Transcript Highlights:

• </c> conviction currently for an enhanced conviction currently for an enhanced administrative<01:06:46.079
• And there's enhancements for if somebody was 21.
• </c><01:42:56.880><c> I</c> enhancements for if somebody was 21.
• I enhancements for if somebody was 21.
• </c> conviction, after there's a sentencing. conviction, after there's a sentencing.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So Section 1.4 establishes the new enhanced criminal penalties for animal cruelty.
• Section 1.4 establishes the new enhanced criminal penalties for animal cruelty.
• Every offense that we're proposing to enhance today is probationable.
• Every offense that we're proposing to enhance today is probationable.
• And here we're enhancing penalties for things that not that long ago, you guys felt...

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill enhances security.
• This bill enhances security by imposing time limits on how long symbolic tents and other structures may
• guilty of a sexual offense will undergo a psychosexual evaluation at their own expense prior to sentencing
• guilty of a sexual offense will undergo a psychosexual evaluation at their own expense prior to sentencing

Summary: The House Judiciary, Rules Committee approved the minutes from February 3, 2026, and the chair announced upcoming deadlines, including that after February 13 there would be no new RS hearings or introductions except substitute bills. The committee then introduced three RS drafts. RS 3301 C1, presented by Rep. Mike Moyle, would state Idaho public policy that Idaho courts should apply American law and protect citizens from foreign laws that would violate fundamental constitutional rights; it was introduced unanimously. RS 33202, a Capitol Mall security bill, would set limits on tents and other structures on the Capitol Mall, define camping, and allow property to be held for at least 90 days; after a brief recess to review the draft, it was also introduced unanimously. RS 33047, presented by Rep. Tanya Burgoyne, would require people convicted of sexual offenses to pay for their own psychosexual evaluation before sentencing; members asked about who currently pays and why the bill was needed, and it was introduced unanimously. The committee then heard House Bill 540, sponsored by Rep. Bingham, which would add Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections records to public-records exemptions for safety and security purposes, aligning it more closely with the Department of Corrections. The sponsor said the bill protects sensitive procedures, witnesses, victims, transport records, and intake/assessment records, with no fiscal impact. The bill was moved to the floor with a do-pass recommendation and passed unanimously. House Bill 541, sponsored by Rep. Steve Tanner, would expand Idaho’s internet enticement law to cover 16- and 17-year-olds, with a five-year age-gap requirement for the offender, mirroring other “Romeo and Juliet” style provisions in Idaho law. Testimony from the Attorney General’s office and ICAC cited online enticement data, the prevalence of teenage victims, and the need for consistency with existing sexual-battery statutes; the Idaho Fraternal Order of Police also supported the bill. The committee sent HB 541 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation, unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• pricing, 2490 rental price fixing, 2492 urban growth boundaries, 2494 certificate environmental, 2495 sentencing
• enhancement, 2497 right to hunt fish. 2495 sentencing enhancements, 2497 right to hunt fish, 2498 aggravated

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the journal. Members then introduced the Doctor of the Day, Dr. John Lynch, and recognized several guest groups in the gallery, including Arizona electric co-op representatives, March of Dimes participants, CRNAs, AEA retirees, a University of Arizona legislative fellow, and ACLU visitors. Attendance was recorded at 58 present, one absent, and one excused. The chamber handled routine floor business, including temporary committee replacements, referral of HB 2677 from Judiciary to Public Safety and Law Enforcement, and the first reading and referral of a large number of House bills and one concurrent resolution. The bill list covered a wide range of topics, including education, appropriations, housing, taxes, health care, public safety, energy, water, labor, elections, and several measures related to abortion, firearms, and tribal affairs. Second reading of bills was also announced for another extensive set of measures. During announcements, members promoted a blood drive, a Veterans Caucus coffee-and-donuts event and lunch with a Department of Defense speaker, and several committee meetings or cancellations. No substantive debate or votes on legislation occurred beyond the procedural motions and the final motion to adjourn. The House adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• pricing, 2490 rental price fixing, 2492 urban growth boundaries, 2494 certificate environmental, 2495 sentencing
• enhancement, 2497 right to hunt fish. 2495 certificate environmental, 2495 sentencing enhancements,

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you want to say one last sentence, that would be great, and if you want us to have any additional
• information, because you did give us the bridge-in-the-gap info, but one last sentence would be great
• </c><00:07:59.199><c> that</c> you want to say one last sentence that you want to say one last sentence
• is going to be that um the last sentence is going to be that um the stem<00:08:17.400><c> ecosystem<
• </c> time unless there's one last sentence time unless there's one last sentence that<01:30:57.639><c

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Bills: HB3312 , HB3700 , HB2981 , HB2961 , HB3016 , HB4478 , HB4326 , HB3025 , HB3710 , HB4125 , HB2951 , HB3082 , HB4142 , HB4106 , HB1752 , HB3268 , HB4440 , HJR1067 , SB1144 , SB1145 , SB1146 , SB1147 , SB1148 , SB1156 , SB1157 , SB1158 , SB1159 , SB1161 , SB1162 , SB1163 , SB1164 , SB1165 , SB1166 , SB1149 , SB1167 , HJR1024 , SB1174 , SB1175 , SB1176 , HB3419 , HB3748 , HB4335 , HB3057 , HB3279 , HB4428 , HB3420 , HB3040 , HB4140 , HB1638 , HB3298 , HB4113 , HB1082 , HB4301 , HB3269 , HB3587 , HB4226 , HB4324 , HB4339 , HB4342 , HB3278 , HB3996 , HB4236 , HB4352

Keywords: firearm safety, public schools, education policy, student safety, gun control, opt-out option, grading system, student assessment, academic integrity, state funding, opinion conduct, open meetings, school boards, transparency, public access, education governance, HB2961, TSgt Marshal Dakota Roberts Gold Star Survivor Act, Gold Star family, Gold Star recipient

Bills: HB3312 , HB3700 , HB2981 , HB2961 , HB3016 , HB4478 , HB4326 , HB3025 , HB3710 , HB4125 , HB2951 , HB3082 , HB4142 , HB4106 , HB1752 , HB3268 , HB4440 , HJR1067 , SB1144 , SB1145 , SB1146 , SB1147 , SB1148 , SB1156 , SB1157 , SB1158 , SB1159 , SB1161 , SB1162 , SB1163 , SB1164 , SB1165 , SB1166 , SB1149 , SB1167 , HJR1024 , SB1174 , SB1175 , SB1176 , HB3419 , HB3748 , HB4335 , HB3057 , HB3279 , HB4428 , HB3420 , HB3040 , HB4140 , HB1638 , HB3298 , HB4113 , HB1082 , HB4301 , HB3269 , HB3587 , HB4226 , HB4324 , HB4339 , HB4342 , HB3278 , HB3996 , HB4236 , HB4352

Keywords: firearm safety, public schools, education policy, student safety, gun control, opt-out option, grading system, student assessment, academic integrity, state funding, opinion conduct, open meetings, school boards, transparency, public access, education governance, HB2961, TSgt Marshal Dakota Roberts Gold Star Survivor Act, Gold Star family, Gold Star recipient

Bills: HB3312 , HB3700 , HB2981 , HB2961 , HB3016 , HB4478 , HB4326 , HB3025 , HB3710 , HB4125 , HB2951 , HB3082 , HB4142 , HB4106 , HB1752 , HB3268 , HB4440 , HJR1067 , SB1144 , SB1145 , SB1146 , SB1147 , SB1148 , SB1156 , SB1157 , SB1158 , SB1159 , SB1161 , SB1162 , SB1163 , SB1164 , SB1165 , SB1166 , SB1149 , SB1167 , HJR1024 , SB1174 , SB1175 , SB1176 , HB3419 , HB3748 , HB4335 , HB3057 , HB3279 , HB4428 , HB3420 , HB3040 , HB4140 , HB1638 , HB3298 , HB4113 , HB1082 , HB4301 , HB3269 , HB3587 , HB4226 , HB4324 , HB4339 , HB4342 , HB3278 , HB3996 , HB4236 , HB4352

Keywords: firearm safety, public schools, education policy, student safety, gun control, opt-out option, grading system, student assessment, academic integrity, state funding, opinion conduct, open meetings, school boards, transparency, public access, education governance, HB2961, TSgt Marshal Dakota Roberts Gold Star Survivor Act, Gold Star family, Gold Star recipient

Summary: The Senate first took up House Bill 4440, a proposal related to Medicaid expansion. Pro Tem Paxton said the measure would move parts of the expansion from the Constitution into statute, add work requirements for able-bodied adults, and create a trigger if the federal FMAP match falls below 90%. Supporters argued this would give the Legislature more flexibility to manage costs and protect the program long term, while opponents said it would weaken voter-approved constitutional protections and could lead to reduced coverage or benefits. After extended debate, the bill itself passed 30-8, but the separate motion to place it on an August special election ballot failed 30-9. The Senate then advanced and passed H.J.R. 1067, a related November ballot measure that would repeal the constitutional Medicaid expansion obligation entirely; it passed 29-8. The chamber then considered several retirement cost-of-living adjustment bills. SB 1144 would provide a 3% or 6% COLA for retired teachers depending on years retired, while ending a dedicated revenue apportionment once the system reaches 100% funded or in 2036. Senators raised concerns about the long-term funding changes, but the bill passed 43-1. SB 1145 provided similar COLAs for retired state employees and passed 41-4. SB 1146 offered COLAs for police retirees and passed unanimously 48-0. SB 1147, a COLA for firefighters and volunteer firefighters with estimated added unfunded liability, was also adopted by the Senate after committee approval and proceeded to final passage as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm going to read the sentence in totality now.
• So I'm going to read the sentence in totality now.
• Right now, people who are incarcerated can get a reduced sentence for earning a college degree.
• So if my math is correct, they can earn up to 450 days off of their sentence?
• It changes sentencing guidelines for posting or calling in threats to schools.

Bills: HB53 , HB57 , HB64 , HB100 , HB102 , HB106 , HB111 , HB137 , HB152 , HB155 , HB337 , HB957

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Keywords: racketeering, gambling crimes, law enforcement, public safety, criminal justice, temporary restraining orders, abuse prevention, evidence, court procedures, legal protections, felony speeding, traffic laws, penalties, elderly, infirmities, abuse, neglect, crime of violence, criminal liability, caregiver

Transcript Highlights:

• So would you just look at page five, and on the last sentence there, would you tell me what you think
• Do you have a copy of that opinion on that specific sentence? Mr.
• So currently we are working to develop and enhance program efficiency and improve customer service, or
• excuse me, we’re developing a strategy to enable data sharing and enhance program efficacy.
• We’re developing a strategy to enable data sharing and enhance program efficacy and improve customer

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Budget Section’s Commerce and Legal Services Division met to review the Department of Commerce base budget for the 2027-29 biennium and to receive an update on Commerce programs. Legislative Council staff first walked the committee through the “blue sheet” base budget summary, explaining the major line items, the large share of federal grant authority in Commerce’s budget, and the continuing appropriations that support several Commerce funds. Members asked how grant funding is coordinated across agencies, and staff said collaboration varies by program but is strong in areas like UAS and LIHEAP. Commerce Commissioner Chris Schilken then presented on current activities, focusing heavily on grant administration, transparency, and economic development programs. Members questioned how grant applicants are selected, whether Commerce tracks applications and return on investment, and how long grant awards take to reach recipients. The commissioner said Commerce uses scoring criteria, outside reviewers, a minimum 30-day application window, and typically completes awards within two to three months. A lengthy exchange followed over whether Commerce should open some grants only to intended recipients versus running competitive application processes; Commerce said it follows best-practice grantmaking and that its attorney in the Attorney General’s office approved that approach. Commerce also highlighted the North Dakota Development Fund, citing long-term investment and job creation results, examples such as Red Trail Energy, Packet Digital, Valiance, Corvent Medical, child care loans, and the Automate ND program. Members asked about acceptable failures, lessons learned, regional economic development coordination, and the expansion of the fund into non-primary sectors. Workforce Director Katie Ralston Howell then outlined a statewide workforce ecosystem review, a new governor’s workforce sub-cabinet, and three task forces focused on simplifying entry, warm handoffs, and data integration. She discussed the in-demand occupations list, Workforce Pell, apprenticeships, and efforts to better connect students with employers and higher education. Commerce also briefly reviewed housing programs and a new housing sub-cabinet. No votes were taken; the committee simply received testimony, asked questions, and adjourned after setting up the next meeting to hear the Attorney General budget in June.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:04.480><c> to</c><00:26:04.640><c> time</c> commutation of his sentence to time commutation
• to eight years 18 had been sentenced to eight years 18 years<00:27:35.120><c> in</c><00:27:35.520><c
• Mayan Burell was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 45 years in prison.
• of Mayan Burell, not based on sentence of Mayan Burell, not based on any<00:40:48.000><c> new</c><00
• </c> supporting law enforcement, enhancing supporting law enforcement, enhancing public<00:46:18.440>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> issued an executive order to enhance issued an executive order to enhance vetting<00:13:31.560><
• </c> by Donald Trump Enrique tario sentenced by Donald Trump Enrique tario sentenced to<02:49:50.800>
• </c><02:50:53.520><c> to</c> Trump Peter Francis stagger sentenced to Trump Peter Francis stagger sentenced
• His sentence was commuted so he could die at home with an ankle bracelet on.
• </c> forests act which en which enhances forests act which en which enhances resiliency<07:36:15.638>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• revenue based on the latest projections, and most significantly, will be contingent on the revenue enhancements
• I heard it in the opening statement by our chairman that there was a sentence there.
• I heard it in the opening statement by our chairman that there was a sentence there: cash for non-recurring
• And more specifically, what you talked about in enhancing some of the costs for EVs because they are
• And if we're able to pass that, there'll be some enhanced revenue that will take us a little further

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee met with quorum and took up only HB 3, the Department of Transportation Appropriation Act of 2026 for FY27. The bill was presented as an amended budget that would increase NMDOT’s operating budget by about $132.6 million, or 10.2%, using available cash balances, additional projected revenue, and contingent revenue tied to Senate Bill 2, the highway bond bill. Staff walked through the amendment section by section, explaining changes to project design and construction, highway operations, program support, modal programs, federal and interagency transfer lines, corrected performance-measure language, and added budget adjustment authority for the current and next fiscal years. Several members raised concerns about the late circulation of a revised amendment and the appearance of multiple bill versions, arguing the committee had not had enough time to review the changes and that the process may have violated the 24-hour rule. Others asked for clarification on how the budget distinguished between rehabilitation and maintenance, and DOT staff explained that major rehabilitation is generally tied to STIP projects while maintenance is handled through district-level plans and contracts. Members also discussed the use of cash balances for non-recurring spending, the impact of electric vehicles on road revenue, and the need for more maintenance, litter cleanup, fencing, and beautification funding. DOT and executive representatives noted the amendment includes a significant maintenance increase and said additional non-recurring funding could also come through House Bill 2 and the capital bill. The committee first rejected a substitute motion to delay action, then adopted the amendment and later voted due pass on HB 3 as amended. Public comment was opened, but no one spoke in support or opposition. After passage, members explained their votes, with some supporting the bill as a needed transportation investment and others objecting to the process and the compressed review timeline.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, sentencing guidelines, talking to our judiciary, talking to our congressmen about sentencing guidelines
• We have mandatory minimums, we<00:25:33.160><c> have</c><00:25:34.040><c> sentencing</c><00:25:34.640
• , we have we have sentencing disparities, we have again, again, again, um<00:25:37.280><c> people</c>
• :35.400><c> to</c><00:26:35.760><c> our</c> Uh sentencing guidelines, talking to our Uh sentencing guidelines
• </c> congressmen about sentencing guidelines. congressmen about sentencing guidelines.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting was a discussion of fatherhood and a possible response to Senator Robby Mills’ Resolution 112, which had proposed a task force on fatherhood initiatives. After approving the June meeting minutes and confirming a quorum, the committee heard a presentation from Mark Ludwig, executive director of the National Council for Equal Shared Parenting, who argued that fatherhood is often left out of public policy and that stronger father involvement is linked to better outcomes in crime, education, substance abuse, and family stability. He cited Kentucky’s 50/50 shared parenting law as a model and urged fatherhood classes, employment support, mentoring, co-parenting education, and partnerships with community organizations, schools, and social workers rather than relying solely on state spending. He also said fatherhood engagement could save the state money by reducing incarceration and related costs. Members then raised concerns that the presentation did not sufficiently address structural causes of fatherlessness, especially incarceration, racial disparities, gun violence, poverty, housing, transportation, and sentencing policy. Senator Berg and Representative Kulkarni emphasized that Black and brown families are disproportionately affected by incarceration and violence, and questioned whether fatherhood programs alone can solve the problem without broader reforms. Ludwig responded that some fathers are pushed out by the court system or lack legal resources, and said reintegration programs and legal, financial, and community supports are part of the solution, though he had focused mainly on the need for fatherhood programming in this presentation. No bill was voted on and no formal action was taken beyond approving the minutes. The discussion appeared to be an initial policy conversation to gather ideas and perspectives for possible future work on fatherhood-related initiatives.

Transcript Highlights:

• So there were seven enhancements and the 2% CEC increase for fiscal year 2025.
• And then these are the enhancement outcomes.
• Their enhancements for 2025 are also here.
• These are the enhancement outcomes. For fiscal year 2027, there's no ongoing enhancements.
• A couple of enhancements in 2025 and then no enhancements for 2026 and then requested for 2027.

Summary: The joint Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee reviewed the Idaho Department of Correction budget, beginning with an agency-wide overview and then moving through management services, state prisons, county and out-of-state placement, community corrections, community-based substance use disorder treatment, and medical services. Analysts and the director explained that the department’s budget is heavily driven by personnel, contracts, medical costs, and population pressures, with dedicated funds such as inmate labor and probation/parole receipts declining in cash balance. Members asked about vacancies, overtime, holdback impacts, software licensing, hepatitis C funding, and the department’s use of contracts and technology. The committee also heard that some planned reductions tied to the governor’s holdback remain in place despite the agency being exempted, including cuts to Recidivis, GEO-related services, and some technology purchases, while body-worn cameras were kept in place because of safety and accountability benefits. A major portion of the discussion focused on rising incarceration and housing costs. The director said the department is near capacity, with more people coming in than leaving, and that county jail and out-of-state placements are increasing because state facilities are full. Analysts described the county jail and out-of-state placement budget as highly volatile and based on updated population forecasts, with supplemental and ongoing requests increasing significantly. Members also asked about mandatory minimums, criminal aliens in custody, and the cost of housing inmates in state versus out-of-state facilities. The director said Idaho’s per-day direct prison cost is about $85, or about $95 with administrative costs, while the Arizona contract rate is about $85 per day. The committee also discussed rehabilitation and recidivism-reduction programs, including education, work programs, community reentry centers, and the Bridge 8 tablet system. The director said the tablets are funded through inmate phone-related charges and are used for educational and rehabilitative purposes, not because the state is required to provide them. She said community reentry centers have shown an 11% lower recidivism rate for participants, and that the department has previously eliminated ineffective programs after evaluation. Members asked for more information on inmate labor contracts, hepatitis C treatment funding, and the cost and effectiveness of various programs. The meeting ended before all questions were resolved, and the committee adjourned to continue work groups the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> distort the work of our sentencing distort the work of our sentencing guidelines<01:57:17.760><c
• guideline grids and detailed sentencing guideline grids and presumptive<01:57:23.440><c> sentences</
• c> presumptive sentences presumptive sentences uh<01:57:25.199><c> that</c><01:57:25.440><c> are</c><
• </c> mandated sentence. mandated sentence.
• </c> Some of us think that prison sentences Some of us think that prison sentences are<02:02:19.280><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to point out the last sentence of that second-to-last paragraph.
• I just want to point out the last sentence of that second-to-last paragraph.
• /c><00:23:48.000><c> out</c><00:23:48.159><c> the</c><00:23:48.400><c> last</c><00:23:48.559><c> sentence
• </c><00:23:48.799><c> of</c> want to point out the last sentence of want to point out the last sentence
• In the report, we're asking for a total of $41.008 million to cover the remaining security enhancements

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee reconvened in open session after a closed discussion of sensitive security details and reviewed the public executive summary of the Minnesota State Capitol Complex Security Assessment by Axtel. Members discussed weapon screening and access control at length, including testimony from Capitol security and judicial center staff about screening procedures, prohibited items, and how screening is managed for visitors and authorized personnel. The chair emphasized that the committee was voting on high-level recommendations to be included in the final ACAST report and that the Department of Public Safety and Department of Administration would be encouraged to pursue the necessary work, including any legislative or budget requests. The committee then took a series of roll-call votes on the Axtel recommendations. Access control screening and visitor management (5.11) passed 4-2, while authorized access control and credential oversight (5.12), internal circulation and zoning controls (5.13), perimeter and exterior grounds (5.14), staffing models/post orders/operational readiness (5.15), technology and system integration (5.16), and protective intelligence (5.18) all passed unanimously 6-0. Each approved item was added as a recommendation in the final report. After the votes, the Department of Administration, Department of Public Safety, and House and Senate Sergeant-at-Arms offices walked through the draft final report. They highlighted staffing improvements, security infrastructure already installed, and remaining needs, including an estimated $41.008 million request for future enhancements such as kiosks, glass-resistant film, door access controls, cameras, lighting, bollards, and an updated distributed antenna system. The report also includes recommendations on trauma-informed safety drills, conduct rules for hearings, and designating the Minnesota State Patrol Capital Security Division as the primary investigative authority for potential criminal activity on Capitol grounds.

Transcript Highlights:

• He was sentenced to 3 years in TDC. Less than one year after he was out.
• Um, enhancement, for lack of a better word, because that person's now incarcerated and they're not in
• Once sentenced to state jail, the case is closed, and courts do not monitor rehabilitating progress.
• Uh, and what happens is originally in state jails, a district judge could sentence somebody to state
• If they check the box at court time, at the sentencing time.

Committee: House Corrections

Transcript Highlights:

• He gave the example of a fake ID charge, saying it is enhanceable and will never come off your record
• and that will never it's enhanceable and that will never come<00:31:03.679><c> off</c><00:31:03.840>
• </c> the past who were given huge sentences the past who were given huge sentences for<00:32:44.840><
• c> uh</c><00:32:44.960><c> and</c><00:32:45.159><c> harmful</c><00:32:45.519><c> sentences</c><00:32:
• sentences uh because they<00:32:46.919><c> used</c><00:32:47.120><c> of</c><00:32:47.240><c> marijuana

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:06 SB 75: 00:01:05 Discussion in Opposition to SB 75: 00:11:00 SCR 89: 00:26:30 HB 38: 00:34:51 HB 201: 00:50:16, 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 75, sponsored by Senator Reed, which would lower Kentucky’s concealed carry age from 21 to 18. The bill’s supporters, including Taylor McKe of the NRA, argued that 18- to 20-year-olds are legal adults who should have equal Second Amendment rights, noting they can vote, serve in the military, and otherwise be treated as adults. Supporters also cited court decisions and historical arguments, while opponents, including Kathy Hobart and Chuck Eddie, warned that the bill would increase gun violence and put more guns in the hands of young people without adequate training. Senator Carol said he opposed the bill because the brain is not fully mature until about age 25 and called the measure irresponsible; Senator Denine said he would pass the bill but wanted training requirements added; Senator Thomas also opposed it on public safety grounds; and Senator Wheeler supported it as a parity and self-defense measure for law-abiding young adults. After debate, the committee voted on SB 75 and reported it favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass. The roll call reflected a mix of support and opposition, with several members explaining their votes. Supporters emphasized self-defense, constitutional rights, and consistency with adult responsibilities, while opponents focused on youth violence, public safety, and the lack of a training requirement. The committee then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 89, sponsored by Senator Jimmy Higdon, which would direct the establishment of a Kentucky Restoration of Voting Rights Task Force. Higdon described it as a typical interim work group and said it would include five House and five Senate members. Discussion broadened to expungement and restoration issues, including marijuana-related convictions and other records that members said should be reviewed in light of changing laws. Chair Storm noted he had filed a separate expungement task force resolution and suggested the measures could be coordinated. The resolution was moved, seconded, and the roll was called, with Senator Thomas later explaining support for treating older marijuana convictions more equitably in light of current law.