Transcript Highlights:

• These are local school teachers, local parents, local labor leaders, local dietitians.
• Okay, our next presentation is about Holocaust education. Holocaust education.
• We mandate 60 mills at the state on your property tax for K-12 education.
• There's no shaming anymore of children whose parents don't pay.
• Many, many things in our educational school systems are not income-based.

Summary: The committee opened with roll call and a review of special-session procedure: bills would be heard in filing order, with related school-lunch bills grouped together, and any bill advancing would require a motion, second, and majority vote to be introduced. Members also discussed that the committee was functioning much like a delayed-bills committee, with final referral to either Appropriations or Policy depending on the bill’s fiscal impact. The first major proposal was Senator Schibley’s bill to create a narrow, statewide Bank of North Dakota bridge-loan program for struggling nonprofit medical facilities, prompted by Jacobson Memorial Hospital’s financial crisis. He argued the hospital and surrounding EMS services could close without short-term help, while committee members questioned the added language, the population cap, the $10 million fund with $5 million per applicant limit, and whether the program could open the door to future requests. Representative Headland then presented two cleanup bills from the prior property-tax session: one to fix notice and tax-certification issues for local taxing districts, and another to correct how the primary residence credit is applied so taxpayers receive the full benefit rather than counties retaining part of the reimbursement. Members asked about township hearing timing, the estimated $10–15 million annual impact, and whether the credit issue could be fixed retroactively; Headland said the bill was intended to correct the problem going forward. Three school-lunch bills drew extensive discussion. Representative Vetter proposed a small administrative appropriation to add an FTE to help eligible families enroll in the existing free/reduced lunch program, saying the goal was to ensure needy children are signed up and that the state should not subsidize meals for wealthy families. Representative Nathe offered a broader bill mirroring the pending initiated measure but placing the program in statute instead of the Constitution, moving implementation up a year, and funding it with a one-time $65 million from the strategic investment fund; he said this would preserve legislative flexibility and avoid constitutional entrenchment. Representative Dressler proposed raising the state-funded eligibility threshold from 225% to 300% of poverty, arguing it would expand access while still preserving federal reimbursements and encouraging better enrollment systems. Members debated costs, future budget pressure, whether the bills set a precedent for responding to ballot measures, and whether the program should include breakfast and other operational details. Other proposals included Senator Powers’ bill to create a hyperbaric oxygen board and support rural access to hyperbaric chambers for wounds, concussions, PTSD, and other conditions; Representative Tolman’s reporting-requirements bill to force new or expanded programs to justify purpose, alternatives, evaluation methods, and full implementation costs; Representative Frelich’s bill addressing the ongoing redistricting litigation and what happens if the Supreme Court or lower courts alter the current map; and a bill requested by the Public Service Commission and ITD for FERC litigation support and ADA website/document compliance. The committee also heard a rural-health eligibility bill from Representative Twait aimed at steering federal rural health dollars toward rural providers, with questions focused on whether the mileage limits would exclude some communities. One Holocaust education item was deferred until the sponsor could be located.

Transcript Highlights:

• The shortages that we have make it difficult for pet parents to get timely appointments.
• Sure, and I would say those individuals that continue their education...
• Outside of formal education, or as in my example, I actually have a master's in...
• And that's where education for the client, or us educating the owner makes a world of difference.
• It really helps with pet ownership education. It's a very good tool for that.

Bills: HB43 , HB3364 , HB3469 , HB3479 , HB43

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Keywords: agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, veterinarian, veterinary medicine, veterinary telemedicine, telehealth, telemedicine, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, animal health, livestock, pets, remote care, electronic means, telephone consultation, controlled substances, prescription drugs

Summary: The second bill, House Bill 3469, was introduced to address pest control regulations concerning nuisance birds. Representative Campos explained how the bill proposes non-lethal methods to deter these birds, such as the use of laser lights and sounds, which avoids conflict with both state and federal regulations. The committee heard impassioned testimonies from members of the public who shared firsthand experiences regarding the adverse effects of these birds on property and public health. The meeting concluded with both bills being left pending, reflecting a desire for further deliberation among the committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this building has space set aside for science education for those students that are coming in from
• K-12, also coming in from homeschooling and other situations where parents can do a lot with groups
• at at a a receiving their educations at at a a strong<00:20:14.960><c> shift</c><00:20:15.280><c> and
• for those students science education for those students that<00:20:28.320><c> are</c><00:20:28.480><
• </c> situations where we can do a lot parents situations where we can do a lot parents can<00:20:36.159

Bills: HB0111 , HB0112 , HB0122

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• Things like education, for example.
• Things like education, for AI exposure.
• I think we are doing a disservice, first as a parent as well as as educators and lawmakers, if we are
• I think we are doing a disservice, first as a parent as well as as educators and lawmakers, if we are
• I think we are doing a disservice, first as a parent as well as as educators and lawmakers, if we are

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 832 is referred to the Education Committee.
• House Bill 832 is referred to the Education Committee.
• House Bill 846, by the Education Committee, is an act relating to education, amending Section 33-1027
• Senate Bill 1227, by the Education Committee, regarding education.
• Third, it makes sure parental rights are protected by referencing the Idaho Parental Rights Act.

Transcript Highlights:

• , did a lot of really good education, did a lot of really good things. things. things.
• Your elderly parents, one of you sitting in this room, somebody hasn't had a uh, insurance claim that
• Your elderly parents, one of you sitting in this room, somebody hasn't had a uh, insurance claim that
• Your<00:58:45.440><c> elderly</c><00:58:45.960><c> parents,</c><00:58:47.120><c> one</c><00:58:47.360
• My parents moved here when I was 18 years old and have been here again my entire life.

Committee: House Banking & Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• States could be forced to cut benefits, cut eligibility, or cut public safety, education, housing, and
• But for able-bodied adults parents.
• Is it beautiful to take money<02:31:18.720><c> from</c><02:31:19.120><c> education</c><02:31:19.840><
• </c><02:31:20.560><c> The</c> money from education and the rest?
• The money from education and the rest?

Transcript Highlights:

• believe every amendment that we passed yesterday is in here except the CDE, their Center for Distance Education
• So that particular set of amendments related to the CDE, the Center for Distance Education, was not approved
• I think that we would be better off giving the money through a free school lunch program where parents

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee reconvened to work on re-engrossed Senate Bill 2400, which dealt with education savings accounts and related school-choice provisions. Members discussed several amendments already incorporated into version 4.006, including changes affecting the Center for Distance Education, homeschool language, marketplace penalties, and an increase in the ESA amount from $500 to $1,000. The committee first reconsidered its prior action, then adopted the 4.006 amendments unanimously, while noting that an updated fiscal note was still needed. A Department of Public Instruction fiscal officer, Adam Tessier, explained the revised fiscal impact. He estimated the bill would cost roughly $124.4 million in the first year, based on assumptions about student participation and utilization rates. He also clarified that the means test at 500% of poverty applied to non-public students in participating schools, and estimated that the private-school portion of the bill accounted for about $5 million of the total cost. Members asked several questions about the assumptions behind the estimate and the scope of the program. After discussion, Representative Conmy moved a do not pass recommendation, citing concerns that the marketplace structure was administratively cumbersome and that direct aid through another mechanism would be preferable. The committee voted 11-3 to adopt the do not pass motion. Representative Hauck was designated to carry the bill to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we are together wrapped up in a parent company called Elite.
• And then above that is our parent company, which is Elite.
• And then above that is our parent company, which is Elite.
• Our grandparents didn't, our parents didn't, and neither should we.
• Our grandparents didn't, our parents didn't, and neither should we.

Summary: The committee met at the Coteau Freedom Mine in Mercer County, approved the June 2 minutes, and heard an overview of the mine from Coteau Properties president Andrew Hawbaker. He described the Freedom Mine’s production history, customer mix, safety record, reclamation practices, workforce, community involvement, and economic impact. Members asked about how long land stays in production before reclamation, how quickly it returns to agriculture, labor shortages, groundwater impacts, and which skilled trades are hardest to fill. Hawbaker said the mine typically disturbs land for three to five years, reclamation returns much of the land to agricultural use, and the biggest hiring challenges are electricians, welders, mechanics, operators, engineers, and accountants. The committee then heard from Public Service Commission Chairman Randy Christman on coal mining reclamation. He reviewed the history of North Dakota and federal reclamation laws, the PSC’s permitting and inspection authority, bonding requirements, contemporaneous reclamation standards, and how the state handles topsoil, subsoil, drainage, and revegetation. He emphasized that North Dakota’s program is well regarded, with frequent inspections and no corrective-action issues in recent federal reviews. Christman also discussed problems caused by federal coal ownership that can delay mine plans, and he answered questions about reclamation timing, wildlife easements, wind and pipeline reclamation, and whether similar bonding concepts could apply to data centers. In the afternoon, the committee received an update from Lignite Energy Council President and CEO Jonathan Fortner on the lignite industry. He highlighted the industry’s long-term role in providing reliable electricity, jobs, and tax revenue, along with North Dakota’s low electricity rates and strong grid reliability. Fortner discussed severance and conversion tax revenues, federal regulatory changes, litigation over EPA rules, carbon capture, critical minerals, and the potential for large-load customers such as data centers to support new coal generation. He said the industry sees a window of opportunity for growth and expressed support for new large-load development, while noting that diversified energy companies are also pursuing natural gas and other resources. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and adjourning for the tour.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm on the majority policy staff, and I do education...
• This talks about education. In other words, you need to be educated to be able to do the job.
• I'm Tavia Lee, a lifelong educator, Director of Education with Do No Harm and co-founder of Free Black
• I'm Tavia Lee, a lifelong education. Valuations, Madam Chair and members.
• I'm Tavia Lee, a lifelong educator, Director of Education with Do No Harm and co-founder of Free Black

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1023, which would require optometrists to conduct eye exams according to community standard of care at a recommended one-year interval, while allowing prescriptions to be extended up to two years or shortened based on risk factors. The sponsor described it as a compromise to reduce confusion and align prescription validity with medical judgment. The Arizona Optometric Association supported the bill, saying it codifies best practice and gives clearer standards for patients and practitioners. The committee voted 7-0 to give SB 1023 a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1013, a merit-based public hiring bill that would prohibit state and local public employers from using hiring or personnel policies based on race, ethnicity, sex, or national origin, while preserving compliance with anti-discrimination laws. An amendment was offered and adopted to clarify that the bill would not limit voluntary veterans’ preference employment policies. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill ensures public jobs are awarded based on qualifications, experience, and merit, and several witnesses testified in favor, including representatives from Do No Harm. Opponents argued the bill could undermine diversity efforts and existing equity-focused hiring practices, and several members raised concerns about the veterans’ preference language and the definition of merit. After debate, the committee adopted the amendment and then voted 4-3 to give SB 1013, as amended, a do pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> fertilizer research and education fertilizer research and education Council<00:09:39.399><c> the
• There are parents and providers and people who show up every day to our committee because every single
• There are parents and providers and people who show up every day to our committee because every single
• There are parents and providers and people who show up every day to our committee because every single
• </c><00:31:06.480><c> and</c> for things like special education and for things like special education

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, really, that we have some educational requirements.
• I mean, really, that we have some educational requirements.
• I mean, really, that we have some educational requirements.
• I mean, really, that we have some educational requirements.
• <00:43:13.680><c> and</c><00:43:13.920><c> resources</c> education and resources education and resources

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 392, sponsored by Representative Proctor, which would help the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities pay for emergency medical and psychiatric services provided to patients outside state facilities when those facilities cannot meet their needs. Proctor described it as a continuing improvement bill to address payment issues for services delivered at community-based facilities. The bill received no substantive opposition in the meeting and passed the committee with favorable expression by a vote of 15 yes, 0 no, and 1 pass. The committee then considered House Bill 580, presented by Representative Kim Moser and Elena Sweezy, which tightens oversight of peer support specialists. The bill was described as building on House Bill 505 from the prior year by reinstating supervision requirements, adding parameters around group sizes, creating a pathway for temporary peer support specialists to become fully registered after nine months, and addressing Medicaid reimbursement and accountability concerns. Members asked about reimbursement; the sponsor said Medicaid was okay with the bill and that commercial insurance coverage would be up to insurers. Representative Fleming emphasized the need for stronger financial oversight of the peer support code. The committee adopted a substitute and title amendment, then passed the bill with favorable expression. House Bill 688 was then heard, with Representative Bratcher explaining that it addresses two issues: preventing fraud in nurse licensure by giving the Kentucky Board of Nursing more discretion to review out-of-state credentials, and expanding school authority to administer certain emergency medications. He said the bill changes the board’s authority from “shall” to “may” so it can verify transcripts, curricula, accreditation, and exam passage. During discussion, Representative Sharp explained his yes vote by noting the bill also adds rescue medications such as glucagon and Solu-Cortef and allows prescribed emergency medications for known conditions in schools. The committee passed the bill with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 16, which would leave decisions about adding fluoride to drinking water to local governing bodies rather than maintaining a state mandate. Supporters, including Representative David Hale, Dr. Jack Call, and Cindy Batson, argued that fluoridation should be a local choice and raised concerns about cost, potential health risks, and the precautionary principle. Opponents, including Dr. Steve Robertson of the Kentucky Dental Association, defended fluoridation as beneficial for preventing tooth decay and warned that local removal decisions could increase Medicaid costs and may not reflect the broader public interest. The transcript provided does not show a final committee vote on House Bill 16 in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an educator, so my hourly rate was less than my top teacher.
• I'm an educator, so my wig, honestly.
• I am a disability policy professional with Strategies for Disability Equity, and I'm also a parent.
• scholarship fund. children's education scholarship fund.
• </c> into the the the child education into the the the child education scholarship<03:09:09.279><c> fund

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• So many of the members here in this committee are parents.
• Um, So many of the members here in this committee are parents. I, myself, am a new parent.
• It's a very good educational tool for the public and our children.

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met and took up a long agenda of policy bills, local bills, and open government sunset review measures. The committee first heard HB 433 on administrative procedures, as amended by a strike-all that would create a five-year repromulgation process for agency rules, require review of guidance documents, add cost-benefit analysis requirements, and tighten licensing reporting. Members questioned whether the bill duplicated existing JAPC review functions and raised concerns about costs and the scope of agency authority, but the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably 12-3. The committee then approved HB 699, which increases penalties for certain traffic infractions when they result in a crash; CS/HB 404, a local bill updating the City of Tampa firefighters’ and police officers’ pension plan; HB 711, creating a statewide Spectrum Alert and law-enforcement training for missing children with autism; HB 4023, a local ethics-related charter change for the North Springs Improvement District; HB 583, requiring registration and disclosure for agents and organizations associated with foreign principals and foreign-supported political organizations; HB 251, recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida; and HB 749, extending medical benefits for firefighters who suffer catastrophic injuries during training. Most of these bills drew supportive testimony and were reported favorably by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The committee also considered several OGSR/open-records measures. PCB GOS-25-04 preserved exemptions for public safety communications system infrastructure records, PCB GOS-25-05 aligned cybersecurity-records sunset dates to October 2, 2026, and PCB GOS-25-06 narrowed exemptions for certain records held by the Department of Financial Services as receiver for insolvent insurers, making more information public. All three were reported favorably on 17-0 votes. The meeting adjourned after the final roll call.

Transcript Highlights:

• The screenings are mandatory and the states presume parental consent.
• In Texas, parents can only opt out for religious reasons and must sign a form that they are refusing
• I don't live in an orphanage until my parents could come and bring me home.
• And this one really helps improve our ability to educate or tell people about private health insurance

Bills: SB 53 , SB53 , SB125 , SB315 , SB379 , SB457 , SB541 , SB599 , SB896 , SB921 , SB963 , SB1038 , SB1084 , SB1330 , SB1461

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; House Bill 157, Protection of Parental &gt;&gt; House Bill 157, Protection of Parental
• </c> stick with the education committee. stick with the education committee.
• </c><00:43:54.000><c> committee</c> were on it in the education committee were on it in the education
• </c> maybe we have failed them in educating maybe we have failed them in educating the<01:32:09.520><
• It's all the education committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• Parent and child leave first, then the other parent 15, 20 minutes later.
• Non-custodial parent orientation, visiting parent orientation, children orientation.
• </c> to accuse you of parental alienation. to accuse you of parental alienation.
• with that parent.
• parent in this state. It is parent in this state.

Summary: The committee opened with a brief update and prayer for Oscar, a person known to members, noting he was making slow but encouraging progress and awaiting transfer to rehab. The hearing then began on House Bill 518, which would require the commissioner of DHS to provide a detailed annual report of DCYF costs. Representative Erica Leyon, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to improve transparency, clarify how DCYF resources and shared services are used, and help future discussions about staffing, funding, and whether DCYF should remain within DHHS or become a separate department. She said the department could likely comply without additional cost and was open to adjusting the reporting date, with the department preferring December 31 instead of September 1. Committee members and the DCYF director, Marie Nunan, discussed whether the bill was duplicative of existing reporting and whether it should also include federal funding mandates. Nunan said DCYF already has many policies and reports, but does not currently produce one consolidated DCYF-specific report in this form; she also said the department believed it had the capacity to file the report and was not taking a position on the bill. Several members questioned whether the measure was necessary, while others supported transparency but suggested the information was already available or could be obtained without legislation. In executive session, the committee voted 15-1 to retain HB 518, meaning it will not advance to the calendar at this time. The committee then opened House Bill 775, sponsored by Representative Jod Nelson, concerning supervised visitation centers. Nelson introduced Dr. Scott Hampton, who testified that supervised visitation is important for child safety, domestic violence prevention, and family preservation. Hampton described the history of visitation centers in New Hampshire, saying funding cuts had reduced the number of centers over time and that prior legislation had failed due to budget reductions. He argued that supervised exchanges can reduce risks such as abuse, abduction, and homicide, and said the service can prevent harm without adding cost by avoiding more serious incidents. The hearing on HB 775 was still underway at the end of the transcript, with no vote or final action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Minnesota Department of Education. Minnesota Department of Education.
• the public, for parents and families to better educate their children on the safety of it.
• the public and help parents and families educate their children about safety.
• </c><00:49:48.080><c> and</c> educate the public for parents and educate the public for parents and families
• Education. Education.

Bills: HF3489 , HF3393 , HF3785 , SF856 , HF4006 , HF4615 , HF3919 , HF4591 , HF3682 , HF4240

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 549, Allen, from the Local Government Committee to the Education Committee.
• SB 549, Allen, from the Local Government Committee to the Education Committee.
• This bill uses clever accounting to hide a massive education deficit, but California's parents and teachers
• And when it comes to education, the people that matter in the education budget are mostly young people
• Title I education funding, that was DEI.

Summary: The Assembly convened, initially lacked a quorum, and then completed the roll call, prayer, and pledge. Members observed a moment of silence for the fatal B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base in Assemblymember Lackey’s district. The body then handled a series of procedural motions, including re-referrals of numerous Senate bills to different committees, suspending rules for committee notices, and taking up the budget bill, AB 109, without reference to file for concurrence in Senate amendments. Debate on AB 109, the 2026 budget act, centered on competing views of the state’s fiscal condition and policy priorities. Supporters said the budget balances the current and next year’s budget, reduces the structural deficit, builds reserves, protects health care, schools, housing, food assistance, and other safety-net programs, and responds to federal cuts under H.R. 1. Opponents argued the budget increases taxes and costs, shortchanges schools, underfunds Proposition 36, relies on gimmicks, and does not adequately address public safety, cost of living, or long-term sustainability. Several members also highlighted specific provisions such as hospital support, Medi-Cal and IHSS protections, child care, immigrant legal services, prison closure, and funding for courts and victim services. A motion by Assemblymember DeMaio to return AB 109 to the Senate failed on a roll call vote, 13 ayes to 45 noes. The Assembly then voted on concurrence in the Senate amendments to AB 109; the measure passed, and the Senate amendments were concurred in without objection, with immediate transmittal to the Governor. Afterward, the Assembly moved to the daily file and took up SCR 89, a resolution affirming diversity, equity, and inclusion. Supporters from several caucuses framed DEI as a core California value and a response to federal attacks, while opponents criticized DEI as divisive. The transcript ends during debate on SCR 89, before any final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 549, Allen, from the Local Government Committee to the Education Committee.
• SB 549, Allen, from the Local Government Committee to the Education Committee.
• This bill uses clever accounting to hide a massive education deficit, but California's parents and teachers
• And when it comes to education, the people that matter in the education budget are mostly young people
• Title I education funding, that was DEI.