Video & Transcript : 'legislative' :
Page 296 of 500
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- And this is this This is good legislation. It needs to pass.
- We worked together on legislation on Abel accounts.
- I Will say on this legislation that ultimately, yes, we want to make sure that all Oklahomans that are
- And so, ultimately, this is legislation that we have in statute.
- This bill consolidates the statute to a single version that encompasses all the criminal legislation
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This concludes my review of the proposed legislation, Madam Chair and members of the Senate Health and
- oversight from our Medicaid Legislative Review Panel, which was set up a couple of years... ...which
- This legislation would ask that this committee be allowed to bring in a consultant to help us with going
- I think it probably is wise for the legislative committee that has to oversee that level of contract
- I think legislative oversight is important. It was a hark back to House Bill 345 last year.
Summary:
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee heard House Bill 777, which updates Idaho’s Controlled Substances Act. Testimony from the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses explained that the bill adds several substances to Schedule I and two opioids to Schedule II, makes clarifying and cleanup changes, updates registration to biennial registration, and expands limited prescription drug monitoring program access for certain federal and tribal investigators. The bill was described as having no expected fiscal impact and no public opposition was reported. The committee voted to send HB 777 to the floor with a do pass recommendation.
The committee also approved the minutes from February 11, 2026. It then took up House Concurrent Resolution 30, which seeks legislative authorization to hire an independent consultant to assist the Medicaid Legislative Review Panel as Idaho moves toward comprehensive managed care under House Bill 345. Senator Van Orden said the panel is facing a large volume of contract and RFP material tied to a roughly $5.5 billion Medicaid budget and needs help meeting an October deadline. Supporters argued an independent consultant would provide needed oversight on a complex contract, while opponents questioned whether the work would duplicate the Department of Health and Welfare’s consultant and raised concerns about added spending and the broader direction of Medicaid managed care.
After debate, the committee voted by roll call 6-3 to send HCR 30 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would meet again the next day on additional bills.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Banking and Insurance. (3-3-26)
Banking & Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, Dustin Miller retained legislative agent for Verettech Catalyst as their parent company.
- agent for Verettech Catalyst legislative agent for Verettech Catalyst as<00:01:56.880><c> their</c><
- And so, what this legislation does is simply remove that authority for the commissioner to set it, and
- </c><00:03:02.239><c> does</c><00:03:02.400><c> is</c> And so, what this legislation does is And so,
- what this legislation does is simply<00:03:02.879><c> remove</c><00:03:03.200><c> that</c><00:03:03.440
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Rules Committee Feb 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Good legislation. I urge a yes vote. Further remarks?
- It establishes a joint legislative task force on reducing regulatory stress for agricultural producers
- A good piece of legislation to try to help the trend that we currently see in agriculture.
- A good piece of legislation to try to help the trend that we currently see in agriculture.
- Senator Muzzall: This legislation is to try to help the trend that we currently see in agriculture of
Summary:
The Senate considered a consent calendar package and a regular calendar package, both described as bipartisan and unanimously supported, and both motions to advance them passed by voice vote. The body then moved a series of House bills from the white sheet to the floor calendar, with no recorded roll-call votes and generally little or no opposition. Topics included ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms (HB 2320), updating terminology from “alien” to “non-citizen” (HB 2632), inmate indigency thresholds (SHB 2539), incident reporting by private detention facilities (HB 2464), electronic notarization (SHB 2158), theater alcohol licensing and safeguards for minors (ESHB 2476), behavioral health coordination and training for schools and educational service districts (E3SHB 1634), non-compete law fixes (ESHB 1155), manufactured home rent increase notices (SHB 2452), false identification as a peace officer (ESHB 2165), permit timelines for certain special purpose districts (E2SHB 2418), life insurance lapse notifications to third parties (SHB 2428), agricultural regulatory stress and a task force study (HB 2619), ambulance staffing by registered nurses in certain transports (ESHB 2110), special education report timelines and meeting notice for parents (ESHB 2557), and siting standards for step housing, including permanent supportive, transitional, and indoor emergency housing (ESHB 2266).
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a pretty simple piece of legislation.
- This is a pretty simple piece of legislation.
- And you'll see that in this piece of legislation. So it's going to define it.
- And you'll see that in this piece of legislation. So it's going to define it.
- And so that's what this new piece of legislation, Senate Bill 1222, will clear up.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, received prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the prior day’s journal as corrected. Leadership announced that gubernatorial appointments would be taken up Monday and that only one bill would be considered in the 13th order that day. In the fifth order, Senate Resolution 113 was introduced by the State Affairs Committee; it condemns political violence and honors victims, and was referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee for printing.
Committee reports and bill introductions followed. The Judiciary and Rules Committee reported several measures correctly printed and referred them to the appropriate committees, and the Commerce and Human Resources Committee reported Senate Bill 1221 do pass. In first reading, the Senate received Senate Bills 1244 through 1247, covering regional library systems, education funding and related school policy, law enforcement officers and facial coverings, and E-Verify requirements for employers; these were referred to Judiciary and Rules for printing. Second-reading bills 1227, 1226, and 1225 as amended were advanced to third reading.
The Senate then considered Senate Bill 1222, which revises domestic well provisions and clarifies the definition of “subdivision” for purposes of the domestic well exemption. Senator Anthony said the bill was intended to correct how last year’s changes were being applied, especially to already-developed subdivisions, and to make the law apply prospectively. After brief debate, the bill passed the Senate by a vote of 29 in favor with six absent, and was transmitted to the House.
During miscellaneous business, senators introduced guests and announced a 10:30 farewell ceremony for the Liberty Bell on the Capitol steps, including a final ceremonial ringing before refurbishment. The Senate also adjourned by motion until 11 a.m. Monday, February 2, 2026.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- benefit of many projects in the bill for completion of existing capital projects is funding by legislators
- Uh, I am assured by the Legislative council Service as well as our staff at the LFC that their math is
- Chairman and Senator, uh, currently the Legislative Finance Committee staff already does this type of
- So I, I know that they do that in a continuous basis throughout the year in regards to a legislative,
- know of one yet or the plans to have one of those, but I do again just want to mention that the legislative
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits Jul 15th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee's Committee to hear State Auditor's Office
- And to my right is Legislative Auditor Eric Thomas. And Eric, you have an announcement to make.
- audit was conducted solely and independently by the State Auditor's Office under the authority of legislation
- And that requires a legislative statutory change? Correct. Thank you very much.
- When the legislative auditor and JLARC adopt reports, we send a letter... And JLARC adopt reports.
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee heard a State Auditor’s Office performance audit on the Restoring Quality Home Care Initiative (I-1163), which created home care aide certification requirements, FBI background checks, and an abuse/neglect registry. Auditors said some requirements likely improve safety, especially background checks and training, but the state lacked pre-2011 data to measure outcomes directly. They also found Washington has a long-term care workforce shortage, though its workforce supply ranks better than many states, and that more stringent entry requirements do not appear to reduce workforce participation compared with other states.
The audit’s main concern was that the certification process is slow and burdensome. Auditors reported that most applicants never finish certification, that only about one-third of fiscal year 2025 applicants were certified within the 200-day legal deadline, and that the average time to certification was 463 days. They identified delays between training and testing, limited testing access in some areas, and redundant Department of Health verification of FBI background checks as key causes. The audit recommended streamlining the process by accepting applications later in the process, expanding testing within training programs, and eliminating the redundant background-check verification.
Department of Health and Department of Social and Health Services staff largely agreed with the audit’s findings and recommendations. They said they have already made improvements, including moving exams into more than 110 training programs, increasing credentialing staff, and reducing barriers through rule changes. DSHS noted testing is offered in 13 languages. Committee members asked about testing contract incentives, language access, and whether the agencies would seek statutory or budget changes to implement the recommendations. No public testimony was offered, and the meeting adjourned without any vote or formal action by the committee.
MI
Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session
Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection 26-06-23
Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- The opportunity to testify in support of my legislation, Senate Bill 1053, is appreciated.
- This legislation begins with a story. Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair.
- This legislation begins with a story.
- Vice Chair. this legislation Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. This legislation begins with a story.
- That's why we've introduced this legislation again this term.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection met with a quorum, adopted the June 17 minutes, and took testimony on several bills. Senate Bill 1053, sponsored by Chair Kavanaugh, would raise the acreage cap for neighborhood enterprise zones from 15% to 20% for certain zones. Supporters from Invest Detroit and the City of Detroit said the change would help make housing and redevelopment projects viable, especially in high-tax areas like Detroit, and the bill was reported to the floor on a 6-2 vote.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 988, sponsored by Senator Santana, which would extend from 30 to 35 days the deadline to appeal a denied poverty exemption to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. The sponsor and Detroit’s property assessment director described it as a technical alignment with the Tax Tribunal Act and a correction to conflicting timelines; the bill drew support from the Michigan Poverty Law Program, the Michigan Chamber, and the Tax Tribunal, and was reported unanimously. The committee then adopted S-1 substitutes for Senate Bills 1041, 1042, and 1043, the price-gouging package sponsored by Senators Moss, Chang, and Kavanaugh.
Sponsors of the price-gouging bills said the package would strengthen Michigan’s emergency price-gouging protections by defining excessive increases during declared emergencies, covering lodging, essential goods and services, and energy products, and giving the Attorney General clearer enforcement tools. Supporters included the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association and the Attorney General’s office, while the Michigan Chamber, Mackinac Center, and NFIB opposed the package. Despite the opposition, all three bills were reported to the floor on 5-3 votes. The meeting adjourned after all reported bills were approved.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- I thank you all for being here virtually and in person to share your thoughts on the legislation before
- This bill, which applies to their primary residence or vehicle, passed unanimously in both legislative
- So this legislation is a modest fix.
- Last week I testified before this committee in support of legislation to increase access to property
- This legislation is also in line with the passage of the HERO Act last session, which tasked DOR and
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on 32 bills related to veterans and service members, with opening remarks from Chair Madaro and Senator Eldridge emphasizing the committee’s work on tax credits and property tax relief, including follow-up to the HERO Act of 2024. The chairs outlined hearing procedures, noted the August 23 reporting deadline for House-filed matters, and explained that testimony would focus on issues including voluntary contributions, sales tax, property tax, and economic development. No votes were taken during the hearing.
Several bills drew testimony in support of expanding or simplifying veterans’ property tax benefits. Rep. Sylvia supported H. 3255 to raise the veterans’ property tax workoff cap from $1,500 to $2,000, matching the senior workoff program. Rep. Soder and Sen. Moore advocated for stronger property tax relief for disabled veterans, including H. 3245 and S. 2046, with Moore proposing a disability-based exemption and state reimbursement to municipalities. Rep. McGregor supported H. 3175, which would eliminate the need for veterans to refile annually for exemptions unless their status changes, arguing it would reduce burdens on veterans and assessors.
Testimony also addressed line-of-duty death benefits and local implementation concerns. Mary Ann Cardi supported H. 3188 to clarify that surviving spouses of police and fire personnel who died in the line of duty qualify for a full real estate exemption. Chris Clark, Senator Sear, and Counselor Ludke all backed the veterans’ workoff bill, describing it as an equity fix that would align the veterans’ program with the senior program and help municipalities like Barnstable use the benefit more effectively. After hearing from all scheduled speakers and confirming no additional in-person testimony, the chairs adjourned the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Elections Committee May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I represent CALA, California Action for Legislative Accountability. The stated purpose...
- California Action for Legislative Accountability.
- There have been cases of that happening in the state of California, and we have passed legislation in
- I think it was during the Kirkringle contest, and legislation was passed to prevent uniformed guards
- This bill is not legislating that topic. Okay. Well, but it is talking about Prop 50, right?
Summary:
The Assembly Elections Committee met on May 6, 2026, with a quorum present and heard one bill, SB 73. The author described the measure as a response to perceived threats to California elections, including restrictions on armed or non-uniformed personnel at polling places, protections for ballots and voting equipment, and limits on law enforcement access to election materials without a court order. The chair reviewed a set of agreed amendments, including removing a section conflicting with AB 1664, deleting proposed criminal penalties, clarifying the role of the Attorney General and Secretary of State, and refining language on signature challenges, law enforcement support, and certified voting technology. Supporters, including AAPI Force, CHIRLA, the League of Women Voters of California, and Common Cause, argued the bill would protect voters from intimidation and preserve election integrity. Opponents from CALA argued the bill was unnecessary, would hinder legitimate investigations, and reflected distrust of law enforcement and federal oversight.
Committee discussion focused heavily on whether the bill was responding to real-world threats and on the ballot seizure in Riverside County. Members questioned how the measure would affect signature challenges, chain of custody, and investigations into possible fraud. The author and supporters said ballots should remain in election officials’ custody and that federal or local agents should not be able to interfere with election materials or intimidate voters. The chair and other members also discussed the urgency clause and the need to move the bill quickly despite the proximity of the June election.
The committee voted to do pass and re-refer SB 73 to the Committee on Public Safety. The roll call initially showed the bill passing 5-1, then after the absent member arrived, the final vote was 6-2, and the bill was reported out of committee.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- As we get close to wrapping things up, this piece of legislation that we're appreciative that you're
- sit in on a couple of meetings, but yeah, you'll... it's kind of fascinating because I think as legislators
- So this legislation simply ensures that when something does arise, there is a clear and consistent process
- I'm honored to have collaborated on this legislation with Senators Nichols, Representative E.
- Chair, this is where I will speak to the group of individuals that worked on this legislation, including
Summary:
The committee first approved minutes from March 17, 19, 20, and 23, 2026, and briefly recognized a page who spoke about his experience and future plans. The main item of business was Senate Bill 1412, presented by Senator Tammy Nichols and Representative Barbara Ehart, which aims to strengthen student safety in schools by requiring suspected abuse to be reported to law enforcement, standardizing hiring disclosures about prior investigations or misconduct, and referring certain resignations or terminations during investigations to the Professional Standards Commission. Supporters said the bill closes loopholes, improves consistency across schools, and helps protect students and whistleblowers.
Testimony in support came from Dr. Loretta Bolton, who described years of mandatory reporting that she said were not properly investigated and alleged retaliation after reporting misconduct, and from Moses Espinoza, who said his autistic, nonverbal son was affected by a school employee later identified in the discussion and that the school did not notify his family. Both urged stronger reporting and accountability for school personnel. The sponsor also said the bill was developed with input from the Department of Education, State Board of Education, and Attorney General’s Office.
Members asked several technical questions about possible loopholes, including whether an employee could avoid disclosure by resigning before an investigation or by being placed on leave, and whether districts would have to continue paying employees while Professional Standards Commission proceedings are pending. Superintendent Debbie Critchfield responded that the bill’s definitions and other provisions were intended to cover those scenarios and that districts would still have reporting and disclosure obligations. After discussion, Representative Hostetler moved to send Senate Bill 1412 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and the committee approved the motion.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- It is our responsibility as legislators to provide the money for these systems to be functional, just
- To do that, we need the JLBC, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, to review as soon as possible,
- It is our responsibility as legislators to provide the money for these systems to be functional, just
- As legislators, our duty is to protect the basic needs of the people we serve.
- We have a legislative reception.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a recorded roll call showing 30 members present. The journal was approved, no guests were introduced at first, and the Governor’s signed bill HB 2022 was reported. The President also announced temporary committee substitutions for the Rules Committee on February 9.
Senator Shamp introduced licensed naturopathic physicians in the gallery and highlighted SB 1178, which would expand their authority to administer certain intravenous drugs, including antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals. The chamber then read a lengthy calendar of first- and second-reading bills and resolutions covering elections, education, health care, water, criminal justice, housing, taxation, and other topics, with no floor action taken on those measures during the reading.
The Senate recessed to recognize law enforcement personnel involved in the rescue of an eight-year-old boy from a human trafficking situation. A proclamation commended Deputies Gregory Sanders and Jacob Montoya, along with Cochise County and Border Patrol personnel, for their courage and professionalism. After returning to order, members made personal privilege remarks urging the Joint Legislative Budget Committee to review $2.85 million in election-related funding for the Secretary of State, and another senator spoke about water security and the need for long-term planning.
Additional announcements included caucus and committee meeting notices, an invitation to Arizona Aerospace Day, and a motion to adjourn until Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 1:15 p.m. The transcript ends as the chamber was considering adjournment.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
State Board of Election Supervisors Feb 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- As that legislation goes through the legislative process, members of the public will have the opportunity
- the administration of state government prior to a full hearing and public participation in that legislative
- It does not include heavily debated legislation and tends to be technical in nature.
- And under new business, we have a presentation of the proposed legislation for the 2026 regular session
- Following my explanation, in your packets you will have a summary of the proposed legislation in addition
Summary:
The State Board of Election Supervisors met on February 5, 2026, with Secretary of State Nancy Landry presiding. The board approved the minutes from its March 11, 2025 meeting and then received a presentation from First Assistant Secretary of State Catherine Newsom and Deputy Commissioner Lainey Boyd on proposed technical changes for the 2026 elections omnibus bill. The board removed item 7 from consideration before the presentation began.
The proposed provisions covered a wide range of election-administration topics, including ROV payroll timing, restrictions on ROV employees running for office, party affiliation clarification for voters marked “unaffiliated,” registration transfers, assistance for disabled voters, protection of pre-registrant information, removal from protected voter lists, absentee voting procedures, precinct boundary notices, candidate death notice procedures, nomination petitions, ballot design, watcher deadlines, overvote definitions, absentee ballot curing, nursing home voting timelines, procurement authority for voting equipment, and contest procedures for elections and constitutional amendments. Board members asked several clarifying questions, and staff explained the intent of various technical and procedural changes.
Two items were specifically discussed as policy concerns. Board member Guidry objected to item 37, which would allow the Secretary of State to bring an election contest based on irregularities reported by an election official, and staff agreed to remove it from the omnibus bill for separate consideration. Item 38, concerning deadlines and causes of action for contesting the calling of a constitutional amendment, and item 39, clarifying that such a contest cannot be filed before election day, were explained as intended to align amendment contests with other election contest deadlines. After discussion, the board approved items 1 through 6, 8 through 36, and 38 through 39 for inclusion in the report and eventual omnibus bill. No public comments were submitted, and the meeting adjourned.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Next year, next fiscal year, our budget, as all legislative agencies, was reduced...
- And it wasn't quite as clear that our office was a legislative agency.
- We actually use HR through Legislative Services, LSS, Legislative Services Center Services. Yeah.
- We actually use HR through legislative services, LSS, legislative services center services. Yeah.
- It's courtesy of the legislative website. All right. Well, thank you very much.
Summary:
The committee began with introductions of members and staff, then approved the minutes from the previous meeting and approved a step increase for Code Advisor Kathy Buckley. Staff reported on publication sales and distribution, noting that 2024 paper and paid sales were down from prior years, while online access and reduced demand for printed copies continued to trend downward. Members discussed the continuing role of printed RCWs and session laws, with staff explaining that libraries and counties remain the main paper purchasers and that some specialized titles are still produced in print and electronic formats.
The committee then reviewed a table of “multiple actions” affecting RCW sections from the 2025 session. Staff explained that 153 sections had multiple amendments or related actions, but most could be merged through editorial authority; about 10 sections would likely need future legislative cleanup. The committee approved the table, allowing staff to proceed with merging where possible. Financially, staff reported the office was on track to return about $542,000 to the state, though that amount may decrease slightly because of end-of-year purchases, including a shared printer for LSS. They also noted a slight budget reduction for the next fiscal year, but said staffing adjustments and existing coverage should prevent problems.
The committee discussed upcoming rulemaking to align the office’s public records procedures with House and Senate practices, including designating a public records officer and updating language to reflect current legislative structure. Staff said the process would follow standard APA rulemaking and could take roughly six months. Members also heard about a prior “video auditor” incident at the office and the office’s response and training. Finally, staff provided a building update: the office is scheduled to move back into the renovated Pritchard building on September 14, 2026, with furniture selection underway. At the end of the meeting, staff shared session statistics, including 424 session law chapters, 1,305 House bills introduced, 1,082 Senate bills introduced, 238 House bills passed, and 193 Senate bills passed, and the committee adjourned.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- did some rearranging, and so a lot of the red lines you've seen crossed out from here on are just Legislative
- So since administrators is used in this legislation, it should be more clear here for how that is managed
- Well, if the committee so desires, we usually use the term student throughout this piece of legislation
- This piece of legislation.
- Chairman, as we've had several discussions around different funding form legislation for private school
Summary:
The Senate Education Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 1540, an education savings account bill. Senator Wobbema presented Amendment 040-003, describing mostly clarifying and reorganizing changes, including eligibility language, administrator duties, school participation standards, assessment provisions, and a correction removing a requirement that the department pay for state assessment materials if a parent selected that option. The committee adopted the amendment 4-2, then advanced HB 1540 as amended on a 4-2 vote and sent it to Appropriations, with Senator Wobbema designated as carrier. One senator opposed the bill, arguing it would divert resources from public schools and conflict with the state’s obligation to provide a free appropriate education while districts still face funding needs.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Children and Youth Health Committee Feb 12th, 2025
Children and Youth Health
Transcript Highlights:
- As a nurse, I know that legislation cannot take into account all the situations that might occur.
- The legislator then blames the school for malicious compliance and says that's not what we… compliance
- Legislation, we're kind of moving us backwards when you talk about the age of consent, and I think we
- need to consider, um, when we're drafting legislation, unintended consequences regarding children and
- As we move forward with this legislation, I want us to consider these caveats.
Keywords:
parental rights, minor consent, medical consent, mental health services, school counseling, student counseling, parental notification, opt-in, health records, HIPAA, vaccine consent, adolescent health, youth privacy, confidential counseling, school mental health, reproductive health, pregnancy services, sexually transmitted infections, STI treatment, substance abuse treatment
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- For the record, my name is Kevin Flanagan, and I serve as a legislative representative for the Massachusetts
- This legislation will strengthen the Boston Fire Cadet Program to ensure better service to the people
- This legislation stems from a home rule petition sponsored by my older brother, Boston City Councilor
- As members of the Boston City Council, we repeatedly file and have to legislate home rule petitions to
- Hopefully, we're all in agreement that the current form of this legislation is outdated and archaic.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting public employees, retirees, and public safety personnel. Early testimony focused on House Bill 2859, which would make Massachusetts Department of Correction industrial instructors permanent civil service employees after years of provisional status, and House Bill 2995, which would reduce the Boston Fire Cadet Program service requirement from two years to one year. Supporters of the Boston fire cadet bill argued it would improve equity, expand opportunities for Boston residents, and help diversify the Boston Fire Department; committee members asked about the current makeup of academy classes and the effect of a hybrid model, and the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association was described as neutral on a separate age-related police bill.
The committee also heard several proposals related to post-retirement earnings and civil service rules for police and fire retirees. Testimony supported bills including H. 2903 and H. 2966, which would loosen earnings limits for retired public safety workers returning to work, and related measures affecting civil service exemptions and professional services for retirement boards. Speakers argued the current limits are confusing, discourage experienced workers from filling needed municipal jobs, and can create safety issues on public works and construction sites. One witness from Worcester Police supported raising the police academy age limit from 32 to 39 to improve recruitment, especially in BIPOC communities, while Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata supported a separate bill to raise the Boston Police Academy age cap from 39 to 45.
A substantial portion of the hearing was devoted to H. 2812 and S. 1817, which would increase the pension COLA base from $13,000 to $18,000 and freeze certain retiree health insurance contribution rates, with additional testimony about capping out-of-pocket health costs for some retirees. Educators and union representatives said the current COLA structure has eroded pension value and leaves retirees struggling with rising costs, while one witness described long delays and confusion in navigating retiree health coverage. The committee took no substantive votes on the bills during the hearing and adjourned after hearing all testimony.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Holy One, as we begin this day of legislating, let us begin by focusing on our breath as we slowly breathe
- Betty Davis, Legislative District 28, Representatives Livingston and Pingerelli.
- I want to echo the comments of my colleague from Legislative District 3.
- I would actually say that the Secretary should have to get some legislative approval, either from the
- Members, I know it's legislative Friday, but pretend like you're listening. Thank you.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and introductions of the Doctor of the Day, guests, and visiting student groups. Members also made several personal privilege remarks, including birthday recognitions and comments about Easter and Arizona’s role in the Artemis moon program.
The chamber then took up several Senate bills on third reading. SB 1126, relating to educational records, passed 31-17. SB 1252, relating to assignment for benefit of creditors, passed 48-1. SB 1479, relating to real property and photo ID for official acts, passed 49-0, with one member explaining support for photo identification. The House then resolved into Committee of the Whole for additional measures.
In Committee of the Whole, members considered and advanced SB 1099 on defamation and online publication, SB 1107 on public safety and law enforcement, SB 1148 on judiciary matters, SB 1294 on property tax treatment of destroyed property, and SB 1366 on transportation and infrastructure. The committee also considered SB 1237 on election procedures manuals, SB 1243 on notice to guardians in court-ordered treatment releases, SB 1281 on notice of federal land acquisitions, SB 1586 on government matters, and SB 1741 on school release time for religious instruction and academic credit. Several bills drew debate over free speech, election administration, guardianship rights, federal land transactions, and religious accommodation in schools, but all were ultimately recommended do pass. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, placing SBs 1237, 1243, 1281, 1586, and 1741 on third reading and engrossing or advancing the other measures as required. The House then adjourned until Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- As we wind down this legislative session, we'll have many opportunities to practice.
- As we wind down this legislative session, we will have many opportunities to practice courage, perseverance
- The people deserve consideration and an up-or-down vote on such a piece of legislation.
- The decision now before us literally is: are we a legislative body, or are we a legislative... ...are
- we a legislative body, or are we a legislative individual?
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the prior journal. Committee and message reports were received, including enrollment of several bills and resolutions, gubernatorial appointments to the Idaho State Racing Commission and State Building Authority, and multiple House bills referred to standing committees. The chamber also advanced a large slate of bills through first and second reading, with several measures sent to the third-reading calendar.
The Committee of the Whole considered and amended several bills. Amendments were adopted on House Bill 494 (temporary caregiver background checks), Senate Bill 1294 (hearing screening timelines for infants and midwives), Senate Bill 1299 (digital ID enforcement and police-requested deletions), House Bill 728 (definitions cleanup), House Bill 703 (restoring an individual fine provision for surveyors and engineers), Senate Bill 1335 (veterinary medicine clarification), Senate Bill 1330 (small claims court attorney fees), Senate Bill 1359 (virtual currency kiosk consumer protection), and Senate Bill 1348 (clarifying the location of a North Idaho gun club). The committee reported all of those measures back as amended without recommendation, while several other bills remained on the 14th-order calendar.
A major floor action involved House Bill 745, which had been held in the Commerce and Human Resources Committee. Under Rule 14E, a motion was made to excuse the committee from reporting the bill forthwith. After extended debate over committee prerogatives and the Senate’s ability to force consideration of held bills, a roll call vote was taken. The motion to excuse the committee passed 25-1 with one abstention, meaning House Bill 745 would remain in committee for the rest of the session. The Senate then reordered the third-reading calendar, received announcements, and adjourned until 10 a.m. Monday, March 16, 2026.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- As we wind down this legislative session, we'll have many opportunities to practice.
- As we wind down this legislative session, we will have many opportunities to practice courage, perseverance
- The people deserve consideration and an up-or-down vote on such a piece of legislation.
- When a bill addresses how our Vote on such a piece of legislation.
- The decision now before us literally is: are we a legislative body, or are we a legislative individual