Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:04:26.400><c> and</c><00:04:26.479><c> you</c> &gt;&gt; You in your opening statement, and you
• &gt;&gt; You in your opening statement, and you talked<00:04:26.880><c> about</c><00:04:26.960><c> this
• Line 9 through 10, it says petition shall contain a general statement of why they're trying to remove
• And in our mission statement building.
• Boswell the floor is yours for opening<01:24:16.639><c> statement.</c> >> Mr.

Bills: HB0002 , HB0022

Committee: Senate Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions

Keywords: building permits, local government, residential construction, permit timelines, code compliance, municipal officers, recall election, petition requirements, local governance, voter participation, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> But I get... but I'm not sure I agree with that statement either, but we can compare... when they
• get appointed. >> I think if we can move to whoever you were referring to in that statement. >> No,
• </c> &gt;&gt; in that statement &gt;&gt; in that statement &gt;&gt; draw<01:49:55.280><c> up</c><01:49
• I was just addressing your statement, posing the question: why does it take three to five years?
• I was just addressing your statement, posing the question: why does it take three to five years?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:06:56.079><c> of</c> RSA 193 e2a as noted in the statement of RSA 193 e2a as noted in the statement
• I'm going to read this because I think it's a powerful statement and it speaks to what we believe in
• Representative Cornell: I believe we also got a statement from the Holocaust and genocide commission
• Representative Cornell: I believe we also got a statement from the Holocaust and genocide commission
• Representative Cornell: I believe we also got a statement from the Holocaust and genocide commission

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 749, which would require high schools to provide at least one hour of instruction on the nature and history of communism. The prime sponsor said the bill was prompted by concerns that students lack basic historical knowledge about communism and its effects, and argued that a short, flexible requirement could be embedded in an existing course without creating a new full class. He described communism as a totalitarian ideology and cited historical examples including the Soviet Union, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Cold War, and current events involving Russia, Ukraine, and Taiwan as reasons students should understand the topic. Members asked whether the subject is already covered in current social studies standards, whether one hour is enough, and whether the bill would apply to public, private, parochial, and charter schools. The sponsor said he did not believe communism is specifically required in current standards, that he would prefer a full course but was proposing a minimal requirement, and that he intended the bill to apply broadly to schools under the Department of Education’s umbrella, though he acknowledged the wording may need clarification for charter schools. He also said the proposal was both reactive and proactive, based on anecdotal concerns and his teaching experience. A second supporter testified that he was born in the Soviet Union and favored the bill, but suggested the instruction should emphasize critical thinking and explain both why communism can appeal to some people and why it can have harmful consequences. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I guess this is kind of a statement and a question.
• Um, I guess this is kind of a statement and a question.
• Um, I guess this is kind of a statement and a question.
• My problem with that statement is I don't know where that balancing occurred.
• </c><01:46:45.840><c> is</c> goals my problem with that statement is goals my problem with that statement

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This has to be the session when you have to be. statement is yet to pass these bills.
• Prohibiting the use of such mascots makes a powerful collective statement that stereotypes are harmful
• that are with us from tribes, from the National Congress, That's with us, all the statements that are
• I'm a member of a 120-expert panel worldwide that just released a consensus statement on the research
• I'm a member of a 120-expert panel worldwide that just released a consensus statement on the research

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on 41 bills related to school climate and safety, with chairs Jason Lewis and Ken Gordon outlining procedures and noting more than 125 witnesses. The first major topic was the “Study Act” on cell phones in schools and related social media restrictions (House 666/Senate 335). Secretary of Education Pat Tutwiler and Attorney General Andrea Campbell testified in strong support, arguing that bell-to-bell phone-free policies would improve student focus, reduce anxiety and distraction, and support mental health. Several legislators also supported the approach, though Representative Jeff Turco and Senator John Keenan emphasized narrower bills focused only on school-day phone restrictions rather than broader social media regulation. Senator John Velis likewise backed a comprehensive school-hours restriction, citing student distraction and mental health concerns. Representative Tarsky described successful implementation of a Yondr pouch system in a school where he served as principal, saying it improved engagement and reduced bullying and discipline issues. The committee then heard testimony on a bill to prohibit Native American mascots in public schools (Senate 312/House 575). Senator Joe Comerford, Brittany Wally, and Rhonda Anderson all urged passage, saying Native mascots are dehumanizing, harmful to Native youth, and inconsistent with civil rights and educational values. They described support from tribal nations and noted that many Massachusetts schools have already changed mascots, but some still resist. The hearing also included testimony on school start times (House 647/Senate 360), where middle school students Caroline Duffy and Emery Jarvis described exhaustion and survey data showing widespread sleep deprivation. Former educator Telia Jacobs, former principal Rep. Tarsky, and others argued that later start times would improve health, learning, and student well-being, while acknowledging transportation and scheduling challenges. Zoriana Petrosian, who helped write one of the bills as a student, said the state already has enough research to act now. Additional bills drew testimony on related school issues. Dr. Raul Fernandez supported a bill promoting racially integrated schools (Senate 324), citing a recent advisory council report showing large disparities in segregated schools and urging DESE to develop a statewide integration strategy. On safe firearm storage education (House 548/Senate 397), multiple witnesses from Grassroots for Gun Violence Prevention and school communities supported annual school-based education about secure storage, saying it would help prevent child access to unsecured firearms and build on local resolutions already adopted in some districts. The committee also heard testimony on bills to expand career and academic plans (House 533/Senate 438), with speakers saying more structured planning would help students make informed college and career choices. Later, testimony on child sexual abuse prevention and survivor support bills described the prevalence of abuse, the need for training in schools and youth-serving organizations, and the importance of extending compensation and prevention measures. Throughout the hearing, chairs repeatedly closed bills with no witnesses and moved the agenda forward, but no votes were taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We maintain member and training records, record beneficiary designations, and annual member statements
• They are going through and doing first problem statements.
• The problem statement, draft problem statement, is done.
• They are going through and doing first problem statements.
• The problem statement, draft problem statement, is done.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee was called to order, a quorum was established, and the minutes from the prior meeting were approved. The first major presentation came from Montana Public Employees Retirement System executive director William Hollahan, who gave an overview of Montana’s Volunteer Firefighters’ Compensation Act plan. He explained that the plan covers volunteer firefighters in unincorporated areas, is funded by 5% of state fire insurance premium taxes, and currently serves 228 departments with about 2,936 active members and 1,242 retirees. He described eligibility rules, annual training and reporting requirements, benefit levels for partial and full pensions, disability, death, medical, and funeral benefits, and said the plan is actuarially sound with roughly $60 million in assets and a funded ratio slightly above 100%. Committee members asked about prior-service credit, whether EMS personnel are included, the effect on recruitment and retention, and whether expanding coverage would require a funding analysis; Hollahan said prior service is not credited, EMS is not currently included, and any expansion would need financial review. Tim Walleen of Workforce Safety and Insurance then presented a draft North Dakota workers’ compensation solution for volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMS personnel. He explained that volunteer responders are already covered by workers’ comp for medical and wage-loss benefits, but the proposal would set a minimum annual wage of $30,000 for calculating wage-loss benefits for qualifying volunteers, with the benefit paid at two-thirds of that amount. Representative Porter suggested tying the volunteer definition to existing code rather than a fixed dollar amount, and Walleen agreed. Questions focused on whether search and rescue or other volunteer emergency services could be included, whether departments would face new paperwork, and whether volunteer organizations can already elect coverage; Walleen said there would be no additional paperwork and that volunteer coverage is already available. The committee also heard from volunteer fire service representatives and the state fire marshal. An Oakes-area firefighter, Mr. Olson, testified that small departments are struggling with retention, communication, and administrative burdens, especially around separate bookkeeping and funding rules for donated or fundraising money, and he said departments need clearer guidance from the state. State Fire Marshal Dr. Matthew Clark introduced himself and outlined a broader effort to improve education, support, and coordination for fire departments, including a planned 10% audit of certificates of existence beginning in 2027, more outreach through his office, and better assistance with training, reporting, and grant access. He said his office is authorized under current law to provide these services, but the role has been vague and underused. Finally, Arnagard Rural Fire District Chief Rick Schreiber testified in favor of new recruitment and retention ideas, including retirement-style benefits, health insurance, tax incentives, scholarships, grants, and more remote or regional training. He said volunteer departments are losing members, that local tax and donation funds are already stretched, and that any new retirement or incentive program should be sustainable and likely involve a mix of state and local support.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to make a quick statement.
• I just want to make a quick statement.

Bills: SB143 , SB367 , SB388 , SB398

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: bulletproof vests, body armor, peace officers, law enforcement funding, police equipment, officer safety, local police, sheriff's office, municipal police, parish law enforcement, grant fund, special fund, Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, criminal justice, protective gear, NIJ standards, USMCA, small agencies, public safety, Act 739

Transcript Highlights:

• If you look at the statement of purpose, it goes to enlist all the things that it does.
• I can, if you don't have the statement of purpose, I can go over it for you all.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Hovis, I recognize you for a brief summary or statement. Yes, just a summary.
• Representative Hovese, I recognize for a brief summary or statement. Yes. Just a summary.

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And before I move on to motions, I believe there is somebody who would like to make a statement in the
• I appreciate your input and your statement, and we are working with our staff and have met with a number

Bills: S7036

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Keywords: education, epinephrine, charter schools, voluntary prekindergarten, school funding, teacher incentives, student progress monitoring

Summary: The Senate Committee on Pre-K-12 Appropriations met with a quorum present and announced it would not be presenting its budget at this time, per a Senate memorandum. The sole bill on the agenda was SB 7036 by Senator Corey Simon, which was described as a broad education package strengthening school turnaround tools, early literacy supports, early learning policies, academic offerings, and educator pipeline provisions. Senator Simon explained that the bill addresses persistently low-performing schools, Title I use for STEM curricula, charter school renewal and dismissal rules, epinephrine device policies, VPK summer bridge eligibility, disability-aligned interventions, agriculture and Algebra 1 instruction, GATE access, and certification updates for teachers and computer science. An amendment was adopted that removed provisions on temporary door locks and DOE-developed instructional materials and added a GATE startup grant update. The committee heard numerous appearance forms, with many individuals and organizations waving against the bill, while one student, Ella Latimore, appeared and spoke briefly. Much of the exchange with her was lighthearted and unrelated to the bill, but Senator Simon used his closing to note that concerns from the prior stop had been addressed by removing the DOE materials and door-lock language, and he asked for favorable support. The committee then voted on the bill as amended, and CS for SB 7036 was reported favorably. After the vote, members made several informal statements, including remarks about a Valentine’s Day visit from students and appreciation for community member Misty Cash. Senator Osgood also raised a serious concern about declining immigrant student enrollment affecting district budgets, especially in Broward County, and urged the committee to address the issue proactively with school districts. The chair said staff were already working with districts on the matter and that more discussion would follow. The meeting then adjourned after additional light banter among members.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill, you know, broadband, I believe in the statement, you know, everyone needs it.
• The only reason I can ask a question is a comment from your, in his statement, was startling.

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 323, Access to Affordable Broadband, sponsored by Rep. Pamela Herndon. The bill would appropriate $5 million from the general fund to expand broadband affordability for low-income residents, very small communities, unincorporated areas, and tribal lands. Jeff Lopez, director of the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion, testified that affordability is now the biggest barrier to broadband access in the state, even as infrastructure deployment continues through state and federal programs. Members asked about rural service options, including low-Earth-orbit satellite providers such as Starlink and Amazon Project Kuiper, the use of unobligated broadband funds, and whether the bill would disadvantage existing New Mexico providers. Lopez said the office’s federal BEAD program included some satellite service in very remote areas, but that HB 323 would be technology-neutral and intended as either a pilot or a broader affordability subsidy depending on whether Senate Bill 152 becomes law. He also said the office is not pursuing the prior policy that favored Starlink in areas already served by wired providers. Several members spoke in support, emphasizing the importance of broadband for education, business, and rural communities. The committee then voted do pass on the bill, with Representative Mason making the motion and Representative Garcia seconding it, and no opposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you have statements to make, we'll say that more for the discussion as we move forward.
• If you have statements to make, we'll say that more for the discussion as we move forward.

Committee: House Local Government

Summary: The committee opened by approving the January 28, 2026 minutes. Members then heard several RS introductions, with the chair noting the committee would keep questions technical and brief because the meeting was expected to be short. Representative Birch introduced RS 33342, a bill to close a statutory gap in the governance of cemetery maintenance districts. He explained it was prompted by a local cemetery district where all trustees resigned, leaving no clear process to fill vacancies. The proposal would have the county where most of the district is located lead the appointment process for vacancies. Members asked about a date reference in the draft, and Birch said the language appeared to reflect a prior version; he also noted the bill had been reviewed with the association of cities and counties. The committee voted to introduce the RS. Representative Hawkins introduced two immigration-related RSs. RS 32821C3 would create a memorandum of understanding for local law enforcement, below the state police level, to work with ICE and related agencies; Hawkins said training costs would be covered by the federal government. RS 32822C1 would require tracking numbers related to non-citizens in the prison system, which Hawkins said was intended to quantify costs to Idaho taxpayers. Members asked about proof of citizenship and whether agencies already had the needed reporting infrastructure. Both RSs were moved forward by committee vote, with Birch noting he would support the motion while wanting to consider possible unintended consequences later. Vice Chair Cornilles introduced RS 33311, a revision to prior language on solid waste collection units that would apply to counties instead of cities. He said the change would allow contractors on county job sites to use their own dumpster provider rather than being tied to a specific company. The committee voted to introduce the RS, and the chair closed by saying additional committee meetings were likely the following week and that the committee would plan to meet on Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• there are some issues possibly with an identification procedure or an improperly taken confession or statement
• are some issues possibly with an identification procedure or an improperly taking confession or statement

Committee: Senate Codes

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Codes Committee held its first meeting of the year with a 10-bill agenda, opening with brief remarks from the chair and Ranking Member Palumbo emphasizing the committee’s bipartisan tone and noting that several bills related to National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The chair also announced quorum, identified members present, and introduced the clerk and counsel. The committee discussed and reported a series of bills, many involving criminal procedure, penal law, and civil rights. Several measures focused on human trafficking and sexual exploitation, including bills addressing statutes of limitation for sex trafficking cases and a new bill to close a loophole involving 16- and 17-year-olds in commercial sex offenses. Other bills dealt with appellate review, plea-related criminal procedure issues, consent and autonomy, and executive-law changes. Some sponsors and members explained their support or concerns, particularly on appellate finality and judicial economy, but the overall tone remained respectful and collaborative. Most bills were reported out of committee, several to the Finance Committee. Recorded negatives or without-recommendation votes appeared on a few measures, including opposition from Senators Palumbo, Murray, and Gallivan on one criminal procedure bill and mixed votes on others. The final bill, Senator Mayer’s measure on commercial sex involving minors, was praised as closing a dangerous loophole and was reported unanimously, concluding the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I like your statement that we cannot relocate climate agriculture. I like that.
• That's a good statement. I mean, Mexico's blessed with the right climate for... Fresh produce.

Bills: HCR108 , HCR127

Committee: House S/C on International Relations

Keywords: Tomato Suspension Agreement, trade, Mexico, Texas economy, agriculture, import tariffs, job preservation, Taiwan, U.S. relations, economic cooperation, sister-state, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The environmental impact statement must still be completed by the primary agency.
• What we statement for federal projects.
• ><c> process,</c> Energy impact statements, NEPA process, Energy impact statements, NEPA process, everything
• Again, I rise in support of H.R. 6398. part of that statement every step of the part of that statement
• </c> my colleagues make outrageous statements my colleagues make outrageous statements in<05:39:07.680

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> done a impact feasibility statement done a impact feasibility statement after<01:22:40.960><c> the
• Takayama. buildings, isn't that a contradictory buildings, isn't that a contradictory statement?
• And shouldn't we strict statement? And shouldn't we strict strike<02:03:01.199><c> that?
• Uh, can you elaborate on that statement a little bit more? >> Right.
• I’m concerned about the plumber’s statement about Bill 15.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2592, which would clarify the powers of the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority regarding land use on Mauna Akea and related property transfers. The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the rural property transfer but objected to language transferring conservation district use permits, saying CDUPs normally run with the land rather than being assigned to specific telescopes or observatories. The University of Hawaiʻi and the observatories generally supported the bill but urged clearer language, especially on the transfer of real property assets, related obligations and liabilities, and the inclusion of milestones for the transition. Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill’s overall intent but warned that some language could be overbroad and might improperly waive future beneficiary claims. Several testifiers opposed the measure, arguing it ignored DHHL lands and beneficiary rights, while others supported it as a way to clarify the authority’s role. Members questioned DLNR about the practical effects of transferring CDUP responsibility, and the committee emphasized that the bill was narrowly focused on specific land. The committee then took up House Bill 2593, which would authorize the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority to extend existing leases and subleases for up to 10 years. The authority explained that the bill does not itself extend any lease, but instead gives the authority discretion to initiate a transparent public process if extensions are needed. The University of Hawaiʻi supported the concept but said the timing of any extension matters and noted possible legal requirements under state law. The observatories also supported the bill, describing it as a flexible tool during a broader transition process and noting that the authority has held many public planning workshops. Opponents, including Native Hawaiian and community testifiers, argued that the conservation lands should receive the highest protection, that the community had not consented, and that the observatories have had decades to plan ahead. One testifier urged the bill be deferred or killed for lack of clarity. In response to questions, the committee clarified that the bill only authorizes a process and does not itself extend leases, and that any extension would require public participation. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 2047, relating to the AHAPU advisory committee. The discussion focused on the committee’s administrative relationship to the Department of Land and Natural Resources and whether DLNR should oversee basic legal compliance issues such as Sunshine Law and legislative reporting. DLNR explained that the committee is administratively attached to the department, which provides support on human resources, procurement, and legal questions, but that the committee itself generally handles its own operations. The department said it would route compliance questions to its attorneys and implement their advice. The hearing then moved on to House Bill 2231, which would transfer appointment authority for island burial council members from the governor and Senate to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees. OHA said it generally supported the change for geographic moku representatives, since it already nominates candidates for those seats, but expressed concern about taking on appointment authority for the large landowner seats because that role is less directly tied to its statutory duties.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a mission statement that's been reviewed by the minority head there, and um, and uh I'd like
• that's been uh reviewed by the statement that's been uh reviewed by the minority<00:02:51.920><c> head
• With respect to the subcommittee report mentioned in the mission statement, that will be due out of the
• /c><00:04:39.560><c> mission</c> report mentioned in the mission report mentioned in the mission statement
• that will be due out of the statement that will be due out of the subcommittee<00:04:43.080><c> on</

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Scarborough, that's a great closing statement.
• fund, okay, but then I look at the fiscal note and it refutes that statement.
• Is that statement what you believe to be fact?
• So I was just wondering, is that statement racist? Absolutely, it's not racist.
• DEI and their mission statement or in their...

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Members from both parties emphasized education as a major issue, while several Republicans framed the committee’s work around school choice and parent empowerment. Senator West and other Democrats stressed protecting public schools, listening to Texans, and considering the effects of vouchers or education savings accounts on school districts and communities. Chairman Creighton laid out Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, describing it as a universal education savings account program modeled on similar programs in other states. He said the bill would provide about $200 million for a universal eligibility pool and additional funding for students with disabilities and lower-income families, with priority weighting for former public school students. He also highlighted anti-fraud measures, vendor pre-approval, criminal background checks, cybersecurity protections, annual testing requirements for participating students, and the use of the Comptroller rather than TEA to administer the program. Creighton repeatedly said the bill is not a voucher and argued it would not take money from public schools, which he said would receive separate historic funding increases. Members questioned Creighton about the 500% of federal poverty line definition, the adequacy of the $10,000 ESA amount, whether the program would favor students already in private school, how microschools and homeschool pods would fit, and whether the bill protects religious liberty and private-school autonomy. Democrats raised concerns about disability protections, 504 students, foster children, public-school funding, open records, and the historical context of vouchers. Republicans generally supported the bill as a way to expand options for parents and students, while also asking about administration, fraud prevention, and data security. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, with EdChoice President Robert Inlow presenting in support of SB 2 and citing the growth and reported success of school choice programs nationwide.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm going to make my point, and then I'm going to get to my actual statement.
• I'm going to get to my actual statement.
• And I'm going to take Roger Wilder's statement, because he's absolutely correct.
• It's just we always make—we get to the end of it, and then we make this qualifying statement, but we're

Committee: House Labor & Industrial Relations

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations met for its final meeting of the 2026 session and took up SB 312 by Senator Talbot, a bill concerning labor organizations, employee dues and fees, withdrawal from unions, annual notice requirements, and related reporting and notification provisions. The committee first adopted a technical amendment set, then debated a larger amendment set that shifted the cease-withholding request to the employer, required electronic confirmation, placed certain administrative costs on the labor organization, and added language about employer notification and authorization procedures. Members discussed whether the bill was needed, whether employees already have the ability to opt out, and whether the amendments would create confusion or unnecessary bureaucracy. Supporters said the bill protects employee choice and ensures dues stoppage happens at the nearest payroll period; opponents argued the added language was unclear and burdensome. The committee also adopted a separate technical amendment adding mass transit employees to the list of exemptions. Testimony came from the bill author and several stakeholders. Senator Talbot said the bill is meant to ensure workers know they do not have to join a union, can revoke dues authorizations, and can stop deductions without waiting for a fixed annual window. Representative Eccles defended the amendments as employee protections and a way to shift administrative costs away from taxpayers. Jim Patterson of LABI supported the amendments, saying they protect public employers and taxpayers from administrative costs. After the amendments were adopted on a roll call vote, union representatives Matt Wood of the Louisiana AFL-CIO, Peter Robbins-Brown of the AFL-CIO, and Larry Carter of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers and School Employees testified in opposition to the amended bill, saying they had worked in good faith on a simpler opt-in/opt-out framework and objected to the new cost and bureaucracy provisions. Several members also spoke in favor of the bill as a matter of freedom of choice and employee control over paycheck deductions. At the end of debate, Representative Wilder moved to report SB 312 with amendments. The motion passed on a roll call vote, and the bill was reported from committee with amendments. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would expect 30 minutes-ish would be my statement.
• :44.600><c> be</c><00:44:44.720><c> my</c> 30 minutes-ish would be my 30 minutes-ish would be my statement
• </c> statement. Yes, half hour. statement. Yes, half hour.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all