Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed?
• Any more discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed?
• Committee, any further discussion?
• I am, of course, here to discuss House Bill 563, but just one small section of it.
• I'm, of course, here to discuss House Bill 563, but just one small section of it.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, here's the first discussion about the general fund for 2024.
• So, that closes the discussion on the FY26 budget.
• So that closes the discussion on the FY26 direct budget.
• That's been an ongoing discussion.
• present at least the starting point for those discussions.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion on those minutes? 2026. Any discussion on those minutes?
• </c> that discussion going into the future. that discussion going into the future.
• Discussion.
• &gt;&gt; Further<01:16:21.480><c> discussion.</c> &gt;&gt; Further discussion.
• &gt;&gt; Further<01:16:24.480><c> discussion.</c> &gt;&gt; Further discussion.

Bills: HF3919, HF1335, HF3864, HF3916, HF3728

Keywords: veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, electronic license, driver's license, digital credential, transportation, data privacy, authentication, license plates, vehicle registration, validation stickers, Minnesota statutes, transportation policy, aeronautics, transponder, aircraft safety

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we're going to have further discussions and open remarks, committee discussions later.
• discussions and open remarks and committee discussions later.
• Some things we wouldn't even discuss in this room.
• And I think that's just all part of the discussion.
• Any further discussion?

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have not really stepped into that discussion.
• Great discussion. Thank you.
• If you, feel free to keep discussing some of these issues.
• Any more discussion? Do we miss anything? Probably.
• Oh, back, yeah, let's discuss this just a little bit.

Summary: The committee met to approve prior minutes and then heard a presentation from Dr. Ramona Danielson on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), focusing on the economic and public-system impacts in North Dakota. She explained that ACEs are a population-level measure, not a diagnostic tool for individuals, and said higher ACE exposure is consistently associated with more chronic illness, mental health challenges, child welfare involvement, justice-system contact, and reduced workforce participation. She emphasized that precise dollar estimates are difficult because of the many interacting factors across a person’s life course, but said the direction of the impact is clear and that evidence-based prevention and protective factors can reduce harm. Members asked about definitions of a “healthy family,” same-sex couples, divorce, substance abuse, historical trends in ACEs, and the role of positive childhood experiences and home visiting. The committee then heard from Allison Mahoney and Missy Barranco about evidence-based home visiting programs in North Dakota, including Healthy Families, Early Head Start, Nurse-Family Partnership, and Parents as Teachers. They described home visiting as voluntary, relationship-based, and tailored to family needs, with referrals coming from hospitals, WIC, human service zones, pregnancy navigators, self-referrals, and other community sources. A parent, Abby, shared that home visiting helped her family after premature births and NICU stays by providing support with postpartum mental health, breastfeeding, developmental screenings, referrals, and parenting guidance. The presenters said the programs are funded through a mix of federal MIECHV/Title IV-E dollars, Medicaid targeted case management, state and tribal funds, philanthropy, charitable gaming, and grants, and they noted that current funding is fragmented and insufficient to serve all eligible families statewide. Members discussed whether the state should expand or better fund these services and how to improve outreach and referrals. Later, the committee received a memorandum on artificial intelligence and sexual exploitation, followed by a presentation from a BCI special agent on how AI is already affecting child exploitation investigations in North Dakota. The memo and testimony described AI-generated child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, sextortion, and risks posed by chatbots, along with relevant federal and state law and recent executive orders. The agent said North Dakota saw 2,698 cyber tips in 2025, the highest on record, and that investigators are increasingly encountering AI-assisted exploitation that is harder to detect and verify. Members discussed the need for child-safety protections, the limits of executive orders, and broader concerns about AI undermining critical thinking and spreading misinformation. No votes were taken on the AI materials during the portion provided, and the committee recessed briefly after the report.

Transcript Highlights:

• To the underlying amendment, discussion.
• Further<01:09:18.600><c> discussion.</c> Further discussion. Further discussion.
• </c> discussion to the bill at hand. discussion to the bill at hand.
• </c> reminder to the body, we are discussing reminder to the body, we are discussing the<01:21:26.160
• Any further discussion to the bill?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion? Chair recognizes a gentleman from Fayette for discussion of the matter.
• </c> >> Chair recognizes the lady from Jefferson 34 for discussion of the matter.
• Chair recognizes the gentleman from Jefferson 33 for discussion of the matter.
• discussion of the matter.
• </c> 43 for discussion in the matter. 43 for discussion in the matter.

Keywords: The live stream for the House Chambers was interrupted and this version was recovered from backups and should contain the complete Legislative Session. Convene 00:00:00 Senate Message 00:04:40 Calendar/2nd Readings 00:05:38 Orders of the Day 00:06:14 HB 312 00:06:42 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 01:11:07 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 01:13:24 Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 01:14:30 ConC/Rules Report 01:19:42 Adjournment 01:21:18, 958, all

Summary: The House convened, received the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 89 members present, excused absent members, and suspended rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The chamber approved the prior day’s journal and received notice that the Senate had passed SB 13, 22, 46, 51, and 90 and requested concurrence. On second reading, HB 134 (sexual assault nurse examiners), HB 168 with HCS 1 (voting under the influence), and HR 7 (recognizing guiding principles of elections in Kentucky) were reported. The House also recommitted HB 258 to the Transportation Committee and took up HB 312 for third reading and passage. HB 312, relating to concealed firearms and deadly weapons, drew the bulk of the debate. The sponsor argued the bill would allow law-abiding 18- to 20-year-olds to obtain a provisional concealed carry license, saying they are adults in other respects, the Second Amendment protects their right to bear arms, and Kentucky should align with other states. Supporters framed the measure as a constitutional rights issue and cited defensive gun use statistics, while one member argued the root problem is family upbringing rather than guns. Opponents said the bill would increase risks in schools and public spaces, pointed to concerns from school district police and SROs, and cited research linking younger age groups and loosened carry laws to higher firearm violence; they also argued the bill would make communities less safe and that no one’s rights would be taken away by voting no. The sponsor said no stakeholder had expressed opposition and clarified the bill would not change where firearms are permitted. The transcript provided does not include the final vote on HB 312.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Is there any further discussion? Is there any further discussion?
• Further<03:55:21.520><c> discussion.</c><03:55:22.399><c> Representative</c> Further discussion.
• Is there any further discussion?
• Is there any further discussion?
• </c> &gt;&gt; Is there any further discussion? &gt;&gt; Is there any further discussion?

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> issues that are that are um discussed. issues that are that are um discussed.
• Any discussion? Questions? Okay, Chair votes aye.
• Further discussion?
• Further discussion?
• Chair<00:33:55.520><c> Any</c><00:33:55.640><c> discussion?</c> Chair Any discussion?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing heard and acted on three measures related to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) and affordable housing policy. First, it considered GM 681, the nomination of Garth Yamanaka to the HHFDC Board of Directors. Yamanaka testified that he supports using all available tools to increase housing production, including open space and park dedication where feasible, more revenue-neutral and workforce housing, and a broad mix of housing types. Senators questioned him on priorities such as perpetual affordability, state- and county-owned projects, and whether HHFDC should focus more on revenue-neutral housing; he generally supported greater flexibility and more options, while emphasizing the need to consider feasibility and local market needs. The committee recommended GM 681 for advise and consent and adopted that recommendation unanimously, with Senator Fevella excused. The committee then heard GM 764, the nomination of Susan Coons to the HHFDC Board. Coons said she supports prioritizing state and government lands for affordable housing but stressed that the government cannot solve the housing shortage alone and should continue to engage private and nonprofit partners. In response to questions, she said HHFDC should give greater priority to perpetual affordability and could potentially devote more resources to revenue-neutral, income-blind housing, but she cautioned against blanket policies and said decisions should be guided by data, community needs, and project readiness. She also supported the idea of a 100,000-unit housing plan and said HHFDC should focus on more specific policies and projects. The committee recommended GM 764 for advise and consent and adopted the recommendation. Finally, the committee considered HCR 83, which supports using the dwelling unit revolving fund for pre-development costs through interim loans for government affordable housing projects. HHFDC testified in support and explained that it already has authority to make pre-development loans, but the resolution would provide policy support and comfort to the board. Members asked about loan security and default; HHFDC said such loans would typically be secured by land collateral and that it would not expect to forgive the loans. The committee agreed to pass the resolution with amendments, including adding committee report language about default and collateral and noting HHFDC’s existing authority. In a joint portion with the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, the committees also took up HCR 98 HD1 and recommended it pass with amendments to clarify that the countywide housing pattern book applies only to the City and County of Honolulu and involves collaboration between Honolulu housing and planning agencies. All recommendations were adopted, and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We discussed one.
• It was brought up during discussion before that we're moving too fast.
• It was brought up during discussion before that we're moving too fast.
• All right, further discussion? Seeing none...
• There was time to discuss that. You've rejected our attempts to do that.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've discussed a lot with the cops.
• Other discussion, Senator? Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Discussion on the motion. Second. Okay, Senator Lenny. Discussion on the motion? All right.
• Any discussion, further discussion on the motion?
• Any other discussion?

Summary: The committee first approved the February 16, 2026 minutes and then voted to send two gubernatorial appointments to the floor with recommendations for confirmation: Terry Kirkham to the Commission of Pardons and Parole and Paula Garay to the Sex Offender Management Board. Brian Marks appeared for reappointment to the Sex Offender Management Board and answered questions about his background and the board’s work, including a planned tiered sex offender registry proposal for a future session; the committee said it would vote on his reappointment later. The committee also delayed action on Judge Conneroli’s appointment because of technical issues. It then voted to print several RSs, including one dealing with mandatory minimum rape sentencing and others related to commerce and committee rules. The committee spent most of its time on House Bill 668, which would revise Idaho’s child custody interference law by creating a graduated penalty structure, adding affirmative defenses, and requiring law enforcement to verify the child’s location when a report is made. The bill’s sponsors said it was intended to address repeated custody-order violations and give police and prosecutors clearer guidance, while supporters described personal experiences with lost parenting time. Opponents, including the Idaho Chiefs of Police Association and the Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association, argued the bill would place family-court judgments on patrol officers, require too much field investigation, and create inconsistent enforcement; they also raised concerns about the 24-hour felony threshold and the new citation process. After discussion, the committee voted on a motion to send the bill to the floor but then held House Bill 668 in committee for further work. The committee then advanced several other bills. House Bill 696, which clarifies the definition of sexual contact in correctional settings to address alleged abuse of incarcerated women, received supportive testimony from a university women’s group and an individual advocate, and was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 602, which codifies that Idaho courts will not apply foreign law in certain disputes involving Idaho residents, also passed to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 683, which clarifies where a sex offender is considered to reside and removes a care-facility exemption near schools and daycares, was supported by the Idaho Sheriffs’ Association and the Sex Offender Management Board and was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard House Bill 685, which would enhance penalties for crimes committed while wearing a mask to conceal identity; the Idaho Chiefs of Police supported the bill, but members raised questions about the law-enforcement carveout and whether the language was overbroad, and the discussion was not concluded in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've also discussed already several different states.
• We've also discussed already several different states.
• Additionally, there's some discussion about missing some parts of it.
• And we've heard many examples of that here discussed today.
• And we've heard many examples of that here discussed today.

Summary: The House Revenue and Taxation Committee heard House Bill 559, which would conform Idaho tax law to portions of the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill,” including changes affecting individual tax cuts, senior deductions, overtime and tips, and business research and experimentation expensing. Representative Jeff Ehlers, the sponsor, argued the bill is primarily a tax cut for Idahoans, said the fiscal note of about $155 million was reasonable, and emphasized that the bill does not conform to bonus depreciation. He also said the bill spreads some corporate impacts over time and that the measure is about tax conformity rather than budgeting. Committee members questioned the sponsor closely about the research and experimentation provisions, the timing of deductions, and whether the bill would affect the current budget year or require cuts elsewhere. Ehlers said some business tax effects would “wash out” because of timing, that some taxpayers may have underpaid in anticipation of conformity, and that any budget decisions would be handled by JFAC rather than this committee. He also said interest and penalties would apply to underpayments like any other tax liability. During closing, he reiterated that the bill’s revenue impact was already reflected in the fiscal note and that the measure benefits individuals more than businesses overall. Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters such as Ron Nate, Ken McClure, Mark Wynn, and Miguel Legoretta urged conformity for simplicity, filing clarity, and tax competitiveness, though some of them criticized the bill for not fully conforming on the business side or for eliminating the state R&D credit. Opponents, including seniors, taxpayers, disability advocates, mental health advocates, and faith-based speakers, argued the bill’s cost was uncertain, could worsen budget pressures, and could lead to cuts to Medicaid, education, and other services. After testimony and debate, Representative Monks moved HB 559 to the floor with a due pass recommendation; the motion was debated by several members, with concerns raised about uncertain fiscal impacts and possible service cuts.

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, this is a beginning discussion.
• This will be the beginning of a discussion.
• And again, this is a beginning discussion.
• This will be the beginning of a discussion.
• And again, this is a beginning discussion.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think it's an important discussion for us to have as a state.
• This is an interesting discussion.
• The discussions were different.
• </c><01:32:29.040><c> were</c> overnight the the discussions were overnight the the discussions were
• bit different, so we are having those discussions.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Much of that will be discussed later today.
• There are three options discussed in this strategy.
• There are three options discussed in this strategy.
• We will continue the discussion. Thank you so much.
• It will be discussed.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is coded A8. discussion to the amendment? discussion to the amendment?
• </c> Any further discussion to the amendment? Any further discussion to the amendment?
• </c> Any further discussion to the amendment? Any further discussion to the amendment?
• </c> Any further discussion of the amendment? Any further discussion of the amendment?
• </c> Any further discussion to the amendment? Any further discussion to the amendment?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :09.840><c> about</c> Members, discussion or questions about Members, discussion or questions about the
• </c><00:36:33.880><c> that</c> questions or points of discussion that questions or points of discussion
• Recently, we have had discussions.
• Recently, we have had discussions.
• </c><00:50:59.480><c> and</c> we have had the early discussions and we have had the early discussions

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard an introductory presentation from Sam Daily of Believe It Canine Service Partners, a nonprofit that trains service dogs free of charge for disabled veterans. Daily described the organization’s work with veterans, including placements with MACV and a service dog at Veteran Village in Eagan, and said the group has placed 80 teams so far. Senator Howe asked whether the organization had pursued Support Our Troops grants, and Daily said it had received two SOS grants. The first bill taken up was Senate File 4172, as amended, which would expand eligibility for burial in Minnesota state veterans cemeteries to honorably discharged reservists, National Guard members, and Air National Guard members, and would allow some honor guard use for eligible people. Senator Howe said the bill corrects an inequity for Guard and reserve members who served honorably but are not currently eligible. Glenn Pence testified in support, saying the bill recognizes National Guard service and should allow those veterans to be buried with others they served alongside. MDVA’s David Swantek supported the concept but warned that expanded eligibility would increase demand, especially at Little Falls, and could shorten its projected capacity timeline from about 48 years to about 30 years. The committee adopted the A1 amendment and then laid the bill over for inclusion in the Veterans and Military Affairs Finance Omnibus Bill. The committee then heard Senate File 4026, which sets standards for MDVA competitive grants and adds accountability and residency requirements. Senator Koran said the bill would help the department review grants and ensure funds serve Minnesota veterans and families. MDVA chief of staff Dave Belfi supported the bill, saying it reflects agency feedback, aligns with existing residency rules, and does not affect CVSO, VSO, or Support Our Troops grants. The A1 amendment was adopted, and the bill was laid over for inclusion in the omnibus bill. Next, Senate File 4807 was heard, a bill to update pay for National Guard soldiers and airmen called to state active duty. MDVA and National Guard officials said the bill would simplify statute language and raise the minimum base pay for lower ranks to the E5 level, with future adjustments tied to federal pay tables. Senator Kunesh asked about funding, and staff explained the cost would come through an open general-fund emergency appropriation, estimated at about $30,000 annually but varying with activations. The committee adopted amendments to incorporate SF 4172 and SF 4026 into SF 4807, made technical corrections, and then recommended SF 4807, as amended, to pass and be referred to the full committee. Finally, the committee heard Senate File 3603, which would create a program allowing school districts to issue high school diplomas to Minnesota veterans who left school to serve during the Korean conflict or Vietnam War. Senator Rasmussen said the bill recognizes veterans who interrupted their education for service. MDVA’s John Kelly supported the bill, noting it reflects input from MDVA and the Department of Education and that similar programs exist in other states. The committee voted to recommend the bill to pass and refer it to the full committee. The meeting also began discussion of Senate File 4560, which would formalize the Commander's Task Force, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, members, any discussion on the bill? Yes.
• Chairman, I usually ask if there's any further discussion.
• And then, you know, game-plan future discussions.
• And then, you know, game-plan future discussions.
• Any further discussion? Please move the... Any further discussion? Please move the bill. Mr.

Summary: The committee approved the February 4 minutes and announced several bills would be held, including SB 1317, SB 1416, SB 1419, SB 1490, and SB 1493. It then heard SB 1579, which would appropriate about $4.7 million from the general fund to expand a law enforcement data-sharing pilot through the Department of Administration, with funding for DPS, county sheriffs, university police, city/town police, and an amendment adding $125,900 for Scottsdale Police. Supporters, including the Flagstaff mayor, the Eloy police chief, and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office staff, said the system improves real-time information sharing, officer safety, and efficiency. The committee adopted the amendment and gave SB 1579 a do pass as amended recommendation by a 6-0 vote with one not voting. The committee next heard SB 1581, which would use the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund for pepper ball equipment and public safety training simulators. The amendment increased the Nogales Police Department’s pepper ball appropriation and expanded simulator funding so Yavapai County could buy two simulators with a three-year warranty. Testimony from the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, Phoenix Police, Glendale Police, Flagstaff, and Cochise County emphasized pepper ball’s de-escalation value and the simulators’ role in crisis-response and scenario-based training, including interactions involving autism, mental illness, and hearing impairments. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1581 as amended on a 7-0 vote. SB 1673 was then heard to appropriate $8.2 million from the general fund to the Law Enforcement Crime Victim Notification Fund, with the sponsor and witnesses describing the automated victim-notification system as constitutionally required and already reducing workload while keeping victims informed through texts and other alerts. The committee passed SB 1673 with no amendment on a 7-0 vote. SB 1544, which would make adult probation records public on request subject to redactions and appeal procedures, drew mixed testimony over transparency versus privacy concerns, especially around risk assessment tools and sensitive records; the committee passed it 4-3, with several members explaining no votes pending amendments. SB 1376, a civic leadership development special plate bill directing funds to a nonprofit focused on youth civic education and leadership, passed unanimously 7-0. Finally, SB 1550, a three-year Queen Creek pilot program to address runaway youth and exploitation through specialized police work, received support from local officials and anti-trafficking advocates but drew a no vote from one member over concerns about how runaway youth are treated in other legislation; it passed 5-1 with one not voting. The committee also heard SB 1504, a public safety retirement bill changing normal retirement and COLA timing for Tier 2 and Tier 3 members, with strong support from police and fire groups and opposition from local government and pension reform advocates, but no vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Further discussion. Question being &gt;&gt; Further discussion.
• </c> &gt;&gt; discussion on the bill. &gt;&gt; discussion on the bill.
• Further<01:15:15.840><c> discussion,</c> Further discussion, Further discussion, question<01:15:18.560
• discussion discussion &gt;&gt; discussion<02:03:29.520><c> on</c><02:03:29.679><c> the</c><02:03:29.840
• </c> Discussion on the bill. Discussion on the bill.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, us having this discussion.
• Chair, us having this discussion.
• Chair, us having this discussion.
• Chair, us having this discussion.
• . discussed. discussed.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all