Transcript Highlights:

• The assistant he had was appointed by the county commissioners, which kind of said, okay, they did this
• And I'd have to look exactly how many schools it runs by, how many major roads now it crosses, too.
• I'm the assistant fire marshal for the Snohomish County Fire Marshal's Office, and I...
• This will lead to delays in construction, which increases construction costs as well as slows down housing
• Owners and operators of ski lift devices must construct, maintain, and provide these devices.

Summary: The Senate Local Government Committee heard briefings and public testimony on several bills. SB 6064 would let qualifying regional fire protection districts or authorities take over administration and enforcement of the International Fire Code within their boundaries, with notice to counties and equivalent jobs for displaced workers; supporters said it would improve consistency and local control, while counties, fire marshals, and builders opposed it as unnecessary and likely to add permitting complexity and delay. SB 6101 would require county coroners to be appointed rather than elected, while preserving appointed medical examiners in larger counties; the sponsor cited the Yakima County coroner controversy as the reason for the bill, and opponents argued it would reduce voter accountability and could increase costs, though some supporters said appointment would professionalize death investigations and improve consistency. SB 6077 would extend from 21 to 28 business days the deadline for assessors and taxpayers to exchange valuation evidence before property tax appeal hearings, with supporters saying the change would give taxpayers a fairer chance to respond and opponents saying the bill should also address long delays in scheduling hearings themselves. The committee also heard SB 5820, which would repeal Clark County-specific Growth Management Act authority allowing freight rail-dependent uses on certain resource lands adjacent to a short-line railroad. The sponsor and supporters said the 2017 law was a poorly written special exemption that threatens agricultural and resource lands and should be repealed; opponents, including the railroad operator, business groups, and local officials, argued the rail overlay supports economic development, jobs, and low-emission freight movement and that the county should retain local control. Testimony on SB 5820 also raised concerns about safety, land-use conflicts, and the meaning of “adjacent,” with some witnesses saying the land is currently underused and others saying it is needed for future industrial and rail-served development. Finally, the committee heard SB 6013, an agency-request bill updating ski-area terminology and safety provisions to include aerial tramways, toes, and conveyors in the state’s ski lift regulations. State Parks supported the measure as a technical update to align safety inspections, insurance requirements, and rider conduct rules with current equipment terminology. The transcript ended before any vote or executive action was taken on these bills, and the chair noted some previously scheduled executive session items were moved to a later date.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll see. ...to households that have incomes that can private school with or without any assistance
• Walls continued that the agency uses some of the funding for community schools, including programs in
• Do schools, do public schools provide assistance for signing up for the Our Kids B program?”
• “The schools do assist with eligibility. It’s not just limited to Our Kids B.
• I'm going to bet our school board members aren't aware of the program, how it works, or how to kind of

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Summary: The committee heard a series of Arkansas Department of Human Services budget presentations and questions, beginning with the Secretary’s Office and then the Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services. Staff described the divisions’ appropriations, funding sources, and major programs, including senior centers, Meals on Wheels, mental health grants, substance abuse treatment, community alcohol safety, the Medicaid tobacco settlement program, and crisis stabilization units. Members raised concerns about flat or limited funding for senior services, the use and tracing of federal block grants, the lack of a funding source for the veterans’ mental health grant, and the mechanics of the community alcohol safety and treatment programs. The committee also discussed patient benefits funds at state facilities, transportation for senior center clients, and whether some special-language appropriations or fund balances should be revisited. Executive recommendations were adopted for the divisions considered. The committee then reviewed the Division of Children and Family Services and the Division of County Operations. Questions focused on foster care growth, adoption subsidies, professional fees tied to staff training and onboarding, vacancies, the Children’s Trust Fund, and TANF subgrants. Members asked about the reduction or elimination of TANF funding to child advocacy centers and other subgrantees, and DHS explained that prior reserves had been spent down and that the department was now trying to live within the annual TANF block grant and rebuild reserves. County operations questions also covered summer EBT, SNAP employment and training, the farmers’ market program, and the expected impact of a federal SNAP administrative match change, which DHS estimated would increase state costs by about $24 million annually, with roughly $18 million affecting the current year because the change begins October 1. Executive recommendations were again adopted. Finally, the committee heard from the Division of Developmental Disability Services and the Division of Medical Services. DDS testimony covered vacancies, staffing shortages, human development center construction and repairs, the reopening of the Boonville work training program, and funding for infant infirmary and child/family life programs. Medical Services testimony covered the Medicaid program, the current FMAP rate, the Our Kids B CHIP program, Medicaid payments to schools, nursing home distress funding, and large appropriation lines used to provide flexibility for claims and potential facility closures. Members asked for more detail on school Medicaid payments, reserve balances, and why some appropriations were much larger than actual spending. In each division, the committee moved and adopted Executive REC after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:36:42.640><c> high</c><00:36:42.800><c> school</c> high school algebra and high school high school
• And so those might be after-school programs or tutoring programs or adult education programs that are
• or programs, know where they need assistance and guidance throughout the program.
• Did you notice anything in your audit about school districts hiring construction or architects?
• </c> ATC schools or Okay. ATC schools or Okay.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call - 00:13 Approval of Minutes - 4:07 Kentucky Academic Standards for Reading and Writing - 5:18 Math Improvement Committee Report - 21:02 ETS Praxis Exam - 41:47 KDE Performance Review Data - 1:15:04 Adjournment - 1:57:54, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from KDE on the revised Kentucky academic standards for reading and writing. KDE explained the statutory six-year review process, the public comment periods, and the main revisions, including updates tied to the science of reading, decodable text, encoding/decoding, and an updated vision statement. KDE said 308 responses were received on the initial public comment, most respondents favored keeping standards as-is, and about 12% of standards were revised. The department also said the document was streamlined by removing repeated graphics and reducing its size by about 24%, and that a later comment period drew more than 400 responses. No new standards were flagged for review. Members asked about alignment between standards, curriculum, assessments, and NAEP, and KDE said instructional resources should be aligned to standards, KSA assessments are aligned to the standards, and screeners/diagnostics help identify student needs. Representative Truett raised the idea of a textbook-to-standards crosswalk, and KDE said publishers and a future repository partner should provide such crosswalks for local districts. Representative Bojanowski asked why foundational reading skills are not directly assessed on the third-grade KSA; KDE responded that the assessment is designed to measure end-of-grade expectations, while screening and diagnostics are used earlier to identify decoding needs. Representative Gel asked about early childhood supports, and KDE said it is working with early learning and special education offices and promoting LETRS professional learning for both teachers and preschool educators. The committee then received the mathematics improvement committee report. KDE said the mathematics committee unanimously approved a new strategic plan for improving math achievement from pre-K through grade 20 and adult education. The plan centers on six priorities: student empowerment, effective mathematics teaching and learning, continuous educator development and growth, a continuum of learning, community and family partnerships, and teacher recruitment and retention. KDE said the plan is intended as a living document with goals, recommended actions, and evidence bases, and that it aligns with the Kentucky Numeracy Counts Act by supporting high-quality instructional resources, professional learning, and family resources. In response to Senator Thomas, KDE explained that the professional learning recommendation means districts should tailor teacher training to classroom needs and instructional materials so math teachers are better equipped to implement standards and support students.

Transcript Highlights:

• programs.
• All it would do is effectively treat Renaissance schools similarly to other public schools of choice
• and Renaissance schools through the establishment of charter and Renaissance school reserve accounts
• programs.
• It expands certain requirements concerning automatic enrollment for utility bill payment assistance programs

Committee: Senate Senate Budget and Appropriations

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• females and 10.4% of high school males experienced some form of teen dating violence.
• FOR LOCAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAMS ACROSS OUR STATE.
• Sebastian from Columbia University School of Health.
• College, and Aaron Glass, program director at SUNY Upstate Medical.
• Williams moved to Brooklyn as a teenager, becoming actively involved in music programs.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation focused on memory, gratitude, and recognizing the unseen people who sustain public life, then approved the prior day’s journal and moved through introductions of guests, including domestic violence advocates, medical scholars, and student advocates. Senator Webb’s Resolution 1633, designating February 23, 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day, was adopted after remarks describing the scope of domestic violence in New York and the need for more survivor services. The chamber also adopted memorial Resolution 1558 honoring Margaret D. Williams, a vocalist, public servant, and community leader, and Resolution 1630 marking the 20th anniversary of Park and Public Lands Advocacy Day, with comments emphasizing the health and community benefits of parks and green space. The Senate then took up a series of bills on the calendar, passing measures including amendments to the Environmental Conservation Law, Labor Law, Education Law, Administrative Code of New York City, General Municipal Law, Tax Law, Cannabis Law, and Executive Law. Senator Ramos explained her support for the labor bill as the Anti-Waiver of Employment Rights Act, which would prevent employers from forcing workers to waive labor and human rights protections in applications or onboarding documents. Several bills were passed by wide margins, while some were laid aside for the day. The chamber also restored Senate Print 438 to the third reading calendar after reconsideration. A contested amendment to Calendar 234, Senator Comrie’s Executive Law bill, was ruled non-germane by the chair; Senator Walczyk appealed, arguing the amendment addressing the state energy code and all-electric building mandate was relevant to housing costs, but the Senate voted 20 to sustain the chair’s ruling. The underlying bill was then returned to the non-controversial calendar and passed. Finally, the Senate adopted a concurrent resolution electing two members to the Board of Regents, with supporters praising the nominees’ experience and critics objecting to the limited vetting time; the resolution passed 42-15. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, February 26 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• You have to understand there was no EL programs in the 70s and the 80s.
• You have to understand there was no EL programs in the 70s and the 80s.
• You have to understand there was no EL programs in the 70s and the 80s.
• construction and veterans affairs<00:27:53.039><c> subcommittee.
• And at that time, it in the ROC program.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• elect elective courses and heavy civil construction.
• I'm a proud graduate of the University of Florida Law School and I bring that integrity that that school
• Barely graduating high school last generation and being able to get as George school last generation
• That's mandated by any kind of a combination of program to sell Florida dairy.
• They provided land to the cities of Aventura for schools and for an for housing.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> that</c><00:12:13.080><c> were</c> We have closed programs that were We have closed programs that
• ,</c> residency or fellowship program, residency or fellowship program, um<00:13:29.360><c> which</c>
• </c> cycle, as that's how long the programs cycle, as that's how long the programs are<00:13:50.760><
• . program. program.
• These were programs that were important programs that we had to make difficult decisions with the programs

Bills: HF4841 , HF4234 , HF3697

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: Hennepin County, sales tax, health care facilities, ballpark improvements, tax revenue, HF4234, Minnesota private activity bonds, tax-exempt bonds, bond cap, aggregate bond limitation, residential rental projects, multifamily housing, affordable housing finance, housing bonds, public finance, bond allocation, private activity bond cap, Minnesota Statutes 474A.02, tax committee, tax refund

Transcript Highlights:

• schools and authorizes that beginning in the 2027-28 school year, the program can be implemented by
• This pilot program began several years ago with about 20 schools participating.
• I am a product of the FFA program when I was in school.
• Once they're in that program, they are more likely to go to junior high and high school.
• program, they are more likely to go to junior high and high school and attend programs like 4-H and

Summary: The House met with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal by roll call vote, 102-1. Several members then used points of personal privilege and guest introductions to recognize Black History Month, a family member speaking about a long-unsolved murder case that had just led to an arrest, physical therapy advocates, school board members, disability-services advocates, and domestic violence and literacy groups. The chamber then took up House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2097 and 1905, a bill to expand an elementary agriculture education pilot program statewide beginning in the 2027-28 school year for districts that choose to participate. Supporters said it would help children learn where food comes from, connect to FFA, 4-H, literacy, math, and career awareness, and address declining interest in agriculture. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill was perfected and printed. The House also considered House Bill 2167, which would authorize the Attorney General’s office to commission certain investigators and, through amendments, also addressed House and Senate security officers and some other law-enforcement personnel. Debate centered on whether the bill improperly broadened arrest powers, whether the House security provisions were necessary or constitutional, and whether the amendments were germane; one amendment to the amendment failed 62-68-1, while another amendment passed 61-43. The bill was then perfected and printed as amended. Finally, the House took up House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2747 and 2047, described as a clean-slate/automatic expungement measure with a reduced fiscal note. An amendment was adopted to ensure expungements are shared with consumer reporting agencies, and members discussed the bill’s second-chance benefits and a provision changing Missouri’s death-penalty sentencing process so a judge would not impose death after a hung jury, leaving life or life without parole as the options. The committee substitute was adopted and perfected and printed as amended. The House then made announcements about upcoming agriculture and Black History events and recessed until 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Solar Garden Program. Solar Garden Program.
• Um the program nationleading uh program.
• . in this program.
• </c> revised community solar program. revised community solar program.
• </c> program in honor of Melissa Hortman. program in honor of Melissa Hortman.

Bills: HF3556

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: community solar, energy, solar power, renewable energy, Melissa Hortman, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The school schedule will maintain where it is right now.
• He died in an adult day program due to dereliction of duty.
• It provides relative to the state medical assistance program, to provide for provider claim payments,
• So that is the broad construct of the bill.
• So that is the broad construct of the bill.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Summary: The committee first heard opening remarks from LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein and CMS Medicaid Director Dan Brillman, who discussed ongoing federal-state collaboration and praised Louisiana’s work on Medicaid and health system reforms. The committee then took up House Bill 1214 by Chairman Miller, which would create an Office of State Healthcare Facilities within LDH to centralize oversight of five state-operated inpatient facilities. LDH said the bill would streamline administration, combine shared services, add no new FTEs, and improve care and outcomes for vulnerable residents. Members asked about capacity and waiting lists at the facilities, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee next considered House Bill 1041 by Representative Ghali, a medical-freedom bill aimed at prohibiting denial of access or discrimination based on “medical intervention status.” After amendments were adopted, the bill was narrowed to exclude K-12 schools, colleges, hospitals, health care facilities, and tuberculosis-related actions, while keeping existing school outbreak exclusion law in place. Supporters, including patients, nurses, physicians, and advocacy groups, testified that mandates during COVID caused coercion, job loss, and harm, and argued for bodily autonomy and informed consent. Opponents, including the Louisiana Hospital Association, American Lung Association, and Louisiana Families for Vaccines, said the amendments addressed some concerns but warned the bill could weaken outbreak protections for children; after debate, the committee reported the bill favorably with amendments. The committee then heard House Bill 414 by Representative Chenevere, which closes a loophole in background-check law by barring hiring of certain direct-care workers with substantially similar out-of-state convictions that would disqualify them in Louisiana. Amendments clarified the definition of covered workers, removed licensed ambulance personnel, and addressed documentation and third-party screening. The Attorney General’s office said the bill is intended to protect vulnerable Medicaid beneficiaries from people with serious criminal histories, and supporters from disability and EMS communities backed the measure. The bill was reported favorably with amendments. Finally, the committee began House Bill 786 by Representative Egan, which would prohibit managed care organizations from using extrapolation to determine provider audit overpayments or recoupments, requiring decisions to be based on actual claims. Members discussed a proposed amendment preserving the Department of Health and Department of Justice’s ability to use extrapolation in fraud investigations under existing law, but the transcript cuts off before final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And let's fund some block captain programs.
• One of the key facts programs that we did as block captains is we developed a group rebuild program.
• So anything like HMGP programs—hazard mitigation grant programs—where we can look at how we can prepare
• Early on, we had a presence at the assistance center.
• They do have inspection programs, but there are also now IBHS has this commercial program where you pay

Summary: The hearing focused on lessons from the 2017 Tubbs Fire and how Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, and local partners have changed wildfire prevention, recovery, and rebuilding practices since then. Assemblymembers emphasized that the region has become a model for the state, with a shift from suppression to prevention, and panelists described improvements in defensible space, home hardening, vegetation management, alerting, and community coordination. The discussion also highlighted the continuing importance of sharing Sonoma County’s experience with other wildfire-impacted communities across California and beyond. Fire officials and local leaders described specific prevention measures now in place, including Santa Rosa’s vegetation management ordinance, ignition-free/Zone Zero requirements in rebuilding, restrictions on certain mulches, removal of dead and dying trees near roads and defensible space zones, and expanded prescribed burning authority. They also stressed the importance of community organization through block captains, Firewise/COPE-style networks, and the Mark West Area Community Fund. Speakers said these networks helped residents navigate recovery, avoid fraud and bad contractors, coordinate with local agencies, and support neighbors, but they argued that such efforts need more formal structure and stable funding. Water and permitting officials discussed how the fires changed their work. Santa Rosa Water described new regional coordination, generator and backup power upgrades, emergency training, and lessons learned about wildfire-related contamination in water systems, including the need to restore pressure, flush, and test quickly after a fire. Permit Sonoma said rebuilding was balanced by streamlining permits while still requiring safer, more resilient construction, and noted that reduced fees and one-stop permitting helped speed recovery. United Policyholders described helping residents maximize insurance proceeds, organize information, and avoid scams, while warning that insurance availability and affordability remain major barriers and that insurers are increasingly rewarding risk-reduction measures. Across the panels, the main policy requests were for faster and more flexible grant processes, more stable long-term funding for prevention and community programs, stronger support for home hardening and defensible space, better training and tools for local governments and legislative staff, and continued attention to insurance and utility-related resilience. No formal votes or actions were taken in the transcript excerpt; the hearing was informational and ended with a transition toward public comment and further discussion of remaining statewide wildfire policy needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the summer, an internship program in the summer for high school students.
• What that requires Dow to do is a three-year program, and we pay for their school for them to get an
• in high school and start to mentor them to apply for the apprenticeship program, it wouldn't have happened
• My school board, someone with my school system, asked about this particular program, but in a broader
• So the persons who operate this bill, who operate this program in these schools, are bankers?

Committee: House Education

Summary: The House Education Committee met on March 18, 2026, with 11 members present and adopted prior meeting minutes without objection. The committee first heard HB 649 by Rep. Brass, which would create a statewide common application portal for dual enrollment. Supporters from the Pelican Institute and the Board of Regents said the bill would simplify enrollment, reduce paperwork for counselors and families, and improve awareness of dual enrollment options. Members asked about nonparticipation by institutions and access for nontraditional students; the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then took up HB 807 by Rep. Brass, which would establish the Workforce Instructor Capacity Investment Program within LCTCS to help recruit and retain instructors for high-demand workforce programs. Testimony from River Parishes Community College, Dow, and the Louisiana Chemical Association described instructor shortages as a bottleneck for training workers for major industrial projects, and said employer-sharing models and apprenticeships have been successful. An amendment expanded eligibility to include LSU Eunice and Southern University at Shreveport, and the committee adopted the amendments. After debate about whether the state needed a new fund versus using existing systems, the bill was reported favorably by a 13-1 roll call vote. Next, the committee heard HB 285 by Chairman Bacala, which authorizes school boards to cooperate with banks and credit unions to operate branches in high schools as part of financial literacy programs. Bacala said the bill clarifies statutory authority, and an amendment added banks to the original credit union language. Members discussed ethics, exclusivity, student access, and whether the branches could market products; supporters from LABI and financial industry groups said the programs improve hands-on financial education. The bill was reported with amendments without objection. The committee also considered HB 28 by Rep. Owen, which adds a BESE-level appeal for certain teacher certification applicants affected by administrative or contractor errors. Owen described a case in which applicants paid for certification programs but were denied because of a mentor-signature issue, and said the amendment would require BESE or its designee to act within 30 days. Department of Education staff said the Teacher Certification Appeals Council had already granted extensions rather than outright denials in the affected cases, but the committee advanced the bill after a 9-4 roll call vote. Finally, the committee began HB 268 by Rep. Carver, which would strengthen career exposure requirements for students by tying activities more closely to high-wage, high-demand jobs and adding an annual exposure requirement in K-5; testimony emphasized early workforce awareness, and discussion focused on keeping the requirements manageable for schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> roll out the program. Yes. roll out the program. Yes. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay.
• </c> some of these um similar type programs. some of these um similar type programs.
• </c><01:14:54.320><c> First</c><01:14:54.640><c> up,</c> schools and private schools.
• First up, schools and private schools.
• </c> development program manager, Todd Low. development program manager, Todd Low.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1790 HD1, which would require law enforcement and oversight agencies to collect and report data on stops, use of force, and complaints to the Hawaii Crime Lab, which would publish incident-level information and annual reports. Supporters, including the Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Justice Rising, and the Policing Project, said the bill would improve transparency, help identify disparities, and support better policy and accountability. OHA requested amendments to ensure Hawaiians are identified as a distinct category in the data, and the University of Hawaii’s Ashley Rubin said the Crime Lab would work with agencies to make implementation as seamless as possible. The Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill’s intent but asked for a longer timeline and culturally appropriate methodology, while HPD opposed the bill as written, saying it would require too many new data points, create a significant administrative burden, and rely on subjective perceptions of race and ethnicity; HPD also noted it is piloting an e-citation system that could help with data collection. Committee members questioned HPD about current manual processes and technology options. The chair reported 18 testimonies total: 15 in support, one in opposition, and two with comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1611 HD1, which would phase down the general excise tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs until a full exemption takes effect in 2034. The Department of Taxation offered technical recommendations, including clearer definitions for groceries and nonprescription drugs and a technical change regarding the county surcharge exemption. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, argued the GET on groceries is regressive and worsens food insecurity, especially for low-income households, and said the bill would provide needed relief. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical concerns, including a possible wholesale-tax enforcement issue once the exemption is fully phased in. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1611, with no final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're collaborating with the school nurses on a training program, and that should start going out
• But if you work while going to school and that program also requires you to have another job, that's
• The program includes a rural health technical assistance center to support implementation directly to
• The tribal program, training and technical assistance, program to fund all 61 local health jurisdictions
• CDPH is required to provide training and technical assistance to school food professionals and school

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , loan programs and stuff like that, but do we, and I know FSA had a program at one time, I don't know
• We have a program in family and community wellness, which includes our food and nutrition programs.
• We have a program in family and community wellness, which includes our food and nutrition programs, aging
• So for this new program, which is called the Water Resources Certificate Program, we developed that in
• We are also planning to develop a new certificate program similar to this undergraduate program, but

Summary: The meeting began with approval of the prior minutes and opening remarks from NDSU President David Stewart, who emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission of statewide service through teaching, research, and extension. He highlighted the university’s role in agriculture, water, soil health, and community outreach, and pointed to examples of research commercialization such as Lilac Agriculture’s work on nitrogen-fixing microbes for crops. He also said he is still early in his tenure and intends to spend time listening and learning across the state. The committee then received a detailed presentation on a state irrigation and drainage study from Tom Bodine on behalf of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. The study estimated that North Dakota could develop about 1.3 million additional irrigated acres, with major potential in counties such as McLean, Williams, Sargent, Burleigh, Mountrail, McKenzie, McIntosh, Dunn, and Bottineau. Testimony stressed the economic benefits of irrigation for crop yields, value-added processing, dairy, and potato production, while members also discussed water availability, aquifers, downstream water use, and the need for more flexible permitting. The drainage portion of the study found significant economic benefits from legal drains, and staff explained that the impacts were calculated through increased productivity and related input purchases. Greg Lardy then gave NDSU’s required agriculture update, saying agriculture accounts for more than $41 billion in annual economic activity, one in five jobs, and about 25 percent of state GDP. He reviewed the role of SBAR, the statewide research-extension network, new crop varieties, virtual fencing, AI and weather-network tools, and Extension’s county partnerships and youth programs. He also outlined NDSU’s priorities for the next session: restoring proposed budget cuts, increasing operating support, and addressing deferred maintenance. Members asked about storage shed construction, NDSU’s relationship with Grand Farm, and whether NDSU could help with water-related research tied to drainage and aquifers. The committee also heard from the North Dakota Water Resources Research Institute and a professor on water and data centers, who described graduate fellowships, a water workforce certificate program, and research on data center cooling, water use, and “Legendary Harvest” concepts that would reuse waste heat for greenhouse or aquaculture production. Questions focused on whether the cooling systems were closed-loop, who would own any related production facilities, and whether the project was still only a feasibility study. Finally, North Dakota AgTech described its NSF-funded “engine” project, saying it has brought millions in federal investment to the state, supported startups and on-farm trials, and is focused on commercialization, workforce development, and helping producers lower input costs and improve profitability.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's time we took action to assist our schools by putting these devices out of contact during school
• It's time we took action to assist our schools by 150%.
• It's time we took action to assist our schools to address these items, Madam President, by putting these
• devices out of contact with during school hours.
• They do the abandoned mines program. They are in charge of our coal mine reclamation program.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, pledge, roll call, and a quorum present, then approved a motion to lay over House Bill 1525 for one legislative day. It also voted not to concur with House amendments on Senate Bills 2294, 2297, 2070, 4017, and 2262, appointing conference committees for each. The chamber then took up a series of House bill amendments and final-passage votes. On amendments, the Senate adopted changes to House Bill 1229 on fleeing law enforcement and driving-record transparency after debate over insurance impacts and public safety; House Bill 1510 on teacher retention, on-site child care, and licensure study language; House Bill 1160 to restrict student personal electronic devices during instructional time; House Bill 1429 to address drone harassment and stalking of animals; House Bill 1203 to harmonize medical marijuana provisions; House Bill 1600 to create a UND immigration clinic with reporting requirements; House Bill 1130 to broaden K-12 funding formula changes and reduce state fiscal impact; House Bill 1279 to modify the coal conversion tax exemption; House Bill 1442 to adjust membership and scope of a state task force; and House Bill 1464 to convert a maternal care services proposal into a study and remove the appropriation. The Senate rejected an amendment to House Bill 1022 concerning the Retirement and Investment Office bonus program, then passed the bill. It also passed House Bill 1234 on a $90 million transfer to reduce PERS liability, while rejecting a floor amendment to it. On final passage, the Senate passed House Bills 1008 (Public Service Commission budget), 1218 (temporary moratorium and study on economic analysis for drain projects), 1234 (PERS funding transfer), 1146 (PERS defined contribution cleanup and emergency clause), 1355 (expanded notice for administrative rulemaking), 1470 (Game and Fish fee changes and guide/outfitter updates), 1029 (Capital Grounds Planning Commission duties), 1017 (Game and Fish budget), 1374 (township supervisor open-meeting exemption for on-site inspections), and 1064 (NC-SARA membership and distance education regulation). It defeated House Bill 1583 on false political advertisements with civil-action language and House Bill 1393 on earned wage access provider regulation. The transcript ends as the Senate begins consideration of House Bill 1326 on self-defense and unlawful firearm possession by felons.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:15.280><c> or</c><00:02:15.599><c> information,</c> assistance or information, assistance or information
• </c> is that this was a new software program is that this was a new software program and<00:03:19.040
• education. have entered the Wyoming program. 284 have entered the Wyoming program. 284 have<00:22:51.200
• </c> round out their four-year medical school round out their four-year medical school education.<00:
• Swift Creek High School, which is our alternative school there, provides all kinds of opportunities,

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the role of school librarians in Massachusetts public schools.
• My school district does have this policy. It was enacted in 2019 by our school.
• So we have some schools. You might have a school that's K through 8 all in one school.
• So we have some schools.
• You might, you could have a school that's K through eight all in one school.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on several bills related to access to library materials, including measures addressing book bans and censorship in public and school libraries, as well as legislation on digital library collections and e-book licensing. Committee leaders said testimony would be limited to three minutes and encouraged written submissions. Early testimony from Chair Brian Murray highlighted H. 3595, which would address challenges facing public libraries and digital resource collections by limiting restrictive publisher-library contract terms, protecting patron confidentiality, and creating a special legislative commission to study the issue. A large number of legislators, librarians, authors, students, publishers, and advocacy groups testified in support of the free expression bills, including H. 3594 and S. 2328, arguing that book challenges in Massachusetts disproportionately target LGBTQ+ and BIPOC titles and that librarians and educators need protection from retaliation and harassment. Witnesses described local incidents of book removals, threats, and pressure campaigns, and several said the bills would create transparent challenge procedures, keep materials available during reviews, and ensure decisions are made by trained professionals rather than political actors. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s office also submitted support, and multiple speakers cited national trends and Massachusetts-specific censorship attempts. Testimony on the digital access bills emphasized that e-books and audiobooks are essential for readers with disabilities, homebound patrons, students, and others who rely on accessible formats, but that current licensing terms are far more expensive and restrictive than print purchasing. Library representatives said libraries spend millions on digital content, face long wait times for popular titles, and often must repeatedly re-rent the same materials. Legal and library experts supported the proposed commission as a practical step toward fairer licensing and stronger bargaining power for libraries. The hearing ended after extensive testimony; no votes or final committee action were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section two, statewide rental assistance program, lines 1.2 to 1.22, modifies the Bring It Home... statewide
• rental assistance program to allow the agency to distribute funds by formula to program administrators
• Okay, section 3, we're on the challenge program. Lines 2.19 to 2.21.
• This grant program allows... for schools to take on building a home with support from the students.
• unit, or charter school to be eligible for grants up to $100,000 from this challenge program.

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy