Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:34.120><c> Without</c> Any discussion? Any objections? Without Any discussion?
• Any discussion? amendment. Any discussion? Any<00:14:17.480><c> objections?
• Any discussion? discussion? discussion? Any<00:14:23.680><c> objections?
• Any discussion? Any amendment. Any discussion? Any objections?
• </c> interested in in discussing or offering. interested in in discussing or offering.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 16, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any further discussion? Seeing none, the motion... Any discussion?
• Further<00:41:44.360><c> discussion?</c> Further discussion? Further discussion?
• Any<01:05:41.120><c> further</c><01:05:41.440><c> discussion?</c> Any further discussion?
• Any further discussion?
• Any further discussion?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, and that has been discussed with leadership.
• Any further discussion? Mr. Chairman? Senator Ward-Engelking.
• Any further discussion? Senator Burtonshaw, Mr.
• And the discussion, and I'll go ahead and just kind of leave that discussion a little bit right now,
• We can have a productive discussion.

Summary: The Senate Education Committee first took up Senate Bill 1439, which would extend the reporting deadline for the model school facility committee from 2026 to 2027 because the group will not meet the original July 1 reporting target. Senator Cook moved the bill to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation, and the motion carried without opposition. The committee then discussed House Bill 940, the Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA) bill. Senators and the bill sponsors described proposed amendments that would revise the definition of a “custom section” to better serve small rural schools while limiting larger districts from using the provision in ways they said were not intended. The discussion also covered a funding change making the program subject to appropriation and limiting access to the Public Education Stabilization Fund, with sponsors saying the changes were meant to align spending with projected enrollment and require a supplemental request if enrollment exceeds estimates. Several members raised concerns about cuts to IDLA, the impact on rural students, and the lack of time to review the amendments. After debate, Senator Cook withdrew his second on the motion to send HB 940 to the 14th order for possible amendments, and Senator Cook then moved to hold the bill at the call of the chair. The committee agreed to delay action, with the chair indicating the bill would be brought back the next morning after JFAC so members could review the written amendments and continue discussion, with limited public input. The committee adjourned until 8:45 a.m. the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's open to discussion. Okay.
• It's open to discussion. discussion. discussion.
• Any further discussion on this bill?
• To what to the three changes I discussed.<00:09:17.279><c> Okay.</c> discussed. Okay. discussed.
• I will get this discussion on this bill?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee of conference on HB 718 met to reconcile House and Senate language. Members discussed two main parts of the bill: provisions requiring the Department of Education to report on rules that exceed state or federal requirements, including any fiscal impact on school districts, and language related to the new Pasquaney school district and its tax-rate setting timeline. Conferees said they were agreeable to the Senate’s additions on reporting and the handling of indeterminable fiscal impacts. The group focused on a House amendment, 2725H, which made two technical changes to the Senate language: adding the word “certified” to align with existing statutory language and changing the bill’s effective date to “upon passage” so the Department of Revenue Administration could act in time. A further clarification was proposed to specify July 1, 2025, for the tax-rate language, and members agreed to that change as well. There was some concern raised that the bill’s underlying special education implications could have indeterminate fiscal effects on school districts, and one member said that without a fiscal note they could not support it. After discussion, the House members voted in favor of the three changes, the Senate member present also supported them, and the chair announced the result as effectively unanimous. The committee then said the report would be drafted and the bill would move forward, with HB 102 mentioned as another item to be placed on consent.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any further discussion on the amendments? Any further discussion? If not...
• And that was kind of the discussion.
• Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Okay, poll the committee. Okay, poll the committee.
• Okay, any further discussion? Any further discussion? Poll the committee. Okay, poll the committee.
• Any further discussion? Any further discussion? Poll the committee. Chairman Sorvog, aye.

Bills: SB2004, HB1600

Keywords: ethics commission, immunity, conflict of interest, complaints, public officials, transparency, legislative action, criminal prosecution, complaint resolution, HB 1600, immigration law clinic, University of North Dakota, UND Law, law school clinic, legal aid, immigration attorney, student clinic, pro bono, immigration legal services, caseload limit

Summary: The committee reconvened to continue work on water-related appropriations and related bills, with the chair emphasizing the need to move the water bill to conference committee soon because of differences with the House. Members reviewed project funding levels and carryover balances across several water projects, including NAWS, Southwest, Valley City, Cirrus River flood control, Hart River, Redder water supply, municipal and rural water, general water, and discretionary funding. The discussion focused on reduced revenue forecasts, the use of a $150 million line of credit as a working assumption, and concerns about large carryover amounts and piling up cash. No final changes were made to the water funding numbers, but the chair said the committee would revisit the bill after further cleanup of the draft language. The committee then took up House Bill 1600, which would create an immigration law clinic at the University of North Dakota law school. Members agreed the program should be treated as a one-time pilot rather than ongoing general fund spending, so they adopted an amendment changing the $400,000 appropriation to one-time funding from the strategic investment fund. The amended bill passed unanimously, and Senator Meyer was assigned to carry it. House Bill 1417, dealing with parole and probation-related policy, was also amended. The committee removed Section 8, which eliminated the bill’s appropriations language, based on testimony that the referenced funding was already included elsewhere in the budget. The amended bill then passed unanimously. The committee also discussed possible future amendments to water study language, including earlier reporting deadlines and a proposal to require larger new water project requests to go through the Water Topics Overview Committee before being introduced, but no final action was taken on those concepts. Several other bills, including the AI-related House Bill 1448 and law enforcement bonus bill 1193, were left for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:47.400><c> and</c><00:08:47.600><c> vetted</c> discussed and vetted discussed and vetted versus
• I do want to have some discussion, and I'm going to offer A9 amendment to have some discussion around
• </c> something that has been being discussed something that has been being discussed for<00:24:05.520
• </c> you know, I think as we just discussed you know, I think as we just discussed on<00:25:16.400><c
• I know discussion this year.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any further discussion?
• Any further discussion?
• Any further discussion?
• Any further discussion?
• Any further discussion?

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion?
• Is there any discussion? Representative Capplement. Thank you, Mr.
• I think we've discussed the bill enough. Is there any discussion? Representative M. Ruby.
• I think we've discussed the bill enough. Is there any discussion? Representative M. Ruby.
• Is there any discussion? Now, Senate Bill 2325 is before it... Is there any discussion?

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then received a gubernatorial message listing numerous bills signed by the governor. The chamber also handled conference committee business, including appointing conferees for House Bills 1003 and 1169 after refusing to concur with Senate amendments, and adopting a conference committee report on House Bill 1053, which repealed a Century Code section related to the length of the state highway system. A major portion of the meeting focused on Senate Bill 2137, which would allow supplemental feed for hunting and include an expiration date. The House divided the proposed amendments into two parts. Division A, dealing with baiting limits and setbacks near livestock facilities, drew extensive debate over private property rights, enforceability, livestock protection, and hunting access, and failed 14-76. Division B, requiring chronic wasting disease surveillance and a report to Legislative Management, also drew debate over whether the reporting requirement was necessary or too late to be useful; it failed 44-46. With both divisions defeated, the House then passed the underlying bill 56-34. The House also laid over Senate Bills 2340, 2326, and 2289. Later, it defeated Senate Bill 2325, which would have created a process for non-federal easements on wetland areas, by a vote of 4-84. It passed Senate Bill 2210, directing a legislative management study on watershed-based water management, 85-3; Senate Bill 2387, establishing rights for sexual violence survivors, 89-0; and Senate Bill 269, allowing state agencies to satisfy legal notice requirements by posting on their websites if newspaper publication is missed, 72-17. The House then excused absent members and adjourned until Monday, April 14, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> enough to be able to have a discussion enough to be able to have a discussion and<00:02:37.920><
• </c><00:13:27.680><c> um</c> for discussion. um for discussion. um on<00:13:30.480><c> how</c><00:13:
• </c> other further discussion? Chair Davis. other further discussion? Chair Davis.
• I'll discuss the mortgage registry tax as a whole and then discuss each exemption in detail.
• </c><00:42:27.359><c> that</c> discussing that very observation that discussing that very observation

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion? No. Thank you. Any further discussion?
• Any further discussion?
• Any discussion? Clean-up language. Very good. Seeing no additional discussion. Any discussion?
• Any discussion?
• Any discussion?

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. May Modi. A series of personal privilege introductions followed, including the Chief of Security, members of the Junior League of Phoenix, several Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year candidates, and a student guest. Members also read a proclamation honoring the Junior League of Phoenix for civic engagement and volunteer service. The chamber then handled several procedural matters, including a motion to not concur in Senate amendments to HB 2010 and appoint a conference committee. The House moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars and adopted recommendations on a number of Senate bills. On the first calendar, SB 1009, SB 1046, SB 1143, SB 1221 as amended, and SB 1613 were advanced, with SB 1221 receiving an Olson floor amendment. On the second calendar, SB 1013, SB 1338, SB 1540 as amended, and later SB 1121 as amended, SB 1318, SB 1549, and SB 1786 as amended were all reported do pass, while SB 1270, SB 1400, and SB 1582 were retained on the calendar. Several bills drew debate. SB 1013 prompted discussion over merit-based hiring and whether the bill’s exclusions of sexual orientation and gender identity were appropriate. SB 1540 drew criticism as special legislation favoring the fuel industry, while supporters said it was a fairer approach to theft penalties. SB 1121 was described as a bipartisan health-care worker safety measure addressing radiation exposure, though opponents called it a vendor-driven mandate. SB 1318 was presented as a cleanup bill to align breast cancer notification language with federal standards, and SB 1786 received a technical amendment. The House also passed SB 1113, SB 1193, SB 1448, and SB 1503 on third reading, with SB 1503 receiving the required three-quarters vote and emergency clause. The House appointed a conference committee on HB 2003, and adjourned until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye. All opposed, no.
• uh any discussion appearing to be<00:01:57.680><c> none</c><00:01:57.960><c> all</c><00:01:58.159><c
• Any discussion? Hearing none, all those who favor the motion signify by saying aye.
• </c> financial report uh any discussion financial report uh any discussion appearing<00:03:30.080><c>
• Any discussion? Appearing to be none. All those who favor the motion signify by saying aye. Aye.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission met on March 17, 2025, approved the January 14 minutes, and received staff reports on budget, compliance, and training. Staff reported the January and February budget reports were within spending parameters and were approved. On reporting compliance, staff said about 15 forms were late in January, generating $750 in fines from late employers and lobbyists, but that all reports ultimately came in and the commission ended the month in full compliance. Staff also noted that all annual financial disclosure statements were filed except one, from former Representative Jacob Justice, who has been sent repeated notices and a certified letter regarding a $100 fine. The commission discussed a potential ethics-related bill for the session. Staff said freshman Representative Kim Holloway of Graves County and part of McCracken County agreed to sponsor the bill, but there was little expectation it could advance this late in the session. Holloway met with staff on March 4 and expressed interest in continuing discussions over the interim so the proposal could be ready for next session. Staff also said the commission is nearly fully compliant with certification requirements for legislators who missed or were late to the January 8 current issues seminar. Training efforts were also reviewed. Staff proposed starting a monthly Zoom training for lobbyists, employers, and others who work with them, beginning on a trial basis after session ends. The first session is planned for April 22 at 2 p.m., with notice to be sent through the newsletter and a special email. Staff said the goal is to help with filing questions, reduce late filings, and improve accuracy. The commission then voted to enter executive session under the cited Kentucky Open Meetings Act provisions to discuss confidential complaints and informal opinions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion on the motion? Yes. You're recognized for discussion on the motion?
• And I think that's what the discussion is: having it in the hopper, having a discussion.
• This is just about a discussion and starting a discussion on a budget bill that allows more long-term
• This is just about a discussion and starting a discussion on a budget bill that allows more long-term
• Any discussion? Committee, have a motion do pass. Any discussion on the motion?

Summary: The committee first considered House Resolution 1016, which would have allowed introduction of a bill by Representative Richmond addressing disclosure and restrictions for certain real-estate arrangements where buyers purchase interests in entities rather than direct ownership of property. Richmond said the measure was aimed at transparency, consumer protection, and preventing private tribunals or discriminatory practices, while several members questioned whether it would affect homeowners associations, hunting clubs, arbitration clauses, or duplicate existing law. After discussion, the committee voted down the resolution. House Resolution 1006, sponsored by Representative Schultz, proposed increasing the Homestead Tax Credit by $75, from $600 to $675, using a fund created by Amendment 79 and supported by sales tax revenue. Schultz argued the fund could support the increase now and that families needed relief amid high prices. The committee approved the resolution. The committee then heard House Resolution 1007, presented by Senator King and Representative Eaton, which sought to change how turnback funds are distributed to counties, with a focus on giving counties more predictable annual funding for roads, jails, water, sewer, public safety, and other infrastructure. Members raised concerns about taking $150 million off the top of sales tax revenue and about whether the bill should be handled through budget language instead; the resolution failed. House Resolution 1008, by Representative Wooten and Senator King, would have amended the LEARNS education program to reduce costs, limit or change eligibility, and add performance-based requirements and reporting for certain school-choice funding. Supporters said the program was financially unsustainable and needed accountability, while opponents argued the proposal would create larger problems and that the issue should be handled in the regular session. The resolution failed after a point of order prevented reading a supporting letter into the record. Finally, House Resolution 1009 and House Resolution 1013, both tied to Senator Bryant’s proposals on local control over crypto mines and data centers, were discussed together with testimony about water use, energy demand, and local opposition; both failed. House Resolution 1015, which would have amended the IDEA economic-development bill to remove eminent domain authority and address board accountability, also failed after members said more concerns remained to be worked out.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion on the motion? Yes. You're recognized for discussion on the motion?
• And I think that's what the discussion is, of having it when you get it in the hopper, of having a discussion
• This is just about a discussion and starting a discussion on a budget bill that allows more long-term
• This is just about a discussion and starting a discussion on a budget bill that allows more long-term
• Okay, so in my discussions with constituents in that...

Summary: The committee first considered House Resolution 1016, presented by Rep. Marcus Richmond, which sought permission to file a bill aimed at consumer protection in certain housing arrangements where buyers purchase an interest in an entity rather than the property itself. Richmond said the measure was intended to improve transparency, prevent deceptive real estate practices, and ensure disputes would be handled in Arkansas or federal courts rather than private tribunals. Members raised concerns about overlap with existing law, possible effects on homeowners associations, arbitration clauses, hunting clubs, religious organizations, and the bill’s 25-acre exemption. After discussion, the committee voted down the resolution. House Resolution 1006, by Rep. Bart Schultz, proposed increasing the homestead tax credit by $75, from $600 to $675, using a fund created for property tax relief. Schultz argued the increase was supported by the annual report on the fund and was timely because of higher costs for gas and groceries. Members asked about using special language instead, whether the increase could be made retroactive later, and whether the governor had included it on the call. The committee approved the resolution. The committee then heard House Resolution 1007, presented by Sen. Brian King and Rep. James Eaton, which would have changed how turnback sales tax revenue is distributed to counties, with the first $150 million of sales tax revenue going into a fund for county infrastructure and each county receiving an equal share. Supporters said it would help counties with roads, jails, water, sewer, and other critical needs, while opponents questioned whether taking revenue off the top would harm other state services and whether the issue was urgent enough for a fiscal session. The resolution failed. House Resolution 1008, by Rep. Jim Wooten and Sen. King, sought changes to the LEARNS Act and school choice funding, including performance-based eligibility and reporting requirements. Wooten argued the program was financially unsustainable and that accountability was needed; members questioned whether the proposal would create a larger emergency and whether it should instead be handled through budget language. The resolution failed after a point of order interrupted the closing remarks. Finally, House Resolution 1009, presented by Rep. Ron McNair and Sen. King, aimed to restore local control over crypto mines and data centers, citing concerns about water use, electricity demand, Chinese ownership, and litigation tied to prior legislation. Members questioned whether the issue was truly emergent and whether the resolution was the right vehicle. The resolution failed. House Resolution 1015, by Rep. Howard Beatty, proposed amending the prior IDA bill to address concerns raised by constituents, including board accountability and removing eminent domain authority. Supporters said it would improve the bill before next session, but the resolution also failed. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Further discussion. discussion. discussion.
• discussion discussion to<02:10:02.320><c> this</c><02:10:02.639><c> bill.
• Seeing no further discussion. bill. Seeing no further discussion.
• Further discussion?
• >> Any discussion?

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Lang, you can discuss your amendment. Thank you.
• So this can be discussed. Yes. That's in section one. Yep. Further discussion on the amendment.
• </c> So this Right. can be discussed. Yes. So this Right. can be discussed. Yes.
• </c> Further discussion on the amendment. Further discussion on the amendment.
• Further discussion on the bill as amended. Mr.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Further discussion.
• Further discussion to the bill. Further discussion to the bill.
• ><c> no</c><00:02:26.879><c> further</c> discussion there being no further discussion there being no
• Discussion to conference. Third reading.
• </c><00:04:31.840><c> in</c> know we had some tough discussions in know we had some tough discussions

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up the conference committee report on Senate File 3045, an act relating to state government operations. The authors described the bill as a broad agreement on government operations that funds state functions, limits growth in government, and includes elections and campaign finance provisions that were characterized as common-sense and bipartisan. Members also noted the bill supports legislative staff and other government operations, and one speaker highlighted that the final product reflected technical changes and input from counties and other election stakeholders. During debate, several members praised the conference process and the bipartisan work between the House and Senate co-chairs. One member specifically emphasized that the elections portion was developed to address technical fixes and to respond to concerns from those involved in election administration. Another speaker, in a lighthearted aside, referenced a “giant beaver bill” and thanked a colleague for bringing it forward again, before urging members to vote green. The House adopted the conference committee report and then repassed Senate File 3045 as amended by conference. The final roll call was 116 ayes and 18 nays, and the bill’s title was agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion? I do have a substitute ending in 0.06c, and it's been distributed.
• Any discussion on the substitute and the amendment to the substitute?
• Any discussion on the substitute? Mm-hmm. Yeah.
• Any discussion on the substitute? The substitute just adds a little bit.
• Any further discussion? Seeing none.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there discussion on that or further questions? Representative Mickelson.
• Is there discussion on that motion or further questions?
• Is there discussion on that motion or further questions?
• Is there discussion on that motion to introduce RS 32882?
• Is there discussion on that motion? Seeing none, Secretary will call the roll.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from January 21 and 22, 2026, and briefly welcomed a young visitor introduced by Representative Skog. The main item was Representative Hill’s proposal, RS 32882, a bill to restrict which flags may be displayed on government property. Hill said the measure was intended to prevent local officials from flying political, religious, or ideological flags and to ensure the American flag remains preeminent. He described allowed flags as including the U.S. flag, state flags, military flags, recognized tribal flags, certain nation-state flags, the Basque Autonomous Community flag on special occasions, and official Idaho university or college flags, while excluding city and county flags. He also said enforcement would include a $2,000-per-day-per-flag penalty and possible injunctions by the attorney general. Members raised questions about the bill’s scope, including whether it would apply to city and county flags, banners on boulevards and rights-of-way, parade flags, and community event displays. Hill repeatedly said the bill was aimed at government-owned property and official government displays, not parades, but also confirmed that city and county flags would be prohibited because they could be used for political statements. Some members supported the bill’s goal of limiting political messaging, while others argued it would unnecessarily eliminate longstanding local flags and community displays, and that the Basque carve-out was inconsistent with the bill’s stated purpose. Several motions were offered. An initial motion to introduce RS 32882 failed 7-7. A substitute motion by Representative Skog to introduce the bill with an amendment adding “official city or county flags” on line 22 passed 12-2. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no further discussion, Gentleman from Lafayette.
• I can appreciate your discussion.
• This is not a discussion about litter boxes.
• This is a discussion about parental choice of schools.
• Minority leader, we're discussing parental rights in schools.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Further discussion. Senator Hogan.
• Discussion, Mr. Ghan. Yes, Mr.
• Discussion, Mr. Ghan. Yes, Mr.
• these discussions.
• All right, committee discussion.

Summary: The task force met with a quorum and first reviewed a memorandum summarizing a survey of state agencies on possible statute revisions. Levi reported that 20 agencies submitted 70 proposals, with about 33 potentially becoming agency pre-file bills. Common themes included procurement, concessions, architect/engineering services, liability limits, and IT-related efficiencies. Members asked about sharing the survey results more broadly and about cross-agency coordination, especially with higher education and ITD-related issues. OMB then presented three topics from its survey responses: concessions, pre-qualification of architects/engineers/construction managers/land surveyors, and publication of legal notices. OMB said the current concessions law is too rigid because it requires award to the highest responsible bidder and does not fit newer concession models, and it suggested a best-value approach, a higher threshold, and standardized templates. On architect/engineering pre-qualification, OMB said the law is fragmented across several statutes and should be consolidated and expanded for broader use. On legal notices, OMB described the current rate-setting and publication process, noted rising costs and shrinking newspaper availability, and proposed a collaborative effort to modernize notice delivery, improve accessibility, and explore online options. The task force discussed how to move these ideas forward, and a motion passed directing OMB to implement its suggestions and report back at the next meeting. The University of North Dakota then presented several proposed revisions focused on public buildings and procurement. UND recommended raising the threshold for treating routine maintenance and one-for-one replacements as construction, arguing that the current $250,000 threshold forces unnecessary architect/engineer involvement and adds cost. It also proposed changes to bid advertisement language to reflect electronic bidding, revisions to construction manager-at-risk selection criteria, changes to architect/engineer procurement criteria, a higher direct-hire threshold for design services, and an increase in the legislative approval threshold for privately funded projects. Members discussed the need for data, risk and complexity considerations, and collaboration with counsel and industry groups. A motion passed directing Levi and counsel to work with UND on bill drafts based on its proposals for a future meeting. DPI followed with a shorter presentation on credentialing and statutory cleanup. It suggested reviewing the department’s 23 credential categories for relevance, and said DPI and the Education Standards and Practices Board have discussed transferring some credentialing authority to ESPB. DPI also recommended removing outdated school safety patrol language, cleaning up waiver provisions, and updating dyslexia screening reporting requirements so districts are not burdened by obsolete reporting mandates. Members agreed the screening itself should remain in place, while the reporting requirement could be reconsidered. The committee then recessed until the afternoon session.