Transcript Highlights:

• Further discussion, Representative Thomas. Great. For the discussion, Representative Thomas.
• Just a quick discussion.
• Discussion.
• Any further discussion right now?
• Any further discussion?

Summary: The Housing Committee considered two bills in executive session. House Bill 2266, the “step housing” bill, was presented with a proposed substitute that set different siting rules for transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, emergency shelters, and emergency housing; allowed some local standards and certifications; required local code updates within two years or the next comprehensive plan update; and grandfathered existing facilities. Members debated several amendments, adopting amendments to allow form-based codes, clarify timing and definitions, and preempt conflicting local requirements, while rejecting amendments that would have added school/daycare setbacks, expanded operational requirements, or changed local program conditions. The committee then approved the substitute bill on a 10-7 vote and reported it out with a do pass recommendation. House Bill 2489 would bar local governments from adopting or enforcing laws that criminalize or penalize life-sustaining activities on public property unless adequate alternative shelter space is available. The proposed substitute narrowed and clarified the bill, including exceptions for imminent harm, emergency access, disability access, and certain criminal laws; it also allowed regional shelter agreements and broadened the definition of adequate alternative shelter space. Members adopted an amendment allowing portable mats, beds, or other sleeping spaces in drop-in overnight shelters, including those in religious buildings, while rejecting or withdrawing other amendments, including one on park facilities and one on weapons. After debate over public safety, shelter availability, and local control, the committee passed the substitute bill on a 9-8 vote and reported it out with a do pass recommendation. The chair then announced the committee would not meet the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any additional discussion? Senator Bateman. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Madam Vice Chair, is there any discussion?
• Is there any discussion? Senator Bateman, thank you, Madam Chair. Is there any discussion?
• Is there any discussion? Senator Christian, were you asking?
• Is there any final discussion? Certainly, Senator Slatter.

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held confirmation hearings for Ryan Moran to lead the Health Care Authority and Dennis Worsham to serve as Secretary of Health. Moran emphasized his personal background, experience in Maryland Medicaid, and priorities of protecting coverage amid federal changes, addressing health disparities, strengthening tribal partnerships, and improving agency operations. Worsham described his long public health career in Washington, his statewide listening tour, and his focus on collaboration, science-based decision-making, accountability, workforce support, and rebuilding public trust. Senators raised questions about behavioral health, social determinants of health, communication, misinformation, and the impact of federal policy changes; both nominees said Washington should continue leading on coverage, prevention, and public health resilience. In executive session, the committee advanced several bills. It passed SB 5899, allowing qualified chiropractors to perform chiropractic diagnosis and adjustments on animals; SB 6292, creating a joint legislative-executive committee on health care financing with a substitute; SB 6182, establishing an abortion savings program, after rejecting several Christian-sponsored amendments and adopting a Bateman amendment limiting eligible organizations to DOH-contracted abortion providers or funds; SB 5947, creating the Washington Health Care Board; SJR 8206, proposing a constitutional right to affordable health care; and SB 5933, on overdose mapping information sharing, with a substitute. The committee also recommended confirmation of both gubernatorial appointments. In a second group of bills, the committee passed SB 5823 on patient advocates with a substitute requiring at least one person physically present daily in acute care settings and expanding exemptions for certain hospitals; SB 6210 on the health plan certification process with a substitute; SB 5921 on psilocybin; SB 6226 protecting audiologists’ clinical autonomy with a substitute; and SB 5924 expanding pharmacists’ prescriptive authority with a substitute. Members discussed access, affordability, rural workforce shortages, and patient safety, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Further discussion?
• Is there a discussion? Is there discussion?
• Sir, discussion.
• Sir, discussion.
• Discussion stopped.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion?
• Is there any further discussion? discussion? discussion? Any<00:09:25.720><c> objections?
• Is there any further discussion? discussion? discussion? Any<00:10:22.200><c> objections?
• </c> discussion, Senator McKelvey? discussion, Senator McKelvey?
• Further discussion? Any Thank you. Further discussion? Any objections?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Discussion on the gentleman's titling amendment.
• Discussion on the amendment.
• Further discussion on the bill. Gentleman from St. Genevieve. Further discussion on the bill.
• Further discussion on Senate Bill 907. Seeing none, Further discussion on Senate Bill 907.
• Thank you, and for any other discussion. Thank you, and for any other discussion. I'm open.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's hear discussion. Who wants to be recognized?
• Are there any discussion? Is there any discussion on this motion? All right. See none.
• Yeah, I mean, I was not part of that discussion.
• Yeah, I mean, I was not part of that discussion.
• Any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say aye. Aye. I have a second. Any discussion?

Summary: The Arkansas Legislative Council meeting began with approval of the December 2025 minutes and a presentation from the Bureau of Legislative Research on the December revenue report. Dr. Carlos Silva said gross collections were about $4.02 billion, up slightly from the prior year, and net available for distribution was also above last year but down modestly from the previous month because of higher-than-expected corporate income tax refunds. Members asked about corporate tax trends, tariffs, and inflation, and Silva said it was too early to call the corporate decline a trend and that tariff effects would likely show up mainly in sales tax collections. The council then adopted several subcommittee reports, including the Executive Committee Subcommittee, Administrative Rules, Hospital/Medicaid/Developmental Disabilities, Occupational Licensing Review, PEER, Review, State Insurance Program Oversight, and Personnel. The PEER report drew the most debate because of a Department of Agriculture grant tied to Perry County and Central Arkansas Water; members discussed whether removing the Perry County portion would affect the grant’s competitiveness, and the report was ultimately adopted with the item included. The Review Subcommittee also heard questions about a BDO contract for the rural health transformation program, with DFA explaining that the contractor would manage the program while state agencies would make funding decisions consistent with the state’s application. A major portion of the meeting focused on the Education Freedom Account appropriation tied to LEARNS. Senators and representatives debated whether the program helps families or diverts money from public schools, with supporters arguing it funds students and choice and opponents arguing it is costly, vulnerable to fraud, and harms public school funding. Department of Education officials said roughly 28,000 private school students and 17,500 homeschool students were participating, that EFA students must submit standardized tests annually, and that the requested $32 million was to cover existing participants. After multiple substitute motions and extended debate, the body rejected a motion to strip out the $32 million and then adopted the report and related motions. The meeting ended after routine approvals of additional agency items and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Macri, additional discussion.
• Discussion. Representative Macri. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Discussion. Representative Gregerson: Thank you, Chair.
• Maybe we could discuss it before we hit the floor.
• Discussion. Representative Dye: Thank you, Chair Ormsby.

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met in executive session on three bills. For Second Substitute Senate Bill 6182, staff explained it would create an abortion savings program funded by a new assessment on health carriers to support grants for abortion clinical care access. Representative Marshall offered amendments to limit grants to Washington residents, expand eligibility to IVF and fertility providers, prioritize medically underserved areas, and add a 2031 sunset; all were rejected or withdrawn. The committee then voted 18-10 to report the bill out with a do pass recommendation. For Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6260, staff briefed a striking amendment that would reduce savings in K-12 spending by changing local effort assistance and Running Start limits, prioritizing some transition-to-kindergarten funding, and eliminating inflation increases for National Board bonuses. Members debated a series of amendments on bus depreciation, charter school LEA payments, transition-to-kindergarten funding, and Running Start. Some amendments were adopted, including a bus depreciation change and a Running Start adjustment, while others were rejected. The committee then adopted the striker as amended and reported the bill out 17-12 with a due pass recommendation. For Substitute Senate Bill 6355, which would establish the Washington Electric Transmission Authority and related board and advisory structures, members considered amendments on rural land-use expertise, eastern Washington board representation, corridor review standards, tribal workgroup removal, and payments in lieu of taxes for transmission facilities. One amendment was withdrawn and the others were rejected except for a landowner/rural expertise amendment that passed. The committee then reported the bill out 18-11 with a due pass recommendation. At the end of the meeting, members exchanged closing remarks thanking staff and colleagues, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any further discussion?
• Any further discussion?
• Any further discussion?
• Any further discussion? No, sir. Okay. Any further discussion from anyone?
• Any final discussion?

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions, including the Doctor of the Day, students visiting the chamber, and other special guests. Members also announced committee substitutions and bill withdrawals/re-referrals, and the chamber observed a moment of respectful silence for the late Hon. George Cunningham, after unanimously adopting HCR 2060, a death resolution honoring his public service. The House then spent much of the day in Committee of the Whole on several calendars. The most contested item was HB 2758, a groundwater transportation bill, which drew extensive debate over fairness to the McMullen Valley and the need to protect water supplies for the CAP system and metro Phoenix. Multiple amendments were adopted, including changes affecting transfer limits and basin-specific water allocations. The bill ultimately received a do pass recommendation in COW by a 31-23 vote, and later passed third reading in the House 32-24 after several members explained their votes. A motion to amend the COW report to show the bill failed was defeated 23-32. The House also advanced a series of other measures with little or no opposition. In COW, HB 2049, HB 2090, HB 2092, HB 2179 as amended, HB 2228 as amended, HB 2111, HB 2114, HB 2256 as amended, HCM 2007 as amended, HR 2003, HB 2098, HB 2265 as amended, HB 2663, HB 2666 as amended, HB 2756 as amended, HB 2192 as amended, HB 2476, HB 2693 as amended, and HB 2877 as amended all received do pass recommendations, while HB 2875 was retained on the calendar. The House later passed several bills on third reading, including HB 2089, HB 2258, HB 2322, HB 2786, and HB 2825, and referred the approved measures to engrossing or to the Senate as appropriate. The session concluded with numerous personal privilege remarks, including recognition of a retiring Air Force veteran, Black History Month remarks, birthday wishes, and an announcement that Representative Chaplik plans to resign next week to focus on a congressional campaign. The House also announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until 1:30 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:28:53.480><c> Uh</c> we can discuss it. Uh we can discuss it.
• . discussion. discussion.
• </c> then discuss the motion. then discuss the motion.
• </c> issue that we discuss moving forward. issue that we discuss moving forward.
• </c> Um discussion to that motion. Um discussion to that motion.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion to that motion? Potentially the fee. Any discussion to that motion?
• I don't see any more discussion.
• I do have a discussion item.
• No discussion or questions. We'll move it to the public for public discussion.
• Any discussion to that motion? Okay, there's some... Any discussion to that motion?

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion on the motion? Seeing no discussion, all in favor say aye. Opposed, no?
• Any discussion on the motion? Seeing no discussion, all in favor say aye. Opposed, no.
• Any discussion on the motion? Seeing no discussion, all in favor say aye. Opposed, no?
• Any discussion on the motion? Seeing no discussion, all in favor say aye. Opposed, no.
• Any discussion on the motion? Seeing no discussion, all in favor say aye. Opposed, no.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :54.200><c> discussion</c> actually we got to discuss it discussion actually we got to discuss it discussion
• Discussion?
• </c> then uh there was all the discussion then uh there was all the discussion around<00:49:56.400><c
• </c> amended second discussion amended second discussion all<00:54:56.799><c> in</c><00:54:56.960><c>
• Discussion? Yeah.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion? If for final passage. Any discussion?
• Any discussion? If not, final passage. Any discussion?
• Any discussion? If not, final passage. Any discussion?
• Any discussion? If not, Clerk passage. Any discussion?
• Any discussion? If not, Clerk passage. Any discussion?

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, March 12, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation from Pastor Delman Coates, and received several guest introductions, including the doctor of the day, student visitors, homeschool advocates, community leaders, and the Braver Angels group. The chamber also journalized remarks welcoming Dr. Coates and recognized a prayer breakfast, with members offering brief thanks and acknowledgments before moving to legislative business. The Senate handled several messages and nominations, including withdrawal of an appointment, Johns Hopkins Police Accountability Board nominations, and Prince George’s County Board of License Commissioners nominations, all referred to Executive Nominations. The chamber also received House Bill 156 and an Executive Nominations Committee report recommending confirmation of a slate of appointments, which was special ordered for later consideration. A motion to return Senate Bill 463 to second reader and special order it for Tuesday was adopted without objection, and Senate Bill 473 was also special ordered for Tuesday. On third reading, the Senate passed a large number of bills, including measures on ignition interlock participation, school construction, port hearing notice, veteran status notation for educators, correctional officer scholarships, benefits exploitation, veterans trust fund applications, presidential electors, advance enrollment for children of active service members, retired law enforcement handgun permits, high-risk pregnancy discharge communication, charitable organization audit thresholds, child care criminal history checks, water pollution discharge permits, blockchain task force creation, franchise registration reform, licensing portability for foreign service members and spouses, Medicaid collaborative care cost-sharing, gift card fraud, school for the deaf board membership, vehicle dealer hearings, massage therapy advertising, protective body armor reporting, lithium-ion battery safety, pharmacy prescriber agreements for opioid use disorder treatment, human relevant research fund contributions, state and higher education email requirements, and auto insurance producer commissions. Most passed unanimously or by wide margins; Senate Bill 348 and Senate Bill 585 passed with 30 and 32 votes in favor, respectively. Senate Bill 140, concerning benefits exploitation, drew extended debate over constitutionality and pending litigation, with one senator citing an Attorney General opinion and another citing a Supreme Court case on neutral principles in church property disputes; the bill ultimately passed with 40 votes. Members later changed several votes on the floor, including on Senate Bills 172, 376, 428, and 48. The session ended while the clerk was beginning to read Senate Bill 629, with the remaining calendar not completed in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• We were in discussions with him for a particular position. Those discussions fell apart.
• Any discussion on the motion? Seeing no discussion, all in favor say aye. Oppose no.
• Any discussion on the motion? Seeing no discussion, all in favor say aye. Oppose no.
• Any discussion on the motion? Seeing no discussion, all in favor say aye. Opposed no.
• Any discussion on the motion? Seeing no discussion?

Summary: The committee first reviewed several wage-claim and labor-related litigation reports from the Department of Labor and Licensing. Members questioned the department’s authority and jurisdiction, whether it was acting like a court, and why it sought attorney’s fees and costs. Department staff explained that the claims arose under the Arkansas Minimum Wage Act and related labor statutes, that the department investigates small wage claims and can file suit when informal resolution fails, and that filing fees are waived by statute though service costs may be incurred. The committee reviewed individual cases, including one where the employer had not proven cash payments, another that had already been paid and dismissed, and a third where service could not yet be completed. The committee then voted to review or batch-file the labor items. The University of Arkansas System then reported on three pending lawsuits under the litigation-notification statute. One case involving a tenured professor alleging age and race discrimination had already been resolved and dismissed after the university re-engaged in discussions about a position. A second case involving a former employee alleging ADA and FMLA retaliation was moving forward after partial dismissal and an answer denying liability. A third case involved a former vendor employee alleging retaliation tied to a parking ticket; members asked about individual-capacity exposure for a university police sergeant, and counsel explained that punitive damages could potentially create personal exposure. The committee reviewed each report. The Department of Finance and Administration presented a proposed tax settlement reducing a sales-and-use tax assessment from about $48,000 to $20,000, with interest and penalties waived, and the committee approved it. The Claims Commission then presented several claims and settlements, including an unpaid salary differential for the Department of Health, reissued warrants, unpaid bills for DHS, and multiple negotiated settlements involving UAMS, Arkansas State Police, and ARDOT; these were generally approved or batched for approval. The most extensive discussion involved a settlement between the Teacher Retirement System and Tetronics International Limited in liquidation, arising from losses tied to the failed Blue Oak project; members questioned the company’s liquidation status, the prior investment loss, and why the matter was settling for $65,000, and the committee ultimately affirmed the settlement. The committee also heard a disputed tax-sale claim involving the Commissioner of State Lands, where a claimant argued that excess proceeds from a 2009 tax sale should have gone to her family rather than escheating to the county. After testimony from the claimant and counsel, members debated sovereign immunity, heirship, and whether the committee could or should award the $4,200 overage. The motion was amended and then replaced with a motion to hold the matter over for further review in a future joint session, which passed. Finally, the committee considered an appeal by Andrew Simpson challenging dismissal of his claim against the Arkansas Court of Appeals; after Simpson and court staff explained the underlying dispute, the committee reviewed the dismissal and the matter was held over for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion? Gentleman from Andrew. Mr.
• Further discussion on House Amendment 2.
• Any discussion on House Amendment 1?
• Any discussion on House Amendment 1? Gentlemen from Nottaway. Any discussion on House Amendment 1?
• Any further discussion on Any further discussion on House Bill 2,600 as amended? Lady from St.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House met after a quorum was established and began with several introductions of special guests, including job shadows, 4-H participants, and interns. The chamber then moved to House Bills for Perfection, taking up HB 1707, which would stop sales tax from being imposed on credit card processing fees charged to vendors. Members asked for clarification about the bill’s scope and the title amendment, and the bill sponsor explained that the measure simply prevents tax from being charged on those fees. HB 1707 was then ordered perfected and printed. The House next considered HB 2819, a bill responding to the end of penny minting by authorizing rounding of cash sales to the nearest five cents. Supporters said the bill would give businesses a clear legal framework and reduce compliance risk. The chamber adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed. Members then took up HB 2103, a property-fraud and notary-fraud bill aimed at strengthening penalties, requiring warning signs in recorder of deeds offices, and speeding court review for alleged victims. Supporters said it was needed to deter fraudulent deed filings and protect homeowners, while opponents argued it focused too much on notaries and recorders rather than the people committing the fraud. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. The House also debated HB 1800, which would lower the inflationary cap on certain property-tax revenue growth from 5% to 3%. The discussion centered on whether the change would protect taxpayers or reduce funding for schools, fire districts, libraries, and other local services. An amendment was adopted that broadened the title and added property-assessment language, and the bill was then ordered perfected and printed. Finally, the House considered HB 2600, dealing with ambulance district consolidation and governance. The bill was described as a response to struggling rural EMS systems, with provisions for consolidation plans, public hearings, and voter involvement. An amendment modified the process for subdistricts, at-large districts, timing, and merger procedures, and the committee substitute as amended was adopted and ordered perfected and printed. The House then moved to announcements and adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion or debate? Seeing no discussion or debate, the clerk open the queue for a vote.
• And Representative, we've had some discussions about this.
• Any discussion or debate? Seeing no discussion or debate, the clerk will open the queue for a vote.
• Any discussion? If not, I have a do pass and a second. Any discussion or debate?
• Any discussion or debate?

Bills: SB1983, SB444, SB1503, SB1561, SB592, SB1501, SB1946, SB1567, SB1833, SB2026, SB904, SB2178, SB1651, SB1558, SB1565, SB1553, SB1257, SB65, SB1749, SB1242, SB1642, SB640, SB667, SB1436, SB1484, SB1562, SB1794, SB1644, SB1533, SB933, SB1555

Keywords: SB1983, foster care, resource family partner, resource family partners, Department of Human Services, DHS, child welfare, foster homes, foster children, placement data, data sharing, de-identified data, aggregated data, sibling groups, placement disruptions, foster parent recruitment, foster parent retention, private child-placing agency, Title 10A, Oklahoma

Summary: The committee opened with prayer and then heard a long series of Senate bills, many of them agency request or cleanup measures. Early bills included SB 1983, directing DHS to provide foster care data to resource family partners to better identify foster family needs; SB 444, allowing hospice personnel to control or destroy controlled substances after a patient’s death; and SB 1503, a PCS related to pregnancy resource center outreach and in-state referrals, which drew discussion about virtual versus face-to-face support and was reported out after members agreed to continue working on the language. Other measures advanced included SB 1561 on progressive discipline for certain M.T.M.S. personnel, SB 592 and SB 1946 on alcohol-related licensing/sales issues, SB 1501 and SB 1567 as cleanup or implementation bills, and SB 1833 codifying a SNAP waiver barring candy and soft drinks purchases. The committee also considered several health and human services bills. SB 2026 expanded access to military discharge papers to grandchildren; SB 904 addressed public funds and state facilities, with members raising concerns about legislative interference in medical decision-making and liability; SB 2178 modified alcohol licensing insurance requirements; SB 1651 updated Oklahoma Medical Board license language; SB 1558 clarified the definition of a child for level E group homes; SB 1565 promoted Food is Medicine efforts to improve maternal and infant outcomes; and SB 1553 required psychologist review of appealed adverse determinations involving mental health claims. SB 1257, with a policy recommendation, expanded THC/controlled substance language to align with federal guidelines, and SB 1749 made a cleanup change related to food trailers and LP gas inspections. Later in the meeting, the committee advanced SB 65 with a policy amendment adding fentanyl and xylazine test strips; SB 1242, which included OMMA education and abandoned grow cleanup provisions; SB 1642, allowing shorter acute prescriptions to help reduce addiction risk; SB 640, treating abandoned grow facilities as public nuisances so local governments can abate them; SB 667, clarifying accreditation language for chiropractic programs; SB 1436, requiring hospitals to provide information on obtaining records after stillbirth or miscarriage; SB 1484, codifying medical examiner practices in infant or child deaths; SB 1562, addressing hospice patient solicitation; SB 1794, creating a mental health bed-availability database; SB 1644, seeking data on alpha-gal syndrome to support federal research funding; SB 1533, ensuring burial assistance for Oklahoma veterans who die out of state; SB 933, creating a right-to-try pathway for individualized treatments; and SB 1555, aligning the definition of intellectual disability with federal law. Most bills were reported out do pass, with recorded votes ranging from unanimous to a few nays on some measures. SB 1304 was laid over, and the committee adjourned at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any additional discussion? Senator Bateman. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Any additional discussion? Senator Bateman. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Is there any discussion? Senator Christian? Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Is there any discussion? Senator Christian, were you asking?
• Is there any final discussion? Certainly, Senator Slatter.

Bills: SB5899, SB6292, SB6094, SB6182, SB5947, SJR8206, SB5933, SB6138, SB5823, SB6210, SB5921, SB6226, SB6159, SB5924, SGA9291, SGA9307

Keywords: chiropractic, animal care, veterinary medicine, license endorsement, nonhuman animals, health care, financing, legislative committee, joint committee, policy management, pediatric care, transitional services, healthcare, licensing, children's health, abortion, reproductive health, pregnancy termination, clinic access, abortion access fund

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion? Not sure. the preamble. Any discussion? Not sure.
• </c> discussion? Not sure. Members present. discussion? Not sure. Members present.
• Any<00:02:49.200><c> discussion?
• Any discussion? Not to pass un amended. Any discussion? Not sure<00:03:02.319><c> votes.
• Any further discussion? Any further discussion? Not chair votes.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up a series of House bills in decision-making. HB 309 was recommended to pass with amendments deferring the effective date to 2050 and was adopted unanimously by members present, with one member excused. HB 344 was recommended to pass with amendments changing the EV charger-ready parking stall requirement from a fixed 25% to a standard allowing the Department of Accounting and General Services to determine the number needed in a new facility; that recommendation was adopted. HB 423, HB 833, HB 987, and HB 988 were each recommended to pass unamended and were adopted without objection. HB 596 was recommended to pass with amendments deferring the effective date to 2050 and adding the Department of Defense’s concerns and testimony to the committee report. HB 750 was passed unamended because of the filing deadline, with concerns to be noted in the committee report for conference committee review. HB 1161 was also passed unamended, with the committee report to reflect requested Department of Transportation amendments. HB 1483 was recommended to pass unamended, with the chair voting no with reservation on that measure. The meeting then shifted to a separate agenda item involving the governor’s office and a proposed settlement related to Lahaina. Members questioned why the legislature had not been kept informed during negotiations and expressed concern that the committee was being asked to approve the settlement without meaningful ability to amend it. The governor’s representative said the administration would defer legal questions to the attorney general, but stated that amendments could jeopardize the legal agreement and potentially have significant impacts on the state. Members also raised concerns about transparency, the public nature of the process, and uncertainty over how Hawaiian Electric would cover its share of the judgment. In response, the governor’s office said it would follow up with the attorney general and governor and provide answers directly. The chair then moved to reconsider the prior action and recommended passing the settlement measure with the attorney general’s suggested amendments removing language from page 7, lines 3 to 17, while preserving prior committee-report concerns. That reconsidered recommendation was adopted by the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Further discussion.
• Discussion on the amendment.
• Discussion on the amendment.
• Further discussion. Mr.
• Further discussion.

Bills: HB1603

Keywords: Native American, grave protection, repatriation, cultural heritage, tribal compliance, 908, all

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum and announced it would begin meeting at 8 a.m. for the rest of the week to work through a growing bill list. The committee first approved House Bill 1603, a companion to the Historical Society budget dealing with NAGPRA, including a $500,000 matching grant to be divided among North Dakota’s five tribes and a committee to address repatriation of human remains and cultural items. The vote was unanimous, 15-0. The committee then considered House Bill 1225, which would increase penalties for reckless endangerment involving a firearm and create a mandatory prison term. After debate over public safety concerns versus the bill’s fiscal note and prison costs, the committee adopted a do not pass recommendation by a 9-6-1 vote. Members also discussed House Bill 1018, the State Historical Society budget, and approved an amendment that adjusted one-time funding items, including NAGPRA compliance, museum exhibits, military gallery funding, local historic grants, and line-of-credit repayment. The amended bill then received a due pass recommendation by a 14-2 vote. The committee next approved House Bill 1468, a behavioral health facility grant for St. Hayes, which supporters said would expand in-state access to acute and adolescent behavioral health care and reduce the need to send patients out of state. The bill passed 14-1. It then amended and passed House Bill 1485, increasing the personal needs allowance for certain Medicaid recipients by $15 and indexing it to inflation; the amendment and the bill as amended both passed 14-2. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 1016, the Adjutant General/National Guard budget, after adopting an amendment that funded disaster relief, response equipment, IT and website costs, and staffing changes for the watch center; the amended bill passed 14-2. The committee adjourned after completing six bills and planned to resume the next morning at 8 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Discussion. Discussion. Discussion.
• Uh, is there any discussion? discussion? discussion?
• Okay, any further discussion? discussion? discussion?
• Discussion. Discussion. Discussion.
• Representative Smith. discussion. discussion. discussion.

Keywords: 916, all