Transcript Highlights:

• There is significant precedent in our state for this type of request.
• And that is what those appropriations are for.
• The significance of this legislation cannot be overstated.
• The legislation also conflicts...
• There are significant issues with the legislation.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Labor

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> on a random Thursday at the legislative on a random Thursday at the legislative session?
• There is a separate appropriation request for funding it.
• There is a separate<00:31:35.440><c> appropriation</c><00:31:36.240><c> request</c><00:31:36.640><c>
• for</c> separate appropriation request for separate appropriation request for funding<00:31:37.279><c
• . appropriations. appropriations.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As legislators negotiated a response in 2020 consistent with our state constitution, we knew a vital
• As legislators negotiated a response in 2020 consistent with our state constitution, we knew a vital
• as legislators negotiated a response<00:07:45.720><c> in</c><00:07:45.919><c> 2020</c><00:07:46.720>
• through the post board for appropriation through the post board for this<00:13:25.079><c> purpose</c
• They can communicate with the representatives of the POST Board, and with that I request a yes vote.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 1257, which would eliminate the Public Safety Advisory Committee to the POST Board, was the final bill heard. The bill’s sponsor argued the committee was created in 2020 in response to post-Floyd criminal justice reforms but had since become obsolete because local agencies and communities had created their own oversight bodies and the main POST Board still includes citizen members and public participation. The sponsor said the advisory committee had run out of issues to address and was effectively meeting just to justify its existence. Former Representative Carlos Mariani testified in opposition, saying the committee was a bipartisan part of the 2020 Minnesota Police Accountability Act and was intended to preserve citizen involvement in policing policy and protect civil and human rights after George Floyd’s murder. He argued that eliminating it would weaken a state-level structure created to rebuild public trust and ensure consistent oversight, while still allowing local efforts to continue. Another member asked about compensation and noted the committee has a $20,000 ongoing appropriation through the POST Board; the sponsor clarified members are not individually compensated beyond per diem and travel. After discussion, the sponsor renewed the motion to recommend re-referral to the General Register. The committee voted, and the motion carried, sending House File 1257 to the General Register.

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to serve everyone, we've requested people share any accommodations they may need.
• There are no legislators, I don't think. But do we have any signed up?
• This legislation impacts a small number of districts across the Commonwealth.
• Good afternoon, legislators, educators, and community members. My name is Diana Noble.
• Importantly, this bill does not remove appropriate school oversight or operational authority.

Bills: H4867 , H4927

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Keywords: school choice, education policy, educational funding, public schools, student enrollment, applied behavior analysis, autism, education, special needs, school access, therapeutic interventions, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> appropriate time. appropriate time. &gt;&gt; Thank<01:17:25.520><c> you.
• </c> hit a certain appropriations committee. hit a certain appropriations committee.
• </c> We're not doing thoughtful legislation. We're not doing thoughtful legislation.
• </c> account, providing an appropriation account, providing an appropriation requiring<02:46:26.240><
• </c> in legislation? in legislation?

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They did not appropriate it.
• We had repurposed those unused prior appropriations to fund a portion of that request for replacement
• We had repurposed those unused prior appropriations to fund a portion of that request for replacement
• to fund a portion of that appropriations to fund a portion of that request<01:31:27.679><c> for</c><
• Um that overall<01:32:51.840><c> request</c><01:32:52.480><c> was</c> overall request was overall request

Committee: Senate Capital Budget

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ITD is appropriated 1,645 employees. We're implementers.
• We're met with, again, more requests, community requests for responding to their growing needs.
• ITD is appropriated funds for federal funds and state funds, two sources.
• You'll see in the line item a request for replacement of 44 snowplows.
• You'll see in the line item a request for replacement of 44 snowplows.

Summary: The committee first approved the January 20 minutes without objection. It then received a lengthy update from Idaho Transportation Department Director Scott Stokes, who described ITD’s responsibilities, staffing, budget sources, major highway and bridge projects, winter maintenance, DMV and aeronautics services, and the department’s safety and innovation efforts. He emphasized the department’s focus on operating, preserving, restoring, and expanding the transportation system, and answered questions about funding growth, freeway and work-zone safety, emergency repairs, and workforce needs. Members then considered several RS drafts for introduction. RS 32984 would eliminate the requirement to display vehicle registration stickers, with the sponsor citing reduced cost and redundancy; it was introduced. RS 32869 would allow parents to teach driver’s education even in urban districts, restoring flexibility after prior changes; it was introduced after discussion about safety and possible fiscal effects tied to Idaho Digital Learning Alliance enrollment costs. RS 32834 would consolidate proof-of-identity and DMV registration processes for out-of-state customers; it was introduced. The committee also heard RS 32841 C1, a cleanup bill to streamline distribution of vehicle registration fees and taxes and to raise the annual transfer for local bridge inspections from $175,000 to $300,000 to help draw down federal matching funds. After questions about the funding flow and match requirements, the committee voted to introduce the measure. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Legislation creating this license went into effect in June 2024.
• And so, yeah, and we just have a small technical amendment request that we have requested as well.
• That is why we're pursuing this legislation and asking for your support.
• A carrier may request a waiver of the criteria.
• Vandana Slatter, State Senator, 48th Legislative District.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several health-related bills. SB 5904 would restrict nursing titles such as RN, NP/ARNP, and LPN to licensed human people and prohibit non-human entities, including AI chatbots, from using those titles. The sponsor and nursing advocates said the bill is meant to prevent confusion and protect public trust, while preserving the use of AI as a support tool. SB 5877 would add a $70 surcharge for certified anesthesiologist assistants so they can participate in the Washington Physicians Health Program and access HealWA resources; supporters said it closes a technical gap and aligns CAAs with other medical professions. SB 5185 would create a pilot pathway for certain international medical graduates with clinical experience licenses to obtain full primary care licensure; supporters from the medical commission, physicians, and IMG advocates said the program has worked well, has shown no patient safety issues, and could help address workforce shortages. The committee also heard extensive testimony on ESSB 6210, which would let the Health Benefit Exchange adopt additional market-factor certification criteria for exchange plans, including standards aimed at preserving access and affordability in underserved counties. Supporters, including the exchange, OIC, consumer advocates, tribal representatives, and patient groups, said the bill is needed to respond to federal policy changes, rising premiums, and disappearing coverage in places like San Juan County. Opponents from carriers and employer groups argued the timeline is too fast, the criteria are too discretionary, and the bill could reduce competition and raise costs. The committee then heard SB 5981, which would strengthen protections and reporting requirements for the federal 340B drug pricing program and limit manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies and data requests. Hospitals, clinics, and patient advocates said the bill protects safety-net care and rural access, while manufacturers, employers, and business groups argued it would expand a program that already raises costs and lacks transparency. In executive session, the committee took action on SB 5917, related to Department of Corrections distribution of abortion medications, rejecting five proposed amendments and then advancing the bill on a 10-6 vote with three excused. The committee also advanced SB 5988, which concerns Department of Health opioid treatment program accrediting activities, on a do-pass recommendation after brief discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the appropriate time, I would move favorably.
• They're requesting that information directly from the clerk.
• They're requesting that information directly from the clerks.
• I think it may be appropriate if we file an HR or HCR that would urge and request the Federal Bureau
• I think it may be appropriate if we file an HR or HCR that would urge and request the Federal Bureau

Bills: HB63 , HB91 , HB98 , HB108 , HB131 , HB151 , HB161 , HB294 , HB305 , HB310 , HB320 , HB336 , HB622 , HB789 , HB1040

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Keywords: HB63, Louisiana bail, bail bond, surety, failure to appear, FTA, bench warrant, NCIC, National Crime Information Center, criminal procedure, Article 331, defendant registry, surrender of defendant, rule to show cause, law enforcement records, pretrial release, bond forfeiture, disclosure, criminal records, witness protection

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> importantly, it upholds the legislative importantly, it upholds the legislative intent<00:03:44.160
• </c> didn't know what to do with his request. didn't know what to do with his request.
• </c> have is do we really need legislation? have is do we really need legislation?
• ><c> eliminate</c> This this legislation would eliminate This this legislation would eliminate the<00
• c> to</c><01:34:13.760><c> prioritize</c> legislative body's ability to prioritize legislative body's

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Nothing in our legislation changes the mechanics of...
• Nothing in our legislation changes the mechanics of current operating.
• We as legislators... thank you.
• I love that type of legislation and would love to sign on with you.
• “AB 1116 is a model for what pro-democracy legislation looks like.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of elections-related bills. It first approved three consent items: AB 808, AB 1029, and AB 1072. The committee then took up AB 1249, which would require non-Voter’s Choice Act counties to offer at least one Saturday early-voting location before statewide elections and allow in-person return of vote-by-mail ballots at designated county offices or satellite locations. Supporters said it would expand access for working voters and those with transportation barriers; some members raised concerns about ballot verification and added workload for rural counties. The bill passed the committee on a divided vote and was placed on call for absent members. The committee next considered AB 25, a voter ID and election integrity measure that would require citizenship verification, government ID for voting, tighter voter-roll audits, and a 72-hour ballot-counting deadline. The author and supporters argued it would restore public trust and improve election integrity, while opponents from the League of Women Voters, ACLU California Action, labor groups, disability advocates, and others said it would restrict access, burden vulnerable voters, and amount to voter suppression. After extensive debate, the committee voted the bill out on a narrow split and kept it on call. Members also approved AB 1164, which clarifies when voters are entitled to a replacement ballot and updates the Voter Bill of Rights language; AB 1441, which would create an independent citizens redistricting commission in Merced County despite opposition from the county board over cost and local control; and AB 16, which would clarify county election officials’ authority to begin processing vote-by-mail ballots earlier and clean up outdated code. The committee also heard AB 1411, which would require non-VCA counties to prepare voter education and outreach plans and use a Secretary of State template, with the sponsor saying it would improve voter information statewide.

Transcript Highlights:

• IT, Record and Information Division, Legislative Service Bureau, and photographers.
• This bill is a request from the Department of Human Services.
• I yield for questions and move advancement at the appropriate time.
• With that, I move for advancement at the appropriate time and yield for questions.
• President, I had a request from the author to lay over Senate Bill 1555.

Bills: SB2102 , SB1940 , SB1625 , SB1442 , SB1623 , SB1242 , SB1949 , SB1592 , SB1913 , SB592 , SB992 , SB1241 , SB259 , SB1928 , SB1426 , SB1531 , SB1561 , SB1122

Keywords: credit card fees, merchant discounts, payment card network, interchange fees, transparency in fees, Oklahoma law, payment card, rebate, merchant, tax compliance, health insurance, mandate, impact analysis, insurance department, public health, access to healthcare, SB1442, alcoholic beverage control, ABLE Commission, liquor license fees

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, roll call, and several floor and gallery introductions recognizing the Doctor of the Day, Nurse of the Day, Mid-America Christian University, the Oklahoma Truckers Association, Leadership Wagoner County, the Broken Arrow Chamber, and an intern. The chamber then took up several bills in general order. Senate Bill 1426, requested by the Department of Human Services, would limit referrals to district attorneys to substantiated findings of abuse of vulnerable adults; it passed unanimously, 44-0. Senate Bill 1531 was presented as a placeholder vehicle for possible future FAA action on drones and unmanned aircraft, with questions focused on why the bill was being kept open and what language might later be added. It passed 33-12. Senate Bill 1561 would allow EMTs to be subject to progressive discipline for drug or other violations instead of automatic license revocation; it passed 46-0. The most extensive debate centered on Senate Bill 1122, which lowers the ad valorem assessment rate for broadband providers from 22.85% to 15% and was described by supporters as a way to create parity, encourage broadband expansion, and keep providers investing in rural Oklahoma. Opponents argued it would give a tax break to large legacy broadband companies, reduce county revenue by an estimated $20 million, and do little for homeowners, farmers, or other taxpayers facing property tax pressure. After extended questioning and debate, the bill passed 28-19. The Senate also laid over SB 1555, heard announcements, and adjourned until Monday, March 9 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Appropriated for dementia grants.
• And data sharing, governor's request.
• And some of the 2024 legislation, the meter records.
• This is specific areas where there are specific legislation that we have put in the system.
• I spoke with you on March 18th about our request for some additional funding.

Bills: HF2434

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: healthcare, personal care assistance, worker retention, disability services, state funding

Transcript Highlights:

• We are very concerned that while that was one of the primary requests at the outset of the process of
• Both these provisions in the current legislation.
• And so those are the three areas we would like to see included in this legislation.
• And so those are the three areas we would like to see included in this legislation.
• Is the proposed legislation adequate, or do you think you can deal with the other proposed Legislation

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Aging and Independence

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Aging and Independence held a hearing on two assisted living bills, Senate 3057 and House 5376, which would create an Assisted Living Residence Trust Fund to support certification staffing, compliance reviews, complaint investigations, ombudsman services, public reporting, appeals, and oversight. Testimony from MassALA, AARP, and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman generally supported the bills and the dedicated funding stream, but MassALA urged amendments to expand career pathways for staff through certified medication aides and to add guardrails on the use of fines as a funding source. The Ombudsman supported the fund and emphasized the need for additional staffing to better serve the state’s assisted living residents. Committee members asked for draft amendment language, and the chairs indicated they were open to further discussion, especially on fines and CMA language. The committee then heard testimony on Senate 3056 and House 5243 regarding medication administration in rest homes. Providers, including the Massachusetts Association of Residential Care Homes, LeadingAge Massachusetts, and several rest home operators, opposed proposed Department of Public Health changes that would eliminate the long-standing “responsible person” model and move rest homes toward the Medication Administration Program (MAP). Witnesses said the current model has been used for decades, is tailored to rest homes, and is essential to affordability, staffing stability, and resident continuity of care; they warned that replacing it with MAP or nurse-only administration would raise costs, worsen workforce shortages, and could force closures or resident displacement. They asked the committee to support legislation preserving responsible persons’ authority to administer medications while improving training and oversight. Committee members asked questions about the history of the responsible person model, how medication administration works day to day, whether other states use similar systems, and whether data exist comparing medication error rates under MAP and the current model. The chairs said they were still reviewing building-code-related recommendations raised in the assisted living discussion and noted that some issues might be better addressed through a task force. The hearing concluded after testimony and questions, and the committee voted to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• So as Braden already spoke to, these two pieces of legislation work together.
• So as Braden already spoke to, these two pieces of legislation work together.
• Thank you, legislators, for your support of this program.
• Fiscal year 2026 supplemental request, line item 4.13 in our budget: the Commission is requesting to
• In addition to creating the fund, the enhancement requests a $12,900 T&B appropriation to address an

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The House Agricultural Affairs Committee began by approving the minutes from February 12, 2026, and then briefly recognized Idaho FFA state officers and Hadley Brown, a Homedale student who had won the national FFA creed speaking contest. The officers described FFA’s classroom, leadership, and supervised agricultural experience model, their statewide leadership events, community service hours, and the value of agricultural education. Brown then recited the FFA Creed and discussed the competition process from chapter to national level, drawing praise from committee members. The committee then heard House Bill 503, which would place the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission within the Idaho Department of Water Resources. Representative Dustin Manwaring said the bill was intended to improve administrative efficiency, reduce duplication, and save about $107,000 while preserving the commission’s non-regulatory, locally led mission. Testimony from the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation and the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts said they had initially had concerns but were now neutral or supportive because Senate Concurrent Resolution 115 would reaffirm the commission’s independence and voluntary conservation role. Director Matt Weaver said the process had been credible and that the merger could work if statutory duties and resources were preserved. The committee voted to send HB 503 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 115, introduced by Representative Steve Miller, who spoke about his long background in agriculture and conservation districts and argued that local control and independence were essential. Members emphasized that the resolution should accompany HB 503 to protect the commission’s mission. The committee voted to send SCR 115 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. Finally, committee members received a report from the Soil and Water Conservation Commission and the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts on district services, conservation programs, and budget needs, including CREP, WACPA, and local project funding. The Idaho Wheat Commission also presented its annual update on grower-funded research, market development, education, export activity, and challenges facing wheat producers, including low prices, high input costs, misinformation about wheat, and farmer mental health. The meeting adjourned after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• As legislators, you can regressive.
• Um, and so with that, I'd like to request a roll call, Madam Chair. Chair Cosnik.
• And the way the bill is written, it requests up to $15 million to fix the bridge.
• So, I request a no vote. change. So, I request a no vote.
• But that's how the new reality is of this year's legislation.

Bills: HF2438

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• So trying to figure out, okay, in the end, from a legislative standpoint or from appropriation standpoint
• So, Chair Sickler and committee members, this chart shows you the general fund legislative appropriations
• In addition, and not identified on this page, the Legislative Assembly in 2023 appropriated $33 million
• And then our baseline budgets and any request that we would make through the Legislative Assembly, again
• And then our baseline budgets and any request that we would make through the Legislative Assembly, again

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first reviewed the 2024-25 tuition waiver report for the North Dakota University System. Staff explained that waivers were reported for degree-seeking students and broken out by residency, institution, and waiver type. Members asked about partial versus full waivers, institutional discretion, athletic waivers, and whether campuses have published guardrails or transparency requirements. Staff said most waivers are set by institutions, with some statutory and board-required categories, and that athletic waivers are a small share of total waiver dollars. The report showed total gross tuition of $354.5 million, tuition waived of $38.9 million, and 11,193 of 42,040 students receiving some waiver. Members also discussed how waivers affect net tuition revenue, housing and food collections, and whether campuses are using waivers strategically compared with scholarships and other funding sources. The committee then heard a presentation on tuition rates by campus and State Board policy. Staff explained the board’s tuition factors for resident, Minnesota reciprocity, contiguous-state/U.S. nonresident, and international students, and noted that campuses often seek exceptions based on program-specific competition and enrollment goals. Members asked whether rates are based on cost or competition, and staff said campuses typically bring forward estimates and market comparisons when requesting special rates. The presentation also reviewed general fund appropriations versus net tuition revenue by campus, and members discussed how local tuition decisions and waivers do not directly affect the state funding formula, though they do affect institutional revenue and reserves. Questions were also raised about the Higher Learning Commission’s financial composite indicator and how it differs from the more intuitive reserve and revenue figures. The committee next received a broad overview of non-higher-education entities affiliated with the State Board of Higher Education, beginning with NDSU agriculture-related units. Dr. Greg Lardy described the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education, the NDSU Extension Service, the Agricultural Experiment Station, and the branch research centers, emphasizing their statewide role in crop and livestock research, extension education, and county-based outreach. He outlined funding mixes for extension, the experiment station, and branch stations, noting that grants and contracts support both research and education, while the agronomy seed farm is self-funded through seed sales. Members asked about the new and vacant FTE pool, R1 research status, matching requirements for grants, and whether state appropriations count toward research expenditures. Dr. Lardy also highlighted major research impacts, including crop varieties, virtual fencing, AI-assisted weed control, and NDAWN weather data. The Northern Crops Institute and the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute also presented. NCI described its role in market development, technical services, and education for regional agriculture, its governance through the Northern Crops Council, and its funding from state appropriations, other states, and earned revenue. Members asked about the source of out-of-state funding, intellectual property, and the institute’s international reach. UGPTI then outlined its transportation research, federal and state funding structure, and work on road and bridge condition assessments, travel demand modeling, and workforce training. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reminder: MVD is here again in the House Lounge today to assist legislators.
• In terms of events, the Carlsbad Artesia Chamber of Commerce, Eddy County legislative reception is this
• The materials were very appropriate, and the students were just wonderful.
• President, unanimous consent, we go to that order of business: introduction of legislation.
• President, in a minute, we go to that order of business: introduction of legislation.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of any proposed legislation.
• </c><03:48:37.439><c> a</c> signitories of this memorandum request a signitories of this memorandum request
• We did remove Section 3 requesting the appropriation necessary for the fiscal year 2025-26 and the fiscal
• <03:49:40.160><c> the</c> remove section three requesting the remove section three requesting the appropriation
• :49:57.120><c> since</c> appropriation no longer required since appropriation no longer required since

Keywords: Conference Notices: AGR 2:30 PM:, 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I would ask that the appropriate number of copies be made for the Legislative Ethics Board to have
• the legislator to push or advance the employer's legislative agenda or to oppose legislation disfavored
• In addition, I would also request that the Legislative Ethics Board not have any conversations regarding
• In the meantime, I would please request that the Legislative Ethics Board members please not talk amongst
• As a legislator. As a legislator.

Summary: The hearing opened in a Washington State Office of Administrative Hearings matter involving Legislative Ethics Board complaint 2025-5 against Representative Tara Simmons. The ALJ outlined the process, the issues on appeal, and the burden of proof, which centered on whether Simmons violated the Ethics Act by using her legislative position for others’ benefit and by holding outside employment that conflicted with her duties, and what sanction would be appropriate. Several exhibits were admitted by stipulation or without objection, while Exhibit 2 was initially held for later ruling but was ultimately admitted after testimony from the witness who prepared it. The board also granted a motion to sequester witnesses and took under advisement a motion to exclude three defense witnesses until after the staff case-in-chief. In opening statements, board staff alleged Simmons violated RCW 42.52.020 and RCW 42.52.070 by sponsoring a proviso that benefited her outside employer, Equity and Education Coalition (EEC), by using campaign surplus funds to help hire a friend, by intervening in a dispute over the proviso-funded work, and by sending text messages to influence others. Staff said it would seek penalties of up to $5,000 per violation plus costs. Defense counsel argued the allegations were technical ethics issues, denied Simmons profited personally, and contended the proviso funding her employer was permitted under prior board guidance; counsel also argued the campaign donation and later contract dispute were lawful and context-dependent. The first witness, Kimberly Gordon of American Equity and Justice Group (AEJG), testified that AEJG received state proviso funding and donations from Simmons, including $10,000 and later $40,000, which Gordon said were intended to fund the hiring of Antoine Coleman, Simmons’s romantic partner. Gordon said AEJG returned the donations and terminated Coleman after learning of the relationship and potential conflict of interest. She also testified about a later 2024 proviso involving EEC, a subcontract between AEJG and EEC, and a dispute over EEC’s performance under that subcontract. Gordon said AEJG raised concerns with the Administrative Office of the Courts, met with contract manager Chris Stanley, and ultimately rewrote the subcontract after Stanley, allegedly after speaking with Simmons, directed them to do so. The hearing then recessed for lunch, and cross-examination of Gordon was set to continue afterward.