Transcript Highlights:

• Jacob Lipson, staff.
• Matt Sterling, staff to the committee.
• Staff will announce the vote.
• Staff will call the roll. And no one else is listening to speak. Staff will call the roll.
• Okay, staff will announce the vote.

Bills: HB2436, HB2322, HB2343, HB1420, HB2426, HB2271, HB2215, HB2421, HB2301, HB2296

Keywords: oil tanker, tank vessel, restricted waters, Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Rosario Strait, Admiralty Inlet, Discovery Island, New Dungeness, tug escort, pilotage, marine safety, spill prevention, oil transport, petroleum shipment, coast guard authorization, Board of Pilotage Commissioners, articulated tug barge, bunker vessel, refueling vessel

Transcript Highlights:

• It is not just my compliance team, and it's not just the auditors or the investigation staff.
• And so that has three staff that were reallocated within the department.
• I mentioned that I reassigned some staff, so we have 10 FTEs total.
• We have a request for five new staff, federally funded through federal child care grant funds.
• We are launching our all-staff fraud, waste, and abuse training this month.

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved the January 21 and January 22, 2026 minutes, then heard a presentation from AARP Idaho on aging issues. AARP described Idaho’s growing 50-plus population, emphasizing concerns about Social Security, affordable health insurance, caregiving, housing, transportation, and fraud/scams. The presenter highlighted AARP’s age-friendly community work and grant program, and said older Idahoans are a major voting bloc whose needs should be considered across policy areas. In response to questions, AARP discussed education efforts on scams, including scam jams and outreach with law enforcement, and noted support for measures such as a bill targeting fraud through crypto kiosks. The committee then received a detailed Department of Health and Welfare update from Director Juliet Sharon on program integrity, fraud, waste, and abuse prevention. She said the department had recently created a department-wide fraud policy, an anonymous reporting line, a compliance committee, and mandatory staff training, and launched “impact reviews” to evaluate whether programs are still solving the intended problems. She also described ongoing fraud work in Medicaid, self-reliance programs, and the Idaho Child Care Program, including a 360-degree review of 775 child care providers that had already led to nine terminations and further investigations. Sharon said the department has limited staff and backlogs, and asked for additional resources, including five new child care staff and a contractor to assist with Medicaid provider reviews. Members raised concerns about child care providers receiving public funds while not registered with the Secretary of State, recovery of overpayments, and the visibility of recovery data. Sharon said the department is working with the Tax Commission and plans to codify child care program requirements and create a broader Title 56 program integrity chapter. She said recovered funds are returned to the appropriate program bucket, with federal shares returned as required, and that the department is working to improve public reporting. The committee also discussed single audit findings, the use of technology and possible AI tools to improve oversight, and the department’s efforts to reduce compliance problems before they become public issues. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes, and the meeting adjourned after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> training staff. training staff.
• </c> staff, you know. staff, you know.
• </c> the ability to train your staff. the ability to train your staff.
• </c><01:05:35.680><c> the</c> staff of the of the acco staff the staff of the of the acco staff the security
• </c> security staff. security staff.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our primary cost is staff. We currently have 16 staff in 14 FTE positions.
• staff who are also members and staff who are also attorneys<00:12:16.040><c> uh</c><00:12:16.199><c>
• Library</c><00:12:16.680><c> staff</c><00:12:16.959><c> worked</c> attorneys uh Library staff worked
• staff for closely with other legislative staff for the<00:12:19.399><c> smooth</c><00:12:19.839><c>
• </c> attorneys Drafting and editing staff attorneys Drafting and editing staff paral<00:16:14.800><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Staff, please open the vote. Staff, declare the vote. 9-0-0, nay.
• Staff, close the vote. Six ayes, three nays.
• Staff, close the vote and declare the vote.
• Staff, close the vote? Staff, close the vote. Now you may declare the vote. 8-0, nays.
• Seeing no debate, staff please open the vote. Staff, please open the vote.

Bills: SB1346, SB1509, SB1928, SB2028, SB2071, SB2110, SB2117, SB2127, SB2134, SB722, SB3

Keywords: water infrastructure, wastewater, investment program, loans, local government, SB1509, groundwater, water wells, well spacing, water rights, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, OWRB, basin, subbasin, maximum annual yield, aquifer management, water allocation, water permits, temporary permits, irrigation

Summary: The committee began by introducing new member Rep. Dylan Travis, who was elected in a special election and will represent District 35. The first measures taken up focused on water policy. HB 1346, as amended, would create a revolving fund for water and wastewater infrastructure loans through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, with the amendment removing population-based language so infrastructure needs can be considered more broadly; it passed 9-0. SB 1509 would make well-spacing standards apply uniformly across the state by aquifer rather than waiting on maximum annual yield studies, and OWRB staff explained that domestic wells are not affected and existing rules still protect landowners; it passed 6-3. SB 1928 would establish a five-year flex allocation for groundwater use, allowing producers to shift unused water from one year to another, and it passed 7-2. The committee also considered several agriculture and food-related bills. SB 2028 would authorize the sale of raw milk products without consumer notification or container labeling beyond indicating the product is unpasteurized; it passed 8-0. SB 2071 would align Oklahoma’s Grade A milk regulations with federal standards and increase the dairy inspection fee from 1 cent to 2 cents per hundred pounds, but after concerns from members and testimony from ODAF about the fee burden, the committee adopted an amendment restoring the 1-cent rate; the bill then passed 8-1. SB 2110 would allow sale of ungraded eggs off-farm at farmers’ markets or directly to consumers, including unwashed eggs, and passed 9-0. SB 2117 would clarify that the Department of Agriculture can stop the sale of contaminated grain and direct remediation or destruction in a current contamination event involving sewer leakage into a field; it passed 9-0. Other measures addressed livestock transport, crop protection, hemp, and a proposed reimbursement scheme. SB 2134 would create procedures for wreck services and emergency management to handle livestock involved in transportation accidents, with the Department of Agriculture setting humane handling policies; members discussed whether the bill should explicitly address state or county emergency management and rail incidents, and it passed 8-0. SB 2127 was described as a work in progress to address crop protection and nontraditional producer practices, especially amid difficult conditions for row-crop producers, and it passed 8-1. SB 722, after the committee rescinded a prior referral, was presented as a new section requiring ODAF to reimburse agricultural operations for economic losses caused by agency actions enforcing court-ordered rules from an attorney general suit; after extensive questioning about scope, valuation, and legal effects, the author laid the bill over for further work. Finally, SB 3, on a newly adopted PCS, was reframed from a biosolids bill into a hemp-definition bill intended to align state law with the new federal definition and reduce youth access to marijuana-like hemp products; it passed 8-0. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And our chief of staff, John Allo here. And our chief of staff, John Allo IVth.
• I'd also like to introduce my staff here on the floor. We have Sharon Claproth, my chief of staff.
• I would also like to recognize not my staff, but our comm's director staff.
• I would also like to recognize not my staff, but our comm's director staff.
• I would also like to recognize not my staff, but our comm's director staff.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Despite a rising workload, our staff has responded.
• So with the staff, we have...
• Noonan, and then we'll hear from the town's mayor and staff.
• This is a totally new staff. Ms. Reims served once years ago.
• The only staff we have outside of our public works staff are our town manager and our clerk currently

Summary: The committee first took up a long-running audit finding involving the City of Daytona Beach’s unexpended building permit fund balance, which has exceeded the statutory cap for several years and was reported at $10.8 million in the latest audit. Mayor Derek Henry and city staff said the city had analyzed the fund, adopted a corrective action plan, waived more than $5.5 million in permit and inspection fees, used some excess funds for a training facility rehabilitation, and is pursuing a $9.4 million City Hall expansion that they say is allowed under a November 2024 Attorney General opinion permitting construction of a building to house the building code enforcement function. Committee members repeatedly questioned whether the city was simply trying to spend down the money, whether the proposed uses were truly lawful, why the balance kept growing despite fee waivers, and where the interest earnings were going. The mayor and deputy city manager said the city’s growth and staffing needs justified the plan, but several members expressed frustration and skepticism. A public commenter also urged accountability and raised concerns about the city’s spending plans and the size of the remaining balance. The committee then received an Auditor General presentation on the Town of Greenville, which found 31 operational audit findings and described pervasive control failures, possible fraud, waste, and abuse. The findings included election paperwork problems that left a council seat vacant, conflicts of interest, late financial disclosure filings, related-party transactions, inadequate meeting notices and minutes, quorum and voting documentation problems, council members’ involvement in day-to-day operations, missing ethics training, budget adoption and monitoring deficiencies, inaccurate accounting records and bank reconciliations, utility billing and rate issues, grant compliance problems tied to an unfinished grocery store project, weak personnel and contracting controls, improper severance and compensation issues, late vendor payments, weak procurement and P-card controls, vehicle-use and property-control weaknesses, poor public records access, and IT access and fraud-policy gaps. Greenville’s mayor and staff said the audit largely reflected the prior administration and that the current council and staff are taking corrective action. They said the town terminated the former manager, adopted seven new policies since the audit began, and is working with the Auditor General to improve procurement, financial controls, inventory management, grant oversight, and ethics compliance. The town attorney said he had alerted federal authorities earlier about concerns, and committee members noted that FDLE has received a criminal referral and is investigating. Several members praised the new leadership’s cooperation but also suggested the town consider consolidation or dissolution if problems persist.

Transcript Highlights:

• We want quality staff to keep our residents.
• </c><00:20:50.280><c> um</c><00:20:51.280><c> yeah</c> our staff we want quality staff um yeah our staff
• we want quality staff um yeah quality<00:20:52.320><c> staff</c><00:20:52.720><c> to</c><00:20:53.000
• in we had to deal with traveling staff in we had to deal with traveling staff<00:25:26.159><c> and</
• </c> need to retain our staff need to retain our staff with<00:25:58.559><c> the</c><00:25:58.720><c>

Bills: HF1419, HF500

Keywords: nursing facilities, reimbursement rates, elderly care, minimum wage, healthcare funding, nursing home, employment standards, worker rights, Minnesota Statutes, labor compensation, 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 500, which would require the legislature to fund the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board’s standards before they could take effect. An author’s DE2 amendment was adopted first; the amendment was described as pausing the board’s standards unless the legislature estimates and fully pays the cost for each nursing home. The bill author argued that mandates without money create serious consequences for seniors and providers, and said the measure would keep budget authority with the legislature rather than an appointed board. Supporters, including nursing home operators and the Long-Term Care Imperative, said the board’s holiday pay and minimum wage standards would create large unfunded costs, citing estimates ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars for individual facilities and more than $200 million statewide. They argued that some facilities could face debt, reserve depletion, or reduced access to care if the standards are not funded. Opponents, including SEIU workers and union leaders, said the board has improved staffing, recruitment, morale, and worker safety, and that caregivers deserve higher wages and holiday pay. They argued the bill would weaken the board’s ability to address chronic understaffing and would shift focus away from worker protections. Members also debated whether nursing home reimbursement rates have already risen enough to cover wages and whether the problem lies with how funds are used by providers. After public testimony closed, several members spoke in opposition and support. A roll call was requested, and the committee voted 9-7 to re-refer House File 500, as amended, to the Committee on Labor and Workforce and Economic Development Finance and Policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• This will just save a lot of staff time.
• Our TOP staff will train personnel, provide training to other providers, and train TCEQ staff.
• So you look at that combined with the experience of our staff. 30% of our staff have less than two years
• Industry can pay more, because kind of the same way we lose staff, y'all lose staff.
• Chairman, and members and staff.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing no changes, staff will announce the vote.
• Hearing no changes, staff will announce the vote.
• Hearing no changes, staff will announce the vote.
• Hearing no changes, staff will announce the vote.
• Hearing no changes, staff will announce the vote.

Summary: The committee met for its final meeting before cutoff and took executive action on a series of bills and memorials. It first reviewed several measures and amendments, including bills on Washington State Leadership Board fundraising and reporting, campaign finance reporting schedules, public records exemptions for student and employee information, and agency report reductions. Members also discussed amendments that would restore or add reports on topics such as newborn transfers, health plan reporting, clean fuel tax data, instream flows, child morbidity and mortality, and Ecology permitting data, with some amendments adopted and others rejected. The committee then voted on a joint memorial calling for an independent investigation into the killing of Aichner-Ezgi, with members speaking in support of accountability for Americans killed abroad; it passed 5-2. It also approved a bill recognizing Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, and a bill related to the state capital campus, both by do-pass recommendation. Substitute Senate Bill 6049, concerning public disclosure exemptions for student and employee information, advanced after an amendment to remove Healthy Youth Survey records from the exemption failed. Substitute Senate Bill 6160, which reduces agency reporting requirements, passed as amended after some proposed additions to the report list were rejected. The committee also advanced Substitute Senate Bill 5840 on campaign finance reporting, adopting an amendment to remove one new report deadline and rejecting another that would have extended the reporting adjustment window from two to three days. Substitute Senate Bill 5825, authorizing the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts and grants, passed after an amendment seeking biennial reporting on private funds was rejected. Additional bills on state symbols and veterans’ issues also received do-pass recommendations. Throughout, votes were mostly bipartisan, with some members noting concerns about transparency, reporting burdens, or scope, but the committee ultimately reported all listed measures out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the committee, I'm Peter Claudefelter, committee staff.
• Our tech staff says it's not really on our end.
• And that concludes the staff report. Thank you. Thank you. Do we have any questions for staff?
• A follow-up question was not for staff.
• Staff: Yeah, thanks, Rep. Dufault.

Bills: HB2128, HB2207, HB1701, HB2536, HB2476, HB2294, HB2229

Keywords: alcohol service, sports facilities, amusement venues, recreational activities, patron engagement, alcohol warehousing, regulation, liquor distribution, storage standards, state laws, liquor licenses, multiple premises, alcohol distribution, commercial leasing, regulatory reform, winery, restaurant license, alcohol, spirits, beer

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, staff. Mr.
• Any questions for our staff?
• The staff has explained it.
• Thank you, staff. Mr.
• Staff, Mr.

Summary: The committee first took up HCR 2047 and the identical companion H.R. 2002, both of which would direct state communications to use the terms Judea and Samaria instead of West Bank and affirm the historical, biblical, and legal legitimacy of those names. The sponsor and several proponents, including Jeff Schwartz, Jason Morris, Rabbi Pinchas Alouche, and Jake Bennett, argued that the language is historically accurate and that “West Bank” is a political term that erases Jewish history. No one testified against either measure. HCR 2047 passed 10-6, and H.R. 2002 passed 11-6, both with due pass recommendations. The committee then heard HB 2554, which would establish a biennial state budget process and biennial capital planning, shifting agencies to submit budget requests every other year and requiring the governor to propose a two-year executive budget. Sponsor Rep. Joseph Chaplik said the bill would make government smaller, more disciplined, and more efficient, reduce long budget sessions, and restore a part-time legislative model. JLBC staff provided historical context on Arizona’s past annual and biennial budgeting systems and noted that second-year budgets are often modified for revenue and caseload changes. Several members raised concerns about legislative leverage, flexibility, and whether the change would be constitutional or practical. The bill received a do-pass recommendation after debate. Next, HB 2014, as amended, would require ADEQ and the Department of Agriculture to study gasoline blend emissions and feasibility for seasonal fuel sales in certain areas, with appropriations for the studies. Sponsor Rep. Lisa Fink said the bill responds to fuel vulnerability in Maricopa County and possible supply disruptions tied to California refinery closures. Some members supported the concept but voted present or no, citing prior stakeholder work, cost, and uncertainty about whether the studies would change outcomes. The amended bill passed with a do-pass recommendation. HB 2180, as amended, appropriated funding for the AZ Reach hospital transfer program; Rep. Julie Willoughby and AZ Reach representatives said it helps rural hospitals transfer patients efficiently and keeps clinicians at the bedside. The committee adopted an amendment reducing the appropriation from $2.5 million to $500,000, and the bill passed with a due pass recommendation after testimony from rural health providers. Finally, HB 2156, as amended, appropriated $250,000 to the livestock compensation fund to help ranchers with wolf depredation losses and conflict-avoidance measures. Game and Fish staff said the existing federal funding is unstable and insufficient, and the state fund helps compensate ranchers in rural Arizona. Some members supported the fund but opposed using general funds, citing budget constraints, transparency concerns, and wildlife conservation priorities. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill with a due pass recommendation. The meeting adjourned after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a staff amendment. &gt;&gt; Thank you. There is a staff amendment.
• There's a staff amendment. Is there a motion for approval? Staff amendment.
• There's a staff amendment. Is there a motion for approval? Staff amendment.
• There's a staff amendment. Is there a motion for approval? Staff amendment.
• </c> approval of staff amendment? approval of staff amendment?

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then recognized a staff member’s birthday and a guest shadowing Senator Adams. It then moved into informational review of Education and Labor Cabinet, Department of Education regulation 702 KAR 3:30, which sets insurance coverage requirements for school district buildings and structures. Department of Education officials explained that districts are expected to carry coverage at replacement cost and said they understand some districts participate in self-insurance pools with backup policies, but they deferred detailed insurance questions to the Department of Insurance. Senators raised concerns that pooled coverage could leave districts exposed if claims exceed pool limits, and the chair asked KDE to follow up with DOI to confirm districts are adequately covered, especially for bondholders. No vote was taken on the informational review. The committee then reviewed emergency ABC regulations 804 KAR 130:01 through 130:04 implementing Senate Bill 100’s new licensing requirements for tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product businesses. ABC and Public Protection Cabinet representatives outlined the emergency rules governing enforcement, license applications, denial criteria, and transitional licenses. Retail industry witnesses Shannon Stiglet and Brian Clark said they support licensure in principle but argued the rules add duplicative requirements borrowed from alcohol licensing, create confusion about transitional licenses, and may be too burdensome for the roughly 7,000 affected businesses to meet by the January 1 deadline. They also said guidance has been inconsistent and requested the agency revise the regulations, remove requirements not grounded in law, and provide clearer, separate processes for new and existing businesses. Committee members asked whether the industry had worked directly with ABC and noted the public comment period was still open. Witnesses said they had communicated with ABC and the Public Protection Cabinet, but responses had been uneven and they wanted written guidance. Members expressed concern about the short timeline and the need to avoid disruption so businesses can operate legally on January 1. Representative Marzian asked for clarification that the discussion concerned emergency regulations already in effect while ordinary regulations remain in process. No formal action was taken beyond receiving the informational testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our fiscal staff, thank you very much.
• So that's a little over 20% of my staff.
• The focus now is on our staff.
• Let me just staff Liz give you some concrete examples with regard to our staff.
• One of the thoughts I have had on our staff, and the need for us to really push for this staff compensation

Transcript Highlights:

• Martha Whaling, OPR, nonpartisan staff.
• Good morning, Emily Poole, nonpartisan staff to the committee.
• Rebecca, Rebecca Podza's House Republican Caucus staff. Thank you also very much. Caucus staff.
• We want to support and use the tools available to support and help our staff.
• On slide 10, I’m trying to keep it easier for staff.

Summary: The Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee held its first meeting of the session and began with member and staff introductions, followed by a work session on emerging technology, digital risks, and governance, focused on artificial intelligence in state government. Washington Technology Solutions officials Gretchen Perry, Katie Ruckel, and James Galvin described the state’s approach to balancing innovation with public trust, emphasizing human judgment, transparency, accountability, and the use of AI to augment rather than replace people. They outlined benefits such as automating repetitive tasks, improving fraud and anomaly detection, supporting multilingual access, and improving customer service and internal productivity. The presenters also discussed AI risks, including algorithmic bias, overreliance, hallucinations, and ethical concerns, and explained the state’s governance framework. That framework is based on NIST AI risk principles and includes statewide AI principles, inventory requirements, risk assessments for high-risk uses, accuracy and monitoring requirements, training, data-sharing controls, and restrictions on creating likenesses without consent. They noted the state adopted a statewide AI policy on December 11 and has created an AI community of practice and related subcommittees to support implementation. They also said the policy was bargained with unions where required and that agencies must give notice before consequential AI-related changes affecting working conditions. James Galvin highlighted current AI use cases across state agencies, including visual and spatial analysis for emergency response and flood recovery, the Department of Licensing’s Dolly chatbot for resident services, and an internal contract-assistance tool for staff that is limited to approved materials. Members asked about audit implications, language services and interpreters, the policy’s applicability beyond government, union involvement, return on investment, and whether the state uses off-the-shelf or custom AI models. The presenters said most uses rely on off-the-shelf large language models, that high-risk generative AI is not yet in production, and that the policy is designed to encourage low- and moderate-risk uses while adding more scrutiny for higher-risk applications. No votes or legislative actions were taken; the meeting concluded with committee housekeeping and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are staff to the committee.
• We are staff to the committee.
• Any other questions for staff?
• It's going to be presented by our staff.
• I'm Zach Freeman, staff to JLARC.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: At the April 8, 2026 JLARC meeting, members approved the January 7 minutes and recognized Marilyn Richter for more than 12 years of service to JLARC and the Citizens Commission. Staff then gave a legislative recap and work plan update, noting that JLARC staff presented to five committees during session, six bills or budget provisos implementing prior recommendations were enacted, and seven new study assignments were received. Members approved the updated 2025–2027 biennial work plan, including the new studies and the required 2027 lodging tax review. The committee also heard a presentation on a new post-meeting member survey tied to JLARC performance measures. Members then considered the final report on ignition interlock device compliance and monitoring. Staff reported that many drivers required to install ignition interlock devices do not do so, with installation rates rising with income, and identified problems in the Department of Licensing’s financial assistance program and coordination with the State Patrol. Both agencies said they concurred with JLARC’s recommendations to clarify responsibilities, formalize coordination, and develop a plan to increase installation rates. The committee approved the final report. Next, JLARC reviewed the final report on drug takeback fee setting and expenditures. Staff concluded that the Department of Health’s fee design limits full cost recovery and that the agency should publicly report oversight costs and activities; the legislature should revise the fee structure to better align with best practices. Members discussed whether the program should remain at DOH or be housed elsewhere, and adopted committee comments emphasizing transparency and future sunset review work before approving the final report. Finally, staff presented the scope and objectives for the Clean Buildings Performance Standard study, focusing on state-owned Tier 1 buildings and K-12 facilities in the first compliance cohort, with questions centered on compliance costs, energy savings, funding sources, fines, and possible workforce or budget impacts. The meeting ended with administrative announcements about upcoming meetings and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are staff to the committee.
• We are staff to the committee.
• Any other questions for staff?
• I'm Zach Freeman, staff to JLARC.
• I'm Zach Freeman, staff to J-LARC.

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:

• These were tied to board requests to raise the salaries of the staff members.
• be paying for their staff time to do NAB Waters work.
• I do have some staff members here with me right now.
• That means we have less staff to issue permits.
• We have less staff.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard budget presentations for the Endowment Fund Investment Board, the Department of Lands, and the Department of Environmental Quality. The EFIB presentation emphasized its small staff, low administrative costs, and a modest request for a laptop replacement. The Department of Lands presentation focused heavily on fire suppression funding, the fire suppression deficiency fund, and the agency’s endowment and forest management work. Director Dustin Miller said 2025 fire costs were just over $40 million, noted that the Legislature had previously funded the deficiency account, and warned that current holdbacks could reduce staffing for fire operations, especially in eastern Idaho. He also explained a proposed shift of 1.25 FTE and $160,000 from the Abandoned Mines Lands Fund to the Navigable Waterways Fund, and discussed House Bill 511 as a possible future fire-preparedness funding source. Committee members asked detailed questions about how the fire suppression deficiency fund works, when it can be used, and whether it can cover prevention or only active fires. Staff explained that the fund is for active suppression and that any negative balance would later be settled through a supplemental request. Members also asked about staffing, vacancy rates, and the impact of budget reductions on fire readiness and forest health work. Miller said the agency had filled many key vacancies but still faced recruitment challenges, and he described the Eastern Idaho Forest Protective District and the agency’s growing Good Neighbor Authority work with the U.S. Forest Service. The Department of Environmental Quality presentation covered staffing, water infrastructure funding, loan and grant programs, air and water quality, and solid waste oversight. Director Jess Byrne said targeted pay increases had reduced turnover and vacancies, and that DEQ had distributed more than $835 million in grants and low-interest loans over five years, mostly to small communities. He also said the agency has fewer staff than 25 years ago despite a much larger population, leading to permit backlogs and reduced monitoring. Byrne explained that the Drinking Water Loan Fund is built from federal capitalization grants, state match, and repayments, and that its rising balance reflects awarded but not yet reimbursed projects rather than unused money. He also said DEQ is considering fee increases in air quality and drinking water programs, and supported a proposed solid waste transfer only if it includes a fee structure. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please continue to work with staff. Thank you.
• , the staff culture, and the environment.
• I just want to make sure that we're—and I know staff is—I ask this question all the time, and staff has
• We recognize that as staff.
• I appreciate the work staff; it's really helpful.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, for each groundwater staff...
• Arnold Wong still reviewing staff? >> So we do have a staff member...
• So final recommendations: staff...
• Staff, staff, staff, and count assist the counties as the counties need assistance and assist the industries
• >> Now he's at staff.

Keywords: 910, house, all