Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it the bill actually does four different things, and it adds five different sections to RSA 664.
• to um RSA uh five different sections to um RSA 664. 664. 664.
• I think the section of RSA chapter 32.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Not not at the public comment section.
• &gt;&gt; Not not at the public comment section.

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the Center for Sustainable Energy, we have an opposed-unless-amended position with regards to one section
• The section is not intended to bridge or otherwise supplant the authority of the governing boards of
• I would clarify that the section that you were referencing is existing law.
• I'm happy to just, if it's all right, Madam Chair, point to that section.
• I'm happy to just, if it's all right, Madam Chair, point to that section of the bill: “Any change to

Summary: The committee heard several energy and water affordability bills, with extensive testimony on SB 254 by Senator Becker, SB 541 by Senator Becker, SB 453 by Senator Stern, SB 292 by Senator Caballero, and SB 473 by Senator Padilla. SB 254 was presented as a broad utility affordability package addressing short-term climate credits, a Power Fund, tighter scrutiny of rate increases and utility profits, wildfire spending, securitization of future utility costs, and streamlining. Supporters, including TURN and several environmental and public power groups, said it could lower bills and reduce long-term costs; opponents from investor-owned utilities, labor, business, and local government raised concerns about market impacts, insufficient analysis, and the breadth of the bill. The committee approved SB 254 on a 6-3 vote and placed it on call. SB 541 focused on load flexibility and using existing grid capacity more efficiently. Senator Becker described it as a transparency and planning measure to identify cost-effective load shifting and reduce peak demand, while supporters said it could improve resiliency and save money. Several CCAs and utilities opposed the bill in print or unless amended, arguing that some language implied a mandate and that the concept needed more cost-effectiveness analysis; the author said amendments would remove language dividing the state goal among retail suppliers and clarify that the bill is not a procurement mandate. The committee passed SB 541 as amended to Appropriations on a 9-1 vote and left it on call. SB 453 by Senator Stern would return unspent ratepayer-funded microgrid program dollars and was described as a way to keep the lights on and redirect unused funds. It drew support from local government and environmental groups, with PG&E expressing concern about how the bill would affect its ability to spend awarded funds. The committee passed SB 453 as amended to Appropriations on a 12-0 vote. SB 292 by Senator Caballero would require more granular outage and reliability reporting, including census-tract-level data, to better inform resilience planning after PSPS events; utilities opposed unless amended, citing duplicative reporting and regulatory overlap, but the bill passed 12-0 to Appropriations. SB 473 by Senator Padilla would require or expand water utility decoupling to promote conservation and affordability. Supporters, including water utilities, labor, business, and local government groups, argued decoupling stabilizes revenue, supports conservation, and can keep rates lower for low-use customers. The Public Advocates Office opposed, saying prior pilot data showed no conservation benefit and about $1 billion in added costs, and that the CPUC had already rejected similar requests. Committee members questioned the conservation and capital-investment effects of the different rate structures; the author and supporters argued decoupling helps utilities fund infrastructure while allowing lower fixed charges for low-use customers. The transcript ends during that discussion, before a final vote on SB 473 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• She had Section 8 and all these other programs, but it didn't because fees increased.
• A and all these other she had section A and all these other equ<00:16:42.440><c> but</c><00:16:42.560
• In section three, DHHL shall conduct an environmental impact statement in accordance with HRS chapter
• </c> 2028 legislative session and in section 2028 legislative session and in section three<00:48:30.839
• We'll also take the Department of Taxation recommendation that Section 6 take effect on January 1, 2026

Committee: Senate Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing focused primarily on Senate Bill 1409, which would cap county user fees charged to Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supported the measure, arguing it would reduce monthly housing-related costs for lower-income beneficiaries and help make homesteading more affordable. Several testifiers, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and some individuals, also submitted comments or support. County and city water and sewer agencies, including the County of Kauai Department of Water, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Facility Maintenance, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, and the City and County Department of Environmental Services, strongly opposed the bill, saying it would shift substantial costs to other ratepayers, create lost revenue, and could force fee increases for everyone else. They also raised concerns about the bill’s cap structure and potential misuse, while noting their systems are funded by user fees rather than taxes. During committee discussion, Honolulu Board of Water Supply officials estimated about 4,500 DHHL customers on Oʻahu and projected lost revenue of roughly $30 million to $36 million over five years, with larger cumulative impacts over time; they said any waiver would be absorbed by other customers. The County of Hawaiʻi representative estimated nearly 2,000 DHHL customers on the Big Island and about $2.4 million in annual lost revenue. DHHL responded that it is pursuing revenue-generating projects on unused lands, but members questioned whether the department should do more to generate its own revenue and suggested looking at other affordability mechanisms, including market rent on commercial properties or a similar cap on other beneficiary fees. After hearing the testimony and discussion, the committee chair announced the recommendation to defer SB 1409 indefinitely, and the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs agreed with that decision. The hearing then moved to Senate Bill 1408, a housekeeping measure. DHHL testified in support, saying the bill was part of an effort to lower housing costs through a modular manufacturing approach. DHHL described plans to use an unused hangar at Kalaeloa for a potential modular housing manufacturing plant, including discussions with the University of Hawaiʻi and a Denver-based company, and said it was also exploring a pilot project with Habitat for Humanity on Maui. No vote or final action on SB 1408 was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I can't remember what it was, but it wasn't a section per county, but it was a section per, um, I can't
• </c> aside a section aside a section um um um all<00:41:31.760><c> over</c><00:41:31.960><c> this</c>
• I can't remember what it was, but it wasn't a section per county, but it was a section per, um, I can't
• I can't remember what it was, but it wasn't a section per county, but it was a section per, um, I can't
• Senator Wicklund: [vote not captured in this section].

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm sorry, let me go up, sorry, Section 318.21 of certain fees for civil traffic violations that occur
• I just want to thank the Intellectual Property Committee of the Business Law Section of the Florida Bar
• I'm sorry, could you tell me which sections you want me to do a side-by-side comparison for?
• I'm looking for a section. Senator Martin. Thank you. I'm looking for Section 4.
• It did not include the planned use provision in the district's reporting section.

Summary: The Florida Senate convened with a quorum, heard an opening prayer and pledge, and included a series of member introductions recognizing guests, interns, firefighters, a doctor of the day, and a resolution honoring Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza for winning the Heisman Trophy. The chamber then moved to special order business, with several bills temporarily postponed before taking up a series of measures on health care, public records, cybersecurity, court clerks, trademarks, septic permits, and elections. The first major bill, CS/HB 355 on health care patient protection, would require hospitals with emergency departments to adopt evidence-based pediatric emergency care policies, train staff, designate a pediatric emergency care coordinator, complete the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment, and have AHCA publish scores and adopt minimum standards. Senator Harrell said the bill was intended to ensure emergency rooms are prepared for children, and it passed 36-0. The Senate also passed CS/HB 1113 on public records, which protects victim identities and temporarily exempts the name of a law enforcement officer who is a victim from disclosure, after questions about access for victims of police misconduct; it passed 33-4. The chamber then approved CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, after adopting an amendment and an amendment to the amendment that kept the program within Florida Digital Service and extended the grant-award timeline; Harrell said it would help local governments defend against ransomware and hacking, and it passed 37-0. CS/HB 925 on clerks of court passed 38-0 after amendments that let clerks retain more excess revenue and adjusted related fee distributions, though Leader Berman warned it would shift revenue away from municipalities and law enforcement. CS/HB 679 on trademark registration and CS/HB 589 on septic system permits also passed unanimously after technical amendments, with the septic bill intended to reduce permit delays and clarify liability if construction begins before a permit is issued. The most extensive debate came on the elections bill, CS/HB 991, which incorporated citizenship verification using Real ID data, changed candidate-qualifying rules, altered acceptable voter IDs, and added other election-related provisions. Multiple amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to preserve student and senior IDs for voting, exempt some seniors from citizenship-document requirements, rely on human review rather than automated systems, and delay implementation. Supporters argued the bill would improve election integrity and address non-citizen registration and voting, citing state reports and examples of prosecutions; opponents argued it would disenfranchise eligible voters, especially students and seniors, and create barriers based on access to documents. The amendment package was adopted, and debate on the underlying bill continued with questions about federal law, documentation, and whether voters could still participate if state verification failed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Otherwise, the section addresses reciprocity of tribal medical patients in current law.
• with the rest of the protection section with the rest of the proposal<00:03:39.959><c> that</c><00:03
• So that's the sort of scale and scope of the changes proposed within this section.
• So that's the sort of scale and scope of the changes proposed within this section.
• It also aligns wording in the protection section with the rest of the proposal.

Bills: HF1672 , HF1877 , HF1735 , HF1734 , HF1271 , HF1634 , HF1615

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: medical cannabis, medical marijuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, hemp, marijuana registry, patient registry, visiting patient, Tribal cannabis, Tribal medical cannabis program, Tribal sovereignty, Office of Cannabis Management, designated caregiver, home cultivation, adult-use cannabis, cannabis flower, cannabis products, dispensary, cannabis retail endorsement, patient protections

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 2 Absolutely, and that's a great point.
• Section 4 I think I'll wait for now. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Section 9 That's a great question.
• Section 10 I think it's a great effort in transparency.
• Section 11 All right. Okay, so we said we would come back to page seven. Section 12 Yep, go ahead.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The working session focused on the New Hampshire Prescription Drug Affordability Board’s budget request and its recent work. Early discussion centered on a technical question about a statutory dedicated fund for donations: members asked why the budget did not show a line item for accepting donations, and DHHS CFO Nathan White explained that the statute already authorizes the fund, but because no revenue has been received yet, it does not appear in the budget. He said any future donations would go through the normal process under RSA 14:30-a, with fiscal committee and Governor and Council approval and a memo to the Department of Revenue Administration. The chair clarified that the account was not a prerequisite to soliciting donations, and White said the fund would supplement, not replace, General Fund support. Kirk Williamson, the board’s executive director, then presented the board’s mission and budget. He said the governor’s budget provides about $256,500 in the first year and slightly more in the second, all General Funds, and that the board had distributed a technical amendment to continue the executive director position. He described the board’s role as analyzing prescription drug costs, identifying savings opportunities, monitoring market trends, promoting transparency, and making recommendations to the legislature and public payers. He also emphasized that the board operates publicly, with live-streamed meetings and a stakeholder advisory council that includes unions, state agencies, Medicaid, corrections, higher education, and other stakeholders. A major topic was the board’s estimate of $6 million in potential savings, based on Medicare’s newly negotiated prices for 10 drugs. Williamson explained that the board used those federal negotiated prices as a benchmark to estimate what New Hampshire public payers might be missing by not having similar leverage, and said the board is trying to build evidence for future recommendations rather than directly setting prices. Members asked how those potential savings could become actual savings, and Williamson said the board is sharing findings through its advisory council and feedback loops, though it has not yet sent a formal recommendation letter to specific purchasers. He also discussed the difference between pharmacy-benefit spending, which relies heavily on PBM-negotiated rebates, and medical-benefit spending, which is administered differently and is being added to the board’s next report. Williamson highlighted other work, including a model on Humira and a pending legislative effort to improve biosimilar competition, plus a proposed state-backed pharmacy savings card that would be no cost to the state and could save users about $240 per prescription based on Connecticut’s experience. No votes were taken during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the bill so that's just one section of the bill so that's just one example<01:05:56.599><c> um</c
• </c><01:06:02.559><c> would</c><01:06:02.799><c> mean</c><01:06:03.240><c> to</c> different sections
• would mean to different sections would mean to different<01:06:03.880><c> types</c><01:06:04.079><c>
• </c> deleting the performing art section deleting the performing art section thank<01:34:19.880><c> you
• Also note that the word 'person' is defined in section 235-1, HRS, to include an individual, a trust,

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 7, 2025, to hear testimony on several bills and later take up amendments and votes. HB 1405, HB 1406, and HB 1407 drew broad support from business, housing, utility, and development groups, with no opposition noted on those measures. Testifiers generally said the bills would streamline permitting, improve coordination, and expand support for chambers of commerce and small businesses. After recess, the chair recommended amendments to each bill, including changes to broaden eligibility, add reporting requirements, and include funding and staffing notes. HB 1405 was amended to allow certain projects with one state and one county permit to qualify, require annual DBEDT reports to the Legislature, and note one full-time position and $125,000 in funding; the committee voted to pass it with amendments. HB 1406 was amended to move the intergovernmental task force from DBEDT to the House Legislature, add a Speaker-appointed chair, and include a $125,000 appropriation note; it also passed with amendments. HB 1407 was amended to convert the chamber support from a grant process to an RFP process and require a 1-to-5 match on a $100,000 award; it too passed with amendments. In each case, the chair’s recommendation was adopted, with Representative Tam excused. The committee also heard HB 796, a tax-credit review bill, which drew no support and 12 opposition testimonies with three comments. Opponents, including SAG-AFTRA Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued that automatic sunset provisions or broad tax-credit cuts would burden working families and that existing review mechanisms already exist under state law. The Department of Taxation and DBEDT offered technical comments, and the Tax Foundation suggested the bill’s goals might be better addressed by cleaning up the existing review process. Later, the committee heard HB 303, which had 17 supporters and no opposition. Testifiers from the Department of Health, University of Hawaii, Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Queen’s Health System, and the Hawaii State Chiropractors Association supported the measure, with the chiropractors asking to be included in eligibility. The Hawaii State Center for Nursing said the program had been successful for five years and had room to expand. HB 577 also drew support, with the Department of Taxation offering comments and the Tax Foundation noting technical issues. HB 949 generated mixed testimony: Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce supported it, while Hawaii Children’s Action Network raised concerns about the bill’s effects and the lack of fiscal analysis; Sugar Creek Capital also supported the measure and clarified that the credit would not offset the GET. Finally, HB 933 and HB 959 were heard, with HB 933 receiving six support testimonies and comments focused on grocery tax relief and food insecurity, and HB 959 drawing strong support from labor and advocacy groups for its broad tax relief package, while the Tax Foundation and Hawaii Appleseed urged caution about the proposed 50% GET increase and asked for clearer fiscal analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• It adds in several sections of the statute any drug, a combination of drugs, or a combination of alcohol
• It adds the definition that, as used in this section, the term drug means any substance or combination
• It's only a very short list of many, many others, and I know that that particular section of corridor
• That stretch— is there a bad section that had accidents? Yeah, thank you for that question, Mr.
• Section 807, paragraph in the amendments. Section 807, paragraph Bravo.

Summary: The committee met with four members present and approved the May 7, 2026 minutes. It then considered a series of transportation, motor vehicle, aviation, port, and memorial designation bills. Several measures were reported favorably, including HB 1086 on electronic titling and digital title transfers, HB 745 extending special tandem load permits, HB 1175 updating the definition of aerospace, HB 1108 creating a Homeschool Proud license plate, HB 722 changing reinstatement procedures so certain suspended licenses are restored once fees are paid, HB 1024 creating a Louisiana Democratic Party license plate, HB 1173 giving drivers on reinstatement payment plans a three-month grace period before late fees apply, and HB 98 imposing a $25 annual royalty fee on a retired legislators’ plate to help restore the Pentagon Barracks. HB 487, dealing with red-light overtaking and an added fine, and HB 1032, a technical cleanup bill aligning DWI/drug-impairment language, were also reported favorably. HB 1050, a CDL cleanup bill that adjusts age and testing provisions and removes outdated vision-waiver language, and HB 1192, creating a Louisiana Dental Hygienist Association plate, were approved as well. HB 989, which would have raised public license tag agent convenience fees, was supported by private tag agents but drew questions about fee parity and business impacts; it was reported favorably. A separate bill on driving school pricing and refunds was deferred and turned into a study resolution after the sponsor said more stakeholder discussion was needed. The committee also advanced several memorial and infrastructure measures. HB 401 designated the Lance Corporal Justin McLeese Memorial Bridge, with members speaking about his military service and sacrifice. HB 1081 moved the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission under the Office of Multimodal Commerce for administrative support while leaving port boards independent. HCR 63 created a task force to study whether certain active-duty military personnel could operate federally owned vehicles on state highways without a civilian license. HCR 69 urged priority improvements to the Interstate 12 corridor, especially the bottleneck and interchange areas near I-55, citing safety and evacuation concerns. SCR 58 asked DOTD to review public-private partnership practices, using the Belle Chasse Toll Bridge as a case study and focusing on lessons learned for future projects. HB 1001 designated a portion of U.S. 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway. HB 1218 named Highway 1090 the Lewis Pett Miramon Memorial Highway, with family members and supporters describing Miramon’s wartime service and role in building Slidell. HB 1172 designated a highway segment in memory of a 14-year-old hit-and-run victim, Kulin Carrier. One major policy bill, SB 514, was amended and reported favorably. It updates Louisiana’s aeronautics statutes, transfers responsibility for aeronautics activities and facilities from the DOTD secretary to the Office of Multimodal Commerce commissioner, and modernizes the law to align with federal aviation rules and new technologies, including advanced aviation and electric vertical takeoff and landing programs. Members asked about the lengthy amendments, fuel tax language, airport development reporting, and the Transportation Trust Fund, and the sponsor and DOTD explained that the changes were largely technical and intended to keep Louisiana eligible for federal aviation funding and compliant with current standards. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 1244, which would add a brain-injury designation to driver’s licenses and require law-enforcement training. The sponsor and advocates described how the designation could help de-escalate encounters and improve safety for people with brain injuries; the bill was reported favorably, with members noting it could also cover broader brain-injury conditions if medically certified. After that testimony, the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll Waive reading of this, as you can see from the length of it, but it's a duplicate sections basically
• This is the section that follows, so procedurally, that's why we didn't have to raise any suspension
• House Bill 3322 is somewhat aligned with what we ran earlier on duplicate sections, whereas the other
• one was the actual duplicate sections bill.
• This one is just how courts and administrative agencies are to interpret if there are multiple sections

Bills: SR31 , SB2060 , SB2184 , HB1371 , HB1411 , HB1933 , HB2361 , HB2398 , HB2893 , HB3006 , HB3044 , HB3127 , HB3322 , HB3147 , HB1276 , HB3472 , HB3522 , HB3704 , HB4303 , HB4319

Keywords: military, children, resilience, Purple Up!, military families, master development district, improvement district, public improvements, infrastructure financing, special assessments, statutory revision, consolidation, law amendment, emergency legislation, legal clarity, oil and gas, mineral rights, proceeds, royalties, escrow account

Transcript Highlights:

• Should they at least respect Article 2, Section 26, sir? Mr.
• So we got that changed, and this is the next step to kind of conform with Article 2, Section 26.
• I believe that's the Second Amendment and Article 2, Section 26.
• So what we use is this section of statutes.
• So we have a simple fix, a new section C that basically just says that nothing in this section prevents

Committee: House House Judiciary Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several Senate bills and one House bill. SB 1039 would allow attorneys prevailing in disciplinary matters to recover lost earnings and seek reputational harm damages from the State Bar; SB 1148 would require the Arizona Supreme Court to directly license attorneys rather than delegate that function; both received due pass recommendations. SB 1061, lowering the fentanyl enhanced-penalty threshold from 200 grams to 9 grams, also passed after opposition from the ACLU and defense counsel argued it would sweep in personal-use cases and increase incarceration, while supporters said it targets trafficking. SB 1068, which limits campus firearm restrictions for concealed-carry permit holders, passed over strong opposition from gun-safety advocates and university faculty, and SB 1069, removing suppressors from the definition of prohibited weapons, also passed despite concerns about public safety and prohibited possessors. The committee then approved SB 1099, which sets statutory elements for defamation claims based on whether the plaintiff is a private or public figure and whether the matter is of public or private concern. The ACLU opposed it, warning that codifying defamation law could chill speech and conflict with evolving First Amendment precedent; supporters said it largely codifies existing case law and adds an internet-related limitation period. SB 1271, barring municipalities from penalizing businesses for legitimate emergency calls unless there is a pattern of false or frivolous reports, passed unanimously after testimony that some cities were discouraging 911 calls for theft and other incidents. The committee also passed SB 1127, requiring mandatory reporters with direct knowledge of child abuse or neglect to report immediately and personally to DCS. Phoenix Children’s Hospital and DCS supported the bill but asked for clarification so medical emergencies would not be disrupted, and members discussed possible amendments. SB 1426, changing forcible detainer procedures by removing the written demand-to-vacate requirement and expediting claims, passed despite landlord-group concerns that it could affect holdover tenant cases. Finally, SB 1448, as amended, passed to expand aggravated assault protections to utility, telecommunications, video service, and related workers; supporters cited rising threats and assaults, while opponents argued existing assault laws already cover the conduct and the bill is overly broad.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that is why Section 2 in the bill is so important.
• And most alarmingly, a newborn's first breath born by a C-section should not... ...be that of surgical
• Wherever mothers go to have babies by C-sections,... ...rooms will be smoke-free.
• Wherever mothers go to have babies by C-sections, those ORs will be smoke-free.
• The amendment revises the section that allows the Board of Nursing to consider adverse actions taken

Bills: S0162 , S0254 , S0688 , S0794 , S1110 , S1574

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Keywords: surgical smoke, health standards, hospital safety, patient protection, medical regulations, nursing education, licensure, remedial courses, temporary license, graduate nursing preceptorship, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, background screening, support coordination services, developmental disabilities, Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome, public hearings, orthotics, prosthetics, healthcare, Medicaid

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met with a quorum present and took up several health-related bills. CS/SB 1110 on Medicaid and insurance coverage for orthotics and prosthetics was heard first. The bill would require coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics without lifetime or continuous-use caps, direct AHCA to seek federal approval and update contracts, and require annual reporting. Testimony from a child using prosthetic “gymnastics blades,” his mother, and another young person with a prosthetic leg emphasized the high cost of activity-specific devices and the impact on children’s mobility, sports participation, and quality of life. Senators voiced strong support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then approved SB 1574, “Maddie’s Law,” which adds newborn screening for biliary atresia using the existing blood specimen collected at birth. The sponsor and the child’s father described the condition as time-sensitive and potentially fatal without early detection, and argued the screening could prevent transplants and save money. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered CS/SB 794 on background screening for employees of residential facilities and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities, plus a review of waiver support coordination quality, training, and access issues. Parents and a support coordinator testified that strong support coordination is essential for families and that the bill would help standardize expectations and improve services. An amendment aligning the bill with the House companion was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. Members next heard SB 162, which requires hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. Supporters, including nurses and the Florida Nurses Association, described surgical smoke as a workplace hazard with toxic chemicals and potential cancer risks; hospital representatives said they support the intent but argued existing federal and state standards already regulate the issue and the bill is too prescriptive. A late-filed amendment clarifying the smoke must be “effectively captured and filtered” was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 254, a major nursing education bill that tightens oversight of low-performing nursing programs, creates a temporary provisional license and preceptorship pathway for graduates awaiting NCLEX results, requires remediation for delayed testing, and increases transparency by posting passage rates. Nursing groups supported stronger standards, while private nursing schools warned the bill could reduce capacity and discourage program directors; the amended bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 688, which would reestablish licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors in Florida, create a board of naturopathic medicine, set licensure and renewal requirements, and define the scope of practice while excluding most prescription authority. Supporters said it would expand health care choices and allow naturopathic doctors to practice openly, while opponents from the medical community warned the bill could authorize diagnosis and treatment without sufficient training and rely on unproven therapies. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned after members thanked staff for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Presenting Senate Bill 1311, this legislation amends Section 18-808, Idaho Code.
• So it appears that currently, and I'm not as familiar with this section of code, not having—unfortunately
• Section 25 requires that the courts take a look every year at our code and let us know, let the governor
• This corrects Idaho Code Section 98-07, which deals with mediation.
• I know code section 9—or, excuse me, Title 9, Section 807(2)(d)—references Idaho Rule of Civil Procedure

Summary: The committee began with a brief introduction of Hazel Stevens, a new page from Kuna High School who said she is interested in government and hopes to attend NNU and become a lawyer. Senators asked a few light questions, then moved to legislation. The first bill, Senate Bill 1311, would require ignition interlock companies to notify the Idaho Transportation Department when an interlock is installed so the court-ordered one-year interlock period begins with proof of installation, and to notify prosecutors when a device prevents a vehicle from starting. Senator Foreman and AAA Idaho’s Matthew Condi testified in support, saying the bill would close loopholes, improve accountability, and help ensure DUI offenders actually comply with restrictions. Some senators raised concerns about surveillance, false positives, and whether the bill could create reports for low-level alcohol readings, but supporters argued prosecutors would retain discretion and the data already exists. The committee voted 5-4 to send SB 1311 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then received a court presentation from the Idaho Supreme Court’s Administrative Office of the Courts. Imelda Lopez described court assistance officers, who help self-represented litigants with forms, procedures, and referrals but cannot give legal advice; she highlighted statewide services, online forms, fee waivers, and local partnerships. Chris Paulson followed with an overview of family court services, including parenting plans, the Focus on Children course, mediation, and financial assistance for court-ordered services in family law cases. Israel Enriquez then described treatment courts, especially mental health and veterans courts, emphasizing strict supervision, treatment, accountability, and lower recidivism compared with traditional supervision. Senators thanked the presenters, and one noted the importance of treatment courts amid budget concerns. After the presentations, the committee took up two court-related cleanup bills from Senator Lakey. Senate Bill 1308 removes an outdated statutory reference to Idaho Rule of Civil Procedure 16(j) in the mediation confidentiality statute, and Senate Bill 1309 codifies the priority of payments for juvenile case funds, placing restitution to victims first. Both bills drew little discussion, were moved by committee members, and passed unanimously to the floor with do-pass recommendations. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, I move to amend House Bill 3552, page one, section one, line 17, by inserting after the letter
• That's the section that addresses that.
• Chair, I move to amend House Bill 4302, page 2, section... Mr.
• Chair, I move to amend House Bill 4302, page 2, section 1, lines 21 through 24, by deleting language
• And Section 7, which is on page 6 as well, talks about some more of those types of things.

Bills: HB3131 , HB3380 , HB3502 , HB3552 , HB3849 , HB3886 , HB3907 , HB4201 , HB4302 , HB3448 , HB3409 , HB4095 , HB3637

Committee: House Children, Youth and Family Services

Keywords: homelessness, shelter standards, safety, accountability, state funding, local governance, regulation, Oklahoma Homeless Shelter Safety and Accountability Act, foster care, child welfare, Department of Human Services, educational opportunities, employment support, technology in child welfare, faith-based organizations, self-sufficiency, financial literacy, HB3502, Oklahoma, children's code

Transcript Highlights:

• For estimated expenditures, for Section 1 of the bill that directs WSAC to direct the funds received
• For Section 2, which qualifies students in the Passport to Careers Program as income eligible for the
• Today, I want to clarify two concerns in Section 3 relating to referrals and staffing. ...Today, I want
• to clarify two concerns in Section 3 relating to referrals and staffing.
• It also includes an intent section that highlights some of the history related to each of the exemptions

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held public hearings on several bills before moving into executive session. Substitute Senate Bill 6037 would change how single-city fire protection districts are funded by ending the requirement that a city reduce its levy dollar-for-dollar and instead reducing the city’s statutory maximum rate; testimony was generally supportive from cities and firefighters, while public hospital districts opposed it over prorationing concerns and some witnesses sought amendments on governance and accountability. Senate Bill 6194 would allow cost-based Medicaid reimbursement for rural hospitals on federally recognized Indian reservations, with strong support from Toppenish/Astria representatives and the Yakama Nation, who said the bill is needed to address severe funding inequities and preserve services. Senate Bill 5963 would make Passport to Careers students automatically income-eligible for the Washington College Grant; it drew support from student advocates and foster-youth advocates, with staff noting modest estimated costs. Senate Bill 5909 would require public universities to review and report low-enrollment undergraduate programs and potentially discontinue them after repeated low enrollment; Eastern Washington University supported it as an accountability measure, while faculty and student representatives opposed it as unnecessary, costly, and potentially politicized. Senate Bill 5826 would require public postsecondary student health centers to provide access to medication abortion or referrals and related web information; testimony was sharply divided between supporters who framed it as needed student health access and opponents who raised moral, safety, and budget objections. In executive session, staff briefed a series of bills, including measures on opioid treatment accreditation fees, a pre-K donation account, JLARC report elimination, retirement trust fund expense authority, pension lump-sum thresholds, port employee retirement exemptions, lemon law arbitration fees, LEAP website disclosures, limits on corporate ownership of single-family homes, a permanent senior center property tax exemption, timber tax distributions for school districts, capital project administration rules, and a real estate excise tax exemption for affordable housing. The committee then took action on the listed bills. The committee voted to give due pass recommendations to the Rules Committee for Senate Bills 5872, 5879, 5834, 5835, 5905, 5832, 6177, 5496, 5970, 5994, 6047, and 5647. Amendments were adopted on SB 5834, SB 5905, SB 6047, and SB 5647 before those bills were advanced as substitutes. SB 5988 was noted as taking action later, but no vote on it was recorded in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• First being the majority of the pages is probably because this section of law hasn't been updated in
• bible that was the time they are fundamental constitutional right in the state of Florida, Article 1 Section
• designed to do one thing and one thing only: crush public sector unions in violation of Article 1, Section
• Thank you, Representative, I will point out Qatar is only included in Section 2 of the bill regarding
• And I'm here in support of the bill, in particular sections 2, 3, and 4 because they all address how

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to, I have many sections, so I'll start with SNAP.
• Yeah, I'm organizing my questions in sections. Okay. We can come back to you if you want.
• The next question was, this is going to now—I'm on my Medicaid section.
• I'm Joanne Hart with the Florida Dental Association, and I'm here to speak in opposition to Sections
• Okay, so now my sections. In terms of scope, we will always disagree with scope.

Transcript Highlights:

• But also, if you look at this statute, there is a whole section at the end of the statute that's a huge
• Brian Jorst, Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar and the Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys, waiving
• But in this bill, there's a section here that talks about certain categories that would need to make
• This bill creates a new section in chapters 494 and 560, Florida Statutes, to require a licensed mortgage
• But in this bill, there's a section here that talks about certain categories that would need to make

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, I don't think in Senator Rico, because it says Section 1... Thank you.
• I don't think in Century Code, because it says Section 1, a new section of chapter such and such of the
• They asked for it to be under a different section, I believe. If I'm wrong, Ms.
• And then in the next section, the city shall reimburse the judge for necessary travel expenses.
• And then in the next section, the city shall reimburse the judge for necessary travel expenses, meals

Bills: HB1455

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: tribal consultation, Indian Affairs Commission, tribal governments, tribal sovereignty, state-tribal relations, Native American, tribal nations, consultation requirement, legislative process, jurisdiction, sovereignty, North Dakota tribes, government-to-government consultation, tribal chairpersons, 908, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first heard House Bill 1455, which would require the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission to review introduced legislation for tribal implications and conduct consultation with affected tribes. Rep. Collette Brown said the bill was intended to formalize and strengthen tribal consultation, and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe representative Ross Bell testified in support. Brad Hawk, executive director of the Indian Affairs Commission, testified neutrally, saying the office already does much of this work but that the bill would add structure; several senators raised concerns about duplication, possible future staffing costs, and whether the bill was necessary. The committee amended the bill to replace “each measure” with “all legislation,” then passed a do-not-pass recommendation on HB 1455 by recorded vote, with Sen. Luick designated as carrier. The committee then took up House Bill 1032, dealing with municipal courts, appeals, and judge qualifications. Legislative Council and court staff walked through proposed amendments, including making municipal courts courts of record on a delayed effective date, clarifying appeal procedures, and adding standards for municipal judges. Members discussed whether to use the term “ethical standards” or “judicial conduct”; after questions about definitions and enforcement, the committee settled on replacing the language with “judicial conduct” in the amended bill. The committee adopted the amendments and then passed HB 1032 as amended on a do-pass vote, with Sen. Cory to carry. Later, the committee heard House Bill 1263, which would make it easier for people with criminal records to seek sealing after a denial by allowing an appeal and reducing the waiting period for a new petition from three years to one year. Rep. Nels Christensen, Christopher Davis, Travis Fink, and Brad Peterson all supported the bill’s goal of giving people a better path to rehabilitation and employment. The main point of disagreement was whether to keep the statutory presumption that the benefit to the petitioner must outweigh the presumption of openness of criminal records; several witnesses urged removing that language, while others said it was part of the compromise that created the current law. The committee closed the hearing without taking final action and said it would review the House discussion before deciding later.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, this is a real property bill sponsored by the Minnesota State Bar Association real property section
• 09.280><c> Association</c><00:17:09.839><c> real</c><00:17:10.160><c> property</c><00:17:10.600><c> section
• </c><00:17:11.319><c> so</c> Bar Association real property section so Bar Association real property section
• President, this is sponsored by the MSBA real property section, who does outstanding work on these things
• President, this is sponsored by the MSBA real property section, who does outstanding work on these things

Keywords: 1187, senate, all