates, including clarifying that either party may request a continuance for good cause, replacing references to a “complaint” with a “reasonable cause determination,” allowing the board to use an ALJ to hear matters and prepare an initial order, and clarifying discovery authority. The board moved, seconded, and unanimously approved the rule amendments. Members also reviewed a draft annual report and discussed updating biographies and other details. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on a draft advisory opinion about attorney-legislators representing clients in matters against state agencies. Jennifer explained that the draft concluded such representation is not automatically an ethics violation, but cautioned about special privileges, appearances of impropriety, and the need to keep legislative and private legal roles separate. Members debated whether the opinion should be broadened to emphasize that all legislators, regardless of outside employment, must avoid using their office for private advantage. Several members argued the issue is highly fact-specific and that a broad opinion could create unnecessary complexity or special treatment for lawyers. By the end of the discussion, the board appeared to decide not to issue the proposed opinion. The chair also noted a prior advisory opinion on citizen members of the board and reminded members of restrictions on lobbying and related activities. No public testimony was offered, and the board moved toward executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• So these are studies where an inoculum of bacteria placed on the test subject's hands, the test article
• So they want us to design the studies to test in a consumer-clinical way how these products work.
• Well, those tests will take several years to complete. They take several years even just to design.

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• North Dakota continues to lead the nation in the development, testing, and deployment of advanced UAS
• North Dakota continues to lead the nation in the development, testing, and deployment of advanced UAS
• I am the executive director of the Northern Plains UAS test site. Yes, there are some slides.
• UAS test site. Yes, there are some slides. Perfect. Thank you.
• We call this a pathfinder, which is a testing period that will now extend through June 2027 with the

Committee: Joint Government Finance Committee

Summary: The committee first received a general fund and revenue update from the Office of Management and Budget. Staff reported that the state started the biennium about $176 million above prior estimates, but year-to-date revenues were now running below legislative forecast, mainly due to lower individual income tax and sales tax collections. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap, the legacy fund continued to grow, and oil revenues were slightly above forecast overall. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing variability, and OMB said agencies would be asked to address potential federal reductions case by case during budget preparation. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analysis materials, followed by a bill draft for a fixed-route city transportation grant program. Testimony from transit officials in Fargo and Minot supported the proposal, saying state aid would help match federal transit funds and support operations, but members raised questions about the funding source, fare structures, and whether the program should be limited to the current four fixed-route cities or allow future eligible cities. Several members asked for more time to study the formula and possible funding options before moving the bill forward. Next, the committee approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to a proposed North Dakota-South Dakota bi-state authority. Staff explained the provision had been unused for about 30 years and that existing law likely already allowed joint powers agreements without the specific language. The committee voted to adopt the repeal bill draft. The Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site then provided an update on uncrewed aircraft system initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and future revenue models. Officials said North Dakota had received FAA approval to operate the radar data pathfinder, had begun replacing non-compliant drones from restricted foreign sources, and was working on phased procurement and cost-recovery plans. Members asked about deadlines, funding, supply-chain issues, and how the system would be used; staff said the federal restrictions were already in effect and that Vantis was being positioned as infrastructure for future beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Finally, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and on a reentry housing task force. The new facility is planned for the penitentiary grounds, with a reduced estimated cost of about $263 million, 600 beds initially, possible expansion to 732 beds, and completion projected around 2031 if funded in 2027. The reentry housing task force described a data-driven effort to identify housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with the goal of reducing homelessness and recidivism through targeted housing support and possible subsidies. Members asked about staffing, site selection, housing duration, and whether employment and transportation needs would be included in the assessment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we sent him couple tests we had.
• , where before he would quit the job and go somewhere else so he wouldn't have to test.
• , where before he would quit the job and go somewhere else so he wouldn't have to test.
• , where before he would quit the job and go somewhere else so he wouldn't have to test.
• Before he would quit the job and go somewhere else so he wouldn't have to test.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This has to do with the objective test that is mentioned that's new.
• Patients avoid delay, repeated tests, or confusion during critical moments.
• He said, we're going to do the test again. He said, we're going to do the test again.
• They did the test again, and I was having a heart attack.
• , and use... ...the Canvas test, so I know that that's all in the works.

Bills: AB568 , SB90 , SB133 , SB147 , SB229 , SB233 , SB240 , SB245 , SB280 , SB378 , SB393 , SB417 , SB434 , SB494 , SB495

Committee: Assembly Ways and Means

Keywords: higher education, Nevada System of Higher Education, operational expenses, instructional expenses, public funding, education funding, teacher grants, classroom supplies, instructional support, specialized personnel, civics education, Nevada Center for Civic Engagement, funding, youth programs, civic involvement, Southern Nevada, Clark County, Las Vegas Valley, regional planning, economic resiliency

Transcript Highlights:

• and management at three school districts who provided extensive data to us for some of our detailed testing
• I'm going to move on and talk a little bit more about testing the apportionment system and this complicated
• Our testing focused on two things: Was the system functioning accurately, meaning was it doing what it
• We also limited this testing to three districts using their data as test cases.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The committee heard a State Auditor’s Office performance audit on OSPI’s school apportionment system, which distributes K-12 funding to districts. Auditors said the system and its underlying 2008-era infrastructure are outdated, unstable, inefficient, and at high risk of errors or failure. They also found weak controls over data input, documentation, oversight, and monitoring, with heavy reliance on a small number of staff and vendor knowledge. In limited testing of three districts, the system calculated 2023–24 funding correctly, but auditors identified small discrepancies between state budget inputs and underlying statutory language and said broader system risks remain unresolved. JLARC members asked about the scope of the district testing, whether smaller districts face greater risk, the meaning of the funding discrepancies, and whether the system could support a future change to a simpler per-student funding formula. Auditors said the discrepancies were small but could compound into millions statewide, and that the audit did not evaluate broader policy questions or alternative system owners. They recommended OSPI modernize or replace the system and address current control weaknesses while the new platform is developed. OSPI officials largely agreed that the current platform needs replacement and said a feasibility study completed in 2024 found the system at catastrophic risk of failure. They clarified that the Legislature had approved up to $16 million in the state IT pool for the project, but that funding is released through gated oversight and not all of it had yet been appropriated for the current biennium. OSPI disputed the auditor’s characterization of some rounding and budget-law issues, saying the calculations were consistent with agency rules and legislative inputs, and explained that some manual workarounds are used to handle newer statutory requirements. One member of the public testified in support of modernizing the system and strengthening controls. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• meeting, a report noted that the emergency generator was repaired, but the short notice of successful testing
• and verified that the emergency generator did operate under simulated blackout conditions, and the test
• board meeting, a report at the emergency generator was repaired, but the short notice of successful testing
• and verified that the emergency generator did operate under simulated blackout conditions and with tests
• So OVAS recommends grant. got conditions and what test was found successful.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Louisiana Gaming Control Board met on February 26, 2026, and first approved the January minutes and received revenue reports showing year-over-year gains in several sectors. Riverboat gaming, Caesars New Orleans, racetrack slots, video gaming devices, sports wagering, and daily fantasy sports all reported January activity and state fee collections, with board members asking no questions. The chairman also noted recent meetings with casino and racetrack general managers around the state to discuss operational challenges and possible regulatory efficiencies. The board then approved fourth-quarter 2025 employment and procurement compliance reports for riverboats and racetracks. Staff reported that some licensees met all goals, while others missed specific employment or procurement targets, including several riverboats and racetracks that fell short in Louisiana resident, female, or minority categories. The board also approved annual certificates of compliance for Bally’s Shreveport Casino and Hotel and Live Casino and Hotel after inspection reports showed deficiencies had been corrected or no issues were found. In other gaming matters, the board approved Jackpot Digital-related petitions allowing Alpha North Partners Fund and Alpha North Asset Management to qualify as institutional investors, approved a transfer of membership interest in Bonus Casino, LLC, and approved several settlements involving late filings, expired permits, ownership-notification failures, and an expired security ID card. Civil penalties ranged from $750 to $9,250. The board also considered two requests to reconsider prior license revocations: it granted reconsideration for Burritos Grill LLC, finding a good-faith but misdirected hearing request and technical issues warranted further review, but denied reconsideration for Toby’s Dead, Inc. doing business as The Gemini, concluding the licensee missed the hearing deadline and had not shown grounds for rehearing. The meeting adjourned after announcing the next meeting would be March 16, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• board meeting, a report said the emergency generator was repaired, but the short notice of successful testing
• and verified that the emergency generator did operate under simulated blackout conditions, and the test
• board meeting, a report at the emergency generator was repaired, but the short notice of successful testing
• and verified that the emergency generator did operate under simulated blackout conditions and with tests
• So OVAS recommends grant. got conditions and what test was found successful.

Summary: The Louisiana Gaming Control Board met on February 26, 2026, and first approved the January minutes and received revenue reports showing year-over-year gains in several sectors, including riverboats, racetrack slots, video gaming devices, sports wagering, and daily fantasy sports. Staff also reported on fourth-quarter 2025 employment and procurement compliance for riverboat and racetrack licensees, noting several properties that missed employment or procurement targets, while others were fully compliant. Under casino gaming issues, the board approved annual certificates of compliance for Bally’s Shreveport Casino and Hotel and Live Casino and Hotel. It also approved two petitions finding Alpha North Partners Fund, Inc. and Alpha North Asset Management to be institutional investors in connection with Jackpot Digital’s pending manufacturer and supplier applications. Under video gaming issues, the board approved a transfer of membership interest in Bonus Casino, LLC. The board then approved a series of proposed settlements involving late filings, permit lapses, and ownership-notification violations, including matters involving American Amusements, McKinley’s Pub, Whispering Pines Plaza and Casino, Ms. Mamie’s Rain Casino, Pablo’s Truck Stop Casino, Clearly Tavern and Sports Bar, and Golden Lantern, with civil penalties ranging from $750 to $9,250. In the final agenda items, the board granted reconsideration for Burritos Grill LLC after finding a good-faith but misdirected hearing request, but denied reconsideration for Toby’s Dead, Inc., doing business as The Gemini, concluding that the licensee missed the hearing deadline and that no sufficient grounds for rehearing were shown. The board then adjourned and announced its next meeting for March 16, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have an expert that will be coming up to test file in that short leave, who does the post-training,
• because they've gone through the multiple hours that they're required and they take whatever written tests
• , whatever active tests, whatever you do, and they still meet them, but there's still something that,
• To comply, you will be able to go see a psychologist, and they will test you on this, see what your background
• is, You will be able to go see a psychologist, and they will test you on this, see what your background

Committee: House General Laws

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for licensure in the application process, as well as health, safety, and permissible ingredients, testing
• Health, safety, and permissible ingredients, testing, and transportation standards.
• Department of Health and Senior Services will have the responsibility for packaging, labeling, and testing
• My understanding then is that these drinks all will be, have been tested, and the contents, and that
• They all have QR codes on the can that shows exactly what's in it and where it's tested, and that should

Committee: House Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first met in executive session and took up House Bill 2699, which concerns offenses involving the judiciary. The committee adopted a House Committee substitute and two amendments: one adding circuit clerks, deputy circuit clerks, court administrators, division clerks, and municipal clerks, and another adding court reporters who are active participants in courtroom activities. The substitute bill was then voted do pass by a roll call of six ayes, two noes, and two present; one member stated a personal interest and voted present. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2848, the so-called “mask intimidation” bill sponsored by Representative Dolan. The bill would create a Class C misdemeanor for intentionally harassing, intimidating, or threatening another person while concealing one’s identity with a mask or similar covering, with exceptions for legitimate uses such as medical, religious, holiday, and First Amendment-related activity. Supporters, including the Anti-Defamation League, said the bill would address masked intimidation by extremist groups and protect targeted communities; there was no opposition testimony. A public hearing followed on House Bill 2765, sponsored by Representative Justice, which would regulate intoxicating hemp beverages through a framework modeled on alcohol’s three-tier system. The bill would set licensing, testing, labeling, packaging, age-21 sales restrictions, and THC limits, and assign oversight to the Department of Health and Senior Services and the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. Support came from the Missouri Beer Wholesalers Association, Hemp Beverage Alliance, Missouri Petroleum and Convenience Association, Torch Drinks, Total Wine, and others, who argued the bill would create needed guardrails, keep products away from minors, and preserve a regulated retail market; some witnesses also urged broader regulation of other hemp-derived products. There was no opposition testimony, and the committee concluded its hearing without taking final action on HB 2765.

Transcript Highlights:

• Crane on Section 6 of the Idaho Constitution, where it says religious test and teaching in schools prohibited
• So it specifically says that no religious test or qualifications shall ever be required of any person
• going to happen in the future, but as I really read Section 6, it specifically says that no religious tests
• I was not aware of the Idaho oath test, where members of the LDS faith were not allowed.
• I think that, you know, you look at the Idaho oath test that disenfranchised our LDS citizens.

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 2 and 3, then heard RS 33159 on OITS powers and duties, which would shift most state IT procurement to IT professionals rather than other departments, with exceptions for entities like the military, judiciary, legislature, constitutional officers, and schools. The motion to introduce the RS passed. The committee also heard RS 33195, a campaign finance cleanup bill requiring candidates to maintain a separate bank account for election funds and to certify loans to campaign accounts within seven days; that motion to introduce also passed. The main item was H.J.R. 7, which would place before Idaho voters the question of repealing Article 9, Section 5 of the Idaho Constitution, the Blaine Amendment prohibiting aid to sectarian institutions. The sponsor and supporters argued the provision is rooted in anti-Catholic and anti-Mormon discrimination, conflicts with U.S. Supreme Court precedent on religious neutrality, and has already caused litigation and confusion in Idaho. Opponents argued the amendment helps preserve separation of church and state, protects public school funding, and prevents state money from flowing to religious schools or creating entanglement with religion. Testimony was split along those lines, with supporters emphasizing equal access and constitutional conflict, and opponents warning about discrimination, public funding, and the consequences of repeal. After extensive questioning and testimony from advocates, clergy, policy groups, students, and attorneys, the sponsor closed by saying repeal would not automatically send money to religious schools and that any future funding issues would require further legislation. The committee then voted on the motion to send H.J.R. 7 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and it passed 8-6.

Transcript Highlights:

• You got more public test.
• Go through training, have an apprenticeship, take a test.
• And if you're not qualified to do that evaluation because you're not tested on it or have that's not
• with an example here is exemplary record to come to Florida, passed the relevant state licensure testing
• So that would be 4 years prior to attempting to test under another qualified professional surveyor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Actually, I believe there have been some. that have been limited testing on I-20 that are more coming
• So that's not only the public roadway, which is kind of a good test thing. I mean, you know.
• If you were looking for a place to test and you want to spook a lot of people out, that's a great place
• But like I said, I believe there have also been some test runs. I see.
• battery electric vehicles and the impacts they have on roadside infrastructure. structure and the testing

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 1184, house, all