Transcript Highlights:

• >> Yeah, so it depends on the source of funding.
• >> Yeah, so it depends on the source of funding.
• it just depends where where you're doing it just depends where where you're doing it<00:35:23.119>
• So it just depends. There's a lot of options here.
• depends. There's a lot of options here. depends. There's a lot of options here.

Bills: HB2245, HB1618, HB1985, HB2079, HB1921, HB2232, HB1567, HB1984, HB2608, HB2435, HB1623, HB1774

Keywords: wastewater systems, denitrification, environment, pollution, coral reefs, nearshore waters, public health, shoreline regulations, cesspool conversion, cesspool replacement, wastewater, sewer connection, sewerage systems, septic system, pollution control, water pollution control revolving fund, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HGIA, low-interest loans, forgivable loans

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to cesspools, wastewater, and clean water protections. On HB 2245, which would require additional denitrification capacity in wastewater systems near shorelines, the Department of Health offered comments, DLNR supported the bill, and multiple environmental and ocean groups testified in strong support, emphasizing nitrogen pollution from cesspools, reef damage, and the need to prioritize shoreline systems. Testifiers said the bill should move forward, with technical issues such as GIS mapping to be worked out later. No member questions or votes were taken on this measure. On HB 1985, concerning the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and accessible conversion loans for cesspool homeowners, HGI supported the bill and suggested making the program a revolving loan fund; DLNR and the Public Utilities Commission also supported it, while the Department of Health supported the concept. Committee discussion focused on program design, possible forgivable loans for low-income homeowners, and whether the program should be administered through existing infrastructure rather than a new procurement process. The committee then moved to HB 1985’s companion discussion on cesspool conversion outreach and deadline extensions, where DLNR and DOH supported outreach but DLNR and ocean advocates expressed reservations about extending deadlines, especially for financial hardship, saying that issue would need careful work. The committee also heard testimony on HB 2079, which would reestablish the accessible upgrades inversion or connection income tax credit. The Department of Taxation raised administrative and fraud concerns about refundable credits, explaining that nonrefundable credits reduce tax debt while refundable credits can function like cash payments and require more oversight. DOH, DLNR, OPSD, counties, Hawaii Realtors, and environmental groups supported the bill, with one ocean coalition witness saying tax credits could help homeowners but grants would be preferable. Members asked about the difference between refundable credits and grants and about whether the credit would cover sewer connections versus individual wastewater systems. The committee then heard brief testimony on HB 1921, allowing certain priority-three cesspools to add a bedroom, with support from Hawaii Realtors and some other groups and no opposition discussion. HB 2232, preserving state water-quality protections at least as strong as the federal Clean Water Act, drew support from DOH and ocean advocates, with no questions. The committee also began hearing energy-related bills, including HB 1567 on energy equity and HB 1984 on self-certification for distributed energy resources, with a mix of support and some opposition or requested amendments, but no votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• is that that assumed income does change with market conditions, which means that SRP benefits are dependent
• So that's really the unique piece about this plan: benefits can depend on when members choose to retire
• We're all available to answer questions during the presentation or after, depending on your preference
• Naturally, the actual rates for the 2029-31 biennium will look different depending on actual experience
• And it will depend on the system here, but with the return of employer funding towards PERS 1 and TERS

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, it happens at different times, you know, depending on the judge.
• Well, it happens at different times, you know, depending on the jurisdiction.
• So whether it's a judge or a hearing officer is going to depend on the jurisdiction.
• , if a judge wants this filed and goes up to the judge or the hearing officer or a commissioner, depending
• If a judge wants this filed and it goes up to the judge or the hearing officer or a commissioner, depending

Bills: HR245, SCR30, SCR40, SB259

Keywords: transparency, justice, Epstein, Maxwell, investigation, human trafficking, government accountability, domestic violence, protective orders, online application, judicial administration, Louisiana, 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Show Low was probably twice the size, and then depending on the time of the year, we would have an emergency
• Well, we have, you know, depending on where you're at, there's one way out.
• Depending on where you're at, there's one way out.
• It is three— it depends on which way you go.
• If you go through Globe, it's going to be about four hours... ...it depends on which way you go.

Bills: SB1272

Keywords: appropriation, Douglas port of entry, state funding, infrastructure, federal support, 1182, all

Summary: The Rural Economic Development Committee heard presentations focused first on local infrastructure needs in Legislative District 7, especially the East Wolford Road Extension project in Show Low. City and county officials said the road and new bridge would provide a critical alternate route around U.S. 60 and State Route 260, improve access to Summit Healthcare, reduce congestion, and create a safer evacuation path during wildfires or flooding. They emphasized that the project is fully designed and shovel-ready, with substantial local and developer funding already committed, and described past flooding and the Rodeo-Chediski Fire as evidence of the need for another emergency crossing. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1272, which appropriates $5 million from the state general fund in fiscal year 2027 as a match for the Douglas Port of Entry project, contingent on a federal GSA award. Senator Gallen, Douglas Mayor Jose Grijalva, and city staff described the project as a major trade, jobs, and border-security investment that would support a new commercial port and expansion of the existing Raul H. Castro Port of Entry. They said the project is intended to speed commerce, strengthen inspection and security, and leverage significant federal and private investment, while noting a funding deadline and a remaining local gap. During testimony, Douglas representatives said the city has already secured part of the required match, is pursuing additional federal and bank financing, and cannot easily raise the rest through local bonds because of time and tax-base limits. Members asked about timelines, private participation, and security impacts. The committee approved SB 1272 on a 6-0 vote, with one member absent, and the bill was returned with a do pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Depending on the pursuit and the outcome of the pursuit, those charges are enhanced.
• So it just depends. But, you know, and to your point, that's if someone is facing...
• We can, and we have done that in the past, depending on the seriousness of the issue.
• Depending on the seriousness of the issue.
• an officer is decertified, and maybe there are no criminal charges filed against the officer, but depending

Summary: The committee first heard from Arkansas State Police leadership about efforts to reduce vehicle pursuits and fleeing from law enforcement. Members discussed prior legislation that made fleeing a felony and enhanced penalties when suspects exit moving vehicles, and the State Police reported those changes, along with a social media/public service campaign and work with prosecutors, were associated with a 29% decline in pursuits from 2023 to 2025, or 180 fewer pursuits last year than in 2023. Members also asked about a recent mistaken PIT/TVI incident involving the wrong vehicle; the agency said the family was not injured, had requested privacy, and the trooper involved was terminated. The committee also received an overview of the Arkansas State Police Foundation, which funds scholarships, emergency assistance for troopers’ families, and facilities and training support, with no lobbying role reported. The committee then heard from the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training on officer decertification and hiring accountability. Director Chris Chapman explained that every officer separation must be reported, that files are flagged when conduct may warrant decertification even if it does not meet that threshold, and that hiring agencies must be told about prior misconduct before they can add an officer to their roster. He said the commission now receives more decertification requests than before, with requests rising from 158 in the prior three-year period to 256 in the last three years, and that 147 officers were pending hearings, down from a prior backlog that had stretched to about four and a half years. He also said the commission meets every other month for two-day hearings, and that most decertifications involve integrity or honesty issues. Members asked about open investigations, citizen complaints, appeals, and public access to decertification records. Chapman said resignations during internal affairs or criminal investigations are flagged, citizen complaints are usually handled through supervisors, chiefs, sheriffs, or prosecutors and may lead to decertification review if warranted, and decertified officers can appeal to circuit court. He added that decertification records are subject to the Freedom of Information Act and may be used in civil claims. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after discussion of a possible future committee meeting at the fish hatchery in Lonoke.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it varies depending on the metric that you look at. Um, and just so you know how...
• So, it depends on the performance metrics.
• So, it depends on the performance metrics that you want to look at.
• So, it depends on what you look at.
• it back instead of going into the program, what is it about three years that they have to serve depending

Bills: SB197, HB140, SB214, HB214, HB147, HB270, SB73

Keywords: business regulation, nonprofit entities, electronic filing, merger agreements, limited liability companies, partnerships, property transfer, termination fees, HB140, private sewer systems, wastewater utilities, Public Service Commission, PSC jurisdiction, utility regulation, rate setting, rate consolidation, affiliated systems, common ownership, private utilities, sewer rates

Transcript Highlights:

• The homeless prevention and rapid rehousing programs are actually the same program; it just depends on
• I don't have the exact numbers, but I could say, you know, comfortably anywhere, depending upon where
• I don't have the exact numbers, but I could say, you know, comfortably anywhere, depending upon where
• And so that project's success will depend on that project at this time.
• We'll be in this slide deck, and at a future time, depending upon the outcome, I'm happy to dig into

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met as the Regulatory Division of the budget section and received updates on several Industrial Commission-related agencies and programs. Legislative Council first reviewed base budget materials, then the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency reported on its current appropriation and staffing, noting that its new FTEs were being filled gradually and that it remained largely funded through special and federal funds. Agency leaders described homeownership lending, loan servicing, and housing incentive fund activity, including below-market mortgage rates, down payment assistance, and a growing servicing portfolio that has increased workload but not yet required additional FTEs. Housing Finance also detailed use of the Housing Incentive Fund and homeless grant dollars. Officials said the multifamily HIF round drew more than $73 million in requests and awarded $25 million, while the single-family program supported rural development and community land trusts. Homeless grant funding was split between emergency shelter, prevention, and rapid rehousing, with performance-based scoring used to renew or reallocate awards. Members discussed housing affordability, aging households, rental assistance, and the need to coordinate housing and site-preparation messaging with Commerce. The agency asked that HIF, single-family, and homeless funding be maintained or increased in the next session. The Department of Mineral Resources then presented its budget and operations update. Staff said the agency was on track financially, had filled most of its new reclamation FTEs, and was not expecting major litigation costs beyond normal late-biennium invoices. The director reviewed agency initiatives including Project North Star IT modernization, organizational restructuring, succession planning, rulemaking, and implementation of the development incentive well tax program and critical minerals rules. He also discussed oil and gas activity, explaining that longer laterals, especially three- and four-mile wells and the first five-mile spacing case, are helping keep production relatively flat even as rig counts ease. Members asked about gas capture, hedging, break-even prices, and the effects of Iran and Venezuela on oil markets. The committee also heard about enhanced oil recovery grants and the Pipeline Authority. The EOR program’s $25 million appropriation was fully allocated to six projects, with total awards reaching about $45.1 million when other fund balances were included, subject to a possible 5% reduction if federal DOE money does not materialize. Officials said the projects are public, reimbursement-based, and will produce results over the next several years. Finally, the Pipeline Authority outlined natural gas transmission projects, including the imminent Bakken Express line and the proposed Bakken East project, which WBI was selected to advance after an Industrial Commission RFI process. The project is moving through open season, survey permission, and regulatory work, with in-service dates projected for 2029 and 2030.

Transcript Highlights:

• I could see, you know, if you depending on how you put that survivorship deed, if the other kids find
• out, it could cause 20 years of bad Christmases, too, potentially depending on how the deed was came
• I could see, you know, if you depending<00:15:11.600> on<00:15:11.760> how<00:15:12.000
• > you<00:15:12.320> put<00:15:12.800> put<00:15:13.040> that depending on
• Christmases, too, potentially depending Christmases, too, potentially depending on<00:15:18.959>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Bill 17, a cleanup bill updating Kentucky CASA statutes. The sponsor and witnesses said the bill would reduce the required board size from 15 to 12 to better fit rural and regional programs, remove the ban on certain CHFS employees serving as CASA volunteers while preserving DCBS independence, and update statutory references from the National CASA Association to the Kentucky CASA Network and current national standards language. Members expressed support for the program’s child advocacy role. A committee substitute and title amendment were adopted, and SB 17 passed 8-0 and was reported favorably. The committee then heard Senate Bill 34, which would authorize transfer-on-death deeds for a primary residence or primary vehicle. The sponsor and Uniform Law Commission witnesses said the measure is intended to let owners name a beneficiary to receive property at death without probate, while retaining full ownership and revocation rights during life. They said the bill is designed to be simple, affordable, and protective of creditors, Medicaid recovery, and surviving spouse rights, and that it has been adopted in 30 states. Questions focused on how the deed would interact with wills, revocation, and possible fraud or family disputes; witnesses said a will would not revoke a TOD deed, only a recorded revocation or later deed would, and that challenges to capacity could be brought within two years. The county clerk association requested a future floor amendment on details, and title companies and bankers were described as neutral. SB 34 passed 8-0 and was reported favorably, with some members noting they would want to review the forthcoming amendment before final floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was kind of hit or miss depending on the resources of the land grant.
• Some are Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, depending on the revenue that the entity has.
• , depends on other factors, but $50,000, you know, $75,000 a year, so they're already going to be over
• Now they could also be taxable depending on the rate, you know, the use of the property, so those could
• And depending on your Utilities that are present are the variable for how much we charge per year.

Transcript Highlights:

• that's all driven by uh county codes and you know the requirements there so I mean it would just be depending
• that's all driven by uh county codes and you know the requirements there so I mean it would just be depending
• that's all driven by uh county codes and you know the requirements there so I mean it would just be depending
• that's all driven by uh county codes and you know the requirements there so I mean it would just be depending
• that's all driven by uh county codes and you know the requirements there so I mean it would just be depending

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard House Bill 344 HD1, which would require new buildings to include electric vehicle charger-ready parking stalls. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from the State Energy Office, Department of Accounting and General Services, the Disabilities and Communication Access Board, and others. Members asked about cost and infrastructure impacts; the State Energy Office said the added cost would likely be modest if planned from the start, but that electrical capacity remains a key challenge for expanding EV charging. The chairs proposed two amendments: extending the bill to cover on-grade parking lots and adding language for Level 1 or Level 3 charging when appropriate. After discussion, both committees voted to pass HB 344 HD1 with amendments. In the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee, the chair voted aye, one member voted with reservation, and excused members were noted; the Government Operations committee also passed the measure, with one aye vote and one vote with reservations. The committees also heard House Bill 10001 HD1 SD1, relating to the Maui wildfire settlement trust fund. The Governor’s Office, Attorney General’s Office, Maui County, and the Tax Foundation testified in support. Members questioned Hawaii Electric Industries’ ability to fund its share of the settlement and whether the state should pay first or in tranches. The chair proposed amendments requiring all defendant parties to submit payment plans and proof of ability to pay, and requiring non-state defendants to fund their shares into escrow before the state releases its share. The committee adopted the amendments and passed the bill unanimously by the members present. Later, the committee deferred action on House Bill 229 HD1 until March 20 for clarification on amendments, then passed House Bill 860 HD1 with amendments addressing liability for limited resurfacing of disputed roads, and passed House Bill 1161 HD2 with amendments concerning highway fund use, formula calculations, and EV-related county fees.

Transcript Highlights:

• care assistance program and the dependent care tax credit.
• care assistance program, and dependent care assistance program, and the<00:03:47.880> dependent
• <00:03:49.840> These the dependent care tax credit. These the dependent care tax credit.
• Mumm described: enhancement of the dependent care assistance program, enhancement of the dependent care
• <00:30:01.720> care conformity to the child dependent care conformity to the child dependent

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker: And Representative McQueeney, I would also add a lot of that question is Speaker: Dependent
• Panelist: That's very much going to depend on the specific locality.
• Witness: Depends on who you ask. Chairperson: Right. Well, I'm asking you.
• Mark Whitman: aquifers that farmers, ranchers and families depend on.
• Right now, sir, it's unclear to the community because it depends on which RPG you're in.

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss data centers and their impact on Texas's energy infrastructure. The meeting featured testimony from key representatives of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and ERCOT, who outlined the evolving landscape of energy generation and the challenges posed by the rapid growth of data centers. Notably, ERCOT reported over 450,000 MW of generation resources planned for connection, with a significant portion attributed to data centers, which now represent around 87% of new large load interconnection requests. The committee explored proposed changes to the interconnection process, including a new 'batch study' approach aimed at streamlining the approval of multiple projects simultaneously. This change is intended to address the challenges of managing numerous simultaneous requests and to provide more certainty for developers regarding their energy needs. Testimonies emphasized the importance of ensuring that the costs of infrastructure upgrades are borne by the data centers rather than residential ratepayers, with discussions around the financial commitments required from developers. Several data center developers also provided testimony, highlighting the economic benefits of their projects, including job creation and increased local revenues. They expressed concerns about the potential for a moratorium on future growth due to the new interconnection rules and emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to address water usage and environmental impacts. The committee plans to continue discussions on these topics in future hearings, with a focus on balancing economic growth with energy reliability and resource management.

Transcript Highlights:

• student, which is different Than the IRS's definition of who's a dependent student.
• Two-thirds of them are dependent students, and we have over 75— in fact, I think 80 or 81 institutions
• students and we have over 75 dependent students and we have over 75 in<00:08:22.240> fact<00:
• <00:13:44.880> on institutional forms of aid depending on institutional forms of aid depending
• The assigned responsibility for dependent students was increased from 79% to 95%.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• format and depending on what they<00:45:29.680> provide<00:45:30.000> to<00:45:30.079>
• upon how the bill is, uh, should it come forward, depending upon how it is written.
• upon how the bill is, uh, should it come forward, depending upon how it is written.
• upon how the bill um is uh, depending upon how the bill um is uh, uh,<00:56:52.400> should<00
• uh, should it come forward, depending uh, should it come forward, depending upon<00:56:54.160>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Their PTSD symptoms gone, their dependence on alcohol or opioids or anything else, gone.
• Seven years, depending on which book you're in, is typically a good average to think of.
• Or maybe some other course of treatment, depending on what your needs are.
• It could be, but it also depends.
• Oh, so in a way, it depends. If it's a hot dog someone wants to eat or a pet.

Bills: HB 44, HB 2200, HB 1612, HB 2747, HB 2038, HB 3717, HB 1431, HB 3800, HB 3801, HB 3560, HB 3246

Keywords: HB 44, Life of the Mother Act, abortion exceptions, medical emergency, reasonable medical judgment, pregnancy complications, maternal health, life-threatening condition, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, spontaneous abortion, fetal survival, Texas abortion law, abortion ban, physician liability, health care provider, disciplinary action, aiding and abetting, emergency abortion, obstetric care

Summary: The meeting of the public health committee focused on the pressing issue of opioid addiction in Texas, with a particular emphasis on House Bill 3717. Chairman Harris detailed the bill's intent to fund a grant program for Ibogaine clinical trials, framing it as a critical response to the ongoing opioid crisis. He shared poignant testimonies highlighting the struggles of families and veterans battling addiction and mental health issues. The conversation underscored the necessity of innovative treatments, like Ibogaine, which showed promising results in studies for reducing symptoms of withdrawal and PTSD.

Transcript Highlights:

• own eyes that that is not a dependency own eyes that that is not a dependency and<01:10:39.440><
• I think it depends on the judge.
• So it really depends on the court.
• So it really depends on the court.
• So it really depends on the court.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, depends on the subject. Okay.
• Well, depends on what day you ask Judge Hill.
• I mean,<00:34:42.919> depends<00:34:43.240> on<00:34:43.320> the<00:34:43.399>
• mean, depends on the subject. mean, depends on the subject.
• Well,<00:35:04.560> depends<00:35:04.920> on<00:35:05.000> what<00:35:05.160>

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's very dependent on what happens between now and the end of the fiscal year.
• > what<00:39:10.160> happens it's very dependent on what happens it's very dependent on
• on how the balance of the it depends on how the balance of the claims<00:39:43.200> settle<00
• >> Depending upon the agenda, it usually goes two hours, but today it actually ended in just under an
• >> Depending upon the agenda, it usually goes two hours, but today it actually ended in just under an

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on December 19, with Senators Long and Lang serving as replacements. The committee approved the November 21 minutes and adopted the consent calendar after removing two Department of Health and Human Services items for separate discussion. It then took up an HHS request involving nursing facility rates, where Nathan White explained that $2.2 million would be transferred from a long-term care Medicaid eligibility contract to the nursing facilities budget. He said the funds would offset an otherwise projected 3.9% average rate decrease and bring the overall average change to zero for the next six months, with rates reset again in July under state law. Members asked about the budget adjustment factor, bed counts, and whether additional funds could raise rates further; White said the factor is statutory, capped at 28.76%, and that more money would lower the factor and increase rates. The committee also corrected a date in the request from February 1, 2025 to February 1, 2026, and approved the item. The committee next approved another HHS item related to rural health transformation grants. Members confirmed the request covered the full amount applied for this biennium, and asked about the technology component. HHS said the grant is not solely about AI, but about broader technology improvements such as electronic medical records, back-end systems, and tools to improve access and sustainability in underserved areas. The committee approved that item as well. The Judicial Council then requested funds for contract attorneys providing indigent defense on a fixed-fee basis. The council said current funds had already been exhausted and that the new appropriation would be used immediately. Members questioned the size of the request and the number of people awaiting counsel; the council reported about 150 incarcerated people and about 300 non-incarcerated people waiting for counsel, more than in recent years. It attributed the increase to competition for attorneys, public defender offices closing intake in some locations because of caseload limits, and broader case and court-system changes. One member raised constitutional concerns about delays in counsel for incarcerated defendants. The committee ultimately amended the request downward to $1 million, approved it, and then approved a motion to place several annual financial reports on file and release them to the public when available. The committee also discussed dashboard reporting from HHS, asking for more detail on community mental health center caseloads and budget-reduction information, and HHS agreed to provide more useful monthly detail.

Transcript Highlights:

• Depending on the support of funding, we can outfit this for dual space to have plenty of shower space
• Depending on the support of funding, we can outfit this for dual space to have plenty of shower space
• Depending on the support of funding, we can outfit this for dual space to have plenty of shower space
• And so tourism depends, especially in our region, on folks coming in and enjoying what we have that's
• And so tourism depends, especially in our region, on folks coming in and enjoying what we have that's

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force opened its sixth meeting by approving the minutes and then taking up a presentation from University of Pikeville representatives and local leaders on an Eastern Kentucky Disaster Relief Center at Bear Mountain in Pike County. Speakers included Greg May, Rep. Ashley Tacket Laferty, Lori Worth, and Laura Damron. They described repeated flooding and other disasters in eastern Kentucky, the lack of a single prepared relief location, and the need for a centralized, elevated site that could serve as a flood and broader natural-disaster hub. The presenters said the Bear Mountain property, about 530 acres and well above flood levels, could support a multi-use facility combining disaster response functions with university and community uses. Proposed features included a command and communications center, distribution space, emergency shelter, medical and clinic support, food service, restroom facilities, RV hookups, and an indoor track/distribution building. They emphasized that the project would help avoid disrupting existing venues such as the Pikeville Expo Center and Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, while also supporting tourism and economic recovery. Committee members asked about community and emergency-management support, annual operating costs, and resilience standards such as tornado-related building codes. In response, the presenters said local stakeholders, including Appalachian Wireless, Pikeville Medical Center, Community Trust Bank, the city of Pikeville, and emergency management officials, had expressed support. They said the university planned to absorb some operating costs through multiple uses of the facility, community camps, and budgeted maintenance, and that construction documents were nearly complete with plans to begin building within months. After the presentation, the chair thanked the presenters and moved the committee into its recommendations discussion, noting the broader fiscal and humanitarian importance of disaster preparedness and resiliency and indicating that future legislation would likely follow from the task force’s work.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's going to depend on how much is left after we finish off the interest. Okay.
• Uh it's<00:09:51.519> going<00:09:51.760> to<00:09:52.000> depend<00:09:52.399><
• how<00:09:53.040> much<00:09:53.519> is<00:09:53.839> left it's going to depend
• The answer to that question is yes, but it depends on the community.
• So that revenue amount would stay roughly the same, depending on the terms of the agreement.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 302, which would allow the state treasurer to invest public funds in precious metals and digital assets. The sponsor was not present, so Representative Urs introduced the bill briefly and said he did not know much about it. No one from the Treasury Department testified, and members repeatedly noted the treasurer’s absence. Susan Elme testified against the bill, arguing that these investments are highly volatile and contrary to the treasury’s duty to remain stable and liquid. She said the bill should be killed. In questioning, she estimated the 5% cap in the bill would amount to roughly $10 million, depending on available funds, and said such investing would be more appropriate for an individual day trader than for the state treasury. Members also discussed prior legislative experience with Bitcoin-related proposals and raised concerns about whether the treasury had the staff expertise to manage commodity or digital asset investing. The committee did not take a final vote; instead, it agreed to hold a work session and seek additional information from the treasurer, with a plan to revisit the bill on April 1.