Transcript Highlights:

• I want to make sure that I don't catch you off guard here.
• ><00:13:33.519><c> off</c> Okay, I don't want to catch you off Okay, I don't want to catch you off guard
• </c><00:13:34.880><c> um</c> guard here. um guard here. um pretty<00:13:38.240><c> significant</c><00
• Uh, it looks like the remaining—this is authorizing the remaining balance for Kentucky 8, the... >> Mr
• So that's why we are authorizing the remaining $4.1 million for the total $4.5 million, which was in

Keywords: This meeting will take place Upon Adjournment of both Chambers. An exact time is not given or known at this time., 958, all

Summary: The Government Contracts Committee met for its first 2026 meeting, approved the December 9 minutes, and reviewed 337 contracts totaling about $71.8 million. After a motion to consider the routine contract lists without objection passed, the committee pulled several items for discussion, including contracts from the Council on Postsecondary Education, the Department of Highways, the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission, and Kentucky State University. Most items were ultimately approved by roll call votes. For the Council on Postsecondary Education item, members discussed why the contract was not handled through the usual Finance Cabinet bidding process. Staff explained it stemmed from House Bill 200 and the healthcare workforce incentive fund, which uses a separate competitive award process and steering committee under different statutory standards. The committee accepted that explanation and approved the contract. Department of Highways staff then explained the difference between scour assessments, which evaluate erosion and foundation risk around bridge piers, and load ratings, which assess the bridge structure itself. Members also questioned a larger engineering contract increase; staff said it reflected progression from preliminary engineering to final design on a phased project and estimated the funding split at roughly 80% federal and 20% state. Those highway contracts were approved. The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission presented a legal services contract. Officials said the new corporation had identified legal needs, issued an RFP, and awarded four firms to create a pool of counsel to avoid conflicts as the agency now licenses racing, sports betting, and charitable gaming. They also said an emergency contract was needed after a temporary restraining order was issued in litigation involving charitable gaming machines and alleged losses to charities. The committee asked about the litigation and the affected organizations, and the contract was approved. Kentucky State University then defended a marketing/enrollment contract despite financial concerns, saying the work was intended to raise awareness of the university, improve enrollment, and support financial stability. University officials also said they were tightening student payment enforcement and collection practices, including payment plans and holding students accountable for balances. That contract was also approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Connick moved to reconsider the vote, and then moved to open the machine for co-authors.
• Co-authors, members. The machine was closed, and 18 co-authors were recorded.
• This is an amendment I spoke with the author about as well as Senator Kleinpeter.
• Senator Miguez moves to open the machine for co-authors. Co-authors, members.
• Senator Kathy would like to be a co-author. Madam Secretary, close the machine. Seven co-authors.

Bills: SCR63, SCR12, HB89, HB451, HB595, HB617, HB621, HB730, HB1064, HB1125, HB221, HCR58, SB106, SB206, SB248, SB441, SB104, SB122, SB180, SB260, SB424, SB476, SCR9, SCR30, SB57, SB414, SB525, SB35, SB65, SB135, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB276, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB484, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB501, SB513, HCR31, HB462, HB547, HB613, HB691, HB712, HB720, HB723, HB728, HB735, HB747, HB759, HB825, HB845, HB846, HB903, HB904, HB907, HB923, HB929, HB941, HB962, HB965, HB1036, HB287, HB370, HB515, HB521, HB570, HB1200, HB29, HB39, HB58, HB67, HB73, HB76, HB77, HB82, HB112, HB121, HB125, HB132, HB134, HB151, HB154, HB155, HB161, HB166, HB187, HB191, HB207, HB211, HB224, HB238, HB241, HB242, HB250, HB260, HB265, HB275, HB300, HB320, HB338, HB339, HB349, HB379, HB399, HB427, HB463, HB464, HB468, HB545, HB550, HB551, HB565, HB588, HB639, HB725, HB782, HB805, HB808, HB834, HB847, HB853, HB858, HB861, HB883, HB916, HB937, HB977, HB1012, HB1027, HB1044, HB1054, HB1091, HB1117, HB90, HB127, HB138, HB150, HB201, HB268, HB273, HB285, HB315, HB354, HB355, HB360, HB376, HB445, HB506, HB606, HB649, HB665, HB681, HB721, HB746, HB757, HB781, HB835, HB844, HB857, HB872, HB886, HB889, HB892, HB982, HB987, HB1037, HB1068, HB1072, HB1078, HB1085, HB1132, HB1137, HB1167, HB1174, HB1232, HB1238, HB23, HB136, HB17, HB21, HB51, HB55, HB74, HB106, HB108, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB168, HB215, HB226, HB263, HB296, HB299, HB322, HB364, HB519, HB535, HB538, HB568, HB571, HB622, HB635, HB676, HB772, HB784, HB1006, HB1018, HB1033, HB1034, HB1043, HB1070, HB1134, HB1237, HB1239, HB36, HB119, HB126, HB129, HB245, HB271, HB280, HB337, HB351, HB677, HB726, HB789, HB850, HB956, HB966, SB149, SB382

Keywords: fiscal notes, legislation, legislative auditor, state policy, conflict of interest, logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, HB89, Act 615, district attorney, assistant district attorney, retiree health insurance, group health insurance, retirement benefits, public employee benefits, Third Judicial District, Thirtieth Judicial District

Summary: The Senate convened with 32 members present, heard a guest prayer from Pastor Dr. Michael Linton, and proceeded through routine journal approval and legislative bureau reports. The chamber received numerous House messages on passed Senate bills and House bills, introduced several resolutions and concurrent resolutions, and recognized Former Legislators’ Day with remarks honoring deceased former members and welcoming back past legislators and other officials. The Senate also adopted SCR 63, which asks the Legislative Auditor to review how fiscal notes are developed and prepared, after an amendment clarifying the study’s scope and a 33-0 vote. The body then took up a series of Senate bills returned from the House. It concurred in House amendments to SB 106 (crime scene recordings/public records), SB 206 (blood pressure testing in schools, narrowed to athletes), SB 248 (polling place closures for very small precincts), SB 104 (highway memorial designation), SB 122 (bridge preservation), SB 180 (disabled veterans’ homestead exemption transfer language), SB 260 (youth athletics safety training/Coach Safely Act), and SB 476 (garnishment service wording). It rejected House amendments to SB 441 on pre-kindergarten programs. SB 57 on nutrition cleanup, SB 414 on medical debt protection, SB 525 on unclaimed property purchases, SB 501 on postsecondary health information postings, and SB 276 on bail bond producer affidavits all advanced or passed, with SB 57 and SB 414 ultimately passing and SB 525 and SB 501 also receiving final passage. The Senate also adopted SCR 30, a resolution urging Congress to ensure accountability and release of Epstein-related files, and later took up SB 513, a pilot program involving average bid/design-build contracting for certain airport-related projects, which passed 25-10 after extended questioning about its purpose and safeguards. SB 484, revising higher education governance and removing LUMCON language in favor of a study commission, passed 36-1. In personal privilege remarks, senators recognized Louisiana Arts Day and introduced guest Ed Tillman. The chamber then began a long series of House bills, including HB 462 on the Capital Area Road and Bridge District board composition, HB 547 on photographing voter registration information, HB 613 on marking driver’s licenses with citizenship status, HB 691 on voter-roll verification through the federal SAVE system, and HB 712 waiving certain OMV fees for homeless individuals; several of these bills were explained and moved toward final passage as the session continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• There'll be some adjustments made to federal authority for various programs.
• There will be some adjustments made to federal authority for various programs to reflect updated federal
• SB 63 was a bill in the previous session that authorizes a ballot initiative on the Bay Area to raise
• SB 63 was a bill in the previous session that authorizes a ballot initiative on the Bay Area to raise
• So the climate bond authorizes up to 10 percent.

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard two measures: AB 107, a budget bill junior making largely technical changes to the 2023, 2024, and 2025 budget acts, and AB 117, a trailer bill authorizing a $590 million loan structure to support four Bay Area transit agencies through the Metropolitan Transportation Commission using unallocated Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program funds. Finance explained AB 107 included technical fixes such as extending encumbrance periods, updating federal authority, correcting fiscal language, moving $20 million for California travel promotion from Visit California to GoBiz, and adding an APA exemption for implementation of already-approved climate bond programs. AB 117 was described as a cost-neutral regional solution with a 12-year loan term, two years interest-only, and repayment secured through existing state transit funding streams, with oversight by CalSTA, CTC, and MTC to limit impacts on other projects. Members raised concerns about transparency, competitive bidding, and whether APA exemptions and no-bid or emergency processes could reduce oversight, while supporters argued the exemptions were needed to get voter-approved climate and wildfire-related funds out the door. On AB 117, senators questioned whether the loan could become a de facto bailout if a Bay Area sales tax measure fails, whether post-pandemic ridership declines and safety/fare-evasion issues are temporary or structural, and whether the loan could jeopardize TIRCP-funded capital projects such as BART Phase 2. Transit agencies and local representatives testified in support, saying ridership is recovering, the loan is critical to avoid service cuts, and the Bay Area economy depends on transit stability. The committee first passed AB 107 on a 9-4 vote and AB 117 on a 9-4 vote, then held both bills on call. After recess, absent members returned and both measures were lifted from call and passed with 11 votes each. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The department is currently authorized 137 FTP and over the last five years it has filled 92% of its
• authorization.
• For fiscal year 2025, the legislature also, For fiscal year 2025, the legislature authorized $685,700
• That active authorization had been expended at the time of the division's status report.
• The Idaho National Guard has approval for a readiness center project in 2029.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations for the Department of Administration and the Permanent Building Fund. For Administration, analysts reviewed the agency’s divisions, staffing, dedicated-fund structure, recent budget growth, and the governor’s and JFAC’s recommended changes. The department requested shifts of utility costs from the general fund to dedicated funds, three new positions and funding for Medicaid procurement and contract management, transfers of some positions between divisions, and one-time IT replacement funding. Members also discussed office-space utilization, vacant buildings and land at Chinden and elsewhere, and the department’s efforts to consolidate space and reduce general fund reliance. Director Bailey said the department has reduced or repurposed positions, closed duplicate printing operations, is exploring digital workflows and AI tools, and is trying to move toward a fully dedicated-fund model. He also explained the decision to remove GLP-1 weight-loss coverage from the state health plan due to rapidly rising costs, while noting diabetes coverage remains in place. Committee members questioned the need for higher-level procurement staff for Medicaid contracts, the role of Deloitte and the Department of Health and Welfare in the process, and the status of the MMIS procurement, which Bailey said is currently stayed by the courts after a legal challenge from the second-place vendor. He said the delay will affect MMIS implementation and, in turn, the timing of the broader managed care rollout. Members also asked about vacant state office space, the possible sale of older buildings, and whether agencies such as ITD and Health and Welfare could be moved into state-owned space to reduce lease costs. Bailey said the department is actively working on those facility-planning questions and that agencies at Chinden are paying rent for occupied space. The committee then reviewed the Permanent Building Fund budget, which finances state construction, repairs, and deferred maintenance through dedicated revenue sources and interest earnings. Analysts highlighted the fund’s multi-year project structure, the large deferred maintenance program funded in prior years, and a proposed one-time transfer of $33.75 million in canceled capital project balances to the general fund. They also described a possible redirection of fiscal year 2027 interest earnings to the general fund and a recommended new capital project for an Idaho National Guard readiness center. Administrator Barard reported that the Division of Public Works is managing 595 active projects, with most FY 2025 projects under construction, in design, or complete, and said the division continues to face labor shortages and rising construction costs. Members asked about canceled projects, including the North Idaho reentry center, the Carnegie Library purchase, the ISU pedestrian crossing, the Idaho State Police Lewiston facility, and other projects; staff said some are unlikely to return soon, while others may come back once land or other prerequisites are secured. The committee concluded the hearing and announced it would meet the next day for the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Office of the State Public Defender.

Transcript Highlights:

• There'll be some adjustments made to federal authority for various programs.
• There will be some adjustments made to federal authority for various programs to reflect updated federal
• SB 63 was a bill in the previous session that authorizes a bill...
• SB 63 was a bill in the previous session that authorizes the ballot initiative on the Bay Area to raise
• So the climate bond authorizes up to 10 percent.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a result, these private security guards have some of the same rights and protections of law enforcement
• To serve a search warrant that was authorized by the Fiscalia in Columbia, the Colombian prosecutor,
• First hand knowledge, even quoted by CNN, suggested that an intelligence leak from Mexican authorities
• Did you directly transfer the intelligence to the Mexican authorities? No, sir, I did not.
• I do understand that DEA has been given Title VIII authority to help and assist ICE ERs.

Keywords: fentanyl crisis, DEA, drug trafficking, public safety, Judea Serrata, Terrence Cole, judicial security, social media, drug prevention

Summary: The committee meeting centered on the urgent crisis of fentanyl abuse and the government’s response to the drug trafficking epidemic. Key discussions revolved around the nomination of Terrence Cole as the Administrator of the DEA and Judea Serrata as Director of the U.S. Marshals Service. Cole emphasized his commitment to combating the fentanyl crisis, highlighting the rising number of overdose deaths and the necessity of bipartisan efforts to dismantle drug cartels. Members engaged in dialogue on the effectiveness of various strategies and the importance of education aimed at preventing drug-related deaths among youth. Additionally, the challenges of social media in drug trafficking were highlighted, indicating a need for greater accountability in how platforms handle such issues. Senators voiced concerns about the impact of administration policies on judicial security and the resources available for marshals to perform their critical roles.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, education finance co-chair Krisha and I have recently sent a letter to federal immigration authorities
• authorities stating just these<00:05:08.000><c> things.
• Guarding bus stops, giving rides to school, standing watch on playgrounds.
• ><c> rides</c><00:46:06.560><c> to</c> Guarding bus stops, giving rides to Guarding bus stops, giving
• But let me be clear: school district employees are authorized to be in and work in the United States.

Bills: HF3435, HF3409

Keywords: school access, school site, school district, charter school, federal agents, DHS, Department of Homeland Security, ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, CBP, Customs and Border Protection, USCIS, immigration enforcement, judicial warrant, student privacy, school safety, sanctuary schools, warrant requirement, federal warrant, school grounds

Transcript Highlights:

• costs across our programs and, if needed, for everybody to be able to access that additional levy authority
• and</c><00:20:39.280><c> thank</c><00:20:39.440><c> you</c><00:20:39.600><c> superintendent</c> Authority
• and thank you superintendent Authority and thank you superintendent Carrie<00:20:40.640><c> for</c><
• :54:21.920><c> put</c> government is the the uh we maybe put government is the the uh we maybe put guard
• rails on too tight especially guard rails on too tight especially around<00:54:24.000><c> schools</c

Bills: HF827, HF1258, HF2387, HF2388, HF2534, HF2016

Keywords: education, school funding, consolidation aid, financial support, Minnesota Statutes, education finance, ice arena, school districts, cooperation agreement, equal sports opportunities, school milk program, nutrition, food waste, kindergarten, public schools, supplemental revenue, charter schools, funding, state appropriations, general education funding

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, as a note to our testifiers and authors and guests, we have a full agenda.
• </c><00:01:51.680><c> would</c> uh in the manner that the author would uh in the manner that the author
• </c><00:03:51.040><c> soldier</c> and became a national guard soldier and became a national guard soldier
• </c> manner that the amendment the author manner that the amendment the author wants.<00:29:59.679><c
• </c><01:29:56.960><c> this</c> thank Chair Kaggel for authorizing this thank Chair Kaggel for authorizing

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that's not what the author and the testifiers are aiming at; we just would want to avoid that
• </c> don't think that that's what the author don't think that that's what the author and<00:13:07.360
• The legislature passed sweeping reform on Minnesota Statute 609.66, which authorizes deadly force for
• </c> reviewed as it relates to uh authorized reviewed as it relates to uh authorized use<00:36:32.720
• She said the A2 amendment brings in House File 294, authored by Representative Hansen, to incorporate

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• intersection in his district that he thought too difficult to navigate, he served as a school crossing guard

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Will there be questions of the author? Will there be questions of the author? Yield for questions.
• Will there be questions of the author? Will there be questions of the author?
• Any more questions of the author or questions of the authors?
• Will there be questions of the author? Questions of the author?
• Chairman, to the author.

Bills: SB1636, SB1584, SB1730, SB1255, SB1627, SB137, SB2062, SB1470, SB1284

Keywords: cold case, unsolved homicide, violent crime, case file review, law enforcement, police records, victim family, immediate family member, designated person, forensic testing, witness reinterview, investigative leads, cold case unit, unsolved murder, public safety, Title 21, Oklahoma statutes, sexual assault, evidence kits, DNA testing

Transcript Highlights:

• This subsection G deals with a person of authority.
• So if the person person of authority.
• </c><00:27:15.120><c> in</c> who occupies a position of authority in who occupies a position of authority
• She used her position of authority to build a secretive, sexualized relationship.
• </c> um for the position of authority um for the position of authority penalties. penalties. penalties

Bills: HB0008, HB0009, HB0028

Keywords: stalking, minors, felony, protection orders, criminal penalties, grooming, sexual offenses, child protection, sexual exploitation, law amendment, explicit conduct, sex crimes, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• intersection in his district that he thought too difficult to navigate, he served as a school crossing guard

Summary: The House began with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports. The Rules Committee recommended adoption of a series of congratulatory and honorary resolutions, including multiple Eagle Scout recognitions and a resolution honoring Bishop-elect Boudicke E. Azidi, Jr.; the House suspended the rules and adopted them. The House also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow a petition by Joshua Tarski for legislation creating a Veteran Suicide Mortality Review and Prevention Council within the Executive Office of Veterans Services. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee reported several local bills for consideration, including measures on transparency in municipal health insurance, a means-tested senior property tax exemption in Reading, Holyoke mayoral vacancy and residency requirements, and a Linfield appropriation from the Gulf Enterprise Fund. After suspending Rule 7A, the House ordered these bills to a third reading. The House then passed to enactment a bill allowing retired police officers to serve as special police officers in Fairhaven, and passed to engrossment bills concerning the Affordable Housing Trust Fund in Egertown and maintenance of pre-employment physical examination records for public safety personnel in Quincy. The House also observed a moment of silent tribute for James McCauley, a former Newburyport Ward 5 city councilor remembered for his public service and civic involvement. Finally, the House adopted an order to meet the following Tuesday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned to an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• How do we get the National Guard to come out and, you know, help us?
• And whenever the state came in and he was a very responsible person, he was authorized to drive a school
• President and Madam Chair, Authorized to drive a school bus, Mr.
• President, Senator, through a program from the Mortgage Finance Authority.
• President, Senator, it's a normal program and process that housing finance authorities can do this, and

Bills: SB273, SB37, SB100

Keywords: SB273, appropriations, general fund, hold harmless, local government finance, municipal revenue, county revenue, correctional facility, jail contract, private prison, detention facility, immigration detention, revenue bonds, clawback, child welfare, juvenile justice, protective services, school improvement, New MexiCare, aging services

Summary: The Senate convened on the 30th day of the 2026 session, established a quorum, heard an invocation from Chaplain Harry Eberts, and received several announcements and House messages. The chamber then took up multiple concurrence and third-reading items, including Senate Bill 273, Senate Bill 37, Senate Bill 100, Senate Bill 41, House Bill 34, House Bill 20, House Bill 43, House Bill 38, and House Bill 256. The body also heard that House Joint Memorial 2 was moved from the President’s table to the calendar, and later received messages from the House on several other Senate and House measures. The most contentious action was concurrence on Senate Bill 273, which concerns correction facility loss of revenue for counties affected by the loss of ICE detainees. Senators debated the economic impact on Torrance, Otero, and Cibola counties, with supporters arguing the bill provided partial relief and critics saying it did not come close to replacing lost jobs and revenue. The Senate ultimately concurred with the House amendments by a vote of 22-18. On Senate Bill 100, which would have expanded burglary-related definitions to include an “extension of a dwelling,” several senators argued the House language was too broad and legally vague, and the Senate voted not to concur, sending the bill back to the House. Senate Bill 41, with a technical correction and addition of second-degree criminal sexual penetration, was concurred with by voice vote. Among the bills passed on third reading, House Bill 34 updated school nurse licensure rules and supervision pathways and passed 38-0. House Bill 43, a PERA cleanup bill, clarified retirement and survivor-benefit provisions, and passed 39-0 after questions about whether it affected PERA’s unfunded liability; sponsors said it did not. House Bill 38 expanded insurance coverage for powered mobility devices and prosthetics, including coverage for batteries and in-state provider requirements, and passed 38-0. House Bill 256 expanded cardiac emergency response planning and AED requirements to athletic activities and schools, including private schools on a phased-in basis, and was debated over cost and scope before passing. House Bill 20, which would allow Native American designation on driver’s licenses and IDs, prompted extended discussion about tribal support, documentation, and possible profiling concerns; the transcript cuts off before final disposition of that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that there's some they can authorize maybe to run alongside it, and there's been a lot of also
• We finally figured out what she was referring to: the nighttime security guard who drives up and down
• These bills seem to avoid authority over utility-scale development and local authority over utility-scale
• I urge this committee to please modify these bills and preserve the authority of counties to protect
• , with their landowners, you know, so when they came to the commission, we were sort of caught off guard

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2383, Representative Simmons’s bill addressing theft of copper and other infrastructure-related property. After a brief executive session and no further discussion, the committee voted the bill do pass by a roll call of 17 ayes, 1 no, and 1 present. The committee then heard House Bill 2711, sponsored by Representative Deal, which would lower the assessed valuation of broadband communications equipment from 33.5% to 12% for new broadband equipment placed in service after August 28, 2026, with a proposed sunset period discussed as part of a substitute. Representative Deal and several industry witnesses, including AT&T, Verizon, Missouri Cable Association, Missouri Broadband Providers Association, Missouri Chamber, and electric co-ops, argued the measure would improve Missouri’s competitiveness, encourage private investment, and help expand broadband in rural and underserved areas. Opponents, including county assessors, argued the bill would reduce local tax revenue, create unequal treatment, and could become a precedent for other industries. Committee members questioned whether the bill would apply only to new builds or also to upgrades and existing infrastructure, and whether the tax relief would actually drive expansion into rural areas. The committee then began hearing House Bills 2402 and 2816, which deal with solar energy siting and taxation. The sponsors described the bills as setting local assessment rules for solar projects, establishing a per-megawatt valuation, requiring larger setbacks from homes, schools, and churches, and limiting the amount of tillable land that can be used for solar in a county, while also addressing Chapter 100 agreements and decommissioning concerns. Supporters, including Missouri Farm Bureau and county officials, said the bills would provide needed guardrails, local control, and more consistent taxation. Opponents and affected landowners said existing solar projects have caused glare, dust, noise, and property value concerns, while some developers said they wanted clearer statewide rules and consistency for future projects. The committee did not take final action on the solar bills before going into recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• That rule was actually removed in 2024, and the change removed any authority that the officials would
• But that power at the end has to come about higher authority.
• And higher authority would be that we have legislation, we have in the works.
• And by allowing us to not only continue the work that we're doing on the south coast of Massachusetts
• We feel that the legislature has the authority and the best statewide perspective to determine where

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing covered a wide range of Judiciary Committee bills, with much of the testimony focused on criminal justice, public safety, and civil asset forfeiture reform. Several lawmakers and advocates supported bills to increase penalties or create new offenses related to assaults on sports officials, assaults on transit workers, reckless discharge of firearms, fires and explosives, pill press machines, and drug-induced homicide. Testifiers described rising harassment and violence against youth sports officials and transit workers, as well as the fentanyl overdose crisis and the need for stronger tools to prosecute dealers whose conduct leads to death. Supporters of the sports-official and transit-worker bills emphasized declining referee availability and repeated assaults on commuter rail and MBTA workers. District attorneys also backed bills on reckless firearm discharge and fires/explosives, saying current law does not adequately address dangerous conduct that endangers bystanders. The committee also heard testimony on several proposals related to youth diversion and prison mitigation. Supporters of the youth court justice fund bill said youth courts are peer-led diversion programs with strong compliance and low recidivism, and argued for a stable funding source rather than annual earmarks. A representative from Bridgewater supported a prison mitigation fund for municipalities that host state prisons, saying the costs of public safety and emergency services are not fully covered. On gun policy, testimony split between supporters of a bill to ban in-state manufacture of assault-style rifles for civilian sale and opponents or skeptics of other firearm-related measures, including a bill on collateralizing firearms and a bill to increase penalties for drug trafficking combined with illegal firearm offenses. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to civil asset forfeiture reform. Advocates from the ACLU, CPCS, the Boston Bar Association, the Institute for Justice, and others supported bills to increase the burden of proof, improve transparency and reporting, require counsel, and limit or eliminate the current practice of directing forfeiture proceeds to law enforcement. They argued the current system creates perverse incentives, lacks adequate due process, and is insufficiently transparent. District Attorney Paul Tucker defended current forfeiture practices, saying his office has reporting and oversight, uses the funds for investigations and community programs, and warned that reducing forfeiture revenue would hinder crime fighting. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing; the chairs repeatedly thanked witnesses and indicated the bills would remain under consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• jump back up for the gubernatorial appointment of Nicholas Gouho of Eagle to the State Building Authority
• , both in Centralia and Chehalis, Washington, and building out railroad port authorities.
• fractional CMO group that has offices here across the western United States as well as on the East Coast
• with its unique authority to help build the state of Idaho.
• The authority belongs to the Citizens Committee on Legislative Compensation.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first took up HCR 31, a resolution honoring former Representative Lyndon Bateman. Senator Anthon, Tess Molitor, and David Leroy described Bateman’s long legislative service, his work on Idaho Day, cursive instruction, history, and his distinctive humor and letter-writing. Members spoke warmly in support, and the committee voted unanimously to send HCR 31 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard gubernatorial appointments to the State Building Authority from Nicholas Gouho and Todd Christensen, both of whom outlined extensive backgrounds in construction, development, finance, and public service. The committee also approved reappointments of Robert Donaldson and Irving Littman to the Idaho Endowment Fund Investment Board, sending both to the floor with confirmation recommendations. Several RS requests were introduced: RS 33-634 on liability protections for private polling places, RS 33-674 encouraging a 5% legislative salary reduction, RS 33-693 revising 340B drug reporting requirements, RS 33-712 clarifying surveyor access under a trailer bill, and RS 33-697 requiring definite identification before cremation. Each was moved to print without opposition. The committee also advanced HB 637, which would clarify Idaho’s gold and silver legal tender law by allowing foreign or domestic bullion, and HB 573, which expands who may teach the enhanced concealed carry course to include certain certified instructors with eight years’ experience. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 542, the “Shazam Act,” which would restrict addictive social media features for minors, require age estimation and parental consent, and create enforcement through a private right of action and the Attorney General. Sponsors and supporters argued it would protect children from addiction, suicide, and harmful data practices and put parents back in control. Opponents from Meta, CCIA, NetChoice, and TechNet raised constitutional, privacy, and implementation concerns, while some committee members questioned the private cause of action. The committee ultimately voted to send HB 542 to the 14th order for possible amendments rather than directly to the floor. The committee then began hearing HB 561, a bill on government flag displays and enforcement, with testimony largely supporting limits on public flag displays to neutral or officially recognized flags, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> carry out those delegated authorities. carry out those delegated authorities.
• </c> in the form that the author would like. in the form that the author would like.
• </c><01:34:06.960><c> not</c> authorities are broad and not authorities are broad and not specific,<01
• </c> the bill gives the MPC a new authority the bill gives the MPC a new authority um<01:37:33.840><c
• </c> requested where the statutory authority requested where the statutory authority was.<01:37:41.280

Bills: HF1587, HF2293, HF2218, HF1208, HF1482

Keywords: HF1587, Cass County, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, condemnation, eminent domain, state land, surplus land, public waters, tribal land transfer, federally recognized Indian Tribe, tribal ownership, land conveyance, no consideration, land appropriation, natural resources, U.S. Highway 2, Section 27 Township 145 North Range 28 West, land return, Tribal sovereignty

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:24:37.840><c> investigate</c> author with um authority to investigate author with um authority
• :24:48.320><c> tools</c><00:24:48.720><c> to</c> authority with investigative tools to authority with
• Um the the amendment that authority.
• </c><01:14:11.840><c> Um</c> share investigative authority. Um share investigative authority.
• So even if that authority to do.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all