Transcript Highlights:

• and then the commissioners, as well as the ex officios, will vote to forward this compact to the governor
• February 12th at 9:30 a.m., when our commission will vote to either forward this proposal to the governor
• Fourth, the bill expands the Insurance Commissioner's powers under the program, including the authority

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on an amended and restated tribal-state gaming compact with the Squaxin Island Tribe. Washington State Gambling Commission staff explained the compact amendment process and said the restatement consolidates six prior amendments, updates several appendices, and adds new provisions including high-limit room options and electronic table games. Squaxin Island representatives said the changes clarify the existing compact, improve casino regulation and management, and support tribal economic development and community services. Committee members expressed support, and the compact will next go through additional commission and legislative review before possible governor approval. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5831, which enacts the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act. Staff and the bill sponsor said the measure creates safe harbors for common mortgage modifications, clarifies when modifications must be recorded, and preserves the priority of modified mortgages in foreclosure without preempting other mortgage or lending laws. A Uniform Law Commission representative testified that the bill would advance protections by reducing uncertainty and costly attorney opinion requirements. There was no opposition testimony, and the public hearing closed without a vote. Senate Bill 6178, requested by the Insurance Commissioner, would prohibit contractors and others from soliciting or requiring post-loss assignments of property insurance benefits from insureds, making such agreements void and enforceable by the commissioner with civil penalties. The sponsor, Insurance Commissioner, and several supporters said the bill would protect homeowners after disasters from losing control of their claims and help prevent contractor abuse; a consumer attorney, PEMCO, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau also supported it. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6031, which expands and modernizes the state’s insurance fraud laws, classifies insurance fraud as a Class B felony, broadens reporting and investigative authority, and extends the fraud program to related crimes affecting insurers and consumers. The Insurance Commissioner, anti-fraud groups, and industry representatives supported the bill, while the Washington Society of CPAs said concerns about CPA language would be addressed by amendment. After public hearings, the committee moved to executive session, adopted a proposed substitute for SB 5928, and voted do-pass recommendations for SB 5928 as amended and SB 5919, sending both to Rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to accept the committee's amendments, which bring the bill in line with Governor Newsom's
• Andrew Governor, on behalf of the Western Manufacturing Housing Communities Association, and Carly Shelby
• do as part of the HAP process, and further encourage local governments to avail themselves of the powers

Committee: House Human Services

Summary: The Assembly Human Services Committee heard several bills focused on homelessness, public benefits, assisted living, and student food access. SB 748 would expand Encampment Resolution Funding to support safe parking sites for people living in cars or RVs and require quarterly reporting on outcomes; SB 290 would repeal the CalWORKs immunization sanction that reduces aid when families cannot provide acceptable vaccination documentation; SB 606 would define “functional zero” for homelessness and require local governments to plan for and report on steps to reach functional zero, including unsheltered homelessness; SB 433 would cap room-and-board charges for Medi-Cal assisted living participants so non-SSI recipients can keep a personal needs allowance; and SB 761 would notify students applying for Cal Grants that they may be eligible for CalFresh and direct them to apply. Supporters for the bills included representatives from local governments, housing and homelessness organizations, welfare rights groups, disability and aging advocates, student associations, food banks, and county welfare directors. Testimony generally emphasized reducing bureaucratic barriers, preventing homelessness, improving accountability for state funding, and connecting eligible people to benefits and services. For SB 433, assisted living providers initially raised concerns but said they would remove opposition after the committee amendments; for SB 606, an opponent moved to neutral after amendments were accepted. After quorum was established, the committee voted all of the presented measures out on 5-0 or 7-0 votes, as applicable, with the bills generally sent to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The consent calendar, including SB 271 and SB 411, also passed unanimously. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was in response to an order of the Governor and the LEA Commission's 48 recommendations.
• </c><00:54:59.839><c> of</c> the transformative power of the transformative power of Rehabilitation<00
• He also applied in 1999 under Governor Shaheen. He did not even get a hearing in either case.
• Gary Place also applied in 1999 under Governor Shaheen.
• That was a very powerful lesson, and since that time I have supported guns.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• America's only Jewish governor and his family victims of arson.
• America's only<00:12:59.320><c> Jewish</c><00:12:59.720><c> governor</c><00:13:00.720><c> and</c><00:
• 13:00.880><c> his</c><00:13:01.080><c> family</c> only Jewish governor and his family only Jewish governor
• source is not at the mercy of this power source is not at the mercy of the<00:19:49.720><c> global</
• One of the most powerful tools available to the United States has been economic pressure.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was in response to an order of the governor and the LEA Commission's 48 recommendations.
• He also applied in 1999 under Governor Shaheen. He did not even get a hearing in either case.
• He also applied in 1999 under Governor Shaheen. He did not even get a hearing in either case.
• That was a very powerful lesson, and since that time I have supported guns.
• That was a very powerful lesson, and since that time I have supported guns.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 146, which would require longer retention and quicker disclosure of certain video recordings from traffic stops and similar motor vehicle violations when a citation is disputed. The prime sponsor described the bill as a response to a constituent who challenged a speeding ticket but could not obtain a cruiser video before it was deleted under the current 30-day retention practice. Supporters argued the bill is about fairness and access to potentially exculpatory evidence, and one member suggested a simple 60-day retention period might avoid confusion over different timelines. The sponsor also noted that the bill would not affect criminal cases and that victims and complainants should have access to the same evidence as law enforcement when a recording is relevant to a defense. Major Brendan Davey of the New Hampshire State Police testified in opposition. He said the proposal would create a different discovery standard for one type of evidence, could discourage agencies from adopting body-worn or cruiser cameras, and would add cost and administrative burden. He explained that the State Police already retain routine traffic-stop videos for at least 30 days, but keep videos much longer when complaints or possible litigation are involved, and said the current system balances efficiency with accountability. He also argued the underlying speeding case did not make the trooper video directly material to the citation, though he acknowledged the legislature could choose a longer blanket retention period if it wished. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then opened a public hearing on House Bill 638, which would allow people serving life without parole sentences to become eligible for a parole hearing at age 60 after serving at least 18 years, provided they have had no major conduct violations in the prior 10 years. The sponsor said the bill is intended to give a narrow second look to a small number of elderly prisoners, citing the high cost of incarceration and the health challenges of aging in prison. He emphasized that the bill would not automatically release anyone, would not apply to capital murder convictions under RSA 630:1, and would still allow victims to participate in the parole process. Testimony on HB 638 was mixed. Alexander Bailey, a survivor of violent crime and domestic violence advocate, supported the bill, saying many survivors favor rehabilitation, second chances, and restorative justice, and that people in prison often age faster and face serious health and safety problems. Another supporter, Russell Roy, began offering a personal story about crime, addiction, and violence in Concord, but the transcript cuts off before his full remarks. Committee members asked about why age 60 was chosen, how released individuals would support themselves, and whether victims or families would be consulted; the sponsor said 60 was meant to limit eligibility and reflect the health realities of prison, and that parole boards already consider support networks and victim input. No action or vote was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the um you know Community power the um you know Community power aggregators<00:11:40.440><c> so<
• </c> is sort of um well Community power is sort of um well Community power Coalition<01:49:23.920><c>
• </c><01:55:35.880><c> supply</c> investment decisions and power supply investment decisions and power
• </c> generation resource is putting power generation resource is putting power onto<01:56:13.119><c>
• </c> pay charge for Distributing that power pay charge for Distributing that power um<01:56:18.119><c

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• So the request to the governor to increase the amount of fees to non-bank lenders did not get in his
• You're going to cover the recommendation from the governor that you're referencing did make it into..
• So in the interim, the governor has appointed me to serve in that capacity.
• DOLIR is grateful for the continued investment by the governor.
• Obviously, Governor Kehoe's encouragement of wanting business growth here.

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• Let me begin by thanking the Lieutenant Governor for the confidence that he has placed in me.
• Let me begin by thanking the Lieutenant Governor for the confidence that he has placed in me as chair
• I think that be it water, roads, power, workforce development is what our roles are, and so with that
• We then have redundant power systems.
• We have redundant power, braking, steering, communications, pretty much everything.

Summary: The committee met to hear interim charges on rail grade crossing safety, autonomous vehicle deployment, and commercial driver’s license oversight. After opening remarks from the chair and members, the committee first focused on rail grade separations under SB 1555, with TxDOT and the Texas Railroad Association testifying that the new state grant program was implemented quickly, drew far more applications than available funding, and helped Texas leverage state dollars into major federal awards. TxDOT said the first round funded five projects, with additional federal matching funds helping support a total project portfolio worth more than $1 billion, including the Sergio Ivan Rodriguez Memorial Bridge in Houston. Witnesses emphasized that grade separations improve safety and mobility, and committee members discussed alternative mitigation tools such as siding relocation, digital routing/notification systems, and better public education about emergency notification signs at crossings. Public testimony on rail grade separations largely supported continuing and expanding the program. Representatives from regional business and transportation groups in Houston-area communities said blocked crossings harm safety, freight movement, emergency access, and economic activity, and urged the Legislature to extend SB 1555 and keep state funding in place so Texas can continue competing for federal grants. One witness argued that railroads should bear more of the cost because the projects primarily benefit rail companies, while others stressed that the state should continue using public-private partnerships and federal matching opportunities. Committee members asked about project selection criteria, how success should be measured over time, and whether railroads contribute financially; TxDOT said future success would be measured by projects moving to construction and by reductions in crashes and fatalities at treated crossings. The committee then turned to autonomous vehicles and heard from Texas DMV officials on implementation of SB 2807. DMV explained that Level 4 and Level 5 automated vehicles transporting people or goods for a commercial enterprise must obtain a state authorization, in addition to normal title, registration, insurance, and other requirements. The agency described its rulemaking timeline, the online application and verification system, coordination with DPS on first-responder interaction plans, and the current status of authorized companies operating in Texas. A companion enforcement presentation showed how law enforcement and the public can search AV authorizations and file complaints through the DMV’s truck stop database. The hearing continued into questions about the regulatory framework and complaint process, with the committee emphasizing that safety remains the central concern as the technology expands.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are incredibly grateful that the Legislature and the Governor stepped up to appropriate state dollars
• What it tells me is California legislators and our governor are really bad... Proxy tax?
• What it tells me is California legislators and our governor are really bad.
• What it tells me is California legislators and our governor are really bad when it comes to protecting
• In 2025, Governor Newsom included a partial tax exemption in his budget for military retiree pay.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills dealing with tax policy, local revenue authority, consumer protections, and incentives for development. AB 1726 would create catastrophe savings accounts for homeowners to save pre-tax dollars for disaster mitigation and recovery costs; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and the California Bankers Association, while the California Teachers Association opposed it because of the General Fund and Prop. 98 impact. The bill was referred to suspense. AB 1768 would authorize Los Angeles and Contra Costa counties to ask voters to approve local transaction and use taxes to offset projected federal funding cuts affecting health care and safety-net services; it received broad support from health providers and county representatives, opposition from one member and a resident, and passed the committee 5-2 to the Assembly Local Government Committee. The committee also considered AB 1790, which would repeal the Waters Edge corporate tax election and require worldwide combined reporting for multinational corporations. The author and supporters argued it would close a loophole, raise several billion dollars annually, and help fund schools, Medi-Cal, and other programs; opponents warned of double taxation, compliance burdens, retaliation from foreign governments, and job losses. After extensive testimony and member debate, the bill was referred to suspense. AB 2020 would provide a full property tax exemption for the primary residence of 100% disabled veterans and surviving spouses, and AB 2069 would create a targeted sales and use tax exemption to spur development projects at fairgrounds; both measures had support from sponsors and related organizations, no opposition, and were referred to suspense. Finally, AB 2705 would regulate third-party “asset finders” who help claim excess proceeds from tax sales by requiring written agreements, disclosure that claims can be filed free with the county, and a cap on fees at 10%. County officials and local government groups supported the bill as a consumer protection measure, while recovery companies and related firms opposed it, arguing the work is complex and the cap would reduce access to services. The committee moved AB 2705 to the Assembly floor on a 4-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• objection, the House now returns to the fourth order of business: consideration of message from the governor
• objection the House and now return to the fourth order of business consideration of message from the governor
• we have transmitted enrolled House Bills 558, 500, 577, 636, 539, 517, 5139, 628, and 620 to the Governor
• Amending Section 31-4906, Idaho Code, to revise a provision regarding powers of the board of directors
• The House will now return to the fourth order, without objection, to consider messages from the governor

Transcript Highlights:

• I ask all of these things in the name that is above every name, the precious and powerful and holy name
• Are there messages from the Governor or other executive communications? None on the desk, Mr.
• So essentially, that means that, you know, the governor can kind of tap into general revenue funds to
• The Board of Governors also has oversight.
• So in the presentation that Secretary Dixon had upon the screen, it was what the governor had budgeted

Summary: The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget package, beginning with an overview of the $115 billion General Appropriations Bill (SB 2500/HB 500). Appropriations Chair Hooper said the budget is smaller than last year’s, maintains strong reserves, and includes a 3% pay raise for all state employees and 5% raises for state law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then highlighted major spending in their areas, including $34.9 billion for Pre-K-12 education, $11.9 billion for higher education, a $2.1 billion-plus increase in health and human services, $7.9 billion for criminal and civil justice, $16.8 billion for transportation/tourism/economic development, and major environmental and regulatory investments such as Everglades restoration, water quality, and land acquisition. Members asked detailed questions about several items. Topics included the Emergency Management Trust Fund, arts and cultural grants, Florida Forever land acquisition versus conservation easements, teacher salaries and charter school funding, New College funding, ADAP/HIV drug assistance, Medicaid rate reductions for non-critical access hospitals, DOC operational deficits and inmate health/food costs, judicial staffing, and school enrollment supplements. Chairs explained that some reductions reflected shifts in how scholarship and categorical funds are tracked, that the ADAP appropriation would take effect immediately upon enactment but would only cover part of the year, and that hospital reductions were tied to a broader DPP funding increase. Questions also covered lottery staffing, concealed carry licensing workload, and whether vacant positions were being eliminated as part of budget right-sizing. After the budget discussion, the Senate substituted House bills for the Senate budget bills and adopted amendments placing the Senate language onto the House vehicles. The chamber then passed HB 500, HB 503, and HB 5201, and agreed to conference on each. It also passed SB 7028/HB 5205 on retirement, SB 2506 on fuel taxes, SB 2508 on the state agency law enforcement radio system, SB 2510/HB 5401 on court trust funds, SB 2512 on judgeships, SB 2514 on K-12 education, SB 2516 on higher education, and SB 2518 on health, with each bill passing by unanimous or near-unanimous votes and then being sent to conference or requested of the House for concurrence.

Transcript Highlights:

• I ask all of these things in the name that is above every name, the precious and powerful and holy name
• Are there messages from the governor or other executive communications? None on the desk, Mr.
• So essentially, that means that the governor can kind of tap into general revenue funds to deal with
• The Board of Governors also has oversight.
• So in the presentation that Secretary Dixon had upon the screen, it was what the governor had budgeted

Summary: The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget package, beginning with an overview of the $115 billion General Appropriations Bill (SB 2500). Appropriations Chair Hooper said the budget reduces overall spending from the prior year, preserves reserves, and includes a 3% pay raise for state employees and 5% raises for law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then highlighted major spending in their areas, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/economic development, and environmental/agricultural programs. Major items discussed included school funding increases, workforce and university investments, Medicaid and child welfare funding, corrections operating deficits, housing and hurricane recovery, Everglades and water quality projects, and state employee compensation. Members asked detailed questions about several budget items. In education, senators discussed teacher salaries, declining enrollment supplements, scholarship funding growth, and charter school capital outlay. In higher education, they asked about Bright Futures, New College funding, and the EASE grant program. In health and human services, senators focused on the iBudget waiver, Medicaid hospital rate reductions, the ADAP HIV drug program, and the use of opioid settlement funds. In criminal justice, questions centered on DOC deficits, inmate health care and food service costs, public defender and state attorney funding, and whether the budget would prevent the need for National Guard support. In environmental and state agency budgets, senators discussed Florida Forever land acquisition, conservation easements, cultural grants, the Emergency Management Trust Fund, and election security funding. After the budget presentations and questions, the Senate substituted House bills for the Senate budget bills and adopted amendments to place Senate language onto the House vehicles for conference. The chamber passed HB 5001, the appropriations bill, by a 36-0 vote and agreed to conference. It also passed the implementing bill, collective bargaining and state employee bills, retirement legislation, fuel tax and SLERS bills, the court trust fund bill, judicial certification bill, K-12 and higher education conforming bills, and other related measures, generally by unanimous votes. Several motions were adopted to request the House to pass the Senate versions or include them in budget conference.

Transcript Highlights:

• I ask all of these things in the name that is above every name, the precious and powerful and holy name
• Are there messages from the Governor or other executive communications? None on the desk, Mr.
• So essentially, that means that, you know, the governor can kind of tap into general revenue funds to
• The Board of Governors also has oversight.
• So in the presentation that Secretary Dixon had upon the screen, it was what the governor had budgeted

Transcript Highlights:

• A compact member state retains exclusive power to impose adverse actions against a licensee licensed
• By way of background, the Washington State Veterinary Board of Governors is tasked with protecting the
• I'd like to call Caitlin Safford, Washington State Office of the Governor, and Jane Beyer, Office of
• For the record, my name is Caitlin Safford, and I serve as Governor Ferguson's Senior Health Policy Advisor
• I'd like to call it Caitlin Safford, Washington State Office of the Governor and Jane Beyer, Office of

Bills: HB2340 , HB2155 , HB2531

Committee: Senate Health & Long-Term Care

Keywords: HB 2340, nursing assistants, nurse aide, substance use disorder monitoring program, monitoring program, credentialing, licensure, disciplinary records, enforcement action, public disclosure, privacy, third-party website, stipend program, financial assistance, treatment costs, drug testing, peer support, recovery, rehabilitation, board-approved program

Transcript Highlights:

• Every one of you, and I have absolutely... felt that from you and your staff, and our Lieutenant Governor
• Chairman, is that the Hanley Act was signed by the governor. It's already done.
• Senator Menendez, you and I heard powerful... testimony and committee about how some of our students
• I certainly want to thank the Lieutenant Governor, who has been in every negotiation.
• already passed House Bill 1188, which I believe hasn't been signed yet, it has been sent to the governor

Bills: HB2 , HB6 , HB18 , HB43 , HB138 , HB180 , HB300 , HB581 , HB647 , HB748 , HB762 , HB 1240 , HB1393 , HB1397 , HB1584 , HB1734 , HB2011 , HB2254 , HB2286 , HB2434 , HB2467 , HB2468 , HB2495 , HB2516 , HB2518 , HB2529 , HB2564 , HB2712 , HB2713 , HB2715 , HB2765 , HB2898 , HB3146 , HB3161 , HB3348 , HB3800 , HB4044 , HB4341 , HB4370 , HB4384 , HB4386 , HB4396 , HB4490 , HB4809 , HB5057 , HB5323 , HB5534 , HB5668 , SB203 , SB317 , SB719 , SB731 , SB801 , SB867 , SB1071 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2082 , SB2363 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2717 , SB2797 , SB2841 , SB2919 , SB3038 , SJR5 , SB4 , SB9 , SB21 , SB23 , SB27 , SB34 , SB40 , SB75 , SB213 , SB458 , SB482 , SB493 , SB647 , SB648 , SB840 , SB841 , SB843 , SB912 , SB1241 , SB1253 , SB1350 , SB1388 , SB1423 , SB1535 , SB1559 , SB1709 , SB1789 , SB1951 , SB2037 , SB2143 , SB2155 , SB2544 , SB1 , SB17 , SB260 , SB509 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SB1833 , SB2308 , HB2525 , HJR133 , HB1393 , HB26 , HB388 , HB2712 , HB1633 , HB685 , HB2286 , HB1606 , HB1458 , HB 1240 , HB2791 , HB3146 , HB1397 , HB2061 , HB647 , HB4738 , HB2563 , HB 128 , HB581 , HB766 , HB2259 , HB2358 , HB4384 , HB748 , HB1734 , HB5180 , HB3806 , HB3804 , HB3803 , HB1522 , HB3597 , HB1612 , HB4224 , HB1314 , HB 1237 , HB3126 , HB2856 , HB3114 , HB3505 , HB5652 , HB2025 , HB3395 , HB2495 , HB18 , HB2516 , HB2713 , HB24 , HB519 , HB609 , HB1592 , HB3348 , HB 120 , HB6 , HB1533 , HB2421 , HB2273 , HB2464 , HB2011 , HB5057 , HB5084 , HB5534 , HB5668 , HB3424 , HB2715 , HB2564 , HB2765 , HB2898 , HB3800 , HB4396 , HB4341 , HB43 , HB5686 , HB2467 , HB2468 , HB2518 , HB4310 , HB4386 , HB4490 , HB180 , HB5323 , HB2 , HB149 , HB4945 , HB2434 , HB2529 , HB3161 , HB3745 , HB4044 , HB5155 , HB5667 , HB4996 , HB2697 , HB2492 , HB2355 , HB2282 , HB2001 , HB1902 , HB1866 , HB1445 , HB1443 , HB 1306 , HB 1024 , HB908 , HB305 , HB285 , HB449 , HB171 , HB47 , HB3464 , HB2637 , HB4263 , HB5436 , HB4429 , HB3986 , HB3966 , HB3510 , HB2560 , HB2026 , HB2688 , HB4076 , HB5246 , HB3487 , HB3486 , HB4226 , HB216 , HB742 , HB2402 , HB143 , HB5033 , HB4413 , HB4042 , HB2440 , HB4426 , HB49 , HB4112 , HB3233 , HB2310 , HB5515 , HB3627 , HB2674 , HB322 , HB1481 , HB 126 , HB3062 , HB3421 , HB3180 , HB2530 , HB2524 , HB1916 , HB3153 , HB5650 , HB4894 , HB3120 , HB1629 , HB 103 , HB3234 , HB3680 , HB5698 , HB3171 , HB5693 , HB2694 , HB5664 , HB3732 , HB2508 , HB2293 , HB1991 , HB2014 , HB5331 , HB5247 , HB4751 , HB4690 , HB4668 , HB4464 , HB4395 , HB4063 , HB3833 , HB3623 , HB3214 , HB3512 , HB3250 , HB3016 , HB2520 , HB2221 , HB2213 , HB3824 , HB2067 , HB1732 , HB1562 , HB700 , HB1545 , HB252 , HB146 , HB5596 , HB1851 , HB3619 , HB3071 , HB3556 , HB851 , HB4230 , HB5320 , HB5651 , HB5670 , HB5665 , HB5437 , HB5679 , HB5699 , HB5661 , HB5662 , HB5654 , HB5672 , HB5656 , HCR141 , HCR118 , HCR127 , HCR40 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB1749 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1944 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2683 , SB1319 , SB3038 , SB3045 , SB1538 , SB3071 , SB3065 , SB823 , SB3062 , SB3074 , SB1380 , HB6 , HB581 , HB1393 , HB1734 , HB2286 , HB2467 , HB2468 , HB2495 , HB2529 , HB2564 , HB2765 , HB2898 , HB3146 , HB3348 , HB3800 , HB4341 , HB4386 , HB4490 , HB5057 , HB5323 , HB5534 , HB5668 , HB2 , HB2715 , SR530 , SR552 , SB482 , SB493 , SB841 , SB912 , SB1241 , SB1350 , SB1388 , SB1559 , SB1951 , SB2143 , SB2155 , HB205 , HB220 , HB561 , HB2078 , HB2300 , HB2652 , HB3335 , HB3441 , HB4212 , HB4879 , HB5228 , HB5616 , HB205 , HB220 , HB561 , HB2078 , HB2300 , HB2652 , HB3335 , HB3441 , HB4212 , HB4879 , HB5228 , HB5616

Transcript Highlights:

• The House will be on the fourth order of business, communications from the governor. Mr.
• Communications from the Governor. Mr. Chief Clerk. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr.
• Speaker, we have a communication from the Office of the Governor to the Honorable Robin W. [Wise?]
• Sincerely, Kelly Armstrong, Governor. House Bill 1222 and House Bill 1545.
• Sincerely, Kelly Armstrong, Governor. Mr. Speaker, the House will be on the 12th order of business.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. The chamber received notice that the governor had signed several bills, and the Speaker appointed conference committees after the Senate failed to concur with House amendments on Senate Bills 2180 and 2330. The House also approved several sixth-order amendments without objection before moving into reconsideration and final action on House Bill 1300, which concerns legislative term limits. After procedural motions to reconsider and undo concurrence, the House voted to do not concur on HB 1300, sending it back to the chair’s lap for further negotiation. A major portion of the meeting focused on Senate Bill 2232, which changes mandatory reporting rules for prenatal exposure to controlled substances and alcohol. Supporters said the bill is intended to keep pregnant women in prenatal care by removing an automatic CPS report if a woman tests positive but enters and stays on a treatment plan; opponents argued it weakens protections for unborn children and creates vague standards for mandated reporters. The House passed the bill 57-36. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 2280 unanimously, establishing timelines and standards for prior authorization in health insurance, and passed Senate Bill 2186, which creates a civil remedy for interference with court-ordered parenting time, a child custody review task force, and related reporting requirements. The House then took up Senate Bill 2239, an apprenticeship grant program with a $1.1 million appropriation, but rejected it 14-79 after the committee said the program lacked a clear administrative home. Senate Bill 2241, creating a framework for public charter schools, generated extensive debate over school choice, local control, funding, staffing, and rural impacts; supporters emphasized flexibility and community-driven options, while opponents warned about diversion of funds and weak guardrails. The bill passed 64-29. The House also passed Senate Bill 2024, the Department of Environmental Quality budget, after discussion about federal funding uncertainty; Senate Bill 2374, updating property insurance laws and market rules; Senate Bill 2216, creating a waterfowl habitat restoration stamp; Senate Bill 2245, allowing certain duck and goose hunting from anchored floating craft; and Senate Bill 233, establishing a distressed ambulance services process, which drew questions about how affected districts and neighboring services would be involved.

Transcript Highlights:

• skills that can be counted towards a college degree or certificate, credit for prior learning is a powerful
• to be complete until June of 2026, and so we think that funding system-wide expansion now, as the governor
• We've also got members of our Board of Governors, campus and district chief executive officers, trustees
• The plan is that the work group is going to deliver first to the Board of Governors, and then to the
• , a set of policy recommendations, including any changes to Chancellor's Office policy, Board of Governors

Transcript Highlights:

• and then the last question I have, Madam Chair, is if this bill was passed today, signed by the governor
• I was appointed by Governor Hobbs approximately two and a half years ago.
• And some of you that have been here for a little bit, you might remember that Governor Ducey attempted
• There is no power provided for the people to stop a convention once it starts.
• It depends on who's in power and how it's put to it.

Bills: SB1021 , SB1144 , SB1164 , SB1178 , SB1181 , SB1241 , SB1247 , SB1286 , SB1415 , SCR1011

Committee: Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency

Keywords: health profession, regulatory boards, criminal activity, notification, auditor general, investigations, veterinary technicians, certification, education alternative, Arizona Revised Statutes, veterinary education, ALTCS, providers, ownership change, healthcare, Arizona Long Term Care System, naturopathic physician, naturopathic medicine, naturopathic doctor, naturopathic physicians medical board

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:49:54.800><c> Ayad's</c> than a year removed from Governor Ayad's than a year removed from Governor
• New Hampshire tax Democratic governor.
• Um, I've been here veto by a Republican governor, veto by a Democratic governor, right?
• I've been here vetoed by a Republican governor, vetoed by a Democratic governor, right?
• The governor gets to Such a scenario.

Transcript Highlights:

• And what do we have the power to do within the schools and within your community?
• Are the parole board members appointed by the governor here? How do we get...
• Braun is appointed by the governor, so he's responsible to the governor who's elected, right?
• Braun is appointed by the governor, so he's responsible to the governor who's elected, right?
• Now politically it's a liability to the governor who appointed that parole board.

Committee: Joint Judiciary Committee

Summary: The committee opened with a moment of silence honoring a deceased member, then approved the April minutes. The first major presentation was from Chelsea Florey of Child and Family Services on the Diversion Task Force and related grant programs created with one-time funding from HB 1012. She reported that five of six proposals were funded, with youth diversion services operating in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and a Red River Children’s Advocacy Center program focused on problematic sexualized behavior. Members discussed barriers such as staffing shortages, voluntary family engagement, service fatigue, and the need for better coordination, broader outreach, and possible changes to diversion eligibility rules so low-level cases can remain in diversion longer. Several legislators pressed for more practical system changes and clearer service navigation, while Florey said the task force is trying to build a service array or hub and is leaning on the Children’s Cabinet for broader recommendations. The committee then heard from North Dakota Lottery Director Thomas Lawler, who gave an operational overview and biennium report. He described the lottery’s history, games, retailer commissions, Pick and Click subscriptions, Players Club membership, and revenue distribution. For the 2023-25 biennium, about $67 million in tickets were purchased, with roughly $16.2 million transferred overall, including money for the general fund, drug task force grants, and compulsive gambling prevention and treatment. Members asked about the compulsive gambling allocation and whether the amount is set by statute. A lengthy presentation followed from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on criminal justice data connectivity and reentry. Adam Anderson explained that North Dakota’s jail, court, HHS, and correctional systems use multiple separate databases that do not communicate in real time, requiring manual cross-checks and staff communication. He said the department is exploring a centralized hub or other integration approach, but noted challenges with identifiers, vendor contracts, confidentiality, and cost. Robin Schmolenberger then updated the committee on a Medicaid data-sharing project with HHS, saying monthly application assistance is now occurring in correctional facilities and that automated bi-directional data exchange is expected in late 2026 to help suspend and reactivate Medicaid coverage and identify former foster care youth. Members also discussed parole, probation, transitional housing, and the need for better real-time notifications and clearer data definitions. The committee also received an update from county representatives on the 24/7 sobriety program, including a recent attorney general opinion that if a court waives 24/7 fees, sheriffs may use the cheaper twice-daily breath test or urine testing instead of SCRAM bracelets or drug patches. Finally, Bruce Johnson of the Racing Commission presented on an audit report, acknowledging serious findings involving overspending from the promotion fund, grant documentation failures, a breeders fund eligibility reversal, and repeated procurement violations. He said the commission has already changed its procedures by tracking fund limits monthly, requiring grant applications and itemized reports, enforcing breeders fund rules as written, and routing purchases through procurement with written contracts. The committee asked follow-up questions throughout but took no formal votes on these presentations.