Transcript Highlights:

• Health and welfare. Morning hour 10. House resolutions lying over.
• Health and welfare.
• Health and welfare.
• Talbot Health and Welfare with Amendments, Bureau without.
• Senate Bill 273 by Senator Abraham, Health and Welfare with amendments.

Bills: HR286, HR287, HR288, HR289, HR290, HR291, HR292, HR293, HR294, HCR114, HR275, HR276, HR277, HR278, HR279, HR280, HR282, HR283, HR284, HR285, HCR112, HCR113, SCR62, SCR64, SB132, SB135, SB405, HR179, HR216, HR223, HR225, HR274, HCR89, SB39, SB99, SB111, SB112, SB124, SB134, SB174, SB189, SB190, SB201, SB233, SB236, SB258, SB270, SB273, SB288, SB307, SB313, SB320, SB321, SB325, SB326, SB331, SB339, SB341, SB345, SB346, SB347, SB353, SB357, SB359, SB387, SB393, SB401, SB415, SB419, SB422, SB426, SB435, SB437, SB440, SB451, SB464, SB470, SB487, SB488, SB495, SB504, SB505, SB518, SB523, SB228, SB408, HR168, HR174, HR194, HCR54, HCR74, HCR79, HCR87, HCR94, HCR95, HCR97, HCR98, HCR102, HCR104, SCR23, SCR38, HCR26, HB250, HB265, HB339, HB427, HB445, HB463, HB468, HB606, HB639, HB649, HB665, HB746, HB781, HB853, HB861, HB872, HB886, HB916, HB937, HB1054, HB1068, HB1117, HB1237, HB75, HB705, SB34, SB164, SB172, SB198, SB208, SB232, SB281, SB286, SB317, SB322, SB334, SB380, SB385, SB409, SB417, SB421, SB430, SB439, SB447, SB458, SB510, SB54, SB56, SB72, SB79, SB97, SB105, SB123, SB125, SB129, SB163, SB171, SB252, SB287, SB375, SB386, SB461, SB466, HR84, SCR3, HB582, HB625, HB646, HB998, HB1191, HB1255, SB81, SB100, SB109, SB197, SB374, SB479, SB78, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HB284, HB302, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, SB82, SB89, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB782, SB149, SB382, SB441

Keywords: HR286, House Resolution 286, LED, Louisiana Economic Development, rural development, energy efficiency, renewable energy, public-private partnership, tax credits, economic development, workforce training, school energy costs, community colleges, technical colleges, local government, building modernization, on-site energy generation, public facilities, rural parishes, distressed communities

Summary: The House met with a quorum, received a guest minister for prayer, approved the journal, and heard several announcements and recognitions, including NEC Awareness Day, a European Union delegation visit, and the Glenmore Wildcats baseball team’s state championship. Members also received Senate messages, including concurrence on some House measures, the filing of Senate bills, and several Senate resolutions and bills laid over for later consideration. The chamber then took up a long series of resolutions and bills. Among the resolutions adopted were measures on a Louisiana-United Kingdom Trade Commission, support for migratory waterfowl studies, hunting education in schools, SNAP delivery-fee studies, fraud prevention for seniors, subsurface data preservation, boating safety reporting, and visual acuity screening data. Some items were temporarily returned to the calendar, including a sales-tax uniform-base rule resolution and several Senate measures. The House also adopted a resolution creating an agricultural national security task force and another supporting a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. On legislation, the House passed bills on missing-person alerts for people with disabilities (“Brian’s Call”), first responder status for public works employees, planning commission procedures, historic preservation district rules, judges’ supplemental compensation, the Baker Economic Development District, New Orleans downtown development district tax authority, a local crime prevention district, clerks of court records, hotel occupancy taxes in Shreveport-Bossier, firefighter cancer screenings, Shreveport police civil service rules, local ethics entity funding, hemp/alcohol age restrictions, OMV digital signatures, LED recreation, TOPS Tech eligibility for veterans, anatomical gift recordkeeping, crypto kiosk fraud protections, firefighting foam definitions, and consumer data privacy. Several bills failed, including HB 705 on legislative contempt penalties and HB 75 on gaming promotional play. One bill on vehicle insurance reinstatement fees was amended and passed, and a bill on judicial compensation fund adjustments was amended and passed after questions about CPI indexing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Health and Welfare.
• Health and Welfare.
• Health and Welfare favorably. Passed third reading.
• Health and Welfare favorably. Passed third reading.
• Health and Welfare with amendments.

Bills: HR65, HR66, HR67, HR68, HR69, HCR33, HCR34, HB1006, HB1007, HB1008, HB1010, HB1011, HR58, HR59, HR60, HR61, HR62, HR63, HR64, HCR32, SCR2, SCR5, SCR6, SCR11, SCR16, SCR17, HB43, HB447, HB573, HB1000, HB1001, HB1002, HB1003, HB1004, HB1005, SB8, SB10, SB12, SB16, SB20, SB21, SB22, SB29, SB32, SB41, SB42, SB44, SB49, SB58, SB68, SB75, SB77, SB81, SB97, SB103, SB159, SB163, SB172, SB180, SB182, SB244, SB248, SB253, SB254, SB279, SB306, SB318, SB334, SB380, SB385, SB397, HB53, HB57, HB64, HB100, HB102, HB106, HB111, HB137, HB152, HB155, HB177, HB238, HB256, HB258, HB272, HB337, HB350, HB359, HB363, HB386, HB434, HB445, HB546, HB557, HB584, HB661, HB697, HB726, HB727, HB747, HB752, HB756, HB758, HB759, HB765, HB767, HB825, HB858, HB930, HB941, HB957, HB964, HB203, HB228, HB234, HB260, HB268, HB271, HB285, HB289, HB351, HB400, HB413, HB469, HB534, HB551, HB552, HB574, HB576, HB634, HB649, HB677, HB735, HB739, HB779, HB784, HB796, HB842, HB850, HB919, HB8, HB9, HB10, HB15, HB16, HB17, HB18, HB19, HB22, HB33, HB34, HB35, HB44, HB46, HB47, HB48, HB61, HB101, HB126, HB135, HB142, HB164, HB185, HB215, HB226, HB232, HB233, HB242, HB284, HB292, HB297, HB301, HB334, HB436, HB468, HB548, HB571, HB582, HB593, HB594, HB609, HB613, HB712, HB722, HB732, HB746, HB827, HB845, HB848, HB921, HB923, HB951, HB953, HB999, HB733, HB875, HB952, HB868, HB119, HB140, HB52, HB901, HB193, HB570

Keywords: condolences, Sam Goodwin, Northwestern State University, football coach, athletic legacy, obituary, ShaMonica Huggins, Louisiana, community support, public service, law enforcement, memorial resolution, Louisiana Legislature, tribute, centenarian, community recognition, Louisiana history, birthday celebration, Jeanerette, French bread

Transcript Highlights:

• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1265 by Health and Welfare Committee.
• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1266 by Health and Welfare Committee.
• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1265 by Health and Welfare Committee.
• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1266 by Health and Welfare Committee.
• the Board of Health and Welfare, to provide that certain references to the Board of Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received several communications, including substitute senator designations and gubernatorial appointments. It also took up a memorial service honoring former Senator Carl Crabtree, former Senator Reese Werner, former Senator Wayne Kidwell, and former Secretary of the Senate Janine Wood. Each memorial was adopted after brief remarks from senators and family tributes describing their public service, character, and contributions to Idaho. The chamber also heard a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized visiting former senators, family members, and Girl Scouts in the gallery. In committee and referral actions, the Senate received and referred a number of measures, including Senate Joint Memorial 110 and Senate Joint Memorial 11, along with multiple new Senate bills. First-reading bills included measures on self-defense immunity and reimbursement, digital identification limits, state office vacancies and gubernatorial appointment of agency directors, beer sales by certain brewers, highway district commissioner elections, energy resources, irrigation and water district issues, mediation, juvenile corrections, human fetal tissue, ignition interlock systems, public assistance provider payments, naturopathic licensing, health department provisions, maternity price transparency, health and safety exemptions, and regional service centers in education. Several House bills were also introduced and referred, including measures on polling places, rangeland improvement, concealed weapons instruction, and virtual education and charter school requirements. Standing committee reports recommended do-pass action on House Bill 533, House Concurrent Resolution 24, Senate Bill 1258, House Bill 502, House Joint Memorial 9, and House Joint Memorial 11, with some measures referred onward for second reading or held for one legislative day. The Senate also processed second-reading bills and then recessed for the memorial service before later returning to miscellaneous business. No roll-call votes on legislation were recorded in the transcript beyond unanimous-consent actions and the adoption of the memorials, and the Senate adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1254 by the Health and Welfare Committee regarding the Chiropractic Practice Act.
• , appropriating additional monies to the Department of Health and Welfare.
• It's a program within Health and Welfare.
• Mostly because I've dealt with the Health and Welfare budget for multiple years now.
• House Health and Welfare Committee will meet subject to call of the chair.

Summary: The House convened, completed roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the journal. It also received several communications, including gubernatorial notices of signed bills, Senate-enrolled bills for the Speaker’s signature, and committee reports enrolling or advancing various measures. House Bill 971, an appropriations bill for the Attorney General’s office, was introduced and later considered under suspension of the rules. The House also advanced several Senate bills and resolutions to second reading or enrollment, including bills on health and welfare, education, state affairs, and procurement-related matters. A major portion of the meeting focused on House Bill 822, as amended in the Senate, dealing with pediatric social transition and parental notification. Supporters said the bill clarified that state resources could not be used for social/sexual transition of children and emphasized parental rights and disclosure. Opponents argued it imposed overly punitive, potentially unconstitutional penalties, would chill teachers, health care workers, and child care providers, and would make Idaho more hostile to families and professionals. The House suspended the rules, debated the bill, and passed it 60-9; later, a motion to let one member change her vote failed after the Speaker ruled that House Rule 79 barred post-announcement vote changes without the required two-thirds support. The House also passed Senate Bill 1430 on firearms after debate over state preemption and local restrictions, and Senate Bill 1359, the virtual currency kiosk fraud prevention bill. Supporters of SB 1359 described widespread fraud involving crypto kiosks, especially targeting seniors, and said the bill would require operator registration, disclosures, fraud warnings, recordkeeping, and transaction limits for new users; opponents called it overbroad, intrusive, and a privacy concern. The bill passed 39-9. Senate Bill 1410, concerning Medicaid reimbursement updates for community health centers, also passed. Senate Concurrent Resolution 127, urging rejection of a proposed medical marijuana initiative, passed after debate over public safety, costs, and out-of-state influence versus arguments that patients with serious conditions should have access to medical cannabis. Senate Bill 1436, a procurement clarification bill, failed after concerns about broad administrative discretion and pending litigation. The House later recessed and returned to continue with additional Senate bills and appropriations measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1433, by the Finance Committee, regarding appropriations, Health and Welfare, Medicaid.
• Welfare.
• Before you is the Health and Welfare budget for Medicaid.
• Good ladies and gentlemen, this is the budget for Health and Welfare, the Division of Welfare, and this
• It will be referred to the Health and Welfare Committee.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House convened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal and received a notice appointing Randolph J. Hill as a substitute legislator for District 14. The chamber also processed messages from the Senate and Governor, including the signing and return of Enrolled Senate Bill 1396, filing of Senate Concurrent Resolution 127, and referral or enrollment actions on several House bills. House Bill 750 was reported as having failed in the Senate, while House Bills 969 and 970 were deferred for printing and later referred for committee action. The main floor business focused on appropriations and welfare-related measures. The House suspended rules and passed Senate Bill 1432, the Health and Welfare indirect services/licensing budget, after discussion of a 1.2% increase and modernization costs. It then passed Senate Bill 1433, the Medicaid budget, after extended debate over rising Medicaid costs, supplemental funding, provider rate cuts, Medicaid expansion, and the effect of federal policy changes. Senate Bill 1434, the Division of Welfare budget, also passed; members discussed SNAP administration cost shifts, Medicaid expansion work requirements, and eligibility system changes tied to federal law and prior Idaho legislation. Senate Bill 1437, a trailer appropriation for Idaho State Police DNA and thumbprint sampling tied to sexual battery and domestic violence misdemeanors, passed as well. The House also passed House Bill 968, a year-end transfer/budget bill that redirected funds to the bottom line and moved interest and other balances among accounts; one member criticized leaving money in reserves while cutting services. After recess, the chamber returned to consider Senate-amended bills. House Bill 730, on SNAP eligibility timing, passed after the Senate changed the review period from every four months to every six months. House Bill 758, on daycare licensing, passed with a Senate cleanup amendment referencing Idaho Code. House Bill 928, on merit-based health care, also passed after Senate amendments clarifying language and adding a sex-based hiring provision for certain occupational settings. The House then made announcements, including committee meeting notices, and adjourned until April 1, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• It penalizes taxpayers by allowing waste, fraud, and abuse in our welfare programs.
• And it continues a sick cycle. welfare programs.
• The federal government funds welfare programs largely.
• CalWORKs actually lessens welfare-to-work requirements in the state of California.
• And finally, this bill does contain billions of dollars in welfare benefits.

Summary: The Assembly convened without a quorum, completed the roll call, and then proceeded with the day’s business after a prayer, pledge, and a moment of silence for victims of the Texas flooding. Procedural motions suspended several rules to allow committee notices, guest seating, and the withdrawal of AB 898 back to the Senate. Members also made several guest introductions, including family members, interns, and scouting troop visitors. On the floor, AB 1416 by Assembly Member Ta, a taxation bill, was concurred in with Senate technical amendments by a 60-0 vote. ACR 1, designating October 23 as Korean Ginseng Day, was adopted by voice vote after supportive remarks highlighting Korean culture and the health benefits of ginseng; 62 coauthors were added without objection. The Assembly also heard SB 119, the budget-related human services trailer bill, with extensive debate over CalWORKs, CalFresh, child welfare reporting, and housing/homelessness programs. Supporters framed it as a needed anti-poverty and safety-net measure, while opponents criticized it as expanding dependency and failing to address fraud and work requirements. SB 119 passed on a 54-11 vote. The second-day consent calendar, including AJR 16 on the Tijuana River, was adopted 71-0, and the remaining consent items AJR 15 and SB 765 were also adopted 71-0. The session concluded with adjournments in memory of Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover, followed by announcements of upcoming committee hearings and the next floor session before adjournment until July 10 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• transition... ...and understanding their awareness of welfare transition services.
• The top supportive services provided to welfare transition participants by the local workforce boards
• I appreciate the opportunity to share how we've implemented the welfare transition provisions in House
• We had two welfare transition career coaches who assisted this gentleman by conducting an initial CLIFF
• Through the Welfare Transition Occupational Skills Training Program, he earned four industry-recognized

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee met to receive implementation briefings on House Bill 1267, which was enacted to address benefit cliffs and help public assistance recipients move toward economic self-sufficiency. The Department of Children and Families reviewed SNAP, Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), and Medicaid-related eligibility and work requirements, including who must participate in work activities, the role of Florida Commerce and CareerSource Florida, and the new standardized intake and exit surveys required by the law. Members also discussed the TCA program’s household-based structure, the 48-month adult limit, and how work requirements differ for SNAP and TCA participants. Florida Commerce and CareerSource Florida then reported on implementation of HB 1267, including the CLIFF financial forecasting tool, case management changes, and survey data collected from welfare transition participants. They said intake surveys showed common barriers such as child care, transportation, and flexible work schedules, while exit surveys showed many participants were employed or had gained credentials, though response rates were low because the surveys are voluntary. A local workforce board, CareerSource Tampa Bay, described using CLIFF in case management and shared a success story about a participant who completed training, earned certifications, and moved into employment. The committee also heard a separate DCF briefing on the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its impact on SNAP. DCF said the law expands able-bodied adult without dependents requirements, changes non-citizen eligibility, ends future SNAP-Ed funding, increases state administrative cost sharing, and may require states to share in benefit costs if payment error rates remain above federal thresholds. Members focused heavily on Florida’s SNAP payment error rate, which DCF said was 15.13% for federal fiscal year 2024 and 12.60% for 2023, with the state currently on a corrective action plan. DCF described steps to reduce errors, including more verification of rent and utility expenses, improved income matching, staff training, and system modernization. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Amanda Kirchner on behalf of the County Welfare Directors Association.
• This old welfare rule, known as the work penalty, was adopted after the welfare reform era of the 1990s
• Amanda Kirchner, County Welfare Directors Association, in support. Okay.
• Amanda Kirshner, County Welfare Directors, in support. Yes, Sr.
• Amanda Kirshner, County Welfare Directors, in support. Yes, Sr.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 759, by the Health and Welfare Committee, an act relating to public assistance, providing
• Senate Bill 1255, 1256, 1265, and 1266 will be referred to the Health and Welfare Committee.
• House Health and Welfare Committee will meet Wednesday, February 25, at 9:00 a.m. in Room EW 41.
• House Health and Welfare Committee will meet Wednesday, February 25, at 9:00 a.m. in Room EW 20.
• House Health and Welfare Committee will meet Wednesday, February 25th, at 9 a.m.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and swore in new pages. It then received messages from the governor and Senate, including the governor’s signing of House Bills 514 and 515 and Senate passage of several bills. Standing committee reports moved a number of measures forward, including bills on taxation, utilities, medical neglect, daycare licensing, public assistance, property tax exemptions, mental health detention, blindness reporting, insurer investments, the Petroleum Clean Water Trust Fund, and foster care placement. House Bill 692 was sent back to general orders, while House Joint Memorial 17 and House Concurrent Resolution 30 were referred to Judiciary, Rules and Administration. The House also advanced House Bill 751 and House Bill 591 to third reading. On third reading, the House passed several bills. House Bill 630, on aerial shooting of predators, was approved 60-8; House Bill 631, on certificates of free sale for Idaho exporters, passed 62-7; House Bill 548, requiring reasonable suspicion for stopping and boarding vessels on the water, passed 68-0 with two abstentions; House Bill 599, changing the public school digital content and curriculum grant process to a need-based model, passed 68-0 with two abstentions; House Bill 731, entering Idaho into a federal tax credit scholarship program, passed 68-0; House Bill 603, clarifying rules on camping and property handling on state facilities, passed 66-2; House Bill 689 and House Bill 690 also passed unanimously or near-unanimously; House Bill 698, closing a voting-law loophole involving out-of-state treason, passed 68-0; House Bill 642, creating a catastrophic benefit for public safety officers and their families, passed 68-0; and House Bill 563, easing CPA licensure pathways and updating practice privilege language, passed 67-0 with three absent. The most debated measure was House Bill 623, which requires a 60-second moment of silence at the start of each public school day. Supporters argued it would help students focus, reduce stress, and address behavioral and mental health concerns, while opponents raised local control and implementation concerns. After extended debate, it passed 51-17. House Bill 641 was held on the third reading calendar for one legislative day, and the remaining third-reading bills were also held one day. The House later filed a committee letter approving pending agriculture rules, heard announcements including the death of former Representative Bob Geddes Sr. and a welcome to Idaho firefighters, and adjourned until 11:00 a.m. on February 25, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• It comes from the Committee on Health and Welfare favorably.
• It comes from the Committee on Health and Welfare favorably.
• It comes from the Committee on Health and Welfare favorably.
• It comes from the Committee on Health and Welfare favorably.
• It comes from the Committee on Health and Welfare favorably.

Bills: SR134, SR135, SR136, SR137, SR140, SR141, SR142, SCR75, SCR77, SCR12, HB75, HB1199, HB221, HCR89, HCR96, HCR103, HCR108, HCR58, HB9, HB177, HB181, HB198, HB202, HB223, HB225, HB387, HB398, HB457, HB459, HB540, HB591, HB616, HB766, HB775, HB783, HB797, HB895, HB906, HB950, HB975, HB1028, HB1052, HB1057, HB1076, HB1100, HB1139, HB1155, HB1160, HB1182, HB1186, HB1220, HB1222, HB1223, HB1224, HB1228, HB1231, HB1245, HB1256, SCR3, SB393, SB401, SB415, SB426, SB435, SB487, SB488, SB523, SB56, SB163, SB341, SB504, SB322, SCR9, SCR58, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR27, HCR28, HCR66, HCR67, HCR72, HCR31, HCR47, HCR41, HB363, HB368, HB377, HB380, HB386, HB392, HB431, HB441, HB559, HB664, HB685, HB715, HB741, HB822, HB856, HB908, HB980, HB990, HB999, HB1010, HB1243, HB54, HB137, HB180, HB192, HB310, HB321, HB396, HB512, HB552, HB578, HB638, HB663, HB708, HB717, HB718, HB1009, HB1082, HB1104, HB1107, HB1198, HB1246, HB27, HB143, HB205, HB259, HB267, HB288, HB308, HB403, HB405, HB414, HB417, HB478, HB546, HB548, HB555, HB557, HB609, HB670, HB672, HB740, HB779, HB786, HB796, HB812, HB848, HB915, HB917, HB921, HB930, HB933, HB1095, HB1096, HB1103, HB1129, HB1154, HB1166, HB1187, HB1195, HB1230, HB316, HB511, HB799, HB1039, HB12, HB66, HB145, HB167, HB196, HB213, HB218, HB222, HB256, HB291, HB326, HB352, HB401, HB430, HB433, HB434, HB448, HB456, HB476, HB481, HB487, HB492, HB549, HB579, HB608, HB621, HB624, HB626, HB632, HB637, HB656, HB722, HB745, HB804, HB818, HB821, HB833, HB864, HB867, HB874, HB893, HB909, HB951, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB979, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1005, HB1007, HB1024, HB1032, HB1038, HB1050, HB1051, HB1056, HB1059, HB1077, HB1080, HB1081, HB1086, HB1108, HB1112, HB1153, HB1172, HB1173, HB1175, HB1192, HB1193, HB1204, HB1218, HB1242, HB1244, HB1249, HB1252, HB1254, HB17, HB36, HB41, HB47, HB73, HB126, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB166, HB211, HB226, HB271, HB324, HB337, HB351, HB399, HB571, HB712, HB723, HB726, HB750, HB759, HB844, HB966, HB1006, HB1018, HB1036, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB379, SB382, SB387, SB441, SB449, HB74, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB956, HB1117, SB149

Keywords: SR134, Senate Resolution 134, Isaac Herzenberg, Metairie Park Country Day School, Country Day, javelin, track and field, Class 2A, state championship, high school athletics, student athlete, Louisiana Senate commendation, honorary resolution, sports recognition, University of Nebraska, Baton Rouge, LSU Bernie Moore Track Stadium, sportsmanship, collegiate athletics, condolence resolution

Summary: The Senate met with 23 members present, opened with prayer and the pledge, and then took up a long calendar of resolutions and House bills. Early action included adopting numerous Senate resolutions, such as studies on the Upper Pontchartrain Basin, economic development boards, remote notarization, retirement system investments in China, and several commendations. The chamber also concurred in House Concurrent Resolutions on the Louisiana Maneuvers museum/trail study, roundabout education, plumbing code review, and economic ties with Taiwan, with most of these adopted unanimously or near-unanimously. A special recognition was also held for 2025-26 Teachers of the Year from Senate District 15. On the bill calendar, the Senate advanced a wide range of measures. Several bills dealt with education, public safety, and local government, including allowing virtual school students to participate in school activities, requiring mayoral training, updating rules for justice of the peace jurisdiction, and increasing penalties or fees in certain local matters. Other measures addressed health and human services, such as suicide prevention signage and 988 hotline placement on school IDs, Medicaid and provider payment rules, medical records fees for veterans, mental health protective custody procedures, and housing support for trafficking survivors. The chamber also passed bills on insurance, insurance-related venue rules, prompt payment to contractors, hazardous waste cleanup funding, and motor vehicle insurance requirements for out-of-state vehicles. The Senate also approved several criminal justice and public safety measures, including school threat penalties, autopsy photographs as evidence, impaired driving-related provisions, and restrictions on cell-cultured food products and labeling. Additional bills covered economic development and business regulation, such as wood pellet and brick manufacturing incentives, digital asset custody, CPA licensure pathways, and licensing for motor vehicle/recreational product dealers. Most bills were passed by wide margins, though a few drew notable opposition, including the constitutional and policy measures on gender/sex terminology, child custody arbitration, and the out-of-state vehicle insurance bill. Many bills were amended on the floor before final passage, and motions to reconsider were routinely laid on the table.

Transcript Highlights:

• Turham with the Coalition of California Welfare Rights Organizations. Good afternoon.
• Turham with the Coalition of California Welfare Rights Organizations. Good afternoon.
• Turham, with the Coalition of California Welfare Rights Organizations.
• The ripple effects land in emergency rooms and hospitals and child welfare cases.
• The ripple effects land in emergency rooms and hospitals and child welfare cases.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bills 1312, 1313, 1314, 1315, and 1316 will all be referred to the Health and Welfare Committee
• February 16, 2006, the Health and Welfare Committee reports out House Bill 55 and recommended it do pass
• Health and Welfare Committee, and Senate Bill 1317 will be referred to the Education Committee.
• February 16, 2006, the Health and Welfare Committee reports out House Bill 55 and recommended it due
• Then she moved to the Department of Health and Welfare in Idaho.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the journal and moved through committee reports and messages. Committee actions included referral of a large group of newly printed Senate bills to the appropriate standing committees, a do-pass report on House Bill 55 from Health and Welfare, and referral of Senate Bills 1270 and 1271 for possible amendment. The Senate also received a gubernatorial appointment of Jeff Seelich to the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho Board and House bills 576, 577, 632, and 607 for introduction. In the 10th order, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 114 on Education Committee rules and Senate Resolution 115 on temporary and pending rules for several state agencies, both without opposition. It also adopted Senate Joint Memorial 109, which urged Congress to address campaign finance concerns and out-of-state influence in Idaho elections, and House Joint Memorial 9, which asked Congress to reaffirm FLPMA as the governing framework for federal land management and exchanges. House Joint Memorial 11 was also adopted, calling on Congress to fully fund IDEA at the promised 40% level; supporters emphasized the burden on state and local budgets and property taxpayers, while opponents argued the state should resist federal overreach and dependency. The Senate confirmed the committee report recommending Ryan Lanham as State Athletic Commissioner, with supportive testimony highlighting his combat sports background and experience. It also adopted the committee report confirming Juliet Sharon as Director of the Department of Health and Welfare, with senators citing her Medicaid and program integrity experience and the size and complexity of the agency. In first and second reading, the Senate referred House Bills 576 and 577 to Transportation and House Bills 632 and 607 to State Affairs, and advanced House Bill 533, Senate Bill 1258, and House Bill 502 to third reading. The chamber then heard announcements about caucus and lunch events before adjourning until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been a child welfare attorney and a national expert on this topic for about 25 years.
• I also speak today as a member of the Massachusetts Child Welfare Coalition.
• I'll also very quickly mention the Child Welfare Omnibus Bill, an act enhancing child welfare protections
• I'm testifying today in support of an act enhancing child welfare protections.
• bill that makes significant changes to our child welfare system.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting foster youth, child welfare oversight, homelessness services, juvenile justice, social work licensure, and human services workforce supports. Committee co-chairs Senator Robyn Kennedy and Representative Jay Livingstone opened the hybrid hearing by outlining testimony procedures and accessibility measures. Several members and legislators participated throughout the day, and many witnesses were invited to submit additional written testimony after speaking. A major portion of the hearing focused on House 227/Senate 105, which would protect federal benefits owed to children in foster care. Supporters, including advocates from Hopewell, the Disability Law Center, CPCS, the Children’s Law Center, More Than Words, Friends of Children, and youth witness Onyx Rosario, said DCF had already ended the practice of taking most Social Security and SSI benefits and now conserves them in accounts for youth, but argued the policy should be codified to prevent future reversals. Witnesses described how conserved benefits help with basic needs, housing, education, transportation, and transition to adulthood, and several noted the bill also adds financial literacy and transparency requirements. Senator Joan Comerford and others said the change would protect vulnerable youth, especially children of color, LGBTQ youth, and youth with disabilities. The committee also heard testimony on House 225, which would expand the grandparents-raising-grandchildren commission by adding appointments and helping with quorum and representation. The committee also took testimony on Senate 136, which would improve emergency housing assistance for families experiencing homelessness by easing documentation requirements, allowing use of existing state data to verify eligibility, requiring notice before benefit reductions, and creating an ombudsperson. Senator Adam Gomez and other supporters said the bill would reduce barriers for families in crisis. On House 262/Senate 148, an omnibus child welfare bill, witnesses supported provisions on data reporting, education coordination, and Office of the Child Advocate reforms, while CPCS raised concerns about expanded access to sensitive records and the OCA’s role in certain proceedings. The Office of the Child Advocate supported codifying current practices and also backed child fatality review changes in House 234/Senate 133. The committee additionally heard support for Senate 108, which would require attorneys and audio/video recording during juvenile custodial interrogations, and for House 247/Senate 116, which would update the Juvenile Justice Policy and Data Board to add supported lived-experience seats. Finally, the committee heard competing testimony on Senate 135, a bill to ensure parity in social work licensure. SEIU Local 509 and supporters argued the current exam requirement disproportionately harms Black, Latino, multilingual, and multicultural applicants and worsens workforce shortages, while the Association of Social Work Boards opposed the bill, saying the exam is a necessary public-protection measure and that removing it would conflict with interstate compact efforts. The hearing also included testimony in support of a loan repayment program for human service workers, with providers and workers describing low wages, high student debt, and the need to retain staff in essential services. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• welfare decisions about tribal children.
• And it has a higher burden of proof in child welfare cases. It requires notice to the tribes.
• to the states when it comes to making child welfare decisions about tribal children.
• And it has a higher burden of proof in child welfare cases. It requires notice to the tribes.
• . and juvenile code, which otherwise controls all child welfare proceedings.

Keywords: Commission on Updating Virginia Law to Reflect Federal Recognition of Virginia Tribes, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The hour of nine o'clock having arrived, we'll call the House Health and Welfare Committee to order.
• Jared Larson from the Department of Health and Welfare up.
• Jared Larson, Chief of Staff of the Department of Health and Welfare.
• welfare programs, temporary Medicaid plan, and pending Medicaid plan.
• Next Monday, we would have the new chapter of help for some welfare programs, repeal of some welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee reviewed several Department of Health and Welfare rule dockets under zero-based rulemaking. The first docket, Idaho reportable disease rules, was described as a major cleanup that reduced the chapter by about 40 percent while adding viral hemorrhagic fevers and lowering the lead-reporting threshold from 5 to 3.5 micrograms per deciliter. Members questioned removals related to medical records access, HIPAA, daycare restrictions, and inspection authority, and department staff said those provisions were being consolidated or were already governed by statute. After extended discussion about legislative oversight, statutory authority, and the need for more time to review the rules, a substitute motion to hold the docket until February 3 passed 9-5, so that docket was delayed. The committee then approved the Idaho radiation control rules docket, which was said to cut the rules by about 70 percent, remove all incorporations by reference, and require out-of-state licensees operating in Idaho to register within 30 days. It also approved the docket on use and disclosure of department records, which department staff said simply removed duplicative language already covered by the Idaho Public Records Act, HIPAA, and other law, without changing what records are protected or released. The committee also heard a detailed annual report from Your Health Idaho. Executive Director Pat Kelly said the exchange remained self-sustaining, had no state funding, and continued to post strong enrollment and customer satisfaction numbers, including more than 139,000 enrollments in 2025 and over 144,000 selections in open enrollment 2026. He said most enrollees receive tax credits, that the expiration of enhanced federal premium tax credits drove affordability problems and disenrollments, and that the exchange’s net promoter scores remained very high. Members asked about plan switching, enrollment math, and premium increases, and Kelly said most affordability impacts were due to the loss of enhanced tax credits rather than carrier premium changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• That said, I filed Amendment 35 to ensure we remember that child and family welfare centers poverty and
• I filed this language in the bill that we're debating today because we were talking about child welfare
• That said, I filed the amendment number 35 to ensure we remember that child and family welfare centers
• I filed this language in the bill that we're debating today because we were talking about child welfare
• Enact, enhancing child welfare protections, House No. 4646. The bill has been read a third time.

Summary: The Senate began with several adjournment motions in memory of John Edwards and Hadley Boucher, each adopted by voice vote, followed later by a unanimous adjournment motion in memory of Barney Frank. The chamber also observed moments of silence for the deceased. In between, the Senate considered a child welfare bill, House No. 4646, with multiple amendments offered on issues including a Massachusetts Children’s Cabinet, student transfers, reasonableness in statutory language, electronic backpack records transfer, Office of the Child Advocate information integrity, timeout and isolation standards, best-interest-of-the-child standards, CRA filing prerequisites, probation petition standards, truancy and engagement standards, and mandated reporter definitions. Several amendments were withdrawn; others were adopted or rejected. Notably, amendments on student transfers, reasonableness, electronic backpacks, information management integrity, and the Senate Ways and Means draft were adopted, while several Tarr amendments were not adopted. After amendment consideration, the Senate ordered the bill to a third reading and then passed it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 39 in favor and none opposed. The transcript indicates the bill was then sent forward after engrossment. Separately, the Senate took up the House’s amendment to the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act, voted not to concur, and requested a committee of conference, appointing Senators Creem, Finegold, and O’Connor. The Senate also adopted an order to reconvene the following Monday at 11 a.m. and to dispense with printing a calendar before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, we are the Committee on Health and Welfare.
• , appropriating additional monies to the Department of Health and Welfare.
• , appropriating additional monies to the Department of Health and Welfare.
• It's a program within Health and Welfare.
• House Health and Welfare Committee will meet subject to call of the chair.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House convened with a roll call, prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the Journal. Members then received communications from the Governor and Senate, including notice of signed bills and enrolled measures returned for signatures or referral. Committee reports advanced several bills and resolutions, and House Bill 971, an appropriation for the Attorney General’s office, was introduced and later considered. The House also took up multiple Senate bills and resolutions under suspension of the rules, using roll calls to expedite consideration. A major floor debate centered on House Bill 822, a parental notification/child transition-related bill. Supporters said it clarified that state resources could not be used in social transitioning of children and argued it protected parents’ rights. Opponents criticized its punitive damages and warned it would harm teachers, health care workers, and child care providers. The House ultimately passed the bill, and later the Speaker noted that a vote-change motion on the bill had been improper under House rules and would not stand. The House also passed Senate Bill 1430 on firearms, described as adding executive orders and policies to the state’s preemption of local firearm regulation and creating penalties and injunctive relief for violations. Senate Bill 1359, the virtual currency kiosk fraud prevention bill, drew extensive debate; supporters said it targeted scams by requiring operator registration, disclosures, fraud warnings, recordkeeping, and transaction limits for new users, while opponents called it overbroad and intrusive. The House passed that bill as amended. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 1410 on community health center Medicaid reimbursement updates, Senate Bill 1439 extending a report deadline for model school/facility work, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 127 urging rejection of a medical marijuana ballot initiative; the resolution passed after debate over medical use, public safety, and federal firearms implications. House Bill 971 also passed, and the House later recessed and returned to consider additional measures, including Senate Bill 1436 on procurement clarifications, which was introduced and debated but not resolved in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you're an adoptive parent who has come through Florida's child welfare system, you're eligible as
• The first is that of the child welfare workforce issues.
• The work group will be made up of child welfare professionals to identify current gaps in child welfare
• system takes up a lot of time and energy of the child welfare system because child welfare system has
• Many of us have been involved in a child welfare system for many, many years.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill creates a temporary child welfare taskforce to study policies and make recommendations.
• Yes, people who have child welfare life experience.
• Now, we can hold solely accountable when it comes to child welfare and their wellbeing.
• I think that many of these child welfare workers. They're on the front lines.
• The average child welfare worker, In the field, lasts less than six months.

Bills: SB1778, SB1570, SB134, SB1966, SB1636, SB1725, SB1726, SB259, SB504, SB592, SB2030, SB1572, SB843, SB1242, SB1255, SB1262, SB1264, SB1286, SB1581, SB1290, SB1316, SB1319, SB1369, SB1379, SB1381, SB1400, SB1427, SB1436, SB1461, SB1496, SB1509, SB1534, SB1553, SB904, SB1592, SB1645, SB1684, SB1767, SB1772, SB1813, SB1894, SB1928, SB1946, SB1980, SB2040, SB2060, SB2061

Keywords: reading instruction, literacy, educational equity, intervention services, third grade retention, Strong Readers Act, child welfare, child safety, administrative transition, Department of Child Safety and Well-being, Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, juvenile justice, foster care, retirement, public employees, reemployment, benefit adjustment, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, memorial highways, bridge designations

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 593 and House Bill 714 to the Health and Welfare Committee.
• House Joint Memorial 16 to the Health and Welfare Committee.
• House Concurrent Resolution 30 to the Health and Welfare Committee. Thank you.
• House Joint Memorial 16 to the Health and Welfare Committee.
• House Concurrent Resolution 30 to the Health and Welfare Committee.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and pledge, approved the journal, and received several communications, including substitute legislator designations and gubernatorial appointments to the Idaho Lottery Commission and State Building Authority. Members also made brief announcements and introductions before moving into committee reports and the day’s floor calendar. The chamber advanced a number of bills and resolutions through reading and referral, including measures on the Idaho Child Care Program, Health and Human Services appropriations, elections, development impact fees, hazardous waste, and several House concurrent resolutions and joint memorials. On final consideration, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1285 on occupational licensure for nonpublic school diplomas, Senate Bill 1286 on consumer protections for veterans benefits, Senate Bill 1323 on enforcement of contracts involving gold and silver specie, Senate Bill 1338 on allowing a portion of idle state funds to be invested in gold and silver bullion, and Senate Bill 1342 establishing a limited right for households to keep hens for egg production. The Senate also passed House Bill 531 updating epinephrine delivery system language for schools, House Bill 518 expanding authority for the Attorney General in human trafficking cases, House Bill 512 reinstating an open-book jurisprudence exam for land surveyors, House Bill 551 correcting urban renewal-related property tax treatment for fire and ambulance districts, House Bill 594 codifying a Supreme Court ruling on distribution of late property tax fees and interest, and House Bill 587 clarifying continuous funding for rangeland improvement programs. Debate on several measures included concerns about local control, continuous spending, and oversight, but each bill ultimately received majority support. The Senate reordered the third-reading calendar and then adjourned until Monday, March 9, 2026.