Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Eric Fitch, Executive Director of the Washington Public Ports Association, here today to share
• So I wanted to share a few examples that we've collected from our members who are really excited about
• While we know there is still more work to do, I would like to share that the department has begun working
• Thank you for allowing us to share our testimony in support of Senate Bill 5968.
• Thank you for allowing us to share our testimony in support of tenant bill 5968.

Summary: The Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee met on January 16, 2026, and took executive action on four measures before moving to public hearings on two bills. The committee held Senate Bill 5842 for further discussion, then considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406, Senate Bill 5825, Senate Bill 5863, and Senate Bill 5840. SCR 8406 would reestablish the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health and was advanced unanimously to the Rules Committee. SB 5825, which authorizes the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts, grants, and endowments, was amended with a technical change and then advanced. SB 5863, extending the moratorium on destruction of Lakeland Village records and addressing access to certain historical records, also advanced without opposition. SB 5840, which changes campaign finance expenditure reporting schedules, was amended to adjust the implementation date to January 1, 2028 and then advanced after the committee waived the amendment publishing rule due to the short session timeline. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5827, sponsored by Senator Gildon, which would allow veterans to use a pre-discharge certification to claim civil service preference before receiving a DD-214. Staff explained the bill and clarified that the underlying qualifying discharge categories would remain unchanged. Senator Gildon said the bill was prompted by a constituent who could not access preference points before leaving active duty, and the Veterans Legislative Coalition testified in strong support. The hearing record noted 40 people signed in in favor and two opposed. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 5968, sponsored by Senator Krishna Dawson, which would codify and expand the governor’s executive order on permitting and licensing timelines, require agencies to publish processing deadlines, phase in coverage of all credentials by 2030, and authorize fee refunds if deadlines are missed. The sponsor and staff said the bill is intended to improve predictability, accountability, and customer service, while agency flexibility would remain through OIRA. Support testimony came from the governor’s office, cosmetology, labor, construction trades, ports, business, and the Department of Health, all emphasizing delays’ impacts on jobs, projects, and access to care. The Department of Health reported substantial recent reductions in licensing times and said it lacked authority to issue refunds without the bill. The hearing closed with 26 people signed in, including supporters and opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• When I shared my disbelief at what I experienced at the museum, my auntie said, 'What you saw today was
• Instead, they shared.
• Just to share a little bit of history, in 1988, the UC Board of Regents began planning a new university
• Among her many achievements, she helped ensure California received its fair share of federal education
• first met her, I knew right away that we would have much to discuss, and not just because of our shared

Summary: The Assembly convened with a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a largely procedural floor session. Members also heard guest introductions recognizing the 20th anniversary of UC Merced and visiting interns and local officials. The Speaker reminded members about floor managers for Senate bills and noted several items were passed and retained on file or deferred during the day’s business. On the Daily File, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments to AB 385 on park property and AB 1119 on teacher credentialing, both by unanimous 57-0 votes. The house also passed SB 351, a health practices measure presented as strengthening enforcement of California’s corporate practice of medicine rules and protecting the doctor-patient relationship, by a 61-0 vote. SB 697, relating to water rights adjudication and allowing the State Water Board to use technology such as drones for investigations, passed 55-0. The Assembly then took up SB 346 on local government and short-term rentals. Supporters said it would help cities collect transient occupancy taxes, enforce local ordinances, and identify unpermitted rentals; Assembly Members Bauer-Kahan, Papin, and Dixon spoke in favor, with Dixon describing local regulatory challenges from her time in Newport Beach. The bill passed 50-0. The second-day consent calendar was then approved. The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment in memory remarks honoring Miguel Antonio Cano, Officer of the California Highway Patrol; Vincent Dino, a longtime Palmdale water district and civic leader; Andrew Meredith, a labor and building trades leader and former Galt mayor; and Erica Hoffman, a California School Boards Association advocate for public education. The Assembly then adjourned until Tuesday, September 2 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Share your stories.
• Share your stories.
• Share your stories.
• Share your stories.
• </c> fight fight for our families sh share fight fight for our families sh share your<00:35:06.800><c

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As my colleagues have so powerfully shared, we are the mental health providers in our schools.
• We share the goal of ensuring safe and supportive, consistent environments for all students to achieve
• Just on behalf of CSOA, we shared gases, comments, and also on the request that was presented.
• I didn't share, I didn't circulate this one.
• I didn't share. I didn't circulate this one. Now, here's my only point. So I was focused on that.

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with enough members present to conduct business and approved the June 17 minutes. It first heard HB 459 with House Amendment 1, which would prohibit the sale of energy drinks on public middle and high school campuses during school hours or school events. The sponsor and Department of Education explained that the bill targets beverages containing caffeine and marketed as energy drinks, not ordinary soft drinks or coffee/tea products. Public testimony from the Medical Society supported the bill on health grounds, while the beverage industry said its companies already voluntarily limit school offerings and that the bill does not reflect current practice. No vote was taken in the transcript. The committee then heard HB 461, a follow-up to prior legislation on New Castle County property reassessment and school tax rates. Senator Cruz said the bill would let New Castle County school districts adjust and reset tax rates to reflect reassessment changes without increasing projected operating revenue, and that it includes a sunset. DSEA supported the measure, saying fair property values are important to public education funding. The committee also heard HB 452, which would require additional background checks and training for DIAA sports officials and strengthen DIAA enforcement procedures. Members questioned how checks would be handled, who would see the results, and who would provide training; the DIAA compliance coordinator said the checks would be maintained through the state process and that associations would verify eligibility. The bill’s sponsor and DIAA said the goal was to align officials with existing child-safety standards. Next, the committee considered HS1 for HB 425, which raises the salary supplement from 6% to 12% for nationally certified school counselors, nurses, and school social workers, and allows DOE to identify additional qualifying positions by regulation. Supporters, including school social workers, nurses, and DSEA, argued the change would improve retention and recognize advanced credentials. Senator Hansen raised concerns that school psychologists were not included; sponsors said a broader study and possible future legislation or budget language would address other nationally certified school-based professionals. The committee then heard HS1 for HB 358 on student elopement notifications, inspired by Ace’s Law, but administrators and the chair raised concerns that the bill may be too prescriptive and difficult to implement in practice, especially when schools may not immediately know a student has left campus. Finally, the committee discussed HB 379 on the comprehensive school discipline improvement program; DOE said the substitute was intended to consolidate prevention and intervention supports and avoid competition for funding, while DASA asked that the bill be paused or tabled. The meeting ended before action on the remaining bill, and HB 443 was deferred to a future executive meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I printed 12 of them, so if you don't mind, just kind of glancing over them and sharing them.
• That they could then share out into the world.
• Are the parents given login information, and can they share that with the physician then?
• Our financial reports, those are still shared with the county; those are still accessible.
• Those are still shared with the county. Those are still accessible. People want to know.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That they could then share out into the world.
• Are the parents given login information, and they can share that with the physician then?
• Are the parents given a login information, and they can share that with the physician then?
• Our financial reports, those are still shared with the county; those are still accessible.
• Those are still shared with the county. Those are still accessible. People want to know.

Summary: The Committee on Health and Mental Health first met in executive session and voted House Bill 2370, House Bill 3278, and House Bill 1638 do pass. HB 2370 passed 13-9, while HB 3278 passed 15-0 and HB 1638 passed 17-0. The committee then moved into public testimony. Senate Bill 1015, sponsored by Senator Nuremberg, was presented as a measure creating a legal process for assisted outpatient treatment for adults with serious mental illness who are at risk of deterioration, hospitalization, or harm. Supporters, including the Missouri Behavioral Health Council and the Missouri Association of Public Administrators, said it would reduce hospitalization and incarceration and improve access to care. The senator and witnesses emphasized collaboration with hospitals and the Department of Mental Health, and no opposition was offered. The committee also heard a detailed presentation on the STARS program from SSM Health representatives, explaining it as a Missouri-based EMS and pediatric emergency planning system that uses physician-approved, electronic care plans for children with complex needs. Members asked about costs, access, and how the program differs from the bill discussed previously; witnesses said the program is free for EMS and emergency access, but hospitals that write plans pay implementation and subscription fees. House Bill 2903, by Representative Mayhew, would give county and district hospitals relief from certain public-entity requirements, including some Sunshine Law-related burdens, board qualifications, and financial reporting timelines, to help them compete with private hospitals. Supporters from Phelps Health said the bill would reduce administrative burden and protect proprietary information; there was no opposition. Finally, House Bill 3379, by Representative Dolan, would expand and strengthen Missouri’s employee disqualification and mandated reporting rules for abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. The bill adds more mandated reporters, including bank personnel and first responders, creates penalties for knowingly failing to report, and requires quicker DSS follow-up to reporters. DHSS supported the bill, citing recent financial exploitation complaints, while the Missouri Bankers Association said it supports the goal but wants to work on the mandatory reporting language so banks are not exposed to liability for situations they cannot readily detect. No formal opposition was presented, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• DOL has taken the lead on working on a first draft of a formal agreement to be shared with WSP ahead
• The agreement will be shared with WSP ahead of our next quarterly meeting, and there are key areas of
• Really appreciate Senator Lovelett for sharing the perspective that you've got from experience working
• I really appreciate Senator Lovelet you're sharing the perspective that you've got from experience work
• So we can, I'm happy to share that with you.

Summary: JLARC met on April 8, 2026, with Senator Keith Wagner chairing in person and Rep. Pallett joining remotely. The committee approved the January 7 minutes and honored Marilyn Richter, who is retiring in June after more than 12 years of service to JLARC and the Citizens Commission. Staff then gave a legislative recap and work plan update, noting that the legislature adopted six bills or provisos implementing recommendations from recent JLARC reports, and that JLARC received seven new study assignments, including reviews of state oversight mechanisms for fraud, waste, and abuse and State Patrol toxicology lab delays. The committee approved the updated 2025-27 work plan, including the new assignments and the required 2027 lodging tax review. The committee also heard about a new anonymous post-meeting member survey tied to JLARC performance measures, then considered the final report on ignition interlock device compliance and monitoring. Staff reported that 59% of drivers with ignition interlock requirements had not installed a device as of June 2025, with installation rates rising by income, and found problems in the Department of Licensing’s financial assistance program and in coordination between DOL and the State Patrol. The report recommended clearer goals and responsibilities for DOL, a formal interagency agreement, and a coordinated plan to raise installation rates; both agencies concurred. Members discussed whether noncompliance reflected continued driving or people stopping driving, and agency representatives said some drivers do stop driving while others take the risk. The committee approved the final report. JLARC then reviewed the drug take-back fee setting and expenditures report. Staff said the Department of Health’s oversight costs had outpaced fee revenue because the statutory fee cap is tied to program operator spending, and recommended public reporting of oversight costs and a legislative change to allow full cost recovery. Members debated transparency, the risk of overpricing the program, and whether Ecology might be a better home for the program; the committee adopted a comment urging transparency and a future review of best practices before fee-structure changes, then approved the final report with that comment. Finally, staff presented the scope and objectives for the Clean Buildings Performance Standard study, focused on large state-owned and K-12 buildings due to comply by June 2026. Members asked about fines, funding, workforce constraints, and how costs and energy savings would be measured; staff said the study would examine compliance costs, savings, funding sources, and variation by building characteristics. The meeting adjourned after administrative announcements about upcoming JLARC meetings and the survey reminder.

Transcript Highlights:

• As Senator Webb shared earlier today, many of us had the opportunity to take part in a truly inspiring
• earth to feed your family and your neighbors, which is not something that you can measure in market share
• IN MARKET SHARE.
• So, just want to share my enthusiasm and support, and thank you, Senator, for bringing this and bringing
• Now, I certainly share the sponsor's concerns with regard THAT THEY GOT IT WRONG.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal, then moved through a series of introductions and resolutions recognizing Women’s History Month honorees, Prince Hall Masons and Eastern Stars, Agriculture Week, Pakistan-American Heritage Day, visiting Mercaz Academy students, and the 175th anniversary of Albany Law School. Several senators spoke in support of the commemorations, and each resolution was adopted. The chamber then took up a number of bills on the calendar. Among the measures passed were bills related to insurance, private housing finance, public health, mental hygiene, real property, elder law, public authorities, and environmental conservation. One bill on the Environmental Conservation Law drew a procedural challenge over a proposed amendment; the Chair’s ruling that the amendment was nongermane was upheld by a show of hands, after which the bill passed. Another bill amending the Emergency Tenant Protection Act was debated on the issue of vacant rent-stabilized units and LLC ownership transparency, with supporters saying it would help identify responsible owners and opponents arguing it was too broad and could impose unclear penalties; it ultimately passed. The most extended debate centered on a real property bill concerning electronic rent payment systems and automated clearinghouse fees. Supporters framed it as a transparency measure that lets tenants choose whether to use such systems, while critics questioned how fees would be handled and whether the bill would affect landlord costs. After debate, the bill passed. A public health bill sponsored by Senator Webb also passed after she explained it was intended to improve transparency and oversight of changes to maternity and perinatal services amid concerns about maternal health deserts and hospital closures. The Senate then completed the calendar and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I thank you, sir, for sharing that with me in my office. Appreciate that. Thank you.
• And I just thank you so much for sharing your story and advocating on behalf of so many and teaching
• so much how one life can touch, as you shared the statistics, 75 different people.
• And my grandbaby who passed was able to be a donor to five recipients, so I'm happy to share that story
• Pensioners may have many goals when they want their shares to be voted by proxy, but Senate Bill 1503

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Throughout the year, we share Throughout the year, we share cost-saving<00:14:18.160><c> tips,</
• CenterPoint Energy cares about our customers, and we appreciate the opportunity to share with you some
• appreciate the customers and we appreciate the opportunity<00:15:48.240><c> to</c><00:15:48.399><c> share
• with</c><00:15:48.720><c> you</c><00:15:48.880><c> some</c><00:15:48.959><c> of</c> opportunity to share
• with you some of opportunity to share with you some of the<00:15:49.199><c> programs</c><00:15:49.519

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I have the honor and the privilege of sharing responsibility for representing the 30th legislative district
• Thank you very much for sharing.” “Thank you. Appreciate your showing up.
• But for some schools, that can be sharing a copy a few days ahead of time; for others, it means a shared
• So we do need those days to share that report with our private providers. Thank you.
• Thank you for that information, and we'll look at PAVE and see what we can find there to share.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several House education bills. HB 1796 would allow school districts, under existing debt limits and with voter-approved capital levies, to issue non-voted bonds for certain new construction projects. The sponsor and school district witnesses said it would let districts front-fund projects, speed construction, and reduce inflation-related costs; a member of the public opposed it as bypassing voters. HB 2317 would exempt school-day ECEAP and Head Start programs located in public school or community/technical college buildings from child care licensing. The sponsor and providers said the current licensing process is duplicative, delays services, and creates barriers to expanding early learning; no opposition was heard. The committee also heard HB 2594, which would codify McKinney-Vento homeless student protections in state law, require OSPI planning and reporting, and reinforce district responsibilities for students experiencing homelessness. The sponsor gave personal testimony about experiencing homelessness as a student, and advocates said the bill would improve coordination and accountability at no added cost. For HB 2557, which requires school districts to give parents a copy of special education evaluation reports by the 35th school day and hold the eligibility meeting at least five school days later, the sponsor said it would give families time to review reports; school psychologists and OSPI supported the substitute version, while some advocates asked for shorter timelines and clearer waiver language. After the hearings, the committee moved to executive session and advanced two bills: Substitute HB 2360, allowing schools to maintain and use stock albuterol under specified conditions, and Engrossed Substitute HB 2534, updating requirements for military families’ enrollment, records transfer, and related services. Both bills received due pass recommendations and were sent to Rules, with no recorded opposition in the executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have some information to share back, Representative Garner, if it's okay, to one of the questions,
• Is this an appropriate time to share? Sure. Okay.
• By age group, is this an appropriate time to share? Sure. Okay.
• Can you clarify the information that you shared with us saying that there were only six, but we added
• Can you clarify the information that you shared with us saying that there were only six, but we added

Summary: The committee met to review early childhood education funding, access, and program sustainability, with Secretary Aleva and Director Ashland Abney providing updates on Arkansas’s ABC state-funded preschool program and the federal CCDF/SRA program. Members discussed the long-standing flat funding for ABC, which rose from $11 million to $14 million in 2018, compared with roughly $137 million in federal CCDF/SRA funding. Officials said ABC serves about 23,000 children, while SRA serves about 14,871 children and has a wait list of about 2,971 children. Members also asked for more data on rural versus urban access, provider types, and the number of slots and providers by region. A major topic was how to improve quality and access while aligning early childhood with K-12. Officials said the department is moving from the Better Beginnings environmental rating system toward CLASS observations, using local leads and a kindergarten-readiness strategy tied to quality improvement. Members raised concerns about deserts and islands in service availability, the cost of school-based versus community-based providers, and the need to support infant-toddler care as well as preschool. The commissioner said early learning should be part of long-term state education investment, but that simply adding money would not solve access gaps without broader structural changes. The committee also discussed recent funding changes and their effects on providers and families. Officials said a $14.741 million PDG-BFV competitive grant will support systems-building work, including local leads, workforce, data systems, and third-party CLASS observations, but it is a one-year grant and not direct service funding. Members questioned the impact of new co-pays, provider closures, and slot reallocations; officials said eight closures were tied specifically to funding changes, and that paying only for enrolled children rather than allocated slots saved about $576,000. They also discussed dual enrollment in home visiting and ABC, with officials estimating that limiting double enrollment could save about $2.4 million and potentially serve about 470 more children. The meeting ended with agreement to continue regular updates and further discussion, and the committee adjourned without a vote on legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• measure eliminates all risks, but this one meaningfully reduces preventable risks and violence in a shared
• We're also asking the public to remember that safety is a shared responsibility.
• measure eliminates all risks, but this one meaningfully reduces preventable risks and violence in a shared
• We're also asking the public to remember that safety is a shared responsibility.
• </c> shared responsibility. shared responsibility.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson and State Patrol Colonel Christina Bogey announced that weapon screening will begin Tuesday at the Minnesota State Capitol at the start of the 2026 legislative session. They said the change is based on an independent security assessment and the Axtell report’s top recommendation, and framed it as an added layer of protection rather than a weapons ban or a change in state law. Both emphasized that the Capitol will remain open, accessible, and welcoming while reducing preventable risks, citing heightened threats to public officials and the recent murders and shootings involving Minnesota lawmakers and their families. Bogey outlined the screening plan: visitors will use four public access points, with the south ground-level entrance as the primary entry, while other exterior doors will not be open for public entry. She said the process should take only seconds for most people, with bags going through separate scanners and additional screening only if needed. The Capitol will close to the general public at 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, though accommodations will be made when hearings or floor sessions run later. She also said the entrances and screening areas are ADA accessible and that staff will be available to help guide visitors. In questions, officials said prohibited items are defined by statute and administrative rules and referred reporters to the State Patrol website for the full list. They confirmed that lawful permit-to-carry holders may still bring firearms, but must declare the permit, show government ID, and go through screening; elected officials are exempt, while staff are not. They also said the State Patrol will fund the rollout from its own budget, with costs to be evaluated over time, and that tunnel key-card access will be restricted to everyone. The briefing ended with a plan to demonstrate the screening equipment upstairs.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are several of the CCA accounts that are shared between...
• There are several of the CCA accounts that are shared between budgets.
• They're spending out of these accounts that they're shared between them.
• Thank you for the opportunity to share some tribal perspectives about the proposed bill.
• legislation that affects our interest, but he held a listening session, which was helpful, and we shared

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several transportation-related bills. On Substitute House Bill 2251, staff explained changes to Climate Commitment Act accounts and revenue distribution, including new operating and capital accounts and a revised split of auction proceeds among transportation, capital, operating, and air quality accounts. Members asked about the bill’s effect on CERA funding, the air quality account, and whether the bill responded to projected revenue declines. Testimony was mixed but generally supportive of the bill’s goal of clearer, more predictable budgeting; tribal testimony requested clearer protections and a dedicated tribal set-aside, while other witnesses supported the bill for its transparency and climate/transportation benefits. No action was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then heard House Bill 2588, which would allow county ferry districts to operate and finance vehicle ferries, not just passenger-only ferries. The prime sponsor and county officials from Whatcom and Pierce described the bill as a local option to help fund aging ferry systems without raising taxes, and public testimony from island residents, county representatives, and advocacy groups strongly supported it as a way to stabilize essential ferry service. The committee also heard House Bill 2722, which would raise the vehicle weight threshold for Transportation Benefit District fees from 6,000 to 10,000 pounds. Staff said the change would modestly increase TBD revenue statewide, and the sponsor argued the current law unfairly exempts heavier trucks while lighter vehicles pay the fee. Cities and local officials supported the bill, while the trucking association said it would support a compromise at 9,000 pounds instead of 10,000. The committee also heard House Bill 2727, creating an Educational Transit Access Grant Program for transit agencies and community and technical colleges to pilot free or reduced fares for students; the sponsor and transit advocates said it would improve affordability and access, and testimony emphasized equity and student retention benefits. In executive session, the committee considered Second Substitute House Bill 1923, which would expand who can form passenger-only ferry service districts and where they can be formed, with added intent language related to southern resident orcas and a revised effective date. After discussion, the committee voted 23-4 to pass the bill out of committee with a do pass recommendation. The chair also announced a deadline extension for amendment requests on bills heard that day and thanked staff before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are some, I again, I share, you know, whether it puts kind of an incentive on” “I, again, I share
• There are some, I again, I share, you know, whether it puts kind of an incentive on I, again, I share
• I don't share your concern about driving more voters to the polls.
• I share some of Representative Harbison's hesitation.
• He added that in the financial world, they don't let 7% of the outstanding shares do business for them

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From 2009 to 2019, the share of high school students seriously considering attempted suicide increased
• by 36%, and the share... ...considering attempted suicide increased by 36%, and the share creating a
• And the share, creating a suicide plan, increased by 44%.
• Since everyone's sharing. So... Any further comments? Representative Scott.
• Since everyone's sharing.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first considered RS 33178, a proposed constitutional amendment on management of state endowment and public lands. Representative Britt Raibald said the amendment would shift emphasis away from maximum long-term financial return alone and toward ongoing revenue generation, public access for recreation/hunting/fishing/trapping where it does not interfere with revenue-producing uses, and sale or exchange only when those priorities cannot be met. He said it would also preserve exchange practices, account for existing rights and obligations on any newly acquired federal lands, and create a dedicated fund for revenues from those lands. Members raised concerns about wildfire impacts, tribal rights, appraised value, and whether the proposal could encourage land sales; Raibald said the legislature would set policy and that the measure was intended as a backstop and a way to broaden the Land Board’s options. The committee voted to introduce RS 33178. The committee then heard House Bill 542, which would regulate social media access for minors. Representative Jaron Crane and Chelsea Yeoman of Alliance Defending Freedom described the bill as a first-in-the-nation approach aimed at social media addiction and youth mental health, citing depression, anxiety, body image issues, and suicide statistics. They said the bill would use platform age-estimation tools to identify minors, require verified parental consent for users 16 and under, disable certain addictive interface features, prohibit targeted advertising based on children’s data, and provide a private right of action and attorney general enforcement. Supporters, including Idaho Family Policy Center, argued it would empower parents and protect children. Opponents and skeptics, including the Computer and Communications Industry Association, argued the bill would violate minors’ First Amendment rights, regulate content moderation and software design, and invite litigation. Some members raised concerns about constitutional vulnerability, federal preemption, and the cost of defending the law, while others said the problem warranted action even if the bill might be litigated. After public testimony and committee discussion, the motion to send HB 542 to the floor with a due pass recommendation passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we thought, you know, as a courtesy, we probably ought to come back and share with you what we're
• Maybe I think it would be good to share some of the things that actually happened in committee and the
• And, you know, maybe share some of that picture, especially for something that is statutorily required
• , you know, as well as maybe some of the picture they shared about lack of volunteers and those kind
• And so the director of that CASA program shared with us the limitation.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee approved the January 19, 2026 minutes and advanced the gubernatorial reappointment of Michael Kennedy to the Idaho Judicial Council with a recommendation that the Senate confirm him. The committee then received budget presentations from JFAC and Legislative Services Office staff on the judicial branch, the Department of Correction, and Idaho State Police, focusing on FY 2027 enhancement requests, supplemental needs, and broader budget pressures. For the courts, testimony highlighted a requested increase for guardian ad litem/CASA pass-through funds in the Second Judicial District and a larger request for the Senior Judge/Magistrate Retirement Fund due to expected retirements and service purchases. For IDOC, analysts described declining dedicated-fund cash balances, the effect of the governor’s holdback, and population-driven growth in county/out-of-state placement and medical services; senators asked about vacant funded positions, inmate labor revenue losses, probation/parole collections, and why prison populations are rising despite lower crime trends. For Idaho State Police, the main discussion was a proposed commission pay plan funded by increasing the Project Choice vehicle registration fee from $3 to $12, with senators expressing concern about shifting police compensation costs to vehicle owners. JFAC Chair Scott Grow also discussed state revenue and spending trends, warning about structural imbalance and the uncertainty around revenue forecasts and conformity-related fiscal impacts. He said JFAC was considering ongoing reductions to help address the gap between revenues and expenses. The committee then printed RS 33169, which would strengthen Idaho’s illegal-entry/presence law and clarify its relationship to federal law, and RS 33172, which would clarify juvenile probation officers’ authority to arrest, detain, and transport juvenile probationers in certain circumstances. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1239, which would clarify that the 500-foot sex-offender residency restriction applies not only to state-licensed daycares but also to daycares zoned, permitted, or approved by local governments. Senator Nichols said the bill is a technical correction, not retroactive, and would not require existing residents to move if a daycare later opened nearby. The committee sent SB 1239 to the floor with a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the day was having children and families from Fyet County Public Schools present in the annex to share
• </c> Schools present in the annex to share Schools present in the annex to share the<00:18:20.080><c>
• It's my honor to share this resolution today.
• It's my honor to share this recognized.
• It's my honor to share this resolution<00:19:49.600><c> today.

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 06:30 Calendar/2nd Readings 07:18 Report of Committees 08:19 Orders of the Day 09:04 HB 96 09:16 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 15:21 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 21:24 Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 23:35 ConC and Rules Report 31:06 Floor Amendments 32:42 Return to Rules Report 33:28 Adjournment 34:27, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m going to share some slides here in just a second when I can get that worked out.
• I’m going to share some slides here in just a second when I can get that worked out.
• And same thing goes with systems integration and data sharing.
• And that person has to be held accountable, and they've got to share the time horizon with the governor
• And you can share that between high schools and adults.

Summary: The committee heard testimony from Nick Moore, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Office of Career and Technical Education, on efforts to better align workforce, education, and human services programs. Moore argued that WIOA, Perkins, and ESSA were designed to function as an integrated talent system, but that federal and state bureaucracy has kept them siloed. He said the Department of Labor and OCTAE are working on more integrated state plan guidance, including a 2026 plan modification timeline, combined Perkins/WIOA plans, and greater use of labor market information to align training with in-demand jobs and Workforce Pell. Moore emphasized reducing overhead, cross-training staff, using common intake and integrated case management, and focusing on the “shadow labor force” of people facing benefit cliffs, child care barriers, or other obstacles to work. He repeatedly urged states to use waivers and flexibility where possible, to consolidate or streamline local workforce structures, and to hold programs accountable through measures such as labor force participation, training-related employment, retention, and cost per successful outcome. Members asked about the balance between flexibility and accountability, the role of employers versus postsecondary institutions, rural “training deserts,” state waivers, and data systems such as Mississippi Spark and Arkansas Launch. Moore said states should use technology and integrated intake to co-enroll eligible participants in multiple programs and better match people to jobs. In response to questions, Moore said some federal rules cannot be waived, but many reporting and administrative requirements can be streamlined, and he encouraged Arkansas to propose ideas for waivers or state-level integration. He also discussed the need for enhanced wage records and state longitudinal data systems to improve workforce planning and economic development. After Moore’s presentation, DHS Secretary Janet Mann and Director Jay Hill gave a brief update on reimbursement rates, saying the department had compiled more than 100 public comments, recommended holding the current rate, and was awaiting executive review; they estimated the process could take 30 to 60 days. The committee then adjourned, noting a later audit presentation scheduled for the afternoon.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we've put together some informational bulletins to share with municipalities.
• They did, you know, different pieces of information to share with their citizens.
• You know, give them some options if they had concerns and they wanted to share those.
• I'd be happy to share that with the committee.
• So, with all this influx of people, we have an opportunity to share what Oklahoma's about.

Keywords: 914, all